Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a step through vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a fuel feeding assembly of a step through vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, a frame is the main supporting structure of a motor vehicle, including saddle-type motor vehicles and serves to support different parts of the motor vehicle. Besides acting as the main supporting structure of the vehicle, the construction of the frame also defines the outward appeal and looks of the motor vehicle. For example, saddle-type motor vehicles are majorly classified as saddle-type vehicles of the step over kind, and saddle-type vehicles of the step through kind, based on the construction of the frame defining such vehicles. The structure and construction of the frame also plays a critical role for the packaging of components of the step-through type vehicles.
[0003] Typically, vehicle layout design for a step-through type vehicle features a step-through frame and a flat surface called as a floorboard used for disposing legs of a rider when the rider puts his/her feet on the floorboard. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanisms.
[0004] Generally, step through type vehicles have a fuel tank disposed below the seat assembly of the vehicle. The access to such under-seat fuel tank is usually enabled once the user uncovers the utility space by opening the seat assembly. Some other known arts disclose about providing a fuel tank on the rear portion of the step through type vehicles. Such rearwardly positioned fuel tank benefit the user by aiding in easy accessibility of the fuel tank without the need of opening the seat assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a fuel feeding assembly of a step through vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a step through vehicle.
[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the step-through frame structure of a step through vehicle as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Figure 3a to Figure 3b illustrate different perspective views of the rearward section of a frame structure of a step through vehicle, as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Figure 4a to Figure 4b illustrate different views of the rearward section of a step through vehicle without a step through frame structure, as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Figure 5 illustrates a side perspective view of the fuel tank assembly of the vehicle with the fuel line.
[00011] Figure 6 illustrate a perspective view of the fuel feeding hose as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Figure 7a to Figure 7b illustrates an enlarged view of the arrester as per an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Conventionally, once the engine of the vehicle is started, a fuel pump provided within a fuel tank, is actuated by the electric current from the battery and controlled by the engine control module. A fuel feeding hose is connected to the fuel pump provided within the fuel tank. Herein, for brevity the fuel feeding hose is also termed as the ‘fuel hose’.
[00014] Conventionally, a step through type of vehicle either uses a carburetor-based engine assembly or a fuel injection-based engine assembly. In the carburetor-based engine assembly, the fuel tank is fitted with a fuel valve that regulates the flow of the fuel from the fuel tank to a fuel metering unit, namely carburetor. The fuel valve is provided to prevent the flow of the fuel within the fuel hose until there is suction from the engine. Once the fuel valve allows the flow of the fuel, the fuel flows from the fuel tank, via fuel hose to the carburetor, and is aided by the downwardly acting gravitational forces.
[00015] However, the replacement of the carburetor-based engine assembly with that of fuel injection-based engine assembly has led to a state where the flow of fuel is not controlled through a fuel valve and a carburetor. In the fuel injection-based engines the fuel pump starts its operation in response to switching of the vehicle. As the rider turns ‘ON’ the vehicle, the fuel injection system is also switched ‘ON’. As a result, the fuel hose connecting the fuel injector system to fuel tank through a fuel pump always has fuel within it. Thus, the fuel line in case of fuel injection-based engine assembly remains pressurized, and the fuel flows in the fuel line at a considerably higher pressure as compared to the carburetted vehicle. Thereby, in the fuel injection-based engines the fuel hose carries pressurized fuel directly from the fuel pump to the fuel injection system.
[00016] Conventionally, there are two main types of lines i.e, a fuel line and an electrical line, both of which are routed besides the engine in a vehicle,. The fuel line includes fuel hoses carrying fuel from the fuel tank of the vehicle to the fuel injector system. The electrical line includes electrical wires carrying electricity to the various electrical loads of the vehicle. However, owing to the pressurized condition of the fuel hoses, any rupture, crack or cut in a fuel hose can potentially cause leakage of fuel upon functioning of the fuel pump. Hence, considering safety aspects, it becomes imperative to keep the fuel hoses substantially away from the electrical wires, owing to the highly combustible nature of the fuel.
[00017] Generally, during the servicing of an automobile, when the problem of splashing from the fuel line is witnessed, the mechanics re-route the fuel line below the electrical line. Such re-routing ensures keeping the electrical line out of the reach of the fuel splash during servicing. However, similar strategy cannot be used during the vehicle running conditions, especially when the vehicle includes the fuel injector-based engine assembly. This is because in the fuel injector-based engine assembly the fuel line always remains pressurized, in contrast to the carburettor-based engine assembly, and thus there always remains a risk of fuel splashing.
[00018] Further, generally the fuel pump along with the fuel tank is supported on the frame of the vehicle. Depending on the installation method, the fuel pump can be “in-line” pumps, i.e. external pumps (wherein the fuel pump is mounted outside the fuel tank) and “in-tank” type pumps (wherein the fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank). The fuel injector system is assembled on the engine’s cylinder head or the intake, and the fuel hose connects the fuel injector system with the fuel tank. However, there is relative motion between the fuel injector system and the attached fuel hose, especially during vehicle motion, owing to the swingable placement of the engine assembly. Such relative motion puts stress on the connecting portion of the fuel hose, resulting into disengagement of the fuel hose from the fuel injector system or resulting in cut or rupture of the fuel feeding hose, especially when the fuel feeding hose lacks sufficient support. Thereby, in the fuel injector-based engine assembly there is a need to provide sufficiently supportive guide mechanism for the fuel feeding hose, to enable firm contact of the fuel feeding hose with the fuel injector system.
[00019] Further, it is known that evaporative emission control system is placed in the step through type vehicles, so that the fuel vapors generated in a fuel tank are tapped and passed to a carbon containing canister through a discharge tube. The vapors get adsorbed in the carbon layer inside the canister. The adsorbed vapors are then sent to the engine assembly for combustion. However, it is always desirable for the canister to be placed, as close to the fuel tank as possible, so as to avoid unnecessary increase in the length of the charge hose or the pipe connecting the fuel tank and the canister.
[00020] In conventional saddle type vehicles, wherein the fuel tank is disposed below the floorboard, the canister is also disposed below the floorboard. Such disposition of the canister results in low ground clearance of vehicle at the floorboard portion, thus affecting packaging of other surrounding systems as well. In addition, in modern hybrid type vehicles, the space below the floorboard is generally utilized for storing auxiliary power sources such as a battery, and hence the canister cannot be packaged under the floorboard.
[00021] Further, the canister, when placed under the floorboard is prone to theft and tampering as it can be accessed without any authorization. Furthermore, such location of the canister also increases the risk of dust, water and mud entry into the canister, thereby affecting the overall functioning of the canister, and adversely affecting the performance and the fuel economy of the vehicle.
[00022] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle-type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problem.
[00023] In other conventional vehicles, the canister along with the fuel line is packaged towards the rear of the vehicle, especially in vehicles where the fuel tank is packaged at the rear portion of the vehicle. In such vehicles, the fuel tank is disposed in the rear part of the engine and the fuel pump is disposed in the front part of the fuel tank. And at least a part of the fuel pump and the fuel injection valve are disposed below the seat assembly that is supported by the vehicle body frame. A fuel hose is routed between the fuel pump and the fuel injection valve along the utility space and beneath the seat assembly. In such vehicles, the canister is disposed either below the utility space or behind the utility space.
[00024] Such packaging of the canister and the routing of the fuel hose compromises with the utility space of the vehicle. In vehicles, where a larger utility space is required, for example to accommodate two helmets, usually the fuel tank capacity is compromised, which is undesired.
[00025] Moreover, because of the routing of the fuel hose below the seat assembly and the utility unit, undue deformation of the seat assembly leads to undesirable pressure being applied on the fuel hose, when a rider and/or pillion is seated on the seat assembly. Such undue pressure can sometimes act as an obstruction in the flow of the fuel through the fuel hose or lead into rupture of the fuel hose.
[00026] Thereby, another challenge faced by automakers, is providing a routing of the fuel feeding hose in such a manner, that the utility space or the fuel tank capacity is not compromised. Also, fuel hose routing must be achieved in a manner that the fuel hose is kept to a minimum length and is aligned with the shape of the vehicle, thereby avoiding any sagging. Further, a difficult shaped routing may not hold fuel feeding hose firmly and is cumbersome to install and replace / service if need arises. Additionally, the fuel hose routing needs to be provided in such a manner that no difficulty arises to carry fuels of different density for different step through type vehicles.
[00027] Additionally, there is a need of ensuring that the fuel hose routing shall not include major modifications with respect to a predefined vehicle layout, and at the same time the fuel hose routing should ensure a reliable mounting of the fuel delivery system with improved vehicle safety.
[00028] Thus, there arises a need for providing a fuel feeding system that addresses the aforementioned and other problems of the prior art.
[00029] Hence, there is a need of addressing the above circumstances and problems of the known arts.
[00030] The present subject matter has been devised in view of the above circumstances as well as solving other problems of the known art.
[00031] The present subject matter discloses a step through vehicle having an engine assembly, a fuel line, and an electrical line. The fuel tank along with a fuel pump of the present subject matter is disposed in a rear portion of the step through frame structure.
[00032] As per an aspect of the present embodiment, the fuel line and the electrical line are disposed on opposite side of the vehicle, along the frame structure of the vehicle.
[00033] Further, as per another aspect of the present subject matter, the fuel line includes a fuel feeding assembly and an evaporative emission control assembly. The fuel feeding assembly includes a fuel feeding hose and a fuel tank. However, the evaporative emission control assembly comprises of a purge hose, a purge control valve, a charge hose, and a canister, being disposed leftwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, when viewed from vehicle top.
[00034] Further, as per an aspect of the present embodiment, a first axis X-X’ of the vehicle is extended along vehicle longitudinal direction, parallel to the left and right rear frame members. A second axis Y-Y’ is extended along the vehicle transverse direction. The fuel pump is placed centrally along the first axis X-X’, and the fuel hose is connected to the fuel pump. A portion of the fuel hose is routed through second axis Y-Y’. The relative layout of the fuel pump and the disposal of the fuel hose with respect to the fuel pump is configured to have the second axis, running along at least a portion of the fuel hose, being oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the first axis X-X’. Since the fuel hose is perpendicularly placed with respect to the first axis X-X’, the need for routing of the fuel hose towards the utility space is avoided, thereby a utility space is achieved without compromising the utility space or the fuel tank capacity.
[00035] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the fuel hose is disposed inclinedly through the second axis Y-Y’.
[00036] Further, as per another embodiment of the present subject matter, a one or more holding structures along with a clamping mechanism is provided. The one or more holding structures along with the clamping mechanism is configured to hold the fuel feeding hose along with the purge hose in position.
[00037] Exemplary embodiments detailing features regarding the aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “down”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, “interior” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the two wheeled vehicles with a driver riding thereon. Furthermore, arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00038] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a step through vehicle 100. With reference to Figure 1, a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a straddle riding vehicle 100 having a frame structure 200 (shown in Figure 2). The frame structure 200 supports different parts of said vehicle 100. The frame structure 200 supports a steering assembly including a steering shaft (not shown), and a handlebar assembly 105 in a front portion of the saddle-type vehicle 100. A front fork 121 is rotatably supported to the steering shaft through an upper bracket and a lower bracket (not shown). The handlebar assembly 105 provided above the front fork 121 allows steering of a front wheel 125. A headlamp assembly 110 is disposed in front of the handlebar assembly 105.
[00039] Further, a front cover s provided to cover a forward-facing side of the frame structure 200. A front fender 122 is provided to cover an upper portion of the front wheel 125. A leg shield 130 is disposed to cover an inward facing side of the frame structure 200, below the handlebar assembly 105. The leg shield 130 protects the rider’s legs rested on a floorboard 145 from running wind. The floorboard 145 protects one or more battery packs (not shown) disposed below it. An under-seat cover 140 is provided that extends upwards from the floorboard 145 towards a lower side of a seat assembly 135. In an embodiment, the under-seat cover 140 serves to protect an engine assembly 120 (shown in Figure 3) disposed under the seat assembly 135. The seat assembly 135 is disposed above the left and right side covers 175. A pillion-handle 165 extending rearwardly behind the seat assembly 135 is provided as a gripping means for a pillion rider seated on the seat assembly 135.
[00040] For safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, the headlamp assembly 110 and a turn signal lamp unit 111 are provided in a front and rear portion respectively of the vehicle 100, and tail lamp unit 170 is provided in a rear portion of said vehicle 100. Safety of the step through vehicle 100 is also improved by providing a braking system, for example a linked type braking system which controls braking operation of a front brake device (not shown) and a rear brake device (not shown) of the front wheel 125 and the rear wheel 190 respectively. The braking system includes a front brake lever (not shown) and a rear brake lever (not shown) to be operated by the rider and connected to said front brake device and said rear brake device respectively through one or more cables including a front brake cable (not shown) and a rear brake cable (not shown).
[00041] For comfortable riding, suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of said vehicle 100 on the road. The front fork 121, which forms the front suspension system, serves as rigidity component just like the frame structure 200. The front fork 121 clamped to the head tube 205 (shown in Fig.2) through a lower bracket (not shown) is capable of being moved/steered to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension (not shown), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame structure 200 at a rear portion thereof. Particularly, at the rear portion of the frame structure 200, the rear wheel 190 is suspended by the rear suspension.
[00042] To enhance the overall aesthetics of said vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of said vehicle 100, left and right side covers 175 are disposed to cover left and right-side surfaces of a rear portion of the frame structure 200. A rear fender 180 is also provided for preventing mud/water splashed by the rear wheel from entering other parts of said vehicle 100.
[00043] As per one embodiment of the present subject matter and as may be seen in Figure 1, the saddle-type vehicle 100 is designed to be powered either by the only the engine assembly 120, or by only said one or more battery packs or by the engine assembly and a motor. The engine assembly 120 is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine assembly 120 and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel 190.
[00044] Power from the engine assembly 120 is transmitted to the rear wheel 190 through a transmission assembly, to drive and rotate the rear wheel 190. The transmission assembly includes a gear unit containing gear train and a drive mechanism connecting the gear unit to the rear wheel 190. Thus, power from the engine assembly 120 is transmitted to the rear wheel 190.
[00045] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the step-through frame structure 200 of a step through vehicle 100 as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. The step-through frame structure 200, herein referred as the frame structure 200 comprises a head tube 205, a down frame member 210 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube 205, a left and right step-through frame members 220 extending sidewardly and rearwardly from both sides of the down frame member 210, and a left and a right rear frame members 255 extending rearwardly and upwardly from a rear portion of the pair of step-through frame members 220. The right and left step-through frame members 255 are connected by a front connecting frame cross member 215 in a front portion thereof and by a rear connecting frame cross member 235 in a rear portion thereof.
[00046] Figure 3a to Figure 3b illustrate different perspective views of the rearward section of a frame structure 200 of a step through vehicle 100, as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. The engine assembly 120 is swingably supported to the frame structure 200 by means of a toggle link assembly 305, such that the engine assembly 120 is swingably disposed between the left and right rear frame members 255 in an inclined manner. As per an embodiment, a fuel feeding assembly 300 is disposed on the rear most portion of the frame structure 200 of the vehicle 100. The fuel feeding assembly 300 includes a fuel tank 310 for storing the fuel used for traction of the vehicle 100. Further the fuel feeding assembly 300 includes a fuel feeding hose 304. The fuel tank 310 is disposed between the left and right rear frame members 255. Further the fuel tank 310 is partially covered by the rear connecting frame member 235. A fuel tank cap 301 is provided on an upper face of the fuel tank 310. A fuel pump 302 is provided within the fuel tank 310, such that at least a portion of the fuel pump 302 is visible on an upper face of the fuel tank 310. In the present embodiment, the layout placement of the fuel tank 310 is configured such that the fuel tank cap 301 is accessible to a user without the need of swingably opening the seat assembly 135 (shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 100.
[00047] Depending on the installation method, the fuel pump 302 can be “in-line” pumps or external pumps which are mounted outside the fuel tank 310; and “in-tank” type pumps which are mounted inside the fuel tank 310. In the present embodiment, the fuel pump 302 is a top mounted in tank fuel pump 302. Herein the fuel pump 302 is mounted on an upper face of the fuel tank 310.
[00048] Further, the fuel feeding hose 304 of the fuel feeding assembly 300 is connected on one end to at least a portion of the engine assembly 120 and on another end to at least a portion of the fuel tank 310. In an fuel feeding hose (304) is routed parallelly and adjoining at least a portion of the step through frame structure (200).
[00049] The fuel feeding hose 304 connects the fuel tank 310 to a fuel injector system 404 (shown in Figure 4b) of the engine assembly 120. Further, an evaporative emission control assembly 311 runs parallel to the fuel feeding assembly 300.
[00050] The evaporative emission control assembly 311 includes several components such as a purge hose 308, a canister 303, a charge hose 403, and a drain hose (not shown). The evaporative emission control assembly 311 runs parallel to the fuel feeding assembly 300 and is used to capture fuel vapors that emanate from the fuel tank 310 and the engine assembly's 120 intake portion 309. Once the engine assembly 120 is started, vapors are pulled into the canister 303 by a vacuum created within the purge hose 308. The canister 303, along with the purge hose 308, the drain hose, and the charge hose 403, are a component of a vehicle's evaporative emission control (EVAP) system 311, which prevents evaporating fumes from reaching the atmosphere while also maintaining desired fuel tank 310 pressures. The fuel feeding assembly 300 includes a fuel tank 310, a fuel feeding hose 304, a fuel pump 302, and a fuel tank cap 301. The fuel feeding hose 304 connects the fuel tank 310 to a fuel injector system of the engine assembly 120, and the fuel pump 302 is mounted on an upper face of the fuel tank 302. The fuel feeding hose 304, the purge hose 308, and the charge hose 403 are flexible rubber hoses that are reinforced by several layers and are capable of holding the pressure generated by the vehicle's fuel system.
[00051] Further in an embodiment, the purge hose 308 connects at least a portion of the engine assembly 120 on one end and a canister 303 on another end. Herein, the canister 303 is also called as a fuel vapor canister 303. The canister 303 is part of a vehicle's pollution control system. The canister 303 is used to capture fuel vapors emanating from both the fuel tank 310 and an intake portion 309 of the engine assembly 120.
[00052] The intake portion 309 is a part of the engine assembly 120 that draws in air for combustion with the fuel. The canister 303 of the evaporative emission control assembly 311 captures fuel vapors emanating from both the fuel tank 310 and this intake portion 309 of the engine assembly 120. Once the engine assembly 120 is started, vapors are pulled into the canister 303 by a vacuum created within the purge hose 308 of the evaporative emission control assembly 311. The canister 303 and its associated hoses are part of the vehicle's evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, which prevents the evaporating fumes from reaching the atmosphere while also maintaining desired fuel tank pressures. Further, the evaporative emission control assembly 311 includes a charge hose 403 (shown in Fig 4a), and a drain hose (not shown). Thereby, the canister 303 along with the purge hose 308, the drain hose, and the charge hose 403 are a component of a vehicle's evaporative emission control (EVAP) system and prevent the evaporating fumes from reaching the atmosphere while also maintaining desired fuel tank 310 pressures. In an embodiment the fuel feeding hose 304, along with the purge hose 308, is routed on one lateral side of the vehicle 100 and opposite to a second side where the second lateral side includes the high voltage spark plug (not shown) and an electrical line 307. In an embodiment, the electrical line 307 is routed on the vehicle RH side and the fuel feeding hose 304 is routed on the vehicle LH side. As per a preferred embodiment, the electrical line 307 is parallelly routed along with the right rear frame member 255; and the fuel feeding hose 304 is parallelly routed along with the left rear frame member 255 of the frame structure 200. This ensures that there is no physical interference or interaction between the hoses and the main wiring harness.
[00053] In an embodiment, the hoses of the fuel feeding hose 304, the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 are flexible rubber hoses that are reinforced by several layers and are capable of holding the pressure generated by the vehicle’s fuel system. In an embodiment, the fuel feeding hose 304, the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 being reinforced by at least four layers.
[00054] In another embodiment, the hoses of the fuel feeding hose 304, the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 are rigid plastic hoses.
[00055] In an embodiment, the canister 303 is disposed parallelly to at least a portion of the left rear frame member 255 of the frame structure 200 and in proximity of the fuel tank 310.
[00056] In another embodiment, a transmission unit (not shown) along with a transmission cover 306 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 100 in proximity of the engine assembly 120. Herein the transmission unit includes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is also known as a single-speed transmission, step-less transmission, or pulley transmission. The CVT being an automatic transmission, is capable of providing seamless change through a continuous range of effective gear ratios.
[00057] Figure 4a to Figure 4b illustrate different perspective views of the rearward section of a step through vehicle 100 with a portion of the step through frame structure 200, as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 100 has a Purge Control Valve 402 to release adsorbed fuel vapor back into the engine assembly 120. The Purge Control Valve 402 is disposed adjoining the frame structure 200 and substantially parallel to the left side of the fuel tank 310, when viewed from the vehicle top. In an embodiment, the Purge Control Valve 402 is disposed upwardly and rearwardly of the canister 303 and in proximity of the fuel tank 310.
[00058] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 100 has the purge hose 308 connected to the Purge Control Valve 402 for supplying the purged fuel vapor to the engine assembly 120.
[00059] In a alternate embodiment, the vehicle 100 has the charge hose 403 for supplying fuel vapors from the fuel tank 310 to the canister 303. The charge hose 403 is disposed in line with the canister 303 in a vehicle side view. The charge hose 403 is connected to a fuel inlet portion 401 of the fuel tank 310 on one end and to the canister 303 on another end.
[00060] In a further embodiment of the invention, the canister 303, the Purge Control Valve 402, the purge hose 308, the charge hose 403, and the fuel feeding hose 304 are disposed leftwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle 100, when viewed from vehicle side.
[00061] In an alternative embodiment, the canister 303, the Purge Control Valve 402, the purge hose 308, the charge hose 402, and the fuel feeding hose 304 are disposed rightwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle 100, when viewed from vehicle front.
[00062] In a further embodiment of the invention, the Purge Control Valve 402, the purge hose 308, the charge hose 403, and the fuel feeding hose 304 are disposed such that the electrical line 307 (shown in Figure 3b) of the vehicle 100 is routed on a side laterally opposite to the Purge Control Valve 402, the purge hose 308, the charge hose 403, and the fuel feeding hose 304.
[00063] Figure 4b illustrates a top view of the vehicle 100, illustrating few portions of the fuel tank 310 and the engine assembly 120.
[00064] Herein, a first axis XX’ is extended along vehicle longitudinal direction, parallel to the left and right rear frame members 255. Further, a second axis YY’ is extended along the vehicle 100 transverse direction.
[00065] A fuel pump 302 is placed centrally along first axis XX’, and the fuel feeding hose 304 is connected to the fuel pump 302. A portion of the fuel feeding hose 304 is routed along second axis YY’.
[00066] As shown in the Figure 4b the relative layout of the fuel pump 302 and the layout of the fuel feeding hose 304 with respect to the fuel pump 302 is such that, the second axis YY’ running along at least a portion of the fuel feeding hose 304 is placed substantially perpendicular with respect to the first axis XX’.
[00067] Since the fuel feeding hose 304 is perpendicularly placed with respect to the first axis XX’, the routing of the fuel feeding hose 304 towards the utility space is avoided, thereby a desired utility space can be achieved without compromising the utility space or the fuel tank capacity.
[00068] Moreover, because of the routing of the fuel feeding hose 304 away from the utility space and the seat assembly 135, any undue pressure applied on the fuel feeding hose 304 due to seating of the rider and/or pillion along with accidental fuel feeding hose 304 rupture is avoided. Thereby, the layout routing of the fuel feeding hose 304 as per the present subject matter ensures obstruction free flow of the fuel inside the fuel feeding hose 304.
[00069] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the fuel feeding hose 304 is disposed inclinedly with respect to the second axis YY’. Since at least a portion of the fuel feeding hose 304 is inclinedly disposed, the fuel flows freely from the fuel tank, via fuel feeding hose 304 to the fuel injector system 404 of the engine assembly 120, by being aided by the downwardly acting gravitational forces.
[00070] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel feeding hose 304 is connected at one end to the fuel injector system 404 of the engine assembly 120 and connected on the other end with the fuel tank 310 at a fuel outlet portion 405 (shown in Figure 4a). Further, both the fuel feeding hose 304 and the purge hose 308 are held together near the cylinder head 120a of the engine assembly 120 of the vehicle 100, by means of a clamping mechanism. Herein the clamping mechanism is referred as an arrester 406.
[00071] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel tank 310 of the vehicle 100 with the fuel feeding hose 304. In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 100 has one or more holding structures 501, 502, configured to hold the fuel feeding hose 304 (shown in Fig 4b) and the purge hose 308 (shown in Fig 4b) together with the left rear frame member 255 (shown in Fig 4b) of the frame structure 200 (shown in Fig 2). The one or more holding structures 501, 502, includes a first holding structure 501 placed in proximity of the fuel tank 310 of the vehicle 200. Further, the one or more holding structures 501, 502, includes a second holding structure 502 placed in proximity of the fuel tank 310 of the vehicle 200. The one or more holding structures 501, 502, ensure that the fuel feeding hose 304 along with the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 are firmly held against the left rear frame members 255 of the frame structure 200. Thereby the one or more holding structures 501, 502 aid in preventing sagging of the fuel feeding hose 304 along with the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403. Further due to prevention of sagging further rupturing or cut in the fuel feeding hose 304 along with the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 is prevented, as the chances of the hoses getting rubbed against any other nearby component is minimized, especially when the vehicle is in motion. Similarly, the electrical line 307 (shown in Fig 3b) is also held firmly against the right rear frame members 255 of the frame structure 200 by means of one or more holding structures (not shown). In an embodiment, the one or more holding structures 501, 502, include one or more brackets.
[00072] Further, the fuel injector system 404 (shown in Fig 4b) is assembled on the engine’s cylinder head or the intake portion 309 (shown in Fig 4b) of the engine assembly 120, and the fuel feeding hose 304 (shown in Fig 4b) connects the fuel injector 404 (shown in Fig 4b) with the fuel tank 310 (shown in Fig 4a). Usually, there is relative motion between the fuel injector system 404 or the intake portion 309 of the engine assembly 120 and the attached hose during vehicle motion. Such relative motion especially puts stress on the fuel feeding hose 304, resulting into disassembling of the fuel feeding hose 304 from the fuel injector system 404 or resulting in cut or rupture of the fuel feeding hose 304, in absence of sufficient support. Thereby, in an embodiment, another holding structure, herein called as an arrester 406 is provided. The arrester 406 is disposed on the Engine assembly 120 at one end and holds the fuel line 304 by means of the other end.
[00073] Figure 6 illustrate a perspective view of the fuel feeding hose 304 (shown in Fig 4b) as per an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel feeding hose 304 is supported by one or more holding structures 501, 502, and one or more dampeners 505, 506. The one or more dampeners 505, 506 are circular members provided on at least a portion of the fuel feeding hose 304. As per an embodiment, the one or more holding structures 501, 502 hold the fuel feeding hose 304, at the portions of the fuel feeding hose 304 having one or more dampeners 505, 506. The one or more holding structures 501, 502 provide a non-slippery firm grip of the one or more holding structures 501, 502 over the fuel feeding hose 304, without constricting the flow of the fuel within the fuel feeding hose 304.
[00074] In another embodiment, the one or more dampeners 505, 506 are one or more rubber dampening members 505, 506 provided for supporting the fuel feeding hose 304. The one or more rubber dampening members 505, 506 provide an extra cushion and support to the fuel feeding hose 304, thereby absorbing vibrations and shocks borne by the vehicle 100 during its motion.
[00075] In another embodiment the one or more dampeners 505, 506 are en-molded with the fuel feeding hose 304. As per another embodiment the cross section width of the one or more dampeners 505, 506 is more than the cross section width of the fuel feeding hose 304.
[00076] Further the fuel feeding hose 304 includes a first connector 503 and a second connector 504. The first connector 503 aids in connection of the fuel feeding hose 304 with the fuel tank 310. The second connector 504 aids in connection of the fuel feeding hose 304 with the fuel injector system 404 of the engine assembly 120.
[00077] Figure 7a to Figure 7b illustrates an enlarged view of the arrester 406 as per an embodiment of the present invention. The arrester 406 includes a free portion 406a and a fixed portion 406b. The fixed portion 406b of the arrester 406 is attached to at least a portion of the engine assembly 120, in proximity of the fuel injector system 404. The fixed portion 406b of the arrester 406 is attached to at least a portion of the engine assembly 120 by means of one or more fastening means 507.
[00078] Herein, the fastening means 507 include one or more screws. One end of the free portion 406a of the arrester 406 is joined together with the fixed portion 406b, at a joining portion 406c. Further other end of the free portion 406a of the arrester 406 includes a serpentine shaped structure 406aa. The serpentine shaped structure 406aa of the free portion 406a of the arrester 406 holds the fuel feeding hose 304 along with said purge hose 308 in position.
[00079] The arrestor 406 provides sufficiently supportive guide mechanism for the fuel line 304 to enable firm contact of the fuel feeding hose 304 along with the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 with the fuel injector system 404 or the intake portion 309 of the Engine assembly 120. The fixed portion 406b of the arrester 406 is fixedly attached with the engine assembly 120 and the serpentine shaped structure 406aa of the free portion 406a and this negates the relative motion between the fuel injector 404 or the intake portion 309 of the engine assembly 120 and the attached fuel line during vehicle motion.
[00080] Further, the rigid support of the fixed portion 406b of the arrester 406 ensures that the fuel line, i.e. the fuel feeding hose 304 along with the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 stays supported even during the engine swinging.
[00081] Further, the fixed portion 406b of the arrester 406 acts as a clamping structure fastened to the engine assembly 120, that reduces the tension in the fuel feeding hose 304a and avoids any direct jerk to the fuel injector 404 inlet portion, thereby avoiding undesirable unplugging of the fuel feeding hose 304 from the fuel injector system 404. Further, in an embodiment the arrester 406 is disposed close to the center of the engine assembly 120. This is to reduce the arc length of swing of the hoses during the swinging motion of the engine120. This reduces buckling of the fuel feeding hose 304 along with the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403 and improves the durability of the fuel feeding hose 304 along with the purge hose 308 and the charge hose 403.
[00082] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
 
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERAL

100: Vehicle
120: Engine assembly
105: Handlebar assembly
110: Headlamp assembly
111: Turn signal lamp
115: Front cover
122: Front fender
120a: cylinder head
121: Front fork
125: Front wheel
130: Leg shield
135: Seat assembly
140: Under seat cover
145: Floor board
165: Pillion handle
170: Tail lamp unit
175: Left and right side covers
180: Rear fender
190: Rear wheel
200: Frame structure
205: Head tube
210: Down frame member
215: front connecting frame member
220: left and right step-through frame members
255: left and right rear frame members
235: rear connecting frame member
300: fuel feeding assembly
301: fuel tank cap
302: Fuel pump
303: canister
304: fuel feeding hose
305: toggle link assembly
306: transmission cover
307: electrical line
308: purge hose
309: intake portion
310: Fuel tank
402: Purge Control Valve
403: charge hose
404: fuel injector system
405: fuel outlet portion
406: arrester
501, 502: one or more holding structures
503: first connector
504: second connector
505, 506: one or more dampeners
406a: free portion
406b: fixed portion
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A step through vehicle (100) comprising:
an engine assembly (120) being adapted to be swingably supported to a step through frame structure (200);
a fuel feeding assembly (300),
said vehicle (100) having a first axis X-X’ extending along a longitudinal direction of said vehicle (100) and a second axis Y-Y’ extending along a transverse direction of said vehicle (100), said second axix Y-Y’ being oriented substantially perpendicular to said first axis X-X’,
said fuel feeding assembly (300) comprising
a fuel tank (310), said fuel tank (310) including a fuel pump (302), said fuel pump (302) being disposed in a rear portion of said step through frame structure (200), said fuel pump (302) being disposed rearwardly of said engine assembly (120);
a fuel feeding hose (304), said fuel feeding hose (304) being connected to said fuel pump (302),
wherein said fuel pump (302) being placed centrally along said first axis (XX'), and a portion of said fuel feeding hose (304) being routed along said second axis (YY').
2. A step through type vehicle (100) comprising:
an engine assembly (120) being adapted to be swingably supported to a step through frame structure (200)
a fuel tank (310) with a fuel outlet portion (405);
a fuel feeding hose (304), said fuel feeding hose (304) being capable of carrying pressurized fuel;
one or more holding structures (501, 502), said one or more holding structures (501, 502) being configured to hold said fuel feeding hose (304) in position; and
a fuel injector system (404),
wherein one end of said fuel feeding hose (304) being coupled to the said fuel outlet portion (405) and the other end of said fuel feeding hose (304) being coupled to at least a portion of said fuel injector system (404), and
wherein said fuel feeding hose (304) being routed parallelly and adjoining at least a portion of said step through said frame structure (200).
3. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of said fuel feeding hose (304) being disposed inclinedly with respect to said second axis (YY’).
4. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step through type vehicle (100) comprises an evaporative emission control assembly (311), said evaporative emission control assembly (311) comprises a purge hose (308), a purge control valve (402), a charge hose (403), and a canister (303), wherein said evaporative emission control assembly (311) being disposed leftwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle (100), when viewed from vehicle top view.
5. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said purge hose (308) being routed along with a fuel feeding hose (304), said purge hose (308) being routed along with a fuel feeding hose (304) being disposed parallelly and adjoining to at least a portion of a frame structure (200), when viewed from the vehicle top view.
6. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more holding structures (501, 502) being configured to hold said fuel feeding hose (304) and a purge hose (308) together, said holding being with at least a portion of a left rear frame member (255) of said frame structure (200).
7. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said purge hose (308) being connected on one end with at least a portion of said engine assembly (120) and on another end to said canister (303).
8. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said purge hose (308) along with a fuel feeding hose (304) being routed on first lateral side of the vehicle (100), said first lateral side being opposite to a second lateral side, said second lateral side includes a high voltage spark plug and an electrical line (307).
9. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of said fuel feeding hose (304), said purge hose (308) and a charge hose (403) being flexible rubber hoses.
10. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of said fuel feeding hose (304), said purge hose (308) and a charge hose (403) being rigid plastic hoses.
11. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said canister (303) being disposed parallelly to a left rear frame member (255) of a frame structure (200) and in proximity of said fuel tank (310).
12. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said charge hose (403) being disposed in line with said canister (303) in a vehicle side view and said charge hose (403) being connected on one end to a fuel inlet portion (401) of a fuel tank (310) and on another end to said canister (303), for supplying fuel vapors from said fuel tank (310) to said canister (303).
13. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said canister (303), said Purge Control Valve (402), said purge hose (308), said charge hose (403), and said fuel feeding hose (304) being disposed leftwards and rearwards of said vehicle (100), when viewed from vehicle top view.
14. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said canister (303), said Purge Control Valve (402), said purge hose (308), said charge hose (403), and said fuel feeding hose (304) being disposed rightwards and rearwards of said vehicle (100), when viewed from vehicle front.
15. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said fuel feeding hose (304) and a purge hose (308) being held together in proximity of a cylinder head (120a) of said engine assembly (120), by means of an arrester (406).
16. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein one or more holding structures (501, 502), includes a first holding structure (501) placed in proximity of said fuel tank (310) and a second holding structure (502) placed in proximity of said engine assembly (120).
17. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said fuel feeding hose (304) includes one or more circular dampeners (505, 506), wherein, said one or more holding structures (501, 502) being capable of holding said fuel feeding hose (304) at the portions of said fuel feeding hose (304) having said one or more dampeners (505, 506).
18. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said fuel tank (310) being disposed on the rear most portion of said step through frame structure (200) and between a left and right rear frame members (255), said fuel tank (310) being partially covered by a rear connecting frame member (235) of said step through frame structure (200).
19. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein cross-section width of said one or more dampeners (505, 506) being more than the cross-section width of said fuel feeding hose (304).
20. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said one or more dampeners (505, 506) being en-molded with said fuel feeding hose (304).
21. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said arrester (406) includes a free portion (406a) and a fixed portion (406b), wherein one end of said free portion (406a) being joined together with said fixed portion (406b) at a joining portion (406c).
22. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 21, wherein said fixed portion (406b) of said arrester (406) being attached to at least a portion of an engine assembly (120), said attachment being in proximity of said fuel injector system (404), said attachment being by means of one or more fastening means (507).
23. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one end of said free portion (406a) of said arrester (406) includes a serpentine shaped structure
(406aa), wherein said serpentine shaped structure (406aa) of said free portion (406a) being capable of holding at least one of a fuel feeding hose (304) and a purge hose (308), in position.
24. The step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said arrester (406) being disposed close to the center of an engine assembly (120) for reducing the arc length of swing of at least one of said fuel feeding hose (304) and said purge hose (308) during the swinging of said engine assembly (120).