Claims:I/We claim:
1. A saddled vehicle (100) with at least two wheels, said saddled vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (101) including a main frame (101a) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (102);
a storage structure assembly (109) supported on said main frame (101a), said storage structure assembly (109) includes an inner structure (109b) and an outer structure (109a), said storage structure assembly (109) is capable of storing fuel;
a fuel pump unit (201) communicatively connected to said storage structure assembly (109);
an evaporative emission control device (202) connected to said storage structure assembly (109), said evaporative emission control device (202) is configured to adsorb fuel vapors and route back to the storage structure assembly (109); and
a fuel sender unit (203) communicatively connected to said storage structure assembly (109),
said fuel pump unit (201) and said fuel sender unit (203) are disposed on an inner surface (204) of said inner structure (109b), said fuel pump unit (201) is disposed on any one of a right side wall (109bx) and a left side wall (109by) of said inner surface (204), and said fuel sender unit (203) is disposed away from said fuel pump unit (201).
2. A saddled vehicle (100) with at least two wheels, said saddled vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (101) including a main frame (101a) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (102);
a storage structure assembly (109) supported on said main frame (101a), said storage structure assembly (109) includes an inner structure (109b) and an outer structure (109a), said storage structure assembly (109) is capable of storing fuel,
said inner structure (109b) includes a right-side wall (109bx) and a left side wall (109by);
a fuel pump unit (201) communicatively connected to said storage structure assembly (109),
any one of said right-side wall (109bx) and said left side (109by) includes an inclined portion (205) oriented at an angle (?) with respect to a ground plane (GP), said inclined portion (205) is configured to support said fuel pump unit (201).
3. A saddled vehicle (100) with at least two wheels, said saddled vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (101) including a main frame (101a) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (102);
a storage structure assembly (109) supported on said main frame (101a), said storage structure assembly (109) includes an inner structure (109b) and an outer structure (109a), said storage structure assembly (109) is capable of storing fuel;
a fuel pump unit (201) communicatively connected to said storage structure assembly (109);
an evaporative emission control device (202) connected to said storage structure assembly (109), said evaporative emission control device (202) is configured to adsorb fuel vapors and route back to the storage structure assembly (109); and
a fuel sender unit (203) communicatively connected to said storage structure assembly (109),
said fuel pump unit (201), said fuel sender unit (203), and said evaporative emission control device (202) are disposed in an imaginary triangular layout (REX) on said inner surface (204) when viewed from a bottom view of said storage structure assembly (109).
4. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner surface (204) is configured to support a portion of said evaporative emission control device (202).
5. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pump mounting axis (KK`) of said fuel pump unit (201) is pointing downwards in any one of a forward and a rearward direction.
6. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said evaporative emission control device (202) is communicatively connected to a roll over valve (202a), said roll over valve (202a) is placed away from any one of said right-side wall (109bx) and said left side wall (109by) comprising the fuel pump unit (201).
7. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel sender unit (203) includes one or more floating members (203a), said one or more floating members (203a) are pivotally suspended within storage space between said outer structure (109a) and inner structure (109b) of said storage structure assembly (109).
8. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel pump unit (201), said fuel sender unit (203), and said evaporative emission control device (202) are disposed around and at a close proximity to said main frame (101a).
9. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said right-side wall (109bx) and said left side wall (109by) are demarcated by a vehicle longitudinal midplane (XY) passing there through, said fuel sender unit (203) and said fuel pump unit (201) are disposed along and at a close proximity to said vehicle longitudinal midplane (XY).
10. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said fuel pump unit (201) is inclined towards a lowest portion (DS) of said storage structure assembly (109).
11. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said fuel pump unit (201) includes a mounting member (206) comprising one or more projections (201b) extending from an inner periphery (207).
12. The saddled vehicle (100) as claim in claim 3, said roll over valve is disposed away from said imaginary triangle (REX) and at a close proximity to said evaporative emission control device (202).
13. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, said roll over valve is disposed away from said imaginary triangle (REX) and away from said evaporative emission control device (202).
14. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said imaginary triangular layout (REX) is formed by a first axis (RE), a second axis (EX), and a third axis (XR) intersecting each other.
15. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said roll over valve (202a) is supported on a substantially flat portion of any one of the right-side wall (109bx) and said left side wall (109by).
16. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said one or more floating members (203a) are disposed on any one of a right-side wall (109bx) and a left side wall (109by), and said fuel pump unit (201) is disposed away from said one or more floating members (203a).
17. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said fuel pump unit (201) and said fuel sender unit (203) lie along said first axis (RE), fuel sender unit (203) and said evaporative emission control device (202) lie along said second axis (EX), and said fuel pump assembly (201) and said evaporative emission control device (202) lie along said third axis (XR).
18. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first axis includes a first length (L1), said first length (L1) varying in the range of 90mm-165mm, said second axis includes a second length (L2), said second length (L2) varying in the range of 75mm-195mm, and said third axis includes a third length (L3), said third length (L3) varying in the range of 90mm-160mm.
19. The saddled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first axis (RE) and said second axis (EX) are oriented at a first angle (?1) varying in the range of 20 degrees-80 degrees, said second axis (EX) and said third axis (XR) are oriented at a second angle (?1) varying in the range of 20 degrees-80 degrees, and said third axis (?3) and said first axis (RE) are oriented at a third angle (?3) varying in the range of 25 degrees-130 degrees. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a saddled two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a storage structure assembly for the saddled two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, a storage structure assembly is provided to store fuel there within. The storage structure assembly is usually disposed at a rear end of the vehicle or at the front end of the vehicle. In a scooter type of motorcycle, the storage member is disposed below the seat assembly and at the rear end of the vehicle. Whereas, in a motorcycle, the storage structure assembly is disposed along a main frame of a vehicle frame assembly. The storage structure assembly is used to store fuel of required capacity and facilitate smooth and uninterrupted fuel flow to an engine assembly whenever required. In motorcycles, fuel tank is made of materials including sheet metal, resin or the like and consists of fuel tank outer body and fuel tank inner body. The outer body and the inner body are joined by seam welding process in case of a metal fuel tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary saddled vehicle, for example a motorcycle.
[0005] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of the storage structure assembly as assembled onto the frame assembly.
[0006] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the storage structure assembly.
[0007] Figure 4a illustrates a left side view of the inner structure of the storage structure assembly.
[0008] Figure 4b illustrates a sectional view of the inner structure taken along B-B axis as shown in Figure 4a.
[0009] Figure 5a illustrates a bottom view of the inner structure of the storage structure assembly.
[00010] Figure 5b shows the sectional view of the inner structure taken along A-A axis as shown in the Figure 5a.
[00011] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of the storage structure assembly comprising various components located according to a first embodiment.
[00012] Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of the storage structure assembly according to second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] In general, in a vehicle, the storage structure assembly, for example, a fuel tank assembly is used to store fuel of required capacity and facilitate smooth and uninterrupted fuel flow to the engine assembly whenever required. In general, the storage member is made of sheet metal and includes fuel tank outer body and fuel tank inner body. The fuel tank outer body and the fuel tank inner body are joined by seam welding process. In motorcycle kind of two-wheeled vehicles, the storage member is placed on the main tube of the vehicle frame assembly. The storage member in particular, is mounted to the frame at one or more locations. One of the mounting is to arrest the movement of the storage member at a rear portion of the storage member. Other mounting is to locate the storage member on the main tube. In particular, the fuel tank inner body of the storage member includes a ‘C’ shaped bracket configured to locate the storage member on to the main frame. The fuel tank inner body is curved around the main tube in a substantially inverted ‘U’ shaped profile forming a tunnel region under the fuel tank through which the main member of the frame typically passes in a front-rear direction. The curved fuel tank extends downwards from the main frame of the vehicle frame assembly. Such that, two walls of the fuel tank inner body are disposed on either side of the main frame. Both these two walls are abutted against the main frame through the ‘C’ shaped bracket. In particular, the ‘C’ shaped bracket is fixedly attached to the fuel tank inner body on one or more vertical sides of the ‘U’ shaped profile. The ‘C’ shaped bracket is generally attached to the fuel tank inner body by the process of spot welding.
[00014] Generally, the storage structure assembly is mounted on the main frame of the vehicle ahead of the seat assembly in a straddle type vehicle. With increasing demand for addition of features to reduce vehicular emission, there is a need to accommodate many systems such as fuel injection system working in conjunction with a fuel pump unit, an evaporative emission control device, a fuel sender unit etc. within the storage structure assembly, and its surrounding areas.
[00015] The storage structure assembly, in particular, the storage structure assembly consists of three major parts, such as, right side part, left side part, and the inner part. The right-side part and the left side part together form the outer structure. The inner part is an inner structure. The inner structure is shaped in a complex way to accommodate space for being supported on a frame component.
[00016] The length and width of the vehicle are configured to be within a limited range for easier handling of the vehicle. Accordingly, the storage structure assembly is also designed to fit within the maximum width of the vehicle. Such a storage structure assembly should be configured to support and/or accommodate all the systems as mentioned above.
[00017] Further, the design of the storage structure assembly becomes very complex, if the parts such as the fuel pump unit and the fuel sender unit are to be accommodated on the inner structure of the fuel tank. There is also a need to configure the evaporative emission control device within the space between the outer structure and the inner structure. Along with being able to accommodate all the above said components, the fuel tank should also be configured to receive a portion of the frame component. In particular, the evaporative emission control device preferably placed between the frame component and any one of the right-side wall and the left side wall of the inner structure of the storage structure assembly.
[00018] Generally, to achieve the above objective, the shape of the storage structure assembly is configured in such a way that the storage structure assembly broader at a front portion and comparatively narrower at a rear portion. The storage structure assembly includes the inner structure that is inverted U shaped. The inner structure includes a pate at the end portion, with variable lateral gap/width along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Such an inner structure is configured to accommodate various parts such as the fuel pump unit, the fuel sender unit etc. This results in lack of space particularly for the fuel pump unit, due to its shape and operating conditions. In order to accommodate the fuel pump unit, along with other components inside/on the inner structure of the storage structure assembly, the shape of the inner structure becomes complex. The inner structure with complex shape is difficult to be accommodated on the frame component. Further, the packaging of such a complex storage structure assembly within the width of the vehicle is also challenging.
[00019] Despite the above described issues, the placement of the fuel pump unit needs to be in the available space within the inner structure so as to achieve a compact overall layout of the vehicle as a whole. However, such location for the fuel pump unit may not be suitable for the functioning of the fuel pump unit efficiently. For example, the fuel pump unit may not be able to pump out the fuel with least specified volume. Under such situations, the fuel tank includes dead space with fuel stored in it. Such a fuel stored in the dead space is not available for usage. The user of the vehicle has to frequently refill the storage structure assembly even if the fuel is available inside the storage structure assembly. This is not an economical option for the user of the vehicle. Such a storage structure assembly with dead space storing volumes of fuel may not be desirable by the user. Therefore, there is a need for an improved layout design of a vehicle which can overcome all the above problems and other problems of known art.
[00020] In order to address the above explained problems of configuring the parts such as the fuel pump unit, the evaporative emission control device, the fuel sender unit etc. due to space constraint between the inner structure of the storage structure assembly and the main frame of the frame assembly, the following aspects of the invention are provided.
[00021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two-wheeled motorcycle includes a frame assembly comprising a main frame extending obliquely rearwardly from a head pipe. The storage structure assembly is supported on said main frame. The shape of the storage structure assembly is configured to accommodate a portion of the main frame, such that the storage structure assembly is firmly and stably seated upon the main frame and the main frame passing through a tunnel formed in the storage structure. The storage structure assembly includes an inner structure and an outer structure. The storage structure assembly is configured to support a fuel pump unit, an evaporative emission control device, a fuel pump unit, and a fuel sender unit. All of these components are communicatively connected to the storage structure assembly. The fuel pump unit and the fuel sender unit are attached on an outer surface of the inner structure. The fuel pump unit is disposed either on a right-side wall and a left side wall of the outer surface. The fuel sender unit is disposed on another wall away the wall comprising the fuel pump unit.
[00022] The fuel sender unit includes a floating member. The floating member is disposed in a storage space between the inner structure and the outer structure. The floating member is configured to detect the fuel level inside the inner structure. The floating member is a moving object and requires space to provide freedom of operation. Therefore, the fuel pump unit and the fuel sender unit are disposed on opposite walls of the inner structure.
[00023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage structure assembly includes a broader front portion and a narrower rear portion. The storage structure assembly is configured so to accommodate the rider’s thighs comfortably when seated on the vehicle. The storage structure assembly includes an outer structure and an inner structure. The inner structure of the storage structure assembly is an inverted U-shaped structure. The inner structure includes a right-side wall, a left side wall and a central portion joining any one of the right-side wall and the left side wall of the outer structure. The outer structure includes an outer right-side portion and an outer left side portion. Both of these outer portions protect the storage structure assembly from outside.
[00024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump unit is mounted on an inclined surface of the inner structure. The inclined surface has a substantially flat surface to provide stable mounting of the fuel pump unit. As per an embodiment, the inclined surface is oriented at 45 degrees with respect to a ground surface. Further, the orientation of the fuel pump unit is towards the rear portion of the storage structure assembly. The storage structure assembly is configured to be broader at the front portion and comparatively narrower at the rear portion. The fuel pump unit cannot be accommodated at the narrower portion of the storage structure assembly. The fuel pump is located and mounted at the broader portion of the storage structure assembly to provide freedom of operation. In particular, the fuel pump unit is mounted to any one of the right side or left side of the inner structure. Even though the fuel pump unit is mounted on the front portion of the storage structure assembly, the inclination of the fuel pump unit on the flat portion is such that, the fuel pump unit is inclined towards the narrower portion, being the rear portion of the storage structure assembly.
[00025] Further, the fuel pump unit being inclined towards the narrower rear portion of the storage structure assembly, it is located at the lowest portion of the storage structure assembly. As a result, the fuel pump unit is able to suck most of the fuel from the dead space. This provides efficient pumping out of the fuel from the lower most portion of the storage structure assembly. Because of which, most of the fuel is in the storage structure assembly is being utilized. As a result, the user does not have to frequently refill the storage structure assembly even when there is good volume of fuel in the storage structure assembly. For example, even if there is fuel in the reserve tank of the storage structure assembly, the user has to refill the storage structure assembly. Therefore, according to the present invention, lower volumes of the fuel in the dead space can be achieved. The storage structure assembly according to the present invention provides economized usage of the fuel to the user.
[00026] The orientation of the fuel pump unit towards the lowest portion of the storage structure assembly enables the orientation of a filter member towards the narrower side (rear side of the storage structure assembly when viewed from the side view). This orientation of the filter member provides to efficiently suck the fuel from the lowest portion containing dead volume of fuel from the storage structure assembly.
[00027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the inner structure of the storage structure assembly is configured to receive a portion of the frame component. In particular, the main frame of the frame assembly. In addition, the inner structure of the storage structure assembly is not symmetric about a mid-plane of the vehicle. The inner structure being complex in shape is still able to accommodate the required volume of fuel and also be accommodated on the main frame.
[00028] Further, the evaporative emission control device is configured in a space between the main frame and the inner structure. According to an embodiment, the evaporative emission control device is located on a side wall opposite to the side wall of the storage structure assembly comprising provision for filling the fuel into the storage structure assembly. Further, the fuel pump unit and the evaporative emission control device cannot be disposed closer to each other in the storage structure assembly. This is due to similarity in the size of these components and paucity of space. Therefore, the fuel pump unit is disposed away from the evaporative emission control device. The fuel pump unit is disposed on a side wall opposite to the side wall supporting the evaporative emission control device with reference to the longitudinal midplane of the vehicle. Though the storage structure assembly is complex in shape, is having a sleeker appearance due to its broader front portion and narrower rear portion, is able to accommodate the main frame, also store required volumes of fuel along with being able to accommodate the fuel pump unit and the evaporative emission control device.
[00029] The right-side wall and the left side wall of the inner structure are demarcated by a vehicle longitudinal midplane passing there through. All the components supported by the inner structure of the storage structure assembly, say, the fuel sender unit and said fuel pump unit are disposed along and at a close proximity to the vehicle longitudinal midplane. The above explained configuration contributes to achieve sleeker storage structure assembly along with being able to store the fuel and accommodate the components working in conjunction.
[00030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evaporative emission control device is communicatively connected to a roll over valve. The roll over valve is configured to adsorb fuel vapors from the fuel tank and route back to the storage structure assembly. The roll over valve is placed away from any one of the first wall and the second wall comprising the fuel pump unit. The outer surface of the inner structure supporting the roll over valve is configured to have a flat portion to stably support the roll over valve.
[00031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump unit, the fuel sender unit, and the evaporative emission control device are disposed in a triangular portion of the outer surface. The triangular portion is formed by an imaginary triangle.
[00032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the imaginary triangle is formed by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. These axes are intersecting each other.
[00033] The fuel pump unit and the fuel sender unit lie along said first axis. The fuel sender unit and the evaporative emission control device lie along the second axis. The fuel pump assembly and the evaporative emission control device lie along the third axis.
[00034] The first axis includes a first length. The first length includes a length L1 varying in the range of 90mm-165mm. The second axis includes a second length L2 varying in the range of 75mm-195mm. The third axis includes a third length L3 varying in the range of 90mm-160mm.
[00035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first axis and the second axis are oriented at a first angle varying in the range of 20 degrees-80 degrees. The second axis and the third axis are oriented at a second angle varying in the range of 20 degrees-80 degrees. The third axis and the first axis are oriented at a third angle varying in the range of 25 degrees-130 degrees.
[00036] The orientation of the above axes with each other, as provided above, provides for optimum space utilization in the storage structure assembly. Due to which, the storage structure assembly is capable of accommodating and supporting all the above said components along with being able to make room for the portion of the main frame and also store the fuel inside the inner structure. All of the above said functionalities are achieved along with having a complex shape and a sleeker design of the inner structure of the storage structure assembly without any compromise on the compact width of the storage structure assembly as well as achieving a compact vehicle layout.
[00037] Further, the configuration of the placement of the fuel sender unit, the fuel pump unit, and the evaporative emission control device as explained above provides for efficient functionality of these components. As a result, most of the fuel inside the inner structure is being utilized. The location of the filter member is such that the lowest volume of the fuel is also being filtered and effectively used.
[00038] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00039] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary saddled vehicle, for example a motorcycle. The motorcycle 100 includes a frame assembly 101 including a main frame 101a (shown schematically) extending obliquely rearwardly from a head pipe 102, a front fork 103 mounted to the front of the frame assembly 101 and connected to a front wheel 104, an engine assembly 105 supported by the frame assembly 101 and a rear wheel 106 supported by the rear portion of the frame assembly 101.
[00040] In the illustrated motorcycle, a head pipe 102 supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. The front fork 103 is supported pivotally by the head pipe 102. In an upper portion of the head pipe 102, a handlebar assembly 107 is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). A front wheel 104 is journaled to a lower end of the front fork 103 and the front wheel 104 is rotated in a certain range by steering the handlebar assembly 107.
[00041] A front fender 108 is arranged on the front fork 103 to cover an upper portion of the front wheel 104. A rear wheel 106 is journaled on the rear end of the body frame 101.
[00042] In a front portion of the frame assembly 101, a storage structure assembly 109 is arranged immediately behind the handle bar assembly 107. A seat assembly 110 is placed behind the storage structure assembly 109. The seat assembly 110 includes a front seat 110a and a rear seat 110b. The front seat 110a is placed immediately behind the storage structure assembly 109, while the rear seat 110b is disposed rearwardly to the front seat 110a.
[00043] The engine assembly 105 is supported to the frame assembly 101 by being suspended in a front lower portion of the frame assembly 101. The engine assembly 105 is equipped with an exhaust system 112 and includes an exhaust pipe connected to the engine assembly and a muffler connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel 106.
[00044] Furthermore, a swing arm 113 is swingably connected to a rear lower portion of the frame assembly 101 and the swing arm 113 extends rearwards. The rear wheel 106 is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm 113. At least one shock absorber 114 is supported by the swing arm 113 at one end. Power from engine assembly 105 being suspended in a front lower portion of the body frame 101 is transmitted to the rear wheel 106 through a power drive mechanism, such as a drive chain (not shown), so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 106.
[00045] The storage structure assembly is covered by an external cover. The side cowl of the storage structure assembly, in another embodiment, part of the external cover itself is extended to be combined with the side cover or cover panel on either side of the saddle type vehicle to eliminate any parting line or gap between the two panels. This enables reducing number of body panels while avoiding part warpage in order to prevent it from having a very large body panel.
[00046] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of the storage structure assembly as assembled onto the frame assembly. The storage structure assembly 109 comprises of an outer structure 109a and an inner structure 109b. The outer structure 109a protects the storage structure assembly 109 from external impacts. The inner structure 109b is disposed beneath the outer structure 109a. The inner structure 109b is protected by the outer structure 109a. The inner structure is configured to be accommodated on the main frame 101a of the frame assembly 101. The storage structure assembly 109 is supported on the main frame 101a along the longitudinal midplane XY of the vehicle.
[00047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage structure assembly 109 is configured such that it includes a front portion that is broader as compared to a rear portion that is narrower. The broader front portion BR and the narrower rear portion NR are designed to ergonomically support the thighs of the rider when seated on the vehicle. Further, this type of configuration provides a sleeker storage structure assembly 109. Such a storage structure assembly can be easily accommodated in the vehicle and within the limited width of the vehicle, which provides for easier handling of the vehicle.
[00048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner structure 109b is configured such that the a predetermined space exists between a right side wall 109bx of the inner structure 109b and the main frame 101a, say the first distance d1, and a left side wall 109by of the inner structure 109b and the main frame 101a, say the second distance d2. These first distance d1 and second distance d2 are formed in the inner structure 109b with respect to the main frame 101a to accommodate various components that are configured to work in conjunction with the storage structure assembly 109. Though the shape of the inner structure 109b has become complex and in the form of an inverted ‘U’ shaped profile to form a tunnel, yet it is able to provide space for accommodating various components around the main frame 101a, provide space for the main frame and also have a sleeker width that provides comfort to the rider along with improved vehicle handling. The detailed description of the various components being accommodated is described in the following paragraphs.
[00049] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the storage structure assembly. The storage structure assembly 109 includes the outer structure 109a, the inner structure 109b and the various components functionally connected and partially accommodated inside the tunnel formed by the inner structure 109b of the storage structure assembly 109. The various components include a fuel pump unit 201, the fuel pump unit 201 includes a filter member 201a, a fuel sender unit 203, the fuel sender unit includes one or more floating members 203a, an evaporative emission control device 202, the evaporative emission control device 202 is communicatively connected to a roll over valve 202a.
[00050] The filter member 201a is disposed in the space between the inner structure 109b and the outer structure 109a, the fuel pump unit 201 is oriented in the present embodiment, such that the filter member 201a is inclined (not shown) towards the lowest portion DS (not shown) of the storage structure assembly 109, wherein the filter member 201a is enabled to come in contact with the fuel available in the lowest portion of the storage structure. The one or more floating members 203a are disposed between the inner structure 109b and the outer structure 109a, whereas the fuel sender unit 203 is mounted on an inner surface 204 of the inner structure 109b. The roll over valve 202a and the evaporative emission control device 202 are communicatively connected to each other and also are communicatively connected to the storage structure assembly 109. Both roll over valve 202a and the evaporative emission control device 202 are mounted on the inner surface 204 of the inner structure 109b.
[00051] Figure 4a illustrates a left side view of the inner structure of the storage structure assembly. Figure 4b illustrates a sectional perspective view of the inner structure taken along B-B axis as shown in Figure 4a. The inner structure includes a right-side wall 109bx, and a left side wall 109by. The right-side wall 109bx and the left side wall 109by are bridged together from the top to form a tunnel in between them. Post the tunnel, the inner structure gradually tapers downward towards the rear and has a substantially flat horizontal portion (109bz), which is configured to couple the storage structure assembly to the vehicle at the posterior region of the storage structure assembly. The right-side wall 109bx and the left side wall 109by are demarcated by the longitudinal midplane XY passing therethrough. The left rear portion of the inner structure 109b is extending away from the longitudinal midplane XY such that the lateral distance d2 increases. The left rear portion includes an inclined surface 205. The inclined surface 205 is oriented at a predetermined angle a with respect to the ground plane GP. For example, the inclined surface 205 is oriented at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the ground plane GP.
[00052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump unit 201 is mounted on an inclined surface 205 of the inner structure 109b. The inclined surface 205 has a substantially flat portion to which the mounting axis KK` of the fuel pump unit 201 is substantially orthogonal. This layout provides stable abutment and mounting of the fuel pump unit 201. Further, the orientation of the fuel pump unit 202 is such that its axis KK` is oriented towards the rear portion of the storage structure assembly 109 (not shown). The storage structure assembly 109 is configured to be broader at the front portion and comparatively narrower at the rear portion. The fuel pump unit 201 cannot be accommodated at the narrower portion of the storage structure assembly 109 and thus an inclined surface 205 has been configured to enable compact packaging of the fuel pump unit 201. The fuel pump unit 201 is located and mounted at the broader portion of the storage structure assembly 109 to provide freedom of operation. In particular, the fuel pump unit 201 is mounted to any one of the right-side wall 109bx or the left side wall 109by of the inner structure 109b. Even though the fuel pump unit 201 is mounted on the front portion of the storage structure assembly 109 (not shown), the inclination of the fuel pump unit 201 on the flat portion is such that, the fuel pump unit 201 is inclined towards the narrower portion, being the rear portion and lower most portion of the storage structure assembly 109 thereby enabling functional access to the filter member to the lowest storage space in the storage structure.
[00053] Further, the fuel pump unit 201 being inclined towards the narrower rear portion of the storage structure assembly 109 is located at the lowest portion of the storage structure assembly 109. As a result, the fuel pump unit 201 is able to suck most of the fuel from the lowest portion. This provides efficient pumping out of the fuel from the lower most portion of the storage structure assembly 109. Because of which, most of the fuel is in the storage structure assembly 109 is being utilized. As a result, the user does not have to repeatedly refill the storage structure assembly 109 even when there is good volume of fuel in the storage structure assembly 109. Therefore, according to the present invention, lower volumes of the fuel in the dead space can be achieved. As per an embodiment, the fuel sender 203 is mounted on the posterior tapering wall or inclined surface 205)of the inner structure 109b with its mounting axis KK’ pointing rearward & downward while intersecting the mounting axis LL’ of the fuel sender unit 203 at an acute angle between them thereby configuring them in a substantially opposing orientation when seen in a side view of the vehicle as seen in Fig 4a.
[00054] Figure 5a illustrates a bottom view of the inner structure of the storage structure assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5b shows the sectional view of the inner structure taken along A-A axis as shown in the Figure 5a. The fuel sender unit 203 is attached to the inner surface 204. The fuel sender unit 203 includes the floating member 203a. The floating member 203a is disposed in a storage space (not shown) between the inner structure 109b and the outer structure 109a (not shown). The floating member 203a is configured to detect the fuel level in the storage space. The floating member 203a is an oscillating object and requires space to provide freedom of pivotal operation. In this embodiment, the fuel pump unit is disposed on the posterior tapering wall or inclined surface 205 of the inner structure 109b with its mounting axis KK’ substantially pointing forward &and downward of the storage structure and the fuel sender unit 203 is mounted on the substantially horizontal portion 109bz with its mounting axis LL’ substantially pointing downwards and intersecting the axis KK’ of the fuel pump 201 at an acute angle between them thereby configuring them in a substantially opposing orientation when seen in as side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the fuel pump unit 201 and the fuel sender unit 203 are disposed on opposite walls of the inner structure 109b.
[00055] In the present embodiment, the fuel pump unit 201 is disposed on the left side wall 109by of the inner structure 109b. The filter member 201a is disposed towards the inner surface 204 of the inner structure 109b. The floating member 203a is disposed opposite to the fuel pump unit 201, the fuel sender unit 203 is disposed away from the left side wall 109by.
[00056] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of the storage structure assembly comprising various components located according to a first embodiment. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump unit 201, the fuel sender unit 203, and the evaporative emission control device 202 are disposed in a triangular layout of on the inner surface 204 of the inner structure 109b. The triangular layout is formed by an imaginary triangle REX.
[00057] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the imaginary triangle REX is formed by a first axis RE, a second axis EX, and a third axis XR. These axes RE, EX, and XR are intersecting each other.
[00058] The fuel pump unit 201 and the fuel sender unit 203 lie along said first axis RE. The fuel sender unit 203 and the evaporative emission control device 202 lie along the second axis EX. The fuel pump unit 201 and the evaporative emission control device 202 lie along the third axis XR.
[00059] The orientation of the above axes with each other, as provided above, provides for optimum space utilization in the storage structure assembly 109. Due to which, the storage structure assembly 109 is capable of accommodating and supporting all the above said components along with being able to make room for the portion of the main frame (not shown) and also store the fuel inside the inner structure 109b. All of the above said functionalities are achieved along with having a complex shape and a sleeker design of the inner structure of the storage structure assembly 109.
[00060] Further, the configuration of the placement of the fuel sender unit 203, the fuel pump unit 201, and the evaporative emission control device 202 as explained above provides for efficient functionality of these components. As a result, the most of the fuel inside the inner structure is being utilized. The location of the filter member (not shown) is such that the lowest volume of the fuel is also being filtered.
[00061] In the present embodiment, the evaporative emission control device is placed with its major axis disposed horizontally along the vehicle longitudinal midplane XY. Further, according to the present embodiment, the roll over valve 202a is disposed outside of the imaginary triangle REX and at a proximity to the evaporative emission control device 202. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to connect the roll over valve 202a to the evaporative emission control device 202 through a hose with shorter length. It is also possible here, to connect the hose therebetween without any sharp bends, which is again preferable for smooth flow of the fuel vapors. Through the shorter length of the hose, the fuel vapors are easily passed on through the hose, and leaving lesser scope for reverse travel of the fuel vapors where any reverse flow is undesirable.
[00062] Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of the storage structure assembly according to second embodiment of the present invention. According to the second embodiment, the evaporative emission control device 202 is mounted on the right-side wall 109bx of the inner structure 109b, whereas the fuel pump unit 201 is disposed away from the evaporative emission control device 202. In particular the fuel pump unit 201 is disposed on the inclined surface 205 disposed away from the right-side wall 109bx.
[00063] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump unit 201, the fuel sender unit 203, and the evaporative emission control device 202 are disposed in a triangular layout of the inner surface 204 of the inner structure 109b. The triangular layout is formed by an imaginary triangle REX.
[00064] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the imaginary triangle REX is formed by a first axis RE, a second axis EX, and a third axis XR. These axes RE, EX, and XR are intersecting each other.
[00065] The fuel pump unit 201 and the fuel sender unit 203 lie along said first axis RE. The fuel sender unit 203 and the evaporative emission control device 202 lie along the second axis EX. The fuel pump unit 201 and the evaporative emission control device 202 lie along the third axis XR.
[00066] In the present embodiment, the evaporative emission control device is placed with its major axis placed horizontally along the vehicle longitudinal midplane XY. Further, according to the present embodiment, the roll over valve 202a is disposed outside of the imaginary triangle REX and away from the evaporative emission control device 202. As a result, in the present embodiment, the roll over valve 202a is disposed on any one of the right-side wall and the left side wall opposite to the evaporative emission control device 202. In the present embodiment, the roll over valve 202a is disposed at an elevation that is approximately equal to the mounting of the evaporative emission control device 202. As a result, the travelling of the fuel vapors is easier and the reverse travel of the fuel vapors is prevented to a greater extent.
[00067] The first axis RE includes a first length. The first length includes a length L1 varying in the range of 90mm-165mm. The second axis EX includes a second length L2 varying in the range of 75mm-195mm. The third axis XR includes a third length L3 varying in the range of 90mm-160mm.
[00068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first axis RE and the second axis EX are oriented at a first angle ?1 varying in the range of 20 degrees-80 degrees. The second axis and the third axis are oriented at a second angle ?2 varying in the range of 20 degrees-80 degrees. The third axis and the first axis are oriented at a third ?3 varying in the range of 25 degrees-130 degrees.
[00069] Figure 8a illustrates a bottom perspective view of the storage structure assembly. Figure 8b illustrates a detailed view of a portion indicated in the figure 8a. Figure 8b illustrates mounting member 206 for the fuel pump unit (not shown) on the inner structure 109b. In the present embodiment, the mounting member 206 includes one projection 201b extending inwardly towards the fuel pump unit 201 (not shown) from an inner periphery (not shown). The projection 201b is provided for ease of mounting of the fuel pump unit 201 (not shown) during assembly on the inner structure 109b. The projection 201b ensures that the fuel pump unit 201 is assembled in the required direction only and does not allow for improper placement of the fuel pump unit 201 on the mounting member 206. The projection 201b functions as an indicator for proper placement of the fuel pump unit 201, because of which the assembly time involved in the assembling of the fuel pump unit 201 is optimized.
[00070] Further, due to the projection 201b, the fuel pump unit 201 is not misplaced or mounted in any other location. As a result, the efficient functionality of the fuel pump unit 201 as desired is achieved.
[00071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member 206 is configured to function as a sealing member to provide proper mounting of the fuel pump unit 201 on to the inner structure 109b.
[00072] Figure 8c illustrates a detailed view of the mounting member as illustrated in the figure 8b. In the present embodiment, the mounting member 206 is provided with at least two projections 201b on the inner periphery 207. Accordingly, the portion on the fuel pump unit (not shown) includes at least two receiving portions configured to receive the at least two projections 201b. This configuration fixes the orientation of the mounting member during assembly as well as service ensuring an error proof assembly.
[00073] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.