Intake filter

Abstract

To provide an intake filter that can further improve the performance of an internal combustion engine. [Solution] The intake filter 2 is installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine and is an intake filter that filters out foreign matter contained in outside air introduced from the outside to make it fresh air, and comprises a filter body 21 having a structure for filtering out foreign matter, and a nitrogen adsorption material 24 provided on the filter body 21 for adsorbing nitrogen contained in the outside air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intake filter suitable for an internal combustion engine.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an engine room of a vehicle includes an intake system that supplies fresh air to an engine, and the intake system includes an air cleaner that filters foreign matters contained in outside air introduced from the outside to make fresh air.

[0003] [[ID=

[16] The air cleaner is classified into a lid type (or general type) and a drawer type according to the attachment / detachment structure of the intake filter.

[0004] / / Patent Document 1 discloses a lid type (or general type) air cleaner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the intake filter of Patent Document 1, it only filters foreign matters contained in outside air introduced from the outside, and it is impossible to improve the performance (such as fuel consumption) of an internal combustion engine (engine) with respect to outside air not containing foreign matters.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an intake filter capable of further improving the performance of an internal combustion engine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An intake filter in a first aspect of the present invention comprises a nitrogen adsorption material that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air. The intake filter of the present invention is installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine.

[0009] Preferably, the intake filter according to the present invention is an intake filter installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine, which filters out foreign matter contained in outside air introduced from the outside and replaces it with fresh air, and is equipped with a nitrogen adsorption material that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air.

[0010] An intake filter in a second aspect of the present invention comprises a filter body having a structure for filtering foreign matter, and a nitrogen adsorption material provided on the filter body for adsorbing nitrogen contained in the outside air. The intake filter of the present invention is installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine.

[0011] Preferably, an intake filter is provided on the intake side of an internal combustion engine and filters out foreign matter contained in outside air introduced from the outside to make it fresh air, comprising a filter body having a structure for filtering out foreign matter, and a nitrogen adsorption material provided on the filter body for adsorbing nitrogen contained in the outside air.

[0012] An intake filter in a third aspect of the present invention is filled with a nitrogen adsorption material that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air. The intake filter of the present invention is installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine.

[0013] Preferably, it is an intake filter installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine, which filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside and turns it into fresh air, and is filled with a nitrogen adsorption material that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention provides an intake filter that can further improve the performance of an internal combustion engine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing an intake system in which an intake filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an intake filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an intake filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing the first and second modified examples of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing an intake filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment>

[0017] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an intake system in which an intake filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an intake filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an intake filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged intake filter body, and FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view showing one nitrogen adsorption material.

[0018] <Configuration of the First Embodiment> In FIG. 1, an intake system 1 is provided on the intake side of an internal combustion engine (for example, an engine for an automobile or a motorcycle), supplies fresh air to the internal combustion engine, and includes an intake filter 2 that filters foreign substances contained in the outside air introduced from the outside to make fresh air.

[0019] The intake system 1 is composed of an intake filter 2, an upstream intake section 3, and a downstream intake section 4.

[0020] The intake front section 3 includes an air duct 31 for taking in outside air and an air cleaner box 32 for housing the intake filter 2.

[0021] The air duct 31 has an air intake port 31a at one end for taking in outside air, and the other end is connected to the side of the air cleaner box 32, guiding the outside air taken in from the air intake port 31a to the air cleaner box 32. The air cleaner box 32 is a box-shaped structure that houses the intake filter 2.

[0022] The intake rear section 4 includes an air cleaner box 41 that houses the intake filter 2 and an air intake hose 42 that is connected to the intake port of the internal combustion engine.

[0023] The air cleaner box 41 is a box-shaped structure that houses the intake filter 2. The air cleaner boxes 32 and 41 are integrated by fixing members and house the intake filter 2.

[0024] The air intake hose 42 has one end connected to the side of the air cleaner box 41 and the other end connected to the intake port of the internal combustion engine.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the intake filter 2 consists of a hexahedral intake filter body 21 with one face being a rectangular shape, and a urethane foam 22.

[0026] The urethane foam 22 is formed in a frame shape, and the intake filter body 21 is fitted inside the frame shape and bonded to the intake filter body 21.

[0027] The urethane foam 22 is fitted into the inner surface 43 of the air cleaner box 41 of the intake downstream section 4 shown in Figure 1, ensuring airtightness to the peripheral portion of the intake filter 2.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3(a), the intake filter body 21 is constructed by bonding or intertwining multiple fibers (for example, 1.5d (diameter 15 μm) 23 self-bonding PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) fibers) 23 that constitute the nonwoven fabric) and multiple nitrogen adsorption materials 24, thereby mixing the nitrogen adsorption materials 24 between the fibers 23.

[0029] For example, the fibers 23 can be aramid fibers, glass fibers, cellulose fibers, nylon fibers, vinylon fibers, polyester fibers, etc.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3(b), the nitrogen adsorption material 24 is a harpoon formed by shaping molecular sieves into a spherical form.

[0031] Molecular sieves are a group of synthetic zeolites, specifically crystalline aluminosilicates containing a relatively high amount of aluminum. Their general chemical formula is Mn+1 / n(AlO2)-(SiO2)x·yH2O (M=Na+,K+,Ca2+,1≦x<2).

[0032] The 4A and 13X types, which are used industrially, are represented by the following chemical formulas. 4A: Na 12 (AlO2) 12 (SiO2) 12 ]·27H2O 13X: Na 86 (AlO2) 86 (SiO2) 106 ]·276H2O

[0033] For the diameter L1 of the nitrogen adsorption material 24, for example, 4-8 mesh (Mesh; ASTM standard), 8-12 mesh, etc., can be used.

[0034] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will now be described. The outside air taken in by the air duct 31 of the intake front section 3 has foreign matter removed by the fibers 23 of the intake filter body 21 in the intake filter 2, and some nitrogen is adsorbed by the nitrogen adsorption material 24 between the fibers 23, and is then guided to the intake port of the internal combustion engine via the air intake hose 42 of the intake rear section 4.

[0035] As a result, the intake filter 2 adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air introduced from the outside, thereby reducing the nitrogen concentration of the outside air.

[0036] <Configuration and Effects of the First Embodiment> The configuration and effects of the first embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The intake filter 2 is provided on the intake side of an internal combustion engine and is an intake filter that filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside to make it fresh air, and is equipped with a nitrogen adsorption material 24 that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air.

[0037] Furthermore, the intake filter 2 is installed on the intake side of the internal combustion engine and is an intake filter that filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside to make it fresh air, and comprises a filter body 21 having a structure for filtering out foreign matter, and a nitrogen adsorption material 24 provided on the filter body 21 for adsorbing nitrogen contained in the outside air.

[0038] Because of this configuration, the intake filter 2 of the first embodiment adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air introduced from the outside, thereby lowering the nitrogen concentration of the outside air and increasing the oxygen concentration of the outside air, which is then guided to the intake port of the internal combustion engine, thus improving the performance of the internal combustion engine.

[0039] Furthermore, the intake filter 2 of the first embodiment uses (or mixes) nitrogen adsorption material 24 in the filter itself. Even if the nitrogen adsorption material 24 has low capacity, if it can adsorb even a small amount of nitrogen and increase the oxygen concentration, it is expected that combustion efficiency will be improved.

[0040] Furthermore, although the nitrogen adsorption capacity of nitrogen adsorption material 24 decreases with continued use, as mentioned above, even if it can adsorb only a small amount of nitrogen, it can slightly improve combustion efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, the intake filter 2, which uses the nitrogen adsorption material 24, can be replaced, and its nitrogen adsorption capacity can be restored by replacement.

[0042] Furthermore, the intake filter 2 can be reused without replacement, for example, by regenerating its nitrogen adsorption capacity.

[0043] For example, the nitrogen adsorption material 24 can be regenerated by heating it (using a heater, etc.). While nitrogen adsorption is not possible during regeneration (heating by a heater in the example above), when necessary (for example, when acceleration is needed, such as when starting a car), the combustion efficiency of the internal combustion engine can be improved (increased explosive power (combustion power)) by passing air (intake) through the regenerated nitrogen adsorption material.

[0044] During regeneration, nitrogen is released from the nitrogen adsorption material 24, resulting in intake air containing more nitrogen than normal air. However, if released slowly, this does not significantly hinder combustion even if introduced into the combustion chamber as intake air. Furthermore, any air containing more nitrogen than normal air may be discharged instead of being introduced into the combustion chamber.

[0045] Furthermore, the intake filter 2 can be regenerated by heating and reused instead of being left unused indefinitely.

[0046] <Modified form of the first embodiment> Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing first and second modifications of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] <First variation of the first embodiment> Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing a nitrogen adsorption material of a first modified example of the intake filter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In the first modified example of the first embodiment, the intake filter uses the nitrogen adsorption material 25 shown in Figure 4(a) instead of the spherical nitrogen adsorption material 24 shown in Figure 3(b).

[0049] The nitrogen adsorption material 25 is formed by shaping molecular sieves into a cylindrical form. For the diameter L2 of the nitrogen adsorption material 25, for example, 1.6 mm (1 / 16 inch), 3.2 mm (1 / 8 inch), etc., are used.

[0050] According to this first modification, the same effects as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be obtained.

[0051] <Second variation of the first embodiment> Figure 4(b) is a perspective view showing a nitrogen adsorption material for a second modified example of the intake filter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] In the second modified example of the first embodiment, the intake filter uses the nitrogen adsorption material 26 shown in Figure 4(b) instead of the spherical nitrogen adsorption material 24 shown in Figure 3(b).

[0053] The nitrogen adsorption material 26 is formed by creating a molecular sieve with a clover-shaped cross-section, and has a shape in which three cylinders 27 are arranged in parallel and integrated.

[0054] For the diameter L3 of the nitrogen adsorption material 26, for example, 3.2 mm (1 / 8 inch) or 6.4 mm (1 / 4 inch) can be used.

[0055] According to this second modification, the same effects as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be obtained.

[0056] <Third Modification of the First Embodiment> In the third modified example of the first embodiment, the intake filter is formed by mixing nitrogen adsorption material powder with the raw material before forming the fibers, forming the fibers, and then bonding or intertwining the fibers to form the intake filter body.

[0057] According to this third modified example, the same effects as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be obtained.

[0058] <Fourth variation of the first embodiment> The intake filter of the fourth modified example of the first embodiment is a conventional filter made of nonwoven fabric or the like, which is attached to the inside 43 (see Figure 1) of the air cleaner box 41 (see Figure 1) in the downstream intake section 4 (see Figure 1), and a nitrogen adsorption material powder is sprinkled on the intake side surface of the filter.

[0059] According to this fourth modification, the same effects as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be obtained.

[0060] Furthermore, the nitrogen adsorption material used in the intake filters of the first embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples shown in Figures 1 to 3 is not limited to molecular sieves; various other materials are applicable.

[0061] The shape of the nitrogen adsorption material is not limited to those shown in Figures 3 and 4; various other shapes are also applicable. This technology can also be applied to various internal combustion engines, including automobiles, motorcycles, ships, and generators.

[0062] <Second Embodiment>

[0063] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an intake filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that parts of the intake system not shown in Figure 5 will be explained using Figure 1 as a substitute.

[0064] <Configuration of the second embodiment> The intake filter 5 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is composed of an intake filter body 51 and a urethane foam 52.

[0065] The intake filter body 21 is housed in a case 53 formed from a metal plate into a box shape, filled with multiple nitrogen adsorption materials 55. The nitrogen adsorption materials 55 are spherical in shape. Multiple ventilation holes 54 are formed in the case 53. The ventilation holes 54 are smaller than the nitrogen adsorption materials 55.

[0066] The urethane foam 52 is formed into a frame shape, and the intake filter body 51 is fitted inside the frame shape and bonded to the intake filter body 51.

[0067] Furthermore, the urethane foam 52 is fitted to the inside 43 (see Figure 1) of the air cleaner box 41 (see Figure 1) in the downstream intake section 4 (see Figure 1), ensuring airtightness to the peripheral portion of the intake filter 2.

[0068] <Operation of the second embodiment> The operation of the second embodiment will now be described. The outside air taken in by the air duct 31 (see Figure 1) of the intake pre-stage 3 (see Figure 1) has foreign matter removed by the case 53 with multiple ventilation holes 54 formed in the intake filter 5 and the nitrogen adsorption material 55 inside the case 53, and some nitrogen is adsorbed by the nitrogen adsorption material 55 inside the case 53, and is then guided to the intake port of the internal combustion engine via the air intake hose 42 (see Figure 1) of the intake post-stage 4 (see Figure 1).

[0069] As a result, the intake filter 5 adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air introduced from the outside, thereby reducing the nitrogen concentration of the outside air.

[0070] <Configuration and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The configuration and effects of this second embodiment of the present invention will be summarized below. The intake filter 5 is provided on the intake side of an internal combustion engine and is an intake filter that filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside to make it fresh air, and is equipped with a nitrogen adsorption material 55 that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air.

[0071] Furthermore, the intake filter 5 is installed on the intake side of the internal combustion engine and is an intake filter that filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside to make it fresh air, and is filled with a nitrogen adsorption material 55 that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air.

[0072] With this configuration, the intake filter 5 of the second embodiment adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air introduced from the outside using the nitrogen adsorption material 55, thereby lowering the nitrogen concentration in the outside air and increasing the oxygen concentration in the outside air, which is then guided to the intake port of the internal combustion engine, thus further improving the performance of the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, various shapes and materials of the nitrogen adsorption material can be applied to the intake filter 5 of the second embodiment.

[0073] This technology can also be applied to various internal combustion engines, including automobiles, motorcycles, ships, and generators.

[0074] Furthermore, the structure, system, materials, connections between components, chemical substances, etc., of the present invention can be modified in various ways without altering the essence of the invention.

[0075] Furthermore, you can freely choose from materials such as metal, plastic, FRP, wood, and concrete.

[0076] Furthermore, it is possible to combine two or more components into one, or conversely, to construct one component from two or more other components and connect them.

[0077] Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications are merely six of the best or near-best forms currently available.

[0078] Furthermore, control may be controlled by a higher-level control unit or by a lower-level control unit. Furthermore, the order of control can be changed as appropriate, provided that it achieves the desired effect.

[0079] <Definition, etc.> The nitrogen adsorption material in this invention may be any material that adsorbs nitrogen. An example of an internal combustion engine in this invention is an engine for a motorcycle. In other words, it may also be an engine for an automobile, a ship, or a generator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Intake System 2. Intake filter 3. Intake Pre-stage 4. Intake after section 21 Intake filter body 22 Urethane foam 23 Fibers 24 Nitrogen adsorption materials 25 Nitrogen adsorption material 26 Nitrogen adsorption materials 27 cylinders 31 Air duct 32 Air Cleaner Box 31a Intake 41 Air cleaner box 42 Air intake hose 43 Inside 51 Intake filter body 52 Urethane foam 53 cases 54 Ventilation holes 55 Nitrogen adsorption material

Claims

1. An intake filter installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine, which filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside and turns it into fresh air, An intake filter equipped with a nitrogen adsorption material that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air.

2. An intake filter installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine, which filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside and turns it into fresh air, A filter body having a structure for filtering out foreign matter, The filter body is provided with a nitrogen adsorption material that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air, An intake filter equipped with an air filter.

3. An intake filter installed on the intake side of an internal combustion engine, which filters out foreign matter contained in the outside air introduced from the outside and turns it into fresh air, An intake filter filled with a nitrogen-adsorbing material that adsorbs nitrogen contained in the outside air.

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