WO2020144706A1

WO2020144706A1 - Intake system

Info

Publication number: WO2020144706A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lalit Prakash Gautam; Bhavna Mann
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2019-01-07
Filing date: 2020-01-07
Publication date: 2020-07-16
Also published as: CO2021008984A2

Abstract

An air intake system (100) of an internal combustion engine (22) is provided. The air intake system (200) comprising: an inlet pipe (102) fluidically coupled to an air filtration system (40), the inlet pipe (102) comprises: an inner tubular surface (104) having a diameter D1, an outer tubular surface (104a), a first end portion (106) fluidically coupled to the air filtration system (40), and a second end portion (108); and an inlet duct (202) fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine (22), the inlet duct (202) comprises: an inner tubular surface (204) having a diameter D2, an outer tubular surface (204a), a first end portion (206) fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine (22), a second end portion (208), and a connecting portion (222) connected to the second end portion (208).

Description

INTAKE SYSTEM

FIEED OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicles and, more particularly, to an intake system of a vehicle

BACKGROUND [0002] Vehicles utilizing a power source, such as an internal combustion engine, to generate power are typically equipped with an intake system to provide air to the power source. The intake system includes an inlet duct that receives air from an air filter, a means for supplying fuel that sprays fuel into the inlet duct, and an inlet port connected to the inlet duct. [0003] Typically, during operation of the vehicle, the intake system receives air from surroundings of the vehicle, and supplies the filtered air or filtered air mixed with sprayed fuel to the inlet port. The inlet port is mounted on the power source, and supplies a mixture of air and fuel to the power source for generation of power. The inlet port and the inlet duct include respective flanges that are connected, to connect the inlet port and the inlet duct.

[0004] It is often seen that owing to various reasons ranging from manufacturing limitations to manufacturing tolerances, there is always a possibility of slight misalignment of either inlet port with inlet duct or that of their respective flanges. Since air or mixture of fuel and air flowing from the inlet duct to the inlet pipe, alignment of inlet port and inlet duct is very important from vehicle fuel economy and emission standpoint. In addition to adversely effecting vehicle fuel economy and emissions therefrom, misalignment of the inlet port with inlet duct, causes the inlet duct to obstruct the flow of mixture of fuel and air, which is also undesirable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0005] In one aspect of the present invention, an air intake system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The air intake system comprising: an inlet pipe fluidically coupled to an air filtration system, the inlet pipe comprises: an inner tubular surface having a diameter Dl, an outer tubular surface, a first end portion fluidically coupled to the air filtration system, and a second end portion; and an inlet duct fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine. The inlet duct comprises: an inner tubular surface having a diameter D2, an outer tubular surface, a first end portion fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine, a second end portion, and a connecting portion connected to the second end portion. The connecting portion is formed circumferentially along the second end portion at the inner tubular surface of the inlet duct.

[0006] Accordingly, since there is the connecting portion provided on the second end portion of the inlet duct, there is unrestricted flow of mixture of fuel and air, from the inlet pipe to the inlet duct. Accordingly, the inlet system of the present invention enables the vehicle to achieve a greater fuel efficiency, and reduced emission. Further, the inlet system of the present invention enables the vehicle to achieve reduced emission in an economical manner.

[0007] In an embodiment, the connecting portion provides an obstruction less, smooth passage from the air filtration system to the internal combustion engine. The connecting portion comprises: a smaller diameter portion having same diameter as diameter D2, and a larger diameter portion. The smaller diameter portion of the connecting portion is positioned towards the second end portion of the inlet duct, and the larger diameter portion is positioned towards the second end portion of the inlet pipe. The larger diameter portion is smaller than diameter of the outer tubular surface. [0008] In an embodiment, the smaller diameter portion of the connecting portion has a diameter equal to or greater than the predetermined diameter Dl of the inner tubular surface. The larger diameter portion of the connecting portion has a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter D 1 of the inner tubular surface. [0009] In an embodiment, the connecting portion of the inlet duct is a chamfer. In another embodiment, the connecting portion of the inlet duct is a fillet. The height of the chamfer or fillet of the connecting portion is equal or less than the maximum tolerance allowed for misalignment. [00010] Accordingly, owing to the larger diameter portion of the connecting portion having a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface, even in case of slight misalignment of the inlet pipe and the inlet duct, any likelihood of the inlet duct obstructing the flow of mixture of fuel and air is substantially precluded. Moreover, owing to the smaller diameter portion of the connecting portion having a diameter equal to the predetermined diameter D 1 of the inner tubular surface, any loss of flow is avoided, as the need for having an inlet duct of bigger diameter is eliminated.

[00011] In another aspect of the present invention a two wheeled vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a frame; an internal combustion engine carried by the frame; an air filtration system connected to the internal combustion engine; and an air intake system. The air intake system comprises, an inlet pipe fluidic ally coupled to the air filtration system, the inlet pipe comprises, an inner tubular surface having a diameter Dl, an outer tubular surface, a first end portion fluidically coupled to the air filtration system, and a second end portion; and an inlet duct fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine, the inlet duct comprises, an inner tubular surface having a diameter D2, an outer tubular surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a connecting portion connected to the second end portion. The connecting portion is positioned circumferentially along the second end portion at the inner tubular surface of the inlet duct. The connecting portion of the inlet duct is defined as one of a chamfer and a fillet.

[00012] Accordingly, since there is the connecting portion provided on the second end portion of the inlet duct, there is unrestricted flow of mixture of fuel and air, from the inlet pipe to the inlet duct. Accordingly, the inlet system of the present invention enables the vehicle to achieve a greater fuel efficiency, and reduced emission. Further, the inlet system of the present invention enables the vehicle to achieve reduced emission in an economical manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00013] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[00014] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a frame of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 2A illustrates another view of a portion of the frame of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of an intake system of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00018] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the intake system of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [00019] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of the intake system of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00020] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00021] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00022] The term“comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by“comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00023] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views. [00024] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, an intake system and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00025] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[00026] The present invention provides, an air intake system of an internal combustion engine. The air intake system comprising: an inlet pipe fluidically coupled to an air filtration system, the inlet pipe comprises: an inner tubular surface having a diameter D 1 , an outer tubular surface, a first end portion fluidically coupled to the air filtration system, and a second end portion; and an inlet duct fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine. The inlet duct comprises: an inner tubular surface having a diameter D2, an outer tubular surface, a first end portion fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine, a second end portion, and a connecting portion connected to the second end portion. The connecting portion is formed circumferentially along the second end portion at the inner tubular surface of the inlet duct.

[00027] In an embodiment, the connecting portion provides an obstruction less, smooth passage from the air filtration system to the internal combustion engine. The connecting portion comprises: a smaller diameter portion having same diameter as diameter D2, and a larger diameter portion. The smaller diameter portion of the connecting portion is positioned towards the second end portion of the inlet duct, and the larger diameter portion is positioned towards the second end portion of the inlet pipe. The larger diameter portion is smaller than diameter of the outer tubular surface. [00028] In an embodiment, the smaller diameter portion of the connecting portion has a diameter equal to or greater than the predetermined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface. The larger diameter portion of the connecting portion has a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface.

[00029] In an embodiment, the connecting portion of the inlet duct is a chamfer. In another embodiment, the connecting portion of the inlet duct is a fillet. The height of the chamfer or fillet of the connecting portion is equal or less than the maximum tolerance allowed for misalignment. [00030] In another aspect of the present invention provides a two wheeled vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame; an internal combustion engine carried by the frame; an air filtration system connected to the internal combustion engine; and an air intake system. The air intake system comprises, an inlet pipe fluidic ally coupled to the air filtration system, the inlet pipe comprises, an inner tubular surface having a diameter Dl, an outer tubular surface, a first end portion fluidically coupled to the air filtration system, and a second end portion; and an inlet duct fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine, the inlet duct comprises, an inner tubular surface having a diameter D2, an outer tubular surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a connecting portion connected to the second end portion. The connecting portion is positioned circumferentially along the second end portion at the inner tubular surface of the inlet duct. The connecting portion of the inlet duct is defined as one of a chamfer and a fillet.

[00031] Referring to Figures 1, a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle (10) referred to herein, embodies a two wheeled motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (10) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00032] The vehicle (10) comprises one or more body parts, such as a frame (12), a handle bar (14), a front wheel (16), a rear wheel (20), an engine (22), a headlight

(24), and a fuel tank (26). The frame (12) supports the engine (22) in middle portion of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the engine (22) provides necessary power required to drive the rear wheel (20) of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, the engine (22) may provide necessary power to the drive the front wheel (16), or both the front wheel (16) and the rear wheel (20) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear wheel (20) is linked to the engine (22) through a transmission mechanism (not numbered). The fuel tank (26) provides necessary fuel to the engine (22) to generate power within the vehicle (10). [00033] As shown in Figure 2, the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) comprises the head pipe (30), a single main frame (32), and a down frame. The single main frame (32) extends downwards and rearwards from a rear portion of the head pipe (30) so as to form a relatively mild slope in side view. The down frame extend downward and rearward in a manner branching into left and right, respectively, so as to form a relatively steep slope in side view. The frame (12) comprises a pair of lower frames. The pair of lower frames may be curved to extend rearwardly from lower ends of the down frame.

[00034] Further, the frame (12) comprises a pair of middle frames (38). The pair of middle frames (38) extend downward and rearward from a main frame cross bar.

The frame (12) comprises a mount bracket coupled to the front side of lower portions of the pair of middle frames (38). A pivot pipe (P) is coupled to a lower portion of the mount bracket in a state of penetrating there through.

[00035] Further, the frame (12) further comprises a pair of sub frame members. In an embodiment, the pair of sub frame members are embodied as a pair of seat frames are disposed rearward of the upper ends of the pair of respective middle frames (38). The frame (12) also supports an intake system (100). The intake system (100) is connected to the engine (22).

[00036] Referring now to Figure 2 A, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5, the frame (12) supports the intake system (100), underneath the single main frame (32). The intake system (100) is also interchangeable referred to as“an air intake system (100),”or“an intake air filtration system (100).” The intake system (300) is supported on a middle portion of the frame (12) of the vehicle (10). The intake system (100) provides filtered air along with sprayed fuel to the power unit, i.e., the internal combustion engine (22), of the vehicle (10). Specifically, the intake system (100) is adapted to receive air from the surroundings of the vehicle (10), filter the air received, spray fuel in the filtered air and supply the filtered air along with sprayed fuel from a fuel supply unit (22a) to an intake port (not numbered) of the internal combustion engine (22) of the vehicle (10). [00037] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the intake system (100). The intake system (100) includes an inlet pipe (102). The inlet pipe (102) is connected to an air filtration system (40) (shown in Figure. 2 and Figure 2A). The inlet pipe (102) is adapted to receive filtered air from the air filtration system (40). The inlet pipe (102) has an elongated tubular profile.

[00038] The inlet pipe (102) includes an inner tubular surface (104), and an outer tubular surface (104a). The inner tubular surface (104) defines an inner tubular cavity within the inlet pipe (102) along which the air received from the air filtration system (40) flows. The inner tubular cavity defined by the inner tubular surface (104) has a predefined diameter Dl. The inner tubular surface (104) is separated from the outer tubular surface (104a) by the thickness of the inlet pipe (102). The inlet pipe (102) further includes a first end portion (106), and a second end portion (108). The first end portion (106) is disposed longitudinally opposite to the second end portion (108).

[00039] In an embodiment, the inlet pipe (102) further includes a flange portion (HO) having a plurality of holes (not illustrated). In an embodiment, the flange portion

(110) is disposed at the second end portion (108) of the inlet pipe (102). In an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel supply unit (22a) is also disposed on the inlet pipe (102). In an example, the fuel supply unit (22a) is disposed on the outer tubular surface (104a) of the inlet pipe (102), proximate to the second end portion (108). The first end portion (106) is connected to the air filtration system (40).

[00040] The intake system (100) further includes an inlet duct (202). The inlet duct (202) is connected to the internal combustion engine (22). In an embodiment, the inlet duct (202) is connected to an inlet manifold of the internal combustion engine (22). The inlet duct (202) has an elongated tubular profile. In an embodiment, elongated tubular profile of the inlet duct (202) corresponds to the elongated tubular profile of the inlet pipe (102).

[00041] The inlet duct (202) includes an inner tubular surface (204), and an outer tubular surface (204a). The inner tubular surface (204) defines an inner tubular cavity within the inlet duct (202) along with mixture of air received from the inlet pipe (102) flows. The inner tubular cavity defined by the inner tubular surface (204) has a predefined diameter D2. In an embodiment, the predefined diameter D2 of the inner tubular surface (204) is greater than or equal to the predefined diameter D 1 of the inner tubular surface (104). In an embodiment, the predefined diameter D2 of the inner tubular surface (204) is equal to the predefined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface (104).

[00042] The inner tubular surface (204) is separated from the outer tubular surface (204a) by the thickness of the inlet duct (202). The inlet duct (202) further includes a first end portion (206), and a second end portion (208). The first end portion

(206) is disposed longitudinally opposite to the second end portion (208).

[00043] The inlet duct (202) further includes a flange portion (210) having a plurality of holes (not illustrated). In an embodiment, the flange portion (210) is disposed at the second end portion (208) of the inlet duct (202). [00044] Referring now to Figure. 4, the second end portion (208) of the inlet duct

(202) includes a connecting portion (222), or a diverging portion (222). In particular, the connecting portion (222) is positioned below the flange portion (210), at the second end portion (208) of the inlet duct (202). The connecting portion (222) stretches between a smaller diameter portion (222a) and a larger diameter portion (222b). The smaller diameter portion (222a) of the connecting portion (222) is positioned towards the second end portion (208) of the inlet duct (202), whereas the larger diameter portion (222b) is positioned towards the second end portion (108) of the inlet pipe (102).

[00045] In an embodiment, the smaller diameter portion (222a) of the connecting portion (222) has a diameter equal to or greater than the predetermined diameter D 1 of the inner tubular surface (104). In an example, the smaller diameter portion (222a) of the connecting portion (222) has a diameter equal to the predetermined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface (104). Further, in an embodiment, the larger diameter portion (222b) of the connecting portion (222) has a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface (104).

[00046] In an example of the present disclosure, the connecting portion (222) of the inlet duct (202) is embodied as a chamfer. In an alternative example, the connecting portion (222) of the inlet duct (202) is embodied as a fillet. In further examples, the connecting portion (222) of the inlet duct (202) may be embodied as a combination of chamfer and fillet.

[00047] In order to install the intake system (100) on the vehicle (10), the flange portion (110) of the inlet pipe (102) is connected to the flange portion (210) of the inlet duct (202) through connecting members (212), such as fasteners. In other embodiments, the flange portion ( 110) of the inlet pipe (102) is connected to the flange portion (210) of the inlet duct (202) using some other connection means, such as nuts and bolts, welding etc. The height of the chamfer or the fillet of the connecting portion is equal or less than the maximum tolerance allowed for misalignment. [00048] During operation of the vehicle (10), the air filtration system (40) receives air from surroundings of the vehicle (10). The air filtration system (40) filters the air and supplies the filtered air to the inlet pipe (102). The fuel supply unit (22a) disposed on the outer tubular surface (104a) of the inlet pipe (102), sprays fuel in to the inner tubular cavity defined by the inner tubular surface (104) within the inlet pipe (102). Owning to such supply of fuel into the inlet pipe (102) mixing of fuel with air takes place resulting in formation of a mixture of fuel and air. The inlet duct (202) connected to the inlet pipe (102) receives the mixture of fuel and air. Since there is the connecting portion (222) provided on the second end portion (208) of the inlet duct (202), unrestricted flow of mixture of fuel and air takes place from the inlet pipe (102) to the inlet duct (202).

[00049] Moreover, owing to the larger diameter portion of the connecting portion (222) having a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface (104), even in case of slight misalignment of the inlet pipe (102) and the inlet duct (202), any likelihood of the inlet duct (202) obstructing the flow of mixture of fuel and air is precluded. In particular, the connecting portion (222) ensures an obstructionless, smooth passage from the air filtration system (40) to the internal combustion engine (22). Further owing to the smaller diameter portion of the connecting portion (222) having a diameter equal to the predetermined diameter D 1 of the inner tubular surface (104), any loss of flow is avoided, as the need for having an inlet duct (202) of bigger diameter is eliminated.

[00050] In light of the foregoing the inlet system (100) of the present invention enables the vehicle (10) to achieve a greater fuel efficiency, and reduced emission. Further, the inlet system (100) of the present invention enables the vehicle (10) to achieve reduced emission in an economical manner.

[00051] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00052] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

We claim:

1. An air intake system (100) of an internal combustion engine (22), the air intake system (200) comprising:

an inlet pipe (102) fluidically coupled to an air filtration system (40), the inlet pipe (102) comprises:

an inner tubular surface (104) having a diameter Dl,

an outer tubular surface (104a),

a first end portion (106) fluidically coupled to the air filtration system (40), and

a second end portion (108); and

an inlet duct (202) fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine (22), the inlet duct (202) comprises:

an inner tubular surface (204) having a diameter D2,

an outer tubular surface (204a),

a first end portion (206) fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine (22),

a second end portion (208), and

a connecting portion (222) of the second end portion (208), wherein the connecting portion (222) is formed circumferentially along the second end portion (208) at the inner tubular surface (204) of the inlet duct (202).

2. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22), wherein the connecting portion (222) ensures an obstructionless, smooth passage from the air filtration system (40) to the internal combustion engine (22).

3. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (222) comprises:

a smaller diameter portion (222a) having same diameter as diameter D2, and a larger diameter portion (222b), wherein the smaller diameter portion (222a) of the connecting portion (222) is positioned towards the second end portion (208) of the inlet duct (202), and the larger diameter portion (222b) is positioned towards the second end portion (108) of the inlet pipe (102).

4. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22), wherein the larger diameter portion (222b) is smaller than diameter of the outer tubular surface (204a).

5. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the smaller diameter portion (222a) of the connecting portion (222) has a diameter equal to or greater than the predetermined diameter D 1 of the inner tubular surface (104).

6. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the larger diameter portion (222b) of the connecting portion (222) has a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter D1 of the inner tubular surface (104).

7. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion (222) of the inlet duct (202) is a chamfer.

8. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion (222) of the inlet duct (202) is a fillet.

9. The air intake system (100) of the internal combustion engine (22) as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein height of the chamfer or fillet of the connecting portion is equal or less than the maximum tolerance allowed for misalignment.

10. A two wheeled vehicle (10) comprising:

a frame (12);

an internal combustion engine (22) carried by the frame (12);

an air filtration system (40) connected to the internal combustion engine (22); and an air intake system (200), the air intake system (200) comprises,

an inlet pipe (102) fluidically coupled to the air filtration system (40), the inlet pipe (102) comprises,

an inner tubular surface (104) having a diameter Dl, an outer tubular surface (104a),

a second end portion (108); and

an inlet duct (202) fluidically coupled to the internal combustion engine (22), the inlet duct (202) comprises,

an inner tubular surface (204) having a diameter D2, an outer tubular surface (204a),

a first end portion (206),

a second end portion (208), and

a connecting portion (222) connected to the second end portion

(208), wherein the connecting portion (222) is positioned circumferentially along the second end portion (208) at the inner tubular surface (204) of the inlet duct (202), wherein the connecting portion (222) of the inlet duct (202) is defined as one of a chamfer and a fillet.