A fuel tank assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly (100) for a vehicle (10). The fuel tank assembly (100) comprises a first fuel tank (110). The first fuel tank (110) is supported on a frame assembly (20) of the vehicle (10). Further, a fuel inlet opening (120) is provided for allowing fuel to be inlet from an external fuel source to at least the first fuel tank (110). The fuel tank assembly (100) further has a second fuel tank (130). The second fuel tank (130) is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet opening (120) and the first fuel tank (110). Further, the second fuel tank (130) is supported on the vehicle (10) and is provided upstream of the first fuel tank (110) in a fuel inlet direction (X-X').

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A Fuel Tank Assembly for a Vehicle

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel system of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly fora saddle type vehicle thereof.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] In some existing saddle type vehicles, particularly scooter type vehicles with a floorboard, a fuel tank is disposed below the floorboard. When the fuel tank is disposed below the floorboard, the fuel inlet opening for refuelling is generally provided on the front side of the vehicle in front of the rider, with a hose or pipe connecting the inlet opening to the fuel tank. Due to the limited packaging space available in the vehicle, as well as ground clearance concerns, the fuel tank disposed below the floorboard generally has a lower volume, thus leading to a reduction in the range of the vehicle, thus requiring constant refuelling stops.

[0007]

[0003] Thus, when the fuel tank is packaged below the floorboard, it is desirable to provide additional volume for storing fuel so that the range of the vehicle can be increased. However, the volume of the fuel tank cannot be increased in an upwards direction due to the presence of the floorboard above the fuel tank. Any increase in the volume of the fuel tank by making the fuel tank bigger in the upward direction will result in the height of the floorboard being raised, which will reduce the legroom for the rider as well as will negatively hamper the ergonomics of the vehicle. Further, the volume of the fuel tank cannot be increased in a lateral or sideways direction of the vehicle, since conventionally frame members are provided on either side of the fuel tank. Moreover, the volume of the fuel tank can also not be increased in the front or rear direction of the vehicle due to presence of frame members forwardly andrearwardly of the fuel tank. Thus, any such modification to the fuel tank will require modification of the entire frame assembly.

[0008]

[0004] Further, the volume of the fuel tank cannot be increased in the downwards direction due to presence of a bottom panel below the fuel tank. Any increase in the volume of the fuel tank in the downward direction will require the bottom panel to be pushed further downwards, which will reduce the ground clearance of the vehicle, and will hamper the handling and performance of the vehicle.

[0009]

[0005] In addition, when the fuel inlet opening is provided in front of the rider, there remains risk of fuel spillage on to the floorboard and other parts of the vehicle during refuelling. The fuel hose or pipe connecting the fuel inlet opening to the fuel tank below the floorboard generally has a narrow diameter, and thus when a fuel inlet gun is inserted into the fuel inlet opening and a refuelling operation begins, fuel tends to get accumulated in the hose and is pushed back outward through the fuel inlet opening due to capillary action of the fuel. Therefore, this results in fuel splashing, which is a major safety concern as well as fuel wastage. The narrow diameter of the hose may also lead to triggering of an automatic cut-off sensor of the fuel inlet gun due to poor downward flow of fuel through the hose.

[0010]

[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle and a saddle type vehicle thereof which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle. The fuel tank assembly has a first fuel tank. The first fuel tank is supported on a frame assembly of the vehicle. Further, a fuel inlet opening is provided for allowing fuel to be inlet from an external fuel source to at least the first fuel tank. The fuel tank assembly further has a second fuel tank. The second fuel tank is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet opening and the first fuel tank. Further, thesecond fuel tank is supported on the vehicle and is provided upstream of the first fuel tank in a fuel inlet direction.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, a volume of the first fuel tank is higher than a volume of the second fuel tank.

[0014]

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second fuel tank has an elongated curvilinear body, whereby a cross section area of the second fuel tank downstream of the fuel inlet opening in the fuel inlet direction, is greater than a cross section area of the fuel inlet opening.

[0015]

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank assembly has a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is configured to support the second fuel tank onto the frame assembly of the vehicle.

[0016]

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket has a first arm, a second arm and a third arm. The first arm is connected to the second fuel tank, and the third arm is connected to frame assembly the vehicle. The second arm is connected between the first arm and the third arm, wherein the second arm is disposed at an obtuse angle to the first arm and the third arm.

[0017]

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second fuel tank has an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is connected to the fuel inlet opening and the outlet portion is connected to the first fuel tank through a fuel inlet tube. The outlet portion is detachably attached to the vehicle by means of a rib mounting structure.

[0018]

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second fuel tank has one or more flanges projecting outwardly that are configured to support a canister for absorbing fuel vapours from the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank. Further, the second fuel tank has one or more guide members for guiding one or more vehicle components. Further, the second fuel tank has a mounting rib to allow mounting of the second fuel tank on the frame assembly of the vehicle.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank assembly has a vapour tank. The vapour tank is configured to receive fuel vapours from the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank, and transmit the fuel vapours to the canister through one or more breather tubes.

[0019]

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank assembly has a first inlet tube for transmitting fuel vapours from the first fuel tank, a second inlet tube for transmitting fuel vapours from the second fuel tank to the vapour tank, and a connector member provided on the second fuel tank. The connector member is configured to fluidly connect the first inlet tube to the second fuel tank and to fluidly connect the second inlet tube to the vapour tank, thereby allowing fuel vapours from the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank to the vapour tank.

[0020]

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has a frame assembly and a floorboard supported on the frame assembly. The vehicle further has a fuel tank assembly. The fuel tank assembly has a first fuel tank supported on the frame assembly and disposed below the floorboard. A fuel inlet opening is provided for allowing fuel to be inlet from an external fuel source to at least the first fuel tank. The fuel tank assembly further has a second fuel tank. The second fuel tank is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet opening and the first fuel tank. The second fuel tank is supported on the frame assembly and is provided upstream of the first fuel tank in a fuel inlet direction.

[0021]

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank assembly has a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is configured to support the second fuel tank onto the frame assembly.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]

[0018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context ofthese embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of a frame with a fuel tank assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates a magnified rear perspective view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the fuel tank assembly with a second fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 7 illustrates another side perspective view of the fuel tank assembly with the second fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032]

[0019] The present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle and a fuel tank assembly thereof. It is understood that the saddle type vehicle of the present invention typically includes a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle, or a three-wheeled vehicle including trikes, or other multi-wheeled vehicles as required. The present invention provides for the overall fuel storage capacity of the vehicle to be increased by provision of a second fuel tank, without requiring an increase in the volume of a first fuel tank, thus ensuring no major modifications to the vehicle to increase the fuel capacity, while also ensuring the packaging of the second fuel tank in the available packaging space in the vehicle.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 10 (also referred to as “vehicle”) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 comprises a frame assembly 20 (shown in Figure 2). The frame assembly 20 comprises a head tube (not shown), and a main tube 24 (shown in Figure 2) extending rearwardly downward from the head tube to a floorboard 40. One or more front suspensions (not shown) connect a front wheel (not shown) to a handlebar 30, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head tube. Further, the frame assembly 20 includes one or more rear tubes 26 extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube 24 towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10.

[0033]

[0021] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit comprising at least an internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown). The power unit is coupled to the rear wheel (not shown). In one embodiment, the engine is swingably connected to the frame assembly 20. In one embodiment, the engine is mounted to the swing arm (not shown) and the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame assembly 20. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel to the power unit. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 50 is disposed above the power unit and is supported by the rear tubes 26 of the frame assembly 20. The seat assembly 50 is hingedly openable. The frame assembly 20 defines a step-through portion ahead of the seat assembly 50. The floorboard 40 is disposed at the step-through portion, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard 40. Further, the floorboard 40 is capable of carrying loads.

[0034]

[0022] Further, the frame assembly 20 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 60 having a front face 60A and a rear face 60B, an under-seat cover 62, and a left and a right-side panel 63 disposed on the frame assembly 20 and covering the frame assembly 20 and parts mounted thereof.

[0023] In addition, a front fender 65 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel. A utility box is disposed below the seat assembly 50 and is supported by the frame assembly 20. A rear fender 75 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel. One or more suspension(s) (not shown) are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting the swing arm and the rear wheel to the frame assembly 20 for damping the forces from the rear wheel and the power unit from reaching the frame assembly 20.

[0035]

[0024] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 85A, a taillight 85B, a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), and an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown).

[0036]

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates another left side view of a frame assembly 20 with a fuel tank assembly 100 of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the fuel tank assembly 100 comprises a first fuel tank 110. Herein, the first fuel tank 110 is supported on the frame assembly 20 of the vehicle 10. In the aspect wherein the fuel tank assembly 100 is provided on the saddle type vehicle 10, the first fuel tank 110 is disposed below the floorboard 40 of the vehicle 10. Further, the fuel tank assembly 100 has a fuel inlet opening 120 (shown in Figure 6) which is opened and closed by a fuel cap 121 based on requirement. The fuel inlet opening 120 is provided for allowing fuel to be inlet from an external fuel source to at least the first fuel tank 110. Thus, during a refuelling operation, fuel from the external fuel source such as a refuelling gun is received at the fuel inlet opening 120 and the fuel received at the fuel inlet opening 120 is transmitted at least to the first fuel tank 110 for being stored. In an embodiment, the fuel inlet opening 120 is provided at the rear face 60B of the front panel 60 of the saddle type vehicle 10.

[0037]

[0026] As further illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the fuel tank assembly 100 further comprises a second fuel tank 130. The second fuel tank 130 is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet opening 120 and the first fuel tank 110. Herein, the second fuel tank 130 is supported on the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the second fuel tank130 is supported on the frame assembly 20 of the vehicle 10. As illustrated, the second fuel tank 130 is provided upstream of the first fuel tank 110 in a fuel inlet direction X-X’ (shown in Figure 6). Thus, in effect, the second fuel tank 130 is provided downstream of the fuel inlet opening 120 and upstream of the first fuel tank 110 in the fuel inlet direction X-X’ . This means that the fuel from the external fuel source is received at the fuel inlet opening 120, and then the fuel travels to the first fuel tank 110 via the second fuel tank 130. Thus, as the first fuel tank 110 gets filled up, the fuel gets stored in the second fuel tank 130, thus providing additional volume for storing the fuel. This results in the vehicle 10 having a higher fuel capacity since the fuel is stored in the first fuel tank 110 as well as the second fuel tank 130, which allows for a higher range of the vehicle 10.

[0038]

[0027] In an embodiment, the second fuel tank 130 is disposed between the space defined between the front face 60A and the rear face 60B of the front panel 60, and is disposed upwardly from the first fuel tank 110, which is disposed below the floorboard 40. Thus, the overall fuel capacity of the vehicle 10 for storing fuel is increased without having to increase the dimensions of the first fuel tank 110 in any direction, while also ensuring that the second fuel tank 130 is packaged within the available packaging space in the vehicle 10.

[0039]

[0028] In an embodiment, a volume of the first fuel tank 110 is higher than a volume of the second fuel tank 130. Thus, the second fuel tank 130 acts as an auxiliary fuel tank while the first fuel tank 110 acts as the main fuel tank. In an embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130 is 5 / 2. Thus, for example, where conventionally only 5x volume of fuel could be stored in the vehicle 10 since only a main fuel tank was present, in the present invention, 7x volume of the fuel can be stored in the vehicle 10 owing to 5x volume being stored in the first fuel tank 110 and 2x volume being stored in the second fuel tank 130, thus leading to an overall increase in the fuel capacity of the vehicle 10.

[0029] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the second fuel tank 130 has an elongated curvilinear body. For instance, the elongated curvilinear body can be as a camel body shape wherein the body of the second fuel tank 130 is elongated with a pronounced midsection, allows the second fuel tank 130 to be packaged in the available packaging space within the vehicle 10, such as the dead space available between the front face 60A and rear face 60B of the front panel 60 without requiring any modifications to the frame assembly 20 or the body of the vehicle.

[0040]

[0030] In an embodiment, a cross section area of the second fuel tank 130 downstream of the fuel inlet opening 120 in the fuel inlet direction X-X’, is greater than a cross section area of the fuel inlet opening 120. This allows for the fuel being received by the external fuel source to travel across a path of higher cross section, which prevents any fuel accumulation or reverse travel or spillage due to capillary action of the fuel. Generally, the external fuel source such as a refuelling gun have an automatic cut-off sensor which cuts off the fuel supply if the fuel tank is detected to be full. In this respect, the higher cross section of the second fuel tank 130 downstream of the fuel inlet opening 120, allows for an outlet portion of the external fuel source to be positioned inside the second fuel tank 120, when the external fuel source is used for refuelling. This ensures that the accidental triggering of the automatic cut-off sensor of the external fuel source is avoided and the elongated curvilinear profile of the second fuel tank 120 also ensures smooth flow of fuel through the second fuel tank 130 and reaching the first fuel tank 110.

[0041]

[0031] In an embodiment, the second fuel tank 130 is provided with an external protruded portion 131 (shown in Figure 7) extended outward. The external protruded portion 131 is configured as a stopper to support an outlet portion of the refuelling gun when the refuelling gun is inserted through fuel inlet opening 120. As the crosssection area of the second fuel tank 130, which is downstream of the fuel inlet opening 120, is large, the fuel received in the second fuel tank 130 is flow easily downwards without any fuel accumulation or reverse travel or spillage due tocapillary action of the fuel. In addition, the elongated curvilinear profile of the second fuel tank 130 helps in smooth downward flow of the fuel while refueling to avoid fuel accumulation and fuel spillage while refueling.

[0042]

[0032] As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the fuel tank assembly 100 comprises a mounting bracket 140. The mounting bracket 140 is configured to support the second fuel tank 130 onto the frame assembly 20 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 140 has a Z-like shape and is configured to be attached to the second fuel tank 130 as well as the frame assembly 20 for supporting the second fuel tank 130 on to the frame assembly 20. In an embodiment, to allow for the supporting of the second fuel tank 130 on to the frame assembly 20, the mounting bracket 140 comprises a first arm 142, a second arm 144 and a third arm 146. Herein the first arm 142 is connected to the second fuel tank 130, and the third arm 146 is connected to frame assembly 20 the vehicle 10. Herein, the second arm 144 is connected between the first arm 142 and the third arm 146, wherein the second arm 144 being disposed at an obtuse angle to the first arm 142 and the third arm 146, which allows the first arm 142 and the third arm 146 to be distal to each other. In an embodiment, the third arm 146 of the mounting bracket 140 is connected to the main tube 24 of the frame assembly 20, thereby supporting the second fuel tank 130 on the main tube 24.

[0043]

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the third arm 146 of the mounting bracket 140 can be connected to the head tube, thereby supporting the second fuel tank 130 on the head tube of the frame assembly 20.

[0044]

[0034] In an embodiment, the second fuel tank 130 comprises a mounting rib 136 that is provided on the second fuel tank 130, wherein the mounting rib 136 is configured to receive or abut with the first arm 142 of the mounting bracket 140, thereby mounting the second fuel tank 130 on to the frame assembly of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the mounting rib 136 has one or more through holes provided therein that are configured to align with through holes provided on the first arm 142of the mounting bracket 140, which allow a fastener to pass through for attaching the first arm 142 to the mounting rib 136. In an embodiment, the mounting rib 136 is provided close to a centre of gravity of the second fuel tank 130, which reduces the vibration in the second fuel tank 130 when the vehicle 10 is moving.

[0045]

[0035] In an embodiment, the second fuel tank 130 comprises an inlet portion 132 and an outlet portion 134. Herein, the inlet portion 132 is connected to the fuel inlet opening 120. Further, the outlet portion 134 is connected to the first fuel tank 110 through a fuel inlet tube 122. Thus, in a refuelling operation, the outlet end of an external fuel source such as a refuelling gun is disposed or positioned inside the second fuel tank 120, and thus the fuel travels from the second fuel tank 130, to the first fuel tank 110 via the outlet portion 134 of the second fuel tank 130 and the fuel inlet tube 122. For further supporting the second fuel tank 130 on to the vehicle 10, the outlet portion 134 of the second fuel tank 130 is detachably attached to the vehicle 10 by means of an flange or rib mounting structure 150. In an embodiment, the flange or rib mounting structure 150 is configured to detachably attach the outlet portion 134 of the second fuel tank 130 to the front panel 60 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the flange or rib mounting structure 150 is configured to engage with a pi-shaped mounting bracket on the front panel 60 of the vehicle 10 by means of a press fit, thereby securing the outlet portion 134 in place.

[0046]

[0036] As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 6 and Figure 7, to allow for other vehicle components to be mounted in the available packaging space in the vehicle 10, the second fuel tank 130 comprises one or more flanges 160. The one or more flanges 160 project outwardly from the second fuel tank 130 and are configured to support a canister 190 (shown in Figure 4). The canister 190 is provided for absorbing fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130. The canister 190 is provided to absorb fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130 and thereafter purge these fuel vapours to be supplied to the internal combustion engine as per requirement. Thus, the canister 190 is supported onto the second fuel tank 130 itself, thus eliminating the requirement of any other dedicated provisions for mounting the canister 190.

[0047]

[0037] Further, the fuel tank assembly 100 comprises a vapour tank 170. the vapour tank 170 is configured to receive fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130, and transmit the fuel vapours to the canister 190 through one or more breather tubes 172. The provision of the vapour tank 170 allows the fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130 to be collected and stored in the vapour tank 170 before being released towards the canister 190 in a controller manner for absorption of the fuel vapours, and eventually purging of the fuel vapours.

[0048]

[0038] Herein, the second fuel tank 130 comprises one or more guide members 174 that are configured to route and guide one or more vehicle components, including the one or more breather tubes 172 from the vapour tank 170 to the canister 190. Further, the one or more guide members 174 are also configured to guide a drainage pipe 124. Herein, the drainage pipe 124 is connected to the fuel inlet opening area and the drainage pipe 124 is configured to remove excess water that has accumulated around the fuel inlet opening 120 due to rain or washing. Thus, the provision of the one or more guide members 174 also provide for routing and guiding of at least the one or more breather tubes 172 and the drainage pipe 124 without requiring any dedicated provisions to be made on the vehicle 10.

[0049]

[0039] Referring Figure 6 and Figure 7 with Figure 4 and Figure 5, since the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130 are separately provided, it needs to be ensured that the fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130 are suitably transmitted to the vapour tank 170. To allow thus, as further illustrated in Figure 6 and Figure 7, the fuel tank assembly 100 has a first inlet tube 180 and a second inlet tube 182. The first inlet tube 180 is provided for transmitting fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 to the second fuel tank 130, and the second inlet tube 182 is provided for transmitting fuel vapours from the second fuel tank 130 tothe vapour tank 170. Further, a connector member 176 provided on the second fuel tank 130. The connector member 176 is configured for fluidly connecting the first inlet tube 180 to the second fuel tank 130. Further, the connector member 176 is also configured to fluidly connect the second inlet tube 182 to the vapour tank 170, thereby allowing fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130 to the vapour tank 170.

[0050]

[0040] In an embodiment, the connector member 176 is a Y-shape connector wherein one arm of the connector member 176 is fluidly connected to the first inlet tube 180, one arm is fluidly connected to the second fuel tank 130, and one arm is fluidly connected to the second inlet tube 182. Thus, fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 reach the connector member 176 through a first inlet tube 180, and the fuel vapours from the second fuel tank 130 reach the connector member 176 by virtue of the connector member 176 being connected to the second fuel tank 130. Thereafter, the fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130 are transmitted to the vapour tank 170 by the second inlet tube 182. This eliminates the requirement of separate provisions to be made for transmission of fuel vapours from the first fuel tank 110 and the second fuel tank 130. Further, the connector member 176 being provided on the second fuel tank 130 itself also ensures that no separate provisions need to be made in the vehicle 10 for supporting the connector member 176.

[0051]

[0041] Advantageously, the present invention provides a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle wherein a second fuel tank is provided in addition the first fuel tank, thereby increasing the overall fuel storage capacity of the vehicle without requiring the size of the main fuel tank to be increased. The prevention in the size of the main fuel tank in any direction ensures that the overall fuel storage capacity of the vehicle is increased without requiring any modification in the frame assembly, or without any compromise in the legroom or ground clearance or the ergonomics of the vehicle. The increased fuel storage capacity also ensures that the range of the vehicle is increased, thus leading to increased rider comfort.

[0042] Further, the present invention also ensures that the second fuel tank is packaged in the available packaging space in the vehicle, such as the available packaging space in the front panel of the vehicle without hampering the packaging of other components or without requiring any major modification to the frame assembly or the body of the vehicle. Further, the provision of the second fuel tank also ensures that the cross section area available for fuel travel immediately downstream of the fuel inlet opening is high. This eliminates the possibility of fuel backflow and spillage due to capillary action of the fuel, and thus enhances the safety of the vehicle and prevents wastage. The higher cross section also ensures that the possibility of accidental triggering of the automatic sensor in the external fuel source is eliminated.

[0052]

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention also ensures that there is no requirement of separate mounting provisions for vehicle components such as the canister, and the breather tubes and drainage pipes since all these components are mounted, or guided through provisions made on the second fuel tank itself, thus reducing cost and complexity.

[0053]

[0044] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0054] List of Reference Numerals

[0055] 10: Vehicle

[0056] 20: Frame Assembly

[0057] 24: Main Tube

[0058] 26: One or More Rear Tubes

[0059] 30: Handlebar

[0060] 40: Floorboard

[0061] 50: Seat Assembly60: Front Panel

[0062] 60A: Front Face of the Front Panel

[0063] 60B: Rear Face of the Front Panel

[0064] 62: Under Seat Cover

[0065] 63: Side Panel

[0066] 65: Front Fender

[0067] 75: Rear Fender

[0068] 85 A: Headlight

[0069] 85B: Taillight

[0070] 100: Fuel Tank Assembly

[0071] 110: First Fuel Tank

[0072] 120: Fuel Inlet Opening

[0073] 121: Fuel Cap

[0074] 122: Fuel Inlet Tube

[0075] 124: Drainage Pipe

[0076] 130: Second Fuel Tank

[0077] 131: External Protruded Portion

[0078] 132: Inlet Portion of the Second Fuel Tank 134: Outlet Portion of the Second Fuel Tank 136: Mounting Rib

[0079] 140: Mounting Bracket

[0080] 142: First Arm of the Mounting Bracket 144: Second Arm of the Mounting Bracket 146: Third Arm of the Mounting Bracket 150: Rib Mounting Structure

[0081] 160: One or More Flanges

[0082] 170: Vapour Tank

[0083] 172: One or more Breather Tubes174: One or more Guide Members 176: Connector Member

[0084] 180: First Inlet Tube

[0085] 182: Second Inlet Tube

[0086] 190: Canister

[0087] X-X’ : Fuel Inlet Direction

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A fuel tank assembly (100) for a vehicle (10), the fuel tank assembly (100) comprising:a first fuel tank (110), the first fuel tank (110) being supported on a frame assembly (20) of the vehicle (10);a fuel inlet opening (120), the fuel inlet opening (120) for allowing fuel to be inlet from an external fuel source to at least the first fuel tank (110); anda second fuel tank (130), the second fuel tank (130) being fluidly connected to the fuel inlet opening (120) and the first fuel tank (110), the second fuel tank (130) being supported on the vehicle (10) and being provided upstream of the first fuel tank (110) in a fuel inlet direction (X-X’).

2. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a volume of the first fuel tank (110) is higher than a volume of the second fuel tank (130).

3. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second fuel tank (130) has an elongated curvilinear body, whereby a cross section area of the second fuel tank (130) downstream of the fuel inlet opening (120) in the fuel inlet direction (X-X’), is greater than a cross section area of the fuel inlet opening (120).

4. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mounting bracket (140), the mounting bracket (140) being configured to support the second fuel tank (130) onto the frame assembly (20) of the vehicle (10).

5. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket (140) comprises a first arm (142), a second arm (144) and a third arm (146), the first arm (142) being connected to the second fuel tank (130), the third arm (146)being connected to frame assembly (20) the vehicle (10), and the second arm (144) being connected between the first arm (142) and the third arm (146), wherein the second arm (144) being disposed at an obtuse angle to the first arm (142) and the third arm (146).

6. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second fuel tank (130) comprises an inlet portion (132) and an outlet portion (134), the inlet portion (132) being connected to the fuel inlet opening (120) and the outlet portion (134) being connected to the first fuel tank (110) through a fuel inlet tube (122), the outlet portion (134) being detachably attached to the vehicle (10) by means of a rib mounting structure (150).

7. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second fuel tank (130) comprises:one or more flanges (160) projecting outwardly, the one or more flanges (160) being configured to support a canister (190) for absorbing fuel vapours from the first fuel tank (110) and the second fuel tank (130);one or more guide members (174) for guiding one or more vehicle components; anda mounting rib (136) to allow mounting of the second fuel tank (130) on the frame assembly (20) of the vehicle (10).

8. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a vapour tank (170), the vapour tank (170) being configured to receive fuel vapours from the first fuel tank (110) and the second fuel tank (130), and transmit the fuel vapours to the canister (190) through one or more breather tubes (172).

9. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a first inlet tube (180) for transmitting fuel vapours from the first fuel tank (110), a second inlet tube (182) for transmitting fuel vapours from the second fuel tank (130) to the vapour tank (170), and a connector member (176) provided on the second fuel tank (130), the connector member (176) configured to fluidly connect the first inlet tube (180) to the second fuel tank (130) and to fluidly connect the second inlet tube (182) to the vapour tank (170), thereby allowing fuel vapours from the first fuel tank (110) and the second fuel tank (130) to the vapour tank (170).

10. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:a frame assembly (20);a floorboard (40) being supported on the frame assembly (20); anda fuel tank assembly (100), comprising:a first fuel tank (110), the first fuel tank (110) being supported on the frame assembly (20), the first fuel tank (110) being disposed below the floorboard (40);a fuel inlet opening (120), the fuel inlet opening (120) for allowing fuel to be inlet from an external fuel source to at least the first fuel tank (110); anda second fuel tank (130), the second fuel tank (130) being fluidly connected to the fuel inlet opening (120) and the first fuel tank (110), the second fuel tank (130) being supported on the frame assembly (20) and being provided upstream of the first fuel tank (110) in a fuel inlet direction (X-X’).

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fuel tank assembly (100) comprises a mounting bracket (140), the mounting bracket (140) being configured to support the second fuel tank (130) onto the frame assembly (20).

Images