Air cleaner

Abstract

To ensure the capacity of a cleaner case while preventing entry of foreign material such as water droplet or dirt into the cleaner case.SOLUTION: An air cleaner (60) is installed below a seat for a straddle-type vehicle together with an electric component (80). The air cleaner is provided with a cleaner case (61) in which an intake chamber is formed and a suction pipe (66) through which air is taken into the intake chamber. A support surface (65) supporting the electric component from below is formed in the cleaner case, and an inlet (67) of the suction pipe is covered by the electric component from above.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an air cleaner for a saddle-type vehicle that is installed under the seat is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the air cleaner described in Patent Document 1, the dirty side of the cleaner case faces rearward and the clean side of the cleaner case faces forward. An intake pipe extends rearward from the dirty side of the cleaner case, and air is taken into the cleaner case from the rear of the vehicle through the intake pipe. An ECM (Engine Control Module) is also installed under the seat as an electrical component. The ECM is installed on the bottom of a recess formed in the upper surface of the clean side of the cleaner case. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7263534 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the air cleaner described in Patent Document 1 has an intake pipe facing rearward, which means that water droplets, mud, and other foreign matter kicked up by the rear wheel can easily get into the intake port of the intake pipe. Furthermore, electrical components such as an ECM are installed on the bottom of the recessed portion of the cleaner case, which reduces the capacity by the amount the cleaner case is recessed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide an air cleaner that can ensure the capacity of the cleaner case while preventing foreign matter such as water droplets and mud from entering the cleaner case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air cleaner according to one aspect of the present invention is an air cleaner installed together with electrical components below the seat of a saddle-ride type vehicle, and comprises a cleaner case in which an intake chamber is formed, and an intake pipe that draws air into the intake chamber, wherein the cleaner case is formed with a support surface that supports the electrical components from below, and the intake port of the intake pipe is covered from above by the electrical components, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an air cleaner of one aspect of the present invention, the intake port of the intake pipe is covered by the electrical components, so that even if foreign matter such as water droplets or mud is kicked up by the rear wheel, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the cleaner case through the intake port. The electrical components are supported on the support surface of the cleaner case above the intake port, so there is no need to reduce the capacity of the cleaner case to accommodate the electrical components. This allows the electrical components and air cleaner to be appropriately installed below the seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air cleaner and its surroundings according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the air cleaner and its surroundings according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an air cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the air cleaner of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner and its surroundings in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An air cleaner according to one aspect of the present invention is installed together with electrical components below a seat of a saddle-ride type vehicle. An intake chamber is formed in a cleaner case of the air cleaner, and air is taken into the intake chamber through an intake pipe of the air cleaner. The cleaner case is formed with a support surface that supports the electrical components from below. The intake port of the intake pipe is covered from above by the electrical components, so that even if foreign matter such as water droplets or mud is kicked up by the rear wheel, the foreign matter is prevented from entering the cleaner case through the intake port. Furthermore, the electrical components are supported on the support surface of the cleaner case above the intake port, so there is no need to reduce the capacity of the cleaner case to accommodate the electrical components. This allows the electrical components and the air cleaner to be installed appropriately below the seat. [Example]

[0010] A saddle-ride type vehicle provided with an air cleaner of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a left side view of the saddle-ride type vehicle of this embodiment. In the following drawings, arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow Re indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, and arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, a saddle-type vehicle 1 is configured by mounting various parts such as an engine 40 and an electrical system on a body frame 10. A pair of main frames 11 extend diagonally downward and rearward from a head pipe (not shown) of the body frame 10, and the rear portions of the pair of main frames 11 bend downward to form a pair of body frames 12. In addition, down frames 13 extend downward from the head pipe, and under loops 14 bent rearward are connected to the lower portions of the down frames 13. The rear ends of the pair of under loops 14 are connected to the lower portions of the pair of body frames 12, so that the body frame 10 is formed into a cradle shape.

[0012] A front fork 21 is steerably supported on the head pipe via a steering shaft (not shown). Handlebars 22 are provided on the upper part of the front fork 21, and a front wheel 23 is rotatably supported on the lower part of the front fork 21. A fuel tank 24 is placed on the upper part of the pair of main frames 11, and the main frames 11 and fuel tank 24 are covered from the sides by front side covers 25. A seat 51 is installed behind the fuel tank 24, and upper seat rails (seat rails) 52 (see FIG. 2) that support the seat 51 from below are covered from the sides by rear side covers 26.

[0013] A swing arm 27 is swingably supported by the body frame 12. The swing arm 27 extends rearward from the body frame 12, and a rear wheel 28 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 27. The front side of the swing arm 27 is connected to the lower part of a rear suspension 31 via a cushion lever 32. The cushion lever 32 is also connected to the body frame 12 via a cushion rod 33. The rear suspension 31 expands and contracts in accordance with the swing of the swing arm 27, thereby absorbing unevenness in the road surface, suppressing vibrations, and improving the contact between the road surface and the rear wheel 28.

[0014] The engine 40 is a four-stroke single-cylinder engine and is suspended inside the body frame 10 via suspension brackets 15-17. A cylinder assembly, which is made up of a cylinder 42, a cylinder head 43, and a cylinder head cover 44 stacked together, is attached to the top of a crankcase 41 of the engine 40. An exhaust pipe 45 is connected to the front of the cylinder head 43. The exhaust pipe 45 extends rearward past the right side of the cylinder 42, and an up-type muffler 46 that is tilted obliquely upward and rearward is connected to the downstream end of the exhaust pipe 45. In addition, an intake device such as an air cleaner 60 is installed behind the cylinder head 43.

[0015] In off-road straddle-type vehicles, electrical components such as an ECM and CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ignition) are often installed below the seat. In recent years, straddle-type vehicles have become required to have advanced controls for improving engine performance, complying with exhaust gas regulations, and improving fuel efficiency, and various sensors are also being installed. To accommodate these advanced controls and the control of various sensors, electrical components such as the ECM are becoming larger. Furthermore, since an air cleaner is installed below the seat, depending on the location of the electrical components, it may be necessary to reduce the capacity of the air cleaner or raise the seat height, thereby reducing marketability.

[0016] An inlet pipe is provided in the cleaner case of the air cleaner, and air is taken into the cleaner case through the intake port of the inlet pipe. If foreign matter such as water droplets or mud is kicked up by the rear wheel when driving on rough terrain, the foreign matter may enter the cleaner case through the intake port of the inlet pipe. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle of this embodiment, electrical components are housed in the gap between the seat and the air cleaner to maintain the capacity and marketability of the air cleaner, and the electrical components cover the intake port of the inlet pipe from above to prevent foreign matter from entering the cleaner case.

[0017] The air cleaner of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air cleaner and its periphery of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a top view of the air cleaner and its periphery of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the air cleaner of this embodiment. Figure 5 is a left side view of the air cleaner of this embodiment. Note that Figures 2 and 3 show a state in which the seat has been removed from the body frame.

[0018] 2 and 3, the upper portions of the pair of body frames 12 protrude diagonally upward and rearward, and this pair of protrusions 53 is connected via a frame bridge 54. A pair of upper seat rails 52 extends rearward from the pair of protrusions 53. Front ends of a pair of lower seat rails 55 are connected to the lower portions of the pair of body frames 12, and the pair of lower seat rails 55 extend diagonally upward and rearward from the lower portions of the pair of body frames 12. Rear ends of the pair of lower seat rails 55 are connected to rear ends of the pair of upper seat rails 52.

[0019] The front portions of the pair of upper seat rails 52 are connected via a sensor bracket 56, and the rear portions of the pair of upper seat rails 52 are connected via a seat bridge (bridge) 57. An accelerator position sensor 49 connected to an accelerator grip (not shown) via a cable is supported on the sensor bracket 56. An air cleaner 60 is installed in a triangular space in side view surrounded by the body frame 12, upper seat rails 52, and lower seat rails 55. An ECM 80 is installed as an electrical component on the air cleaner 60, behind the sensor bracket 56.

[0020] The rear dirty side of the air cleaner 60 is formed by the cleaner case 61, and the front clean side of the air cleaner 60 is formed by the outlet tube 72. An intake chamber 69 (see FIG. 6) is formed inside the cleaner case 61, and a filter 71 (see FIG. 5) is installed in the intake chamber 69. An inlet tube (suction pipe) 66 is provided on the upper rear surface of the cleaner case 61, and air is taken into the intake chamber 69 from the inlet tube 66. The air taken into the intake chamber 69 from the inlet tube 66 is filtered by the filter 71 and sent to the outlet tube 72.

[0021] An outlet tube 72 is provided on the front surface of the cleaner case 61, and is connected to the rear surface of the cylinder head 43 via the electronically controlled throttle 47 and the intake pipe 48. A horizontal type intake passage is formed by these outlet tube 72, electronically controlled throttle 47, and intake pipe 48. Air is sent from the outlet tube 72 to the electronically controlled throttle 47, and after the intake amount is adjusted by the electronically controlled throttle 47, air is supplied from the electronically controlled throttle 47 to the cylinder head 43 through the intake pipe 48.

[0022] A rear fender 34 is attached to the rear surface of the air cleaner 60, and even if foreign matter such as water droplets or mud is kicked up by the rear wheel 28 (see Figure 1), the rear fender 34 prevents the foreign matter from scattering toward the air cleaner 60. Furthermore, an intake port 67 of the inlet tube 66 is exposed from the upper rear surface of the cleaner case 61, and the intake port 67 is covered from above by an ECM 80 installed on the upper surface of the cleaner case 61. The ECM 80 also functions as a hood for the inlet tube 66, and the ECM 80 prevents foreign matter from entering the intake port 67 of the inlet tube 66.

[0023] 4 and 5, the cleaner case 61 of the air cleaner 60 is formed in a box shape that is triangular in side view, and an outlet tube 72 is attached to the front of the cleaner case 61. As described above, the filter 71 is installed in the intake chamber 69 inside the cleaner case 61, and the intake chamber 69 of the cleaner case 61 is connected to the intake passage of the outlet tube 72 via the filter 71. A side cap 68 is detachably attached to an access window (not shown) on the left side of the cleaner case 61. The filter 71 can be periodically replaced by removing the side cap 68 from the cleaner case 61.

[0024] The center of the upper surface of the rear part of the cleaner case 61 is recessed, forming a recess 62 and a pair of bulging walls 63. The front and both sides of the recess 62 are closed by walls, and the top and rear of the recess 62 are open. An inlet tube 66 is inserted into the bottom surface of the recess 62, and an intake port 67 of the inlet tube 66 faces upward. A pair of bulging walls 63 face each other across the recess 62, and the upper surfaces of the pair of bulging walls 63 form a pair of support surfaces 65 that support the ECM 80 from below. The ECM 80 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and both side portions of the ECM 80 are supported at both ends by the pair of support surfaces 65.

[0025] The pair of bulging walls 63 extend rearward beyond the intake port 67, and the pair of bulging walls 63 expand the intake chamber 69 of the cleaner case 61 rearward. The expanded support surfaces 65 of the pair of bulging walls 63 stably support the ECM 80, and the expansion of the intake chamber 69 increases the capacity of the air cleaner 60. In addition, the ECM 80 is supported on the support surfaces 65 of the pair of bulging walls 63 via cushioning material 73, and vibrations from the cleaner case 61 to the ECM 80 are absorbed by the cushioning material 73. Since the upper portion of the recess 62 is mostly covered by the ECM 80, the ECM 80 prevents foreign matter from entering the intake port 67 from above.

[0026] The ECM 80 has a thin, rectangular plate-shaped case 81 and a connector 82 that protrudes from the top surface of the plate-shaped case 81. A circuit board is housed inside the plate-shaped case 81, and various electronic components such as a processor and memory are mounted on the circuit board. The connector 82 is provided along the front edge of the plate-shaped case 81, and a harness (not shown) extending from an external device is connected to the connector 82. The intake port 67 of the inlet tube 66 is located below the ECM 80, and the air that flows into the intake port 67 hits the plate-shaped case 81 on its way thereto, thereby efficiently cooling the ECM 80.

[0027] The layout of the air cleaner and ECM will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner and its surroundings in this embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, an air cleaner 60 and an ECM 80 are installed below the seat 51. Upper seat rails 52 extend rearward from protrusions 53 of the body frame 12, and the seat 51 is supported from below by the upper seat rails 52. The air cleaner 60 is positioned below the upper seat rails 52. The ECM 80 is supported on the upper rear surface of the air cleaner 60, and the connector 82 of the ECM 80 is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper seat rails 52. In this way, the thin ECM 80 is installed by utilizing the narrow space between the seat 51 and the air cleaner 60.

[0029] 3 and 6, the ECM 80 is supported by a pair of bulging walls 63 of the cleaner case 61, and an inlet tube 66 is provided in the recess 62 between the pair of bulging walls 63. Even if the ECM 80 is provided in the cleaner case 61, the inlet tube 66 does not interfere with the ECM 80, and the effect on the seat height is reduced. In addition, the pair of bulging walls 63 ensures the capacity of the air cleaner 60. The projected area of the ECM 80 in a top view is larger than the opening area of the intake port 67, and the entire intake port 67 is covered from above by the ECM 80, so that the ECM 80 effectively prevents foreign matter from entering the intake port 67.

[0030] The spacing between the pair of upper seat rails 52 widens from the top of the pair of body frames 12 toward the rear. When the driver straddles the seat 51, the spacing between the pair of upper seat rails 52 is narrower than the width of the ECM 80, improving the driver's ability to reach the ground with their feet when straddling the seat 51. When the ECM 80 is installed, the spacing between the pair of upper seat rails 52 is wider than the width of the ECM 80, ensuring sufficient capacity for the air cleaner 60 that supports the ECM 80 from below. The ECM 80 is positioned inside the pair of upper seat rails 52, so that the ECM 80 is protected by the pair of upper seat rails 52.

[0031] The bottom surface of the recess 62 is inclined so that it becomes lower toward the rear, and the lower surface of the ECM 80 is inclined so that it becomes higher toward the rear. In other words, the bottom surface of the recess 62 is inclined so that the distance between the bottom surface of the recess 62 and the lower surface of the ECM 80 becomes larger toward the rear. As a result, even if the ECM 80 is installed on the upper surface of the air cleaner 60 and covers the upper part of the intake port 67, an appropriate distance is maintained between the ECM 80 and the intake port 67, allowing for smooth air intake. The rear fender 34 is attached to the rear of the cleaner case 61, and the rear surface of the cleaner case 61 is curved so as to be continuous with the curved surface 35 of the rear fender 34.

[0032] The intake port 67 of the inlet tube 66 and the ECM 80 on the cleaner case 61 are covered from the rear by the curved surface 35 of the rear fender 34. A gap is provided between the rear edge of the ECM 80 and the curved surface 35 of the rear fender 34, and a gap is provided between the front edge of the ECM 80 and the front edge of the recessed portion 62, and air is taken in through these gaps into the intake port 67. The rear of the recessed portion 62 of the cleaner case 61 is covered by the rear fender 34, which prevents foreign matter from entering the intake port 67 from behind the recessed portion 62. Furthermore, the gaps at the front and rear of the ECM 80 narrow the path of entry for foreign matter, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the intake port 67 from above the recessed portion 62.

[0033] A pair of upper seat rails 52 are connected via a seat bridge 57, and the ECM 80 on the cleaner case 61 fits below the seat bridge 57. The rear side of the ECM 80 is formed solely from a thin plate-shaped case 81, which fits between the seat bridge 57 and the cleaner case 61. The seat bridge 57 restricts deflection of the seat 51 and reduces interference between the ECM 80 and the seat bridge 57, bringing the seat 51 and air cleaner 60 closer together and reducing the seat height. The seat 51 also improves protection for the air cleaner 60 and ECM 80.

[0034] As described above, according to the air cleaner 60 of this embodiment, the intake port 67 of the inlet tube 66 is covered with the ECM 80, so that even if foreign matter such as water droplets or mud is kicked up by the rear wheel 28, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter from entering the cleaner case 61 through the intake port 67. The ECM 80 is supported on the support surface 65 of the cleaner case 61 above the intake port 67, so there is no need to reduce the capacity of the cleaner case 61 in order to install the ECM 80. Therefore, the ECM 80 and air cleaner 60 can be installed appropriately below the seat 51.

[0035] In this embodiment, an ECM is used as an example of an electrical component, but the electrical component may be another electrical component such as a CDI.

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, the ECM is positioned below the seat bridge, but the ECM may be positioned in front of the seat bridge. In this case, it is preferable that the ECM be positioned lower than the seat bridge.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the entire intake port of the inlet tube is covered from above by the ECM, but it is sufficient that at least a portion of the intake port of the inlet tube is covered from above by the ECM.

[0038] In this embodiment, a recess and a pair of protruding walls are formed in the rear of the cleaner case, the inlet tube is provided in the recess, and the ECM is supported by the pair of protruding walls, but the shape of the cleaner case is not particularly limited.The cleaner case only needs to have a support surface that supports the electrical components and covers the intake port of the inlet tube.

[0039] The air cleaner of this embodiment is not limited to the saddle-ride type vehicle described above, and may be used in other types of saddle-ride type vehicles. Note that the saddle-ride type vehicle is not limited to all vehicles in which the rider sits astride the seat, but also includes scooter-type vehicles in which the rider does not sit astride the seat.

[0040] As described above, the first aspect of the present invention provides an air cleaner (60) installed together with electrical components (ECM 80) below the seat (51) of a saddle-ride type vehicle (1). The air cleaner (60) includes a cleaner case (61) having an intake chamber (69) and an intake pipe (inlet tube 66) that draws air into the intake chamber. The cleaner case is formed with a support surface (65) that supports the electrical components from below, and the intake port (67) of the intake pipe is covered from above by the electrical components. With this configuration, the electrical components cover the intake port of the intake pipe, thereby preventing foreign matter, such as water droplets or mud, from entering the cleaner case through the intake port. The electrical components are supported on the support surface of the cleaner case above the intake port, eliminating the need to reduce the capacity of the cleaner case to accommodate the electrical components. This allows the electrical components and the air cleaner to be appropriately installed below the seat.

[0041] In the second aspect, the projected area of the electrical component in a top view of the first aspect is larger than the opening area of the suction port, and the suction port is entirely covered from above by the electrical component. With this configuration, the suction port of the suction pipe is entirely covered by the electrical component, which more effectively prevents foreign matter from entering the suction port.

[0042] In the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the rear of the cleaner case is recessed to form a recess (62) and a pair of bulging walls (63) sandwiching the recess, the suction pipe is provided on the bottom surface of the recess, and the upper surfaces of the pair of bulging walls serve as support surfaces. With this configuration, even if electrical components are provided in the cleaner case, the suction pipe does not interfere with the electrical components, thereby minimizing the impact on the seat height. Furthermore, the pair of bulging walls supports the electrical components while ensuring the capacity of the air cleaner.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the pair of bulging walls extend rearward beyond the intake port. With this configuration, the pair of bulging walls extending rearward widens the support surface, stably supporting the electrical components, and expands the intake chamber rearward, increasing the capacity of the air cleaner.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the rear of the recess is open, and the bottom surface of the recess is inclined so that the distance between the bottom surface of the recess and the underside of the electrical component increases toward the rear. With this configuration, even if the upper part of the intake port is covered by the electrical component, an appropriate distance is maintained between the intake port and the electrical component, allowing for smooth intake of air.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, a rear fender (34) is attached to the cleaner case, and the rear fender covers the intake port from the rear side. With this configuration, the rear of the recess is covered by the rear fender, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the intake port from behind the recess.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the electrical components on the cleaner case are covered from the rear by the rear fender, and a gap is provided between the electrical components and the rear fender, through which air is taken into the intake port. With this configuration, the gap between the electrical components and the rear fender narrows the path of entry for foreign matter, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the intake port from above the recess.

[0047] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the seat is supported from below by a pair of seat rails (upper seat rails 52), the pair of seat rails are connected via a bridge (seat bridge 57), and the electrical components on the cleaner case are located below the bridge. With this configuration, the bridge restricts bending of the seat and reduces interference between the electrical components and the bridge, bringing the seat and air cleaner closer together and reducing seat height. In addition, the seat improves protection for the air cleaner and electrical components.

[0048] Although the present embodiment has been described, other embodiments may be made by combining the above-described embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

[0049] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way due to technological advances or other derived technologies, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Saddle-type vehicle 28: Rear wheel 34: Rear fender 51: Sheet 52: Upper seat rail (seat rail) 57: Seat Bridge (Bridge) 60:Air cleaner 61: Cleaner case 62: Recess 63:Bulging wall 65: Support surface of bulging wall 66: Inlet tube 67: Intake port 69: Intake chamber 80: ECM (electrical components)

Claims

1. An air cleaner installed together with electrical components below a seat of a saddle-ride type vehicle, a cleaner case in which an intake chamber is formed; an intake pipe that takes air into the intake chamber, The cleaner case is formed with a support surface that supports the electrical components from below, An air cleaner characterized in that an intake port of the intake pipe is covered from above by the electrical component.

2. 2. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a projected area of the electrical component in a top view is larger than an opening area of the intake port, and the intake port is entirely covered by the electrical component from above.

3. The rear portion of the cleaner case is recessed to form a recess and a pair of protruding walls sandwiching the recess, 3. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the intake pipe is provided on a bottom surface of the recess, and upper surfaces of the pair of bulging walls serve as the support surfaces.

4. 4. The air cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the pair of bulging walls extend rearward beyond the intake port.

5. The rear of the recess is open, 4. The air cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the bottom surface of the recess is inclined so that the distance between the bottom surface of the recess and the lower surface of the electrical component increases rearward.

6. A rear fender is attached to the cleaner case, 6. The air cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the intake port is covered from the rear side by the rear fender.

7. the electrical components on the cleaner case are covered by the rear fender from the rear side; 7. The air cleaner according to claim 6, wherein a gap is provided between the electrical component and the rear fender, and air is taken into the intake port through the gap.

8. The seat is supported from below by a pair of seat rails, and the pair of seat rails are connected via a bridge, 3. The air cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the electrical components on the cleaner case are located below the bridge.

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