CONTROU DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle frame assembly of a vehicle, more particularly but not exclusively to mounting of a support structure to support an evaporative emission control device on the vehicle frame assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Nowadays packaging any of additional features for a vehicle either to improve the performance of the vehicle or to improve the attractiveness of the vehicle are desirable. High quality specifications that makes the vehicle stand out in market becomes critical due to higher consciousness of the customer with respect to requirements like light weight of vehicle, ergonomics, ground clearance, easy to handle etc. This makes the vehicle functional parts as vital aggregates. Many researches have been made to achieve such objectives and technologies are being developed to reduce vehicle emissions, rotational mass inertia of the vehicle etc. So that the range of vehicle performance is improved and the emissions being let out to the environment is reduced continuously. However, due to addition of new features based on customer and market requirement vehicle weight increases which is undesirable. Vehicle weight plays a pivot role in contributing for increase in fuel consumption, increase in emissions and mass inertia of vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to a saddle type two wheeled scooter along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical vehicle, for example a scooter type vehicle. [0005] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a frame assembly of a vehicle. In this example, the frame assembly of a step-through saddle type vehicle is being illustrated.

[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle with side body panel dismantled.

[0007] Figure 4 illustrates a left side perspective view of a rear portion of the frame assembly of the vehicle with the side panel disassembled.

[0008] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a rear portion of the frame assembly of the vehicle. [0009] Figure 6 illustrates a left perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with the evaporative emission control device detached.

[00010] Figure 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle with side body panel dismantled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00011] In order to reduce emissions from the vehicle, evaporation control unit is used in vehicles to collect the fuel vapors from a fuel tank to reduce the amount of unbumt hydrocarbons released to the atmosphere.

[00012] Evaporation control unit is an additional device which is installed in the vehicle and is preferred to be package in the rear side of the vehicle or closer to the engine assembly and fuel tank assembly to minimize duct loses, hose length and cost.

[00013] Packaging of evaporation control device in the vehicles most often calls for modification in body panels used to package the vehicular components. This makes the vehicle layout complex and can deteriorate the appearance of the vehicle resulting in bulky design which increases the weight of the vehicle in addition to adversely affecting its aerodynamic drag resistance as well as leading to poor maneuverability in traffic conditions. [00014] Increase in vehicle size can also affect ergonomics of the rider/pillion for ease of ground reachability.

[00015] Further, the type of mounting of the evaporative emission control device as already known in the art with the available vehicle layout typically requires overhang bracket. More overhang in bracket causes the variation in position of the evaporative emission control device in addition to undesirable effects of vibration, potential crack, breakage, difficulty in assembly.

[00016] The variation of positioning of the evaporative emission control device on the vehicle occurs during manufacturing as well as handling of the frame assembly of the vehicle during assembly. The overhang bracket acts as an obstruction and is more prone to deformation during normal handling conditions. In order to prevent deformation of the overhanging bracket, additional care has to be taken by the personnel involved in assembly process. This adds to the time required for assembling of the vehicle. Further, for various other reasons, if the deformed overhanging bracket is carried on and the evaporative emission control device is assembled to the deformed bracket, the required performance of the evaporative emission control device may not be achieved due to improper assembly.

[00017] Mounting of the evaporative emission control device to a part of the frame assembly in the vehicle is already known in the art. As a most common practice, the evaporative emission control device is mounted to a side tube of the frame assembly of the vehicle. The side tube of the frame assembly of the vehicle is a critical portion of the frame as it also structurally supports other vehicular components. One of the important components being supported by the side tube is a rear shock absorber of the vehicle. The rear shock absorber also exerts immense dynamic as well as static forces on the side tube during vehicle running condition. Therefore, the side tube is a critical zone of the frame assembly. The configuration of the welded joints on the critical side tubes sin order to assemble devices like evaporative emission control device may locally weaken the side tube of the frame assembly resulting in weakening of the critical zone of the frame. As a result, the functionality of other vehicular parts is also affected. Therefore, welding of the bracket resulting in a welded joint to the frame assembly to mount the evaporative emission control device is not desirable.

[00018] However, as a contrary to the above said concept, it is also not desirable to directly mount the evaporative emission control device on to the side tube. The direct mounting of the evaporative emission control device on to the side tube causes inconsistent positioning of the evaporative emission control device due to bending of the side tube and spring back of the side tube that may occur over course of time of vehicle usage.

[00019] With these above constraints, packaging of and mounting of the evaporative emission control device is critical and very complicated. Thus, there is need for an improved and effective compact mounting structure for the emission control device that is capable of addressing all the problems detailed above and other problems of known art. The same is being addressed in the present invention.

[00020] The present subject-matter provides mounting of an evaporative emission control device on to the frame assembly of the vehicle.

[00021] The evaporative emission control device as per the present invention is packaged amidst the fuel tank assembly, a utility storage and a body side panel of the vehicle.

[00022] The evaporative emission control device is positioned proximate to an engine assembly and the fuel tank assembly. This way, it is convenient to connect the fuel tank assembly to the evaporative emission control device and further, the evaporative emission control device to the engine assembly without excessive increase in hose length, complex routing layout, etc. This is for reducing the hose length used to connect between the above said components and to reduce the travel time and distance of fuel / fuel vapors.

[00023] In another embodiment, the evaporative emission control device is connected to the air filter assembly and through the air filter assembly, the fuel will be supplied to the engine assembly, particularly to a combustion chamber in the engine assembly.

[00024] The evaporative emission control device and its hoses can be packaged on either side of vehicle considering electrical routings in the vehicle, to make sure the fuel hoses and the electrical lines are separated from each other.

[00025] The present invention includes a frame assembly to support an evaporative emission control device for a vehicle, the frame assembly includes a head tube, a main tube extending rearwardly from said head tube, a pair of rear frames extending obliquely rearwardly to the main tube, a cross member disposed at a rear end and between said pair of rear frames and a support structure attached to the cross member. The support structure includes a first attachment member and an extension member. The first attachment member is attached to the cross member. The extension member is extending from the first attachment member along a vehicle longitudinal direction. The extension member is extending along one of a rear frame of the pair of rear frames with a pre-determined distance between the frame and the evaporative emission control device. The extension member is configured to support a portion of said evaporative emission control device.

[00026] The evaporative emission control device is mounted to a support structure, in which a provision is incorporated to hold the evaporative emission control device rigidly in various road load and environment usage conditions.

[00027] The evaporative emission control device is inserted into a holder member as a sub assembly and is mounted / inserted on to the support structure. The holder is configured to be received by the second attachment member along a vehicle transverse axis such that the evaporative emission control device lies parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis.

[00028] In another embodiment, evaporative emission control device is mounted by using fasteners on to the support structure. [00029] The support structure for the evaporative emission control device is a detachable structure to avoid the handling damages due to overhang from the frame structure.

[00030] In another embodiment, the support structure is mounted to a frame support structure.

[00031] In another embodiment, the extension member is configured to support a portion of a second attachment member. The second attachment member is configured to support a portion of said evaporative emission control device.

[00032] The support structure is detachably attached to a frame support member. The frame support member is fixedly attached to any one of lateral portion of the cross member.

[00033] The evaporative emission control device is disposed adjacently to and below any one rear frame of the pair of rear frames.

[00034] The evaporative emission control device is juxtaposed with an upper portion of a rear shock absorber of said vehicle when viewed from a side view.

[00035] The extension member includes a cylindrical cross-section, the extension member is configured to include a closed loop at one end and open ended at opposite end, the one end of the extension member is configured to support said evaporative emission control device and the opposite end is attached to said first attachment member.

[00036] The support structure includes a first attachment member, a second attachment member, and an extension member. The first attachment member includes one or more holes to enable attachment with said frame assembly, the second attachment member is disposed at a distance from said first attachment member. The second attachment member is configured to receive the evaporative emission control device and the extension member is disposed connecting the first attachment member and the second attachment member.

[00037] According to an embodiment, the first attachment member, the second attachment member, and the extension member are fixedly attached to each other. [00038] The second atachment member is bent to form an ‘L’ shape including a first end and a second end. The first end is atached to one or more surfaces of the extension member and the second end is configured to receive a portion of the evaporative emission control device.

[00039] The second atachment member is disposed forwardly to and below said first attachment member, a first axis passing through said first attachment member is parallel to a second axis passing through said second atachment member, the second axis lies below said first axis.

[00040] The frame support structure is configured to include one or more holes. Through these one or more holes, a purge control unit is mounted. So, that the relative position of the evaporative emission control device and the purge control unit will be maintained consistently. The purge control valve is disposed above the evaporative emission control device in mounted condition. Also, this configuration provides for reduced hose length connecting therebetween and as a result, low cost in the mounting is additionally achieved.

[00041] The frame support structure is welded on to a cross member of the frame assembly that is disposed at a rearmost end of the frame assembly. The cross member is placed over the fuel tank assembly to achieve consistent positioning and to maintain the angle of evaporative emission control device as desired to achieve optimum adsorption and transfer of the fuel vapors. Thereby, reducing the unbumt carbon particles that are being emited out to the atmosphere.

[00042] In another embodiment, the support structure can be directly mounted to the frame assembly without any frame support structure.

[00043] The said mounting bracket is made of three pieces i.e., top bracket, botom bracket & connecting rod to reduce the weight and cost of the part.

[00044] In another embodiment, the support structure is a single part or more than one part integrated to reduce the cost, weight and manufacturing complexity. [00045] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

[00046] Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical vehicle, for example a scooter type vehicle. The vehicle has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel (101) and a driven rear wheel (102). The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevation view. The frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame and also may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel (106), a rear cover (116), a lower side cover (110), and a pair of side panel including a left-hand side panel (115).

[00047] A handlebar assembly (108) and a seat assembly (109) are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and an open area is defined there between known as a floorboard assembly (119), which functions as a step through space. The seat assembly (109) for a driver and a pillion is placed above a fuel tank assembly (118) and rear side of the floorboard assembly (119). A front fender (103) is provided above the front wheel (101) to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender (104) is placed between the fuel tank assembly (118) and the rear wheel (102), and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel (102). The rear fender (104) inhibits rain water or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel (102).

[00048] An engine assembly (112) is provided to drive the vehicle. Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly (not shown) is connected to a front fork (117). The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight (107) in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight (114) in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.

[00049] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a frame assembly of a vehicle. In this example, the frame assembly of a step-through saddle type vehicle is being illustrated. The frame assembly (200) to support an evaporative emission control device (207) for a vehicle (100) is provided. The frame assembly (200) includes a head tube (202), a main tube (203) extending rearwardly from said head tube (202), a pair of rear frames (204) extending obliquely rearwardly to said main tube (203), a cross member (208) (as illustrated in the detailed description for Fig. 4) disposed at a rear end and between said pair of rear frames (204), and a support structure (201) attached to said cross member (208). The support structure (201) includes a first attachment member (201a) and an extension member (201b). The first attachment member (201a) is attached to the cross member (208). The extension member (201b) is extending from the first attachment member (201a) along a vehicle longitudinal direction (LL'). The extension member (201b) is extending along one rear frame (204a) of the pair of rear frames (204). The extension member (201b) is configured to support a portion of said evaporative emission control device (207).

[00050] The evaporative emission control device (207) is juxtaposed with an upper portion of a rear shock absorber (205) of the vehicle (100) when viewed from a side view.

[00051] The evaporative emission control device (207) is disposed adjacently to one of lateral of a fuel tank assembly (118), disposed at a close proximity to an engine assembly (112) and an air filter assembly (206).

[00052] This way, the evaporative emission control device (207) is protected by the vehicular components. The hoses connected between the evaporative emission control device (207) and the air filter assembly (206), and the engine assembly (112) are comparatively shorter and hence, the cost is reduced eventually. Further, due to shorter travel path along the shorter length of the hoses, the fuel vapors reach the engine assembly (112) quickly and are again sent for combustion. As a result, the unbumt hydrocarbons are reduced and hence, the emission outputted to the atmosphere is reduced.

[00053] Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle with side body panel dismantled. The extension member (201b) is extending along one rear frame (204a) of the pair of rear frames (204) with a pre-determined distance (d) therebetween. The predetermined distance (d) ensures that the pair of rear frames (204) do not experience any stress due to the mounting of the evaporative emission control device (207) on to the cross member (208). Therefore, the mounting of the evaporative emission control device (207) is carried away from the critical zone of the frame assembly (200). The critical zone being a portion of the frame assembly (200), which is also supporting a rear shock absorber bracket (302).

[00054] However, the evaporative emission control device (207) lies along the vehicle longitudinal axis (LL'). The evaporative emission control device (207) is received along the vehicle transverse direction (TT') by the second attachment member (201c). This way of mounting of the evaporative emission control device (207) enables packaging of the device (207) within the body panels of the vehicle (100). Therefore, the width of the vehicle is not increased and the packaging of the device (207) does not require additional efforts.

[00055] Figure 4 illustrates a left side perspective view of a rear portion of the frame assembly of the vehicle with the side panel disassembled. The support structure (201) of a frame assembly (200) for supporting an evaporative emission control device (207) of a vehicle (100) comprises of a first attachment member (201a). The first attachment member (201a) includes one or more holes (208ax) (as illustrated in detailed description of Fig. 5) to enable attachment with said frame assembly (200). The second attachment member (201c) is disposed at a distance from the first attachment member (201a). The second attachment member (201c) is configured to receive said evaporative emission control device (207), and includes an extension member (201b) connecting the first attachment member (201a) and the second attachment member (201c). The first attachment member (201a), the second attachment member (201c), and the extension member (201b) are fixedly attached to each other.

[00056] The extension member (201b) includes a cylindrical cross-section. The extension member (201b) is configured to include a closed loop at one end (201bx) and open ended at opposite end (201by). The one end (201bx) of the extension member (201b) is configured to support the evaporative emission control device (207) and the opposite end (201by) is attached to the first attachment member (201a).

[00057] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a rear portion of the frame assembly of the vehicle. The cross member (208) is disposed at a rearmost end between the pair of rear frames (204). The cross member (208) includes a frame support member (208a). The frame support member (208a) is fixedly attached to the cross member (208). The frame support member (208a) includes one or more holes (208ax). The one or more holes (208ax) are configured to receive the support structure (201). In an embodiment, the support structure (201) is detachably attached to the frame support member (208a).

[00058] Figure 6 illustrates a left perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with the evaporative emission control device detached. The second attachment member (201c) is bent to form an ‘L’ shape including a first end (20 lex) and a second end (20 ley). The first end (20 lex) is attached to one or more surfaces (201bz) of the extension member (201b) and the second end (201by) is configured to receive a portion of the evaporative emission control device (207). The evaporative emission control device (207) is partially enclosed by a holder (207a). A portion of the holder (207a) is configured to be received by the second attachment member (201c) along a vehicle transverse axis (TT'), and said evaporative emission control device (207) lies parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis (LL' ). The holder (207a) enables stable and rigid mounting of the evaporative emission control device (207). The displacement of the device (207) from its mounted position during assembly is prevented by the holder (207a).

[00059] Figure 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle with side body panel dismantled. The second attachment member (201c) is disposed forwardly to and below said first attachment member (201a), a first axis (PP') passing through said first attachment member (201a) is parallel to a second axis (CC') passing through said second attachment member (201c), said second axis (CC' ) lies below said first axis (PP' ). The frame support member (208a) is disposed on a lateral portion (209). The frame support member (208a) is configured to support a purge control valve (301) in addition to the support structure (201). Both the purge control valve (301) and the evaporative emission control device (207) are attached to the frame support member (208a) to maintain a consistent relative positioning therebetween. This way, a consistent and desirable performance of the evaporative emission control device (207) is achieved. As a result, the final emissions being emitted out to the atmosphere is also considerably reduced.

[00060] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.

List of reference numerals: vehicle (100) 25 one or more surfaces- 201bz front wheel- 101 second attachment member- 201c rear wheel- 102 first end- 20 lex front fender- 103 second end- 20 Icy rear fender- 104 head tube- 202 front panel- 106 30 main tube- 203 headlight- 107 pair of rear frames- 204 handlebar assembly- 108 one rear frame- 204a seat assembly- 109 rear shock absorber- 205 lower side cover- 110 air filter assembly- 206 engine assembly- 112 35 evaporative emission control taillight- 114 device- 207 left-hand side panel- 115 portion of the holder- 207a rear cover-116 cross member- 208 front fork- 117 frame support member- 208a fuel tank assembly- 118 40 one or more holes- 208ax frame assembly- 200 purge control valve- 301 support structure- 201 rear shock absorber bracket- 302 first attachment member- 201a pre-determined distance- d extension member- 201b vehicle longitudinal direction- LL' one end- 201bx 45 vehicle transverse direction- TT' opposite end- 201by first axis- PP' second axis-CC' floorboard assembly- 119