Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel tank assembly of a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a canister on a fuel tank of the saddle type vehicle.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Typically, saddle type vehicles, are provided with evaporative emission control systems for preventing discharge of fuel vapours from a fuel tank to surroundings. The evaporative control system typically comprises a canister that receives fuel vapours generated in the fuel tank and adsorbs the fuel vapours. The 10 canister is also coupled to an intake manifold of an engine of the saddle type vehicle (hereinafter, also referred to as vehicle), so that the adsorbed fuel vapor particles are routed or purged to the engine through the intake manifold for combustion. Further, the canister is operatively coupled to a purge control valve that is adapted to control purging of the canister. The purge control valve is provided with a purge 15 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.
[0003] Generally, in the vehicles, a preferred location of the canister is around the engine to ensure shorter connectivity to the engine, therefore the canister is located 20 below the fuel tank and above the engine. As the canister is placed in the proximity of the to the engine, the canister gets heated by the heat generated by the engine during operation of the vehicle. Heating of the canister affects the canister operation. In addition, performance of the canister recuses because of heating up of the canister by the engine heat. 25
[0004] Typically, the purge control valve is secured separately in the vehicle, therefore the fixing of the purge control valve as a separate assembly in the vehicle increases number of parts to assemble, assembly stages and complexity of the assembly, consequently increasing the assembly time and overall coast of the vehicle. 30
[0005] Therefore, there is a need of a simple and cost-effective solution which can obviates the above-mentioned problems.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure discloses a simple and cost-effective fuel tank assembly for a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a canister in front of a fuel tank of the saddle type vehicle. 5 Arrangement of canister above and away from an engine of the vehicle leads to less exposure to heat from the engine and therefore increased lifespan and performance of the canister as well as a purge control valve mounted to the canister.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the proposed fuel tank assembly comprises a fuel tank adapted to be mounted onto a frame 10 member of the saddle type vehicle, and a canister adapted to be mounted onto the fuel tank. The canister is fluidically coupled between the fuel tank and an engine of the saddle type vehicle. The canister is mounted to a front portion of the fuel tank.
[0008] The fuel tank comprises a first wall mounted onto the frame member and a second wall coupled to the first wall to define the fuel tank with an inner volume to 15 store fuel. The front end of the fuel tank is formed by a portion of the first wall facing a front side of the vehicle.
[0009] In an embodiment, the canister can be configured in front of the fuel tank and faces a driving direction of the saddle type vehicle.
[0010] In another embodiment, a portion of the canister can be located in front of 20 the fuel tank and a portion of the canister can be located below the fuel tank.
[0011] In another embodiment, the canister can be located above and beside a radiator of the saddle type vehicle.
[0012] In another embodiment, the canister can be located above the engine.
[0013] The fuel tank assembly further comprises a purge control valve fluidically 25 coupled to the canister and to the engine. The purge control valve is mounted to the canister. The purge control valve is configured below the canister.
[0014] The fuel tank assembly further comprises a mounting structure. The mousing structure comprises a first holding portion with a first hole for holding the canister and a second holding portion with a second hole for holding the purge 30 control valve. The mounting structure further comprises a mounting slot configured with the first holding portion.
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[0015] The fuel tank assembly further comprises a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is coupled to the fuel tank at a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion of the mounting bracket is detachably coupled to the mounting structure. The second mounting portion is engaged in the mounting slot of the mounting structure. 5
[0016] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0017] Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description 10 and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary 15 embodiment of a mounting assembly for mounting one or more devices on a vehicle with the accompanying figures. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 20
[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] Fig. 2A illustrates a side perspective view of a fuel tank assembly for the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 25
[0021] Fig. 2B illustrates a bottom side perspective view of the fuel tank assembly for the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 30
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[0023] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a sub assembly of a canister and a purge control valve, and mounting bracket of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 5
[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practised without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations 10 are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0025] Various features and embodiments of the present disclosure here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right 15 directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present disclosure may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present disclosure which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places. 20
[0026] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting 25 principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0027] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, 30 connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation,
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or use of the system and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other. [0028] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical 5 terms, should also be taken as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation, and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. 10
[0029] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15 However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure explained herein relate to a simple and cost-effective fuel tank assembly for a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a canister in front of a fuel tank of the saddle type vehicle. The canister is above and away from an engine of the vehicle, 20 this leads to less exposure to heat from the engine and therefore increased lifespan and performance of the canister.
[0031] In addition, a sub assembly of the canister and a purge control valve (PCV) of the fuel tank assembly is mounted through a single mounting structure which reduces the complexity and time in assembly and disassembly the canister and the 25 purge control valve. Therefore, the fuel tank, the canister, the PCV can all be assembled and/or removed at once on/from the vehicle.
[0032] At least one object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for mounting the canister above and in front of a fuel tank such that the canister facer a vehicle riding direction and cooled by the ram air hitting over 30 the canister when the vehicle is in operation.
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[0033] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting structure for mounting a purge control valve as well as a canister as a sub assembly of the canister and the PCV to the fuel thank thereby eliminating requirement of different mounting brackets for mounting purge control valve and the canister.
[0034] With reference to Figure 1, a description is made of an entire schematic 5 structure of a saddle type vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle (hereinafter “vehicle”) (100). The vehicle (100) includes a body frame (101) to support different parts of said vehicle (100). A head pipe (102) is provided at a front end of the body frame (101). The head pipe (102) supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. In an upper portion of the head pipe (102), a handlebar assembly 10 (103) is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly (103) is used to steer the vehicle (100) and is connected to a front wheel (104) through the steering shaft (not shown). An upper portion of the front wheel (104) is covered by a front fender (105) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, a front fork 15 assembly (106) is supported partially on the front fender (105) and is connected to the front wheel (104). In a front portion of the body frame (101) a fuel tank assembly (107) is arranged immediately behind the handlebar (103) and is disposed over an internal combustion engine, (hereinafter also referred to as ‘engine’) (108). A seat (109) is placed behind the fuel tank assembly (107). The seat (109) includes 20 a front rider portion and rear pillion portion. For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp unit (110) and a turn signal lamp unit (111) is provided in a front portion of the vehicle (100). The headlamp unit (110) and the turn signal lamp unit (111) are housed in a headlamp housing assembly (112). Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the 25 vehicle (100) on the road. The front fork assembly (106), which forms the front suspension system, serves as a rigidity component just like the body frame (101). The front fork assembly (106) clamped to the head pipe (102) through an upper bracket (113a) and a lower bracket (113b) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system, which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, 30 is connected to the body frame (101). The rear suspension system comprises at least one rear suspension preferably on a left-hand side of the vehicle (100). However, in
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a vehicle (100) with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed of on the left side and the right side respectively of said vehicle (100). The engine (108) is mounted to a front lower portion of the body frame (101) by means of a first engine mounting bracket (not shown). The engine assembly (108) is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine 5 (108) and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler (not shown) extends rearwards along the right side of a rear-wheel (114). Power from the engine (108) is transmitted to a driven sprocket (119) through a transmission assembly (118), to drive and rotate a rear wheel (114). Particularly, the speed change is achieved by the operation of a gear shift linkage assembly (115) which is 10 operatively connected to a gear shift shaft (not shown). Thus, power from the engine assembly (108) is transmitted to the rear wheel (114) rotatably supported at a rear end of a swing arm (116). A rear fender (117) for covering an upper side of the rear wheel (114) is mounted to a rear portion of the body frame (101) to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel (114) from entering the muffler, the 15 engine (108). [0035] Referring to Fig. 2A to Fig. 4, where the proposed fuel tank assembly (107) for a saddle type vehicle (100) is shown. The fuel tank assembly (107) includes a fuel tank (202) adapted to be mounted onto a frame member (203) of the body frame (101) of the saddle type vehicle (100) and a canister (204) adapted to be mounted 20 onto the fuel tank (202). The frame member (203) can be a front frame portion of the body frame (101) and extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (100). the canister (204) is mounted to a front portion of the fuel tank (202). The canister (108) is fluidically coupled between the fuel tank (202) and the engine (108) of the saddle type vehicle (100) through hoses. The fuel tank (202) includes a first wall 25 (202a) mounted onto the frame member (203), and a second wall (202b) coupled to the first wall (202a) to define the fuel tank (202) with an inner volume to store fuel. The front end of the fuel tank (202) is formed or defined by a portion of the first wall (202a) facing a front side of the vehicle (100). The fuel tank assembly (107) further includes a purge control valve (206) mounted to the canister (204). The 30 purge control valve (206) is fluidically coupled to the canister (204). For instance, the canister (204) is fluidically connected to the fluid tank 202 through a first hose
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(218). The purge control valve (206) is fluidically connected to the canister (204) through a second hose (220) and to the engine (108) through a third hose (222). The PCV (204) is positioned on the bottom side of the canister (204) such that the second hose (220) from the canister (204) comes to the purge control valve (206). [0036] The canister (204) receives the vapours that are generated in the fuel tank 5 (202) though the first hose (218). Material, such as but not limited to, carbon is disposed inside the canister (204) absorbs the fuel vapours received from the fuel tank (202). The purge control valve (206) controls the flow of fuel vapours and/or liquid fuel from the canister (204) into the engine (108). The purge control valve (206) can be mechanically operated and/or electronically operated. 10
[0037] For instance, the purge control valve (206) can be one way switch that operates based on electric signals transmitted from an electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown) of the vehicle (100). At the time of ignition of the vehicle (100), an electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown) sends signals to the purge control valve (206) based on which the purge control valve (206) opens up and supplies additional 15 fuel vapours or fuel liquid from the canister (204) to the engine (108) during the ignition stage. After ignition, the ECU signals to the purge control valve to close the purge control valve.
[0038] In an embodiment, the canister (204) is located in front of the fuel tank (202) and faces a vehicle riding direction of the saddle type vehicle (100) so that air hits 20 the canister (204) to cool the canister (204) mounted to the fuel tank (202), thereby preventing heating of the canister (204). The vehicle riding direction can be a direction in which the vehicle (100) is moving forward.
[0039] In another embodiment, a portion of the canister (204) can be located in front of the fuel tank and remaining portion of the canister (204) can be located 25 below the fuel tank (204). Therefore, at least a portion of the canister (204) is exposed to the outside air which cool the canisters (204), thereby preventing heating of the canister (204).
[0040] In another embodiment, the canister (204) is located below the fuel tank (202) and faces a driving direction of the saddle type vehicle (100) so that air hits 30 the canister (204) to cool the canister (204), thereby preventing heating of the canister (204).
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[0041] In addition, the canister (204) can be located above and beside a radiator of the saddle type vehicle (100) and below the fuel tank (204).
[0042] In another embodiment, the canister (204) can be located in front of the fuel tank (202) and above the engine (108) and the radiator of the vehicle (100).
[0043] In an embodiment, the canister (204) can be located on a left side of the 5 frame member (203).
[0044] In an embodiment, the canister (204) can be located on a right side of the frame member (203).
[0045] The fuel tank assembly (107) further includes a mounting structure (208). The mousing structure comprises a first holding portion (208a) with a first hole for 10 holding the canister (204) and a second holding (208b) portion with a second hole for holding the purge control valve (206). The canister (204) is received in the first hole of the first holding portion (208a). The purge control valve (206) is received in the second hole of the second holding portion (208b). The second holding portion (208b) is protruded from the first holding portion (208a) and extended downwards 15 to enable mounting of the purge control valve (206) below the canister (204).
[0046] Furthermore, the mounting structure (208) comprises a mounting slot (208c) to facilitate mounting of a sub assembly of the canister (204) and the purge control valve (206) to the fuel tank through a mounting bracket (210). In an embodiment, the mounting slot (208c) is provided on the first holding portion (208a) on a side 20 opposite to that of the second holding portion (208b). The mounting structure (208) and the mounting bracket (210) enables mounting of the canister (204) at a predefined angle with respect to the fuel tank (202). The angle between the canister (204) and the adjacent surface of the fuel tank can be in a range of 0-90 degrees. Thus, mounting of the canister (204) and the purge control valve (206) as a single 25 sub assembly, in a vehicle riding direction, beneath and/or in the front of the fuel tank (202) in the vehicle provides air passage on the outer surface of the canister (204), thereby facilitating cooling of the canister and consequently avoiding heating of the canister (204).
[0047] In addition, the mounting bracket (210) is detachably attached with the 30 mounting slot (208c) of the mounting structure (208). The mounting bracket (210) includes a first mounting portion (210a) and second mounting portion (210b) that
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is coupled to the first mounting portion (210a). The mounting bracket (210) is coupled to the fuel tank (202) through a first mounting portion (210a). The mounting portion (210a) can be welded to the furl tank (202). The second mounting portion (210b) of the mounting bracket (210) is detachably coupled to the mounting structure (208), particularly, the second mounting portion (210b) is engaged in the 5 mounting slot (208c) of the mounting structure (208). The mounting bracket (210) can be substantially U-shaped. [0048] According to the above disclosure, the present disclosure provides various advantages. The invention allows easier mounting of a canister and a purge control valve using a single mounting structure as a single assembly. Fixing the purge 10 control valve with the canister using the mounting structure in the vehicle decreases the complexity of the assembly and further decreases number of mounting parts, thereby reducing the assembly time as assembly cost. Further, disposition of the canister in front of the fuel tank and above and away from an engine of the vehicle, this leads to less exposure to heat from the engine and therefore increased lifespan 15 and performance of the canister. Also, as the canister is mounted in at front portion of the fuel tank facing the vehicle riding direction facilitates cooling of the canister by the air flowing over the canister. Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, a cost-efficient and compact mounting arrangement for mounting the canister and the purge control valve of the vehicle. 20
[0049] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using 25 various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, 30 all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”,
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“incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “is”, used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components, or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. [0050] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, 5 including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have 10 structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. , Claims:We Claim:
1. A fuel tank assembly (107) for a saddle type vehicle (100), the fuel tank assembly (107) comprising:
a fuel tank (202) adapted to be mounted onto a frame member (203) of the saddle type vehicle (100); and 5
a canister (204) adapted to be mounted onto the fuel tank (202), the canister (108) being fluidically coupled between the fuel tank (202) and an engine (108) of the saddle type vehicle (100), wherein the canister (204) is mounted to a front portion of the fuel tank (202).
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2. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister (204) is located in front of the fuel tank (202) and faces a driving direction of the saddle type vehicle (100).
3. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister 15 (204) is located above and beside a radiator of the saddle type vehicle (100).
4. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister (204) is located above the engine (108).
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5. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a purge control valve (206) mounted to the canister (204), the purge control valve (206) being fluidically coupled to the canister (204).
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6. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the purge control valve (206) is configured below the canister (204).
7. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 6 comprising a mounting structure (208), wherein the mounting structure (208) comprises a first 5 holding portion (208a) with a first hole for holding the canister (204) and a second holding (208b) portion with a second hole for holding the purge control valve (206).
8. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mounting 10 structure (208) comprises a mounting slot (208c) configured with the first holding portion (208a).
9. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 8 comprising a mounting bracket (210), wherein the mounting bracket (210) is coupled to the fuel 15 tank (202) at a first mounting portion (210a) and a second mounting portion (210b) of the mounting bracket (210) is detachably coupled to the mounting structure (208), and wherein the second mounting portion (210b) is engaged in the mounting slot (208c) of the mounting structure (208).
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10. The fuel tank assembly (107) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (202) comprises a first wall (202a) mounted onto the frame member (203), and a second wall (202b) coupled to the first wall (202a) to define the fuel tank (202) with an inner volume to store fuel, and wherein the front end of
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the fuel tank (202) is formed by a portion of the first wall (202a) facing a front side of the vehicle (100).