Air tank module mounting structure

Abstract

To inhibit increase in costs and improve workability.SOLUTION: An air tank module attachment structure 1 attaches air tanks 4, 4 and an air dryer 5 to a frame 3 extending in a vehicle fore and aft direction. The air tank module attachment structure 1 includes: an air tank support bracket 11B fixed to the frame 3 so as to support the air tanks 4, 4 and extending in a vehicle width direction; an air dryer support bracket 13 fixed to the frame 3 so as to support the air dryer 5 and extending in the vehicle width direction; and a connection bracket 12 which connects the air tank support bracket 11B with the air dryer support bracket 13. 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.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] 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 front-rear direction of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as trucks 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 dryer that removes moisture and oil from the compressed air, in addition to an air tank that stores the compressed air. The air tank is usually supported by an air tank support bracket that is fixed to a frame (side rail) extending 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) extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 22010-254009 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 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, etc., for each of the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket with respect to the frame. This results in a problem of many work steps and poor workability. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving workability, it is conceivable to attach the air tank and the air dryer to the frame as a whole using an integrated bracket in which the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are integrated.

[0005] However, since there are a number of different types of air tanks and air dryers with different sizes, 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, which results in a problem of high costs.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air tank module mounting structure that can improve workability while suppressing an increase in cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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 the vehicle, and comprises 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 connecting bracket connected to the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket, and the connecting bracket is detachably connected to at least one of the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket.

[0008] 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 a case where the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are separately mounted 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 the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket for each type of air tank and air dryer. This reduces costs compared to a case where an integrated bracket in which the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket are integrated is used.

[0009] 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 enabling a strong connection between the air tank support bracket and the air dryer support bracket.

[0010] 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 connecting bracket has a first air dryer side connection part removably connected to the fixed part, and a second air dryer side connection part removably connected to the fixed part lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the first air dryer side connection part, and the first air dryer side connection part is arranged on the support part side of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection part is arranged on the opposite side to the support part of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] 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 rotation direction based on the connection position of 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 when 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 connecting portion and the second air dryer side connecting portion, whereby the air dryer support bracket is temporarily fixed to the connecting bracket, improving workability when fixing the air dryer support bracket to the frame.

[0012] 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 lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the first air dryer side connection portion. 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.

[0013] The first air dryer side connection portion may have a first bolt, the fixing portion may have a first through portion into which the first bolt is inserted, and the second air dryer side connection portion may have a second through portion, and the fixing portion may have a second bolt inserted into the second through 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 through portion and the second bolt into the second through 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.

[0014] 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 the first bolt, and the second air dryer side connection portion and the air dryer support bracket are fastened to the frame by the second bolt, thereby enabling the air dryer support bracket to be firmly fixed to the frame and facilitating processes 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.

[0015] The second through-hole may be open downward in the vehicle up-down direction. In this air tank module mounting structure, since the second through-hole is open downward in the vehicle up-down direction, the second bolt can be inserted into the second through-hole by rotating the air dryer support bracket so as to tilt it in the vehicle up-down direction relative to the connection bracket with the first bolt inserted into the first through-hole. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket.

[0016] The second through-hole may be open on the opposite side to the air tank support bracket in the vehicle front-rear direction. In this air tank module mounting structure, the second bolt can be inserted into the second through-hole by rotating the air dryer support bracket around the axis of the first bolt with the first bolt inserted into the first through-hole. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and improve workability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the air tank module mounting structure. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] An oblique view showing the air dryer support bracket and the auxiliary bracket. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket. FIG. [Figure 12]13 is a diagram illustrating temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a connecting bracket. [Figure 14] A diagram to explain temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket of another example. [Figure 15] A diagram to explain temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket of another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. In the following description, directions such as up and down refer to directions such as up and down in a vehicle.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an air tank module mounting structure according to an embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, an 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 FIGS. 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 FIGS. 1 to 3, air tanks 4, 4 and an air dryer 5 are removed to make the structure of each bracket easier to see.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The air tanks 4, 4 are attached to the frame 3 and store compressed air sent from an air compressor (not shown).

[0024] 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.

[0025] The air tank module mounting structure 1 comprises air tank support brackets 11A, 11B, a connection bracket 12, an air dryer support bracket 13, an auxiliary bracket 14, and a regulating bracket 15.

[0026] The air tank support brackets 11A, 11B are brackets for supporting the air tanks 4, 4. Since the air tank support bracket 11A and the air tank support bracket 11B basically have the same structure, they will be collectively described below as the air tank support bracket 11 unless otherwise specified. The air tank support bracket 11 is fixed to the frame 3 to support the air tanks 4, 4 and extends to the right RH in the vehicle width direction. The air tank support bracket 11 has a fixing portion 11a fixed to the frame 3 and a support portion 11b that supports the air tanks 4, 4.

[0027] 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 vehicle vertical direction, 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.

[0028] The fixing portion 11a is fixed to a side surface of the frame 3. The fixing portion 11a can be fixed to the frame 3 by, for example, bolt fastening. The air tanks 4, 4 can be supported by the support portion 11b by, for example, placing the air tanks 4, 4 on the support portion 11b and fastening a 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, bolt fastening. The metal band 21 is fixed to at least one of the fixing portion 11a and the support portion 11b.

[0029] 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 from both ends of the base 11d in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the right RH in the vehicle width 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.

[0030] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the air tank module mounting structure. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection bracket. As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, the connection bracket 12 is a bracket 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 front-rear direction, and therefore the connection bracket 12 is connected to the air tank support bracket 11B. However, when the air dryer 5 is disposed rearward of the air tank support brackets 11A and 11B in the vehicle front-rear direction, the connection bracket 12 is connected to the air tank support bracket 11A.

[0031] 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, for example, by welding, and "detachably connected" refers to a connection form that can be easily separated, such as by bolt fastening.

[0032] The connection bracket 12 is fixed to a side surface of the frame 3. The connection bracket 12 can be fixed to the frame 3 by, for example, bolt fastening. 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.

[0033] The air tank side connecting portion 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 portion 11d of the fixing portion 11a of the air tank support bracket 11B. The air tank side connecting portion 12a can be connected to the air tank support bracket 11B by, for example, welding, bolt fastening, or the like.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The base portion 12b1 is a portion adjacent to the air tank side connecting portion 12a and protruding from the air tank side connecting portion 12a. The base portion 12b1 is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction, similar to the air tank side connecting portion 12a, and extends forward in the vehicle front-rear direction FR from the air tank side connecting portion 12a along the frame 3.

[0036] The inclined portion 12b2 is a portion adjacent to the front FR of the base portion 12b1 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The inclined portion 12b2 is formed in a plate shape extending from the base portion 12b1, and extends from the base portion 12b1 to the front FR in the vehicle front-rear 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 portion 12b1 so as to move away from the frame 3.

[0037] The tip portion 12b3 is a portion adjacent to the front FR of the inclined portion 12b2 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is a portion detachably connected to the air dryer support bracket 13. The tip portion 12b3 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 to the front FR in the vehicle front-rear direction at a position separated from the frame 3. The tip portion 12b3 is disposed on the opposite side of the frame 3 with respect to the base portion 12b1 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0038] 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 toward the opposite side to 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.

[0039] 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 disposed on the frame 3 side relative to the tip part 12b3 of the first air dryer side connection part 12b.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the air dryer support bracket and the auxiliary bracket. As shown in Figs. 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 in order to support the air dryer 5. The air dryer support bracket 13 has a fixing part 13a that is fixed to the frame 3 and is detachably connected to the first air dryer side connecting part 12b and the second air dryer side connecting part 12c of the connection bracket 12, and a support part 13b that extends from the fixing part 13a in the direction opposite to the frame 3 (to the right RH in the vehicle width direction) and supports the air dryer 5.

[0042] The fixing portion 13a and the support portion 13b are formed in a plate shape. The fixing 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 fixing 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 fixing portion 13a. The fixing 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 fixing portion 13a and the support portion 13b are connected in a curved manner.

[0043] The fixing portion 13a is fixed to a side surface of the frame 3 in a state where it is overlapped with the first air dryer side connecting portion 12b and the second air dryer side connecting portion 12c. The fixing portion 13a has a first fixing portion 13c, an inclined portion 13d, and a second fixing portion 13e.

[0044] The first fixing portion 13c is a portion that is connected in an overlapping state with the first air dryer side connecting portion 12b and is fixed to a side surface of the frame 3. The first fixing portion 13c is formed in a plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction along the frame 3.

[0045] The first fixing portion 13c has a first through portion 13f. The first through portion 13f is a through hole into which a 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, the air dryer support bracket 13 can be inclined with respect to the first air dryer side connection portion 12b.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The second fixing portion 13e is a portion adjacent to the inclined portion 13d, and is a portion that is connected in an overlapping state with the second air dryer side connecting 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 separated from the frame 3. When viewed from the vehicle up-down direction, the second fixing portion 13e is disposed on the opposite side of the frame 3 to the first fixing portion 13c.

[0048] A second bolt 13g inserted into the second through-hole 12e is attached to the second fixing portion 13e. 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 toward the opposite side to 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.

[0049] The connection bracket 12 and the air dryer support bracket 13 are configured so that the first air dryer side connection portion 12b is positioned on the support portion 13b side of the fixed portion 13a (opposite the frame 3), and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c is positioned on the opposite side of the support portion 13b of the fixed portion 13a (opposite the frame 3 side).

[0050] The first bolt 12d inserted into the first through portion 13f is fastened to the frame 3, and the second bolt 13g inserted into the second through portion 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 also fixes the first air dryer side connection portion 12b, the second air dryer side connection portion 12c and the fixing portion 13a to the frame 3.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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. When the auxiliary bracket 14 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first through portion 13f of the fixed portion 13a, the portion of the auxiliary bracket 14 corresponding to the first through portion 16f is penetrated.

[0053] The restricting bracket 15 is a bracket 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 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 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.

[0054] 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 part 11f in a state where it is overlapped with the base part 11f of the support part 11b of the air tank support bracket 11B. Like the base part 11f, the air tank side fixing part 15a 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.

[0055] 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, in a state where it is 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 by, for example, bolt fastening.

[0056] The intermediate portion 15c is a portion disposed between the air tank side fixing portion 15a and the air dryer side fixing portion 15b. That is, 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 to allow the air dryer support bracket 13 to move in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the air tank support bracket 11B by the intermediate portion 15c, 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.

[0057] In this manner, in the air tank module mounting structure 1 according to the present 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, thereby improving 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.

[0058] Furthermore, 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 to each other.

[0059] Here, an example of a method for attaching the air tank module 6 to the frame 3 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket.

[0060] First, the air tanks 4, 4 are fixed to the air tank support brackets 11A, 11B using the metal band 21. The air dryer 5 is fixed to the air dryer support bracket 13 using the base portion 22 and the metal band 23.

[0061] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, a first bolt 12d attached to the tip 12b3 of the first air dryer side connection portion 12b of the connection bracket 12 is inserted into the first through portion 13f of the fixing portion 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 with respect to the first air dryer side connection portion 12b about the first bolt 12d as an axis so that the first bolt 12d is inserted into the first through portion 13f from the support portion 13b side (frame 3 side) relative to the fixing portion 13a. In other words, the air dryer support bracket 13 is rotated so as to tilt in the vehicle up-down direction. This temporarily fastens the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12.

[0062] 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 when 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 positioned 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 borne 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 portion 12b and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c are engaged with the air dryer support bracket 13, thereby temporarily fixing the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12.

[0063] Thereafter, 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 attachment of the air tank module 6 to the frame 3.

[0064] In this manner, in the air tank module mounting structure 1 according to the present 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 positioned 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 the ease of fixing the air dryer support bracket 13 to the frame 3.

[0065] Furthermore, since the first air dryer side connection portion 12b and the second air dryer side connection portion 12c protrude from the air tank side connection portion 12a, the positional relationship between the above-mentioned first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion and the fixed portion can be easily formed.

[0066] Furthermore, by inserting the first bolt 12d into the first through portion 13f and inserting the second bolt 13g into the second through portion 12e, 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.

[0067] In addition, since 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, 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.

[0068] Furthermore, because the second through portion 12e is open downward in the vehicle up-down direction, the second bolt 13g can be inserted into the second through portion 12e by rotating the air dryer support bracket 13 to tilt it in the vehicle up-down direction relative to the connection bracket 12 with the first bolt 12d inserted into the first through portion 13f. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12.

[0069] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified or applied to other things without departing from the gist of the claims.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiment, the second through-hole is described as being open downward in the vehicle up-down direction, but the second through-hole 12f may be open on the opposite side to the air tank support bracket 11B in the vehicle front-rear direction (front FR in the vehicle front-rear direction) as in a connection bracket 12' shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a connection bracket.

[0071] Here, an example of a method for attaching the air tank module 6 to the frame 3 when using the connection bracket 12' shown in Fig. 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are diagrams for explaining temporary fastening of the air dryer support bracket to the connection bracket of another example.

[0072] First, similarly to the above embodiment, the air tanks 4, 4 are fixed to the air tank support brackets 11A, 11B using the metal band 21. The air dryer 5 is fixed to the air dryer support bracket 13 using the base portion 22 and the metal band 23.

[0073] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the first bolt 12d attached to the tip 12b3 of the first air dryer side connection portion 12b of the connection bracket 12' is inserted into the first through portion 13f of the fixing portion 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 portion 12b around the first bolt 12d as an axis so that the second bolt 13g is inserted into the second through portion 12e from the open end of the second through portion 12e. In other words, the air dryer support bracket 13 is rotated with respect to the first air dryer side connection portion 12b around the axis of the first bolt 12d. This temporarily fastens the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12'.

[0074] Thereafter, 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 attachment of the air tank module 6 to the frame 3.

[0075] 13, with the first bolt 12d inserted into the first through portion 13f, the air dryer support bracket 13 can be rotated about the axis of the first bolt 12d to insert the second bolt 13g into the second through portion 12f. This makes it easy to temporarily fasten the air dryer support bracket 13 to the connection bracket 12'.

[0076] In addition, in the above embodiment, it was described that the first air dryer side connection portion and the second air dryer side connection portion protrude toward the connecting bracket, so that the first air dryer side connection portion is positioned on the support portion side of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection portion is positioned on the opposite side of the support portion of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction. However, for example, the first and second fixing portions may protrude toward the connecting bracket, or the first and second fixing portions of the air dryer support bracket may protrude toward the connecting bracket, so that the first air dryer side connection portion is positioned on the support portion side of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction, and the second air dryer side connection portion is positioned on the opposite side of the support portion of the fixed part in the vehicle width direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 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...fixing 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...tilt Inclined portion, 12b3...tip portion, 12c...second air dryer side connection portion, 12d...first bolt, 12e...second through portion, 12f...second through portion, 13...air dryer support bracket, 13a...fixing portion, 13b...support portion, 13c...first fixing portion, 13d...inclined portion, 13e...second fixing portion, 13f...first through portion, 13g...second bolt, 14...auxiliary bracket, 15...regulating bracket, 15a...air tank side fixing portion, 15b...air dryer side fixing portion, 15c...middle portion, 21...metal band, 22...base portion, 23...metal band, F...load.

Claims

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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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