A suspension air tank assembly and a vehicle having the suspension air tank assembly.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of air spring systems, specifically to a suspension air tank assembly and a vehicle having the suspension air tank assembly. The assembly includes an air tank with a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a support bracket. The mounting bracket and support bracket are distributed at both ends of the air tank. The mounting bracket has a mounting positioning pin. The mounting positioning pin is parallel to the axis of the air tank. The air tank disclosed in this invention can be used for supplying and collecting gas in an air spring air supply system. Furthermore, the mounting mechanism facilitates the installation and connection of the air tank on the vehicle. This invention requires one end of the air tank assembly to be mounted on one side of the vehicle body via the mounting bracket, and the other end to be connected to the other side of the vehicle body via the support bracket. This operation method allows for single-person installation of the air tank and provides excellent installation limiting, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the air tank installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air spring systems, and more specifically to a suspension air tank assembly and a vehicle having the suspension air tank assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, automotive suspension structures on the market are mainly divided into two categories: active suspension and passive suspension. Active suspension is mainly represented by air suspension.

[0003] Air suspension systems are classified into open and closed systems according to their enclosure type. Open systems are simpler in structure, lower in cost, easier to maintain, and are the most common. They mainly consist of front / rear air springs, air pumps, distribution valves, air lines, air tanks, and controllers. The air tank assembly is a container that provides pressurized gas to the air suspension system.

[0004] Air suspension air tank assemblies are mainly divided into two categories: one is integrated with air suspension components such as air pumps, distribution valves, and controllers. This type of structure has a high degree of integration, is complex, and small in size, but is expensive and difficult to maintain; the other type is independent, which is assembled into the vehicle as a separate air tank assembly. This type is more common and has the characteristics of simple structure, low cost, easy maintenance, and low requirements for vehicle layout space.

[0005] Traditionally, gas tanks are connected to vehicle bodies via brackets, as disclosed in patent 201621099428.7 - Gas Tank Mounting Bracket Structure.

[0006] While traditional brackets can connect the gas tank to the vehicle body, the connection method is relatively complicated. In addition, the installation requires the use of other external equipment to lift or hoist the gas tank. Furthermore, it is difficult for a single person to install the gas tank, and the subsequent disassembly and installation by a single person is labor-intensive and inconvenient.

[0007] To improve or solve at least one of the above problems, it is necessary to optimize the installation structure of the existing gas storage tank. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a suspension gas tank assembly that is easy to install.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0010] A suspension air tank assembly includes an air tank, on which a mounting mechanism is provided;

[0011] The installation mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a support bracket; the mounting bracket and the support bracket are distributed at both ends of the gas storage tank; the mounting bracket is provided with a mounting positioning pin; the mounting positioning pin is arranged parallel to the axis of the gas storage tank.

[0012] During installation, one end of the gas tank assembly is first attached to one side of the vehicle body via a mounting bracket, and the other end is connected to the other side of the vehicle body via a support bracket.

[0013] Both the mounting bracket and the support bracket are equipped with fastening components; the fastening components include fastening holes provided on the mounting bracket or the support bracket, fastening bolts provided in the fastening holes, and the fastening bolts passing through the fastening holes and connected to the vehicle body.

[0014] The fastening hole is provided with an installation pad; the installation pad includes an installation pad body; the installation pad body is provided with an assembly through hole; the installation pad body includes a support frame, and the support pad is fitted on the support frame; the assembly through hole is provided through the support frame.

[0015] The supporting frame includes a transverse sleeve; one end of the transverse sleeve is provided with a longitudinal side plate; the horizontal cross-section of the supporting frame is T-shaped.

[0016] The supporting cushion includes a cushion body, on which an annular groove is provided; the edge of the cushion body away from the longitudinal side plate is transitioned with a rounded surface.

[0017] The gas storage tank includes a cylinder, with a left end cover and a right end cover at each end of the cylinder; a pressure relief valve is provided on the left end cover, and a quick-connect plug is provided on the right end cover.

[0018] The left and right end caps are both welded to the cylinder by friction welding, and the friction weld penetration depth of the left end cap to the cylinder and the right end cap to the cylinder is required to be the same.

[0019] The mounting bracket includes a mounting plate, one end of which is connected to the gas storage tank, and the other end extends freely. A mounting positioning pin is provided at the end of the mounting plate away from the gas storage tank.

[0020] The support bracket includes a transverse plate mounted on the gas tank, and the transverse plate is connected to the vehicle body by fastening components.

[0021] The mounting plate includes a mounting base plate, and the mounting base plate has connecting side plates on opposite sides; the mounting base plate also has an arc-shaped groove on the side near the gas storage tank.

[0022] The transverse plate includes a transverse plate, and the two opposite sides of the transverse plate are connected to the gas storage tank by overlapping connecting plates.

[0023] A vehicle characterized in that it includes the suspension air tank assembly.

[0024] The advantages of this invention are:

[0025] This invention discloses a suspension air tank assembly and a vehicle having the suspension air tank assembly.

[0026] The air tank disclosed in this invention can be used for supplying and collecting gas in an air spring air supply system. At the same time, the installation mechanism facilitates the installation and connection of the air tank on the vehicle.

[0027] The present invention requires that one end of the gas tank assembly be first attached to one side of the vehicle body via a mounting bracket, and the other end be connected to the other side of the vehicle body via a support bracket. This operation method allows a single person to install the gas tank and provides a good installation limit, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the gas tank installation. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The following is a brief explanation of the contents of each of the accompanying drawings and the markings in the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram from a first perspective of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram from a second perspective of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the mounting bracket of the present invention connected to the gas storage tank.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the mounting bracket of the present invention when it is connected to the gas storage tank.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a front view of the mounting bracket of the present invention connected to the gas storage tank.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the support bracket of the present invention connected to the gas storage tank.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the padding installation in this invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention when it is assembled on a vehicle body.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting bracket when it is assembled on the vehicle body in this invention.

[0038] The markings in the above figures are all:

[0039] 1. Gas tank, 2. Support bracket, 3. Hanging bracket, 4. Hanging positioning pin, 5. Installation pad, 6. Vehicle body. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description of the preferred embodiments.

[0041] A suspension air tank assembly includes an air tank 1, on which a mounting mechanism is provided. This invention primarily discloses a suspension air tank assembly suitable for suspension air spring air supply systems; used for the storage and supply of heavy gases in the air supply system.

[0042] In this invention, the air tank 1 can be used for supplying and collecting gas in the air spring air supply system. At the same time, the installation mechanism facilitates the installation and connection of the air tank 1 on the vehicle.

[0043] The installation mechanism described in this invention includes a mounting bracket 3 and a support bracket 2. The mounting bracket 3 and the support bracket 2 are distributed at both ends of the air tank 1. The mounting bracket 3 and the support bracket 2 are essentially connecting brackets, mainly used for the connection between the air tank 1 and the vehicle body 6. In this invention, the mounting bracket 3 is provided with a mounting positioning pin 4. The mounting positioning pin 4 is arranged parallel to the axis of the air tank 1. Based on this arrangement, the mounting bracket 3 of this invention can be inserted into the corresponding hole on the vehicle body 6 through the mounting positioning pin 4, thereby realizing the pre-installation operation of the suspension air tank assembly and facilitating subsequent fixed assembly.

[0044] In addition, the structure and type of the mounting and positioning pin 4 in this invention can be selected as needed. Generally, a columnar structure is sufficient, which can be inserted into the corresponding hole on the vehicle body 6 to achieve mounting and positioning.

[0045] During installation, one end of the gas tank assembly is first attached to one side of the vehicle body 6 via the mounting bracket 3, and the other end is connected to the other side of the vehicle body 6 via the support bracket 2. However, this invention requires that one end of the gas tank assembly be first attached to one side of the vehicle body 6 via the mounting bracket 3, and the other end be connected to the other side of the vehicle body 6 via the support bracket 2. This operation method allows for the installation of the gas tank 1 by a single person and provides a good installation limit, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the installation of the gas tank 1.

[0046] Furthermore, in this invention, both the mounting bracket 3 and the support bracket 2 are provided with fastening components 101; the fastening components 101 provide a good fixing effect and facilitate the installation and connection of the gas tank 1 on the vehicle.

[0047] In this invention, the fastening component 101 includes fastening holes provided on the mounting bracket 3 or the support bracket 2. Fastening bolts are provided within the fastening holes, and the fastening bolts pass through the fastening holes and are connected to the vehicle body 6. In this invention, the fastening component 101 serves a fastening function, used for the fixed connection of the mounting bracket 3 or the support bracket 2 to the vehicle body. However, in this invention, the fastening bolts in the fastening component 101 on the mounting bracket 3 are required to be spaced parallel to the air tank 1, while the fastening bolts in the fastening component 101 on the support bracket 2 are distributed perpendicularly to the air tank 1. Based on this, it can be seen that the installation connection between the air tank 1 and the vehicle body 6 is facilitated. In this invention, the mounting bracket 3 is arranged on the side of the vehicle body 6 via the fastening component 101, while the support bracket 2 is connected to the lower end face of the vehicle body 6 via the fastening component 101.

[0048] Furthermore, in this invention, a mounting pad 5 is provided inside the fastening hole; the mounting pad 5 provides excellent support and cushioning. The mounting pad 5 includes a mounting body; the mounting body is the main structure of the mounting pad 5, and an assembly through hole 52 is provided on the mounting body. The assembly through hole 52 facilitates the insertion and installation of fastening bolts. Additionally, the mounting body includes a support frame 51, on which a support pad 53 is fitted; the assembly through hole 52 penetrates the support frame 51. In this invention, the support frame 51 ensures the support strength of the mounting pad 5, while the support pad 53 is mainly a rubber pad, providing excellent shock absorption, cushioning, and sealing.

[0049] In this invention, the support frame 51 includes a transverse sleeve 511; one end of the transverse sleeve 511 is provided with a longitudinal side plate 512; the horizontal cross-section of the support frame 51 is T-shaped; the transverse sleeve 511 is arranged transversely and is mainly fitted onto the fastening bolts, which facilitates the connection between the mounting pad 5 and the fastening bolts. In addition, the longitudinal side plate 512 plays a good lateral limiting role and can be used in conjunction with the nuts of the fastening bolts. Furthermore, in this invention, the longitudinal side plate 512 also plays a lateral limiting role to prevent the mounting pad 5 from moving laterally in the support frame 51.

[0050] Furthermore, the supporting pad 53 in this invention includes a pad body, which is the main structure of the supporting pad 53. The pad body is provided with an annular groove 531. The annular groove 531 is provided to engage with the fastening hole on the corresponding hanging bracket 3 or support bracket 2, which facilitates the installation and fixing of the pad 5 in the corresponding fastening hole. In addition, the edge of the pad body away from the longitudinal side plate 512 in this invention adopts a rounded transition. Based on this design, it is convenient for the pad body to be inserted into the corresponding fastening hole.

[0051] Furthermore, in this invention, the gas storage tank 1 includes a cylindrical body 11, which is the main structure of the gas storage tank 1. A left end cap 12 and a right end cap 13 are respectively provided at both ends of the cylindrical body 11. The left end cap 12, the right end cap 13, and the cylindrical body 11 work together to form the main structure of the gas storage tank 1. At the same time, a pressure relief valve is provided on the left end cap 12 to facilitate the pressure relief operation of the gas storage tank 1. In this invention, a quick-connect plug is provided on the right end cap 13 to facilitate the connection between the gas storage tank 1 and external pipelines.

[0052] Furthermore, in this invention, the left end cover 12 and the right end cover 13 are both friction welded to the cylinder 11. This arrangement facilitates the connection between the left end cover 12 and the right end cover 13 and the cylinder 11. In this invention, it is required that the friction weld penetration depth of the left end cover 12 and the cylinder 11 and the right end cover 13 and the cylinder 11 be the same. This arrangement ensures the stability of the connection between the left end cover 12 and the cylinder 11 and the right end cover 13 and the cylinder 11.

[0053] Furthermore, in this invention, the mounting bracket 3 includes a mounting plate, one end of which is connected to the gas tank 1, and the other end extends freely. A mounting positioning pin 4 is provided at the end of the mounting plate away from the gas tank 1. The mounting plate is a longitudinal plate structure. In subsequent use, it fits against the side of the vehicle body 6 and, in conjunction with the mounting positioning pin 4, realizes the mounting and installation of the gas tank assembly on the vehicle.

[0054] In addition, the support bracket 2 in this invention includes a transverse plate disposed on the gas tank 1. The transverse plate is connected to the vehicle body 6 by a fastening component 101. The transverse plate is a transversely extending plate. In subsequent use, the transverse plate is attached to the lower end face of the vehicle body 6, and then the fastening component 101 is used to achieve the support bracket 2 being attached to the vehicle body 6.

[0055] Furthermore, in this invention, the mounting plate includes a mounting base plate 31, and the mounting base plate 31 has connecting side plates 32 on opposite sides; the mounting base plate 31 also has an arc-shaped groove 33 on the side near the gas storage tank 1; the mounting base plate 31 is a longitudinal plate, and the connecting side plate 32 acts as a reinforcing plate; thus ensuring the overall structural strength of the mounting plate; the arc-shaped groove 33 provides a groove at the end of the mounting base plate 31, which facilitates its subsequent snapping onto the gas storage tank 1; at the same time, in this invention, the end of the connecting side plate 32 also presses against the gas storage tank 1, better ensuring the placement of the mounting bracket 3 and the gas storage tank 1, and facilitating subsequent installation and fixing.

[0056] In addition, the transverse plate in this invention includes a transverse plate 21, and the two opposite sides of the transverse plate 21 are connected to the gas tank 1 by overlapping connecting plates 22. The setting of the transverse plate 21 ensures the stable fit between the transverse plate and the lower end surface of the vehicle body 6, while the overlapping connecting plate 22 also plays a good bridging role, which better ensures the installation connection between the support bracket 2 and the gas tank 1.

[0057] A vehicle includes the suspension air tank assembly; the suspension air tank assembly is connected within the vehicle's suspension air spring supply system, facilitating air supply or collection operations for the air spring supply system.

[0058] specific:

[0059] This invention discloses a suspension air tank assembly, which mainly facilitates the connection between the suspension air tank assembly and the vehicle body 6.

[0060] In this invention, while meeting product performance and durability requirements, a soft pad is added to the mounting position 6 on the vehicle body to improve the overall NVH performance; a pressure relief valve assembly is added to one end of the air tank 1 to improve safety performance; the welding process connecting the cylinder 11 and the end cap is adjusted to friction welding to reduce welding defects and improve airtightness; and a mounting positioning pin is added to improve the ease of assembly.

[0061] This invention discloses a suspension air tank assembly solution, aiming to improve the NVH performance, safety, airtightness, and assemblability of the air tank 1. This invention allows for multi-point connections between the suspension air tank assembly and the vehicle body 6, ensuring the stability of the suspension air tank assembly during vehicle installation.

[0062] In addition, in this invention, the suspension air tank assembly includes an air tank 1. One end of the air tank 1 is provided with a mounting bracket 3, and the other end is provided with a support bracket 2. Fastening components 101 are provided on both the mounting bracket 3 and the support bracket 2. The air tank 1 has multiple mounting points with the vehicle body 6. In this invention, the mounting bracket 3 is provided with two fastening components 101, and the support bracket 2 is provided with one fastening component 101, so that the suspension air tank assembly has at least three mounting points with the vehicle body 6. Of course, the number of mounting points can also be set to other numbers as needed.

[0063] Meanwhile, each fastening component 101 of the present invention is provided with a mounting pad 5, and the pad connection at the three mounting points plays a role in vibration isolation and improves NVH performance.

[0064] A pressure relief valve mechanism is added to the left end cover 12, and a safety threshold is set in accordance with the air spring control strategy, which reduces the rupture problem caused by the increase of gas pressure inside the gas tank 1 and improves safety. In the traditional design, the gas tank 1 cylinder 11 is connected to the end cover by gas shielded welding. This connection method has defects such as porosity and weld penetration, which reduces the airtightness of the gas tank assembly. The new solution is adjusted to friction welding connection. This solution has fewer welding defects and improves airtightness.

[0065] Without requiring additional auxiliary tooling or equipment, adding mounting positioning pins to the side mounting position of the mounting bracket 3 improves the assemblability of the gas tank 1 and the vehicle body 6, freeing up personnel and equipment.

[0066] Meanwhile, both the mounting bracket 3 and the support bracket 2 described in this invention are provided with fastening components 101; the fastening holes are provided with mounting pads 5, that is, a pad structure is added to the mounting position of the vehicle body 6 so that the vibration generated during the intake and exhaust process inside the gas tank is isolated by the pad, thereby improving the NVH performance of the whole vehicle.

[0067] The connection method between the cylinder 11 and the end cap is adjusted to friction welding to reduce welding defects and improve air tightness; additional mounting positioning pins are added. During the assembly of the air tank assembly, the air tank assembly is moved horizontally so that the lateral pre-mounting positioning pins 4 are inserted into the reserved mounting holes of the vehicle body 6. After all the positioning pins are inserted, the bracket mounting hole bolts are tightened to improve assemblability.

[0068] The pressure relief valve of the gas tank 1 provides a safety threshold for the gas tank assembly and is gas-shielded welded to the left end cover 12; the mounting bracket 3 connects the body of the gas tank 1 to the left end of the vehicle body 6 and is gas-shielded welded to the left end cover 12, and provides mounting holes or mounting positions for the mounting positioning pin. When mounting holes are provided, the mounting positioning pin 4 is connected to the mounting bracket 3 through an interference fit; the cylinder 11, as the main body of the gas tank assembly, is friction-welded to the left end cover 12 and the right end cover 13 to form the main body of the gas tank 1, undertaking the main function of storing gas; the support bracket 2 connects the body of the gas tank 1 to the right end of the vehicle body 6 and is gas-shielded welded to the right end cover 13, and provides installation space for the base and quick-connect plug to be gas-shielded welded; the mounting pad 5 is assembled and connected to the mounting bracket 3 and the support bracket 2 respectively, and provides mounting holes for fasteners to be connected to the vehicle body 6.

[0069] Both the mounting bracket 3 and the support bracket 2 are made of aluminum alloy and have reinforcing rib structures such as flanges and bosses to improve the connection rigidity and fatigue durability of the brackets and improve the structural modes; the connection relationship of the various sub-components constitutes the gas storage tank assembly.

[0070] The principle of the gas storage tank assembly scheme involved in this invention is as follows: a pressure relief valve structure is added to the left end cover 12 side of the gas storage tank 1. The pressure relief valve is installed and connected to the cylinder 11 by welding. The maximum working pressure of the gas inside the gas storage tank 1 is 18 bar. In order to ensure the safety performance of the air spring circuit, the safety threshold of the pressure relief valve is set to 20 bar.

[0071] When the internal pressure of gas tank 1 rises above 20 bar due to external factors, the pressure relief valve opens to release pressure. After the pressure drops to 20 bar, the pressure relief valve closes, thus ensuring that the internal pressure of gas tank 1 never exceeds 20 bar.

[0072] The mounting pad 5 consists of a metal frame and a rubber pad, which are connected to the mounting holes of the hanging bracket 3 through assembly. The metal frame has a height of 7.8mm, the rubber pad has a thickness of 8mm and a compression amount of 0.2mm, and the support bracket 2 has a thickness of 2.5mm. The cylinder 11 and the end cap are both 2.5mm thick and are connected by friction welding. After welding, the internal fusion depth at the connection between the cylinder 11 and the end cap is the same as the thickness of the metal plate.

[0073] With the air tank assembly at the same height as the installation position, and using the pre-mounted mounting holes on the vehicle body 6 as a reference, move the air tank assembly horizontally so that the positioning pin 4 on the mounting bracket 3 is engaged and inserted into the process hole on the vehicle body 6. Then tighten the bolts of the support bracket 2 until the assembly torque is reached.

[0074] Make the mounting surfaces of the main and auxiliary positioning holes of the mounting bracket 3 fit against the mating surfaces of the vehicle body 6, and then tighten the bolts until the assembly torque is reached.

[0075] The dimensions of the gas tank 1 support bracket 2 and the M8 specification of the mounting bolts 6 on the vehicle body are as follows.

[0076] The body 6 provides 8mm*10mm mounting holes; the mounting bracket 3 has a mounting positioning pin 4 with a length of 15mm and a diameter of φ6mm.

[0077] Obviously, the specific implementation of this invention is not limited to the above-described methods. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of this invention are within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A suspension gas storage tank assembly, characterized in that, Includes a gas storage tank, on which an installation mechanism is provided; The installation mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a support bracket; the mounting bracket and the support bracket are distributed at both ends of the upper part of the gas storage tank; the mounting bracket is provided with a mounting positioning pin; the mounting positioning pin is arranged parallel to the axis of the gas storage tank. During installation, one end of the gas tank assembly is first attached to one side of the vehicle body via a mounting bracket, and the other end is connected to the other side of the vehicle body via a support bracket. Both the mounting bracket and the support bracket are equipped with fastening components; the fastening components include fastening holes provided on the mounting bracket or the support bracket, fastening bolts provided in the fastening holes, and fastening bolts passing through the fastening holes and connected to the vehicle body. The fastening hole is provided with a mounting pad; the mounting pad includes a mounting pad body; the mounting pad body is provided with an assembly through hole; the mounting pad body includes a support frame, and the support pad is fitted on the support frame; the assembly through hole is provided through the support frame. The supporting frame includes a transverse sleeve; one end of the transverse sleeve is provided with a longitudinal side plate; the horizontal cross-section of the supporting frame is T-shaped. The supporting cushion includes a cushion body, and the cushion body is provided with an annular groove; the edge of the cushion body away from the longitudinal side plate is transitioned with a rounded surface. The mounting bracket includes a mounting plate, one end of which is connected to the gas storage tank, and the other end extends freely. A mounting positioning pin is provided at the end of the mounting plate away from the gas storage tank. The support bracket includes a transverse plate mounted on the gas tank, and the transverse plate is connected to the vehicle body by fastening components.

2. The suspension air tank assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas storage tank includes a cylinder, with a left end cover and a right end cover at each end of the cylinder; a pressure relief valve is provided on the left end cover, and a quick-connect plug is provided on the right end cover.

3. A suspension air tank assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The left and right end caps are both welded to the cylinder by friction welding, and the friction weld penetration depth of the left end cap to the cylinder and the right end cap to the cylinder is required to be the same.

4. A suspension air tank assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate includes a mounting base plate, and the mounting base plate has connecting side plates on opposite sides; the mounting base plate also has an arc-shaped groove on the side near the gas storage tank. The transverse plate includes a transverse plate, and the two opposite sides of the transverse plate are connected to the gas storage tank by overlapping connecting plates.

5. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the suspension gas tank assembly as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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