Fuel tank, radiator, pedal box assembly, reverse transmission system and electric control module for vehicles

Abstract

A reverse transmission system for a vehicle for engaging a reverse action on a normally forward action only engine transmission having a longitudinal orientation driveshaft output, the reverse transmission system comprising a gear rotatably connected to the longitudinal orientation driveshaft output of a normally forward action only engine transmission output; a shaft rotatably connected to the gear for transmitting power from the normally forward action only engine transmission output to the shaft; a chain sprocket connected to a chain drive and to the shaft for providing a transverse orientation output to the chain drive to change the direction of rotation of the driveshaft output, thereby for engaging the vehicle in the reverse action; and a reverse fork configured to actuate a reverse dog configured to slide upon the shaft to reversibly engage a reverse gear engaged to a first gear of the engine transmission.

Claims

1. A reverse transmission system for a vehicle for engaging a reverse action on a normally forward action only engine transmission having a longitudinal orientation driveshaft output, the reverse transmission system comprising: a gear rotatably connected to the longitudinal orientation driveshaft output of a normally forward action only engine transmission output; a shaft rotatably connected to the gear for transmitting power from the normally forward action only engine transmission output to the shaft; a chain sprocket connected to a chain drive and to the shaft for providing a transverse orientation output to the chain drive to change the direction of rotation of the driveshaft output, thereby for engaging the vehicle in the reverse action; and a reverse fork configured to actuate a reverse dog configured to slide upon the shaft to reversibly engage a reverse gear engaged to a first gear of the engine transmission.

2. The reverse transmission system of claim 1, wherein the shaft is engaged to the gear engaged to the longitudinal orientation driveshaft output.

3. The reverse transmission system of claim 1, wherein the reverse dog engages the reverse gear to reverse the rotation of the longitudinal orientation driveshaft output to engage the vehicle in a backward motion.

4. The reverse transmission system of claim 1, wherein the reverse gear uses a first gear of the engine transmission to power a backward motion.

5. The reverse transmission system of claim 1, further comprising a motor for activating the reverse fork.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the fuel tank of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of the fuel tank of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a radiator in accordance with another embodiment;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the radiator of FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a throttle pedal in accordance with another embodiment;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brake pedal in accordance with another embodiment;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a clutch pedal in accordance with another embodiment;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pedal box assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a security stopper in accordance with another embodiment;

(12) FIG. 11 is a top view of a reverse transmission system in accordance with another embodiment;

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a reverse transmission system in accordance with another embodiment;

(14) FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the reverse transmission system of FIG. 12; and

(15) FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the reverse transmission system of FIG. 12.

(16) It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) In embodiments there are disclosed vehicle components. More particularly, there are disclosed fuel tanks, radiators, pedal box assemblies, reverse transmission systems and electronic control modules for vehicles, and more particularly, configured to fit in a three-wheel vehicle (i.e., a compact three-wheel vehicle).

(18) Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a fuel tank which is configured to be connected to a vehicle and prevent fuel starvation during lateral acceleration (i.e., such as rapid lateral acceleration) of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment. The fuel tank 10 is configured for an optimal performance during lateral acceleration of a vehicle (not shown). The fuel tank 10 includes a main body 12 which has a first end 14 and a second end 16. The main body 12 may be elongated in shape or may have any other suitable shape such as to fit in the vehicle inside space. The fuel tank 10 also includes a first reservoir 18 at the first end 14 of the main body 12. The first reservoir 18 includes a fuel inlet and a baffled section 20 for allowing an optimized fuel pick-up. The baffled section 20 has a waved surface for increased surface area of the baffled section 20, to optimize fuel pickup. The fuel tank 10 also includes a second reservoir 22 at the second end 16 of the main body 12. The second reservoir 22 is connected to the first reservoir 18 for transportation of the fuel from the second reservoir 22 to the first reservoir 18 and from the second reservoir 22 to the first reservoir 18. Furthermore, the fuel tank 10 includes a fuel transfer system 24. According to an embodiment, the fuel transfer system 24 may be inside the elongated main body 12 for allowing transfer of the fuel from the first reservoir 18 to the second reservoir 22 and from the second reservoir 22 to the first reservoir 18 (i.e., back and forth between the first and second reservoirs 18, 22). The fuel transfer system 24 is useful for providing a substantially constant fuel level within the first and second reservoirs 18, 22. This configuration of the fuel tank 10 allows for an optimal performance of the first and second reservoirs 18, 22 during lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

(19) Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the fuel transfer system 24 of the fuel tank 10 includes a fuel transfer pump 26 for transfer of the fuel from the first reservoir 18 to the second reservoir 22 and providing a substantially constant fuel level in first and second reservoirs 18, 22. Also, the second reservoir 22 further includes an overflow port. The overflow port allows the fuel to be transferred from the second reservoir 22 to the first reservoir 18 when the second reservoir 22 is full of fuel.

(20) The fuel tank 10 also includes a lever sensor 30 in the main body 12 for measuring the fuel level in the first reservoir 18. The fuel tank 10 also includes a high pressure fuel pump 32 within the second reservoir 22 and an electronic fuel pressure regulator 34 connected to the high pressure fuel pump 32 within the second reservoir 22. The electronic fuel pressure regulator 34 is controlled by a vehicle engine management system (not shown). It is to be noted that the high pressure fuel pump 32 may be an original engine fuel pump or any other suitable fuel pump. The fuel tank 10 further includes a filler neck 36 extending from the elongated main body 12.

(21) As shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the fuel tank is configured to fit under a three wheel (e.g. T-REX) vehicle body panel and under a driver and a passenger knees. It is to be noted that the presence of the second reservoir 22 within the fuel tank 10 is to avoid the fuel starvation problems which may arise during the rapid lateral acceleration that the vehicle is capable of.

(22) The fuel tank 10 is adapted for a three-wheel vehicle in an optimized configuration to fit in the frame of the vehicle (i.e., under a person's knees). The fuel tank 10 prevents fuel starvation from a lack in pressure in the fuel tank (i.e., first reservoir 18 vs. second reservoir 22). Thus, no external component related to fuel needs is needed outside the frame of the vehicle.

(23) According to another embodiment and referring now to FIGS. 4-5, there is shown a radiator 40. The radiator 40 for a vehicle includes a main body 42, having an inlet configured to be connected to an engine cooling liquid outlet (not shown), and an outlet configured to be connected to a pump (not shown), and a lower portion 44 and a deflector member 46 which is downwardly extending from the lower portion 44 of the main body 42. The deflector member 46 is for collecting (i.e., or redirecting) air near a ground surface when the vehicle is in motion. According to an embodiment, the pump (not shown) may be the water pump of the engine which is used to recirculate the cooling fluid of the engine. According to another embodiment, the radiator 40 may also include a thermostat housing 48 on the main body 42.

(24) Still referring to FIGS. 4-5, the shape of the radiator 40 is configured to fit in a T-REX three-wheel vehicle. The deflector member 46 is configured to reduce air turbulence under the radiator 40. According to another embodiment, the deflector member 46 is substantially rectangular. According to another embodiment, the deflector member 46 is connected to the radiator lower portion 44, at an obtuse angle (i.e., about more or less 5 degrees) with the radiator lower portion 44. This configuration is believed to allow an optimal reduction/elimination of air turbulence underneath the vehicle, and provides effective cooling. According to another embodiment, the deflector member 46 is deformable and/or elastic. For example, the deflector member 46 may be made from polyurethane resins sufficiently rigid to resist to the flow of air under the vehicle, but capable of deforming and return to its original configuration after an impact with a speed bump, for example.

(25) According to an embodiment, the thermostat housing 48 of the radiator 40 further includes a radiator and thermostat bypass system 50 for preheating the vehicle at startup and improving the exhaust emissions. According to an embodiment, the radiator and thermostat bypass system 50 is configured to be connected to an engine cooling liquid outlet and an engine cooling liquid inlet (not shown). The engine cooling liquid may circulate in the bypass system 50 and reenter the engine's fluid circulation without having to contact the thermostat housing 48 and the radiator 40. This direct recirculation of the engine cooling fluid accelerates warming of the engine cooling fluid when the engine is started from a cold start. Acceleration of the warming of the cooling fluid contributes to the rapid warming of the engine, which results in better combustion performance of the engine and improved exhaust emissions. Furthermore, rapid warming of the cooling fluid also allows the thermostat housing 48 to rapidly measure the cooling fluid temperature and regulate it when it becomes too hot.

(26) The radiator 40 further includes a filler neck 52 integrated in the thermostat housing 48.

(27) It is also to be noted that at least one of the main body 42, the deflector member 46 and the thermostat housing 48 may comprise a material having optimized cooling capacities. The main body 42, the deflector member 46 and the thermostat housing 48 may include an aluminum material, or any other suitable material.

(28) According to another embodiment and referring now to FIGS. 6-10, there is shown an accelerator (or throttle) pedal 60, a brake pedal assembly 62 (also including master cylinder), a clutch pedal assembly 64 (also including master cylinder), a frame 66 and a security stopper 68. The pedal box assembly integrates a drive by wire accelerator pedal 60 to make a motorcycle engine work in a vehicle. The drive by wire accelerator pedal 60 replaces a standard handlebar control accelerator found on a motorcycle. The pedal box assembly according to another embodiment also features a double circuit normally closed brake switch to meet the safety standard in electronic throttle accelerator. According to an embodiment, the double circuit normally closed brake switch is hydraulically coupled to the brake pedal assembly 62, and electrically coupled to the engine management system, and to the accelerator pedal 60. According to an embodiment, the double circuit normally closed brake switch is configured for deactivating a throttle signal to an engine when the brake pedal assembly 62 and the accelerator pedal 60 are co-activated. According to another embodiment, the double circuit normally closed brake switch works in parallel with the engine management system (not shown) to permit the deactivation of the throttle signal if the brake pedal assembly 62 and throttle pedal 60 are activated at the same time. It also features two normally closed circuits so the engine management system (not shown) can do random safety tests to verify that the system is working properly. Normally closed switches according to an embodiment may be diagnosed for their proper functioning. As they are normally closed, their continuity may be tested by an onboard computerized system and ensure the good functioning of the switches.

(29) According to another embodiment and referring now to FIGS. 11-14, there is shown a reverse transmission system 200. The reverse transmission system 200 is an add-on feature to an original engine transmission. The original engine transmission is a normally forward only transmission of a vehicle that has a longitudinal orientation driveshaft output. The reverse transmission system according to another embodiment may be used in a vehicle that is chain or belt driven, and the output of the reverse needs to be made transverse for the vehicle to move in reverse. Basically, the reverse transmission system 200 needs to change the rotation of an original output and make a vehicle go backward or forward.

(30) Original motorcycle transmission shafts are turning when in neutral position, but nothing is engaged to the final drive. The reverse transmission system 200 includes a gear 129 connected to the output shaft of the original transmission to transmit power to a shaft 136 that is linked to the chain sprocket 113. This way, a transverse orientation output can be achieved to integrate to a chain drive.

(31) Therefore, according to an embodiment, there is provided a reverse transmission system 200 for a vehicle, for engaging a reverse action on a normally forward action only engine transmission having a longitudinal orientation driveshaft output. The reverse transmission system 200 includes a gear 129 rotatably connected to the driveshaft output 150 of the transmission output; a shaft 136 rotatably connected to the gear 129 for transmitting power from the engine transmission to the shaft 136; and a chain sprocket 113 connected to a chain drive and to the output shaft 136 for providing a transverse orientation output to the chain drive to change the direction of rotation of the driveshaft output for engaging the vehicle in a reverse action.

(32) The reverse transmission system 200 includes a reverse fork 126, a reverse dog 135 and a reverse gear 133. The output shaft 136 is always engaged to gear 129. This way, when the reverse dog 135 is engaged to the reverse gear 133, the rotation of the output shaft 136 is inverted and then the vehicle can go backward. According to an embodiment, the reverse fork 126 is configured to actuate the reverse dog 135. The reverse dog 135 is configured to slide upon the output shaft 136 to reversibly engage a reverse gear 133 which is engaged to the driveshaft output 150. For example, the reverse dog 135 transversely moves from the left to the right, sliding upon shaft 136. When the reverse dog 135 slides to the left, it engages reverse gear 133, which is permanently engaged to the first gear 160 of the original transmission. When the original transmission is in neutral position, the driveshaft output 150 is disengaged from the original transmission. At this moment, the reverse gear 133 may be engaged to the first gear of the original transmission, as the shaft 136 is disengaged from the original transmission. Once the reverse dog 135 is engaged to reverse gear 133, the reverse function may be engaged and the vehicle may proceed in reverse. When the reverse dog 135 slides back to the right, the vehicle may proceed in the forward direction.

(33) The reverse gear 133 is using the first gear 160 of the original transmission to take power to go backward. To be able to go backward, the reverse transmission system needs to be in neutral to disengage the output shaft 136 with the original transmission shaft. Then, a user needs to press the clutch, engage the reverse and release the clutch accordingly to move the vehicle backward. The reverse fork 126 is activated by an electric motor 103 controlled by a button on a shifter lever in the vehicle. The reverse transmission system also includes an electric solenoid 106 to control a lock system of the shift lever.

(34) An electronic control module (as described below, not shown) may control the reverse transmission system 200 activation. For the reverse fork 126 to be activated, the electronic control module needs to read neutral signal, clutch signal, speed signal and/or RPM signal. An electric solenoid 106 then activates a lock on the shift lever so the user is not able to put the vehicle in any gear during the reverse operation. Right after that, the reverse fork motor 103 is activated. This reverse transmission system 200 is a safety system to ensure the reverse is not activated in any gear except neutral and that the system cannot be activated if speeds are over about 3 km/h.

(35) The custom transmission casings 108, 122, 111, 109 are designed to fit shafts and the original motorcycle shafts and bearings. These casings 108, 122, 111, 109 include all the original oil passages from the engine to ensure proper shafts, bearings and gears lubrication. The casing 122 also permits the installation of the original motorcycle cover to hold the clutch slave cylinder.

(36) According to another embodiment, there is provided an electronic control module (or ECM) (not shown) to add safety features to an electronic reverse control and to act as an interface between the vehicle user control (i.e., such as a T-REX user controls) and the original motorcycle controls (BMS or the motor functions control module). The features of the ECM are as follows:

(37) According to an embodiment, the ECM includes a first controller configured to be connected to a vehicle user control system of a vehicle which includes a reverse system; a second controller configured to be connected to a reverse lighting system of the vehicle; and a third controller configured to engage the reverse system and engage a lock mechanism on the reverse system to prevent a user from shifting a gear when the reverse system is engaged.

(38) According to an embodiment, the first, second or third controllers may be independent controllers. According to another embodiment, the first, second and third controllers may all be part of a single multifunctional controller. According to yet another embodiment, the first, second and third controller may be one or more controller.

(39) According to an embodiment, the ECM may engage the reverse system while engaging the lock mechanism of the vehicle user control system in order to prevent the user from shifting in gear while in reverse. To engage the reverse, the ECM, through the first controller, needs to read neutral signal, no speed signal (about 3 km/h or less), clutch switch activated and the reverse button activation signals. When the conditions are met, the third controller may engage the reverse system in a reverse position.

(40) According to another embodiment, the ECM may activate the fuel pumps for about 5 seconds when the ignition switch is activated, to prime the fuel system. According to another embodiment, the ECM may activate the fuel pumps full time when the rpm signal is detected. According to another embodiment, the ECM may deactivate the fuel pumps if the engine stalls with ignition activated.

(41) According to another embodiment, the ECM may send a signal to the BMS for hazard lights activation and deactivation. According to another embodiment, the ECM may send a signal to the BMS for flashing lights activation and deactivation. According to another embodiment, the ECM may send a signal to the BMS for high beams activation and deactivation.

(42) According to another embodiment, the ECM may be used for controlling safety parameters of the vehicle. For example, the ECM may send activate an oil warning light when conditions are for example RPM over 2500 and/or oil pressure below 206.8 kPa.

(43) According to another embodiment, the ECM may be water resistant.

(44) According to another embodiment, the ECM may resist to a temperature up to about 70° C.

(45) According to another embodiment, the ECM may be physically compact.

(46) According to another embodiment, the ECM may further include one or more, and more particularly two, resistant connectors (automobile connector type).

(47) According to another embodiment, the ECM may control the rearward conditions of the vehicle.

(48) According to another embodiment, the ECM may control the use conditions of the fuel transfer pump.

(49) According to another embodiment, the ECM may emit a pulsation for stopping operation of the flashing lights when no longer in use.

(50) According to another embodiment, the ECM may maintain on high beam lights after receiving a pulse and off after a second pulse.

(51) According to another embodiment, the ECM may further allow the activation of a light indicator when the oil pressure sensor does not meet state conditions, such as, without limitation, rpm conditions, time conditions, and the like.

(52) According to another embodiment, the ECM may cancel the two independent signals from the accelerator pedal when the driver pushes on the brake pedal.

(53) According to another embodiment, the ECM may light the starting button when the ignition key is on, but the motor is off.

(54) According to another embodiment, the ECM may light the defective indicator of the brake about 5 seconds when the ignition key is on.

(55) According to another embodiment, the ECM may prevent the vehicle to start without depressing the clutch pedal.

(56) While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.