WO2020144707A1

WO2020144707A1 - Rear end structure of vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020144707A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sonu Kumar
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2019-01-07
Filing date: 2020-01-07
Publication date: 2020-07-16
Also published as: CO2021008983A2; CN113423634A; CN113423634B

Abstract

A vehicle (100) is provided. The vehicle (100) comprises a fuel tank (130) having a fuel filling tube (133) and a fuel tank cap (134) removably coupled to the fuel filling tube (133). The fuel tank cap (134) comprises a grip portion (140). The vehicle (100) also comprises a cover (131) comprising a fuel tank access lid (152). The fuel tank 5 access lid (152) comprises a protrusion (166). The protrusion (166) is configured to interfere with the grip portion (140) and preclude closure of the fuel tank access lid (152), when the fuel tank cap (134) is improperly positioned.

Description

REAR END STRUCTURE OF VEHICEE

FIEED OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to a rear end structure of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND [0002] Vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorized scooter, motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle, and four-wheeled vehicle such as all- terrain vehicle, comprises a fuel tank system which typically includes a fuel tank and a fuel filler tube through which fuel is dispensed into the fuel tank. A removable fuel tank cap is threadably secured to an end of the fuel filler tube in order to close the fuel filler tube. The fuel tank system for example, may be disposed in rear portion of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle may also comprise a remotely operated actuator which releases a lid allowing access to fuel filling compartment which encloses the fuel tank system.

[0003] When the vehicle is to be refueled, the vehicle operator actuates the remotely operated actuator to release the lid to the fuel filling compartment and typically twists or rotates the removable fuel tank cap until it is removed from the fuel filler tube. Once refueling is complete, the vehicle operator manually secures the fuel tank cap to the fuel filler tube. However, in many a cases it has been observed that if the vehicle operator is distracted during the fuel filling operation, the vehicle operator may forget to reconnect the fuel tank cap and/or close the fuel filling compartment lid, and an open fuel filler tube or fuel filling compartment allows the release of toxic and flammable fuel vapors into the environment and also causes fuel spillage issues, which is undesirable. Further, even if the fuel tank cap is repositioned on the fuel filling tube, the fuel tank cap may not be properly threaded onto the fuel filler tube, thereby providing less than adequate seal. SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a fuel tank comprising a fuel filling tube and a fuel tank cap removably coupled to the fuel filling tube. The fuel tank cap comprises a grip portion. The vehicle also comprises a cover comprising a fuel tank access lid. The fuel tank access lid comprises a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to interfere with the grip portion and preclude closure of the fuel tank access lid, when the fuel tank cap is improperly positioned.

[0005] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a side cover assembly having a front side cover, a left side cover, a right side cover, and a rear side cover. The cover embodies at least one of the front side cover, the left side cover, the right side cover, and the rear side cover of the side cover assembly.

[0006] In an embodiment, the cover embodies the rear side cover disposed below a seat and above a tail lamp. The fuel tank is disposed below the seat such that the cover covers the fuel filling tube of the fuel tank.

[0007] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a leg shield having an inner leg shield and an outer leg shield. The cover embodies the inner leg shield of the leg shield.

[0008] In an embodiment, the fuel tank access lid is disposed directly above the fuel filling tube of the fuel tank. [0009] In an embodiment, when the grip portion aligns with the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the fuel tank cap is said to be properly positioned. In an embodiment, when the grip portion aligns with the left-right direction of the vehicle, the fuel tank cap is said to be properly positioned.

[00010] In an embodiment, any position of the fuel tank cap other than the proper position is said to be improperly positioned and interferes with the protrusion. [00011] In an embodiment, shape of the protrusion is selected so as to interfere with the improper position of the fuel tank cap.

[00012] In an embodiment, the fuel tank access lid is hingably coupled to the cover. When in a closed position of the fuel tank access lid the fuel tank access lid covers the fuel tank cap.

[00013] With the vehicle as disclosed comprises the fuel tank access lid having the protrusion. The protrusion doesn’t allow the closure of the fuel tank access lid in case of improper positioning of the fuel tank cap, thereby ensuring that the vehicle operator properly closes the fuel tank cap every time after refueling operation. The protrusion abuts the grip portion of the fuel tank cap in case of improper positioning of the fuel tank cap, thereby preventing the closure of the fuel tank access lid. Further, as the protrusion ensures the proper closure of the fuel tank cap and the fuel tank access lid, the release of toxic and flammable fuel vapors into the environment may be eliminated and/or reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00014] 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:

[00015] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a rear end structure of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a fuel tank cap disposed on a fuel tank of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00018] Figure 4 illustrates a view of a fuel tank access lid and properly closed fuel tank cap of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00019] Figure 5 illustrates a view of the fuel tank access lid and improperly closed fuel tank cap of the vehicle, 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.

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 access lid 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 drawing

Figures.

[00026] Referring to Figure 1 , a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorized scooter vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00027] The vehicle (100) comprises a front end structure (102), a rear end structure (104), and a footboard (106). The front end structure (102) forms the front portion of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (104) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The footboard (106) lies between the front portion (102) and the rear portion (104). The footboard (106) provides foot rest for a rider riding the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a cover (131) configured to cover at least portion of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a fuel tank (130) to store fuel necessary to operate the vehicle (100). [00028] The front end structure (102) comprises a front ground engaging member

(114), and a steering mechanism (116). The front ground engaging member (114) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (116). The steering mechanism (116) comprises a handle bar (118). The handle bar (118) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). Further, the front end structure (102) comprises a leg shield (120) arranged ahead of the seating area (108). The leg shield (120) encloses the steering mechanism (116). The leg shield (120) comprises an inner leg shield (122) and an outer leg shield (121). The leg shield (120) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the cover (131) embodies the inner leg shield (120).

[00029] The front end structure (102) comprises a dash assembly (125). The dash assembly (125) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information about the vehicle (100) to the rider. The dash assembly (125) may comprise additional components such as, LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the front end assembly (102) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, head lamps, front fenders etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00030] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the rear end structure (104) comprises a seat (108), a rear ground engaging member (112), and a power unit (110). The seat

(108) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (112) underlies the seat (108) and is driven by the power unit (110). The power unit (110) comprises an engine (111) (Shown in Figure 3) and a transmission unit (113). The rear end structure (104) comprises a storage box (not shown). The storage box is provided under the seat (108). More particularly, the storage box is disposed within a space defined by the seat (108) and the engine (111) of power unit (110). Further, the rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as rear fender, suspension system/s, tail light/s etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. [00031] In the illustrated example, the fuel tank (130) is disposed in the rear end structure (104) of the vehicle (100). In another example, the fuel tank (130) is disposed on the front end structure (102) of the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the fuel tank (130) may be disposed on the foot board (106), without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the rear end structure (104) comprises the fuel tank (130) and a side cover assembly (132). The fuel tank (130) is disposed behind the storage box below the seat (108). The fuel tank (130) comprises a fuel filling tube (133) and a removable fuel tank cap (134) (shown in Figure 3). The fuel filling tube (133) is a member having a fuel filling port (not shown) for supplying fuel to the fuel tank (130). In the illustrated example, the fuel filling tube (133) extends towards the rear portion of the vehicle

(100). Alternatively, the fuel filling tube (133) of the fuel tank (130) may extend towards front or towards sides of the vehicle (100) without limiting the scope of the invention. The fuel tank cap (134) is removably coupled to the fuel filling tube (133). The fuel tank cap (134) opens and closes the fuel filling port. The fuel tank cap (134) is twisted and rotated until it is removed from the fuel filling tube.

[00032] The fuel tank cap (134) comprises a threaded coupling portion (not shown) and a grip portion (140). The threaded coupling portion facilitates in removably coupling the fuel tank cap (134) to the fuel filling tube (133). The grip portion (140) extends from top surface of fuel tank cap (134). The grip portion (140) is provided for manipulation by a vehicle operator to twist and rotate the fuel tank cap

(134). In one example, the grip portion (140) is said to be properly positioned, when the grip portion (140) aligns with the front-rear direction of the vehicle (100). In another example, the grip portion (140) of the fuel tank cap (134) is said to be properly positioned, when the grip portion (140) aligns with the left-right direction of the vehicle (100), the fuel tank cap (134) is said to be properly positioned. Any position of the grip portion (140) of the fuel tank cap (134) other than the proper position is said to be improperly positioned.

[00033] In the illustrated example, the grip portion (140) comprises a first extension (142), a bridge member (143), and a second extension (144). The first extension (142) and the second extension (144) are substantially parallel to one another. The bridge member (143) is disposed in between the first extension (142) and the second extension (144).

[00034] The fuel tank (130) is disposed inside the side cover assembly (132) (shown in Figure 1). The side cover assembly (132) comprises a left side cover (124) (shown in Figure 1), a right side cover (not shown), a front side cover (126) (shown in Figure 1) and a rear side cover (128). The side cover assembly (132) constitutes rear cowl of the vehicle (100). The cover (131) embodies at least one of the front side cover (126), the left side cover (124), the right side cover (129), and the rear side cover (128) of the side cover assembly (132), according to the location of the fuel tank (130) and orientation of the fuel filling tube (133). In the illustrated example as shown in Figure 2, the cover (131) embodies the rear side cover (128) (herein after both the cover (131) and the rear side cover (128) are interchangeably used throughout the description) as the fuel tank (130) is disposed in rear portion of the vehicle (100) and the fuel filling tube (133) is oriented towards rear portion of the vehicle (100). More particularly, the cover (131) embodies the rear side cover (128) disposed below a seat (108) and above a tail lamp (109), wherein the fuel tank (130) is disposed below the seat (108) such that the cover (131) covers the fuel filling tube (133) of the fuel tank (130)

[00035] The front side cover (126) is disposed adjacent to the floor board (106) and covers front area below the seat (108). The left side cover (124) and the right side cover are disposed on both sides of vehicle body and covers lower sides of the seat (108). The left side cover (124) and the right side cover extend from the front side cover (126) to the rear side cover (128). The rear side cover (128) is disposed below the seat (108) and covers rear area of the vehicle (100).

[00036] The rear side cover (128) comprises an opening (150), a fuel tank access lid (152) and a lid hinge device ( 154). The opening ( 150) is disposed at a portion facing fuel filling port of the fuel tank (130). The opening (150) provides an access window to the fuel tank (130). In the illustrated example, the opening (150) is provided on a central portion of the rear side cover (128). Alternatively, the opening (150) may be provided on any of the front side cover (126), the left side cover (124), the right side cover of the side cover assembly (132) or any other locations known in the art without limiting the scope of the invention. The fuel tank access lid (152) covers the opening (150). The fuel tank access lid (152) is disposed in an open able and closable manner above the opening (150). The fuel tank access lid (152) is opened and closed by means of the lid hinge device (154). The fuel tank access lid (152) comprises an inner surface (160) and an outer surface (162). The contour of the outer surface (162) of the fuel tank access lid (152) is substantially similar to the contour of outer surface of the rear side cover (128) (shown in Figure 2). The inner surface (160) is disposed opposite to the outer surface (162). The inner surface (160) faces the fuel tank cap (134) in closed position thereof.

[00037] The fuel tank access lid (152) comprises a protrusion (166). The protrusion (166) extends from the inner surface (160) of the fuel tank access lid (152). The shape of the protrusion (166) is selected so as to interfere with the improper position of the fuel tank cap (134). The protrusion (166) is configured to interfere with the grip portion (140) and preclude closure of the fuel tank access lid (152), when the fuel tank cap (134) is improperly positioned. In the illustrated example, the protrusion (166) is rectangular in shape. Alternatively, the protrusion (166) may have any shape such as hexagonal, triangular etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. Length and width of the protrusion (166) are so selected as to interfere with the grip portion (140) of the fuel tank cap (134) in case of improper positioning of the fuel tank cap (134).

[00038] Referring to Figure 5, improper positioning of the fuel tank cap (134) is depicted. When the fuel tank access lid (152) is closed, in an improper way of the fuel tank cap (134), the protrusion (166) abuts the first extension (142) and/or the second extension (144) of the grip portion (140) of the fuel tank cap (134), thereby restricting the closure of the fuel tank access lid (152).

[00039] Referring to Figure 4, a proper positioning of the fuel tank cap (134) is depicted. When the fuel tank access lid (152) is closed in proper positioning of the fuel tank cap (134), the protrusion (166) slides by the grip portion (140) and allows the closure of the fuel tank access lid (152). [00040] The present invention discloses the fuel tank access lid (152) comprising the protrusion (166). The protrusion (166) doesn’t allow the closure of the fuel tank access lid (152) in case of improper positioning of the fuel tank cap (134), thereby ensuring that the vehicle operator properly closes the fuel tank cap (134) every time after refueling operation. The protrusion (166) abuts the grip portion (140) of the fuel tank cap (134) in case of improper positioning of the fuel tank cap (134), thereby preventing the closure of the fuel tank access lid (152). Further, as the protrusion (166) ensures the proper closure of the fuel tank cap (134) and the fuel tank access lid (152), the release of toxic and flammable fuel vapors into the environment may be eliminated and/or reduced.

[00041] 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. [00042] 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 vehicle (100) comprising:

a fuel tank (130) comprising:

a fuel filling tube (133);

a fuel tank cap (134) removably coupled to the fuel filling tube

(133), wherein the fuel tank cap (134) comprises a grip portion (140); a cover (131) comprising a fuel tank access lid (152), wherein the fuel tank access lid (152) comprises a protrusion (166);

wherein the protrusion (166) is configured to interfere with the grip portion (140) and preclude closure of the fuel tank access lid (152), when the fuel tank cap (134) is improperly positioned.

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises a side cover assembly (132) having a front side cover (126), a left side cover (124), a right side cover (129), and a rear side cover (128), wherein the cover (131) embodies at least one of the front side cover (126), the left side cover (124), the right side cover (129), and the rear side cover (128) of the side cover assembly (132).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the cover (131) embodies the rear side cover (128) disposed below a seat (108) and above a tail lamp (109), wherein the fuel tank (130) is disposed below the seat (108) such that the cover (131) covers the fuel filling tube (133) of the fuel tank (130).

4. The vehicle ( 100) as claimed in the claim 1 , wherein the vehicle ( 100) comprises a leg shield (120) having an inner leg shield (122) and an outer leg shield (121), wherein the cover (131) embodies the inner leg shield (122) of the leg shield (120).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the fuel tank access lid (152) is disposed directly above the fuel filling tube (133) of the fuel tank (130).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein when the grip portion (140) aligns with the front-rear direction of the vehicle (100), the fuel tank cap (134) is said to be properly positioned.

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein when the grip portion (140) aligns with the left-right direction of the vehicle (100), the fuel tank cap (134) is said to be properly positioned.

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claims 5 and 6, any position of the fuel tank cap (134) other than the proper position is said to be improperly positioned and interferes with the protrusion (166).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 7, wherein shape of the protrusion (166) is selected so as to interfere with the improper position of the fuel tank cap (134).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the fuel tank access lid (152) is hingably coupled to the cover (131), wherein when in a closed position of the fuel tank access lid (152) the fuel tank access lid (152) covers the fuel tank cap (134).