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 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 provided. 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. Vaporized fuel from the fuel tank may escape into atmosphere. To meet the stringent 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 an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a right side view of frame assembly of a vehicle with parts laid thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 (b) illustrates a right side view of a frame assembly of the vehicle depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0008] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a right side view of frame assembly of a vehicle with parts laid thereon, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 (b) illustrates a right side view of the frame assembly of the vehicle depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[00010] Fig. 4 (a) illustrates a front perspective view of an air induction assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 4 (b) depicts a right side perspective view of the air induction system depicted in Fig. 4 (a).
[00012] Fig. 4 (c) depicts an exploded view of air induction system adapted to mount a canister, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Generally, a fuel tank is mounted to the frame assembly. The fuel tank has a fuel tank-cap for filling the fuel. This fuel may evaporate and reach an upper portion within the fuel tank. The evaporative gas may escape into the atmosphere. Typically, a canister is provided to collect the evaporative gas that is adsorbed and prevented from being escaped into atmosphere. Further, a roll-over valve and a purge valve are provide for restricting flow of fuel into canister and for purging the fuel collected in canister to carburetor, respectively.
[00014] However, the vehicle is compactly packaged with various vehicle components. Especially, the engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly below the step-through space of the frame assembly. Also, a mono-shock suspension disposed below a utility box for connecting the swing arm to the frame assembly, adds to the space constraint. Moreover, two-wheelers now a days are provided with electric starter system for providing ease of operation to the user. Also, various electrical and electronic components including the battery are mounted to the vehicle. Therefore, the compact packaging of the vehicle makes accommodating the canister in proximity to the carburetor a challenge. Further, length of purge hose should be kept minimal. Furthermore, the aforementioned problem(s) are to be solved without comprising utility space on the vehicle.
[00015] 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. According to another aspect, the serviceability is improved. Yet another aspect being, the canister is disposed in proximity to the carburetor. According to an additional aspect, the present subject matter enables easy maintenance/serviceability of the canister.
[00016] In an embodiment, the present subject matter is for a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a head tube, a main tube, a down tube and one or more rear tube(s). In an embodiment, a pair of rear tubes may be used. The down tube is disposed at the step-through space. An engine assembly is mounted to the down tube. A fuel tank is mounted to the frame assembly and the fuel tank is functionally connected to the engine assembly, for supplying fuel. A rear wheel is rotatably supported by the swing arm, which is pivotally connected to the frame assembly. Additionally, a mono-shock rear suspension connects the swing arm to the A floorboard is mounted to the down tube in an upper portion and the floorboard covers at least a portion of the engine assembly.
[00017] In an embodiment, the engine assembly is disposed at a lower portion to the down tube. The engine assembly is forwardly inclined and is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The transmission system transfers the power from the engine assembly to the rear wheel. In an embodiment, a carburetor is disposed forwardly upward to the engine assembly. An air induction assembly is disposed forwardly of the carburetor and mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly. Further, the air induction assembly is functionally coupled to the carburetor.
[00018] In an embodiment, the air induction assembly is mounted to a down portion of the main tube. A canister is disposed at a forwardly upward portion of the air induction assembly. The fuel tank is disposed at a substantial height with respect to the height of the canister. A roll-over valve is provided between the fuel tank and the canister connected through a roll-over hose assembly. A purge valve mounted to the air induction assembly connects the canister to the carburetor. The purge valve enables supplying of fuel adsorbed by carbon particles or the like to the carburetor, through a purge hose assembly. Moreover, length of purge hose assembly is kept minimal, as the carburetor is optimally mounted to the air induction assembly.
[00019] In an embodiment, the canister is disposed to an upwardly forward portion of the air induction assembly. Further, the canister is positioned along the vehicle width direction. Further, the canister mounted to the air induction assembly is positioned rearwardly downward of the head tube. This enables the canister to be in proximity to the carburetor, which is disposed rearwardly of the air induction assembly.
[00020] In another embodiment, the canister is mounted to an upwardly forward portion of the air induction system and the canister is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Further, the air induction system is provided with a cavity to accommodate the canister.
[00021] In an embodiment, a canister mounting-bracket is provided on the air induction assembly. Further, a rubber boot(s) or the like is provided for holding the canister. This enables the rubber boot(s) to secure the canister to the canister mounting-bracket. Further, another rubber boot secures the purge valve to the air induction assembly. Additionally, a canister cover provided on the canister covers at least a portion of the canister. In an embodiment, plurality of panels covers at least a portion of the canister from lateral sides of the vehicle.
[00022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00023] Wherever arrows are provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings, it 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, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side.
[00024] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The two-wheeled 100 has a step-through type frame assembly. The frame assembly 105 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) extends from a front portion F towards a rear portion R, which is along the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100. The frame assembly defines a step-through space ST. A utility box 110 is disposed below a seat assembly. The utility box 110 (as shown in Fig. 2 (a)) is disposed in an posterior portion of the step-through space ST.
[00025] A handle bar assembly 125 is rotatably disposed through a head tube 105A (as shown in Fig. 2 (a)) of the frame assembly 105. An engine assembly 130 is mounted to the frame assembly 105 and is disposed below the step through space ST. In an embodiment, the engine assembly 130 is forwardly inclined. A rear wheel 135 is rotatably supported by a swing arm 140, which is pivotally connected to the frame assembly 105. Power generated by the engine assembly 130 is transferred to the rear wheel 135, for providing 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. Also, the transmission system includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ration transmission. The handle bar assembly 125 is connected to a front wheel 145 through 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. One or more rear suspension(s) (not shown) connect the rear wheel 135 to the frame assembly 105. The vehicle is mounted with a plurality of panels including a front panel 165A disposed below the handle bar assembly 125 and above the rear fender 155. A pair of side panels 165B is disposed at the step-through space ST on both sides and a pair of rear panels 165C are disposed below the seat assembly 120 and are extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100.
[00026] Further, the engine assembly 130 includes an exhaust pipe assembly (not shown) and a starter system (not shown). The starter system includes an electric starter mechanism or a mechanical starter mechanism or both. Also, the vehicle 100 comprises electrical, electronic components that include the battery, a head lamp, a tail lamp, a vehicle control system, an anti-lock braking system, and a synchronous braking system that provide improved and safe riding.
[00027] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a right side view of the frame assembly of the vehicle with parts laid thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 2 (b) depicts an enlarged view of the frame assembly with selective parts, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (a). 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 one implementation, the down tube 105B is substantially horizontally disposed. In an embodiment, the main tube 105B and the down tube 105C are integrally formed. One or more rear tube(s) 105D extend inclinedly rearward from the down tube 105C. In the present embodiment, a pair of rear tubes 105D are provided.
[00028] The engine assembly 130 of the vehicle 100 is disposed below the down tube 105C. An engine mounting-bracket 130A (shown in Fig. 2 (b)) that is provided at a rear end portion of the down tube 105C and at downward portion to the down tube 105C, which is welded or affixed, for mounting the engine assembly 130. In an embodiment, the engine assembly 130 is forwardly inclined, wherein a piston axis of the engine is forwardly inclined, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100. Hereinafter, the terms engine assembly and engine are interchangeably used.
[00029] In an embodiment, a carburetor 175 is disposed upwardly forward to the engine assembly 130 (shown in Fig. 1). In other words, the carburetor 175 is mounted to the engine assembly 130 at an upwardly forward portion. The carburetor 175 is an exemplary air-fuel supply system. Nevertheless, a fuel injector and a throttle body can be used as air-fuel supply system. The air induction assembly 205 is ahead of the carburetor 175 and is mounted to the main tube 105B of the frame assembly 105. Further, the air induction assembly 205 is functionally coupled to engine assembly 130 through the carburetor 175.
[00030] The air induction assembly 205 is mounted to a down portion of the main tube 105B. In an embodiment, the air induction assembly 205 is secured to the frame assembly 105 through one or more mounting-bracket(s) (not shown). A canister 215 is disposed at a upwardly forward portion of the air induction assembly 205. In the present embodiment, the fuel tank assembly 210 is mounted to the pair of rear tubes 105D, supported therebetween. Further, the fuel tank assembly 210 is disposed adjacently rearward of the utility box 110. The fuel tank assembly 210 is at a substantial height with respect to height of the canister 215. Especially, a top surface of the fuel tank is at a substantial height from the canister 215. A roll-over valve 220 connects the fuel tank assembly 210 and the canister 215 by a roll-over hose assembly 225. In an embodiment, the roll-over hose assembly 225 extends rearward from the canister 215 along the down tube 105C connecting the roll-over valve 220. The roll-over valve 220 is disposed adjacent to the utility box 110. Further, from the roll-over valve 220 the roll-over hose assembly 225 extends along one of the pair of rear tubes 105D towards a top portion of the fuel tank assembly 210. The roll-over valve 220 restricts the flow of fuel from the fuel tank assembly 210 to canister 215. The roll-over hose assembly is made of non-rigid material.
[00031] In addition, a purge valve 230 connects the canister 215 to the carburetor 175. The purge valve 230 enables supplying of fuel adsorbed by carbon particles or the like in the canister 215 and then to be directed to the carburetor 175, through a purge hose assembly 235. Moreover, the purge hose assembly 235 is kept minimal, as the carburetor 175 is optimally mounted to the air induction assembly 205. In an embodiment, the canister 215 is disposed along the lateral direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the canister is disposed with an offset from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100.
[00032] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a right side view of a frame assembly with parts laid thereon, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 3 (b) depicts an enlarged view of the frame-assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle of Fig. 3 (a). The engine assembly 130 is mounted at a down portion of the down tube 105C through the engine mounting bracket 115A. In one implementation, the engine assembly is secured to the frame assembly 105 through the crankcase (not shown) by means of fasteners. The air induction assembly 205 is disposed at a down portion of the main tube 105B, rearward to the head tube 105B. A canister 215 is disposed at an upwardly forward portion of the air induction assembly 215. A fuel tank assembly 310 is disposed at a forward portion of the head tube 105A. The fuel tank assembly 310 is mounted to a fuel tank mounting-bracket (not shown) provided on the head tube 105A. In an embodiment, a protective casing (not shown) is provided for securing the fuel tank assembly 310 above the front fender 155. Importantly, the height at which the fuel tank assembly 310 is disposed is substantially higher than height at which the canister 215 is disposed.
[00033] A roll-over valve 320 connects the fuel tank assembly 310 to the canister 215 through a roll-over hose assembly 325. In this embodiment, the roll-over valve 320 is mounted to the fuel tank assembly 310. Further, the purge valve 230 connects the canister 215 to the carburetor 175 for transferring fuel adsorbed by carbon pores of the canister 215. Moreover, the purge hose assembly 235 optimally connects the canister 215 to the carburetor 175 through the purge valve 230. This enables in keeping length of purge hose assembly 235 minimal. The purge hose assembly 235 is made of a non-rigid material.
[00034] In the present embodiment, the fuel tank 310, and the carburetor 175 and the canister 215 are provided in close proximity thereby providing an optimum assembly. In an embodiment, the canister 215 is having a cylindrical structure. In a preferred embodiment, the canister 215 is disposed with the axis of the canister 215 being substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. Thus, the one or more ports of the canister 215 are disposed in the lateral direction RH-LH of the vehicle 100, thereby improving the ease of connection.
[00035] Fig. 4 (a) depicts a front perspective view of an air induction assembly 205, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 4 (b) depicts a right side perspective view of the air induction assembly depicted in Fig. 4 (a). The air induction assembly 215 includes a body 205B that accommodates a filter member. Generally, the air filter body includes an inlet, an outlet, a filer member, a pre-filter portion, a post-filter portion (not shown). The filter member includes paper filter, sponge filter, or any other filter known in the art. The outlet of the air induction assembly 205 is connected to the carburetor. Further, the body 205B is provided with securing portion 255, the air induction assembly 205 is secured to the down portion of the main tube 105B.
[00036] The air induction assembly 205 is adapted to accommodate the canister 215. In an embodiment, a cavity (not shown) is provided on the body 205B so as to accommodate the canister 215. The body 205B of the air induction assembly 205 is made of a rigid material including any polymer or the like. Therefore, the body 215B is adaptable to accommodate canister 215 with any known regular or irregular shape. Further, a separate mounting bracket and mounting portion on the vehicle is eliminated thereby utility space on the vehicle is not being compromised. Furthermore, the canister 215 is disposed in proximity to the carburetor 175, which is connected to the air induction assembly 205. In the present implementation, a canister mounting bracket 215A is provided on a surface of the body 205B of the air induction assembly 205. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 215A is provided on the upwardly forward portion of the body 205B. Further, a canister cover 250 is provided to secure the canister 215 to the body 205B.
[00037] Fig. 4 (c) depicts an exploded view of the air induction assembly, which is adapted to mount the canister, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 4 (b). The canister mounting-bracket 215A provided on the air induction assembly 205 enables mounting of the canister 215. The canister mounting-bracket 215A is integrally formed. In an embodiment, the canister mounting-bracket 215A is affixed to the air induction system 205. Further, the air induction assembly 205 is provided with a purge mounting-bracket 230A for mounting the purge valve 230. Thus, the canister 215 is connected to the carburetor through the purge valve 230 through optimum routing. In addition, a purge valve-rubber boot 240 is provided for holding the purge valve 230 and the purge valve-rubber boot is mounted to the purge mounting-bracket 230A. In an embodiment, a canister-rubber boot 245 is provided for holding the canister and the canister-rubber boot 245 enables mounting of the canister to the canister mounting-bracket 215A. Additionally, a canister cover 250 is provided on the canister 215 for covering at least a portion of the canister 215. The canister cover 250 is made of a rigid material. The rigid material includes any known metal or plastic and the like materials.
[00038] 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 vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (105) including a head tube (105A), a main tube (105B) extending rearwardly downward from a head tube (105A), a down tube (105C) extending substantially horizontally rearward from a rear portion of the main tube (105B), and one or more rear tube(s) (105C) extending inclinedly from the down tube (105C);
an engine assembly (130) is mounted to said down tube (105C); and
a carburetor assembly (175) is functionally connected to the engine assembly (130),
wherein
an air induction assembly (205) is mounted to the main tube (105B) and is disposed ahead of the carburetor (175) in a longitudinal direction (F-R) of the vehicle (100), said air induction assembly (205) being functionally connected to engine assembly (130) through said carburetor (175), and
the air induction assembly (205) is capable of accommodating a canister (215), and said canister (215) is functionally connected to the carburetor (175).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said canister (215) is disposed at a upwardly front portion of the air induction assembly (205)
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said engine assembly (130) is forwardly inclined, and said carburetor (175) is mounted to the said engine assembly (130)
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said vehicle (100) includes a fuel tank (210, 310) mounted to the frame assembly (105) and said fuel tank (210, 310) is functionally connected to the canister (215) through a roll-over valve (220).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the canister (215) has a long axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (F-R) of the vehicle (100).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said air induction assembly (205) is provided with a mounting bracket (215A) on at least one surface of a body (205B) of the air induction assembly (205), and said mounting bracket (215A) is capable of securely supporting said canister (215).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 6, wherein said body (205B) is provided with a purge mounting bracket (230A) capable of accommodating a purge valve (230), said purge valve (230) functionally connects the canister (215) to the carburetor (175).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 4, wherein said fuel tank (310) is mounted to a front facing side of the head tube (105A), and said fuel tank (310) is disposed upwardly to a front fender (155) of the vehicle (100).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 4, wherein said fuel tank (210) is mounted to said one or more rear tube(s) (105D) and is disposed adjacently rearward to an utility box (110) mounted to said one or more rear tube(s) (105D).
10. An air induction assembly (205) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said air induction assembly (200) is capable of being mounted to a frame assembly (105) of the vehicle (100), said air induction assembly (205) comprising:
a body (205B) capable of accommodating a filter element,
wherein
said body (205B) is provided with mounting bracket (215A) provided on at least one surface of the body (205B) capable of accommodating a canister (215), said air induction assembly (205) and said canister (215) are capable of being functionally connectable to a carburetor (175).