Claims:We Claim:
1. A Spare Tyre Carrier (STC) for a heavy vehicle, the STC comprising a bracket having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to fit on chassis frame of the vehicle and the second end is configured to hold a spare tyre such that the hallow space in rim of the spare tyre faces upwards;
wherein the bracket is further configured to hold a urea solution tank such that the urea solution tank is accommodated within the hollow space in the rim of the spare tyre.
2. The STC of claim 1, wherein the bracket is generally ‘L’ shaped with a first side and a second side; and the first end is end of the first side and the second end is end of the second side; and wherein the second side passes through the urea solution tank so that the second end is accessible below the urea solution tank for mounting the spare tyre.
3. The STC of claim 1, wherein the STC further comprises a mechanism fitted on the bracket; wherein the mechanism is configured to help in lifting the spare tyre with help of a chain for fitting on the second end of the STC, and lower the spare tyre after the spare tyre has been disengaged from the second end.
4. The STC of claim 3, wherein the STC further comprises a rim mounting bracket fitted on the second end of the bracket, and the rim mounting bracket is configured to self-centre and guide the spare tyre as it is being lifted and lowered.
5. The STC of claim 3, wherein the bracket made of a single plate of appropriate shape bent to a ‘U’ shape to provide two parallel sides; and the two parallel sides are configured to hold the urea solution tank and the mechanism.
6. The STC of claim 2, wherein the urea solution tank is of generally a cylindrical shape following contour of inner surface of the rim; and further incorporate a through opening from one end to other along its central axis to enable the second side of the bracket to pass through.
7. A urea solution tank for a vehicle, wherein the urea solution tank is configured to fit within hollow space of rim of a spare tyre of the vehicle, and wherein the spare tyre is fitted on a bracket that passes through the urea solution tank.
8. The urea solution tank of claim 7, wherein the urea solution tank is of generally a cylindrical shape following contour of inner surface of the rim; and further incorporates a through opening from one end to other along its central axis to enable the bracket to pass through.
9. The urea solution tank of claim 1, wherein the urea solution tank is fitted on the bracket that passes through the opening.
10. A truck configured with a common mounting arrangement for a spare tyre and an urea solution tank; the common mounting arrangement comprising:
a bracket, wherein the bracket is generally ‘L’ shaped with a first side having a first end and a second side having a second end, wherein the first end is configured to fit on chassis frame of the vehicle and the second end is configured to hold the spare tyre such that the hallow space in rim of the spare tyre faces upwards; wherein the bracket is further configured to hold the urea solution tank such that the urea solution tank is accommodated within the hollow space in the rim of the spare tyre; and wherein the second side passes through the urea solution tank so that the second end is accessible below the urea solution tank for mounting the spare tyre;
a mechanism fitted on the bracket; wherein the mechanism is configured to help in lifting the spare tyre with help of a chain for fitting on the second end of the STC, and lower the spare tyre after disengaging from the second end;
a rim mounting bracket fitted on the second end of the bracket, and the rim mounting bracket is configured to self-centre and guide the spare tyre as it is being lifted and lowered;
wherein the urea solution tank is of generally a cylindrical shape following contour of inner surface of the rim; and further incorporate a through opening from one end to other along its central axis to enable the second side of the bracket to pass through.
wherein the urea solution tank is of generally a cylindrical shape following contour of inner surface of the rim; and further incorporates a through opening from one end to other along its central axis to enable the bracket to pass through.
, Description:[001] Preamble of the invention
[002] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
[003] Technical Field of the Invention
[004] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of automobiles. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to packaging of urea solution tank and Spare Tyre Carrier (STC) on a small wheel base heavy vehicle.
[005] Background of the Invention
[006] Automobile designers usually face challenge in placing various aggregates within limited space. Spare tyre and fuel tank are two such large aggregates that require considerable space. Automobiles equipped with diesel engine require an additional tank for storing aqueous urea solution (also commonly known as AdBlue being registered trademark of VDA for aqueous urea solution) that is used as a consumable with Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen from the exhaust of diesel vehicles. This adds to existing challenge of finding adequate space for aggregates as the urea solution tank is required to be located in an appropriate manner with adequate protection to avoid damage, and provide easy accessibility both for filling, assembly and maintenance.
[007] Prior art reference United States patent application no. 20150114505 A1 discloses installation, in a car, of a urea solution apparatus that includes a urea solution storage tank and a urea solution pipe configured to inject urea solution into the urea solution tank. The prior art reference proposes mounting the urea solution storage tank on the lower portion of the rear of a vehicle body near the rear suspension adjacent to spare tyre well such that the urea solution tube configured to inject the urea solution in the storage tank is connected to the urea solution storage tank such a way that the urea solution injection nozzle is located in the space provided in the fuel inlet hole.
[008] The prior art is primarily focussed on providing an installation out of luggage compartment of a car which has been the normal practice that restricts size of the urea solution tank and also results in urea odour in passenger compartment.
[009] Heavy vehicles present an altogether different scenario where aggregates like Spare Tyre Carrier, fuel tank etc. are mounted on chassis frame, and the urea solution tank can also be mounted there without any problem of access for filling and odour. Large heavy vehicles despite their large fuel tank and large tyre usually have enough space between the axles to accommodate the urea solution tank in addition to STC and fuel tank. However, small wheel base vehicles such as tippers and tractors pose a challenge and many chassis aggregates mounted within wheelbase in such vehicles, have accessibility problem due to space constrain.
[010] In another aspect, mounting of different aggregates presently requires individual mounting brackets adding to cost. It would be advantageous if number of mounting parts could be reduced while packaging the urea solution tank on the chassis.
[011] There is, therefore, need to provide a packaging solution for urea solution tank on chassis of small wheelbase heavy vehicles that overcomes the accessibility problem and additionally provides advantage in terms of cost by reducing number of parts and assembly time.
[012] Objects of the invention
[013] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a packaging solution for urea solution tank on small wheelbase heavy vehicles.
[014] An object of the present disclosure is to accommodate urea solution tank within a space that was hitherto unutilized.
[015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide packaging of urea solution tank with spare tyre and its carrier to overcome space constrain in small wheelbase heavy vehicles.
[016] Another object of the present disclosure is to ensure adequate protection for the urea solution tank to avoid its damage.
[017] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to reduce number of mounting parts while packaging urea solution tank with spare tyre and its carrier.
[018] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common mounting bracket for urea solution tank and STC that meets all functional requirements.
[019] These objects are achieved by a Spare Tyre Carrier (STC) configured to hold the spare tyre as well as the urea solution tank having the features of claim 1 and its dependent claims and a urea solution tank of Claim 7 and its dependent claims.
[020] Summary of the invention
[021] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a container such as a tank for storing a fluid such as urea solution, and spare tyre and their mounting arrangement in a small wheelbase heavy vehicle, wherein the disclosure provides a mounting arrangement for the two to overcome space constrain typically faced in small wheelbase heavy vehicles. In an aspect, the disclosure proposes to use space within rim of the spare tyre to accommodate urea solution tank (also referred to simply as tank and two terms used interchangeably hereinafter). The proposed arrangement thus makes use of hitherto unused space as also provides a common mounting bracket for the urea solution tank and the spare tyre reducing number of parts and assembly time with corresponding cost benefits besides overcoming accessibility problem on account of space constrain.
[022] In an aspect, the disclosure provides for mounting of the spare tyre in such a way that the cavity in the rim of the spare tyre faces upward, and accommodates the urea solution tank in the space within the cavity so that the spare tyre can be raised or lowered without any hindrance.
[023] In an aspect, locating the urea solution tank within the cavity in the rim provides protection to the tank from bottom and sides and, therefore, no additional protection means such as a guard are required.
[024] In an embodiment, the urea solution tank can be of round shape in conformity with the cavity in the rim for maximum utilization of the space and maximize capacity of the urea solution tank. It can further be configured to allow the common mounting bracket to pass through such that it projects below the tank to hold the spare tyre.
[025] In an aspect, the urea solution tank can incorporate a through opening located at its centre to provide a mounting for the spare tyre below the urea storage tank even as the tank is positioned in the hollow space of the rim. Thus the common mounting bracket can pass through the opening in the urea solution tank and project below the urea solution tank to facilitate holding of the spare tyre.
[026] In an aspect, the mounting bracket passing through the opening in the urea solution tank can also hold the tank and spare tyre lowering /lifting mechanism. It can further provide space for chain of spare tyre lowering /lifting mechanism to pass through and engage with rim of the spare tyre to facilitate its lifting and lowering.
[027] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a Spare Tyre Carrier (STC) for a heavy vehicle configured to hold a storage container such as a urea solution tank. The disclosed STC can be configured to hold the tank and the spare tyre such that the Tank is accommodated within the hollow space (well) of the rim thus utilizing the space that was hitherto unused. The disclosed STC can thus reduce the space requirement and also reduce number of components with corresponding cost benefits.
[028] In an aspect, the disclosed STC can comprise a bracket suitably shaped having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is configured for mounting on chassis of a heavy vehicle such that after mounting the second end is placed pointing vertically downwards; and the second end can be configured to hold spare wheel at its rim such that the spare tyre is positioned with the hollow space within the rim facing upward so that a container for storage such as a urea storage tank can be accommodated in the hollow space.
[029] In an embodiment the bracket can be generally ‘L’ shaped having a smaller first side and longer second side; and the first end is end of the smaller first side configured to fit on side of a chassis frame of a vehicle and the second end can be end of the second side.
[030] In an aspect, the bracket can further be configured to hold the storage container and also a mechanism for raising/lowering the spare tyre to/from the second end of the bracket. The STC can further incorporate means to prevent possible damage to the tank from the spare tyre while the tyre is being lifted or lowered. The means can be a rim mounting bracket configured to guide the rim of the spare tyre without touching/hitting the container, as it is being lifted or lowered.
[031] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a container for storage such as a urea solution storage tank for vehicles configured to fit within hollow cavity/space of rim for spare tyre carried by the vehicle. The container such as a urea storage tank can be of round shape such as generally of cylindrical shape, in conformity with inner surface of the rim and can further incorporate a through opening located at centre along axis of generally cylindrical/round shaped tank from one end to other. The opening can be configured to allow a bracket on which the container can be mounted, to pass through and project out to hold the spare tyre such that the rim of the spare tyre surrounds the tank/container. Thus the disclosed container for storage such as a urea solution storage tank does not need any additional space or means for mounting or even protection to avoid any possible damage.
[032] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[033] Brief Description of Drawings
[034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic arrangement of Spare Tyre Carrier and urea solution tank in a heavy vehicle as typically followed in the art.
[036] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of common mounting for STC and urea solution tank in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[037] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of the urea solution tank mounted on common mounting bracket in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[038] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of the urea solution tank and spare tyre mounted on common mounting bracket in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[039] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the common mounting arrangement for urea solution tank and spare tyre in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[040] Detailed Description of the invention
[041] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[042] The embodiments explained herein relate to a mounting arrangement for urea solution tank (also referred to simply as tank and two terms used interchangeably hereinafter) and spare tyre and their mounting arrangement in a small wheelbase heavy vehicle. Conventionally two different mounting brackets are used to hold the two aggregates at two different locations on chassis frame of a vehicle between two axles. Even though the conventional method needs more parts and space, it does not pose any problem in view of ample space between the axles on most heavy vehicles. However, on short wheelbase heavy vehicles such as tippers or trailers, space between the two axles is limited and conventional method of mounting the two results in problem of accessibility.
[043] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic arrangement for conventional method followed for mounting the two in a short wheelbase heavy vehicle 110 indicating the spare tyre 102 mounted on a Spare Tyre Carrier 104 and the urea solution tank 106 on a separate mounting 108 in a heavy vehicle 110. As can be seen, the STC 104 has been mounted in limited space between fuel tank 112 and the urea solution tank 106 resulting in poor accessibility to STC 104. As can be seen, to facilitate ease of mounting, the spare tyre 102 is mounted with hollow space in the rim of the tyre facing down and therefore remains unutilized. To accommodate the urea solution tank 106, the Spare Tyre Carrier 104 has to be mounted very close to the fuel tank 112 and threaded fasteners for mounting the spare tyre 102 on the Spare Tyre Carrier 104 are positioned under the fuel tank 112. Due to which the nuts for mounting the spare tyre 102 have to be accessed through limited gap between the fuel tank 112 and the spare tyre 102 which may be as small as only 80 mm, making it extremely difficult to access the nut.
[044] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mounting arrangement for the urea solution tank and the spare tyre to overcome space constrain such as above, typically faced in small wheelbase heavy vehicles. In an aspect, the disclosure proposes to use space within rim of the spare tyre to accommodate the urea solution tank by means of a common mounting bracket which can also reduce number of parts and assembly time with corresponding cost benefits besides overcoming accessibility problem on account of space constrain.
[045] In an embodiment, the disclosure provides a Spare Tyre Carrier (STC) for a heavy vehicle configured to hold a storage container such as a urea solution tank. The disclosed STC can be configured to hold the tank and the spare tyre such that the Tank is accommodated within the hollow space (well) of the rim thus utilizing the space that was hitherto unused. The disclosed STC can thus reduce the space requirement and also reduce number of components with corresponding cost benefits.
[046] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a urea solution storage tank for vehicles that is configured to fit within hollow cavity/space of rim for spare tyre carried by the vehicle. The urea storage tank can be of generally round cylindrical shape in conformity with inner surface of the rim and can further incorporate a through opening located at centre along axis of generally cylindrical/round shaped tank from one end to other. The opening can be configured to allow a bracket on which the tank can be mounted, to pass through and project out to hold the spare tyre such that the rim of the spare tyre surrounds the tank/container. Thus the disclosed urea solution storage tank does not need any additional space or means for mounting or even protection to avoid any possible damage.
[047] Referring now to FIG. 2, wherein an exemplary view 200 of common mounting for spare tyre and urea solution tank incorporating various embodiments of the present disclosure is disclosed. As shown the common mounting, referred to as Spare Tyre Carrier 202 hereinafter, can be mounted on side of chassis 206 of the vehicle and can hold both the tyre 102 and a urea solution tank such as tank 204. The STC 202 is configured such that the tank 204 is accommodated within round hollow space of rim of the spare tyre 102 thus utilizing hitherto unutilized space and saving space.
[048] It is to be appreciated that though various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to a urea solution storage tank, the space within round hollow space of rim of the spare tyre can be used by holding the spare tyre in similar fashion for providing any other container that can store various useful things such as a fluid like water or oil; or for housing EAPU, battery etc. to name a few and all such applications are within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitation.
[049] In an embodiment, the spare tyre 102 as can be seen in FIG. 2 is mounted in such a way that the cavity in the rim of the spare tyre 102 faces upward, and the urea solution tank 204 is accommodated in the space within the cavity so that the spare tyre 102 can be raised or lowered without any hindrance. As can be seen further, locating the urea solution tank within the cavity in the rim provides protection to the tank 204 from bottom and sides and, therefore, no additional protection means such as a guards are required for the tank 204.
[050] In an embodiment, for full utilization of the space within the rim of the spare tyre 102 and maximize capacity of the tank 204, shape of the urea solution tank 204 can be in conformity with space within the rim which is generally round cylindrical shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the tyre size can be 11R22.5 in which case capacity of the tank can be 40 to 50 liters. Further the filler neck 208 and gauge 210 for the tank 204 can be easily accessible.
[051] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view 300 of the urea solution tank 204 mounted on STC 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment the tank 204 can incorporate mounting means such as flanges 304 that can be fixed to faces of the STC 202 using appropriate threaded fasteners.
[052] The STC 202 can further incorporate mechanism 306 to lift and lower the spare tyre (more details are provided in subsequent figures). The STC 202 can further incorporate a rim mounting bracket 302 configured to work as self-centering and arresting mechanism for the spare tyre and works by guiding the rim of the spare tyre as it is being lifted up. Guiding the rim helps to prevent sideways movement of the spare tyre and consequent damage it may cause to the tank 204 due to hitting.
[053] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary sectional view 400 of the urea solution tank 204 and spare tyre 102 mounted on STC 202 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the urea solution tank 204 can incorporate a through opening located at its centre to enable passage of STC 202 so that its lower end can provide a mounting for the spare tyre 102 below the urea storage tank 204 even as the tank 204 is positioned in the hollow space of the rim as shown in the view 400. As the STC 202 passes through the through opening in the tank 204, it can also hold the tank 204 and spare tyre lowering /lifting mechanism 306. It can further provide space for chain 402 of spare tyre lowering /lifting mechanism 306 to pass through and engage with rim of the spare tyre through a bracket tyre lifter 404 to facilitate its lifting and lowering.
[054] As can be seen, the present disclosure provides a container for storage such as a urea solution storage tank 204 for vehicles wherein the tank 204 is configured to fit within hollow cavity/space of rim for spare tyre 102 carried by the vehicle. The container such as a urea storage tank 204 can be of round shape such as generally of cylindrical shape. To maximize capacity of the tank 204, the cylindrical shape of the tank can follow contour of inner surface of the rim of the spare tyre 102. The tank 204 can further incorporate a through opening from one end to other along its central axis to enable a bracket such as of a STC 202 on which the container can be mounted, to pass through and project out to hold the spare tyre 102 such that the rim of the spare tyre 102 surrounds the tank/container 204. Thus the disclosed container for storage such as a urea solution storage tank 204 does not need any additional space or means for mounting or even protection to avoid any possible damage.
[055] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary exploded view 500 of the common mounting arrangement for urea solution tank 204 and spare tyre 102 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The view 500 clearly brings out details of the disclosed Spare Tyre Carrier (STC) 202 that is central to the common mounting arrangement for urea solution tank 204 and spare tyre 102. As explained earlier the disclosed STC 202 for a heavy vehicle is configured to hold a storage container such as a urea solution tank 204 in addition to the spare tyre 102. The disclosed STC 202 is configured to hold the tank 204 and the spare tyre 102 such that the Tank is accommodated within the hollow space (well) of the rim thus utilizing the space that was hitherto unused. The disclosed STC 202 can thus reduce the space requirement and also reduce number of components with corresponding cost benefits.
[056] In an embodiment, the disclosed STC can comprise a bracket such as 502 suitably shaped having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is configured for mounting on chassis of a heavy vehicle such that after mounting, the second end is placed pointing vertically downwards; and the second end can be configured to hold spare tyre 102 at its rim such that the spare tyre 102 is positioned with the hollow space within the rim facing upward so that a container for storage such as a urea storage tank 204 can be accommodated in the hollow space.
[057] In the exemplary embodiment, the bracket 502 can be generally ‘L’ shaped having a smaller first side and longer second side; and the first end is end of the smaller first side configured to fit on side of a chassis frame of a vehicle and the second end can be end of the second side. In another embodiment faces of the two ends can be mutually perpendicular so that when the first end is fitted on side of the chassis, the other end is horizontally placed so that the spare tyre 102 is held horizontally. In an exemplary embodiment the bracket 502 can be made of a single plate of appropriate shape that can be bent to a ‘U’ shape to provide two parallel sides. The two parallel sides can be configured to hold the storage container by means of threaded fasteners.
[058] In an embodiment, the STC 202 can further comprise a mechanism 306 for raising/lowering the spare tyre to/from the second end of the bracket 502. The mechanism 306 can be accommodated between the two parallel sides of the bracket 502 and lifting chain 402 of the mechanism can run along and between the two parallel sides and pass through a hole at the second end of the bracket 502.
[059] In an embodiment, STC 202 further incorporates the rim mounting bracket 302 that works as means to self-centre and guide the spare tyre 102 as it is being lifted and lowered and prevent possible damage to the tank 204. The rim mounting bracket 302 can be fitted at the second end of the bracket 502 as shown in FIG. 5.
[060] In implementation, the STC 202 incorporating the mechanism 306 can be fitted on side face of the chassis frame of the vehicle with required bolts and nuts. Thereafter, the tank 204 can be inserted from bottom side of the STC 202 and positioned at its designated mounting position. The tank 204 can be fixed to the STC 202 with help of bolts through the flanges 304 (FIG. 3). After which the rim mounting bracket 302 can be fastened to the second end of the bracket 502. Thereafter mechanism chain 402 can be attached to the spare tyre 102 and the mechanism 306 operated to lift and position the spare tyre 102 on the STC 202.
[061] Thus the present disclosure provides a packaging solution for urea solution tank on small wheelbase heavy vehicles by utilizing space in the rim that was hitherto unutilized. The proposed packaging solution reduces number of parts with corresponding impact on assembly time with attended cost benefit.
[062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[063] ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[064] The present disclosure provides a packaging solution for urea solution tank on small wheelbase heavy vehicles.
[065] The present disclosure accommodates urea solution tank within a space that was hitherto unutilized.
[066] The present disclosure provides packaging of urea solution tank with spare tyre and its carrier to overcome space constrain in small wheelbase heavy vehicles.
[067] The present disclosure ensures adequate protection for the urea solution tank to avoid its damage.
[068] The present disclosure reduces number of mounting parts while packaging urea solution tank with spare tyre and its carrier.
[069] The present disclosure provides a common mounting bracket for urea solution tank and STC that meets all functional requirements.