Chassis assembly and heavy truck

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of automobile manufacturing, and discloses a chassis assembly and a heavy truck. The device comprises a main body beam, a first support and a second support, the first support and the second support are installed on the main body beam, an air filter is clamped between the first support and the second support, and a fender is installed on the side, away from the air filter, of the first support; the problems that in the prior art, a support for installing an air filter and a fender needs to be independently installed and subjected to mold opening, and the manufacturing and installing cost is high are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile manufacturing technology, and more particularly to a chassis assembly and a heavy-duty truck. Background Technology

[0002] In the chassis layout of heavy-duty trucks, air filters and mudguards are two essential functional components. Air filters are responsible for providing clean air to the engine, and their performance directly affects engine efficiency and lifespan. Therefore, they are usually fixed to the outside or rear of the frame longitudinal beams via a dedicated, robust bracket assembly. Mudguards are mainly used to prevent mud, gravel, and water kicked up by the wheels from impacting and contaminating chassis components (such as electrical wiring, air tanks, and shock absorbers) and the vehicle body. They also require a robust bracket to withstand vibrations and impacts during driving. In reality, because both functions are related to the same area—near the wheels—their installation locations are often very... While they are similar, in traditional design and production models, these two components are usually considered independent subsystems, leading to efficiency and cost issues. Firstly, from the design and manufacturing perspective, designing and manufacturing two separate brackets for the air filter and mudguard means investing double the design resources and engineering time. Engineers need to complete two complete sets of 3D models, 2D drawings, and technical specifications. This results in double the costs of mold development, manufacturing, and debugging; the investment in both stamping dies and welding fixtures increases exponentially. Furthermore, in the series of manufacturing stages—from raw material procurement, blanking, forming, welding, and painting—two brackets also mean double the costs. Material consumption, energy consumption, and direct manufacturing time not only increase unit costs but also add complexity to production management and burden the supply chain. On the vehicle assembly line, workers need to install these two brackets separately, occupying valuable workstation time, increasing assembly processes and labor costs, and affecting production efficiency. Heavy-duty truck chassis space is extremely limited; two independent brackets and their mounting points will compete for space, potentially leading to unreasonable layout, inconvenient maintenance (such as insufficient operating space when changing filters), and even interference. Each independent bracket usually has material redundancy, resulting in a large combined weight, which does not meet the goal of vehicle lightweighting. Heavy-duty truck chassis space... The vehicle body itself is an extremely scarce resource, like "every inch of land is worth its weight in gold." The engine, transmission, axle, exhaust system, and various tanks and pipelines are intricately intertwined. The two independent brackets and their required mounting points (usually on the limited side of the longitudinal beams of the frame) will inevitably compete for space. This competition often leads to layout compromises, such as forcing a component to be installed in a non-optimal position. This may cause direct physical interference or cause great inconvenience during later maintenance. When it is necessary to replace the air filter element, the adjacent mudguard bracket may seriously obstruct the disassembly space, forcing maintenance personnel to disassemble or bypass the mudguard bracket first, making what should be a simple maintenance operation time-consuming and labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a chassis assembly and heavy-duty truck that solves the problem that the brackets for installing air filters and mudguards in the prior art require independent installation and mold making, resulting in high manufacturing and installation costs.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a chassis assembly, including a main beam, a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket are mounted on the main beam, an air filter is sandwiched between the first bracket and the second bracket, and a mudguard is installed on the side of the first bracket away from the air filter.

[0005] Preferably, a first bolt is installed on the first bracket, and a second bolt is installed on the second bracket, with the first bolt and the second bolt screwed onto both sides of the air filter.

[0006] Preferably, the first bracket is fitted with a first bent piece, the first bent piece is made of steel plate and is rectangular, and a third bolt passes through the fixing frame and is screwed onto the first bent piece.

[0007] Preferably, the fixing frame includes two sets, and the fixing frames are parallel to each other.

[0008] Preferably, the fixing frame is in the shape of an "8", with its two ends overlapping the mudguard.

[0009] Preferably, the main beam has at least one set of mounting holes, and the mounting bolts are fastened in the mounting holes by nuts. The first bracket and the second bracket are respectively provided with mounting bolts.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second supports are fitted with bases on the side near the main beam, and the bases are fitted with three sets of mounting bolts.

[0011] Preferably, a second bending member is installed on the second bracket, a second bonding plate is formed on the second bending member, a second bolt is passed through the second bonding plate, and the second bonding plate abuts against the air filter.

[0012] Preferably, the first bent component has a weight-reducing hole.

[0013] A heavy-duty truck includes a chassis assembly comprising the components described above, and a frame on which the chassis assembly is mounted.

[0014] Beneficial effects: Installing the first and second brackets on the main beam allows the air filter to be fixed simultaneously. Mudguards can then be directly installed on the first bracket. By installing the air filter and mudguards on both sides of the first bracket, the layout of the chassis assembly under the heavy truck can be optimized, resulting in higher space utilization. More functions can be integrated on the first bracket, eliminating the need for separate mudguard brackets, reducing the number of molds required, and shortening the production and installation cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first and second brackets of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front mounting diagram of the chassis assembly of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the chassis assembly mounted on the back of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Main beam; 11. Mounting hole; 2. First bracket; 3. Second bracket; 4. Air filter; 6. First bolt; 7. Second bolt; 8. First bending piece; 81. Weight reduction hole; 9. Second bending piece; 91. Second bonding plate; 10. Third bolt; 20. Mounting bolt; 30. Base; 40. Fixing frame. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0018] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0020] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0021] In traditional chassis design and manufacturing, the air filter bracket assembly and mudguard bracket are considered two separate functional components. This design paradigm is based on a clear division of functions: the air filter bracket focuses on supporting and securing its specific load; the mudguard bracket is dedicated to providing a stable mounting base for the mudguard. The air filter, being relatively large, requires a specially designed bracket assembly with sufficient rigidity and strength to be securely mounted on the outside or rear of the frame longitudinal beams to withstand the continuous vibrations and impacts during vehicle operation. Similarly, the mudguard also requires a robust and reliable bracket structure to stably secure it to the frame or related components, forming an effective protective zone.

[0022] While the aforementioned model of independent design and installation achieves basic functionality, it introduces a significant overall cost burden throughout the entire lifecycle. This includes a doubling of R&D and manufacturing costs. From the design stage, the engineering team needs to complete the 3D design, 2D drawing, strength simulation analysis, and design verification for two separate bracket assemblies. This means double the design time and software resource consumption. In the production preparation phase, the two independent brackets require the development of two sets of dedicated molds (such as stamping dies and welding fixtures), the procurement of two different raw materials (such as steel plates and profiles of different specifications), and the arrangement of two independent manufacturing process routes (feeding, forming, welding, and painting). The labor time, energy, and equipment costs consumed in the entire manufacturing process are correspondingly doubled.

[0023] Each individual bracket requires a complete set of fastening connectors, including bolts, nuts, washers, etc. Two sets of brackets mean that the number of connectors at least doubles, which not only increases direct procurement costs but also makes the Bill of Materials (BOM) more complex, increasing the difficulty and cost of warehouse management, delivery, and assembly identification. Furthermore, managing two independent components as two separate material numbers increases the complexity of supply chain management, inventory control, and quality traceability.

[0024] On a vehicle assembly line, workstation time and operational procedures are valuable resources. Workers need to perform two independent installation tasks sequentially: first, positioning and securing the air filter bracket and installing the air filter; then, at another workstation or at a different time point within the same workstation, positioning and installing the mudguard bracket and mudguard. These two steps consume additional workstation cycle time, increasing the labor intensity and assembly rhythm of manual operations, directly impacting the overall efficiency of the production line and the allocation of labor costs. This efficiency bottleneck is particularly pronounced during production ramp-up or peak order periods.

[0025] The chassis space of heavy-duty trucks is extremely valuable, with core components such as engines, transmissions, axles, exhaust after-treatment systems, air tanks, and batteries densely packed together, creating space constraints for any additional components.

[0026] Two independent brackets and their required mounting points (such as drilled holes or welded supports on the frame longitudinal beams) often compete for limited layout space. Spatial planning conflicts can easily arise during the design process, potentially leading to compromises in bracket layout and thus affecting their optimal functionality. For example, to avoid interference, the fender bracket may be forced to be shortened, resulting in insufficient fender coverage; or the air filter bracket's location may be restricted, causing excessive bends in the connected air piping and increasing intake resistance.

[0027] Air filters are consumable parts that require regular maintenance and replacement. When two independent brackets and their associated components are arranged closely together or even surround each other in space, the operating space required to replace the filter element can be severely compressed. Repair personnel may need to remove or loosen the mudguards and their brackets before they can perform air filter maintenance, significantly reducing maintenance efficiency, increasing maintenance time and labor costs, and affecting vehicle uptime.

[0028] The combined weight of several kilograms, or even more than ten kilograms, from the two independent steel brackets is particularly prominent from a lightweighting perspective, resulting in a heavier chassis. More components mean more potential failure points. The welding quality, flatness of the mounting surfaces, and positional accuracy of the mounting holes for each bracket need to be controlled separately, increasing the dimensions and difficulty of quality control. During assembly, the increased number of bolt connection points also increases the risk of assembly quality issues such as loose bolts and incorrect torque, which may affect the stability of the brackets during vehicle operation, causing loosening, abnormal noises, or even functional failure.

[0029] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a chassis assembly, including a main beam 1, a first bracket 2 and a second bracket 3, the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are mounted on the main beam 1, an air filter 4 is sandwiched between the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3, and a mudguard is installed on the side of the first bracket 2 away from the air filter 4.

[0030] This invention integrates parts located at different positions on the chassis, reducing the number of brackets required. By mounting an air filter 4 and a mudguard on the front and rear sides of the first bracket 2 respectively, the first bracket 2 can integrate more functions, reducing the number of brackets installed on the chassis assembly. This reduces production costs, eliminates the need for separate molds, shortens production cycle time, frees up more workstation time, and also reduces the weight of the chassis. This integrated design also enhances the integrity and rigidity of the chassis's local structure, reducing installation stress and potential fatigue risks caused by the cumulative tolerances of multiple independent brackets. During vehicle operation, the integrated bracket can transmit force and vibration more evenly, improving component reliability. During maintenance, the optimized layout makes filter replacement and mudguard inspection more direct and efficient. The reduction in the number of parts also significantly reduces supply chain management complexity and warehousing costs.

[0031] The first bracket 2 of the present invention is equipped with a first bolt 6, and the second bracket 3 is equipped with a second bolt 7. The first bolt 6 and the second bolt 7 are screwed onto both sides of the air filter 4. The air filter 4 is fixed by the first bolt 6 and the second bolt 7 on both sides. Nuts are screwed onto the first bolt 6 and the second bolt 7 to fix the air filter 4, thereby reducing the installation difficulty of fixing the air filter 4.

[0032] The first bracket 2 of this invention is fitted with a first bent piece 8, which is made of steel plate and is rectangular in shape. A third bolt 10 passes through the fixing frame 40 and is screwed onto the first bent piece 8. The first bent piece 8 is formed by bending on the first bracket 2 and is fitted onto the first bracket 2. The first bent piece 8 is usually a steel plate formed by hot pressing and is rectangular or cubic in shape. The two sides of the first bent piece 8 are planar structures. The fixing frame 40 can be installed on one side and the air filter 4 can be installed on the other side. Both the first bent piece 8 and the first bracket 2 are made of high-strength steel, which enables them to simultaneously support the air filter 4 and the mudguard, and provides a certain strength for the parts on the chassis assembly.

[0033] The fixing frame 40 of the present invention includes two sets, which are parallel to each other. The two sets of fixing frames can fix the sheet-shaped mudguard, so that the mudguard can remain stable during use and can be installed stably. The mudguard will not shake during vehicle operation.

[0034] The fixing bracket 40 of this invention is V-shaped, with its two ends overlapping the mudguard. The two ends of the fixing bracket 40 secure the mudguard. The V-shaped fixing bracket 40 forms two sets of fixing points with the mudguard, located on the upper and lower sides of the fixing bracket 40 respectively. This fixing on both sides of the fixing bracket 40 ensures a stable connection of the mudguard to the bottom of the vehicle, preventing it from falling off. Typically, the fixing bracket 40 and the first bracket 2 are fastened together with screws, facilitating installation, simplifying the installation process, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency. The fixing plate can be welded onto the first bent piece 8. Typically, mudguard connection holes are provided on the mudguard, and screws pass through these holes and are screwed onto the fixing bracket 40.

[0035] At least one set of mounting holes 11 are provided on the main beam 1. The mounting holes 11 are distributed in a matrix. The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 can flexibly adjust their installation positions so that the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 can be adapted to different air filters 4. The mounting bolts 20 are fastened in the mounting holes 11 by nuts. The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are respectively fixed with mounting bolts 20, which facilitates flexible adjustment in the production process.

[0036] The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 of the present invention are mounted on a base 30 near the main beam 1. The base 30 is fitted with three sets of mounting bolts 20. The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are connected to the base 30 by friction welding. The base 30 is usually provided with three sets of mounting bolts 20. The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 on the base 30 can be fixed by the three sets of mounting bolts 20 respectively, so that the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 can be stably installed on the main beam 1.

[0037] The second bracket 3 of the present invention is equipped with a second bending member 9, and a second bonding plate 91 is formed on the second bending member 9. A second bolt 7 is passed through the second bonding plate 91, and the second bonding plate 91 abuts against the air filter 4. By setting the second bending member 9, the contact area between the second bracket 3 and the air filter 4 can be increased, thereby enabling the air filter 4 to work stably during vehicle operation.

[0038] The first bent component 8 has a weight-reducing hole 81, which can reduce the weight of the first bent component 8 itself. At the same time, ribs or reinforcing ribs can be welded to the first bent component 8 and the second bent component 9 to improve the structural strength of the first bent component 8 and the second bent component 9, thereby improving the installation position. The aforementioned chassis assembly is typically mounted on the frame at the bottom of a heavy-duty truck. The entire chassis assembly is made of high-strength steel (such as Q345B) or high-strength aluminum alloy, and is formed through forging and friction welding, as well as one-time laser cutting, punching and bending processes to ensure structural strength and achieve lightweighting.

[0039] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chassis assembly, characterized in that, It includes a main beam (1), a first bracket (2) and a second bracket (3). The first bracket (2) and the second bracket (3) are mounted on the main beam (1). An air filter (4) is sandwiched between the first bracket (2) and the second bracket (3). A mudguard is installed on the side of the first bracket (2) away from the air filter (4).

2. The chassis assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first bolt (6) is installed on the first bracket (2), and a second bolt (7) is installed on the second bracket (3). The first bolt (6) and the second bolt (7) are screwed onto both sides of the air filter (4).

3. The chassis assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bracket (2) is fitted with a first bent piece (8), which is made of steel plate and is rectangular. The third bolt (10) passes through the fixing frame (40) and is screwed onto the first bent piece (8).

4. The chassis assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing frame (40) comprises two sets, and the fixing frames (40) are parallel to each other.

5. The chassis assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing frame (40) is V-shaped, and the two ends of the fixing frame (40) overlap the mudguard.

6. The chassis assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one set of mounting holes (11) are provided on the main beam (1), and mounting bolts (20) are fastened in the mounting holes (11) by nuts. The first bracket (2) and the second bracket (3) are respectively provided with mounting bolts (20).

7. The chassis assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first bracket (2) and the second bracket (3) are equipped with bases (30) on the side near the main beam (1), and the bases (30) are fitted with three sets of mounting bolts (20).

8. The chassis assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A second bending member (9) is installed on the second bracket (3), a second bonding plate (91) is formed on the second bending member (9), a second bolt (7) is passed through the second bonding plate (91), and the second bonding plate (91) abuts against the air filter (4).

9. The chassis assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first bending member (8) has a weight reduction hole (81).

10. A heavy-duty truck, characterized in that, The system includes the chassis assembly of claim 1, and also includes a frame, wherein the chassis assembly is mounted on the frame.

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