FASTENING SYSTEM FOR THE INSTALLATION OF AN AUXILIARY AIR SUSPENSION

Abstract

A mounting bracket system for installing an auxiliary air suspension, characterized by comprising four main elements for each side of the vehicle: - an upper bracket made of treated and painted steel, with a hole for fixing it to the chassis and two threaded bushings for fixing it to the upper cover; - a lower bracket with four holes for fixing it to the air spring, one hole for the air inlet, and two fixing wings for fixing it between the U-bolts and the leaf spring; - an upper cover for closing the air spring by means of screws through the four holes and fixing it with two screws to the upper bracket on the threads of the bushings; - an air spring that is fixed to the lower bracket and the closing cover.

Description

FASTENING SYSTEM FOR INSTALLING A SUSPENSION AUXILIARY PNEUMATICS TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention relates to the field of suspensions for light commercial vehicles, such as cargo vans, mobile workshops, motorhomes, minibuses, and others. Specifically, it addresses a mounting system designed for the installation of an auxiliary air suspension, which complements the vehicle's original suspension, improving stability, safety, ride comfort, and the durability of the suspension system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The original suspensions of light commercial vehicles, especially those of the leaf spring type, are often overstressed due to vehicle modifications (bodywork, adaptation to a motorhome, special transport, etc.), which modifies the load distribution and generates instability problems, both longitudinally and laterally. A common solution is to reinforce the leaf springs by adding extra leaves. However, this increases the vehicle's overall weight and results in an excessively stiff rear suspension when unloaded, raising the rear of the vehicle and compromising handling. Currently, there are complementary solutions on the market, but many of them have technical deficiencies: low quality materials, complex assembly, poor adaptability, or poor functional effectiveness. The present invention allows the installation of an auxiliary air suspension that works in conjunction with the leaf spring, providing a hybrid system that redistributes the load and keeps the chassis parallel to the ground, adjusting manually or automatically to the load. This improves stability, prevents damage to the original suspension, and allows for greater driving control. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of a mounting bracket system designed to allow the installation of an auxiliary air suspension without requiring structural modifications to the vehicle's chassis. This system transforms a conventional suspension into a hybrid suspension, optimizing its performance under varying load conditions. The system consists of: - A compact and robust metal upper support (figure 1), with fixing holes that allow integral support and uniform distribution of forces. - A lower support (figure 2) with holes that allow screws to be attached - A top cover (figure 3) to close the torpress or pneumatic spring with the four holes and fix with the upper support on the threads of the bushings. - A pneumatic bellows (figure 4), arranged between the lower support and the cover, which acts as a load absorption and compensation element. The system is installed using existing anchor points on the vehicle's chassis, axle, and / or leaf springs. Positioning pivots 1a and 1b are used to center the upper support 1 in the existing slots on the chassis. It requires no welding, cutting, or structural alterations. It is compatible with the original U-bolts (7) and adaptable to multiple chassis configurations of light commercial vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS - Figure 1: View of the upper support of the assembly. - Figure 2: View of the lower support of the assembly. - Figure 3: View of the top cover. - Figure 4: View of the Torpress or pneumatic spring. - Figure 5: Top view of the assembled unit. - Figure 6: Bottom view of the assembled unit - Figure 7: View of the system installed in the vehicle PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the system is installed by removing the original rubber stop from the chassis, which is located as the end stop for the leaf spring. Next: 1. The clamps are loosened (7). 2. The upper support (1) is installed to the chassis by securing it with an M10 screw (grade 8.8), following the tightening torque recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. 3. The torpress assembly (4), lower support (2) and cover (3) are placed on the crossbow (8). 4. The original U-bolts are reinstalled, correctly positioning the lower support wings 2a and 2b between the U-bolts (7) and the leaf spring (8). 5. The parts (1) and (3) are aligned and secured using M8 screws (quality 8.8). 6. Finally, the final tightening torque is applied according to the manufacturer's specifications. Once installed, this system redistributes the load more evenly, improves vehicle stability, and reduces wear on the original suspension. Installation is quick, safe, and non-invasive. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The invention is suitable for mass production using standard machining and steel treatment processes. It is applicable in the automotive sector for manufacturers, body builders, conversion workshops, repair shops, and distributors of accessories for commercial vehicles.

Claims

1. A mounting bracket system for installing an auxiliary air suspension, characterized by comprising four main elements for each side of the vehicle: - an upper bracket made of treated and painted steel, with a hole for fixing it to the chassis and two threaded bushings for fixing it to the upper cover; - a lower bracket with four holes for fixing it to the air spring, one hole for the air inlet, and two fixing wings for fixing it between the U-bolts and the leaf spring; - an upper cover for closing the air spring by means of screws through the four holes and fixing it with two screws to the upper bracket in the threads of the bushings; - an air spring that is fixed with the lower bracket and the closing cover. 2.A mounting system for installing an auxiliary air suspension, according to claim 1, characterized in that the four elements are fixed to each other by means of: - Four screws in the lower bracket, four screws in the upper part, and two screws in the chassis bracket. - Positioning pivots that ensure precise alignment. - A screw that fixes the upper bracket to the chassis using an original thread.

3. A mixed suspension for a light commercial vehicle, characterized in that it has the auxiliary air suspension installed by means of the mounting system of claims 1 and 2.