Description:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

FUEL TANK SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a fuel tank system of a vehicle, and more particularly to a collecting device of the fuel tank system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] With the augmentation of technology in the automotive industry, there has been an enormous development of technology in multiple verticals of the product line-ups and technology front for any vehicle. The vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorized scooter, motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle, and four-wheeled vehicle such as all-terrain vehicle (ATV), comprise a fuel tank system to store and provide necessary fuel required by an engine to power the vehicle. The fuel tank system comprises a fuel tank and a fuel pump module. The fuel tank is used to store the fuel required to power the vehicle. The fuel pump module pumps necessary fuel from the fuel tank to the engine to generate required power to operate the vehicle, through fuel lines or hoses.

[003] More specifically, the fuel tank system of a vehicle is one of most the vital components of the vehicle. Numerous developments have happened over the years to make the fuel tank system more reliable, efficient and economic. However, the fuel tank systems were not adapted for various real life situation where performance was observed to be under par the demands and requirements.

[004] Conventionally, the fuel pump module is mounted on the bottom wall of the fuel tank. In one example, the fuel pump module is mounted on one side of the top surface of the bottom wall. However, in the side mounting condition of the fuel pump module, there is a risk that the fuel supplied to the pump may carry dust particles. Over time, this can lead to damage to the fuel pump due to ingress and fouling, thereby accelerating wear of components of the fuel pump which is undesirable.

[005] Likewise, the fuel pump module in such condition gets the input of the fuel from the front direction and the suspended dust present there could damage the fuel pump which is undesirable.

[006] Similarly, suspended dust tends to settle in the fuel tank during periods of inactivity. During refueling, uphill maneuvers, or acceleration, the previously settled dust may recombine with the fuel, posing a risk of damage to the fuel pump an undesirable consequence.

[007] Thus, there exists a need of removing this dust from the fuel tank to increase the working life of the fuel pump. Also, the construction of such removing component must be such that it does not interfere with the flow of the fuel to the fuel pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a fuel tank system of a vehicle, comprising a fuel tank comprising a bottom wall for storing the fuel; a fuel pump module accommodated in the fuel tank, the fuel pump module comprising a fuel entry inlet; and a collecting device fluidically connected to the bottom wall of the fuel tank for storing dust contained in the fuel.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the collecting device is positioned ahead of the fuel pump module in a vehicle length direction.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the collecting device projects in a vehicle downward direction from the bottom wall of the fuel tank.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fuel pump module and the collecting device being co-located in any one of the first path and the second path.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the collecting device being located at a first distance from the bulging portion and at a second distance from the first side wall; the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the collecting device comprises a container adapted to store dust contained in the fuel, a fuel pipe fluidically connecting the container to fuel tank, and a stay plate connecting the fuel pipe to the bottom wall of the fuel tank.

[0015] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the fuel tank comprises an opening for receiving the fuel pipe and the stay plate being located to surround the opening.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the collecting device comprises a magnet positioned within the container.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the collecting device being removably connected to fuel tank.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the collecting device being located at a third distance from a front edge of the fuel tank.

[0019] An advantage of the invention is that the collecting device collects the dust from the fuel prior to the entry inlet thereby increasing the fuel quality of the inlet fuel and hence the life of the fuel pump module is increased.

[0020] Another advantage of the invention is that the collecting device is placed in the bottom wall and is projecting outward from the bottom wall. Thus, the collecting device does not interfere in the fluid flow to the fuel pump. Another advantage of the invention is that the presence of the collecting device in either of the two paths enhances the probability of effectively gathering settled dust. This is attributed to the fact that these two paths are positioned at the lowest points within the fuel tank.

[0021] Another advantage of the invention is that the topmost bulging portion of the fuel tank, features valley portions on both sides. These valley portions are more prone to accumulating settled dust, making the placement of the collecting device near to either of these areas more effective. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the container of the collecting device keeps the dust away from the fuel to prevent it from remixing to the fuel in the condition of activity.

[0022] Still another advantage of the invention is that the manufacturability of the fuel tank system is increased due to the stay plate is used to fix the collecting device to the fuel tank and hence complex manufacturing processes are avoided to fix the collecting device to the fuel tank. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the magnet in the container of collecting device causes electrically charged suspensions to be collected in the collection device and increases the dust collection efficiency of the device.

[0023] A further advantage of the invention is that the collecting device is removably connected to the fuel tank it is easier to replace or clean the collecting device in case of clogging. Another advantage of the invention is that the collecting device being placed apart from the front edge of the fuel tank making the fuel flow perpendicular to the collecting device for entry inlet to the fuel pump.

[0024] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0025] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of fuel tank system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of fuel tank system with a partial cut section of the top wall (110) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of fuel tank system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of fuel tank system with a partial cut section of the top wall (110) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of fuel tank system with a partial cut section of the top wall (110) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates the collecting device (118) located within the fuel tank (102) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the collecting device (118) located within the fuel tank (102) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0034] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of the collecting device (118) with the bottom wall (104) located within the fuel tank (102) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0036] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0037] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0038] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0039] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0040] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0041] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0043] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0044] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0047] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0048] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), a head pipe (14), a front fender (16), a front ground engaging member (18), a rear ground engaging member (20), a headlight (22), a steering handle bar (24), a power unit (28), a rear fender (30), a tail light (32), a seat (34), an exhaust pipe (36), a rear cushion (38), a body frame (40), and a fuel tank system (100) having a fuel tank (102). The head pipe (14) rotatably supports the steering handle bar (24) and the steering handle bar (24) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering handle bar (24) via the front fork (12). The front ground engaging member (18) is in front portion of the vehicle (10) and is at least partially covered by the front fender (16) while the rear ground engaging member (20) is in rear portion of the vehicle (10) and is at least partly covered by the rear fender (30). The headlight (22) is disposed above the front ground engaging member (18) while the tail light (32) is disposed above the rear ground engaging member (20). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank system (100) is disposed between the steering handle bar (24) and the seat (34). The seat (34) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the power unit (28) is disposed below the fuel tank system (100) and the exhaust pipe (36) is connected to the power unit (28). The exhaust pipe (36) processes the exhaust air as produced by the power unit (28) before dispensing it to the environment. The rear ground engaging member (20) is rotatably supported by the body frame (40) and is coupled to the body frame (40) via the rear cushion (38). The body frame (40) also supports the power unit (28), the seat (34) and the fuel tank system (100). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a front view of fuel tank system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The fuel tank system (100) comprises a fuel tank (102) adapted to store the fuel. The fuel tank (102) comprises a bottom wall (104); a first side wall (106), a second side wall (108) and a top wall (110). The first side wall (106) and the second side wall (108) protrude upward from the bottom wall (104). The top wall (110) interconnects the first side wall (106) and the second side wall (108).

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (102) further comprises a fuel filling unit (112) that is disposed on the top wall (110) and a cap (not shown) for selectively closing the fuel filling unit (112). The fuel tank (102) further comprises a fuel pump module (114). The fuel pump module (114) further comprises a fuel entry inlet (116). The fuel filling unit (112) is configured to receive a spout (not shown) of a fuel supply system (not shown), during fuel filling condition.

[0051] The fuel to be stored within the fuel tank (102) enters through the fuel filling unit (112). The cap (not shown) covers the fuel filling unit (112). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (102) stores and supplies necessary fuel to a fuel pump module (112). The fuel pump module (112) supplies the fuel to the power unit (28) to generate power within the vehicle (10).

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (102) comprises a collecting device (118) fluidically connected to the bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102) for entrap and store dust contained in the fuel. The collecting device (118) being located at a first distance (D1) from a center axis ‘X’ of bulging portion (120) and at a second distance (D2) from the first side wall (106). The second distance (D2) is greater than the first distance.
[0053] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the bulging portion (120) protrudes from the bottom wall (104) and divides the fuel tank (102) into two portions i.e. a first portion (122) and a second portion (124). The first portion (122) comprises a first path (126) and the second portion (124) comprising a second path (128). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel pump module (114) and the collecting device (118) are co-located in the first path (126). The collecting device (118) being located at a third distance (D3) from a front edge (140) of the fuel tank (102).

[0054] In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the fuel pump module (114) and the collecting device (118) are co-located in the second path (128). The collecting device (118) upon being located in the second path (128) increases resistance of the fuel to flow in the length direction relative to the second path (128) not having the collecting device (118) located therein.

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of fuel tank system with a partial cut section of the top wall (110) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the collecting device (118) is positioned ahead of the fuel pump module (116) in a vehicle length direction.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the fuel tank system (100) with a partial cut section of the top wall (110) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the collecting device (118) projects in a vehicle downward direction from the bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102).

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates the collecting device (118) located within the fuel tank (102) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the collecting device (118) comprises a container (130) adapted to store dust contained in the fuel, a fuel pipe (132) fluidically connecting the container (130) to fuel tank (102), and a stay plate (134) connecting the fuel pipe (132) to the bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102).

[0058] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the collecting device (118) located within the fuel tank (102) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The collecting device (118) comprises a magnet (138) positioned within the container (130). An advantage of the invention is that the magnet (138) in the container (130) of the collecting device (118) causes electrically charged suspensions to be collected in the collection device (118) and increases the dust collection efficiency of the collecting device (118).

[0059] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of the collecting device (118) with the bottom wall (104) located within the fuel tank (102) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102) comprises an opening (136) for receiving the fuel pipe (132) and the stay plate (134) being located to surround the opening (136). The collecting device (118) being removably connected to fuel tank (102). Thus, advantage of the invention is that the collecting device (118) is removably connected to the fuel tank (102) it is easier to replace or clean the collecting device (118) in case of clogging.

[0060] Thus, an advantage of the invention is that the collecting device (118) collects the dust from the fuel prior to the entry inlet (116) increasing the fuel quality of the inlet fuel and hence the life of the fuel pump module (114) is increased.

[0061] Another advantage of the invention is that the collecting device (118) is placed in the bottom wall (104) and is projecting outward from the bottom wall (104). Thus, the collecting device (118) does not interfere in the fluid flow to the fuel pump module (114). Another advantage of the invention is that the presence of the collecting device (118) in either the first path (126) or the second path (128) paths enhances the probability of effectively gathering settled dust. This is attributed to the fact that these two paths are positioned at the lowest points within the fuel tank (102).

[0062] Another advantage of the invention is that the topmost bulging portion (120) of the fuel tank (102), features valley portions on both sides. These valley portions are more prone to accumulating settled dust, making the placement of the collecting device (118) near to either of these areas more effective. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the container (130) of the collecting device (118) keeps the dust away from the fuel to prevent it from remixing to the fuel in the condition of activity.

[0063] Still another advantage of the invention is that the manufacturability of the fuel tank system (100) becomes easy due to the stay plate (134) used to fix the collecting device (118) to the fuel tank (102) and hence complex manufacturing processes are avoided to fix the collecting device (118) to the fuel tank (102).

[0064] Another advantage of the invention is that the collecting device (118) being placed apart from the front edge (140) of the fuel tank (102) making the fuel flow perpendicular to the collecting device (118) for entry inlet (116) to the fuel pump module (114).

[0065] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0066] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A fuel tank system (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a fuel tank (102) for storing a fuel, the fuel tank (102) comprising a bottom wall (104); a first side wall (106) protruding upward from the bottom wall (104); a second side wall (108) protruding upward from the bottom wall (104); a top wall (110) interconnecting the first side wall (106) and the second side wall (108); an opening for fuel filling (112) disposed on the top wall (110); and a bulging portion (120) protruding from the bottom wall (104) and dividing the fuel tank (102) into a first portion (122) and a second portion (124), the first portion (122) comprising a first path (126), the second portion (124) comprising a second path (128);
a fuel pump module (114) accommodated in the fuel tank (102), the fuel pump module (114) comprising a fuel entry inlet (116); and
a collecting device (118) fluidically connected to the bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102) for storing dust contained in the fuel.

2. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting device (118) is positioned ahead of the fuel pump module (116) in a vehicle length direction.

3. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting device (118) projects in a vehicle downward direction from the bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102).

4. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel pump module (114) and the collecting device (118) being co-located in any one of the first path (126) and the second path (128).

5. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the collecting device (118) being located at a first distance (D1) from the bulging portion (120) and at a second distance (D2) from the first side wall (106); the second distance (D2) being greater than the first distance.

6. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting device (118) comprises a container (130) adapted to store dust contained in the fuel, a fuel pipe (132) fluidically connecting the container (130) to fuel tank (102), and a stay plate (134) connecting the fuel pipe (132) to the bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102).

7. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bottom wall (104) of the fuel tank (102) comprises an opening (136) for receiving the fuel pipe (132) and the stay plate (134) being located to surround the opening (136).

8. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the collecting device (118) comprises a magnet (138) positioned within the container (130).

9. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting device (118) being removably connected to fuel tank (102).

10. The fuel tank system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting device (118) being located at a third distance (D3) from a front edge (140) of the fuel tank (102).