Snowmobile induction system

Details Snowmobile induction system Snowmobile induction system

2000-02-22

2001-04-17

Culbreth, Eric (Department: 3611)

Motor vehicles

Power

With means to guide and/or control combustion air for power...

C180S068100, C123S041560, C123S041580

Reexamination Certificate

active

06216809

ABSTRACT:

PRIORITY INFORMATION
This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 11-042313, filed Feb. 19, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an induction system for an internal combustion engine and more particularly to an induction system for the powering internal combustion engine of a snowmobile.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is the normal practice to position a powering internal combustion engine of a snowmobile within an engine compartment. This is done at least in part to protect the engine from the surrounding environment. Air is generally drawn from the engine compartment into the induction system of the engine.
When the snowmobile is operated, the temperature of the air drawn from inside the engine compartment is generally warmer than that of the outside air because of the heat generated by the engine. If the temperature of the induction air is too high, engine performance is compromised.
It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide an induction system for the internal combustion engine of a snowmobile wherein induction air is normally supplied to the induction system from outside of the engine compartment.
However, because the induction air is drawn from the outside rather than from the protected confines of the engine compartment, in certain operating conditions it may be more likely that snow and other foreign materials will enter the induction system along with the induction air, thereby degrading engine performance or harming the engine. Thus, in certain limited conditions, such as when the snowmobile is operated in deep snow, it may be more desirable to induct air from inside the engine compartment.
It is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide an induction system for the internal combustion engine of a snowmobile wherein the induction air can selectively be drawn from either outside or inside of the engine compartment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention involves a snowmobile comprising an internal combustion engine and an induction system communicating with the engine. A body of the snowmobile defines an engine compartment in which the engine is located, at least in part. The body also includes first and second opening that communicate with the induction system. A door is movably positioned at the first opening to selectively regulate a flow of induction air through the first opening
In one embodiment of the invention, the first opening is an air inlet opening that admits air from outside the engine compartment. The inlet opening preferably is formed on a raised portion of the body, which is located in front of a seat of the snowmobile.
One or more sub-openings may also be provided for admitting induction air into the intake passage from inside or outside of the engine compartment. A sub-door is provided at each sub-opening and is movable with respect to the sub-opening to open and close the sub-opening. The sub-doors are arranged to be opened to admit induction air into the intake passage when the air inlet doors are closed.
For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been and will be described. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.


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patent: 5957230 (1999-09-01), Harano et al.
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