TWI829043B - Two-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled electric vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to two-wheeled vehicles having a fuel filling inlet assembly. The fuel filling inlet assembly comprising a side skirt abutting a front panel and a rear panel, the side skirt extending between a side skirt apex and a floorboard; a recess formed in the side skirt, the recess having an aperture; and a fuel inlet opening accessible through the aperture for supplying fuel to a fuel tank. The fuel filling inlet assembly further has a c-shaped box section that is disposed inside the recess. A stiffener member abuts the c-shaped box section. The fuel filling inlet assembly may alternatively be a charging socket assembly.

Description

Two-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled electric vehicles

The present invention relates generally to two-wheeled vehicles, and more particularly to a fuel filler assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle. The invention also relates to a charging socket assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle.

Two-wheeled vehicles, whether powered by an internal combustion engine or electric power, require a refueling or charging system. In a conventional two-wheeled vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, the refueling system typically consists of a fuel tank, an oil inlet, and a fuel line connecting the oil inlet to the fuel tank. Typically, in scooter-type two-wheeled vehicles, these fuel systems are packaged under the seat and behind the toolbox, with the oil inlet located under the seat or near the taillight.

Placing the oil inlet under the seat requires the rider and pillion passenger to exit the vehicle to refuel. Even if the oil inlet is placed near the taillight rather than under the seat, the rider still needs to get out of the car to ensure the gas station is filled correctly and close the oil inlet cap. In addition, the possibility of fuel dripping on the muffler also poses a safety risk.

It is also known in the art to provide an oil inlet on the tailgate assembly behind the seat. Even if the rider does not need to open the seat to refuel in this case, there is still a problem of fuel spillage in such a position. In addition, since the refueling position is behind the rider's seat, the rider needs to pay special attention when refueling, and sometimes the rider has to get out of the car and close the cap of the oil inlet when refueling.

For this reason, some known scooter-type two-wheeled vehicles have a fuel system in which the fuel tank is enclosed under the floor, and since the location of the oil inlet depends on the location of the fuel tank, the oil inlet is positioned Located on the rear panel towards the front of the rider's position. However, there are serious limitations with this fuel system, such as the possibility of cargo being loaded on the floor above the height of the oil inlet, the potential risk of fuel spilling over the floor, and packaging and glove box space limitations for the mobile charging tank. Since such positioning of the oil inlet poses a high safety risk in the event of a collision and is inaccessible to the rider, especially when the floor is loaded with cargo, the feasibility of locating the oil inlet on the front panel is ruled out.

A similar problem would persist with electric scooter-type two-wheeled vehicles if the charging socket for the battery was located under the seat or on the rear panel in front of the rider's position.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a fuel system or charging system that at least solves the above-mentioned problem of positioning the fuel port or charging socket.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle having a fuel filler assembly. The oil filler assembly includes side skirts 210, a recess, and an oil inlet. The side skirts abut the front and rear panels and extend between the side skirt apex and the base structure. A recess is formed in the side skirt and has a hole. The oil inlet is accessible through the hole to supply fuel to the tank. In one embodiment of the invention, the bottom structure is a floor of a vehicle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recess is located centrally between the apex of the side skirt and the bottom structure. In another embodiment, the recess is located at the extreme end of the side skirt in the transverse direction of the side skirt when viewed from the side of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the recess is positioned between the shoulder of the side skirt and the decorative line.

In another embodiment of the invention, a fuel filler assembly includes a C-shaped box disposed within a recess and attached to the vehicle body. In one embodiment, the fuel filler assembly has an oil inlet flange formed on the vehicle body, the oil inlet flange being configured to receive a C-shaped box. In another embodiment, the fuel filler assembly has reinforcements against the C-shaped box to provide protection for the filler assembly. In one embodiment, the fuel filler assembly has a top reinforcement and a bottom reinforcement. The top reinforcement and the bottom The reinforcement forms a C-shaped section along the oil inlet flange. In one embodiment, the oil inlet flange extends vertically between the top and bottom stiffeners.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fuel filler assembly has a cover for covering the recess. In one embodiment, the fuel filler assembly has a metal wire having a first end coupled to the cap and a second operable end for operating the cap. In another embodiment, the second operative end of the wire is coupled to the ignition door lock. In another embodiment, the lid is pivotably mounted on the C-shaped box. In yet another embodiment, the cover is pivotably mounted on the recess.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a two-wheel electric vehicle having a charging socket assembly. The charging socket assembly has side skirts against the front and rear panels. The side skirts extend between the side skirt apex and the base structure. The recess is formed in the side skirt such that the recess has a hole. A charging socket is accessible through the hole to charge the battery.

10:Vehicle

105:Frame components

105A:Head tube

105B: Main frame assembly

105C:Rear pipe

110:Front suspension

115:Front wheel

125: Internal combustion engine

135: Traction motor

145:Rear wheel

155: Bottom structure (base plate)

160A:Front panel

160B:Shin pads

160C: Seat bottom cover

160D: left and right side panels

160E:Rear panel

165:Front fender

175:Rear fender

190: Handlebar assembly

200: Oil filler assembly

210:Side skirt

212: apex of side skirt

220: concave part

222:hole

230:Oil inlet

240:Lid

250:Fuel tank

310:C-shaped box part

320: Reinforcement parts

320A:Top reinforcement

320B: Bottom reinforcement

330:Oil inlet flange

350: Ignition electric door lock

400: Charging socket assembly

430:Charging socket

Reference is made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. While the invention has been generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these specific embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a right side view of an exemplary vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a fuel filler assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the recess of the fuel filler assembly in a side view of the fuel filler assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a fuel filler assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a fuel filler assembly with a cap in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fuel filler assembly with a cap in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

7 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging socket assembly for a two-wheeled electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle having a fuel filler assembly.

Figure 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Vehicle 10 includes frame assembly 105 . Frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A and a main frame assembly 105B. One or more front suspensions 110 connect the front wheels 115 to the handlebar assembly 190 and form the steering assembly of the vehicle 10 . The steering assembly is rotatably configured about the head tube 105A. Main frame assembly 105B extends rearwardly and downwardly from head tube 105A and includes a curved portion extending substantially in a longitudinal direction. Additionally, frame assembly 105 includes one or more rear tubes 105C extending obliquely rearwardly from the rear of main frame assembly 105B toward the rear of vehicle 10 .

Vehicle 10 includes a power unit. The power unit includes at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine 125 and a traction motor 135 . The traction motor 135 may include, for example, a brush less direct current (BLDC) motor. The power unit is coupled to rear wheels 145 . In one embodiment, the internal combustion engine 125 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105 . In one embodiment, the internal combustion engine 125 is mounted to a swing arm and the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105 . In one embodiment, the traction motor 135 is positioned adjacent the internal combustion engine 125 . In one embodiment, the traction motor 135 is mounted on the rear wheel 145 in the form of a hub. Additionally, vehicle 10 includes a transmission coupling rear wheels 145 to the power unit. Transmissions include continuously variable transmissions, automatic transmissions or fixed-ratio transmissions. The seat assembly is disposed above the power unit and is supported by the rear tube 105C of the frame assembly 105 . The seat assembly hinges open. The frame assembly 105 defines a crossover portion forward of the seat assembly. Bottom in the form of a base plate A base structure 155 is provided at the crossover portion where the rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting his feet on the floor 155 . Additionally, the floor 155 is capable of carrying cargo.

Additionally, the frame assembly 105 is covered by multiple body panels. The plurality of body panels includes a front panel 160A, leg guards 160B, seat pan 160C, left and right side panels 160D, and a rear panel 160E mounted on the frame assembly 105 and covering the frame assembly 105 and components mounted thereon.

In addition, the front fender 165 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 115 . The tool box is disposed below the seat assembly and supported by the frame assembly 105 . The rear fender 175 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 145 and is located above the rear wheel 145 . One or more suspensions are provided at the rear of the vehicle 10 for connecting the swing arm and the rear wheel 145 to the frame assembly 105 to buffer the force from the rear wheel 145 and the power unit to the frame assembly 105 .

Furthermore, vehicle 10 includes a plurality of electric and electronic components, including headlights, taillights, a transistor controlled igniter (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), and a starter motor (not shown). not shown).

Referring to FIG. 2 , a fuel filler assembly 200 is provided in the side skirt 210 of the vehicle 10 . Side skirts 210 abut front panel 160A and rear panel 160E. The highest points of the front panel 160A, the rear panel 160E and the side skirts 210 contact each other at the side skirt apex 212 . The side skirts 210 extend between the side skirt apex 212 and the bottom structure 155 . In one embodiment of the invention, the bottom structure 155 is a bottom plate. A recess 220 is formed in the side skirt 210 , with the recess 220 having a hole 222 . The oil inlet 230 is provided in fluid communication with the oil tank 250 enclosed below the base plate 155 such that the oil inlet 230 is accessible through the hole 222 . The oil inlet 230 may be covered by a threaded openable cap. During a refueling operation, the oil nozzle will enter the oil inlet 230 through the hole 222 and fuel will be transferred from the oil inlet 230 to the fuel tank 250 . This delivery path to the oil inlet 230 ensures that the rider does not need to get out of the car for the refueling operation. Furthermore, packaging the fuel tank 250 under the base plate 155 results in better weight distribution and allows for more space in the toolbox.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recess 220 in the side skirt 210 is disposed such that the recess 220 is positioned relative to the center of the side skirt apex 212 and the bottom plate 155 . In another embodiment of the present invention, when the two-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed from the side, the recess 220 in the side skirt 210 is provided such that the recess 220 is located at the extreme end of the side skirt 210 in the transverse direction of the side skirt 210 . Such a position of the recess 220 ensures that the oil nozzle is always positioned away from the rider's feet and there is no fuel spillage on the base plate 155 . In another embodiment of the invention, the recess 220 is provided on the side skirt 210 adjacent to the turn indicator lamp. In another embodiment of the invention, the recess 220 is provided on the side skirt 210 substantially above the front fender 165 when viewed from the side of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the recess 220 in the side skirt 210 is configured such that the recess 220 is positioned between the shoulder of the side skirt 210 and the trim line, which provides for the two-wheeled vehicle 10 in the final vehicle product review. enhanced assessment.

Figure 3 illustrates the recess 220 of the fuel filler assembly 200 in a side view of the fuel filler assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the fuel filler assembly 200 has a C-shaped box 310 . A C-shaped box 310 is shown disposed within the recess 220 and attached to the vehicle body. Since the fuel filler assembly 200 is exposed to a vehicle parked on the side of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 or may be the first to be impacted when the two-wheeled vehicle 10 rolls over on its side or is involved in an accident with another vehicle, the C-shaped box-shaped portion 310 strengthens the fuel filler assembly 200. In addition, when the oil gun is suspended from the oil inlet 230 and the load is transferred to the oil inlet assembly 200, similarly, the C-shaped box portion 310 disposed inside the recess 220 provides the oil inlet assembly 200 with the strength to withstand the load. In addition to these, the C-shaped box 310 also acts as a deflector for overfilling with fuel.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 , the reinforcement 320 is disposed within the C-shaped box 310 and abuts against the inner wall of the C-shaped box 310 , thereby providing additional protection for the fuel filler assembly 200 . The C-shaped box 310 together with the reinforcement 320 ensures that any impact from the side will be received by the reinforcement 320 first.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the C-shaped box 310 is attached to the vehicle body by an oil inlet flange 330 . Oil inlet flange 330 is a component of the chassis or body. The C-shaped box 310 may be attached to the oil inlet flange 330 by fasteners or by a welded joint. The oil inlet flange 330 also acts as a stopper for fuel leakage.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4 , the oil filler inlet assembly 200 has a top reinforcement 320A and a bottom reinforcement 320B that form a C-shaped cross-section along the oil inlet flange 330 . Oil inlet flange 330 extends vertically between top stiffener 320A and bottom stiffener 320B.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , the fuel filler assembly 200 has a cover 240 that can be opened to cover the recess 220 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 240 is pivotably mounted on the C-shaped box portion 310 or is pivotably mounted on the recess 220 .

As shown in Figure 5, lid 240 is operable by ignition door lock 350. Here, a first end of the wire is coupled to the cover 240 and a second operable end is coupled to the ignition door lock 350 . Thus, operating the ignition door lock 350 causes the lid 240 to open. As is known, dedicated means may also be provided to operate the wire to open the lid 240.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fuel filler assembly 200 with the cap 240 in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the lid 240 is shown in the closed position. The cover 240 is pivoted so that it is flush with the decorative line of the side skirt 210 of the vehicle 10 , thereby enhancing the aesthetics of the vehicle 10 .

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cover 240 is openable toward the front side of the vehicle 10 , which improves the rider's access to the oil inlet 230 .

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the two-wheeled vehicle 10 is an electric two-wheeled vehicle, the fuel filler assembly 200 may alternatively be used as the charging socket assembly 400 . In this way, the oil inlet 230 is replaced with the charging socket 430, the oil tank 250 is replaced with the battery, and the charging socket 430 is electrically connected to the battery. The remaining components of the fuel filler assembly 200 described above may be modified accordingly to meet the requirements of electric vehicles.

Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems of the rider having to get out of the car to refuel, being severely restricted in refueling when loading cargo in the floor to a height above the fuel inlet, the potential risk of fuel spilling out of the floor, and the packaging and glove box space limitations of the mobile charging tank. . Due to the position of the oil inlet in the fuel filler assembly according to the present invention as disclosed above, the rider and the person in the back seat do not need to get out of the car in order to refuel, and the rider can still easily access it when the floor is loaded with cargo to a height above the oil inlet. Oil inlet without removing cargo from the floor. This has also resulted in improved floor loading capabilities for two-wheeled vehicles. Since the fuel filler assembly is located on the side of the two-wheeled vehicle, packaging of the mobile charging bay and glovebox is unrestricted and the risk of fuel spilling over the floor is minimized. Further, since the fuel filler assembly is positioned toward the front of the vehicle, the rider can ensure the fuel tank cap is closed and increases the available space in the tool box.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Various changes and modifications.

155: Bottom structure (base plate)

160A:Front panel

160E:Rear panel

200: Oil filler assembly

210:Side skirt

212: apex of side skirt

220: concave part

222:hole

230:Oil inlet

240:Lid

250:Fuel tank

Claims (13)

A two-wheeled vehicle, including: a front panel; a rear panel; a side skirt, against the front panel and the rear panel, the side skirt includes a side skirt apex and a bottom structure, the side skirt is on the side skirt extending between the apex and the bottom structure; and a fuel filler assembly including: a recess formed in the side skirt and having a hole; an oil inlet through which the oil inlet is accessible and supplying fuel to a fuel tank; a C-shaped box portion disposed in the recess and attached to a vehicle body; and a reinforcement member disposed in the C-shaped box portion and abutting against the C-shaped box portion, thereby Provides protection for the fuel filler assembly. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recess is located in the center between the apex of the side skirt and the bottom structure. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom structure includes a floor. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the recess is located at an extreme end of the side skirt in the transverse direction of the side skirt. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the recess is positioned between the shoulder of the side skirt and one or more decorative lines. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the C-shaped box-shaped portion is fixed to the body through an oil inlet flange. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the oil filler inlet assembly further includes a top reinforcement and a bottom reinforcement, and the top reinforcement and the bottom reinforcement form a C-shaped section along the oil inlet flange, The C-shaped section extends vertically between the top reinforcement and the bottom reinforcement. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel inlet assembly includes a cover for covering the recess. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 8, wherein the fuel filler assembly further includes a metal wire, the metal wire has a first end coupled to the cover and a second operable end for operating the cover. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second operable end is coupled to an ignition electric door lock. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cover is pivotably mounted on the C-shaped box portion. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cover is pivotably mounted on the recess. A two-wheeled electric vehicle, including: a front panel; a rear panel; a side skirt, which is against the front panel and the rear panel. The side skirt includes a side skirt apex and a bottom structure. The side skirt is on the side. Extending between the skirt apex and the bottom structure; and a charging socket assembly, the charging socket assembly includes: a recess formed in the side skirt and having a hole; a charging socket through which the charging socket can be connected Enter to charge a battery; a C-shaped box portion disposed within the recess and attached to a vehicle body; and a reinforcement member disposed within the C-shaped box portion and against the C-shaped box portion to provide protection for the charging socket assembly .