TAILGATE WITH STRUCTURALLY INTEGRATED CNG SYSTEM

Abstract

A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.

Claims

1.-11. (canceled)

12. A refuse vehicle tailgate fuel tank assembly: a frame comprising: a pair of first and second side beams; a plurality of cross beams, each of the plurality of cross beams extending across a space between the first and second side beams and structurally connecting the first side beam to the second side beam; a first plurality of tank-support blocks coupled to and distributed along a length of the first side beam to define a first curved path; and a second plurality of tank-support blocks coupled to and distributed along a length of the second side beam to define a second curved path that is parallel to the first curved path; and a plurality of compressed natural gas tanks coupled to and supported by the frame, each of the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks extending across the space between the first and second side beams and connected to a respective one of the first plurality of tank-support blocks and a respective one of the second plurality of tank-support blocks, such that the compressed natural gas tanks are arranged one-after-another and side-by-side along the first and second curved paths from a leading tank to a trailing tank.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks consists of all compressed natural gas tanks coupled to and supported by the frame.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks consists of seven tanks.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the frame is configured to secure the assembly to a transport vehicle.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the transport vehicle is a refuse vehicle.

17. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are configured to be received within a chamber of a refuse vehicle tailgate.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the first and second pluralities of tank-support blocks are distributed such that, when the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are received within the chamber, the first and second curved paths extend from a top of the tailgate to a bottom of the tailgate.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks is arranged such that, when the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are received within the chamber, the leading tank resides between a pair of tailgate hinges.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein at least one of the plurality of cross beams extends across the space such that, when the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are received within the chamber, the at least one cross beam is engageable with a tailgate cover via one or more mechanical fasteners.

21. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks is arranged such that, when the tailgate resides in a closed position, at least one tank overlies at least one other tank.

22. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second curved paths are convex arcuate paths.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein each of the first and second side beams includes a convex arcuate section and a non-arcuate section.

24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein each of the first and second side beams comprises a series of apertures distributed along the length of the side beam.

25. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second pluralities of tank-support blocks comprise saddle blocks.

26. The assembly of claim 12, wherein a total number of tanks in the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks is greater than a total number of cross beams in the plurality of cross beams, and wherein the plurality of cross beams resides longitudinally between the leading tank and the trailing tank.

27. A refuse vehicle tailgate fuel tank assembly: a frame comprising: a plurality of side beams, a plurality of cross beams, each of the cross beams fastened to at least one of the plurality of side beams, and a plurality of tank-support blocks, each of the tank-support blocks fastened to at least one of the plurality of side beams; and a plurality of compressed natural gas tanks, each of the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks oriented parallel to the plurality of cross beams and connected to at least one of the tank-support blocks, such that all of the compressed natural gas tanks coupled to and supported by the frame are arranged one-after-another and side-by-side along a curved path from a leading tank to a trailing tank.

28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks consists of seven tanks.

29. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the frame is configured to secure the assembly to a transport vehicle.

30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the transport vehicle is a refuse vehicle.

31. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are configured to be received within a chamber of a refuse vehicle tailgate.

32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks is arranged such that, when the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are received within the chamber, the curved path extends from a top of the tailgate to a bottom of the tailgate.

33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks is arranged such that, when the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are received within the chamber, the leading tank resides between a pair of tailgate hinges.

34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein at least one of the plurality of cross beams is positioned such that, when the frame and the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks are received within the chamber, the at least one cross beam is engageable with a tailgate cover via one or more mechanical fasteners.

35. The assembly of claim 33, wherein the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks is arranged such that, when the tailgate resides in a closed position, at least one tank overlies at least one other tank.

36. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the curved path is a convex arcuate path.

37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the plurality of side beams consists of first and second side beams, each of the first and second side beams including a convex arcuate section and a non-arcuate section.

38. The assembly of claim 27, wherein each side beam of the plurality of side beams comprises a series of apertures distributed along a length of the side beam.

39. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the plurality of tank-support blocks comprises saddle blocks.

40. A fuel tank assembly for a refuse vehicle tailgate: a frame comprising: a pair of first and second longitudinally elongated and arcuate side beams, each of the first and second side beams comprising an arcuate section and a non-arcuate section; a plurality of cross beams, each of the plurality of cross beams extending across a space between the first and second arcuate side beams and structurally connecting the first arcuate side beam to the second arcuate side beam; and a first plurality of tank-support blocks coupled to and distributed along a length of the first arcuate side beam; and a second plurality of tank-support blocks coupled to and distributed along a length of the second arcuate side beam; and a plurality of compressed natural gas tanks coupled to and supported by the frame, each of the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks extending across the space between the side beams and connected at least one of the first plurality of tank-support blocks and at least one of the second plurality of tank-support blocks, such that the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks follows the first and second arcuate side beams along an arcuate path from a leading tank to a trailing tank, wherein a total number of tanks in the plurality of compressed natural gas tanks is greater than a total number of cross beams in the plurality of cross beams, and wherein the plurality of cross beams resides longitudinally between the leading tank and the trailing tank.

41. A refuse vehicle tailgate fuel tank assembly: frame means; and a plurality of compressed natural gas tanks coupled to the frame means such that all of the compressed natural gas tanks supported by the frame means are arranged one-after-another and side-by-side along a curved path from a leading tank to a trailing tank.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle with a tailgate design of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a view like FIG. 1 with the tailgate in a raised position.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tailgate of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tailgate of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the support structure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 along lines 6-6.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of FIG. 6 in a second state.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of FIG. 5 along line 8-8.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame assembly with the tanks mounted on the frame assembly.

[0020] FIG. 10A is a top plan view of the CNG hi-pressure hose routing.

[0021] FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of FIG. 10A.

[0022] FIG. 11A is a top plan view of the hi-pressure hose routing with the tailgate in a fully raised position.

[0023] FIG. 11B is a side elevation view FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Turning to the figures, a refuse vehicle is illustrated and designated with the reference numeral 10. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis 12 with a cab 14, a refuse container 16 and tailgate 20. The chassis 12 includes a frame 22 that receives the refuse container 16 as well as wheels 24 that provide for mobility of the vehicle.

[0026] The tailgate 20 is secured to the container 16 by hinges 26. The hinges 26 are connected around pivot pins 28 so that the tailgate 20 can rotate with respect to the refuse container 16. In order to rotate, a pair of lift cylinders 30 is on each side of the tailgate 20. The lift cylinders 30 are coupled with the tailgate so that for opening of the container 16, the cylinders 30 are actuated which, in turn, pivot the tailgate 20 about the pivots pins 28 via the hinges 26 as seen in FIG. 2.

[0027] The tailgate 20 includes a cover 40, framework 42 and a plurality of CNG tanks 44. The cover 40 includes a front portion 46, a top portion 48, side portions 50, 52, a back portion 54, and bottom portion 56. The cover portions 46-56 surround the framework 42 and tanks 44 to prevent access to the tanks 44.

[0028] The framework 42 includes a pair of side beams 58, 60 which are substantially identical. Thus, the explanation of one will apply to both the side beams 58, 60. A plurality of cross beams 62 connects the side beams 58, 60 together. The side beams 58, 60 have a first portion 64 and a second portion 66. The first portion 64 is angled with respect to the second portion 66. The second portion 66 has an overall arcuate design and curves longitudinally between the top and bottom of the tailgate 20. The first portion 64 is planar and is at the top of the tailgate 20. The hinges 26 are secured with the reinforcement member 70. A plurality of saddle blocks 68 receives the ends 69 of the tanks 44. The saddle blocks 68 maintain the tanks 44 on the framework 42. The saddle blocks 68 are fastened to the side beams 58, 60. Additionally, by combining the tanks 44 with the side beams 58, 60 and tailgate structure 42, this creates a desirable shape with a strong lightweight design.

[0029] The cover side portions 50, 52 include an outer reinforcement member 70. The side portions 50, 52 include a body 72 attached to the reinforcement member 70. The body 72 has an overall arcuate edge 74, which follows the side beams 58, 60, that mate with the front and bottom cover portions 46, 56. The body portion 72 includes a planar top edge 76 that couples with the top cover portion 48. The side covers 50, 52 include a plurality of apertures 78 that enable access to the tanks 44 for filling and inspection purposes. A plurality of cross members 80 are secured between the side members 50, 52. The cross members 80 enable the cover portions 46, 48, and 56 to be secured, such as bolted to the cross members 80.

[0030] The top cover portion 48 has an overall L-shape following the contour of the straight edge 76 of the cover side portions 50, 52 as well as an additional edge that is perpendicular to the top edge 76. The cover portion 46 has an overall rectangular design and can be bolted or riveted or the like to the cross members 80. The bottom cover portion 56 has an overall L-shape for following the contour of the arcuate portion of the side walls as well as the straight edge or the planar bottom portion of the sidewalls 50, 52.

[0031] Thus, the tailgate 20 includes a chamber 90 defined by the cover portions 46-56 for housing the tanks 44. The chamber 90 has an arcuate portion 92 as well as a straight top portion 94. The chamber top portion 94 enables an additional tank to be positioned at the top of the tailgate 20. This provides for an additional volume of natural gas.

[0032] Thus, the cover portions 46-56 provide an aesthetic appearance to the tailgate 20. Also, the tailgate 20 does not extend above the height of the refuse vehicle. Additionally, the tanks 44 are provided at the rear of the vehicle reducing the weight on the front axle. Also, the tailgate 20 can be raised and lowered without any obstruction to the container.

[0033] Turning to FIGS. 5-9, an additional reinforcement structure of the framework side beams 58, 60 and cross beams 62 will be discussed.

[0034] The first portion 64 of the side beams 58, 60 includes a top flange 102 and a side wall 106. A first gusset 104 is welded to the top flange 102 and the sidewall 106 as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9. The first gusset 104 is aligned on the side beams 58, 60 so that they are positioned under the saddle blocks 68. Additionally, a second gusset 108 is welded with the top flange 102, sidewall 106 and the cross beam 62. This is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9.

[0035] The first gusset 104 has various shapes and is illustrated as a polygonal configuration. The gusset 108 includes a first edge 110 and a second edge 112. The first and second edges 110, 112 are welded or the like to the top flange 102 and side wall 106. Thus, the gusset 104 provides additional strength to control deformation and stress in the structure. The gusset 104 includes a tear shaped aperture 114. The tear shape aperture 114 includes a circular portion 116 and a channel portion 118. As shown, the gusset 104 includes a tapered edge 120 that tapers between sides 122 and 124. The channel portion 118 of the aperture 114 extends from the circular portion 116 out to the tapered edge 120. This divides the tapered edge 120 and provides a gap creating two portions of the gusset 126, 128. As illustrated in FIG. 7, as a load is applied to the frame structure, the gusset 104 deforms to control the stress in the structure. The gusset 104 deforms such that the first and second portion 126, 128 of the gusset close the gap created by the channel portion 118 of the aperture 114. Thus, the gusset 104 controls deformation and keeps stress lower in the area even if a 20G load is applied onto the structure.

[0036] The second gusset 108 has an overall polygonal configuration. The second gusset 108 includes first and second edges 140, 142 which are secured to flange 102 and side wall 106, respectively, as described above. The first and second edges 140, 142 are welded to the top flange 102 and side wall 106. Additionally, the bottom edge 144 of the second gusset 104 is welded to the cross beam 62. The second gusset 104 includes a tear shaped aperture 150 with a circular portion 152 and a channel portion 154. The channel portion 154 extends between the junction of side edges 140, 142. This creates a gap between the first portion 156 and second portion 158 of the second gusset 108. Thus, unlike the gusset 104, the channel portion 154 opens toward the junction or corner of the flange 102 and side wall 106. When a force is applied to the second gusset 108, the gap of the channel portion 154 of the aperture 158 enlarges as the first portion 156 and second portion 158 of the second gussets 108 move apart with respect to one another. Thus, the second gusset 108 controls the deformation and stress in the structure.

[0037] Turning to FIGS. 10 and 11, the hi-pressure CNG hose connection between the vehicle 10 and the tailgate 20 is illustrated. Here, a flexible hi-pressure CNG hose 200 is connected between the tailgate 20 and the collection bin 16. The rear portion 202 of the frame structure includes an aperture 204. The aperture 204 extends toward the cover portion 48 as well as towards the bottom of the tailgate. Thus, the aperture 204 is L-shaped with a horizontal leg 208 on the top edge and a vertical leg 210 on the side edge of the rear portion 202. One end 212 of the hi-pressure CNG hose 200 connects with a fitting 214 extending through the aperture 206. The other end 216 of the hi-pressure CNG hose 200 connects with a tube 218 that extends from the collection bin 16. When the tailgate 20 moves between an opened and a closed position, the hi-pressure CNG hose connection is not affected due to the movement of the flexible hi-pressure CNG hose 200. As the tailgate 20 moves, the flexible hi-pressure CNG hose 200 moves in two planes (horizontal and vertical). In the tailgate closed position (FIGS. 10A and 10B), the hi-pressure CNG hose 200 is positioned with one end 230 adjacent the tailgate vertically above the bin 16. The U-shaped portion 232 is positioned on top of the container bin 16. When the tailgate is in a fully opened position (FIG. 11A, 11B), the hi-pressure CNG hose end 230 adjacent the tailgate, rotates to move horizontally above the collection bin 16. The U-shaped portion 232 moves vertically upward away from the collection bin 16. This prevents the hi-pressure CNG hose 200 from exceeding a minimum bend radius or a twisting effect that would loosen the CNG fittings. Thus, the flexible hi-pressure CNG hose 200 provides movement for opening and closing movement of the tailgate 20. The flexible hi-pressure CNG hose 200 enables continuous connection between the CNG fuel system of the vehicle and the tailgate. Thus, the flexibility of the hi-pressure CNG hose 200 enables opening and closing of the tailgate without disconnection or termination of the CNG fuel system from the tailgate to the vehicle. Also, a shield 234 covers the hi-pressure CNG hose.

[0038] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.