SE540872C2

SE540872C2 - Bracket, Wheel Suspension, and Vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE540872C2
Application number: SE1750430A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Julian Stemp
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2017-04-11
Filing date: 2017-04-11
Publication date: 2018-12-11
Also published as: WO2018190761A1; DE112018001256T5; SE1750430A1; DE112018001256B4

Abstract

Herein a bracket (1) is disclosed configured to prevent excess movement of a leaf spring (3) of a wheel suspension (5) of a vehicle (7). The bracket (1) comprises fastening means (9) at a first portion (11) thereof for fastening the bracket (1) onto a portion (13) of a chassis (15) of the vehicle (7). The bracket (1) further comprises a second portion (22) arranged to face the leaf spring (3) in order to prevent excess movement of the leaf spring (3). The bracket (1) comprises a channel (27) arranged to accommodate one or more elongated vehicle components (29) of the vehicle (7). The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle (7) comprising a chassis (15) and a wheel suspension (5), wherein the wheel suspension (5) comprises a leaf spring (3) and a bracket (1).

Description

Bracket, Wheel Suspension, and Vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a bracket configured to prevent excess movement of a leaf spring of a wheel suspension of a vehicle. The present invention further relates to a wheel suspension for a vehicle, as well as a vehicle comprising a chassis and awheel suspension, wherein the wheel suspension comprises a leaf spring and a bracket.

BACKGROUND Wheel suspensions comprising leaf springs are commonly used on heavy vehicles, and in some cases also on other types of vehicles. Sometimes, a leaf spring is also referred to as a laminated spring, a carriage spring, a semi-elliptical spring or cart spring. A leaf spring usually takes the form of a slender arc-shaped length of spring steel of rectangular crosssection. Some leaf springs comprise several leaves stacked on top of each other in several layers, often with progressively shorter leaves.

In the most common configuration, the centre of the arc provides location for a wheel axle, and mounting sections are provided at either end for attaching the leaf spring to a chassis of a vehicle. The leaf spring is arranged to bend in order to allow movement of the wheel axle relative the chassis. Occasionally, for example when driving on rough roads, the wheel axle and the leaf spring may move excessively. Therefore, some vehicle suspensions comprise one or more brackets configured to prevent excess movement of the leaf spring by abutting against a portion of the leaf spring.

During braking and acceleration, the torque of the wheel is transferred to the chassis via the leaf spring. Therefore, the leaf spring is subjected to bending torque originating from the location of the wheel axle during braking and acceleration. Such a bending torque may, especially during heavy braking, bend the leaf spring into a S-shape. Such bending is usually referred to as wind-up. In order to prevent such bending, some vehicle suspensions comprise a bracket arranged at the chassis such that the bracket is abutting against a rear end portion of the leaf spring during heavy braking to prevent the bending of the leaf spring into a S-shape.

There are many parts of a vehicle that are moving during displacement of a wheel axle relative the chassis, such as wheels, brakes, brake callipers, wheel axle, the leaf spring, etc. Further, vehicles of today comprise a lot of elongated vehicle components serving different functions of the vehicle. Some examples are cables, cable harnesses, wires and fluid ducts, such as ducts holding brake fluid. Such elongated vehicle components are vital for the function of the vehicle, and damage of one of such components may pose a danger to the safety of travel. Usually, such elongated vehicle components are arranged at the underside of the vehicle. The underside of a vehicle is subjected to a lot of dirt and debris, and the build-up of dirt and debris onto moving parts of the vehicle suspension may increase the risk of damage of elongated vehicle components of the above-mentioned kind.

WO 2017001462A1 relates to a stop mechanism for limiting a vertical deflection of a motor vehicle leaf spring. The stop mechanism comprises a guiding device for guiding one or more cables.

Further, when manufacturing vehicles, the cost for the assembly of the vehicle constitutes a large proportion of the final cost of the vehicle. Therefore, when designing components of a vehicle, it is a great advantage if they are simple to assemble. It is a still greater advantage if they can facilitate assembly of other components of the vehicle.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a bracket configured to prevent excess movement of a leaf spring of a wheel suspension of a vehicle. The bracket comprises fastening means at a first portion thereof for fastening the bracket onto a portion of a chassis of the vehicle, wherein the bracket further comprises a second portion arranged to face the leaf spring in order to prevent excess movement of the leaf spring. The bracket comprises a channel arranged to accommodate one or more elongated vehicle components of the vehicle.

Thereby, excess movement of the leaf spring is prevented in an efficient manner and one or more elongated vehicle components can be accommodated in the channel in a safe and space efficient manner. Thereby, the risk of damage of such components, during movement of a leaf spring, can be reduced. Accordingly, a bracket is provided potentially improving the safety of travel of a vehicle comprising the bracket.

Further, since the bracket comprises the channel, wiring of elongated vehicle components can be facilitated since the bracket may function as a retainer for the elongated vehicle components. Thereby, conditions are provided for a facilitated assembly of components of the vehicle. As a result thereof, conditions are provided for a reduced manufacturing cost of a vehicle comprising the bracket.

Thus, a bracket is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the abovementioned problems. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the one or more elongated vehicle components comprises at least one of a cable, a cable harness, a wire and a fluid duct. Thereby, the risk of damage of such components during movement of the leaf spring can be reduced and the safety of travel can thereby be improved. Further, wiring of such components can be facilitated.

Optionally, the channel is arranged between the first portion and the second portion.

Thereby, the one or more elongated vehicle components are further protected from damage during movement of the leaf spring.

Optionally, the bracket further comprises a third portion connecting the first and second portions, wherein inner surfaces of the first, the second and the third portion, form delimiting surfaces of the channel. Since the fastening means are arranged at the first portion of the bracket and the second portion is arranged to face the leaf spring, the leaf spring will abut against the second portion of the bracket upon excess movement of the leaf spring. Since the third portion connects the first and second portions, the third portion will transfer force from the second portion to the first portion upon abutment of the leaf spring onto the second portion of the bracket. Due to these features, a bracket is provided capable of providing protection of one or more elongated vehicle components, facilitating assembly of elongated vehicle components, capable of serving as a retainer for one or more elongated vehicle components, while being simple to manufacture and assemble.

Optionally, the bracket further comprises an open section between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the open section extends along the entire length of the channel. Thereby, in an assembly process of a vehicle comprising the bracket, an assembler may fasten the first portion of the bracket onto the portion of the chassis of the vehicle, and then insert one or more elongated vehicle components into the channel via the open section. Thus, a bracket is provided circumventing the need for threading the one or more elongated vehicle components into the channel. Instead, the one or more elongated vehicle components may be inserted laterally into the channel via the open section. As a result, conditions are provided for a further facilitated assembly of the components of the vehicle, and a further reduced manufacturing cost of the vehicle comprising the bracket. In addition, during service and repair of a vehicle comprising the bracket, the one or more elongated vehicle components may be removed from the channel in a simple manner.

Optionally, the bracket comprises a closing member, displaceable between a first position and a second position, wherein the closing member is arranged to cover the open section in the first position, and to allow access to the open section in the second position. Thereby, a bracket is provided facilitating assembly of the components of the vehicle, while ensuring retention of the one or more elongated vehicle components in the channel when the closing member is in the first position. Since retention of the one or more elongated vehicle components is ensured, the risk of damage of such components can be further reduced, thus providing conditions for an even further improved safety of travel. Further, the closing member may prevent bending of the bracket and may assist in the transferral of force between the second portion of the bracket and the first portion of the bracket. That is, in addition to be transferred via the third portion, the force may also be transferred via the closing member when the closing member is arranged in the first position. As a result, a more rigid bracket can be provided. Thereby, the risk of damage of one or more elongated vehicle components accommodated in the channel can be further reduced, thus providing conditions for an even further improved safety of travel.

Optionally, the closing member comprises a protruding section arranged to protrude into the open section when the closing member is arranged in the first position. Since the closing member comprises a protruding section arranged to protrude into the open section, the protruding section may prevent bending of the bracket and may assist in the transferral of force between the second portion of the bracket and the first portion of the bracket. That is, in addition to be transferred via the third portion, the force may also be transferred via the protruding section of the closing member. As a result, a more rigid bracket can be provided. Thereby, the risk of damage of one or more elongated vehicle components accommodated in the channel can be further reduced, thus providing conditions for an even further improved safety of travel.

Optionally, the protruding section comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the open section comprises a first surface at the first portion, and a second surface at the second portion, wherein the first surface of the protruding section is arranged to abut against the first surface of the open section, and the second surface of the protruding section is arranged to abut against the second surface of the open section, when the closing member is arranged in the first position. Thereby, when the closing member is arranged in the first position, force can be transmitted in an efficient manner from the second portion of the bracket to the first portion of the bracket via the first and second surfaces of the closing member. As a result, an even more rigid bracket is provided. Thereby, the risk of damage of one or more elongated vehicle components accommodated in the channel can be further reduced, thus providing conditions for an even further improved safety of travel.

Optionally, the closing member is removably arranged at the first and second portions. Thereby, a bracket is provided in which the closing member can be removed to facilitate insertion and removal of one or more elongated vehicle components into and out of the channel of the bracket. Thereby, the assembly of the bracket and the one or more elongated vehicle components can be further facilitated. Further, service and repair of a vehicle comprising the bracket can be performed in a simple manner while ensuring retention of the one or more elongated vehicle components.

Optionally, the closing member is removably arranged at the first and second portions, by means of fastening elements. Thereby, a bracket is provided in which the closing member can be removed to facilitate insertion and removal of one or more elongated vehicle components into and out from the channel of the bracket, and in which the closing member can be securely attached to the first and second portions to ensure retention of the one or more elongated vehicle components. In addition, the closing member may, when mounted, provide transferral of force between the second portion and the first portion of the bracket to provide an even more rigid bracket.

Optionally, the bracket comprises a dampening body having elastic properties, wherein the dampening body is arranged at the second portion. Thereby, dampening is provided of the abutting force of the leaf spring onto the second portion of the bracket. Thereby, wear and tear of the bracket and the leaf spring is reduced and noise during movement of the leaf spring may be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a wheel suspension for a vehicle, wherein the wheel suspension comprises a leaf spring and a bracket according to some embodiments. The bracket is arrangeable at a portion of a chassis of the vehicle such that the second portion of the bracket faces the leaf spring and abuts against a portion of the leaf spring upon excess movement of the leaf spring.

Thereby, when the bracket is arranged at the portion of the chassis of the vehicle, excess movement of the leaf spring is prevented in an efficient manner and elongated vehicle components of the vehicle can be accommodated in the channel in a safe and efficient manner reducing the risk of damage of such components during movement of a leaf spring. Thereby, a wheel suspension is provided potentially improving the safety of travel of a vehicle.

Further, since the bracket comprises the channel, wiring of elongated vehicle components can be facilitated since the bracket may function as a retainer for the elongated vehicle components. Thereby, conditions are provided for a facilitated assembly of components of the vehicle comprising the wheel suspension. As a result thereof, conditions are provided for a reduced manufacturing cost of a vehicle comprising the wheel suspension.

Thus, a wheel suspension is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a chassis and a wheel suspension. The wheel suspension comprises a leaf spring and a bracket according to some embodiments, wherein the bracket is arranged at a portion of the chassis such that the second portion of the bracket faces the leaf spring and abuts against a portion the leaf spring upon excess movement of the leaf spring.

Thereby, excess movement of the leaf spring is prevented in an efficient manner and elongated vehicle components of the vehicle can be accommodated in the channel in a safe and efficient manner reducing the risk of damage of such components during movement of a leaf spring. Thereby, the safety of travel can be improved.

Further, since the bracket comprises the channel, wiring of elongated vehicle components can be facilitated since the bracket may function as a retainer for the elongated vehicle components. Thereby, conditions are provided for a facilitated assembly of components of the vehicle. As a result thereof, a vehicle is provided having conditions for a reducing manufacturing cost thereof.

Thus, a vehicle is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the abovementioned problems. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the bracket is arranged to prevent wind-up of the leaf spring during braking of the vehicle by abutting against the portion of the leaf spring. Thereby, a vehicle is provided with an efficient wind-up stop, while elongated vehicle components can be accommodated in the channel of the bracket in a simple and efficient manner.

Optionally, the leaf spring comprises a first mounting section and a second mounting section, wherein the leaf spring is mounted onto the chassis in the first mounting section and in the second mounting section, wherein the leaf spring comprises a securing portion securing a wheel axle of the vehicle, wherein the securing portion is arranged between the first mounting section and the second mounting section, and wherein the portion of the leaf spring is between the wheel axle and the second mounting section at a distance from the wheel axle being within the range of 1/5 to 3/5 of the distance between the wheel axle and second mounting section. Thereby, wind-up of the leaf spring is prevented in an efficient manner.

Optionally, the first mounting section is the front mounting section of the first and second mounting sections, seen in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. Thereby, wind-up of the leaf spring during braking of the vehicle is prevented in an efficient manner.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a bracket, according to some embodiments, Fig. 2 illustrates a wheel suspension for a vehicle, according to some embodiments, Fig. 3 illustrated the bracket illustrated in Fig. 1 with a closing member arranged in a first position, and Fig. 4 illustrates a vehicle comprising a chassis and the wheel suspension illustrated in Fig. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a bracket 1 according to some embodiments. The bracket 1 is configured to prevent excess movement of a leaf spring of a wheel suspension of a vehicle. The bracket 1 comprises fastening means 9 at a first portion 11 thereof for fastening the bracket 1 onto a portion of a chassis of the vehicle. The fastening means 9 of the illustrated embodiments comprise through holes configured to receive a respective fastening element 42, such as a bolt. The bracket 1 further comprises a second portion 22 arranged to face the leaf spring in order to prevent excess movement of the leaf spring.

Fig. 2 illustrates a wheel suspension 5 for a vehicle. The wheel suspension 5 comprises a leaf spring 3 and a bracket 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig 1. The leaf spring 3 comprises a first mounting section 51 and a second mounting section 52. The leaf spring 3 is mounted onto the chassis 15 in the first mounting section 51 and in the second mounting section 52. The leaf spring 3 further comprises a securing portion 53 securing a wheel axle 55 of the vehicle. The securing portion 53 is arranged between the first mounting section 51 and the second mounting section 52. The first mounting section 51 is the front mounting section of the first and second mounting sections 51, 52 seen in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle, i.e. the first mounting section 51 is closer to the front of the vehicle than the second mounting section 52. The second mounting section 52 is a rear mounting section of the first and second mounting sections 51, 52 seen in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle, i.e. the second mounting section 52 is closer to the rear of the vehicle than the first mounting section 51.

The bracket 1 is arranged at a portion 13 of the chassis 15 such that the second portion 22 of the bracket 1 faces the leaf spring 3 and abuts against a portion 48 the leaf spring 3 upon excess movement of the leaf spring 3. Thereby, excess movement of the leaf spring 3 is prevented in an efficient manner. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bracket 1 is arranged to prevent wind-up of the leaf spring 3 during braking of the vehicle by abutting against the portion 48 of the leaf spring 3. During braking of the vehicle, the braking torque of wheels of the wheel axle 55 is transferred to the chassis 15 via the wheel axle 55 securing portion 53, the leaf spring 3 and the respective first and second mounting sections 51, 52. Therefore, during heavy braking, the leaf spring 3 is subjected to a bending torque originating from the securing portion 53 for the wheel axle 55. Such a bending is usually referred to wind-up and may cause a leaf spring to assume a S-shape.

The portion 48 of the leaf spring 3, against which the bracket 1 is abutting upon excess movement of the leaf spring 3, is between the wheel axle 55 and the second mounting section 52 at a distance d1 from the wheel axle 55 being approximately 50% of the distance d2 between the wheel axle 55 and second mounting section 52. Thereby, wind-up of the leaf spring 3 is prevented in an efficient manner of a vehicle. According to further embodiments, the portion 48 of the leaf spring 3, against which the bracket 1 is abutting upon excess movement of the leaf spring 3, is between the wheel axle 55 and the second mounting section 52 at a distance d1 from the wheel axle 55 being within the range of 1/5 to 3/5 of the distance d2 between the wheel axle 55 and second mounting section 52. Thereby, prevention of wind-up of the leaf spring 3 is ensured during heavy braking of the vehicle. According to still further embodiments, the portion 48 of the leaf spring 3, against which the bracket 1 is abutting upon excess movement of the leaf spring 3, is between the wheel axle 55 and the second mounting section 52 at a distance d1 from the wheel axle 55 being approximately 1/3 of the distance d2 between the wheel axle 55 and second mounting section 52, such as within the range of 28% to 38% of the distance d2 between the wheel axle 55 and second mounting section 52, or within the range of 31% to 35% of the distance d2 between the wheel axle 55 and second mounting section 52. Thereby, prevention of windup of the leaf spring 3 is ensured during heavy braking of the vehicle.

As an alternative to the illustrated embodiments, or in addition thereto, the bracket 1 may be configured to prevent excess movement of the leaf spring 3 also in an un-braked condition of the vehicle, for example configured to prevent excess movement of the leaf spring 3 during driving on rough roads. According to such embodiments, the bracket 1 may be arranged at a different position along the leaf spring 3 than illustrated in Fig. 2, and than described above, and accordingly configured to abut against a different portion of the leaf spring 3 than illustrated in Fig. 2, and than described above, upon excess movement of the leaf spring 3. Such a portion may for example be in the middle of the leaf spring 3 between the first and second mounting sections 51, 52. According to still further embodiments, the wheel suspension 5 may comprise two or more brackets 1 arranged at different positions along the leaf spring 3.

As seen in Fig. 1, as well as in Fig. 2, the bracket 1 comprises a channel 27 arranged to accommodate one or more elongated vehicle components 29 of the vehicle 7. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the elongated vehicle component 29 is a cable harness. However, the elongated vehicle component 29 may for example be one or more of a cable, such as an electric cable, a wire and a fluid duct, such as a fluid duct for accommodating brake fluid.

As best seen in Fig. 1, the channel 27 is arranged between the first portion 11 and the second portion 22. The bracket 1 further comprises a third portion 33 connecting the first and second portions 11, 22. Since the third portion 33 connects the first and second portions 11, 22, the third portion 33 will transfer force from the second portion 22 to the first portion 11 upon abutment of the leaf spring against the second portion 22. Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first, second and third portions 11, 22, 33 together form a C-shaped profile. Further, inner surfaces 35 of the first, the second and the third portion 11, 22, 33 form delimiting surfaces of the channel 27. The channel 27 according to the illustrated embodiments is C-shaped in a cross section of the bracket 1. Thereby, insertion of one or more elongated vehicle components into the bracket 1 is facilitated and retention of the one or more elongated vehicle components may be improved.

As indicated in Fig. 1, the bracket 1 comprises an open section 37 between the first portion 11 and the second portion 22. The open section 37 extends along the entire length of the channel 27. Thereby, an assembler may fasten the bracket 1 using fastening elements 42 and the fastening means 9 of the bracket 1 onto a portion 13 of a chassis of a vehicle, as illustrated in Fig. 2, and then insert the one or more elongated vehicle components 29 into the channel 27. Such insertion may be performed in a lateral direction of the elongated vehicle components 29. Thereby, the process of assembly can be facilitated and elongated vehicle components 29 accommodated in the channel 27 are protected from damage by the bracket 1 .

According to the illustrated embodiments, the bracket 1 comprises a dampening body 46 arranged at the second portion 22. The dampening body 46 has elastic properties and may comprise an elastomeric material. The dampening body 46 dampens the abutting force of the leaf spring onto the second portion 22 of the bracket 1. Thereby, wear and tear of the bracket 1 and the leaf spring is reduced, and noise during movement of the leaf spring may be reduced. The dampening body 46 may be removably arranged at the second portion 22 such that the dampening body 46 can be replaced in a simple manner.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the bracket 1 comprises a closing member 40, displaceable between a first position and a second position. In Fig. 1, the closing member is illustrated in the second position. In the second position, the closing member 40 is arranged to allow access to the open section 37. The bracket 1 and the closing member 40 may be formed by a metallic material such as steel or aluminium.

Fig. 3 illustrated the bracket 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 with the closing member 40 arranged in the first position. In the first position, the closing member 40 is arranged to cover the open section. Thereby, when one or more elongated vehicle components are accommodated in the channel 27, and when the closing member 40 is in the first position, retention of the elongated vehicle components are ensured. According to the illustrated embodiments, the closing member 40 is removably arranged at the first and second portions 11, 22 by means of fastening elements 42. Thereby, the one or more elongated vehicle components can be removed from the channel 27 simply by removing the closing member 40, for example during service and repair of a vehicle comprising the bracket 1.

As indicated in Fig. 1, the closing member 40 comprises a protruding section 44. The protruding section 44 is arranged to protrude into the open section 37 when the closing member 40 is arranged in the first position, as illustrated in Fig. 3 According to the illustrated embodiments, and as indicated in Fig. 1, the open section 37 comprises a first surface 37.1 at the first portion 11, and a second surface 37.2 at the second portion 22. The second surface 37.2 is an essentially flat surface having a surface normal pointing in a direction essentially coinciding with a direction of movement of the leaf spring prior to abutment onto the second portion 22 of the bracket 1. The first surface 37.1 is also an essentially flat surface. The surface normal of the first surface 37.1 is essentially opposite to the surface normal of the second surface 37.2. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiments, the surface normal of the first surface 37.1 points towards the second surface 37.2 and the surface normal of the second surface 37.2 points towards the first surface 37.1.

Further, the protruding section 44 comprises a first surface 44.1 and a second surface 44.2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the first surface 44.1 is an essentially flat surface having a surface normal, which when the closing member 40 is arranged in the first position, is pointing in a direction essentially coinciding with a direction of movement of the leaf spring prior to abutment onto the second portion 22 of the bracket 1. The second surface 44.2 is also an essentially flat surface. The surface normal of the first surface 44.1 is essentially opposite to the surface normal of the second surface second surface 44.2. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiments, the surface normals of the first and second surfaces 44.1, 44.2 are pointing in opposite directions away from each other.

When the closing member 40 is arranged in the first position, the first surface 44.1 of the protruding section 44 is arranged to abut against the first surface 37.1 of the open section 37 and the second surface 44.2 of the protruding section 44 is arranged to abut against the second surface 37.2 of the open section 37. Thereby, when the closing member 40 is arranged in the first position, as illustrated in Fig. 3, force can be transmitted in an efficient manner from the second portion 22 of the bracket 1 to the first portion 11 of the bracket 1 via the protruding section 44 of the closing member 40. Further, when the closing member 40 is arranged in the first position and is fastened onto the first portion 11 and the second portion 22 using fastening elements 42, such as bolts, force can be transmitted in an efficient manner from the second portion 22 of the bracket 1 to the first portion 11 of the bracket 1 via the closing member 40, as well as via the third portion 33. As a result, a rigid bracket 1 is provided ensuring an efficient prevention of movement of a leaf spring and ensuring a safe accommodation of elongated vehicle components.

According to further embodiments, the closing member may formed as a hatch, a shutter, or the like, displaceable between a first position and a second position, wherein the closing member is arranged to cover the open section 37 in the first position, and to allow access to the open section 37 in the second position.

According to still further embodiments, the open section 37 of the bracket 1 may be arranged at the second portion 22. In such embodiments, the closing member 40 may be arranged to abut against a portion of the leaf spring to prevent excess movement thereof. Further, according to such embodiments, the closing member 40 may comprise may comprise the dampening body 46.

Fig. 4 illustrates a vehicle 7 comprising a chassis 15 and the wheel suspension 5 illustrated in Fig. 2. The bracket of the wheel suspension 5 is arranged at a portion of the chassis 15 such that the second portion of the bracket faces the leaf spring of the wheel suspension 5 and abuts against a portion the leaf spring upon excess movement of the leaf spring. The vehicle 7 illustrated in Fig. 4 is a truck. However, the wheel suspension 5 illustrated in Fig. 2 may be comprised in a in another type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land based propulsion such as a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, etc.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the wheel suspension 5 is arranged in the front of the vehicle 7 and is arranged to support a front wheel axle 55 of the vehicle 7. The vehicle 7 comprises two wheel suspensions 5, one at each lateral side of the vehicle 7. According to further embodiments, the vehicle 7 may, as an alternative or in addition, comprise wheel suspensions 5 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2 at the rear of the vehicle 7 which are arranged to support a rear wheel axle 56 of the vehicle 7.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. A bracket 1 as referred to herein may also be referred to as a leaf spring stop arrangement, a leaf spring stop bracket, a wind-up stop arrangement, a wind-up stop bracket, or the like. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bracket 1 is configured to be fastened onto a portion 13 of a chassis 15 of a vehicle using fastening means 9 comprising through holes configured to receive fastening elements 42, such as bolts.

However, the bracket 1 may be configured to be fastened onto a portion 13 of a chassis 15 using other means of fastening, such as gluing or welding. According to still further embodiments, the bracket 1 may be integrated into a portion of a chassis of a vehicle.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A bracket (1) configured to prevent excess movement of a leaf spring (3) of a wheel suspension (5) of a vehicle (7), wherein the bracket (1) comprises fastening means (9) at a first portion (11) thereof for fastening the bracket (1) onto a portion (13) of a chassis (15) of the vehicle (7), wherein the bracket (1) further comprises a second portion (22) arranged to face the leaf spring (3) in order to prevent excess movement of the leaf spring (3), and a channel (27) arranged to accommodate one or more elongated vehicle components (29) of the vehicle (7) characterized in that the bracket (1) comprises - a third portion (33) connecting the first and second portions (11, 22), wherein inner surfaces (35) of the first, the second and the third portion (11, 22, 33) form delimiting surfaces of the channel (27), - an open section (37) between the first portion (11) and the second portion (22), wherein the open section (37) extends along the entire length of the channel (27) and - a closing member (40), displaceable between a first position and a second position, wherein the closing member (40) is arranged to cover the open section (37) in the first position, and to allow access to the open section (37) in the second position.

2. The bracket (1) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more elongated vehicle components (29) comprises at least one of a cable, a cable harness, a wire and a fluid duct.

3. The bracket (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel (27) is arranged between the first portion (11) and the second portion (22).

4. The bracket (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closing member (40) comprises a protruding section (44) arranged to protrude into the open section (37) when the closing member (40) is arranged in the first position.

5. The bracket (1) according to claim 1, wherein the protruding section (44) comprises a first surface (44.1) and a second surface (44.2), wherein the open section (37) comprises a first surface (37.1) at the first portion (11), and a second surface (37.2) at the second portion (22), wherein the first surface (44.1) of the protruding section (44) is arranged to abut against the first surface (37.1) of the open section (37), and the second surface (44.2) of the protruding section (44) is arranged to abut against the second surface (37.2) of the open section (37), when the closing member (40) is arranged in the first position.

6. The bracket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing member (40) is removably arranged at the first and second portions (11, 22) by means of fastening elements (42).

7. The bracket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket (1) comprises a dampening body (46) having elastic properties, wherein the dampening body (46) is arranged at the second portion (22).

8. A wheel suspension (5) for a vehicle (7), wherein the wheel suspension (5) comprises a leaf spring (3) and a bracket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket (1) is arrangeable at a portion (13) of a chassis (15) of the vehicle (7) such that the second portion (22) of the bracket (1) faces the leaf spring (3) and abuts against a portion (48) of the leaf spring (3) upon excess movement of the leaf spring (3).

9. A vehicle (7) comprising a chassis (15) and a wheel suspension (5), wherein the wheel suspension (5) comprises a leaf spring (3) and a bracket (1) according to any one of the claims 1-10, wherein the bracket (1) is arranged at a portion (13) of the chassis (15) such that the second portion (22) of the bracket (1) faces the leaf spring (3) and abuts against a portion (48) the leaf spring (3) upon excess movement of the leaf spring (3).

10. The vehicle (7) according to claim 9, wherein the bracket (1) is arranged to prevent windup of the leaf spring (3) during braking of the vehicle (7) by abutting against the portion (48) of the leaf spring (3).

11. The vehicle (7) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the leaf spring (3) comprises a first mounting section (51) and a second mounting section (52), wherein the leaf spring (3) is mounted onto the chassis (15) in the first mounting section (51) and in the second mounting section (52), wherein the leaf spring (3) comprises a securing portion (53) securing a wheel axle (55) of the vehicle (7), wherein the securing portion (53) is arranged between the first mounting section (51) and the second mounting section (52), and wherein the portion (48) of the leaf spring (3) is between the wheel axle (55) and the second mounting section (52) at a distance (d1) from the wheel axle (55) being within the range of 1/5 to 3/5 of the distance (d2) between the wheel axle (55) and second mounting section (52).

12. The vehicle (7) according to claim 11, wherein the second mounting section (52) is a rear mounting section of the first and second mounting sections (51, 52) seen in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle (7).