Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly of a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a purge control valve on the fuel tank assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, in saddle type vehicles, are provided with evaporative emission control systems for preventing discharge of fuel vapors from a fuel tank to surroundings. The evaporative control system typically comprises a canister connected to the fuel tank, wherein the canister is adapted to adsorb fuel vapors from the fuel tank. The canister is also coupled to an intake manifold of an engine of the saddle type vehicle, so that the adsorbed fuel vapor particles are routed or purged to the engine through the intake manifold for combustion.
[003] Further, the canister is coupled to a purge control valve, that is adapted to control purging of the canister. The purge control valve is provided with a purge port which is connected to the cannister. The purge control valve is configured to be connected to an air intake port of the intake manifold, thereby enabling transfer of fluid or air from the cannister to the air intake port of the engine for combustion. The purge control valve is disposed in a vicinity of the cannister of the fuel tank, while the cannister is disposed in a recess provided between a fuel tank cover and a frame assembly of the saddle type vehicle.
[004] Generally, the purge control valve is disposed downside of the cannister, however in such a construction, the purge control valve is required to be connected rigidly to a frame assembly of the saddle type vehicle using a mounting bracket and the purge control valve is disposed outside the fuel tank cover due to space constraint inside the fuel tank cover and also for rigid attachment of the purge control valve in the vehicle. However, such a construction of the purge control valve disposed on the frame assembly increases the number of fitments provided on the frame assembly and also subjects the purge control value to surrounding environment and thus prone to damage from environmental conditions such as rain, dirt, dust etc.
[005] Thus, there is a need for a fuel tank assembly for a saddle type vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a fuel tank assembly for a saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The fuel tank assembly comprises a fuel tank inner cover adapted to be mounted onto a frame member and a fuel tank outer cover mounted onto the fuel tank inner cover to form a container, wherein the container being adapted to store fuel. A canister is disposed onto the fuel tank inner cover is fluidically coupled to the container and to an engine of the saddle type vehicle. A purge control valve is fluidically coupled to the container and to the canister, wherein the purge control valve is mounted to the fuel tank inner cover.
[007] In an embodiment, the canister is disposed in a lower portion on an outer surface of the fuel tank inner cover.
[008] In an embodiment, the purge control valve is mounted to the fuel tank inner cover through a mounting bracket extending from the fuel tank inner cover.
[009] In an embodiment, the purge control valve is fastened to the mounting bracket.
[010] In an embodiment, the purge control valve is positioned on one of a left side and a right side of the canister along a longitudinal direction (X-X’) of the saddle type vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the canister is mounted through a snap-fit mounting bracket disposed on the fuel tank inner cover.
[012] In an embodiment, the canister is snap-fitted onto the snap-fit mounting bracket for mounting onto the fuel tank inner cover.
[013] In an embodiment, the snap-fit mounting bracket comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted to the fuel tank inner cover, while the second end is adapted to be inserted into a coupling member for engagement of the canister with the snap-fit mounting bracket.
[014] In an embodiment, the snap-fit mounting bracket being mounted to an outer surface of the fuel tank inner cover. The canister upon mounting onto the snap-fit mounting bracket is positioned downwardly to the fuel tank inner cover. In an embodiment, the canister is mounted onto one of a left side and a right side on an outer surface of the fuel tank inner cover.
[015] In an embodiment, the purge control valve is positioned behind the canister along a longitudinal direction (X-X’) of the saddle type vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, at least one of the canister and the purge control valve is disposed adjacent to a fuel pump opening provided on the fuel tank inner cover, wherein the fuel pump opening is adapted to receive a fuel pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fuel tank of a saddle type vehicle depicting mounting of a canister and a purge control valve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fuel tank depicting mounting of the canister and the purge control valve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a left-bottom perspective view of the fuel tank depicting the canister and the purge control valve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a right-bottom perspective view of the fuel tank depicting the canister and the purge control valve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a left-bottom perspective view of the fuel tank depicting the purge control valve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded view depicting engagement of the canister with a snap-fit mounting bracket, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an exploded view depicting engagement of the purge control valve with a mounting bracket, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly for a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a purge control valve on the fuel tank assembly. The purge control valve is mounted on an inner tank cover of the fuel tank assembly, thereby mitigating the need for mounting of the purge control valve on a frame member of the saddle type vehicle. Consequently, simplifying mounting of the purge control valve in the saddle type vehicle. Moreover, the purge control valve positioned on the inner tank cover ensures protection from surrounding environment, thereby mitigating the damage to the purge control valve through exposure to the surrounding environment.
[019] In the present disclosure, the terms “front side”, “rear side”, “right side”, “left side”, “upside” and “downside” corresponds to front, rear, right, left, up and down sides of the saddle type vehicle, as indicated in Figure 1, until and unless specified otherwise.
[020] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fuel tank assembly 100 of a saddle type vehicle (not shown), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The fuel tank assembly 100 is mounted onto a frame member 104 of the saddle type vehicle (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle’). In the present embodiment, the fuel tank assembly 100 is positioned behind a headtube 120 of the frame member 104. Also, the fuel tank assembly 100 is mounted on a maintube 122 of the frame member 104. Alternatively, the fuel tank assembly 100 may be mounted at any location on the frame member 104 as per design feasibility and requirement of the vehicle.
[021] In an embodiment, the fuel tank assembly 100 comprises mounting members 134. The mounting members 134 may be provided at strategic locations on the fuel tank assembly 100, and are adapted to engage with the frame member 104. Thus, enabling mounting of the fuel tank assembly 100 onto the frame member 104. In an embodiment, the mounting members 134 engage with the frame member 104 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, clamping and the like.
[022] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in conjunction with Figure 1, the fuel tank assembly 100 comprises a fuel tank inner cover 102 mounted onto the frame member 104. The fuel tank inner cover 102 is comprised of the mounting members 134 for mounting onto the frame member 104. In an embodiment, the term “fuel tank inner cover” pertains to the layer of the fuel tank assembly 100 that is mounted or engaged with the frame member 104. In an embodiment, the fuel tank inner cover 102 may be shaped in order to hug onto the maintube 122.
[023] In an embodiment, the fuel tank inner cover 102 is an inverted U-shaped member when viewed from a front side of the vehicle, and comprises a left side 102a, a right side 102b and a central portion 102c. The left side 102a is the side of the fuel tank inner cover 102 that is disposed on a left-side of the vehicle upon mounting onto the maintube 122. The right side 102b is the side of the fuel tank inner cover 102 that is disposed on a right-side of the vehicle upon mounting onto the maintube 122. The central portion 102c is the portion that is disposed on the maintube 122 upon mounting of the fuel tank inner cover 102 onto the frame member 104.
[024] Further, a fuel tank outer cover 106 is mounted onto the fuel tank inner cover 102 to form a container or a fuel tank for storing fuel. The fuel tank outer cover 106 may be mounted onto the fuel tank inner cover 102 such that, a peripheral surface (not shown) of the fuel tank outer cover 106 engages with an inner surface (not shown) of the fuel tank inner cover 102. Upon mounting of the peripheral surface of the fuel tank outer cover 106, a hollow structure or the container is formed for storing the fuel required for operating an engine (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the peripheral surface of the fuel tank outer cover 106 engages with the inner surface of the fuel tank inner cover 102 through conventional techniques known in the art such as welding, brazing and the like, as per requirement. In an embodiment, shape and size of the fuel tank outer cover 106 is considered based on required fuel storage capacity and aesthetic requirement in the vehicle.
[025] In the present embodiment, the term “inner surface” of the fuel tank inner cover 102 pertains to the surface which collects or is in contact with the fuel that is stored within the fuel tank assembly 100. Accordingly, the term “outer surface” of the fuel tank inner cover 102 pertains to the surface that engages with the frame member 104.
[026] In an embodiment, the fuel tank inner cover 102 and the fuel tank outer cover 106 may be made of a plastic material or a metallic material or a composite material as per feasibility and requirement in the vehicle.
[027] Further, the fuel tank assembly 100 is provided with a lid 124 (shown in Figure 1) on a top surface 106a (shown in Figure 1) of the fuel tank outer cover 106. The lid 124 is adapted to cover a fuel tank opening (not shown) provided on the top surface 106a of the fuel tank outer cover 106. The lid 124 is operable between an open position (not shown) and a closed position (not shown). The lid 124 in the open position facilitates entry of a fuel into the container through the opening. The lid 124 in the closed position restricts entry of fuel into the container.
[028] Further, on the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102, a fuel pump opening 118 (shown in Figure 2) is provided. The fuel pump opening 118 is adapted to receive a fuel pump (not shown). The fuel pump may be connected to the engine for supplying fuel. In an embodiment, the fuel pump may also include a float arm for determining a level of fuel stored within the container.
[029] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, the fuel tank assembly 100 further comprises a canister 108 disposed onto the fuel tank inner cover 102. The canister 108 is fluidically coupled to the container or the fuel tank and to the engine of the vehicle. The canister 108 is adapted to adsorb fuel vapor particles that are generated in the container or the fuel tank during vehicle use. The adsorbed fuel vapor particles are selectively purged into the engine for combustion, thereby improving fuel efficiency as well as preventing emission of fuel vapor particles to the surroundings.
[030] In an embodiment, the canister 108 is mounted on the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102. In the present embodiment, the canister 108 is mounted on the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102 through a snap-fit mounting bracket 116. The canister 108 is provided with a coupling member 128 (as shown in Figure 6) that is adapted to engage with the snap-fit mounting bracket 116. Thus, engagement between the coupling member 128 and the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 ensures snap-fit engagement between the canister 108 and the snap-fit mounting bracket 116. In an embodiment, the coupling member 128 may be a slotted member that is capable of engaging with the snap-fit mounting bracket 116.
[031] In an embodiment, the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 is disposed on the fuel tank inner cover 102. Such a disposition prevents mounting of the canister 108 on the frame member 104, thereby mitigating requirement of providing mounting features on the frame member 104. Consequently, enhancing structural rigidity of the frame member 104, while also making the assembly process simple and inexpensive.
[032] In an embodiment, the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 comprises a first end 116a (shown in Figure 6) integrated or mounted to the fuel tank inner cover 102 and a second end 116b (shown in Figure 6). The second end 116b being adapted to be inserted into the coupling member 128 for engagement of the canister 108 with the snap-fit mounting bracket 116. Upon engagement, the coupling member 128 slides onto a shank portion 116c of the snap-fit mounting bracket 116. In an embodiment, the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 is an L-shaped bracket.
[033] In the present embodiment, the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 may be integrated to the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102 or may be connected to the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102. The snap-fit mounting bracket 116 is provided on the outer surface 126 such that, the canister 108 upon mounting onto the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 is positioned downwardly to the fuel tank inner cover 102. In other words, the canister 108 upon mounting onto the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 is positioned at a lower portion of the fuel tank inner cover 102. In an embodiment, the term “lower portion” pertains to a portion that is below the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102.
[034] In an embodiment, the canister 108 is mounted on the left-side 102a of the fuel tank inner cover 102. Accordingly, the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 may be provided or may be oriented to ensure disposition of the canister 108 on the left-side 102a of the fuel tank inner cover 102. In another embodiment, the canister 108 is mounted on the right-side 102b of the fuel tank inner cover 102. Accordingly, the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 may be provided or may be oriented to ensure disposition of the canister 108 on the right-side 102b of the fuel tank inner cover 102.
[035] In an embodiment, the canister 108 is fluidically coupled to the container through a first hose (not shown), while the canister 108 is connected to the engine through a second hose (not shown). As such, the fuel vapors that is generated due to heat from surroundings or due to operation of the engine, is routed to the canister 108 through the first hose. During purging, the fuel vapors adsorbed by the canister 108 are routed to the engine 108 through the second hose.
[036] Further, the fuel tank assembly 100 comprises a purge control valve 110 fluidically coupled to the container and to the canister 108. The purge control valve 110 is mounted to the fuel tank inner cover 102 and is adapted to facilitate purging of fuel vapor particles adsorbed by the canister 108. The purge control valve 110 is mounted to the fuel tank inner cover 102 through a mounting bracket 114 (as shown in Figure 7). The mounting bracket 114 extends from the fuel tank inner cover 102. Such a disposition prevents mounting of the purge control valve 110 on the frame member 104, thereby mitigating the requirement of providing mounting features on the frame member 104. Consequently, enhancing structural rigidity of the frame member 104, while also making the assembly process simple and inexpensive. In an embodiment, the purge control valve 110 is disposed at the central portion 102c of the fuel tank inner cover 102. That is, the purge control valve 110 is disposed between the left side 102a and the right side 102b of the fuel tank inner cover 102.
[037] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 114 is provided with a first portion 130 integrated to the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102 or may be mounted to the outer surface 126 of the fuel tank inner cover 102. The mounting bracket 114 also has a second portion 132 provided with a slot 114a for receiving a fastening element 110a (as shown in Figure 7) provided on the purge control valve 110. The fastening element 110a is inserted into the slot 114a and fastened using a nut 114b for enabling mounting of the purge control valve 110 onto the fuel tank inner cover 102. In other words, the purge control valve 110 is fastened to the mounting bracket 114. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 114 may be an L-shaped bracket. Accordingly, the first portion 130 may be oriented perpendicularly to the second portion 132. In an embodiment, the fastening element 110a may be screw member or a bolt member or a shank member provided with screw threads.
[038] In an embodiment, the purge control valve 110 is positioned behind the canister 108 in a front-rear direction (indicated through arrow heads in Figure 1) of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the purge control valve 110 is positioned at an elevation lower than that of the canister 108 (as depicted in Figure 1). In another embodiment, the purge control valve 110 is positioned on either a left side or a right side (as shown in Figure 4) of the canister 108 along a longitudinal direction X-X’ (as shown in Figure 4) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the longitudinal direction X-X’ is along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[039] In an embodiment, at least one of the canister 108 and the purge control valve 110 is disposed adjacently to the fuel pump opening 118 provided on the fuel tank inner cover 102. As such, at least one of the canister 108 and the purge control valve 110 is positioned nearer to the fuel pump opening 118.
[040] In an embodiment, the snap-fit mounting bracket 116 and the mounting bracket 114 may be made of a metallic material or a plastic material or a composite material as per requirement.
[041] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of mounting the canister and the purge control valve on the fuel tank inner cover mitigates the need for mounting the canister and purge control valve onto the frame member. Consequently, mitigating the need for providing mounting features onto the frame member, which may result in hampering structural integrity of the frame member. Also, such a construction of the canister and the purge control valve ensures compact packaging and ease of assembly, while being inexpensive. Additionally, by mounting the canister and the purge control valve between the left side and the right side of the fuel tank inner cover, exposure to environment is prevented. Thus, ensuring protection to the canister and the purge control valve due to the surroundings. Moreover, as the purge control valve is mounted behind the canister, the tube length requirement for connection between the purge control valve and the canister is reduced, thereby making the packaging of the fuel tank assembly compact and inexpensive.
[042] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100 – Fuel tank assembly
102 – Fuel tank inner cover
102a – Left side of the fuel tank inner cover
102b – Right side of the fuel tank inner cover
102c – Central portion of the fuel tank inner cover
104 – Frame member
106 – Fuel tank outer cover
106a – Top surface of the fuel tank outer cover
108 – Canister
110 – Purge control valve
110a – Fastening element
112 – Lower portion of the fuel tank inner cover
114 – Mounting bracket
114a – Slot in the mounting bracket
114b - Nut
116 – Snap-fit mounting bracket
116a – First end of the snap-fit mounting bracket
116b – Second end of the snap-fit mounting bracket
116c – Shank portion of the snap-fit mounting bracket
118 – fuel pump opening
120 – headtube
122 – Maintube
124 – lid
126 – Outer surface of the fuel tank inner cover
128 – Coupling member
130 – First portion of the mounting bracket
132 – Second portion of the mounting bracket
134 – Mounting members
X-X’ – Longitudinal direction of the saddle type vehicle
, Claims:1. A fuel tank assembly (100) for a saddle type vehicle, the fuel tank assembly (100) comprising:
a fuel tank inner cover (102) adapted to be mounted onto a frame member (104);
a fuel tank outer cover (106) mounted onto the fuel tank inner cover (102) to form a container, the container being adapted to store fuel;
a canister (108) disposed onto the fuel tank inner cover (102), the canister (108) being fluidically coupled to the container and to an engine of the saddle type vehicle; and
a purge control valve (110) fluidically coupled to the container and to the canister (108), the purge control valve (110) being mounted to the fuel tank inner cover (102).

2. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister (108) being disposed in a lower portion (112) on an outer surface (126) of the fuel tank inner cover (102).

3. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the purge control valve (110) is mounted to the fuel tank inner cover (102) through a mounting bracket (114), the mounting bracket (114) extending from the fuel tank inner cover (102).

4. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the purge control valve (110) is fastened to the mounting bracket (114).

5. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the purge control valve (110) being positioned on one of a left side and a right side of the canister (108) along a longitudinal direction (X-X’) of the saddle type vehicle.

6. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister (108) is mounted through a snap-fit mounting bracket (116) disposed on the fuel tank inner cover (102).

7. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the canister (108) is snap-fitted onto the snap-fit mounting bracket (116) for mounting onto the fuel tank inner cover (102).

8. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the snap-fit mounting bracket (116) comprises a first end (116a) and a second end (116b), the first end (116a) being mounted to the fuel tank inner cover (102), while the second end (116b) being adapted to be inserted into a coupling member (128) for engagement of the canister (108) with the snap-fit mounting bracket (116).

9. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the snap-fit mounting bracket (116) being mounted to an outer surface (126) of the fuel tank inner cover (102), the canister (108) upon mounting onto the snap-fit mounting bracket (116) is positioned downwardly to the fuel tank inner cover (102).

10. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister (108) is mounted onto one of a left side (102a) and a right side (102b) on an outer surface (126) of the fuel tank inner cover (102).

11. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the purge control valve (110) is positioned behind the canister (108) along a longitudinal direction (X-X’) of the saddle type vehicle.

12. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the canister (108) and the purge control valve (110) being disposed adjacent to a fuel pump opening (118) provided on the fuel tank inner cover (102), the fuel pump opening (118) being adapted to receive a fuel pump.