TRANSMISSION VENTILATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A motorcycle comprising: a gear housing (1401); and a venting device (701) mounted on the transmission housing (1401), the venting device (701) comprising: an inlet (401) at the bottom of the venting device (701) as an inlet for steam into the venting device (701); a drain (403) on the bottom of the venting device (701) as an outlet for separated oil from the venting device (701); an outlet (600) at the top of the venting device (701) as an exit for separated vapor from the venting device (701); a labyrinth (200) for separating oil from steam; and a sloping floor (601) with connection to the drain (403); a base (603), wherein the sloping bottom (601) forms an angle of 17 degrees with the base (603) to allow the separated oil to escape from the drain (403) by gravity; and a baffle (2000) detachably disposed below the inlet (401) for connection to the outlet (403), the baffle (2000) comprising a series of alternating passages through which the oil must flow until it reaches the inlet (401).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 498,196, filed April 25, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] One or more embodiments generally relate to a breather system for a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine. BACKGROUND

[0003] In state-of-the-art motorcycles, breathers are used to relieve crankcase pressure. These crankcase gases contain oil mist, water vapor, and unburned fuel. The breather system separates the fluids so that the crankcase gases can be introduced into the combustion system. Two breathers may be used on the same motorcycle, one of which is mounted above the heads (front and rear) under the rocker covers. US 2015 / 0 114 327 A1 describes an engine with a breather device and an oil passage-defining member disposed in the breather device. The breather device includes a breather main body formed integrally with a crankcase and a breather cover. The breather main body and the breather cover define an enclosed space communicating with an interior of the crankcase.The oil passage defining member includes a first member formed integrally with the crankcase and a second member. The first and second members define an oil passage. The crankcase includes a transmission chamber in which a main shaft and a drive shaft are disposed, and oil supply holes through which the oil passage and the transmission chamber 60 communicate with each other.

[0004] DE 10 2018 209 278 A1 discloses a dual-clutch transmission with a breather assembly having a breather element with an inlet opening facing the transmission interior and an outlet opening facing outward. The breather assembly further comprises an oil trap element arranged between the breather element and a spray oil source. The breather element enters the transmission interior above the oil trap element. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a motorcycle is provided according to claim 1. Further aspects of the invention are subject to the dependent claims, the drawings, and the description of exemplary embodiments. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an exemplary motorcycle is provided that includes a transmission housing and a breather device mounted on the transmission housing.

[0006] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a motorcycle is provided that includes a transmission housing and a breather device mounted above the transmission housing.

[0007] In the example motorcycle, the venting device is the only venting device on the motorcycle.

[0008] In accordance with the example motorcycle, a plurality of fasteners secure the breather device to the transmission case.

[0009] In accordance with the example motorcycle, the venting device further includes a drain and a sloping floor connected to the drain.

[0010] In accordance with the example motorcycle, the venting device also includes a base.

[0011] According to the example motorcycle, the sloping floor forms an angle of 17 degrees with the base.

[0012] In accordance with the example motorcycle, the sloping bottom forms an angle with the base in a range of 10 to 30 degrees.

[0013] In accordance with the example motorcycle, further includes a drain; and an umbrella valve attached to the drain.

[0014] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a device comprises: a venting device comprising an outlet at the top of the venting device, an inlet at the bottom of the venting device, a drain at the bottom of the venting device, and a sloped floor leading to the drain.

[0015] According to the exemplary device, the venting device is configured to separate oil, water vapor and fuel from the mixture entering the inlet.

[0016] According to the exemplary device, the device further includes a motorcycle attached to the venting device.

[0017] In accordance with the exemplary device, the venting device is the only vent attached to the motorcycle.

[0018] According to the exemplary device, the venting device is attached to a transmission housing attached to the motorcycle.

[0019] In accordance with the exemplary device, the device further includes an umbrella valve attached to the drain.

[0020] In accordance with the exemplary device, the device further includes a second passage connecting the inlet to an oil reservoir.

[0021] In accordance with the exemplary apparatus, the apparatus further includes a first passage connecting the inlet to a cam switch.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, a motorcycle comprises a transmission and a venting device mounted above the transmission.

[0023] In accordance with the exemplary device, the motorcycle has no venting device other than the venting device.

[0024] According to the exemplary device, the venting device also comprises a sloping bottom.

[0025] According to the exemplary device, the venting device further comprises a drain connected to the inclined floor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The various advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following description and the appended claims and by referring to the following drawings: Fig. 1 shows a prior art transmission cover; Fig. 2 shows an exemplary interior view of a labyrinth of a venting device according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 3 shows another exemplary interior view showing a labyrinth of a venting device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 4 is an interior top view illustrating a venting device in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated and described herein; Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of the venting device of Fig. 4 according to one or more embodiments set forth, shown and described herein; Fig. 6 shows a side view of the inside of the venting device of Fig. 4 according to one or more embodiments set forth, shown and described herein; Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a cover of the venting device of Fig. 4 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. Figure 8 shows a view of the venting device and surrounding equipment according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 9 shows a diagonal view of the venting device and surrounding equipment according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 10 shows a bottom view of the venting device and surrounding equipment according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 11 shows the underside of the venting device including the inlet and drain, with the surrounding components being transparent, according to one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein; Fig. 12 shows a cross-section of the vent inlet and drain tunnel according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 13 shows a venting device, a venting hose, and a surrounding device according to one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein; The Fig. 14 to 16 show a venting device installed on a motorcycle in accordance with one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein; Fig. 17 shows a seal for the venting device according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 18-19 show an example motorcycle having the venting device described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated and described herein; Fig. 20 shows a baffle that fits into the cavity below the vent inlet, in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein; Fig. 21 shows an assembled baffle according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein; and Fig. 22 shows an unassembled baffle according to one or more of the embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] According to one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein, a breather device is mounted for a transmission case of a motorcycle. A breather for a motorcycle serves to adjust the pressure within a crankcase. The breather system serves to separate fluids such as oil, water, or unburned fuel before the breather gases are directed into the air filter box. The motorcycle employing the breather device and embodiments described herein uses gasoline as fuel.

[0028] A single vent can be used instead of multiple vents. Fig. 1 shows a related transmission cover over a transmission housing. This cover is no longer required, and the breather device can be mounted above the transmission. According to one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein, the breather device can be mounted above the transmission housing. According to one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein, the breather device can be mounted above the transmission housing instead of a transmission cover. According to one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein, a rear cylinder of the motorcycle is located in front of the breather device.

[0029] As in Fig. 2 shows an exemplary internal view of a labyrinth of a venting device according to one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein. The illustrated vent has a vent hose 201 that is not part of the venting circuit. A labyrinth 200 is used to separate oil.

[0030] As in Fig. 3 shows another example of an internal view of a labyrinth of a venting device according to one or more embodiments illustrated and described herein. The illustrated venting device has a vent hose 301 that is not part of the venting circuit. A labyrinth 300 is used to separate oil.

[0031] As in Fig. 4, a venting device is shown in an internal top view, in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated, shown and described herein.

[0032] A vent 402 (e.g., a filter, which can be made of any suitable material, e.g., foam, stainless steel mesh, fleece, etc.) and baffle plate 407 (which can be made of any suitable material, e.g., metal or plastic, and provided with holes) are used to separate oil from the vapors. A vent inlet 401 is the location where the vapors enter the vent. An outlet 403 is the location where the oil, separated from the vapors, can exit the vent. The outlet 403 can be equipped with a valve, such as an umbrella valve 400.

[0033] As in Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the venting device of Fig. 4, in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein. Shown are the drain 403, umbrella valve 400, and inlet 401. There are four holes 500 for receiving a fastener (in Fig. 5 not shown), with which the venting device is attached to a gearbox housing.

[0034] As in Fig. 6 is a side view of the inside of the venting device of Fig. 4, in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein. Shown are the vent 602, drain 403, umbrella valve 400, outlet 600. Also shown is the base 603 of the vent device. A tray 601 is used to prevent oil separated from the steam from accumulating as the separated oil falls down the slope. The slope may be 17 degrees (relative to the base 603), although other angles may be used (e.g., 10 to 30 degrees or another range). The oil that separates from the steam falls down the sloped tray 601 due to gravity and drains via the drain 403. This slope helps prevent the oil from accumulating.The outlet 600 may lead directly to the outside, or it may be connected to a hose leading to the outside, or alternatively the outlet may be connected to a hose that can recirculate the air exiting the outlet.

[0035] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a cover of the venting device of Fig. 4 according to one or more embodiments illustrated and described herein. A vent cover 700 covers the top of the vent device 701. The outlet 600 passes through the vent cover 700. The vent device 701 may include any combination of the structures described and illustrated herein.

[0036] As in Fig. 8, a view of the venting device and surrounding equipment is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein. The motorcycle includes cam gear area 800, transmission compartment 802 (where the transmission is located), and oil reservoir 804. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the venting device is mounted above the transmission contents 802 and above the oil reservoir 804. The second passage 810 is a connecting channel between the venting device and the oil reservoir 804 and supplies the venting device through the inlet 401. The first passage 811 is a connecting channel between the venting device and the cam switch 800 and feeds the venting device via the inlet 401. The oil flowing out of the drain 403 can pass downward through the first passage 811.

[0037] As in Fig. 9, a diagonal view of the venting device and surrounding equipment according to one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein is shown.

[0038] As in Fig. 10, a bottom view of the venting device and surrounding equipment is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0039] Fig. Figure 11 shows the underside of the venting device, including the inlet and outlet, with the surrounding components being transparent, according to one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein. Inlet 401 is labeled, and outlet 403 is shown. According to one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein, outlet 403 may be connected to first passage 811.

[0040] As in Fig. 12, a cross-section is shown illustrating the vent inlet and drain tunnel in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein.

[0041] As in Fig. 13, a venting device and vent hose, as well as surrounding apparatus, are shown in accordance with one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein. Shown are vent hose 1300 and air filter box 1301. The venting device 701 is attached to the transmission housing. Crankcase gas is directed through the venting device. The oil separated from the gas in the venting device flows back into the cavity below the venting device, while the separated crankcase gas passes through vent hose 1300 to the air filter box 1301.

[0042] As in the Fig. 14-16, a breather device is shown installed on a motorcycle in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein. The breather device 701 utilizes four fasteners 1400 to secure the breather device 701 to a transmission housing 1401 or other structure to which the breather device 701 may be mounted.

[0043] As in Fig. 17 shows a seal for the vent device according to one or more embodiments illustrated and described herein. The seal 1700 may be a press-in-place (PIP) seal and is used to seal the vent device to the transmission housing 1401. The transmission housing 1401 (or other mounting structure) has four holes that the fasteners 1400 utilize to secure the vent device 701 to the transmission housing 1401.

[0044] As in the Fig. 18-19, the breather device is shown installed on a motorcycle in accordance with one or more embodiments set forth, shown, and described herein. Note that the breather device 701 is located above the transmission 1801.

[0045] Fig. Figure 20 shows a baffle that fits into the cavity below the vent inlet in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated, shown, and described herein.

[0046] Baffle 2000 is inserted beneath breather 701. During heavy braking or acceleration, the baffle slows (damps) the movement of oil passing through passages 810 and 811 from oil reservoir 804 into the cavity beneath the breather, preventing it from entering the breather inlet. The oil would slow down as it came into contact with a series of passages forming a labyrinth or winding path, forcing the oil to flow back and forth several times before reaching breather inlet 401.

[0047] Fig. Figure 21 shows an assembled baffle in accordance with one or more embodiments illustrated and described herein. The baffle 2000 is shown in a cavity that would fit under the vent.

[0048] Fig.Figure 22 shows an unassembled baffle according to one or more of the embodiments illustrated and described herein. The baffle may be made of any rigid material, such as hard plastic, etc.

[0049] Please note that all of the parts described here can be made from any material suitable for the respective part, such as plastic (e.g., PVC), hard plastic, metal, aluminum, rubber, stainless steel, etc. All parts can be manufactured using any manufacturing technique, such as injection molding, 3D printing, casting, machining, etc.

[0050] The terms "coupled," "attached," or "connected" may be used herein to refer to any type of relationship, direct or indirect, between the components in question. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad techniques of the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the embodiments have been described in connection with particular examples, the true scope of the embodiments should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims.

Claims

[1] A motorcycle comprising: a gear housing (1401); and a venting device (701) mounted on the transmission housing (1401), the venting device (701) comprising: an inlet (401) at the bottom of the venting device (701) as an inlet for steam into the venting device (701); a drain (403) on the bottom of the venting device (701) as an outlet for separated oil from the venting device (701); an outlet (600) at the top of the venting device (701) as an exit for separated vapor from the venting device (701); a labyrinth (200) for separating oil from steam; and a sloping floor (601) with connection to the drain (403); a base (603), wherein the sloping bottom (601) forms an angle of 17 degrees with the base (603) to allow the separated oil to escape from the drain (403) by gravity; and a baffle (2000) detachably disposed below the inlet (401) for connection to the outlet (403), the baffle (2000) comprising a series of alternating passages through which the oil must flow until it reaches the inlet (401). [2] The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the venting device (701) is the only venting device (701) on the motorcycle. [3] The motorcycle of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fasteners (1400) for securing the venting device (701) to the transmission case (1401). [4] The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the sloping floor (601) forms an angle with the base (603) in a range of 10 to 30 degrees. [5] The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the venting device (701) is connected to a vent hose connected to an air filter box.

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