Cab support device

Abstract

The present invention provides a cab support device that ensures a path for fitting a fastening tool onto the head of a fastener. [Solution] The cab support device comprises a columnar member that supports the cab of a vehicle, and a bracket fixed to the circumferential surface of the end of the columnar member, with the end fixed to the frame of the vehicle. The bracket has an opening in a first thickness direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the frame in the thickness direction of the end, and at a position further from the outer surface of the frame than the top of the end in a second thickness direction along the outer surface of the frame in the thickness direction. The opening allows the shaft portion of a fastener inserted into the frame to pass through, while the head of the fastener is locked in place.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cab support device.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as trucks include a cab (cabin) mounted above the frame, and the rear side of the cab with respect to the vehicle is supported by a cab bridge attached to the frame as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An L-shaped bracket is fixed to the peripheral surface of the end portion of such a cab bridge in the extending direction. When fixing the end portion of the cab bridge to the frame, the shaft portion of a fastener such as a bolt is inserted through both the peripheral surface of the end portion of the cab bridge and the bracket while both the peripheral surface of the end portion of the cab bridge and the bracket are in contact with the frame. When a fastening tool such as a socket is fitted onto the head of the fastener and, for example, the fastener is rotated, the end portion of the cab bridge is fixed to the frame.

[0005] Since the fastening tool is larger than the head of the fastener, when the head of the fastener is present at a position close to the frame, the movement line for fitting the fastening tool onto the head of the fastener may not be ensured due to interference with the end portion of the cab bridge, and it may be difficult to fit the fastening tool onto the head of the fastener.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a cab support device capable of ensuring a movement line for fitting a fastening tool onto the head of a fastener. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the aforementioned problems and can be realized in the following embodiments or application examples.

[0008] The cab support device according to this application example comprises a columnar member that supports the cab of a vehicle, and a bracket fixed to the circumferential surface of the end of the columnar member in the extending direction, and fixing the end to the frame of the vehicle, wherein the bracket has an opening in a first thickness direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the frame in the thickness direction of the end, at a position further from the outer surface of the frame than the top of the end in a second thickness direction along the outer surface of the frame in the thickness direction, and the opening allows the shaft portion of a fastener inserted into the frame to pass through while locking the head of the fastener.

[0009] According to the cab support device in this application example, even if the fastening tool, such as a socket, is larger than the head of the fastener, it is possible to secure a path for fitting the fastening tool onto the head of the fastener. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic left side view of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the frame and support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic left side view of the support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic right side view of the support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic left side view of a modified support device. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified support device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. Vehicle configuration Figure 1 is a schematic left side view showing the configuration of vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of frame 10 and support device 30 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle length direction of vehicle 1 may be expressed as the X direction or front-rear direction. The vehicle width direction of vehicle 1 may be expressed as the Y direction or left-right direction. Furthermore, the vehicle height direction of vehicle 1 may be expressed as the Z direction, up-down direction or vertical direction.

[0012] Vehicle 1 is a large vehicle such as a truck. Vehicle 1 comprises a frame 10, a pair of front wheels 18, a pair of rear wheels 20, and a cab (cabin) 22, etc.

[0013] The frame 10 is a ladder frame chassis frame, and includes a pair of left and right side rails 12, and a plurality of cross members 16, etc., with the pair of left and right side rails 12 comprising a left side rail 12L and a right side rail 12R.

[0014] The left side rail 12L and the right side rail 12R extend in the direction of the vehicle's length. Furthermore, the left side rail 12L and the right side rail 12R are parallel to each other, while being spaced apart in the direction of the vehicle's width.

[0015] The cross member 16 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left side rail 12L and the right side rail 12R. The cross member 16 connects, for example, the front end, intermediate positions, and rear end of the left side rail 12L and the right side rail 12R.

[0016] Each front wheel 18 is suspended from the frame 10 in front of the frame 10, and each rear wheel 20 is suspended from the frame 10 behind the frame 10.

[0017] The cab 22 is mounted on the frame 10 on the front side of the frame 10, and a seat and the like are provided inside. Specifically, the cab 22 is mounted on the frame 10 via a rotation support mechanism 24 such as a hinge and a support device 30.

[0018] The rotation support mechanism 24 is provided at the front end of each side rail 12 and supports the front end of the cab 22 rotatably from below. The support device 30 is spanned between the left side rail 12L and the right side rail 12R and supports the rear end of the cab 22 from below.

[0019] 2. Configuration of the support device FIG. 3 is a schematic left side view of the support device 30 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic right side view of the support device 30 of the first embodiment. FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views of the support device 30 of the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 5 shows a cross section at the A-A position in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 shows a cross section at the B-B position in FIG. 4. The support device 30 includes a columnar member 32 and a plurality of brackets 38 and the like.

[0020] The columnar member 32, for example, has a circular cross section, extends in an arch shape across both the left side rail 12L and the right side rail 12R, and supports the rear end of the cab 22 from below. The columnar member 32 includes an intermediate portion 34 and a pair of left and right lower end portions 36, and the pair of left and right lower end portions 36 include a left lower end portion 36L and a right lower end portion 36R.

[0021] The intermediate portion 34 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the vehicle width direction. The intermediate portion 34 is provided above the frame 10 (side rail 12). Both ends of the intermediate portion 34 extend downward. Therefore, the columnar member 32 is formed in an inverted U-shaped arch shape that opens downward as a whole.

[0022] The lower left end portion 36L is one end of the columnar member 32 in its extending direction, and is formed as a column extending in the vehicle height direction, located outward in the vehicle width direction from the left side rail 12L. The circumferential surface S of the lower left end portion 36L faces and contacts the outer surface 14a of the left side rail 12L in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The lower right end portion 36R is the other end of the columnar member 32 in the extending direction, and is formed as a column extending in the vehicle height direction, outward in the vehicle width direction from the right side rail 12R. The circumferential surface S of the lower right end portion 36R faces and contacts the outer surface 14a of the right side rail 12R in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] Hereinafter, with respect to the lower end portion 36, the direction perpendicular to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 in the thickness direction will be defined as the first thickness direction D1, and the direction along the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 in the thickness direction will be defined as the second thickness direction D2. Note that if the columnar member 32 has a circular cross-section, the thickness direction can also be called the radial direction. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first thickness direction D1 is in the same direction as the vehicle width direction, and the second thickness direction D2 is in the same direction as the vehicle length direction.

[0025] Furthermore, with respect to the lower end portion 36, the top V of the lower end portion 36 in the second thickness direction D2 will be simply referred to as the top V below.

[0026] The bracket 38 is made of sheet metal that has been folded, bent, or both as needed. The bracket 38 is fixed to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 by fasteners 100, with its lower end 36 attached.

[0027] The fastener 100 comprises a shaft portion 102 and a head portion 104, and screw threads (not shown) are formed on the circumferential surface of the shaft portion 102. Therefore, the fastener 100 can also be called a male screw portion. The fastener 100 is, for example, a bolt.

[0028] One or more brackets 38 are fixed to the circumferential surface S of the lower end portion 36 by welding or the like. In this embodiment, two brackets 38 are fixed to the circumferential surface S of the lower end portion 36, and these brackets 38 form a pair in the second thickness direction D2.

[0029] The bracket 38 includes a first plate portion 38a. The first plate portion 38a is fixed to the circumferential surface S of the lower end portion 36 at a location in the first thickness direction D1 that is further from the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 than the top portion V. The first plate portion 38a also extends along the second thickness direction D2 so as to be further from the central axis C of the lower end portion 36 than the top portion V.

[0030] Furthermore, the bracket 38 has a first opening 40 located at a position further from the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 than the top V in the first thickness direction D1. Specifically, the bracket 38 has a first opening 40 located at a position further from the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 than the top V in the first thickness direction D1, and at a position further from the central axis C of the lower end portion 36 than the top V in the second thickness direction D2.

[0031] The first opening 40 faces the outer surface 14a side of the side rail 12. The first opening 40 allows the shaft portion 102 of the fastener 100, which is inserted through the through hole in the side rail 12, to pass through, while locking the head portion 104 of the fastener 100. The first opening 40 is, for example, a through hole, a slit, or a notch.

[0032] When the head 104 of the fastener 100 is locked into the first opening 40, the shaft 102 of the fastener 100 is screwed into the female threaded portion 106 located on the inner surface 14b side of the side rail 12. Therefore, when the head 104 of the fastener 100 is locked into the first opening 40, the fastening force (compressive force) between the fastener 100 and the female threaded portion 106 acts on the bracket 38, and the bracket 38 fixes its lower end 36 to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12, as described above.

[0033] Thus, the bracket 38 that fixes the lower end portion 36 to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 has a first opening 40 in the first thickness direction D1 at a position further away from the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 than the top portion V. The first opening 40 allows the shaft portion 102 of the fastener 100, which is inserted through the through hole of the side rail 12, to pass through, while locking the head portion 104 of the fastener 100.

[0034] In other words, before the lower end portion 36 is fixed to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12, the head 104 of the fastener 100 is located further away from the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 than the first opening 40 of the bracket 38 in the first thickness direction D1.

[0035] Therefore, with such a support device 30, even if the fastening tool is larger than the head 104 of the fastener 100, a path for fitting the fastening tool onto the head 104 of the fastener 100 can be secured.

[0036] Furthermore, if the bracket 38 is positioned such that in the first thickness direction D1 it is further from the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 than the top V, and in the second thickness direction D2 it is further from the central axis C of the lower end portion 36 than the top V, then the path for fitting the fastening tool onto the head 104 of the fastener 100 can be more reliably secured.

[0037] 3. Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the configuration of the bracket 38 is changed, but otherwise it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, explanations that overlap with the first embodiment may be omitted. Figures 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views of the support device 30 of the second embodiment. Figure 7 shows a cross-section at a position corresponding to position AA in Figure 3, and Figure 8 shows a cross-section at a position corresponding to position BB in Figure 4.

[0038] The bracket 38 of the second embodiment comprises a first plate portion 38a and a second plate portion 38b. The second plate portion 38b extends along the first thickness direction D1 at a position further from the top V than the first opening 40 in the second thickness direction D2, with one end integrally connected to the first plate portion 38a and the other end in contact with the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12.

[0039] According to the support device 30 of the second embodiment, when the lower end portion 36 is fixed to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12, that is, when the fastening force between the fastener 100 and the female screw portion 106 acts on the bracket 38, the distortion of the bracket 38 is suppressed compared to the first embodiment due to the resistance force of the second plate portion 38b.

[0040] 4. Third Embodiment The third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment, except that the configuration of the bracket 38 has been changed. Therefore, explanations that overlap with the second embodiment may be omitted. Figures 9 and 10 are schematic cross-sectional views of the support device 30 of the third embodiment. Figure 9 shows a cross-section at a position corresponding to position AA in Figure 3, and Figure 10 shows a cross-section at a position corresponding to position BB in Figure 4.

[0041] The bracket 38 of the third embodiment comprises a first plate portion 38a, a second plate portion 38b, and a third plate portion 38c. The third plate portion 38c is fixed to the circumferential surface S of the lower end portion 36 at a location closer to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 than to the top portion V in the first thickness direction D1. The third plate portion 38c also extends along the second thickness direction D2 so as to be further away from the central axis C of the lower end portion 36 than to the top portion V, and is integrally connected to the other side of the second plate portion 38b.

[0042] Furthermore, the third plate portion 38c is in contact with the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12. In addition, a second opening 42 is formed at the portion of the third plate portion 38c that is in contact with the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12 and intersects with the axial direction of the shaft portion 102 of the fastener 100. The second opening 42 is, for example, a through hole, a slit, or a notch.

[0043] According to the support device 30 of the third embodiment, when the lower end portion 36 is fixed to the outer surface 14a of the side rail 12, that is, when the fastening force between the fastener 100 and the female screw portion 106 is acting on the bracket 38, the distortion of the bracket 38 is suppressed compared to the second embodiment due to the resistance of the second plate portion 38b and the third plate portion 38c.

[0044] This concludes the description of each embodiment. However, the specific configurations shown here are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those shown in each embodiment.

[0045] Figure 11 is a schematic left side view of a modified support device 30. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the modified support device 30. Figure 12 also shows a cross-section at position CC in Figure 11. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the brackets 38 that form a pair in the second thickness direction D2 may be integrally constructed. In the example shown in Figures 11 and 12, the brackets 38 that form a pair in the second thickness direction D2 are integrally constructed by integrally constructing the first plate portions 38a together.

[0046] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the structure of the bracket 38 is not particularly limited, as long as a path can be secured for fitting the fastening tool onto the head 104 of the fastener 100.

[0047] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the columnar member 32 may have, for example, a polygonal or elliptical cross-section.

[0048] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, if the lower end portion 36 is fixed to the side rail 12, then there may be only one bracket 38 fixed to the lower end portion 36.

[0049] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the lower end portion 36 may be fixed to the inner surface 14b of the side rail 12 by a bracket 38 or the like.

[0050] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, if screw threads are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the side rail 12, the female screw portion 106 may be the through hole of the side rail 12. In this case, if the head 104 of the fastener 100 is locked into the first opening 40, the shaft portion 102 of the fastener 100 is inserted through and screwed into the through hole of the side rail 12. In this case, the fastening force between the fastener 100 and the through hole of the side rail 12 acts on the bracket 38.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the vehicle 1 is a large vehicle such as a truck, but the support device 30 is not limited to this and can be applied to various vehicles such as medium-sized vehicles and small vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 vehicle 10 frames 12 Side Rails 12L Left side rail 12R Right side rail 14a Exterior 22 Cab 32 Columnar members 36 Lower end 38 brackets 40 First opening 100 fasteners 102 Shaft 104 Head D1 First thickness direction D2 Second thickness direction V top

Claims

[Claim 1] A columnar member that supports the vehicle's cab, A bracket fixed to the circumferential surface of the end of the columnar member in the extending direction, and fixing the end to the frame of the vehicle, Equipped with, The aforementioned bracket is In the first thickness direction of the end portion that is perpendicular to the outer surface of the frame, the end portion has an opening at a position further from the outer surface of the frame than the top of the end portion in the second thickness direction that is along the outer surface of the frame, The opening is a cab support device that allows the shaft portion of a fastener inserted into the frame to pass through, while locking the head portion of the fastener.

Images