JP7618486B2 - Air tank module mounting structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air tank module mounting structure for mounting an air tank and an air dryer to a frame extending in the fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle.

Trucks and other vehicles use compressed air sent from an air compressor to control systems such as brakes. However, if compressed air containing moisture and oil gets into each system, it can cause malfunctions such as rust. For this reason, such vehicles are equipped with an air tank that stores compressed air, as well as an air dryer that removes moisture and oil from the compressed air. The air tank is usually supported by an air tank support bracket that is fixed to a frame (side rail) that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the air dryer is usually supported by an air dryer support bracket that is fixed to a frame (side rail) that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 22010-254009 A

However, if the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are attached separately to the frame, it is necessary to perform positioning on the frame for each of the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket. This results in a problem of many work steps and poor workability. Therefore, from the perspective of improving workability, it is conceivable to attach the air tank and air dryer to the frame as a whole using an integrated bracket that integrates the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket.

However, because there are multiple types of air tanks and air dryers with different sizes, etc., it is necessary to prepare a number of integrated brackets equal to the number of types of air tanks multiplied by the number of types of air dryers. This creates the problem of high costs.

The present invention aims to provide an air tank module mounting structure that can reduce costs and improve workability.

The air tank module mounting structure of the present invention is an air tank module mounting structure for mounting an air tank and an air dryer to a frame extending in the fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle, and includes an air tank support bracket fixed to the frame and extending in the vehicle width direction to support the air tank, an air dryer support bracket fixed to the frame and extending in the vehicle width direction to support the air dryer, and a connection bracket connected to the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket, and the connection bracket is detachably connected to at least one of the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket.

In this air tank module mounting structure, the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are connected by a connection bracket. Therefore, when mounting the air tank module to the frame, the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are connected by the connection bracket and mounted to the frame, which improves workability compared to mounting the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket separately to the frame. Moreover, the connection bracket is detachably connected to at least one of the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket. Therefore, when mounting the air tank module to the frame, it is only necessary to prepare air tank support brackets and air dryer support brackets for each type of air tank and air dryer. This reduces costs compared to using an integrated bracket in which the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are integrated.

The connection bracket may be fixed to the frame. In this air tank module mounting structure, the connection bracket is fixed to the frame, thereby firmly connecting the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket.

The air dryer support bracket has a fixed part fixed to the frame and a support part extending from the fixed part in the opposite direction to the frame to support the air dryer, and the connection bracket has a first air dryer side connection part detachably connected to the fixed part and a second air dryer side connection part detachably connected to the fixed part below the first air dryer side connection part in the vehicle vertical direction, and the first air dryer side connection part may be arranged on the support part side of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection part may be arranged on the opposite side of the support part of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction.

In this air tank module mounting structure, the first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion of the connection bracket are detachably connected to the fixed portion of the air dryer support bracket, the first air dryer side connection portion is disposed on the support portion side of the fixed portion in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection portion, which is located lower than the first air dryer side connection portion, is disposed on the opposite side of the support portion of the fixed portion in the vehicle width direction. Here, a load acts on the air dryer support bracket in the rotational direction based on the connection position between the first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion. In particular, the load acting on the air dryer support bracket becomes large as the air dryer support bracket supports the air dryer. For this reason, the first air dryer side connection portion is disposed on the support portion side of the fixed portion in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection portion is disposed on the opposite side of the support portion of the fixed portion in the vehicle width direction, so that the load acting on the air dryer support bracket is received by the first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion. As a result, the fixing portion is engaged with the first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion, temporarily fixing the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket. This improves the ease of work when fixing the air dryer support bracket to the frame.

The connection bracket may have an air tank side connection portion connected to the air tank support bracket, a first air dryer side connection portion protruding from the air tank side connection portion, and a second air dryer side connection portion protruding from the air tank side connection portion below the first air dryer side connection portion in the vehicle vertical direction. In this air tank module mounting structure, the first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion protrude from the air tank side connection portion, so that the positional relationship between the first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion and the fixing portion described above can be easily formed.

The first air dryer side connection portion may have a first bolt, the fixing portion may have a first penetration portion into which the first bolt is inserted, and the second air dryer side connection portion may have a second penetration portion, and the fixing portion may have a second bolt inserted into the second penetration portion. In this air tank module mounting structure, the air dryer support bracket can be supported by the connection bracket by inserting the first bolt into the first penetration portion and the second bolt into the second penetration portion. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket before fixing the air dryer support bracket to the frame.

The first air dryer side connection portion and the air dryer support bracket may be fastened to the frame by a first bolt, and the second air dryer side connection portion and the air dryer support bracket may be fastened to the frame by a second bolt. In this air tank module mounting structure, the first air dryer side connection portion and the air dryer support bracket are fastened to the frame by a first bolt, and the second air dryer side connection portion and the air dryer support bracket are fastened to the frame by a second bolt, so that the air dryer support bracket can be firmly fixed to the frame and it is easy to perform everything from temporarily fastening the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket to fixing the connection bracket and the air dryer support bracket to the frame.

The second penetration portion may be open downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In this air tank module mounting structure, since the second penetration portion is open downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the second bolt can be inserted into the second penetration portion by inserting the first bolt into the first penetration portion and rotating the air dryer support bracket so as to tilt it in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the connection bracket. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket.

The second penetration portion may be open on the opposite side to the air tank support bracket in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In this air tank module mounting structure, the second bolt can be inserted into the second penetration portion by rotating the air dryer support bracket around the axis of the first bolt while the first bolt is inserted into the first penetration portion. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket.

The present invention makes it possible to suppress cost increases and improve workability.

1 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; 1 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; 1 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; 1 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; 1 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; 1 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the air tank module mounting structure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 7. FIG. An oblique view showing the air dryer support bracket and the auxiliary bracket. 13 is a diagram illustrating temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a connecting bracket. A diagram to explain temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket of another example. A diagram to explain temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket of another example.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In the following description, directions such as up and down refer to directions such as up and down on the vehicle.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the air tank module mounting structure 1 according to this embodiment is a structure for mounting an air tank module 6 to a frame 3 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in a vehicle 2. In addition, in Figures 1 to 6, FR indicates the front in the vehicle front-rear direction, RH indicates the right in the vehicle width direction, and UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction. In addition, in Figures 1 to 3, the air tanks 4, 4 and the air dryer 5 have been removed to make the structure of each bracket easier to see.

The frame 3 is also called a side rail. The vehicle 2 is provided with two frames 3, which are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction so as to face each other. The air tank module 6 is attached to at least one of the two frames 3. In this embodiment, the air tank module 6 is attached to the right frame 3 of the two frames 3.

The air tank module 6 is a module for storing compressed air sent from an air compressor (not shown) and supplying it to each system. The air tank module 6 includes air tanks 4, 4 and an air dryer 5. In addition to the air tanks 4, 4 and the air dryer 5, the air tank module 6 also includes various valves connected to the air tanks 4, 4.

Air tanks 4, 4 are attached to the frame 3 and store compressed air sent from an air compressor (not shown).

The air dryer 5 removes moisture and oil from the compressed air sent from an air compressor (not shown). The air dryer 5 is disposed, for example, upstream of the air tanks 4, 4 in the flow direction of the compressed air.

The air tank module mounting structure 1 comprises air tank support brackets 11A and 11B, a connection bracket 12, an air dryer support bracket 13, an auxiliary bracket 14, and a regulating bracket 15.

Air tank support brackets 11A and 11B are brackets for supporting air tanks 4, 4. Note that air tank support bracket 11A and air tank support bracket 11B have basically the same structure, and therefore will be collectively described below as air tank support bracket 11 unless otherwise specified. Air tank support bracket 11 is fixed to frame 3 to support air tanks 4, 4 and extends to the right RH in the vehicle width direction. Air tank support bracket 11 has a fixing portion 11a fixed to frame 3 and a support portion 11b that supports air tanks 4, 4.

The fixed portion 11a and the support portion 11b are formed in a long and thin arm shape. The fixed portion 11a extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the support portion 11b extends in the vehicle width direction, so that the fixed portion 11a and the support portion 11b are arranged in a substantially L-shape. The support portion 11b extends to the right RH in the vehicle width direction relative to the fixed portion 11a. The fixed portion 11a and the support portion 11b may be connected in a bent manner, or may be connected in a curved manner. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 11a and the support portion 11b are connected in a curved manner.

The fixing portion 11a is fixed to the side of the frame 3. The fixing portion 11a can be fixed to the frame 3 by, for example, bolting or the like. The air tanks 4, 4 can be supported by the support portion 11b, for example, by placing the air tanks 4, 4 on the support portion 11b and fixing the metal band 21 wrapped around the air tanks 4, 4 to the air tank support bracket 11. The metal band 21 can be fixed to the air tank support bracket 11 by, for example, bolting or the like. The metal band 21 is fixed to at least one of the fixing portion 11a and the support portion 11b. .

The air tank support bracket 11 is formed with a U-shaped cross section to increase rigidity. The fixing portion 11a has a base 11d that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle vertical direction so as to face the frame 3 and is bolted to the frame 3, and a pair of flanges 11e, 11e that extend to the right RH in the vehicle width direction from both ends of the base 11d in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The support portion 11b has a base 11f that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction so as to extend from the base 11d of the fixing portion 11a, and a pair of flanges 11g, 11g that extend upward UP in the vehicle vertical direction from both ends of the base 11f in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the air tank module mounting structure. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a connection bracket. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the connection bracket 12 is a bracket that is connected to the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13. In this embodiment, the air dryer 5 is disposed forward FR of the air tank support brackets 11A and 11B in the vehicle longitudinal direction, so the connection bracket 12 is connected to the air tank support bracket 11B. However, if the air dryer 5 is disposed rearward of the air tank support brackets 11A and 11B in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the connection bracket 12 is connected to the air tank support bracket 11A.

The connection bracket 12 is detachably connected to at least one of the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13. In this embodiment, it is detachably connected to at least the air dryer support bracket 13. "Undetachably connected" refers to a connection form that cannot be separated without destruction, such as welding, and "detachably connected" refers to a connection form that can be easily separated, such as bolt fastening.

The connection bracket 12 is fixed to the side of the frame 3. The connection bracket 12 can be fixed to the frame 3 by, for example, bolting. The connection bracket 12 has an air tank side connection part 12a connected to the air tank support bracket 11B, and a first air dryer side connection part 12b and a second air dryer side connection part 12c connected to the air dryer support bracket 13.

The air tank side connection part 12a is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction, and is connected to the base part 11d of the fixing part 11a of the air tank support bracket 11B. The air tank side connection part 12a can be connected to the air tank support bracket 11B by, for example, welding, bolting, etc.

The first air dryer side connection part 12b protrudes from the air tank side connection part 12a and is detachably connected to the air dryer support bracket 13. The first air dryer side connection part 12b has a base part 12b1, an inclined part 12b2, and a tip part 12b3.

The base 12b1 is adjacent to the air tank side connection part 12a and protrudes from the air tank side connection part 12a. The base 12b1 is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction, like the air tank side connection part 12a, and extends forward FR in the vehicle front-rear direction from the air tank side connection part 12a so as to follow the frame 3.

The inclined portion 12b2 is a portion adjacent to the front FR of the base 12b1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The inclined portion 12b2 is formed in a plate shape extending from the base 12b1, and extends from the base 12b1 to the front FR in the vehicle longitudinal direction while inclining to the right RH in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the inclined portion 12b2 is bent or curved with respect to the base 12b1 so as to move away from the frame 3.

The tip portion 12b3 is adjacent to the front FR of the inclined portion 12b2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is a portion that is detachably connected to the air dryer support bracket 13. The tip portion 12b3 is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle vertical direction, and extends from the inclined portion 12b2 to the front FR in the vehicle longitudinal direction at a position separated from the frame 3. When viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction, the tip portion 12b3 is located on the opposite side of the frame 3 to the base portion 12b1.

A first bolt 12d is attached to the tip portion 12b3. The first bolt 12d extends from the tip portion 12b3 toward the frame 3 (to the left in the vehicle width direction). The first bolt 12d may also protrude from the tip portion 12b3 on the side opposite the frame 3. The first bolt 12d can be attached to the tip portion 12b3 by, for example, screwing or welding. In this embodiment, the first bolt 12d is attached to the tip portion 12b3 by being screwed into a screw hole formed in the tip portion 12b3.

The second air dryer side connection part 12c protrudes from the air tank side connection part 12a below the first air dryer side connection part 12b in the vehicle vertical direction and is detachably connected to the air dryer support bracket 13. The second air dryer side connection part 12c is formed at a position spaced downward in the vehicle vertical direction from the first air dryer side connection part 12b. The second air dryer side connection part 12c is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle vertical direction, and extends from the air tank side connection part 12a to the front FR in the vehicle front-rear direction along the frame 3. When viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, the second air dryer side connection part 12c is located on the frame 3 side relative to the tip part 12b3 of the first air dryer side connection part 12b.

The second air dryer side connection portion 12c has a second through portion 12e formed at the tip portion of the front FR in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The second through portion 12e is a through groove into which a second bolt 13g, which will be described later, is inserted. The second through portion 12e is formed, for example, at the same position as the first bolt 12d in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The second through portion 12e is open downward in the vehicle vertical direction. In other words, the second through portion 12e has a shape that is cut out from the bottom in the vehicle vertical direction.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the air dryer support bracket and auxiliary bracket. As shown in Figures 1 to 8 and 10, the air dryer support bracket 13 is a bracket for supporting the air dryer 5. The air dryer support bracket 13 is fixed to the frame 3 and extends in the vehicle width direction to support the air dryer 5. The air dryer support bracket 13 has a fixing portion 13a that is fixed to the frame 3 and is detachably connected to the first air dryer side connection portion 12b and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c of the connection bracket 12, and a support portion 13b that extends from the fixing portion 13a in the opposite direction to the frame 3 (to the right RH in the vehicle width direction) and supports the air dryer 5.

The fixed portion 13a and the support portion 13b are formed in a plate shape. The fixed portion 13a is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction along the frame 3 so that the fixed portion 13a and the support portion 13b are arranged in a substantially L-shape, and the support portion 13b is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction so as to be perpendicular to the frame 3. The support portion 13b extends to the right RH in the vehicle width direction relative to the fixed portion 13a. The fixed portion 13a and the support portion 13b may be connected in a bent manner, or may be connected in a curved manner. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 13a and the support portion 13b are connected in a curved manner.

The fixing portion 13a is fixed to the side of the frame 3 in a state where it overlaps with the first air dryer side connection portion 12b and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c. The fixing portion 13a has a first fixing portion 13c, an inclined portion 13d, and a second fixing portion 13e.

The first fixing portion 13c is connected in an overlapping state to the first air dryer side connection portion 12b and is fixed to the side surface of the frame 3. The first fixing portion 13c is formed in a plate shape that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction along the frame 3.

The first fixing portion 13c has a first through portion 13f. The first through portion 13f is a through hole into which the first bolt 12d attached to the tip portion 12b3 of the first air dryer side connection portion 12b is inserted. The first through portion 13f has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first bolt 12d. Therefore, with the first bolt 12d inserted into the first through portion 13f, it is possible to tilt the air dryer support bracket 13 with respect to the first air dryer side connection portion 12b.

The inclined portion 13d is a portion adjacent to the first fixed portion 13c. The inclined portion 13d is formed in a plate shape extending from the first fixed portion 13c, and extends from the first fixed portion 13c in a direction away from the first fixed portion 13c while inclining to the right RH in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the inclined portion 13d is bent or curved with respect to the first fixed portion 13c so as to move away from the frame 3.

The second fixing portion 13e is adjacent to the inclined portion 13d and is connected in an overlapping state to the second air dryer side connection portion 12c. The second fixing portion 13e is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction, and extends from the inclined portion 12b2 at a position spaced apart from the frame 3. When viewed from the vehicle up-down direction, the second fixing portion 13e is positioned on the opposite side of the frame 3 to the first fixing portion 13c.

A second bolt 13g is attached to the second fixing portion 13e and is inserted into the second through portion 12e. The second bolt 13g extends from the second fixing portion 13e toward the frame 3 (to the left in the vehicle width direction). The second bolt 13g may also protrude from the second fixing portion 13e on the side opposite the frame 3. The second bolt 13g can be attached to the second fixing portion 13e by, for example, screwing or welding. In this embodiment, the second bolt 13g is attached to the second fixing portion 13e by being screwed into a screw hole formed in the second fixing portion 13e.

The connection bracket 12 and the air dryer support bracket 13 are configured so that the first air dryer side connection part 12b is arranged on the support part 13b side of the fixed part 13a (opposite side from the frame 3), and the second air dryer side connection part 12c is arranged on the opposite side from the support part 13b of the fixed part 13a (opposite side from the frame 3).

The first bolt 12d inserted into the first through-hole 13f is fastened to the frame 3, and the second bolt 13g inserted into the second through-hole 12e is fastened to the frame 3. This allows the connection bracket 12 and the air dryer support bracket 13 to be detachably connected, and the first air dryer side connection part 12b, the second air dryer side connection part 12c, and the fixing part 13a to be fixed to the frame 3.

The air dryer 5 can be supported on the support part 13b, for example, by fixing the base part 22 on which the air dryer 5 is placed to the support part 13b and fixing the metal band 23 wrapped around the air dryer 5 to the support part 13b. The base part 22 and the metal band 23 can be fixed to the support part 13b, for example, by bolt fastening.

The auxiliary bracket 14 is a bracket for suppressing bending deformation of the support portion 13b relative to the fixed portion 13a in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The auxiliary bracket 14 is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction, and is fixed at both ends to the fixed portion 13a and the support portion 13b. The auxiliary bracket 14 can be fixed to the fixed portion 13a and the support portion 13b by, for example, welding, bolt fastening, etc. Note that when the auxiliary bracket 14 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first penetration portion 13f of the fixed portion 13a, the portion of the auxiliary bracket 14 corresponding to the first penetration portion 16f is penetrated.

The restricting bracket 15 is a bracket that is connected to the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13 at a position away from the frame 3. The restricting bracket 15 restricts the movement of the air dryer support bracket 13 in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle relative to the air tank support bracket 11B. The restricting bracket 15 also allows the movement of the air dryer support bracket 13 in the up-down direction of the vehicle relative to the air tank support bracket 11B. The restricting bracket 15 has an air tank side fixing portion 15a, an air dryer side fixing portion 15b, and an intermediate portion 15c.

The air tank side fixing part 15a is fixed to the air tank support bracket 11B. For example, the air tank side fixing part 15a is fixed to the base 11f of the support part 11b of the air tank support bracket 11B in a state where it is overlapped with the base 11f. The air tank side fixing part 15a, like the base 11f, is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction. The air tank side fixing part 15a can be fixed to the air tank support bracket 11B by, for example, bolt fastening.

The air dryer side fixing part 15b is fixed to the air dryer support bracket 13. The air dryer side fixing part 15b is fixed to the support part 13b of the air dryer support bracket 13, for example, by being overlapped on the support part 13b. The air dryer side fixing part 15b is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction, similar to the support part 13b. The air dryer side fixing part 15b can be fixed to the air dryer support bracket 13, for example, by bolt fastening, etc.

The intermediate portion 15c is a portion disposed between the air tank side fixing portion 15a and the air dryer side fixing portion 15b. In other words, the intermediate portion 15c is a portion that forms at least a part between the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The intermediate portion 15c is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, the intermediate portion 15c is capable of bending and deforming so that the air tank side fixing portion 15a and the air dryer side fixing portion 15b move relatively in the vehicle vertical direction. As a result, the regulating bracket 15 is configured by the intermediate portion 15c to allow the air dryer support bracket 13 to move in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the air tank support bracket 11B, and is configured to allow the air dryer support bracket 13 to move in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the air tank support bracket 11B.

In this way, in the air tank module mounting structure 1 according to this embodiment, the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13 are connected by the connection bracket 12. Therefore, when mounting the air tank module 6 to the frame 3, the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13 are connected by the connection bracket 12 and mounted to the frame 3, which improves workability compared to the case where the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13 are separately mounted to the frame 3. Moreover, the connection bracket 12 is detachably connected to at least one of the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13. Therefore, when mounting the air tank module 6 to the frame 3, it is only necessary to prepare the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13 for each type of air tank 4, 4 and air dryer 5. This allows costs to be reduced compared to the case where an integrated bracket in which the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are integrated is used.

In addition, by fixing the connection bracket 12 to the frame 3, the air tank support bracket 11B and the air dryer support bracket 13 can be firmly connected.

Now, with reference to Figures 11 and 12, an example of a method for attaching the air tank module 6 to the frame 3 will be described. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining the temporary attachment of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket.

First, the air tanks 4, 4 are fixed to the air tank support brackets 11A, 11B using metal bands 21. The air dryer 5 is then fixed to the air dryer support bracket 13 using the base 22 and metal bands 23.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, a first bolt 12d attached to the tip 12b3 of the first air dryer side connection part 12b of the connection bracket 12 is inserted into the first through portion 13f of the fixing part 13a of the air dryer support bracket 13. This connects the connection bracket 12 and the air dryer support bracket 13 with the first bolt 12d. In this state, as shown in FIG. 12, the air dryer support bracket 13 is rotated around the first bolt 12d relative to the first air dryer side connection part 12b so that the first bolt 12d is inserted into the first through portion 13f from the support part 13b side (frame 3 side) relative to the fixing part 13a. In other words, the air dryer support bracket 13 is rotated so as to tilt in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This temporarily fastens the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12.

Here, a load F acts on the air dryer support bracket 13 in the rotational direction based on the connection position between the first air dryer side connection part 12b and the second air dryer side connection part 12c. In particular, the load F acting on the air dryer support bracket 13 becomes large as the air dryer support bracket 13 supports the air dryer 5. For this reason, the first air dryer side connection part 12b is arranged on the support part 13b side of the fixed part 13a in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection part 12c, which is located lower than the first air dryer side connection part 12b, is arranged on the opposite side to the support part 13b of the fixed part 13a in the vehicle width direction, so that the load F acting on the air dryer support bracket 13 is received by the first air dryer side connection part 12b and the second air dryer side connection part 12c. As a result, the first air dryer side connection part 12b and the second air dryer side connection part 12c are engaged with the air dryer support bracket 13, temporarily fastening the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12.

Then, the first air dryer side connection part 12b and the air dryer support bracket 13 are fastened to the frame 3 with the first bolt 12d, and the second air dryer side connection part 12c and the air dryer support bracket 13 are fastened to the frame 3 with the second bolt 13g. In addition, the air tank support bracket 11A, the air tank support bracket 11A and the air tank side connection part 12a are fastened to the frame 3. This completes the installation of the air tank module 6 to the frame 3.

In this way, in the air tank module mounting structure 1 according to this embodiment, the first air dryer side connection portion 12b and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c of the connection bracket 12 are detachably connected to the fixed portion 13a of the air dryer support bracket 13, the first air dryer side connection portion 12b is disposed on the support portion 13b side of the fixed portion 13a in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c, which is located lower than the first air dryer side connection portion 12b, is disposed on the opposite side of the support portion 13b of the fixed portion 13a in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the load F acting on the air dryer support bracket 13 is received by the first air dryer side connection portion 12b and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c. As a result, the fixed portion 13a is engaged with the first air dryer side connection portion 12b and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c, and the air dryer support bracket 13 is temporarily fixed to the connection bracket 12. This improves workability when fixing the air dryer support bracket 13 to the frame 3.

In addition, since the first air dryer side connection part 12b and the second air dryer side connection part 12c protrude from the air tank side connection part 12a, the positional relationship between the first air dryer side connection part and the second air dryer side connection part and the fixing part described above can be easily formed.

In addition, the first bolt 12d is inserted into the first through-hole 13f, and the second bolt 13g is inserted into the second through-hole 12e, so that the air dryer support bracket 13 can be supported by the connection bracket 12. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12 before fixing the air dryer support bracket 13 to the frame 3.

In addition, the first air dryer side connection part 12b and the air dryer support bracket 13 are fastened to the frame 3 by the first bolt 12d, and the second air dryer side connection part 12c and the air dryer support bracket 13 are fastened to the frame 3 by the second bolt 13g, so that the air dryer support bracket 13 can be firmly fixed to the frame 3 and it is easy to perform everything from temporarily fastening the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12 to fixing the connection bracket 12 and the air dryer support bracket 13 to the frame 3.

In addition, because the second through-hole 12e is open downward in the vehicle vertical direction, the second bolt 13g can be inserted into the second through-hole 12e by rotating the air dryer support bracket 13 relative to the connection bracket 12 so as to tilt it in the vehicle vertical direction with the first bolt 12d inserted into the first through-hole 13f. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be modified or applied to other things without changing the gist of the claims.

For example, in the above embodiment, the second penetration portion is described as being open downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle, but as in the connection bracket 12' shown in FIG. 13, the second penetration portion 12f may be open on the opposite side to the air tank support bracket 11B in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (front FR in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle). FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a connection bracket.

Now, with reference to Figures 14 and 15, an example of a method for attaching the air tank module 6 to the frame 3 when using the connection bracket 12' shown in Figure 13 will be described. Figures 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the temporary attachment of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket in another example.

First, as in the above embodiment, the air tanks 4, 4 are fixed to the air tank support brackets 11A, 11B using metal bands 21. The air dryer 5 is then fixed to the air dryer support bracket 13 using the base 22 and metal bands 23.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the first bolt 12d attached to the tip 12b3 of the first air dryer side connection part 12b of the connection bracket 12' is inserted into the first through-hole 13f of the fixing part 13a of the air dryer support bracket 13. This connects the connection bracket 12' and the air dryer support bracket 13 with the first bolt 12d. In this state, as shown in FIG. 15, the air dryer support bracket 13 is rotated with respect to the first air dryer side connection part 12b around the first bolt 12d as an axis so that the second bolt 13g is inserted into the second through-hole 12e from the open end of the second through-hole 12e. In other words, the air dryer support bracket 13 is rotated with respect to the first air dryer side connection part 12b around the axis of the first bolt 12d. This temporarily fastens the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12'.

Then, the first air dryer side connection part 12b and the air dryer support bracket 13 are fastened to the frame 3 with the first bolt 12d, and the second air dryer side connection part 12c and the air dryer support bracket 13 are fastened to the frame 3 with the second bolt 13g. In addition, the air tank support bracket 11A, the air tank support bracket 11A and the air tank side connection part 12a are fastened to the frame 3. This completes the installation of the air tank module 6 to the frame 3.

In this way, in the air tank module mounting structure using the connection bracket 12' shown in Figure 13, with the first bolt 12d inserted into the first through-hole 13f, the second bolt 13g can be inserted into the second through-hole 12f by rotating the air dryer support bracket 13 around the axis of the first bolt 12d. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12'.

In the above embodiment, the first air dryer side connection part and the second air dryer side connection part are described as protruding toward the connecting bracket, so that the first air dryer side connection part is disposed on the support part side of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection part is disposed on the opposite side of the support part of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction. However, for example, the first and second fixing parts may protrude toward the connecting bracket, or the first and second fixing parts of the air dryer support bracket may protrude toward the connecting bracket, so that the first air dryer side connection part is disposed on the support part side of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection part is disposed on the opposite side of the support part of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction.

1...Air tank module mounting structure, 2...Vehicle, 3...Frame, 4...Air tank, 5...Air dryer, 6...Air tank module, 11...Air tank support bracket, 11A...Air tank support bracket, 11B...Air tank support bracket, 11a...Fixed portion, 11b...Support portion, 11d...Base, 11e...Flange portion, 11f...Base, 11g...Flange portion, 12...Connection bracket, 12'...Connection bracket, 12a...Air tank side connection portion, 12b...First air dryer side connection portion, 12b1...Base, 12b2...Inclination part, 12b3...tip part, 12c...second air dryer side connection part, 12d...first bolt, 12e...second penetration part, 12f...second penetration part, 13...air dryer support bracket, 13a...fixing part, 13b...support part, 13c...first fixing part, 13d...inclined part, 13e...second fixing part, 13f...first penetration part, 13g...second bolt, 14...auxiliary bracket, 15...regulating bracket, 15a...air tank side fixing part, 15b...air dryer side fixing part, 15c...middle part, 21...metal band, 22...base part, 23...metal band, F...load.

Claims (7)

An air tank module mounting structure for mounting an air tank and an air dryer to a frame extending in a vehicle front-rear direction,
an air tank support bracket fixed to the frame and extending in a vehicle width direction to support the air tank;
an air dryer support bracket fixed to the frame and extending in the vehicle width direction to support the air dryer;
a connection bracket connected to the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket,
The connection bracket is detachably connected to at least one of the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket ,
The connecting bracket is fixed to the frame.
Air tank module mounting structure. An air tank module mounting structure for mounting an air tank and an air dryer to a frame extending in a vehicle front-rear direction,
an air tank support bracket fixed to the frame and extending in a vehicle width direction to support the air tank;
an air dryer support bracket fixed to the frame and extending in the vehicle width direction to support the air dryer;
a connection bracket connected to the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket,
The connection bracket is detachably connected to at least one of the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket ,
The air dryer support bracket has a fixing portion fixed to the frame and a support portion extending from the fixing portion in a direction opposite to the frame to support the air dryer,
The connection bracket has a first air dryer side connection portion detachably connected to the fixed portion, and a second air dryer side connection portion detachably connected to the fixed portion below the first air dryer side connection portion in the vehicle up-down direction,
The first air dryer side connection portion is arranged on the support portion side of the fixed portion in the vehicle width direction,
The second air dryer side connection portion is arranged on the opposite side of the fixed portion from the support portion in the vehicle width direction.
Air tank module mounting structure. The connection bracket has an air tank side connection portion connected to the air tank support bracket, the first air dryer side connection portion protruding from the air tank side connection portion, and the second air dryer side connection portion protruding from the air tank side connection portion below the first air dryer side connection portion in the vehicle up-down direction.
3. The air tank module mounting structure according to claim 2 . The first air dryer side connection portion has a first bolt,
The fixing portion has a first through portion into which the first bolt is inserted,
The second air dryer side connection portion has a second through portion,
The fixing portion has a second bolt inserted into the second penetrating portion.
4. The air tank module mounting structure according to claim 2 or 3 . the first air dryer side connection portion and the air dryer support bracket are fastened to the frame by the first bolt,
The second air dryer side connection portion and the air dryer support bracket are fastened to the frame by the second bolt.
5. The air tank module mounting structure according to claim 4 . The second through portion is open downward in the vehicle up-down direction.
6. An air tank module mounting structure according to claim 4 or 5 . The second through portion is open on a side opposite to the air tank support bracket in the vehicle front-rear direction.
6. An air tank module mounting structure according to claim 4 or 5 .

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