Claims:
We Claim:
1. A vehicle (50) comprising:
a frame assembly (116) including a head tube (102) disposed in a front portion of said vehicle (50), at least one main tube (107) extending in a downward rearward direction from said head tube (102), and a pair of side tubes (109) extending in an upward rearwardly manner from said main tube (107);
a front wheel (114) mounted on a forward end of said frame assembly (116) and a rear wheel (113) mounted on a rear end of said frame assembly (116);
an internal combustion engine (101) swingably mounted on said frame assembly (116);
an intake passage (125) to provide a continuous supply of air-fuel mixture to said internal combustion engine (101);
a cylinder head (123) disposed over said internal combustion engine (101) to allow combustion of said air-fuel mixture;
a fuel tank (122) mounted on a rear portion of said frame assembly (116) between said pair of side tubes (109);
a fuel injection system (120) comprising a fuel hose (121) extending from said fuel tank (122) along a left-hand side of said vehicle (50) in a downward direction towards a front portion of said vehicle (50) when seen from a rear view of said vehicle (50), wherein said fuel hose (121) gets connected to a fuel injector (126) disposed in said intake passage (125); and
a fuel hose supporting member (124) extending in a forward and upward manner along said vehicle (50) width direction is mounted on said cover variator (117) to hold and guide said fuel hose (121) thereby supporting connection between said fuel hose (121) and said fuel injector (126).
2. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel injection system (120) comprises of a support element (118) to hold said fuel hose (121) preventing dangling of said fuel hose (121), wherein said support element (118) is mounted on said pair of side tube (109) on left hand side of said vehicle (50) in a close proximity to said fuel tank (122) when seen from behind.
3. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said internal combustion engine (101) transmits power to said rear wheel (113) by means of a continuously variable transmission system, said continuously variable transmission system including a cover variator (117).
4. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said cover variator (117) is formed by attaching a plurality of plates (134, 135), said cover variator (117) comprising a set of openings (119) with set of bolts inserted therein enabling mounting of said plurality of plates (134, 135).
5. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel hose supporting member (124) extending upward in a vehicle (50) width direction is mounted on first cover plate (134) through said set of openings (119).
6. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel hose supporting member (124) comprises of a first adjoining potion (128), a second adjoining portion (129) and a fuel hose holding member (127) attached to form said fuel hose supporting member (124).
7. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first adjoining portion (128) having a reversed L shaped profile being placed horizontally in a vehicle (50) length comprises of a first aperture (130) formed on bottom most portion and aligned coaxially with said set of openings (119), and wherein said first aperture enables mounting of said fuel hose supporting member (124) on said first cover plate (134).
8. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first adjoining portion (128) is attached to said second adjoining portion (129) by inserting a set of bolts through a first pair of openings (131) formed on said first adjoining portion and a second set of openings provided on said second adjoining portion (132) coaxially aligned with said first pair of openings (131).
9. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said fuel hose holding member (127) is disposed near said cylinder head (123) of said internal combustion engine (101) attached on a top most portion of said second adjoining portion (129).
10. A fuel hose supporting member (124) for a vehicle (50), said fuel hose supporting member (124) is capable of holding and supporting a fuel hose (121) extending along a left-hand side of said vehicle (50) from a fuel tank (122) to an intake passage (125), said fuel hose supporting member (124) comprising a first adjoining part (128) having a first end (130) capable of being mounted on the cover variator (117), and a second adjoining part (129) having a second end (133) capable of joining the fuel injector (126), said fuel hose supporting member (124) extending in an upward fashion in a vehicle width direction.
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine and more particularly to a fuel injection system of the internal combustion engine.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Generally, a saddle type two or three-wheeled vehicle comprises of a frame assembly extending rearwardly from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The frame assembly comprises of an engine assembly coupled to it. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides forward motion to the vehicle. A muffler assembly is provided at a lateral side of the vehicle mounted to the frame assembly or the vehicle through a mounting bracket. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0003] Typically, the internal combustion engine acts as the power unit of the vehicle. After receiving of an air-fuel mixture, a combustion process is carried out in the internal combustion engine through which power is generated. An exhaust emission system comprising of the muffler assembly is provided for treating and releasing the exhaust generated by the internal combustion engine. Generally, a carburetor is provided to supply the required fuel for combustion. However, with the need of improving emission norms, fuel efficiency and engine performance carburetors are being replaced by fuel injectors. The fuel injection system atomizes the fuel through a small nozzle under high pressure. Moreover, a fuel injection hose is provided to supply the required amount of fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine.
[0004] A saddle type vehicle also comprises of wiring harness connecting various electric components such as battery, magneto, headlamp etc. Generally, in the saddle type vehicle, for example, a scooter type vehicle, the engine is disposed horizontally in such a manner that the high temperature zones of the engine such as the spark plug and exhaust pipe connecting the exhaust port to the muffler assembly of the vehicle are disposed on a right-hand side of the vehicle when seen from behind. Thus, the right-hand side of the vehicle is generally a very sensitive high temperature zone. In furtherance to it, when the fuel injection hose is also routed along with the other wiring harness from the right-hand side of the vehicle when seen from behind, there is a high probability of the fuel injection hose to get entangled with the remaining wiring harness resulting in breaking of the connection. Furthermore, a hazardous chance of fire is also present in case the fuel hose connection breaks and leakage of fuel occurs.
[0005] Furthermore, internal combustion engine in a step-through type vehicle are in a swinging element, and the fuel injection hose extends from the fuel tank to get connected to it. Due to the swinging condition, there is a high probability that the connection of the fuel injection hose might break off and the fuel would start leaking. Since the fuel injection hose is placed on the right-hand side, the leaked fuel might drip on the spark plus resulting into serious safety hazards.
[0006] Hence, there is a requirement to provide a system which can provide a safe and stable connection for the fuel injection system and also eliminate the safety concerns which arise out of it.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged side view of an internal combustion engine and a cover variator in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the cover variator with respect to a fuel injection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel hose supporting member in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the fuel hose supporting member in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] Generally, an internal combustion engine is enabled to provide the required drive to the vehicle. Typically, the internal combustion engine is coupled to the drive wheel, which is generally the rear wheel. Mostly, a typical single cylinder the internal combustion engine comprises of a cylinder bore where the combustion occurs to provide the needed power for the forward motion of the vehicle. The internal combustion (IC) engine, among other components, comprises of a cylinder on top of which a cylinder head is mounted. The cylinder head is mounted to accommodate and receive the to-and-fro motion of the piston reciprocating from the bottom in an upward direction. On combustion of the air-fuel mixture, the piston transfers the energy generated during combustion to a crankshaft through a connecting rod thereby driving the crankshaft. In this way, the reciprocatory motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the crankshaft which in turn powers the vehicle.
[00016] However, the internal combustion engine needs a sufficient supply of air-fuel mixture which needs to be burnt to generate power. Generally, a carburetor provides the required amount of air-fuel mixture to the internal combustion engine, but with progress in time and technology the carburetor is being replaced by fuel injection systems. The fuel injection system comprises of a fuel injector which is an electronically controlled valve. It is supplied with pressurized fuels by a fuel pump which is capable of opening and closing many times per second. When the fuel injector is energized, an electromagnet moves a plunger that opens to be cranked at first for the whole process to get started. The fuel injector actually comprises of a nozzle through which pressurized fuel is squirted out. Generally, the nozzle is designed to atomize the fuel to make as fine a mist as possible so that it can burn easily. The amount of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine is determined by the amount of time for which the fuel injector stays open. This is called the pulse width and is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU). Typically, the fuel injector is mounted in the intake manifold to spray the fuel directly at the intake valves. A fuel hose pipe is also provided which carries and supplies the pressurized fuel to the fuel injector.
[00017] Generally, the fuel hose extends from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine to supply the required amount of fuel. Typically, the fuel hose is guided either through the RH side or a central portion of the vehicle when seen from behind. In a typical step trough vehicle, the internal combustion engine is a swinging type element, and there is a high probability of the connection being broken due to the swinging motion of the internal combustion engine. This would result in leakage of fuel being supplied. Furthermore, when the fuel hose is placed on the RH side or a central region, there are high chance of the leaked fuel dripping on the spark plug resulting into a fire. In furtherance to it, the other wiring harness for the electrical system of the vehicle is also guided through the RH side in which the fuel hose might get entangled resulting in breaking of the fuel hose connection.
[00018] To solve the above described issue, there are vehicles in which a fuel hose supporting member is provided. The fuel hose supporting member is mounted on the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine to hold the fuel hose and provide a stable mounting for it even in a swinging type condition. However, when the fuel hose supporting member is mounted on the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, there are chances that it might collide with the utility box provided just above it. There is a pertinent space constraint present in the region around the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine where the fuel hose supporting member is mounted. Furthermore, extra openings and slots need to be created on the internal combustion engine for mounting of the fuel hose supporting member, which introduces further construction constraints & crowds the area leading to complex packaging challenges. Mounting of fuel hose support member on the internal combustion engine leads to various space and constructional constraints which need to be avoided. It would also increase the complexity and the cost of manufacturing.
[00019] Hence, an objective of the present subject matter is to provide a stable guiding and mounting to the fuel hose without comprising with the available space for other elements. According to one aspect of the present subject matter, the mounting and guiding of the fuel hose needs to be safe and cost effective.
[00020] In an embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises of a cylinder bore where the combustion occurs to provide the needed power for the forward motion of the vehicle. The internal combustion (IC) engine, among other components, comprises of a cylinder on top of which a cylinder head is mounted. The cylinder head is mounted to accommodate and receive the to-and-fro motion of the piston reciprocating from the bottom in an upward direction. On combustion of the air-fuel mixture, the piston transfers the energy generated during combustion to a crankshaft through a connecting rod thereby driving the crankshaft. In this way, the reciprocatory motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the crankshaft which in turn powers the vehicle. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine comprises of a transmission portion, wherein said transmission portion comprises of power transmission gears and the crankcase.
[00021] In an embodiment, a fuel injection system is provided to supply the required amount of fuel for combustion. The fuel injection system comprises of a fuel hose extending from a fuel tank provided for storing the fuel. The fuel hose extends from the fuel tank and gets connected to a fuel injector disposed in an intake passage / pipe of the internal combustion engine. The intake passage is provided to supply the required amount of air-fuel mixture to the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the fuel injector is disposed at an extreme end of intake passage just above an inlet valve. The fuel hose is connected to the intake passage such that the atomized fuel is sprayed just above the inlet valve to enter. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supplies an adequate amount of fuel to the fuel injector to be sprayed. The fuel being supplied is atomized by the fuel injector and sprayed within the intake passage. In an embodiment, a support is provided to the fuel hose near the region where it gets connected to the fuel injector. The fuel injector is disposed in the intake passage in a very close proximity to the cylinder head; hence connection between the fuel hose and fuel injector also lies around it. Thus, because of the swinging motion of the internal combustion engine, there is a high probability of the connection between fuel hose and fuel injector; which lies around the cylinder head; to break. Therefore, the support provided to the fuel hose is near its connection close to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine.
[00022] In an embodiment, the present subject matter comprises of a substantially L shaped fuel hose supporting member. The fuel hose supporting member holds and guides the fuel hose towards the internal combustion engine, and is disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle extending in a forward and upward fashion along the vehicle width direction. In furtherance to it, the fuel hose supporting member is mounted on the cover variator. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member is mounted on the cover variator, since it enables achieving best compact packaging. Once the fuel hose supporting member is mounted on the cylinder head there is a high probability of it colliding with the utility box because of the swinging motion of the internal combustion engine especially in a step-thru type vehicle. Also, the frame assembly is not a suitable position for its mounting due to the relative motion of frame assembly with respect to the internal combustion engine. If the fuel hose supporting member is mounted on the frame assembly, its relative motion would be opposite when compared to the internal combustion engine. Thus, there would be no use of mounting said fuel hose supporting member there as the connection between the fuel hose and fuel injector would still break. Therefore, the fuel hose supporting member as per the present subject matter is configured to be mounted on the cover variator, which has the same relative motion as that of the internal combustion engine. Hence, by mounting the fuel hose supporting member on the cover variator a stable connection between the fuel hose and the fuel injector can be achieved while overcoming all of the problems of known art.
[00023] In an embodiment, the cover variator for a CVT transmission comprises of two plates, i.e. a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The first cover plate and second cover plate combine to form the cover variator. The edges of the first cover plate and second cover plate comprise of openings through which they are attached with the help of screws. The screws are inserted between the openings and tightened to keep them in an attached condition. Furthermore, the fuel hose supporting member is mounted at a front portion of the first cover plate when seen from a front side of the vehicle. The fuel hose supporting member is mounted through the openings disposed on the first cover plate and second cover plate when seen from a front view of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member comprises of an aperture disposed ahead of the openings of the first cover plate, such that the fuel hose supporting member is also mounted using the same mechanism through which said first cover plate and second cover plate are attached. However, the fuel hose supporting member is not one single element, rather a combination of three adjoining parts. The fuel hose supporting member comprises of a first adjoining part which is a reverse L shaped part placed horizontally with respect to the vehicle length. The rear portion of the first adjoining part comprises of an aperture used for mounting of the fuel hose supporting member on the first cover plate. Furthermore, the first adjoining part comprises of a first pair of openings on its front portion through which a second adjoining part is attached to it. In an embodiment, the second adjoining part is a substantial L shaped element disposed along the vehicle height. A pair of attaching means e.g. bolts pass through the first pair openings and second pair of openings to attach them. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member comprises of a fuel hose holding slot attached to a top portion of the second adjoining portion. The second adjoining portion comprises of a second aperture through which a attaching means e.g. screw is inserted to hold the fuel hose holding slot to it. The fuel hose passes through the fuel hose holding slot to get connected to the fuel injector, wherein the fuel hose holding slot holds and supports the fuel hose.
[00024] In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member extends upwards with a zigzag profile in a vehicle width direction towards the internal combustion engine. In an embodiment, the fuel hose holding member comprises of fuel hose holding slot attached at its topmost end, wherein the fuel hose is held by the fuel hose holding slot of the fuel hose supporting member. The fuel hose holding slot attached to the topmost end of the fuel hose supporting member is disposed in a very close proximity to the internal combustion engine where the fuel hose gets connected to the fuel injector disposed in the intake passage. The fuel hose holding slot being disposed close to the internal combustion engine enables a stable connection between the fuel hose and the internal combustion engine. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member holds and guides the fuel hose too. As per the present subject matter, the fuel hose extends from the fuel tank along the LH side of the vehicle, when seen from behind. The guiding of the fuel hose eliminates the possibility of its tangling with other wiring harness and leaking of fuel on the spark plug or any other part.
[00025] Thus, the present subject matter provides a fuel hose supporting member which holds the fuel hose and guides it by providing it a stable connection as well. The present subject matter eliminates the space constraint, and does not require any extra opening or holding slot to be created. In furtherance to it, the present subject matter also enables in guiding of the fuel hose from a LH side of the vehicle when seen from behind.
[00026] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures of an embodiment of a two wheeled scooter type step through vehicle in the following description.
[00027] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00028] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of the step through vehicle (50) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (50) comprises of a frame assembly (116) which is conventionally an underbone chassis frame which provides a generally open central area to permit “step-through” mounting by a rider. Typically, the frame assembly (116) comprises of a head tube (102), a main tube (107), and a pair of side tubes (109) (only one shown). The head tube (102) is disposed towards the front portion. The main tube (107) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (102) forming a flat horizontal step-through portion (117). The other end of the main tube (107) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (109) through a bracket (not shown).
[00029] The head tube (102) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (104) and further connected to the front suspension system (111) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (102) and supports a handlebar assembly (106). Two telescopic front suspension system (111) (only one is shown) is attached to a bracket (not shown) on the lower part of the steering tube (104) on which is supported the front wheel (114). The upper portion of the front wheel (114) is covered by a front fender (103) mounted to the lower portion of the steering shaft (104). The pair of side-tubes (109) extends from the other end of the main tube and are disposed parallel on either side of the vehicle width direction. Each of the said side tube (109) includes a down frame section inclined and extending from the main tube (109) and gradually after a certain length extending rearward in a substantially horizontal direction to the rear of the vehicle. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) is secured in between the pair of side-tubes (109) at selected intervals to support vehicular attachments including a utility box (not shown), a seat assembly (108) and a fuel tank assembly (not shown).
[00030] A seat (108) is supported on the pair of side-tubes (109) on which a rider may sit. Generally, the utility box (not shown) is supported between the front portions of the left and right end of the pair of side-tubes (109) so as to be disposed below the seat (108). A fuel tank assembly (shown in Fig. 2) is disposed on between the rear portions of the pair of the side-tubes (109). A body cover (105) is provided just below the seat assembly (108) to cover the vehicle and its parts, whereas to also provide to a better aesthetic appeal. A foot support element (110) can also be seen coupled to the frame assembly (116) near the rear wheel (113) used by the pillion to rest his/her leg. There is front brake (not shown) and rear brake (not shown) arranged on the front wheel (114) and a rear wheel (113) respectively. The rear wheel (113) is covered by a rear fender with a tail light (112) disposed above it and a support bar (115) place above it at the end of the seat assembly (108). The rear wheel (113) is supported towards the rear side of the frame by the internal combustion (IC) engine (shown in fig. 2) which is horizontally coupled swingably to the rear of the frame assembly of the two wheeled vehicle through a rear suspension system (not shown). The IC engine transfers the drive directly to the rear wheel (113) as it is coupled directly to it through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. The IC engine comprises CVT system, said CVT system disposed leftward of the IC engine (101) in the vehicle width direction and covered by a cover variator (117).
[00031] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The internal combustion engine (101) is horizontally swingably mounted to the frame assembly (116) and connected to the rear wheel through the CVT system. The power being generated from the internal combustion engine (101) is transferred to the rear wheel through CVT transmission. In an embodiment, the CVT system is covered by a cover variator, (117) wherein the cover variator (117) comprises of a plurality of plates attached. Furthermore, an intake passage (shown in Fig. 3) is connected to the internal combustion (101) to provide it with required amount of air-fuel mixture for combustion. In an embodiment, a fuel injection system (120) is provided to supply an appropriate required amount of fuel to the internal combustion engine (101). The fuel injection system (120) comprises of a fuel hose (121) connecting the fuel tank (122) and the intake passage / pipe. A fuel injector (126) (shown in Fig. 3) is disposed within the intake passage to which the fuel hose (121) is connected. The required amount of fuel flows from the fuel tank (122) through the fuel hose (121) to the fuel injector (126). The fuel injector atomizes the fuel and sprays it within the intake passage. The fuel injector (126) disposed within the intake passage is located above the inlet valve (not shown), such that the atomized fuel is directly sprayed into it. In furtherance to it, the fuel injection system (120) also comprises of a pump (not shown) being operated to maintain the flow of the fuel. The fuel hose (121) with its one end connected to the fuel tank (122) extends in a downward direction to get connected to the fuel injector disposed within the intake passage. In an embodiment, a support element (118) is disposed on the left hand side tube (109) near the fuel tank (122). The fuel hose (121) while extending in a downward direction is safely held by the support element (118), preventing it from dangling and swaying. Based on the engine speed and running condition the fuel is sent from the fuel tank to the intake passage. The fuel injector (126) is disposed at an extreme end of the intake passage above the inlet valve, such that the fuel coming from the fuel hose is directly sprayed into the inlet valve of the internal combustion engine (101). Thus, the connection between the fuel hose (121) and fuel injector (126) also lies in a close proximity of the cylinder head (123) of the internal combustion engine (101). In an embodiment, the fuel hose (121) extends in a downward direction from the fuel tank (122) to the intake passage along the left hand side of the vehicle (50) when seen from behind the vehicle (50).
[00032] In an embodiment, a fuel hose supporting member (124) is provided which holds and guides the fuel hose (121) to maintain a stable connection between the fuel hose (121) and the fuel injector. The fuel hose supporting member (124) is mounted on the cover variator (117). In an embodiment, the cover variator (118) comprise of series of openings (119) lying in a horizontal axis on the plurality of plates. A bolt is inserted within the openings (119) to attach and join said plurality of plates resulting in formation of the cover variator (117). The fuel hose supporting member (124) is mounted using the same openings (119) and bolts through which the plurality of plates is attached. In an embodiment, the fuel hose (121) extends downwardly form the fuel tank (122) along the left hand side of the vehicle (50) when seen from behind the vehicle (50). The fuel hose (121) gets connected to the intake passage through the fuel injector to provide an appropriate supply of fuel.
[00033] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the fuel hose (121) can be seen to be connected to the fuel tank (122). The fuel hose (121) extends in a downward direction along the left hand side of the vehicle (50) towards the intake passage (125). The fuel hose (121) gets connected to fuel injector (126) disposed in the intake passage (125). The fuel injector is disposed above the inlet valve; hence the connection between the fuel hose (121) and fuel injector is in a close proximity to a cylinder head (123) of the internal combustion engine (101). In an embodiment, the fuel injector (126) is disposed just above the inlet valve so that the atomized fuel is directly sprayed in. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member (124) can be seen to extending upwards along a vehicle width direction to hold and provide a support to the fuel hose (121). The fuel hose supporting member (124) holds the fuel hose (121) near the portion where it gets connected to the fuel injector (126) because the probability of that connection being broken is the highest. Hence, due care and measures are adopted to hold and provide a stable support to the fuel hose (121) at its end where it gets connected to the fuel injector (126) while still achieving a compact vehicle layout & overcoming problems of known arts.
[00034] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged side view of the internal combustion engine (101) and cover variator (117) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member (124) is mounted on the cover variator (117). The cover variator (117) comprises of a plurality of plates (shown in Fig. 5), which when attached forms the cover variator (117). The set of openings (119) are provided in the cover variator (117) enable its attachment by inserting and tightening a set of screws. The fuel hose supporting member (124) is also mounted using the same openings (119), eliminating the need of providing any extra slot or element required for the usual mounting of the fuel hose supporting member (124). In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member (124) comprises of a zigzag serpent like profile extending in an upward fashion in a vehicle width direction. The fuel hose supporting member (124) ends at a close proximity near the cylinder head (123) of the internal combustion engine (101), and comprises of a fuel hose holding member (127) at its topmost portion. Hence, the fuel hose holding member (127) is disposed near the cylinder head (123) of the internal combustion engine (101) to hold the fuel hose (121) and provide a safe and stable connection between said fuel hose (121) and internal combustion engine (101).
[00035] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the cover variator (117) with respect to the fuel injection system (120) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the fuel hose (121) being attached to the fuel tank (122) extends in a downward direction along the left-hand side of the vehicle (50) when seen from behind the vehicle (50). The fuel injection system (120) also comprises of the fuel injector (126) disposed within the intake passage (125) to which the fuel hose (121) is connected. The fuel injector (126) is disposed above the inlet valve so that the atomized fuel is directly sprayed in. In an embodiment, the cover variator (117) comprises of a plurality of plates (134, 135), namely first cover plate (134) and a second cover plate (135). The first cover plate (134) and second cover plate (135) are attached to form the cover variator (117). In an embodiment, the set of openings (119) provided through which the plurality of plates (134, 135) is attached is also used for mounting of the fuel hose supporting member (124). The fuel hose supporting member (124) is mounted on the first cover plate (134). The bolts used for attaching the plurality of plates (134, 135) are used to hold the fuel hose supporting member (124) as well. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member (124) extends in an upward fashion along the vehicle width direction to end in an area close to the cylinder head (123) of the internal combustion engine (101). Thus, the fuel hose supporting member (124) holds the fuel hose (121) in a safe and stable fashion without compromising with the space available.
[00036] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel hose supporting member (124) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member (124) comprises of a substantial zigzag shaped profile, extending upwards in a vehicle width direction. The fuel hose supporting member (124) comprises of a fuel hose holding member (127) attached on its topmost point. The fuel hose (121) passes through the fuel hose holding member (127), wherein said fuel hose holding member (127) holds and provides a stable mounting to it.
[00037] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the fuel hose supporting member (124), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member (124) comprises of a first adjoining part (128) and a second adjoining part (129). The first adjoining part (128) comprises of a reverse L shaped profile disposed horizontally along the vehicle length direction. The first adjoining part (128) comprises of a first end (130) containing an aperture formed on its lowermost portion when seen form a front view of the vehicle (50). The first end (130) is capable of connecting the fuel hose supporting member (124) to the cover variator (117). In an implementation, the first end (130) is disposed in front of the openings (119) provided on the first cover plate (134) on which the fuel hose supporting member (124) is mounted, wherein the fuel hose supporting member (124) is mounted on through the aperture (130). Furthermore, the first adjoining portion (128) also comprises of a first pair of openings (131) through which it is attached to the second adjoining part (129). In furtherance to it, the second adjoining part (129) comprises of a second set of openings (132) formed in its lower portion in the same line of axis as that of the first set of openings (131). A set of bolt or screw passes through the first set of openings (131) and second set of openings (132) to tightly hold the first adjoining part (128) and second adjoining part (129). In an embodiment, the fuel hose holding member (127) is attached on the top most portion of the second adjoining part (129) when seen from a front side of the vehicle (50). The second adjoining part (129) comprises of a second end (133) containing an aperture on its top most portion to which the fuel hose holding member (127) is attached by using a bolt or a screw. In an embodiment, the second end (133) of the fuel hose supporting member (124) enables connection with the fuel injector (126). Similarly, in an implementation, the fuel hose supporting member (124) extends in a vehicle width direction such that the top most portion of the second adjoining part (129) is formed near the cylinder head (123) of the internal combustion engine (101). In an embodiment, the fuel hose supporting member (124) is not one single part but a combination of elements which eases out its manufacturing process. Thus, the current fuel hose supporting member (124) enables a secure attachment between the fuel hose supporting member (124) and fuel injector (126) disposed in the intake passage (125).
[00038] Thus, the present subject matter provides a fuel hose supporting member (124) to hold and support the fuel hose (121) extending from the fuel tank (122) to the intake passage (125), along the left-hand side of the vehicle (50) when seen from behind the vehicle (50). The fuel hose supporting member (124) is mounted on the cover variator (117), extending in an upward fashion in a vehicle width direction. In furtherance to it, the fuel hose supporting member (124) comprises of a fuel hose holding member (127) attached to it on its topmost portion disposed in a close proximity to the cylinder head (123) of the internal combustion engine (101). Therefore, the present subject matter also eliminates the space constraint issue present earlier and nor does it requires an extra mounting element or opening present in the known arts.
[00039] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. 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.