FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel tank of a vehicle and, more particularly, to a fuel filling unit of the fuel tank.

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a fuel tank of a vehicle is provided. The fuel tank comprises a fuel chamber configured to store fuel. The fuel tank also comprises a first wall enclosing at least portion of the fuel chamber. The first wall comprises a fuel tank opening defining a first axis. The fuel tank further comprises a fuel filling unit extending from the fuel tank opening of the first wall into the fuel chamber. At least portion of the fuel filling unit defines a second axis. The second axis intersects the first axis at an angle a. The angle a between the first axis and the second axis, is selected such that the fuel filling unit directs the fuel flow away from the fuel filling unit to restrict back flow of the fuel during fuel filling event.

[0006] In an embodiment, the fuel filling unit comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion defines a third axis and the second portion defines the second axis. In an embodiment, the third axis defined by the first portion of the fuel filling unit and the first axis of the fuel tank opening are coaxially aligned. In an embodiment, the third axis defined by the first portion and the second axis defined by the second portion are coaxially aligned.

[0007] With this fuel tank as disclosed in the present invention, during fuel filling event, the fuel flowing from a spout of a fuel supply enters into the fuel tank through the fuel filling unit and hits a wall of the fuel tank. As the fuel filling unit is inclined with reference to the axis of the fuel tank opening of the fuel tank, the inclined fuel filling unit changes the angle at which the fuel strikes the surface of the wall of the fuel tank, thereby reducing the rebounding fuel from entering back into the fuel filling unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] 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:

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a fuel tank of a motorcycle incorporating a prior art fuel filling unit;

[00010] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a fuel tank of a scooter incorporating a prior art fuel filling unit;

[00011] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00012] Figure 4 illustrates side view of a body frame of the exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00013] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a fuel tank of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the fuel tank of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figures 7a & 7b illustrates different views of a fuel filling unit of the fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 8 illustrates a spout of a fuel supply and the fuel tank of the vehicle, during fuel filling event, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figures 9 & 10 illustrates different views of a fuel tank of the vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[00018] Figures lla & llb illustrates different views of a fuel filling unit of the fuel tank, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[00019] Figure 12 illustrates a spout of a fuel supply and the fuel tank of the vehicle, during fuel filling event, according to another 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 and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00025] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[00026] Referring to Figure 3, a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In the illustrated example, the vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicle such as three-wheeled vehicle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00027] The vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (102), a steering assembly (104), and a front ground engaging member (106). The body frame (102) supports the steering assembly (104), and the front ground engaging member (106) in front portion of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the body frame (102). The front ground engaging member (106) is operatively connected to the steering assembly (104). The steering assembly (104) comprises a handle bar (108). The handle bar (108) is configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) comprises a steering shaft (not shown) and a pair of front forks (117). The handle bar (108) is mounted on an upper end portion of the steering shaft. The handle bar (108) is integrally rotated with the steering shaft (not shown) in response to a steering manipulation by the rider. The front forks (117) are disposed on the lower end portion of the steering shaft (not shown). The front forks (117) are rod-shaped members that rotatably support the front ground engaging member (106).

[00028] The vehicle (100) comprises a head light unit (109) and a pair of turn signal lamp units (not shown). The head lamp unit (109) and the turn signal lamp units are provided for safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic regulations. Further, front portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise front fender, dash assembly, mirrors etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00029] Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a power unit (110), and a rear ground engaging member (111). In the illustrated example, the power unit (110) provides necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (111) of the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the power unit (110) may provide necessary power to drive the front ground engaging member (106), or both the front ground engaging member (106) and the rear ground engaging member (111) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[00030] The body frame (102) supports the power unit (110) in middle portion of the vehicle (100). The power unit (110) comprises an engine (112) and a transmission unit (not shown). The engine (112) generates power required by the vehicle (100). The transmission unit transmits the generated power to the rear ground engaging member (111). Alternatively, the transmission unit may transmit the generated power to both the front ground engaging member (106) and the rear ground engaging member (111).

[00031] Referring further to Figure 3, the vehicle (100) comprises a fuel tank (160), and a seat (116). The fuel tank (160) is configured to store fuel required by the engine (112) to power the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (160) extends from front portion to middle portion of the body frame (102). Further, the body frame (102) supports the seat (116) which extends from middle portion to rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (111) is supported by the body frame (102) at rear portion of the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (160) provides necessary fuel to the engine (112) to generate power to propel the vehicle (100). The seat (116) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). Further, the seat (116) comprises a rider’s seat (118), and a passenger seat (119). The rider’s seat (118) provides seating for the rider, and the passenger seat (119) provides seating for the passenger of the vehicle (100).

[00032] The vehicle (100) comprises a swing arm (120) and a torque rod (122). The swing arm (120) is operatively coupled to body frame (102). The swing arm (120) rotatably supports rear ground engaging member (111). The torque rod (122) is operatively coupled to the body frame (102). Further, rear portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise tail light/s, suspension system/s, rear grip/s etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00033] Referring to Figure 4, the vehicle (100) comprises the body frame (102). The body frame (102) is formed by integrally joining number of steel members and the like, by welding or the like. In the illustrated example, the body frame (102) having a specific construction is disclosed. Alternatively, the body frame (102) may have different body frame constructions generally associated with motorcycles, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00034] The body frame (102) comprises a head tube (124), a lower frame member (125) and an upper frame member (126). The upper frame member (126) extends downward and rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100) from the head tube (124). The upper frame member (126) supports the fuel tank (160). The lower frame member (125) extends downward and rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100) from the head tube (124), and is disposed below the upper frame member (126). The lower frame member (125) supports the power unit (110) (shown in Figure 1). The head tube (124) is a cylindrical member which supports the steering assembly (104) and the front ground engaging member (106). The steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported on the head tube (124). The front fork (117) is inclined at an inclination angle substantially similar to that of the head tube (124).

[00035] The body frame (102) comprises a pair of seat rail members (127). The seat rail members (127) extend rearwards from the upper frame member (126). The seat rail members

(127) support the seat (116) of the vehicle (100). The body frame (102) comprises a pair of center frame members (128) extending obliquely in a rearward and downward direction from the upper frame member (126) and thereafter in a downward direction. The lower frame member (125) and the center frame members (128) support the engine (112) of the vehicle (100). The body frame (102) comprises a pair of sub frame members (129). The sub frame members (129) extend between the seat rail members (127) and the center frame members

(128). The sub frame members (129) provide support for the seat rail members (127). Further, the body frame (102) comprises a first mounting member (132), and a second mounting member (134). The first mounting member (132) rotatably mounts the swing arm (120) to the body frame (102) of the vehicle (100). Further, the body frame (102) may comprise additional components such as bracket/s, pivot plate/s etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00036] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the fuel tank (160) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The fuel tank (160) comprises a first wall (161), a number of side walls (162), and a second wall (166). The first wall (161) embodies a top wall (161) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as top wall (161)). The first wall (161) comprises a fuel tank opening (159) defining a first axis (X-X’) (shown in Figure 6). The second wall (166) embodies a bottom wall (166) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as bottom wall (166)). In the illustrated example, the fuel tank (160) comprises two side walls (162). Alternatively, the fuel tank (160) may comprise one or more than one side walls (162), without limiting the scope of the invention. The side walls (162) extends downwardly from the first wall (161) towards the second wall (166). The first wall (161), the second wall (166) and the side wall (162) define a fuel chamber (157) internally (shown in Figure 6). The fuel chamber (157) stores fuel within the fuel tank (160). The first wall (161), the second wall (166) and the side wall (162) define outer contour of the fuel tank (160). In the illustrated example, the second wall (166) defines a concave tunnel portion (165). Alternatively, the second wall (166) may have planar or contoured structure, without limiting the scope of the invention. The fuel tank (160) comprises a fuel tank cap (171) is provided to close the fuel tank opening (159). In an embodiment, the fuel tank cap (171) can be snap fit or threadably coupled to the fuel tank opening (159). In the illustrated example, the fuel tank (160) is made of metal.

[00037] The vehicle (100) comprises a fuel pump (170) (shown in Figure 8) disposed within the fuel tank (160). The fuel pump (170) is configured to pump fuel stored within the fuel chamber (157) of the fuel tank (160) to the engine (112). In the illustrated example, the fuel pump (170) is disposed on the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160). The fuel pump (170) extends into the fuel chamber (157) from the second wall (166) of the fuel tank (160).

[00038] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the fuel tank (160) comprises a fuel filling unit (175). The fuel filling unit (175) extends from the fuel tank opening (159) on the first wall (161) of the fuel tank (160) into the fuel chamber (157). The fuel filling unit (175) acts as a passage way to direct fuel entering from the spout (174) of the fuel supply into the fuel chamber (157) of the fuel tank (160). In the illustrated example, the fuel filling unit (175) is a hollow cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the fuel filling unit (175) may have hollow elliptical, hollow rectangular, hollow hexagonal structure, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00039] In illustrated example as shown in Figures 7a & 7b, the fuel filling unit (175) comprises a first portion (192) and a second portion (193). The first portion (192) embodies a top portion (192) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as top portion (192)). The first portion (192) is provided to receive a spout (174) (shown in Figure 8) of a fuel supply (not shown) to guide fuel from the spout to the fuel chamber (157). The second portion (193) embodies a bottom portion (193) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as bottom portion (193)). The fuel filling unit (175) is coupled to the first wall (161). More particularly, the first portion (192) of the fuel filling unit (175) is coupled to the fuel tank opening (159) of the first wall (161) (shown in Figure 6). The first portion (192) comprises a first opening (194). The first opening (194) defines a throat area which receives an end of the spout (174). In the illustrated example, the first portion (192) and the fuel tank opening (159) are coaxially aligned to define the single first axis (X-X’). More particularly, the first opening (194) of the first portion (192) aligns with the fuel tank opening (159) to define the single first axis (X-X’). In another example, the first portion (192) defines a third axis (Z-Z’) (as shown in Figure 7b). The third axis (Z-Z’) may be offset to first axis (X-X’).

[00040] The second portion (193) of the fuel filling unit (175) defines a second axis (Y- Y’). In the illustrated example, the second axis (Y-Y’) intersects the first axis (X-X’) at an angle (a). The angle (a) is selected such that the fuel filling unit (175) directs the fuel flow away from the fuel filling unit (175) to restrict back flow of the fuel during fuel filling event. The second portion (193) comprises a second opening (195). The second opening (195) opens the fuel filling unit (175) into the fuel chamber (157). In another example, the first portion (192) and the second portion (193) are coaxially aligned to define the single second axis (Y- Y’) which intersects the first axis (X-X’) defined by the fuel tank opening (159) of the first wall (161).

[00041] During fuel filling event, the spout (174) of the fuel supply is inserted into the first opening (194) of the first portion (192) of the fuel filling unit (175). Fuel is then supplied by the fuel supply which enters into the fuel filling unit (175). Fuel entering from the spout (174) is then guided by the fuel filling unit (175) into the fuel chamber (157) of the fuel tank (160). Due to inclination of the second portion (193) of the fuel filling unit (175) the fuel flowing through the second portion (193) of the fuel filling unit (175) is directed away from the fuel filling unit (175) thereby preventing the back flow of the fuel. [00042] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, another fuel tank (160’) utilized in the vehicle (100) is depicted. The vehicle (100) herein embodies a scooter type vehicle. The fuel tank (160’) comprises a first wall (16G), a number of side walls (162’), and a second wall (166’). The first wall (16G) embodies a top wall (161’) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as top wall (16G)). The first wall (161’) comprises an opening (159’) defining a first axis (X-X’) (shown in Figure 12). The second wall (166’) embodies a bottom wall (166’) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as bottom wall (166’)). In the illustrated example, the fuel tank (160’) comprises two side walls (162’). Alternatively, the fuel tank (160’) may comprise one or more than one side walls (162’), without limiting the scope of the invention. The side walls (162’) extends downwardly from the first wall (161’) towards the second wall (166’). The first wall (161’), the second wall (166’) and the side wall (162’) define a fuel chamber (157’) internally (shown in Figure 12). The fuel chamber (157’) stores fuel within the fuel tank (160’). The first wall (161’), the second wall (166’) and the side wall (162’) define outer contour of the fuel tank (160’). The fuel tank (160’) comprises a fuel tank cap (171’) is provided to close the opening (159’). In an embodiment, the fuel tank cap (171’) can be snap fit or threadably coupled to the opening (159’). . In an embodiment, the second wall (166’) has a tapered surface. In an embodiment the second wall (166’) has a flat surface. In an embodiment, the second wall (166’) may have a combination of tapered surface and/or flat surface. In an embodiment, the first wall (16G), the number of side walls (162’) and the second wall (166’) are made in a way so as to compliment the design and shape of a body frame (not shown) of the vehicle (100). In the illustrated example, the fuel tank (160’) is made of metal. Alternatively, the fuel tank (160’) may be made from resin material, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00043] The vehicle (100) comprises fuel pump (170’) disposed within the fuel tank (160’). The fuel pump (170’) is configured to pump fuel stored within the fuel chamber (157’) of the fuel tank (160’) to an engine (not shown) of the vehicle (100). In the illustrated example, the fuel pump (170’) is disposed on the first wall (161’) of the fuel tank (160’). The fuel pump (170’) extends into the fuel chamber (157’) from the second wall (166’) of the fuel tank (160’).

[00044] As shown in Figures 1 la, 1 lb and 12, the fuel tank (160’) comprises a fuel filling unit (175’). The fuel filling unit (175’) extends from the fuel tank opening (159’) on the first wall (16 ) of the fuel tank (160’) into the fuel chamber (157’). The fuel filling unit (175’) acts as a passage way to direct fuel flow from the spout (174’) of the fuel supply into the fuel chamber (157’) of the fuel tank (160’). In the illustrated example, the fuel filling unit (175’) is a hollow cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the fuel filling unit (175’) may have hollow elliptical, hollow rectangular, hollow hexagonal structure, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00045] In illustrated example, the fuel filling unit (175’) comprises a first portion (192’) and a second portion (193’). The first portion (192’) embodies a top portion (192’) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as top portion (192’)). The first portion (192’) is provided to receive a spout (174’) (shown in Figure 12) of a fuel supply (not shown) to guide fuel from the spout to the fuel chamber (157’). The second portion (193’) embodies a bottom portion (193’) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as bottom portion (193’)). The fuel filling unit (175’) is coupled to the first wall (161’). More particularly, the first portion (192’) of the fuel filling unit (175’) is coupled to the fuel tank opening (159’) of the first wall (161’). The first portion (192’) comprises a first opening (194’). The first opening (194’) defines a throat area which receives an end of the spout (174’). In the illustrated example, the first portion (192’) and the opening (159’) are coaxially aligned to define a single first axis (X”-X’”). More particularly, the first opening (194’) of the first portion (192’) aligns with the opening (159’) to define the single first axis (X”-X’”). Alternatively, the first portion (192’) defines a third axis (Z”-Z’”). The third axis (Z”-Z’”) may be offset to first axis (X”-X’”), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00046] The second portion (193’) of the fuel filling unit (175’) defines a second axis (Y”-Y’”). In the illustrated example, the second axis (Y”-Y’”) intersects the first axis (X”- X’”) at an angle (ai). The angle (a. \ ) is selected such that the fuel filling unit (175’) directs the fuel flow away from the fuel filling unit (175’) to restrict back flow of the fuel during fuel filling event. The second portion (193’) comprises a second opening (195’). The second opening (195’) opens the fuel filling unit (175’) into the fuel chamber (157’). In another example, the first portion (192’) and the second portion (193’) are coaxially aligned to define the single second axis (Y”-Y’”) which intersects the first axis (X”-X’”) defined by the fuel tank opening (159’) of the first wall (161’). [00047] During fuel filling event, the spout (174’) of the fuel supply is inserted into the first opening (194’) of the first portion (192’) of the fuel filling unit (175’). Fuel entering from the spout (174’) is then guided by the fuel filling unit (175’) into the fuel chamber (157’) of the fuel tank (160’). Due to inclination of the second portion (193’) of the fuel filling unit (175’) the fuel flowing through the second portion (193’) of the fuel filling unit (175’) is directed away from the fuel filling unit (175’) thereby preventing the back flow of the fuel.

[00048] The present invention relates to the fuel tank (160, 160’) of the vehicle (100). Further, the fuel tank (160, 160’) may be used in other applications that include fuel tanks, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The fuel tank (160, 160’) comprises the fuel filling unit (175, 175’). The design and orientation of the fuel filling unit (175, 175’) directs the flow of the fuel from the fuel supply such that it back flow of the fuel.

[00049] 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.

[00050] 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.