ENGINE INTAKE SYSTEM

Abstract

An intake system of an engine is provided, which includes a first passage provided to an engine bay, for leading fresh air to the engine, a second passage branched from the first passage and extending toward a cabin, and an intake noise increasing device provided to the second passage. The intake noise increasing device has a cylindrical bellows part, a vibrating membrane formed integrally with the bellows part to close a first opening of the bellows part, and an outer circumferential case provided to cover an outer circumference of the bellows part and configured to allow the expansion and contraction of the bellows part therein. The second passage has a deriving passage section connected to a part of the outer circumferential case on a first opening side and extending toward the cabin. The deriving passage section is disposed to be lowered while separating from the intake noise increasing device.

Claims

1. An intake system of an engine, comprising: a first passage provided to an engine bay, for leading fresh air to the engine; a second passage branched from an intermediate location of the first passage, and extending toward a cabin; and an intake noise increasing device provided to the second passage, and configured to increase intake pressure in response to an intake air pressure wave, wherein the intake noise increasing device has a cylindrical bellows part configured to expand and contract in a cylindrical axis direction, a vibrating membrane formed integrally with the bellows part so as to close a first opening of the bellows part, and an outer circumferential case provided so as to cover an outer circumference of the bellows part and configured to allow expansion and contraction of the bellows part therein, wherein the second passage has a deriving passage section connected to a part of the outer circumferential case on a first opening side of the bellows part, and extending toward the cabin, and wherein the deriving passage section is disposed so as to be lowered while separating from the intake noise increasing device.

2. The intake system of claim 1, wherein when a center axis perpendicular to the vibrating membrane and passing through the membrane center of the vibrating membrane is a first center axis, and a center axis of the deriving passage section is a second center axis, an intersection of the first center axis and the second center axis is disposed on an opening plane of an opening of the deriving passage section on a connection side with the outer circumferential case.

3. The intake system of claim 2, wherein the second passage further has an introducing passage section connected to a second opening of the bellows part on the opposite side from the first opening closed by the vibrating membrane, and extending toward the branching part, and wherein when a center axis of the introducing passage section is a third center axis, an intersection of the first center axis and the third center axis is disposed on an opening plane of the second opening.

4. The intake system of claim 3, wherein the introducing passage section is disposed so as to be lowered while separating from the bellows part.

5. The intake system of claim 4, wherein the vibrating membrane is provided so that the first center axis is disposed in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle.

6. The intake system of claim 5, wherein the deriving passage section is disposed so that, in a connecting part with the outer circumferential case, a lower surface of the deriving passage section is located at or lower than a height of a lower surface of the outer circumferential case at the connecting part with the deriving passage section.

7. The intake system of claim 1, wherein the second passage further has an introducing passage section connected to a second opening of the bellows part on the opposite side from the first opening closed by the vibrating membrane, and extending toward the branching part, and wherein when a center axis perpendicular to the vibrating membrane, and passing through the membrane center of the vibrating membrane is a first center axis, and a center axis of the introducing passage section is a third center axis, an intersection of the first center axis and the third center axis is disposed on an opening plane of the second opening.

8. The intake system of claim 1, wherein the deriving passage section is disposed so that, in a connecting part with the outer circumferential case, a lower surface of the deriving passage section is located at or lower than a height of a lower surface of the outer circumferential case at the connecting part with the deriving passage section.

9. The intake system of claim 2, wherein the vibrating membrane is provided so that the first center axis is disposed in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle.

10. The intake system of claim 2, wherein the deriving passage section is disposed so that, in a connecting part with the outer circumferential case, a lower surface of the deriving passage section is located at or lower than a height of a lower surface of the outer circumferential case at the connecting part with the deriving passage section.

11. The intake system of claim 3, wherein the vibrating membrane is provided so that the first center axis is disposed in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle.

12. The intake system of claim 3, wherein the deriving passage section is disposed so that, in a connecting part with the outer circumferential case, a lower surface of the deriving passage section is located at or lower than a height of a lower surface of the outer circumferential case at the connecting part with the deriving passage section.

13. The intake system of claim 4, wherein the deriving passage section is disposed so that, in a connecting part with the outer circumferential case, a lower surface of the deriving passage section is located at or lower than a height of a lower surface of the outer circumferential case at the connecting part with the deriving passage section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an engine bay to which an intake system of an engine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an intake noise increasing device and its vicinity.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of an intake system of the engine according to a modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0025] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure is described taking the accompanying drawings into consideration. Note that the aspect described as follows is one example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited in any way to the following aspects, except for its essential configurations.

[0026] In the drawings used in the following explanation, “Fr” indicates forward of a vehicle, “Re” indicates rearward, “Le” indicates leftward, “Ri” indicates rightward, “Up” indicates upward (vertically upward), and “Lo” indicates downward (vertically downward).

1. Configuration of Engine Bay 1a

[0027] A configuration of an engine bay 1a to which an intake system 11 of an engine 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied is described using FIG. 1.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the engine bay 1a is provided in a front part of a vehicle 1. The engine 10 is mounted in the engine bay 1a. In the vehicle 1, a cabin 1b is provided behind the engine bay 1a via a dash panel 1c.

[0029] The intake system 11 is attached to the engine 10 mounted in the engine bay 1a. The intake system 11 includes a first passage 111, a second passage 112, and an intake noise increasing device 120. The first passage 111 is the intake passage for supplying fresh air to each cylinder. A fresh air duct 115 is provided to one end of the first passage 111, and an air cleaner 116 and a throttle valve 117 are inserted into a rear side in the flow direction of the fresh air. A part of the first passage 111 upstream of the air cleaner 116 in the flow direction of the fresh air is referred to as an “upstream passage section 113,” and a part downstream of the air cleaner 116 is referred to as a “downstream passage section 114.”

[0030] The second passage 112 is a passage provided to the downstream passage section 114 so that it is branched at a branching part 114a of the downstream passage section 114. The intake noise increasing device 120 is inserted into an intermediate part of the second passage 112 in the longitudinal direction. A part of the second passage 112 on the branching part 114a side of the intake noise increasing device 120 is referred to as an “introducing passage section 118,” and a part on the opposite side of the introducing passage section 118 with respect to the intake noise increasing device 120 is referred to as a “deriving passage section 119.” A pipe-end part 119a on the rear side in the deriving passage section 119 opens near the dash panel 1c.

[0031] Note that as for the deriving passage section 119, a rear part may be inserted into the dash panel 1c, and the pipe-end part 119a may be disposed inside the cabin 1b.

2. Configuration of Intake Noise Increasing Device 120 and its Vicinity

[0032] The configuration of the intake noise increasing device 120 and its vicinity among the configuration of the intake system 11 is described using FIG. 2.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the intake noise increasing device 120 includes a cylindrical outer circumferential case 121, and a vibration body 122 accommodated in the outer circumferential case 121. The vibration body 122 includes a bellows part 123 in which an outer circumferential wall is formed in bellows shape, and a vibrating membrane 124 provided so as to close a rear opening of the bellows part 123. The bellows part 123 can expand and contract in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle 1, and the vibrating membrane 124 can vibrate in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle 1, as illustrated by an arrow A. The bellows part 123 and the vibrating membrane 124 are formed integrally.

[0034] The outer circumferential case 121 is disposed in a state where it does not contact the circumferential wall of the bellows part 123 and the vibrating membrane 124 so that it does not impede the expansion and contraction of the bellows part 123 and the vibration of the vibrating membrane 124.

[0035] The introducing passage section 118 and the deriving passage section 119 are connected to the intake noise increasing device 120. Among these, the introducing passage section 118 is connected to an opening Op.sub.123 which is formed in the bellows part 123 on the opposite side from the vibrating membrane 124. An intake air pressure wave propagated through the introducing passage section 118 passes through the opening Op.sub.123 of the bellows part 123, and is introduced into the bellows part 123.

[0036] The deriving passage section 119 is connected to a part of the outer circumferential case 121 rearward from the outer circumferential case 121. In detail, the outer circumferential case 121 is formed in a state where it extends in a direction separating from the bellows part 123, beyond the vibrating membrane 124 which is provided so as to close one opening of the bellows part 123. Further, the deriving passage section 119 is fitted and connected onto the extended part of the outer circumferential case 121.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the vibrating membrane 124 is disposed substantially in the vertical direction. Here, assuming a center axis Ax.sub.124 which is perpendicular to the vibrating membrane 124 and passes through the membrane center of the vibrating membrane 124. Further, assuming that the center axis of the piping which constitutes the introducing passage section 118 is a “center axis Ax.sub.118,” and the center axis of the piping which constitutes the deriving passage section 119 is a “center axis Ax.sub.119.”

[0038] The introducing passage section 118 is connected to the intake noise increasing device 120 so that an intersection P1 of the center axis Ax.sub.118 and the center axis Ax.sub.124 is located on an opening plane of the opening Op.sub.123 of the bellows part 123. Further, the introducing passage section 118 is disposed in an inclined posture so that the height is lowered gradually while separating from the opening Op.sub.123 of the bellows part 123.

[0039] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in a connecting part between the introducing passage section 118 and the bellows part 123, a lower surface 118a of the introducing passage section 118 is disposed at or lower than the height of a lower surface 123a of the bellows part 123. The introducing passage section 118 is connected to the bellows part 123 so that neither a recess nor a groove is caused between the lower surface 118a of the introducing passage section 118 and the lower surface 123a of the bellows part 123.

[0040] Note that the posture of the introducing passage section 118 is not limited to the posture illustrated in FIG. 2, but it may be a posture extending horizontally, or may be an inclined posture so that the height is increased gradually while separating from the opening Op.sub.123 of the bellows part 123.

[0041] The deriving passage section 119 is connected to the intake noise increasing device 120 so that an intersection P2 of the center axis Ax.sub.119 and the center axis Ax.sub.124 is located on an opening plane of an opening Op.sub.119 of the deriving passage section 119. The deriving passage section 119 is also disposed in an inclined posture so that the height is lowered gradually while separating from the vibrating membrane 124.

3. Effects of the Disclosure

[0042] Since in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment the deriving passage section 119 is disposed so that it is lowered as it separates from the intake noise increasing device 120, the condensation is easily discharged toward the deriving passage section 119 from the outer circumferential case 121, even when the dew condensation occurs inside the outer circumferential case 121 according to the temperature change in the engine bay 1a. Therefore, in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, the frequency change due to the adhesion of the condensation to a surface of the vibrating membrane 124 (an outer surface on the deriving passage section 119 side) is difficult to occur, and the noise volume decrease is also difficult to occur.

[0043] In the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, since the intersection P2 of the center axis Ax.sub.124 and the center axis Ax.sub.119 is disposed on the opening plane of the opening Op.sub.119 on the connection side of the deriving passage section 119 with the outer circumferential case 121, the intake noise which is increased by the vibration of the vibrating membrane 124 can be propagated to the deriving passage section 119 with little loss. Therefore, in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, the intake noise which is increased by the intake noise increasing device 120 can certainly be propagated to the cabin 1b.

[0044] In the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, since the intersection P1 of the center axis Ax.sub.124 and the center axis Ax.sub.118 is disposed on the opening plane of the opening Op.sub.123 on the connection side of the bellows part 123 with the introducing passage section 118, the intake air pressure wave propagated through the introducing passage section 118 is easily propagated to the vibrating membrane 124. Therefore, in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, the vibrating membrane 124 can be vibrated effectively, and the intake noise can be propagated to the cabin 1b at the given designed frequency.

[0045] In the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, since the introducing passage section 118 is disposed so that it is lowered as it separates from the bellows part 123, the condensation is easily discharged toward the introducing passage section 118 from the bellows part 123, even when the condensation forms inside the bellows part 123 according to the temperature change in the engine bay 1a. Therefore, in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, the frequency change due to the adhesion of the condensation to an inner surface of the vibrating membrane 124, etc. is difficult to occur, and the noise volume decreases is also difficult to occur.

[0046] In the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, since the center axis Ax.sub.124 of the vibrating membrane 124 is disposed substantially horizontally in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle 1, the vibrating membrane 124 vibrates in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle 1, in response to the intake air pressure wave. Therefore, in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, the increased pressure wave generated by the vibration of the vibrating membrane 124 is propagated toward the cabin 1b at the rearward, and the propagation of the intake noise to the cabin 1b is made effectively.

[0047] In the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, since the lower surface 118a of the introducing passage section 118 is located at or lower than the height of the lower surface 123a of the bellows part 123, in the connecting part between the introducing passage section 118 and the bellows part 123, the condensation produced inside the bellows part 123 is well discharged to the introducing passage section 118. Therefore, in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the condensation which remains inside the bellows part 123, and it is effective for suppressing the influence of the condensation on the vibration of the vibrating membrane 124.

[0048] As described above, in the intake system 11 according to this embodiment, it is difficult to be influenced by the condensation produced according to the temperature change in the engine bay 1a, and the intake noise at the given frequency can be propagated to the cabin 1b, while suppressing the decrease in volume.

Modifications

[0049] A configuration of an intake system 21 of the engine according to a modification is described using FIG. 3. Note that the intake system 21 of the engine according to this modification differs from the intake system 11 according to the above embodiment in the configuration of an outer circumferential case 221 of an intake noise increasing device 220, and a deriving passage section 219, and other configurations are the same as the intake system 11 according to the above embodiment.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the intake system 21 according to this modification, the outer circumferential case 221 provided to the intake noise increasing device 220 is not reduced in the diameter of a lower surface 221a. That is, the lower surface 221a of the outer circumferential case 221 is comprised of a smooth, non-stepped surface extending from forward to rearward.

[0051] Also in the intake system 21 according to this modification, the deriving passage section 219 is fitted onto the rear part of the outer circumferential case 221. The deriving passage section 219 is disposed in an inclined posture, similarly to the deriving passage section 119 of the intake system 11 according to the above embodiment, so that it is lowered as it separates from the intake noise increasing device 220.

[0052] Moreover, the deriving passage section 219 is connected to the outer circumferential case 221 in a smooth state where a lower surface 219a of the deriving passage section 219 is disposed at or lower than the height of the lower surface 221a of the outer circumferential case 221, in the connecting part with the outer circumferential case 221.

[0053] The intake system 21 according to this modification also has the same effects as the intake system 11 according to the above embodiment. Further, in the intake system 21 according to this modification, since the lower surface 219a of the deriving passage section 219 is disposed at or lower than the height of the lower surface 221a of the outer circumferential case 221, in the connecting part between the deriving passage section 219 and the outer circumferential case 221, the condensation caused inside the outer circumferential case 221 is well discharged to the deriving passage section 219. Therefore, in the intake system 21 according to this modification, the condensation which remains inside the outer circumferential case 221 can be reduced, and it is effective for suppressing the influence of the condensation on the vibration of the vibrating membrane 124.

Other Modifications

[0054] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the engine bay 1a is provided in the front part of the vehicle 1, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the engine bay may be provided behind the cabin.

[0055] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the throttle valve 117 is disposed rearward of the engine 10, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the throttle valve may be disposed at the side of or forward of the engine.

[0056] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the pipe-end part 119a of the deriving passage sections 119 or 219 is located near the dash panel 1c inside the engine bay 1a, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the piping which constitutes the deriving passage section may be penetrated through the dash panel, and the pipe-end part may be located inside the cabin.

[0057] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the type of the engine 10 is not described in particular, various types of engines are applicable. For example, a gasoline engine and a diesel engine are applicable. Further, a reciprocating engine and a rotary piston engine are also applicable.

[0058] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the introducing passage section 118 is lowered while separating from the bellows part 123, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration in the layout of the introducing passage section. For example, it may be disposed horizontally, or it may go up while separating from the bellows part 123.

[0059] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the center axis Ax.sub.124 of the vibrating membrane 124 is disposed substantially in the horizontal direction, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration in the layout of the vibrating membrane. For example, the center axis of the vibrating membrane may be disposed in the vertical direction, or the center axis of the vibrating membrane may be disposed obliquely to both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0060] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the introducing passage section 118 is extended up to the branching part 114a of the downstream passage section 114 in the first passage 111, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration in the layout of the introducing passage section. For example, another passage section may be inserted between the branching part of the downstream passage section and the introducing passage section.

[0061] Although in the above embodiment and the modification the deriving passage sections 119 and 219 extend up to near the dash panel 1c, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration in the layout of the deriving passage section. For example, another passage section which connects the part near the dash panel to the deriving passage section may be disposed.

[0062] Although in the above embodiment and the modification one intake noise increasing device 120 or 220 is provided to the engine bay 1a, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration in the number of intake noise increasing devices. For example, a plurality of intake noise increasing devices with different sizes are provided to propagate intake noises at different frequencies to the cabin. Note that, in this case, it is desirable to adjust the cross-sectional diameters and the passage lengths of the introducing passage section and the deriving passage section which are connected to the respective intake noise increasing devices, according to the frequencies to be obtained.

[0063] It should be understood that the embodiments herein are illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof, are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0064] 1 Vehicle [0065] 1a Engine Bay [0066] 10 Engine [0067] 11, 21 Intake System [0068] 111 First Passage [0069] 112 Second Passage [0070] 118 Introducing Passage Section [0071] 119, 219 Deriving Passage Section [0072] 120, 220 Intake Noise Increasing Device [0073] 121, 221 Outer Circumferential Case [0074] 122 Vibration Body [0075] 123 Bellows Part [0076] 124 Vibrating Membrane