Suspension device for vehicles

Abstract

Suspension device (3) for detachably mounting a second unit (2) on a first unit (1) in a vehicle, wherein the suspension device (3) comprises at least one first fastening element (4), at least one first support means (5), at least one second fastening element (8) and at least one second support means (9), designed to cooperate with at least one fixing means (6, 10), characterized in that the first fastening element (4) and the first support means (5) are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction such that the first fastening element (8) and the first support means (9) are separated from each other by a distance, and that the second fastening element (8) and the second support means (9) are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction such that the second fastening element (8) and the second support means (9) are separated from each other by a distance.wherein the first and the second fastening element (4, 8) are each equipped with an inner surface (3a, 3c) configured to move in response to an actuation of the fixing means (6, 10) in the direction of at least one fastening means (7, 11) attached to the first unit (1) or the second unit (2) in order to fix the second unit (2) to the first unit (1), wherein the first fastening element (4) and the second fastening element (8) are arranged diagonally to each other in one of the assembly directions, and wherein the first support means (5) and the second support means (9) are arranged diagonally to each other in one of the assembly directions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to suspension devices for the detachable mounting of various units and components. It relates in particular to a suspension device that facilitates and speeds up the mounting of, for example, mufflers and / or tanks to a vehicle such as a truck. It specifically relates to accelerating vehicle assembly as well as facilitating and accelerating the removal of various components during subsequent repair and maintenance work.

[0002] In many different contexts, there is a need to be able to attach and remove various components quickly, efficiently, and ergonomically, not least in the manufacture of heavy-duty / commercial vehicles. For example, in the production of trucks, it is desirable to simplify and accelerate the production process steps to save costs. This can include, among other things, assembling more complex units along the production line, for example, at so-called pre-assembly stations, so that these units can then be assembled more quickly at the various assembly stations on the production line. During the manufacturing process, it is desirable for certain of these units, especially those that are heavy and bulky, to be mounted from above to achieve an ergonomic working position. This applies, for example, to mufflers, fuel tanks, etc.These components are mounted from above, before the vehicle's superstructure is installed. However, during subsequent maintenance and servicing, and when replacing such mounted units, they must be installed from below because superstructures like storage boxes restrict or prevent access from above. This causes problems because the brackets used for the original top-mounted installation are difficult or time-consuming to remove from below, for example, when working from a pit, or when installation and removal are performed from different sides.

[0003] WO 2004 / 113 110 A1 describes the state of the art for the respective category.

[0004] US 2010 / 0065597A1 describes a fastening device consisting of hooks and screw brackets. A bracket, which includes a hook, is attached to the portion of a frame member to which, for example, a muffler is to be mounted. The bracket is mounted in a hole template in the frame member and secured with screws. A fastener, which includes a pin, is mounted on the muffler. Mounting thus involves connecting the fastener on the muffler to the bracket on the frame member. The pin in the fastener must engage the hook mounted in the frame member bracket, and supports in the form of screws are used to secure the fastening device.

[0005] US Patent 4,444,373 A concerns a suspension device for fuel tanks, providing assistance in the form of a "third hand" during the installation of such a tank. The tank is equipped, among other things, with flanges located on its sides that must be fitted into grooves on the vehicle frame at the mounting points. The purpose of the suspension device is to support a portion of the tank's weight until the tank is installed.

[0006] Current state-of-the-art suspension devices do not feature designs that effectively combine a satisfactory, quick-to-assemble, and reliable mounting system with the ease of mounting and removing the device from any two directions, for example, from two different sides and from below. Nor are there any current state-of-the-art solutions that feature a simple design incorporating a "third hand" function to facilitate assembly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One object of the invention is to solve the aforementioned problems and to provide a suspension device that simplifies and accelerates assembly processes during vehicle manufacturing, as well as the removal of, for example, various components from the vehicle during subsequent maintenance and service work. The assembly of the suspension device is also simplified by simply hooking fasteners at two points and fixing support elements at both points.

[0008] A further object of the invention is that the suspension device should simplify the mounting of units and components from one side of the vehicle and their subsequent removal from the opposite side. Furthermore, the suspension device also makes it possible to mount and remove components from above or below, for example in a workshop pit where the mechanic is located under the vehicle.

[0009] Another objective is that the invention provides a "third hand" solution to simplify, for example, the mounting of a silencer to a side member of a vehicle frame. The suspension device can be pre-assembled on the silencer; then, the suspension device with the pre-mounted silencer is hooked firmly onto the side member, allowing the installer to, for example, secure the suspension device to the side member with screws. This simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for an additional installer to hold the silencer while the first installer screws it to the frame side member.

[0010] These tasks are achieved through the features specified in the independent claim listed below.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and description listed below.

[0012] A suspension device comprises a main part equipped with at least one fastening element and at least one support for interaction with at least one fixing element. The fastening element and the support element are arranged longitudinally at a distance from each other, and assembly comprises firmly engaging the fastening element in a fixing element attached to a first or second unit. The fastening element is provided with an inner surface, and when the fixing element is actuated, the inner surface on the fastening element moves toward the fixing element and is fixed to it. The second unit is thus fixed to the first unit. The more forcefully the fixing element is actuated, the more firmly the fastening element is fixed to the fixing element.

[0013] The first unit can be, for example, a frame side support and the second unit can be, for example, a silencer, a tank or similar, and the suspension device is used to assemble the two units together, in this case to mount the silencer to the side support.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fastening element and the support means can be arranged horizontally or vertically relative to each other.

[0015] In one embodiment, the suspension device can comprise a first and second fastening element and a first and second support means, wherein the first and second fastening elements are arranged diagonally to each other in their respective mounting directions, and the first and second support means are also arranged diagonally in their respective mounting directions. This arrangement of the respective fastening elements and support means results in a stable suspension device in which the respective fastening elements are fixed to the respective fastening means when the fixing means are actuated.

[0016] For example, if the suspension device is pre-mounted on the first unit, it can be installed from one direction and later removed from the opposite side, for example during service or repair work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a silencer mounted on one side of the two supporting longitudinal frame side members of a truck. Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of a silencer unit mounted on one of the two supporting longitudinal frame side members of a truck with the suspension device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of the suspension device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0018] The present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals have been used for elements with the same or similar functions.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 100 with a frame that can have the form of two elongated parallel side beams connected to each other by a series of crossbeams. A silencer 2 is mounted on the side of the side beam 1.

[0020] The vehicle shown is a heavy-duty vehicle in the form of a truck. Alternatively, it could be any suitable vehicle such as a bus or a car.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of a second unit 2, for example in the form of a silencer, which is mounted on a first unit 1, for example a frame side member, on a truck (not shown in this drawing). The mounting was carried out using the suspension device 3 according to the invention, which includes a first fastening element 4, a first support means 5 (shown in Figure 2). Fig. 3) a main part equipped with a second fastening element 8 and a second support 9. The first fastening element 4 and the first support 5 are arranged longitudinally at a distance from each other. Similarly, the second fastening element 8 and the second support 9 are arranged longitudinally at a distance from each other. The fact that the respective fastening elements 4, 8 and support 5, 9 are arranged longitudinally at a distance from each other means that they can be aligned at any predetermined distance from each other, for example, 20 cm, and can be arranged horizontally or vertically relative to each other.Furthermore, the respective fastening elements 4, 8 and support means 5, 9 can also be aligned relative to each other, for example by having the support means 5, 9 at a higher position than the fastening elements 4, 8 or by having the support means 5, 9 at a lower position than the fastening elements 4, 8.

[0022] The fastening elements 4, 8 with their respective support means 5, 9 are each designed to work together with the respective fixing means 6, 10.

[0023] The following description relates to the first and second fastening elements 4, 8, the first and second support means 5, 9, and the first and second fixing means 6, 10, but the invention can also relate to more than two sets of these parts. For example, there can be four fastening elements, two of them on the upper side and two on the lower side of the suspension device 3. In this example, each pair of fastening elements can be matched to the respective support means and can each interact with the respective fixing means.

[0024] The fixing process involves firmly hooking the first fastening element 4, which is located in Fig. 2 is located on the upper side of the main part 3, on a first fastening element 7 which is attached to a first unit 1, for example a frame side member. The first fastening element 4 has an inner surface 3a (shown in Fig. 3) equipped with a first fastening element 7, which, when the first fixing element 6 is actuated, moves in the direction of arrow A towards a first fastening element 7 attached to the first unit 1. The first support element 5 is fastened in the first fixing element 6. In one embodiment, the first support element 5 is equipped with a threaded recess for receiving the first fixing element 6. The first support element 5 is thus preferably screwed firmly to the first fixing element 6 with a nut or similar fastener.

[0025] The second fastening element 8, which in this example is attached to the lower side of the main part 3, is then fastened in a second fastening element 11, which is attached to a second unit 2, for example, a silencer. The second fastening element 8 has an inner surface 3c (shown in Fig. 3) equipped with a second support element 9, which, when the second fixing element 10 is actuated, moves in the direction of arrow B towards the second fastening element 11 attached to the second unit 2. The second support element 9 is secured in the second fixing element 10. In one embodiment, the second support element 9 is equipped with a threaded recess for receiving the second fixing element 10. The second support element 9 is thus preferably screwed firmly onto the second fixing element 10 with a nut or similar fastener.

[0026] Actuating the fixing device 6, 10 fixes the fastening elements 4, 8 to the respective fastening devices 7, 11. The fact that the respective fastening elements and support devices 4, 5 and 8, 9 work together in pairs thus leads to stability in all directions.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first fastening element 4, attached to the upper side of the suspension device 3, and the second fastening element 8, attached to the lower side of the suspension device 3, are arranged diagonally to each other. The first support element 5 and the second support element 9 are attached in the same way, that is, diagonally to each other. This arrangement of the respective fastening elements 4, 8 and support elements 5, 9 means that when the support elements 5, 9 are fixed to the respective fixing elements 6, 10, the result is stability in all directions.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first and second fastening elements 4, 8 are equipped with at least one U-shaped receptacle that is open on one side in the mounting direction, and each fastening element 4, 8 has an inner surface 3a, 3c that is fixed to the fastening means 7, 11. The fastening elements 4, 8 are attached to the suspension device 3 such that the respective openings point in opposite directions. These openings are preferably equipped with a wide opening that then narrows; however, other embodiments are also possible.

[0029] Each of the fastening elements 7, 11 can, for example, be a pin, a screw, a bolt, a hook or another suitable device attached to first unit 1 and second unit 2 respectively, designed to hook the first and second fastening elements 4, 8 of the suspension device 3 onto them.

[0030] The support elements 5, 9 are preferably screwed firmly into the respective fixing elements 6, 10 with nuts or similar fasteners. The first fixing element 6 is mounted on the first unit 1 and the second fixing element 10 is mounted on the second unit 2. In one embodiment, the support elements 5, 9 are at a right angle to the suspension device 3 (shown as 3b and 3d in Figure 3). Fig. 3) curved; however, other designs are also possible.

[0031] The assembly process can, for example, include pre-assembling the suspension device 3 onto the second unit 2 with the second fastener 8 and the second support 9. The second fastener 8 is hooked onto the second fastener 11; subsequently, the second fastener 9 is secured in the second fixing element 10, for example, by tightening it with a nut. When the second fixing element 10 is actuated, the inner surface 3c moves towards the second fastener 11.

[0032] The suspension device, which supports the pre-assembled second unit 2, is then mounted on the first unit 1 by hooking the first fastening element 4 onto the first fixing element 7 and fixing the first support element 5 in the first fixing element 6, for example by tightening it with a nut. When the first fixing element 6 is actuated, the inner surface 3a moves towards the first fastening element 7.

[0033] Of course, the opposite is also possible, i.e., the suspension device 3 can be pre-mounted on the first unit 1 and then the second unit 2 is mounted on the suspension device 3, which was pre-mounted on the first unit 1.

[0034] The removal of the second unit 2 can be carried out from the opposite side by detaching the second support 9 from the second fixing element 10 and then unhooking the second fastening element 8 from the second fastening element 11.

[0035] The invention is of course by no means limited to the embodiments described above, since numerous possibilities for modifications of these are clear to a person skilled in the art without having to deviate from the basic concept of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Suspension device (3) for detachably mounting a second unit (2) to a first unit (1) in a vehicle, wherein the suspension device (3) comprises at least one first fastening element (4), at least one first support means (5), at least one second fastening element (8) and at least one second support means (9), designed to cooperate with at least one fixing means (6, 10), characterized by, that the first fastening element (4) and the first support means (5) are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction such that the first fastening element (8) and the first support means (9) are arranged at a distance apart from each other, and that the second fastening element (8) and the second support means (9) are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction such that the second fastening element (8) and the second support means (9) are arranged at a distance apart from each other, wherein the first and the second fastening element (4, 8) are each provided with an inner surface (3a, 3c) which is configured to move in response to an actuation of the fixing means (6, 10) in the direction of at least one fastening means (7, 11) attached to the first unit (1) or the second unit (2) in order to fix the second unit (2) to the first unit (1),wherein the first fastening element (4) and the second fastening element (8) are arranged diagonally to each other in one of the assembly directions and wherein the first support means (5) and the second support means (9) are arranged diagonally to each other in one of the assembly directions. [2] Suspension device (3) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first fastening element (4) and the first support element (5) are arranged horizontally or vertically relative to each other. [3] Suspension device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second fastening element (8) and the second support element (9) are arranged horizontally or vertically relative to each other. [4] Suspension device (3) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first and / or the second fastening element (4, 8) is equipped with at least one U-shaped receptacle which is open on one side in one of the mounting directions. [5] Suspension device (3) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first and / or the second support means (5, 9) is equipped with a threaded recess for receiving the fixing means (6, 10). [6] Suspension device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the first fastening element (4) is arranged on the upper side of the suspension device (3) and is designed to be fitted or removed from above or from the side, and the second fastening element (8) is arranged on the lower side of the suspension device (3) and is designed to be fitted or removed from the side or from below.

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