Claims:I/We Claim
1. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (105) swingably supporting a power unit (115) by means of a toggle link assembly (170) wherein a first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170) being connected to a crankcase (181) of said power unit (115) on a first lateral side of said saddle type vehicle (100) and a second end (173) of said toggle link assembly (170) being disposed on a second lateral side of said saddle type vehicle (100);;
a fuel hose (177) being disposed substantially above said first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170) when viewed from said first lateral side of said saddle type vehicle (100) wherein said fuel hose (177) supplies fuel to a fuel injection system (178).
2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wiring harness (188) being disposed on said second lateral side of said saddle type vehicle (100) wherein said first lateral side and said second lateral side are laterally opposite to each other.
3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel hose (177) being supported by a supporting means (183) mounted to a mounting member (184) which is being mounted to said crankcase (181).
4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said supporting means (183) being disposed substantially above said first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170) when viewed from a first lateral side of said vehicle.
5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said supporting means (183) being disposed in a transverse axis (YY’) containing an intake pipe (186) of said power unit (115).
6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said supporting means (183) comprising one or more rubber dampening member.
7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel hose (177) being connected to said fuel injection system (178) at one end and a fuel pump (176) at another end wherein said fuel pump (176) supplies fuel to said fuel hose (177) from a fuel storage tank (175).
8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vacuum hose (179) being disposed adjacently to said fuel hose (177).
9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4 or 8, wherein said supporting means (183) supports said vacuum hose (179).
10. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said vacuum hose (179) being connected to a purge valve (185) at one end and an intake pipe (186) of said power unit (115) at another end.
11. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3 or 8, wherein said supporting means (184) being capable of supporting said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179) together.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to fuel line assembly for a fuel dependent multi-wheeled motor vehicle and more particularly for fuel injection-based saddle type multi-wheeled motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle running on liquid or gaseous fuels comprises a fuel storing container. The fuel from such a container undergoes various pressure reduction stages and ultimately gets fed to the engine at atmospheric / sub-atmospheric pressures. Prevalent fueling system is a vacuum-based system wherein the fuel is supplied at atmospheric/sub-atmospheric pressures to the engine. Combustion of fuel inside the engine leads to emission of exhaust gases comprising of hydrocarbons and other pollutants which leads to air pollution. It has always been an objective to minimize such emissions to reduce air pollution. Many a times when supply of fuel inside the engine is more than the demand, the unburnt fuel is emitted from the engine as emissions. One way to achieve this objective is to supply exactly required quantity of fuel inside the engine as per the demand of the engine.
[0003] Recently, this requirement has been achieved by using a fuel injection system replacing carburetor-based systems. The fuel injectors supply metered quantity of fuel inside the engine thereby reducing the quantity of emissions per cycle of the combustion process. A carburetor-based system comprises of a fuel valve that is connects a fuel storing container to the carburetor. This fuel valve controls the flow of fuel from the fuel storage container to the carburetor. The replacement of carburetor-based system with that of fuel-injection based system has led to a state the that the flow of fuel is not controlled through a fuel valve and a carburetor, instead the fuel hose carry pressurized fuel directly from the fuel pump to the fuel injection system.
[0004] This has increased the possibility of fuel splashing from the fuel hose which may result into a fatal accident if the fuel splash comes in contact with electrical wire harness. Also, the fuel hose may break or loosen with swinging of engine and movement of the vehicle. This in turn is also another cause of concern with existing fuel hose routings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeled saddle type vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of rearward section of the saddle type vehicle from one side, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of rearward section of the saddle type vehicle from another side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel line assembly from one side, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the fuel line assembly, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates a top view of the fuel line sub assembly, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel line sub assembly, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Traditionally, in carburetor-based engines, the fuel storage tank is fitted with a fuel valve that regulates the flow of fuel from the fuel storage tank to the fuel metering unit, namely carburetor. This fuel valve prevents the flow of fuel in the fuel hose until there is suction from the engine. In addition to the same, in saddle type vehicles gravity plays an aiding role in supply of fuel from the fuel storage tank to the carburetor. But, in present times, since fuel injection based engines have replaced carburetor based engines, the fuel valve that regulates the flow of fuel from the fuel storage tank to the carburetor is also dispensed with.
[00014] Additionally, the fuel storage tank is connected to a fuel pump. 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 storage tank through a fuel pump is always having fuel within it. Thus, the fuel line in case of fuel injection remains pressurized and the fuel flows in it at a considerably high pressure as compared to a carbureted vehicle. Thus, owing to the pressurized conditions, any rupture, crack or cut to the fuel line may cause leakage when the pump functions and can prove to be fatal if the leakage come in contact with the electric cables or lines.
[00015] Generally, the problem of splashing from fuel line when witnessed during the servicing of an automobile, the mechanics re-route the fuel line below the electrical line, ensuring the splash do not reach the electrical line during servicing. However, the same is not true during the vehicle running conditions, especially when the vehicle is based on fuel injector-based system, wherein the fuel line remains pressurized, in contrast to the carburetor-based system. Another, possible alternative could be providing a U-shaped bend on the fuel hose close to the fuel injector, but provision of such a U-shaped bent requires the fuel hose to be routed upwardly of the intake pipe, which interferes with the utility box volume significantly and makes it difficult to implement in a saddle type vehicle without a major design modification or compromise in layout packaging.
[00016] Undoubtedly, a fuel injection system is an improvement over a carburetor-based system in many aspects. However, it bears a risk of carrying pressurized fuel in the fuel hose at all times. This can potentially turn into a hazard if any leakage occurs in the fuel hose and it comes in contact with electrical wires and electrical components of the vehicle. Also, there is a need to provide a guide to the fuel hose so that the fuel hose is held firmly on the engine and does not loosen or break during the swinging of the engine. Another challenge faced by automakers is providing a fuel hose routing for a saddle type vehicle in a manner that the utility space is not compromised. Also, fuel hose routing has to be achieved in a manner that the fuel hose is kept to a minimum length and is aligned with the shape of the vehicle. Further, a difficult shaped routing may not hold fuel hose firmly and is cumbersome to install and replace if need arises. Additionally, the fuel hose routing shall be provided in such a manner that no difficulty arises to carry fuels of different density for different saddle type vehicles.
[00017] Hence, the objective of the present subject matter is to provide an improved fuel hose routing for a saddle type vehicle that is supported to the engine firmly and cause minimal swinging to the fuel hose due to movement of the vehicle and swinging of the engine. Furthermore, the fuel hose routing shall not come in contact with the electrical wire harness at any time. Additionally, the fuel hose routing shall not necessitate major modification to the vehicle layout and not compromise the utility box space of the vehicle. The present subject matter discloses an improved fuel hose routing for a saddle type vehicle comprising a frame assembly swingably supporting a power unit by means of a toggle link assembly wherein a first end of said toggle link assembly being connected to a crankcase of said power unit on a first lateral side of said saddle type vehicle and a second end of said toggle link assembly being disposed on a second lateral side of said saddle type vehicle and a fuel hose being disposed substantially above said first end of said toggle link assembly when viewed from said first lateral side of said saddle type vehicle wherein said fuel hose being supported by a supporting means being mounted on a mounting member which is mounted on said crankcase and being disposed substantially above said first end of said toggle link assembly when viewed from said first lateral side of said saddle type vehicle . Also, a wiring harness being disposed on a said second lateral side of said saddle type vehicle.
[00018] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. 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.
[00019] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) illustrated, has a frame assembly (105) shown schematically with dotted lines. The frame assembly (105) includes, a front frame member (105A), a mid-frame member (105B) and a rear frame member (105C). One or more suspensions (110A) connect a front wheel (110B), and a handlebar assembly (110C) forming a steering assembly (110). The steering assembly (110) is rotatably connected through the front frame member (105A). The mid-frame member (105B) is connected to the front frame member (105A) and is extending rearwardly downward from the front frame member (105A). Further, the rear frame member (105C) is connected to mid-frame member (105B) through one or more frame tubes extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the mid-frame member (105B) towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100). A power unit (115) and a traction motor (120), for example a brush less direct current (BLDC) traction motor (120), are coupled to a rear wheel (125) through a transmission assembly (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the traction motor (120) is hub mounted on the rear wheel (125) and the power unit (115) is mounted to a swing arm (130), which is swingably connected to the frame assembly (105) using a toggle link assembly (170). An onboard battery (not shown) drives the traction motor (120). Further, the frame assembly (105) is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel (135A), a leg shield (135B), an under-seat cover (135C), and a left and a right-side panel (135D), mounted on the frame assembly (105) and covering the frame assembly (105) and parts mounted thereof.
[00020] A front fender (140) covers the front wheel (110A). In the present embodiment, the front fender (140) is integrally formed with the front panel (135A). A floorboard (145) is provided at the step-through space and mounted to the mid-frame (105B). A seat assembly (150) is mounted to the rear frame member (105C). A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly (150) and is supported by the frame assembly (105). A rear fender (155) is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel (125) and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel (125). One or more rear suspension(s) (160) are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle (100) for connecting the swing arm (130) to the mainframe (105B) thereby providing comfortable ride. The vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (165A), a tail light (165B).
[00021] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of rearward section of the saddle type vehicle (100) from one side, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel line assembly (200) being disposed on the frame assembly (105) particularly on the rear frame member (105C) and mid frame member (105B). The disposition of the fuel line assembly (200) on the rearward side of the vehicle (100) ensures that a fuel hose (177) provides continuous supply of the fuel from the fuel storage tank (175) to the fuel injection system (178) in least time possible and with minimal obstructions in the path of said fuel hose (177). The fuel line assembly (200) includes said fuel storage tank (175), a fuel pump (176), said fuel hose (177) and a fuel injection system (178) connected to said power unit (115). The power unit (115) further includes a cylinder head cover (180) and a crankcase (181).
[00022] In a preferred embodiment, the frame assembly (105) supports said power unit 115 by means of a toggle link assembly (170) wherein a first end (172) (shown in Fig. 3) of said toggle link assembly (170) being connected to said crankcase (181) on a first lateral side of said saddle type vehicle (100) and a second end (173) of said toggle link assembly (170) being disposed on second lateral side of said saddle type vehicle (100) wherein said first lateral side and said second lateral side are laterally opposite to each other. The said toggle link assembly (170) determines a stable location while the engine is swinging during the movement of said saddle type vehicle (100). The portion of said saddle type vehicle (100) away from the said toggle link assembly (170) witnesses larger impact of swinging in comparison to the portion of said saddle type vehicle (100) nearer to said toggle link assembly (170).
[00023] The fuel injection system (178) supplies fuel to said power unit (115). The fuel injection system is connected to said fuel hose (177) which carries fuel from said fuel storage tank (175) through a fuel pump (176). Further, said fuel hose (177) is disposed substantially above said first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170) on said first lateral side of the saddle type vehicle (100) whereas the electrical wire harness (188) is configured to pass through said second lateral side of said saddle type vehicle (100). The fuel hose (177) is disposed substantially above said first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170). The location of said fuel hose (177) being disposed substantially above to minimize the impact of vehicle movement and swinging motion generated due to vehicle movement. Also, said disposition of said fuel hose (177) provides a non-obstructive path to said fuel hose (177) aligning with the of rear side of said vehicle frame assembly (105).
[00024] Additionally, in said embodiment, said fuel hose (177) being disposed on first lateral side of said vehicle (100) and said electrical wire harness (188) on said second lateral side of the vehicle, wherein said first lateral side of the vehicle (100) and said second lateral side of the vehicle (100) are opposite to each other. The disposition of said fuel hose (177) on opposite sides to that of electrical wire harness (188) ensures said fuel hose (177) never comes in contact with the said electrical wire harness (188) and in case of fuel splashing from said fuel hose (177) no accident occurs due to splashing of fuel on the electrical wire harness (188).
[00025] Further, in said embodiment, a vacuum hose (179) being disposed adjacent to the said fuel hose (177). The vacuum hose (179) being connected to an intake pipe (186) (shown in Fig. 3) of said power unit at one end and connected to a purge valve (185) at the other end. The vacuum line (179) maintains an adequate air flow for said power unit (115).
[00026] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of rearward section of the saddle type vehicle (100) from another side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The power unit (115) being swingably connected to said frame assembly (105) through said first end (172) of toggle link assembly (170) wherein said power unit (115) comprises the cylinder head (180) and said crankcase (181) being supported by the second end (not shown) of toggle link assembly (170). The fuel hose (177) being connected to said fuel injection system (178) at one end and said fuel pump (176) at another end. The fuel pump (176) is in turn connected to said fuel storage tank (175) that ensures supply of fuel available to the fuel hose (177) at all times. Further, said connection between said fuel hose (177) and said fuel pump (176) provides an efficient transfer of fuel providing a guide path for said fuel hose (177) with minimal obstructions. Also, said fuel hose (177) being supported by said supporting means (183) (as shown in Fig. 4) connected to a mounting member (184) (as shown in Fig. 4) mounted to said crankcase 181 (as shown in Fig. 4) wherein said supporting means (183) being capable of supporting one or more hoses simultaneously.
[00027] In the preferred embodiment, said supporting means (183) (as shown in Fig 6) supports said fuel hose (177) . In another embodiment, said supporting means (183) supports said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179) together.
[00028] In preferred embodiment, said supporting member (183), supports said fuel hose (177) without any external aid. Whereas, in another embodiment, said supporting member (183) supports said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179) without any external aid.
[00029] In another embodiment, said fuel hose (177) being supported by said supporting means (183) with an additional one or more stay member (not shown). Further, said supporting means (183) comprising one or more rubber dampening member (not shown) for supporting said fuel hose (177).
[00030] In another embodiment, said supporting means (183) supporting said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179) together with an aid of rubber dampening member (not shown). The rubber dampening member provides an extra cushion and support to the hose thereby absorbing vibrations and shocks borne by the vehicle (100) during its movement.
[00031] In one embodiment, said rubber dampening member (not shown) being interposed between said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179).
[00032] In another embodiment said power unit (115) swingably connects to said frame assembly (105) through said first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170). The power unit (115) comprises the cylinder head (180) and said crankcase (181) being supported by the second end (not shown) of toggle link assembly (170). The fuel hose (177) being supported by one or more clip members (187) supporting said fuel hose (177) to said frame assembly (105).
[00033] In another embodiment, said clip members (187) provides support to said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179) along said frame assembly (105).
[00034] In another embodiment, said vacuum hose (179) being supported by said supporting member (183) is connected to a fuel cannister (182) through said purge valve (185).
[00035] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel line assembly 200 wherein as per the preferred embodiment, said fuel hose (177) being firmly held by a supporting means (183) being mounted on a mounting member (184) wherein mounting member (184) being mounted on said crankcase (181). The fuel hose (177) is securely supported by said supporting means (183) ensuring that said fuel hose (177) is firmly held and does not break away, rupture or detach upon movement of said vehicle (100) and swinging of said power unit (115). The mounting member (184) being mounted on said crankcase (181) and said supporting means (183) being mounted on said mounting member (184) provides a rigid support to said supporting means (183). Additionally, said supporting means (183) being disposed above said first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170) on said first lateral side provides said supporting means (183) a stable location for supporting said fuel hose (177). Also, said supporting member (183) being disposed in a transverse axis (YY’ ) wherein said transverse axis (YY’) is perpendicular to a vehicle vertical axis (ZZ’). The disposition of said supporting member (183) substantially above said first end (172) of said toggle link assembly (170) in said transverse axis (YY’) minimizes the impact of swinging generated due to the movement of said saddle type vehicle (100) and swinging of said power unit (115). This in turn, minimize the impact of swinging on the fuel hose (177) and vacuum hose (179).
[00036] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view and a top view of a fuel line assembly (200) respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel-line assembly (200) comprising said power unit (115), said fuel hose (177), said vacuum hose (179). The fuel hose (177) being connected to said fuel injection system (178) and said vacuum hose (179) being connected to intake pipe (186). The fuel-line assembly (200) further comprises a fuel-line sub assembly (300) (shown in Fig 6) that comprises said fuel hose (177), said fuel injection system (178), said fuel pump (176) wherein said fuel pump (176) being connected at said one end of said fuel hose (177) and said fuel injection system (178) being connected at another end of said fuel hose (177). In the said embodiment, said fuel hose (177) being disposed on first vehicle lateral side of said fuel-line assembly (200) substantially above to said first end of the toggle link (170) and an electrical harness (188) is disposed on a second vehicle lateral side of said fuel-line assembly (200). As per the said embodiment a short and firm guide path is provided to said fuel hose (177) wherein said fuel hose connects said fuel injection system (178) with minimum obstructions and said fuel hose (177) is connected to said power unit (115) through said supporting means (183) being supported on a support member (184) connected to said crankcase (181) above said first end (172) of toggle link assembly (170).
[00037] The disposition of said supporting means (183) substantially vertically above said first end of toggle link assembly (170) ensures the impact of any swinging on said power unit (115) is minimized to said supporting means (183) and said fuel hose (177) thereof. In one embodiment said supporting means (183) being tubular shaped whereas in another embodiment said supporting means (183) being a plate shaped. However, in other embodiments, shape and size of said supporting means can differ and can be modified as per the requirement and width of fuel hose (177) or vacuum hose (179).
[00038] In another embodiment said mounting member (184) being connected to said crankcase (181) by one or more fastening means wherein said one or more fastening means ensures connection of said support member (184) on said crankcase (181) is firm and stable.
[00039] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrates a top view and a perspective view of the fuel line sub assembly (300) respectively, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel line sub assembly (300) comprises said fuel hose (177) being connected to said supporting means (183) mounted on said mounting member (184).
[00040] In another embodiment, said supporting means (183) being an integral component of said mounting member (184) supports said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179).
[00041] In another embodiment, said supporting means (183) being an integral component of said mounting member (184) supports only said fuel hose (177).
In another embodiment, said supporting means being comprising one or more tubes to support said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179).
[00042] In another embodiment, said supporting means (183) comprising one or more tubes being held to said mounting member (184) at one end and arresting said fuel hose (177). In another embodiment, said supporting means (183) forms a double curved structure that can support said fuel hose (177) and said vacuum hose (179).
[00043] 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 NUMERALS

100: Vehicle
105: Frame assembly
105A: Front frame member
105 B: Mid-frame member
105C: Rear frame member
110: Steering assembly
110A: One or more suspensions
110B: Front wheel
110C: Handlebar assembly
115: Power unit
120: Traction motor
125: Rear wheel
130: Swing arm
135A: Front panel
135B: Leg shield
135C: Under-seat cover
135D: Side panel
140: Front fender
145: Floorboard
150: Seat assembly
155: Rear fender
160: Rear suspension
165A: Headlight
165B: Tail light
170: Toggle link assembly
172: First end
173: Second end
175: Fuel storage tank
176: Fuel pump
177: Fuel hose
178: Fuel injection system
179: Vacuum line
180: Cylinder head cover
181: Crankcase
182: Fuel cannister
183: Supporting means
184: Mounting member
185: Purge valve
186: Intake pipe
187: Clip members
188: Wiring Harness
200: Fuel line assembly
300: Fuel line sub assembly