Motorcycle fuel inlet assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motorcycle including a fuel filler inlet assembly 200. The fuel filler inlet assembly 200 includes a side skirt 210 abutting against a front panel 160A and a rear panel 160E and extending between a side skirt apex 212 and a floorboard 155, a recess 220 formed in the side skirt 210 and having an aperture 222, and a fuel inlet opening 230 accessible from the aperture 222 and supplying fuel to a fuel tank 250. The fuel filler inlet assembly 200 further includes a C-shaped box section 310 provided in the recess 220. A stiffening member 320 abuts against the C-shaped box section 310. The fuel filler inlet assembly 200 may be a charging socket assembly 400 as a modified example.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to two-wheeled vehicles, particularly fuel filling inlet assemblies for two-wheeled vehicles. The present invention also relates to charging socket assemblies for two-wheeled electric vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Whether a two-wheeled vehicle runs on an internal combustion engine or is powered by electricity, in any case, a two-wheeled vehicle requires a fuel supply or charging (recharging) system. In a conventional two-wheeled vehicle running on an internal combustion engine, the fuel supply system generally consists of a fuel tank, a fuel inlet, and a fuel pipe connecting the fuel inlet to the fuel tank. Typically, in a scooter-type two-wheeled vehicle, these fuel systems are packaged under the seat and behind the utility box, and the fuel inlet is positioned under the seat or near the tail lamp.

[0003] When the fuel inlet is arranged under the seat, in order to enable fuel filling, it is necessary for the rider and the passenger on the rear seat to get off the vehicle. Even when the fuel inlet is arranged not under the seat but near the tail lamp, the rider still has to get off and ensure proper fuel filling at the fuel station and then close the lid of the fuel inlet. Also, there is a risk that fuel droplets may spill onto the muffler, thereby creating a safety risk.

[0004] Also, in the art, it is known to provide a fuel inlet in a tail cover assembly located behind the seat. In this case, the rider does not need to open the seat for fuel filling, but such an installation location also brings the problem of fuel spillage. Furthermore, the fuel filling position is behind the rider's seat, so the rider's attention is required. In some cases, the rider has to get off during fuel filling and close the fuel filling lid after fuel filling.

[0005] For this purpose, some known scooter-type motorcycles have the fuel tank packaged under the floorboard, and the location of the fuel inlet is determined by the placement of the fuel tank, so the fuel inlet is positioned on the rear panel slightly in front of the rider's position. However, such a fuel system has serious drawbacks in terms of refueling if the floorboard is mounted at a height above the fuel inlet, namely the potential risk of fuel spilling onto the floorboard and limitations on the packaging of a mobile charging slot and glove box space. The fuel inlet cannot be placed on the front panel because such a location could pose a high safety risk in the event of a collision, and is unlikely to be reachable by the rider, especially if the floorboard is installed.

[0006] Similar problems are likely to occur in electric scooter-type motorcycles if the battery charging socket is located under the seat or on the rear panel in front of the rider's position. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Thus, in the field of the art, there is a need for a fuel system or charging system that includes a positioning of a fuel inlet or charging socket that addresses at least the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one view, the present invention relates to a motorcycle having a fuel inlet assembly. The fuel inlet assembly includes side skirts abutting a front panel and a rear panel, the side skirts extending between the apex of the side skirts and a bottom structure, and the fuel inlet assembly further includes a recess formed in the side skirt, the recess having a hole, and the fuel inlet assembly further includes a fuel inlet opening accessible from the hole and supplying fuel to a fuel tank. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom structure is a floorboard.

[0009] In one embodiment, the recess is positioned midway between the apex of the side skirt and the bottom structure or floorboard. In another embodiment, the recess is positioned at the end of the side skirt in the transverse direction of the side skirt when viewed from the side of the motorcycle. In yet another embodiment, the recess is positioned between the shoulder and the trim line of the side skirt.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel inlet assembly includes a C-shaped box section provided in a 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 the C-shaped box section. In another embodiment, the fuel inlet assembly includes a stiffening member that abuts against 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 that form a C-shaped section along the fuel inlet flange. In one embodiment, the fuel inlet flange extends perpendicularly between the top stiffening member and the bottom stiffening member.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel inlet assembly includes a lid covering a recess. In one embodiment, the fuel inlet assembly includes a wire having a first end coupled to the lid and a second operable end for operating the lid. In another embodiment, the second operable end of the wire is coupled to an ignition lock. In yet another embodiment, the lid is rotatably mounted on a C-shaped box section. In yet another embodiment, the lid is rotatably mounted on a recess.

[0012] From another perspective, the invention relates to a two-wheeled electric vehicle having a charging socket assembly. The charging socket assembly includes side skirts that abut against the front and rear panels. The side skirts extend between the apex of the side skirts and the bottom structure. A recess is formed in the side skirt, and the recess has a hole. The charging socket can be accessed through the hole to charge the battery.

[0013] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying figures, with reference to various embodiments of the present invention. These figures are illustrative and not limiting to the present invention. The present invention has been described in general with respect to these embodiments, but it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a right side view of an example vehicle as one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a fuel inlet assembly as one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows a side view of the fuel inlet assembly, specifically the recess of the fuel inlet assembly, as one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a fuel inlet assembly as one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a fuel inlet assembly with the lid in the open position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a fuel inlet assembly with the lid in the closed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a charging socket assembly for a two-wheeled electric vehicle as one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The present invention relates to a motorcycle equipped with a fuel inlet assembly.

[0016] Figure 1 is a right side view of an exemplary vehicle 10 as one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 has a frame assembly 105. The 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, and the handlebar assembly forms the steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably mounted around the head tube 105A. The main frame assembly 105B extends rearward and downward from the head tube 105A, and this main frame assembly then includes a bent portion that extends substantially longitudinally. Furthermore, the frame assembly 105 includes one or more rear tubes 105C that extend rearward in an inclined manner from the rear portion of the main frame assembly 105B toward the rear portion of the vehicle 10.

[0017] The 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, the traction motor 135 may include a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The power unit is coupled to the rear wheel 145. In one embodiment, the IC engine 125 is pivotably coupled to a frame assembly 105. In one embodiment, the IC engine 125 is mounted on a swing arm 141, and the swing arm 141 is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly 105. In one embodiment, the traction motor 135 is located adjacent to the IC engine 125. In one embodiment, the traction motor 135 is a hub mounted to the rear wheel 145. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 has a transmission means 131 that couples the rear wheel 145 to the power unit. The transmission means 131 includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 151 is located above the power unit and is supported by the rear pipe 105C of the frame assembly 105. The seat assembly 151 is hinged open. The frame assembly 105 includes a step-through section ST located in front of the seat assembly 151. A bottom structure 155 in the form of a floorboard is provided at the step-through section ST, allowing the rider to operate the vehicle 10 from a seated position by placing their feet on the floorboard 155. Furthermore, the floorboard 155 can be used to carry luggage.

[0018] Furthermore, the frame assembly 105 is covered by several body panels, including the front panel 160A, leg shield 160B, underseat cover 160C, left and right panels 160D, and a rear panel 160E that is attached to the frame assembly 105 and covers the frame assembly 105 and its mounting parts.

[0019] In addition, the front fender 165 covers at least a part of the front wheel 115. A utility box is provided under the seat assembly 151, and this utility box is supported by the frame assembly 105. The rear fender 175 covers at least a part of the rear wheel 145, and this rear fender is positioned above the rear wheel 145. One or more suspensions 195 that connect the swing arm 141 and the rear wheel 145 to the frame assembly 105 are provided at the rear part of the vehicle 10 in order to prevent the force applied from the wheel 145 and the power unit from reaching the frame assembly 105 after being weakened.

[0020] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 has a plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 185A, a taillight 185B, a transistor control ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), and a starter motor (not shown).

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, the fuel inlet assembly 200 is located within the side skirt 210 of the vehicle 10. The side skirt 210 abuts against the front panel 160A and the rear panel 160E. The side skirt apex 212 is the point where the uppermost points of the front panel 160A, the rear panel 160E, and the side skirt 210 meet. The side skirt 210 extends between the side skirt apex 212 and the bottom structure 155. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom structure 155 is a floorboard. A recess 220 is formed within the side skirt 210, and the recess 220 has a hole 222. A fuel inlet opening 230 is provided in fluid communication with a fuel tank 250 packaged below the floorboard 155, and as a result, the fuel inlet opening 230 is accessible from the hole 222. The fuel inlet opening 230 is preferably covered by a screw-on, openable cap. During refueling, a fuel gun approaches the fuel inlet opening 230 through hole 222, and fuel flows from the fuel inlet opening 230 into the fuel tank 250. This close approach to the fuel inlet opening 230 eliminates the need for the rider to dismount the vehicle during refueling. Furthermore, packaging the fuel tank 250 under the floorboard 155 provides good weight distribution and creates ample space within the utility box.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recess 220 of the side skirt 210 is provided such that the recess 220 is positioned centrally with respect to the side skirt apex 212 and the floorboard 155. In another embodiment of the present invention, the recess 220 of the side skirt 210 is provided such that the recess 220 is positioned at the end of the side skirt 210 in the transverse direction of the side skirt 210 when viewed from the side of the motorcycle 10. This position of the recess 220 ensures that the fuel gun remains away from the rider's feet at all times and prevents fuel from spilling onto the floorboard 155. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the recess 220 is provided in the side skirt 210 adjacent to the turn signal lamp. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the recess 220 is provided in the side skirt 210 substantially above the front fender 165 when viewed from the side of the motorcycle 10. In another embodiment of the present invention, the recess 220 of the side skirt 210 is provided such that the recess 220 is positioned between the shoulder and trim line of the side skirt 210, thereby allowing the motorcycle 10 to receive a high rating during the final vehicle product audit.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows the recess 220 of the fuel filling inlet assembly 200 as seen in a side view of the fuel filling inlet assembly 200 as one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the fuel filling inlet assembly 200 has a C-shaped box cross-sectional part (C-shaped box cross-sectional member / C-shaped box-shaped cross-sectional member) 310, and this C-shaped box cross-sectional part is provided in the recess 220 and attached to the vehicle body as shown. Since the fuel filling inlet assembly 200 is exposed to a vehicle parked on the side of the two-wheeler 10, or may be directly impacted first in the case where the two-wheeler 10 is laid down or in a collision accident with another vehicle, the C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310 strengthens the fuel filling inlet assembly 200. Further, as a result of the fuel gun being made to bear on the fuel inlet opening 230, the load is transferred to the fuel inlet assembly 200. Even in such a case, the C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310 provided in the recess 220 provides the fuel inlet assembly with the strength to support the load. In addition to these, the C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310 also acts as a deflector for excess fuel.

[0024] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the reinforcing member 320 is provided in the C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310 and abuts against the inner wall of the C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310, thereby providing an additional protective effect to the fuel filling inlet assembly 200. The C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310, together with the reinforcing member 320, is configured to first receive an impact from the side by the reinforcing member 320.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310 is attached to the vehicle body by the fuel inlet flange 330. The fuel inlet flange 330 is a part of the chassis or the vehicle body. The C-shaped box cross-sectional part 310 may be attached to the fuel inlet flange 330 by a fastener or a welded joint. The fuel inlet flange 330 also acts as a means (arrester) for stopping fuel leakage.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, the fuel inlet assembly 200 includes a top stiffening member 320A and a bottom stiffening member 320B, which stiffening members form a C-shaped cross section along the fuel inlet flange 330. The fuel inlet flange 330 extends vertically between the top stiffening member 320A and the bottom stiffening member 320B.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the fuel inlet assembly 200 has a lid 240 that can be opened to cover the recess 220. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lid 240 may be rotatably attached to the C-shaped box section 310, or rotatably attached to the recess 220.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the lid 240 can be opened by the ignition lock 350. In this regard, a wire with a first end is connected to the lid 240, and a second openable end is connected to the ignition lock 350. Thus, the lid 240 is opened by operating the ignition lock. To be fully understood, a dedicated means may be provided to operate the wire to open the lid 240.

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fuel inlet assembly 200 with the lid 240 in the closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the figure shows the lid 240 in the closed position. The lid 240 is provided so as to be flush with the trim line of the side skirt 210 of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the appearance of the vehicle 10.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cover 240 can be opened closer to the front side of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the rider's access to the fuel inlet opening 230.

[0031] In a modified embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 7, the motorcycle 10 is an electric motorcycle, and the fuel inlet assembly 200 can be modified to be used as a charging socket assembly 400. In this regard, the charging socket 430 is used in place of the fuel inlet opening 230, the battery is used in place of the fuel tank 250, and the charging socket 430 is electrically connected to the battery. The remaining parts of the fuel inlet assembly 200 can be modified accordingly to meet the requirements of an electric vehicle.

[0032] Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems of the rider having to get out of the vehicle to refuel, the serious constraints on refueling when the floorboard is mounted at a height above the fuel inlet, the potential risk of fuel spills onto the floorboard, and the constraints on the packaging of mobile charging slots and glove box space. Due to the position 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 get out of the vehicle to refuel, and even when the floorboard is mounted at a height above the fuel inlet, the rider can still easily access the fuel inlet opening without having to remove items from the floorboard. As a result, the ease of mounting on the motorcycle floorboard is improved. Because the fuel inlet assembly is positioned towards the side of the motorcycle, the packaging of mobile slots and glove boxes is not restricted, and the risk of fuel spills onto the floorboard is minimized. Furthermore, because the fuel inlet assembly is positioned towards the front of the vehicle, the rider can securely close the fuel cap, and the available space in the utility box is increased.

[0033] Although the present invention has been described in relation to certain embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A two-wheeled vehicle having a fuel inlet assembly (200), the fuel inlet assembly is It includes side skirts (210) that abut against the front panel (160A) and the rear panel (160E), the side skirts (210) extending between the side skirt apex (212) and the bottom structure (155), The side skirt (210) includes a recess (220) formed therein, and the recess (220) has a hole (222). It includes a fuel inlet opening (230) that is accessible from the hole (222) and supplies fuel to the fuel tank (250), The aforementioned fuel inlet assembly (200) is A C-shaped box section (310) is placed within the recess (220), A stiffening member (320) that abuts against the C-shaped box cross section (310) and thereby provides a protective effect to the fuel inlet assembly (200), This also includes two-wheeled vehicles.

2. The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the recess (220) is positioned in the center between the side skirt apex (212) and the bottom structure (155).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom structure (155) includes a floorboard (155).

4. The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the recess (220) is positioned at the end of the side skirt (210) in the front-rear direction of the side skirt (210) when viewed from the side of the motorcycle.

5. The two-wheeled vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fuel inlet assembly (200) is provided in the recess (220) and includes a C-shaped box section (310) attached to the vehicle body.

6. The motorcycle according to claim 5, further comprising a fuel inlet flange (330) formed on the vehicle body and configured to receive the C-shaped box section (310).

7. The motorcycle according to claim 6, comprising a top stiffening member (320A) and a bottom stiffening member (320B) that form a C-shaped cross section along the fuel inlet flange (330), wherein the fuel inlet flange (330) extends perpendicularly between the top stiffening member (320A) and the bottom stiffening member (320B).

8. The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet assembly (200) includes a lid (240) that covers the recess (220).

9. A two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 8, comprising a wire having a first end connected to the lid and a second operable end for operating the lid (240).

10. The motorcycle according to claim 9, wherein the second operable end is coupled to an ignition lock (240).

11. The motorcycle according to claim 8, wherein the lid (240) is rotatably attached to the C-shaped box section (310).

12. The motorcycle according to claim 8, wherein the cover (240) is rotatably mounted in the recess (220).

13. A two-wheeled electric vehicle having a charging socket assembly, the charging socket assembly is It includes side skirts (210) that abut against the front panel (160A) and the rear panel (160E), the side skirts (210) extending between the side skirt apex (212) and the bottom structure (155), The side skirt (210) includes a recess (220) formed therein, and the recess (220) has a hole (222). It includes a charging socket accessible from the aforementioned hole (222) for charging the battery, The aforementioned charging socket assembly is A C-shaped box section (310) is placed within the recess (220), A stiffening member (320) that abuts against the C-shaped box cross section (310) and thereby provides a protective effect to the charging socket assembly, Two-wheeled electric vehicles, including the following.

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