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

AN EVAPORATED FUEL COLLECTING DEVICE

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 an evaporated fuel collecting device. In particular, the invention relates to evaporated fuel collecting device of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles like scooters, motorcycles, three wheeled vehicles and four wheeled vehicles releases emissions such as exhaust emissions, evaporative emissions etc. The exhaust emissions are emitted as a result of the combustion of fuels, whereas the evaporative emissions occur when the fuel in the fuel tanks evaporates and escape into the atmosphere. To meet the emission regulations, apart from the exhaustive emissions from the vehicles, the evaporative emissions need to be controlled and the same can be achieved by employing an evaporated fuel collecting device. The evaporated fuel collecting device entraps the gaseous fuel vapors generated within the fuel tank and supplies them to the engine.

[003] Traditionally, the evaporated fuel collecting device accommodates an adsorbing material, and the evaporated fuel collecting device is connected to a fuel tank via a charge pipe and to the engine via a purge pipe. The evaporated fuel collecting device is further coupled to a drain pipe, which serves its well known function.

[004] Additionally, the evaporated fuel collecting device is further coupled to a first end of an air intake pipe while a second end of the air intake pipe is located within a safe location in the vehicle and open to atmosphere. Such a configuration inevitably increases the length of the pipe and subsequently drives up costs associated with manufacturing. To address this issue, an alternative solution has been to incorporate an additional holder near the evaporated fuel collecting device, where the second end of the air intake pipe can be supported. However, while this approach does offer some relief in terms of lengthening the pipe, it introduces its own set of challenges. Firstly, the addition of this extra component near the evaporated fuel collecting device incurs additional costs, contributing to the overall expense of the system. Secondly, despite this modification, there is chance that water may enter into the evaporated fuel collecting device through the intake pipe during washing of the vehicle or when the vehicle is exposed to rain water.
[005] Thus there is a need to address one of more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[006] 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.

[007] In an aspect of the invention, an evaporated fuel collecting device of a vehicle, comprises a body accommodating an adsorbing material, the body comprising a charge pipe receiving provision, a purge pipe receiving provision, and an air intake pipe receiving provision, the charge pipe receiving provision being connected to a first end of a charge pipe, a second end of the charge pipe being connected to a fuel tank of the vehicle, the purge pipe receiving provision being connected to a third end of a purge pipe, a fourth end of the purge pipe being connected to an engine of the vehicle, the air intake pipe receiving provision being connected to a fifth end of an air intake pipe and a member wrapped around the body, the member comprising a first protruding portion for mounting the body to a body frame of the vehicle, and a second protruding portion the second protruding portion comprising: a first aperture for receiving a sixth end of the air intake pipe; a second aperture for allowing entry of air into the second protruding portion of the member and to the air intake pipe; a first channel fluidically communicating between the first aperture and the second aperture; and a buffer zone positioned within the first channel.

[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the second protruding portion comprises a third aperture and a second channel fluidically communicating between the third aperture and the buffer zone.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the second channel being substantially perpendicular to the first channel.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the second channel being substantially aligned with the first channel.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the third aperture and the second channel are in a vehicle downward direction.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the buffer zone comprises a torturous path.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the buffer zone comprises an expansion area.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, a vehicle, comprises a body frame supporting at least one front ground engaging member, at least one rear ground engaging member, an engine generating power and supplying the same to the at least one front grounded member and the at least one rear ground engaging member, and a fuel tank supplying fuel to the engine and an evaporated fuel collecting device comprises a body accommodating an absorbing material, the body comprising a charge pipe receiving provision, a purge pipe receiving provision, and an air intake pipe receiving provision, the charge pipe receiving provision being connected to a first end of a charge pipe, a second end of the charge pipe being connected to the fuel tank of the vehicle, the purge pipe receiving provision being connected to a third end of a purge pipe, a fourth end of the purge pipe being connected to the engine of the vehicle, the air intake pipe receiving provision being connected to a fifth end of an air intake pipe; anda member wrapped around the body, the member comprising a first protruding portion for mounting the body to a body frame of the vehicle, and a second protruding portion, the second protruding portion comprises a first aperture for receiving a sixth end of the air intake pipe a second aperture for allowing entry of air into the protruding portion of the member and to the air intake pipe a first channel fluidically communicating between the first aperture and the second aperture and a buffer zone positioned within the first channel

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the second aperture extends in height direction of the vehicle when evaporated fuel collecting device, the body further comprises a drain pipe receiving portion, the drainpipe receiving provision being connected to a seventh end of a purge pipe to drain out water from bottom.

[0016] One of the advantages of the invention is that there is provided a cost effective and less complicated evaporated fuel collecting device.

[0017] Another advantage of the invention is that there is provided a solution to drain out water which may inadvertently enter into the second protruding portion and thus ensuring that water does not enter into the air intake pipe.

[0018] Still another advantage of the invention is that the device is flexible in the formation of the second aperture for allowing entry of air into the second protruding portion of the member and to the air intake pipe.

[0019] 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:
[0020] 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:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a fuel tank, an evaporated fuel collecting device and the body frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates attachment of fuel tank with the evaporated fuel collecting devicein accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the evaporated fuel collecting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 5a illustrates a first cross sectional view of the second protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 5b illustrates a first 3D semi-transparent view of the second protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 6a illustrates a second cross sectional view of the second protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 6b illustrates a second 3D semi-transparent view of the second protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 7a illustrates a third cross sectional view of the second protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] Figure 7b illustrates a third 3D semi-transparent view of the second protruding portionin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] 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:

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front ground engaging member (12) and a rear ground engaging member (14) rotatably supported by a body frame (16). The front ground engaging member (12) is coupled to a handlebar (18) vide a front fork (20) and the front fork (20) is rotatably received by a head pipe (22), which forms part of the body frame (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (24) positioned above the front ground engaging member (12) and a tail light (26) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle further comprises a seat unit (28) providing a seating provision for a driver and/or a pillion rider. The vehicle further comprises an engine (30) that generates and transmits power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (12) and the rear ground engaging member (14).The vehicle (10) further comprises a fuel tank (32) storing fuel and supplying the same to the engine (30).The vehicle further comprises an evaporated fuel collecting device (100), best visible in Figure 2.

[0045] The vehicle (10) may further comprise additional elements, which are not pertinent to understanding of the invention and hence, not described.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a fuel tank (32), an evaporated fuel collecting device (100) and body frame (16). The fuel tank (32) is securely affixed to the body frame (16). Concurrently, the evaporated fuel collecting device (100), designed to capture and manage fuel vapors to mitigate evaporative emissions, is strategically positioned within the vehicle's architecture. The positioning of the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) allows for efficient vapor collection while minimizing spatial constraints. Importantly, the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is coupled to the body frame (16) to withstand the rigors of vehicle operation, including vibrations, shocks, and environmental exposure.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is connected to a fuel tank (32) via a charge pipe (112). It can be seen that the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is further connected to a purge pipe (114), which is further connected to the engine (30) (not shown in Figure 3). The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is further coupled an air intake pipe (116). Thus, supply of air to the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is critical to for the breathing of fuel tank (32)

[0048] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5a, there is illustrated a perspective view of the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) connected to the body frame (16) of the vehicle (10). The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) comprises a body (102). The body (102) comprises a charge pipe receiving provision (104) that facilitates connection of a first end (120) of the charge pipe (112) to the body (102) while a second end (122) of the charge pipe (112) is connected to the fuel tank (32). Thus, the charge pipe (112) transports evaporated fuel from the fuel tank to the evaporated fuel collecting device (100). The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) comprises an adsorbing material (not shown) accommodated within the body (102). The absorbing material absorbs the evaporated fuel as receives from the fuel tank (32).

[0049] The body (102) comprises an air intake pipe receiving provision (108) that facilitates connection of a fifth end (128) of the air intake pipe (116) to the body (102) while a sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (130) is adapted to withdraw air from environment and supply the same to the evaporated fuel collecting device (100).

[0050] The body (102) comprises a purge pipe receiving provision (106) that facilitates connection of a third end (124) of the purge pipe (114) to the body (102) while a fourth end (126) of the purge pipe (112) is connected to the engine (30). Thus, the purge pipe (114) transports fuel vapour and/or fuel from the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) to the engine (30).

[0051] The body (102) may comprise a drain pipe receiving provision (110) that facilitates connection of a seventh end (132) of the drain pipe (118) to the body (102) while an eighth end (134) of the drain pipe (118) is open to atmosphere.

[0052] The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) further comprises a member (136) wrapped around the body (102). The member (136) serves multiple purposes including, serving to mount the evaporated fuel collecting device (100), serving to accommodate the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116), and provide structural strength to the evaporated fuel collecting device (100).

[0053] In particular, the member (136) wrapped around the body (102) comprises a first protruding portion (138) for mounting the body (102) to the body frame (16) of the vehicle (10). Additionally, the member (136) wrapped around the body (102) comprises a second protruding portion (140)to accommodate the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116).

[0054] Referring to Figure 5a, the second protruding portion (140) comprises a first aperture (142) for receiving a sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) and a second aperture (144) for allowing entry of air into the second protruding portion (140) of the member (136) and to the air intake pipe (116); and a first channel (146) fluidically communicating between the first aperture (142) and the second aperture (144). Thus, air from environment is drawn vide the second aperture (144) and supplied to the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116), which is located in the first aperture (142), vide the first channel (146).

[0055] The concept of deriving multiple purposes from the member (136) wrapped around the body (102) and especially, for mounting the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) and for accommodating the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) reduces the assembly time of the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) in the vehicle (10). Firstly, the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) is no more located away from the evaporated fuel collecting device (100). Secondly, the additional holder which was alternately used for accommodating the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) is no more needed. Thus, the disadvantages associated with locating the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) in an additional holder (which is absent) (as described in the section entitled “Background of the Invention”) are addressed.

[0056] In case the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) is located outside of the air filter (not shown), one of the problem which arise is entry of water into the air intake pipe (116) for example during water washing conditions and such entry of water into the air intake pipe (116) can lead to the water reaching the absorbing material (not shown), this will destroy the absorbing material (not shown) and over a period of time this could lead to the water going to the engine (30) via the purge pipe (114). This is also not faced when the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) is located in the additional holder (which is not present in the present invention), for the reason that the additional holder is kept in a placed primarily non accessible during water washing condition, however, this problem is faced only when the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) is located within the second protruding provision (140) which is formed on the member (136) which is wrapped around the body (102), to address this problem which never existed in the prior art, the invention has additionally provided the buffer zone (148) positioned within the first channel (146). Apart from providing the buffer zone (148) positioned within the first channel (146), the second protruding portion (140) may comprise a third aperture (150) and a second channel (152) fluidically communicating between the third aperture (150) and the buffer zone (148).

[0057] Prior to providing one or more of the buffer zone (148), the third aperture (150), and the second channel (156) which is fludically communicating between the third aperture and the buffer zone (148), attempts were made to reduce the size of the second aperture (144) believing the by reducing the size of the second aperture (144) the entry of water in the second protruding portion (140) and therefore into the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) would be avoided. However, such attempts were not found to be fruitful. In fact, reducing a size of the second aperture (144) merely led to reduction of an amount of the air which was flowing into the evaporated fuel collecting device.

[0058] Thus, it was found that any attempt in the direction of avoiding entry of water into the first aperture and therefore into the sixth end of the air intake pipe is not successful. What was rather fond effective was separation of water from the air subsequent to its entry into the first channel and draining of the water thus separated out to the environment. In particular, the buffer zone (148) functions to separate water from the air which is entering into the second aperture (144) along with the air. The third aperture (150), and the second channel (156) which is fludically communicating between the third aperture (150) and the buffer zone (148),assist in draining of the water thus separated out to the environment.

[0059] When this route is followed, there is no need to reduce a size of the second aperture (144). Furthermore, when this route is followed, the first aperture (142), the second aperture (144) and the third aperture (150) can be formed on any external surface of the second protruding portion (140), which aspect has been illustrated when we look at Figure 5A, Figure 6A, and Figure 7A together (or alternatively, Figure 5B, Figure 6B, and Figure 7B together).

[0060] The buffer zone (148) can function in two different ways when it comes to separation of water from the air. Now particularly, referring to Figure 5A wherein there is illustrated a first 3D sectional view of the second protruding portion (140) or Figure 5Bwherein there is illustrated a first 3D semi-transparent view of the second protruding portion (140), it can be seen that firstly the buffer zone (148) provides a torturous route (154). When the air water mixture enters into the first channel via the second aperture (144) and follows the torturous route (154), water separates from the air. The air proceeds there afterwards to enter into the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) while the water (which has got separated) goes out via the third aperture (150). Alternatively or in addition to the buffer zone (148) providing the torturous route (154), the buffer zone (148)may provide an expansion area (156). In such a case, when the air water mixture enters into the first channel via the second aperture (144) and reaches the expansion area (156), the velocity of the air reduces, due to which water separates from the air. Thereafter, the air enters into the sixth end (130) of the air inlet pipe (116) while the water drains down via the third aperture (150). In particular, it can be seen that to provide the torturous route (154), the first aperture (142) and the second aperture (144) are shown to be formed on external surfaces that are perpendicular. Additionally, to facilitate the water to drain down via the third aperture (150),the first aperture (142) and the third aperture (150) are shown to be formed on external surfaces that are perpendicular. Thus, the second channel (152) is substantially perpendicular to the first channel (146). Additionally, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B, the third aperture (150) and the second channel (152) are in a vehicle downward direction. It may be noted that in the embodiment shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B, providing the expansion area (156) is merely an option, but not an essential aspect of the invention (since there is already provided a torturous route (154)).

[0061] Now particularly, referring to Figure 6A wherein there is illustrated a first 3D sectional view of the second protruding portion (140) or Figure 6Bwherein there is illustrated a first 3D semi-transparent view of the second protruding portion (140), it can be seen that firstly the buffer zone (148) provides a torturous route (154). When the air water mixture enters into the first channel via the second aperture (144) and follows the torturous route (154), water separates from the air. The air proceeds there afterwards to enter into the sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116) while the water (which has got separated) goes out via the third aperture (150). Alternatively or in addition to the buffer zone (148) providing the torturous route (154), the buffer zone (148) may provide an expansion area (156). In such a case, when the air water mixture enters into the first channel via the second aperture (144) and reaches the expansion area (156), the velocity of the air reduces, due to which water separates from the air. Thereafter, the air enters into the sixth end (130) of the air inlet pipe (116) while the water drains down via the third aperture (150). In particular, it can be seen that to provide the torturous route (154), the first aperture (142) and the second aperture (144) are shown to be formed on external surfaces that are perpendicular. Additionally, to facilitate the water to drain down via the third aperture (150),the first aperture (142) and the third aperture (150) are shown to be formed on external surfaces that are perpendicular. Thus, the second channel (152) is substantially perpendicular to the first channel (146). While in the embodiment shown in Figure 5a ad Figure 5b, the third aperture (150) and the second channel (152) are in a vehicle downward direction; in the embodiment shown in Figure 6Aand Figure 6B, only the third aperture (150) is in a vehicle downward direction, while the second aperture (144) does not project in the vehicle downward direction. It may be noted that in the embodiment shown in Figure 6Aand Figure 6B, providing the expansion area (156) is merely an option, but not an essential aspect of the invention (since there is already provided a torturous route (154)).

[0062] Now particularly, referring to Figure 7A wherein there is illustrated a first 3D sectional view of the second protruding portion (140) or Figure 7Bwherein there is illustrated a first 3D semi-transparent view of the second protruding portion (140), it can be seen that firstly the buffer zone (148) merely provides the expansion area (156). In such a case, when the air water mixture enters into the first channel via the second aperture (144) and reaches the expansion area (156), the velocity of the air reduces, due to which water separates from the air. Thereafter, the air enters into the sixth end (130) of the air inlet pipe (116) while the water drains down via the third aperture (150). Since the second protruding portion (140) does not provide the torturous route (154) (as provided in Figure 5A, Figure 5B, Figure 6Aand Figure 6B), the second channel (152) is substantially aligned with the first channel (146). Thus, the first aperture (142) and the second aperture (144) are shown to be formed on external surfaces that are opposite to one another (rather than being perpendicular to one another). However, in this case, to facilitate the water to drain down via the third aperture (150), the first aperture (142) and the third aperture (150) are shown to be formed on external surfaces that are perpendicular. Thus, the second channel (152) is substantially perpendicular to the first channel (146). Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7Aand Figure 7B, the third aperture (150) is in a vehicle downward direction. It may be noted that in the embodiment shown in Figure 7Aand Figure 7B, providing the expansion area (156) is a compulsion (since it does not contain the torturous route (154)).

[0063] One of the advantages of the invention is that by providing one or more of the buffer zone (148), the third aperture (150), and the second channel (156) which is fludically communicating between the third aperture and the buffer zone (148), the problems associated with entry of water into the air intake pipe (116) for example during water washing conditions and such entry of water into the air intake pipe (116) that can lead to the water reaching the absorbing material (not shown), which could destroy the absorbing material (not shown) is avoided. Also, the chances of the water going to the engine (30) via the purge pipe (114) are avoided.

[0064] Another advantage of the invention is that by providing one or more of the buffer zone (148), the third aperture (150), and the second channel (156) which is fludically communicating between the third aperture and the buffer zone (148), the air entering into the second aperture (144) is also cleaned prior to the same entering into the air inlet pipe (116).

[0065] Another advantage of the invention is that there is provided a solution to drain out water which may inadvertently enter into the second protruding portion (140) and thus ensuring that water does not enter into the air intake pipe (116).

[0066] Still another advantage of the invention is that the evaporated fuel collecting device is flexible in the formation of the second aperture for allowing entry of air into the second protruding portion (140) of the member and to the air intake pipe (116).

[0067] A further advantage of the invention is that the cost of the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is substantially reduced.

[0068] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that the construction of the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is substantially simplified.

[0069] Another advantage of the invention is that a time of assembling the evaporated fuel collecting device (100) is substantially reduced.

[0070] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the cost of the vehicle (10) is substantially reduced.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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. An evaporated fuel collecting device (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a body (102) accommodating an adsorbing material, the body (102) comprising a charge pipe receiving provision (104), a purge pipe receiving provision (106), and an air intake pipe receiving provision (108), the charge pipe receiving provision (104) being connected to a first end (120) of a charge pipe (112), a second end (122) of the charge pipe (112) being connected to a fuel tank (20) of the vehicle (10), the purge pipe receiving provision (106) being connected to a third end (124) of a purge pipe (114), a fourth end (126) of the purge pipe (114) being connected to an engine (18) of the vehicle (10), the air intake pipe receiving provision (108) being connected to a fifth end (128) of an air intake pipe (116); and
a member (136) wrapped around the body (102), the member (136) comprising a first protruding portion (138) for mounting the body (102) to a body frame (12) of the vehicle (10), and a second protruding portion (140); the second protruding portion (140) comprising:
a first aperture (142) for receiving a sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116);
a second aperture (144) for allowing entry of air into the second protruding portion (140) of the member (136) and to the air intake pipe (116);
a first channel (146) fluidically communicating between the first aperture (142) and the second aperture (144); and
a buffer zone (148) positioned within the first channel (146).

2. The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second protruding portion (140) comprises a third aperture (150) and a second channel (152) fluidically communicating between the third aperture (150) and the buffer zone (148).

3. The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second channel (152) being substantially perpendicular to the first channel (146).

4. The evaporated fuel collecting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second channel (152) being substantially aligned with the first channel (146).

5. The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third aperture (150) and the second channel (152) are in a vehicle downward direction.

6. The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer zone (148) comprises a torturous path (154).

7. The evaporated fuel collecting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer zone (148) comprises an expansion area (156).

8. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a body frame (12) supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14), at least one rear ground engaging member (16), an engine (18) generating power and supplying the same to the at least one front grounded member (14) and the at least one rear ground engaging member (16), and a fuel tank (20) supplying fuel to the engine (18); and
an evaporated fuel collecting device (100) comprising:
a body (102) accommodating an absorbing material, the body (102) comprising a charge pipe receiving provision (104), a purge pipe receiving provision (106), and an air intake pipe receiving provision (108), the charge pipe receiving provision (104) being connected to a first end (120) of a charge pipe (112), a second end (122) of the charge pipe (112) being connected to the fuel tank (20) of the vehicle (10), the purge pipe receiving provision (106) being connected to a third end (124) of a purge pipe (114), a fourth end (126) of the purge pipe (114) being connected to the engine (18) of the vehicle (10), the air intake pipe receiving provision (108) being connected to a fifth end (128) of an air intake pipe (116); and
a member (136) wrapped around the body (102), the member (136) comprising a first protruding portion (138) for mounting the body (102) to a body frame (12) of the vehicle (10), and a second protruding portion (140); the second protruding portion (140) comprising:
a first aperture (142) for receiving a sixth end (130) of the air intake pipe (116);
a second aperture (144) for allowing entry of air into the protruding portion (138) of the member (136) and to the air intake pipe (116);
a first channel (146) fluidically communicating between the first aperture (142) and the second aperture (144); and
a buffer zone (148) positioned within the first channel (146)

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second aperture (144) extends in height direction of the vehicle when evaporated fuel collecting device (100), the body (102) further comprises a drain pipe receiving portion (110), the drainpipe receiving provision (110) being connected to a seventh end (132) of a drain pipe (118) to drain out water from bottom.