Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (22);
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe (22), the main frame (24) having a first end (24A) connected to the head pipe (22) and a second end (24B);
a cross tube (70) extending in a vehicle width direction, the cross tube (70) being connected at the second end (24B) of the main frame (24);
a pair of rear frames (60) extending rearwardly from the cross tube (70);
a canister (110) for adsorbing fuel vapours from a fuel tank (80); and
a Purge Control Valve (120) for purging the adsorbed fuel vapours from the canister (110), the canister (110) and the Purge Control Valve (120) being disposed on one of the pair of rear frames (60).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of rear frames (60) comprise a first portion (62A, 62B) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the cross tube (70), and a second portion (64A, 64B) extending rearwardly from the first portion (62A, 62B).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fuel tank (80) is disposed on both of the second portions (64A, 64B) of the pair of rear frames (60).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the canister (110) and the Purge Control Valve (120) are disposed on either of the second portions (64A, 64B) of the rear frames (60).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of rear frames (60) comprise a left rear frame (60A) and a right rear frame (60B).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the canister (110) and the Purge Control Valve (120) are disposed on the left rear frame (60A).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 4 and 6, wherein the canister (110) and the Purge Control Valve (120) are disposed on the second portion (64A) of the left rear frame (60A).

8. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 4, comprising a first bracket (112) configured for supporting the canister (110) on one of the pair of rear frames (60).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first bracket (112) is configured for supporting the canister (110) on the left rear frame (60A), the canister (110) being disposed substantially below the second portion (64A) of the left rear frame (60A) in a vehicle rear view.

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a second bracket (122) configured for supporting the Purge Control Valve (120) on one of the pair of rear frames (60).

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second bracket (122) is configured for supporting the Purge Control Valve (120) on the left rear frame (60A).

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the Purge Control Valve (120) comprises a mounting protrusion (124) configured to be connected with the second bracket (122), thereby supporting the Purge Control Valve (120) on the left rear frame (60A).

13. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a left side style panel (33), such that the Purge Control Valve (120) is disposed in a space defined between the second portion (64A) of the left rear frame (60A) and the left side style panel (33).

14. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a right side style panel, such that the Purge Control Valve (120) is disposed in a space defined between the second portion (64B) of the right rear frame (60B) and the right side style panel.

15. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Purge Control Valve (120) comprises an Electric Purge Control Valve.
, 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 in which an engine is swingably attached to the frame of the vehicle and the fuel tank is mounted towards the rear of the vehicle. An evaporative emission control system with a canister and a purge control valve is required to be placed in a path between the engine and the fuel tank. With the ever evolving emission norms, mechanical purge control valves are being replaced by electronic purge control valves.
[003] As is known, the efficiency of the purge control valve is placement sensitive, and for efficient functioning of the purge control valve, the purge control valve needs to be placed as close to the canister as possible. Typically, the purge control valve and the canister are placed near the utility area of the vehicle, between the utility box and the fuel tank. To allow for this type of placement, volume of either the utility box or the fuel tank need to be compromised. Further, any other placement of the canister and the purge control valve result in increased lengths of pipes and wires connecting the ECU to the canister and the purge control valve.
[004] In vehicles in which the canister and the purge control valve are placed towards the side of the vehicle, they interfere with the style panels of the vehicle. In some other vehicles, the canister and the purge control valve are positioned above the swingable engine. In such disposition, there remains a higher risk of the canister and the purge control valve being hit by surrounding vehicle components resulting in degradation over time.
[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 having a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe such that the main frame has a first end connected to the head pipe and a second end, a cross tube extending in a vehicle width direction such that the cross tube is connected at the second end of the main frame, and a pair of rear frames extending rearwardly from the cross tube. Further, the vehicle has a canister for adsorbing fuel vapours from a fuel tank, and a Purge Control Valve for purging the adsorbed fuel vapours from the canister, wherein the canister and the Purge Control Valve are disposed on one of the pair of rear frames.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the pair of rear frames have a first portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the cross tube, and a second portion extending rearwardly from the first portion.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank is disposed on both of the second portions of the pair of rear frames.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the canister and the Purge Control Valve are disposed on either of the second portions of the rear frames.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the pair of rear frames have a left rear frame and a right rear frame. In an embodiment, the canister and the Purge Control Valve are disposed on the left rear frame. In an embodiment, the canister and the Purge Control Valve are disposed on the second portion of the left rear frame.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a first bracket configured for supporting the canister on one of the pair of rear frames. In an embodiment, the first bracket is configured for supporting the canister on the left rear frame and the canister is disposed substantially below the second portion of the left rear frame in a vehicle rear view.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a second bracket configured for supporting the Purge Control Valve on one of the pair of rear frames. In an embodiment, the second bracket is configured for supporting the Purge Control Valve on the left rear frame.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the Purge Control Valve has a mounting protrusion configured to be connected with the second bracket, thereby supporting the Purge Control Valve on the left rear frame.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a left side style panel, such that the Purge Control Valve is disposed in a space defined between the second portion of the left rear frame and the left side style panel. In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle has a right side style panel, such that the Purge Control Valve is disposed in a space defined between the second portion of the right rear frame and the right side style panel.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the Purge Control Valve has an Electric Purge Control Valve.

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 side view of frame of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the saddle type vehicle with a canister and a Purge Control Valve, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the canister and the Purge Control Valve on the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a magnified exploded view of the Purge Control Valve on the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates left side view of the saddle type vehicle with the canister and the Purge Control Valve, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a front sectional view of the saddle type vehicle with the canister and the Purge Control Valve, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate various perspective views of the Purge Control Valve, 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 disposition of a canister and a purge control valve in a saddle type vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a left-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. The frame comprises a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), and a main frame 24 (shown in Figure 2), which extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 22 to a floorboard 18. One or more front suspensions 44 connect a front wheel 14 to a handlebar 20, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 further includes a portion extending horizontally and rearwardly in a vehicle front rear direction. The main frame has a first end 24A (shown in Figure 2) connected to the head pipe 22 and a second end 24B (shown in Figure 2). A cross tube 70 (shown in Figure 2) extends in a vehicle width direction and is connected at the second end 24B of the main frame 24. Further, the frame includes a pair of rear frames 60 (shown in Figure 2) having a left rear frame 60A (shown in Figure 2) and a right rear frame 60B (shown in Figure 2) extending inclinedly rearward from the cross tube 70, towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10.
[019] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit 12 that comprises at least an internal combustion (IC) engine. The power unit 12 is coupled to a rear wheel 16. In one embodiment, the engine is swingably connected to the frame. In one embodiment, the engine is mounted to a swing arm (not shown) and the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel 16 to the power unit 12. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 34 is disposed above the power unit 12 and is supported by the left rear frame 60A and the right rear frame 60B. The seat assembly 34 is hingedly openable. The frame defines a step-through portion ahead of the seat assembly 34. The floorboard 18 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 18. Further, the floorboard 18 is capable of carrying loads.
[020] Further, the frame is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 30 having a front face 30A and a rear face 30B, an under-seat cover 32, and a left side style panel 33 and a right side style panel (not shown) disposed on the frame and covering the frame and parts mounted thereof.
[021] In addition, a front fender 28 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 14. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 34 and is supported by the frame. A rear fender 26 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 16 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 16. One or more suspension(s) 46 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting the swing arm and the rear wheel 16 to the frame for damping the forces from the rear wheel 16 and the engine from reaching the frame.
[022] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 36, a taillight 38, an alternator (not shown), and a starter motor (not shown).
[023] Figure 3 illustrates that each of the pair of rear frames 60 comprise a first portion 62A, 62B extending upwardly and rearwardly from the cross tube 70, and a second portion 64A, 64B extending rearwardly from the first portion 62A, 62B. The left rear frame 60A has the first portion 62A and the second portion 64A extending rearward from the first portion 62A. The right rear frame 60B has the first portion 62B and the second portion 64B extending rearward from the first portion 62B.
[024] As further illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the saddle type vehicle 10 further comprises of a canister 110 for adsorbing fuel vapours from a fuel tank 80. Herein, the fuel tank 80 is disposed on both of the second portions 64A, 64B of the pair of rear frames 60. Any excess fuel vapours in the fuel tank 80 are sent to the canister 110 which is configured to adsorb fuel vapours through adsorbing materials such as activated carbon, through a hose pipe (not shown). The vehicle 10 further has a Purge Control Valve 120 for purging the adsorbed fuel vapours from the canister 110. The Purge Control Valve 120 is connected to the canister 110 and the engine, and is configured to send the purged fuel vapours to the engine for combustion. In an embodiment, the Purge Control Valve 120 comprises an Electric Purge Control Valve which is configured to be controlled by an Engine Control Unit. As further illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the canister 110 and the Purge Control Valve 120 are being on one of the pair of rear frames 60.
[025] As illustrated in Figure 5 and referenced in Figure 7, the canister 110 and the Purge Control Valve 120 are disposed on either of the second portions 64A, 64B of the rear frames 60. In the specific embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 7, wherein the canister 110 and the Purge Control Valve 120 are disposed on the left rear frame 60A. More specifically, the canister 110 and the Purge Control Valve 120 are disposed on the second portion 64A of the left rear frame 60A. In an alternative embodiment, the canister 110 and the Purge Control Valve 120 are capable of being disposed on the right rear frame 60B, and specifically on the second portion 64B of the right rear frame 60B.
[026] As illustrated in Figure 8, the vehicle 10 comprises a first bracket 112 configured for supporting the canister 110 on one of the pair of rear frames 60. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 and referenced in Figure 7, the first bracket 112 is configured for supporting the canister 110 on the left rear frame 60A such that the canister 110 is disposed substantially below the second portion 64A of the left rear frame 60A in a vehicle rear view. Such a disposition ensures that volume of the fuel tank 80 or the utility box is not compromised for accommodating the canister 110.
[027] As further illustrated in Figure 8 and referenced in Figure 6, the vehicle 10 comprises a second bracket 122 configured for supporting the Purge Control Valve 120 on one of the pair of rear frames 60. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, wherein the second bracket 122 is configured for supporting the Purge Control Valve 120 on the left rear frame 60A. Reference is made to Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D, which illustrate that the Purge Control Valve 120 comprises a mounting protrusion 124 configured to be connected with the second bracket 122, thereby supporting the Purge Control Valve 120 on the left rear frame 60A.
[028] As further illustrated in Figure 8, in an embodiment, the Purge Control Valve 120 is disposed in a space defined between the second portion 64A of the left rear frame 60A and the left side style panel 33. This ensures that the Purge Control Valve 120 does not interfere with the left side style panel 33, and is packaged with the confines of the left side style panel 33. In an alternative embodiment, the Purge Control Valve 120 is disposed in a space defined between the second portion 64B of the right rear frame 60B and the right side style panel.
[029] Advantageously, the saddle type vehicle of the present invention ensures that the canister and the Purge Control Valve can be mounted without hampering or affecting the volume of the fuel tank or the utility box. Further, such disposition of the canister and the Purge Control valve ensures that these components do not interfere with the side style panels, ensuring required packaging, fit and finish.
[030] Furthermore, such mounting of the canister and the Purge Control Valve ensures that there is no interference in the routing of the pipes/tubes and the wiring harnesses, which ensures that no blockage is caused in the path of the fuel vapours from the fuel tank to the canister and the Purge Control Valve and then to the engine, while also ensuring ease of service and ease of assembly.
[031] 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.