TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a liner for mounting an object on a vehicle. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a liner, a vehicle comprising such an assembly and a method for producing such a liner.

BACKGROUND

When mounting an object on a vehicle some sort of mounting brackets may be used. The object is positioned on the mounting brackets and mounting straps or other clamping elements are often attached to the mounting brackets, to constrain the object about its circumference. The mounting brackets and the mounting straps are typically made of metal and therefore liners are often arranged between the object and the strap/bracket to protect the object. Such liners may be made of rubber and also help fixing the object due to the friction between the liner and the object. When mounting the object it is desired to have a low friction between the object and the liners in order to get the object in correct position. If the friction is too high the liner may be moved and crinkled when trying to position the object. This may cause subsidence in the liner. If the straps are tightened around the object when the liner is crinkled and the liner later is flattened due to vibrations/movement of the object, the straps will no longer hold the object firmly. Thus, with too high friction between the object and the liner during mounting/production there is a risk that the object will not be fixedly held, which may damage the object. However, a relatively high friction between the object and the liner is desired in order to hold the object in place and prevent it from gliding when the vehicle is moving. To solve the problem of having a low friction during mounting and a high friction when the object is positioned one solution has been to apply soap or a soap solution on the liner during mounting. The soap reduces the friction and the object can thereby be mounted in an easier way. However, applying soap during production is messy and may cause accidents due to slippery floors. Also, the repeatability is low since the amount of soap depends on the assembler and there is a risk that too much soap is applied whereby the friction will be too low to prevent the object from gliding. The quality will thus vary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Despite known solutions in the field, it would be desirable to develop a liner for mounting an object on a vehicle which overcomes or alleviates at least some of the drawbacks mentioned above. An object of the present invention is thus to achieve an advantageous liner and assembly for mounting an object on a vehicle, which facilitate the mounting of the object and which improve the fixing of the object.

The herein mentioned objects are achieved by a liner for mounting an object on a vehicle, an assembly comprising such a liner, a vehicle comprising such an assembly and a method for producing such a liner according to the independent claims.

Hence, according to an aspect of the present invention a liner for mounting an object on a vehicle is provided. The liner is adapted to be arranged between the object and an element for holding the object and the liner comprises a first side, wherein the liner is adapted to be arranged with the first side facing the object to be mounted. The liner comprises integrated protrusions on the first side, wherein the protrusions comprise a coating having a lower coefficient of friction than the liner. Liners are often used when mounting objects on vehicles, for example to protect the object from the holding element and also to prevent the object from gliding/rotating. As mentioned in the background there is a common problem with too high friction between the liners and the object which complicates the mounting procedure. By having protrusions on the side of the liner facing the object according to the invention, only the protrusions will abut the object during mounting. The coating on the protrusions results in a lower friction between the protrusions and the object and thereby facilitates the mounting of the object. The protrusions may extend from the surface of the first side of the liner, wherein the surface of the first side of the liner has a higher coefficient of friction than the coating on the protrusions. The surface of the first side of the liner is thus the surface between the protrusions. When the object has been arranged in a correct position it is typically clamped or strapped in place. Liners may be arranged also between the object and the clamping/strapping means. The clamping or strapping results in the object being pressed against the liner, such that the protrusions are compressed. The liner is then more or less smooth/plane and also the surface of the first side of the liner will abut the object. Since the liner has a higher coefficient of friction than the coating on the protrusions the friction between the liner and the object will fixedly hold the object in place and prevent the object from gliding. This way, a liner is achieved, which facilitates the mounting of the object and at the same time improves the retention of the object. Also, this solution improves the working environment and the safety of the persons mounting the object compared to known solutions. Furthermore, the protrusions being an integrated part of the liner means that the liner is easier to manufacture since it is made in one single piece, in one material. Of course, this also reduces the production costs.

The element for holding the object may be referred to as a holding element. The holding element may be a bracket, a strap, a clamping element or similar. The liner may thus be adapted to be arranged between the object to be mounted and a bracket, a strap, clamping element or similar. The liner may be adapted to surround at least a part of the circumference of the object. The liner is suitably arranged to protect the object from damages caused by the holding element. The liner may also be referred to as a spacer.

According to an embodiment of the invention the protrusions are ridges extending longitudinally along the liner. The liner may have the shape of an essentially flat sheet. The liner may have a longitudinal extension, also referred to as the length of the liner. The protrusions may be essentially straight ridges extending in parallel along the longitudinal extension of the liner. Alternatively, the protrusions are separate points evenly distributed over the surface of the first side of the liner. The protrusions may alternatively be ridges forming a pattern over the surface of the first side of the liner, for example a zigzag pattern.

The protrusions suitably have an essentially rectangular cross-section. This way, the protrusions have an essentially flat upper surface which will abut the object. With a flat upper surface more coating will be applied and the area with less friction will thereby be increased. However, the protrusions may alternatively have an essentially semi-circular cross-section or a triangular cross-section. The protrusions may extend from the surface of the first side of the liner, such that the protrusions can be compressed to achieve an essentially smooth/plane first side of the liner. Thus, the protrusions may extend from the surface of the first side of the liner, such that the protrusions can be compressed to the same level as the surface of the first side of the liner. The extension of the protrusions from the surface of the first side of the liner may be referred to as the height of the protrusions. The height of the protrusions may be between 0.1 -4.0 millimetres.

The liner suitably comprises plastics or rubber. The liner may thus comprise a flexible material. This way, the protrusions can be compressed. The liner may have a coefficient of friction between 0.80-1 . According to an embodiment of the invention the coating is a fluoropolymer, glue, or paint. The coating may be Teflon or any other fluoropolymer having essentially the same characteristics. Fluoropolymers, glue and paint will all have a lower coefficient of friction than the liner itself when the coating has dried. The coating may have a coefficient of friction that is smaller than 0.2. The advantage of having a coating with lower friction coefficient is that the coating eventually will wear off. This way, the friction between the object and the liner will only be low when it is required, that is, during mounting of the object. The coating may be water-soluble, which facilitates the wear off.

According to an embodiment of the invention the protrusions occupy between 1 -40%, preferably 1 -10 %, of the first side of the liner. The protrusions may occupy about 5 % of the first side of the liner. The area of the protrusions abutting the object may constitute 1 -40%, preferably 1 -10%, of the total area of the first side of the liner. Thus, the area of the first side of the liner having the higher coefficient of friction will be larger than the area with the lower coefficient of friction. This way, it is ensured that the object will be securely mounted. The liner may comprise a second side, opposite the first side. The liner may comprise attachment means on the second side, for attaching the liner to the holding element. The attachment means may be grooves, hooks or connections adapted to interact with the holding element. According to an aspect of the invention an assembly for mounting an object on a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises at least one element for holding the object and at least one liner as described herein. The assembly thus comprises a liner adapted to be arranged between the object and the element for holding the object, wherein the liner comprises a first side, wherein the liner is adapted to be arranged with the first side facing the object to be mounted. The liner comprises integrated protrusions on the first side of the liner, wherein the protrusions comprise a coating having a lower coefficient of friction than the liner.

The at least one liner is suitably attached to the at least one element for holding the object. The liner is suitably attached to the holding element, such that a second side of the liner faces the holding element and such that the first side of the liner faces the object.

According to an embodiment of the invention the object to be mounted is a tank, wherein the liner is adapted to be arranged between the holding element and the tank. The object may be a fuel tank, a SCR tank, a compressed air tank or similar. The object may alternatively be a tool box, a ventilation device, a control unit etc. The object may be any object on a vehicle being mounted with at least one bracket and at least one strap or clamping element.

According to an embodiment of the invention the assembly comprises a first element for holding the object and a second element for holding the object, wherein the first element is a bracket and the second element is a strap. The object is thus adapted to be positioned on the bracket and the strap will be attached to the bracket encircling at least part of the circumference of the object. The strap will thereby hold the object firmly in place on the bracket. The at least one liner may be arranged between the strap and the object and/or between the bracket and the object. Suitably the assembly comprises two liners, wherein in one liner is arranged between the strap and the object and one liner is arranged between the bracket and the object.

According to an aspect of the invention a method for producing a liner for mounting an object on a vehicle is provided. The method comprising:

- forming a liner comprising integrated protrusions on a first side of the liner; and

- treating the protrusions with a coating having a lower coefficient of friction than the liner. The step of forming the liner suitably comprises extruding the liner. Extruding the liner is considered to be performed according to conventional methods where the rubber/plastic material is pushed through a die with a cross-section comprising the protrusions. Alternatively, forming the liner comprises moulding the liner.

The step of treating the protrusions with a coating may comprise conveying the liner through a bath with the coating. It is important that only the protrusions are treated with the coating, such that the higher coefficient of friction is maintained on the rest of the liner. Thus, the bath of the coating should not be deeper than the height of the protrusions.

Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described. Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For fuller understanding of the present invention and further objects and advantages of it, the detailed description set out below should be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various drawings, and in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an

embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a liner according to an

embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3a-d schematically illustrate a liner according to

embodiments of the invention,

Figure 4 schematically illustrates an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle 1 comprising a propulsion unit 2. The vehicle 1 comprises a chassis 4. The vehicle 1 may further comprise an assembly 100 for mounting an object 200 on the vehicle 1 . The assembly 100 may be adapted for mounting an object 200 on the chassis 4 of the vehicle 1 . The object 200 may for example be a tank, a tool box or a control unit. The assembly 100 will be further described in Figure 3. The vehicle 1 may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. The vehicle 1 may alternatively be a passenger car. The vehicle may be manually operated, remotely operated or autonomously operated.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a liner 10 for mounting an object on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The liner 10 is suitably a part of the assembly 100 as disclosed in Figure 1 . The liner 10 is adapted to be arranged between an object 200 and an element for holding the object 120, wherein the liner 10 is adapted to be arranged with a first side 12 facing the object 200 to be mounted and a second side 14 facing the element for holding the object 120. The liner 10 comprises integrated protrusions 16 on the first side 12, wherein the protrusions 16 comprise a coating 18 having a lower coefficient of friction than the liner 10. The protrusions 16 extend from a surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liner 10, wherein the coating 18 on the protrusions 16 has a lower coefficient of friction than the surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liner 10.

The liner 10 suitably has the shape of an essentially flat sheet as can be seen in the figure. The liner 10 has a longitudinal extension L, also referred to as the length of the liner 10. The protrusions 16 may be ridges extending longitudinally along the liner 10. In this example the protrusions 16 are essentially straight ridges extending in parallel along the longitudinal extension L of the liner 10. It is, however, to be understood that the protrusions 16 may be separate points evenly distributed over the surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liner 10 or ridges forming a pattern over the surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liner 10. The shape of the protrusions mainly depends on the manufacturing method. The protrusions 16 may occupy between 1 -40% of the first side 12 of the liner 10. The area of the protrusions 16 abutting the object 200 may constitute 1 -40% of the total area of the first side 12 of the liner 10. Thus, the area of the first side 12 of the liner 10 having the higher coefficient of friction will be larger than the area with the lower coefficient of friction. This way, it is ensured that the object 200 will be securely mounted. Each protrusion 16 suitably has an upper surface 22, which is adapted to abut the object 200. The coating 18 is thus suitably applied on the upper surface 22. The protrusions 16 may have an essentially rectangular cross-section, wherein the upper surface 22 is essentially flat. The protrusions may alternatively have an essentially semi-circular cross-section, a triangular cross-section or the shape of a trapezoid.

The extension of the protrusions 16 from the surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liner 10 may be referred to as the height H of the protrusions 16. The height H of the protrusions 16 may be between 0.1 -4.0 millimetres. The height H of the protrusions 16 is suitably such that the protrusions 16 can be compressed to the same level as the surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liner The liner 10 suitably comprises a flexible material, such as plastics or rubber. This way, the protrusions 16 can be compressed. The liner 10 may have a coefficient of friction between 0.80-1 .

The coating 18 applied on the protrusion 16 may be a fluoropolymer, glue, or paint. To achieve the desired effect the coating 18 may be any coating that has a lower coefficient of friction than the material of the liner 10 when the coating 18 has dried. The coating 18 may have a coefficient of friction that is smaller than 0.2, preferably between 0-0.2. The coating 18 is suitably adapted/configured to wear off. The coating 18 may be water-soluble, which facilitates the wear off. This way, the friction between the object 200 and the liner 10 will be low for a period of time enough to mount the object 200, but will subsequently increase as the coating 18 wears off and the liner 10 will thereby securely hold the object 200 in place.

The liner 10 may furthermore comprise attachment means 24 on the second side 14, for attaching the liner 10 to the holding element 120. The attachment means 24 may be grooves, hooks or connections adapted to interact with the holding element 120.

Figure 3a-d schematically illustrate a liner for mounting an object on a vehicle according to embodiments of the invention. The liner is suitably configured as the liner 10 disclosed in Figure 2.

Figure 3a illustrates the liner 10 having protrusions 16 with essentially rectangular cross-section. In this figure the liner is in a normal state, i.e. not under pressure, and the protrusions 16 are uncompressed. In Figure 3b the same liner 10 is illustrated in a compressed state. Thus, Figure 3b illustrates the liner 10 when the protrusions 16 are compressed against the object 200 to be mounted. When the protrusions 16 are compressed, the first side 12 of the liner 10 is essentially smooth/even and also the surface 20 of the first side 12 abuts the object.

Figure 3c illustrates the liner 10 having protrusions 16 with an essentially semi- circular cross-section and Figure 3d illustrates the liner 10 having protrusion 16 with a triangular cross-section. Figure 3b showing the compressed state of the liner 10 is applicable also for the embodiments shown in Figure 3c and 3d.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates an assembly 100 for mounting an object 200 on a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The assembly 100 comprises at least one element for holding the object 120 and at least one liner 10 as disclosed in Figure 2 and Figure 3a-d. The assembly 100 thus comprises a liner 10 adapted to be arranged between the object 200 and the element for holding the object 120, wherein the liner 10 comprises a first side 12, wherein the liner 10 is adapted to be arranged with the first side 12 facing the object 200 to be mounted. The liner 10 comprises integrated protrusions 16 on the first side 12 of the liner 10, wherein the protrusions 16 comprise a coating 18 having a lower coefficient of friction than the liner 10. In the example shown in this figure the assembly 100 comprises a first element for holding the object 120' and a second element for holding the object 120". The first holding element 120' and the second holding element 120" are suitably adapted to interact to firmly hold the object 200 in place. The first element 120' may be a bracket and the second element 120" may be a strap. The bracket 120' is thus suitably attached to a vehicle frame or similar. When the assembly 100 is in use, the object 200 is positioned on the bracket 120' and the strap 120" is attached to the bracket 120' encircling at least part of the circumference of the object 200. One end of the strap 120" is thus attached to a first end of the bracket 120' and the other end of the strap 12" is attached to a second end of the bracket 120'. The strap 120" is tightened and will thereby hold the object 200 firmly in place on the bracket 120'. In this embodiment, the assembly 100 comprises at least one liner 10 arranged between the strap 120" and the object 200 and at least one liner 10 arranged between the bracket 120' and the object 200. This way, the liners 10 will protect the object 200 when the strap 120" is tightened and presses against the object 200. The low friction of the coating 18 on the protrusions 16 will facilitate positioning the object 200 on the bracket 120' and as the strap 120" is tightened and the object 200 presses against the liners 10, the protrusions 16 will be compressed and the higher friction of the surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liners 10 will ensure that the object 200 is prevented from gliding. The liner 10 is suitably attached to the element for holding the object 120, 120', 120" by means of the attachment means 24 on the second side 14 of the liner 10.

The object 200 to be mounted may be a tank, wherein the liner 10 is adapted to be arranged between the holding element 120, 120', 120" and the tank. The object 200 may be a fuel tank, a SCR tank, a compressed air tank or similar. The object 200 may alternatively be a tool box, a ventilation device, a control unit etc. Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method for producing a liner for mounting an object on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The liner is suitably the liner 10 as disclosed in Figure 2, Figure 3a-d and Figure 4. The method comprises: extruding s101 a liner 10 comprising integrated protrusions 16 on a first side 12 of the liner 10; and treating s102 the protrusions 16 with a coating 18 having a lower coefficient of friction than the liner 10. This way, a liner 10 is achieved, which during use will result in a lower friction between the object and the protrusions 16 than the friction between the object and the rest of the liner 10. The protrusions 16 with lower coefficient of friction are adapted to abut the object during mounting of the object and once the object is positioned correctly and strapped/clamped in place, the applied force will press the object against the protrusions 16 such that they are compressed. The parts of the liner 10 having the higher coefficient of friction will thereby abut the object and prevent the object from gliding. This is also described in relation to Figure 3b and Figure 4.

The step of extruding s101 the liner 10 is considered to be performed according to conventional methods and is not essential for the invention.

The step of treating s102 the protrusions 16 with a coating 18 may comprise conveying the liner 10 through a bath with the coating 18. The step may comprise to ensure that only the protrusions 16 are treated with the coating 18, such that the higher coefficient of friction is maintained on the surface 20 of the first side 12 of the liner 10. Thus, the method may comprise to convey the liner 10 through a bath with the coating 18, wherein the bath is not deeper than the height H of the protrusions 16. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to restrict the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications and hence make it possible for specialists to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.