Air intake structure

Abstract

To secure a sufficient intake amount while suppressing intrusion of foreign matter such as water and mud into an air cleaner.SOLUTION: An intake structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle guides air toward an intake port (64) of an air cleaner. The intake structure is provided with a seat (27) located above the air cleaner and a rear fender (33) located behind the air cleaner. A lower surface of a rear portion of the seat and an upper surface of a front portion of the rear fender face each other to form an intake passage. A recessed part (71) extending from a position rearward of a rear end (29) of the seat to a position forward of the rear end of the seat in a top view is provided on an upper surface of a front part of the rear fender.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are some saddle-ride type vehicles in which an air cleaner is installed below the seat and the periphery of the air cleaner is covered with various fittings (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the saddle-ride type vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the air cleaner is covered from above by the seat, from both sides by a pair of side covers, and from the rear by the rear fender. An air intake port is formed in the air cleaner, and a gap is provided between the seat and the fittings such as the rear fender. Air is taken in through the gap between the seat and the fittings into the air cleaner intake port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-73468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the saddle-type vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the gap between the seat and the fittings needs to be set narrow to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as water and mud, but if the gap is too narrow, there is a risk that the air cleaner will not be able to take in enough air and satisfactory engine output will not be obtained.

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

[0006] One aspect of the air intake structure of the present invention is an air intake structure for a saddle-type vehicle that directs air toward an air cleaner intake port, and includes a seat located above the air cleaner and a rear fender located behind the air cleaner, with an air intake passage formed by the rear underside of the seat and the front upper surface of the rear fender facing each other, and a recess provided in the front upper surface of the rear fender that extends from a position rearward of the rear end of the seat to a position forward of the rear end of the seat when viewed from above, thereby solving the above problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the air intake structure of the present invention, the provision of a recess in the upper surface of the rear fender widens the intake passage, increasing the amount of intake air led to the air cleaner intake port and improving engine output. Furthermore, because foreign matter such as water or mud splashed up by the rear wheel is less likely to adhere to the upper surface of the rear fender, providing a recess in the upper surface of the rear fender also prevents foreign matter from entering the air intake port. Therefore, a sufficient amount of intake air can be ensured while preventing foreign matter from entering the air cleaner. [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 top view of the peripheral portion of the air cleaner of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner and its surroundings taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view of an intake structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the intake structure of the saddle-ride type vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an intake structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the intake structure of the saddle-ride type vehicle of FIG. 5 taken along line BB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A straddle-type vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with an intake structure that guides air toward an air cleaner intake port. A seat is positioned above the air cleaner, and a rear fender is positioned behind the air cleaner. An intake passage is formed between the rear lower surface of the seat and the front upper surface of the rear fender. The front upper surface of the rear fender is provided with a recess that extends from a position rearward of the rear end of the seat to a position forward of the rear end of the seat in a top view. The recess in the upper surface of the rear fender widens the intake passage, increasing the amount of intake air guided to the air cleaner intake port and improving engine output. Furthermore, because foreign matter such as water or mud splashed up by the rear wheel is less likely to adhere to the upper surface of the rear fender, the provision of a recess in the upper surface of the rear fender can prevent foreign matter from entering the intake port. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient amount of intake air while preventing foreign matter from entering the air cleaner. [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, the saddle-ride type vehicle 1 is configured by mounting various parts such as an engine 41 and an electrical system on a body frame 10. A pair of main frames 12 extend diagonally downward and rearward from a head pipe 11 of the body frame 10, and the rear portions of the pair of main frames 12 bend downward to form a pair of body frames 13. In addition, down frames 14 extend downward from the head pipe 11, and under loops 15 bent rearward are connected to the lower portions of the down frames 14. The rear ends of the pair of under loops 15 are connected to the lower portions of the pair of body frames 13, so that the body frame 10 is formed into a cradle shape.

[0012] A front fork 21 is steerably supported on the head pipe 11 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. The front wheel 23 is covered from above by a front fender 24 provided on the front fork 21. A fuel tank 25 is placed on the upper part of the pair of main frames 12, and the main frames 12 and fuel tank 25 are covered from the sides by front side covers 26. A seat 27 is provided behind the fuel tank 25, and a pair of side covers 28 are provided below the seat 27.

[0013] A swing arm 31 is swingably supported by the body frame 13. The swing arm 31 extends rearward from the body frame 13, and a rear wheel 32 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 31. The rear wheel 32 is covered from above by a rear fender 33 installed behind the seat 27. The swing arm 31, rear suspension 34, and body frame 13 are connected via a cushion lever 35 and a cushion rod 36. The rear suspension 34 expands and contracts as the swing arm 31 swings, absorbing unevenness in the road surface and suppressing vibrations while improving the contact between the road surface and the rear wheel 32.

[0014] The engine 41 is a four-stroke single-cylinder engine and is suspended inside the body frame 10 via suspension brackets 37. A cylinder assembly, which is made up of a cylinder 43, a cylinder head 44, and a cylinder head cover 45 stacked together, is attached to the top of a crankcase 42 of the engine 41. An exhaust pipe 46 is connected to the front of the cylinder head 44. The exhaust pipe 46 extends rearward past the right side of the cylinder 43, and an up-type muffler 47 that is tilted obliquely upward and rearward is connected to the downstream end of the exhaust pipe 46. In addition, an intake device such as an air cleaner 61 is installed behind the cylinder head 44.

[0015] In a typical off-road vehicle, the air cleaner intake port is located below the seat, and air is drawn into the intake port through the gap between the seat and other fittings, such as the rear fender. Narrowing the gap between the seat and the fittings prevents foreign matter, such as water and mud, from entering the intake port, and conceals the components under the seat, improving appearance. However, this reduces the amount of air intake by the air cleaner, preventing sufficient engine output. Therefore, in this embodiment, a recess 71 (see FIG. 4) is formed in the upper surface of the rear fender 33, which is less likely to attract foreign matter, such as water and mud, splashed up by the rear wheel 32 and has little impact on appearance, thereby increasing the amount of air intake by the air cleaner 61.

[0016] The air intake structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 is a top view of the air cleaner and its surrounding area of ​​this embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner and its surrounding area of ​​Figure 2 taken along line AA. Figure 4 is a top view of the air intake structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 5 is a rear view of the air intake structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the air intake structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the air intake structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle of Figure 5 taken along line BB. Note that Figure 6 shows the state in which the seat and ECM (Engine Control Module) have been removed from the saddle-riding type vehicle.

[0017] 2 and 3, the upper portions of a pair of body frames 13 are connected via a frame bridge 51, and upper seat rails 52 extend rearward from the upper portions of the pair of body frames 13. A pair of lower seat rails 53 extend diagonally upward and rearward from the lower portions of the pair of body frames 13, and the rear ends of the pair of lower seat rails 53 are connected to the rear ends of the pair of upper seat rails 52. The front portions of the pair of upper seat rails 52 are connected via a sensor bracket 54, and the rear portions of the pair of upper seat rails 52 are connected via a seat bridge 55.

[0018] An accelerator position sensor 56 is supported on the sensor bracket 54. An air cleaner 61 is installed in the space inside the pair of upper seat rails 52 and the pair of lower seat rails 53. The rear side of the air cleaner 61 is formed by a cleaner case 62, and the front side of the air cleaner 61 is formed by an outlet tube 65. The center of the upper surface of the rear part of the cleaner case 62 is recessed, and an inlet tube 63 is inserted into the bottom surface of this recess 70. The upper and rear sides of the recess 70 of the cleaner case 62 are open, and the intake port 64 of the inlet tube 63 faces upward.

[0019] An ECM 69 is installed on the upper rear surface of the cleaner case 62 so as to cover the intake port 64 of the inlet tube 63 from above. The rear surface of the cleaner case 62 is curved, and the front side of the rear fender 33 is attached to the rear surface of the cleaner case 62. The bottom surface of the recess 70 in the cleaner case 62 slopes downward toward the rear of the vehicle, and the rear side of the inlet tube 63 is covered by the curved surface of the rear fender 33. Air is taken into the cleaner case 62 from the intake port 64 of the inlet tube 63 through the gap between the ECM 69 and the curved surface of the rear fender 33.

[0020] A filter 66 is installed inside the cleaner case 62, and air taken in through the inlet tube 63 is filtered by the filter 66 and sent to the outlet tube 65. The outlet tube 65 is connected to the cylinder head 44 via an electronically controlled throttle 67 and an intake pipe 68. The air filtered by the filter 66 is sent from the outlet tube 65 to the electronically controlled throttle 67, and after the intake amount is adjusted by the electronically controlled throttle 67, the air is supplied from the electronically controlled throttle 67 to the cylinder head 44 through the intake pipe 68.

[0021] 4 and 5, an air intake structure is formed at the rear of the saddle-ride type vehicle 1 by the seat 27 and the rear fender 33, which guides air to an intake port 64 of an air cleaner 61. The seat 27 is provided above the air cleaner 61, a pair of side covers 28 are provided on both sides of the air cleaner 61, and a rear fender 33 is provided behind the air cleaner 61. The air cleaner 61 is surrounded by the seat 27, the pair of side covers 28, and the rear fender 33, and air is drawn into the intake port 64 of the air cleaner 61 through gaps between the seat 27 and the side covers 28 and between the seat 27 and the rear fender 33.

[0022] An intake passage is formed by the rear lower surface of the seat 27 and the front upper surface of the rear fender 33 facing each other. A recess 71 that is long in the front-to-rear direction is provided in the front upper surface of the rear fender 33, and in a top view, the recess 71 extends from a position rearward of the rear end 29 of the seat 27 to a position forward of the rear end 29 of the seat 27. In other words, in a top view, the front end of the recess 71 is located inside the seat 27, and the rear end of the recess 71 is located outside the seat 27. As described above, air is drawn in through the gap between the seat 27 and the side cover 28, but the gap between the seat 27 and the rear fender 33 is widened by the recess 71, so that air is drawn mainly through the recess 71.

[0023] In a top view, the recess 71 is formed to be wider from rear to front, improving the design. The front upper surface of the rear fender 33 curves downward toward the front, and the recess 71 is formed to be deeper toward the front to match the shape of the fender. The intake passage is widened from behind the recess 71 toward the front, allowing air to flow smoothly, and the rear end side (inlet side) of the recess 71 is narrowed, preventing the intrusion of foreign matter. In a rear view, the recess 71 is formed to be wider from the bottom surface toward the top. Foreign matter such as water will infiltrate along the bottom surface, so the narrow bottom surface of the recess 71 prevents the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0024] 2 and 6, a pair of wall portions 72 is provided on the front upper surface of the rear fender 33. The pair of wall portions 72 extend forward from both ends of the front end of the recessed portion 71 in the vehicle width direction, and are curved in an arc shape so that the distance between the pair of wall portions 72 increases from rear to front in a top view. The pair of wall portions 72 gently widen the intake passage from the recessed portion 71 toward the intake port 64, allowing air to flow smoothly. The pair of wall portions 72 protrude upward from the front upper surface of the rear fender 33, and fill the gap between the seat 27 and the rear fender 33, improving the design.

[0025] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a horizontally elongated rib 73 is provided on the front upper surface of the rear fender 33, and in a top view, the rib 73 extends in the vehicle width direction across the intake passage. The width of the rib 73 is greater than the width dimensions of the recess 71 and the intake port 64. The height of the rib 73 decreases outward in the vehicle width direction to match the shape of the rear fender 33. The rib 73 is highest at the middle position in the vehicle width direction, and the height of the rib 73 at the middle position is the same height as the wall portion 72. An air passage is secured above the rib 73, and the rib 73 blocks the flow of water, etc., along the surface of the rear fender 33. The rib 73 prevents foreign matter from entering the intake port 64 without impeding the intake of air into the intake port 64.

[0026] The ribs 73 are curved so as to convex rearward in a top view, and the ribs 73 guide the flow of water and the like outward in the vehicle width direction, making it difficult for foreign matter to head toward the intake port 64. The ribs 73 are positioned higher than the intake port 64 (see FIG. 3), and the height of the ribs 73 is kept low, making it difficult for the flow of air toward the intake port 64 to be obstructed. Reducing the height of the ribs 73 reduces the impact on surrounding components, improving the degree of freedom in the shape of the rear fender 33. The ribs 73 are positioned closer to the recessed portion 71 than the intake port 64, making it possible to prevent foreign matter from entering at a position distant from the intake port 64, and the ribs 73 fill the gap below the seat 27, improving the design.

[0027] The intake passage at the rear of the vehicle will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, an intake passage is formed between the underside of the seat 27 and the upper surface of the rear fender 33. A recess 71 is formed in the upper surface of the rear fender 33 to widen the intake passage, making it easier for air to be taken in from the rear of the vehicle to below the seat 27 through the recess 71. A pair of walls 72 is provided in front of the recess 71, and below the seat 27, the pair of walls 72 widen the intake passage toward the front of the vehicle. As indicated by arrow F1, the recess 71 and the pair of walls 72 smoothly guide air toward the intake port 64 (see Figure 3).

[0028] At this time, foreign matter such as water or mud is splashed up by the rear wheel 32 (see FIG. 1), but the foreign matter is less likely to enter the recessed portion 71 on the upper surface of the rear fender 33. Even if foreign matter does enter the recessed portion 71, the rib 73 on the upper surface of the rear fender 33 prevents the foreign matter from entering. As indicated by arrow F2, foreign matter such as water flows down the upper surface of the rear fender 33, but the foreign matter is guided along the rib 73 to the outside in the vehicle width direction and is discharged to the outside. At this time, the height of the rib 73 is kept low, allowing air to flow above the rib 73, so the air flow is less likely to be blocked by the rib 73, and the effect on the intake volume is kept to a minimum.

[0029] As described above, according to the air intake structure for saddle riding type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the provision of recess 71 in the upper surface of rear fender 33 widens the air intake passage, increasing the amount of intake air led to intake port 64 of air cleaner 61 and improving engine output. Furthermore, because foreign matter such as water or mud splashed up by rear wheel 32 is unlikely to adhere to the upper surface of rear fender 33, providing recess 71 in the upper surface of rear fender 33 can prevent foreign matter from entering intake port 64. Therefore, a sufficient amount of intake air can be secured while preventing foreign matter from entering air cleaner 61.

[0030] In this embodiment, the recess is formed so that its width increases from the rear to the front, but it is sufficient that the recess extends from the rear to the front.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, ribs and a pair of wall portions are provided on the upper surface of the rear fender, but it is sufficient if at least a recess is provided on the upper surface of the rear fender, and the ribs and a pair of wall portions do not have to be provided.

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, the ribs are curved so as to have a convex shape facing rearward when viewed from above, but the curved shape of the ribs is not limited as long as the ribs extend in the vehicle width direction so as to cross the intake passage.

[0033] The intake structure of this embodiment is not limited to the saddle-ride type vehicle described above, and may be adopted 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.

[0034] As described above, the first aspect of the present invention provides an air intake structure for a saddle-type vehicle (1) that guides air toward the air intake port (64) of an air cleaner (61). The structure includes a seat (27) positioned above the air cleaner and a rear fender (33) positioned behind the air cleaner. The rear lower surface of the seat faces the front upper surface of the rear fender to form an air intake passage. The front upper surface of the rear fender is provided with a recess (71) that extends from a position rearward of the rear end (29) of the seat to a position forward of the rear end of the seat in a top view. According to this configuration, the recess in the upper surface of the rear fender widens the air intake passage, thereby increasing the amount of intake air guided to the air cleaner intake port and improving engine output. Furthermore, because foreign matter such as water or mud splashed up by the rear wheel is less likely to adhere to the upper surface of the rear fender, the recess in the upper surface of the rear fender can prevent foreign matter from entering the air intake port. Therefore, a sufficient amount of intake air can be ensured while preventing foreign matter from entering the air cleaner.

[0035] In the second aspect, the recess in the first aspect is formed so that it widens from the rear to the front in top view. With this configuration, the intake passage widens from the rear to the front of the recess, allowing air to flow smoothly, and the rear end side (inlet side) of the recess becomes narrower, preventing foreign matter from entering.

[0036] In the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, a pair of walls (72) are provided on the front upper surface of the rear fender, extending forward from both ends of the front end of the recess in the vehicle width direction, and the pair of walls are formed so that the distance between them increases from rear to front in a top view. With this configuration, the pair of walls gradually widen the intake passage from the recess toward the intake port, allowing air to flow smoothly. The pair of walls fills the gap between the seat and the rear fender, improving design.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, a rib (73) is provided on the front upper surface of the rear fender, extending in the vehicle width direction so as to cross the intake passage, and the rib is formed to be longer than the width dimension of the recess and the width dimension of the intake port. With this configuration, the rib can prevent foreign matter from entering without obstructing the flow of air into the intake port.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the rib is curved so as to have a convex shape toward the rear in a top view. With this configuration, the rib guides foreign matter outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby preventing the foreign matter from entering the intake port.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the rib is positioned above the intake port. With this configuration, the height of the rib can be kept low, making it less likely that the rib will obstruct the flow of air toward the intake port. By keeping the height of the rib low, the impact on surrounding components is reduced, improving the degree of freedom in the shape of the rear fender.

[0040] A seventh aspect is any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, in which the rib is closer to the recess than the intake port. This configuration makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from entering at a position away from the intake port. In addition, the rib fills the gap under the seat, improving the design.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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]

[0043] 1: Saddle-type vehicle 27: Sheet 29: Rear end of seat 33: Rear fender 61: Air cleaner 62: Cleaner case 63: Inlet tube 64: Air intake 71: Rear fender recess 72: Rear fender wall 73: Rear fender rib

Claims

1. An intake structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle that guides air toward an intake port of an air cleaner, a seat located above the air cleaner; a rear fender located behind the air cleaner, an intake passage is formed between the rear lower surface of the seat and the front upper surface of the rear fender; An intake structure characterized in that a recess is provided on the front upper surface of the rear fender, the recess extending from a position rearward of the rear end of the seat to a position forward of the rear end of the seat in a top view.

2. 2. The air intake structure according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed so as to widen from the rear to the front in a top view.

3. a pair of wall portions extending forward from both ends of a front end of the recess in the vehicle width direction are provided on a front upper surface of the rear fender; 3. The air intake structure according to claim 1, wherein the pair of walls are formed so that the opposing distance between them increases from rear to front in a top view.

4. A rib is provided on the front upper surface of the rear fender, extending in the vehicle width direction so as to cross the intake passage, 3. The air intake structure according to claim 1, wherein the rib is formed to be longer than the width of the recess and the width of the air intake port.

5. 5. The air intake structure according to claim 4, wherein the rib is curved so as to have a rearward convex shape when viewed from above.

6. 5. The air intake structure according to claim 4, wherein the rib is positioned above the air intake port.

7. The air intake structure according to claim 4, wherein the rib is closer to the recess than the air intake port.

Images