WO2019138429A1

WO2019138429A1 - Fuel tank

Info

Publication number: WO2019138429A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sanjeev Kumar; Karan PRATAP
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2018-01-12
Filing date: 2019-01-11
Publication date: 2019-07-18

Abstract

A two wheeled vehicle (100) is provided. The vehicle (100) includes a frame (101) having a head tube (110), a main frame (112), a cross member (124), a first seat rail (114a), a second seat rail (114b), a first cross member (116), a first arm member (136) and a second arm member (137). The first arm member (136) comprises a guide member (141). The second arm member (137) comprises a receiving provision (143). The vehicle (100) further includes a power unit (40), and a resin fuel tank (160). The resin fuel tank (160) comprises a wall structure (161) that defines a parting line (175), and at least one first mounting provision (140). One of the at least one first mounting provision (140) is configured to engage with the guide member (141) such that the resin fuel tank (160) is pivotable about the body frame (101).

Description

FUEL TANK

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle and, more particularly, to a fuel tank of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles, particularly the vehicles configured to be ridden such as motorized scooters, motorcycles, three- wheeled vehicles, and four wheeled vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, comprise a fuel tank which stores and supplies fuel to power the engine of the vehicle. In conventional scooter-type vehicles, the fuel tank is arranged below the seat. Typically, the fuel tank includes exposed flanges on a front side, a left side and a right side, each of these flanges are provided with openings, and the fuel tank is generally mounted on a frame of the vehicle. In order to allow mounting of the fuel tank on the frame, the frame is provided with one or more mounting means such as bracket and the like. The mounting means are on left rear seat sub-frame, a right rear seat sub-frame and a first cross frame of the frame.

[0003] In order to mount the fuel tank on the frame, the openings on the flanges are aligned to the respective mounting means. Subsequently, fastening members are inserted through the openings on the flanges and the respective mounting means to mount the fuel tank on the frame. However, owing to spaced apart location of the mounting means on the frame, it becomes difficult to align the openings on the flanges with the respective mounting means. Moreover, aligning all the opening with all the respective mounting provisions can be time consuming and difficult. Further, since the fuel tank is mounted its front side, left side and right side, rear side of the fuel tank remains overhung. The rear side of the fuel tank being overhung, and free of any connection with the frame, remains prone to damages particularly in an event of a rearward collision of the vehicle.

[0004] United States Patent Publication No. US 20160090141 discloses a vehicle having a rear fuel tank. The rear fuel tank is provided with a pump opening for mounting therein a fuel pump. The pump opening is formed in a position on an inner side of a front tank part in a vehicle width direction in comparison with lateral walls of lateral tank parts on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The rear fuel tank of the United States Patent Publication No. US 20160090141 is composed of a resin material. However, the rear fuel tank fails to address problems pertaining to mounting of fuel tanks on the frame of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention a two wheeled vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a frame. The frame comprises a head tube, a main frame extending from the head tube, a cross member connected to the main frame, a first seat rail extending from the cross member, a second seat rail extending from the cross member, a first cross member connected to each of the first seat rail and the second seat rail, a first arm member extending from the first cross member, the first arm member comprises a guide member, and at least one second arm member comprises a receiving provision. The vehicle further includes a power unit swingably supported by the frame, and a resin fuel tank. The resin fuel tank comprises a wall structure, the wall structure defines a parting line, at least one first mounting provision disposed on the wall structure, and at least one second mounting provision disposed on the wall structure. The one of the at least one first mounting provision is configured to engage with the guide member such that the plastic fuel tank is pivotable about the body frame.

[0006] When one of the at least one first mounting provision is engaged with the guide member and the plastic fuel tank is rested on the frame, the at least one second mounting provision align with the receiving provision of the at least one second arm member. Further, the first mounting provision of the at least one first mounting provision, which is configured to engage with the guide member, and one of the at least one second mounting provision are positioned along the parting line of the wall structure. Owing to such positioning of the least one second mounting provision along the parting line of the wall structure, alignment, positioning and installation of the resin fuel tank on the frame becomes quick and convenient.

[0007] In an embodiment the fuel tank is substantially cuboidal in shape. In an embodiment the fuel tank can be made of metal or resin material. The fuel tank is mounted on to the front direction of the body frame through the first mounting provision and the second mounting provision. The fuel tank is mounted onto the rearward direction of the body frame through the third mounting provision. In an embodiment, the first mounting provision acts as mounting locator along which the fuel tank pivotally rotates and get fixed to the body frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00010] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a body frame of the two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00011] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00012] Figure 4 illustrates a view of a fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00013] Figure 5 illustrates a view of the body frame and the fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figure 6 illustrates a view of the body frame and the fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00015] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the body frame and the fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00016] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00017] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00018] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by“comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00019] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00020] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, fuel tanks and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms“vehicle”,“two wheeled vehicle” and“motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00021] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[00022] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a two wheeled vehicle (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two wheeled vehicle (100) comprises, inter-alia, a front wheel (2) steered by a handle bar (6), a rear wheel (35) driven by a power unit (40), a fuel tank (160). The power unit (40) comprises an engine and a transmission unit. The handle bar (6) is steerably supported by a head tube (110) at a front end of a vehicle body frame (101), also interchangeably referred to as“the frame (101),” or “the body frame (101).” The power unit (40) is pivot-supported / swingably supported to the vehicle body frame (101) so as to be able to swing in a vertical direction. A portion between the handle bar (6) and a seat (12), supported by the vehicle body whereupon passenger places his feet is referred to as a floor (10).

[00023] Further, a two wheeled vehicle (100) is covered by body cover, generally, made up of resin material, and the leg shield. Generally, the leg shield comprises of an outer leg shield (4) and an inner leg shield (5). The outer leg shield (4) and the inner leg shield (5) are arranged ahead of the seat (12). The body cover comprises, centre cover (30), a right side cover (33R) and a left side cover. The centre cover (30), the right side cover (33R) and the left side cover, cover the rear portion of the vehicle body frame (101). The seat (12) is disposed on an upper side of the centre cover (30), the left side cover and the right side cover (33R). The outer leg shield (4) and the inner leg shield (5) extend towards right-and-left direction of the vehicle (100). The outer leg shield (4) and the inner leg shield (5) are substantially disposed on the lower part from the head tube (110). The inner leg shield (5) is arranged behind the head tube (110) and the outer leg shield (4) is arranged from front side of the inner leg shield (5). Generally, the outer leg shield (4) and the inner leg shield (5) are arranged such that the head tube (110) and some portion of the main frame (112) (and the components mounted on these elements) are covered and are not visible from outside.

[00024] A rear wheel axle is rotatably supported in a rear end portion of the power unit (40). Further, a rotational power of the crank shaft is transmitted to the rear wheel axle via the power unit. As a result, the rear wheel (35) supported by the rear wheel axle is driven, and the two-wheeled vehicle runs. The exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe attached to the engine, and a muffler (36) integral with or connected to the exhaust pipe.

[00025] The two-wheeled vehicle (100) further comprises, a front fork (1), a front fender (3), a handle bar cover (7), a storage box (15), a mirror (31), a display meter (32), a rear fender (34), a main stand (37), a tail light (38), and a rear grip (39). It may be noted that the vehicle (100) is shown to have include above stated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and / or described.

[00026] As illustrated in Figure 2, the vehicle body frame (101) comprises a head tube (110), a main frame (112), a pair of rear seat sub-frame as a left rear seat sub-frame (H4a) and a right rear seat sub-frame (1 l4b). The left rear seat sub-frame (1 l4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b), are also referred to as the first seat rail (H4a), and the second seat rail (H4b), respectively. In an embodiment, the vehicle body frame (101) further comprises one or more cross frames such as first cross frame (116), also referred to as a first cross member (116), and second cross frame (120). The head tube (110) extends frontward and downward from front portion of the vehicle body frame (101). The main frame (112) extends rearward and downward from the head tube (110) and then becomes approximately horizontally and runs parallel to the ground. The main frame (112) has a cross member (124) which is connected to the rear end of the main frame (112), and is extended in the cross direction of the vehicle (100).

[00027] The left rear seat sub-frame (H4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b) extend from side ends of the cross member (124) in rearward and upward and then become and extend approximately horizontally. The rear part of the left rear seat sub-frame (H4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b) curves at the rear end and connected by a cross bracket (123), also referred to as a second cross member (123). Approximately ‘IT character like second cross frame (120) is constructed over the front portion of the left rear seat sub-frame (H4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b). The first cross frame (116) is constructed over the rear side portion of the left rear seat sub-frame (H4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b). There is provided a cross pipe (122) on the upper surface of the front part of the approximately horizontal part of the main frame (112). [00028] The cross pipe (122) extends along the cross direction of the vehicle (100). A pair of a left sub-frames (H7a) and a right and (H7b) extend back from side ends of the cross pipe (122). The left sub-frame (H7a) and the right sub-frame (H7b) are extended in length direction of the vehicle in the state where it inclined a little in a side view, they are welded on the cross member (124) forming a step floor structure (146).

[00029] Further, a first U-shaped frame tube (H8a) extends from the left rear seat sub- frames (H4a) at a position near the front side crossing frame (120). Similarly, a second U- shaped frame tube (H8b) extends from the right sub-frames (H4b) at a position near the front side crossing frame (120). The left U-shaped frame tube (H8a) and the right U- shaped frame tube (118b) are used for mounting a foot peg (not shown in any figures).

[00030] Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate the fuel tank (160). In an embodiment the fuel tank (160) is formed by a plurality of side walls joined together to form a cavity therewithin. In particular, the fuel tank (160) is enclosed by walls from all sides. The fuel tank (160) comprises a wall structure (161) having a front wall (16 la), a left side wall (162), a right side wall (163), a rear wall (164), a top wall (165) and a bottom wall (166). The front wall of the fuel tank (160) is positioned towards the frontward direction of the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (160) includes a plurality of mounting provisions. The mounting provisions are provided on the plurality of side walls. In an embodiment of the invention, the wall structure (161) of the fuel tank may include fewer or more number of walls than the mentioned above.

[00031] In an embodiment, the fuel tank (160) comprises a first set of mounting provisions such as a mounting provision (140). The fuel tank (160) further comprises a rear mounting provision (142, 144), also referred to as a second mounting provision (142) and a second mounting provision (144). In alternative embodiments, the fuel tank (160) comprises fewer or more number of mounting provisions, such as the mounting provision (140), the mounting provision (142) and the second mounting provision (144). In the exemplary embodiment, an upper part (not numbered) of the front wall (16 la) is having the mounting provision (140). A lower part (not numbered) of the front wall is having the mounting provision (142). In an embodiment the mounting provision (140) act as a mounting locator for the fuel tank (160) during assembly of the fuel tank (106) on the frame.

[00032] In an embodiment, the first set of mounting provisions such as the mounting provision (140), and the mounting provision (142), along with the rear mounting provision (144), are defined on the wall structure (161) through moulding, for example through blow moulding process.

[00033] The rear wall (164) of the fuel tank (160) is positioned towards the rearward direction of the vehicle (100), i.e., in a direction opposite to the front wall. The rear wall (164) is having the second mounting provision (144). ). In an embodiment the mounting provision (140), the mounting provision (142) and the second mounting provision (144) are provided on a parting line (175) of the fuel tank (160). In the illustrated example, each of the mounting provision (140), the mounting provision (142) and the second mounting provision (144) have an identical configuration. As such, in the illustrated example, each of the mounting provision (140), the mounting provision (142) and the second mounting provision (144) have an opening (not numbered). However, in alternative embodiments the mounting provision (140), the mounting provision (142) and the second mounting provision (144) may each have different profiles.

[00034] In an embodiment, the fuel tank (160) is substantially cuboidal in shape. In other embodiments, the fuel tank (160) may have any other suitable shape, such as a cubical shape. In an embodiment the fuel tank (160) is made up of plastic material, and is referred to as resin fuel tank (160). In an alternative embodiment the fuel tank (160) may be made of metal or resin material. The mounting provision (140), the mounting provision (142) and the second mounting provision (144) help in mounting the fuel tank (160) onto the body frame (101) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the left side wall (162) and the right side wall (163) are made in a way so as to compliment the design and shape of the left rear seat sub-frame (1 l4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (1 l4b).

[00035] With reference to Figure 4, the top wall (165) of the fuel tank (160) facing the seat (12) of the vehicle (100) is having a depression in the vertical downward direction to form a step surface (167). In an embodiment the step surface (167) is formed from the side faces of the top wall (165), the front wall (l6la) and the right side wall (163). In an embodiment a fuel pump (170) is mounted in the vertically downward direction on the step surface (167) of the fuel tank (160). The fuel pump (170) is used to pump the fuel out of the fuel tank (160) and direct it toward the engine, during operation of the vehicle (100).

[00036] In an embodiment, the fuel pump (170) is mounted on the top wall (165) of the fuel tank (160). In an embodiment the top wall (165) of the fuel tank (160) is having a fuel filling opening (173). A lid (171) is adapted to cover the fuel filling opening (173). Further, a fuel gauge (172) is mounted to the top left side of the top wall (165) of the fuel tank (150). The fuel gauge (172) is used to measure the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank (160). The fuel gauge (172) is either electrically or mechanically operated.

[00037] With reference to Figure 5, the bottom wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) is facing towards the ground surface. In an embodiment the bottom wall (166) has a tapered surface (not numbered). In an embodiment the bottom wall (166) of the fuel tank is further divided into a front bottom portion (168) and a rear bottom portion (169). In an embodiment the front bottom portion (168) is in the front direction of the vehicle and the rear bottom portion (169) is in the rearward direction of the vehicle (100).

[00038] The front bottom portion (168) is having a flat surface and then an upward taper surface as it proceed towards the rear wall (164). The rear bottom portion (169) is a flat surface. In another embodiment the front bottom portion (168) has a taper surface. In another embodiment the front bottom portion (168) has a flat surface and the rear bottom portion (169) has a tapered surface. The structure of the fuel tank (160) is designed by using different shapes of the bottom wall (166) keeping in mind the fuel requirement and the dead volume calculations of the vehicle (100) in various up the hill and down the hill conditions.

[00039] Figure 6 illustrates the view of the fuel tank (160) and the rear portion of the body frame (101). The fuel tank (160) is supported by the rear portion of the body frame (101) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment the fuel tank (160) is enclosed in the space between the left rear seat sub-frame (H4a), the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b), the first cross frame (116) and the cross bracket (123). In an embodiment the first cross frame (116) is having a first arm member (136) and a second arm member (137). Both the first arm member (136) and the second arm member (137) extend outwardly from the first cross frame (116). As such, the first arm member (136) is fixed on the first cross frame (116) in vertically upward direction. On the other hand, the second arm member (137) is fixed on the first cross frame (116) in positioned inclined with respect to the direction along which the first arm member (136) extends.

[00040] The first arm member (136) of the frame (116) includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the first arm member (136) is connected to the first cross frame (116), whereas the second end portion, also referred to as top end of the first arm member (136) is having a guide member (141). The guide member (141) protrudes out from a surface towards the left side of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment the guide member (141) may be protruding in an opposite direction i.e., in the right side of the vehicle (100). In further embodiments, the guide member (141) may be protruding towards both right and left side of the vehicle (100).

[00041] In the illustrated embodiment the guide member (141) includes internal threads. During assembly of the fuel tank (160) on the frame (101), the internal threads of the guide member (141) facilitate connection of the first cross frame (116) with the fuel tank (160). In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member (141) is embodied as a hexagonal nut with internal threads, welded to the end portion of the first arm member (136) of the frame (116), however in alternative embodiments, the guide member (141) may be embodied as a hole or opening defined on the end portion of the first arm member

(136).

[00042] The second arm member (137) is also connected to the first cross frame (116). Similar to the first arm member (136), the second arm member (137), also includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion of the second arm member

(137), also referred to as a bottom end of the second arm (136), includes an opening (143). In an embodiment the opening (143) is having threads for the purpose of connecting the first cross frame (116) with the fuel tank (160). In an embodiment, the opening (143) is provided with a hexagonal nut with internal threads, welded to the end portion of the second arm member (137) of the frame (116), however in alternative embodiments, the opening (143) may be embodied as a hole or opening defined on the end portion of the second arm member (137). In an example, a diameter of the opening (143), and that of the opening on the guide member (141), may be identical. However, in alternative embodiments, the diameter of the opening (143) may be different from the diameter of the opening on the guide member (141).

[00043] Further, the first arm member (136) and the second arm member (137) have a predetermined length and a predetermined angular inclination with respect to the cross member (116). Owing to such, the predetermined length and a predetermined angular inclination of the first arm member (136) and the second arm member (137), the respective second end portions thereof, are at a predetermined position with respect to one another and the cross member (116). Moreover, the first arm member (136) and the second arm member (137) are positioned such that the distance between the respective second end portions corresponds to the distance between the mounting provision (140) and the mounting provision (142).

[00044] In an embodiment, the first arm member (136) and the second arm member (137) are positioned such that the distance between the guide member (141), and the opening (143) corresponds to the distance between the mounting provision (140) and the mounting provision (142). Owing to such relative position of the guide member (141) and the opening (143), when the mounting provision (140) is connected to the guide member (141), the mounting provision (142) gets easily aligned with the opening (143). Otherwise, owing to such relative position of the guide member (141) and the opening (143), when the mounting provision (142) is connected to the opening (143), the mounting provision (140) gets easily aligned with the guide member (141).

[00045] The cross bracket (123), also referred to as a second cross member (120), includes a flange (138). The flange (138) is fixed to the cross bracket (123) in vertically upward direction. The flange (138) includes a top end portion connected to the cross bracket (123), and a bottom end portion of the flange (138) is having a plurality of openings such as an opening (145). In an embodiment the opening (145) is having threads for the purpose of connecting the flange (138) with the fuel tank (160). The flange (138) has a predetermined length and a predetermined angular inclination with respect to the cross bracket (123). Owing to such, the predetermined length and a predetermined angular inclination of the flange (138), the bottom end thereof, is at a predetermined position with respect to the cross bracket (123).

[00046] During assembly of the fuel tank (160) on the vehicle frame (116), the fuel tank (160) is held in an inclined position with reference to ground surface (as shown in the Figure 6). The fuel tank (160) is then inserted with the front wall (16 la) facing towards the space formed between the left rear seat sub-frame (H4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b). Once the mounting provision (140) comes in line to the guide member (141) of the first arm member (136), then the fuel tank is shifted towards the right side of the vehicle (100) so as to make the mounting provision (140) connect on to the guide member (141). The mounting provision (140) and the guide member (141) are connected to each other by a fastening unit (180). In an embodiment the fastening unit (180) is having a rubber grommet (151) and a bolt (152) [refer to Figure 6]. The fuel tank (160) is connected to the first cross frame (116) through the mounting provision (140) and the guide member (141).

[00047] Further the fuel tank (160) is made to fall under the effect of gravity and it will abut against the rear part of the body frame (101). The mounting provision (142) comes in line to the opening (143) provided on the second arm member (137). In an embodiment the mounting provision (142) and the opening (143) are connected to each other by a fastening unit (181). In an embodiment the fastening unit (181) is having a rubber grommet (153), a collar (154) and a bolt (155). In another embodiment the fuel tank (160) is connected to the first cross frame (116) through mounting provision (142) and the opening (143).

[00048] During the process of connecting the mounting provision (142) and the opening (143), the second mounting provision (144) automatically comes in line to the opening (145) provided on the flange (138). In an embodiment the second mounting provision (144) and the opening (145) are connected to each other by a fastening unit (182). In an embodiment the fastening unit (182) is having a rubber grommet (156), a collar (157) and a bolt (158). In another embodiment the fuel tank (160) is connected to the cross bracket (123) through second mounting provision (144) and the opening (145). Further, the guide member (141) act as a locator for the fuel tank (160), when the mounting provision (140) abut against the first cross frame (116) of the body frame (101). The fuel tank (160) is swingably mounted on the guide member (141), which act as a pivotal point for fixing the fuel tank (160) on to the body frame (101).

[00049] In particular, when one of the at least one first mounting provision (140) is engaged with the guide member (141) and the resin fuel tank (160) is rested on the frame (101), the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) align with the receiving provision (143) of the at least one second arm member (137). Moreover, the first mounting provision (140) of the at least one first mounting provision (140), which is configured to engage with the guide member (141), and one of the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) are positioned along the parting line (175) of the wall structure (161). Owing to such positioning of the least one second mounting provision (142, 144) along the parting line (175) of the wall structure (161), alignment, positioning and installation of the resin fuel tank (160) on the frame (101) becomes quick and convenient. Further, this mounting causes the resin fuel tank (160) to be fixed in place, while substantially eliminating any possibility is misalignment, and issues resulting therefrom.

[00050] With reference to Figure 7, the fuel tank (160) is connected to the body frame (101) through the first cross frame (116) and the cross bracket (123). In an embodiment the fuel tank (160) is connected to the body frame (101) at the three points or locations (A,B and C) by using the three fastening unit (180, 181 and 182) as compared to six fastening units used in conventional fuel tank mounting.

[00051] In the present invention the fuel tank (160) is attached to the body frame (101) through the fastening means (180, 181 and 182). The mounting provisions (140, 142 and 144) provided to the fuel tank (160) are very simple and do not involve too many mechanical moving parts. Therefore, the fuel tank (160) can be easily taken out for servicing or repair, as per requirements.

[00052] The fuel tank (160) is mounted to the first cross frame (116) and the cross bracket (123). As the first cross frame (116) and the cross bracket (123) are connected between the left rear seat sub-frame (H4a) and the right rear seat sub-frame (H4b) in the width wise direction. Accordingly, the fuel tank (160) is, in a way, not directly mounted on the main frame of the vehicle (100). In other words, the fuel tank (160) can be mounted in any place on the first cross frame (116) and the cross bracket (123) as per the requirement and structure of the two-wheeled vehicle (100).

[00053] The present invention enhances the life of the fuel tank (160). The mounting of the fuel tank (160) is done in longitudinal direction in the front and the rear direction. This eliminates the issues created due to overhang portion of the fuel tank (160). Further, in case of any compressive stress on the fuel tank (160), the whole load will be equally distributed to both the front and rear part of the fuel tank (160). This way the amount of load or pressure on the fuel tank (160) decreases, resulting in more stability of the fuel tank (160).

[00054] The present invention provides the fuel tank (160) mounted on the rear side of the body frame without compromising the aesthetics of two wheeled vehicle (100). The mountings of the fuel tank (160) are covered by the seat (12), the left side cover and the right side cover (33R), so is neither visible nor exposed to outside. In this way the fuel tank (160) remains protected even in case of any accident or toppling of vehicle (100).

[00055] In the present invention the fuel pump (170) is mounted on the step surface (167), which is at lower position as compared to the top wall (165). This position decreases the level between the fuel pump (170) and the bottom wall (166). Along with that, there is difference in taper angel at the bottom wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) resulting in creation of a fuel sump near suction point of the fuel pump (170). As a result of the above, the vehicle (100) may be allowed to operate even with a very low fuel level and create an improved performance in uphill and downhill dead volume conditions.

[00056] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00057] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

We claim:

1. A two wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:

a frame (101), the frame (101) comprises,

a head tube (110),

a main frame (112) extending from the head tube (110),

a cross member (124) connected to the main frame (112),

a first seat rail (1 l4a) extending from the cross member (124), a second seat rail (1 l4b) extending from the cross member (124), a first cross member (116) connected to each of the first seat rail (H4a) and the second seat rail (1 l4b),

a first arm member (136) extending from the first cross member (116), the first arm member (136) comprises a guide member (141), and

at least one second arm member (137) comprises a receiving provision

(143),

a power unit (40) swingably supported by the frame (101); and

a resin fuel tank (160) comprises,

a wall structure (161), the wall structure (161) defines a parting line

(175),

at least one first mounting provision (140) disposed on the wall structure (161), and

at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) disposed on the wall structure (161),

wherein one of the at least one first mounting provision (140) is configured to engage with the guide member (141) such that the resin fuel tank (160) is pivotable about the body frame (101), and wherein when one of the at least one first mounting provision (140) is engaged with the guide member (141) and the resin fuel tank (160) is rested on the frame (101), the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) align with the receiving provision (143) of the at least one second arm member (137), and wherein the first mounting provision (140) of the at least one first mounting provision (140), which is configured to engage with the guide member (141), and one of the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) are positioned along the parting line (175) of the wall structure (161).

2. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one first mounting provision (140), and each of the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) are positioned along the parting line (175) of the wall structure (161).

3. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (101) further comprising a second cross member (123) disposed opposite to the first cross member (116), the second cross member (123) being connected to each of the first seat rail (1 l4a) and the second seat rail (1 l4b).

4. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parting line (175) divides the resin fuel tank (160) into two halves.

5. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second cross member (123) comprises,

at least one flange (138), and

an opening (145) defined at an end portion of the flange (138), wherein the opening (145) of the at least one flange (138) is adapted to be engaged with the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) disposed on the rear wall (164).

6. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm member (136) and one of the at least one second arm member (137) are disposed on opposite side of an axis of the first cross member (116).

7. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall structure (161) of the fuel tank (160) comprises, a front wall (16 la), a left wall (162), a right side wall (163), a top wall (165), a rear wall (164), a bottom wall (166), wherein one of the at least one first mounting provision (140) is disposed on the front wall (161a), one of the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) is disposed on the front wall (161a), and one of the at least one second mounting provision (142,144) is disposed on wall structure other than the front wall (161a).

8. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the at least one first mounting provision (140) and one of the at least one second mounting provision (142, 144) are formed on the wall structure (161) at the time of manufacturing of the fuel tank (160) using a blow moulding process.

9. A two wheeled vehicle (100) comprising: a frame (101), the frame (101) comprises,

a head tube (110),

a main frame (112) connected to the head tube (110), a cross member (124) connected to the main frame (112) opposite to the head tube (110),

a first seat rail (1 l4a) extending from the cross member (124), a second seat rail (H4b) opposite to the first seat rail (H4a), and extending from the cross member (124), a first cross member (116) connected to each of the first seat rail (H4a) and the second seat rail (1 l4b), a first arm member (136) extending from the first cross member (116), a guide member (141) protruding from an end portion of the first arm member (136),

a second arm member (137) extending from the first cross member

(116),

an opening (143) defined at an end portion of the second arm member

(137),

a second cross member (123) disposed opposite to the first cross member (116), the second cross member (123) being connected to each of the first seat rail (1 l4a) and the second seat rail (114b); a flange (138) extending from the second cross member (123), and an opening (145) defined at an end portion of the flange (138); and a resin fuel tank (160) carried by the frame (101), the resin fuel tank (160) comprises,

a front wall (16la), a first set of mounting provisions (140) disposed spaced apartly on the front wall,

a rear wall (164) positioned opposite to the front wall, and

a rear mounting provision (142, 144) disposed on the rear wall (164), wherein the guide member (141) and the opening (143) are adapted to be connected to one of the mounting provisions (140, 142) on the front wall, and wherein the opening (145) of the flange (138) is adapted to be pivotally connected to the rear mounting provision (144) disposed on the rear wall (164).