BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to an air intake device of an internal combustion engine,
in which a resonator is provided in an air intake pipe so as to suppress resonance
sound of an intake system.
[0002] There are air intake pipes of internal combustion engines, which are provided with
resonators for suppressing resonance sounds of the air intake pipes (e.g. see Japanese
Patent No.
3923198 and
JP-A-9-112365). Such a resonator has a substantially equal width to an air intake pipe and is formed
on a lower face side of the air intake pipe. The position or capacity of the resonator
connected to the air intake pipe can be adjusted suitably in order to adjust a frequency
of intake noise to be attenuated.
[0003] For example, for absorbing low-frequency intake noise, it is necessary to increase
the volume of the resonator. In such a case, it is necessary to enlarge the resonator
disclosed in Japanese Patent No.
3923198 either in a width direction or further in a down direction. However, the position
or capacity of the resonator is restricted by the layout of various devices such as
an internal combustion engine, the air intake pipe, and an air cleaner disposed on
the air intake pipe. That is, when the volume of the resonator is changed to absorb
intake noise at a specific frequency, the resonator may be increased in size to interfere
with the various devices.
SUMMARY
[0004] In consideration of the aforementioned situation, an object of the invention is to
provide an air intake device of an internal combustion engine which is compact and
which is provided with resonators capable of attenuating intake noises at desired
frequencies respectively.
[0005] Further, another object of the invention is to provide an air intake device of an
internal combustion engine which is hardly restricted by various devices such as an
air intake pipe and which is provided with a resonator attenuating intake noise at
a desired frequency.
[0006] According to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided an air intake device
of an internal combustion engine, the air intake device comprising: a first resonator
and a second resonator which have a first volume chamber and a second volume chamber,
respectively, the first and second volume chambers communicating with an intake air
flow passage feeding air to the internal combustion engine; and a first member, a
second member and a third member which form the first resonator and the second resonator,
characterized in that: the first resonator is formed by the first member and the second
member; and the second resonator is formed by the second member and the third member.
[0007] In the first aspect, the two, first and second resonators can be disposed to overlap
with each other in plan view. In other words, an area occupied by the air intake device
within a plane can be reduced, in comparison with a case where the first resonator
and the second resonator are disposed not to overlap with each other in plan view.
Thus, the air intake device can be configured compactly without increasing its size.
When the volumes of the volume chambers of the two, first and second resonators are
set suitably, intake noises at desired frequencies can be attenuated. According to
the invention in this aspect, it is possible to provide an air intake device of an
internal combustion engine which is compact and which is provided with a first resonator
and a second resonator capable of attenuating intake noises at desired frequencies
respectively.
[0008] According to the second aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the
first aspect, volume of the first volume chamber is different from volume of the second
volume chamber.
[0009] In the second aspect, when the first resonator and the second resonator having their
volume chambers with different volumes are used together, it is possible to attenuate
intake noises at different frequency bands.
[0010] According to the third aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the first
or second aspect, the intake air flow passage is formed by the second member and the
third member, or the intake air flow passage is formed by the first member and the
second member.
[0011] In the third aspect, the air intake device can be made more compact, in comparison
with a case where the intake air flow passage is not formed by the first member, the
second member and the third member.
[0012] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the
third aspect, the first resonator is formed on one side of the intake air flow passage
in plan view; and the second resonator is formed to overlap with the intake air flow
passage and extend to both sides of the intake air flow passage in plan view.
[0013] In the fourth aspect, an area which is occupied by the intake air flow passage and
the second resonator within a plane can be reduced, in comparison with a case where
the intake air flow passage and the second resonator are disposed not to overlap with
each other in plan view. Thus, the air intake device can be formed to have a more
compact size.
[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of any one
of the third to fifth aspect, the first resonator is provided with a first communication
pipe which branches from the intake air flow passage to communicate with the first
volume chamber; the second resonator is provided with a second communication pipe
which branches from the intake air flow passage to communicate with the second volume
chamber; and at least one of the first communication pipe and the second communication
pipe is provided to extend in a direction along an air flow of the intake air flow
passage.
[0015] In the fifth aspect, even when the second communication pipe is made long, the second
communication pipe can be kept compact without easily interfering with any other device.
In addition, the length of the second communication pipe can be increased to attenuate
intake noise at a low frequency.
[0016] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the fifth
aspect, length of the first communication pipe is different from length of the second
communication pipe.
[0017] In the sixth aspect, when the first communication pipe and the second communication
pipe having different lengths from each other are used together, intake noises at
different frequency bands can be attenuated.
[0018] According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the
fifth or sixth aspect, the intake air flow passage is formed by the first member and
the second member to be inclined downward from an upstream side toward a downstream
side; the first volume chamber is formed on one side of the intake air flow passage
in plan view; the second volume chamber is formed to overlap with the intake air flow
passage and extend to both sides of the intake air flow passage in plan view; the
second communication pipe is provided to extend in the direction along the air flow
of the intake air flow passage; and an outlet of the second communication pipe connected
to the second volume chamber is positioned on an upper side than an inlet of the second
communication pipe connected to the intake air flow passage.
[0019] In the seventh aspect, water can be prevented from entering the second resonator
through the second communication pipe so that the volume of the volume chamber of
the second resonator can be prevented from varying due to the water. Thus, an intake
noise attenuation effect achieved by the second resonator can be maintained excellent.
[0020] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided an air intake
device of an internal combustion engine, the air intake device comprising: an intake
air flow passage which is a flow passage of air to be fed to the internal combustion
engine; and a resonator which includes a communication pipe communicating with the
intake air flow passage, and a volume chamber communicating with the intake air flow
passage through the communication pipe, characterized in that the communication pipe
is provided to extend along the intake air flow passage.
[0021] In the eighth aspect, the communication pipe can be configured to have a length or
diameter suitable for attenuation of resonance sound at a desired frequency after
the volume chamber has been disposed in accordance with the layout of various devices
such as the internal combustion engine, the intake air flow passage, and an air cleaner
disposed on the intake air flow passage. Accordingly, the air intake device can attenuate
resonance sound at a desired frequency without being easily restricted by the layout
etc. of the various devices such as the intake air flow passage. In addition, the
communication pipe is provided to extend along the intake air flow passage. Therefore,
a required space for the communication pipe is only around the intake air flow passage
so that space saving can be achieved.
[0022] According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the eighth
aspect, a direction of an air flow in the communication pipe is opposite to a direction
of an air flow in the intake air flow passage.
[0023] In the ninth aspect, water can be prevented from being accumulated in the volume
chamber through the communication pipe so that the volume of the volume chamber can
be suppressed from varying. Thus, a resonance sound attenuation effect achieved by
the volume chamber can be maintained excellently.
[0024] According the tenth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the eighth
or ninth aspect, an inlet of the communication pipe which is an opening on a side
of the intake air flow passage faces down.
[0025] In the tenth aspect, moisture can be more surely prevented from entering the communication
pipe.
[0026] According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of any
one of the eighth to tenth aspect, the intake air flow passage is inclined downward
from an upstream side toward a downstream side; and an outlet of the communication
pipe which is an opening on a side of the volume chamber is positioned on an upper
side than an inlet of the communication pipe which is an opening on a side of the
intake air flow passage.
[0027] In the eleventh aspect, moisture can be more surely prevented from entering the communication
pipe.
[0028] According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of the
eleventh aspect, the intake air flow passage includes an inclined intake air flow
passage which is inclined downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side;
and the volume chamber is formed to overlap with the inclined intake air flow passage
in side view.
[0029] In the twelfth aspect, a space occupied by the volume chamber can be reduced in a
height direction.
[0030] According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of
any one of the eighth to twelfth aspect, a first member, a second member and a third
member which are superimposed on one another to be formed integrally to thereby form
the intake air flow passage, the communication pipe and the volume chamber are provided;
the first member includes a first intake air flow passage forming part forming a part
of the intake air flow passage on a side of the second member, and a first communication
pipe forming part forming a part of the communication pipe on a side of the second
member; the second member includes a second intake air flow passage forming part forming
a part of the intake air flow passage on a side of the first member, a second communication
pipe forming part forming a part of the communication pipe on a side of the first
member, and a first volume chamber forming part forming a part of the volume chamber
on a side of the third member; the third member includes a second volume chamber forming
part forming a part of the volume chamber on a side of the second member; the intake
air flow passage is formed out of the first intake air flow passage forming part and
the second intake air flow passage forming part; the communication pipe is formed
out of the first communication pipe forming part and the second communication pipe
forming part; and the volume chamber communicating with the communication pipe is
formed out of the first volume chamber forming part and the second volume chamber
forming part.
[0031] In the thirteenth aspect, the intake air flow passage, the volume chamber and the
communication pipe can be formed integrally by the first member, the second member
and the third member, so that the components can be arranged compactly. In addition,
when the first member, the second member and the third member are formed suitably,
the length of the communication pipe can be adjusted desirably. Thus, when only a
small number of components are changed, an air intake device provided with a resonator
for attenuating resonance sound at a desired frequency can be configured.
[0032] According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the air intake device of
any one of the eighth to twelfth aspect, a first member, a second member and a third
member which are superimposed on one another to be formed integrally to thereby form
the intake air flow passage, a housing chamber for housing the communication pipe,
and the volume chamber are provided; the first member includes a first intake air
flow passage forming part forming a part of the intake air flow passage on a side
of the second member, and the volume chamber opened to a side of the second member;
the second member includes a second intake air flow passage forming part forming a
part of the intake air flow passage on a side of the first member, and a first housing
chamber forming part forming a part of the housing chamber on a side of the third
member; the third member includes a second housing chamber forming part forming a
part of the housing chamber on a side of the second member; the intake air flow passage
is formed out of the first intake air flow passage forming part and the second intake
air flow passage forming part; the housing chamber is formed out of the first housing
chamber forming part and the second housing chamber forming part; the volume chamber
and the housing chamber communicate with each other; and the communication pipe is
housed in the housing chamber, and the housing chamber and the intake air flow passage
communicate with each other through the communication pipe.
[0033] In the fourteenth aspect, the intake air flow passage and the volume chamber can
be formed integrally, so that the components can be arranged compactly. In addition,
when only the communication pipe is replaced by another one with a different length
or diameter, an air intake device provided with a resonator for attenuating resonance
sound at a desired frequency can be configured.
[0034] According to the invention, it is possible to provide an air intake device of an
internal combustion engine which is compact and which is provided with resonators
capable of attenuating resonance sounds at desired frequencies respectively.
[0035] According to the invention, it is possible to provide an air intake device of an
internal combustion engine which is hardly restricted by various devices such as an
air intake pipe, and which is provided with a resonator attenuating resonance sound
at a desired frequency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an air intake device
according to Embodiment 1.
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air intake device according to Embodiment
1.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the air intake device according to Embodiment 1.
Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along a line B-B of Fig. 3.
Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along a line C-C of Fig. 3.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along a line D-D of Fig. 3.
Fig. 8 is a plan view of the air intake device showing an air flow.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an air intake device
according to Embodiment 2.
Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the air intake device according to Embodiment
2.
Fig. 11 is a plan view of the air intake device according to Embodiment 2.
Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A of Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along a line B-B of Fig. 11.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along a line C-C of Fig. 11.
Fig. 15 is a plan view of the air intake device showing an air flow according to Embodiment
2.
Fig. 16 is a plan view showing an external appearance of an air intake device according
to Embodiment 3.
Fig. 17 is a side view of the air intake device according to Embodiment 3.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the air intake device according to Embodiment 3.
Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along a line D-D of Fig. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Embodiments of the invention will be described below. Incidentally, the embodiments
will be described by way of example. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the
following description.
(Embodiment 1)
[0038] An air intake device of an internal combustion engine according to Embodiment 1 will
be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 7. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an
external appearance of the air intake device. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view
of the air intake device. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the air intake device. Fig. 4 is
a sectional view taken along a line A-A of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken
along a line B-B of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along a line C-C of Fig.
3. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along a line D-D of Fig. 3. A third member is
not shown in the plan view of Fig. 3. The section taken along the line A-A is a section
which passes through a first resonator 1020, a second resonator 1030, an intake air
flow passage 1010, and a second outlet 1121. The section taken along the line B-B
is a section which passes through the first resonator 1020, the second resonator 1030,
a first communication pipe 1091, the intake air flow passage 1010, and the second
outlet 1121. The section taken along the line C-C is a section which passes through
the second resonator 1030, the intake air flow passage 1010, and a second communication
pipe 1092. The section taken along the line D-D is a section which passes through
the second resonator 1030, the intake air flow passage 1010, and a second inlet 1120.
In addition, an X direction indicates a front/rear direction of a car; a Y direction,
a vehicle width direction of the car; and a Z direction, a height direction of the
car.
[0039] The air intake device 1001 of the internal combustion engine according to Embodiment
1 is provided with the first resonator 1020, the second resonator 1030, and a first
member 1040, a second member 1050 and a third member 1060 which form the first resonator
1020 and the second resonator 1030.
[0040] The air intake device 1001 according to Embodiment 1 is provided with the intake
air flow passage 1010. The intake air flow passage 1010 is a flow passage of air to
be fed to the internal combustion engine (not shown). The intake air flow passage
1010 according to Embodiment 1 is constituted by an upstream intake air flow passage
1011, a downstream intake air flow passage 1012, and an inclined intake air flow passage
1013 provided between the upstream intake air flow passage 1011 and the downstream
intake air flow passage 1012.
[0041] The upstream intake air flow passage 1011 is a flow passage which has an air intake
port (not shown) for taking in air at its one end side and which extends rearward
(rearward in the X direction). The inclined intake air flow passage 1013 is a flow
passage which continues from the upstream intake air flow passage 1011 and is then
inclined downward toward the rear. The downstream intake air flow passage 1012 is
a flow passage which continues from the inclined intake air flow passage 1013 and
then extends rearward. A rear side of the downstream intake air flow passage 1012
is connected to the not-shown internal combustion engine. Incidentally, a device such
as an air cleaner may be provided on an upstream side of the internal combustion engine
on the downstream side of the downstream intake air flow passage 1012.
[0042] The first resonator 1020 is provided with a first volume chamber 1081 and the first
communication pipe 1091. The first volume chamber 1081 is a space part having a predetermined
volume. Similarly, the second resonator 1030 is provided with a second volume chamber
1082 and the second communication pipe 1092. The second volume chamber 1082 is a space
part having a predetermined volume. The first resonator 1020 is formed by the first
member 1040 and the second member 1050. The second resonator 1030 is formed by the
second member 1050 and the third member 1060. Specifically, the first member 1040,
the second member 1050 and the third member 1060 are connected to one another in the
named order from bottom in a vertical direction (Z direction). That is, the first
member 1040 is connected to a lower face side of the second member 1050, and the third
member 1060 is connected to an upper face side of the second member 1050. For example,
the first member 1040, the second member 1050 and the third member 1060 are molded
out of a resin. However, the material of the first member 1040, the second member
1050 and the third member 1060 is not limited particularly.
[0043] The first communication pipe 1091 of the first resonator 1020 is a flow passage which
branches from the intake air flow passage 1010 to communicate with the first volume
chamber 1081. The second communication pipe 1092 of the second resonator 1030 is a
flow passage which branches from the intake air flow passage 1010 to communicate with
the second volume chamber 1082. The first communication pipe 1091 and the second communication
pipe 1092 are also formed by the first member 1040, the second member 1050 and the
third member 1060.
[0044] The first member 1040 is a member which is connected to the second member 1050, and
which forms the first resonator 1020 together with the second member 1050. In addition,
in Embodiment 1, the first member 1040 is a member which forms the intake air flow
passage 1010 together with the second member 1050.
[0045] Specifically, a lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 1041 which forms
a part of the intake air flow passage 1010 is provided in the first member 1040. The
lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 1041 is formed into a groove shape
which is recessed in section and which is opened to the second member 1050 side. In
addition, portions of the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 1041 which
serve as the upstream intake air flow passage 1011 and the downstream intake air flow
passage 1012 are substantially horizontal. A portion of the lower-side intake air
flow passage forming part 1041 which serves as the inclined intake air flow passage
1013 is inclined downward toward the downstream side.
[0046] A lower-side first communication pipe forming part 1042 which forms a part of the
first communication pipe 1091 is provided in the first member 1040. The lower-side
first communication pipe forming part 1042 is formed into a groove shape which is
recessed in section and which is opened to the second member 1050 side. Through the
lower-side first communication pipe forming part 1042, the portion of the lower-side
intake air flow passage forming part 1041 which serves as the inclined intake air
flow passage 1013, and a lower-side first volume chamber forming part 1043 which will
be described below are made to communicate with each other. An opening portion of
the lower-side first communication pipe forming part 1042 which forms a boundary with
the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 1041 is referred to as lower-side
first inlet 1047. An opening portion of the lower-side first communication pipe forming
part 1042 which forms a boundary with the lower-side first volume chamber forming
part 1043 is referred to as lower-side first outlet 1048.
[0047] The lower-side first volume chamber forming part 1043 which forms a part of the first
volume chamber 1081 is provided in the first member 1040. The lower-side first volume
chamber forming part 1043 is formed into a groove shape which is substantially rectangular
in plan view and which is recessed in section. The lower-side first volume chamber
forming part 1043 communicates with the lower-side first communication pipe forming
part 1042.
[0048] A lower-side second communication pipe forming part 1044 which forms a part of the
second communication pipe 1092 is provided in the first member 1040. The lower-side
second communication pipe forming part 1044 is formed into a groove shape which is
recessed in section and which is opened to the second member 1050 side. In addition,
the lower-side second communication pipe forming part 1044 is provided to extend along
the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 1041. The lower-side second communication
pipe forming part 1044 is inclined downward from the front toward the rear in the
vehicle front/rear direction.
[0049] The lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 1041 and the lower-side second
communication pipe forming part 1044 are separated from each other by a wall part
1045. In addition, a portion of the wall part 1045 is notched so that a lower-side
second inlet 1046 is formed therein. Through the lower-side second inlet 1046, one
downstream-side end portion of the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part
1041 and one downstream-side end portion of the lower-side second communication pipe
forming part 1044 communicate with each other.
[0050] The second member 1050 is a member which is connected to the first member 1040 and
the third member 1060, and which forms the first resonator 1020 together with the
first member 1040 and forms the second resonator 1030 together with the third member
1060. In addition, in Embodiment 1, the second member 1050 is a member which forms
the intake air flow passage 1010 together with the first member 1040.
[0051] An upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 1051 which forms a part of the
intake air flow passage 1010 is provided in the second member 1050. The upper-side
intake air flow passage forming part 1051 is formed into a groove shape which is recessed
in section and which is opened to the first member 1040 side. In addition, the upper-side
intake air flow passage forming part 1051 is inclined downward from the front toward
the rear in the vehicle front/rear direction in line with the inclination of the lower-side
intake air flow passage forming part 1041.
[0052] An upper-side first communication pipe forming part 1052 which forms a part of the
first communication pipe 1091 is provided in the second member 1050. The upper-side
first communication pipe forming part 1052 is formed into a groove shape which is
recessed in section and which is opened to the first member 1040 side. Through the
upper-side first communication pipe forming part 1052, the inclined intake air flow
passage 1013 of the intake air flow passage 1010 and an upper-side first volume chamber
forming part 1053 which will be described below are made to communicate with each
other. An opening portion of the upper-side first communication pipe forming part
1052 which forms a boundary with the upper-side intake air flow passage forming part
1051 is referred to as upper-side first inlet 1058. An opening portion of the upper-side
first communication pipe forming part 1052 which forms a boundary with the upper-side
first volume chamber forming part 1053 is referred to as upper-side first outlet 1059.
[0053] The upper-side first volume chamber forming part 1053 which forms a part of the first
volume chamber 1081 is provided in the second member 1050. Although not shown particularly,
the upper-side first volume chamber forming part 1053 is formed into a groove shape
which is substantially rectangular in plan view (in plan view when the second member
1050 is seen from the first member 1040 side) and which is recessed in section. The
upper-side first volume chamber forming part 1053 communicates with the upper-side
first communication pipe forming part 1052.
[0054] An upper-side second communication pipe forming part 1054 which forms a part of the
second communication pipe 1092 is provided in the second member 1050. The upper-side
second communication pipe forming part 1054 is formed into a groove shape which is
recessed in section and which is opened to the first member 1040 side. In addition,
the upper-side second communication pipe forming part 1054 is provided to extend along
the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 1041. The upper-side second communication
pipe forming part 1054 is inclined downward from the front toward the rear in the
vehicle front/rear direction.
[0055] The upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 1051 and the upper-side second
communication pipe forming part 1054 are separated from each other by a wall part
1055. In addition, a portion of the wall part 1055 is notched so that an upper-side
second inlet 1056 is formed therein. Through the upper-side second inlet 1056, one
downstream-side end portion of the upper-side intake air flow passage forming part
1051 and one downstream-side end portion of the upper-side second communication pipe
forming part 1054 communicate with each other.
[0056] A lower-side second volume chamber forming part 1057 forming a part of the second
volume chamber 1082 is provided in the second member 1050. In Embodiment 1, a wall
part 1150 is provided on an upper face side (a face on the third member 1060 side)
of the second member 1050. An internal region of the wall part 1150 is the lower-side
second volume chamber forming part 1057. The wall part 1150 is formed to surround
the first resonator 1020, the inclined intake air flow passage 1013 of the intake
air flow passage 1010, the second outlet 1121 and an inclined part of the second communication
pipe 1092 in plan view.
[0057] The second outlet 1121 communicating with one upstream-side end portion of the upper-side
second communication pipe forming part 1054 is provided in the second member 1050.
The second outlet 1121 is a hole which penetrates the second member 1050 in the thickness
direction and through which the upper-side second communication pipe forming part
1054 and the lower-side second volume chamber forming part 1057 are made to communicate
with each other. In addition, the second outlet 1121 faces toward a central side of
the lower-side second volume chamber forming part 1057. Thus, air coming out from
the second outlet 1121 is controlled to flow toward a central side of the second volume
chamber 1082. In this manner, air flows in toward the central side of the second volume
chamber 1082. Accordingly, an intake noise attenuation effect can be obtained easily.
[0058] The third member 1060 is a member which is connected to the second member 1050, and
which forms the second resonator 1030 together with the second member 1050.
[0059] An upper-side second volume chamber forming part 1061 which forms a part of the second
volume chamber 1082 is provided in the third member 1060. The upper-side second volume
chamber forming part 1061 is formed into a grove shape which is recessed in section
and which is opened to have substantially the same shape as that of the lower-side
second volume chamber forming part 1057.
[0060] When the first member 1040, the second member 1050 and the third member 1060 are
connected integrally with one another, the air intake device 1001 having the intake
air flow passage 1010, the first resonator 1020 and the second resonator 1030 is formed.
[0061] That is, one intake air flow passage 1010 in which the opening of the lower-side
intake air flow passage forming part 1041 and the opening of the upper-side intake
air flow passage forming part 1051 are connected to each other is formed by the first
member 1040 and the second member 1050.
[0062] In addition, one first communication pipe 1091 in which the opening of the lower-side
first communication pipe forming part 1042 and the opening of the upper-side first
communication pipe forming part 1052 are connected to each other is formed by the
first member 1040 and the second member 1050. Further, one first volume chamber 1081
in which the opening of the lower-side first volume chamber forming part 1043 and
the opening of the upper-side first volume chamber forming part 1053 are connected
to each other is formed by the first member 1040 and the second member 1050. The first
resonator 1020 provided with the first volume chamber 1081 and the first communication
pipe 1091 is formed.
[0063] In addition, one second communication pipe 1092 in which the opening of the lower-side
second communication pipe forming part 1044 and the opening of the upper-side second
communication pipe forming part 1054 are connected to each other is formed by the
first member 1040 and the second member 1050. Further, one second volume chamber 1082
in which the opening of the lower-side second volume chamber forming part 1057 and
the opening of the upper-side second volume chamber forming part 1061 are connected
to each other is formed by the second member 1050 and the third member 1060. The second
resonator 1030 provided with the second volume chamber 1082 and the second communication
pipe 1092 is formed.
[0064] In addition, when the first member 1040 and the second member 1050 are connected
to each other, a first inlet 1110, a first outlet 1111, and the second inlet 1120
are formed. That is, one first inlet 1110 is formed by the lower-side first inlet
1047 and the upper-side first inlet 1058. One first outlet 1111 is formed by the lower-side
first outlet 1048 and the upper-side first outlet 1059. One second inlet 1120 is formed
by the lower-side second inlet 1046 and the upper-side second inlet 1056.
[0065] A part of the second member 1050 to which the third member 1060 is connected is a
top face 1151 of the wall part 1150 which forms the lower-side second volume chamber
forming part 1057. The top face 1151 is an approximately horizontal face facing the
third member 1060 side. On the other hand, although not shown particularly, a part
of the third member 1060 to which the second member 1050 is connected is also an approximately
horizontal flat face which has the same shape as the top face 1151 and which faces
the second member 1050 side.
[0066] Thus, the second member 1050 and the third member 1060 are connected to each other
at their horizontal faces. Therefore, a gap is hardly generated between the second
member 1050 and the third member 1060. Thus, airtightness of the second volume chamber
1082 formed by the second member 1050 and the third member 1060 can be improved.
[0067] In Embodiment 1, the intake air flow passage 1010 has the inclined intake air flow
passage 1013 which is inclined. In order to form the inclined intake air flow passage
1013, the upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 1051 of the second member
1050 is inclined. Thus, although the second member 1050 includes the inclined part,
the face where the second member 1050 is connected to the third member 1060 can be
formed as a horizontal face due to the provision of the wall part 1150.
[0068] As shown in Fig. 4, an upper part of the first volume chamber 1081 protrudes inside
the second volume chamber 1082. Specifically, the upper-side first volume chamber
forming part 1053 constituting the first volume chamber 1081 protrudes more closely
to the third member 1060 than the top face 1151 of the wall part 1150.
[0069] Since the first volume chamber 1081 protrudes inside the second volume chamber 1082
in this manner, the volume of the first volume chamber 1081 can be made larger. That
is, in order to enlarge the first volume chamber 1081, the first volume chamber 1081
does not have to be enlarged in the X direction and the Y direction. It will go well
only if the first volume chamber 1081 is enlarged in the Z direction. Thus, the size
occupied by the first volume chamber 1081 within the XY plane can be reduced.
[0070] In addition, since the first volume chamber 1081 does not have to be enlarged within
the XY plane, the first volume chamber 1081 can be formed into a simple shape such
as an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape (an approximately quadrangular
shape as a shape in plan view) as in Embodiment 1. When the first volume chamber 1081
is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, air discharged from the first outlet
1111 of the first communication pipe 1091 can be sent out toward a central portion
of the first volume chamber 1081. Thus, the air can be diffused evenly and rapidly
from the first communication pipe 1091 into the first volume chamber 1081 so that
a desired frequency of intake noise can be attenuated easily.
[0071] When the first volume chamber 1081 is enlarged within the XY plane, a plurality of
small chambers may have no choice but to be connected to be one volume chamber. For
example, such a volume chamber may have an L-shape or a U-shape in plan view, and
may have a configuration in which depth differs from one small chamber to another.
In the volume chamber shaped thus, air may be diffused unevenly. Thus, it may be difficult
to attenuate the desired frequency. On the other hand, according to Embodiment 1,
the first volume chamber 1081 has a single rectangular parallelepiped shape as if
volumes of such small chambers were put into one in the height direction. Therefore,
the first volume chamber 1081 can be formed into a shape which can diffuse air evenly
and rapidly in spite of its volume equal to the volume chamber in which the small
chambers have been connected to one another. Thus, the first volume chamber 1081 can
attenuate the desired frequency.
[0072] As described above, in the air intake device 1001, the first resonator 1020 is formed
by the first member 1040 and the second member 1050, and the second resonator 1030
is formed by the second member 1050 and the third member 1060. The first volume chamber
1081 of the first resonator 1020 communicates with the intake air flow passage 1010
through the first communication pipe 1091. The second volume chamber 1082 of the second
resonator 1030 communicates with the intake air flow passage 1010 through the second
communication pipe 1092.
[0073] An air flow in the air intake device 1001 having such a configuration will be described
with reference to Fig. 8 etc. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the air intake device showing
the air flow. Incidentally, the first member is not shown in Fig. 8.
[0074] As indicated by an arrow L in Fig. 8, external air flows into the intake air flow
passage 1010 to be sent out to the internal combustion engine from the downstream
intake air flow passage 1012 (see Fig. 1). As indicated by an arrow M in Fig. 5 and
Fig. 8, a part of the air flowing into the intake air flow passage 1010 flows into
the first communication pipe 1091 to reach the first volume chamber 1081. Further,
as shown in an arrow N in Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, a part of the air flowing
into the intake air flow passage 1010 flows into the second communication pipe 1092
to reach the second volume chamber 1082.
[0075] In the air intake device 1001 of the internal combustion engine having the aforementioned
configuration, the two, first and second resonators 1020 and 1030 are provided when
the first member 1040, the second member 1050 and the third member 1060 are connected
integrally with one another. With such a configuration, the two, first and second
resonators 1020 and 1030 can be disposed to overlap with each other in plan view,
as shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the area occupied by the air intake device 1001
within a plane can be reduced, in comparison with a case where the first resonator
1020 and the second resonator 1030 are disposed not to overlap with each other in
plan view. The two, first and second resonators 1020 and 1030 can be accommodated
within a region which corresponds to substantially one second resonator 1030 in plan
view.
[0076] Thus, the air intake device 1001 can be configured compactly without increasing its
size. Since the volumes of the two, first and second resonators 102 and 1030 are set
suitably, intake noises having desired frequencies can be attenuated. Thus, according
to the invention, it is possible to provide the air intake device 1001 of the internal
combustion engine which is compact and which is provided with the first resonator
1020 and the second resonator 1030 having volumes to attenuate the desired frequencies.
[0077] In the air intake device 1001 according to Embodiment 1, the first volume chamber
1081 of the first resonator 1020 and the second volume chamber 1082 of the second
resonator 1030 are different from each other in volume. In Embodiment 1, the volume
of the first volume chamber 1081 is smaller than the volume of the second volume chamber
1082. According to Helmholtz's laws, high-frequency intake noise is attenuated as
the volume of a volume chamber is reduced, and low-frequency intake noise is attenuated
as the volume of the volume chamber is increased. Accordingly, high-frequency intake
noise can be attenuated by the first volume chamber 1081 which is relatively small
in volume and low-frequency intake noise can be attenuated by the second volume chamber
1082 which is relatively large in volume.
[0078] When the first volume chamber 1081 and the second volume chamber 1082 having different
volumes are used together in this manner, intake noises having different frequency
bands can be attenuated.
[0079] In the air intake device 1001 according to Embodiment 1, the intake air flow passage
1010, together with the first resonator 1020 and the second resonator 1030, is formed
by the first member 1040, the second member 1050 and the third member 1060. Thus,
the air intake device 1001 can be made more compact, in comparison with a case where
the intake air flow passage 1010 is not formed in the first member 1040, the second
member 1050 and the third member 1060.
[0080] When the intake air flow passage 1010 is not formed in the first member 1040, the
second member 1050 and the third member 1060, pipe-like members (members corresponding
to the first communication pipe 1091 and the second communication pipe 1092) for connection
between the intake air flow passage 1010 and the first member 1040, the second member
1050 and the third member 1060 have to be provided separately. In this case, the number
of components increases, and a space for disposing the components is required to thereby
lead to a slight increase in the size. Incidentally, an air intake device in which
the intake air flow passage 1010 is not formed in the first member 1040, the second
member 1050 and the third member 1060 is included in the invention described in Claims.
[0081] In the air intake device 1001 according to Embodiment 1, the intake air flow passage
1010 and the first resonator 1020 are formed by the first member 1040 and the second
member 1050. Specifically, in the plan view shown in Fig. 3, the first volume chamber
1081 of the first resonator 1020 is formed on one side (one side in the Y direction)
of the intake air flow passage 1010. In the plan view shown in Fig. 3, the second
volume chamber 1082 of the second resonator 1030 formed by the second member 1050
and the third member 1060 is formed to overlap with the intake air flow passage 1010
and extend to both sides (both sides in the Y direction) of the intake air flow passage
1010. That is, the layout including the intake air flow passage 1010 and the first
volume chamber 1081 of the first resonator 1020 is located within the region occupied
by the second resonator 1030 in plan view.
[0082] According to the air intake device 1001 having such a configuration, the area occupied
by the air intake device 1001 within a plane can be reduced, in comparison with a
case where the intake air flow passage 1010 and the second volume chamber 1082 are
disposed not to overlap with each other in plan view. Thus, the air intake device
1001 can be disposed with a more compact size and around the intake air flow passage
1010 so that the air intake device 1001 can be prevented more greatly from interfering
with various devices mounted in the car. Accordingly, the upper limits of the volumes
of the two, first and second resonators 1020 and 1030 can be made larger so that the
first and second resonators 1020 and 1030 can flexibly cope with frequencies of intake
noises to be attenuated.
[0083] In the air intake device 1001 according to Embodiment 1, the second communication
pipe 1092 extends in the direction (the X direction) along the air flow in the intake
air flow passage 1010. Therefore, a required space for the second communication pipe
1092 is only around the intake air flow passage 1010. Since a space where the intake
air flow passage 1010 should be disposed is originally provided in a vehicle, there
is little fear that the space required for forming the second communication pipe 1092
may interfere with any other device. That is, the second communication pipe 1092 can
be made longer without interfering with any other device.
[0084] Here, according to the Helmholtz's laws, as the second communication pipe 1092 is
increased in length, low-frequency intake noise can be attenuated. Accordingly, even
when the second communication pipe 1092 is increased in length, it can be kept compact
without easily interfering with any other device. In addition, the second communication
pipe 1092 can be formed to be longer to effectively attenuate low-frequency intake
noise.
[0085] Further, the first volume chamber 1081 of the first resonator 1020 or the second
volume chamber 1082 of the second resonator 1030 and the intake air flow passage 1010
are connected not directly but indirectly through the first communication pipe 1091
or the second communication pipe 1092 respectively. Thus, when only the lengths or
diameters of the first communication pipe 1091 and the second communication pipe 1092
are adjusted suitably, frequencies of intake noises which can be attenuated in the
first volume chamber 1081 and the second volume chamber 1082 can be set as desired
frequencies.
[0086] In the air intake device 1001 according to Embodiment 1, the length of the first
communication pipe 1091 is different from the length of the second communication pipe
1092. Specifically, the length of the first communication pipe 1091 is shorter than
the length of the second communication pipe 1092.
[0087] As describe above, according to the Helmholtz's laws, when the first communication
pipe 1091 and the second communication pipe 1092 are increased in length, low-frequency
intake noise can be attenuated. When the first communication pipe 1091 and the second
communication pipe 1092 are reduced in length, high-frequency intake noise can be
attenuated.
[0088] Accordingly, high-frequency intake noise can be attenuated by the relatively short
first communication pipe 1091 while low-frequency intake noise can be attenuated by
the relatively long second communication pipe 1092. When the first communication pipe
1091 and the second communication pipe 1092 having different lengths from each other
are used together, intake noises having different frequency bands can be attenuated.
[0089] Particularly, in Embodiment 1, the first volume chamber 1081 connected to the first
communication pipe 1091 has a volume to attenuate high-frequency intake noise, and
the second volume chamber 1082 connected to the second communication pipe 1092 has
a volume to attenuate low-frequency intake noise. That is, the first communication
pipe 1091 and the first volume chamber 1081 have configurations suitable for attenuation
of the high-frequency intake noise. The second communication pipe 1092 and the second
volume chamber 1082 have configurations suitable for attenuation of the low-frequency
intake noise.
[0090] In order to attenuate intake noise at a desired frequency, the volume of the volume
chamber or the layout of the resonator with respect to the intake air flow passage
1010 has to be changed in the background art. On the other hand, in the air intake
device 1001 according to Embodiment 1, the first communication pipe 1091 and the second
communication pipe 1092 having lengths or diameters suitable for attenuation of intake
noises at desired frequencies and the first volume chamber 1081 and the second volume
chamber 1082 may be configured after the air intake device 1001 has been disposed
in accordance with the layout of various devices such as the internal combustion engine
and an air cleaner disposed before or after the air intake device 1001. Accordingly,
the air intake device 1001 can attenuate the intake noises at the desired frequencies
without being easily restricted by the layout etc. of the various devices such as
the internal combustion engine.
[0091] The intake air flow passage 1010 has the inclined intake air flow passage 1013 inclined
downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The second communication
pipe 1092 is similarly inclined along the inclined intake air flow passage 1013. The
second outlet 1121 is positioned on an upper side in the vertical direction than the
second inlet 1120 of the second communication pipe 1092. According to the second communication
pipe 1092 having such a configuration, moisture can be prevented from entering the
second communication pipe 1092 while moving up. Accordingly, the volume of the second
volume chamber 1082 can be prevented from varying due to water accumulated in the
second volume chamber 1082 through the second communication pipe 1092. Thus, an intake
noise attenuation effect achieved by the second resonator 1030 can be maintained excellently.
[0092] Further, in the second communication pipe 1092, the second inlet 1120 is positioned
on the downstream side of the intake air flow passage 1010, and the second outlet
121 is positioned on the upstream side of the intake air flow passage 1010. That is,
air flowing through the second communication pipe 1092 moves in an opposite direction
to the air flow in the intake air flow passage 1010.
[0093] According to the configuration of such a second communication pipe 1092, moisture
such as water drops can be more greatly suppressed from entering the second communication
pipe 1092 even when the moisture enters the intake air flow passage 1010 together
with the air.
[0094] Although Embodiment 1 which is an embodiment of the invention has been described
above, the invention is not limited to the aforementioned Embodiment 1. The invention
can be changed suitably without departing from its gist.
[0095] Although the first volume chamber 1081 and the second volume chamber 1082 are different
in volume, for example, in the aforementioned Embodiment 1, they may be the same in
volume. In addition, although one first resonator 1020 is provided in the aforementioned
Embodiment 1, a plurality of first resonators 1020 may be provided alternatively.
That is, the plurality of first resonators 1020 may be formed by the first member
1040 and the second member 1050. The same rule also applies to the second resonator
1030, i.e. a plurality of second resonators 1030 may be formed by the second member
1050 and the third member 1060.
[0096] Although the first volume chamber 1081 of the first resonator 1020 communicates with
the intake air flow passage 1010 through the first communication pipe 1091, it is
not limited thereto. That is, the first volume chamber 1081 of the first resonator
1020 may communicate with the intake air flow passage 1010 directly. The same rule
also applies to the second resonator 1030, i.e. the second volume chamber 1082 of
the second resonator 1030 may communicate with the intake air flow passage 1010 directly.
[0097] Although the intake air flow passage 1010 is formed by the first member 1040 and
the second member 1050, the intake air flow passage 1010 may be formed by the second
member 1050 and the third member 1060 alternatively. When the intake air flow passage
1010 is formed by the second member 1050 and the third member 1060, it is preferable
that the first volume chamber 1081 of the first resonator 1020 is formed to overlap
with the intake air flow passage 1010 and extend to the both sides of the intake air
flow passage 10 in plan view, and the second volume chamber 1082 of the second resonator
1030 is formed on one side of the intake air flow passage 1010 in plan view. That
is, the intake air flow passage 1010, the first resonator 1020 and the second resonator
1030 of the air intake device 1001 according to Embodiment 1 may be disposed to be
replaced upside down by one another with respect to the second member 1050. It is
a matter of course that the layout of the intake air flow passage 1010, the first
resonator 1020 and the second resonator 1030 is not limited to the aforementioned
Embodiment 1.
[0098] Although the second communication pipe 1092 is formed to extend along the air flow
of the intake air flow passage 1010, it is not limited thereto. The second communication
pipe 1092 may be provided like the first communication pipe 1091 to extend in a direction
intersecting with the air flow of the intake air flow passage 1010.
[0099] Although the intake air flow passage 1010 has the inclined intake air flow passage
1013, it is not always limited to such a mode. That is, the intake air flow passage
1010 may be substantially parallel without having the inclined intake air flow passage
1013 or may be inclined upward from the upstream side toward the downstream side.
Further, the second outlet 1121 of the second communication pipe 1092 does not have
to be located on the upper side than the second inlet 1120 but may be positioned substantially
at the same height as the second inlet 1120 or on a lower side than the second inlet
1120.
(Embodiment 2)
[0100] An air intake device of an internal combustion engine according to Embodiment 2 will
be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 13. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing
an external appearance of the air intake device. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective
view of the air intake device. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the air intake device. Fig.
12 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a sectional view
taken along a line B-B of Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along a line
C-C of Fig. 11. The section taken along the line A-A is a section which passes through
an intake air flow passage 2010, a volume chamber 2070, and an outlet 2092. The section
taken along the line B-B is a section which does not pass through the outlet 2092
and an inlet 2091 but passes through the intake air flow passage 2010, the volume
chamber 2070 and a communication pipe 2020. The section taken along the line C-C is
a section which passes through the intake air flow passage 2010, the volume chamber
2070 and the inlet 2091.
[0101] The air intake device 2001 of the internal combustion engine according to Embodiment
2 is provided with the intake air flow passage 2010, and a resonator 2030. The resonator
2030 has the communication pipe 2020 and the volume chamber 2070.
[0102] The intake air flow passage 2010 is a flow passage of air to be fed to the internal
combustion engine (not shown). The intake air flow passage 2010 according to Embodiment
2 is constituted by an upstream intake air flow passage 2011, a downstream intake
air flow passage 2012, and an inclined intake air flow passage 2013 provided between
the upstream intake air flow passage 2011 and the downstream intake air flow passage
2012.
[0103] The upstream intake air flow passage 2011 is a flow passage which has an air intake
port (not shown) for taking in air at its one end side and which extends rearward
(rearward in an X direction). The inclined intake air flow passage 2013 is a flow
passage which continues from the upstream intake air flow passage 2011 and is inclined
downward toward the rear. The downstream intake air flow passage 2012 is a flow passage
which continues from the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 and extends rearward.
A rear side of the downstream intake air flow passage 2012 is connected to the not-shown
internal combustion engine. Incidentally, a device such as an air cleaner may be provided
on an upstream side of the internal combustion engine on the downstream side of the
downstream intake air flow passage 2012.
[0104] The communication pipe 2020 is a pipe provided to extend along the intake air flow
passage 2010. In Embodiment 2, the communication pipe 2020 is formed by a first member
2040, a second member 2050 and a third member 2060.
[0105] As will be described later, the communication pipe 2020 has the inlet 2091 and the
outlet 2092. The inlet 2091 is an opening on the intake air flow passage 2010 side.
The outlet 2092 is an opening on the volume chamber 2070 side. Through such a communication
pipe 2020, the intake air flow passage 2010 and the volume chamber 2070 communicate
with each other.
[0106] The resonator 2030 is provided with the communication pipe 2020 and the volume chamber
2070. The volume chamber 2070 is a space part having a predetermined volume. The first
member 2040, the second member 2050 and the third member 2060 are superimposed on
one another in the named order from a lower side in a vertical direction to be integrally
formed, thereby the resonator 2030 according to Embodiment 2 is formed.
[0107] A lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2041 (corresponding to a first
intake air flow passage forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the intake air
flow passage 2010 on the second member 2050 side is provided in the first member 2040.
The lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2041 is formed into a groove shape
which is recessed in section and which is opened to the second member 2050 side. In
addition, portions of the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2041 which
serve as the upstream intake air flow passage 2011 and the downstream intake air flow
passage 2012 are substantially horizontal. A portion of the lower-side intake air
flow passage forming part 2041 which serves as the inclined intake air flow passage
2013 is inclined downward toward the downstream side.
[0108] A lower-side communication pipe forming part 2042 (corresponding to a first communication
pipe forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the communication pipe 2020 on
the second member 2050 side is provided in the first member 2040. The lower-side communication
pipe forming part 2042 is formed into a groove shape which is recessed in section
and which is opened to the second member 2050 side. In addition, the lower-side communication
pipe forming part 2042 is provided to extend along the lower-side intake air flow
passage forming part 2041. The lower-side communication pipe forming part 2042 includes
a portion which is inclined downward from the front toward the rear in a vehicle front/rear
direction.
[0109] The lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2041 and the lower-side communication
pipe forming part 2042 are separated from each other by a wall part 2043. In addition,
a portion of the wall part 2043 is notched so that a lower-side inlet 2044 is formed
therein. Through the lower-side inlet 2044, one downstream-side end portion of the
lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2041 and one downstream-side end portion
of the lower-side communication pipe forming part 2042 communicate with each other.
[0110] An upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2051 (corresponding to a second
intake air flow passage forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the intake air
flow passage 2010 on the first member 2040 side is provided in the second member 2050.
The upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2051 is formed into a groove shape
which is recessed in section and which is opened to the first member 2040 side. In
addition, the upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2051 is inclined downward
from the front toward the rear in the vehicle front/rear direction in line with the
inclination of the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2041.
[0111] An upper-side communication pipe forming part 2052 (corresponding to a second communication
pipe forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the communication pipe 2020 on
the first member 2040 side is provided in the second member 2050. The upper-side communication
pipe forming part 2052 is formed into a groove shape which is recessed in section
and which is opened to the first member 2040 side. In addition, the upper-side communication
pipe forming part 2052 is provided to extend along the upper-side intake air flow
passage forming part 2051. The upper-side communication pipe forming part 2052 includes
a portion inclined downward from the front toward the rear in the vehicle front/rear
direction in line with the inclination of the lower-side communication pipe forming
part 2042.
[0112] The upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2051 and the upper-side communication
pipe forming part 2052 are separated from each other by a wall part 2053. In addition,
a portion of the wall part 2053 is notched so that an upper-side inlet 2056 is formed
therein. Through the upper-side inlet 2056, one downstream-side end portion of the
upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2051 and one downstream-side end portion
of the upper-side communication pipe forming part 2052 communicate with each other.
[0113] A lower-side volume chamber forming part 2058 (corresponding to a first volume chamber
forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the volume chamber 2070 is provided
in the second member 2050. The lower-side volume chamber forming part 2058 is the
whole of an internal recessed portion which is surrounded by a wall part 2080 provided
on an upper face side of the second member 2050. The wall part 2080 is formed so as
to surround the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 of the intake air flow passage
2010, a small volume part 2054 which will be described below, and a front-side part
of the communication pipe 2020 in plan view.
[0114] The lower-side volume chamber forming part 2058 is constituted by the small volume
part 2054 and a large volume part 2057. The small volume part 2054 is a box-like recessed
portion which is positioned on one side of the intake air flow passage 2010 in a vehicle
width direction and which has a rectangular shape opened to the third member 2060
side. The large volume part 2057 is a recessed portion which is surrounded by the
wall part 2080. An upper face of the second member 2050 is used as the bottom of the
large volume part 2057.
[0115] The small volume part 2054 is formed to be deepened toward the lower side in the
vertical direction, and overlap with the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 in
side view. The large volume part 2057 is positioned on an upper side than the inclined
intake air flow passage 2013 in side view. In other words, a portion of the bottom
of the large volume part 2057 is recessed downward to be formed as the small volume
part 2054.
[0116] The outlet 2092 is provided in the second member 2050. The outlet 2092 is a hole
which penetrates the second member 2050 in a thickness direction and through which
the communication pipe 2020 and the volume chamber 2070 are made to communicate with
each other.
[0117] An upper-side volume chamber forming part 2061 (corresponding to a second volume
chamber forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the volume chamber 2070 is provided
in the third member 2060. The upper-side volume chamber forming part 2061 is formed
into a groove shape which is recessed in section and which is opened to the second
member 2050 side. In Embodiment 2, the upper-side volume chamber forming part 2061
is formed to be opposed to the lower-side volume chamber forming part 2058.
[0118] Incidentally, although the material of the first member 2040, the second member 2050
and the third member 2060 is not limited particularly, they can be molded and formed
out of a resin.
[0119] When the first member 2040, the second member 2050 and the third member 2060 are
connected to one another integrally, the air intake device 2001 is formed. The air
intake device 2001 is provided with the resonator 2030 and the intake air flow passage
2010. The resonator 2030 has the communication pipe 2020 and the volume chamber 2070.
[0120] That is, one intake air flow passage 2010 in which the opening of the lower-side
intake air flow passage forming part 2041 and the opening of the upper-side intake
air flow passage forming part 2051 are connected to each other is formed by the first
member 2040 and the second member 2050.
[0121] In addition, one communication pipe 2020 in which the opening of the lower-side communication
pipe forming part 2042 and the opening of the upper-side communication pipe forming
part 2052 are connected to each other is formed by the first member 2040 and the second
member 2050. Further, when the first member 2040 and the second member 2050 are connected
to each other, one inlet 2091 is formed out of the lower-side inlet 2044 and the upper-side
inlet 2056.
[0122] In addition, one volume chamber 2070 in which the opening of the lower-side volume
chamber forming part 2058 and the opening of the upper-side volume chamber forming
part 2061 are connected to each other is formed by the second member 2050 and the
third member 2060.
[0123] Such a communication pipe 2020 communicates with the intake air flow passage 2010
through the inlet 2091 on the downstream side of the intake air flow passage 2010.
The volume chamber 2070 communicates with the communication pipe 2020 through the
outlet 2092.
[0124] A part of the second member 2050 to which the third member 2060 is connected is a
top face 2081 of the wall part 2080 which forms the lower-side volume chamber forming
part 2058. The top face 2081 is an approximately horizontal face facing the third
member 2060 side. On the other hand, although not shown particularly, a part of the
third member 2060 to which the second member 2050 is connected is also an approximately
horizontal flat face which has the same shape as the top face 2081 and which faces
the second member 2050 side.
[0125] Thus, the second member 2050 and the third member 2060 are connected to each other
at their horizontal faces. Therefore, a gap is hardly generated between the second
member 2050 and the third member 2060. Thus, airtightness of the second volume chamber
2070 formed by the second member 2050 and the third member 2060 can be improved.
[0126] In Embodiment 2, the intake air flow passage 2010 has the inclined intake air flow
passage 2013 which is inclined. In order to form the inclined intake air flow passage
2013, the upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2051 of the second member
2050 is inclined. Thus, although the second member 2050 includes the inclined part,
the face where the second member 2050 is connected to the third member 2060 can be
formed as a horizontal face due to the provision of the wall part 2080.
[0127] An air flow in the air intake device 2001 having such a configuration will be described
with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the air intake device showing
the air flow. The third member 2060 is not shown in Fig. 15.
[0128] As indicated by an arrow L, external air flows into the intake air flow passage 2010
to be sent out to the internal combustion engine from the downstream intake air flow
passage 2012. In addition, as indicated by an arrow M, a part of the air flowing into
the intake air flow passage 2010 flows into the communication pipe 2020 from the inlet
2091. The air flowing through the communication pipe 2020 reaches the volume chamber
2070 from the outlet 2092.
[0129] The air intake device 2001 of the internal combustion engine having the aforementioned
configuration is provided with the communication pipe 2020 through which the intake
air flow passage 2010 and the volume chamber 2070 communicate with each other. That
is, the volume chamber 2070 is connected to the intake air flow passage 2010 not directly
but indirectly through the communication pipe 2020. When the length or diameter of
the communication pipe 2020 is adjusted suitably, a frequency of resonance sound attenuated
in the volume chamber 2070 can be set as a desired frequency.
[0130] In order to attenuate resonance sound at the desired frequency, in the background
art, the size of the volume chamber or the layout of the volume chamber 2070 with
respect to the intake air flow passage 2010 has to be changed. On the other hand,
in the air intake device 2001 according to Embodiment 2, the communication pipe 2020
may be configured to have a length or diameter suitable for attenuation of the resonance
sound at the desired frequency after the volume chamber 2070 has been disposed in
accordance with the layout of various devices such as the internal combustion engine,
the intake air flow passage 2010 and an air cleaner disposed on the intake air flow
passage 2010. Accordingly, the air intake device 2001 can attenuate the resonance
sound at the desired frequency without being easily restricted by the layout etc.
of the various devices such as the intake air flow passage 2010.
[0131] In Embodiment 2, the length of the communication pipe 2020 extends from the inlet
2091 to the outlet 2092. When the position of the inlet 2091 or the outlet 2092 is
adjusted, the length of the communication pipe 2020 can be adjusted easily. That is,
when the position of the inlet 2091 or the outlet 2092 is adjusted, the communication
pipe 2020 can be formed to have any length without the necessity of changing any other
member. Thus, when only a small number of members are changed, the air intake device
2001 for attenuating resonance sound at a desired frequency can be configured.
[0132] In addition, the communication pipe 2020 is provided to extend along the intake air
flow passage 2010. Therefore, a required space for the communication pipe 2020 is
only around the intake air flow passage 2010. Since a space where the intake air flow
passage 2010 should be disposed is originally provided in a vehicle, there is little
fear that the space required for forming the communication pipe 2020 may interfere
with any other device. Thus, the length of the communication pipe 2020 can be secured
sufficiently to attenuate resonance sound, and space saving can be achieved.
[0133] Further, in the communication pipe 2020, the inlet 2091 which is formed as an entrance
of air is positioned on the downstream side of the intake air flow passage 2010, and
the outlet 2092 which is formed as an exit of the air is positioned on the upstream
side of the intake air flow passage 2010. That is, air flowing through the communication
pipe 2020 moves in an opposite direction to an air flow in the intake air flow passage
2010.
[0134] According to such a configuration of the communication pipe 2020, even when moisture
such as water drops enters the intake air flow passage 2010 together with air, the
moisture can be suppressed from entering the communication pipe 2020. Accordingly,
the volume of the volume chamber 2070 can be prevented from varying due to water accumulated
in the volume chamber 2070 through the communication pipe 2020. Thus, a resonance
sound attenuation effect achieved by the volume chamber 2070 can be maintained excellently.
[0135] Incidentally, when moisture enters the communication pipe 2020, the moisture is accumulated
in the volume chamber 2070. When the moisture is accumulated in the volume chamber
2070, the volume of the volume chamber 2070 varies so that resonance sound having
a desired frequency cannot be attenuated.
[0136] The intake air flow passage 2010 has the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 inclined
downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side. Similarly, the communication
pipe 2020 is inclined along the inclined intake air flow passage 2013. The outlet
2092 is positioned on the upper side than the inlet 2091 of the communication pipe
2020. Since it is almost impossible for moisture to enter such a communication pipe
2020 while moving up along the communication pipe 2020, moisture can be more surely
prevented from entering the communication pipe 2020.
[0137] In addition, the small volume part 2054 of the volume chamber 2070 is formed to overlap
with the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 in side view. Thus, a space occupied
by the volume chamber 2070 can be reduced in a height direction. When the small volume
part 2054 is made not to overlap with the inclined intake air flow passage 2013, the
upper-side volume chamber forming part 2061 has to be enlarged upward by the volume
of the small volume part 2054. Therefore, the air intake device 2001 requires a larger
space in the height direction.
[0138] Further, the air intake device 2001 according to Embodiment 2 is provided with the
first member 2040, the second member 2050 and the third member 2060 which are superimposed
on one another to be formed integrally. Thus, the intake air flow passage 2010, the
volume chamber 2070 and the communication pipe 2020 can be formed integrally so that
the components can be arranged compactly. Incidentally, in the background art, the
intake air flow passage 2010, and the resonator 2030 which is provided with the communication
pipe 2020 and the volume chamber 2070 are formed by separate members. Accordingly,
the number of components increases, and labor and time for assembling the resonator
2030 with the intake air flow passage 2010 increase. In addition, even when the intake
air flow passage 2010 and the volume chamber 2070 are intended to be formed integrally
by one member, it is difficult that the intake air flow passage 2010 and the volume
chamber 2070 are formed to overlap with each other vertically in plan view.
(Embodiment 3)
[0139] An air intake device of an internal combustion engine according to Embodiment 3 will
be described with reference to Figs. 16 to 19. Fig. 16 is a plan view showing an external
appearance of the air intake device. Fig. 17 is a side view of the air intake device.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the air intake device. Fig. 19 is a sectional view
taken along a line D-D of Fig. 16. A third member is not shown in Fig. 18. In addition,
the section taken along the line D-D is a section which passes through an intake air
flow passage 2110, a volume chamber 2170, a communication pipe 2120, an inlet 2191
and an outlet 2192.
[0140] The air intake device 2001A of the internal combustion engine according to Embodiment
3 is provided with the intake air flow passage 2110, and a resonator 2130. The resonator
2130 has the communication pipe 2120 and the volume chamber 2170. In addition, the
air intake device 2001A is provided with a housing chamber 2180 in which the communication
pipe 2120 is housed.
[0141] The intake air flow passage 2110 is a flow passage of air to be fed to the internal
combustion engine (not shown). In Embodiment 3, the intake air flow passage 2110 is
constituted by an upstream intake air flow passage 2111 and an inclined intake air
flow passage 2113.
[0142] The upstream intake air flow passage 2111 is a flow passage which has an air intake
port (not shown) for taking in air at its one end side and which extends rearward
(toward the rear in an X direction). The inclined intake air flow passage 2113 is
a flow passage which continues from the upstream intake air flow passage 2111 and
is inclined downward toward the rear. A rear side of the inclined intake air flow
passage 2113 is connected to the not-shown internal combustion engine.
[0143] Incidentally, a device such as an air cleaner may be provided on an upstream side
of the internal combustion engine on the downstream side of the inclined intake air
flow passage 2113. The communication pipe 2120 is a pipe which branches from the intake
air flow passage 2110 and is provided to extend along the intake air flow passage
2110. In Embodiment 3, the communication pipe 2120 is formed out of a separate member
from a first member 2140, a second member 2150 and a third member 2160. That is, the
communication pipe 2120 is not formed by the first member 2140, the second member
2150 and the third member 2160 integrally with the resonator 2130.
[0144] The resonator 2130 is provided with the communication pipe 2120 and the volume chamber
2170. The volume chamber 2170 is a space part having a predetermined volume. The resonator
2130 according to Embodiment 3 is formed when the first member 2140, the second member
2150 and the third member 2160 are connected in the named order from a lower side
in a vertical direction.
[0145] A lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2141 (corresponding to a first
intake air flow passage forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the intake air
flow passage 2110 is provided in the first member 2140. The lower-side intake air
flow passage forming part 2141 is formed into a groove shape which is recessed in
section and which is opened to the second member 2150 side. In addition, a portion
of the lower-side intake air flow passage forming part 2141 which serves as the upstream
intake air flow passage 2111 extends substantially horizontally from the front toward
the rear in a vehicle front/rear direction. A portion of the lower-side intake air
flow passage forming part 2141 which starts from a midway place thereof to serve as
the inclined intake air flow passage 2113 is inclined downward from the front toward
the rear.
[0146] The volume chamber 2170 which is opened to the second member 2150 side is provided
in the first member 2140. The volume chamber 2170 communicates with the housing chamber
2180 to thereby form one space. The housing chamber 2180 will be described later.
In addition, the volume chamber 2170 is formed to be deepened toward the lower side
in the vertical direction and overlap with the intake air flow passage 2110 in side
view.
[0147] An upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2151 (corresponding to a second
intake air flow passage forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the intake air
flow passage 2110 is provided in the second member 2150. The upper-side intake air
flow passage forming part 2151 is formed into a groove shape which is recessed in
section and which is opened to the first member 2140 side. In addition, a portion
of the upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2151 which serves as the upstream
intake air flow passage 2111 extends substantially horizontally from the front toward
the rear in the vehicle front/rear direction. A portion of the upper-side intake air
flow passage forming part 2151 which starts from a midway place thereof to serve as
the inclined intake air flow passage 2113 is inclined downward from the front toward
the rear.
[0148] A branch opening 2144 which penetrates the second member 2150 in a thickness direction
to communicate with the upper-side intake air flow passage forming part 2151 is provided
in the second member 2150. The branch opening 2144 is formed into a cylindrical shape
which protrudes upward from the second member 2150 in the vertical direction. The
branch opening 2144 is positioned on a downstream side of the intake air flow passage
2110.
[0149] A lower-side housing chamber forming part 2158 (corresponding to a first housing
chamber forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the housing chamber 2180 on
the third member 2160 side is provided in the second member 2150. The lower-side housing
chamber forming part 2158 is formed into a recess shape which is opened to the third
member 2160 side. A communication opening part 2159 penetrating the second member
2150 is formed in a region of the second member 2150 opposed to the volume chamber
2170. The lower-side housing chamber forming part 2158 is a recessed part of the second
member 2150 facing the third member 2160 except the communication opening part 2159.
[0150] An upper-side housing chamber forming part 2161 (corresponding to a second housing
chamber forming part in Claims) which forms a part of the housing chamber 2180 on
the second member 2150 side is provided in the third member 2160. The upper-side housing
chamber forming part 2161 is formed into a groove shape which is recessed in section
and which is opened to the second member 2150 side. In Embodiment 3, the upper-side
housing chamber forming part 2161 is formed to be opposed to the lower-side housing
chamber forming part 2158 and the volume chamber 2170.
[0151] Incidentally, although the material of the first member 2140, the second member 2150
and the third member 2160 is not limited particularly, they can be molded and formed
out of a resin.
[0152] When the first member 2140, the second member 2150 and the third member 2160 are
connected integrally, the air intake device 2001A provided with the resonator 2130
and the intake air flow passage 2110 is formed. The resonator 2130 has the communication
pipe 2120 which is housed in the housing chamber 2180, and the volume chamber 2170.
[0153] That is, one intake air flow passage 2110 in which the opening of the lower-side
intake air flow passage forming part 2141 and the opening of the upper-side intake
air flow passage forming part 2151 are connected to each other is formed by the first
member 2140 and the second member 2150.
[0154] In addition, one housing chamber 2180 in which the opening of the lower-side housing
chamber forming part 2158 and the opening of the upper-side housing chamber forming
part 2161 are connected to each other is formed by the second member 2150 and the
third member 2160. The housing chamber 2180 formed thus communicates with the volume
chamber 2170 so that one integrated volume chamber including the housing chamber 2180
and the volume chamber 2170 is formed. That is, the housing chamber 2180 and the volume
chamber 2170 are integrated to generate an effect and a function for attenuating intake
noise.
[0155] The communication pipe 2120 is housed inside the housing chamber 2180. In addition,
the communication pipe 2120 has the inlet 2191 as one opening and the outlet 2192
as the other opening. The inlet 2191 is connected to the branch opening 2144. The
outlet 2192 is positioned inside the housing chamber 2180. Through such a communication
pipe 2120, the volume chamber 2170 and the intake air flow passage 2110 communicate
with each other.
[0156] An air flow in the air intake device 2001A having such a configuration will be described
with reference to Figs. 18 and 19.
[0157] Air fed from the outside flows into the intake air flow passage 2110 to be sent out
to the internal combustion engine from the inclined intake air flow passage 2113.
In addition, as indicated by an arrow M, a part of the air flowing into the intake
air flow passage 2110 flows into the communication pipe 2120 from the inlet 2191.
The air flowing through the communication pipe 2120 reaches the housing chamber 2180
and the volume chamber 2170 from the outlet 2192.
[0158] The air intake device 2001A of the internal combustion engine having the aforementioned
configuration is provided with the communication pipe 2120 through which the intake
air flow passage 2110 and the volume chamber 2170 communicate with each other. That
is, the volume chamber 2170 is connected to the intake air flow passage 2110 not directly
but indirectly through the communication pipe 2120. When the length or diameter of
the communication pipe 2120 is adjusted suitably, a frequency of resonance sound to
be attenuated in the volume chamber 2170 can be set as a desired frequency.
[0159] In order to attenuate resonance sound at the desired frequency, in the background
art, the size of the volume chamber or the layout of the volume chamber 2170 with
respect to the intake air flow passage 2110 has to be changed. On the other hand,
in the air intake device 2001A according to the Embodiment 3, the communication pipe
2120 may be configured to have a length or diameter suitable for attenuation of the
resonance sound at the desired frequency after the volume chamber 2170 has been disposed
in accordance with the layout of various devices such as the internal combustion engine,
the intake air flow passage 2110 and an air cleaner disposed on the intake air flow
passage 2110. Accordingly, the air intake device 2001A can attenuate the resonance
sound at the desired frequency without being easily restricted by the layout of the
various devices such as the intake air flow passage 2110.
[0160] In Embodiment 3, the communication pipe 2120 is a separate body from the first member
2140, the second member 2150 and the third member 2160. Accordingly, when only the
length or diameter of the communication pipe 2120 is changed, the air intake device
2001A for attenuating resonance sound at a desired frequency can be configured.
[0161] In addition, the communication pipe 2120 is provided to extend along the intake air
flow passage 2110. Therefore, a required space for the communication pipe 2120 is
only around the intake air flow passage 2110. Since a space where the intake air flow
passage 2110 should be disposed is originally provided in a vehicle, there is little
fear that the space required for forming the communication pipe 2120 may interfere
with any other device. Thus, the length of the communication pipe 2120 can be secured
sufficiently to attenuate resonance sound, and space saving can be achieved.
[0162] Further, the communication pipe 2120 has the inlet 2191 as an entrance of air and
the outlet 2192 as an exit of the air. The inlet 2191 is positioned on the downstream
side of the intake air flow passage 2110. The outlet 2192 is positioned on the upstream
side of the intake air flow passage 2110. That is, air flowing through the communication
pipe 2120 moves in an opposite direction to an air flow in the intake air flow passage
2110.
[0163] According to such a configuration of the communication pipe 2120, even when moisture
such as water drops together with air enters the intake air flow passage 2110, the
moisture can be suppressed from entering the communication pipe 2120. Accordingly,
the volume of the volume chamber 2170 can be prevented from varying due to water accumulated
in the volume chamber 2170 through the communication pipe 2120. Thus, a resonance
sound attenuation effect achieved by the volume chamber 2170 can be maintained excellently.
[0164] In addition, the inlet 2191 of the communication pipe 2120 faces down in the vertical
direction. Since the inlet 191 is formed thus, it is almost impossible for moisture
to move up from the intake air flow passage 2110 and enter the communication pipe
2120. Accordingly, the moisture can be more surely prevented from entering the communication
pipe 2120.
[0165] In addition, the inclined intake air flow passage 2113 constituting a part of the
intake air flow passage 2110 is inclined downward from the front toward the rear in
the vehicle front/rear direction. The communication pipe 2120 is similarly inclined
along the inclined intake air flow passage 2113. The outlet 2192 is positioned on
an upper side than the inlet 2191 in the communication pipe 2120.
[0166] It is almost impossible for moisture to enter the communication pipe 2120 while moving
up along the communication pipe 2120. Accordingly, the moisture can be more surely
prevented from entering the communication pipe 2120.
[0167] In addition, the volume chamber 2170 is formed to overlap with the inclined intake
air flow passage 2113 in side view. Thus, the space which is occupied by the volume
chamber 2170 can be reduced in a height direction. When the volume chamber 2170 is
made not to overlap with the inclined intake air flow passage 2113, the upper-side
housing chamber forming part 2161 has to be enlarged upward by the volume of the volume
chamber 2170. Therefore, the air intake device 2001A requires a larger space in the
height direction.
[0168] Further, the air intake device 2001A according to Embodiment 3 is provided with the
first member 2140, the second member 2150 and the third member 2160 which are superimposed
on one another to be formed integrally. Thus, the intake air flow passage 2110 and
the volume chamber 2170 can be formed integrally so that the components can be arranged
compactly.
[0169] Although Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3 as embodiments of the invention have been
described above, the invention is not limited to the aforementioned Embodiment 2 and
the aforementioned Embodiment 3. The invention can be changed suitably without departing
from its gist.
[0170] Although the directions of air flows in the communication pipe 2020 and the communication
pipe 2120 are opposite to the directions of air flows in the intake air flow passage
2010 and the intake air flow passage 2110 respectively, for example, in the aforementioned
Embodiment 2 and the aforementioned Embodiment 3, the communication pipe 2020 and
the communication pipe 2120 are not limited to such modes. That is, the communication
pipe 2020 and the communication pipe 2120 may be provided to extend at least along
the intake air flow passage 2010 and the intake air flow passage 2110 respectively,
and the directions of air flows in the communication pipe 2020 and the communication
pipe 2120 may be the same as the directions of air flows in the intake air flow passage
2010 and the intake air flow passage 2110 respectively.
[0171] Although the intake air flow passage 2010 and the intake air flow passage 2110 have
the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 and the inclined intake air flow passage
2113 respectively, they are not limited to such modes. That is, the intake air flow
passage 2010 and the intake air flow passage 2110 may be made substantially parallel
without having the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 and the inclined intake air
flow passage 2113 respectively, or may be inclined upward from the upstream side toward
the downstream side. Further, the outlet 2092 of the communication pipe 2020 and the
outlet 2192 of the communication pipe 2120 do not have to be located on the upper
sides than the inlet 2091 and the inlet 2191 respectively but may be positioned at
substantially the same heights as or on lower sides than the inlet 2091 and the inlet
2191 respectively.
[0172] Although the volume chamber 2070 and the volume chamber 2170 are formed to overlap
with the inclined intake air flow passage 2013 and the inclined intake air flow passage
2113 in side view, they are not limited to such modes. That is, the volume chamber
2070 and the volume chamber 2170 do not overlap with the inclined intake air flow
passage 2013 and the inclined intake air flow passage 2113 respectively in side view
but may be positioned on the upper sides or the lower sides than the inclined intake
air flow passage 2013 and the inclined intake air flow passage 2113 respectively.
[0173] Although the inlet 2191 of the communication pipe 2120 faces down, it is not limited
to such a mode but may face in any direction.
[0174] Although the resonator 2030 is constituted by the first member 2040, the second member
2050 and the third member 2060, and the resonator 2130 is constituted by the first
member 2140, the second member 2150 and the third member 2160, the resonator 2030
and the resonator 2130 are not limited to such modes. Each of the inclined intake
air flow passage 2013, the communication pipe 2020 and the volume chamber 2070 may
be constituted by one and the same member or may be constituted by two members or
by four or more members. The same rule may also apply to the resonator 2130.
[0175] In addition, the resonator 2030 is provided with one communication pipe 2020 and
one volume chamber 2070. However, the resonator 2030 may be alternatively provided
with two or more communication pipes 2020 and two or more volume chambers 2070. The
same rule may also apply to the resonator 2130.
[0176] The invention can be used in a car industrial field.