Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a non-cabin work vehicle. Particularly, to arrangement of mounting a fuel tank such as a compressed natural gas (CNG) or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank in the non-cabin work vehicle. Further, embodiments herein relate to the fuel tank mounting in a non-cabin work vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, work vehicles including tractor, bulldozer, excavator, harvester, cultivator, cargo vehicle, utility vehicle, multifunctional vehicle, multipurpose vehicle, leisure vehicle, pickup vehicle, transport vehicle, agricultural vehicle, farm vehicle, skid loader, industry vehicle and the like are powered with a diesel engine. During the operation of the diesel engine, many pollutants are emitted through the exhaust gases. Due to the harmful nature of these pollutants, the regulatory bodies have emission norms to protect the environment, which all the engines must be complying thereto. For work vehicles, to reduce the emission, the manufacturers are required to use alternate fuels such as a compressed natural gas (CNG) or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the vehicle for running the engine instead of diesel. These natural gas engines emit substantially low pollutants as compared to the conventional diesel engines thereby these natural gas engines meet the emission requirements.
[003] There are different types of natural gas vehicles such as Dedicated, Bi-fuel, Dual-fuel and like. The Dedicated natural gas vehicles are designed to run only on natural gas and conventional fuel tank of the vehicle must be modified so as to store natural gas, thereby the natural gas is introduced into an intake manifold or a combustion chamber of the engine of the vehicle. The Bi-fuel vehicles have two separate fueling systems that enable them to run on either natural gas or diesel. Similarly, the Dual-fuel vehicles have fuel systems that run on natural gas, but diesel fuel is used for only ignition assistance. The Bi-fuel and Dual-fuel vehicles need both conventional fuel tank for storing the diesel and one or more separate tanks for storing the natural gas. Accommodating these natural gas tanks in the work vehicle, particularly in the non-cabin work vehicle without changing the overall layout of the conventional work vehicle is challenging due to the limited packaging space, lack of easy accessibility for refilling and design constraints.
[004] In some conventional work vehicles such as tractors, the natural gas tanks are mounted in front of a vehicle bonnet. Providing natural gas tanks in front of a vehicle bonnet is not a safe design since in case of any accident or frontal collision, the front mounted natural gas tanks would be the first point of contact that leads to a leakage of fuel and vehicle may catch fire. Also, the front visibility of the driver gets affected by the natural gas tanks if the tanks are mounted in a vertical direction and projected outwards from top of the vehicle bonnet. Another drawback in the conventional mounting arrangement of natural gas tanks, a radiator airflow gets affected by the tanks, due to which the cooling efficiency of the radiator differs and leads to a degradation of engine performance. The front mounting of the natural gas tanks is also not good in terms of vehicle aesthetics.
[005] Some conventional tractors have the natural gas tanks at side or bottom of the engine mounted chassis. The major drawback in providing natural gas tanks at side or bottom of the chassis is the lower vehicle ground clearance. In addition, the side mounting gas tanks would also affect the stability of the vehicle due to change in the center of gravity of the vehicle. Typically, work vehicles require higher ground clearance for performing agricultural work such as ploughing. So, the side and bottom mounting gas tank vehicles have a limitation and may not be suitable for majority of agricultural works such as ploughing.
[006] In some other cabin work vehicles, the gas tanks are mounted vertically and attached to rear pillars of the cabin via mounting brackets. Since there are no rear pillars in the non-cabin work vehicles, this arrangement of mounting gas tanks cannot be used in the non-cabin work vehicles.
[007] Therefore, there exists a need for a system for mounting the fuel tanks such as natural gas tanks in the non-cabin work vehicles, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[008] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a mounting arrangement of a fuel tank in a non-cabin work vehicle.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the mounting arrangement of the fuel tank in the non-cabin work vehicle without changing the overall layout of the conventional diesel engine-mounted agricultural non-cabin work vehicle.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the mounting arrangement of the fuel tank in the non-cabin work vehicle which is used to store a compressed natural gas (CNG) or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or any other natural gas.
[0011] Yet another object of embodiments herein is to provide the mounting arrangement of the fuel tank in the non-cabin work vehicle which enables safe and stable operation of the vehicle.
[0012] Yet another object of embodiments herein is to provide the mounting arrangement of the fuel tank in the non-cabin work vehicle which does not obstruct the operator's view to the front or rear and not affect the ground clearance of the vehicle.
[0013] Yet another object of embodiments herein is to provide the mounting arrangement of the fuel tank which is to be installed as either original or aftermarket equipment for non-cabin work vehicles manufactured primarily to accommodate diesel fuel systems.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the mounting arrangement of the fuel tank in the non-cabin work vehicle, which enables easier assembly and dis-assembly of the fuel tank.
[0015] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the mounting arrangement of fuel tank in the non-cabin work vehicle, which enables easy accessibility for refilling the fuel such as natural gas in the fuel tank.
[0016] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0018] Figs. 1A & 1B depict a perspective view of a non-cabin work vehicle with a mounting arrangement of a fuel tank, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 2A depicts a side view of the fuel tank mounting arrangement along with the mounting of the frames, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 2B depicts a perspective view of a front vertical support member along with the front base mounting members, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Figs. 2C & 2D depict a perspective view of a rear vertical support member along with the rear base mounting members, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 3 depicts a top view of the fuel tank mounting arrangement, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 4 depicts another top view of the fuel tank mounting arrangement, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 5 depicts a mounting member and a locking member locked onto both ends of the mounting member, according to other embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Figs. 6A & 6B depict a perspective view of a bracket arrangement to couple frame to a bottom housing, according to yet another embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0026] Figs. 7A & 7B depict a mounting arrangement of a fuel filling mounting member along with a fuel filling nozzle, according to yet another embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0028] The embodiments herein achieve systems for mounting a fuel tank in a vehicle. Referring now to the Figs. 1 through 7B, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments. For this description and ease of understanding, the system is explained herein below in conjunction with the work vehicle such as tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use this system in any other vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0029] As discussed hereinbefore, the Bi-fuel and Dual-fuel vehicles need both conventional fuel tank for storing the diesel and the one or more separate tanks for storing the natural gas. Accommodating these natural gas tanks in the work vehicle, particularly in the non-cabin work vehicle without changing the overall layout of the conventional work vehicle is challenging due to the limited packaging space, lack of easy accessibility for refilling and design constraints.
[0030] Fig. 1A depicts a perspective view of a non-cabin work vehicle (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. Fig. 1B illustrates another perspective view of the non-cabin work vehicle (100) with a fuel tank (112) mounting arrangement, according to other embodiments as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the non-cabin work vehicle (100) includes an engine (101), a pair of front wheels (105A, 105B), a pair of rear wheels (107A, 107B). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of frames (102) positioned over a driving area of the work vehicle (100), a bottom housing (104) coupled to the frames (102), a top housing (106) removably coupled to the bottom housing (104), at least one mounting member (108) adapted to mount onto the bottom housing (104), at least one locking member (110) adapted to mount onto the mounting member (108), the locking member (110) adapted to lock at least one fuel tank (112) onto the mounting member (108) thereby mounting the fuel tank (112) in the non-cabin work vehicle (100). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the frames (102) are hollow in nature and a fuel line (not shown) is routed through the hollow frame (102). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the solid frame structure and the fuel line can be externally routed with the support of hooks. The fuel tank (112) is used to store the alternate fuels such as a compressed natural gas (CNG) or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at high pressure. In the present embodiment, the fuel tank (112) is cylindrical in shape. The fuel tank (112) can also be called as gas cylinders or gas bottles. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the CNG gas cylinders are used as the fuel tank (112). Each cylinder capacity is 90 liters, length is 1458 mm and cylinder diameter is 317 mm. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the LPG cylinder, or any other natural gas cylinder can be used as the fuel tank (112). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the non-cabin work vehicle (110) is an open station tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the mounting arrangement of the fuel tank (112) in any open station work vehicle (100). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting member (108) is removably mounted onto the bottom housing (104) of the non-cabin work vehicle (100) by using welding (not shown). It is also within the scope of the invention to mount the mounting member (108) onto the bottom housing (104) of the non-cabin work vehicle (100) by using any other temporary joints or permanent joints. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, there are six mounting members (108) placed to hold three fuel tanks (112). Two mounting members (108) are placed at distance of 550-570 mm at a lateral direction to hold one fuel tank (112).
[0031] Fig. 2A depicts a side view of the fuel tank (112) mounting arrangement along with the mounting of the frames (102), according to the embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2B depicts a perspective view of a front vertical support member (102A) along with the front base mounting member (201L, 201R), according to the embodiments as disclosed herein. Figs. 2C & 2D depict a perspective view of a rear vertical support member (102B) along with the rear base mounting members (203L, 203R), according to the embodiments as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the frames (102) comprise a plurality of vertical support members (102A, 102B) laterally spaced apart from each other. A plurality of front base mounting members (201L, 201R) mounted on a clutch housing (205) of the non-cabin work vehicle (100). A plurality of rear base mounting members (203L, 203R) mounted on a rear axle (207) of the non-cabin work vehicle (100). The front base mounting members (201L, 201R) and rear base mounting members (203L, 203R) configured to couple the vertical support members (102A, 102B) to the non-cabin work vehicle (100). The front base mounting members (201L, 201R) and rear base mounting members (203L, 203R) effectively anchor the vertical support members (102A, 102B) by being mounted on the structural parts of the work vehicle (100) such as clutch housing (205) and rear axle (207) thereby contributing to the overall strength and reliability of the frames (102). The front base mounting members (201L, 201R) and rear base mounting members (203L, 203R) are made of sheet metal and thickness is 8-12 mm. The front base mounting members (201L, 201R) and rear base mounting members (203L, 203R) helps to distribute loads/ stresses efficiently throughout the frames (102) thereby enhancing the safety of the vehicle operators while driving the work vehicle (100).
[0032] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the vertical support member (102A, 102B) comprises an upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) positioned over the driving area of the work vehicle (100) and a lower supporting member (102ALL, 102ALR, 102BLL, 102BLR) configured to support the upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) has an inverted U shape. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the open ends of two inverted U shaped upper supporting members (102AU, 102BU) are joined together with four lower supporting members (102ALL, 102ALR, 102BLL, 102BLR) for forming the vertical support member (102A, 102B). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide more than two upper supporting members and corresponding lower supporting members for forming the vertical support member depending on the requirement of withstanding the weight of the fuel tanks. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one connector (103AL, 103AR, 103BL, 103BR) is removably configured to couple the upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) with the corresponding lower supporting member (102ALL, 102ALR, 102BLL, 102BLR). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector (103AL, 103AR, 103BL, 103BR) is positioned on each open ends of the upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU). The connector (103AL, 103AR, 103BL, 103BR) on each side of the upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) at a predefined position to ensure a balanced support, enhance overall stability and ensure structural integrity within the frames (102).
[0033] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower supporting members (102AL, 102BL) include a mounting support member (209AL, 209AR, 209BL, 209BR) on each side. The front base mounting member (201L, 201R) and rear base mounting member (203L, 203R) are configured to couple the corresponding mounting support member (209AL, 209AR, 209BL, 209BR) of the lower supporting members (102AL, 102BL) by means of fastening. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, front base mounting member (201L, 201R) includes a top mounting member (201LT, 201RT) and side mounting member (201LS, 201RS). The top mounting member (201LT, 201RT) and side mounting member (201LS, 201RS) are welded together with a reinforcement plate (210) and defines a L shape. The mounting support member (209AL, 209AR) is fastened to the top mounting member (201LT, 201RT) of front base mounting member (201L, 201R). The rear base mounting member (203L, 203R) includes a reinforcement member (203LR, 203RR) and plurality of fasteners (203F). The mounting support member (209BL, 209BR) is fastened to the reinforcement member (203LR, 203RR) of rear base mounting member (203L, 203R). The reinforcement member (203LR, 203RR) is fastened to the rear axle (207) of the work vehicle (100) by using the plurality of fasteners (203F). The overall height of the frame (102) from the mounting support member (209AL, 209AR, 209BL, 209BR) is 1700 – 2100 mm.
[0034] Figs. 3 & 4 depict a top view of the fuel tank (112) mounting arrangement, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom housing (104) has a curved top rectangle shape and is made of sheet metal. However, it is also within the scope of the invention, the bottom housing (104) can be in any shape such as triangle, rectangle or square and can be made of any other suitable equivalent material. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the curved top end of the bottom housing (104) is positioned towards the vehicle (100) front direction for better aerodynamics. The bottom housing (104) defines a base portion (104B) and a side wall portion (104W). The side wall portion (104W) transversely extends from sides of the base portion (104B) and forms a storage cavity. A flange portion (104F) extends sideways from the side wall portion (104W). The flange portion (104F) includes plurality of fastener receiving holes (104H) to secure the top housing (106) by means of fastening. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a stiffener plate (301) is secured to a lower portion (104L) of the bottom housing (104) by means of welding. The stiffener plate (301) includes plurality of vertical stiffener members (301V) and plurality of horizonal stiffener members (301H). The vertical stiffener members (301V) and horizonal stiffener members (301H) are joined together by means of welding. The stiffener plate (301) is made of iron, steel, aluminum, or any other equivalent material. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the stiffener plate (301) is a tubular structure, made of steel and has a dimension of 100 mm x 50 mm. However, it is also within the scope of the of the invention, the stiffener plate (301) can be a solid structure and any other suitable dimension to withstand the load of the fuel tank (212). The stiffener plate (301) is used to absorb and transfer the load in a uniform distribution to the plurality of frames (102), thereby preventing high local strains in the bottom housing (104). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom housing (104) has a thickness of 4-6 mm, length of 2500-2600 mm, width of 1500-1600 mm and a height of the side wall portion (104W) from the base portion (104B) is 180-200 mm. However, it is also within the scope of the of the invention, the bottom housing can be in any other suitable dimension depending on the amount and sizes of fuel tank (112).
[0035] Fig. 5 depicts the mounting member (108) and a locking member (110) locked onto both ends of the mounting member (108), according to other embodiments as disclosed herein. Figs. 6A & 6B depict a perspective view of a bracket (601L, 601R) to couple frame to the bottom housing (104), according to yet another embodiment as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of present disclosure, the bottom housing (104) has at least one slot (104S) to mount the corresponding upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) of the frames (102). The bracket (601L, 601R) has a L shape, includes a bracket upper (601LU, 601RU) and bracket lower (601LL, 601RL). The bracket upper (601LU, 601RU) configured to be inserted in the slot (104S) of the bottom housing (104) and fastened/welded to the bottom housing (104). The bracket lower (601LL, 601RL) is fastened/welded to the upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) of the frame (102). The bracket (601L, 601R) is made of iron, steel, or any other suitable material. In the embodiment of present disclosure, the two brackets (601L, 601R) are inserted and welded to the corresponding two slots (104S) of the bottom housing. The two slots are positioned at front and rear side of the bottom housing (104) respectively. In the embodiment of present disclosure, top housing (106) is made of sheet metal or any other suitable material. The top housing (106) has a curved top rectangle shape. The top housing (106) defines a base portion (106B) and a side wall portion (106W) transversely extending from sides of the base portion (106B). A flange portion (106F) extending sideways from the side wall portion (106W) and the flange portion (106F) includes plurality of fastener receiving holes to secure the top housing (106) to the bottom housing (104). The top housing (106) has a thickness of 4-6 mm, a length 2500-2600 mm, a width of 1500-1600 mm and a height of the side wall portion (106W) from the base portion (106B) is 180-200 mm.
[0036] In the embodiment of present disclosure, the mounting member (108) includes a base (108B) and is made of sheet metal or steel. The base (108B) is secured to the base portion (104B) of the bottom housing (104). The base (108B) includes a first end (108F), a second end (108S), a base bottom portion (108BB) and a base top portion (108BT). The base top portion (108BT) substantially defines an arcuate shape configuration for securing the fuel tank (112). The base bottom portion (108BB) is fastened/welded onto the base portion (104B) of the bottom housing (104) along the vehicle (100) widthwise direction. In the embodiment of present disclosure, the locking member (110) made of either steel or sheet metal includes a first end (110F) and a second end (110S). The locking member (110) is adapted to be wound around the fuel tank (112). Both ends (110F, 110S) of the locking member (110) are locked onto corresponding first and second ends (108F, 108S) of the mounting member (108). The first and second ends (108F, 108S) of the mounting member (108) includes first and second locking holes (108LHA, 108LHB) for locking the first and second ends (110F, 110S) of the locking member (110). A rubber pad (503) provided between the base top portion (108BT) of the mounting member (108) and the fuel tank (112). The rubber pad (503) can be made of any polymeric material and acts as a cushion to avoid the metal-to-metal contact of the mounting member (108) and the fuel tank (112). In the embodiment of present disclosure, the locking member (110) includes an adjustable fastener unit (501) adapted to tighten or loosen the locking member (110) with respect to the fuel tank (112). The adjustable fastener unit (501) includes a bolt (501B), a head (501BH) of the bolt (501B). The head (501BH) connected to a first locking section (501FL) of the locking member (110). A sleeve member (501AS) connected to a second locking section (501SL) of the locking member (110) and is adapted to receive a threaded body of the bolt (501B) therethrough the second locking section (501SL). A nut (501N) adjustably connected to the threaded body of the bolt (501B) and the nut (501N) is adapted to lock the bolt (501B) against the sleeve member (501AS). The bolt (501B) is adapted to be adjustably moved with respect to the nut (501N) thereby tightening or loosening the locking member (110) with respect to the fuel tank (112) on rotating the nut (501N). In the present embodiment, each locking member (110) is at least a strap clamp (bracket strap or mounting strap).
[0037] Figs. 7A & 7B depict a mounting arrangement of a fuel filling mounting member (210FM) along with a fuel filling nozzle (212) , according to yet another embodiment as disclosed herein. The fuel filling mounting member (201FM) attached to either one of the front base mounting members (201L, 201R). The fuel filling mounting member (201FM) adapted to hold the fuel filling nozzle (212). The fuel filling mounting member (201FM) is a L-shaped bracket fastened/welded to the front base mounting member (201L, 201R) for holding the fuel filling nozzle (212). The fuel filling nozzle (212) is communicably connected to the fuel tank (112) and used to fill the liquefied/gaseous fuel in the fuel tank (112). The fuel tank (112) transfers the high pressure CNG/LPG fuel from the fuel tank (112) through a fuel line (not shown). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel line (not shown) is a metal tube. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide a flexible hose or a combination of the metal tube and the flexible hose as the fuel line. A pressure regulator (214) reduces the high pressure CNG/LPG fuel to a level compatible with a fuel injection system of the non-cabin work vehicle (100), thereby the compatible CNG/LPG fuel is introduced into an intake manifold or combustion chamber of engine (101) of the non-cabin work vehicle (100). A fuel filling nozzle (204) which can be connected to a fuel dispenser (not shown) for refilling the fuel tank (112). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic pressure regulator (214) is used. The electronic pressure regulator (214) is an electromagnetic valve to variably control the gas pressure of the fuel tank (112) stipulated by an electronic control unit (not shown) of the vehicle (100). The electronic pressure regulator (214) reduces the pressure from a maximum of 260 bar to between 2 and 12 bars, depending on the input received from the electronic control unit.
[0038] The technical advantages of mounting the fuel tank (112) in the non-cabin work vehicle (100) are as follows. It enables mounting of fuel tank (112) without changing the overall layout of the conventional diesel engine-mounted agricultural non-cabin work vehicle (100). It enables mounting of fuel tank (112), also enables safe and stable operation of the non-cabin work vehicle (100) without affecting the stability. This mounting arrangement of the fuel tank (112) in the work vehicle (100) do not obstruct the operator's view to the front or rear and do not affect the ground clearance of the non-cabin work vehicle (100). It can be installed as either original or aftermarket equipment for non-cabin work vehicle (100) which are manufactured primarily to accommodate diesel fuel systems.
[0039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - Non-cabin work vehicle
101 – Engine
102 - Frames
102A, 102B – Vertical support members
102AU, 102BU - Upper supporting members
102AL, 102BL - Lower supporting members
103AL, 103AR, 103BL, 103BR – Connector
104 – Bottom housing
104B - Base portion of bottom housing
104W - Side wall portion of bottom housing
104F - Flange portion of bottom housing
104H - Fastener receiving holes of bottom housing
104S – Slot
105A, 105B – Pair of front wheels
106 – Top Housing
106B - Base portion of top housing
106W - Side wall portion of top housing
106F - Flange portion of top housing
107A, 107B – Pair of rear wheels
108 – Mounting member
108B – Base
108F, 108S - First and second end of mounting member
108BB, 108BT - Base bottom and base top portion of mounting member
108LHA, 108LHB - First and second locking holes
110 - Locking member
110F, 110S – First and second end of locking member
112 - Fuel tank
201L, 201R - Front base mounting members
201LT, 201RT - Top mounting member
201LS, 201RS - Side mounting member
201FM - Fuel filling mounting member
203L, 203R - Rear base mounting members
203LR, 203RR - Reinforcement member
203F - Fasteners
205 - Clutch housing
207 - Rear axle
209AL, 209AR, 209BL, 209BR - Mounting support member
210 - Reinforcement plate
212 - Fuel filling nozzle
214 - Pressure regulator
301 - Stiffener plate
301V - Vertical stiffener members
301H - Horizonal stiffener members
501 - Adjustable fastener unit
501B – Bolt
501BH – Head of bolt
501FL - First locking section
501SL - Second locking section
501AS - Sleeve member
501N - Nut
503 - Rubber pad
601L, 601R – Bracket
601LU, 601RU - Bracket upper
601LL, 601RL - Bracket lower , Claims:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A non-cabin work vehicle (100), said non-cabin work vehicle (100) comprising:
a plurality of frames (102) positioned over a driving area of said work vehicle (100);
a bottom housing (104), said bottom housing (104) coupled to said frames (102);
a top housing (106), said top housing (106) removably coupled to said bottom housing (104);
at least one mounting member (108) adapted to mount onto said bottom housing (104); and
at least one locking member (110) adapted to mount onto said mounting member (108);
wherein said locking member (110) adapted to lock at least one fuel tank (112) onto said mounting member (108) thereby mounting said fuel tank (112) in said non-cabin work vehicle (100).
2. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frames (102) comprise a plurality of vertical support members (102A, 102B) laterally spaced apart from each other, a plurality of front base mounting members (201L, 201R) mounted on a clutch housing (205) of said non-cabin work vehicle (100), a plurality of rear base mounting members (203L, 203R) mounted on a rear axle (207) of said non-cabin work vehicle (100), said front base mounting members (201L, 201R) and rear base mounting members (203L, 203R) configured to couple said vertical support members (102A, 102B) to said non-cabin work vehicle (100).
3. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said vertical support member (102A, 102B) comprises a upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) positioned over the driving area of the work vehicle (100) and a lower supporting member (102AL, 102BL) configured to support said upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU), a connector (103AL, 103AR, 103BL, 103BR) removably configured to couple said upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) with said corresponding lower supporting member (102AL, 102BL), said lower supporting member (102AL, 102BL) includes a mounting support member (209AL, 209AR, 209BL, 209BR), said front base mounting member (201L, 201R) and rear base mounting member (203L, 203R) are configured to couple said mounting support member (209AL, 209AR, 209BL, 209BR) of said lower supporting member (102AL, 102BL) to said non-cabin work vehicle (100) by means of fastening, wherein said upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) has an inverted ‘U’ shape.
4. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said front base mounting member (201L, 201R) includes a top mounting member (201LT, 201RT) and side mounting member (201LS, 201RS), wherein said top mounting member (201LT, 201RT) and side mounting member (201LS, 201RS) are welded together with a reinforcement plate (210) and defines a ‘L’ shape, wherein said mounting support member (209AL, 209AR) is fastened to said top mounting member (201LT, 201RT) of front base mounting member (201L, 201R), wherein said rear base mounting member (203L, 203R) includes a reinforcement member (203LR, 203RR) and plurality of fasteners (203F), wherein said mounting support member (209BL, 209BR) is fastened to said reinforcement member (203LR, 203RR) of rear base mounting member (203L, 203R), wherein said reinforcement member (203LR, 203RR) is fastened to said rear axle (207) of said work vehicle (100) by using said fasteners (203F).
5. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom housing (104) is made of sheet metal, said bottom housing (104) has a curved top rectangle shape, said bottom housing (104) defines a base portion (104B) and a side wall portion (104W) transversely extending from sides of said base portion (104B), a flange portion (104F) extending from said side wall portion (104W), said flange portion (104F) includes plurality of fastener receiving holes (104H) to secure said top housing (106), a stiffener plate (301) is secured to a lower portion (104L) of said bottom housing (104), wherein said stiffener plate (301) includes plurality of vertical stiffener members (301V) and plurality of horizonal stiffener members (301H), said vertical stiffener members (301V) and horizonal stiffener members (301H) are joined together by welding means, said bottom housing (104) has at least one slot (104S) to mount said corresponding upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) of said frames (102), said bottom housing (104) has a thickness of 4-6 mm, said bottom housing (104) has a length 2500-2600 mm, said bottom housing (104) has a width of 1500-1600 mm and a height of said side wall portion (104W) from said base portion (104B) is 180-200 mm.
6. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a bracket (601L, 601R), said bracket (601L, 601R) has a L shape, said bracket (601L, 601R) includes a bracket upper (601LU, 601RU) and bracket lower (601LL, 601RL), said bracket upper (601LU, 601RU) configured to be inserted in said slot (104S) of said bottom housing (104), said bracket upper (601LU, 601RU) is fastened/welded to said bottom housing (104), said bracket lower (601LL, 601RL) is fastened/welded to said upper supporting member (102AU, 102BU) of said frame (102).
7. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top housing (106) is made of sheet metal, said top housing (106) has a curved top rectangle shape, said top housing (106) defines a base portion (106B) and a side wall portion (106W) transversely extending from sides of said base portion (106B), a flange portion (106F) extending from said side wall portion (106W), said flange portion (106F) includes plurality of fastener receiving holes to secure said top housing (106) to said bottom housing (104), said top housing (106) has a thickness of 4-6 mm, said top housing (106) has a length 2500-2600 mm, said top housing (106) has a width of 1500-1600 mm and a height of said side wall portion (106W) from said base portion (106B) is 180-200 mm.
8. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting member (108) includes a base (108B), wherein said base (108B) is secured to said base portion (104B) of said bottom housing (104), said base (108B) includes a first end (108F), a second end (108S), a base bottom portion (108BB), a base top portion (108BT), wherein said base top portion (108BT) substantially defines an arcuate shape configuration for securing said fuel tank (112), wherein said base bottom portion (108BB) is fastened/welded onto said base portion (104B) of said bottom housing (104) along the vehicle (100) widthwise direction, wherein said mounting member (108) is made of sheet metal.
9. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking member (110) includes a first end (110F) and a second end (110S), wherein said locking member (110) is adapted to be wound around said fuel tank (112), both first and second ends (110F, 110S) of said locking member (110) is locked onto corresponding first and second ends (108F, 108S) of said mounting member (108) and said first and second ends (108F, 108S) of said mounting member (108) includes first and second locking holes (108LHA, 108LHB) for locking said first and second ends (110F, 110S) of said locking member (110), wherein said locking member (110) is made of either steel or sheet metal, wherein a rubber pad (503) is provided between said base top portion (108BT) of said mounting member (108) and said fuel tank (112) to avoid the metal-to-metal contact of said mounting member (108) and said fuel tank (112).
10. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking member (110) includes an adjustable fastener unit (501) adapted to tighten or loosen said locking member (110) with respect to said fuel tank (112), said adjustable fastener unit (501) includes a bolt (501B), a head (501BH) of said bolt (501B), said head (501BH) connected to a first locking section (501FL) of said locking member (110), a sleeve member (501AS) connected to a second locking section (501SL) of said locking member (110) and is adapted to receive a threaded body of said bolt (501B) therethrough the second locking section (501SL), and a nut (501N) adjustably connected to said threaded body of said bolt (501B), said nut (501N) is adapted to lock said bolt (501B) against said sleeve member (501AS), wherein said bolt (501B) is adapted to be adjustably moved with respect to said nut (501N) thereby tightening or loosening said locking member (110) with respect to said fuel tank (112) on rotating said nut (501N).
11. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a fuel filling mounting member (201FM) attached to either one of said front base mounting member (201L, 201R), said fuel filling mounting member (201FM) adapted to hold a fuel filling nozzle (212), said fuel filling mounting member (201FM) is a L-shaped bracket fastened/welded to said front base mounting member (201L, 201R) for holding said fuel filling nozzle (212), wherein said fuel filling nozzle (212) is communicably connected to said fuel tank (112) and used to fill the liquefied/gaseous fuel in said fuel tank (112).
12. The non-cabin work vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a compressed natural gas (CNG) or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is stored in said fuel tank (112), said fuel tank (112) transfers a high pressure CNG/LPG fuel from said fuel tank (112) through a fuel line (metal tube or flexible hose or a combination of these), wherein a pressure regulator (214) reduces said high pressure CNG/LPG fuel to a level compatible with a fuel injection system of said non-cabin work vehicle (100), thereby said compatible CNG/LPG fuel is introduced into an intake manifold or combustion chamber of engine (101) of said non-cabin work vehicle (100).