阅读说明：本技术 燃料箱 (Fuel tank ) 是由 B·S·索雷甘卡 于 2019-02-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种车辆(10)的燃料箱(160、160’)。该燃料箱(160、160’)包括构造成存储燃料的燃料室(168、168’)、封围燃料室(168、168’)的至少一部分的第一壁(161、161’)。第一壁(161、161’)包括限定第一轴线(X-X’)的开口(164)。燃料箱(160、160’)还包括燃料填充单元(175)和燃料重定向构件(180、180’),该燃料填充单元从第一壁(161、161’)的开口(164)延伸到燃料室(168、168’)中,该燃料重定向构件设置在燃料室(168、168’)的第二壁(166、166’)上。燃料重定向构件(180、180’)沿第一轴线(X-X’)定位。(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 a portion of the fuel chamber (168, 168'). The first wall (161, 161 ') includes an opening (164) defining a first axis (X-X'). The fuel tank (160, 160 ') further comprises 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 redirection member (180, 180') provided on the second wall (166, 166 ') of the fuel chamber (168, 168'). The fuel redirection member (180, 180 ') is positioned along a first axis (X-X').)

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

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

a first wall (161, 161 ') enclosing at least a portion of the fuel chamber (168, 168 '), wherein the first wall (161, 161 ') 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, 161 ') into the fuel chamber (168, 168'); and

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

2. The fuel tank (160, 160 ') of claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180') is configured to direct the fuel passing through the fuel fill unit (175) away from the fuel fill unit (175) to limit backflow of the fuel during a fuel fill event.

3. The fuel tank (160, 160 ') of claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180') is removably connected to the second wall (166, 166 ') of the fuel chamber (168, 168').

4. The fuel tank (160, 160 ') of claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180') is integrally defined on the second wall (166, 166 ') of the fuel chamber (168, 168').

5. The fuel tank (160, 160 ') of claim 1, wherein the second wall (166, 166') of the fuel chamber (168, 168 ') is a bottom wall located opposite the first wall (161, 161').

6. The fuel tank (160, 160 ') of claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180') includes a protrusion extending toward the opening (164).

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

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

9. The fuel tank (160, 160 ') of claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180') includes a plurality of protrusions extending toward the opening (164).

10. The fuel tank (160, 160 ') of claim 1, wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180') is positioned below the fuel fill unit (175).

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

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

a first wall (161, 161 ') enclosing at least a portion of the fuel chamber (168, 168 '), wherein the first wall (161, 161 ') 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, 161 ') into the fuel chamber (168, 168'); and

a fuel redirection member (180, 180 ') disposed on a secondary component positioned within the fuel chamber (168, 168'), wherein the fuel redirection member (180, 180 ') is positioned along the first axis (X-X').

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

Technical Field

The present invention relates to two-wheeled vehicles, and more particularly to fuel tanks of two-wheeled vehicles.

Background

Vehicles that generate electricity using a power source such as an internal combustion engine are generally equipped with a fuel tank. The fuel tank is designed to store fuel. Fuel supply systems are provided in such vehicles to deliver fuel from a fuel tank to a power source. Combustion of fuel occurs in the internal combustion engine, thereby generating power. The fuel tank is carried by the frame of the vehicle and typically has a limited fuel storage capacity. Therefore, it is often necessary to fill and refill fuel into the fuel tank

Typically, the fuel tank includes a cavity defined by a plurality of walls and includes a fuel fill opening that opens into the cavity. To fill fuel into the fuel tank, a nozzle of the fuel fill unit is inserted through the fuel fill opening and fuel from the fuel fill unit is allowed to flow to a cavity defined by the plurality of walls. However, during such fuel filling, there is a possibility of fuel spillage. For example, the position of the fuel tank relative to the bottom wall opening of the fuel tank, or the flow rate of fuel through the nozzle, tends to cause some of the fuel to deflect and bounce off the fuel tank, resulting in fuel loss.

The problem statement may be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. The fuel filler neck (275) is a linearly shaped cylinder secured to the fuel tank (260, 260') in a vertically downward direction. When a nozzle (274) of the fuel dispenser is inserted, fuel flows in a substantially vertical downward direction and impinges upon a bottom wall (266, 266 ') of the fuel tank (260, 260'). As shown in fig. 1 and 2, when the flowing fuel hits the bottom wall and is under pressure, the fuel tends to bounce and may come out of the fuel tank (260, 260').

Disclosure of Invention

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 a 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 redirection member disposed on a second wall of the fuel chamber. The fuel redirection member is positioned along a first axis.

With the fuel tank disclosed in the present invention, the fuel redirection member is configured to direct fuel passing through the fuel fill unit away from the fuel fill unit to limit backflow of fuel during a fuel fill event. Thereby, any possibility of fuel spillage due to deflection and bounce is avoided.

In another embodiment, a fuel tank for a vehicle is provided. The fuel tank includes a fuel chamber configured to store fuel, a first wall enclosing at least a 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 redirection member disposed on an auxiliary component positioned within the fuel chamber, wherein the fuel redirection member is positioned along the first axis. In one embodiment, the auxiliary component is a fuel pump.

With the fuel tank disclosed in the present invention, the fuel redirection member is configured to direct fuel passing through the fuel fill unit away from the fuel fill unit to limit backflow of fuel during a fuel fill event. Thereby, any possibility of fuel spillage due to deflection and bounce is avoided.

Drawings

The invention itself, together with further features and attendant advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with like reference numerals indicating like elements, and in the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a view of a fuel tank and nozzle of a fuel dispenser depicting a prior art problem statement;

FIG. 2 shows a view of another fuel tank and nozzle of the fuel dispenser depicting a prior art problem statement;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a frame of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of a fuel tank of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a fuel tank of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a view of a fuel tank with a notch (notch) according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a view of another fuel tank having a notch according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a view of a fuel tank and nozzle of a fuel dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 shows a view of another fuel tank and nozzle of a fuel dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted, and such drawings are merely exemplary in nature.

Detailed Description

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a list of elements or steps that comprise a means, structure, or method does not include only those elements or steps but may include other elements or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such means, structure, or method. In other words, one or more elements of a system or apparatus beginning with "comprising … … a" does not preclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus without further constraints.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described below, and in the following drawings, like numerals will be used to identify like parts in the various views.

However, while the invention is shown in the context of a vehicle, the fuel tank and aspects and features thereof can also be used with other types of vehicles. The terms "vehicle", "two-wheeled vehicle" and "motorcycle" have been used interchangeably throughout the specification. The term "vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, scooters, scooter-type vehicles, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and the like.

The terms "front/forward", "rear/rearward", "up/top", "down/lower/downward, bottom", "left/left", "right/right" as used herein denote directions as seen by a vehicle driver when straddling, and these directions are denoted by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawings.

Referring to fig. 3, a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The vehicle (10) referred to herein is embodied as a two-wheeled motorcycle. Alternatively, without limiting the scope of the invention, the vehicle (10) may be embodied as any other saddle-ride type vehicle, such as a scooter, a three-wheeled vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and the like.

The vehicle (10) includes one or more main body portions such as a frame (12), a handlebar (14), a front wheel (16), a seat (18), a rear wheel (20), an engine (22), a headlamp (24), and a fuel tank (160). The frame (12) supports an engine (22) in the middle of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the engine (22) provides the necessary power required to drive the rear wheels (20) of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, without limiting the scope of the invention, the engine (22) may provide the necessary power to drive the front wheels (16), or to drive both the front wheels (16) and the rear wheels (20). The rear wheel (20) is coupled to an engine (22) through a transmission (not numbered).

The frame (12) supports a seat (18) extending from a middle portion toward a rear portion (28) of the vehicle (10). The seat (18) provides a seat for a driver and/or passenger of the vehicle (10). A fuel tank (160) provides the necessary fuel to the engine (22) to generate power within the vehicle (10).

As shown in fig. 4, the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) includes: a head tube (30), a single main frame (32), and a lower frame (34). A single main frame (32) extends downwardly and rearwardly from a rear portion of the head pipe (30) to form a relatively gentle slope in side view. The lower frame (34) extends downward and rearward in a left-right branched manner, respectively, to form a relatively steep slope in a side view. The frame (12) includes a pair of lower frames (36). The pair of lower frames (36) are bent to extend rearward from the lower ends of the lower frames (34).

Furthermore, the frame (12) comprises a pair of intermediate frames (38). A pair of intermediate frames (38) extend downwardly and rearwardly from the main frame cross bar (40). The frame (12) includes a mounting bracket (42), the mounting bracket (42) being coupled to a front side of a lower portion of the pair of intermediate frames (38). In addition, the frame (12) includes a pair of sub-frame members (50). In one embodiment, the pair of sub-frame members (50) is embodied as a pair of seat frames disposed rearward of upper ends of the pair of respective intermediate frames (38). The frame (12) also supports an engine (22).

As shown in fig. 5, the vehicle (10) includes a fuel tank (160) carried by the frame (12). In one embodiment, a fuel tank (160) is supported by a front portion of a main body frame (12) of a vehicle (10). In one embodiment, the fuel tank (160) may be made of a metal 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. In this way, the multiple walls join together to form a confined space called a fuel chamber (168) (shown in FIG. 7) having a predetermined fuel storage capacity. The plurality of walls includes a first wall (160) and a second wall (166).

In one embodiment, the plurality of walls includes: a first wall (160), also called top wall (161), a side wall (162) and a second wall (166), also called bottom wall (166). The top wall (161) of the fuel tank (160) is provided with an opening (164). In one embodiment, the opening (164) is a fuel fill opening (164). The opening (164) defines a first axis (X-X'). The fuel fill opening (164) has an integrated fuel fill 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 threadably attached to the fuel fill unit (175).

The side wall (162) extends downward from the top wall (161). In an embodiment, the tunnel walls (163) extend from the side walls (162) towards each other. To define the overall configuration and shape of the fuel tank (160), the top wall (161) and the side walls (162) are contoured.

In an embodiment, the bottom wall (166) extends between the tunnel walls (163). In one embodiment, the bottom wall (166) defines a concave tunnel portion of the fuel tank (160). In one embodiment, the bottom wall (166) is a planar portion. In one embodiment, the bottom wall (166) is a contoured portion. In one embodiment, the bottom wall (166) extends between the side walls (162) of the fuel tank (160). Auxiliary components (not shown) may be mounted on the bottom wall (166). In one embodiment, the auxiliary component may be a fuel pump (not shown). It will be appreciated that the shape of the fuel tank varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle and is generally selected to achieve the desired aerodynamics.

As shown in fig. 6, the vehicle (10) includes a fuel tank (160') carried by the frame (12). In one embodiment, a fuel tank (160') is supported by a rear portion of a main body frame (12) of a vehicle (10). In one embodiment, the fuel tank (160') may be made of a metal material or a resin material. The fuel tank (160') is enclosed by walls from all sides. In this way, the multiple walls join together to form a confined space called a fuel chamber (168') (shown in FIG. 10) having a predetermined fuel storage capacity. The fuel tank (160 ') includes a top wall (161'), a side wall (162 '), and a bottom wall (166').

In one embodiment, a top wall (161 ') of the fuel tank (160') has an opening (164). In one embodiment, the opening (164) may be a fuel fill opening (164). The opening (164) defines a first axis (X-X'). The fuel fill opening (164) has an integrated fuel fill unit (175) [ not shown in fig. 6 ]. A fuel filler cap (171') [ not shown in fig. 6 ] is provided to close the fuel filling unit (175). In an embodiment, the fuel filler cap (171') can be snap-fit or threadably attached to the fuel fill unit (175).

The side wall (162 ') extends downward from the top wall (161'). The side wall (162 ') of the fuel tank (160 ') has a mounting configuration (not numbered) that facilitates mounting of the fuel tank (160 ') to the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10).

A bottom wall (166 ') extends between the side walls (162'). The bottom wall (166 ') of the fuel tank (160') faces the ground surface. In one embodiment, the bottom wall (166') has a tapered surface. In one embodiment, the bottom wall (166') has a flat surface. In an embodiment, the bottom wall (166') may have a combination of tapered surfaces and/or flat surfaces. In one embodiment, the top wall (161 '), side walls (162 ') and bottom wall (166 ') are manufactured in a manner consistent with the design and shape of the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10).

Referring to FIG. 7, a bottom wall (166) for the fuel tank (160) is illustrated. The bottom wall (166) is a flat surface substantially parallel to the ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall (166) has a stepped portion located below the fuel fill unit (175). In one example, the bottom wall (166) has a stepped portion below the opening (164) such that at least a portion of the bottom wall (166) is perpendicular to the first axis (X-X').

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 redirection member (180). In an embodiment, the fuel redirection member (180) is disposed on the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160). The fuel redirection member (180) is removably connected to the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160). In one example, the fuel redirection member (180) may be removably connected to the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) using fasteners.

As shown in fig. 7, the fuel redirection member (180) may be implemented as a slot (180). The slot (180) is a tapered structure having a protrusion or tip facing the fuel fill unit (175). In one embodiment, the notch (180) is an inverted "V" or "U" shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the fuel redirection member (180) may have a triangular or curved profile. In one embodiment, the slot (180) is located substantially below the fuel fill unit (175). Further, in one example, the slot (180) is located substantially below the opening (164) along the first axis (X-X'). The slot (180) is removably secured to the inner surface of the bottom wall (166) by a welding process or any fastening means. In an embodiment, a notch (180) may be created in the bottom wall (166) of the fuel tank (160) during manufacture of the bottom wall (166). In such embodiments, the fuel redirection member (180) may be integrated into the bottom wall (166).

In other embodiments of the invention, the fuel redirection member (180) may include a plurality of protrusions, such as slots (180), and each protrusion extends toward the opening (164) or the fuel fill unit (175). In this embodiment, each of the plurality of protrusions may be positioned below the fuel fill unit (175) along the first axis (X-X').

Referring to FIG. 8, a bottom wall (166 ') of the fuel tank (160') is illustrated. The bottom wall (166') is a flat surface substantially parallel to the ground surface. In one embodiment, the bottom wall (166') has a stepped portion below the fuel fill unit (175). The outer surface of the bottom wall (166 ') is provided with a recess or cavity (180'). In an embodiment, the outer surface of the bottom wall (166 ') may be provided with a plurality of depressions or cavities, such as cavities (180'). The cavity (180 ') is a conical recess that opens to the inside of the fuel tank (160') and has a tip that faces the fuel fill unit (175). In one embodiment, the cavity (180') is "V" or "U" shaped. In one embodiment, the cavity (180') is located substantially below the fuel fill unit (175). During the manufacturing process, a cavity (180 ') is created in a bottom wall (166 ') of the fuel tank (160 '). In an embodiment, the insert is retained during the blow molding process during the manufacturing process of the fuel tank (160), or may be hot stamped to create the cavity (180).

Referring to fig. 9 and 10, the fuel fill unit (175) is fluidly connected to the fuel tank (160, 160'). The fuel fill unit (175) serves as a passage for fuel to flow from a nozzle (174) of a fuel dispenser (not shown) into the fuel tank (160, 160'). When the nozzle (174) is inserted into the fuel fill unit (175), fuel begins to flow into the fuel tank (160, 160'). The flowing fuel tends to directly impinge on the slots (180) [ see fig. 9 ]. In one embodiment, the flowing fuel will impinge on a bulged or inverted cavity (180') [ see FIG. 10 ]. After impacting the slots (180) or cavities (180'), the path of the flowing fuel is diverted. Thereby, the fuel starts to flow over the surface of the slot (180) or the cavity (180 '), and then reaches the bottom wall (166, 166 ') of the fuel tank (160, 160 ').

During fuel filling of a conventional fuel tank (260, 260 '), the flowing fuel after impacting the bottom wall (266, 166 ') of the fuel tank (260, 260 ') tends to bounce back and enter the fuel filling device (275) [ refer to fig. 1 and 2 ]. However, in the present invention, due to the presence of the slot (180) or 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 is not returned to the fuel filling unit (175) [ refer to fig. 9 and 10 ]. Thereby, the possibility of fuel splashing during fuel filling is greatly reduced. In addition, due to the present invention, the chance of fuel coming out of the fuel fill unit (175) is negligible, thus also eliminating fuel loss due to spillage.

Furthermore, during fuel filling, fuel may enter the fuel tank (160, 160') from the nozzle (174) of the fuel dispenser at high pressure and velocity. In the present invention, the path of the oncoming fuel is diverted due to the slot (180) or cavity (180 '), thereby causing a change in the strike point of the fuel against the bottom wall (166, 166 ') of the fuel tank (160, 160 '). Therefore, the auxiliary components mounted in the fuel tank and the inner surface of the fuel tank do not directly contact the flowing fuel.

Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of the invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications, and many changes in the preferred embodiments, can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or 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.