WO2021186468A1

WO2021186468A1 - A motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2021186468A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thirumal Joghee; Vishwanath Patil LOHIT; Sridhar Balaguru
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2020-03-17
Filing date: 2021-03-13
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: CO2022013282A2

Abstract

The present subject matter described herein relates to a motor vehicle having a frame structure (200). The frame structure (200) is constituted by a down frame member (202), a left and right main frame members (203) extending rearwardly and downwardly from a down frame member (202), and left and right rear frame members (204) extending rearwardly from the left and right main frame members. The left and right main frame members (203) constitute supporting frame members and support a fuel tank (210). The fuel tank (210) is connected to a fuel inlet assembly (211) including a fuel inlet hose (214) inserted into a connecting frame member including one of the left and right rear frame members (204). The above-mentioned connection ensures that the fuel inlet hose (214) is not damaged due to puncturing.

Description

A MOTOR VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Typically, a frame is the main supporting structure of a motor vehicle, including saddle-type motor vehicles, and serves to support different parts of the motor vehicle. Besides acting as the main supporting structure of the motor vehicle, the construction of the frame also defines the outward appeal and looks of the motor vehicle. For example, saddle-type motor vehicles are majorly classified as saddle-type vehicles of the step over kind, and saddle-type vehicles of the step through kind, based on the construction of the frame defining such vehicles.

[0003] The structure and construction of the frame also plays a critical role for the packaging of components of the motor vehicle. For example, the frame supports the fuel tank of the motor vehicle. Typically, in a two-wheeled saddle-type vehicle of the step-through kind, the fuel tank is disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle and supported over a pair of rear frame members, the rear frame members being held adjacent to side body panels of the saddle-type vehicle. Fuel is supplied to the fuel tanks disposed in the rear portion of the saddle-type vehicle through a fuel inlet assembly which is also disposed in the rear portion of the saddle-type vehicle. Fuel is supplied to the fuel tank through the fuel inlet assembly comprising a fuel inlet hose. The fuel inlet hose emerging from a fuel inlet opening of the fuel inlet assembly is routed to the fuel tank by being supported on one of the rear frame members using a plurality of metal guides or clamps. Typically, the fuel inlet hose is routed along a length of the rear frame members, on an outer side of the rear frame members, disposed between one of the body side panels and one of the rear frame members. Similarly, when the fuel tank is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle, the fuel inlet hose is routed along a length of a front frame member, on an outer side of the front frame member, routed between one of the body front panels and the front frame member.

[0004] Routing the fuel inlet hose along the outside of the rear frame/front frame member and next to the body panels results in potential interference of the fuel inlet hose with other components such as the wiring harness, leading to chances of damage of the fuel inlet hose due to entanglement with the wiring harness. Also, routing the fuel inlet hose along the outside of the rear frame member/front frame member increases the chances of damage/puncture due to contact with sharp edges of the frame members. Chances of damage due to puncturing also arises when the fuel inlet hose comes into contact with sharp edges or surfaces of the body panels. Moreover, the fuel inlet hose is also subjected to damage due to squeezing when the vehicle encounters an accident and the body panels squeeze against the frame member, thereby squeezing the fuel inlet hose between the body panels and the frame members. Therefore, routing the fuel inlet hose along the length of the frame members renders the fuel inlet hose prone to damage and potential safety risk from leakage of fuel. Damage to the fuel inlet hose may result in fire hazards which can be fatal for the rider and the pillion.

[0005] Moreover, in order to ensure that the body panels do not come in direct contact with the fuel inlet hose, in many vehicles known-in-the-art, the size of the body panels is kept large and a certain distance is maintained between the body panels and the frame members. As a result, the width of the body panels increases substantially, effectively resulting in increase in the overall width of the vehicle, which is undesirable. Further, the assembly of body panels also becomes inconvenient and time taking when the size of the body panels is enlarged.

[0006] Therefore, routing the fuel inlet hose over frame members involves several drawbacks and there is a need for providing an alternate means of routing the fuel inlet hose in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and other problems known in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description has been described with reference to an embodiment of a motor vehicle such as a two-wheeled saddle-type vehicle along with the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0008] Fig.l illustrates a right side view of a saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Fig.2 illustrates a left perspective view of a frame structure of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00010] Fig.3 illustrates a detailed left perspective view of the frame structure depicting routing of a fuel inlet hose in accordance with a first embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00011] Fig.4 illustrates a detailed left perspective view of the frame structure depicting an enlarged view of an integrated hose stopper member in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00012] Fig.5 illustrates a detailed left perspective side view of a front portion of the frame structure depicting routing of a fuel inlet hose in accordance with a second embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00013] The frame forms the core structure of any motor vehicle including saddle-type vehicles. It typically supports the engine, the front and rear suspensions, the fuel tank etc. and also defines the location of parts such as the battery, motor, controller etc. Typically, besides supporting the fuel tank, the frame structure is also used for supporting parts associated with the fuel tank such as a fuel pump and parts of the fuel inlet assembly such as the fuel inlet hose. Conventionally, the fuel inlet hose is routed over frame members of the motor vehicle using additional clamps or guides welded to the frame members. Particularly, the fuel inlet hose is routed above or along the length of the frame members on an outer surface of the frame members and between the frame members and the body side panels. The routing of the fuel inlet hose above the frame members often results in some damage to the fuel inlet hose. Moreover, several additional parts in the form of clamps or guides have to be used, adding to part count and weight of the vehicle.

[00014] Accordingly, the above and other objects are achieved by providing a motor vehicle such as saddle-type vehicle having a frame structure comprising a head tube, a down frame member extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube, a left and right main frame members extending rearwardly from the down frame member, a left and right rear frame members extending upwardly and rearwardly from the left and right main frame members. Particularly, the left and right main frame members and the left and right rear frame members constitute the supporting frame members of the frame structure as they support various parts of the vehicle including a fuel tank. For example, in one embodiment, the fuel tank is supported on the left and right main frame members and in another embodiment, the fuel tank is supported on the left and right rear frame members.

[00015] As per a first embodiment of the present subject matter, the fuel tank disposed on the left and right main frame members is supplied with fuel from a fuel inlet assembly comprising a fuel inlet unit and a fuel inlet hose, wherein the fuel inlet hose emerges from a fuel inlet opening of the fuel inlet unit and enters the fuel tank. As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the fuel inlet hose emerging from the fuel inlet opening is inserted into one of the frame members before being drawn out at the other end of said frame member. For example, in one embodiment, the fuel inlet hose is inserted into one end of one of said left and right rear frame members and is drawn out through other end of one of said left and right rear frame members. The other end of one of said left and right rear frame members is provided with an integrated hose stopper member for guiding the fuel inlet hose outside the other end of one of said left and right rear frame members. The fuel inlet hose inserted into one of said left and right rear frame members can thus be easily guided out for routing to the fuel tank in a secure and stable manner. In the present embodiment, since the fuel tank is disposed on the left and right main frame members, and is connected to the fuel inlet hose extending from the left and right rear frame members, the left and right rear frame members constitute as connecting frame members for the fuel tank.

[00016] Similarly, in a second embodiment the fuel inlet hose can be inserted into the down frame member and drawn out through the other end of said down frame member for routing towards the fuel tank disposed on the left and right main frame members. In this embodiment, the down frame member constitutes the connecting frame member for the fuel tank disposed on the left and right main frame members which in turn constitute the supporting frame members.

[00017] In a third embodiment, the fuel tank is supported on the left and right rear frame members and is connected to the fuel inlet hose extending from the down frame member, which constitutes the connecting frame member.

[00018] Thus, the routing of the fuel inlet hose as per the subject matter ensures that the fuel inlet hose does not get damaged due to puncturing since the fuel inlet hose does not remain exposed to sharp edges of parts surrounding the frame members. Moreover, routing of the fuel inlet hose as per the present subject matter ensures that no additional components such as guides or clamps have to be used, thereby minimising the part count as well as associated costs. Minimising part count also enables in ensuring that the overall assembly time for assembling the vehicle is effectively reduced.

[00019] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to an embodiment in the accompanying drawings.

[00020] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the saddle-type vehicle and its layout, in accordance with the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present subject matter will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the saddle-type vehicle with a driver sitting thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the saddle-type vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction; while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[00021] The present invention along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs. Although, the present invention has been exemplified for a two-wheeled saddle-type vehicle, the invention is applicable for all motor vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine.

[00022] With reference to FIG.l, a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a saddle-type vehicle 100 having a frame structure 200 (shown in Fig.2). The frame structure 200 supports different parts of said vehicle 100. The frame structure 200 supports a steering assembly including a steering shaft (not shown), and a handlebar assembly 105 in a front portion of said vehicle 100. A front fork 121 is rotatably supported to the steering shaft through an upper bracket and a lower bracket (not shown). The handlebar assembly 105 provided above the front fork 121 allows steering of a front wheel 125. A headlamp assembly 110 is disposed in front of the handlebar assembly 105.

[00023] Further, a front cover 115 is provided to cover a forward-facing side of the frame structure 200. A front fender 120 is provided to cover an upper portion of the front wheel 125. A leg shield 130 is disposed to cover an inward facing side of the frame structure 200, below the handlebar assembly 105. The leg shield 130 protects the rider’s legs rested on a floorboard 145 from running wind. The floorboard 145 protects a fuel tank 210 (shown in Fig.2) disposed below it. An under-seat cover 140 is provided that extends upwards from the floorboard 145 towards a lower side of a seat 135. In an embodiment, the under-seat cover 140 serves to protect an internal combustion engine 102 disposed under the seat 135. The seat 135 is disposed above the left and right side covers 175. A pillion- handle 165 extending rearwardly behind the seat 135 is provided as a gripping means for a pillion rider seated on the seat 135.

[00024] For safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, the headlamp assembly 110 and a turn signal lamp unit 111 are provided in a front portion of said vehicle 100, and tail lamp unit 170 is provided in a rear portion of said vehicle 100. Safety of said saddle-type vehicle 100 is also improved by providing a braking system, for example a linked type braking system which controls braking operation of a front brake device (not shown) and a rear brake device (not shown) of the front wheel 125 and the rear wheel 190 respectively. The braking system includes a front brake lever 132 and a rear brake lever (not shown) to be operated by the rider and connected to said front brake device and said rear brake device respectively through one or more cables including a front brake cable (not shown) and a rear brake cable (not shown).

[00025] For comfortable riding, suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of said vehicle 100 on the road. The front fork 121, which forms the front suspension system, serves as rigidity component just like the frame structure200. The front fork 121 clamped to the head tube 201 (shown in Fig.2) is capable of being moved/steered to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension (not shown), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame structure 200 at a rear portion thereof. Particularly, at the rear portion of the frame structure 200, the rear wheel 190 is suspended by the rear suspension 250.

[00026] To enhance the overall aesthetics of said vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of said vehicle 100, left and right side covers 175 are disposed to cover left and right side surfaces of a rear portion of the frame structure 200. A rear fender 180 is also provided for preventing mud/water splashed by the rear wheel from entering other parts of said vehicle 100.

[00027] As per one embodiment of the present subject matter and as may be seen in Fig.l, the saddle-type vehicle 100 is designed to be powered either by the only the IC engine 102, or by only said one or more battery packs or by the IC engine and a motor. The IC engine 102 is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe 184 connected to the IC engine 102 and a muffler 185 connected to the exhaust pipe 184. The muffler 185 extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel 190.

[00028] Power from the IC engine 102 is transmitted to the rear wheel 190 through a transmission assembly (not shown), so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 190. The transmission assembly includes a gear unit containing gear train and a drive mechanism connecting the gear unit to the rear wheel 190. Thus, power from the IC engine 102 is transmitted to the rear wheel 190.

[00029] Fig.2 illustrates a left perspective view of the frame structure 200 of the saddle-type vehicle as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame structure 200 comprises a head tube 201, a down frame member 202 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube 201, a left and right main frame members 203 extending rearwardly from both sides of the down frame member 202, and a left and right rear frame members 204 extending rearwardly and upwardly from a rear portion of the left and right main frame members 203. The left and right main frame members 203 are connected by a front connecting bridge frame member 220 in a front portion thereof and by a rear connecting bridge frame member 225 in a rear portion thereof. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, and as may be seen in Fig.2, the fuel tank 210 is supported over the left and right main frame members 203. Thus, in the present embodiment, the fuel tank 210 is disposed in a front portion of the frame structure 200. In the present embodiment, the fuel tank 210 is connected with a fuel inlet assembly 211 disposed in a rear portion of the saddle-type vehicle. The fuel inlet assembly 211 comprises a fuel inlet unit 212 having a fuel inlet opening 212a, a fuel inlet cap 213 and a fuel inlet hose 214 emerging from the fuel inlet opening 212 and extending towards the fuel tank 210. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the fuel inlet assembly 211 is disposed on a rear cover 230. In the present embodiment, the rear cover 230 is attached to a pair of rear brackets 235 secured on the left and right rear frame members 204.

[00030] Fig.3 illustrates a left perspective view of the frame structure 200 of the saddle-type vehicle, depicting the routing of the fuel inlet hose 214 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen and as per a first embodiment of the present subject matter, the fuel inlet hose 214 emerging downstream of the fuel inlet opening 212a is routed through one of the left and right rear frame members 204. More particularly, as per the first embodiment of the present subject matter, the fuel inlet hose 214 is inserted into one of the left and right rear frame members 204. Further, the fuel inlet hose 214 is routed and drawn out through another end of one of the left and right rear frame members 204. Thus, the fuel hose 214 is made to traverse the entire length of one of the left and right rear frame members 204, especially through an inner side of one of the left and right rear frame members 204. In order to ensure that the fuel inlet hose 214 can be easily inserted into one of the left and right rear frame members 204, an outer cross section profile of the fuel inlet hose 214 is maintained to be smaller than an inner cross section profile of the left and right rear frame members 204. Also, the length of the fuel inlet hose 214 is maintained to be slightly longer than the length of the left and right rear frame members 204, so that the fuel inlet hose 214 drawn out through one of the left and right rear frame members 204 can be connected to the fuel tank 210 disposed in close proximity to the left and right rear frame members 204. The fuel inlet hose 214 thus inserted into one of the left and right rear frame members 204 is drawn out through a cut-out or opening 215 formed in the corresponding rear frame member through which the fuel inlet hose 214 is inserted. Since a cut-out 215 is formed on an upper surface of one of the left and right rear frame members 204, and in order to ensure that there is no compromise made in the strength of one of the left and right rear frame members 204; a stiffener member 216 is integrated with the upper surface of one of the left and right rear frame members 204, and around the cut-out 215. Further, in order to ensure that the fuel inlet hose 214 thus inserted is easily drawn out, an integrated hose stopper member 217 is provided that is integrated with one of the left and right rear frame members 204.

[00031] Fig.4 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the frame structure in order to depict the integrated hose stopper member 217. In the present embodiment and as may be seen in Fig.4, the integrated hose stopper member 217 is permanently attached to a portion of one of the left and right rear frame members 204, wherein the cut-out 215 is formed for withdrawing or routing out the fuel inlet hose 214. Providing the integrated hose stopper member 217 at the cut-out 215 ensures that the fuel inlet hose 214 is prevented from slipping downwards towards a terminal portion 218 of one of the left and right rear frame members 204, and rather the fuel inlet hose 214 is guided outside the cut-out 215 for connection with a corresponding inlet hose 400 of the fuel tank 210. Therefore, the fuel inlet hose 214 inserted through one of the left and right rear frame members 204 can be easily routed to the fuel tank 210 without involving any intermittent manual intervention during its assembly. Moreover, the routing of the fuel inlet hose 214 doe not involve the use of any additional guide or clamp for holding the fuel inlet hose 214.

[00032] Fig.5 illustrates a left perspective partial view of a front portion of the frame structure and depicts a second embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen, the front portion of the frame structure comprises the head tube 201, the down frame member 202 extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube and the left and right main frame members 203 extending sidewardly and rearwardly from the down frame member 202. Further, the fuel tank 210 is disposed over the left and right main frame members 203. In the present embodiment, the fuel tank 210 is connected to the fuel inlet assembly 211 including the fuel inlet opening 212a disposed in the down frame member 202. The fuel inlet hose 214 emerging downstream from the fuel inlet opening 212a is inserted into the down frame member 202 and is drawn out through the cut-out 215 formed in the down frame member 202. In order to enable easy withdrawal of the fuel inlet hose 214, the down frame member 202 is provided with the integrated hose stopper member 217. Particularly, the integrated hose stopper member 217 is integrated to a portion of the down frame member 202 at the cut-out 215. Providing the integrated hose stopper member 217 at the cut-out 215 ensures that the fuel inlet hose 214 is prevented from slipping downwards towards a terminal portion 219 of the down frame member 202, and rather the fuel inlet hose 214 is guided smoothly outside the cut-out 215 for connection with a corresponding inlet hose 400 of the fuel tank 210 without any undesirable scratches or damage to the fuel inlet hose 214 during the assembly process. The stiffener member 216 is integrated with a front surface of the down frame members 202, and around the cut-out 215 for strengthening the down frame member 202. As per another embodiment, the fuel tank 210 may be disposed around the vicinity of the head tube and the inlet opening for the fuel inlet hose may be configured on the downtube or the head tube of the frame structure. As per another embodiment, the disposition of the fuel tank may be at the rear portion of the vehicle & the fuel inlet opening can be towards the front portion of the vehicle in vicinity of the head tube and the fuel inlet hose is routed in the same manner as per present invention to achieve the intended safe, secure & reliable routing.

[00033] The routing of the fuel inlet hose as per the present subject matter enables in isolating the fuel inlet hose from external surfaces of frame parts or plastic body panels, which typically have sharp edges or comers capable of puncturing the fuel inlet hose. Moreover, since the fuel inlet hose is not routed by being supported between a portion of the frame and a portion of one of the plastic body panels or any other peripheral aggregate systems of the vehicle, it is ensured that fuel inlet hose is not squeezed between them during assembly or during accidents. Thus, potential damage to the fuel inlet hose is prevented. Further, the routing of the fuel inlet hose as per the present subject matter also aids in eliminating the use of additional hose routing/guiding members such as clamps. The present invention also enables in achieving a compact layout configuration in form of enabling flexibility of disposition of the fuel storage tank at a location of preferred choice while addressing all potential problems that arise out of such flexibility viz. need to have a ease of access of the refilling fuel inlet opening for a user of the vehicle while still being able to route the fuel hose in a secure, safe and reliable manner. The present subject matter thereby enables in achieving part count reduction and thereby easing assembly of the vehicle.

Reference Numerals: 100 - Saddle-type vehicle 204 - Left and right rear frame members

102 - Internal combustion engine 210 - Fuel tank 105 - Handlebar assembly 211 - Fuel inlet assembly 110 - Headlamp Assy 212 - Fuel inlet unit 115 - Front cover 212a - Fuel inlet opening 120 - Front fender 213 - Fuel inlet cap

121 - Front fork 214 - Fuel inlet hose 125 - Front wheel 215 - Cut-out 130 - Leg shield 216 - Stiffener member 135 - Seat 217 - Integrated hose stopper member 140 - Under-seat cover 218,219 - Terminal portion

145 - Floorboard 220 - Front connecting bridge frame member 165 - Pillion-handle 225 - Rear connecting bridge frame member 170 - Tail lamp unit 230 - Rear cover 175 - Left and right side covers 235 - Pair of rear brackets 180 - Rear fender 250 - Rear suspension

185 - Muffler 400 - Corresponding inlet hose 190 - Rear wheel -Frame structure - Head tube - Down frame member - Left and right main frame members

Claims

We Claim:

1. A motor vehicle (100) comprising : a frame structure (200); a fuel tank (210) supported on at least one of a supporting frame members (203,204) constituting the frame structure (200); a fuel inlet assembly (211) including a fuel inlet hose (214) connected to the fuel tank (210) for supplying fuel, with the fuel inlet hose (214) being connected to the fuel tank (210) by being inserted into one end of a connecting frame member (204, 202) connected to the fuel inlet assembly (211) and extending up to the fuel tank (210).

2. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet hose (214) extends out of a cut-out (215) formed in the connecting frame member (204, 202).

3. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting frame member (204, 202) is integrated with an integrated hose stopper member (217).

4. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the integrated hose stopper member (217) is disposed above a terminal portion (218,219) of the connecting frame member (204,202).

5. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connecting frame member (204, 202) is fixed with a stiffener member (216) on a surface opposed to a one on which the cut-out (215) is formed.

6. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting frame members (203, 204) include a left and right main frame members

(203) and a left and right rear frame members (204).

7. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting frame member (204, 202) includes a left and right rear frame members

(204) and a down frame member (202).

8. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet hose (214) has a cross section profile smaller than a cross section profile of the connecting frame member (204,202).