GB2502273A

GB2502273A - Exhaust hanger

Info

Publication number: GB2502273A
Application number: GB201208903A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Josep Martin Marin; Juan Manuel Martin; Juan Manuel Camacho; Vincente Barrachina
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2012-05-21
Filing date: 2012-05-21
Publication date: 2013-11-27
Also published as: GB201208903D0; EP2666988B1; ES2600655T3; EP2666988A1

Abstract

Disclosed is an exhaust hanger 10 having a body 12 of resilient material and two sets of suspension openings, 14A, 14B and 16A, 16B, for receiving hanger rods each set of openings comprising two spaced suspension openings. The suspension openings of the first set, 14A, 14B, may be dimensioned to receive hanger rods of a first size and the suspension openings of the second set 16A, 16B may be dimensioned to receive hanger rods of a second size, different from the first size. The same hanger 10 can therefore be used over a wide range of vehicle applications. A central opening 30 with abutments 32A, 32B, 34A, and 34B can allow the hanger to flex in use, absorbing bumps and vibration without excessive noise. The resilient material may be an elastomeric material such as rubber or synthetic rubber.

Description

I

Exhaust Hanuer

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exhaust hanger for suspending an exhaust system from a vehicle body.

Background to the Invention

It is known to suspend an exhaust system from a vehicle body using a hanger having a main body of a resilient, elastomeric material such as rubber. Exhaust hangers typically have a pair of suspension openings defined in the body. The suspcnsion opdnings arc spaccd from onc anothcr and cxtcnd through thc body along parallel axes for receipt of respective, generally parallel extending hanger rods, one fixed to the body of the vehicle and the other fixed to an exhaust member. Often the two hanger rods are the same size and the two suspension openings are also of the same size. In some applications, however, the hanger rod on the vehicle body and the hanger rod on the exhaust are of different sizes, so the two suspension openings will be of correspondingly different sizes.

The size of the exhaust hanger rods used depends on the loads to be carried.

So for example, a smaller vehicle having a lighter exhaust system may use smaller hanger rods than a larger vehicle having a heavier exhaust system. Indeed, in some vehicles diffcrcnt sized hanger rods might be needed to support different parts of an exhaust system. Motor vehicle manufacturers generally try to standardise the size of exhaust hanger rods used across their vehicle ranges, as this helps to simplify manufacture of the parts and assembly of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle manufacturer may adopt only two standard sizes: a large size and a small size.

However, even this requires the use of at least two different exhaust hangers having suspension openings of the appropriate size. This adds to the cost and complexity of manufacture, as a range of hangers with appropriately sized suspension openings have to be produced, stored and controlled, to ensure that the correct hanger is provided for each vehicle during assembly and for aftermarket support.

There is a need then for an improved or alternative exhaust hanger which overcomes, or at least mitigates, some or all of the problems of the prior art exhaust hangers.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an exhaust hanger comprising a body of resilient material, the body defining two sets of suspension openings for receiving hanger rods, each set consisting of two spaced suspension openings.

The provision of two sets of suspension openings for hanger rods in an exhaust hanger in accordance with the invention enables the hanger to be configured for use with at least two different sets of hanger rods. This enables hangers in accordance with the invention to be used in a greater range of vehicle applications.

For example, if a vehicle manufacturer uses only two different sizes of hanger rods over its vehicle range, then a hanger in accordance with the invention with two correspondingly sized sets of suspension holes can be used over the entire vehicle range. This simplifies manufacture as a reduced number of different hangers are required to be produced, stored and controlled. It also allows for a reduction in manufacturing costs of thc hangcr which can bc produccd in largcr quantitics, with a reduced variety of moulding tools.

At Icast onc of thc suspcnsion opcnings in a first onc of thc scts may bc differently dimensioned/and or profiled from at least one of the suspension openings in a second one of the sets. In one embodiment, the suspension openings in each set arc of thc samc dimcnsions, thc suspcnsion opcnings of thc first sct bcing diffcrcntly dimensioned from the suspension openings of the second set. The suspension openings of the first set may be dimensioned to receive hanger rods of a first size and thc suspcnsion opcnings of thc sccond sct maybc dimcnsioncd to rcccivc hangcr rods of a second size, different from the first size.

In an cmbodimcnt, thc suspcnsion openings cxtcnd along paraflcl axcs, thc suspension openings in the first set being aligned in a first plane and the suspension opcnings of thc sccond sct being aligned in a sccond plane diffcrcnt from thc first plane. The first and second planes may extend at an angle to one another. The first and second planes may extend orthogonally to one another. The body may be generally square in lateral cross section and the first and second planes may be aligncd diagonally of thc squarc scction.

The body may define a central through opening, the suspension openings in cach sct being positioned on oppositc sidcs of thc ccntral through opening. Thc ccntral through opening may be shaped like a cross, in which case the arms of the cross are prcfcrably aligncd on plancs cqui-spaccd bctwccn the first and sccond planes. Thc body may comprise abutment members arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the central through opening that are configured to engage to limit movement of the suspension openings in either set towards each other in use. The body may comprise a first pair of abutment members aligned on the first plane and a second pair of abutment members aligned on the second plane. The abutment members may each have an apex, the apexes of the abutment members in the first pair of abutment members being aligned on the first plane and the apexes of the abutment members in the second pair of abutment members being aligned on the second plane. The abutment members may be triangular, or may have a triangular head region.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an exhaust hanger comprising a body of resilient material, the body defining two sets of suspension openings for receiving hanger rods, each set consisting of two spaced suspension openings, the suspension openings of the first set being dimensioned to receive hanger rods of a first size and the suspension openings of the second set being dimensioned to receive hanger rods of a second size, different from the first size.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a view from the front of an exhaust hanger in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of part of a vehicle illustrating use of the exhaust hanger of Figure 1 to suspend an exhaust system from the vehicle body using a first set of suspension openings; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line X-X of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 but showing the hanger supporting an exhaust system using a second set of suspension openings dimensioned to receive smaller hanger rods than the first set of suspension openings; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exhaust hanger in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a front view of the exhaust hanger of Figure 5 showing the hanger oriented for use in suspending an exhaust system using a first set of suspension openings; and Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 showing the hanger oriented for use in suspending an exhaust system using a second set of suspension openings.

It should be noted that for clarity of illustration, the hangers of Figures 3 and 4 are shown in essentially planar form, with negligible thickness.

With reference to Figures 1 to 4 initially, an exhaust hanger 10 in accordance with a first aspect of the invention comprises a body 12 of a resilient material, which may be an elastomeric material such as rubber or synthetic rubber. The body 12 may be moulded or formed as part of an elongate extrusion, and cut to length. The body 12 in its relaxed state has a generally square shaped lateral section with rounded corners, as can be seen in Figure 1.

A first set of spaced suspension openings 14A, 14B extend lengthways through the body 12 along parallel axes to receive separate generally parallel hanger rods 18,20 (Figs. 2 and 3). The suspension opdnings 14A, 14B of the first set arc aligned on a first plane 22.

A second set of spaced suspension openings 16A, 16B extend lengthways through the body 12 along parallel axes to receive separate generally parallel hanger rods 24, 26 (Fig. 4). The suspension openings 16A, 16B of the second set are offset from the suspension openings 14A, 14B of the first set and are aligned on a second plane 28 which is different from the first plane. The first and second planes are angled relative to one another. In the present embodiment, the first and second planes 22, 28 are aligned orthogonally of one another; and each extends diagonally relative to the square section of the body, such that they cross centrally of the body's lateral section.

The suspension openings 14A, 14B of the first set are dimensioned to receive larger hanger rods than the suspension openings 16A, 16B of the second set. In the present embodiment, the suspension openings 14A, 14B, 16A, 16B are all cylindrical bores configured to receive generally round (that is, circular) section hanger rods. [he suspension openings 14A, 14B in the first set have a diameter of! 1.5mm and are configured for use with hanger rods 18, 20 having a diameter of 12mm, whilst the suspension openings 16A, 16B have a diameter of 9.5mm for use with hanger rods having a diameter of 10mm.

A central opening 30 extends through the body between the suspension openings in each set. The central opening 30 allows the body to more easily expand and contract in a lateral plane of the body in use to accommodate movement of the exhaust system relative to the body of the vehicle, say as the result of the vehicle travelling over a bump in the road. The central opening 30 is in the shape of a cross with arms of equal length, the arms being aligned equi-spaced between the first and second planes 22, 28.

The body 12 is designed to dampen relative movement between the exhaust and the vehicle body. To this end, the body 12 is profiled about the central opening to define abutments 32A, 32B, 34A, 34B which limit movement of the suspension openings in each set towards each other in use. The abutments are arranged in pairs, with a first pair of abutments 32A, 32B being arranged on opposite sides of the central through opening 30 in line with the suspension openings 14A, 14B of the first set on the first plane 22 and a second pair of abutments 34A, 34B arranged on opposite sides of the central through opening 30 in line with the suspension openings 16A, IÔB of the second set on the second plane 28. When the exhaust hanger 10 is used to suspend an exhaust system using the first set of suspension openings 14A, 14B, as illustrated in Figure 3, the first pair of abutments 32A, 32B are operative to limit movement of the suspension openings 14A, 14B in the first set towards each other, thus limiting comprcssion of the exhaust hanger in a direction parallel to the first plane 22.

Alternatively, when the exhaust hanger is used to suspend an exhaust system using the second set of suspension openings 16A, 16B, as illustrated in Figure 4, the second pair of abutments 34A, 34B are operative to limit movement of the suspension openings I6A, 1GB in the second set towards each other, thus limiting compression of the exhaust hanger in a direction parallel to the second plane. The abutments 32A, 32B, 34A, 34B are generally triangular in shape, having smoothed round apexes that align with the first or second plane of their respective suspension openings 14A, 14B, 16A, 16B. The round apexes of opposed abutments contact to limit compression, the maximum limitation being achieved when the sides of the slots adjacent to the abutments also contact one another.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate use of the hanger 10 to suspend an exhaust system 36 from part of a vehicle body 38 by means of a pair of hanger rods 18, 20. For ease of illustration, exhaust system 36 is shown as if translucent in Figure 2; and in sectional form in Figs. 3 and 4. A first hanger rod 18 is attached at one end to the vehicle body 38 by means of welding or by any other suitable method. The first hanger rod 18 extends generally parallel to a floor pan of the vehicle in a direction that is generally horizontal when the vehicle is positioned on flat ground. The rod 18 is shaped so that its free end is spaced from the vehicle body 38 to allow sufficient room for the hanger to be mounted on the rod. A second hanger rod 20 is attached at one end to a part of the exhaust system 36 by means of welding or by any other suitable method. The second hanger rod 20 extends generally parallel to the first hanger rod 18 when the exhaust is in its nominal desired position on the vehicle. The second hanger rod 20 is shaped so that its free end is spaced from the exhaust system 36 to allow sufficient room for the hanger 10 to be mounted on the rod.

The first and second hanger rods 18, 20 are each cylindrical over the majority of their length, including at least the region where the exhaust hanger 10 locates on the rod, having a diameter of about 12mm. Each hanger rod 18, 20 has an enlarged diameter head region 40 at its free end to prevent the exhaust hanger 10 from sliding off the rod unintentionally once it is mounted. The head region is chamfered on the outside to make it easier for the head region 40 to be forced through a respective suspension opening in the hanger when the hanger is being fitted.

As shown in Figure 3, for suspending an exhaust system using 12mm hanger rods 18, 20, the hanger 10 is positioned so that the first set of suspension openings 14A, 14B, which are dimensioned for use with the 12mm hanger rods, align with the rods. Typically, the hanger rods are located vertically one below the other as shown in use. The hanger rods 18, 20 are inserted through respective ones of the suspension openings 14A, 14B in the first set in the usual manner, and the hanger 10 functions in a largely conventional manner to suspend the exhaust system 36.

Figure 4 shows an exhaust suspension arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 3, except that the hanger rods 24, 26 are smaller, each having a diameter of about 10mm. In this ease, the hanger 10 is orientated so that the suspension openings 16B, 16A in the second set, which are dimensioned for use with the 10mm hanger rods, align with the rods 24, 26, which arc then inserted through rcspcetivc suspension openings 1ÔB, 16A.

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a second embodiment of an exhaust hanger 110 in accordance with the invention. The same reference numbers, but increased by 100, will be used to identify features in common with the first embodiment.

As with the first embodiment, the hanger 110 has a body 112 made of a resilient material, which may be an clastomcric material such as rubber or synthetic rubber. The body defines two sets of spaced suspension openings I 14A, 1 14B, 1 16A, 1 16B for receiving hanger rods. The suspension openings 1 14A, 1 14B of the first set have a diameter of 11.5mm for receiving hanger rods having a diameter of I 2mm, and are aligned on a first plane 122. The suspension openings 1 16A, 1 16B of the second set have a diameter of 9.5mm for receiving hanger rods having a diameter of 10mm, and arc aligned on a second plane 128. The first and second planes arc angled relative to one another, and intersect at a position substantially centrally of the lateral section of the body 112.

Figure 6 shows the hanger 110 oriented for use in suspending an exhaust using the first set of suspension openings 114A, 114B; which are aligned one above the other so that the first plane 122 extends substantially vertically. In this configuration, the hanger can be mounted to hanger rods having a diameter of 12mm. Figure 7 shows the hanger 110 oriented for use in suspending an exhaust using the second set of suspension openings 11 6A, 11 6B; which are aligned one above the other so that the second plane 128 extends substantially vertically. In this configuration, the hanger can be mounted to hanger rods having a diameter of 10mm.

The body 112 defines a central through opening 130 which allows the body to more easily expand and contract in a lateral plane of the body in use to accommodate movement of the exhaust system relative to the body of the vehicle. The central opening 130 in this embodiment is elongate with curved ends at either side. [he body is profiled about the central opening to define abutments 132A, 132B, 134A, 134B, which limit compression of the hanger body in use so as to dampen relative movement between the exhaust and the vehicle body; and to reduce the risk of the exhaust knocking against the vehicle body.

The hanger body 112 of thc second embodiment is generally rectangular in lateral section with rounded corners; and in use is orientated with its shorter side extending generally in a lateral direction. This may be advantageous where there is less clearance in a lateral direction between the exhaust and the vehicle body to accommodate the hanger.

It can be seen then that a hanger 10, 110 in accordance with the invention can be used to suspend an exhaust using either one of the two sets of suspension openings 14A, 14B, 16A, 16B; or 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B; enab!ingthchangertobcused with two differently sized sets of hanger rods 18, 20. The ability to use the same hanger with differently sized hanger rods enables the same hanger to used in more vehicle applications, thus reducing the number of different hangers required; and allowing the hanger to be produced in greater volumes, leading to a reduction in the cost of manufacture. The storage and control of parts is also simplified. In a preferred arrangemcnt, a vehicle manufacturer will usc only two standard sized hanger rods over the whole of its vehicle range, so that the same hanger can be used throughout.

The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, whilst in the embodiments disclosed the hangers have been adapted for use with 10mm and 12mm cylindrical hanger rods, it will be appreciated that hangers in accordance with the invention can be readily adapted for use with hanger rods of different dimensions and/or cross sectional shape.

Furthermore, whilst in most applications it is cxpcctcd that the suspension opcnings in each set will be of the same general dimensions for use with the hanger rods of the same size, this is not essential; and at least one set could be adapted to accommodate differently sized hanger rods. For example, in some applications it may be advantageous to use differently sized, or indeed differently shaped, hanger rods on the vehicle body than on the exhaust. Exhaust hangers in accordance with the invention can be adapted for use with such arrangements, provided they comprise two set of suspension openings, with each set being configured for use with a particular hanger rod arrangement. In addition, whilst for practical purposes it is expected that exhaust hangers in accordance with the invention will only have two sets of suspension openings, hangers with more than two sets of suspension openings are possible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An exhaust hanger comprising a body of resilient material, the body defining two sets of suspension openings for receiving hanger rods, each set consisting of two spaced suspension openings.
2. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the suspension openings in a first one of the sets is differently dimensioned/and or profiled from at least one of the suspension openings in a second one of the sets.
3. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the suspension openings in each set are of the same dimensions, the suspension openings of the first set being differently dimensioned from the suspension openings of the second set.
4. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 3, wherein the suspension openings of the first set are dimensioned to receive hanger rods of a first size and the suspension openings of the second set are dimensioned to receive hanger rods of a second size, different from the first size.
5. An exhaust hanger as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the suspension openings extend along parallel axes, the suspension openings in the first set being aligned in a first plane and the suspension openings of the second set being aligned in a second plane different from the first plane.
6. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first and second planes extend at an angle to one another.
7. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second planes extend orthogonally to one another.
8. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 7, wherein the body is generally square in lateral cross section, the first and second planes being aligned diagonally of the square section.
9. An exhaust hanger as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body defines a central through opening, the suspension openings in each set being positioned on opposite sides of the ccntral through opening.
10. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 9 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the central through opening is shaped like a cross, the arms of the cross prefrrably being aligned on planes equi-spaced between the first and second planes.
11.Anexhausthangeras claimed inclaim9 orclaim 10,whereinthebodycomprises abutment members arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the central through opening, said abutment members being configured to mutually engage to limit movement of the suspension openings in either set towards each other in use.
12. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim II when dependent on claim 5, wherein the body comprises a first pair of abutment members aligned on the first plane and a second pair of abutment members aligned on the second plane.
13. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 12, wherein the abutment members each have an apex, the apexes of the abutment members in the first pair of abutment members being aligned on the first plane, and thc apexes of the abutment members in the second pair of abutment members being aligned on the second plane.
14. An exhaust hanger as claimed in claim 13, wherein the abutment members are triangular or have a triangular head region.
15. An exhaust hanger as herein described, and as illustrated in Figure 1, or in Figures to 7, of the accompanying Figures.