DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a motor vehicle and more particularly to a fuel tank assembly for the motor vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a motor vehicle an engine assembly functions as a power unit of the vehicle. The engine assembly is mounted to a frame assembly of the vehicle. The frame assembly acts as a structural member of the vehicle. The motor vehicle comprise plurality of wheels, wherein the engine assembly is coupled at least one wheel. The engine assembly is coupled to the fuel tank mounted to the vehicle for supplying fuel to the engine assembly. Generally, gasoline or the like is used as fuel. Gasoline, due to its inherent properties, tends to evaporate, especially in vehicle operating conditions. This results in hydrocarbon emissions. To reduce the emissions, and utilize the evaporated fuel vapors, a canister is used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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 (a) illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 1 (b) depicts a rear view of the vehicle with parts laid thereon, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1 (a).
[0006] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a side view of a fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a cross sectional view of the valve assembly taken along axis X-X’, in accordance with the embodiment depicted of Fig. 2 (a).
[0008] Fig. 2 (c) depicts an exploded view of the valve assembly in accordance with embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0009] Fig. 2 (d) depicts another exploded view in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[00010] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a perspective view of a fuel tank assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 3 (b) depicts an exploded view of the valve assembly, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a).
[00012] Fig. 3 (b) depicts an exploded view of the top member, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (b).
[00013] Fig. 3 (d) depicts a cross sectional view of the valve assembly taken along axis Y-Y’, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Generally, a fuel tank is supported by the frame assembly. The fuel tank is provided with a fuel tank-cap at the inlet passage for filling the fuel and also for sealing the inlet passage. This fuel may evaporate and reaches an upper portion within the fuel tank. The evaporative gas may escape into the atmosphere. However, to meet with stringent emission norms, there is a need to trap the evaporated fuel vapors. Typically, a canister is coupled to collect the evaporated fuel vapors that is adsorbed and is prevented from being escaped into atmosphere. Further, a separate rollover valve is used to prevent flow of liquid fuel into the canister, especially during rollover of the vehicle. A purge valve is provided for purging the fuel adsorbed in the canister to carburetor.
[00015] Nonetheless, the motor vehicles have a compact packaging with various vehicle parts mounted thereon. Especially, in an auto-rickshaw type motor vehicle, the engine assembly and vehicle parts working in conjunction are disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle. Also, the fuel tank is mounted at a substantial height from the engine assembly to enable affective fuel flow. Moreover, a valve connecting the fuel tank to the canister is disposed at a substantially top portion of the fuel tank. Therefore, the access to the valve and also assembly-disassembly of the valve disposed at the top portion of the fuel tank is complex. Therefore, there is a need for a valve that is easily accessible and without compromising on affective functioning of evaporation control.
[00016] Hence, it is an object of the present subject matter to provide a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is provided with a fuel tank assembly that employs a valve assembly. According to one aspect, the assembly-disassembly of the valve assembly to the fuel tank is improved. Another aspect being, the valve assembly enables ease of maintenance. Additional aspect being, the valve assembly is easily replicable. Yet another aspect being, need of a separate roll over valve is eliminated.
[00017] In an embodiment, the present subject matter is for a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine. The vehicle is employed with a fuel tank assembly. The fuel tank assembly comprises of a fuel tank body. A valve assembly, which is disposed at a substantially top portion of the fuel tank body.
[00018] In an embodiment, the valve assembly is functionally connected to a canister having activated carbon. The valve assembly includes a base member secured to the fuel tank body. In the present embodiment, the base member has a cylindrical shape comprising an inner hollow space and a base portion. The base member includes at least one first passage that is being provided on the base portion. In an embodiment, with the valve assembly being vertically disposed, the first passage is provided on the base member and at an offset form the axis of the base member to enable flow of evaporated fuel vapors. The top member comprises of second passage that is extending axially and disposed along an axis of the top member.
[00019] The valve assembly further comprises a control member that is disposed in the base member. The control member is movable between a first position and a second position based on direction of gravitational force acting on the control member. The control member in the first position is resting on the base portion of the base member. However, the control member does not interfere with the first passage. The control member in the first position of the valve assembly enables flow of fuel vapors from the first passage of the base member and to the second passage to which a canister hose assembly is connected. A nozzle extending outward from the top member is connected to the canister hose assembly.
[00020] In an embodiment, the top member is provided with an engaging portion that is adapted to work with a tool. Further, the top member is provided with at least one locking member. The base member is provided with at least one lock engaging member. The locking member engages with the lock engaging member that restricts relative rotation of the top member with respect to the base member.
[00021] In an embodiment, the base member comprises a thread(s) that are provided on the outer peripheral surface. The fuel tank body is provided with grooves that are adapted to receive said thread(s) of the base member, in an assembled condition. The valve assembly enables assembly and disassembly of the valve assembly the fuel tank body through the engaging portion.
[00022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[0001] Fig. 1 (a) illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary three-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly (not shown), which includes a head tube, a mainframe assembly extending rearward from the head tube. The vehicle 100 has a front cowl 105 positioned in the anterior portion of the head tube. A wind-shield 110 is mounted to the front cowl 105. A floorboard 115 is extending from a rear portion of the front cowl 105 towards in rearward direction of the vehicle 100, and supported by the mainframe assembly. A handle bar assembly 120 is rotatably supported by the head tube and is positioned behind the front cowl 105. A steering assembly comprises a front wheel 125 connected to the handle bar assembly 120 through one or more suspension(s) (not shown). A front fender 130 is disposed above the front wheel 125, covering at least a portion of the front wheel 125. A rear panel 135 is mounted the frame assembly in a posterior portion and a bottom portion of the rear panel 135 is connected to the posterior portion of the floorboard 115. A rear wheel(s) 140 are connected to a swing arm 145 through one or more suspension(s) 150, the swing arm is in turn connected to the frame assembly. A hood 155 connects a top portion of the front cowl 105 and a top portion of the rear panel 135. The vehicle 100 is longitudinally divided into two portions along an axis X-X’; a front portion F has a driver’s seat assembly 160 while a rear portion R has a passenger seat 165 with a seating capacity of minimum three passengers. A partition wall is positioned along the axis X-X’ extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle and divides the vehicle 100 into a driver compartment DC and a passenger compartment PC. The driver’s seat assembly 160 comprises a seat base 160A and a fixed backrest 160B.The vehicle 100 can be used as a passenger carrier vehicle 100 or a load carrier vehicle 100. In case of a load carrier vehicle, the rear portion comprises of load carriage.
[0002] An engine assembly (not shown) is mounted to the frame assembly 165 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) in posterior portion of the vehicle 100. The engine assembly 165 works in conjunction with a transmission system (not shown), which is functionally coupled to the rear wheels 140 for transmitting power from the engine 165 to the rear wheels 140. The engine assembly 165 functions as a power unit for the vehicle and the power unit may include a traction motor.
[00023] Fig. 1 (b) depicts a rear view of the motor vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the engine assembly 165 is mounted to one or more cross members (not shown) of the frame assembly 105. A carburetor 170 is coupled to the engine assembly 165 and supported by the engine assembly 165. The carburetor 170 supplies air-fuel mixture to the engine assembly 165 basing on throttle position. An air filter assembly 175 supplies filtered air to the carburetor 170 and fuel is supplied to the carburetor 170 from a fuel tank assembly 200. The fuel tank assembly 200 is mounted to one or more tank bracket(s) 180, which securely supports the fuel tank assembly 200.
[00024] Further, the fuel tank assembly 200 is functionally connected to a canister 185 through a canister hose assembly 190. The canister 185 includes activated carbon that is capable of adsorbing evaporated fuel. In addition, the canister 185 is functionally connected to the carburetor 170 through a purge hose assembly 195. The fuel tank assembly 200 is disposed upwardly of the engine assembly 165.
[00025] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a side view of a fuel tank assembly 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel tank assembly 200 comprises of a fuel tank body 205. The fuel tank body 205 is made of a rigid material including any conventional synthetic material or metal. Further, the fuel tank body 205 made of synthetic material, for example plastic, takes regular geometric shape or irregular shape adapted to space availability. The fuel tank body 205 is provided with an opening 210A and a cap 210B that is detachable. The opening 210A is provided substantially at a top portion of the fuel tank body 205. The opening 210A and the lid are accessible from an outer face of the rear panel 135. Further, the fuel tank body 205 includes one or more bracket(s) 180A, 180B, 180C that enable securing the fuel tank body 205 to the vehicle 100. The bracket(s) 180A, 180B, 180C may be integrally formed with the fuel tank body 205. Furthermore, the fuel tank body 205 is provided with a valve assembly 300, which is disposed at a substantially top portion of the fuel tank body 205.
[00026] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a cross sectional view of the valve assembly 300 taken along axis X-X’, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). Fig. 2 (c) depicts an exploded view of the valve assembly in accordance with embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (b). The valve assembly 300 includes a base member 305 secured to the fuel tank body 205. In the present embodiment, the base member 305 has a cylindrical shape comprising an inner hollow space and a base portion. The base member 305 includes at least first passage 305A that is extending axially and being provided on the base portion. Further, the passage 305A is provided at an offset form the axis of the base member 305. The base member 305 is made of a rigid material including a synthetic material. For example, the synthetic material is plastic. The valve assembly 300 comprises a top member 310. In the present embodiment, the top member 310 is having a cylindrical base portion that is adapted to be detachably secured to the base portion. In a preferred embodiment, the top member 310 is snap fitted to the base member 310. Furthermore, the top member comprises of second passage 310A that is extending axially and disposed along an axis of the top member 310. The top member 310 is made of a rigid material including any synthetic material. In a preferred embodiment, the synthetic material used is plastic.
[00027] The valve assembly 300 further comprises a control member 315 that is disposed in hollow portion defined by the base member 305. The control member 315 is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2 basing on direction of gravitational force acting on the control member 315, within the valve assembly 300. In a preferred embodiment, the control member 315 is made of a rigid material including any known metal. In addition, the control member 315 has a spherical shape.
[00028] The control member 315 in the first position P1 is resting on the base portion of the base member 305. The control member in the first position P1, the valve assembly 300 enables flow of fuel vapors from said first passage of the base member 305 and to said second passage to which a canister hose assembly 190 is connected. Further, when the vehicle 100 rolls over or tilts, there is a change in direction in gravitational force acting on the control member forcing the control member 315 to move to the second position P2, which is at the bottom opening of the second passage 310B thereby blocking the second passage 310B, which enables stopping flow of fuel from fuel tank body 205. The top member 310 is provided with a nozzle 310B extending outward from the top member 310 and the canister hose assembly 190 is secured to the canister hose assembly 190. In the present, the valve assembly 300 is vertically disposed and the nozzle 310B is extending outward in the upward direction of the vehicle 100. The nozzle 310B is integrally formed with the top member.
[00029] Fig. 2 (d) depicts another exploded view in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The top member 305 is provided with an engaging portion 405 that is adapted to work with a tool. In the present embodiment, the engaging portion 405 has a hexagonal cross-section and can engage with a conventional tool, for example a wrench. Further, the top member is provided with at least one locking member 410. In a preferred embodiment, the locking member 410 is a protrusion axially extending on an outer periphery of the top member 305 and provided at the base portion. Further, the base member 305 is provided with at least one lock engaging member 415 that is provided on an inner periphery of the base member 305. The locking member engages with the locking engaging member that enables in restriction of rotation of the top member with respect to the base member.
[00030] The base member 305 of the valve assembly 300 further comprises a thread(s) that are provided on the outer peripheral surface. Also, the fuel tank body 205 is provided with grooves that are adapted to receive said thread(s) 420 of the base member.
[00031] The valve assembly 300 enables assembly and disassembly of the valve assembly 300 the fuel tank body 205 through the engaging portion 405. Further, the locking member 410 of the top member 305 and the lock engaging member on the base member 310 restrict relative rotation between the top member 310 and the base member 305. Therefore, the valve assembly 300 is secured to the fuel tank body through the thread(s) 420 provided on the base member 305 through the toll engaging with the engaging portion 405 of the top member 310.
[00032] Further, a sealant may be used for securing the valve assembly 300 to the fuel tank base 205, therebetween.
[00033] The engaging portion can have any regular geometric shape or an irregular shape in accordance with tool being used.
[00034] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a perspective view of a fuel tank assembly 201, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel tank assembly 201 comprises of a fuel tank body 206. The fuel tank body 206 is made of a rigid material including any conventional synthetic material or metal. The fuel tank body 206 is mounted with a valve assembly 500 secured to a valve-mounting portion 207 disposed on top most portion of the fuel tank body 206. The valve-mounting portion 207 is provided with an external threaded portion 208 that enables securing of the value assembly 500 to the fuel tank body 206.
[00035] Fig. 3 (b) depicts an exploded view of the value assembly 500, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The value assembly 500 includes a base member 505 and a top member 510. The base member 505 has a cylindrical shape comprising an inner hollow space/path that is capable of accommodating a control member 315 therein. The base member 505 includes a first passage 305A, wherein the first passage 305A (shown in Fig. 3 (c)) provides path for flow of vapor gases from the fuel tank body 206 to the valve assembly 500. The base member 505 is secured to the top member 510 by snap fit. Further, the top member comprises of second passage 310A (shown in Fig. 3 (c)) extending along at least a portion of the top member 505. The base member 505 and the top member 510 are made of a rigid material including any polymer or synthetic material. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is made of plastic. In an assembled condition, the valve-mounting portion 207 of the fuel tank body 206 encloses the base member 505, wherein a clearance is provided therebetween. Fig. 3 (c) depicts an exploded view of top member of the valve assembly, in accordance with the present embodiment. In one embodiment, the top member 510 includes an engaging member 510A and a nozzle member 510B. The nozzle member 510B is snap fitted to the engaging member 510A. The engaging member 510B includes an inner peripheral surface provided with internal threading (shown in Fig. 3 (c)) for engaging with the outer threading 208 of the valve mounting portion 207 of the fuel tank body 206. Further, an outer peripheral surface of the engaging member 510A of the top member 510 is provided with an irregular or an irregular geometric profile for engaging with a tool for assembling the valve assembly 500 to the fuel tank body 206.
[00036] Fig. 3 (d) depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 500 taken along axis Y-Y’, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The nozzle member 510B is secured the engaging member 510A. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle member 510B is snap-fitted to the engaging member 510A. The engaging member 510A includes the engaging portion 510AE that is adapted to work with tool. In the present embodiment, the nozzle member 510B is provided with the second passage 510BA that is having angular bend. In the present embodiment, the second passage 510BA is directed to the side whereby ease of connection to hose is provided. Further, the engaging member 510A is a hollow cylindrical member about which at least a portion of the nozzle member 510A extends. Further, the base member 505 is secured to the extended portion of the nozzle member 510B. In an assembled condition, at a length of the base member 505 is enclosed by the engaging member 510A with a clearance therebetween.
[00037] The inner peripheral surface of the engaging member 510A is having a cylindrical profile is with the inner threading 510AT provided thereon. The valve assembly 500 is secured to the valve mounting portion 207 through the outer threaded portion 208. Further, the control member 315 is disposed in a hollow space defined by the base member 505 and the top member 510, wherein the control member 315 is capable of moving between a first position P1 and a second position P2 depending direction of gravity acting on it. In a first position P1, which is in proximity away from an inner opening of the second passage, the valve assembly 500 enables passages of evaporative gases from the fuel tank body 206 to the canister 185 connecting to the valve assembly 500 through the canister hose assembly 190.
[00038] In one embodiment, at least one of the top member 510 or the base member 505 is provided with at least one locking member. Similarly, at least one of the top member 510 or the base member 505 not being provided with the locking member is provided with the lock engaging member 415, whereby the locking member engages with the engaging member to enable rotation of the evaporative passage path as a single assembly.
[00039] The valve assembly 500 provides ease of assembly as the valve assembly is provided with the engaging portion using which the valve assembly is mounted to the fuel tank body 206. Also, the valve assembly 500 is secured to the fuel tank body 206 through the engaging member 510A, and the essential elements of the valve assembly including the base 505 and the nozzle portion 510B comprising the passage for evaporative gases is not affected either during assembly or during removal for maintenance.
[00040] The valve assembly 300, 500 enables ease of mounting of the valve assembly 300, 500 to the fuel tank body in a compact vehicle like two-wheeler or a three-wheeler. The valve assembly being provided with the engaging means provides ease of assembly and removal of the valve assembly from the fuel tank. The valve assembly provided with locking means the eliminates rotation of the top member with respect to the base member or vice-versa, this enables in retaining the interference fit between the members thereby eliminating wear. This improves the life of the part and also reduces or eliminates any leakage evaporative gases.
[00041] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A fuel tank assembly (200, 201) for a motor vehicle (100), said motor vehicle (100) comprising an internal combustion (165) coupled to at least one wheel (140) of plurality of wheel(s) (125, 140) of the motor vehicle (100), said fuel tank assembly (200, 201) comprising:
a fuel tank body (205, 206), said fuel tank body (205, 206) includes a fuel opening (210A) and a detachable lid (210B) therefor; and
a valve assembly (300, 500) mounted to the fuel tank (205, 206), said valve assembly (300, 500) comprising a base member (305, 505), a top member (310) mounted thereto, said base member (305, 505) and said top member (310, 510) in assembled condition capable of accommodating a control member (315) therein, said base member (305, 505) includes a first passage (305A), said top member (310, 510) includes a second passage (310A, 510BA), and said control member (315) movable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) depending on direction of gravitational force acting thereon, said control member (315) in a first position (P1) enables flow of evaporated fuel from said fuel tank body (205) through said first passage (305A) to said second passage (310A, 510BA) therethrough, and said control member (315) in said second position (P2) blocks at least one of said first passage (305A) and said second passage (305B) disabling flow of said evaporated fuel therethrough;
characterized in that,
said valve assembly (300, 500) being provided with an engaging portion (405, 510A) adapted to work with a tool for securing said valve assembly (300, 500) to said fuel tank body (205, 206), said top member (310) comprising at least one locking member (410) adapted to work in conjunction with said base member (305) to restrict rotation of said top member (310) with respect to said base member (305) during assembly.
2. The fuel tank assembly (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said base member is provided with a threaded portion (420) on an outer peripheral surface for securing said valve assembly (300) to said fuel tank body (205).
3. The fuel tank assembly (201) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said top member (510) includes said engaging portion (510A) and a nozzle member (510B) secured to said engaging portion (510A), and said engaging portion (510A) is provided with threaded portion (510AT) on an inner peripheral surface for securing said valve assembly (500) to said fuel tank body (206).
4. The fuel tank assembly (200, 201) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said base member (305, 505) is provided with said first passage (305A) disposed at an offset from an axis of said base member (305, 505).
5. The fuel tank assembly (200, 201) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said top member (310, 510) is provided with said second passage (310A, 510BA) extending substantially along axis of said top member (310, 510).
6. The fuel tank assembly (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said base member (305) includes at least one lock engaging member (415) adapted to work with said at least one locking member (410) of said top member (310), thereby restricting rotation of said top member (310) with respect to said base member (305).
7. The fuel tank assembly (200, 201) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said valve assembly (300, 500) is mounted to an upper most portion of said fuel tank body (205, 206).
8. The fuel tank assembly (200, 201) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said valve assembly (300, 500) is functionally connected to an engine assembly (165) of said vehicle (100) for purging of evaporated fuel from the fuel tank assembly (200, 201).
9. The fuel tank assembly (200, 201) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein said fuel tank assembly (200, 201) is disposed substantially above said engine assembly (165).
10. The fuel tank assembly (200, 201) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein said motor vehicle (100) includes at least one-drive wheel (140) coupled to an engine assembly of said motor vehicle (100).