Air tank for two-wheeled vehicle
By designing a gas box with a left housing and a right housing in a two-wheeled vehicle, and using multiple ground engaging members to support the frame, the installation and support problems of the air box when space is limited is solved, and the rapid installation and removal of the air box is achieved, and manufacturing convenience and stability are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380043778.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-06-07
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-14
AI Technical Summary
In two-wheeled vehicles, there are problems of space limitations and support difficulty in manufacturing and installation of air boxes, and it is necessary to achieve stable support of the air boxes without interfering with other components.
By designing the air box with a left and right housing and separating through vertical joints, supporting the frame with multiple ground engaging members, the air box can be installed and removed on the frame by pins and bushings, simplifying the manufacturing and installation process.
The rapid installation and removal of the air box is achieved, which improves manufacturing convenience, and saves space through the design of vertical seams, which enhances the stability of the air box and frame.
Smart Images
Figure CN119630874A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 349,819, filed on June 7, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to an air box for a vehicle, and more particularly to an air box for a two-wheeled vehicle, the air box having enhanced ease of manufacture. Background Art
[0004] A conventional two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame that supports an operator. The frame may also support a passenger behind the driver. The engine is typically positioned below the driver and coupled to the frame. The front of the vehicle may include a panel or cover positioned in front of the driver that supports additional components of the vehicle, such as lights. The rear of the vehicle may include a cargo area, such as saddlebags that extend laterally outward from the frame.
[0005] Such vehicles typically include an air box as part of an air intake assembly that is fluidly coupled to the engine. The air box may include a filter, a tray, an inlet pipe, an oil separator, and various other components. Since space on such vehicles may be limited, it is desirable to support the air box on the two-wheeled vehicle without interfering with other components of the vehicle. Summary of the invention
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame and a plurality of ground engaging members for supporting the frame. Additionally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes an air box, the air box including: a left shell; a right shell, different from the left shell; and a vertical seam, separating the left shell and the right shell.
[0007] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame and a plurality of ground engaging members for supporting the frame. Additionally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes an air box including: a first housing portion; a second housing portion different from the first housing portion; and a filter positioned within one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.
[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Figure 1is a left side view of a schematic representation of a two-wheeled vehicle of the present disclosure;
[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a two-wheeled vehicle;
[0011] Figure 3 is coupled to Figure 1 a side view of a portion of a frame of a vehicle and an air box;
[0012] Figure 4 is coupled to Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a frame of a vehicle and an air box;
[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A front view of the frame and air inlet of the airbox;
[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Exploded view of the right rear portion of the frame and airbox;
[0015] Figure 7 is a side view of a portion of the frame depicting Figure 3 Installation and removal of the air box;
[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 The upper right rear perspective view of the air box;
[0017] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 A lower left front perspective view of the air box;
[0018] Fig.10 yes Figure 3 Front exploded view of the air box;
[0019] Fig.11 yes Figure 3 A top partial exploded view of the air box;
[0020] Fig.12 yes Figure 3 An upper right rear perspective view of the left shell of the air box; and
[0021] Fig.13 yes Figure 3 Upper left rear perspective view of the right housing of the airbox.
[0022] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are selected and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize the teachings of the embodiments. Although the present invention is primarily directed to standard motorcycles, it should be understood that the present invention can be applied to other types of vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, boats, utility vehicles, scooters, golf carts, and mopeds.
[0024] First reference Figure 1 to Figure 2 , shows an illustrative embodiment of a two-wheeled vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 as shown is a motorcycle, and may be configured for cruising, touring, sporting, off-roading, or other various operating applications described herein.
[0025] The vehicle 2 includes a frame 4, which is supported by ground engaging members, namely a front ground engaging member and a rear ground engaging member, the front ground engaging member being illustratively a front wheel 6 and the rear ground engaging member being illustratively a rear wheel 8. The vehicle 2 travels relative to the ground on the front wheel 6 and the rear wheel 8. The front wheel 6 and the rear wheel 8 are generally aligned along the centerline L of the vehicle 2. Although the vehicle 2 is a two-wheeled vehicle, various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, a five-wheeled vehicle, or a six-wheeled vehicle. A front fender (not shown) may be partially positioned around the front wheel 6 and may include a light or reflector. Similarly, a rear fender (not shown) may be positioned around the rear wheel 8. Additionally, a brake assembly (not shown) may be operably coupled to the front wheel 6 and / or the rear wheel 8.
[0026] The frame 4 of the vehicle 2 may include an intermediate frame assembly 10 for supporting a fuel tank 12, an air tank 14, and an engine 16. The intermediate frame assembly 10 or other portions of the frame 4, such as a front frame portion or a rear frame portion, may support a cooling assembly, a transmission, a rear suspension assembly, and an operator's seat. The front wheels 6 and / or the rear wheels 8 may be operatively coupled to the engine 16 to drive the vehicle 2 along a ground surface. The engine 16 may be a spark-ignition gasoline engine, an electric motor, or other suitable torque-producing machine capable of operating with various embodiments of the present teachings.
[0027] The vehicle 2 also includes a front suspension assembly, a steering assembly 38, operator controls, and other systems. The steering assembly 38 includes a handlebar that can be moved by the operator to rotate the front wheel 6 to the left or right. The steering assembly 38 is coupled to the vehicle 2 via a triple clamp assembly. The triple clamp assembly can be operatively coupled to the front suspension assembly via the down tube 22.
[0028] Reference now Figures 3 to 13 The air box 14 is supported within a portion of the frame 4 and is generally positioned between the fuel tank 12 ( Figure 1 ) below the engine 16 ( Figure 1) and is positioned above the transverse frame arms 20. At least a portion of the airbox 14 is located behind the down tube 22 and the front tube 38 and is generally along the longitudinal centerline L( Figure 1 ) positioning. In one embodiment, as further disclosed herein, the airbox 14 is directly coupled to the engine 16 via a throttle body assembly 46. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the airbox 14 is coupled to the frame 4 at the recessed mount 44 by the pin 26 and bushing 28. The bushing 28 provides additional friction and lateral damping benefits to stabilize the airbox 14 and isolate the airbox from vibrations in the frame 4. The pin 26 may be welded to the frame 4, and in one embodiment, the diameter of the pin 26 may be approximately 8 mm. Figure 7 As shown, the air box 14 can be installed or removed as a single unit without the need for tools or clamps by rotating the air box 14 about the central axis of the pin 26 and bushing 28. As described below, the installation and removal procedures enable the air box 14 to be quickly replaced with another air box 14 having different performance characteristics.
[0029] If at least Figure 8 , the air box 14 includes a left shell 32 and a right shell 34, which are coupled to each other along a vertical seam 36. In one embodiment, the left shell 32 and the right shell 34 can be permanently coupled to each other along the vertical seam 36 via vibration welding, rivets, adhesives, etc.; however, in other embodiments, the left shell 32 and the right shell 34 are removably coupled to each other along the seam 36 using removable fasteners (e.g., nuts). The vertical seam 36 extends vertically at least along the front and back of the air box 14, and extends longitudinally along the top and bottom surfaces of the air box 14 to form a continuous seam 36. In this way, the vertical seam 36 is different from the horizontal seam, which will extend horizontally and longitudinally in the embodiment of the air box having an upper shell and a lower shell. Coupling the left and right shells 32 , 34 via the vertical seam 36 provides the benefit of simpler tooling requirements during manufacturing, as well as increased space available between the frame 4 , the engine 16 , and the fuel tank 12 .
[0030] Left housing 32( Fig.12 ) and right housing ( Fig.13 ) may be defined by a rib structure 68. The rib structure 68 provides stiffness to the air box 14 and mitigates radiated acoustic response from the air box 14 panel modes dynamically excited by the intake pressure. The left housing 32 has a mounting for attaching the radiator filler neck 58 ( Figure 3 ) is coupled to the air box 14. This provides the benefit of making the radiator fill neck 58 the highest point in the cooling system. Fig.12As shown, the interior space at the rear of the air box 14 can be configured to support an oil separator 74 to capture oil and prevent oil from entering or recirculating through the throttle body assembly 46. The oil separator 74 can be removably or permanently coupled to at least a portion of the air box 14, such as the left housing 32. In one embodiment, the oil separator 74 can be vibration welded to the vertical seam 36 to prevent air leakage and maintain pressure within the air box 14. The oil separator 74 returns the captured oil to the oil system (not shown) via the coupling 72 and the at least one hose 66.
[0031] like Figure 5 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown, the airbox 14 includes an inlet tube 50. The inlet tube 50 may be permanently or removably supported within the airbox 14. In one embodiment, the inlet tube 50 may be vibration welded to the vertical seam 36. The vibration welding mechanically and permanently secures the inlet tube 50 to at least a portion of the airbox 14, such as the left housing 32, so that the inlet tube 50 is non-removable to prevent air leakage and maintain pressure within the airbox 14. The opening 30 of the inlet tube 50 is positioned at the front lower portion of the airbox 14 in the recess 64 between the downtubes 22. The opening 30 of the inlet tube 50 captures airflow and directs the airflow through the inlet tube 50 and the outlet 52 into the air volume 86 of the airbox 14. Reference Fig.10 and Fig.12 , the inlet pipe 50 has a venturi design with a smaller diameter opening 30 and a larger diameter outlet 52, which makes the inlet pipe 50 in a tapered configuration to minimize the total cross-section at the opening 30. The diameter of the inlet opening 30 can range from 20 mm to 35 mm. The diameter of the outlet 52 can range from 25 mm to 70 mm. The length of the inlet pipe 50 from the opening 30 to the outlet 52 can range from 100 mm to 200 mm. The venturi design creates a pressure difference within the inlet pipe 50 to maximize the capture of airflow. The inlet pipe 50 is angled within the air box 14, and the distance between the outlet 52 of the inlet pipe 50 and the opening 30 is designed to maximize the space of the air volume 86 within the air box 14 while saving space for other components on the vehicle 2. In some examples, based on the desired performance characteristics of the vehicle 2, the inlet pipe 50 can have a smaller diameter or larger diameter opening 30. The larger diameter opening 30 will have higher performance characteristics than the smaller diameter opening 30.
[0032] The air box 14 also includes a filter 76 for filtering the incoming air before it flows to the engine 16. The filter 76 is coupled to the air box 14 via a tray 78 that sits on rails 56 on the interior of the air box 14, on both the left and right housings 32, 34. Fig.11 As shown, the tray 78 is coupled to the cover 70, and when the hole 42 of the tray 78 is aligned with the hole 80 on the left housing 32, the cover 70 defines a portion of the top of the left housing 32. The tray 78 can be inserted through the opening 82 and positioned in the track 56 or positioned on the track 56. Once the tray 78 is installed, the fastener 40 can be inserted through the hole 42 on the cover 70. The recess 84 on the left housing 32 assists in the removal of the tray 78. The tray 78 provides easy installation, removal and replacement of the filter 76. The filter 76 and the tray 78 separate the interior of the air box 14 into two parts, one part is a pre-filtered or dirty air volume 86, the pre-filtered or dirty air volume 86 is toward the front of the air box 14 and the upstream or front of the filter 76, and the other part is a clean air volume 88, the clean air volume 88 is toward the rear of the air box 14 and the downstream or rear of the filter 76. Tracks 56 receive tray 78 and maintain the position of tray 78 at an angle of approximately 30-60 degrees (eg, 43 degrees) from ground level within air box 14. This angle maximizes filter 76 surface area and total clean air volume 88.
[0033] In operation, the airbox 14 is configured to receive ambient air at the opening 30 of the inlet tube 50, flow the air through the air volume 86, and flow through the filter 76 to provide filtered air from the clean air volume 88 to the throttle body assembly 46 for flow into the engine 16 for combustion in the engine 16. Additionally, and with reference to Fig.12 In some examples, the air box 14 can be coupled to the second air outlet 24 on the left housing 32 to provide filtered air to a secondary air injection system (not shown) for combustion in the secondary air injection system. Figure 6 , the second main body air outlet 24 may be coupled to a solenoid valve 62 via a hose 60 for fluidly coupling to an exhaust port (not shown). The secondary air injection system may provide filtered air to the exhaust port (not shown) during engine 16 startup to more quickly heat the catalyst and reduce engine 16 emission output.
[0034] Example
[0035] Example 1: A two-wheeled vehicle may include: a frame; a plurality of ground engaging members for supporting the frame; and an air box. The air box may include: a left shell; a right shell different from the left shell; and a vertical seam separating the left shell and the right shell.
[0036] Example 2: The two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 1, wherein the left housing can be welded to the right housing at a vertical seam.
[0037] Example 3: The two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 1, wherein at least one of the left housing and the right housing may have an internal rib structure.
[0038] Example 4: The two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 1, wherein the radiator filler neck may be mounted to the exterior of one of the left housing and the right housing.
[0039] Example 5: The two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 1, wherein the air box may include an inlet pipe having an outlet opening and an inlet opening, and the inlet opening may be smaller than the outlet opening.
[0040] Example 6: The two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 5, wherein the inlet pipe may be angled between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.
[0041] Example 7: The two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 1, wherein the air box may include a second air outlet.
[0042] Example 8: A two-wheeled vehicle may include: a frame; a plurality of ground engaging members for supporting the frame; and an air box. The air box may include: a first housing portion; a second housing portion different from the first housing portion; and a filter. The filter may be positioned within one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.
[0043] Example 9: A two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 8, wherein the filter can be angled relative to the ground plane within the air box.
[0044] Example 10: The two-wheeled vehicle of Example 8, wherein the filter can be coupled to the air box via a tray.
[0045] Example 11: A two-wheeled vehicle according to Example 10, wherein the tray can be supported by rails in the air box.
[0046] Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, use or modification of the present invention using the general principles of the present invention. Further, the present application is intended to cover such deviations from the present disclosure within the known or customary practices in the field to which the present invention belongs.
Claims
1. A two-wheeled vehicle comprising: frame; a plurality of ground engaging members for supporting the frame; as well as An air box includes: a left shell; a right shell different from the left shell; and a vertical seam separating the left shell and the right shell.
2. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The left housing is welded to the right housing at the vertical seam.
3. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the left housing and the right housing has an internal rib structure.
4. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: A radiator filler neck can be mounted to an exterior of one of the left housing and the right housing.
5. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The air box includes an inlet pipe having an outlet opening and an inlet opening, and the inlet opening is smaller than the outlet opening.
6. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The inlet tube is angled between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.
7. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The air box includes a second air outlet.
8. A two-wheeled vehicle comprising: frame; a plurality of ground engaging members for supporting the frame; as well as An air box includes: a first housing portion; a second housing portion different from the first housing portion; and a filter positioned in one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.
9. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The filter is angled relative to ground plane within the air box.
10. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The filter is coupled to the air box via a tray.
11. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The tray is supported in the air box by rails.