DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to two-wheeled motor vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively to a fuel cut-off device assembly for the two-wheeled vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, gasoline is used as fuel. Typically, a two-wheeled vehicle has a frame assembly that supports the engine assembly. The frame assembly acts as a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle parts. A front portion of the frame assembly connects to a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends rearward of the vehicle, where a rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An internal combustion (IC) engine is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The IC engine, alternatively called as engine, is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a bottom perspective view of a fuel tank employed with a fuel cut-off device assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a perspective view of the fuel cut-off device, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0007] Fig. 2 (c) illustrates a perspective view of a housing member, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0008] Fig. 2 (d) depicts a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the fuel cut-off device mounted to the housing member.
[0009] Fig. 2 (e) depicts an exploded view of the fuel cut-off device assembly.
[00010] Fig. 2 (f) depicts a perspective view of a holder member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 3 depicts an exploded view of the fuel cut-off device assembly employed to the fuel tank.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0001] Generally, in the two-wheeled vehicles that are saddle ride-type, the engine is mounted to the frame assembly and is disposed rearwardly of the front wheel. A fuel tank is functionally connected to the engine and is disposed upwardly of the engine. The engine has an intake side that is connected to a carburetor or the like for supplying air-fuel mixture to the engine. The fuel tank and an air supply system supply fuel and filtered air to the carburetor or the like, respectively.
[0002] Generally, gasoline or the like is used as fuel. Fuel stored in the fuel tank may vaporize and the fuel vapours reach an upper portion of the fuel tank. The vaporized fuel can escape into the atmosphere from the fuel tank. Therefore, there is a need for storing and purging the vaporized fuel/gas. Moreover, the stringent evaporative emission norms require the vaporized fuel to be effectively purged.
[0003] Generally, the vehicle is provided with a canister for adsorbing the vaporized fuel, and thereafter at certain operating conditions of the engine, the adsorbed fuel vapors are purged to the engine for combustion in the engine. Further, a fuel shut-off valve is provided in the path between the fuel tank and the canister. The fuel shut-off valve prevents leakage of fuel in the event of a roll-over incident or vehicle getting inclined beyond a certain degree. Therefore, the fuel-shut off valve is an essential safety system, especially in two-wheelers, where the probability of tipping off is higher. In addition, in the evaporative emission control system, the charging line is very critical as it acts as a breathing passage.
[0004] To this end, the fuel shut-off valve comprises two passages of which one passage is connected to the fuel tank and the other passage is connected to the canister. Each of the two passages has a functional significance and requires assembly of the passage to specific parts, which are fuel tank and the canister, only. However, there is possibility of wrong assembly whereby the passages are wrongly connected (in reverse direction) to the fuel tank and the canister. Besides, this problem is predominant in fuel shut-off valves having a symmetric design. Such wrong assembly will negate the functioning and purpose of the fuel shut-off valve. In addition, bulging of fuel tank may occur due to choking of air passage. Thus, there is a need for mounting the fuel-shut off valve in a foolproof manner thereby eliminating any possibility of wrong assembly.
[0005] Hence, it is an object of the present subject matter to provide a fuel cut-off device assembly aimed at addressing the aforementioned and other problems.
[0006] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that, a fuel cut-off device is detachably-attached to a housing member. It is a feature that the housing member is provided with at least one locking member. Also, a holder member is provided with arm members that work in conjunction with the housing member.
[0007] It is an additional feature that, the locking member of the housing member(s) is capable of engaging with the arm member(s) in only one orientation, which is in a first orientation, of the housing member with respect to the holder member. Therefore, it is an aspect that that the fuel cut-off device is secured to said holder member in the first orientation. It is an advantage that any wrong assembly of the housing member to the holder member is eliminated.
[0008] It is yet another aspect of the present invention that, the holder member is mounted to the vehicle. For example, the holder member is affixed to the fuel tank, which is an optimal location in terms of routing and length of wiring harness.
[0009] It is yet another feature that, the housing member is provided with an asymmetric cap portion that enables mounting of the fuel cut-off device to housing member in the first orientation only. It is an advantage that poka-yoke is ensured with respect to mounting of the fuel cut-off device to the housing member. In an embodiment, the fuel cut-off device is provided with a bulged portion to identify the top portion of the fuel cut-off device.
[00010] It another additional feature that, the holder member is provided with a sub-arm member disposed asymmetrically on arm members of the holder members. This enables mounting of the holder member to the housing member, especially, with fuel cut-off device and/or housing member having a symmetric shape.
[00011] It is a feature that a rigid fuel cut-off device is mounted to the rigid holder member through an elastic housing member providing ease of mounting and un-mounting.
[00012] It is an advantage of the present subject matter that the housing member is mounted to holder member, wherein at least one locking member of the housing member is capable of receiving at least one arm member of the holder member in an orientation of the housing member, which is holding the fuel cut-off device, with respect to the holder member.
[00013] It is an aspect that more than one locking member and corresponding arm members are provided depending on shape and size of the fuel cut-off device to enable optimum mounting of the fuel cut-off device to vehicle.
[00014] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00015] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary step-through type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. The vehicle has a frame assembly 105 that includes a head tube 105A, a main tube 105B extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A, and a pair of rear railing (not shown) that are inclinedly disposed to the main frame 105B. A handlebar assembly 110 is connected to one or more front suspension(s) 120 through a steering shaft (not shown). The one or more front suspensions 120 rotatably support a front wheel 115 that helps in manoeuvring the vehicle 100. An engine assembly 125, alternatively referred to as engine, is functionally connected to a rear wheel 130 through a transmission system 135. The transmission system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an automatic transmission (AMT), or a fixed gear ratio transmission using belt or chain drive.
[00016] Further, the rear wheel 130 is rotatably supported by a swing arm 140 at one end and other end of the swing arm 140 is pivotally connected to the frame assembly 105. Further, one or more rear suspension(s) 145 couple the rear wheel 130 to the frame assembly 105 for dampening forces acting on the rear wheel 130. A seat assembly 150 is positioned above the rear wheel 130 and is supported by the pair of railing(s). A fuel tank 155 is disposed abuttingly forward to the seat assembly 150 and is mounted to the main tube 105B of the frame assembly 105.
[00017] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 is provided with plurality of body panels, which are mounted to the frame assembly 105, including a pair of side panels 170A (only one is shown) disposed and extending downwardly from the seat assembly 150. Also, a pair of rear panel assembly 170B disposed downwardly of the seat assembly 150 and extending rearward.
[00018] The vehicle 100 further comprises of plurality of electrical/electronic and mechanical components including a headlight 160, a tail light 165, a battery (not shown), a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown), a synchronous braking system (SBS), an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and other vehicle guidance and status control systems.
[00019] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a bottom perspective view of a fuel tank employed with a fuel cut-off device assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel tank 155 comprises a fuel tank body 155A that defines a volume for storing fuel. The fuel tank body 155A comprises a fuel tank opening 155B provided on a top portion of the fuel tank body 155A through which fuel is filled. At least a portion of a bottom surface 155S of the fuel tank body 155A rests on a main tube 105B (shown in Fig. 1) of the frame assembly 105. The bottom surface 155S of the fuel tank body 155A comprises an inverted U-shaped cross section and the main tube 105B abuts against the gap formed by the U-shaped cross section. In an embodiment, the fuel tank is made of a rigid material including any known metal.
[00020] The fuel tank 155 is mounted to the frame assembly 105 through plurality of mounting provisions 155MA, 155MB, 155MC provided on the fuel tank 155. The fuel tank 155 is detachably-mounted to the frame assembly 105 through fasteners. The fuel tank 155 is provided with a canister 300 mounted to the bottom surface 155S of the fuel tank 155. The canister 300 is functionally connected to a fuel cut-off device assembly 200 through a first hose assembly 305. Further, the fuel cut-off device assembly 200 is functionally coupled to the fuel tank 155 and the connection, which is an upstream portion, is substantially at a top portion of the fuel tank body 155A through a second hose assembly 310.
[00021] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a perspective view of a fuel cut-off device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel cut-off device 205 outer body is of any geometrical regular or irregular shape, in the present embodiment, outer body is of a cylindrical shape, with respect to an axis A-A’, with a first port 205PA and a second port 205PB disposed substantially orthogonal to a device axis of the fuel cut-off device 205. The first port 205PA is an outlet port and the second port 205PB is an inlet port. The first port 205PA is connected to the fuel tank 155 and the second port 205PB is connected to the canister 300 (as shown in Fig. 2 (a)). The fuel cut-off device 205 is made of rigid material including any known metal or polymer. In one embodiment, the fuel cut-off device 205 includes a spherical stopper (metal ball) that in normal condition enables connection between the first port and the second port. In the event of vehicle 100 tipping beyond a certain angle, the spherical stopper blocks the path between the first port and the second port thereby eliminating any fuel passage through the hose assembly.
[00022] In the present embodiment, as mentioned, the fuel cut-off device 205 has a cylindrical shape and a mounting portion 205M is annularly provided along at least a portion of the circumference of the fuel cut-off device 205. The housing member 210 securely holds the fuel cut-off device 205 thereby enabling mounting of the fuel cut-off device on to the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the fuel cut-off device 205 is provided with a bump portion 205B that enables identification of a top portion of the fuel cut-off device 205 for positioning the fuel cut-off device 205 in a required functional orientation.
[00023] Fig. 2 (c) illustrates a perspective view of housing member, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). Fig. 2 (d) depicts a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the fuel cut-off device 205 mounted to the housing member 210. The cross-sectional view is with respect to an axis X-X’. Further, Fig. 2 (d) depicts another perspective view of assembling the housing member 210 with the fuel cut-off device 205.The holder member 210 comprises a body portion 210B. The body portion 210B is adapted to annularly support at least a portion of the mounting portion 205M of the fuel cut-off device 205. In one embodiment, the holder member 210 is made of an elastic material to enable ease of attaching and detaching the fuel cut-off device 205. Further, the housing member 210 is provided with an asymmetric cap portion 210A. The asymmetric cap portion 210A enables mounting of the fuel cut-off device 205 in a first orientation. In a preferred embodiment, the asymmetric cap portion 210A is disposed on at least one axial end portion and is asymmetrically disposed with respect to the axis of the housing member 210. In the present embodiment, the axis of the housing member 210 coincides with the axis A-A’ of the fuel cut-off device 205. Additionally, the housing member 210 is provided with an asymmetrical circumferential design. In a preferred embodiment, an asymmetric cap portion 210A provided on one axial end of the circumference of the housing member 210 provide the asymmetrical design. Therefore, in case of reverse mounting of the fuel cut-off device 205 to the housing member 210, the asymmetric cap portion 210A interferes with at least one port 205PA, 205PB of the fuel cut-off device 205 thereby eliminating any wrong assembly. Therefore, the provision of the asymmetric cap portion 210A of the housing member 210 is configured to receive the fuel cut-off device 205 in the first orientation. Further, the first orientation of said housing member 210 with respect to said holder member 215 includes engaging of said housing member 210 with the holder member 215 with said asymmetric cap portion 210A of said housing member 210 projecting upwardly.
[00024] Furthermore, the housing member 210 is provided with at least one locking member 210LA, 210LB. In the present embodiment, a first locking member 210LB and a second locking member 210LA are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the body portion 210B of the housing member 210. The first locking member 210LA and the second locking member 210LB are provided with apertures, wherein the aperture length of a first locking member 210LA is substantially longer than the aperture length of a second locking member 210LB. In another embodiment, cross-section of the aperture of the first locking member 210LA is substantially different from cross-section of the aperture of the second locking member 210LB.
[00025] In an embodiment, provided with a single locking member 210LA, 210LB the aperture of the locking member 210LA, 210LB is provided with asymmetric cross-section whereby the locking member is capable of receiving the arm member 215AA, 215AB of the holder member 215 in the first orientation of the housing member 210.
[00026] Fig. 2 (e) depicts an exploded view of the fuel cut-off device assembly, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (d). In an embodiment, the holder member 215 capable of working in conjunction with the housing member 210. The fuel cut-off device assembly 200 (as shown in Fig. 2 (a)) comprises a fuel cut-off device 205, a housing member 210 and to a holder member 215. The fuel cut-off device 205 is detachably-mounted to a housing member 210 and the housing member 210 is further detachably-mounted to a holder member 215 affixed to the fuel tank 155. The holder member 215 comprises a base member 215B supporting at least one arm member 215AA, 215AB that is extending from the base member 215B. In the present embodiment, a first arm member 215AA and a second arm member 215AB are provided that extends substantially orthogonally from the base member 215B. In a preferred embodiment, the base member 215B, the first arm member 215AA and the second arm member 215AB are made of a rigid material including any known metal and integrally formed.
[00027] Furthermore, the first arm member 215AA and the second arm member 215AB are provided with an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion of the first arm 215AA is capable of being received by the aperture of the first locking member 210LA of the housing member 210 and the second arm 215AB is capable of being received by the aperture of the second locking member 210LB of the housing member 210, respectively. This enables mounting of the housing member 210 to the holder member 215 in the first orientation only. Thus, the fuel cut-off device 205 mounted to the housing member 210 is mounted to the vehicle in a specific orientation thereby ensuring poka-yoke.
[00028] Fig. 2 (f) depicts a perspective view of a holder member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The holder member 216, according to the present embodiment, includes at least one arm member 215AA, 215AB, which is similar to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (e). The locking members 210LA, 210LB and the arm members 215AA, 215AB are engaging with a snap-fit. For example, in the present embodiment, the arm members 215AA, 215AB are provided with engaging portion that are T-shaped and the engaging portion is snap-in fitted to the apertures provided on the locking members 210LA, 210LB. In addition, a sub-arm member 216S is provided on at least one arm 215AA, 215AB of the holder member 216, wherein the sub-arm member 216S is asymmetrically disposed. The sub-arm member 216S interferes with first port 205PA of the fuel cut-off device 205 when the device is mounted in a wrong orientation thereof. This further provides a full proof assembly
[00029] Fig. 3 depicts an exploded view of the fuel cut-off device assembly 200 employed to the fuel tank 155 provided with the holder member 215, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (f). The holder member 215 is affixed to the bottom surface 155S of the fuel tank 155. In a preferred embodiment, the holder member 215 is welded to the bottom surface of the fuel tank 155. The fuel cut-off device 205 is detachably-mounted to the housing member 210, wherein the fuel cut-off device 205 is mounted to the housing member 210 in the first orientation. Further, the housing member 210 is provided with the first locking member 210LA and the second locking member 210LB that are capable of engaging with the first arm member 215AA, and the second arm member 210AB of the holder member 215,216, respectively, in the first orientation of said housing member 210, whereby the fuel cut-off device 205 is secured to said holder member 215,216 in the first orientation.
[00030] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, in the light of above disclosure.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A fuel cut-off device assembly (200) comprising:
a fuel cut-off device (205) having a first port (205PA) connected to a fuel tank (155) and a second port (205PB) connected to a canister (300), wherein said fuel cut-off device (205) is detachably-attached to a housing member (210), said housing member (210) comprises an asymmetric cap portion (210A) disposed on peripheral end portion of a body portion (210B) to enable attaching of said fuel cut-off device (205) with said housing member (210).

2. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing member (210) is provided with said body portion (210B) enclosing at least a portion of said fuel cut-off device (205), said body portion (210B) is disposed with at least one locking portion (210LA, 210LB).

3. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing member comprises at least one locking portion (210LA, 210LB) capable of engaging with at least one arm member (215AA, 215AB) of a holder member (215,216) in a first orientation of said housing member (210) with respect to said holder member (215,216).

4. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein outer body of the fuel cut-off device (205) is of any geometrical regular or irregular shape including a cylindrical shape.

5. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel cut-off device (205) is provided with a bump portion (205B) to enable identification of a top portion of the fuel cut-off device (205) for positioning the fuel cut-off device (205) in a required functional orientation.

6. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder member (215,216) comprises of a base portion (215B) affixed to the fuel tank (155) and said at least arm member (215AA, 215AB) is extending away from said base portion (215B).

7. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first orientation of said housing member (210) with respect to said holder member (215,216) includes engaging of said housing member (210) with the holder member (215,216) with said asymmetric cap portion (210A) of said housing member (210) projecting upwardly.

8. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking member (210LA) has substantially different aperture length and substantially different cross-section in comparison with the second locking member (210LB).

9. The fuel cut-off device assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sub-arm member (216S) is asymmetrically disposed on at least one arm (215AA, 215AB) of the holder member (216) to interferes with the first port (205PA) of the fuel cut-off device (205) when the fuel cut-off device (205) is mounted in a wrong orientation thereof.

10. A method for assembling a fuel cut-off device assembly (200) comprising:
connecting a first port (205PA) of a fuel cut-off device (205) to a fuel tank (155) and a second port (205PB) of a fuel cut-off device (205) to a canister (300);
configuring the fuel cut-off device (205) on a housing member (210) with an asymmetric cap portion (210A) in a first orientation;
engaging at least one locking portion (210LA, 210LB) of the housing member (210) with at least one arm member (215AA, 215AB) of a holder member (215,216) in the first orientation of the housing member (210); and
affixing the holder member (215,216) to a bottom surface (155S) of the fuel tank (155).