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 strategic disposition of a
fuel filter on a fuel tank of the saddle type vehicle.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Typically, a vehicle such as a saddle type vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle
includes a body frame to support different parts of the vehicle. A head pipe is
provided at a front end of the body frame, which supports a steering shaft rotatably
10 in a certain range. In an upper portion of the head pipe, a handlebar assembly is
rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft. In addition, in a front portion of
the body frame, a fuel tank is arranged immediately behind the handlebar and is
disposed over an internal combustion engine, (hereinafter also referred to as
‘engine’). A seat is placed behind the fuel tank assembly. The engine is mounted to
15 a front lower portion of the body frame by means of a first engine mounting bracket
(not shown). The engine is functionally connected to one or more wheels, which
provides forward/rearward motion to the vehicle. A fuel supply system is provided
to store and filter the required fuel, and to provide the engine intake system with
fuel at a specific supply pressure in all operating conditions. In the engine intake
20 system, the fuel is mixed with air, atomized, and vaporized. Then air-fuel mixture
is compressed in the engine cylinder of the engine and ignited to produce energy or
power.
[0003] A conventional fuel supply system includes a fuel tank where fuel is stored,
and a fuel pump which draws fuel from the tank and a fuel filter that filter fuel
25 before it is delivered to fuel injectors. As very less space available below the fuel
thank near the fuel pump, packaging of the fuel filter and other
subcomponents/parts of the fuel tank and/or the fuel system of the vehicle is one of
the major challenges. Typically, the fuel filter is placed away from the fuel tank and
the fuel pump due to space constrain, but such arrangement of the fuel filter away
30 from the fuel pump leads to increase in length of fuel pipes connected between the
fuel pump and the fuel filter. This also leads to packaging issue of the fuel pipes
3
with increased length. In addition, such arrangement of the fuel filter away from the
fuel pump also leads to fuel pressure loss.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need of a simple and cost-effective solution which can
obviates the above-mentioned problems.
5
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present disclosure discloses a fuel tank assembly of a saddle type
vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to strategic disposition of a
fuel filter on a fuel tank of the saddle type vehicle. The strategic disposition of the
10 fuel filter can overcome above mentioned drawbacks of the conventional fuel
supply system of the vehicle. The fuel filter can be positioned below the fuel tank
such that the fuel filter is above the cylinder head of the engine and in front of the
fuel injector of the engine and behind a deflector. Such configuration facilities a
compact packaging of the fuel tank assembly.
15 [0006] 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
member of the saddle type vehicle, a fuel pump configured with the fuel tank, and
a fuel filter. The fuel tank comprises a first wall and a second wall coupled to the
first wall to define the fuel tank with an inner volume to store fuel. The fuel filter is
20 fluidically coupled between the fuel pump and an engine of the saddle type vehicle.
The fuel filter is mounted to the first wall of the fuel tank and in proximity of the
fuel pump.
[0007] In an embodiment, the fuel filter can be mounted to a front portion of the
first wall and ahead of the fuel pump. The front portion of the fuel tank is formed
25 by a portion of the first wall extended towards a front side of the vehicle.
[0008] In another embodiment, the fuel filter can be mounted to a lateral side
portion of the first wall with respect to a central plane axis extended along a
longitudinal direction of the fuel tank.
[0009] In an embodiment, the fuel filter is mounted to a side of the fuel pump with
30 respect to central plane axis of the fuel tank.
4
[0010] In another embodiment, the fuel filter and the and the fuel pump can be
mounted to opposite lateral sides of the fuel tank with respect to the central plane
axis of the fuel tank.
[0011] In another embodiment, the fuel filter and the and the fuel pump can be
mounted 5 to the fuel tank on one lateral side of fuel tank with respect to the central
plane axis of the fuel tank.
[0012] In an embodiment, the fuel tank assembly further includes a mounting
bracket coupled to the first wall and adapted for mounting the fuel filter to the first
wall of the fuel tank. The mounting bracket comprises a holding portion to hold the
10 fuel filter.
[0013] In an embodiment, the first wall of the fuel tank is coupled to the frame
member, and wherein the fuel filter is configured under the fuel tank.
[0014] In an embodiment, the fuel pump is configured in the inner volume of the
fuel tank.
15 [0015] In accordance with another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a
saddle type vehicle that includes a body frame, an engine mounted on the body
frame, and a fuel tank assembly configured on the body frame. The fuel tank
assembly includes a fuel tank adapted to be mounted onto a frame member of the
body frame. The fuel tank includes a first wall and a second wall coupled to the first
20 wall to define the fuel tank with an inner volume to store fuel. The fuel tank
assembly further includes a fuel pump configured with the fuel tank, and a fuel
filter. The fuel filter is fluidically coupled between the fuel pump and the engine.
The fuel filter is mounted to the first wall of the fuel tank and in proximity of the
fuel pump.
25 [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
30 and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are
not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary
embodiment of a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle with the accompanying figures.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present embodiments are
5 described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals
refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
[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. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a fuel tank assembly mounted
10 on a body frame of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] Fig. 3 illustrates a side cut view of the fuel tank assembly depicting
disposition of a fuel filter at front portion of the fuel tank, in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present invention.
15 [0022] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the fuel tank assembly depicting disposition
of a fuel filter at a front portion of the fuel tank, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of the fuel tank assembly depicting disposition
of a fuel filter at a side portion of the fuel tank, in accordance with one or more
20 embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant
25 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
are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0025] Various features and embodiments of the present disclosure here will be
30 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
6
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 5 part has been omitted at suitable places.
[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
10 principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting
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
15 present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled,
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,
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
20 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
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
25 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.
[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
30 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
7
will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure explained herein relate to a fuel tank
assembly for a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates
5 strategic disposition of a fuel filter on a fuel tank of the saddle type vehicle.
[0031] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel tank assembly having
a fuel filter mounted a fuel tank, which effective packaging of the fuel tank and
subparts of the fuel tank assembly in the vehicle. This also allows easy assembly
and disassembly of the fuel tank assembly on and from a body frame of the vehicle.
10 [0032] Another object of the present disclosure is to strategic mounting of a fuel
filter on a fuel tank and adjacent to a fuel pump configured in the fuel tank, thereby
reducing fuel pressure loss, and improving fuel filter efficiency. Such arrangement
of the fuel filter also reduces length of connecting fuel pipes between the fuel pump
and the fuel filter.
15 [0033] Another object of the present disclosure is to strategic mounting of a fuel
filter on either lateral side portion of the fuel tank or a front portion of the fuel tank
and adjacent to the fuel pump to mitigate packaging issue of the fuel tank assembly
on the vehicle body frame.
[0034] With reference to Figure 1, a description is made of an entire schematic
20 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
25 (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
30 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 (107)
is arranged immediately behind the handlebar (103) and is disposed over an internal
8
combustion engine, (hereinafter also referred to as ‘engine’) (108). A seat (109) is
placed behind the fuel tank (107). The seat (109) includes 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
5 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 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
10 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, 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 a vehicle (100) with two rear
15 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 (108) and a muffler
20 (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 operatively connected
25 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 engine
30 (108).
[0035] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, where disposition of the fuel filter at a front
portion of a fuel tank and ahead of a fuel pump is shown. In accordance with an
9
embodiment, the proposed fuel tank assembly (150) includes a fuel tank (107)
adapted to be mounted onto a frame member (202) of the body frame (101) of the
vehicle (100). 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 fuel
5 tank (107) includes a first wall (107a) and a second wall (107b) coupled to the first
wall (107a) to define the fuel tank (107) with an inner volume to store fuel. The
fuel tank assembly (150) further includes a fuel pump (206) configured in the fuel
tank (107) and a fuel filter (204) mounted on the fuel tank (107). The fuel filter
(204) is fluidically coupled between the fuel pump (206) and an engine (108) of the
10 saddle type vehicle (100). The fuel filter (204) is mounted to the first wall (107a)
of the fuel tank (107) and in proximity of the fuel pump (206). For instance, the fuel
filter (204) is connected to the fuel pump (206) through one or more pipes such as
an inlet pipe (205a) and a return pipe (205b). The Fuel filter (204) is used to filter
the impurities in the fuel and also to regulate the pressure of the fuel from the fuel
15 pump (206).
[0036] In an embodiment, the fuel filter (204) can be positioned in bottom of the
fuel tank (107) such that it is above the cylinder head of the engine (108) and in
front of a fuel injector (not shown) of the engine (108) and behind a deflector of the
vehicle. In addition, the fuel filter (204) is mounted externally in order to ensure
20 fine fuel filtration, fuel from the fuel pump (206) is circulated through the fuel filter
(204) where a part of the fuel from the fuel filter (204) returns back to the fuel tank
(107) whereas required pressurised fuel goes to the fuel injector.
[0037] The first wall (107a) of the fuel tank (107) can be mounted onto the frame
member (202). The fuel filter (102) is configured under the fuel tank (107). The fuel
25 pump (206) is configured in the inner volume of the fuel tank (107).
[0038] In an embodiment, the fuel tank (107) can be mounted onto the frame
member (202) through a tank mounting bracket (107c).
[0039] In an embodiment, the fuel tank assembly (150) can include a canister (212)
fluidically coupled between the fuel tank (107) and the engine (108) of the saddle
30 type vehicle (100).
[0040] In an embodiment, the fuel filter (204) is mounted to the first wall (107a) of
the fuel tank (107) through a mounting bracket (204b). The mounting bracket
10
(204b) can be coupled to the first wall (107a) through a suitable joining technique
such as but not limited to welding. The mounting bracket (204b) includes a holding
portion to hold the fuel filter (204). The fuel filter (204) is detachably secured to the
mounting bracket (204b).
5 [0041] The fuel filter (204) is connected to the fuel injector of the engine (108)
through a supply pipe (205c). The fuel filter (204) is configured to receive fuel from
the fuel pump (206) at certain pressure though the inlet pipe (205a), the fuel filter
(204) filters the received fuel from the fuel pump (206) and further a portion of the
filtered fuel is supplied to the fuel injector of the engine (108) for combustion and
10 remaining filtered fuel is returned to the fuel tank (107) or the fuel pump (206).
[0042] In an embodiment, the fuel filter (204) can be mounted to a front portion of
the first wall (107a) and ahead of the fuel pump (206). The front portion of the fuel
tank (107) is formed by a portion of the first wall (107a) extended towards a front
side/end of the vehicle (100). Mouning of the fuel filter (204) at the front portion of
15 the fuel tank (107) facilities efficient packaging of the fuel filter (204) on the fuel
tank (107). Mouning of the fuel filter (204) at the front portion of the fuel tank (107)
facilities to maintain fuel pressure supplied to the fuel injector of the engine (108).
[0043] Referring to Fig. 5, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the fuel filter (204) can be mounted to a lateral side portion of the first
20 wall (107a) with respect to a central plane axis (x-x’) extended along a longitudinal
direction of the fuel tank (107). The fuel filter (204) is mounted to a side of the fuel
pump (206) with respect to central plane axis (x-x’) of the fuel pump (206).
[0044] In an embodiment, the fuel filter (204) can be mounted to any lateral side
portion, i.e., the left side portion or the right side portion, of the first wall (107a)
25 with respect to the central plane axis (x-x’).
[0045] In another embodiment, the fuel filter (204) and the and the fuel pump (206)
can be mounted to opposite lateral sides of the fuel tank (107) with respect to the
central plane axis (x-x’) of fuel tank (107).
[0046] In an embodiment, the fuel filter (204) and the and the fuel pump (206) can
30 be mounted to the fuel tank (107) on one lateral side of fuel tank (107) with respect
to the central plane axis (x-x’) of fuel tank (107).
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[0047] Thus, the fuel filter (204) can be positioned below the fuel tank (107) such
that the fuel filter (204) is positioned above the cylinder head of the engine and in
front of the fuel injector of the engine and behind a deflector. Such configuration
facilities a compact packaging of the fuel tank assembly (150).
[004 5 8] According to the above disclosure, the present disclosure provides various
advantages. The invention allows easier and easier mounting of a fuel filter on the
fuel tank in proximity of the fuel pump. Mounting of the fuel filter on eider lateral
side or at front portion of the fuel tank facilities effective packaging of the fuel tank
and subparts of the fuel tank assembly in the vehicle. This also allows easy
10 assembly and disassembly of the fuel tank assembly on and from a body frame of
the vehicle. In addition, such strategic mounting of the fuel filter on the fuel tank
and adjacent to the fuel pump leads to reduction fuel pressure loss and improving
fuel filter efficiency. Such arrangement of the fuel filter also reduces length of
connecting fuel pipes between the fuel pump and the fuel filter.
15 [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
20 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,
25 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”,
“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
30 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,
including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice
12
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
5 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 (150) for a saddle type vehicle (100), the fuel tank
assembly (150) comprising:
a fuel tank (107) adapted to be mounted onto a frame member (202)
of the saddle type v 5 ehicle (100), the fuel tank (107) comprising a first wall
(107a) and a second wall (107b) coupled to the first wall (107a) to define
the fuel tank (107) with an inner volume to store fuel;
a fuel pump (206) configured with the fuel tank (107); and
a fuel filter (204), the fuel filter (204) being fluidically coupled
10 between the fuel pump (206) and an engine (108) of the saddle type vehicle
(100), wherein the fuel filter (204) is mounted to the first wall (107a) of the
fuel tank (107) and in proximity of the fuel pump (206).
2. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel filter
15 (204) is mounted to a front portion of the first wall (107a) and ahead of the
fuel pump (206).
3. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the front
portion of the fuel tank (107) is formed by a portion of the first wall (107a)
20 extended towards a front side of the vehicle (100).
4. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel filter
(204) is mounted to a lateral side portion of the first wall (107a) with respect
14
to a central plane axis (x-x’) extended along a longitudinal direction of the
fuel tank (107).
5. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fuel filter
5 (204) is mounted to a side of the fuel pump (206) with respect to a central
plane axis (x-x’) of the fuel tank (107).
6. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel filter
(204) and the and the fuel pump (206) are mounted to opposite lateral sides
10 of the fuel tank (107) with respect to the fuel tank (107).
7. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fuel filter
(204) and the and the fuel pump (206) are mounted to the fuel tank (107) on
one lateral side of fuel tank (107) with respect to the central plane axis (x15
x’) of the fuel tank (107).
8. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a mounting
bracket (204b) coupled to the first wall (107a) and adapted for mounting the
fuel filter (204) to the first wall (107a) of the fuel tank (107), wherein the
20 mounting bracket comprises a holding portion to hold the fuel filter (204).
9. The fuel tank assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first wall
(107a) of the fuel tank is mounted onto the frame member (202), and
25 wherein the fuel filter (102) is configured under the fuel tank (107), and
15
wherein the fuel pump (206) is configured in the inner volume of the fuel
tank (107).
10. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
5 a body frame (101);
an engine (108) mounted on the body frame (101); and
a fuel tank assembly (150) configured on the body frame (101), the
fuel tank assembly (150) comprising:
a fuel tank (107) adapted to be mounted onto a frame member
10 (202) of the body frame (101), the fuel tank (107) comprising a first
wall (107a) and a second wall (107b) coupled to the first wall (107a)
to define the fuel tank (107) with an inner volume to store fuel;
a fuel pump (206) configured with the fuel tank (107); and
a fuel filter (204), the fuel filter (204) being fluidically
15 coupled between the fuel pump (206) and the engine (108) of the
saddle type vehicle (100), wherein the fuel filter (204) is mounted to
the first wall (107a) of the fuel tank (107) and in proximity of the
fuel pump (206).