Secondary air supply system

Abstract

The invention provides a structure which can reduce the number of parts, reduce cost, increase layout freedom, reduce noise and the like in a secondary air supply system. In a secondary air supply system for an engine in which air in an air cleaner (10) is supplied to an exhaust passage through an internal passage (21) of an on-off valve (V1) having a drive unit (50), the air cleaner (10) includes a through hole (11e) penetrating a wall portion thereof, and the on-off valve (V1) is disposed and fixed to the wall portion in such a manner that, in the region of the through hole (11e), the on-off valve (V1) is driven by the drive unit (50). At least the upstream opening end (21u) of the drive unit (50) and the inner passage (21) faces the inside of the air cleaner (10), and the downstream opening end (21d) of the inner passage (21) faces the outside of the air cleaner (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a secondary air supply system that supplies air, which has passed through an air filter, to the exhaust passage in the intake and exhaust system of an engine installed in a vehicle, especially a two-wheeled motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As a conventional secondary air supply system, the following structure is known, which includes, between the air filter and the exhaust pipe of the engine of a two-wheeled motor vehicle: a solenoid valve (on / off valve) fixed to the outer wall of the air filter; a reed valve fixed to the outer wall of the air filter; an upstream pipe connecting the air filter and the solenoid valve to allow air to pass through; a middle pipe connecting the solenoid valve and the reed valve to allow air to pass through; and a downstream pipe connecting the reed valve and the exhaust pipe to allow air to pass through (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the aforementioned secondary air supply system, dedicated piping is used to connect the solenoid valve and the air filter. This requires dedicated piping space, reduces layout flexibility, increases the number of parts and cost, and makes the integration of components more difficult. Furthermore, there are concerns that the operating noise of the solenoid valve may become a source of noise pollution.

[0004] Furthermore, as another secondary air supply system, the following structure is known, which includes, between the air filter and the exhaust pipe of the engine of a two-wheeled motor vehicle: a secondary air valve (opening and closing valve), fixed to the air filter in a region facing the upper surface of the cylinder head cover; a secondary air inlet hose, connecting the secondary air valve and the air filter to allow air to pass through; and a secondary air supply hose, connecting the connector provided on the cylinder head cover for communication with the engine exhaust port to the secondary air valve, thereby allowing air to pass through (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] The secondary air supply system, as described above, uses dedicated piping (secondary air inlet hose) to connect the secondary air valve and the air filter. This requires dedicated piping space, reduces layout flexibility, increases the number of parts and cost, and makes component integration more difficult. Furthermore, there are concerns that the operating noise of the solenoid valve may contribute to the overall noise problem.

[0006] [Existing technical documents]

[0007] [Patent Literature]

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-180812

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-59923 Summary of the Invention

[0010] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a secondary air supply system that achieves reduction in the number of parts, cost reduction, increased layout freedom, and noise reduction.

[0012] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0013] The secondary air supply system of the present invention is a secondary air supply system for an engine that supplies air from an air filter to an exhaust passage via an internal passage of an on / off valve having a drive unit. The secondary air supply system has the following structure: the air filter includes a through hole penetrating its wall, and the on / off valve is configured and fixed to the wall in such a way that, in the region of the through hole, at least the upstream opening end of the drive unit and the internal passage faces the inside of the air filter, and the downstream opening end of the internal passage faces the outside of the air filter.

[0014] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the upstream opening of the internal passage is positioned vertically above the bottom surface of the air filter.

[0015] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the upstream opening of the internal passage is positioned at a distance from the inner wall surface of the air filter wall towards the inward side.

[0016] The secondary air supply system may also employ a structure in which the upstream opening of the internal passage is configured to face downwards in the vertical direction.

[0017] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure, namely, piping that connects the internal passage of the opening and closing valve with the exhaust passage.

[0018] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure, namely, the on / off valve includes: a drive unit; a valve body, which is driven by the drive unit to open and close the internal passage; and a body, which defines the internal passage, a fixing part fixed to the wall, and a pipe part connecting the piping, wherein the fixing part of the on / off valve is fixed to the wall of the air filter when the pipe part is exposed outside the air filter.

[0019] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: an air filter is included around the through hole, formed on the outer wall surface of the wall portion, and a mating surface of the fixing portion is engaged with the fixing portion; a sealing member is disposed between the fixing portion and the mating surface.

[0020] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the body includes a fitting portion that is adjacent to the fixing portion and fitted into the through hole.

[0021] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the air filter has a female threaded hole in the area of ​​the mating surface, the body has a round hole in the fixing part for a screw to be screwed into the female threaded hole to pass through, and the opening and closing valve is fixed to the air filter by screwing the screw through the round hole into the female threaded hole.

[0022] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the main body includes a circular hole in the fixing part for a self-tapping screw to pass through, and the opening and closing valve is fixed to the air filter by screwing the self-tapping screw through the circular hole into the area of ​​the mating surface of the air filter.

[0023] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the drive unit is an electromagnetic actuator containing a solenoid, and the valve body is directly connected to the movable part of the electromagnetic actuator.

[0024] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the drive unit is an electromagnetic actuator containing a solenoid, the valve body is directly connected to the movable part of the electromagnetic actuator, and the main body includes a connector electrically connected to the coil contained in the electromagnetic actuator, the connector being configured to protrude from the outside of the air filter.

[0025] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the drive unit is an electromagnetic actuator containing a solenoid, the valve body is directly connected to the movable part of the electromagnetic actuator, and the main body includes a connector electrically connected to the coil contained in the electromagnetic actuator. The connector is formed to extend parallel to the tube in the same direction as the tube, while exposed outside the air filter.

[0026] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the drive unit is an electromagnetic actuator comprising a solenoid and a movable part, the movable part reciprocating linearly around a predetermined axis, the valve body is directly connected to the movable part, the body includes a connector electrically connected to the coil contained in the electromagnetic actuator and is configured to be exposed outside the air filter, and the tube and connector are formed to extend parallel to the reciprocating direction of the movable part.

[0027] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the fixing part is a circular flange, and the tube and connector are formed to extend in the same direction from the outer side of the flange.

[0028] The secondary air supply system may also employ a structure in which the pipe extends in a direction coaxial with the axis.

[0029] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: the valve body is configured to open the internal passage when the electromagnetic actuator is not energized.

[0030] The secondary air supply system may also employ the following structure: a check valve is installed between the piping and the exhaust passage to prevent air backflow.

[0031] The secondary air supply system may also employ a structure in which the air filter includes a filter element disposed therein, and the upstream opening of the internal passage faces a region further downstream than the filter element.

[0032] [The effects of the invention]

[0033] The secondary air supply system with the described structure can achieve reductions in the number of parts, lower costs, increased layout freedom, and reduced noise. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a system diagram showing the intake and exhaust system of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, including the secondary air supply system of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the air filter, on / off valve, and piping in the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the air filter, on / off valve, and piping in the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the air filter, on / off valve, and piping in the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the air filter, on / off valve, and piping in the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a plan view of the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the axial direction.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the drive unit and valve body, which are part of the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system constituting the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the air filter, on / off valve, and piping in the secondary air supply system of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing the air filter, on / off valve, and piping in the secondary air supply system of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system of the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the axial direction.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a side view showing the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 15 This is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the on / off valve included in the secondary air supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Explanation of icon numbers

[0050] 1: Engine body

[0051] CB: Cylinder Block

[0052] CH: Cylinder head

[0053] Ep: Exhaust port (exhaust passage)

[0054] Cp: ​​Connecting path

[0055] 1a: Piston

[0056] 1b: Intake valve

[0057] 1c: Exhaust valve

[0058] 1d: Spark plug

[0059] 1e: Pipeline

[0060] 2: Intake manifold

[0061] 2a: Fuel injection valve

[0062] 3: Throttling valve device

[0063] 4: Intake duct

[0064] 5: External gas inlet conduit

[0065] 6: Exhaust manifold

[0066] 7: Exhaust pipe

[0067] 7a: Catalyst

[0068] Vd: Vertical direction

[0069] 10: Air Filter

[0070] 11: Shell Body

[0071] 11c: Bottom wall (wall part)

[0072] 11c1: Bottom surface:

[0073] 11d: Sidewall portion (wall portion)

[0074] 11e: Through hole

[0075] 11f: Joint surface (outer wall surface of the wall portion)

[0076] 11g: Female threaded hole

[0077] 12: Shell Cover

[0078] 13: Filter components

[0079] P: Piping

[0080] RV: Check valve

[0081] B: Screws

[0082] V1: On / off valve

[0083] 20: Ontology

[0084] 21: Internal Pathway

[0085] 21u: Upstream open end

[0086] 21d: Downstream open end

[0087] 22: Fixing part

[0088] 22a: Round hole

[0089] Sr: Sealing component

[0090] 24: Management Department

[0091] 25: Around the Ministry

[0092] 26: Connector

[0093] 30: Valve body

[0094] 40: Force-applying spring

[0095] 50: Drive unit (solenoid-type electromagnetic actuator)

[0096] 51: Bollard

[0097] 52: Coil

[0098] 52a: Conductor

[0099] 52b: terminal

[0100] 53: First Magnetic Yoke

[0101] 54: Second Magnetic Yoke

[0102] 55: Motion

[0103] 100: Air Filter

[0104] 101: Shell Body

[0105] 101e: Through hole

[0106] 101f: Joint surface

[0107] 101g: Female threaded hole

[0108] V2: On / off valve

[0109] 120: Ontology

[0110] 122: Fixing part

[0111] 122a: Round hole

[0112] 127: Chimeric part

[0113] 127a: Annular groove

[0114] Sr2: Sealing component

[0115] 150: Drive Unit

[0116] 152a: Conductor

[0117] 152b: terminal

[0118] 200: Air Filter

[0119] 201: Shell Body

[0120] 201e: Through hole

[0121] 201f: Joint surface

[0122] 201g: Female threaded hole Detailed Implementation

[0123] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0124] like Figure 1 As shown, the intake and exhaust system of an engine including the secondary air supply system of the present invention includes an engine body 1, an intake manifold 2, a throttle valve device 3, an intake duct 4, an external gas inlet duct 5, an exhaust manifold 6, an exhaust pipe 7, an air filter 10, an on / off valve V1 directly fixed to the air filter 10, a piping P, and a check valve RV.

[0125] Here, as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment includes an air filter 10, an on / off valve V1, a piping P, and a check valve RV.

[0126] The engine body 1 includes a cylinder block CB and a cylinder head CH, and includes a piston 1a, an intake valve 1b, an exhaust valve 1c, a spark plug 1d, a pipe section 1e, a drive system for the piston 1a (not shown), and drive systems for the intake valve 1b and the exhaust valve 1c. Furthermore, the engine body 1 includes an exhaust port Ep and a connecting passage Cp in the cylinder head CH. The exhaust port Ep forms part of the exhaust passage downstream of the exhaust valve 1c, and the connecting passage Cp extends from the pipe section 1e to the exhaust port Ep, with a check valve RV disposed along the way.

[0127] The intake manifold 2 includes an air chamber and multiple manifolds, and the manifold includes a fuel injection valve 2a.

[0128] The throttle valve device 3 includes a butterfly valve, which is connected to the air chamber of the intake manifold 2 to open and close the intake passage.

[0129] The intake duct 4 is connected between the throttle valve device 3 and the air filter 10, defining an intake passage for the intake air that has passed through the air filter 10.

[0130] An external gas inlet duct 5 is connected to the connection part 12b of the air filter 10 to guide external gas into the air filter 10.

[0131] The exhaust manifold 6 is connected between the engine body 1 and the exhaust pipe 7, defining the exhaust passage through which the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port Ep of the engine body 1 passes.

[0132] The exhaust pipe 7 is connected to the exhaust manifold 6 to define the exhaust passage, and includes a catalyst 7a in the middle.

[0133] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the air filter 10 includes a housing body 11, a housing cover 12 covering the housing body 11, and a filter component 13 housed within the internal space. Here, the housing body 11 and the housing cover 12 are molded from a resin material.

[0134] The housing body 11 includes a connecting flange 11a connecting the housing cover 12, a retaining portion 11b retaining the filter member 13, a bottom wall portion 11c, a side wall portion 11d, a through hole 11e penetrating the side wall portion 11d, a mating surface 11f formed on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 11d, four female threaded holes 11g formed in the area of ​​the mating surface 11f, and a connecting portion 11h connecting the upstream end of the air intake duct 4 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0135] The through hole 11e is formed in the shape of a keyhole through the side wall portion 11d so that the outer contour of the surrounding portion 25 of the drive portion 50 surrounding the on / off valve V1 can be inserted without contact. Here, the through hole 11e is formed such that, when the on / off valve V1 is fixed, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21 is provided at a position higher than the bottom wall portion 11c in the vertical direction Vd, that is, it is provided above the bottom surface 11c1 of the air filter 10.

[0136] The mating surface 11f is formed on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 11d around the through hole 11e in order to engage the fixing portion 22 of the opening and closing valve V1.

[0137] Four female threaded holes 11g are formed in the region of the mating surface 11f at positions corresponding to the circular holes 22a formed in the fixing part 22 of the on / off valve V1.

[0138] The housing cover 12 includes: a connecting flange portion 12a, which is connected to the housing body 11; and a connecting portion 12b (see reference). Figure 1 ), connect to the downstream end of the external gas inlet conduit 5.

[0139] The filter component 13 is held in place by the retaining part 11b of the housing body 11 and housed in the internal space, serving to filter dust and other contaminants from the air introduced from the external gas inlet duct 5. Furthermore, the air filtered by the filter component 13 is supplied to the air intake duct 4 and the on / off valve V1.

[0140] like Figures 2 to 10 As shown, the on / off valve V1 includes a body 20, a valve body 30 that reciprocates along the axis S, a force-applying spring 40, and a drive unit 50.

[0141] The body 20 is molded from resin material and is elongated in the direction of axis S. It includes an internal passage 21, a fixing part 22, a tube part 24, a surrounding part 25, and a connector 26.

[0142] The internal passage 21 is a passage through which air passes within the air filter 10. It is L-shaped and formed into a middle passage that includes a force-applying spring 40 and extends along the axis S, an upstream passage that extends perpendicularly to the axis S, and a downstream passage that extends along the axis S within the tube 24. Furthermore, the internal passage 21 includes a seating surface 21a for the valve body 30 to sit and close the valve in the axis S direction, a support surface 21b for supporting one end 41 of the force-applying spring 40 in the axis S direction, a stop block 21c for stopping the valve body 30 in the fully open position, an upstream opening end 21u, and a downstream opening end 21d.

[0143] The stop 21c includes a plurality of protrusions discretely arranged in a ring shape, which allow air to flow through the space between the protrusions when the valve body 30 is in contact with it.

[0144] The fixing part 22 is the area that is fixed by engaging with the engagement surface 11f of the air filter 10. It is formed as a generally circular plate-shaped flange centered on and perpendicular to the axis S. Specifically, it is formed as a flange with an outer contour that is part of a circular plate protruding radially.

[0145] Here, the fixing part 22 includes: four circular holes 22a, which are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction to allow the screw B to pass through; and an annular groove 22b, into which an annular sealing member Sr is embedded on its inner side (the side facing the mating surface 11f).

[0146] Furthermore, the fixing part 22 is fixed by engaging with the engagement surface 11f of the air filter 10 while the sealing member Sr is embedded in the annular groove 22b.

[0147] The pipe section 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape as described below, that is, it extends from the outer side of the flange, which serves as the fixing part 22, on the same axis S as the reciprocating motion of the mover 55 of the drive part 50 and the valve body 30, and defines a portion of the internal passage 21. Furthermore, a piping P is connected to the pipe section 24.

[0148] The surrounding portion 25 is the area that houses the drive portion 50. During resin molding, it is formed by embedding and surrounding the stator (first yoke 53 and second yoke 54) and the spool 51 and coil 52 of the drive portion 50.

[0149] The connector 26 is configured such that the terminal 52b of the coil 52 connected to the drive section 50 is exposed and surrounds it for external electrical connection, and extends from the outer side of the flange of the fixing section 22 parallel to the axis S, that is, in the same direction as the tube section 24.

[0150] Here, the tube 24 is formed to extend coaxially with the axis S that reciprocates linearly with the mover 55, so that the constituent components can be integrated near the axis S, thereby achieving a smaller diameter for the on / off valve V1. Furthermore, the connector 26 is formed to extend in the same direction as the tube 24, which also contributes to the smaller diameter of the on / off valve V1, and facilitates the installation of the on / off valve V1 with the air filter 10, the installation of the piping P with the tube 24, and the connection of the external connector with the connector 26.

[0151] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the valve body 30 includes a metal reinforcing plate 31 and a rubber part 32 formed by embedding the reinforcing plate 31, and a mover 55 formed in the shape of a circular plate and directly connected to the drive part 50.

[0152] The rubber part 32 includes: an annular sealing part 32a, which sits on the sitting surface 21a of the internal passage 21 to close the internal passage 21; and a supporting surface 32b, which supports the other end 42 of the force-applying spring 40.

[0153] The force spring 40 is a coil-type compression spring, such as... Figure 4 As shown, in the intermediate passage extending along the S-axis in the internal passage 21, one end 41 abuts against the support surface 21b, and the other end 42 abuts against the support surface 32b of the valve body 30, thereby applying force to the valve body 30 in the valve opening direction.

[0154] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the drive unit 50 is a solenoid-type electromagnetic actuator, including a spindle 51, an excitation coil 52, a wire 52a, a terminal 52b, a first magnetic yoke 53 and a second magnetic yoke 54 serving as stators, and a mover 55 that reciprocates along the axis S.

[0155] The spool 51 is molded using resin material and includes a cylindrical portion 51a that guides the mover 55 along the axis S, and includes a flange portion 51b on one end side and a flange portion 51c on the other end side.

[0156] The coil 52 is wound around the cylindrical portion 51a of the spool 51, and a metal terminal 52b is connected to its end via a wire 52a. The terminal 52b is formed such that a portion of it is embedded in the fixing portion 22 and the front end protrudes into the connector 26.

[0157] The first magnetic yoke 53 is formed of magnetic material and includes a bottomed cylindrical portion 53a fitted into the cylindrical portion 51a and a flat plate portion 53b connecting the second magnetic yoke 54, starting from the flange portion 51b side of the spool 51.

[0158] The second magnetic yoke 54 is formed by bending magnetic material into a generally U-shape, and includes a flat plate portion 54a with a fitting hole 54a1 that fits into the cylindrical portion 51a from the flange portion 51c side of the spool 51, and an arm portion 54b that extends from the flat plate portion 54a along the axis S direction outside the coil 52 and connects to the first magnetic yoke 53.

[0159] The mover 55 is formed of magnetic material and includes a bottomed cylindrical portion 55a disposed in the cylindrical portion 51a and a rod portion 55b extending from the bottomed cylindrical portion 55a in the direction of axis S and connected to the valve body 30 at the front end.

[0160] The opening and closing valve V1 with the above structure is set such that, when the coil 52 is not energized, the internal passage 21 is opened by the force applied by the force spring 40, and when the coil 52 is energized, the annular sealing part 32a of the valve body 30 overcomes the force applied by the force spring 40 and sits on the sitting surface 21a, thereby closing the internal passage 21.

[0161] Pipe P is a rubber hose made of rubber materials, etc., with its upstream end connected to pipe section 24 of the on / off valve V1 and its downstream end connected to pipe section 1e of the cylinder head CH.

[0162] That is, the piping P connects the internal passage 21 of the on / off valve V1 to the exhaust port Ep of the cylinder head CH, which is part of the exhaust passage, via the connecting passage Cp of the cylinder head CH.

[0163] The check valve RV is a cantilevered reed valve located in the middle of the connecting passage Cp of the cylinder head CH. It closes when the engine body 1 is stopped, and opens when the engine body 1 starts and the negative pressure in the exhaust passage exceeds the specified level.

[0164] The installation of the opening and closing valve V1 with the above structure is completed by the following operation: with the sealing member Sr embedded in the annular groove 22b of the fixing part 22, the area surrounding the driving part 50 of the body 20 of the opening and closing valve V1 is inserted into the interior through the through hole 11e in such a way that it faces into the air filter 10, the fixing part 22 is engaged with the mating surface 11f, and then the screw B is inserted into the round hole 22a and screwed into the female threaded hole 11g.

[0165] Therefore, the on / off valve V1 is fixed in a region that faces downstream of the filter member 13 disposed inside the air filter 10. Furthermore, air inside the air filter 10, having been filtered of dust and the like by the filter member 13, flows directly into the internal passage 21 from the upstream opening 21u. That is, the on / off valve V1 is configured such that, in the region of the through hole 11e, the drive unit 50 and the upstream opening 21u of the internal passage 21 face into the air filter 10, while the downstream opening 21d of the internal passage 21 faces outwards from the air filter 10.

[0166] In the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment with the structure described above, after the engine body 1 is started, the check valve RV opens in response to the negative pressure of the exhaust passage (exhaust port Ep), and the air in the air filter 10 is supplied to the exhaust passage (exhaust port Ep) through the internal passage 21 of the on / off valve V1, the passage of the pipe P, and the connecting passage Cp of the cylinder head CH.

[0167] This allows unburned HC or CO to be reignited, thereby reducing the amount of HC or CO emitted. On the other hand, in cases where the throttle valve (accelerator) is rapidly restored and deceleration occurs, in order to suppress spontaneous combustion (afterfire) in the exhaust passage where unburned gas is abundant, the coil 52 is energized to close the internal passage 21 of the on / off valve V1.

[0168] According to the secondary air supply system of the first embodiment, the on / off valve V1 is fixed to the wall portion (the mating surface 11f of the side wall portion 11d) in such a way that, in the region of the through hole 11e, the upstream opening end 21u of the drive unit 50 and the internal passage 21 faces into the air filter 10, and the downstream opening end 21d of the internal passage 21 faces the outside of the air filter 10. Therefore, the piping connecting the air filter and the on / off valve, as in the conventional technology, is no longer required, which can reduce the number of parts and lower costs. Moreover, the layout freedom is increased with the increase in free space. Furthermore, since the drive unit 50, which generates operating noise, is housed inside the air filter 10, noise can be reduced.

[0169] Furthermore, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21, which serves as the air inlet, is located above the bottom surface 11c1 of the air filter 10 in the vertical direction Vd. Therefore, even if water droplets generated by condensation or other factors accumulate on the bottom surface 11c1 in the internal space of the air filter 10, water droplets can be prevented from flowing into the internal passage 21 of the on / off valve V1.

[0170] In particular, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21 is positioned at a distance from the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 11d, which serves as a wall portion, so as to prevent water droplets or the like adhering to the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 11d from flowing toward the bottom surface 11c1 and entering the internal passage 21 from the upstream opening end 21u.

[0171] Furthermore, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21 is configured to face downward in the vertical direction Vd, thus effectively preventing water droplets from entering.

[0172] Furthermore, when installing the on / off valve V1 onto the air filter 10, the area of ​​the surrounding portion 25 of the drive portion 50 surrounding the body 20 is inserted into the through hole 11e so that the fixing portion 22 engages with the mating surface 11f, and the screw B is passed through the round hole 22a and screwed into the female threaded hole 11g, thereby making the installation operation (fixing operation) easy.

[0173] Furthermore, with the pipe section 24 and connector 26 exposed outside the air filter 10, they extend parallel to each other from the outer side of the fixing part 22 (flange) in the same direction, thus making it easy to install the piping P and connect the external connector.

[0174] Figure 11 The secondary air supply system of the second embodiment of the present invention is indicated by the same symbols as the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[0175] The secondary air supply system of the second embodiment includes an air filter 100, an on / off valve V1, a piping P, and a check valve RV.

[0176] like Figure 11 As shown, the air filter 100 includes a housing body 101, a housing cover 12 covering the housing body 101, and a filter component 13 housed within the internal space. Here, the housing body 101 and the housing cover 12 are molded from a resin material.

[0177] The housing body 101 includes a connecting flange portion 11a, a retaining portion 11b, a bottom wall portion 11c, a side wall portion 11d, a through hole 101e penetrating the bottom wall portion 11c, a mating surface 101f formed on the outer wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11c, four female threaded holes 101g formed in the region of the mating surface 101f, and a connecting portion 11h (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0178] The through hole 101e is formed in the shape of a keyhole through the bottom wall portion 11c so that the outer contour of the surrounding portion 25 of the drive portion 50 surrounding the opening and closing valve V1 can be inserted non-contactly.

[0179] The mating surface 101f is formed on the outer wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11c around the through hole 101e in order to engage the fixing portion 22 of the opening and closing valve V1.

[0180] Four female threaded holes 101g are formed in the region of the mating surface 101f at positions corresponding to the circular holes 22a formed in the fixing part 22 of the on / off valve V1.

[0181] In the aforementioned structure, the installation of the on / off valve V1 is accomplished by the following operation: with the sealing member Sr embedded in the annular groove 22b of the fixing part 22, the area surrounding the driving part 50 of the body 20 of the on / off valve V1 is inserted into the interior through the through hole 101e in such a way that it faces into the air filter 100, the fixing part 22 is engaged with the mating surface 101f, and then the screw B is inserted into the round hole 22a and screwed into the female threaded hole 101g.

[0182] Therefore, the on / off valve V1 is fixed in a manner that faces a region further downstream than the filter member 13 disposed inside the air filter 100. Furthermore, air inside the air filter 100, which has been filtered of dust and the like by the filter member 13, flows directly into the internal passage 21 from the upstream opening end 21u.

[0183] According to the secondary air supply system of the second embodiment, the on / off valve V1 is fixed to the wall portion (the mating surface 101f of the bottom wall portion 11c) in such a way that, in the region of the through hole 101e, the upstream opening end 21u of the drive unit 50 and the internal passage 21 faces into the air filter 100, and the downstream opening end 21d of the internal passage 21 faces the outside of the air filter 100. Therefore, the piping connecting the air filter and the on / off valve, as in the conventional technology, is no longer required, which can reduce the number of parts and lower costs. Moreover, the layout freedom is increased with the increase in free space. Furthermore, since the drive unit 50, which generates operating noise, is housed inside the air filter 100, noise can be reduced.

[0184] Furthermore, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21, which serves as the air inlet, is located above the bottom surface 11c1 of the air filter 100 in the vertical direction Vd. Therefore, even if water droplets generated by condensation or other factors accumulate on the bottom surface 11c1 in the internal space of the air filter 100, it is possible to prevent water droplets from flowing into the internal passage 21 of the on / off valve V1.

[0185] In particular, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21 is positioned at a distance from the inner wall surface of the wall portion (bottom wall portion 11c and side wall portion 11d) towards the inward side, thus preventing water droplets or the like adhering to the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 11d from flowing toward the bottom surface 11c1 and entering the internal passage 21 from the upstream opening end 21u.

[0186] Furthermore, when the on / off valve V1 is installed on the air filter 100, the area of ​​the surrounding portion 25 of the drive portion 50 surrounding the body 20 is inserted into the through hole 11e so that the fixing portion 22 engages with the mating surface 11f, and the screw B is passed through the round hole 22a and screwed into the female threaded hole 11g, thereby making the installation operation (fixing operation) easy.

[0187] Furthermore, with the pipe section 24 and connector 26 exposed outside the air filter 100, they extend parallel to each other in the same direction from the outer side of the fixing part 22 (flange), thus making it easy to install the piping P and connect the external connector.

[0188] Figures 12 to 15 The secondary air supply system of the third embodiment of the present invention is indicated by the same symbols as the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[0189] The secondary air supply system of the third embodiment includes an air filter 200, an on / off valve V2, a piping P, and a check valve RV.

[0190] The air filter 200 includes a housing body 201, a housing cover 12 covering the housing body 201, and a filter component 13 housed in the internal space. Here, the housing body 201 and the housing cover 12 are molded from a resin material.

[0191] The housing body 201 includes a connecting flange portion 11a, a retaining portion 11b, a bottom wall portion 11c, a side wall portion 11d, a through hole 201e penetrating the side wall portion 11d, a mating surface 201f formed on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 11d, four female threaded holes 201g formed in the area of ​​the mating surface 201f, and a connecting portion 11h (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0192] The through hole 201e is formed as a cylindrical hole into which the outer contour of the surrounding portion 25 of the drive portion 50 of the on / off valve V2 is inserted without contact and into which the fitting portion 127 of the on / off valve V2 is fitted. Here, the through hole 201e is formed such that, when the on / off valve V2 is fixed, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21 is located in the vertical direction Vd at a position higher than the bottom wall portion 11c, that is, higher than the bottom surface 11c1 of the air filter 200.

[0193] The on / off valve V2 includes a body 120, a valve body 30 that reciprocates along the axis S, a force-applying spring 40, and a drive unit 150.

[0194] The body 120 is molded from resin material and has a long strip shape in the direction of axis S. It includes an internal passage 21, a fixing part 122, a tube part 24, a surrounding part 25, a connector 26, and a fitting part 127.

[0195] The fixing part 122 is the area that is fixed to the mating surface 201f of the air filter 200. It is formed as a generally circular plate-shaped flange centered on and perpendicular to the axis S. Specifically, it is formed as a flange with an outer contour that is part of a circular plate protruding radially.

[0196] Here, the fixing part 122 includes four circular holes 122a arranged at equal intervals along the circumference for the screw B to pass through. Furthermore, the fixing part 122 is engaged with the mating surface 201f of the air filter 200 for fixation.

[0197] The fitting portion 127 is adjacent to the fixing portion 122 and is formed as a cylinder with the axis S as the center and a diameter smaller than that of the fixing portion 122. It is formed in such a way that it fits into the through hole 201e of the air filter 200. Moreover, the fitting portion 127 includes an annular groove 127a on its outer periphery for embedding the sealing member Sr2.

[0198] The drive unit 150 is a solenoid-type electromagnetic actuator, including a spool 51, a coil 52 for excitation, a wire 152a, a terminal 152b, a first magnetic yoke 53 and a second magnetic yoke 54 serving as stators, and a mover 55 that reciprocates along the axis S.

[0199] The coil 52 is wound around the cylindrical portion 51a of the spool 51, and at its end is connected to a metal terminal 152b via a wire 152a. The terminal 152b is formed such that a portion of it is embedded in the fixing portion 122 and the fitting portion 127, while its front end protrudes into the connector 26.

[0200] In the aforementioned structure, the installation of the on / off valve V2 is accomplished by the following operation: with the sealing member Sr2 embedded in the annular groove 127a of the fitting part 127, the area surrounding the driving part 150 of the body 120 of the on / off valve V2 is inserted into the interior through the through hole 201e in such a way that it faces into the air filter 200, and the fitting part 127 is fitted into the through hole 201e, the fixing part 122 is engaged with the mating surface 201f, and then the screw B is inserted into the round hole 122a and screwed into the female threaded hole 201g.

[0201] Therefore, the on / off valve V2 is fixed in a manner that faces a region further downstream than the filter member 13 disposed inside the air filter 200. Furthermore, air inside the air filter 200, which has been filtered of dust and the like by the filter member 13, flows directly into the internal passage 21 from the upstream opening end 21u.

[0202] According to the secondary air supply system of the third embodiment, the on / off valve V2 fits the fitting part 127 into the through hole 201e, thus enabling the on / off valve V2 to be positioned and easily installed in a predetermined position. Furthermore, it is fixed to the wall portion (the mating surface 201f of the side wall portion 11d) in such a manner that, in the region of the through hole 201e, the upstream opening end 21u of the drive part 150 and the internal passage 21 faces into the air filter 200, and the downstream opening end 21d of the internal passage 21 faces outwards from the air filter 200. Therefore, the piping connecting the air filter and the on / off valve, as in conventional technologies, is no longer required, achieving a reduction in the number of parts and lower cost. Moreover, the increased free space allows for greater layout freedom. Furthermore, since the drive part 50, which generates operating noise, is housed inside the air filter 200, noise levels are reduced.

[0203] Furthermore, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21, which serves as the air inlet, is located above the bottom surface 11c1 of the air filter 200 in the vertical direction Vd. Therefore, even if water droplets generated by condensation or other factors accumulate on the bottom surface 11c1 in the internal space of the air filter 200, it is possible to prevent water droplets from flowing into the internal passage 21 of the on / off valve V3.

[0204] In particular, the upstream opening end 21u of the internal passage 21 is positioned at a distance from the inner wall surface of the wall portion (side wall portion 11d) towards the inward side, thus preventing water droplets or the like adhering to the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 11d from flowing toward the bottom surface 11c1 and entering the internal passage 21 from the upstream opening end 21u.

[0205] In the embodiment described above, the driving unit included in the on / off valves V1 and V2 is represented as a solenoid-type electromagnetic actuator that includes a mover 55 that reciprocates along the axis S direction. However, it is not limited to this. As long as it is an on / off valve that can open / close the internal passage 21, an on / off valve or other type of on / off valve that includes a rotary drive source as the driving unit may also be used.

[0206] In the described embodiment, the structure for fixing the on / off valves V1 and V2 to the walls of the air filter 10, air filter 100, and air filter 200 is shown in that the fixing parts 22 and 122 are fixed by joining the outer wall surface of the wall (side wall 11d and bottom wall 11c). However, it is not limited to this and the fixing parts can also be fixed by joining the inner wall surface of the air filter wall.

[0207] At this point, the opening and closing valve is configured such that all parts except the pipes and connectors face into the air filter.

[0208] Furthermore, regarding the installation of the on / off valve, with the housing cover and filter components removed, the on / off valve is inserted into the housing body and engaged from the inside. In this configuration, the air filter and the on / off valve can be treated as a single modular unit.

[0209] In the embodiment described, the pipe 24 and the connector 26 in the on-off valve V1 and on-off valve V2 are shown to extend in the same direction on the same side, but this is not a limitation. The form in which they extend in the desired direction can also be adopted according to the required wiring layout.

[0210] In the described embodiment, as a method for fixing the on / off valves V1 and V2 to the air filters 10, 100, and 200, the following structure is shown: the air filters 10, 100, and 200 include pre-formed female threaded holes 11g, 101g, and 201g in the regions of the mating surfaces 11f, 101f, and 201f; and the bodies 20 of the on / off valves V1 and V2 are also described. The main body 120 includes a fixing part 22, which contains a round hole 22a and a round hole 122a through which a screw B, which is screwed into the female threaded hole 11f, female threaded hole 101f, and female threaded hole 201f, passes. The opening and closing valves V1 and V2 are fixed to the air filter 10, air filter 100, and air filter 200 by screwing the screw B through the round hole 22a and the round hole 122a into the female threaded hole 11g, female threaded hole 101g, and female threaded hole 201g, but are not limited to this.

[0211] For example, the following structure can also be used: the body of the on / off valve includes a round hole in the fixing part for a self-tapping screw (also called a self-tapping screw or self-tapping nail) to pass through, the air filter includes an area in the mating surface area for the self-tapping screw to be screwed in, and the on / off valve is fixed to the air filter by screwing the self-tapping screw through the round hole into the mating surface area of ​​the air filter.

[0212] Furthermore, a soft mount fitting structure can be adopted by providing a protruding fitting pin in the air filter and an annular elastic member (grommet) in the on / off valve. Moreover, other methods can also be used as long as the on / off valve can be directly fixed to the air filter.

[0213] In the embodiment described, a check valve RV included in the secondary air supply system is positioned midway through the connecting passage Cp formed in the cylinder head CH to supply air to the exhaust port Ep. However, this is not a limitation. As long as the required conditions are met, a structure may also be adopted in which the valve is positioned midway through the passage member from the piping P to the exhaust pipe 7 in order to supply air to the exhaust pipe 7 further downstream.

[0214] As described above, the secondary air supply system of the present invention can achieve the reduction of the number of parts, cost reduction, increased layout freedom, and noise reduction, and is therefore applicable to two-wheeled motor vehicles and other vehicles.

Claims

1. A secondary air supply system that supplies air in an air cleaner to an exhaust passage of an engine via an internal passage of an opening and closing valve having a driving portion, characterized by comprising: the air cleaner including a through-hole that penetrates a wall portion thereof; and the opening and closing valve being fixed to the wall portion in a manner that, in a region of the through-hole, at least the driving portion and an upstream opening end of the internal passage face the inside of the air cleaner, and a downstream opening end of the internal passage faces the outside of the air cleaner.

2. The secondary air supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the upstream opening end of the internal passage is provided at a position higher than a bottom surface of the air cleaner in a vertical direction.

3. The secondary air supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: the upstream opening end is provided at a position spaced inward from an inner wall surface of the wall portion.

4. The secondary air supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that: the upstream opening end is provided in a manner facing downward in the vertical direction.

5. The secondary air supply system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a pipe that communicates the internal passage of the opening and closing valve with the exhaust passage.

6. The secondary air supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: the opening and closing valve includes the driving portion, a valve body that opens and closes the internal passage in response to the driving portion, and a body that defines the internal passage, a fixing portion fixed to the wall portion, and a pipe portion that connects the pipe, the fixing portion of the opening and closing valve being fixed to the wall portion of the air cleaner in a state in which the pipe portion is exposed to the outside of the air cleaner.

7. The secondary air supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that: the air cleaner includes an engagement surface that engages the fixing portion, the engagement surface being formed in an outer wall surface of the wall portion around the through-hole, and a sealing member is provided between the fixing portion and the engagement surface.

8. The secondary air supply system according to claim 7, characterized in that: the body includes an insertion portion that is fitted to the through-hole in abutment with the fixing portion.

9. The secondary air supply system according to claim 7, characterized in that: the air cleaner includes a female screw hole in a region of the engagement surface, the body includes a round hole through which a screw is screwed into the female screw hole in the fixing portion, and the opening and closing valve is fixed to the air cleaner by screwing the screw through the round hole into the female screw hole.

10. The secondary air supply system according to claim 7, characterized in that: the body includes a round hole through which a self-tapping screw is screwed in the fixing portion, and the opening and closing valve is fixed to the air cleaner by screwing the self-tapping screw through the round hole into a region of the engagement surface of the air cleaner.

11. The secondary air supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that: the driving portion is an electromagnetic actuator including a solenoid, and the valve body is directly linked to a movable portion of the electromagnetic actuator. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12. The secondary air supply system according to claim 6, wherein the driving section is an electromagnetic actuator including a solenoid, the valve body is directly linked to a movable section of the electromagnetic actuator, the body includes a connector that electrically connects a coil included in the electromagnetic actuator, and the connector is disposed in a state of being exposed to the outside of the air cleaner.

13. The secondary air supply system according to claim 6, wherein the driving section is an electromagnetic actuator including a solenoid, the valve body is directly linked to a movable section of the electromagnetic actuator, the body includes a connector that electrically connects a coil included in the electromagnetic actuator, and the connector is formed to extend in parallel with the pipe section in the same direction as the pipe section in a state of being exposed to the outside of the air cleaner.

14. The secondary air supply system according to claim 6, wherein the driving section is an electromagnetic actuator including a solenoid and a movable section that linearly reciprocates about a prescribed axis, the valve body is directly linked to the movable section, the body includes a connector that electrically connects a coil included in the electromagnetic actuator and is disposed in a state of being exposed to the outside of the air cleaner, and the pipe section and the connector are formed to extend in parallel with a reciprocating direction of the movable section.

15. The secondary air supply system according to claim 14, wherein the fixed section is a flange in the shape of a circular plate, and the pipe section and the connector are formed to extend in the same direction from an outer side of the flange.

16. The secondary air supply system according to claim 15, wherein the pipe section is formed to extend in a direction coaxial with the axis.

17. The secondary air supply system according to claim 11, wherein the valve body is configured to open the internal passage in a state in which the electromagnetic actuator is not energized.

18. The secondary air supply system according to claim 5, wherein a check valve that prevents backflow of air is disposed between the pipe and the exhaust passage.

19. The secondary air supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the air cleaner includes a filter member disposed inside the air cleaner, and an upstream opening end of the internal passage faces a region on a more downstream side than the filter member. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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