Fixing device for automotive CNG (compressed natural gas) cylinder

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle CNG cylinder fixing device which comprises a supporting mechanism and a fixing mechanism, the supporting mechanism comprises a supporting bracket and a mounting bracket which are symmetrically arranged, and the mounting bracket comprises at least two connecting plates and a mounting plate; the fixing mechanism comprises a lower fixing assembly and an upper fixing assembly; the contact face of the mounting plate and the lower fixing assembly is arranged in a profiling mode, the lower fixing assembly is connected with the supporting supports on the two sides through reinforcing patches, and the CNG cylinder is locked by the upper fixing assembly and the lower fixing assembly. According to the automobile CNG cylinder fixing device, the supporting bracket is fixed to an automobile, the lower fixing assembly is fixedly connected to the supporting bracket, the fastening assembly is used for enabling the upper fixing assembly and the lower fixing assembly to surround the automobile CNG cylinder, and the automobile CNG cylinder is fixed to the automobile through the multiple sets of fixing devices; and the contact surface of the mounting plate and the lower fixing assembly is arranged in a profiling manner, so that the fixing mechanism is better attached to the automotive CNG cylinder, and relative movement caused by looseness of the automotive CNG cylinder is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field related to the installation of CNG gas cylinders, and in particular to a fixing device for a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] CNG cylinders are high-pressure containers used to store compressed natural gas. Such high-pressure containers filled with flammable and explosive gases are explosive-hazardous pressure vessels. Generally, the gas storage pressure of vehicle cylinders is 20MPa. With the diversification of market demand for CNG heavy trucks and the actual requirements of vehicle range, CNG cylinders have a variety of layout forms. Due to the overall space of the vehicle, it is often necessary to arrange multiple CNG cylinders in some areas of the vehicle at the same time.

[0003] At present, for the fixing method of CNG gas cylinder, an integral base is usually used, and a strap with a drawstring structure is used, and the CNG gas cylinder is fixed to the vehicle by wrapping the drawstring around the drawpins at both ends.

[0004] However, the toughness and fixation of the drawstring hoop are poor, which causes the CNG cylinder to easily move slightly forward and backward and axially during vehicle acceleration and deceleration. At the same time, the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle will increase the wear on the drawstring, which will lead to hidden dangers in the fixation of the CNG cylinder. Summary of the invention

[0005] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a fixing device for a CNG cylinder for a vehicle, aiming to solve the problem that the current drawstring hoop has poor toughness and fixation, which makes the CNG cylinder easy to move slightly forward and backward and axially during vehicle acceleration and deceleration. At the same time, the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle will increase the wear on the drawstring, which in turn leads to hidden dangers in the fixation of the CNG cylinder.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a fixing device for a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle, the fixing device for a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle comprising a supporting mechanism and a fixing mechanism arranged on the supporting mechanism:

[0007] The support mechanism comprises symmetrically arranged support brackets and a mounting bracket arranged between the two symmetrical brackets, wherein the mounting bracket comprises at least two connecting plates connecting the support brackets on both sides and a mounting plate arranged between the two connecting plates;

[0008] A fixing mechanism, comprising a lower fixing assembly fixed to the mounting bracket, and an upper fixing assembly movably connected to the lower fixing assembly;

[0009] The mounting plate is configured to conform to the contact surface of the lower fixing assembly, the lower fixing assembly is fixedly connected to the supporting brackets on both sides via a reinforcing patch, and the upper fixing assembly and the lower fixing assembly are used to lock the CNG cylinder.

[0010] In summary, according to the present invention, a fixing device for a CNG cylinder for a vehicle is fixed on a vehicle by using a supporting bracket, and a lower fixing component is arranged on the supporting bracket by a fixed connection, and a fastening component is used to fix the upper fixing component and the lower fixing component in a way of surrounding the CNG cylinder for a vehicle, and a plurality of fixing devices are used to fix the CNG cylinder for a vehicle on the vehicle, and at the same time, the contact surface of the mounting plate and the lower fixing component is configured to better fit the fixing mechanism and the CNG cylinder for a vehicle, so as to avoid the relative movement caused by the loosening of the CNG cylinder for a vehicle. Specifically, the supporting mechanism includes a symmetrically arranged supporting bracket, and a mounting bracket arranged between two symmetrical brackets, the mounting bracket includes at least two connecting plates connecting the supporting brackets on both sides, and a mounting plate arranged between the two connecting plates, the fixing mechanism includes a lower fixing component fixed on the mounting bracket, and an upper fixing component movably connected to the lower fixing component, the mounting bracket is used to connect the supporting brackets on both sides to enhance the stability of the supporting mechanism, and the contact surface of the mounting plate and the lower fixing component is configured to fit the mounting plate and the lower fixing component, thereby improving the fit of the fixing mechanism.

[0011] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the lower fixing assembly includes a lower hoop belt and a lower protective cover sleeved on the surface of the lower hoop belt, and one end of the lower hoop belt away from the upper fixing assembly is connected to the mounting plate.

[0012] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, both ends of the lower hoop band are bent toward the direction of the supporting bracket to respectively form a lower annular groove and a lower connecting plate for connecting the upper fixing assembly.

[0013] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, a lower connecting bolt is provided in the lower annular groove, and the connecting bolt is used to connect the upper fixing component through a fastener.

[0014] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the upper fixing assembly includes an upper hoop band, and an upper protective sleeve sleeved on the upper hoop band, and the upper protective sleeve is arranged on a side of the upper hoop band close to the CNG cylinder.

[0015] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, both ends of the upper hoop band are bent in a direction away from the supporting bracket to respectively form an upper hoop groove and an upper connecting plate for connecting the lower hoop band.

[0016] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, an upper connecting bolt is provided in the upper ring groove, and the upper connecting bolt and the lower connecting bolt are movably connected via a fastener.

[0017] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the support bracket includes an L-shaped bracket, reinforcement plates arranged on both sides of the L-shaped bracket, and the L-shaped bracket is connected to the vehicle through a fastening clip.

[0018] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, at least two mounting plates are provided between the L-shaped brackets to support the two sides of the lower hoop belt.

[0019] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, any of the mounting plates is provided with a top corner for leaning against the L-shaped bracket.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an assembly of a fixing device for a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle and a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a fixing device for a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of an upper fixing assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a lower fixing assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of a support mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Component symbol description:

[0027] Support mechanism 100, support bracket 110, L-shaped bracket 111, reinforcement plate 112, mounting bracket 120, connecting plate 121, mounting plate 122, fixing mechanism 200, upper fixing assembly 210, upper hoop band 211, upper protective cover 212, upper annular groove 213, upper connecting plate 214, upper connecting bolt 215, lower fixing assembly 220, lower hoop band 221, lower protective cover 222, lower annular groove 223, lower connecting plate 224, lower connecting bolt 225, reinforcement patch 300, fastener 400, vehicle CNG cylinder 500. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the relevant drawings. Several embodiments of the present invention are given in the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and comprehensive.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0031] See also Figure 1-Figure 5 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing device for a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle provided in one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fixing device for a CNG gas cylinder for a vehicle comprises a supporting mechanism 100 and a fixing mechanism 200 disposed on the supporting mechanism 100, wherein:

[0032] In order to fix the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 on the vehicle, a support mechanism 100 is proposed in this embodiment. By arranging multiple groups of the support mechanisms 100 along the length direction of the vehicle CNG cylinder 500, it is ensured that the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 and the vehicle body do not move relative to each other.

[0033] The supporting mechanism 100 includes supporting brackets 110 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the vehicle CNG cylinder 500, and a mounting bracket 120 arranged between the two supporting brackets 110. At the same time, in order to ensure the connectivity and stability of the symmetrically arranged mounting brackets 120, the mounting bracket 120 includes at least two connecting plates 121 connecting the supporting brackets 110 on both sides, and a mounting plate 122 arranged between the connecting plates 121. The connecting plates 121 are arranged on the side edges of the supporting brackets 110. The connecting plates 121 and the supporting brackets 110 arranged in pairs together constitute a group of bases for supporting the vehicle CNG cylinder 500.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to enable the support bracket 110 to support the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 while being connected to the vehicle body, the support bracket 110 in this embodiment is an L-shaped bracket 111, and the L-shaped bracket 111 is symmetrically provided with a large number of connection holes on both sides of the plate surface of the vehicle body. The support bracket 110 passes through the plate surface through the fastener 400 to be screwed to the vehicle body, thereby stabilizing the support bracket 110 on the vehicle body.

[0035] In order to improve the stability of the support bracket 110, reinforcing plates 112 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the support bracket 110. The reinforcing plates 112 are configured to conform to the inner side of the support bracket 110 to provide supporting force to the two plate surfaces of the support bracket 110 to ensure that the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 will not tip over during transportation.

[0036] Furthermore, for the convenience of installation, the connecting plate 121 may be connected to the supporting brackets 110 at both ends by welding, or by punching holes at both ends of the connecting plate 121 so that the through holes on the connecting plate 121 are aligned with the through holes on the supporting bracket 110, and the connecting plate 121 is locked to the plate surface of the supporting bracket 110 while the supporting bracket 110 is connected to the vehicle body using the fastener 400. In this embodiment, the connection method adopted is to punch holes on the connecting plate 121 to facilitate the disassembly and connection of the supporting mechanism 100.

[0037] According to another aspect of the above technical solution, in order to further improve the stability of the support bracket 110, the connecting plate 121 and the reinforcing plate 112 may be connected by welding or screwing to provide sufficient supporting force for the vehicle CNG cylinder 500.

[0038] Preferably, a mounting plate 122 is further provided between the two connecting plates 121. In order to fix the fixing mechanism 200 on the mounting plate 122, the mounting plate 122 in this embodiment is linearly arranged at one end away from the fixing mechanism 200, and an arc surface is arranged at one end close to the fixing mechanism 200, and the arc surface is arranged in a contour with the fixing mechanism 200. When the two ends of the mounting are respectively against the inner corners of the support bracket 110, the mounting plate 122 and the support bracket 110 can be connected as a whole by welding or screw connection. At the same time, in order to increase the stress between the mounting plate 122 and the support bracket 110, the mounting plate 122 also extends a top edge at the end away from the fixing mechanism 200, and the top angles at both ends of the top edge are against the edge of the board surface of the support bracket 110 set on the vehicle body, which is conducive to improving the stability of the support mechanism 100.

[0039] In order to fix the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 on the support bracket 110, the fixing mechanism 200 in this embodiment includes a lower fixing component 220 fixed on the mounting plate 122, and an upper fixing component 210 movably connected to the lower fixing component 220. The upper fixing component 210 and the lower fixing component 220 are both configured to conform to the vehicle CNG cylinder 500, and the degree of curvature thereof fits the circumferential surface of the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 to reduce the gap between the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 and enhance the fit.

[0040] The fixing mechanism 200 in this embodiment fixes the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 in the following manner: the lower fixing assembly 220 is fixed to the support bracket 110. At this time, the upper fixing assembly 210 is completely separated from the lower fixing assembly 220, and the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 is placed on the lower fixing assembly 220. Finally, the upper fixing assembly 210 and the lower fixing assembly 220 are locked to the body of the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 using the fastener 400.

[0041] In order to fix the lower fixing assembly 220 on the support bracket 110, in addition to the original mounting plate 122 that matches the curvature of the lower fixing assembly 220, a reinforcing patch 300 is provided on both sides of the lower fixing assembly 220. The lower fixing assembly 220 includes a lower hoop band 221 and a lower protective cover 222 sleeved on the surface of the lower hoop band 221. The end of the lower hoop band 221 away from the upper fixing assembly 210 is connected to the mounting plate 122. The connection method in this embodiment is welding, and the lower surface of the lower hoop band 221 and the mounting plate 122 are connected as a whole by welding. At the same time, reinforcing iron sheets are provided on both sides of the lower hoop band 221. Half of the reinforcing patch 300 is welded to the side of the board surface of the support bracket 110, and the other half is welded to the lower surface of the lower hoop band 221, so as to increase the connection stability between the lower hoop band 221 and the support bracket 110. The mounting plate 122 and the supporting bracket 110, the mounting plate 122 and the lower hoop band 221, and the supporting bracket 110 and the lower hoop band 221 are welded in pairs to improve the stability of the fixing device and avoid relative sliding between the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 and the vehicle body during vehicle transportation.

[0042] In order to reduce the wear between the lower hoop band 221 and the vehicle CNG cylinder 500, a protective sleeve is wrapped on the upper surface of the lower hoop band 221 (i.e., the contact surface with the vehicle CNG cylinder 500). The protective sleeve is usually made of rubber or other materials to cover the lower hoop band to increase the friction between the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 and the lower hoop band 221, to prevent the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 from sliding relative to the lower hoop band 221 and the upper hoop 211, and to prevent the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 from falling off. At the same time, the rubber material can also increase the friction between the body of the vehicle CNG cylinder 500, solving the problem of axial movement of the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 in the traditional transportation method.

[0043] Preferably, the two ends of the lower hoop band 221 are bent toward the direction of the support bracket 110 to form a lower annular groove 223 and a lower connecting plate 224 for the upper fixing assembly 210, respectively. The middle section of the lower annular groove 223 is hollowed out to avoid the fastener 400 and is used to connect with the upper fixing assembly 210. The lower annular groove 223 is used to place the lower connecting bolt 225, and the fastener 400 passes through the lower connecting bolt 225. It is worth emphasizing that the side of the lower connecting bolt 225 away from the upper fixing assembly 210 is flat, so that the nut of the fastener 400 abuts against the plane. The lower connecting plate 224 is in a horizontal state to support the upper fixing assembly 210.

[0044] Similarly, the upper fixing assembly 210 includes an upper hoop band 211 and an upper protective cover 212 sleeved on the upper hoop band 211. The two ends of the upper hoop band 211 are bent in a direction away from the support bracket 110 to form an upper ring groove 213 and an upper connecting plate 214 connected to the lower hoop band 221. The upper ring groove 213 is hollowed out in the middle to avoid the fastener 400, and an upper connecting bolt 215 is also provided inside. The side of the upper connecting bolt 215 away from the lower connecting bolt 225 is also plane-processed to abut against the nut. After the fastener 400 is used to penetrate the upper connecting bolt 215 and the lower connecting brush, the upper connecting plate 214 and the lower connecting plate 224 are screwed together on the other side of the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 using the fastener 400. When the upper connecting plate 214 and the lower connecting plate 224 are connected on one side, the assembly process is relatively simple. The protective cover provided on the upper hoop band 211 has the same function as the protective cover provided on the lower hoop band 221 , and both are used to increase the friction force with the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 .

[0045] In addition, it is worth emphasizing that in the present embodiment, the lower hoop band 221 is wider than the upper hoop band 211. The lower hoop band 221 provides sufficient width for fixing the gas cylinder, and is easier to deform and hold the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 at a lower cost, so as to prevent the vehicle CNG cylinder 500 from moving axially and radially.

[0046] In summary, according to the present invention, a fixing device for a CNG cylinder for a vehicle is fixed on a vehicle by using a supporting bracket, and a lower fixing component is arranged on the supporting bracket by a fixed connection, and a fastening component is used to fix the upper fixing component and the lower fixing component in a way of surrounding the CNG cylinder for a vehicle, and a plurality of fixing devices are used to fix the CNG cylinder for a vehicle on the vehicle, and at the same time, the contact surface of the mounting plate and the lower fixing component is configured to better fit the fixing mechanism and the CNG cylinder for a vehicle, so as to avoid the relative movement caused by the loosening of the CNG cylinder for a vehicle. Specifically, the supporting mechanism includes a symmetrically arranged supporting bracket, and a mounting bracket arranged between two symmetrical brackets, the mounting bracket includes at least two connecting plates connecting the supporting brackets on both sides, and a mounting plate arranged between the two connecting plates, the fixing mechanism includes a lower fixing component fixed on the mounting bracket, and an upper fixing component movably connected to the lower fixing component, the mounting bracket is used to connect the supporting brackets on both sides to enhance the stability of the supporting mechanism, and the contact surface of the mounting plate and the lower fixing component is configured to fit the mounting plate and the lower fixing component, thereby improving the fit of the fixing mechanism.

[0047] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0048] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the patent of the present invention. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this field, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, which all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A fixing device for a CNG cylinder for a vehicle, characterized in that: The fixing device of the vehicle CNG cylinder comprises a supporting mechanism and a fixing mechanism arranged on the supporting mechanism: The support mechanism comprises symmetrically arranged support brackets and a mounting bracket arranged between the two support brackets, wherein the mounting bracket comprises at least two connecting plates connecting the support brackets on both sides and a mounting plate arranged between the two connecting plates; A fixing mechanism, comprising a lower fixing assembly fixed to the mounting bracket, and an upper fixing assembly movably connected to the lower fixing assembly; The mounting plate is configured to conform to the contact surface of the lower fixing assembly, the lower fixing assembly is fixedly connected to the supporting brackets on both sides via a reinforcing patch, and the upper fixing assembly and the lower fixing assembly are used to lock the CNG cylinder.

2. The fixing device for CNG cylinder for vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower fixing assembly comprises a lower hoop belt and a lower protective cover sleeved on the surface of the lower hoop belt. One end of the lower hoop belt away from the upper fixing assembly is connected to the mounting plate.

3. The fixing device for CNG cylinder for vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both ends of the lower hoop band are bent toward the direction of the supporting bracket to respectively form a lower ring groove and a lower connecting plate for connecting the upper fixing assembly.

4. The fixing device for CNG cylinder for vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: A lower connecting bolt is arranged in the lower annular groove, and the connecting bolt is used to connect the upper fixing assembly through a fastener.

5. The fixing device for CNG cylinder for vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper fixing assembly comprises an upper hoop band and an upper protective sleeve sleeved on the upper hoop band, wherein the upper protective sleeve is arranged on a side of the upper hoop band close to the CNG cylinder.

6. The fixing device for CNG cylinder for vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two ends of the upper hoop band are bent in a direction away from the supporting bracket to respectively form an upper ring groove and an upper connecting plate for connecting the lower hoop band.

7. The fixing device for a CNG cylinder for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: An upper connecting bolt is arranged in the upper ring groove, and the upper connecting bolt and the lower connecting bolt are movably connected through a fastener.

8. The fixing device for CNG cylinder for vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support bracket includes an L-shaped bracket, reinforcement plates arranged on both sides of the L-shaped bracket, and the L-shaped bracket is connected to the vehicle through a fastening clip.

9. The fixing device for CNG cylinder for vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: At least two mounting plates are arranged between the L-shaped brackets to support the two sides of the lower hoop belt.

10. The fixing device for a CNG cylinder for a vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: Any of the mounting plates is provided with a top corner for leaning against the L-shaped bracket.

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