DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to two-wheeled motor vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively, to two-wheeled vehicles provided with a canister.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in two-wheeled vehicles the engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly. Moreover, in a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly, the frame assembly extends from head tube towards the tail lamp and a step-through space is formed. The step-though space provided may be used for carrying loads. Typically, the engine assembly is disposed below the step-through space. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. Also, a front wheel and a rear wheel are supported by the frame assembly of the vehicle. The front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). Typically, plurality of panels mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle cover various vehicle components.
[0003] The engine assembly being functionally connected to the rear wheel provides the forward motion to the vehicle. A fuel tank mounted to the vehicle supplies fuel to the engine assembly. Generally, gasoline or the like is used as fuel. The fuel stored in the fuel tank vaporizes and reaches an upper portion of the fuel tank. The vaporized fuel may escape into the air. However, to meet the stringent evaporative emission norms, the vaporized/ evaporating fuel being released is to be effectively purged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a left side view of the frame assembly of the vehicle with parts laid thereon, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0007] Fig. 2 (b) a left side view of the frame assembly with a canister mounted thereon.
[0008] Fig. 2 (c) depicts an exploded view of canister mounted to the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0009] Fig. 3 depicts a frame assembly with parts mounted thereon, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Generally, the vehicle is provided with a canister for adsorbing the vaporized gas, and thereafter at the time engine start, the vaporized gas is purged to the canister. However, in case of a two-wheeled vehicle, most of the vehicle components are exposed to the atmosphere. There is need for mounting for canister to the vehicle and also for disposing in proximity to the engine assembly and the fuel tank. Moreover, it is desired that vehicle vibrations do not affect the canister. In addition, the canister is to be secured in case if the vehicle topples or falls sideward.
[00011] Hence, it is an object of the present subject matter to provide a two-wheeled vehicle. It is an object of the present subject matter, to provide a two-wheeled vehicle with effective evaporation control. It is another object, to provide a two-wheeled vehicle capable of accommodating a canister without compromising on the utility space. According to another aspect, the serviceability is improved. Yet another aspect being, the canister is securely mounted to the vehicle.
[00012] It is an advantage of the present subject matter that the canister is securely mounted to the frame assembly.
[00013] It is another advantage of the present subject matter that the canister is disposed in proximity to the engine assembly, wherein the engine assembly is mounted with carburetor.
[00014] It is yet another advantage that the current layout of vehicle is retained and the canister is accommodated in the vehicle without any additional space requirement.
[00015] It is yet another aspect of the present subject matter that the frame assembly includes a main tube extending rearwardly downward from the head tube and a down tube extending rearward from the main tube. The down tube is capable of accommodating the said canister and the canister is disposed in proximity to the engine.
[00016] In an embodiment, the engine assembly is forwardly inclined and is disposed adjoiningly below the down tube of the frame assembly, and the canister is disposed in a rear end portion of the frame assembly that is capable of securely accommodating the canister.
[00017] In another embodiment, the engine assembly is forwardly inclined engine, which is swingably connected to the frame assembly, wherein the cylinder portion of the engine assembly is in proximity to the down tube. The down tube includes a rear end portion defining a cavity capable of accommodating the canister being functionally connected to a carburetor of the engine assembly.
[00018] In an embodiment, a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly is provided. The vehicle is provided with an internal combustion engine. A utility box is disposed below a seat assembly provided on the vehicle. The utility box is disposed in an anterior portion of the step-through space. In an embodiment, the fuel tank is disposed rearwardly of the utility box.
[00019] In an embodiment, the frame assembly includes a head tube, a main tube extending rearwardly downward from the head tube, and a down tube extending rearward from a rare portion of the main tube. In another embodiment, the main tube and the down tube are integrally formed. Further, one or more rear tube extends inclinedly rearward from the down tube. The engine assembly is mounted to a down portion of the down tube and the engine assembly is forwardly inclined. In an embodiment, a carburetor is functionally connected to the engine assembly and being disposed upwardly forward to engine assembly. Further, an air induction system is mounted to the frame assembly and being disposed forwardly of the carburetor.
[00020] In an embodiment, a canister is mounted to the down tube. The canister being functionally connected to the fuel tank and the carburetor. In an embodiment, a rear portion of the down tube is hollow type. Further, the rear portion of the down tube is adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the canister.
[00021] In an embodiment, a casing is provided for holding the canister, which enables mounting of the canister to the down tube. The canister along with the casing is slidably inserted in the down tube from a rear opening of the down tube. In addition, the casing provided is affixed to the down tube. Furthermore, the down tube is provided with one or more routing hole(s) for routing a roll-over hose assembly and a purge hose assembly. In addition, an atmospheric port extends rearwardly outward from the down tube. In another embodiment, a slot is provided on the down tube for optimally routing the atmosphere hose.
[00022] It is a feature of the present subject matter that the hose(s) connecting the canister to the carburetor and the fuel tank are routed substantially along the frame assembly.
[00023] In an embodiment, a frame assembly with a solid type tubular structure is used and a rear portion of the down tube is adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the canister.
[00024] The canister mounted to the rear portion of the down tube, which is being adapted to accommodate at least a portion of a canister and said canister being functionally connected to the carburetor and the fuel tank. Moreover, the canister is covered by at least a portion of the pair of front side panel disposed adjacent to the main tube and the down tube. This protects the canister from atmospheric and prevents entry of dust and rain water.
[00025] Moreover, ease of maintenance of the roll-over hose assembly and the purge hose assembly is improved. Also, the ease of servicing of the canister is improved, as the canister mounted to the rear tube is easily accessible from the rear portion of the rear tube.
[00026] The present subject matter is applicable to two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles with compact layout.
[00027] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00028] Arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings, unless otherwise specified, depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction.
[00029] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The two-wheeled 100 has a step-through type frame assembly 105 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)). The frame assembly 105 extends from a front portion F towards a rear portion R, which is along the longitudinal direction/axis F-R of the vehicle 100. A utility box 110 is disposed below a seat assembly 120. The utility box 110 is disposed in an anterior portion of the step-through space 115.
[00030] A handle bar assembly 125 is pivotally disposed through a head tube 105A (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) of the frame assembly 105. In the present embodiment, an engine assembly 130 is mounted to the frame assembly 105 and disposed below the step through space 115. In one embodiment, the engine assembly 130 is forwardly inclined. A rear wheel 135 is rotatably supported by the swing arm 140, which is pivotally connected to the frame assembly 105. The power generated by the engine assembly 130 is transferred to the rear wheel 135 for creating a forward motion, through a transmission system (not shown). For example, the transmission system can be a chain drive connected to an engine sprocket and a rear wheel sprocket. The transmission system also includes a variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a belt drive.
[00031] The handle bar assembly 125 is connected to a front wheel 145 by one or more front suspension(s) 150. A front fender 155 is disposed above the front wheel 145 for covering at least a portion of the front wheel 145. A rear fender 160 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 135. The rear wheel 135 is connected to the frame assembly 105 through one or more rear suspension(s) 165 connect the rear wheel 135 to the frame assembly 105. The vehicle 100 is mounted with a plurality of panels including a front panel 170A disposed below the handle bar assembly 125 and above the rear fender 155. A pair of front side panels 170B is disposed on either sides at the step-through space, and a pair of rear panels 170C is disposed below the seat assembly 120 and extending in the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100.
[00032] Further, the engine assembly 130 is connected to an exhaust pipe assembly 175 and a starter system (not shown). The starter system includes an electric starter mechanism or a mechanical starter mechanism. Also, the vehicle 100 comprises electrical and electronic components the includes the battery, a head lamp, a tail lamp, a vehicle control system, a anti-lock braking system, and a synchronous braking system that provide improved and safer riding.
[00033] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a left side view of the frame assembly of the vehicle with parts laid thereon, in accordance with an embodiment. The frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A, a main tube 105B extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A and a down tube 105C extending rearward from a rare portion of the main tube 105B. In an embodiment, the main tube 105B and the down tube 105C are integrally formed. One or more rear tube 105D extends inclinedly rearward from the down tube 105C. In the present embodiment, a pair of rear tube 105D are provided. The engine assembly 130 of the vehicle 100 is disposed at the lower portion to the down tube 105C, wherein the engine assembly 130 is disposed adjoiningly below the down tube 105C. An engine mounting-bracket 130A is provided rearwardly at a downward portion to the down tube 105C, which is welded or affixed, for mounting the engine assembly 130. In one embodiment, the engine mounting-bracket 130A is integrally formed with the frame assembly 105. In an embodiment, the engine assembly 130 is forwardly inclined and a piston axis of the engine assembly 130 extends substantially along the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100. A carburetor 180 is disposed to upper surface of the engine assembly 130 and is functionally connected to the engine assembly 130. In an embodiment, the carburetor 180 is disposed upwardly forward to engine assembly 130. An air induction system 185 is mounted to the frame assembly 105 and being disposed ahead of the carburetor 180. The air induction system 185 is functionally connected to the carburetor 180 for supplying the air to the engine assembly 130.
[00034] Further, in the present embodiment, a fuel tank 190 mounted to the pair of rear tubes 105C of the frame assembly 105 and the fuel tank 190 is functionally connected to the engine assembly 130 for supplying fuel. A canister 205 is mounted to a rear end portion RP of the down tube 105C of the frame assembly 105. The canister 205 is functionally connected to the fuel tank 190 for adsorbing evaporated fuel. In addition, the canister 205 is functionally connected to the carburetor 180 for purging the fuel adsorbed by the canister 205. The canister 205 is securely mounted to the frame assembly 105 and is disposed in proximity to the engine assembly 130 and the carburetor 180.
[00035] Fig. 2 (b) a left side view of the frame assembly 105 with a canister mounted to thereon, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). Fig. 2 (c) depicts an exploded view of canister mounted to the frame assembly 105, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (b). The down tube 105C of the frame assembly 105 extends rearwardly downward towards upwardly rearward portion of the engine assembly 130. The pair of rear tubes 105D extend from the down tube 105C. A joining portion of the pair of tubes 105D with the down tube 105C is reinforced. In a preferred embodiment, the down tube 105C is hollow type formed of metal. A rear end portion RP of the down tube 105C is adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the canister 205. In another embodiment, a down tube 105C made of solid type and the rear end portion RP is adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the canister 205.
[00036] A casing 205A is provided for holding the canister 205, which enables mounting of the canister 205 to the down tube 105C. The casing 205A covers at least a portion of the canister 205. The casing 205A is made of a metal or plastic or the like. Further, the casing 205A may be provided with cushion material for isolating any forces acting on the frame assembly 105 from reaching the canister 205. The canister 205 along with the casing 205A is slidably inserted in the down tube 105C from a rear opening of the rear end portion RP of the down tube 105C. Further, the rear end portion RP of the down tube 105C defines a cavity C. In addition, the casing 205A is provided nut that welded or affixed to the casing 205A. Through a bolt-hole provided on the down tube 105C, a bolt secured the casing 205A to the frame assembly 105 by connecting the bolt to the nut. In another embodiment, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the canister 205 mounted to the frame assembly 105. In a preferred embodiment, the canister 205 includes an atmospheric port that communicates with the atmosphere, wherein said atmospheric port is disposed on a face of the canister 205 being exposed to the atmosphere. In another embodiment, the atmospheric port may be disposed on a side of the canister facing the periphery of the down tube 105C, wherein an aperture is provided for communication with atmosphere.
[00037] The cavity in the rear end portion of the down tube includes a profile capable of accommodating the cross-section of the canister.
[00038] Further, the down tube 105C is provided with one or more routing hole(s) 230. This enables routing of a roll-over hose assembly and a purge hose assembly. The canister 205 is connected to the fuel tank 190 through a roll-over valve 210. Further, from the roll-over valve 210 the roll-over hose assembly 215 extends along one of the pair of down tube 105C towards a top portion of the fuel tank 190. The roll-over valve 210 is mounted to a valve bracket 235 affixed to the frame assembly 105 for disposing the roll-over valve 210 adjacent to the utility box 110. The roll-over valve 210 restricts the flow of fuel from the fuel tank 190 to canister 205. In an embodiment, the roll-over hose assembly 215 is made of non-rigid material.
[00039] In addition, a purge valve 220 is routed through the one or more routing hole(s) 230 for connecting the canister 205 to the carburetor 180. The purge valve 220 enables supplying of fuel adsorbed by carbon particles or the like in the canister 205 and then to be directed to the carburetor 180, through a purge hose assembly 225. The purge hose assembly 225 extends from the one or more routing hole(s) 230 towards the carburetor, which is disposed in a upwardly forward portion of the engine assembly 130, extending upwardly of the engine assembly 130. Another valve bracket (not shown) is provided on the down tube 105C for holding the purge valve 220.
[00040] In an embodiment, the canister assembly including the canister 205 and the casing 205A is detachably-attached, and said canister is secured to the rear end portion RP of the down tube 105C capable of accommodating the canister assembly. The detachable-attachment includes any known means including snap fit.
[00041] In a preferred embodiment, the canister 205 is provided with an atmospheric port 240 extending rearward from the down tube 105C. The atmospheric port 240 is provided exposed to the atmosphere. In an embodiment, a slot is provided on the down tube 105C for optimally routing the atmospheric port 240. Further, the canister is covered by at least a portion of the pair of front side panels 170B. This also protects the canister 205 from the environmental factors and there by improves durability.
[00042] Further, in a preferred embodiment, the canister 205 has a cylindrical shape and the canister includes a long axis. The long axis of the canister 205 is disposed at least parallel or at an angle to the longitudinal axis F-R of the vehicle 100. In a preferred embodiment, the long axis of the canister 205 coincides with axis of the frame assembly 105. However, the canister 205 may be disposed at an offset from the axis of the frame assembly 105 at the cavity C defined by the rear end portion RP therein.
[00043] Fig. 3 depicts a frame assembly with parts mounted thereon, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. A canister 305 is mounted to a rear end portion RP of the down tube 105C defining a cavity C. That canister 305 is mounted to such that down tube 105C with a fuel tank 190 inlet port and a purge outlet port extending in a rearward portion of the down tube 105C. The roll-over hose assembly 315 and the purge hose assembly 325 are routed from the rear portion of the canister 305 to the fuel tank 190 and the carburetor 180 respectively. Further, an air slot 345, which is an aperture or the like, is provided on a front portion of the main tube 105B, disposed rearwardly of the head tube 105A. This enables flow of atmosphere air into the down tube 105C through the main tube 105B, for operation of the canister 205. A drain hose assembly 350 extends outward from the down tube 105C, extending downward from the rear portion of the down tube 105C.
[00044] The canister 305 includes atmospheric port 340 that is disposed inwardly of the cavity C. The air slot(s) 345 provided on the frame assembly 105 enables flow of atmospheric air therethrough.
[00045] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A two-wheeled (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (105) including a head tube (105A), a main tube (105B) extending rearwardly downward from the head tube (105A), and a down tube (105C) extending rearward from a rear portion of the main tube (105B);
an engine assembly (130) mounted to said frame assembly (105) and disposed in vicinity of said down tube (105C); and
a carburetor (180) mounted to said engine assembly (130),
wherein
said down tube (105C) includes a rear end portion (RP) defining a cavity (C), and said cavity (C) capable of accommodating a canister (205, 305) therein, wherein said canister (205, 305) is functionally connected to said carburetor (180) mounted to said engine assembly (130).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said canister (205, 305) is having a long axis disposed at least parallel or at a first angle to a longitudinal axis (F-R) of the vehicle (100).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said canister (205) includes one or more port(s) including an atmospheric port (240) disposed outwardly form said cavity (C).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said canister (305) includes one or more port(s) including an atmospheric port (340) disposed inwardly of the cavity (C) and said frame assembly (105) is provided with one or more air slots (345) provided on at least one of said main tube (105B) and said down tube (105C) for air passage therethrough.
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said canister (205, 305) is secured to a casing (205, 305A) and said casing (205, 305A) is detachably-mounted to said cavity (C) therein.
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (105) includes a pair of rear tubes (105D) extending inclinedly rearward from the down tube (105C), and a fuel tank (190) is disposed upwardly rearward to canister (205, 305) and is mounted to said pair of rear tubes (105D).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said engine assembly (130) is disposed adjoiningly below said down tube (105C) and said carburetor (180) connects said engine assembly (130) to an air filter (185) disposed ahead of said carburetor (180).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 4, wherein said engine assembly is swingably supported by said pair of rear tubes (105D), and said carburetor (180) connects said engine assembly to an air filter disposed on one lateral side of said engine assembly (130).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said vehicle (100) includes a fuel tank disposed ahead of said head tube (105A) and upwardly to a front fender (155) of the vehicle, and said fuel tank is functionally connected to said carburetor (180).
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said canister (205, 305) is disposed below an utility box (100) mounted to said frame assembly (105) and above at least a portion of said engine assembly (130).