DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle body frame for the saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Two-wheeled and three wheeled saddle type vehicles are one of the most affordable forms of motorized transport and for most of the world’s population they are the most common type of motor vehicle. The majority of these vehicles are powered by two-stroke and four stroke engines. For many years, a fuel management system of the conventional spark-driven internal combustion engine has used a carburetor to deliver fuel into the engine. The vehicle's fuel system is responsible for delivering the necessary fuel from a fuel tank to a carburetor in order to maintain a good fuel-to-air ratio for internal combustion. The primary function of carburetor is to provide the air-fuel mixture to the engine in the required proportion.
[0003] Although a carburetor is recognized as precise device for adjusting an air/fuel mixture, however it is too complicated to accurately perform some of the precise adjustments needed in supplying fuel to the engine and monitor the changes in air or fuel temperature or atmospheric pressure. Hence, the main disadvantages of the carburetor spark ignition engine are its non-uniform distribution of mixture and hence loss of thermal efficiency.
[0004] In order to address the shortcomings of the conventional carburetor system, an Electronic Fuel Injection System or EFI has been developed as an improvement over the carburetor in order to calibrate and optimize the fuel/air ratio. The electronic fuel injection system or EFI is utilized to better control fuel to air ratios in order to provide better performance, improve emissions and drivability.
[0005] Generally, a typical electronic fuel injection system comprises a fuel tank, a high-pressure fuel pump that is operatively coupled to the fuel tank that directs fuel into the engine. Further, as an improvement over the carburetor, the Electronic Fuel Injection system (EFI) utilizes modern electronic techniques to adjust the air fuel mixture. Hence, as engines moved away from carburetors and towards fuel injection, the conversion of the carburetor to the Electronic Fuel Injection system (EFI) involves many electrical and mechanical modifications in the vehicle. For example, the fuel supply system in the carburetor based vehicle includes the low pressure system whereas the Electronic Fuel Injection system (EFI) operate more efficiently at higher fuel pressures and hence includes a high pressure electronic pump. Thus, in order to convert from a conventional carburetor system to the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, a high pressure pump needs to be implemented additionally. Often there exists a need for having vehicle with both type of variants including a carburetor as well as EFI based on the economic impact. Manufacturers need to have the flexibility of design & vehicle layout of the vehicle which can accommodate both type of variants depending on customer requirements. This leads to a challenge of having more variety in production, complexity in manufacturing, assembly, procurement & logistics.
[0006] Hence, it is desirable to modify the vehicle parts, structure and components of the conventional carburetor based vehicles in the manner so as to accommodate the electrical and mechanical changes developed in the conversion of the carburetor system to the Electronic Fuel Injection system (EFI) and further to simplify the overall electronic fuel system arrangement, provide a modified system that ensures that the fuel is always delivered to the engine on demand, monitor or vary the air to fuel ratio to account for different operating or atmospheric conditions and in addition provide better performance with improved fuel economy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0008] Fig.1 is a side view of a motorcycle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig.2 is a plan view of a vehicle body frame of the Fig. 1 as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig.3 is a perspective view of the modified vehicle body frame as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig. 4 is a top view of the modified vehicle body frame as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig.5 is a top view of the vehicle with a fuel pump module disposed in a fuel tank as per one embodiment of the present invention
[00013] Fig.6 is a perspective exploded view of the fuel tank and the fuel pump mounting illustrating the mounting of the fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00014] Fig.7 is an inverted perspective view of the fuel tank illustrating at least one mounting member for installing the fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank.
[00015] Fig.8 is a perspective view of an inner tank portion of the fuel tank as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00016] Fig.9 is a sectional view of the fuel pump module illustrating at least one sealing member, at least one mounting flange and at least one mounting bracket as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00017] Fig.10 is a side view of the motorcycle type vehicle of Fig.1 illustrating the fuel pump module mounting to the fuel tank with respect to the vehicle body frame as per one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00018] The conventional carburetor fuel systems lacks efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and engine performances. It is also responsible for the emission of harmful gases that tends to pollute environment. A mechanical fuel pump is typically used on a carburetor system, delivering fuel under low pressure.
[00019] A typical carburetor based fuel system comprises a fuel tank which is operatively coupled to the carburetor in the engine. In some designs, the carburetor is coupled to a low pressure pump which supplies from the fuel tank to the carburetor as example when the fuel storage unit is below the intake carburetor & gravity as well as engine vacuum is not adequate to supply fuel effectively.
[00020] A known two-wheeled vehicle with the carburetor based fuel system comprises a vehicle frame, a driver's seat disposed centrally in the frame, an engine mounted on the frame between the driver's seat and a rear wheel axle, a fuel tank and a transmission case disposed rearwardly of the engine on respective sides of the vehicle frame. A carburetor is located behind the engine. The fuel tank that is operatively coupled to a low-pressure electric pump, which is operatively coupled to the carburetor in the engine.
[00021] However, the carburetor based fuel supply system cannot monitor or vary the air to fuel ratio to account for different operating or atmospheric conditions. Hence, in order to better control fuel to air ratios and in addition to provide better performance with improved fuel economy, the existing carburetor vehicles are being replaced by an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system.
[00022] A typical Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system comprises the fuel tank, the high-pressure electric pump that is operatively coupled to the fuel tank that directs fuel into the engine. A return line comprising a pressure regulator is directed back to the fuel tank. In an existing electronic fuel injection system, the high pressure pump may be inline-type pump or an in-tank pump.
[00023] With all known carburetor based system and the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, the key difference between the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system and the carburetor system is that the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system comprises a high pressure electronic pump and the carburetor system utilizes engine vacuum or a low pressure pump system. Hence, in conversion of a conventional carburetor system to an Electronic Fuel Injection System (EFI), the low pressure system in the carburetor system need to be replaced by a high pressure pump, along with adding return lines to and baffles in the fuel tank.
[00024] Further, in order to mount the high pressure pump in the vicinity of the fuel tank, it is needed to provide a frame structure which can form a sufficient space for mounting and easy access for service of the fuel pump module. From ease of packaging and minimum fuel transmission losses, it is essential to have the fuel pump disposed as close as possible to the fuel tank without affecting the layout, aesthetics & losing fuel storage volume. Thus, it is desirable to modify the conventional vehicle body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle. The conventional vehicle body frame comprises a head tube, a main tube extending obliquely downward from an upper portion of the head tube and a pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes having a forward end portions fixedly attached to at least a portion of main tube. To overcome all above problems, as per the invention, the fuel tank is operatively mounted on said pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes on the lower portion of the fuel tank. With the conventional construction of the vehicle body frame, the mounting of the fuel pump module becomes difficult as in such mounting, the fuel pump module may coincide with at least a portion of said vehicle body frame. Furthermore, the conventional vehicle body frame comprises of more number of bent portions with at least two cross-members connecting said pair of left and right upper tubes and hence making it difficult to mount high pressure fuel pump in the lower portion of the fuel tank.
[00025] Hence, to convert a carburetor vehicle to EFI, it is desirable to modify the exiting vehicle body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle to facilitate the simple and easy mounting of the fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank which can efficiently supply the fuel from the tank to the Electronic Fuel Injection System (EFI).
[00026] With the above objectives in view, the present invention relates to the electronically controlled fuel injection system, and more particularly to the modified vehicle body frame for facilitating the mounting of the high pressure fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank which can supply an improved amount of fuel from the fuel tank to the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system with the substantial reduction in the dead weight volume.
[00027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump module is a cylindrical pump unit arranged in the lower portion of the fuel tank through at least one mounting member comprising at least one mounting flange, at least one mounting bracket and at least one sealing member including O-ring rubber seal. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one sealing member provides a high sealing performance for the mounting of the fuel pump in the lower portion of the fuel tank.
[00028] The present invention, relates to the modifications made to the vehicle body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle to accommodate the fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank. Further, the present invention describes the improved layout of mounting of the fuel pump module to the lower portion of the fuel tank with less number of parts and components.
[00029] Further, the one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by the fuel supply system for the two-wheeled vehicle in which, a substantially cylindrical said, fuel pump module is disposed in the lower portion of the fuel tank with its longitudinal axis generally horizontally disposed and directed forwardly of the vehicle body, thus the fuel in the fuel tank can be effectively fed by the fuel pump module.
[00030] The present invention relates to the field of a fuel supply system, particularly for internal combustion engines. In particular, the present invention deals with the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system for providing a fuel and air gaseous mixture ready for combustion.
[00031] Further, the present invention relates to the improved mounting layout of the fuel pump in the lower portion of the fuel tank by securing said at least one mounting member to at least a portion of the fuel tank. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least mounting bracket is fixedly attached to the lower portion of the fuel pump module.
[00032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle body frame includes the head tube, the main tube extending obliquely downward from an upper portion of the head tube, said pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes, having a forward end portions fixedly attached to said at least a portion of the main tube, a pair of left and right pivot plates connected respectively to rear end portions of the left and right upper tubes and extending downward. As per one embodiment, a pair of left and right seat rails are connected respectively to upper portions of said pair of left and right pivot plates and extend rearwardly upward. A pair of left and right side frame are connected respectively to said pair of left and right pivot plates on the lower side of the left and right seat rails extending rearwardly upward, and are connected to the corresponding left and right seat rails at their rear end portions. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the two-wheeled vehicle comprises the engine disposed below the main tube and a seat detachably mounted upon said pair of left and right seat rail, the fuel tank being operatively mounted on said vehicle body frame and the fuel pump module for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system through a fuel passage. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the detachable seat is mounted on said vehicle body frame to the rear of said fuel tank.
[00033] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, said vehicle body frame of the vehicle includes at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes which are widened laterally through at least one bent formed in said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes for disposing the fuel pump module in the lower portion of said fuel tank through said at least one mounting member. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one bent in said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes is a flattened bent and a compression bent. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least a portion of the forward end portions of said pair of left and right upper tube fixedly attached to said at least a portion of main tube forms said flattened bent portion.
[00034] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the modification of said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes reduces the number of bends in the vehicle body frame and hence simplifies the fuel pump mounting in the lower portion of the fuel tank. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the reduction of bends increases the bend radius of said pair of left and right upper tube. Thus, the reduction in the bends with the increase in the bending radius supports in smooth wrapping of said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes to the main tube though a formation of flattened bent portion in said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes fixedly attached to said at least a portion of main tube. Thus, providing better shear stress distribution with smooth wrapping of said pair of left and right upper tubes to the main tube. As per an aspect of the present invention, the fuel pump module is disposed substantially upstream of the engine mounting bracket, upstream of the seat and above the main frame member. In one embodiment, the mounting provision and the bent portion on the frame are disposed substantially upstream of the engine mounting bracket and at substantially the same level as the rear frame members. The fuel pump module is disposed at an angle to the main frame member and at the bottom surface of the fuel storage unit with the axis of the fuel pump module being substantially oriented upwards.
[00035] It is advantageous to modify the frame structure of the vehicle with the Electronic Fuel Injection System (EFI) in order to dispose high pressure fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank. The modification in the vehicle body frame with reduction in the number of bends in said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes provides said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes to be widened along a vehicle lateral direction for disposing the fuel pump module in the lower portion of said fuel tank through at least one mounting member. Further, with the mounting of the fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank, and the fuel tank being located forward of the driver’s seat and symmetrically in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, a center of gravity of the vehicle is positioned near to a centre of gravity of the driver handling a vehicle. Hence, providing an improved balancing experience for the rider of the vehicle and further providing better comfort and protection.
[00036] Fig. 1 is a left side view of the motorcycle type vehicle (1) (hereinafter ‘the vehicle’) illustrating the fuel pump module (200) mounted on the vehicle (1). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (1) includes the body frame (100) schematically configured to mount the fuel tank (13) for disposing the fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). In a front portion (F) of the vehicle (1), a steering shaft (not shown) is supported rotatably in a certain range. Further a handlebar (15) is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft for steering the vehicle (1) and is connected to a front wheel (2) through the steering shaft. A steering handle (23) is rotatably supported, independently of a front fork assembly (11), on a steering stem provided on the head tube (101) (shown in Fig.2). An upper portion of the front wheel is covered by a front fender (5) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft. The front wheel (2) is rotatably mounted on the front portion (F) thereof and a rear wheel (3) is rotatably mounted on a rear portion (R) thereof. Further, the front fork assembly (11) is mounted over the front fender (5). In a portion lying ahead of the front fork assembly (11), a lighting device such as a headlamp (12), a pair of signaling devices such as turn signal lamps (not shown), a display device such as a speedometer (not shown) are housed by a holding structure (not shown) mounted thereto. An adjustable windscreen (16) is mounted to the front of the vehicle (1). A pair of rear view mirror (14) comprises a casing, the casing having a front mirror for reflecting the image of traffic approaching from behind. A two legged stand (6) is used to support and hold the vehicle (6). The stand (6) moves on a pivot (not shown) to take up two positions, one folded up and the other on the ground.
[00037] Further in Fig.1, in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (1), the fuel tank (13) is arranged immediately behind the head tube (101) (shown in Fig.2) and is disposed over an internal combustion engine (8). A seat assembly (10) is disposed immediately behind the fuel tank (13). A pillion handle (9) is disposed rearwardly of the seat assembly. Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. The front fork assembly (11) forms the front suspension system and serves as a rigidity component. Further, a rear suspension system, which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the body frame (100) at the rear portion (R) thereof. An internal combustion engine (8) (shown in Fig.1) is mounted to a front lower portion of the vehicle body frame (100) by means of an engine mounting bracket (109) (shown in Fig.2 and Fig.3). The engine (8) is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine and a muffler (7) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler (7) extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel (3). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump module (200) is mounted in a lower portion of the fuel tank (13) through at least one mounting member.
[00038] Fig.2 is a side view of the vehicle body frame (100) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle body frame (10) includes the head tube (101), a main tube (102) extending rearwardly and downwardly from an upper portion of the head tube (101), said pair of left and right upper tubes (104) having said forward end portions fixedly attached to said at least a portion of the main tube (102), and said pair of left and right pivot plates (107) connected respectively to said rear end portions of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104) and extending downward. As per one embodiment, said pair of left and right seat rails (106) are connected respectively to upper portions of the left and right pivot plates (107) and extends rearwardly upward. A pair of left and right side frame (108) are connected respectively to said pair of left and right pivot plates (107) on the lower side of the left and right seat rails (106) and extends rearwardly upward, and are connected to the corresponding left and right seat rails (106) at their rear end portions.
[00039] Further Fig.2, referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the engine (8) (shown in Fig.1) is mounted to a front lower portion of the vehicle body frame (100) by means of the engine mounting bracket (109). As per one embodiment of the present invention, a steering reinforcement member (not shown) is formed between the main tube (102) and the down frame (103) and its end portions welded respectively to the main tube (102) and the down tube (103) through a sheet member. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the down tube (103) connected to the head tube (101) and is disposed below the main tube (102). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, an engine suspending bracket (109) extending downward from the main tube and includes a pair of left and right stays extending downward from the main tube (102).
[00040] Fig.3 is the perspective view of the modified vehicle body frame (100) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle body frame (100) includes the head tube (101), the main tube (102) extending rearwardly and downwardly from an upper portion of the head tube (101), said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) having said forward end portions fixedly attached to said at least a portion of main tube (102), and said pair of left and right pivot plates (107L), (107R) connected respectively to said rear end portions of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) and extending downward. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said pair of left and right seat rails (106L), (106R) and are connected respectively to upper portions of said pair of left and right pivot plates (107L), (107R) and extending rearwardly upward. As per embodiment of the present invention, said pair of left and right side frame (108L), (108R) are connected respectively to said pair of left and right pivot plates (107L), (107R) on the lower side of said pair of left and right seat rails (106L), (106R), extending rearwardly upward, and are connected to the corresponding said pair of left and right seat rails (106L), (106R) at their said rear end portions. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said steering reinforcement member (110) is formed between the main tube (102) and the down frame (103) and its end portions welded respectively to the main tube (102) and the down frame (103) through a sheet member. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the down tube (103) connected to the head tube (101) and is disposed below the main tube (102). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the engine suspending bracket (109) extending downward from the main tube and includes a pair of left and right stays extending downward from the main tube (102).
[00041] Fig. 4 is a top view of the modified vehicle body frame (100) for disposing the fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (1) comprises the vehicle body frame (100) including the head tube (101), the main tube (102) extending obliquely downward from an upper portion of the head (101) and said pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) having said forward end portion fixedly attached to said at least a portion of the main tube (102). As per one embodiment, the fuel tank (13) is operatively mounted on said vehicle body frame (100), through at least one cross member interconnecting said pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R). Further, said vehicle body frame (100) of the vehicle (1) includes said at least a portion (300R), (300L) of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) widened laterally through said at least one bent (400R), (400L), (401L), (401R) formed in said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) for disposing the fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of said fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204). Further, referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one bent (400R), (400L), (401L), (401R) formed in said pair of left and right upper tubes is a flattened bent portion (400R), (400L) and a compression bent portion (401L), (401R). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least a portion (301L), (301R) of the forward end portion (300L), (300R) of said pair of left and right upper tube (104R), (104L) fixedly attached to said at least a portion of main tube (102) forms said flattened bent portion (400R), (400L). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least a portion (300R), (300L) of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) forms the compression bent portion (401L), (401R)) for disposing the fuel pump module (200). Further in Fig.4 as per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least a portion (300R), (300L) of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104R), (104L) forming said compression bent portion is defined by a bent angle of said at least 50 degrees about a horizontal line passing through a vehicle longitudinal axis (XX) (shown in Fig.1) of the vehicle (1). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump module (200) comprises the high pressure pump and is configured to supply pressuried fuel to the fuel passage that is suitable for use by the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system of the engine (8).
[00042] Fig.5 is a top view of the vehicle body frame (100) with the fuel tank (13) supported on the vehicle body frame (100). The fuel tank (13) includes an outer tank portion (13a) (shown in Fig. 6) and the inner tank portion (13b) (shown in Fig. 6) comprising at least one aperture (18) configured for mounting said fuel pump module (200) (shown in Fig.4, Fig.5, Fig.6, Fig.7, Fig.9 and Fig.10) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one aperture (18) is provided in a rear portion of the outer tank portion (13a) (shown in Fig. 6) and the inner tank portion (13b) (shown in Fig. 6) respectively. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the outer tank portion (13a) is configured to mount a fuel tank cap (17). The fuel cap (17) is adapted to close an inlet of a fuel tank (13). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said fuel pump module (200) is mounted in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203), and (204). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the driver’s seat (10) (shown in Fig.1) is detachably mounted upon said pair of left and right seat rail (106L), (106R).
[00043] Fig.6 is a perspective exploded view of the fuel tank (13), the fuel pump module (200) and said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203), (204) illustrating the mounting of the fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank (13) includes the outer tank portion (13a) and the inner tank portion (13b) with said at least an aperture (18) (shown in Fig.8) configured for mounting the fuel pump module (200) within the fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket (203) is fixedly attached to the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) and said at least one mounting flange (201), (202) is detachably secured to said at least one mounting bracket (203) and said at least one sealing member (204) (shown in Fig.7) that is the O-ring rubber seal being compressed in between said at least one mounting flange (201) (202) and said at least one mounting bracket (203). As per one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel detection unit including a float (20) and a float arm (21) is configured to be placed inside the fuel tank (13) to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank (13). As per one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel pump inlet (19) is configured to be fixedly attached to at least a portion of the fuel tank (13) through welding. The fuel inlet (19) is accessed by a fuel cap (17). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer tank portion (13a) and the inner tank portion (13b) of the fuel tank (13) is provided with said at least one aperture (18) having a circumferential portion configured to mount the fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204). Thus, the fuel pump module (200) through said at least one aperture (18) in the fuel tank (13) is mounted in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). Further in Fig.6, according to one embodiment of the present invention, said fuel pump module (200) is disposed in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204) includes said at least one mounting flange (201), (202), said at least one mounting bracket (203), said at least one sealing member (204) including O-ring rubber seal.
[00044] Fig.7 is an inverted perspective view of the fuel tank (13) illustrating said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204) for disposing the fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). As per one embodiment of the present invention, more specifically, the fuel pump module (200) is mounted in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204) comprising of said at least one mounting flange (201), (202), said at least one mounting bracket (203), said at least one sealing member (204) including O-ring rubber seal. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting flange (201), (202) includes a first mounting flange (201) comprising of a plurality grooves to accommodate at least one seal member (204) that is O –ring rubber seal as per one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket (203) is configured to be detachably secured to the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket (203) is welded to the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). Further in Fig.7, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump module (200) is detachably locked to said at least one mounting bracket (203) through the first mounting flange (201) and said at least one sealing member (204) including the O-ring rubber seal being located between the first mounting flange (201) and at least one mounting bracket (203). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump module (200) is detachably secured to the tank by compressing said O-ring rubber seal on said at least one mounting bracket (203).
[00045] Fig.8 is a perspective view of the inner tank portion (13b) of the fuel tank (13). According to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket (203) is fixedly attached to the lower portion of the inner tank portion (13b) of the fuel tank (13) through welding. Further in Fig.8, referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer tank portion (13a) and the inner tank portion (13b) of the fuel tank (13) is provided with said at least one aperture (18) having said circumferential portion configured to mount the fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204). Thus, the fuel pump module (200) through said at least one aperture (18) in the fuel tank (13) is mounted in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13).
[00046] Fig.9 is the sectional view of the fuel pump module (200) illustrating said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203), and (204) for disposing said fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203), and (204) comprises said at least one mounting flange (201), (202) including the first mounting flange (201) and the second mounting flange (202), said at least one mounting bracket (203), said at least one sealing member (204) including O-ring rubber seal. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting flange (201), (202) having the circumferential portion to mount the fuel pump module (200). Further in Fig.9, as per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket (203) is fixedly attached to the lower portion of the fuel tank (13), said at least one mounting flange (201), (202) is detachably secured to said at least one mounting bracket (203) with said at least one sealing member (204) including the O-ring rubber seal being compressed between said at least one mounting flange (201), (202) and said at least one mounting bracket (203). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump module (200) is adapted to be positioned in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203), and (204).As per one embodiment, the fuel pump module (200) is disposed in a space defined by said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) (shown in Fig.3) widened laterally through said compression bent formed in said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203), and (204) for securing said fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) includes said at least one mounting flange (201), (202) being detachably secured to said at least one mounting bracket (203) through at least one fastener (205).
[00047] Fig.10 is a side view of the vehicle (1) of Fig.1 illustrating the fuel pump module (200) mounting in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) with respect to the vehicle body frame (100) as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank (13) is provided on the upper portion of the vehicle body frame (100) so as to be positioned between the driver’s seat (10) at its rear (R) and the steering handle (23) at its front (F) (shown in Fig.1). Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle body frame (100) comprises the main tube (102) (shown in Fig.2, Fig.3 and Fig.4) extending in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (101) (shown in Fig.2, Fig.3 and Fig.4). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) (shown in Fig.2, Fig.3, Fig.4 and Fig.5) with the forward end portion fixedly attached to said at least a portion of the main tube (102) and further said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) extending rearwardly. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank (13) is supported on said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R), extending rearwardly from the main tube (102) and the fuel pump module (200) is supportably disposed in said fuel tank (13) through said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel pump module (200) pumps fuel from the fuel tank (13) to the engine (8) (shown in Fig.1) to support operation of the engine (8). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the engine (8) (shown in Fig.1) is disposed below the main tube (102) (shown in Fig.2 and Fig.3) and the driver’s seat (10) is detachably mounted upon said pair of left and right seat rails (106L), (106R) (shown in Fig.2 and Fig.3). Further in Fig.10, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the detachable driver’s seat (10) (shown in Fig.1) is mounted on said vehicle body frame (100) to the rear of the fuel tank (13). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) are widened laterally through said at least one bent formed in said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) for disposing the fuel pump module (200) in a lower portion of said fuel tank (13). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least a portion of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) forms the compression bent portion for disposing the fuel pump module (200). Advantageously, the one embodiment of the present invention, describes the modification in the vehicle body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle to facilitate the simple and easy mounting of the fuel pump module in the lower portion of the fuel tank which can efficiently supply the fuel from the tank to the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system.
[00048] Additionally, as per one embodiment of the present invention, with the fuel pump module mounted in the lower portion of the fuel tank and the fuel tank being located in front of the vehicle seat assembly including the driver seat and the pillion seat and disposed symmetrically in the width wise direction of the vehicle, the centre of gravity of the vehicle is shifted in the manner so as to be positioned near to the centre of gravity of the driver and hence provides improved balancing of the vehicle with better riding comfort to the driver of the vehicle.
[00049] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising:
a frame (100) including a head tube (101), a main tube (102) extending obliquely downward from an upper portion of the head tube (101), and
a pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) having forward end portions (300L), (300R) fixedly attached to at least a portion of main tube (102);
a fuel tank (13) operatively mounted on said vehicle body frame (100); and
a fuel pump module (200) for supplying fuel from the fuel tank (13) to a fuel injection system through a fuel passage;
wherein at least a portion (301L), (301R) of said pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) of said frame (100) is widened laterally through at least one bent (400L), (400R), (401L), (401R) formed therein.
2. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one bent (400L), (400R) formed in said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) includes a flattened bent portion (400L), (400R) and a compression bent portion (401L), (401R).
3. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one bent (400L), (400R), (401L), (401R) formed in said forward end portions (300L), (300R) of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) is a flattened bent portion (400L), (400R).
4. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least a portion (301L), (301R) of said pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) widened laterally includes the compression bent portion (401L), (401R).
5. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least a portion (301L), (301R) of said pair of left and right upper tubes (104R), (104L) forming said compression bent portion (401L), (401R) is defined by a predetermined bent angle.
6. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said predetermined bent angle forms at least 50 degrees about a horizontal line passing through a vehicle longitudinal axis (XX).
7. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least a portion (301L), (301R) of said pair of laterally spaced left and right upper tubes (104L), (104R) is widened laterally for disposing the fuel pump module (200) in a lower portion of said fuel tank (13) through at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203) and (204).
8. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one mounting member (201), (202), (203), (204) configured for disposing said fuel pump module (200) in the lower portion of the fuel tank (13) comprises of at least one mounting flange including a first mounting flange (201) and a second mounting flange (202), at least one mounting bracket (203) and at least one seal member (204) including o-ring rubber seal.
9. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel pump module (200) is disposed symmetrically in a vehicle widthwise direction.
10. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel pump module (200) is packaged in at least a portion upstream of a seat assembly, in at least a portion of engine mounting bracket and above a main frame of said vehicle frame (100).