Mounting system for a vehicle component

Abstract

A number of variations disclosed may include a product that may include a mounting system having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a plurality of spaced apart shock absorbers between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve.

Description

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to mounting systems for vehicle components, components thereof, and assembly methods. Background Art

[0002] Existing mounting systems for vehicle components have limited component mounting locations and orientations. These mounting systems may include shock absorbers that provide limited directional shock absorption. These components often have limited locations for mounting features, which makes the component difficult to mount to the vehicle.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a mounting system including a shock absorber that can be mounted in several positions, provides multi-directional shock absorption, can be mounted in multiple orientations, is easier to install, limits rotation of components, can be used with different components and customized for different components. Moreover, other desirable features and characteristics of the variations disclosed herein will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings and the foregoing disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0004] Numerous variations disclosed may include a product that may include a mounting system having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a plurality of spaced apart bumpers between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve.

[0005] In a number of variations, at least the inner sleeve may include an engagement feature to couple with an anti-rotation feature on the first vehicle component.

[0006] In a number of variations, the mounting system may include an outer sleeve having mounting features for mounting to a second vehicle component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the following, variations will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting system for connection to a vehicle component according to a number of variations;

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a retaining clamp for connecting together a first part and a second part of a mounting system according to a number of variations. Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the mounting system shown;

[0010] Figure 3 It is part of the inner sleeve of the mounting system according to a large number of variants, along Figure 1 A top view taken along line 3-3;

[0011] Figure 4is an inner sleeve of a flexible finger having an anti-rotation feature that locks to a vehicle component according to a mounting system of a number of variations, Figure 1 A partial side view with some parts removed;

[0012] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an inner sleeve of a mounting system having a retaining clamp slidably received on a first end of a first portion and a first end of a second portion of the inner sleeve according to a number of variations;

[0013] Figure 6 is a partial top view of a first end of a first portion of an inner sleeve coupled to a first end of a second portion of the inner sleeve using a snap-fit ​​connection;

[0014] Figure 7 is a partial top view of a second end of a first portion of the inner sleeve coupled to a second end of a second portion of the inner sleeve using a snap-fit ​​connection;

[0015] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting system having an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve with a shock absorber therebetween according to a number of variations, and wherein the inner surface of the outer sleeve and the outer surface of the inner sleeve have an elastomeric coating or layer thereon;

[0016] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of two mounting systems connected to a vehicle component according to a number of variations, wherein each mounting system is received in a separate channel defined in an outer surface of the vehicle component;

[0017] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting system having an inner sleeve defining a channel and a vehicle component having a rail received in the channel according to a number of variations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description.

[0019] Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting system 20 connected to a vehicle component 22 according to a number of variations. The mounting system 20 may include an inner sleeve 24, which may be a single piece or may be multiple pieces connected or coupled together. In a number of variations, the inner sleeve 24 may include or be made of a variety of materials, including polymeric materials such as, but not limited to, plastics, thermosets, or composite materials. In a number of variations, the inner sleeve 24 may include or be made of metal. In a number of variations, the inner sleeve 24 includes a first portion 26 and a second portion 28.

[0020] The mounting system 20 can also include an outer sleeve 30, which can be a single piece or can be multiple pieces connected or coupled together. In a large number of variations, the outer sleeve 30 can include a variety of materials or can be made of a variety of materials, and the variety of materials includes polymeric materials, such as but not limited to plastics, thermosetting or composite materials. In a large number of variations, the outer sleeve 30 can include metal or be made of metal. In a large number of variations, the outer sleeve can include a first portion 32 and a second portion 34.

[0021] A plurality of spaced apart shock absorbers 36 can be placed between the inner sleeve 24 and the outer sleeve 30. In a large number of variations, the shock absorber can be a synthetic elastomer or a natural elastomer, such as rubber. A large number of shock absorbers 36 can vary in quantity, arrangement and stiffness. The number of shock absorbers depends on their arrangement layout, and the stiffness of each shock absorber can be adjusted individually to achieve the desired mode arrangement and modal purity target as desired by any vehicle component 22. In a large number of variations, the vehicle component can be a compressor, an engine, a fuel tank or any number of other types of vehicle components. In a large number of variations, the vehicle component 22 is a compressor for compressing a fluid, and the fluid can include a gas, a liquid or a mixture thereof. In a large number of variations, the compressor can be an air conditioning compressor. In a large number of variations, the compressor can be an air compressor.

[0022] In a number of variations, the vehicle component may have an outer surface with a cylindrical portion. In a number of variations, portions of the first portion 32 and the second portion 34 of the outer sleeve 30 may be clamped together, riveted together, or snapped together to create alignment and compression of the mounting system, or have interlocking features to prevent mismatching during shipping and handling.

[0023] The pocket 38 can be defined by the inner surface 37 of the inner sleeve. In a number of variations, the inner sleeve can include a first flexible finger 40 and a second flexible finger 42 that form the pocket 38. The anti-rotation feature 23 can be formed on an outer surface of the vehicle component 22. In a number of variations, the anti-rotation feature 23 can be cast, stamped, machined into the outer surface of the vehicle component, or can be provided by an external bracket. In a number of variations, the anti-rotation feature 23 can be a protrusion or boss formed on the outer surface of the vehicle component 22. The anti-rotation feature 23 (such as in the case of a protrusion or boss) can also be an alignment feature to properly position the mounting system 20 (especially when the properties of the shock absorber 36 vary).

[0024] A retaining clamp 62 may be used to connect the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24. In a number of variations, the inner sleeve 24 may be locked together or locked to the vehicle component 22 by snaps having sufficient force to maintain shipping and handling. In a number of variations, the inner sleeve 24 may have a clamshell construction where the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 are a single, integral piece with a thin, flexible portion extending between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28, allowing the opposing ends of the inner sleeve 24 to open a distance sufficient to place the inner sleeve 24 on the vehicle component 22. Variations of the retaining clamp 62 will be described below.

[0025] The first portion 32 of the outer sleeve 30 may have a first flange 46 at one end and a second flange 48 at the other end. In a number of variations, one or more of the flanges (e.g., the second flange 48) may have an extension 55 having a hook shape for easy manipulation by an installer or mounting equipment. The second portion 34 of the outer sleeve 30 may have a first flange 50 at one end and a second flange 52 at the other end. A first bolt hole 54 may be formed in the first flange 46 of the first portion 32 of the outer sleeve 30, and a second bolt hole 56 may be formed in the second flange 48 of the first portion 32 of the outer sleeve 30. A third bolt hole 58 may be formed in the first flange 50 of the second portion 34 of the outer sleeve 30, and a fourth bolt hole 60 may be formed in the second flange 52 of the second portion 34 of the outer sleeve 30. One or more of the holes 54, 56, 58, 60 may be used as a lifting auxiliary hole for the vehicle component 22 and the mounting member to be raised as an assembly.

[0026] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fixing clamp 62 for connecting together the first part 26 and the second part of the mounting system according to a number of variations. Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the mounting system is shown. The bolt 64 can extend through the first flexible finger 40 of the first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 and through the second flexible finger 42 of the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24. The nut 66 can hold the bolt in place and connect the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24 together.

[0027] Figure 3 is a top plan view of a portion of an inner sleeve of a mounting system according to a number of variations, taken along line 3-3. The first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 may have a first flexible finger 40 and a second flexible finger 42 with a space or gap 43 therebetween.

[0028] Figure 4 is an inner sleeve of a flexible finger having an anti-rotation feature that locks to a vehicle component according to a mounting system of a number of variations, Figure 1The first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 may be an anti-rotation feature 23 of the vehicle component 22 such that the anti-rotation feature 23 is press-fitted against the first flexible finger 40 and the second flexible finger 42. As the flexible fingers 40, 42 are biased away from each other by the anti-rotation feature 23, the space 43 may widen but still provide sufficient pressure on the anti-rotation feature 23 to prevent the inner sleeve 24 from rotating.

[0029] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the inner sleeve 24 of the mounting system 20 having a retaining clamp 62 slidably received on a first end 75 of the first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 and a first end 79 of the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24 according to a number of variations. In a number of variations, the retaining clamp 62 can include a head 68 having a bottom surface 69 that engages a top surface 71 of the first flexible finger 40 and a top surface 73 of the second flexible finger 42. A projection 70 can extend from the bottom surface 69 and slide between the first end 75 of the first flexible finger 40 and the first end 79 of the second flexible finger 42. The projection 70 can include a head portion 77 having a shoulder 72 for engaging an inner surface 74 of the first flexible finger 40 and an inner surface 76 of the second flexible finger 42.

[0030] Figure 6 2 is a partial top view of a first end 100 of a first portion 26 of an inner sleeve 24 coupled to a first end 103 of a second portion 28 of an inner sleeve 24 using a snap fit connection. In a number of variations, the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24 can be connected together using mating snap fit features. The first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 can include a first end 100 having a flexible elongated tang 102 having a head portion 105 and a shoulder 112 for mating with a shoulder 108 of a first flexible finger 104 and a shoulder 110 of a second flexible finger 106 at the first end 103 of the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24. The flexible fingers 104 and 106 form a recess 107 into which the tang 102 can be pressed.

[0031] Figure 71 is a partial top view of the second end 118 of the first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 coupled to the second end 114 of the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24 using a snap fit connection. In a number of variations, the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24 may be coupled together using alternative coupling techniques. The second portion 28 of the inner sleeve 24 may have a second end 114 and a projection 116 having a head portion 144 and a first surface 146 inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the projection 116 and a second surface 148 inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the projection 116. The second end 118 of the first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 may have a pair of spaced apart flexible fingers 120 and 122 forming a recess 123. The projection 116 may be pushed through the spaced apart flexible fingers 120 and 122 of the first portion 26 of the inner sleeve 24 such that the shoulders 128 of the head portion 144 of the projection 116 engage the shoulders 124 and 126 of the first and second flexible fingers 120 and 122, respectively.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting system 20 with an inner sleeve 24 and an outer sleeve 30 and a shock absorber 36 therebetween according to a large number of variations, and wherein the inner surface of the outer sleeve and the outer surface of the inner sleeve have an elastic coating or layer. In a large number of variations, a first elastic coating or layer 78 can be arranged on the inner surface 31 of the outer sleeve 30. In a large number of variations, a second elastic coating or layer 80 can be arranged on the outer surface 25 of the inner sleeve 24. Elastic coatings or layers 78 and 80 can assist in firmly attaching the elastic shock absorber 36 to the inner sleeve 24, and to the outer sleeve 30 if necessary, because similar materials are easier to combine together than different materials. An adhesive layer can be placed between the shock absorber 36 and the coating or layer 78 and 80. The shock absorber 36 can also be attached to the outer sleeve 30, or to the coating or layer 78, and the coating or layer 80 or the inner sleeve 24 by a variety of methods including ultrasonic bonding or heat welding. In a number of variations, the acoustic layer 82 may be attached, snapped on, or formed on the inner surface 81 of the inner sleeve 24 to reduce airborne noise generated by the vehicle component 22 .

[0033] Fig. 92 is a cross-sectional view of two mounting systems 20 connected to a vehicle component 22 according to a number of variations, wherein each mounting system 20 is respectively received in a separate channel 86, 87 defined in or provided on the outer surface of the vehicle component 22. In a number of variations, the channels 86, 87 can be cast, stamped or machined into the outer surface of the component, or can be created by an external bracket. In a number of variations, the vehicle component 22 can have an outer surface 91 forming the channel 86. In a number of variations, the channel 86 can be formed by a first ridge 88 extending upwardly from a base surface 92 and a second ridge 90 spaced apart. The mounting system 20 can be received in the channel 86. In a number of variations, the channel is formed, and the cylindrical portion of the vehicle component 22 and the channel 86 can extend around the circumference of the cylindrical portion of the vehicle component 22. In a number of variations, a plurality of spaced apart and parallel channels (or a plurality of spaced apart channels in the same imaginary plane) may be formed in the outer surface of the vehicle component 22, and wherein the mounting system 20 is received in the plurality of spaced apart and parallel channels. In another variation, the channel 87 may be formed in the outer surface 91 of the vehicle component 22, and may be defined by a first wall 94 extending downwardly from the base surface 92 and a spaced apart second wall 96 also extending downwardly from the base surface 92, wherein the first wall 94 and the second wall 96 are connected by a bottom plate 98, such that the first wall 94, the bottom plate 98, and the second wall 96 form the channel 87. The mounting system 20 may be received in the channel 87 defined by the first wall 94, the second wall, and the bottom plate 98.

[0034] Fig.10 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting system 20 having an inner sleeve 24 defining a channel 130 and a vehicle component 22 having a guide rail 138 received in the channel according to a number of variations. In a number of variations, the channel 130 can be formed by a first ridge 132 extending from a base surface 136 of the inner sleeve 24 and a spaced second ridge 134. The guide rail 138 can extend from the base surface 92 of the vehicle component 22 and can be received in the channel 130 formed in the inner sleeve 24. In a number of variations, the guide rail extends over the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion of the base surface 92 of the vehicle component 22. In a number of variations, a plurality of spaced and parallel guide rails (or a plurality of spaced guide rails in the same imaginary plane) can be formed on the base surface 92 of the vehicle component and have a plurality of guide rails 138 received in the channel 130 formed in the inner sleeve 24.

[0035] In numerous variations, the mounting system 20 can be used to mount the vehicle component 22 in an electric vehicle at multiple locations without necessarily having to have limited mounting features on the vehicle component to facilitate mounting the vehicle component close to the belt drive. In numerous variations, one or more mounting systems 20 can be positioned on the vehicle component closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle component. In numerous variations, different mounting systems can use the inner sleeve 24 and outer sleeve 30 as described herein but designed and manufactured for a variety of different vehicle components having different configurations, weights, and operating modes and mounted in different locations, wherein for different vehicle components, elastomeric dampers can be placed between the inner sleeve 24 and outer sleeve 30 at different locations, in different numbers and with different stiffnesses.

[0036] The following description of variations merely illustrates parts, elements, actions, products and methods that are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and is not intended to limit this scope in any way by specifically disclosed or not explicitly stated content. Except as explicitly described herein, parts, elements, actions, products and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged and still be considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] Variation 1 may include a product having a mounting system for mounting a vehicle component, the mounting system comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, and a plurality of bumpers disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve having at least one mounting feature for mounting the mounting system having a vehicle component attached thereto.

[0038] Variation 2 may include a product as set forth in Variation 1 wherein the shock absorber is at least one of a synthetic elastomer, a natural elastomer, or a compression spring.

[0039] Variation 3 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-2 wherein the inner sleeve includes an anti-rotation feature for mating with an anti-rotation feature on a vehicle component.

[0040] Variation 4 may include a product as set forth in Variation 3 wherein the anti-rotation feature of the inner sleeve comprises an inner surface defining a pocket for receiving the anti-rotation feature of the vehicle component comprising a protrusion or boss.

[0041] Variation 5 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-4 wherein the inner sleeve comprises a first portion and a second portion and a retention feature for coupling the first portion and the second portion of the inner sleeve together.

[0042] Variation 6 may include a product as set forth in Variation 5 wherein the retention feature further comprises a threaded bolt extending through the first flexible finger and the second flexible finger and a nut secured to the threaded bolt.

[0043] Variation 7 may include a product as set forth in Variation 2 further comprising an elastomeric coating or layer on at least the outer surface of the inner sleeve.

[0044] Variation 8 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-7 wherein the plurality of dampers vary in at least one of arrangement or stiffness.

[0045] Variation 9 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1-8 wherein the inner sleeve comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the plurality of dampeners comprises a first dampener on the first portion and a second dampener on the second portion, and wherein the first dampener is different from the second dampener.

[0046] Variation 10 may include a method comprising attaching a mounting system to a vehicle component, the mounting system comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve and a plurality of dampers disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve having at least one mounting feature for mounting the mounting system with the vehicle component attached thereto.

[0047] Variation 11 may include a method as set forth in Variation 10 wherein the shock absorber is at least one of a synthetic elastomer, a natural elastomer, or a compression spring.

[0048] Variation 12 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 10-11 wherein the inner sleeve includes an anti-rotation feature for mating with an anti-rotation feature on a vehicle component.

[0049] Variation 13 may include a method as set forth in Variation 12 wherein the anti-rotation feature of the inner sleeve comprises an inner surface defining a pocket for receiving the anti-rotation feature of the vehicle component, wherein the anti-rotation feature of the vehicle component comprises a protrusion or boss.

[0050] Variation 14 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 10-13 wherein the inner sleeve comprises a first portion and a second portion and a retention feature for coupling the first portion and the second portion of the inner sleeve together.

[0051] Variation 15 may include a method as set forth in Variation 14 wherein the retention feature comprises a first flexible finger and an opposing second flexible finger.

[0052] Variation 16 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 10-15 further comprising an elastomeric coating or layer on at least the outer surface of the inner sleeve.

[0053] Variation 17 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 10-16 wherein the plurality of dampers vary in at least one of arrangement or stiffness.

[0054] Variant 18 may include a method as set forth in any of Variants 10-17, wherein an outer surface of the vehicle component defines a channel or an inner sleeve defines a channel, and wherein the inner sleeve is received in a channel defined in the outer surface of the vehicle component, or the outer surface of the vehicle component includes a guide rail received in a channel defined in the inner sleeve.

[0055] Variant 19 may include a product comprising a vehicle component having at least one of: 1) a first channel extending along at least a portion of a first cylindrical surface of the vehicle component and a second channel extending along at least a portion of a second cylindrical surface of the vehicle component; or 2) a first guide rail extending along at least a portion of a first cylindrical surface of the vehicle component and a second guide rail extending along at least a portion of a second cylindrical surface of the vehicle component.

[0056] Variant 20 may include a product as described in Variant 19, wherein the vehicle component further includes: a first anti-rotation feature including a protrusion or protrusion each in a first channel and a second anti-rotation feature including a protrusion or protrusion each in a second channel; or a third anti-rotation feature including a protrusion or protrusion each on a first guide rail and a second anti-rotation feature including a protrusion or protrusion each on a second guide rail.

[0057] Although at least one exemplary variation has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are quite a number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A product comprising: A mounting system for mounting a vehicle component, the mounting system comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, and a plurality of bumpers disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve having at least one mounting feature for mounting the mounting system with the vehicle component attached thereto.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein The shock absorber is at least one of a synthetic elastomer, a natural elastomer, or a compression spring.

3. The product according to claim 1, wherein: The inner sleeve includes an anti-rotation feature for mating with an anti-rotation feature on the vehicle component.

4. The product according to claim 3, wherein: The anti-rotation feature of the inner sleeve includes an inner surface defining a pocket for receiving the anti-rotation feature of the vehicle component including a protrusion or boss.

5. The product according to claim 1, wherein The inner sleeve includes a first portion and a second portion and a retaining feature for coupling the first portion and the second portion of the inner sleeve together.

6. The product according to claim 5, wherein: The retention feature also includes a threaded bolt extending through the first and second flexible fingers and a nut secured to the threaded bolt.

7. The product of claim 2 further comprising an elastomeric coating or layer on at least the outer surface of the inner sleeve.

8. The product according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of dampers vary in at least one of arrangement or stiffness.

9. The product according to claim 8, wherein The inner sleeve includes a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the plurality of dampers includes a first damper on the first portion and a second damper on the second portion, and wherein the first damper is different from the second damper.

10. A method comprising: A mounting system is attached to a vehicle component, the mounting system including an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve and a plurality of bumpers disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve having at least one mounting feature for mounting the mounting system with the vehicle component attached thereto.

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