JP2024501075A - Fuel refueling inlet assembly for motorcycles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle with a fuel inlet assembly 200. The fuel inlet assembly 200 includes a side skirt 210 that abuts the front panel 160A and the rear panel 160E and extends between the side skirt apex 212 and the floorboard 155, and a recess 220 formed in the side skirt 210 and having a hole 222. and a fuel inlet opening 230 accessible from hole 222 and supplying fuel to fuel tank 250 . The fuel inlet assembly 200 further includes a C-shaped box section 310 disposed within the recess 220. A stiffening member 320 abuts the C-shaped box section 310. The fuel inlet assembly 200 may alternatively be a charging socket assembly 400.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to two-wheeled vehicles, and more particularly to fuel inlet assemblies for two-wheeled vehicles. The invention also relates to a charging socket assembly for a two-wheeled electric vehicle.

Whether the two-wheeled vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine or powered by electricity, the two-wheeled vehicle requires a refueling or charging (recharging) system. In conventional two-wheeled vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, the fueling system generally consists of a fuel tank, a fuel inlet, and a fuel pipe connecting the fuel inlet to the fuel tank. Typically, in scooter-type two-wheelers, these fuel systems are packaged under the seat and behind the utility box, with the fuel inlet positioned on the underside of the seat or near the taillight. Ru.

If the fuel inlet is located under the seat, the rider and rear seat passenger must exit the vehicle to be able to refuel. Even if the fuel inlet is located near the taillight rather than under the seat, the rider must dismount, ensure proper refueling at the fuel station, and close the fuel inlet lid. Still there. Additionally, fuel droplets may spill onto the muffler, thereby creating a safety risk.

It is also known in the art to provide a fuel inlet in a tail cover assembly located behind the seat. In this case, the rider does not have to open the seat for refueling, but such a location also poses the problem of fuel spillage. Additionally, the refueling location is behind the rider's seat, which requires rider attention and, in some cases, the rider must dismount during refueling and close the refueling lid after refueling. No.

For this purpose, in some known scooter-type two-wheelers, the fuel tank is packaged under the floorboard, and since the location of the fuel inlet is determined by the location of the fuel tank, the fuel inlet is It is positioned on the rear panel in front of the rider's position. However, such fuel systems have serious drawbacks in terms of fueling when the floorboard is mounted at a height above the fuel inlet, i.e. the potential for fuel spillage onto the floorboard. There are limitations in terms of risks, packaging of mobile charging slots, and glove box space. It is not possible to locate the fuel inlet on the front panel, since such a location could pose a high safety risk in the event of a collision and would not be safe for the rider, especially if a floorboard is installed. This is because it seems out of reach.

Similar problems are still likely to occur in electric scooter-type two-wheeled vehicles where the charging socket for the battery is located under the seat or on the rear panel in front of the rider position.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a fuel or charging system with a fuel inlet or charging socket positioning that addresses at least the problems discussed above.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle having a fuel inlet assembly. The fuel inlet assembly includes a side skirt abutting the front panel and the rear panel, the side skirt extending between the side skirt apex and the bottom structure, and the fuel inlet assembly formed in the side skirt. The fuel supply inlet assembly further includes a recess, the recess having a hole, and a fuel inlet opening accessible from the hole to supply fuel to the fuel tank. In one embodiment of the invention, the bottom structure is a floorboard.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recess is centrally positioned between the side skirt apex and the bottom structure or floorboard. In another embodiment, the recess is positioned at the distal end of the side skirt in the transverse direction of the side skirt when viewed from the side of the two-wheeled vehicle. In another embodiment, the recess is positioned between the shoulder and the trim line of the side skirt.

In another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet assembly includes a C-shaped box section disposed within the recess and attached to the vehicle body. In one embodiment, the fuel inlet assembly includes a fuel inlet flange formed on the vehicle body and configured to receive a C-shaped box section. In another embodiment, the fuel inlet assembly includes a stiffening member that abuts the C-shaped box section, thereby providing protection to the fuel inlet assembly. In one embodiment, the fuel inlet assembly includes a top stiffening member and a bottom stiffening member forming a C-shaped cross section along the fuel inlet flange. In one embodiment, the fuel inlet flange extends vertically between the top stiffening member and the bottom stiffening member.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fuel inlet assembly includes a lid covering the recess. In one embodiment, the fuel inlet assembly includes a wire with a first end coupled to the lid and a second operable end for actuating the lid. In another embodiment, the second operable end of the wire is coupled to the ignition lock. In another embodiment, the lid is pivotally attached to the C-shaped box section. In yet another embodiment, the lid is pivotally attached to the recess.

Another aspect relates to a two-wheeled electric vehicle having a charging socket assembly. The charging socket assembly includes a side skirt abutting a front panel and a rear panel. A side skirt extends between the side skirt apex and the bottom structure. A recess is formed in the side skirt, and the recess has an aperture. A charging socket is accessible through the hole for charging the battery.

Reference will now be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are illustrative and do not limit the invention. Although the invention will be described generally with respect to these embodiments, it should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a right side view of an exemplary vehicle as an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel inlet assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the recess of the fuel inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel inlet assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuel fill inlet assembly with the lid in an open position, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fuel fill inlet assembly with the lid in the closed position, according to one embodiment of the invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a charging socket assembly for a two-wheeled electric vehicle as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle with a fuel inlet assembly.

FIG. 1 is a right side view of an exemplary vehicle 10 as an embodiment of the invention. Vehicle 10 has a frame assembly 105. Frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A and a main frame assembly 105B. One or more front suspensions 110 connect the front wheels 115 to a handlebar assembly 190 that forms the steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably mounted around the head tube 105A. A main frame assembly 105B extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube 105A, and the main frame assembly then includes a substantially longitudinally extending bent portion. Furthermore, frame assembly 105 includes one or more rear tubes 105C that extend rearwardly from the rear portion of main frame assembly 105B toward the rear portion of vehicle 10 in an inclined manner.

Vehicle 10 has a power unit that includes at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine 125 and a traction motor 135. For example, traction motor 135 may include a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The power unit is coupled to the rear wheel 145. In one embodiment, IC engine 125 is pivotally coupled to frame assembly 105. In one embodiment, IC engine 125 is mounted to swing arm 141, which is swingably coupled to frame assembly 105. Traction motor 135 is located adjacent to IC engine 125 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, traction motor 135 is a hub attached to rear wheel 145. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 has transmission means 131 coupling the rear wheels 145 to the power unit. Transmission means 131 includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 151 is provided above the power unit, and this seat assembly is supported by the rear pipe 105C of the frame assembly 105. Seat assembly 151 is hingedly openable. Frame assembly 105 includes a step-through portion ST located in front of seat assembly 151. A bottom structure 155 in the form of a floorboard is provided at the step-through portion ST, allowing the rider to operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting his feet on the floorboard 155. Additionally, floorboard 155 can be loaded.

Additionally, frame assembly 105 includes a front panel 160A, a leg shield 160B, an underseat cover 160C, left and right side panels 160D, and a rear panel 160E that is attached to frame assembly 105 and covers frame assembly 105 and its attached components. Covered by multiple body panels.

In addition, front fender 165 covers at least a portion of front wheel 115. A utility box is provided below the seat assembly 151 and is supported by the frame assembly 105. A rear fender 175 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 145 and is positioned above the rear wheel 145. Vehicle 10 includes one or more suspensions 195 that connect swing arm 141 and rear wheel 145 to frame assembly 105 to reduce forces from wheels 145 and power unit so that such forces do not reach frame assembly 105. It is installed in the rear part.

In addition, vehicle 10 has multiple electrical and electronic Has parts.

Referring to FIG. 2, a fuel inlet assembly 200 is provided within a side skirt 210 of vehicle 10. Referring to FIG. Side skirt 210 is in contact with front panel 160A and rear panel 160E. Side skirt apex 212 is a location where the uppermost points of front panel 160A, rear panel 160E, and side skirt 210 contact each other. Side skirt 210 extends between side skirt apex 212 and bottom structure 155. In one embodiment of the invention, bottom structure 155 is a floorboard. A recess 220 is formed in the side skirt 210 and has a hole 222. A fuel inlet opening 230 is provided in fluid communication with a fuel tank 250 packaged below floorboard 155 such that fuel inlet opening 230 is accessible from hole 222 . The fuel inlet opening 230 may be covered by a threaded openable cap. During refueling operations, fuel inlet opening 230 is accessed by a fuel gun through hole 222 and fuel flows from fuel inlet opening 230 to fuel tank 250 . Such access to fuel inlet opening 230 eliminates the need for the rider to exit the vehicle during refueling operations. Additionally, packaging the fuel tank 250 under the floorboard 155 provides good weight distribution and provides more space within the utility box.

In one embodiment of the invention, recess 220 in side skirt 210 is provided such that recess 220 is centrally positioned relative to side skirt apex 212 and floorboard 155. In another embodiment of the invention, the recess 220 of the side skirt 210 is provided such that the recess 220 is positioned at the distal end of the side skirt 210 in the transverse direction of the side skirt 210 when viewed from the side of the two-wheeled vehicle 10. There is. Such a position of the recess 220 ensures that the fuel gun remains away from the position of the rider's feet at all times, yet prevents spillage of fuel onto the floorboard 155. In another embodiment of the invention, a recess 220 is provided in the side skirt 210 adjacent to the turn signal lamp. In another embodiment of the invention, the recess 220 is provided in the side skirt 210 substantially above the front fender 165 when viewed from the side of the two-wheeled vehicle 10. In another embodiment of the invention, the recess 220 in the side skirt 210 is provided such that the recess 220 is positioned between the shoulder of the side skirt 210 and the trim line so that during a final vehicle product audit. High evaluation is given to motorcycle 10.

FIG. 3 shows the recess 220 of the fuel inlet assembly 200 in a side view of the fuel inlet assembly 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the fuel inlet assembly 200 has a C-shaped box section 310 that is disposed within the recess 220. and attached to the vehicle body as shown. The fuel inlet assembly 200 is exposed to a vehicle parked to the side of the motorcycle 10, or is the first to be exposed to impact when the motorcycle 10 is overturned or in a collision with another vehicle. The C-shaped box section 310 makes the refueling inlet assembly 200 durable as it can be exposed to a lot of water. Additionally, if the fuel gun is configured to hang over the fuel inlet opening 230, this results in a transfer of load to the fuel inlet assembly 200. Even so, the C-shaped box section 310 within the recess 220 provides load-bearing strength to the fuel inlet assembly. In addition to these, the C-shaped box section 310 also acts as a deflector for excess fuel.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the stiffening member 320 is disposed within the C-shaped box section 310 and abuts the inner wall of the C-shaped box section 310, thereby providing additional protection to the fuel inlet assembly. It is provided to 200 solids. The C-shaped box section 310 together with the stiffening member 320 is such that any side impact is first received by the stiffening member 320 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the C-shaped box section 310 is attached to the vehicle body by a fuel inlet flange 330. Fuel inlet flange 330 is a part of the chassis or vehicle body. C-shaped box section 310 may be attached to fuel inlet flange 330 by fasteners or by a welded joint. The fuel inlet flange 330 also acts as a fuel leak arrester.

In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. It forms a C-shaped cross section. Fuel inlet flange 330 extends vertically between top stiffener 320A and bottom stiffener 320B.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, fuel inlet assembly 200 has a lid 240 that can be opened to cover recess 220. As shown in FIGS. In one embodiment of the invention, the lid 240 may be pivotably attached to the C-shaped box section 310 or alternatively may be pivotably attached to the recess 220.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lid 240 can be opened by a ignition lock 350. In this regard, a wire with a first end is coupled to lid 240 and a second openable end is coupled to ignition lock 350. Therefore, the lid 240 opens by operating the ignition lock. As will be appreciated, dedicated means may be provided to manipulate the wire to open the lid 240.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of fuel inlet assembly 200 with lid 240 in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, this view shows the lid 240 in the closed position. The lid 240 is provided so that it is flush with the trim line of the side skirt 210 of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the appearance of the vehicle 10.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the lid 240 can be opened toward the front side of the vehicle 10, thereby increasing the accessibility of the fuel inlet opening 230 to the rider.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the two-wheeled vehicle 10 is an electric type two-wheeled vehicle and the fuel inlet assembly 200 can alternatively be used as a charging socket assembly 400. In this regard, the fuel inlet opening 230 is replaced by a charging socket 430, the fuel tank 250 is replaced by a battery, and the charging socket 430 is in electrical communication with the battery. The remaining parts of the refueling inlet assembly 200 described above can be modified accordingly to meet the requirements of electric vehicles.

Advantageously, the present invention solves the problem of the rider having to step out of the vehicle for refueling, as well as the serious problem of refueling when the floorboard is mounted at a height above the fuel inlet. Restrictions, potential risk of fuel spills on floorboards, and limitations in mobile charging slot packaging and glove box space are overcome. Due to the location of the fuel inlet opening of the fuel inlet assembly of the present invention as disclosed above, the rider and passenger do not need to exit the vehicle for refueling and the floorboard is located at the fuel inlet. Even when mounted in an upper elevation position, the rider can still easily access the fuel inlet opening without having to remove items from the floorboard. Moreover, as a result, the ease of attaching the floorboard of a two-wheeled vehicle is improved. Because the fuel inlet assembly is positioned closer to the side of the motorcycle, packaging of the mobile slot and glove box is unrestricted and the risk of fuel spillage on the floorboard is minimized. Additionally, the fuel fill inlet assembly is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle, allowing the rider to securely close the fuel cap while increasing the available space within the utility box.

Although the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. .

Claims (15)

A two-wheeled vehicle having a fuel inlet assembly (200), the fuel inlet assembly comprising:
a side skirt (210) abutting the front panel (160A) and the rear panel (160E), the side skirt (210) extending between the side skirt apex (212) and the bottom structure (155);
a recess (220) formed in the side skirt (210), the recess (220) having a hole (222);
A two-wheeled vehicle comprising a fuel inlet opening (230) accessible from said hole (222) for supplying fuel to a fuel tank (250). The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the recess (220) is centrally positioned between the side skirt apex (212) and the bottom structure (155). The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom structure (155) includes a floorboard (155). The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the recess (220) is positioned at the distal end of the side skirt (210) in a transverse direction of the side skirt (210) when viewed from the side of the two-wheeled vehicle. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the recess (220) is positioned between a shoulder and a trim line of the side skirt (210). 6. The fuel inlet assembly (200) comprises a C-shaped box section (310) provided in the recess (220) and mounted on the vehicle body. motorcycle. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 6, including a fuel inlet flange (330) formed on the vehicle body and configured to receive the C-shaped box section (310). Two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a stiffening member (320) abutting the C-shaped box section (310) and thereby providing a protective effect on the fuel inlet assembly (200). The fuel inlet flange (330) includes a top stiffening member (320A) and a bottom stiffening member (320B) forming a C-shaped cross-section along the fuel inlet flange (330); 9. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 8, wherein the two-wheeled vehicle extends vertically between the bottom stiffening member (320A) and the bottom stiffening member (320B). The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet assembly (200) includes a lid (240) covering the recess (220). The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 10, comprising a wire with a first end coupled to the lid and a second operable end for actuating the lid (240). The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 11, wherein the second actuatable end is coupled to an ignition lock (240). Two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the lid (240) is rotatably attached to the C-shaped box section (310). The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the lid (240) is rotatably attached to the recess (220). A two-wheeled electric vehicle, comprising a charging socket assembly, the charging socket assembly comprising:
a side skirt (210) abutting the front panel (160A) and the rear panel (160E), the side skirt (210) extending between the side skirt apex (212) and the bottom structure (155);
a recess (220) formed in the side skirt (210), the recess (220) having a hole (222);
A two-wheeled electric vehicle comprising a charging socket accessible through said hole (222) for charging a battery.

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