CN115349049A

CN115349049A - Support structure for evaporative emission control device

Info

Publication number: CN115349049A
Application number: CN202180023475.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·曼尼卡拉吉; S·索纳潘巴努; V·M·R·卡尔南
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-31
Filing date: 2021-03-18
Publication date: 2022-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-18
Also published as: CN115349049B; WO2021199063A1

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a vehicle frame assembly of a vehicle. And more particularly to the mounting of support structures to vehicle frame assemblies. A support structure (201) attached to a cross member (208), the support structure (201) comprising a first attachment member (201 a) and an extension member (201 b), the first attachment member (201 a) being attached to the cross member (208), the extension member (201 b) extending from the first attachment member (201 a) along a vehicle longitudinal direction (LL'), the extension member (201 b) extending along one (204 a) of a pair of rear frames (204) having a predetermined distance (d) therebetween, the extension member (201 b) being configured to support a portion of an evaporative emission control device (207).

Description

Support structure for evaporative emission control device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vehicle frame assembly for a vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively, to the mounting of a support structure supporting an evaporative emission control device on the vehicle frame assembly.

Background

It is desirable today to package any additional features of the vehicle to improve the performance or appeal of the vehicle. The high quality specifications of vehicles that stand out in the market are becoming of paramount importance due to increased customer awareness of the requirements of light weight vehicles, ergonomics, ground clearance, ease of operation, etc. This makes the vehicle functional parts an important aggregate. Many studies have been made to achieve such a goal, and technologies are being developed to reduce vehicle emissions, rotational mass inertia of a vehicle, and the like. Thereby improving the range of vehicle performance and continuously reducing emissions into the environment. However, due to the increase of new features based on customer and market demands, the vehicle weight increases, which is not desirable. Vehicle weight plays a key role in increasing fuel consumption, increasing emissions, and vehicle mass inertia.

Drawings

The saddle type two-wheeled scooter will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate similar features and components.

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a typical vehicle, such as a scooter-type vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a frame assembly of a vehicle. In this example, a frame assembly that steps across a saddle type vehicle is illustrated.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle with side body panels removed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with the side panel removed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a rear portion of a frame assembly of a vehicle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a left perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with the evaporative emission control device removed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle with side body panels removed.

Detailed Description

To reduce emissions from the vehicle, an evaporative control unit is used in the vehicle to collect fuel vapors from the fuel tank to reduce the amount of unburned hydrocarbons released into the atmosphere.

The evaporative control unit is an add-on device installed in the vehicle, preferably on the rear side of the vehicle or near the engine and fuel tank components, to reduce plumbing losses, hose length and cost.

Packaging of evaporative control devices in vehicles typically requires modification of the body panels used to package the vehicle components. This complicates vehicle layout and can detract from the appearance of the vehicle, resulting in a bulky design that adds weight to the vehicle in addition to adversely affecting the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle and resulting in poor maneuverability under traffic conditions.

The increase in vehicle size also affects the ergonomics of the rider/rear seat in terms of ground accessibility.

Furthermore, the type of mounting of evaporative emission control devices known in the art with available vehicle layouts typically requires an overhanging bracket. In addition to the adverse effects of vibration, potential cracking, breakage, and assembly difficulties, more overhang in the brackets can also result in changes in the position of the evaporative emission control devices.

The positioning of the evaporative emission control device on the vehicle varies during manufacturing, as well as during handling of the frame assembly of the vehicle during assembly. The outriggers act as obstacles and are more easily deformed under normal operating conditions. To prevent the overhanging carriage from deforming, the personnel involved in the assembly process must take extra care. This increases the time required to assemble the vehicle. Furthermore, for various other reasons, if the deformed overhanging bracket continues to exist and the evaporative emission control device is assembled to the deformed bracket, the desired performance of the evaporative emission control device may not be achieved due to improper assembly.

It is known in the art to mount evaporative emission control devices to a portion of a frame assembly in a vehicle. As the most common practice, evaporative emission control devices are mounted to the side tubes of the frame assembly of the vehicle. The side tube of the vehicle frame assembly is a critical part of the frame because it also structurally supports other vehicle components. One of the important components supported by the side tubes is the rear shock absorber of the vehicle. The rear shock absorber also exerts large dynamic forces as well as static forces on the side tubes during vehicle operating conditions. Thus, the side tubes are critical areas of the frame assembly. To assemble devices such as evaporative emission control devices, the placement of weld joints on critical side tubes may locally weaken the side tubes of the frame assembly, resulting in a weakening of critical areas of the frame. Thus, the function of other vehicle parts is also affected. Accordingly, it is undesirable to weld brackets into the weld joints of the frame assembly to install the evaporative emission control device.

However, contrary to the above concept, it is also not desirable to mount the evaporative emission control device directly to the side tubes. Direct mounting of the evaporative emission control devices to the side tubes can lead to inconsistent positioning of the evaporative emission control devices due to the possibility of side tube buckling and side tube spring back during vehicle use.

Due to these limitations, packaging and installation of evaporative emission control devices is critical and very complex. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved and effective compact mounting arrangement for an emission control device that addresses all of the problems detailed above as well as other problems of the prior art. The present invention is solving the same problem.

The present subject matter provides for mounting an evaporative emission control device to a frame assembly of a vehicle.

An evaporative emission control device according to the present invention is packaged between a fuel tank assembly, utility storage device and body side panels of a vehicle.

The evaporative emission control device is positioned adjacent to the engine assembly and the fuel tank assembly. In this way, it is possible to conveniently connect the fuel tank assembly to the evaporative emission control device and further connect the evaporative emission control device to the engine assembly without excessively increasing the hose length, complicating the wiring layout, and the like. This is to reduce the length of the hose used to connect between the above components and to reduce the fuel/fuel vapor travel time and distance.

In another embodiment, the evaporative emission control device is connected to an air filter assembly and fuel will be supplied to the engine assembly, in particular to a combustion chamber in the engine assembly, through the air filter assembly.

The evaporative emission control device and its hose may be packaged on either side of the vehicle to ensure that the fuel hose and electrical lines are separated from each other, taking into account electrical wiring in the vehicle.

The present invention includes a frame assembly for supporting an evaporative emission control device of a vehicle, the frame assembly including a head pipe, a main pipe extending rearward from the head pipe, a pair of rear frames extending rearward to the main pipe, a cross member disposed at a rear end and between the pair of rear frames, and a support structure attached to the cross member. The support structure includes a first attachment member and an extension member. The first attachment member is attached to the cross member. The extension member extends from the first attachment member in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The extension member extends along one of the pair of rear frames with a predetermined distance between the frame and the evaporative emission control device. The extension member is configured to support a portion of the evaporative emission control device.

The evaporative emission control device is mounted to a support structure in which a device is incorporated to securely hold the evaporative emission control device under various road loads and environmental use conditions.

The evaporative emission control device is inserted as a subassembly into the retainer member and mounted/inserted onto the support structure. The retainer is configured to be received by the second attachment member along the lateral vehicle axis such that the evaporative emission control device is positioned parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis.

In another embodiment, the evaporative emission control device is mounted to the support structure using fasteners.

The support structure for the evaporative emission control device is a removable structure to avoid operational damage due to overhang from the frame structure.

In another embodiment, the support structure is mounted to the frame support structure.

In another embodiment, the extension member is configured to support a portion of the second attachment member. The second attachment member is configured to support a portion of an evaporative emission control device.

The support structure is removably attached to the frame support member. The frame support member is fixedly attached to any one of the lateral portions of the lateral member.

The evaporative emission control device is disposed adjacent to and below any one of the pair of rear frames.

The evaporative emission control device is juxtaposed with an upper portion of a rear shock absorber of the vehicle when viewed from a side view.

The extension member includes a cylindrical cross-section, the extension member is configured to include a closed loop at one end and open ended at an opposite end, the extension member has one end configured to support an evaporative emission control device and an opposite end attached to the first connection member.

The support structure includes a first attachment member, a second attachment member, and an extension member. The first attachment member includes one or more apertures to enable attachment with the frame assembly, and the second attachment member is disposed at a distance from the first attachment member. The second attachment member is configured to receive an evaporative emission control device, and the extension member is disposed to connect the first attachment member and the second attachment member.

According to an embodiment, the first attachment member, the second attachment member and the extension member are fixedly attached to each other.

The second attachment member is bent to form an 'L' shape including a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to one or more surfaces of the extension member and the second end is configured to receive a portion of an evaporative emission control device.

The second attachment member is disposed forward and downward of the first attachment member, and a first axis passing through the first attachment member is parallel to a second axis passing through the second attachment member, the second axis being located below the first axis.

The frame support structure is configured to include one or more apertures. Through these one or more holes, a decontamination control unit is installed. Thus, the relative positions of the evaporative emission control device and the decontamination control unit will remain consistent. The purge control valve is disposed above the evaporative emission control device in an installed state. Furthermore, this arrangement provides a reduced hose length for connection therebetween, with the result that additionally low installation costs are achieved.

The frame support structure is welded to a cross member of the frame assembly, the cross member being disposed at a rearmost end of the frame assembly. The cross member is placed over the fuel tank assembly to achieve consistent positioning and to maintain the angle of the evaporative emission control device as needed to achieve optimal adsorption and transport of fuel vapors. Thus, unburned carbon particles emitted to the atmosphere are reduced.

In another embodiment, the support structure may be mounted directly to the frame assembly without any frame support structure.

The mounting bracket is made of three pieces, i.e., a top bracket, a bottom bracket, and a link, to reduce the weight and cost of the parts.

In another embodiment, the support structure is a single part or integrated with more than one part to reduce cost, weight, and manufacturing complexity.

The above-described and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a typical vehicle, for example a scooter-type vehicle. Vehicles have a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together, which typically support the body of the vehicle. The vehicle has steerable front wheels (101) and driven rear wheels (102). The body frame assembly of a vehicle is an elongated structure that typically extends from a front end to a rear end of the vehicle. It is generally convex when viewed in side elevation. The frame assembly includes a head pipe (not shown), a main frame, and may also have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using a suitable connection mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers, including a front panel (106), a rear cover (116), a lower side cover (110) and a pair of side panels including a left hand side panel (115).

The handlebar assembly (108) and the seat assembly (109) are supported at opposite ends of the frame assembly and define an open area therebetween referred to as a floor assembly (119), the floor assembly (119) serving as a step-through space. Seat assemblies (109) for the driver and rear seats are placed above the fuel tank assembly (118) and to the rear side of the floor assembly (119). A front fender (103) is provided above the front wheel (101) to prevent the vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Also, a rear fender (104) is placed between the fuel tank assembly (118) and the rear wheel (102), and is located on the outer side in the radial direction of the rear wheel (102). The rear fender (104) suppresses rainwater and the like from being splashed by the rear wheel (102).

An engine assembly (112) is provided for propelling the vehicle. The suspension is provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly (not shown) is connected to the front fork (117). The rear suspension assembly includes at least one rear suspension. However, vehicles with two rear suspensions (i.e. on the left and right side) are also possible. For the safety of the user and compliance with traffic regulations, a headlight (107) is also provided at the front portion of the vehicle and a tail light (114) is provided at the rear portion of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle frame assembly. In this example, a frame assembly is shown striding through a saddle type vehicle. A frame assembly (200) supporting an evaporative emission control device (207) for a vehicle (100) is provided. The frame assembly (200) includes a head pipe (202), a main pipe (203) extending rearward from the head pipe (202), a pair of rear frames (204) extending obliquely rearward toward the main pipe (203), a cross member (208) disposed at a rear end and between the pair of rear frames (204) (as shown in the detailed description of fig. 4), and a support structure (201) attached to the cross member (208). The support structure (201) comprises a first attachment member (201 a) and an extension member (201 b). The first attachment member (201 a) is attached to the cross member (208). The extension member (201 b) extends from the first attachment member (201 a) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (LL'). The extension member (201 b) extends along one rear frame (204 a) of the pair of rear frames (204). The extension member (201 b) is configured to support a portion of the evaporative emission control device (207).

The evaporative emission control device (207) is juxtaposed with an upper portion of a rear shock absorber (205) of the vehicle (100) when viewed from a side view.

An evaporative emission control device (207) is disposed adjacent one lateral side of the fuel tank assembly (118) and is disposed proximate the engine assembly (112) and the air filter assembly (206).

In this way, the evaporative emission control device (207) is protected by vehicle components. The hoses that connect between the evaporative emissions control device (207) and the air filter assembly (206) and engine assembly (112) are relatively short, thus ultimately reducing costs. Furthermore, due to the shorter travel path along the shorter hose length, the fuel vapor quickly reaches the engine assembly (112) and is sent to combustion again. As a result, unburned hydrocarbons are reduced, thus reducing emissions output to the atmosphere.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle with side body panels removed. The extension member (201 b) extends along one rear frame (204 a) of a pair of rear frames (204) having a predetermined distance (d) therebetween. The predetermined distance (d) ensures that the pair of rear frames (204) are not subjected to any stress due to the mounting of the evaporative emission control devices (207) to the cross members (208). Thus, the evaporative emission control device (207) is installed away from critical areas of the frame assembly (200). The critical area is a portion of the frame assembly (200) that also supports the rear shock absorber bracket (302).

However, the evaporative emission control device (207) is positioned along the longitudinal axis (LL') of the vehicle. The evaporative emission control device (207) is received by the second attachment member (201 c) in the vehicle lateral direction (TT'). This mounting of the evaporative emission control device (207) enables the device (207) to be packaged within the body panel of the vehicle (100). Thus, the width of the vehicle is not increased and no additional effort is required for packaging of the device (207).

Fig. 4 illustrates a left side perspective view of a rear portion of a frame assembly of a vehicle with a side panel removed. A support structure (201) for supporting a frame assembly (200) of an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100) includes a first attachment member (201 a). The first attachment member (201 a) includes one or more apertures (208 ax) (as exemplified in the detailed description of fig. 5) to enable attachment with the frame assembly (200). The second attachment member (201 c) is arranged at a distance from the first attachment member (201 a). The second attachment member (201 c) is configured to receive an evaporative emission control device (207) and includes an extension member (201 b) connecting the first attachment member (201 a) and the second attachment member (201 c). The first attachment member (201 a), the second attachment member (201 c) and the extension member (201 b) are fixedly attached to each other.

The extension member (201 b) comprises a cylindrical cross-section. The extension member (201 b) is configured to comprise a closed loop at one end (201 bx) and to be open ended at the opposite end (201 by). One end (201 bx) of the extension member (201 b) is configured to support the evaporative emission control device (207), and an opposite end (201 by) is attached to the first attachment member (201 a).

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a rear portion of a frame assembly of the vehicle. A cross member (208) is disposed at a rearmost end between the pair of rear frames (204). The cross member (208) includes a frame support member (208 a). The frame support member (208 a) is fixedly attached to the cross member (208). The frame support member (208 a) includes one or more apertures (208 ax). One or more apertures (208 ax) are configured to receive the support structure (201). In an embodiment, the support structure (201) is removably attached to the frame support member (208 a).

FIG. 6 illustrates a left perspective view of a rear portion of a frame assembly of the vehicle with the evaporative emission control device removed. The second attachment member (201 c) is bent to form an 'L' shape including a first end (201 cx) and a second end (201 cy). The first end (201 cx) is attached to the one or more surfaces (201 bz) of the extension member (201 b), and the second end (201 by) is configured to receive a portion of the evaporative emission control device (207). The evaporative emission control device (207) is partially enclosed by a retainer (207 a). A portion of the retainer (207 a) is configured to be received by the second attachment member (201 c) along a lateral vehicle axis (TT '), and the evaporative emission control device (207) is positioned parallel to a longitudinal vehicle axis (LL'). The retainer (207 a) enables the evaporative emission control device (207) to be stably and rigidly mounted. The retainer (207 a) prevents the device (207) from being displaced from its installed position during assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle with side body panels removed. The second attaching member (201 c) is disposed forward and downward of the first attaching member (201 a), and a first axis (PP ') passing through the first attaching member (201 a) is parallel to a second axis (CC') passing through the second attaching member (201 c), the second axis (CC ') being located downward of the first axis (PP'). The frame support member (208 a) is provided on the lateral portion (209). The frame support member (208 a) is configured to support the purge control valve (301) in addition to the support structure (201). The purge control valve (301) and the evaporative emission control device (207) are both attached to the frame support member (208 a) to maintain consistent relative positioning therebetween. In this way, consistent and desirable performance of the evaporative emission control device (207) is achieved. Consequently, the final emissions to the atmosphere are also greatly reduced.

While the present subject matter has been described with reference to particular embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative 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. List of reference numerals:

vehicle (100)

Front wheel-101

Rear wheel-102

Front mudguard-103

Rear mudguard-104

Front panel-106

Front shining lamp-107

Handlebar assembly-108

Seat assembly-109

Lower cover-110 Engine Assembly-112 taillight-114

Left hand side panel-115 rear cover-116

Front fork-117

Fuel tank assembly-118 frame assembly-200

Support Structure-201

First attachment member-201 a

Extension Member-201 b

One end is-201 bx

Opposite end-201 by

One or more surfaces-201 bz

Second attachment member-201 c

First terminal-201 cx

Second terminal-201 cy

Head pipe-202

Main pipe-203

A pair of rear frames-204 a rear frame-204 a rear shock absorber-205 air filter assembly-206 evaporative emissions control device-207 holder part-207 a cross member-208 frame support member-208 a one or more apertures-208 ax purge control valve-301 rear shock absorber bracket-302 predetermined distance-d

Vehicle longitudinal direction-LL'

Vehicle transverse direction-TT'

First axis-PP'

Second axis-CC'

Floor assembly-119

Claims

1. A frame assembly (200) for supporting an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100), the frame assembly (200) comprising:

a head pipe (202);

a main tube (203) extending rearwardly from the head tube (202);

a pair of rear frames (204) extending backward to the main pipe (203);

a cross member (208) disposed at the rear end and between the pair of rear frames (204); and

a support structure (201) attached to the cross member (208), the support structure (201) configured to support the emission control device (207).

2. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the support structure (201) comprises a first attachment member (201 a) and an extension member (201 b), the extension member (201 b) configured to support a portion of the evaporative emission control device (207), the first attachment member (201 a) attached to the cross member (208), the extension member (201 b) extending laterally from the first attachment member (201 a) toward at least one rear frame (204 a) of the pair of rear frames.

3. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the extension member (201 b) extends forward along a vehicle longitudinal direction (LL'), the extension member (201 b) extending along the at least one rear frame (204 a) of the pair of rear frames (204) having a predetermined distance (d) therebetween.

4. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of claim 2, wherein the extension member (201 b) is configured to support a portion of a second attachment member (201 c), the second attachment member (201 b) being configured to support a portion of the evaporative emission control device (207).

5. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the support structure (201) is removably attached to a frame support member (208 a), the frame support member (208 a) being fixedly attached to any one of the cross portions (209) of the cross member (208).

6. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said evaporative emission control device (207) is disposed adjacent to and below any one of said pair of rear frames (204) (204 a).

7. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the evaporative emission control device (207) is juxtaposed with an upper portion of a rear shock absorber (205) of the vehicle (100) when viewed from a side view.

8. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the evaporative emission control device (207) is disposed adjacent one lateral side of the fuel tank assembly (118), the evaporative emission control device (207) being disposed proximate the engine assembly (112) and the air filter assembly (206).

9. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) of claim 5, wherein the frame support member (208 a) is configured to support a purge control valve (301).

10. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the purge control valve (301) is arranged above the evaporative emission control device (207) in a mounted state.

11. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the evaporative emission control device (207) is partially enclosed by a retainer (207 a), a portion of the retainer (207 a) is configured to be received by the second attachment member (201 c) along a vehicle lateral axis (TT '), and the evaporative emission control device (207) is disposed parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis (LL').

12. The vehicle frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the extension member (201 b) comprises a cylindrical cross-section, the extension member (201 b) is configured to comprise a closed loop at one end (201 bx) and to end open at an opposite end (201 by), the one end (201 bx) of the extension member (201 b) is configured to support the evaporative emission control device (207), and the opposite end (201 by) is attached to the first attachment member (201 a).

13. A support structure (201) for supporting a frame assembly (200) of an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100), the support structure (201) comprising:

a first attachment member (201 a), the first attachment member (201 a) comprising one or more apertures (208 ax) to enable attachment with the frame assembly (200);

a second attachment member (201 c), the second attachment member (201 c) being disposed at a distance from the first attachment member (201 a), the second attachment member (201 c) being configured to receive the evaporative emission control device (207); and

an extension member (201 b) connecting the first attachment member (201 a) and the second attachment member (201 c).

14. The support structure (201) for supporting a frame assembly (200) of an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least two of the first attachment member (201 a), second attachment member (201 c) and the extension member (201 b) are fixedly attached to each other.

15. The support structure (201) for supporting a frame assembly (200) of an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first attachment member (201 a), second attachment member (201 c) and the extension member (201 b) are fixedly attached to each other.

16. The support structure (201) for supporting a frame assembly (200) of an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second attachment member (201 c) is curved to form an 'L' shape comprising a first end (201 cx) and a second end (201 cy), the first end (201 cx) being attached to the one or more surfaces (201 bz) of the extension member (201 b), and the second end (201 by) being configured to receive a portion of the evaporative emission control device (207).

17. The support structure (201) for supporting a frame assembly (200) of an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100) of claim 13, wherein the second attachment member (201 c) is disposed forward and downward of the first attachment member (201 a), a first axis (PP ') passing through the first attachment member (201 a) being parallel to a second axis (CC') passing through the second attachment member (201 c), the second axis (CC ') being located downward of the first axis (PP').