Flexible hollow member for air cleaner assembly for two wheeler

Abstract

The present invention provides an air cleaner assembly (300) for a vehicle (100). The air cleaner assembly (300) comprises an air cleaner (202) configured in an space (204) of a frame assembly (206) of the vehicle (100). The air cleaner (202) is connected to a throttle unit (208) of the vehicle (100). The air cleaner assembly (300) further comprises a connecting hollow member (210) configured to connect the air cleaner (202) to the throttle unit (208). The connecting hollow member (210) comprises a first end portion (502) and a second end portion (504). Herein, the second end portion (504) of the connecting hollow member (210) comprises one or more bellows (302A, 302B) to allow ease of assembly of the air cleaner assembly from the longitudinal side of the vehicle.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to automotive industry. More particularly, but not exclusively to, an air cleaner assembly for a vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0002] An air cleaner assembly is an integral component of a vehicle that is designed to ensure that air entering an engine of the vehicle is free from contaminants that could damage engine components or impair performance of the engine. A primary function of the air cleaner assembly is to filter out dust, dirt, and other particles from the air before it reaches the engine. This helps prevent abrasive materials from causing wear and tear on engine components.

[0003] Typically, the air cleaner assembly comprises one or more air filters that are disposed below a seat of the vehicle. In such cases, the accessibility of the one or more air filters is difficult during a servicing of the air cleaner assembly. Further, when a conventional air cleaner assembly is mounted in a space defined by frame members of the vehicle frame. A connecting tube is connected between a housing of the air cleaner assembly and a throttle unit of the engine. The connecting tube is extended through a gap between two substantial vertical side frame members of the vehicle. During the installation of the air cleaner assembly into the designated space within the vehicle frame, the connecting tube interferes with the vertical side frame members, making the assembly process challenging and complex. In such cases, the connecting tube is needed to be folded. The outlet connecting tube is rigid and is susceptible to fractures and breakage. Thus, a functioning of the conventional air cleaner assembly may be compromised. An amount of air flowing through the engine of the vehicle from the connecting tube may be reduced. Such inadequate airflow can lead to an improper air-fuel mixture and can causeengine misfires, which are often felt as rough idling or stumbling during acceleration. That is, if the engine isn’t getting enough air supply for combustion, lag of engine power may be noticed by a ride of the vehicle when accelerating. In addition, the vehicle might feel unresponsive, especially under heavy load or rapid acceleration.

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for an efficient air cleaner assembly for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.

[0005] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In an aspect, the present invention discloses an air cleaner assembly for a vehicle. The air cleaner assembly comprises an air cleaner configured in a space of a frame assembly of the vehicle, the air cleaner being fluidically connected to a throttle unit of the vehicle, and a connecting hollow member configured to fluidically connect the air cleaner to the throttle unit. The connecting hollow member comprising a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion of the connecting hollow member comprises one or more bellows for ease of assembly / mounting of the air cleaner assembly in the space of the frame from the longitudinal side of the vehicle.

[0007] In an embodiment, the one or more bellows of the connecting hollow member are adapted allow bending of the connecting hollow member for assembly of the air cleaner assembly in the space of the frame assembly from a longitudinal side of the vehicle.

[0008] In an embodiment, the connecting hollow member is extended though a gap between two front frame members of the frame assembly.

[0009] In an embodiment, the opening of the frame assembly is defined by at least one top frame member, at least one rear frame member, and the front side frame members.

[0010] In an embodiment, the air cleaner comprises one or more air filters for filtering air.

[0011] In an embodiment, the one or more air filters are disposed towards a lateral side of the vehicle.

[0012] In an embodiment, the air cleaner comprises a inlet tube disposed at a rear side of the vehicle. The inlet tube is configured to draw environmental air in the air cleaner.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle that comprises a frame assembly having a space, a power unit configured on the frame assembly, a throttle unit configured with the power unit of the vehicle, an air cleaner configured in the space of the frame assembly, the air cleaner being fluidically connected to the throttle unit, and a connecting hollow member configured to fluidically connect the air cleaner to the throttle unit. The connecting hollow member comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end of the connecting hollow member comprises one or more bellows for ease of assembly / mounting / packaging assembly / mounting of the air cleaner assembly in the space of the frame from the longitudinal side of the vehicle.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of an automatic lighting system for a vehicle and method thereof along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the vehicle frame with an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the air cleaner assembly of Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4A exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the air cleaner assembly disconnected from a throttle of an engine of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4B exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5A exemplarily illustrates a side view of the connecting hollow member of the air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5B exemplarily illustrates a sectional side view of the connecting hollow member of Figure 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosureDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0024] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide an air cleaner assembly for a vehicle. The air cleaner assembly comprises an air cleaner configured in a predefined space defined by frame members of a frame assembly of the vehicle. The air cleaner is connected to a throttle unit of the vehicle. The throttle unit is configured with a power unit of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the power unit may be an internal combustion (IC) engine. It may be appreciated that the air cleaner assembly is a component in a vehicle’s engine system designed to filter and clean air before it enters the IC engine for combustion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the predefined space of the frame assembly is defined by at least one top frame member, at least one rear frame member, and the front side frame members. In an embodiment, the space is a polygon shaped opening. The air cleaner may be disposed in the shape.

[0026] In an embodiment, the air cleaner comprises one or more air filters. In an embodiment, the one or more air filters are disposed towards a lateral side of the vehicle. It may be appreciated that the one or more air filters may be a core part of the air cleaner assembly. The one or more air filters may capture dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the air to ensure that only clean air reaches the IC engine. In an embodiment, the one or more air filters are disposed within the air cleaner perpendicular to a width of a seat of the vehicle.

[0027] In an embodiment, the air cleaner comprises a inlet tube disposed at a rear side of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the inlet tube is disposed at a predefined distance from backlight of the vehicle. The inlet tube is configured to draw environmental air in the air cleaner. The drawn environmental air may be then passed through the one or more filters. The one or more filters may clean the environmental air. The cleaned environmental air may be then passed to a chamber of the air cleaner.

[0028] The air cleaner assembly further comprises a connecting hollow member configured to connect the air cleaner to the throttle unit. The connecting hollow member comprises a first end portion and a second endportion. The second end portion of the connecting hollow member comprises one or more bellows.

[0029] In an embodiment, the connecting hollow member is extended though a gap between two front frame members of the frame assembly. In an embodiment, the connecting hollow member is flexible. In an embodiment, the connecting hollow member is composed of a Polyvinyl chloride rubber (PVCR).

[0030] In an embodiment, the one or more bellows of the connecting hollow member are adapted allow bending of the connecting hollow member for ease of assembly of the air cleaner assembly in the predefined space of the frame assembly from a longitudinal side of the vehicle.

[0031] Another objective of the present subject matter is to a vehicle comprising a throttle unit configured with a power unit of the vehicle and an air cleaner assembly as disclosed above.

[0032] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a vehicle with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (103) that extends rearward from a head tube (102A). The frame assembly (103) extends along in a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle (100). The frame assembly (103) includes a mainframe comprising a main tube (102B) extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube (102A) and a down tube (102C) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube (102A). The frame assembly (103) may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly (101) is mounted to the main frame of the frame assembly (103).

[0035] The engine assembly (101) includes a power unit, wherein the power unit may also include an engine and / or a traction / electrical motor (not shown). The engine assembly (101) is coupled to an exhaust assembly (110) that scavenges exhaust gases there through. A front portion of a swing arm (115) is swingably connected to the frame assembly (103) and a rear portion of the swing arm (115) rotatably supports a rear wheel (120). The rear wheel (120) is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (101) through a transmission system / member (125). In a preferred embodiment, the transmission system (125) includes a chain drive coupled to an output of manual gear transmission. However, the transmission system (125) may include an automatic transmission or continuously variable transmission. Further, the swing arm (115) is coupled to the frame assembly (103) through one or more rear suspension(s) (not shown). In the present embodiment, a mono-shock rear suspension connects the swing arm (115) to the frame assembly (103). Similarly, a pair of front forks (130) supports a front wheel (135) and is steerably supported by the head tube (102A). A handlebar assembly (140) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front forks (130). Further, a frontfender (145) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (135) and the front fender assembly (145) is mounted to the front forks (130).

[0036] A fuel tank (150) is mounted to the main tube (102B) of the frame assembly (103) and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (140). A seat assembly including a rider seat (155) and a pillion seat (160) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (150) and is supported by the rear tubes. A pair of rider foot pegs (165) is disposed on either sides and is mounted to the frame assembly (103) of the vehicle that supports rider foot. A rear fender (170) is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (120) covering at least a portion of the rear wheel (120).

[0037] Further, the engine assembly (101) is functionally coupled to an airfuel supply system (not shown) that supplies air and fuel to the engine assembly (101). The torque / power output of the engine assembly (101) is transferred to a drive sprocket (not shown). A chain drive (125) is coupled to the drive sprocket. A sprocket cover encloses the drive sprocket and at least a portion of the chain drive (125).

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes various electrical and electronic systems including a starter motor (not shown), a headlamp (175), a vehicle control unit, and a tail lamp (180). In addition, the vehicle includes safety systems including a synchronous braking system (not shown), and an anti-lock braking system.

[0039] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the vehicle (100) comprising an air cleaner assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle (100) comprises a frame assembly (206) comprising an space (204). The vehicle (100) comprises a throttle unit (208) configured with a power unit, such as an IC engine (212), of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises an air cleaner (202) configured in the space (204) of the frame assembly (206), the air cleaner (202) being connected to the throttle unit (208).

[0040] The space (204) of the frame assembly (206) is defined by at least one top frame member (216), at least one rear frame member (218), and thefront side frame members (214). In an embodiment, the air cleaner (202) comprises one or more air filters. In an embodiment, the one or more air filters are disposed towards a lateral side of the vehicle (100).

[0041] The air cleaner assembly comprises a connecting hollow member (210) configured to connect the air cleaner (202) to the throttle unit (208), the connecting hollow member (210) comprising a first end portion and a second end portion. Herein, the second end of the connecting hollow member (210) comprises one or more bellows. The first end portion of the air cleaner (202) may be open in a chamber of the air cleaner (202). The second end portion of the air cleaner (202) is connected to the throttle unit (208).

[0042] In an embodiment, the connecting hollow member (210) is extended though a gap between two front frame members (214) (in Figure 2, only one front frame members is visible from the side, other front frame members is on other side) of the frame assembly (206). In an embodiment, the air cleaner (202) comprises a inlet tube (220) disposed at a rear side of the vehicle (100). Herein, the inlet tube (220) is configured to draw environmental air in the air cleaner (202).

[0043] With reference to Figure 2, the inlet tube is configured draws environmental air into the air cleaner (202). The drawn environmental air is then passed through the one or more filters. The one or more filters filter the environmental air to remove dust, dirt, suspended particles and any other contaminants from the air. The filtered environmental air may then be passed to a chamber of the air cleaner. The connecting hollow member (210) draws the filtered environmental air via the first end portion. Thereafter, the filtered environmental air is passed to the throttle unit (208) of the vehicle (100) via the second end portion of the hollow member (210).

[0044] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the air cleaner assembly (300) of Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The air cleaner assembly (300) comprises the connecting hollow member (210), a air cleaner cover member (306A), a air cleaner case (306B), and the inlet tube (220).

[0045] The connecting hollow member (210) comprises the first end portion (502) and the second end portion (504). The second end portion (504) of the connecting hollow member (210) comprises one or more bellows (302A, 302B). The one or more bellows (302A, 302B) of the connecting hollow member (210) are adapted to allow bending of the connecting hollow member (210) for assembly of the air cleaner assembly (300) in the space (204) of the frame assembly (206) from a side such as a longitudinal side of the vehicle (100). The air cleaner (202) comprises one or more air filters and covered by the air cleaner cover member (306A) and the air cleaner case (306B).

[0046] Figure 4A exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the air cleaner assembly disconnected from a throttle unit of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the air cleaner assembly (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] With reference to Figures 4A and 4B in conjunction, the air cleaner assembly (300) comprises the connecting hollow member (210), the air cleaner cover member (306A), and the inlet tube (220). The second end portion (604) of the connecting hollow member (210) comprises one or more bellows (302A, 302B). The one or more air filters are covered by the air cleaner cover member (306A).

[0048] Figure 5A exemplarily illustrates a planar side view of the connecting hollow member (210) of the air cleaner assembly (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B exemplarily illustrates a sectional side view of the connecting hollow member (210) of Figure 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connecting hollow member (210) configured to connect the air cleaner (202) to the throttle unit (208). The connecting hollow member (210) comprises a first end portion (502) and a second end portion (504). The first end portion (502) of the connecting hollow member (210) is open in a chamber of the air cleaner (202). The first end portion (502) draws the filtered air from the chamber of the air cleaner (202). The second end portion (504)of the connecting hollow member (210) comprises one or more bellows (302A, 302B). The one or more bellows (302A, 302B) of the connecting hollow member (210) are adapted to allow bending of the connecting hollow member (210) for ease of assembly of the air cleaner assembly (300) in the space (204) of the frame assembly (206) from the longitudinal side of the vehicle (100). Further, the second end portion (504) of the connecting hollow member (210) is connected to the throttle unit (208) of the vehicle (100).

[0049] The disclosed air cleaner assembly comprises the connecting hollow member. The second end portion connecting hollow member comprises the one or more bellows. The one or more bellows makes the second end portion of the connecting hollow member flexible. Further, the second end portion of the connecting hollow member may be folded and rotated without causing a damage to the second end portion. The flexibility of the connecting hollow member due to the one or more bellows may allow easy insertion of the connecting hollow member though the gap between two front frame members of the frame assembly without causing dents or fractures. This reduces a risk of damage to the connecting hollow member and makes an installation process of the air cleaner assembly smoother.

[0050] The flexibility of the connecting hollow member enables safe and secure mounting of air cleaner assembly the from the longitudinal side of the vehicle, without compromising on a volume of air cleaned by the air cleaner. Thus, such mounting flexibility can enhance overall system performance and integration.

[0051] The mounting of the air cleaner assembly on the longitudinal side of the vehicle enabled by the flexibility of connecting hollow member, which also improves an accessibility of the air filters. The air filters are positioned around the longitudinal side of the vehicle which makes routine maintenance and filter replacement convenient, as the filters are easier to reach from the side of the vehicle.

[0052] The one or more bellows on the second end portion of the connecting hollow member help in reducing engine induction noise, leading to a quieteroperation. The flexibility of the connecting hollow member can dampen vibrations and noise, contributing to a more pleasant driving experience.

[0053] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0054] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0055] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0056] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An air cleaner assembly (300) for a vehicle (100), the air cleaner assembly (300) comprising: an air cleaner (202) configured in a space (204) of a frame assembly (206) of the vehicle (100), the air cleaner (202) being fluidically connected to a throttle unit (208) of the vehicle (100); and a connecting hollow member (210) configured to fluidically connect the air cleaner (202) to the throttle unit (208), the connecting hollow member (210) comprising a first end portion (502) and a second end portion (504), wherein the second end portion (504) of the connecting hollow member (210) comprises one or more bellows (302A, 302B) for ease of assembly of the air cleaner assembly (300) in the space (204).

2. The air cleaner assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more bellows (302A, 302B) of the connecting hollow member (210) are adapted allow bending of the connecting hollow member (210) for assembly of the air cleaner assembly (300) in the opening of the frame assembly from a longitudinal side of the vehicle.

3. The air cleaner assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting hollow member (210) is extended though a gap between two front frame members (214) of the frame assembly (206).

4. The air cleaner assembly (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the space (204) of the frame assembly (206) is defined by at least one top frame member (216), at least one rear frame member (218), and the front side frame members (214).

5. The air cleaner assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air cleaner (202) comprises one or more air filters.

6. The air cleaner assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more air filters are disposed towards a lateral side of the vehicle (100).

7. The air cleaner assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air cleaner (202) comprises a inlet tube (220) disposed at a rear side of the vehicle (100), and wherein the inlet tube (220) is configured to draw environmental air in the air cleaner (202).

8. A vehicle (100) comprising: a frame assembly (206) comprising a space (204); a power unit configured on the frame assembly (206); a throttle unit (208) configured with the power unit (212) of the vehicle (100); an air cleaner (202) configured in the space (204) of the frame assembly (206), the air cleaner (202) being fluidically connected to the throttle unit (208); and a connecting hollow member (210) configured to fluidically connect the air cleaner (202) to the throttle unit (208), the connecting hollow member (210) comprising a first end portion (502) and a second end portion (504), wherein the second end (504) of the connecting hollow member (210) comprises one or more bellows (302A, 302B) for ease of assembly of the air cleaner assembly (300) in the space (204).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more bellows (302A, 302B) of the connecting hollow member (210) are adapted allow bending of the connecting hollow member (210) forassembly of the air cleaner assembly (300) in the space (204) of the frame assembly (206) from a longitudinal side of the vehicle (100).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting hollow member (210) is extended though a gap between two front frame members (214) of the frame assembly (206), and wherein the space (204) of a frame assembly (206) is defined by at least one top frame member (216), at least one rear frame member, (218) and the front side frame members (214).

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