WO2022113122A1

WO2022113122A1 - Fuel inlet assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2022113122A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/051120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deepan Thangavel; Ramesh VAIDHEESWARAN; Venkata Manga Raju Karnam
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2020-11-30
Filing date: 2021-11-29
Publication date: 2022-06-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel inlet assembly (202) for a fuel tank assembly (103). The fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank cap (203). The fuel tank cap has a breather hole (319). The fuel inlet assembly has a wall A (301) and wall b (304), where a sealing member (303) is disposed on top portion of wall B. A receiver portion is formed between wall A and wall B where receiver portion has a depressed portion (308). A holding means (310) is integrally attached to the depressed portion and a connector (311) is detachably attached with the holding means in a fuel inlet assembly ensuring ease or serviceability and ease of assembly.

Description

FUEL INLET ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a fuel tank assembly. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a vapor tapping in a fuel inlet assembly from the fuel tank assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally carburetor type system has been implemented in vehicles for supplying & metering fuel quantity to the engine powering such vehicles. With need to enhance performance, power output & efficiency of same engine as well as reduce emissions, fuel injection system has become popular in vehicles. Thus, a fuel management system is implemented in vehicles to control the fuel being supplied to the engine at right time & in right quantity.

[0003] With ever increasing number of vehicles used for personal transport and its contribution to the pollution of environment in terms of the emission, evaporative emissions also add to the pollution in terms of unburnt and burnt hydrocarbons. By very basic physical properties of gasoline fuels primarily used for transportation, evaporative emissions are bound to exist under normal environment conditions and temperatures ranging from ambient temperatures to temperature encountered during various operating conditions. The gasoline fuel has propensity to vaporize at room temperatures within respective container and this emission needs to be purged to avoid undue pressure development in the container. Such emissions are often referred to as evaporative emissions. There is a constant drive from manufacturers to bring down the extent of emissions in the automotive sector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to a saddle type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. [0005] Fig.l is a side view of a saddle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Fig.2 is a top view of a fuel tank assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Fig.3 is a perspective view of a fuel inlet assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 3a is an inverted view of a fuel tank cap as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig.3b is an assembled view of a fuel inlet assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00010] Fig.3c is a perspective view of a holding means as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00011] Fig.3d is a top and sectional view of a connector as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00012] Fig. 4 is a top view of a fuel tank assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00013] Fig 4a is a sectional view of the fuel tank assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00014] The conventional carburetor fuel systems lack in several major aspects e.g. poor efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and performance of the power unit. Also, majorly responsible for the emission of harmful gases which are the main cause for polluting the environment.

[00015] 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 combustion efficiency thereby reducing emissions and enhance drivability. Moreover, the need of precise fuel supply creates a necessity for introduction of Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system in existing carburetor vehicles. [00016] Generally, the electronic fuel injection system comprises a fuel tank assembly, a fuel pump that is operatively coupled to the fuel tank assembly that directs fuel into the engine. Further, as an improvement over the carburetor, the Electronic Fuel Injection system (EFI) utilizes advanced electronic techniques to adjust the air fuel mixture. Hence, as engines moves away from carburetors and towards fuel injection, the conversion of the carburetor to the Electronic Fuel Injection system (EFI) involves different types of electrical and mechanical modifications in the vehicle.

[00017] Ideally, the fuel tank assembly should be completely closed to prevent any vapor escape, but as it is evident form the fact that under extreme conditions like heat and cold which affects the pressure inside the fuel tank assembly, there arises a need for venting fuel vapors to limit the positive and negative pressure inside the fuel tank assembly respectively while maintaining less evaporative emission in an environment.

[00018] Thus, for reducing the evaporative emission in the environment, the fuel vapors generated inside the fuel storage unit or fuel tank assembly are tapped & directed to a canister through a fuel inlet assembly. The vapors are adsorbed onto an activated carbon inside the canister. In state of art, the fuel tank assembly comprises of a fuel inlet assembly made up of plastic, for channelizing fuel vapors to a canister. The fuel vapors as generated inside the fuel tank assembly are tapped in a fuel tank cap and channelized to a canister through the fuel inlet assembly having multiple provisions and integrally attached connector. However, this configuration has its own disadvantage like complex fuel inlet assembly as well as integrally attached connector provided to channelize the fuel vapor from fuel tank assembly to the canister, leading to increased manufacturing time, assembly time, increase process cost etc. Further, a reinforcement member is required for mounting of the fuel inlet assembly to the fuel tank assembly. Additionally, a sealing member, for example, an O ring is typically sandwiched between the fuel inlet assembly and the fuel tank assembly, ensuring sealing in the fuel tank assembly. This configuration raises problem like addition of components, that is, O ring and reinforcement member are required for mounting of the fuel inlet assembly, thereby, increasing the number of parts, less compact design potentially compromising on the fuel tank capacity as well as increase in overall cost of the fuel tank assembly and the vehicle. This configuration also increases assembly time, servicing time of the vehicle. Further, it raises another concern that during servicing time if the O ring is not placed carefully, this may lead to potential leakage from the fuel tank assembly and also may lead to fire hazard in the vehicle.

[00019] Thus, there exists a challenge of designing an improved fuel inlet assembly which can be attached on fuel tank assembly with minimum number of components while ensuring vapor tapping, reduced assembly time and servicing time in a vehicle.

[00020] Therefore, there is a need to have an improved fuel inlet assembly which overcomes all of the above problems and other problems known in the art.

[00021] The present subject matter discloses a fuel inlet assembly attached on fuel tank assembly with minimum number of components while ensuring vapor tapping in the fuel tank assembly, ease of serviceability and assembly.

[00022] As per one aspect of present invention, a fuel tank assembly comprises of a fuel tank inner portion and a fuel tank outer portion. The fuel tank outer portion includes a fuel tank cap, a fuel inlet assembly. The fuel tank cap is assembled on the fuel inlet assembly and the fuel inlet assembly is integrally attached on the fuel tank outer portion, enabling refueling of fuel in the fuel tank assembly. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the fuel tank cap is detachably attached with the fuel inlet assembly with various attachment means like fasteners, ensuring rigid attachment of the fuel tank cap with the fuel inlet assembly. The fuel inlet assembly is designed to be integrally attached with the fuel tank and enable a hybrid mount cum connect joint with the fuel tank cap assembly.

[00023] As per one aspect of the present invention, the fuel inlet assembly is designed with a circular profile. The fuel inlet assembly is made up of metal. The fuel inlet assembly includes a circumferential wall extended vertically and upwardly in the fuel inlet assembly. Further, the fuel inlet assembly includes a wall formed centrally in the fuel inlet assembly. The wall is extended vertically and upwardly with respect to centre portion of the fuel inlet assembly forming a round opening for detachably attaching the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank assembly. A sealing member is disposed at top portion of the wall, restricting leakage from the fuel tank assembly. Further, the wall is also extended in bottom portion of the fuel inlet assembly forming plurality of projections for locking the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank assembly. This configuration eliminates need of additional O ring to restrict leakage as the sealing member and the circumferential wall functions as a restricting member which eliminated any leakage from the fuel tank assembly. Further, projections are formed in bottom portion of the fuel inlet assembly to ensure safe locking of the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank assembly. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the portion formed between the wall configured centrally in the fuel inlet assembly and circumferential wall extended vertically and upwardly in the fuel inlet assembly is termed as ‘receiver portion’. The receiver portion include plurality of mounting means which confirm with a profile of attaching means like fasteners, for detachably attaching fuel tank cap with the fuel inlet assembly. The receiver portion includes an opening for connecting drain hose for draining out excess water, fuel from the fuel tank assembly.

[00024] As per one aspect of the present invention, the fuel inlet assembly includes a holding means e.g. a bracket and a connector. The holding means that is the bracket is integrally attached to a depressed portion formed in the receiver portion of the fuel inlet assembly. The holding means includes an arm which holds the connector, eliminating wrong assembly of the connector with the holding means. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the connector includes a spout portion, where the spout portion is projected through an opening present in the circumferential wall of the fuel inlet assembly. The fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank assembly is channelized to a canister through hose connected with the spout portion of the connector, thereby, ensuring less emission in the air.

[00025] In ensuing exemplary aspects, the vehicle is a saddle type vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to any of the two wheeled vehicle, three wheeled vehicles and four wheeled vehicles without defeating the spirit of the invention.

[00026] Various other features of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views.

[00027] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuring description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the saddle type vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. 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.

[00028] Fig. 1 is a left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle having a frame assembly (200), in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (200) shown schematically with dotted lines, which acts as a skeleton for bearing the loads. Instrument cluster (119) is mounted on handle bar assembly (126). The handle bar assembly (126) is disposed over the head pipe (not shown) and it includes brake levers (not shown). The handle bar assembly (126) is connected to a front wheel (129) by one or more front suspension(s) (130). A front fender (131) is disposed above the front wheel (129) for covering at least a portion of the front wheel (129). A fuel tank (103) is mounted to a main frame (not shown) of the frame assembly (200) and it is disposed in the front portion F of a space of the frame (200). The vehicle (100) having lighting means which includes Head lamp (127), Tail lamp (not shown), Turning indicators includes front side indicators (111) and rear side indicator (not shown) respectively. The rear fender (138) is projected outwardly of the vehicle systems and the pillion from mud splash as well as to protect the rear wheel (133) from environmental damage. A power unit (125) is mounted to the lower portion of frame (200). In an embodiment, the power unit (125) is an IC engine. The fuel tank (103) is functionally connected to the power unit (125). A seat (132) is located at the back region of the fuel tank (103) and is extended in a longitudinal direction along the seat frames.

[00029] Fig. 2 is a top view of a fuel tank assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank assembly (103) comprises of a fuel tank inner portion (not shown) and a fuel tank outer portion (201). The fuel tank outer portion includes a fuel tank cap (203), a fuel inlet assembly (202). The fuel tank cap (203) is assembled on the fuel inlet assembly (202) and the fuel inlet assembly (202) is integrally attached with the fuel tank outer portion, enabling refueling of fuel in the fuel tank assembly. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank cap (203) is detachably attached with the fuel inlet assembly with various attachment means like fasteners, ensuring rigid attachment of the fuel tank cap with the fuel inlet assembly.

[00030] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fuel inlet assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel inlet assembly is designed with a circular profile (C). The fuel inlet assembly is made up of metal. The fuel inlet assembly (202) includes plurality of concentric walls (301, 304). The concentric wall A, i.e., a circumferential wall (301) is extended vertically and upwardly against gravity in the fuel inlet assembly (202). Further, the fuel inlet assembly (202) includes concentric inner wall B (304) formed centrally in the fuel inlet assembly. The concentric inner wall (304) is centrally disposed in the fuel inlet assembly (202) forming a fuel inlet opening (R) to couple with a fuel tank cap (203), thereby, forming a hybrid mount cum connect joint with a fuel tank cap (203). The wall B is extended vertically and upwardly with respect to centre of the fuel inlet assembly (202) forming a round fuel inlet opening ‘R’ for detachably attaching the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank assembly. A sealing member (307) is disposed at top portion of the wall B (304) which compliments with a profile (318) (as shown in fig. 3a) of the fuel tank cap (203) thereby restricting leakage from the fuel tank assembly, The fuel tank cap includes a breather hole (319) (as shown in fig. 3a) for channelizing fuel vapor to a canister. Further, the wall (304) is also extended in bottom portion of the fuel inlet assembly forming plurality of projections (306) for locking the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank assembly. This configuration eliminates need of additional components like reinforcement member for mounting fuel inlet assembly to the fuel tank assembly as well as eliminates O ring typically used to restrict leakage from the fuel tank assembly. The configuration as per the present invention also ensures ease of manufacturability, ease of servicing, ease of assembly, restricts leakage from the fuel tank assembly, decreases weight of the vehicle. Further, the projections formed in bottom portion of the fuel inlet assembly enables locking of the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank assembly.

[00031] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, a portion formed between the wall A (301) and wall B (304) is termed as ‘receiver portion’, thereby forming an annular cavity AC wherein the cavity being configured with a drain opening (305) and a connector (311) to enable passage of the fuel vapour from a fuel tank cap (203) to a canister. The receiver portion (303) include plurality of mounting means (309a, 309b, 309c) (as shown in fig. 3b) which confirm with a profile of complimentary attaching means like fasteners for detachably attaching fuel tank cap with the fuel inlet assembly. Further, the receiver portion (303) includes an opening (305) for detachably attaching drain hose (313) (as shown in fig. 3b ) for draining out excess water, fuel from the fuel inlet assembly. A stopper means (312) is disposed at the bottom portion of the wall B (304)eliminating interference of fuel nozzle with other components.

[00032] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel inlet assembly includes a holding means e.g. a bracket (310) and a connector (311) (as shown in fig. 3b ). The holding means (310) is integrally attached to a depressed portion (308) formed in the receiver portion (303) of the fuel inlet assembly. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the holding means (310) includes a base (315), a vertically inclinedly extended portion (316) and a horizontally extended arm (referred here as ‘arm’) (317) (as shown in fig. 3c), wherein the base (315) is integrally attached with the depressed portion (308) formed in the receiver portion (303) of the fuel inlet assembly (202) such that the arm (317) of the holding means (310) is vertically disposed at an offset with respect to the receiver portion (303) of the fuel inlet assembly, ensuring rigid attachment of the holding means with the receiver portion and restricting fouling of holding means with surrounding components. The connector (311) is configured in the form of a beam base (314d) with an attaching head portion (314) at one end which is configured with one or more groove or neck portion (314a, 314b) formed in an annular fashion substantially at the mid region of the head portion. The connector (311) is additionally configured with a passage P which opens on one side of the head portion (314) with an opening (314c) wherein the opening (314c) fluidically engages with a breather hole (319) of the fuel tank cap assembly (203). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the arm (317) of the holding means (310) is configured with a substantially semicircular profile such that the arm couples with holding neck portion (314a, 314b) (as shown in fig. 3c & 3d) of a head portion (314) of the connector (311). The head portion (314) protrudes on one side of the beam base (314d) thereby eliminating wrong assembly of the connector (311) with the holding means (310) , ensuring ease of assembly, ease of serviceability of the components. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a spout portion (314e ) at its other end (as shown in fig. 3d), where the spout portion (314e ) is projected through an opening (302) present in the circumferential wall of the fuel inlet assembly. The fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank assembly is channelized to a canister through hose connected with the spout of the connector, thereby, eliminating any substantial emission of fuel vapour to the air or atmosphere.

[00033] Fig. 4 is a top view of the fuel tank assembly and Fig 4a is a sectional view of the fuel tank assembly taken along AA’ as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel vapor generated inside the fuel tank assembly (103) is channelized to the fuel tank cap (203). The fuel vapor as collected in the fuel tank cap (203) is channelized through breather hole (319) and subsequently to the connector (311) and being routed through the spout portion (314e) to a canister. More precisely, the fuel vapor collected in the fuel tank cap (203) is channelized from the breather hole (319) to an opening (314c) (as shown in fig. 3d) present in the head portion (314) of the connector (311), where profile of the breather hole (319 ) conforms with the profile of the opening (314c) present on the head portion (314) of the connector (311). The vapor is further channelized from the opening of the head portion (314) to the spout portion (314e ) of the connector. A hose is connected to the spout portion which channelizes fuel vapor from the spout portion to a canister, providing fuel vapor in combustion chamber of the power unit at suction stage, thereby, avoiding emission of fuel vapour into the atmosphere.

[00034] The invention helps in overcoming the problem known in the art & problem of adding components required to attach the fuel inlet assembly with the fuel tank assembly. As per the present invention, the fuel inlet assembly (202) is designed to be integrally attached with the fuel tank and enable a hybrid mount cum connect joint with the fuel tank cap assembly (203). The fuel inlet assembly is configured with an integrally attached connector (311) which enables effective channelizing of the fuel vapor to the canister while achieving low overall weight and width of the vehicle. The present invention is additionally cost effective.

[00035] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describes the potential modifications in the fuel inlet assembly, where the fuel inlet assembly includes a detachably attached connector and a holding means. This facilitates the simple and easy mounting of the fuel inlet assembly and the related components while ensuring vapor tapping, increases the ease of assembly and serviceability of the fuel inlet assembly in the vehicle.

[00036] Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

List of reference symbol:

Fig. 1:

100: Saddle type Vehicle 126: Handle Bar Assembly 119: Instrument Cluster 127: Head Lamp 111: Front Side Indicator 131: Front Fender 129: Front Wheel 130: Front Suspension 125: Engine 113: Brake Lever 103: Fuel Tank Assembly 101: Frame Structure

132: Seat 138: Rear Fender

133: Rear Wheel Fig. 2:

203: Fuel tank cap 202: Fuel inlet assembly 201 : outer portion of fuel tank assembly Fig. 3 307: Sealing Member 306: grooves

305: opening for drain hose 304: wall B C: circular profile 308: depressed portion 303: Receiver Portion 302: opening

301: circumferential wall, i.e, wall A AC: Annular Cavity

Fig. 3a:

318: Profile of the fuel tank cap 319: Breather hole

Fig. 3b

313: Drain hose 309a, 309b, 309c: profile

310: Holding means 311: Connector

312: stopper Fig. 3c 315: Base

316: vertically extended portion 317: horizontal extended arm Fig. 3d 314d: beam baset 314: head portion 314c: opening in head portion 314a, 314b: neck portion 314e: spout portion DD’: sectional view of connector Fig. 4

AA’: Sectional view of fuel tank assembly

Claims

We Claim;

1. A fuel inlet assembly (202) for a fuel tank assembly (103), said fuel inlet assembly (202) includes: a circumferential wall (301) extended vertically and upwardly in said fuel inlet assembly

(202); a concentric inner wall (304) being centrally disposed in said fuel inlet assembly (202) forming a fuel inlet opening (R) to couple with a fuel tank cap (203), thereby, forming a hybrid mount cum connect joint with a fuel tank cap (203).

2. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel tank cap (203) includes a breather hole (319).

3. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circumferential wall (301) and said concentric inner wall (304) configured to form a receiver portion (303) thereby forming an annular cavity AC, wherein said cavity being configured with a drain opening (305) and a connector (311) to enable passage of fuel vapour from said fuel tank cap (203) to a canister.

4. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fuel inlet assembly (202) includes a connector (311) and a holding means (310), wherein said holding means (310) being integrally attached with said receiver portion (303) and said connector (311) being detachably attached with said holding means (310);

5. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wall (304) being extended vertically and upwardly with respect to centre of said fuel inlet assembly (202).

6. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said wall (304) includes a sealing member (307) at top portion which compliments with a profile (318) of said fuel tank cap (203) thereby forming a sealing joint.

7. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said wall (304) being extended vertically and downwardly with respect to centre of said fuel inlet assembly (202) forming plurality of projections (306), wherein said projections (306) engage with said fuel tank cap

(203).

8. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said receiver portion (303) includes said opening (305), wherein a drain hose (313) of said fuel tank assembly (103) being detachably attached with said opening (305).

9. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said receiver portion (303) includes plurality of mounting means (309a, 309b, 309c), wherein said fuel tank cap (203) being detachably attached with said fuel inlet assembly (202).

10. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3 , wherein said fuel inlet assembly (203) includes a holding means (310) and said receiver portion (303) includes a depressed portion (308), wherein said holding means (310) being integrally attached with said depressed portion (308).

11. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said holding means (310) includes a base (315), a vertically extended portion (316) and an arm (317), wherein said base (315) being integrally attached with said groove of said receiver portion (303).

12. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said arm (317) has a semicircular profile such that a holding neck portion (314a, 314b) of said connector (311) being detachably attached with said arm (317) of said holding means (310).

13. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said connector (311) includes a spout portion (314e ) and a head portion (314), wherein said head portion (314) includes an opening (314c) where said opening (314c) conforms and couples with a profile of said breather hole (319) for channelizing fuel vapor to said spout portion (314e ) of said connector (311)

14. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 13, wherein said circumferential wall (301) includes an opening (302), wherein said spout portion (314e ) being projected through said opening (302) to channelizes fuel vapor to a canister.

15. The fuel inlet assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel inlet assembly is made up of metal.