Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (22) in a vehicle front-rear direction, the main frame (24) having a first aperture (26A) configured to be open to atmosphere and a second aperture (26B) in fluid communication with the first aperture (26A); and
a canister assembly (100) having a canister (110) and a breather pipe (120), the breather pipe (120) having a first end (120A) being connected to the canister (110) and a second end (120B) being connected to the second aperture (26B), thereby allowing air from atmosphere to reach the canister (110) through the breather pipe (120) via the first aperture (26A) and the second aperture (26B).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main frame (24) includes a downwardly extending member (24A), a rearwardly extending member (24C), and a horizontally extending member (24B) connecting the downwardly extending member (24A) and the rearwardly extending member (24C).

3. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 2, comprising a floorboard (46) disposed above the horizontally extending member (24B) of the main frame (24) such that the canister assembly (100) is disposed under the floorboard (46).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first aperture (26A) and the second aperture (26B) are provided on the horizontally extending member (24B) of the main frame (24).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the canister assembly (100) is disposed laterally between the main frame (24) and a side cover panel (56).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the canister assembly (100) is disposed between the main frame (24) and a side cover panel (56) in a vehicle width direction.

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister assembly (100) further comprises a drain pipe (130) having a first end (130A) and a second end (130B), the first end (130A) of the drain pipe (130) being connected to the canister (110).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a rear engine mounting bracket (52) positioned at a rear end of the horizontally extending member (24B), wherein the rear engine mounting bracket (52) overlaps with the first aperture (26A) on the main frame (24) in a vehicle side view.

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 7 and 8, wherein the second end (130B) of the drain pipe (130) is disposed between the rear engine mounting bracket (52) and the main frame (24).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, comprising a guide member (54) mounted on the rear engine mounting bracket (52) for supporting the drain pipe (130).

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a connector tube (122) for connecting the second end (120B) of the breather pipe (120) to the second aperture (26B) on the main frame (24).
Dated this 09th day of July 2021
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In evaporative emission control systems (EVAP) of conventional two-wheeled vehicles, fuel vapours generated in a fuel tank are tapped and passed to a canister containing carbon layers through a discharge tube. The vapours get adsorbed in the carbon layers inside the canister. The adsorbed vapours are then sent to an engine for combustion. A conventional EVAP system has a canister, a breather pipe to draw fresh air from the atmosphere and a drain pipe to drain any liquid fuel accumulated within the canister. However, combined length of the breather pipe and the drain pipe in these conventional systems is required to be high, which increases cost and complexity of the EVAP system.
[003] Further, particularly in low floorboard type saddle-type vehicles, the canister, the breather pipe and the drain pipe are usually disposed under the floorboard and substantially close to the ground. The open ends of the breather pipe and the drain pipe are further closer to the ground due to overhang. In such conventional dispositions, the breather pipe and the drain pipe are susceptible to foreign particles such as dust, mud and water splatter which result in the drain pipe and the breather pipe getting clogged. The clogging of breather pipe and drain pipe affects the effective functioning of the canister, which has a consequent adverse effect of the fuel economy of the vehicle.
[004] Furthermore, there is greater risk of water entering into the canister through the breather pipe or the drain pipe which may lead to malfunctioning of the engine and cause drivability issues. The risk of entry of water in the canister is aggravated when the vehicle would be required to be driven through a flooded terrain or under rainy and waterlogging conditions.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In an aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has a main frame extending rearwardly from a head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction. The main frame has a first aperture configured to be open to atmosphere and a second aperture in fluid communication with the first aperture. The saddle type vehicle further has a canister assembly with a canister and a breather pipe. The breather pipe has a first end that is connected to the canister and a second end that is connected to the second aperture, thereby allowing air from atmosphere to reach the canister through the breather pipe via the first aperture and the second aperture.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the main frame includes a downwardly extending member, a rearwardly extending member, and a horizontally extending member connecting the downwardly extending member and the rearwardly extending member.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a floorboard disposed above the horizontally extending member of the main frame such that the canister assembly is disposed under the floorboard.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the first aperture and the second aperture are provided on the horizontally extending member of the main frame.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the canister assembly is disposed laterally between the main frame and a side cover panel. In an alternative embodiment, the canister assembly is disposed between the main frame and the side cover panel in a vehicle width direction.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the canister assembly further has a drain pipe having a first end and a second end. The first end of the drain pipe is connected to the canister.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a rear engine mounting bracket positioned at a rear end of the horizontally extending member. Herein the rear engine mounting bracket overlaps with the first aperture on the main frame in a vehicle side view.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second end of the drain pipe is disposed between the rear engine mounting bracket and the main frame.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a guide member mounted on the rear engine mounting bracket for supporting the drain pipe.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a connector tube for connecting the second end of the breather pipe to the second aperture on the main frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] 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 left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a left perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a left perspective view of a frame member of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a left perspective view of the main frame of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a magnified view of a canister assembly of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a rear sectional view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a canister of the canister assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the canister assembly of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle with a canister assembly.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises an engine 12 that is horizontally disposed. Preferably, the engine 12 is a single-cylinder type IC engine. The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 60. The frame member includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 3), a main frame 24 (shown in Figure 2), and seat rails 40. The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a pair of front suspension 64 (only one shown) are attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The pair of front suspension 64 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 64 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and is rotatable. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown) and an instrument cluster 62 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 of the frame member extends rearward from head pipe 22. A rear end of the engine 12 is mounted to a rear engine mounting bracket 52 (shown in Figure 2). In an embodiment, the engine 12 is mounted horizontally with a cylinder block extending forwardly from a crankcase. In an embodiment, the engine 12 is disposed below a portion of the main frame 24.
[019] Seat rails 40 are joined to the main frame 24 and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. A pair of rear swing arms 34 (only one shown) are connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arms 34. The rear swing arms 34 are supported by two telescopic rear suspensions 44 (only one shown). A taillight unit 58 is disposed at the end of the saddle-type vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail 36 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails 40. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by the driving force of the engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[020] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the vehicle 10 extends rearward from the engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[021] Figure 2 illustrates a left perspective view of the saddle type vehicle 10. As illustrated in the Figure, the main frame 24 includes a downwardly extending member 24A, a rearwardly extending member 24C, and a horizontally extending member 24B connecting the downwardly extending member 24A and the rearwardly extending member 24C. The engine 12 is disposed below the horizontally extending member 24B. A floorboard 46 is disposed above and supported by the horizontally extending member 24B of the main frame 24 such that the canister assembly 100 is disposed under the floorboard 46. A pair of side cover panels 56 (only one shown) extend along the floorboard 46, thereby covering horizontally extending member 24B in a vehicle side view. The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a canister assembly 100 for collecting fuel vapour from the fuel tank 60 and transmitting the purged fuel vapours into the engine 12 for combustion along with air from the atmosphere.
[022] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 and referenced in Figure 6, the canister assembly 100 is disposed laterally between the main frame 24 and a side cover panel 56. In an alternative embodiment, the canister assembly 100 is disposed between the main frame 24 and the side cover panel 56 in a vehicle width direction.
[023] Figure 3 illustrates a left perspective view of the frame member of the saddle type vehicle 10. As illustrated in the Figure, the main frame 24 has a first aperture 26A (shown in Figure 4) that is configured to be open to atmosphere and a second aperture 26B. The second aperture 26B is in fluid communication with the first aperture 26A. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the first aperture 26A and the second aperture 26B are provided on the horizontally extending member 24B of the main frame 24. Further, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a rear engine mounting bracket 52 for supporting a rear portion of the engine 12. In an embodiment, the rear engine mounting bracket 52 is positioned at a rear end of the horizontally extending member 24B. Herein, the rear engine mounting bracket 52 overlaps with the first aperture 26A on the main frame 24 in the vehicle side view. The overlap of the rear engine mounting bracket 52 with the first aperture 26A prevents dust and water splatter from entering the first aperture 26A which is open to the atmosphere.
[024] Figure 5 illustrates a magnified view of the canister assembly 100 in the saddle type vehicle 10. The canister assembly 100 comprises of a canister 110 which contains fuel adsorbing particles. In operation, fuel vapours generated in the fuel tank 60 are tapped and passed to the canister 110. The canister 110 contains fuel adsorbing particles such as carbon which adsorb the fuel vapours, and the adsorbed vapours are then sent to the engine 12 for combustion. The canister assembly 100 further comprises of a breather pipe 120 for relieving pressure and vacuum inside the canister 110. A first end 120A of the breather pipe 120 is connected to the canister 110 at a vent opening 112 (shown in Figure 7). A second end 120B of the breather pipe 120 is connected to the second aperture 26B. The connection of the second end 120B of the breather pipe 120 to the second aperture 26B, which is in fluid communication with the first aperture 26A thereby allows air from atmosphere to reach the canister 110 through the breather pipe 120 via the first aperture 26A and the second aperture 26B. Since the first aperture 26A is open to the atmosphere, air from the first aperture 26A travels through to the second aperture 26B, further travelling through the breather pipe 120 and resultantly the canister 110, thereby relieving vacuum and pressure inside the canister 110. This allows for the second end 120B of the breather pipe 120 to not be directly open to the atmosphere, thereby preventing foreign particles from directly entering the breather pipe 120 and thereby the canister. As mentioned earlier, the first aperture 26A being overlapped by the rear engine mounting bracket 52 further prevents dust and water splatter from entering the first aperture 26A and thereby the breather pipe 120.
[025] In an embodiment, the second end 120B of the breather pipe 120 is connected to the second aperture 26B via a connector tube 122 (shown in Figure 8). In an embodiment, the connector tube 122 facilitates the connection between the second aperture 26B of the main frame 24 which is a metal component and the breather pipe 120, which is a non-metal component. In an embodiment, the vertical distance between the breather pipe 120 and the floorboard 46 is optimized such that any interference of the breather hose 120 with parts of the floorboard 46 and other vehicle parts is prevented. In an embodiment, the breather pipe 120 is preformed without any sharp bends.
[026] As further illustrated in Figure 5, the canister assembly 100 further has a drain pipe 130 for providing an exit to liquid fuel accumulated in the canister 110 on condensation of the fuel vapours. A first end 130A of the drain pipe 130 is connected to the canister 110 at a drain opening 114 (shown in Figure 7) and a second end 130B (shown in Figure 8) of the drain pipe 130 is kept open for allowing the exit of accumulated liquid fuel in the canister 110 to be discharged on to the ground. The second end 130B of the drain pipe 130 is disposed between the rear engine mounting bracket 52 and the main frame 24. In an embodiment, the rear engine mounting bracket 52 has a guide member 54 mounted thereon for supporting the drain pipe 130. This allows for the drain pipe 130 to be supported on the rear engine mounting bracket 52. Since, the second end 130B of the drain pipe 130, which is open, is disposed between the main frame 24 and the rear engine mounting bracket 52, the second end 130B of the drain pipe 130 is effectively surrounded by the rear engine mounting bracket 52 which prevents the entry of dust and water splatter into the drain pipe. In an embodiment, the drain pipe 130 is preformed without any sharp bends.
[027] Advantageously, the present invention allows for the canister assembly to be disposed in a manner that the breather pipe is not left directly open to the atmosphere. The provision of entry of air into the breather pipe through the first aperture and the second aperture ensures that no foreign particles such as dirt or mud can enter the breather pipe, thereby preventing the clogging of the breather pipe. The position of the first aperture further allows for the rear engine mounting bracket to prevent water splatter or dust from entering first aperture, and thereby the breather pipe.
[028] The second end of the breather pipe being at a higher position than conventional dispositions also reduce the risk of water entering the canister through the breather pipe in waterlogging conditions. Further, the length of breather pipe required in the present invention is lower, thereby reducing cost and complexity of the canister assembly. In addition, the reduced length of the breather pipe and the breather pipe being preformed, not only reduces the interference of the breather pipe with the floorboard and other surrounding vehicle parts, but also reduces the susceptibility of the breather pipe to damage as opposed to lengthier hoses.
[029] Furthermore, the second end of the breather pipe being supported by the rear engine mounting bracket results in the second end of the drain pipe being positioned at a greater height than conventional dispositions, which reduce the risk of water entry into the canister via the drain pipe in waterlogging conditions. The second end of the drain pipe being surrounded by the rear engine mounting bracket ensures that no foreign particles such as dirt or mud can enter the drain, thereby preventing the clogging of the drain pipe.
[030] 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.