FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to gas cylinder frame structure for vehicle, and, in particularly, to gas cylinder frame structure made of steel tubes welded on the vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a gas cylinder frame structure for holding gas cylinder on the vehicle chassis.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Now days vehicle are coming with dual fuel capacity. The dual fuel vehicles are efficient to reduce air pollution. Government is also supporting dual fuel vehicle to reduce burden of petrol and diesel along with environment pollution. The dual fuel vehicles run on gasoline, i.e., petrol or diesel and on alternate fuel, such as natural gas, i.e., CNG, LPG. The dual fuel vehicles have single internal combustion engine which runs on both type of fuels. Further, the two fuels are stored in separate tanks in the vehicle. Accordingly there is separate fuel tank for CNG and for petrol. Generally, the internal combustion engine runs on one fuel at a time. The vehicle has capability to switch back and forth from gasoline or diesel to the other fuel, such as CNG or LPG, manually or automatically.
[003] Generally, CNG cylinder or gas cylinder are mounted at rear side, i.e., in boot space area of the vehicle. The gas cylinder is kept on a frame which is mounted on the vehicle chassis. To keep the gas cylinder at its location, mounting stability of the gas cylinder frame is necessary.
[004] Fig. 1 illustrates structure of existing gas cylinder frames, such as CNG gas cylinder frames. The existing gas cylinder frame has a plurality of pipes 101, 102, 103, 104 which are connected with each other to form a rectangular receiving space to receive gas cylinder. The plurality of pipes 101-104 are mounted on mounting brackets 107 at two ends. The mounting brackets 107 are mounted on the vehicle chassis with a plurality of mounting brackets 108 at several locations. The mounting bracket 107 is a box type structure to hold the gas cylinder on the rectangular frame. Further, height of the gas cylinder frame 10 depends on the height of the mounting bracket.
[005] There are numerous technical problems existed with existing gas cylinder frames. The conventional gas cylinder frame requires box type mounting structure which is heavy in weight and complex in structure. The mounting bracket requires a plurality of mounting brackets to mount the gas cylinder frame on the vehicle chassis which increases the cost and assembly time of the gas cylinder frame. With new design of the vehicle, a new design of the gas cylinder frame is required as per dimensions of the vehicle. Therefore, new tooling and more development time is required for any new layout. The existing gas cylinder frame is made o heavy pipe or metal rods which increase the weight of the frame which ultimately increases the weight of the vehicle. Further, a plurality of mounting brackets, for example, six or eight bolts are required for securing gas cylinder frame to vehicle body in White (BIW) floor.
[006] Further, tyre removal from boot space of the vehicle is very tedious due to gas cylinder frame. A driver has to pull down the passenger seats and to apply manual efforts to pull out the spare tyre. The gas cylinder frame restricts movement of the spare tyre. Further, it is not possible to pull out the spare tyre from rear door of the vehicle in existing gas cylinder frames.
[007] In view of the above, it is beneficial to have a gas cylinder frame that provides light weight for vehicle performance. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a structure of the gas cylinder frame that is more simple and inexpensive, and which can be placed in the existing vehicle to eliminate the existing above mentioned problems.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a gas cylinder frame which is light in weight.
[009] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder frame that does not have mounting bracket box.
[0010] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder frame with less number of mounting locations.
[0011] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder frame with differential height in pipes.
[0012] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder frame that allows easy access to spare tire.
[0013] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder frame made of steel tubes and steel sheets.
[0014] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder frame to bear high pressure CNG or gas cylinder under normal vehicle use and vehicle crash condition.
[0015] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a uniform gas cylinder frame for any type of vehicle to mount gas cylinder without changing layout of the structure.
[0016] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder frame where pipes are bent using 3D CNC bending machine.
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a gas cylinder frame that is simple and inexpensive, and easy to mount on the vehicle chassis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0018] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a gas cylinder frame for fuel gas cylinder of vehicle. The gas cylinder frame mounts at rear side of the vehicle on the chassis of the vehicle. The gas cylinder frame comprises two longitudinal pipes, i.e., first and second which are bent perpendicularly in downward direction at both ends. End portion of the bent profile of both the pipes engages with the horizontal plates provided at both ends. The end portion of the bent profile welded with the horizontal plate. Further, the gas cylinder frame has two transverse pipes which are bent perpendicularly in downward direction at both ends. The bent transverse pipes are in U shape with extended base length. The extended base length of the bent transverse pipes is equal to transverse distance between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe. Each transverse pipe is provided in between the first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe at ends on the horizontal metal plate to form a rectangular frame structure. The end portions of the bent profile of the transverse pipes are welded on the horizontal metal plate along with the first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe. Further, the first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe are joined by a plurality of reinforcements to form strong connecting structures at four corners of the rectangular frame structure. The connecting structures prevent torsional deformation and lead to weight reduction to gas cylinder frame. The plurality of reinforcements is welded on upper surface of the longitudinal pipes and transverse pipe. The first longitudinal pipe has more height as compared to the second longitudinal pipe to allow easy removal of spare tire from front side of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the second longitudinal pipe has more height as compare to the first longitudinal pipe to allow easy removal of spare tire from rear side of the vehicle. In the present gas cylinder frame, the pipes are bent using 3D CNC bending machine therefore, no tool is required. In order to vary the dimensions of the gas cylinder frame, dimensions of the pipes are changed without any change in the layout and structure. Further, dimension of the gas cylinder depends upon capacity of the gas cylinder. The present gas cylinder frame is welded on the vehicle chassis.
[0019] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates structure of existing gas cylinder frame;
[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of gas cylinder frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0023] Fig. 3 illustrates exploded view of joints in the gas cylinder frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0024] Fig. 4 illustrates placement of gas cylinder on the gas cylinder frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0025] Fig. 5 illustrates height adjustment gas cylinders on the gas cylinder frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0026] Fig. 6 illustrates length adjustment gas cylinders on the gas cylinder frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0027] Fig. 7 illustrates structure with gap adjustment in the gas cylinder frame and side view of the gas cylinder with the gas cylinder frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0028] Fig. 8 illustrates spare tire removal facility, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0029] Fig. 9 illustrates pipe length adjustment mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0030] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0031] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a gas cylinder frame for fuel gas cylinder of vehicle. The gas cylinder frame mounts at rear side of the vehicle on the chassis of the vehicle. The gas cylinder frame comprises two longitudinal pipes, i.e., first and second which are bent perpendicularly in downward direction at both ends. The bent pipes are in U shape with extended base length. The first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe are positioned parallel on horizontal plates at a transverse distance away from each other at both ends to form a space between the first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe. End portion of the bent profile of both the pipes engages with the horizontal plates provided at both ends. The end portion of the bent profile welded with the horizontal plate. Further, the gas cylinder frame has two transverse pipes which are bent perpendicularly in downward direction at both ends. The bent transverse pipes are in U shape with extended base length. The extended base length of the bent transverse pipes is equal to transverse distance between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe. Each transverse pipe is provided in between the first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe at ends on the horizontal metal plate to form a rectangular frame structure. The end portions of the bent profile of the transverse pipes are welded on the horizontal metal plate along with the first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe. Further, the first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe are joined by a plurality of reinforcements to form strong connecting structures at four corners of the rectangular frame structure. The connecting structures prevent torsional deformation and lead to weight reduction to gas cylinder frame. The plurality of reinforcements is welded on upper surface of the longitudinal pipes and transverse pipe. The first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe have differential heights. The first longitudinal pipe has more height as compared to the second longitudinal pipe to allow easy removal of spare tire from front side of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the second longitudinal pipe has more height as compare to the first longitudinal pipe to allow easy removal of spare tire from rear side of the vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the gas cylinder frame with one pipe having more height can be mounted in either way to allow easy access of the spare tire. In the present gas cylinder frame, the pipes are bent using 3D CNC bending machine therefore, no tool is required. In order to vary the dimensions of the gas cylinder frame, dimensions of the pipes are changed without any change in the layout and structure. Further, dimension of the gas cylinder depends upon capacity of the gas cylinder. All four bent pipes are welded on the two horizontal metal plates to form a rectangular frame to receive the gas cylinder from upper side.
[0032] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0033] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scop
[0034] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of gas cylinder frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present gas cylinder structure 200 is made of Steel tubes and Steel Sheets welded by MIG welding to reduce tooling cost, weight. Further, the gas cylinder can be CNG, LPG, and any other fluid fuel gas cylinder. The main function of gas cylinder frame is to secure high pressure gas cylinder under normal vehicle use and Crash conditions.
[0035] The gas cylinder frame 200 has two longitudinal pipes, i.e., first longitudinal pipe 201 and second longitudinal pipe 202. The first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202 are bent perpendicularly in downward direction at both ends by 3D CNC bending machine. The bending profile of the pipes is in curved shape. Therefore, the bent longitudinal pipes are in U shape with extended base length. The extended base length and length of bent portion is optimized to change dimensions of the gas cylinder frame. The first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202 are positioned parallel on horizontal plates 205 at a transverse distance away from each other at both ends to form a space between the first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202. The transverse distance between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe depends on the capacity and size or diameter of gas cylinder. End portions of the bent portion of both the pipes 201, 202 engage with the horizontal metal plates 205 provided at both ends. The bent portions of both the pipes are welded with the horizontal metal plates 205.
[0036] The gas cylinder frame 200 has two transverse pipes 203 at two side of the gas cylinder frame 200. The transverse pipes 203 are bent perpendicularly in downward direction at both ends by 3D CNC bending machine. The bending profile of the pipes is in curved shape. The bent transverse pipes are in U shape with extended base length. The extended base length of the bent transverse pipes 203 is equal to the transverse distance between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202. Each transverse pipe 203 is provided in between the first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202 on the horizontal metal plates 205 to form a rectangular frame structure. The end portions of the bent profile of the transverse pipes 203 are welded on the horizontal metal plates 205 along with the first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202. One bent side/portion of the transverse pipe 203 is welded along with the first longitudinal pipe 201 at one end and other bent side/portion is welded along with the second longitudinal pipe 202 at other end on the horizontal metal plate 205.
[0037] Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe are joined by a plurality of reinforcements 206 to form strong triangular connecting structures 208 at four corners of the rectangular frame structure. The plurality of reinforcements 206 connects the first longitudinal pipe 201 with the transverse pipes 203 to restrict movement of the first longitudinal pipe 201 with respect to the transverse pipe 203 at both ends. Similarly, the plurality of reinforcements 206 connects the second longitudinal pipe 206 with the transverse pipes 203 to restrict movement of the second longitudinal pipe 202 with respect to the transverse pipes 202 at both ends. The triangular connecting structures 208 prevent torsional deformation and lead to weight reduction to gas cylinder frame 200. The formation of connecting structures 208 provides strength to the gas cylinder frame. The plurality of reinforcements 206 is welded on upper surface of the longitudinal pipes 201, 202 and transverse pipe 203 at four corners of the gas cylinder frame 200. The triangular connecting structures 208 made by the longitudinal pipes 201, 202 and transverse pipe 203 with the plurality of reinforcement leads to weight reduction of gas cylinder frame for similar height gas cylinder frame.
[0038] Referring to fig. 2, the gas cylinder frame 200 has two lower semicircular bands 207 connected transversely in between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202 at a longitudinal distance. One end of the two lower semicircular bands is joined with the first longitudinal pipe and other end is joined with the second longitudinal pipe 202. The two semicircular bands 207 define a semi cylindrical area to receive cylindrical surface of the gas cylinder. Referring to Fig. 4, the gas cylinder 209 is secured on the gas cylinder frame 200 by two upper semi circular bands 209 that are provided from upper side of the gas cylinder 208. The two lower semi circular bands 207 has extended flanges with mounting holes to engage with the bent flanges of the upper semicircular band with mounting screws. The mounting screws are tightening to hold the gas cylinder 208 in the gas cylinder frame 200.
[0039] The gas cylinder frame structure or gas cylinder frame 200 is designed for every layout. With the present design of the gas cylinder frame, it is possible that different layout can be made just by changing pipe length and positions of the same. Since the pipe bending is done using 3D CNC bending machines, no tool is required for making a new gas cylinder frame.
[0040] Further, heights of the first longitudinal pipe 201, the second longitudinal pipe 202, and two transverse pipes can be changed without any tooling impact. Further, gas cylinder can be placed at multiple heights as per vehicle layout as shown in figure 5. Similarly, lengths of the first longitudinal pipe 201, the second longitudinal pipe 202, and two transverse pipes can be changed without any tooling impact. Therefore, various gas cylinder capacities can be used as per vehicle layout without any tooling impact and without many any changes in the layout of the gas cylinder frame.
[0041] The first longitudinal pipe 201 and the second longitudinal pipe 202 can have differential and same heights. For explanation of the present subject matter, the differential heights are considered for the structure. Further, the pipes with same height are also within the scope of the present subject matter. The first longitudinal pipe 201 has more height as compared to the second longitudinal pipe 202 to allow easy removal of spare tire 211 from front side of the vehicle as shown in figure 8a. In another embodiment, the second longitudinal pipe 202 can has more height as compare to the first longitudinal pipe 201 to allow easy removal of spare tire 211 from rear side of the vehicle as shown in the figure 8b. In yet another embodiment, the gas cylinder frame 200 with one pipe having more height can be mounted in either way to allow easy access of the spare tire 211. Figure 9 illustrates the extension of length in the pipes. As shown in figure 9, Pipe lengths can be adjusted by means of using a smaller diameter pipe placed inside Pipes 201, 202, and 203.
[0042] Referring to figure 7, a gap is provided in between the pipes 201, 202, 203 and the horizontal metal plate 205 for height adjustment and better control of WL position of the cylinder.
[0043] In the gas cylinder frame 200, the pipes 201, 202, 203 are bent using 3D CNC bending machine therefore, no tool is required. In order to vary the dimensions of the gas cylinder frame 200, dimensions of the pipes are changed without any change in the layout and structure. Further, dimension of the gas cylinder depends upon capacity of the gas cylinder. All four bent pipes are welded on the two horizontal metal plates to form a rectangular frame to receive the gas cylinder from upper side.
[0044] Referring to figure 2, 3, and figure 10, a mounting bracket 204 is provided to assembled the gas cylinder frame 200 on body in white (BIW) of vehicle. The mounting bracket 204 is a metal plate to cover outer surface area of the welded longitudinal pipes 201, 202 and the transverse pipes 203 at the horizontal metal plates 205 at both ends. The mounting bracket 204 is provided at four locations where the longitudinal and transverse pipes are welded with the horizontal metal plates 205.
[0045] The present gas cylinder frame is made of steel tubes which are bent through 3D CNC bending machine. Further, the bent steel tubes are welded on the horizontal metal plates with simple welding mechanism. Therefore, the present gas cylinder frame is easy and fast to manufacture without high tooling cost. Further, from the present structure of the gas cylinder frame, a uniform layout is achieved which can be implemented in any vehicle with different configurations. It is easy to change dimensions of the gas cylinder frame by changing the dimensions of the steel pipes. The present gas cylinder frame is light in weight and more efficient in performance parameters. Therefore, the present gas cylinder frame improves the vehicle performance due to weight reduction.
[0046] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:

1. A gas cylinder frame (200) for holding a gas cylinder (209) in vehicles, the gas cylinder frame (200) comprising:
a first longitudinal pipe (201) perpendicularly bent in downward direction at both ends;
a second longitudinal pipe (202) perpendicularly bent in downward direction at both ends, wherein the first longitudinal pipe (201) and the second longitudinal pipe (202) positioned parallel on two horizontal metal plates (205) at a transverse distance away from each other at both ends to form a rectangular space between the first longitudinal pipe (201) and the second longitudinal pipe (202) to receive the gas cylinder (209);
two transverse pipes (203) perpendicularly bent in downward direction, wherein each transverse pipe (203) from the two transverse pipes (203) is provided in between the first longitudinal pipe (201) and the second longitudinal pipe (202) at the horizontal metal plates (205);
a plurality of reinforcements (206) joins the first and second longitudinal pipe (201, 202) with the transverse pipes (203) to form the gas cylinder frame (200) to hold the gas cylinder (209).

2. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of reinforcements (206) connects the first longitudinal pipe (201) with the transverse pipes (203) to restrict movement of the first longitudinal pipe (201) with respect to the transverse pipe (203) at both ends.

3. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of reinforcements (206) connects the second longitudinal pipe (202) with the transverse pipes (203) to restrict movement of the second longitudinal pipe (202) with respect to the transverse pipes (203) at both ends.

4. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas cylinder frame (200) further comprises two semicircular bands (207) connected transversely in between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe (201) and the second longitudinal pipe (202) at a longitudinal distance on the first longitudinal pipe (201) and the second longitudinal pipe (202), wherein the two semicircular bands (207) define a semi cylindrical area to receive cylindrical surface of the gas cylinder (209).

5. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal pipe (201), the second longitudinal pipe (202), and the two transverse pipes (203) are welded on the horizontal metal plate (205).

6. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal pipe (201) has more height as compared to the second longitudinal pipe (202) for ease of spare tire (211) removal.

7. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal pipe (202) has more height as compared to the first longitudinal pipe (201) for ease of spare tire (211) removal.

8. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein dimensions of the gas cylinder frame (200) depends on the gas cylinder (209), wherein further the transverse distance between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe (201) and the second longitudinal pipe (202) depends on the capacity of gas cylinder (209).

9. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas cylinder frame (200) with rectangular structure mounted on the horizontal metal bracket (200) is mounted on vehicle chassis.

10. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transverse pipes (203) joined with the first longitudinal pipe (201) and the second longitudinal pipe (203) with the plurality of reinforcement (206) at four corners in order to form a triangular connecting structure (208) to bolster the gas cylinder frame (200).

11. The gas cylinder frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two semicircular bands (207) has extended flanges with mounting holes to engage upper semicircular bands (210) with mounting bolts to hold the gas cylinder (209).