WO2019167072A1

WO2019167072A1 - Fuel tank

Info

Publication number: WO2019167072A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050163
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bhimshankar Shivaji Soregaonkar
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2018-02-27
Filing date: 2019-02-27
Publication date: 2019-09-06
Also published as: CN111788113A

Abstract

A fuel tank (160, 160') of a vehicle (10) is provided. The fuel tank (160, 160') includes a fuel chamber (168, 168') configured to store fuel, a first wall (161, 161') enclosing at least portion of the fuel chamber (168, 168'). The first wall (161, 161') comprises an opening (164) defining a first axis (X-X'). The fuel tank (160, 160') further includes a fuel filling unit (175) extending from the opening (164) of the first wall (161, 161') into the fuel chamber (168, 168'), and a fuel redirecting member (180, 180') disposed on a second wall (166, 166') of the fuel chamber (168, 168'). The fuel redirecting member (180, 180') is positioned along the first axis (X-X').

Description

FUEL TANK

FIELD OF INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles utilizing a power source, such as an internal combustion engine, to generate power are typically equipped with a fuel tank. The fuel tank is designed to store the fuel. A fuel supply system is provided in such vehicles to communicate fuel from the fuel tank to the power source. Combustion of fuel takes places in the internal combustion engine, and resultantly power is generated. The fuel tank is carried by a frame of the vehicle and generally has a finite fuel storage capacity. Therefore, fuel is frequently required to be filled and refilled into the fuel tank.

[0003] Typically, the fuel tank includes a cavity defined by a plurality of walls, and includes a fuel filling opening that opens into the cavity. In order fill the fuel into the fuel tank, a spout of a fuel filling unit is inserted through the fuel filling opening, and the fuel from the fuel filling unit is allowed to flow to the cavity defined by the plurality of walls. However, there exists a possibility of spillage of fuel during such filling of fuel. For example, the position of the fuel tank opening with respect to a bottom wall of the fuel tank, or flow velocity of the fuel flowing through the spout, tends to cause some fuel to get deflected and bounced off, out of the fuel tank causing fuel loss.

[0004] The problem statement may be described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2. The fuel filler neck (275) is a linear shaped cylinder fixed to the fuel tank (260, 260’) in vertically downward direction. When the spout (274) of the fuel dispenser is inserted, the fuel flows in substantially vertically downward direction and hits the bottom wall (266, 266’) of the fuel tank (260, 260’). As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, when flowing fuel hits the bottom wall and is under pressure, the fuel tends to rebound and may come out of the fuel tank (260, 260’).

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention a fuel tank of a vehicle is provided. The fuel tank includes a fuel chamber configured to store fuel, a first wall enclosing at least portion of the fuel chamber. The first wall an opening defining a first axis. The fuel tank further includes a fuel filling unit extending from the opening of the first wall into the fuel chamber; and a fuel redirecting member disposed on a second wall of the fuel chamber. The fuel redirecting member is positioned along the first axis.

[0006] With this fuel tank as disclosed in the present invention, the fuel redirecting member is configured to direct the fuel coming through the fuel filling unit away from the fuel filling unit, to restrict back flow of the fuel during fuel filling event. Accordingly, any likelihood of spillage of fuel due to deflection and bounding thereof is avoided.

[0007] In another embodiment, a fuel tank of a vehicle is provided. The fuel tank includes a fuel chamber configured to store fuel, a first wall enclosing at least portion of the fuel chamber. The first wall includes an opening defining a first axis. The fuel tank further includes a fuel filling unit extending from the opening of the first wall into the fuel chamber, and a fuel redirecting member disposed on an auxiliary component positioned within the fuel chamber, wherein the fuel redirecting member is positioned along the first axis. In an embodiment, the auxiliary component is a fuel pump.

[0008] With this fuel tank as disclosed in the present invention, the fuel redirecting member is configured to direct the fuel coming through the fuel filling unit away from the fuel filling unit, to restrict back flow of the fuel during fuel filling event. Accordingly, any likelihood of spillage of fuel due to deflection and bounding thereof is avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) 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:

[00010] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a fuel tank and spout of fuel dispenser, describing problem statement of the prior art;

[00011] Figure 2 illustrates a view of another fuel tank and spout of fuel dispenser, describing problem statement of the prior art;

[00012] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00013] Figure 4 illustrates a view of a frame of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a fuel tank the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 6 illustrates view of the fuel tank the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 7 illustrates a view of the fuel tank with a notch, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 8 illustrates a view of another fuel tank with notch, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00018] Figures 9 illustrates a view of fuel tank and spout of fuel dispenser, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00019] Figures 10 illustrates a view of another fuel tank and spout of fuel dispenser, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00020] 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.

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SU BSTITUTE SH EETS (RU LE 26) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00021] 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.

[00022] 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.

[00023] 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.

[00024] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, fuel tank 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.

[00025] 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.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [00026] Referring to Figures 3, a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle (10) referred to herein, embodies a two wheeled motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (10) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00027] The vehicle (10) comprises one or more body parts, such as a frame (12), a handle bar (14), a front wheel (16), a seat (18), a rear wheel (20), an engine (22), a headlight (24), and a fuel tank (160). The frame (12) supports the engine (22) in middle portion of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the engine (22) provides necessary power required to drive the rear wheel (20) of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, the engine (22) may provide necessary power to the drive the front wheel (16), or both the front wheel (16) and the rear wheel (20) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear wheel (20) is linked to the engine (22) through a transmission mechanism (not numbered).

[00028] The frame (12) supports the seat (18) which extends from middle portion towards a rear portion (28) of the vehicle (10). The seat (18) provides seating for a rider and / or a passenger of the vehicle (10). The fuel tank (160) provides necessary fuel to the engine (22) to generate power within the vehicle (10).

[00029] As shown in Figure 4, the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) comprises the head pipe (30), a single main frame (32), and a down frame (34). The single main frame (32) extends downwards and rearwards from a rear portion of the head pipe (30) so as to form a relatively mild slope in side view. The down frame (34) extend downward and rearward in a manner branching into left and right, respectively, so as to form a relatively steep slope in side view. The frame (12) comprises a pair of lower frames (36). The pair of lower frames (36) are curved to extend rearwardly from lower ends of the down frame (34).

[00030] Further, the frame (12) comprises a pair of middle frames (38). The pair of middle frames (38) extend downward and rearward from a main frame cross bar (40). The frame (12) comprises a mount bracket (42) coupled to the front side of lower portions of the pair of middle frames (38). Further, the frame (12) further comprises a pair of sub frame members (50). In an embodiment, the pair of sub frame members (50) are embodied as a pair of seat frames are

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SU BSTITUTE SH EETS (RU LE 26) disposed rearward of the upper ends of the pair of respective middle frames (38). The frame (12) also supports the engine (22).

[00031] As shown in Figure 5, the vehicle (10) includes the fuel tank (160) carried by the frame (12). In an embodiment the fuel tank (160) is supported by front part of the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment the fuel tank (160) may be made of a metallic material. In another embodiment, the fuel tank (160) may be made of a resin material. The fuel tank (160) is enclosed by a plurality of walls, from all sides. As such, the plurality of walls are joined together to form a confined space called fuel chamber (168) (shown in Figure. 7) of a predefined fuel storage capacity. The plurality of walls include a first wall (160), and a second wall (166).

[00032] In an embodiment, the plurality of walls include the first wall (160), also referred to as the top wall (161), a side wall (162) and the second wall (166) also referred to as a bottom wall (166). The top wall (161) of the fuel tank (160) is provided with an opening (164). In an embodiment, the opening (164) is a fuel filling opening (164). The opening (164) defines a first axis (X-X’). The fuel filling opening (164) is having an integrated fuel filling unit (175). A fuel filler cap (171) is provided to selectively close the fuel filling unit (175). In an embodiment, the fuel filler cap (171) can be snap fit or threadedly attached to the fuel filling unit (175).

[00033] The side wall (162) is extending downwardly from the top wall (161). In an embodiment a tunnel wall (163) extending towards one another from the side wall (162). For defining the overall construction and shape of the fuel tank (160), the top wall (161) and the side wall (162) are contoured.

[00034] In an embodiment the bottom wall (166) is extending between the tunnel wall (163). In an embodiment the bottom wall (166) defines a concave tunnel portion of the fuel tank (160). In an embodiment the bottom wall (166) is a planar portion. In an embodiment the bottom wall (166) is a contour portion. In an embodiment the bottom wall (166) extends between the side walls (162) of the fuel tank (160). An auxiliary component (not illustrated) may be mounted on the bottom wall (166). In an embodiment, the auxiliary component may be a fuel pump (not illustrated). It should be appreciated that fuel tank shapes vary significantly between different vehicles and often selected to achieve desired aerodynamics.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [00035] As shown in Figure 6, the vehicle (10) includes a fuel tank (160’) carried by the frame (12). In an embodiment the fuel tank (160’) is supported by a rear part of the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment the fuel tank (160’) may be made of a metallic material or a resin material. The fuel tank (160’) is enclosed by walls from all sides. As such, the plurality of walls are joined together to form a confined space called fuel chamber (168’) (shown in Figure. 10) of a predefined fuel storage capacity The fuel tank (160’) comprises a top wall (16G), a side wall (162’) and a bottom wall (166’).

[00036] In an embodiment the top wall (16G) of the fuel tank (160’) is having an opening (164). In an embodiment, the opening (164) may be a fuel filling opening (164). The opening (164) defines a first axis (X-X’). The fuel filling opening (164) is having an integrated fuel filling unit (175) [not shown in Figure. 6] A fuel filler cap (17G) [not shown in Figure. 6] is provided to close the fuel filling unit (175). In an embodiment, the fuel filler cap (17G) can be snap fit or threadedly attached to the fuel filling unit (175).

[00037] The side wall (162’) is extending downwardly from the top wall (161’). The side wall (162’) of the fuel tank (160’) has mounting provisions (not numbered) which help in mounting the fuel tank (160’) onto the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10).

[00038] The bottom wall (166’) is extending between the side wall (162’). 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. In an embodiment the bottom wall (166’) has a flat surface. In an embodiment, the bottom wall (166’) can have a combination of tapered surface and/or flat surface. In an embodiment, the top wall (16G), the side wall (162’) and the bottom wall (166’) are made in a way so as to compliment the design and shape of the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10).

[00039] With reference to Figure 7, the bottom wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) is explained. The bottom wall (166) is a flat surface substantially parallel to the ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment the bottom wall (166) is having step portion that lies underneath the fuel filling unit (175). In an example the bottom wall (166) is having step portion that lies underneath the opening (164) such that at least a portion of the bottom wall (166) is perpendicular to the first axis (X-X’).

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) [00040] The bottom wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) includes an inner surface (not numbered) facing the fuel chamber (168), and an outer surface facing the frame (12) of the vehicle (10). The inner surface of the bottom wall (166) is provided with a fuel redirecting member (180). In an embodiment, the fuel redirecting member (180) is provided on the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160). The fuel redirecting member (180) may be removably connected to the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160). In an example, the fuel redirecting member (180) may be removably connected to the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) using fasteners.

[00041] As illustrated in Figure. 7, the fuel redirecting member (180) may be embodied as a notch (180). The notch (180) is a conical structure with projection or a tip facing the fuel filling unit (175). In an embodiment the notch (180) is inverted‘V’ or‘U’ shaped structure. In further embodiments, the fuel redirecting member (180) may be have a triangular or a curvilinear profile. In an embodiment the notch (180) lies substantially under the fuel filling unit (175). Further, the notch (180), in an example, lies substantially under the opening (164) along the first axis (X-X’). The notch (180) is removably fixed to the inner surface of the bottom wall (166) through welding process or by using any fastening means. In an embodiment the notch (180) can be created in the bottom wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) during manufacturing of the bottom wall (166). In such an embodiment, the fuel redirecting member (180) may be integral to the bottom wall (166).

[00042] In further embodiments of the present invention, the fuel redirecting member (180) may include a plurality of projections, such as the notch (180) and each extending towards the opening (164) or the fuel filling unit (175). In this embodiment, each of the plurality of projections may be positioned below the fuel filling unit (175), along the first axis (X-X’).

[00043] With reference to Figure 8, the bottom wall (166’) of the fuel tank (160’) is explained. The bottom wall (166’) is a flat surface substantially parallel to the ground surface. In an embodiment the bottom wall (166’) is having step portion which lies underneath the fuel filling unit (175). The outer surface of the bottom wall (166’) is provided with a depression or a cavity (180’). In an embodiment, the outer surface of the bottom wall (166’) may be provided

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) with a plurality of depressions or cavities, such as the cavity (180’). The cavity (180’) is a conical indentation in to the inner side of the fuel tank (160’) with tip facing the fuel filling unit (175). In an embodiment the cavity (180’) is‘V’ or‘U’ shaped. In an embodiment the cavity (180’) lies substantially under the fuel filling unit (175). The cavity (180’) is created in the bottom wall (166’) of the fuel tank (160’) during manufacturing process. In an embodiment during manufacturing of the fuel tank (160) an insert is kept in blow moulding process or hot punching can be done for creating the cavity (180).

[00044] With reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10, the fuel filling unit (175) is fludically connected with the fuel tank (160, 160’). The fuel filling unit (175) acts as a passage for the fuel to flow from the spout (174) of the fuel dispenser (not illustrated) into the fuel tank (160, 160’). When the spout (174) is inserted into the fuel filling unit (175), the fuel starts flowing into the fuel tank (160, 160’). The flowing fuel tends to directly hit the notch (180) [refer to Figure 9] In an embodiment, the flowing fuel will hit the hump or inverted cavity (180’) [refer to Figure 10] The path of the flowing fuel after striking the notch (180) or the cavity (180’) is diverted. Accordingly, the fuel start flowing over the surface of the notch (180) or the cavity (180’), and thereafter reaches the bottom wall (166, 166’) of the fuel tank (160, 160’).

[00045] During fuel filling in conventional fuel tank (260, 260’), the flowing fuel after striking the bottom wall (266, 166’) of the fuel tank (260, 260’) tends to bounce back and enter into the fuel filling unit (275) [refer Figure 1 and Figure 2] However, in the present invention, due to presence of the notch (180) or the cavity (180’), the fuel will flow down to the surface and will reach the bottom wall (166, 166’) of the fuel tank (160, 160’) without bouncing back. The fuel will not enter back into the fuel filling unit (175) [refer Figure 9 and Figure 10] Accordingly, the possibility of fuel splash during fuel filling is reduced to a greater extent. Along with that due to the present invention, there is negligible chances of fuel coming out of the fuel filling unit (175) accordingly loss of fuel due to spillage is also eliminated.

[00046] Further, during fuel filling, the fuel may be coming at high pressure and velocity into the fuel tank (160, 160’) from the spout (174) of the fuel dispenser. In the present invention due to the notch (180) or the cavity (180’), the path of the coming fuel is diverted, resulting in changing point of impact of the fuel on to the bottom wall (166, 166’) of the fuel

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) tank (160, 160’). Hence the auxiliary components mounted inside the fuel tank as well as internal fuel tank surface will not come in direct contact to the flowing fuel.

[00047] 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.

[00048] 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.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)

Claims

We claim:

1. A fuel tank (160, 160’) of a vehicle (10) comprising:

a fuel chamber (168, 168’) configured to store fuel;

a first wall (161, 16G) enclosing at least portion of the fuel chamber (168, 168’), wherein the first wall (161, 16G) comprises:

an opening (164) defining a first axis (X-X’);

a fuel filling unit (175) extending from the opening (164) of the first wall (161, 16G) into the fuel chamber (168, 168’); and

a fuel redirecting member (180, 180’) disposed on a second wall (166, 166’) of the fuel chamber (168, 168’), wherein the fuel redirecting member (180, 180’) is positioned along the first axis (X-X’).

2. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel redirecting member (180, 180’) is configured to direct the fuel coming through the fuel filling unit (175) away from the fuel filling unit (175), to restrict back flow of the fuel during fuel filling event.

3. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel redirecting member (180, 180’) is removably connected to the second wall (166, 166’) of the fuel chamber (168, 168’).

4. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel redirecting member (180, 180’) is integrally defined on the second wall (166, 166’) of the fuel chamber (168, 168’)·

5. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second wall (166, 166’) of the fuel chamber (168, 168’) is the bottom wall positioned opposite to the first wall (161, 161’)·

6. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180’) includes a projection extending towards the opening (164).

7. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projection of the fuel redirection member (180, 180’) has a triangular configuration.

8. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projection of the fuel redirection member (180, 180’) has a curvilinear configuration.

9. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180’) includes a plurality of projections extending towards the opening (164).

10. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180’) is positioned below the fuel filling unit (175).

11. A fuel tank (160, 160’) of a vehicle comprising:

a fuel chamber (168, 168’) configured to store fuel;

an opening (164) defining a first axis (X-X’);

a fuel redirecting member (180, 180’) disposed on an auxiliary component positioned within the fuel chamber (168, 168’), wherein the fuel redirecting member (180, 180’) is positioned along the first axis (X-X’).

12. The fuel tank (160, 160’) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the auxiliary component is a fuel pump carried by a bottom wall of the fuel tank.