FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (as amended)
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]
TITLE: “A FUEL FILLING RECEPTACLE HOLDING ASSEMBLY OF A
VEHICLE”
Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay
house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a fuel filler receptacle holder assembly of a vehicle. More particularly, embodiments relate to a gaseous fuel such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel filler receptacle holder assembly of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
Bi-fuel vehicles are vehicles with multifuel engines capable of running on two fuels. The bi-fuel vehicles, uses primary fuel as gasoline or diesel, and an alternate fuel such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), or hydrogen. The two fuels are stored in separate tanks and the engine runs on one fuel at a time.
To refuel the vehicles inlet ports are required to fill the fuel. In the bi-fuel vehicles two inlet ports has to be provided for filling the fuel to the respective tanks. The arrangement of fuel fillers in the bi-fuel vehicles is described in the united states patent publication US 20120211488 (herein after referred as ‘488 patent publication) filed by Posirisuk; Surayut. The ‘488 patent publication discloses CNG filling receptacle installation for motor vehicles within the same socket of fuel filler tank. In this case, the cover of fuel filler tank on motor vehicle will be opened and the driver can choose between fuel and gas. In addition, the components used to mount the bracket sets of gas filling receptacles are designed to be the compatible to the fuel filler tank and it will be easier for the driver in refueling.
In the existing fuel filler arrangement of the bi-fuel vehicles the CNG/LPG filler receptacles are mounted in the same socket of conventional fuel filler. The conventional fuel filler sockets are generally made of plastic material with the plastic flap snap fitted to the socket. Since, the CNG/LPG fuel filling receptacles are heavy and it would be difficult to integrate the filling receptacles with the plastic fuel filler sockets, thus the exiting arrangements uses complex mechanism to integrate the CNG/LPG filler receptacles. This increases the number of components in the assembly and increases the complexity in the assembly. Further, the existing plastic fuel filler sockets are snap fitted to the vehicle body therefore there are more possible chances of vibration in the assembly due to heavy weight of the LPG/CNG fuel receptacles.

In light of the foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop a Compresses Natural Gas (CNG)/Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel filler receptacle holder assembly to overcome the limitations stated above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fuel filling receptacle holding assembly of a vehicle. The assembly comprises: a filler cup of predetermined shape, wherein rear end of the filler cup is connectable to an inner panel of a vehicle body, and front end of the filler cup is connectable to outer panel of the vehicle body. The filler cup comprises: at least one provision in the rear end of the filler cup for accommodating a fuel receptacle holder. Further, the filler cup comprises a contoured profile on peripheral circumference of the front end of the filler cup, wherein the contoured profile abuts against the outer panel of the vehicle body.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, sealant is provided in the abutting region of contoured profile of the filler cup and the outer panel of the vehicle body.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealant is selected from atleast one of mastic sealant and structural sealant.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel filling receptacle holding assembly comprises a plate of predetermined shape connectable behind the inner panel of the vehicle body at a connection junction of the filler cup to facilitate reinforcement.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plate is welded to rear end of the inner panel at the connection junction of the filler cup.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rear end of the filler cup is welded to the inner panel of a vehicle body, and the front end of the filler cup is connected to the outer panel of the vehicle body with structural sealant.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel filling receptacle holding assembly comprises a fuel lid lock assembly coupled to the filler cup, said fuel lid lock assembly includes a fuel flap, locking pin and a magnet configured to close the front end of the filler cup. Further, a fuel lid sensor is provided in the filler cup proximal to the fuel lid lock assembly to sense position of the fuel flap, and the fuel lid sensor is connectable to an Electronic Control Unit of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filler cup is accommodated in a provision provided in a reinforcement panel provided between the outer panel and the inner panel of the vehicle body.
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.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly for the vehicle which can bear the heavy load of CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holders.
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly for the vehicle which is simple in construction and easy to assemble.
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly which prevents water leakage or fuel leakage inside the cabin area of the vehicle.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly which can be retro fitted onto the vehicle, and causes minimum or no impact on current sequence of body in white assembly process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates sectional view of the vehicle body showing the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly according to present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates exploded view of vehicle body including the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly according to present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of filler cup of the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly according to present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of filler cup with a fuel lid lock assembly of the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly according to present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter

which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
To overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background, the present disclosure provides a fuel filler receptacle holder assembly for the bi-fuel vehicles which uses Compresses Natural Gas (CNG)/Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) with the conventional fuels. The proposed fuel filler holder assembly is being capable of holding the heavy fuel filler receptacles and causes no load onto the vehicle outer body.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a sectional view and exploded view of the vehicle body showing the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (100). The fuel filler receptacle assembly (100) comprises a filler cup (101) of predetermined shape interposed in the vehicle body. The filler cup (101) is configured to act as interconnection member in between the fuel filler (not shown) and the fuel tank (not shown) during refueling of the vehicle. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the filler cup is a sheet metal cup. In the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (100), rear end (101a) of the filler cup (101) is connected to an inner panel (102) of a vehicle body, and front end (101b) of the filler cup (101) is connected to the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body. The filler cup (101) is provided with at least one provision (101c) in the rear end (101a) for accommodating a fuel receptacle holder (105). Further, a contoured profile (101d) is provided on peripheral circumference of the front end (101b) of the filler cup (101), and said contoured profile (101d) abuts against the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filler cup also referred as sheet metal cup (101) is welded to inner panel with

spotting (102) and the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body with sealant. Further, a reinforcement panel (104) which is provided between the outer panel (103) and the inner panel (102) of the vehicle body is provided with a provision (104a) to accommodate the filler cup (101). The reinforcement panel (104) supports the central portion of the filler cup (101) and thereby improves the strength of the filler cup (101). In the proposed fuel filler holding assembly (100), the inner panel (102) of the vehicle body bears main load, and an additional reinforcement is provided by reinforcement panel (104) of the vehicle body, to ensure no stress transfer to the vehicle body.
Further, in the fuel filler receptacle assembly (100) a sealant (106) is applied in the abutting region (A) of contoured profile (101d) of the filler cup (101) and the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body. The sealant (106) compensates the minor variation in the distance between the outer panel (103) and inner panel (102) of the vehicle body, and thereby ensures the leak proof joining of the fuel receptacle holder assembly (100) with the vehicle body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealant (106) is selected from a group comprising but not limited to mastic sealant and structural sealant. The sealant (106) further prevents the entry of water into the vehicle body thereby prevents the corrosion of the vehicle body and the cabin. Further, the sealant (106) prevents the leakage of fuel from the fuel filling valve (not shown) into the vehicle cabin during refueling of fuel, thereby improves the passenger comfort in the vehicle. In addition, the sealant (106) helps in getting the soft connection between the filler cup (101) and the outer panel (103), which avoids drumming sound in the vehicle. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealant (106) is baked to achieve good strength. This creates a permanent bond between filler cup (101) and outer panel (103).
The fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (100) further provided with a plate (107) of predetermined shape connected behind the inner panel (102) of the vehicle body at a connection junction (102a) of the filler cup (101) to provide reinforcement at the connecting junction (102a). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plate (107) is welded to rear end of the inner panel (102) at the connection junction (102a) of the filler cup (101) by spotting. The plate (107) comprises a plurality of provisions (107a) (refer Fig. 2) to fasten the plate (107) to the inner panel (102) using fasteners. The plate (107) provides additional strength at the connecting junction of the filler cup (101) and thereby improves the stability of the assembly (100). Further,

the fuel filler receptacle holder (105) is joined to the plate (107) and it is passed through the provision (101c) provided in the filler cup (101) during assembly. The fuel filler receptacle [not shown] is held securely inside the fuel filler receptacle holder (105) and it is connected to the fuel tank [not shown] of the vehicle through houses [not shown]. Further, a fuel lid lock assembly (108) is coupled to the filler cup (101) for closing the front end (101b) of the filler cup (101). The fuel lid lock assembly (108) acts as preventive member for the ingress of dust into the filler cup (101).
FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of filler cup (101) of the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (100). The filler cup (101) comprises a body of predetermined shape extending from outer panel (103) of the vehicle body till the inner panel (102) of the vehicle body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the filler cup (101) is selected from the group comprising but not limited to circular shape, square shape and rectangular shape. The filler cup (101) made by deep drawing process, thereby forming a deep draw shape which improves stiffness of the filler cup (101). Further, the filler cup (101) is provided with at least one provision (101c) in the rear end (101a) for accommodating the fuel receptacle holder (105), and a contoured profile (101d) is provided on peripheral circumference of the front end (101b) of the filler cup (101). The filler cup is further provisioned with plurality of holes and slots in the rear end (101a) along with the provision to accommodate the fuel receptacle holder (105) for connecting the inner panel (102) and the plate (107) for strengthening the joint.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of filler cup with a fuel lid lock assembly of the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (108). The fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (100) is provided with a fuel lid lock assembly (108) which is configured to close the front end (101b) of the filler cup (101) to prevent the entry of dust and other foreign particles into the filler cup (101). The fuel lid lock assembly (108) is coupled to the filler cup (101) of the filler receptacle holder assembly (100) by fastening, thus cause no vibrations near the region of vehicle body in which the filler receptacle holder assembly (100) is fitted.

The fuel lid lock assembly (108) comprises a fuel flap (108a) which can be opened and closed by the driver/user of the vehicle for closing the entry into the filler cup (101) during normal condition, and providing entry into filler cup during refueling of the vehicle. A lock pin (108b) is provided in the fuel lid lock assembly (108) to lock the fuel flap (108a) to the filler cup (108b) based on the input by the driver/user. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock pin can be operated remotely by the user or by operating through key based on the mechanism provided in the vehicle. Further, the fuel lid lock assembly (108) comprises a magnet (108c) placed on predetermined location of the fuel flap (108a), the magnet (108c) makes contact with a fuel lid sensor (109) placed in the filler cup (101), when the magnet contacts the fuel lid sensor (109) it indicates that the fuel flap (101) is closed. The fuel lid sensor (109) which is placed in the filler cup (101) is connectable to the Electronic control unit (ECU) [not shown] of the vehicle to prevent the ignition of the vehicle when the fuel flap is in open condition i.e. refueling condition. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel lid sensor (109) is a magnetic switch which makes contact with the magnet (108c) on the fuel flap (108a) when the fuel flap (108a) is closed. When the fuel flap (108a) is opened the contact between the magnetic switch and the magnet (108c) brakes and thereby indicate the ECU to cutoff the power supply to ignition system. This prevents the potential accidents which can be caused due to ignition of the vehicle during refueling.
Further, a method for assembling a fuel filling receptacle holding assembly (100) to a vehicle is described in the following lines of the description. The method of assembling comprising acts of: interposing a filler cup (101) in between an outer and inner panels (103 and 102) of a vehicle body, then welding the rear end (101a) of the filler cup (101) to the inner panel (102) and front end (101b) of the filler cup (101) to the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body. Then, providing a sealant (106) in an abutting region (A) of contoured profile (101d) of the filler cup (101) and the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body. Further, the method of assembling comprising act of mounting a plate (107) of predetermined shape behind the inner panel (102) of the vehicle body at a connection junction (102a) of the filler cup (101) to facilitate reinforcement, wherein the plate (107) is welded to rear end of the inner plate (102) at the connection junction (102a) of the filler cup (101). Then, the fuel receptacle holder (105) is accommodated in the provision (101c) provided in rear end (101a) of the filler cup (101).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of assembling the fuel filling receptacle holding assembly (100) to a vehicle comprises act of connecting a fuel lid lock assembly (108) to the filler cup (101), and mounting a fuel lid sensor (109) in the fuel cup (101) proximal to a fuel lid lock assembly (108) to sense position of a fuel lid (108a).
In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure the following steps are used for assembling the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (100) to the vehicle. Firstly, the inner panel (102), reinforcement panel (102) and plate (107) are formed as ring assembly and welded together with spotting. Then, the filler cup (101) [sheet metal cup] is welded to inner panel (102) and plate (107) at connecting junction (102a) with spotting. Then, the fuel filler receptacle holder (105) is connected to plate (107) with carbon dioxide welding. Further, a mastic sealant is applied on abutting region (A) of the filler cup (101) with the outer panel (103). Then, the outer panel (103) is loaded from outside and spot welded to the filler cup (101) to form assembly of the fuel filler receptacle holder assembly (100). This complete assembly (100) is then pass through various cycle of painting. Lastly, the fuel lid lock assembly (108) and fuel lid sensor (109) is then bolted to assembly (100) with fasteners.
Advantages:
The present disclosure is to provide a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly for the vehicle which will bear the heavy load of CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holders.
The present disclosure provides a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly for the vehicle which is simple in construction and easy to assemble, this reduces the assembling time of the fuel filler receptacle.
The present disclosure provides a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly which prevents water leakage or fuel leakage inside the cabin area of the vehicle; this prevents the corrosion in cabin area and improves comfortably of the passenger.
The present disclosure provides a CNG/LPG fuel filler receptacle holder assembly which can be retro fitted onto the vehicle, without causing impact on current sequence of body in white assembly process.

Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,

and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals;

Reference Number Description
100 Fuel filler receptacle holder assembly
101 Filler cup
101a Rear end of the filler cup
101b Front end of the filler cup
101c Provision for accommodating the filler receptacle holder
101d Countered profile of the filler cup
102 Inner panel of vehicle body
103 Outer panel of vehicle body
104 Reinforcement panel of the vehicle body
104a Provision for accommodating the

filler cup
105 Filler receptacle holder
106 Sealant
107 Plate
107a Provisions on plate
108 Fuel lock lid assembly
108a Fuel flap
108b Lock pin
108c Magnet
109 Fuel lid sensor
A Abutting region of the filler cup with the outer panel of the vehicle

We claim:
1. A fuel filling receptacle holding assembly (100) of a vehicle, said assembly (100)
comprising:
a filler cup (101) of predetermined shape, wherein rear end (101a) of the filler cup (101) is connectable to an inner panel (102) of a vehicle body, and front end (101b) of the filler cup (101) is connectable to outer panel (103) of the vehicle body, wherein the filler cup (101) comprises:
at least one provision (101c) in the rear end (101a) of the filler cup (101) for accommodating a fuel receptacle holder (105); and
a contoured profile (101d) on peripheral circumference of the front end (101b) of the filler cup (101), wherein the contoured profile (101d) abut against the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body.
2. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sealant (106) is provided in the abutting region (A) of contoured profile (101d) of the filler cup (101) and the outer panel (103) of the vehicle body.
3. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sealant
(106) is selected from atleast one of mastic sealant and structural sealant.
4. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises a plate (107) of predetermined shape connectable behind the inner panel (102) of the vehicle body at a connection junction (102a) of the filler cup (101) to facilitate reinforcement.
5. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plate
(107) is welded to rear end of the inner panel (102) at the connection junction (102a) of
the filler cup (101).
6. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear end
(101a) of the filler cup (101) is welded to the inner panel (102) of a vehicle body, and the
front end (101b) of the filler cup (101) is welded to the outer panel (103) of the vehicle
body.

7. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises a fuel lid lock assembly (108) coupled to the filler cup (101), said fuel lid lock assembly (108) includes a fuel flap (108a), locking pin (108b) and a magnet (108c) configured to close the front end (101b) of the filler cup (101).
8. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein a fuel lid sensor (109) is provided in the filler cup (101) proximal to the fuel lid lock assembly (108) to sense position of the fuel flap (108a).
9. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fuel lid sensor (109) is connectable to an Electronic Control Unit of the vehicle.
10. The fuel filling receptacle holding assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filler cup (101) is accommodated in a provision (104a) provided in a reinforcement panel (104) provided between the outer panel (103) and the inner panel (104) of the vehicle body.
11. A vehicle comprising a fuel filling receptacle holding assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.