FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a protector mounting for vehicle fuel filler hose. The
vehicle particularly includes passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle
\Vithout re$tricting scope of the invention to the same.
tiACKGROUND/PRIOR ART
;:n general, fuel storage tank (T) is connected to rubber hose (H) and filler neck
(metallic/resin) (N) to fill fuel in the storage tank as illustrated in fig 1. Usually
·rubber hoses that connect tank and neck are s.afeguarded in the wheel housing
of the vehicle to prevent any damage thereto due to stone chipping from the
lire. In the case where hose is exposed to chipping stones, protection is·
. required on the hose which is either metallic or resm type. The protection
means for the· hose is called protector, which requires sufficient number of
mountings so as to avoid the following:
A) Rattling
B) Stress at mountings
Currently available protector (P) forming a U-section is used to house the fuel
filler hose ·(H) placed between the neck and fuel tank (T).The protector is
i:ntcgrated to three snaps (1,2,3) for mounting to a fixed member of the vehicle
· body i.e. frame /chassis (F) as shown in fig 1 also indicating three respective
. mountings (1',2',3') including bracket (3').
)/ig 2 illustrates mounting of the protector on t~e frame of vehicle.Out of three
mountings for snaps, two mountings are conveniently and readily available on
. vehicle body .. However, for mounting of third snap, a bracket is required to be
welded on body side panel wherein the bracket constitutes third mounting.
· l<'(~asibility regarding provision of bracket on body side panel depends on
availability of space and other factors such as sufficient gap from welding jigs
a.nd vehicle assembly hanger. Addition of bracket may give rise to the following
ISSUeS:
Fouling of bracket with the welding jig/fixture /welding gun.
lnterference of the bracket with assembly hanger.
Higher chances of damage to the weld bracket during transportation.
Presence ()f bracket adds to weight, which inturn increases cost and
. reduces fuel efficiency .
. J\ patent (KR 200130062Yl)is directed to. a protecting cover for fuel hose of a
car. However it does not discuss regarding mounting of the protecting cover.
in view of the above, there is a requirement to introduce protector mounting
assembly of vehicle for fuel filler hose which cah obviate short-comings of the
kh.own art( s.).
OB.JEC.TS OF THE INVENTION --··----·
An. object of this invention is to propose a protector mounting for vehicle fuel
LEer hose which overcomes disadvantages associated with the prior art.
/\.rwthcr object of this invention is to propose a protector mounting for vehicle
· .h:tcl filler hose which is cost effective.
· Further object of this invention is to propose a protector mounting for vehicle
·fuel filler hose which is reliable.
Yet another object of this invention 1s to propose a protector mounting for
vehicle fuel filler hose with improved ergonomics.
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~UIVlMARY OF INVENTION
According to this invention there is provided a protector mounting for vehicle
fuel filler hose comprises a bracket secured to a wire clamp for connecting with
the protector.
~]~l~..f DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from
·the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the· accompanying
drawings of exemplary embodiments of invention and wherein:
Fig. 1 shows: Exploded view of protector mounting assembly.
Fig. 2 shows: Conventional protector mounted to frame of vehicle.
· Fig. 3 shows: Wire Clamp according to present invention.
Fig. 4A shows: One embodiment of present invention.
Fig. 4B shows: Another embodiment of present invention.
Fig. 5 shows: Protector mounting assembly in accordance with present
invention.
Fig. 6 shows: Still another embodiment of present invention.
Fig. 'I shows: Application of present invention.
~)ETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE
ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The present invention· discloses a novel protector mounting for vehicle fuel filler
'fhe protector mounting of invention has been devised to eliminate third snap
of known protector and a bracket therefor by providing an additional mounting
t~) a protector.
Now referring to fig 3 the wire clamp ( lA) comprises a coiled wire (W) as shown.
Each of the two ends of the coiled wire forms a hook (4, 5) facing a supporting
means (6). The supporting means forms an integral part of said wire (W). Thus
tbc coiled wire includes ~wo hook ends (4, 5) directing towards the supporting
means (6) which are adjoined with a plurality of loops (7) to constitute a single
piece as illustrated.
The hooks (4, 5) can be symmetrical/ asymmetrical with respect to each other
regarding profile. The supporting means (6) comprises a curved member. The
wlwie of coiled wire is made of a single wire.
Both ends of the wire are inserted through a washer (8) through respective hole.
as shown. The washer is also having a through hole for insertion of bolt (B)
therethrough in the course of assembly. Thus the washer (8) is having
. muititude of through holes for passage of both ends of the wire and bolt
therethrough. There is provision of another washer (9) with a through hole for
bolt, wherein the washer rests against the supporting means (6). The washer
. (8) .is larger than the washer (9) as it accommodates two ends of wire and bolt
·whereas other washer (9) is required to accommodate only bolt. The profile of
the washers (8, 9). are substantially rectangular and circular respectively which
l<""' ~:;· 9
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arc indicated as example without restricting scope of the invention to the same.
'fhe washers are preferably threaded washer.
Thus the two ends of the wire (W) together with supporting means are
connected by means of the bolt and washers as best seen in fig 3.
Further reference may be made to fig 4A and 4B. The wire clamp (lA) i~
secured to a bracket (1~) on its loops (7). The bracket is having substantially Ssection.
One side (Sl) of the bracket is connected to the wire clamp. (1) and other side
(S?.) is fixed to a nut (10). Said nut is mounted on a through hole (11, fig 413) of
;:he bracket side (82). This nut is utilized for bolting with one side surface of the
p:rotectQr through a corresponding hole in said protector.
This results in an assembly of protector mounting as best seen in fig 5.
According to another embodiment, the nut and bolt can be replaced VI.Tit:h a
plastic clip ( 13) as in fig 4B.
The fixing of bracket on the wire clamp and nut on the bracket can be carried
out by means of welding without restricting scope of the invention to the same.
According to still another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in fig. 6
the side (82) implemented for securing with the protector can be substituted by
a book (I-b) so as to clamp the protector (P').
'fhus, the bracket comprises a member having substantially L-section (L),
·which is integrated to a hook (Hl) at one end so as to form the bracket as in fig
lif
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The aforesaid provision 1s having more economic. significance (being cost
effective) and it also proves to be ergonomically better comparatively.
The wire clamp is placed at a location away from rest of the tw