Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A fuel inlet assembly (200) for a saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a fuel inlet flange (210) having a fuel inlet (212) for receiving fuel from an external source;
a first inlet pipe (230) attached to the fuel inlet flange (210) at a first end (230A), extending at least downwardly from the fuel inlet flange (210); and
a second inlet pipe (240) extending at least downwardly from the first inlet pipe (230), the second inlet pipe (240) having an intake end (240A) and an outlet end (240B), the intake end (240A) of the second inlet pipe (240) being detachably attached to a second end (230B) of the first inlet pipe (230), and the outlet end (240B) of the second inlet pipe (240) being connected to a fuel tank (250), thereby supplying fuel received at the fuel inlet flange (210) to the fuel tank (250).

2. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet flange (210) is provided integrally with the first inlet pipe (230).

3. The fuel inlet assembly (250) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (250) is disposed under a floorboard (155) of the saddle-type vehicle (10).

4. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet flange (210) is provided on a rear panel (160E) of the saddle-type vehicle (10).

5. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet flange (210) comprises a vent spout (214) connected to the fuel tank (250) via a vent pipe (216) for relieving accumulated air inside the fuel tank (250) during refuelling.

6. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the vent spout (214) is provided below the fuel inlet (212), such that the vent spout (214) protrudes normal to a central axis (X-X’) of the fuel inlet (212).

7. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet flange (210) comprises a receiver portion (218) surrounding the fuel inlet (212) to receive excess fuel spillage from the fuel inlet (212).

8. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fuel inlet flange (210) comprises a drain spout (220) connected to a drain pipe (222), the drain pipe (222) being open at one end, for draining any excess fuel spillage from the fuel inlet (212) collected at the receiver portion (218).

9. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fuel cap (224) for covering the fuel inlet (212), the fuel cap (224) being supported on the fuel inlet flange (210).

10. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inlet pipe (230) comprises a mounting flange (232) for mounting a canister (260) for the saddle-type vehicle (10).

11. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4 or 7, wherein the first inlet pipe (230) comprises a guiding portion (234) for routing the vent pipe (216) and the drain pipe (222) in a substantially vertical orientation.

12. The fuel inlet assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein sum of volume of the first inlet pipe (230) and volume of the second inlet pipe (240) is at least 5% of volume of the fuel tank (250).

13. A saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (105A);
a main tube (105B) having a first portion (105B’) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe (105A);
a floorboard (155) extending rearwardly from a rear end of the first portion (105B’) of the main tube (105B);
a fuel tank (250) disposed under the floorboard (155); and
a fuel inlet assembly (200) having a fuel inlet flange (210) with a fuel inlet (212) for receiving fuel from an external source, a first inlet pipe (230) attached to the fuel inlet flange (210) at a first end (230A), the first inlet pipe (230) extending at least downwardly from the fuel inlet flange (210), and a second inlet pipe (240) extending at least downwardly from the first inlet pipe (230), the second inlet pipe (240) having an intake (240A) end and an outlet end (240B), the intake end (240A) of the second inlet pipe (240) being detachably attached to a second end (230B) of the first inlet pipe (230), and the outlet end (240B) of the second inlet pipe (240) being connected to the fuel tank (250), thereby supplying fuel received at the fuel inlet flange (210) to the fuel tank (250).

14. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, comprising a front panel (160A) disposed forwardly of the head pipe (105A) in a vehicle front-rear direction and a rear panel (160E) disposed rearwardly of the head pipe (105B) in the vehicle front-rear direction, the rear panel (160E) configured to define a space therebetween with the front panel (160A) such that the fuel inlet assembly (200) is disposed in the space defined by the front panel (160A) and the rear panel (160E) therebetween.

15. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fuel inlet flange (210) of the fuel inlet assembly (200) is provided on the rear panel (160E).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a fuel inlet assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional motor vehicles in which the fuel tank is packaged under the floorboard, also commonly known as bottom mounted fuel tanks, the provision for refuelling is provided at a certain vertical height above the fuel tank. The refuelling provision is connected to the fuel tank by means of a connecting inlet. The connecting inlet for connecting the opening of the refuelling provision to the fuel tank must meet strict leak proof requirements, and is hence conventionally a single fabricated tube. These leak proof requirements must be met without affecting the feasibility of assembly & serviceability when required of the refuelling provision, connecting inlet or the fuel tank. This increases the complexity in vehicle layout, especially in saddle-type vehicles with greater packaging constraints.
[003] Further, for bottom mounted fuel tanks, the fuel storage capacity of fuel tank is limited due to a large number of layout parameters such as ground clearance, vehicle width & length dimensions, wiring harness and cable routing, and mounting components like fuel gauge inside fuel tank; ergonomic parameters such as customer foot resting height; and air circulation for cooling and breathing circuits for the engine. Any attempt at increasing the fuel tank volume may have a detrimental effect on any of the aforementioned parameters.
[004] In addition, in saddle-type vehicles with bottom mounted fuel tanks, additional vehicle components such as carbon canister and the supporting ancillary parts along with the fuel system related pipes such as drain pipe for draining the overflowing fuel or water during refuelling or water service or raining, and vent pipe for ventilation of fuel tank are to be arranged without interfering with the surrounding vehicle parts while meeting the requirements of the aforementioned parameters. It is also an important layout consideration that the canister must be kept as close as possible to the vapour tapping zone of the fuel tank, so as to maintain the charging and draining properties.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a fuel inlet assembly for a saddle-type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a fuel inlet assembly for a saddle-type vehicle. The fuel inlet assembly has a fuel inlet flange with a fuel inlet for receiving fuel from an external source and a first inlet pipe attached to the fuel inlet flange at a first end. The first inlet pipe extends at least downwardly from the fuel inlet flange. Further, a second inlet pipe extends at least downwardly from the first inlet pipe. The second inlet pipe has an intake end and an outlet end. Herein, the intake end of the second inlet pipe is detachably attached to a second end of the first inlet pipe, and the outlet end of the second inlet pipe is connected to a fuel tank, thereby supplying fuel received at the fuel inlet flange to the fuel tank.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet flange is provided integrally with the first inlet pipe.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank is disposed under a floorboard of the saddle-type vehicle.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet flange is provided on a rear panel of the saddle-type vehicle.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet flange has a vent spout connected to the fuel tank via a vent pipe for relieving accumulated air inside the fuel tank during refuelling. In an embodiment, the vent spout is provided below the fuel inlet, such that the vent spout protrudes normal to a central axis of the fuel inlet.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet flange has a receiver portion surrounding the fuel inlet to receive excess fuel spillage from the fuel inlet. In an embodiment, the fuel inlet flange has a drain spout connected to a drain pipe and the drain pipe is open at one end for draining any excess fuel spillage from the fuel inlet collected at the receiver portion.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet assembly has a fuel cap for covering the fuel inlet. The fuel cap is supported on the fuel inlet flange.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first inlet pipe has a mounting flange for mounting a canister for the saddle-type vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first inlet pipe has a guiding portion for routing the vent pipe and the drain pipe in a substantially vertical orientation.
[015] In another embodiment of the invention, sum of volume of the first inlet pipe and volume of the second inlet pipe is at least 5% of volume of the fuel tank.
[016] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having a head pipe, a main tube with a first portion extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe, a floorboard extending rearwardly from a rear end of the first portion of the main tube, a fuel tank disposed under the floorboard and a fuel inlet assembly. The fuel inlet assembly has a fuel inlet flange with a fuel inlet for receiving fuel from an external source and a first inlet pipe attached to the fuel inlet flange at a first end. The first inlet pipe extends at least downwardly from the fuel inlet flange. Further, a second inlet pipe extends at least downwardly from the first inlet pipe. The second inlet pipe has an intake end and an outlet end. Herein, the intake end of the second inlet pipe is detachably attached to a second end of the first inlet pipe, and the outlet end of the second inlet pipe is connected to a fuel tank, thereby supplying fuel received at the fuel inlet flange to the fuel tank.
[017] In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle has a front panel disposed forwardly of the head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction and a rear panel disposed rearwardly of the head pipe in the vehicle front-rear direction. The rear panel is configured to define a space therebetween with the front panel such that the fuel inlet assembly is disposed in the space defined by the front panel and the rear panel therebetween.
[018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet flange of the fuel inlet assembly is provided on the rear panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle with the fuel inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel inlet flange, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel inlet flange and a first inlet pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates the perspective view of the fuel inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the fuel inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle with the fuel inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[020] The present invention relates to a fuel inlet assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel inlet assembly for a saddle-type vehicle.
[021] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 comprises a frame assembly 105. The frame assembly 105 includes a head pipe 105A and a main tube 105B. The main tube 105B has a first portion 105B’ extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 105A. One or more front suspensions 110 connect a front wheel 115 to a handlebar assembly 190, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head pipe 105A. The first portion 105B’ of the main tube 105B extends rearwardly downward from the head pipe 105A and the main tube 105B includes a bent portion thereafter extending substantially in a longitudinal direction. In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has the frame assembly 105 with a non-monocoque frame structure having a first cross tube 105C extending from the first portion 105B’ of the main tube 105B in a vehicle width direction, a pair of reinforcement members 105D extending rearwardly from the first cross tube 105C, and a second cross tube 105E extending in the vehicle width direction from a rear portion of the pair of reinforcement members 105D, thereby connecting the pair of reinforcement members 105D.
[022] Reference is made to Figure 1, wherein the vehicle 10 includes a power unit comprising at least an internal combustion (IC) engine 125. The power unit is coupled to a rear wheel 145. In one embodiment, the engine 125 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105. In one embodiment, the engine 125 is mounted to the swing arm (not shown) and the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel 145 to the power unit. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 151 is disposed above the power unit and is supported by the rear tubes 105C of the frame assembly 105. The seat assembly 151 is hingedly openable. The frame assembly 105 defines a step-through portion ahead of the seat assembly 151. A floorboard 155 is disposed at the step-through portion, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard 155. The floorboard extends rearwardly from a rear end of the first portion 105B’ of the main tube 105B. Further, the floorboard 155 is capable of carrying loads.
[023] Further, the frame assembly 105 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 160A, a leg shield 160B, an under-seat cover 160C, a left and a right-side panel 160D, and a rear panel 160E mounted on the frame assembly 105 and covering the frame assembly 105 and parts mounted thereof. Herein, front panel 160A is disposed forwardly of the head pipe 105A in a vehicle front-rear direction and the rear panel 160E is disposed rearwardly of the head pipe 105B in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[024] In addition, a front fender 165 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. A utility box is disposed below the seat assembly 151 and is supported by the frame assembly 105. A rear fender 175 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 145 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 145. One or more suspension(s) (not shown) are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting the swing arm 141 and the rear wheel 145 to the frame assembly 105 for damping the forces from the wheel 145 and the power unit from reaching the frame assembly 105.
[025] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 185A, a taillight 185B, a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown) and a starter motor (not shown).
[026] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel inlet assembly 200 for the saddle-type vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 3, the fuel inlet assembly 200 comprises a fuel inlet flange 210. The fuel inlet flange 210 has a fuel inlet 212 for receiving fuel from an external source. A first inlet pipe 230 is attached to the fuel inlet flange 210 at a first end 230A of the first inlet pipe 230. The first inlet pipe 230 extends at least downwardly from the fuel inlet flange 210. In an embodiment, the fuel inlet flange 210 is provided integrally with the first inlet pipe 230.
[027] Further, the fuel inlet assembly 200 comprises a second inlet pipe 240 that extends at least downwardly from the first inlet pipe 230. The second inlet pipe 240 has an intake end 240A and an outlet end 240B, wherein the intake end 240A of the second inlet pipe 240 is detachably attached to a second end 230B of the first inlet pipe 230. In an embodiment, the intake end 240A of the second inlet pipe 240 is detachably attached to the second end 230B of the first inlet pipe 230 by means of a circumferential clamp which can be undone to detach the second inlet pipe 240 from the first inlet pipe 230. The outlet end 240B of the second inlet pipe 240 is attached to a fuel tank 250 (shown in Figure 7). Herein, the fuel tank 250 is disposed under the floorboard 155 of the vehicle 10. In operation, fuel received by the fuel inlet 212 of the fuel inlet flange 210 travels through the first inlet pipe 230 and the second inlet pipe 240 to the fuel tank 250 disposed under the floorboard 155. The detachable attachment of the second inlet pipe 240 to the first inlet pipe 230 allows a user to detach the second inlet pipe 240 from the first inlet pipe 230, which makes handling of the first inlet pipe 230 and the second inlet pipe 240 easier. In an embodiment, sum of volume of the first inlet pipe 230 and volume of the second inlet pipe 240 is at least 5% of volume of the fuel tank 250. That is, in addition to the fuel tank 250 itself, some amount of fuel can be stored in the first inlet pipe 230 and the second inlet pipe 240, thereby increasing fuel storage capacity.
[028] As illustrated in Figure 4, the fuel inlet flange 210 is provided on the rear panel 160E of the saddle-type vehicle 10. As the rear panel 160E is directly in front of the usual rider position, the user is able to access and monitor the fuel inlet 212 during a refuelling operation without having to dismount the vehicle 10.
[029] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel inlet flange 210. As illustrated in Figure 5, the fuel inlet flange 210 has a vent spout 214. The vent spout 214 is connected to the fuel tank via a vent pipe 216 (shown in Figure 7) with one end of the vent pipe 216 connected to the fuel tank 250 while other end of the vent pipe 216 is connected at the vent spout 214. The vent pipe 216 relieves the accumulated air inside the fuel tank 250 during refuelling, which is released into the atmosphere by an open end of the vent spout 214. The open end of the vent spout 214 is exposed to the atmosphere when the fuel inlet 212 is kept open during a refuelling operation, hence allowing the accumulated air inside the fuel tank 250 to escape through the vent pipe 216 and the vent spout 214, making space for the incoming fuel. Reference is made to Figure 8, where it is shown that the vent spout 214 is provided below the fuel inlet 212, such that the vent spout 214 protrudes normal to a central axis (X-X’) of the fuel inlet 212.
[030] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel inlet flange 210 along with the first inlet pipe 230. As illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the fuel inlet flange 210 has a receiver portion 218 that surrounds the fuel inlet 212 to collect excess fuel spillage from the fuel inlet 212. The receiver portion 218 is formed by raising of side walls of the fuel inlet flange 210. The fuel inlet flange 210 further has a drain spout 220. Any excess fuel spilling out of the fuel inlet 212 is collected by raised side walls of the fuel inlet flange 210 forming the receiver portion 218 and directed towards the drain spout 220 assisted by gravity. The drain spout 220 is connected to a drain pipe 222 (shown in Figure 7) which is open at one end. Any spilled fuel received by the drain spout 220 is therefore drained via the open end of the drain pipe 222, preventing any fuel accumulation in the fuel inlet flange 210. Similarly, the receiver portion 218 and the drain spout 220 also drain out any water collected in the receiver portion 218 during rains, preventing water accumulation around the fuel inlet 212.
[031] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel inlet assembly 200 along with the respective piping configurations. As shown in Figure 7, the fuel inlet assembly has a fuel cap 224 for covering the fuel inlet 212. The fuel cap 224 is supported on the fuel inlet flange 210. In an embodiment, the fuel cap 224 is hingedly attached to the fuel inlet flange 210 and is openable by means of a wire operable by an ignition key. As illustrated in Figure 7 and also referenced in Figure 6, the first inlet pipe 230 has a mounting flange 232 for mounting a canister 260 for the vehicle 10. The canister 260 receives excess fuel vapours from the fuel tank 250 and purges the excess fuel vapours into the engine 125. The first inlet pipe 230 further has a guiding portion 234 for routing the vent pipe 216 and the drain pipe 222 in a substantially vertical orientation, to allow for air to rise within the vent pipe 216 and any fuel or water spillage to fall through the drain pipe 222 assisted by gravity. The location of the mounting flange 232 and the guiding portion 234 is unrestricted to being varied as per vehicle layout requirements. The mounting of canister 260 on the mounting flange 232 and routing of the vent pipe 216 and the drain pipe 222 through the guiding portion 234 ensures that the canister 260, the vent pipe 216 and the drain pipe 222 do not interfere with any surrounding vehicle components.
[032] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the saddle-type vehicle 10 having the head pipe 105A, the main tube 105 having the first portion 105B’ extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 105A, the floorboard 155 extending rearwardly from the rear end of the first portion 105B’ of the main tube 105B, the fuel tank 250 disposed under the floorboard 155; and the fuel inlet assembly 200 as explained hereinbefore.
[033] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9 and referenced in Figure 4, the rear panel 160E is configured to define a space therebetween with the front panel 160A. The fuel inlet assembly 200 is disposed in the space defined by the front panel 160A and the rear panel 160E therebetween. Further, the fuel inlet flange 210 of the fuel inlet assembly 200 is provided on the rear panel 160E.
[034] Advantageously, the present invention provides a fuel inlet assembly for a saddle-type vehicle in which the fuel tank is disposed under the floorboard. The attachment of the first inlet pipe to the fuel inlet flange and the detachable attachment of the second inlet pipe with the first inlet pipe ensure that the path for the fuel from the fuel inlet to the fuel tank is leak proof. The detachable attachment of the second inlet pipe to the first inlet pipe also allows for the parts of the fuel inlet assembly to be separated and treated individually, thereby improving serviceability of the fuel inlet assembly.
[035] Further, the fuel inlet assembly of the present invention allows for a higher fuel storage capacity, as some amount of fuel can be stored in the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe along with the fuel tank. Furthermore, the fuel inlet assembly of the present invention provides for draining of excess fuel spillage or water, thereby preventing any hazards related to accumulation. The fuel inlet assembly being covered by the front and the rear panel provide increased protection to the fuel inlet assembly from any physical damage, while providing better aesthetics.
[036] The fuel inlet assembly of the present invention also provides for routing of the vent pipe and the drain pipe and the mounting of the canister by using what would have been dead space around the first inlet pipe, in a manner that they do not interfere with any surrounding vehicle components, thereby providing better packaging characteristics.
[037] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.