Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame (105) having a head tube (105A) and a portion of a main tube (105B) extending between the head tube (105A) and a floorboard (155);
a fuel tank (200) mounted on the frame (105);
a front panel (160) disposed on the frame (105); and
a fuel inlet opening (210) provided on the front panel (160) of the vehicle (10) for supplying fuel to the fuel tank (200).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (200) is mounted on the head tube (105A) of the frame (105).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front panel (160) comprises a front face (160A) and a rear face (160B).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the fuel inlet opening (210) is provided on the rear face (160B) of the front panel (160) in a vehicle front-rear direction.

5. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the fuel inlet opening (210) is provided on the front face (160A) of the front panel (160) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

6. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the fuel inlet opening (210) being provided between the front face (160A) of the front panel (160) and the rear face (160B) of the front panel (160), for supplying fuel to the fuel tank (200).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in 6, wherein the fuel inlet opening (210) is provided adjacent to an aperture formed on an upper end of the front panel (160) between the front face (160A) and the rear face (160B) for accommodating the head tube (105A).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein the fuel inlet opening (210) is provided in an offset position from a vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in an up-down direction, in a vehicle front view.

9. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 8, wherein the fuel inlet opening (210) is offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.

10. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fuel inlet opening (210) is offset to the right from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.

11. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (200) is disposed between a handlebar (190) supported on the head tube (105A) and a front wheel (115) connected to the handlebar (190), in the vehicle up-down direction.

12. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (200) comprises a plurality of mounting flanges (212, 214, 216) for mounting the fuel tank (200) on the frame (105).

13. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 4 and 12, wherein the plurality of mounting flanges (212, 214, 216) are configured to engage with a plurality of mounting brackets on the frame (105), thereby mounting the fuel tank (200) on the frame (105).

14. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 5 and 12, wherein the plurality of mounting flanges (212, 214, 216) are configured to engage with a first end, a second end, and a midpoint of a mounting member (218) mounted on the frame (105), thereby mounting the fuel tank (200) on the frame (105).

15. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fuel inlet tube (220) for connecting the fuel tank (200) with the fuel inlet opening (210), and a fuel cap (222) attached on the fuel inlet tube (220) for covering the fuel inlet opening (210).

16. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the fuel cap (222) is hinged on the front panel (160) for covering the fuel inlet opening (210).

17. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fuel pump (230) for transmitting fuel from the fuel tank (200) to an engine (125); and a fuel sender unit (240) for gauging level of fuel in the fuel tank (200).

18. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 4 and 17, wherein the fuel pump (230) is disposed on a front face of the fuel tank (200) and offset to the right from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction in the vehicle front view, and the fuel sender unit (240) is disposed on the front face of the fuel tank (200) and offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.

19. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 5 and 17, wherein the fuel pump (230) is disposed on a top face of the fuel tank (200) and is centrally aligned with the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view, and the fuel sender unit (240) is disposed on the top face of the fuel tank (200) and offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.

20. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a breather assembly (250) for relieving vacuum and pressure inside the fuel tank (200).

21. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 1 and 20, wherein the breather assembly (250) is disposed such that one end of the breather assembly is in fluid connection with the fuel inlet tube (220) at the fuel inlet opening (210).

22. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a canister (260) for adsorbing fuel vapour from the fuel tank (200); and a Purge Control Valve (270) to release adsorbed fuel vapour back into the engine (125).

23. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4 and 22, wherein the canister (260) and the Purge Control Valve (270) are mounted on a portion of the main tube (105B) extending horizontally and rearwardly from the frame (105).

24. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5 and 22, wherein the canister (260) and the Purge Control Valve (270) are mounted on the frame (105) and offset to the right from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional saddle-type vehicles, especially scooter-type vehicles with a floorboard, fuel tank is provided in various positions such as at a rear portion of the vehicle beyond a seat, or under the seat, or under the floorboard of the vehicle or near the power unit of the vehicle. Correspondingly, a fuel tank cap for fuel filling and refuelling is generally provided either in the vicinity of the fuel tank or on the fuel tank itself.
[003] The placement of the fuel tank in the vicinity of the power unit may expose the fuel tank to higher temperatures, which resultantly affects the fuel efficiency of the vehicle as more fuel vapour are generated inside the fuel tank.
[004] The placement of the fuel tank and correspondingly fuel tank cap under the seat necessitates that the rider and the pillion dismount from the vehicle for fuel-filling. Even when the fuel tank cap is placed near the tail lamp instead of being under the seat, the rider still needs to dismount to ensure proper fuel-filling at a fuel station, and close the fuel tank cap. Especially in a condition where the floorboard is loaded, the rider will first have to unload the floorboard and then dismount from the seat in order to access the fuel tank cap for fuel filling or refuelling operation. There also remains the risk of fuel being spilled on to the vehicle parts proximal to the fuel tank cap on the rear side of the vehicle in case of a spill, causing potential damage to the parts of the vehicle.
[005] As mentioned hereinbefore, in some known scooter-type vehicle, the fuel tank is packaged under the floorboard, and since the position of the fuel tank cap is dependent on the positioning of the fuel tank, the fuel tank cap is positioned on a rear panel towards a front of the rider position. However, such fuel tanks have severe limitations in terms of fuel-filling when floorboard is loaded to a height above the fuel tank cap.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle-type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a saddle-type vehicle. Herein, the saddle type vehicle has a frame with a head tube and a portion of a main tube extending between the head tube and a floorboard. A fuel tank is mounted on the frame. Further, a front panel is disposed on the frame and a fuel inlet opening is provided on the front panel of the vehicle for supplying fuel to the fuel tank. In an embodiment of the invention, the front panel has a front face and a rear face.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank is mounted on the head tube of the frame. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank is disposed between a handlebar supported on the head tube and a front wheel connected to the handlebar, in the vehicle up-down direction.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening is provided on the rear face of the front panel in a vehicle front-rear direction. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening is provided on the front face of the front panel in the vehicle front-rear direction. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening is provided between the front face of the front panel and the rear face of the front panel. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening is provided adjacent to an aperture formed on an upper end of the front panel between the front face and the rear face for accommodating the head tube. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening is provided in an offset position from a vehicle centreline extending in an up-down direction, in a vehicle front view. In another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening is provided in offset to the left from a vehicle centreline extending in an up-down direction, in the vehicle front view. In another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening is provided in offset to the right from a vehicle centreline extending in an up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank has a plurality of mounting flanges for mounting the fuel tank on the frame. In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting flanges are configured to engage with a plurality of mounting brackets on the frame, thereby mounting the fuel tank on the frame. In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of mounting flanges are configured to engage with a first end, a second end, and a midpoint of a mounting member mounted on the frame, thereby mounting the fuel tank on the frame.
[011] In another embodiment of the invention, a fuel inlet tube connects the fuel tank with the fuel inlet opening, and a fuel cap attached on the fuel inlet tube for covering the fuel inlet opening. The fuel tank is hinged on the front panel.
[012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank has a fuel pump for transmitting fuel from the fuel tank to an engine, and a fuel sender unit for gauging level of fuel in the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the fuel pump is disposed on a front face of the fuel tank and offset to the right from the vehicle centreline extending in the up-down direction in the vehicle front view, and the fuel sender unit is disposed on the front face of the fuel tank and offset to the left from the vehicle centreline extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view. In another embodiment, the fuel pump is disposed on a top face of the fuel tank and is centrally aligned with the vehicle centreline extending in the up-down direction in the vehicle front view, and the fuel sender unit is disposed on the top face of the fuel tank and offset to the left from the vehicle centreline extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle has a breather assembly for relieving vacuum and pressure inside the fuel tank. The breather assembly is disposed such that one end of the breather assembly is in fluid connection with the fuel inlet tube at the fuel inlet opening.
[014] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle has a canister for adsorbing fuel vapour from the fuel tank and a Purge Control Valve to release adsorbed fuel vapour back into the engine. In an embodiment, the canister and the Purge Control Valve are mounted on a portion of the main tube extending horizontally and rearwardly from the frame. In another embodiment, the canister and the Purge Control Valve are mounted on the frame and offset to the right from the vehicle centreline extending in the up-down direction, in a vehicle front view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] 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 is a side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a left side perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle after removing various panels of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a front view of the saddle-type vehicle after removing various panels of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a fuel tank mounted on a frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the fuel tank mounted on the frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the fuel tank mounted on the frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a rear view of the fuel tank mounted on the frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 11 is an exploded view showing mounting of the fuel tank on the frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel tank and a fuel inlet opening of a saddle-type vehicle.
[017] 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 105. The frame 105 comprises a head tube 105A, and a portion of a main tube 105B extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A to a floorboard 155. One or more front suspensions 110 connect a front wheel 115 to a handlebar 190, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head tube 105A. The main tube 105B further includes a portion extending horizontally and rearwardly from the frame 105. Further, the frame 105 includes one or more rear tubes 105C extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube 105B towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10.
[018] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit comprising at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine 125. The power unit is coupled to the 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 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. The seat assembly 151 is hingedly openable. The frame 105 defines a step-through portion ahead of the seat assembly 151. The 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. Further, the floorboard 155 is capable of carrying loads.
[019] Further, the frame 105 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 160 having a front face 160A and a rear face 160B, an under-seat cover 162, and a left and a right-side panel 163 disposed on the frame 105 and covering the frame 105 and parts mounted thereof.
[020] 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 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 and the rear wheel 145 to the frame 105 for damping the forces from the rear wheel 145 and the power unit from reaching the frame 105.
[021] 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), and an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown).
[022] As illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has the frame 105 having the head tube 105A and a portion of the main tube 105B extending between the head tube 105A and the floorboard 155. As can be seen in Figure 2, a fuel tank 200 is mounted on the frame 105. The fuel tank 200 is made up of sheet metal or resin material based on the requirement of the saddle-type vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the fuel tank 200 is mounted on the frame 105 in a manner that the fuel tank 200 is mounted forwardly from the frame 105 in a vehicle front-rear direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank 200 is mounted on the head tube 105A of the frame 105. In another embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank 200 is disposed between the handlebar 190 supported on the head tube 105A and the front wheel 115 connected to the handlebar 190, in a vehicle up-down direction. The saddle-type vehicle 10 further has a fuel inlet opening 210 for providing an inlet for fuel from an external source to the fuel tank 200. The fuel inlet opening 210 is provided on the front panel 160 of the saddle type-vehicle 10.
[023] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the fuel inlet opening 210 is provided on the rear face 160B of the front panel 160 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The fuel inlet opening 210 is in fluid connection with the fuel tank 200 by a fuel inlet tube 220 extending from the fuel inlet opening 210 to the fuel tank 200. The fuel inlet opening 210 is covered by means of a fuel cap 222. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel cap 222 is threadedly engaged with the fuel inlet opening 210. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel cap 222 is hinged on the front panel 160 and is operable by means of a wire wherein a first end of the wire is coupled with the fuel cap 222 and an operable end of the wire allows to operate the fuel cap 222. In an embodiment of the present invention, the operable end of the wire is connected to an ignition lock through an operable switch.
[024] As illustrated in Figure 4, the fuel inlet opening 210 is provided in an offset position from a vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4, the fuel inlet opening 210 is offset to the right from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening 210 is offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
[025] As further illustrated in Figure 4, a fuel pump 230 is provided on the fuel tank 200 for transmitting fuel from the fuel tank 200 to the engine 125, and a fuel sender unit 240 is provided on the fuel tank 200 for gauging level of fuel in the fuel tank 200. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the fuel pump 230 is disposed on a front face of the fuel tank 200 and is offset to the right from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction in the vehicle front view. Further, the fuel sender unit 240 is disposed on the front face of the fuel tank 200 and offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
[026] As further illustrated in Figure 4, and referenced in Figure 3, the saddle-type vehicle 10 further has a breather assembly 250 for relieving vacuum and pressure inside the fuel tank 200 by providing an outlet for vacuum and pressure caused due to emitted fuel vapour inside the fuel tank 200. The breather assembly 250 is further connected to a canister 260 (shown in Figure 5) for adsorbing the fuel vapour emitted from the fuel in the fuel tank 200, thereby releasing the pressure inside the fuel tank 200. The canister 260 is further connected to a purge control valve 270 (shown in Figure 5) for releasing the adsorbed fuel vapour in the canister 260 into the engine 125. In an embodiment of the invention, the breather assembly 250 is disposed such that one end of the breather assembly 250 is in fluid connection with the fuel inlet tube 220 at the fuel inlet opening 210.
[027] As illustrated in Figure 5, the canister 260 and the purge control valve 270 are mounted on the portion of the main tube 105B extending horizontally and rearwardly from the frame 105 such that the canister 260 and the purge control valve 270 are disposed in the vicinity of or under the floorboard 155.
[028] Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of a part of the saddle-type vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 6, the fuel tank 200 has a plurality of mounting flanges 212, 214, 216 for mounting the fuel tank 200 on the frame 105. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the plurality of mounting flanges 212, 214, 216 are configured to engage with a plurality of mounting brackets on the frame 105, thereby mounting the fuel tank 200 on the frame 105. Each of the mounting flanges 212, 214, 216 comprises a through hole that is configured to engage with a through hole on the mounting brackets on the frame 105, thereby allowing fasteners to move in the through holes, facilitating the mounting of the fuel tank 200 on the frame 105.
[029] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of the saddle-type vehicle 10. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the fuel inlet opening 210 is provided on the front face 160A of the front panel 160 in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[030] Figure 9 illustrates a rear view of this embodiment of the saddle-type vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 9, the fuel inlet opening 210 is provided in an offset position from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle rear view. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 9, the fuel inlet opening 210 is offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle rear view. Accordingly, in this embodiment, fuel inlet opening 210 is offset to the right from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening 210 is offset to the right from the vehicle centreline extending (X-X’) in the up-down direction, in the vehicle rear view. Accordingly, in this embodiment, fuel inlet opening 210 is offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
[031] As further illustrated in Figure 9, the canister 260 and the purge control valve 270 for this embodiment are mounted on the frame 105 and are disposed offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle rear view. Accordingly, the canister 260 and the purge control valve 270 are mounted on the frame 105 and offset to the right from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in an up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
[032] As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 10, the fuel pump 230 is disposed on a top face of the fuel tank 200 and is centrally aligned with a vehicle centreline (Y-Y’) extending in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the fuel pump 230 is centrally aligned with the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view. Further, the fuel sender unit 240 is disposed on the top face of the fuel tank 200 and is offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (Y-Y’) extending in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the fuel sender unit 240 is disposed offset to the left from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the up-down direction, in the vehicle front view.
[033] As illustrated in Figure 11, the plurality of mounting flanges 212, 214, 216 are configured to engage with a first end, a second end, and a midpoint of a mounting member 218, wherein the mounting member 218 is mounted on the frame 105, thereby mounting the fuel tank 200 on the frame 105.
[034] In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening 210 is provided between the front face 160A of the front panel 160 and the rear face 160B of the front panel 160. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet opening 210 is provided adjacent to an aperture formed on an upper end of the front panel 160 between the front face 160A and the rear face 160B for accommodating the head tube 105A.
[035] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle wherein the rider does not need to dismount the vehicle or unload the floorboard in order to refuel the vehicle, improving rider comfort. The provision of the fuel inlet opening on the front panel, at the positions suggested by the present invention further eliminates the requirement of floorboard unloading for refuelling of the vehicle, further improving rider comfort. In addition, the risk of spilling of fuel on to the vehicle parts in the rear of the vehicle is negated.
[036] Further, the provision of the fuel tank in a position away from the power unit means that the fuel tank is not exposed to the higher temperatures of the vicinity of the power unit and resultantly, less fuel vapour are formed inside the fuel tank, which improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and reduces emissions.
[037] Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention provides better ergonomics in terms accessing the fuel inlet opening. The saddle-type vehicle has improved aesthetics as the fuel inlet opening and the fuel cap flush with the front panel.
[038] 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.