GB2301323A

GB2301323A - Suspension system for automobile

Info

Publication number: GB2301323A
Application number: GB9617234A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hiroshi Maeda; Akihiko Sakazaki
Original assignee: Fuji Jukogyo KK; Yorozu Corp; Yorozu Jidosha Kogyo KK; Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Subaru Corp; Yorozu Corp
Priority date: 1992-08-19
Filing date: 1993-08-13
Publication date: 1996-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2013-08-13
Also published as: GB2294668A; GB2301322A; GB2301324A; GB9600353D0; GB9617234D0; GB9617233D0; GB9617294D0; GB2294668B; GB2301324B; GB2301323B; GB2294668A8; GB2301322B

Description

r. IF 1 - L E' SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOK 2301323 - invention relates

to a suspension system The present for an automobile, in particular,,c a suspension system for an automobile having a ors-'on bar.

-J -y model- Publicat- jar)anese -ion Nc. 61-27287 discloses a suspension system havinc a tcrs-J--,n bar which is twisted to urge a suspension arm when a load is applied to the arm in a substantially vertical direction of an automobile body, and which is allowed to move in a substantially front to rear or longitudinal direction of the bodv. This related art reference will hereinafter be zefe.rred to as the first related art reference. in this front suspension system, a front end of the torsion bar is mounted at the center of the rotation of a lower arm. In addition, a cross member is provided with a proximal end of an anchor arm which is made of a spring plate and extends in a substantially lateral direction cf the body. -c a distal end The rear end of the torsion bar is fixed of the anchor arm. Thus, when a load is app.Lied to the suspension system in the substantially front to rear direction of the body, the anchor arm made of the spring plate elastically deforms, thereby moving the torsion bar and the lower arm in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body. Therefore, the riding comfort of the automobile is improved.

-c the suspension system of When a load is applied this type, it is necessary to prevent the rear end of the torsion bar from directly contacting the cross member.

-he torsion Otherwise, the load will be transmitted from 'L bar to the automobile body through the cress member. Thus, the riding comfort will be degraded. Therefore, in the suspension system disclosed in the first related art reference, the rear end of the torsion bar is provided 1 BAD 0RQ1NAL J L--- r v 2 i 0 with a rubber bushing so as to prevent the torsion bar from directly con- lacz-ng the cross member.

Eowever, when a load is applied to the suspension system in the substantially loncitudinal direction of the body, a large reaction force takes place on the rubber bushing and thereby the rubber bushing is excessively worn. Therefore, the rubber bushing should have high durability. Nevertheless, if the ruibber bushing is made the durabilitv may be of relativelv hard rubber, fied. Eowever, t --isl L-he load will be transmi- sat ---ted to the body through 'the rubber bushing and the cross member, thereby degrading the riding comfort.

Another suspension system which is allowed to move in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body is disclosed in japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-110514. This related art reference will hereinafter be referred to as the second related art reference. In this front suspension system, a lower arm is rotatably supported to the body at one position thereof. One end 20 of a spring plate is fixed to the lower arm, whereas the - end of other end of the spring plate is fixed to a front a torsion bar. Thus, when a load is adiDl'ied to the. suspension system in the substantially front to rear direction of the body, the spring plate elastically deforms and the lower arm moves in the substantially front to rear direction of the body, thereby improving the riding comfort of the The construction of not have enough rigidity in the lateral direction Thus, a bending force may In the suspension system art reference, to prevent automobile. such a suspension system does against a load which is applied of the body of the automobile. be applied to the torsion bar.

disclosed in the second related such a bending force from being applied to the tors-,o-, bar, the vicinity of a front end of the torsion bar is supported to a front end of a support member extending from the cross member by a bushing. In additicn, a iDcrt.-on extendng from the BAD OR(GINAL ON, r. h 3 middle to the rear end of the torsion bar is movablv supr)cr±ind by a cyli-drical member is supported the cross member. Thus, th.,s suspension system prevents a bending force from being a.Dp'L.,Led to the torsion bar, thereby improving the rigidity in the lateral direction of the body of the automobile.

Eowever, altbough the s uppo r t member and the cylindrical member may prevent a bending force from being applied to the torsion bar, they will-1 complicate the Lion of the suspension syst construct em. Thus, s u ch a fficult to practl suspension system is d-LJ-- cally use.

in Japanese Patent Applicattion Laid0pen No. 62101507, a further suspension system is disclosed. This related art reference will hereinafter be referred to as the third related art reference. In this suspension system, a torsion bar is supported -by a lower arm at a pluralill.y of positions thereof so as to prevent a bending force from being applied to the torsion bar. Eowever, in the third related art reference, the mounting _orsion bar will construction of the lower arm and the zed.

become comclicat An ob j ect of the present invention i S to provide a suspension system for an automobile, which prevents a bending force from being applied to a torsion bar with a simple construction so as to imorove the rigidity in a lateral direction of the body of the automobile and the riding comfort and steering stability therecf.

BAD ORIGINAL 0 c According r-o a f aspect cf: the presen'. there is provided a suspension syst-em for an automobile having first and second pivot portions on a body for supporting said suspension system, comprising a suspension arm for supporting a wheel, having first and second arm portions rotatably mounted on the first and second pivot portions, one c-' said pivot portions being disposed rearwardly of L-he other; a torson bar havina one end connected to said body; and a spring plate having a proximal portion mounted on said suspension arm, and a portion connected with the other end of said torsion bar, wherein an axial line of said torsion bar is offset in a substantially lateral direction of the body from a line connecting said first and second pivot portions, whereby said other end of the torsion bar is spaced apart from the line connecting said first and second pivo-L portions.

The suspension arm tras the t-wo arm portions each of which is supported b, the two pivot portions. Thus, the suspension system has enough rigidity against a load applied in the subs l-an,---iallv longitudinal direction 011 the body, thereby preventing a bending force from being --crson bar wJl-h a simple construction.

applied to the 1. - - When a load is applied in the substantilally front Itc te elast rear direcL--,cn of the body, the spring plat L-ically deforms and thereby the suspension arni moves in this direction. Thus, riding the automobile becomes comfortable.

When a load is ap-plied in a substantially vertical direction of the body, the torsion bar twJ_sts and therebv a suspension fo--ce as the reaction force 'Cakes place. _In addition, the spring plate bends and thereby an excessive bending mcment is not applied to the torsion bar. Thus, the torsion bar may be cons t_ ructed of a thin and short member. Allis a result, the riding comfort and steering stability is -mr)rcved.

BAD ORiGINAL r 1 According to a second aspect of the present invention there --s provided a susper.s4cn system for automobile, havna first and second pivot portions on a body for supporting said suspension SVS-Lem comprising a suspension arm. for Supporting a wheel and having first and second arm portions rotatably mounted on the first and second pivot portions, one cf said pivot pcrzions being disposed rearwardly of the other; a torsion bar having one end connected to said body; a spring plate having a proximal portion mounted on said suspension arm, and a portion connected with the other end of said torsion bar; a reference thread member arranged to connect said suspension arm and said spring plate; a cam thread member arranged substantially in parallel with said reference thread member opposite to said proximal portion of said spring plate to connect said suspension arm and said spring plate and having a drive cam portion being eccentric from a center of said cam thread member; and a follower cam portion provided on one of said spring plate and said suspension arm engaged with said drive cam portion to cause said spring plate to rotate with said reference thread member in a vertical direction of the body by rotating said cam thread member, so as to adjust the height of the body.

According to a third aspect of the present i nvention there is provided a suspension system for automobile, having first and second pivot portions on a body for supporting said suspension system comprising a suspension arm for supporting a wheel and having first and second arm portions rotatably mounted on the first and second pivot portions, one of said pivot portions being disposed rearwardly of the other; a torsion bar having one end connected to said body; a spring plate having a proximal portion mounted on said suspension arm, and a portion connected with the other end of said torsion bar; at least one tightening thread member arranged to connect said first arm portion and second arm portion to said spring plate; a cam thread member arranged to connect said first arm portion, said second arm portion and said spring plate and having a drive cam portion being eccentric to a center of said cam thread member; one of said first arm portion BAD ORIGINAL 1 0 6 and second arm porton having at least one oval hole extending in a substantially lateral direction of the body to receive said tightening thread member; and one of said first arm, portion and said second arm porr-ior, having a follower cam, portio-n engaged with said drive cam portion to cause said first arm -portion and said second arm portion to relatively displace in a lateral direction of the body by rotating said cam thread member, so as to adjust a caster angle of the wheel.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there 4 -st and is provided a suspension system for automobile, having f L-- second pivot PO---LiCnS on a body for supporting said suspension system comprising a suspension arm for supporting a wheel and having first and second arm portions rotatably mounted on t-he first and second pivot portions rotatably mounted on the 'first and second pivot portions which are shifted with each other in a substantially front to rear direction; a torsion bar having one end connected to said body; a spring plate having a proximal portion mounted on said suspension arm, and a portion connected with the other end of said torsion bar; a joint holder interposed between said suspension arm and said wheel; a cam thread member connecting said suspension arm to sai.d joint holder and having a drive cam portion being eccentric to a center of said cam thread member; and one of said joint holder and said'suspension arm having an oval hole as a follower cam portion to be engaged with said drive cam portion to cause said joint holder to displace in a laterla direction of the body by rotating said cam thread member, so as to adjust a camber angle of the wheel.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a suspension system for an automobile havina a cross- for member across a body thereof, comprising a suspension arm 1. supporting a wheel and rotazably mounted on said body; a torsion bar extending in a substantially front to rear direction of the body and having one end connected with said suspension arm, a spring plate extending from said body in a substantially lateral direction and having a free end portion for connecting with another end of said torsion bar, the free end connecting portion being shifted to a lower side with respect- to said cross member, 'BAD ORIGINAL L_ ' J0 7 wherein when a load is applied to the substantially front to rear direction, said spring plate elastically deforms, thereby allowing said suspension sys:em, r-c move in substantially front, to rear direction; and a rubber bushing provided on said body supporting said spring plate so as to allow said spring plate to easily deform in the substantially front to rear direction.

Fig. I is a perspective view schematically showing a structure of a suspension system for an automobile including a spring plate; Fig. 2A is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a first modification cf the spring plate of Fig. 1; Fig. 2E is a plan view of Fig. 2A; Fig. 2C is a sectional view taken along line IIC-IIC of Fig. 2A; Fig. 2D is a sectional view taken along line IM-IID of Fig.

2C Fig. 3A is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a second modification of the spring plate of Fic. 1; Fig. 3E is a view taken along line IIIE-IIIB of Fig. 3A; Fig. 4 is a perspective view fchematically showing a third modification of the structure of the suspension system of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a fcurth modification of the structure of the suspension system of Ficr. 1; Fig - 6 is a partial plan view showing the structure of a suepsnion system for an automobile according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of a suspenion system of Fig. 6; Fig. 6 is a partial plan view showing the structure of a suspension system for an automobile according to a first modification of the first embodiment; Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the suspension arm of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a partial plan view showing the structure of a BAD ORIGINAL 8 suspension system for an automobile accordinS to a second modification of the first embodiment; Fig. 11 is a partial plan v-iew showinw- the st-ructure of a suspension system for an automobile accordinw to a third modification of the first embodiment; Fig. 12A is a view for exPlaining a camber angle o' a suspension system; Fig. 122 is a view for explaining a caster angle; Fig. 13 is a plan view sho%,'Lnc-:., the structure cf a suspension body of a suspension system accord--'ng to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 14 is a perspective v-ew showing the structure of the suspension body of Fig. 13; BAD ORIGINAL 7 1 J0 9 Fig. 15 is an enlarged plan view showing a principal portion ot Fig. 13; Fig. 16 is a side view taken along -11ne XVI-Xvi of Fig. 15; F i g. 17 are v 'L. -- W S showing t. h e structure c--l- an automobile height adjustment mechanism, where Fig. 17A is a sectional view taken along line XVIIA-XVIIA of Fig. 17B; Fig. 17B is a sectional view taken along line XVIIB-XVII13 of 119. 17A, and Fic. 17C is a sectional view taken along line:CV!!C-XVIIC of Fig. 17B; Fig. 8 are views showing the structure of a caster angle adjustment mechanism, where Fig. 18A is a sectional view taken along line XVIIIAXVITIA of Fig. 18B, Fig. 18B is a s ectional view taken along line XVIIIBXVIIIB of Fig. 18A, and Fig. 18C is a sectional view taken along line XVIIIC-XVIIIC of Fig.'18B; Fig. 19 are views showing the structure of a camber angle adjustment mechanism, where Fig. 19A is a sectional view taken along line XIXA-XIXA of Fig. 19B, and Fig. 19B is a sectional view taken along line XIXE-=B of Fig. 19A; Fig. 20 are views showing the structure of a caster angle and camber angle adjustment mechanism, where Fig. 20A is a sectional view taken along line =A-XXA of Fig.

20B. Fig. 20B is a sectional view taken along line XXBXXB of Fig. 20A, Fig. 20C is a sectional view taken along line W-MC of Fig. 20B, and Fig. 20D is a sectional " Fig. 20B; view taken along line XXD-XXD o'Ll Fig. 21 are views showing the structure cl': an automobile height and camber angle adjustment mechanism, where Fig. 21A is a sectional view taken along line XXIA-MA of Fig. 21B, Fig. 21B is a sectional view taken along line XXIBXXIB of Fig. 21A, and Fig. 21C is a sectional view taken along line XXIC-XXIC of Fig. 21B; Fig. 22 are views showing the structure of a modification of the automobile height adjustment mechanism of Fig. 17, where Fig. 22A is a sectional view BAD ORIGINAL L - i JJ) taken along line XXIIA-XXTIA of Fig. 22B, Fic. 22B 1 secl.,c).-.a- view taken along l-ne and F. c. 22C XXTIC-XXIIC of Fig. 22S; Fig.

is a F;c. 22-, XXI-E-XX17-E = s a sectional views showinc v,ew taken along the structure 7 J... e 0 l- a modification of the caster angle adjust-ment mechanism of Fig. 18, where Fig. 23A is a sectional view taken along 11 ne XXI i IA-XX! 7- IA of F 19. 2 3B, Fi c. 2 3 B ., ona- is a sec4 1 f Fig. 23A, and F- view taken along line XXIIIB-XX-71-TB = -,0 23C -,s a sec---iona-, view taken alonc!,'-p XXII-C-XX177C -f - --- - -.l. J_ - - -FJ.1 9. 2 3 ZE); is F J 9. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the construction of a principal portion of a suspension system f-G-r an automobile useful 1r) uflde rst arid itiq the present invention. The suspension system is used for suspending a f ront wheel on the lef t or automobile.

right ot' the BAD ORI9INAL A left-side lower arm (suspension arm) lla of Aletter shaped type is dspcsed on tile left side of the automobile body. The lefftt-side lower arm la has a ball joint 112a disposed at a ffrrontt end therecf. The ball join,- l2a is connected to a knuckle (not shown) a-, a lower end portion - thereof. The lower arm lia has two pivot portions 13a and 14a which are disposed in front and rear vositions of a distal portlon thereof. The lower arm!a is rotatable about the pivct portions 13a -o omcb i a n d 14 a 1. he body of the au t -le. The center axis of the pivct portions 13a and 14a extends nearly in a substantially longitudinal (or front to rear) direction of the body. A right-side lower arm llb is opposed to the left-side lower arm Ila and mounted on the right side c A". the bod-v - The righ't-side lower arm lia is rotatable about zivot portions 13b and 14b. Likewise, the right side lower arm Ilb is vrovided with a ball joint 12b at a front end portion thereof.

The upper end portion of the knuckle is connected to an upper arm (not shown) so -as to rotat-ably support the wheel. E-Each of the lower arms is connected to a lower end portion of a shock absorber. In addition, the left and right lower arms are connected with a stabilizer (not shown). The arms, knuckles, and so fforth principally construct the suspension system which suspends the front wheels on the left and right of the body of the automobile.

To the pivot portion 14a behind the left lower arm Ila is fixed a front end portion of a left torsion bar 21a. Likewise, to the pivot portion l4b behind the right lower arm llb is fixed a front end portion of a right torsion bar 21b. Thus, as shown in Fig. 1, each center axis of the torsion bars 21a and 21b almost accords with the center axis of the pivot portion thereof.

To a cross member of the body is fixed a rear end portion 0 f each 0 if: spring plates 24a and 24b by app,ro-riate fastening means such as welding. The spring BAD ORUNAL L..JJ) plate 24a extends in a direction perpendicular to the;se, the sprina center axis of the torsion bar 21a. Likew- pl.ate 24b extends in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the tcrsion bar 21b. A sleeve 25a is welded to a front end porticn (free end porticn) of the spring plate 24a. Likewise, a sleeve 25b..s welded to a front end portion (free end ocrtion) of the spring plate 24b. The sleeve 25a is fixed to a rear end portion of the left, torsion bar 21a. 7.kewise, t--- sleeve 256 4S fixed to a rear end port:= of the rich-tors-on bar 27b.

in th-s suspens--on syster,-,, when a load _J_c az)IDJied to the lower arms Ila and llb in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body, the spring plates 24a and 24b bend in the arrow direction shown in Fic. 1, thereby absorbing the load. Thus, a k- compression stress t the torsion bars -2la and -21b and a tensile stress agains,_ are alleviated. In addition, the torsion bars21a and 21b do not prevent the suspension system from bending and moving in the substantially longitudinal direction of 'the body. Moreover, an excessive bendinc stress is -not applied to each of the torsion bars 211a and 21b.

In addition, the free end portions of the spring plates 24a and 24b fixed to the rear end portions of 'the torsion bars 21a and 21b are spaced apart from the cross member. Thus, without necessity of a rubber bushing, the suspension system can securely prevent the torsion bars 21a and 21b f rom directly contacting 'the cross member. Thus, when a load is applied thereto and the suspension system moves in this direction, the load is not transmitted to the body. As a result, the riding comfort is securely improved.

Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show a first modification of, the Figure I de,,ice. In Fig. 1, the spring plates 24a and 24b are mounted on the body by welding, whereas in Fig. 2, the spring plates 24a and 24b are mounted to the body with bolts.

BAD ORIGINAL L_ A0 A reinforcement plate 411 is integrally the front end pc--:ion of t J the spring plate with the reinforcement plate 41, the spring mounted on the bod-,, B with bolts 42 and 43.

connected to 24a. Along p' te 24a is a- As shown in Fig. 2C, the bolt 43 has a cam portion 44 on the head side thereof. The cam portion 44 is eccentrically formed - in an on the bolt 43. The cam nortion 44 is fit oval hole 45 formed on the re,4.n-f'orcemer,-t plate 41, the oval hole 45 extending in the substan,--iaL!v vertical direction of the body. On the other hand, the boil. 42 is not eccentrically mounted. ThLs, the spring plate 24a is slidable about the boil. 42 along with the reinforcement Dlate 41. Therefore, when both the bolts 42 and 43 are being loosened and then the boil'- 43 is further rotated, the spring plate 24a is rotated about the bclt 42 and t,bereby the proximal portion of the spring plate 24a moves in the substantially vertical direction of the body B. Consequently, the positions of 'the sleeve 25a can be changed with respect to the body B in the substantially vertical direction of the.body B. Thus, the height of simplicity, the body B can be adjusted. For the sake o., Fig. 2 shows only the mounting structure cl' the spring plate 24a Thus, the mounting structure 'of the other - of the spring plate spring plate 24b is the same as that 24a.

Figs. 3A and 3B show modification of the spring plate for a second the pre,iously-described suspensior; system. A propeller - a center shaft 47 and an exhaust pipe 48 are disposed at portion of the body B and extend in the substantially longitudinal direction thereof. A cross member 49 is disposed between the propeller shaft 47 and the exhaust pipe 48. The cross member 49 is connected to distal portions of the spring plates 24a and 24b with bolts. The torsion bars 21a and 21b are respect-,vely fixed to the sleeves 25a and 25b which are mounted on the distal portions of the spring plates 24a and 24b.

BAL) UtflUINIAL j L 1 j 14 7.1 g. 4 shows a third modificatJon.

The construction of lower arms Ila and lib c-' this modification is the same as that of the first embod.-,ient. in this modification, a single spring plate 24 is disposed on a cross member of the body. The spring plate 24 extends in a direction nearly perpendicular to the center axes of torsion bars 2.1a and 21b. Thus, the spring plate 24 extends in the substantiallv lateral direction of the bodv. Rear end portions of the t_wo torsion bars 21a and 21b are _fixed to both proximal portions of the spring plate 24. The spring plate 24 is fixed to the crcss member with two mounting members 31 and 32. The mounting members 31 and 32 are preferably of floating type where they each have a rubber bushing so that the spring plate 24 bends in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body. Eowever, the spring plate 24 may be mounted directly on the cross member with metal pins or the like.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth modification.

in this modification, as in the third modification shown in Fig. 4, both proximal portions of a spring plate 24 are fixed to rear end iDcrtiQn-s of torsion bars 21a and 21b, respectively. The both wroximal portions of the spring plate 24 are connected to a cross member by mounting members 33 and 34. Thus, the rear end portion of the left torsion bar 21a is disposed between t The rear end portion of the mounting members 31 and 33.

-he right torsion bar 21b is disposed between the mounting members 32 and 34.

in the suspension systems according to the third and fourth modifications shown in Figs. 4 and 5, when a load is applied thereto in the substantially rear direction of the body, the spring plate 24 elastically deforms. i n addition, at 'this point, the r)ort-on between the two mounting members 31 and 32 defcrms, thereby cancelling the load applied thereto. Thus, the load applied to the body is reduced. As a result, when a load is applied to 1 1 BAWORIGINAL J0 1 the suspension sys,e,-,i in the subs tan t -Jally.1.ong-Jt-udinal the s,-, 5:)erls:-c:-, system be,-.,ds direc-.-.c)r,. of the bod-,7, th i s direction. 7 - u S e s e susnension systems 1Drov,de good ridinc comfort.

In particular, in the modificaticns shown in Fins -. 11 and 5, the reacticn force by the spring plate 24 aqaiins, 1.

the body at the mount_,ng members can be reduced. nus sc-cal, led f Ica t ing bushings having rubber bus- ings as mounting members 3- to 34 can be usec. suspension s y s t erzis can satisfactcrily ""he subs tantially lcng_'udinal direction of the body. bending characteriszic in the substantially longitudinadirection of the suspension SySteM which uses a total of four mcu-nting members shown in Fic. 5 is superior to that of the suspension s-;sLem which uses two mounting members shown in Fig.

n the above-described defice and the modifications thereof, the front end portions of the torsion bars 21a and 21b are fixed to the pivot portions 14a and l4b beh-; nd the lower arms Ila ca n d l1b, respectively. Thus, the center axes 0 the)ivot -he resiDectlve center- axes of the portions accord w] tin IL torsion bars. Eowever, even if these axes do no'. accord with each other, the present invention may be applied. In this case, when the suspension system vertically moves, the front end cortions of the torsi-on bars 21a and 21b move in the substantially vertical direction of 'Che body as the lower arms lla and llb rotate. Eowever, since the spring plattes 24, 24a, and 24b elastically deform in their twisting directions, an excessive bending stress is not applied to the torsion bars 211a and 21b.

Thus, the suspenslon subs tan It--- ially vertical point, the suspension path. As a result, stability is improved.

Therefore, dend i r.

4.

system smoothly moves in the direction of the body. At this system always moves in the same the riding comfort and steering BAU 16 Fics. 6 and 7 show tIne ccnstri-ict-ior, c-' a Drincipa-i pc r t- i on of a suspension svstem f 0 r an automobile accord.:.nc to inve,-itcn. In these ficures, a suspension arm comprises a first arm portion 51 and a second arm portion 52 which is disposed behind the first arm portion 51. A lower end portion of a knuckle (not shown) which W is connected to tine arm so The susDe,-.s-on arm. 50 s r lower 7 'nk. The sus--ens-cn arm end of the knuckle and arm Dor'-.cn 51 and the second arm portion 52 are connected by c=ecting elements 54 and 55 which are for example belts. The suspension arm 50 is AIeler shaped arm.

has a first pivot The first arm r)orlL.c)n 5--- ID C r t I C n 61 into which a rubber bushing 53 is -fitted. The arm -Dortion 51 is supported to a body E by the first pivot portion 61. Likewise, the second arm 62 has a second portion 62 _into which a rubber bushing 64 Is fitted.

he second arm portion 52 is supported to the ---hesecond pivot portion 62.

body B by t The first 1DiVOt portion 61 and the second pivot portion 62 are soaced az)art from each other in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body B. A pivot axial line P which connects the centers of the first pivot portion 61 and the second pivot porticn 62 -ially longitudinal extends nearly in the substant direction of the body B. Now assume that La denotes the distance between the center c110 the ball joint 53 and the center of the first pivot portion 61 in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body B. In addition, assume that Lb denotes the distance between the center of .-he ball -he center cl- the secondPivot on- 53 and t portion 62 in the substantially longitudinal direction of the bed.,; B. At this point, the relation of La < Lb is satisfied. The volume cf: the rubber bushing 64 is larger rotatabl.; supports a whee 7 c n t -.v a ba-- - 53.

-,, as a ",o.we:- arm or ts the lower connect body. The f irst t Ihe presentso - - 0 so - h e t.

a n BAD (3'111GINAL 17 than that of the rubber bushing 63. Thus, when a load is a pl; ed to the suspension system n the sL:bs-.a,-,t i ally p longitudinal direction of the body S, the rubber bushing 64 in the second pivot 62 car. more elastically deform than the rubber bushing 63 in the first pivot 61 does. A proximal portion of a spring plate 66 made of a spring member mater--al is disposed between the first arm portion 51 and the second arm portion 52. T '- us, th e proximal portion cfr the sprnq plate 66 is ffixe( to the suspension arm 50. The spring plate 56 extents in the substantially lateral direction Of the body B. As shown in the figures, the spring plate 66 is connected to the two arm portions 51 and 52 by the bolts 54 and 55.

to the arm However, the spring plate 66 may be connected.

gortions 51 and 52 by welding or rivets.

To the distal portion of the spring plate 66, is fixed to a front end portion 72 of a torsion bar 71. A rear end portion 73 of the torsion bar 71 is fixed to the body B. The front end portion 72 of the torsion bar 71 is connected to a sleeve 74 by a fitting element such as a spline. The sleeve 74 and the spring plate 66 are connected by welding or the like so as to the front.

end oortion of the torsion bar 71 and the spring plate 66. Likewise, the rear end portion of the torsion bar 71 is connected to a sleeve 75 by a fitlt ing element such as a spline. The sleeve 75 and the body B are connected by welding so as to f ix the rear end portion 73 of the torsion bar 71 and the body E.

A center axis T of the torsion bar 71 and the pivot axial line P make an offset angle 6. The center of the first pi-ct portion 61 and the center of the front end portion 72 0 f the torsion bar 71 deviate i n the substantially lateral direction of the body by a predetermined offset distance S.

As shown in the figures, the front end portion 72 the torsion bar 71 is mounted on the suspension arm 50 the spring plate 66 which extends in parallel with j 1:51'u UMIUINAL 18 center axis T c,'- the torsion bar 71. Thus, the rigidity c); t, h e susDensi-on arm 50 acainst a load in the subs tant ially long-,tudinal direction c--- the wheel W is low, whereas the ricidity c-' the sLsi)ension arm so against a!cad in the substantially vertical direction of the wheel W is high.

Thus, when a load is app'L''-'d to the wheel W in the B, the substantially longitudinal direction c.he body hus, front and rear rubber bushings 63 and 64 deform. 1 the two arm portions 51 and 52 share the load and t.,ierebv the suspension arm 50 deforms i n the substantially longitudinal direction of the body 3. However, the rigidity of the spring plate 66 in the substantially icng-4tudinal direction of the body B is low. Thus, as shown by tWOdOt line of Fig. 6, the spring plate 66 deforms in the substantially Icngitudinal direction of the body B. Theref-cre, an excessive bending force is not applied to the torsion bar 71. in addition, the torsion bar 71 does not prevent the suspension system from moving or bending in the substantially long-tudAnal direction of the body B. Thus, the suspension system can provide an excellen, riding comfort.. 1 When a load is applied to the wheel W in the substantially lateral direction 0 AE: the body B, the suspension arm 50 is pivotably supported to the body l by the two MiVOt portions 61 and 62. Since the pivot portions 61 and 62 do not elastically deform so much in 1 1 the body B, he substantially lateral direction 04 satisfactory rigidity against a load in the substantially lateral direction of the body B can be obtained.

When the wheel W moves in the substantially vertical direction of the body, even if the pivot axis P deviates from the center axis T of the torsion bar, there are offset d-,stance S and offset angle 5. Thus, as the fron' end of the suspension arm 50 moves in the substantially vertical direction of the body l, the spring plate 66 twists. In other words, the sc).-ing plate 66 twists so L BAD ORIGINAL 19 that the surface thereof inclines. Thus, an excessive bending force is ncl, applied to the torsion bar 71. The twisting torque of the torsion bar 711 is transmitted to the suspension arm 50 through the spring p 1 at e 66.

Therefore, the suspension system smoothly moves in the substantially vertical direction cf- the body B. 5 ince the suspension system smoothly moves in the same path, excellent riding comfort and steering stability is achieved.

factory To allow the suspension system to have salis rigidity in the substantially lateral dLrectJon of the body B and keep satisfactory bending amount in -the substantially longitudinal direction of the body B, La should be much s mall 1 e r than Lb. Because 0 Af the clifference of the volumes of the rubber bushings 63 and 64, 'the first pivot 61 has ' a high rigidity in the substantially lateral direct---ion of the body B, whereas the second pivot 62 has a low rigidity both in the substantially longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the body B. As shown in the figures, when the distance Lc between the line R which connects the center of the first pivot 61 and the center of the ball joint 53 and the force acting point of the torsion bar 71 is as short as possible, most of the reaction force cl' the torsion bar 71 is applied to the first pivot portion 61. Thus, the rigidity in the substantially lateral direction of the. body B, the bending amount in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body B, and the vibration tuning are nearly unaffected.

The suspension arm 50 is a lower arm which connects the lower end portion of the knuckle to the body. The upper end portion of the knuckle is connected to the body by for example an I-letter shaped upper arm (not shown).

Between the suspension arm 50 shown in the figure or the upper arm and the body, a known shock absorber (not shown) is disposed. However, the suspension arm 50 may be used for an upper arm which connects the upper end BAD ORIGINAL, XlIL 0 L_ pc.rtion of the knuckle to the body. The suspension arm so shown in the figure support-S the left-sidefront.

ted by wheel The right-side front- wheel can be support lie k- arm in the same cons t In addition, the rear wneels can be also supocrted by arms basically in the I 1 5 same construction.

Figs. 8 and 9 show 'the cons truction of a principal portion c,' a suspension svstem according t 0 a f i r S t F modification of the first embodiment. Zo-- z.ie sake oil the portions -71 c c) mim c) n w t h t h ef i rst embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerais.

in the f 1 rst embodiment, the other end portion 73 -hrough the of the torsion bar 71 is fixed to the body B t sleeve 75. in the suspension system according to this modification, the other end cort-ion 73 of the torsion bar 71 is connected to a cross member cl' a body by a second spring plate 67. The spring plates 66 and 67 extend in uarallel with a center axis T of the torsion bar 71. As in the second embodiment, the spring plates 66 and 67 have a high rigidity in the substantially vertical direction of the body and a low rigidity in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body B. In this modification, when a load is applied to a wheel W in t the substantially longitudinal direction of the body B or when the wheel W moves in the substantially vertical direction c'L the body B, a bending force applied to the torsion bar 71 can be remarkably reduced in comparison L with the construction of the second embodiment because the two spring plates 66 and 67 deform.

Fig. 10 shows the construction of a suspension system according to a second modification of the first embodiment. In this suspension system, spring plates 66 and 67 are disposed on both end portions of a torsion bar 71. A first arm portion 51 is branched from a second arm portion 52. The first arm pertion 51 and the second arm portion 52 are integral.Ly cons truct-ed by a means such as welding. A ball joint 53 is disposed at a f ront end BAD 0,RiGINAL 21 portion of the second arm portion 52. At end Dortic)n the first arm z)crton 51, -.)c7iion 61 is L a first r), disoosed. The first spring plate 66 is connected to the second arm portion 52 by a particular- means such as -welding. A line connectinc the fir-st and second pivo., portions 61 and 62 extends in a substantially longitudinal direction of the body, the - Icrs-i--n bar 71 extends in parallel- with the i-ine, and the s::):-ing plate 66 is arranged in -f-ront. c- the f irst and second arm 10 portions 51 and 52.

Fig. ll shows a suspension system according to a third modification of the first embodiment. In this - Jn exa=le, a second arm portion 52 extends almost - a substantially laterall, direction of a body B. A front end is p.or41---icn of a first arm 51 is connected to a center portion of a second arm portion 52 by welding, bolts, or the like. The first arm 51 inclines in the substantially f ron't direction of the body B. A pivot portion 61 -ion of '- disposed at a rear end port -he first arm portion tudinal direction 51 inclines in the substantially lOngiL of the body B. The suspension system moves in the substantially longitudinal di rect ion Of. 'the body B according to the character is ti c of a resilient substance of the first pivot- portion 61. The first pivot portion 61 is rotatable with an angle substantially in line with the body; the second pivot portion 62 is rotatable in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body; the torsion bar 71 extends in the substantially longitudinal direction; and the spring plate 66 is arranged in fron, of the first and second arm portions 51 and 52.

Next, a second embodiment of the 1Dresent invention will be described. The second embodiment relates to a suspension system for an automobile, in particular, to a suspension system havina a wheel alignment mechanism.

AS shown i n Figs. 12A and 12B, a knuckle 80 rotatably supports a wheel W. A lower end portion of the knuckle 80 is connected to a lower arm 82 through a ball c), n t 8 1 An LDu)er connected to an uppe: Proximal portions 1 meunted on a bodv.

the body B is turned, end iDortion of the arm 84 througn a ba--- j c; T-,l j tne arms 82 and 84 are p 8 0 ' S a la,.3 -V the case of a front whee', when the wheel W is turned about a 11 _ne connecting the centers cf the upper and lower ball -7cints 811, and 83 (namely, a turninc: center axis or a kJ.= r)in -i e 'n e axis 5). when the B _s viewed t_ f r = -- ' t - f W and the angle made by the cenier plane c. t n e w- -- e 1 ,0 ver.-'ca-' z)la-,e V is referred to as a camber ancle a. e camber angle c varies according to the inclined ancle of axis 5 in t h e s u, b s t an t i a 1 --1 y lateral This camber a.--,!e affects '. he steerInc force.

is '--s shown in Fig. -,2B, when the wheel W is:.ewe-- side, the incl-ined angle of the kinc cin: axis S in tantial ly long- tudinall direct ion of the body 3 is to as a caster angle This caster ancle he direc'-..c)n hcldng force of the wheel W The bed-,; EM is given by the position Jn the vertical direction (z direct.,Lon) 0 f the 1 body E. f th e automebile is assembled, the height c wheel alignment such as camber angle can as to securely provide steering sl-ab-i-2-iv the k-Lnc iDir direction of the body B from a the subs referred affects height of the substantialiv wheel W to Itne After the body E and the be adjusted so thereof.

An, object of the third embodiment is to provide a suspensJon System which has both a torsion bar movable in a substantially longitudinal direction of a body and wheel alignment, such as camber angle and caster angle, and body height adjustment mechanism.

Figs. 13 and l41 show a principal portion of a i for an automobile according to a - ir suspension system A -h- - d embodiment of the present invention.

In these ficures, a suspensicn arm 90 comprises a fIrst arm portion (front member) 91 and a second arm pertion (rear membe) 92. The second arm pcl-tion, 92 -s BAWORIGINAL 23 disposed behind 'the first arm portion 91. A lower end portion c'-' a- knuckle (not shown) which rctatably supports a wheel W is connected to the arm 90 a ball j j C i n t - i on) 93. The sus-Dens-on arm 90 1 S (connectIng port referred tc as a lower arm or lower link. The suspensicarm 90 connects the lower end oortion off: the knuckle with t accords with the he bod-v. Thus, the suspension arm 90 lower arm 82 of the suspension system show,- in Fig. 12.

The first arm 91 and the sec:cr.d a:--,L, g ill be desc:- 1 a--.,-= r '-e suspens-,c-, are t-readed as w bed si arm 90 is a let, -4a-)eci arm. -ro= end portion of t -he first- arm portion 91 is threaded to a joint holder 94 as will be described later. Th.e jc-,n'. holder 94 ball jo-ir., 93 cons t ructs the f i rs'. ar-m por IE.c)n 91. T is mounted on the joint holder 94.

The first arm portion 91 is provided with a first pivot portion 95 in which a rubber bushing 96 is fittted. The first arm portion 91 is supported by the first pivot portion 95. Likewise, the second arm portion 92 is 1-h a second 1Divot portion 97 in which a rubber provided wit. bushing 98 is fitted. The second arm r=tion 92.s supported by the second pivot portion 97. Thus, the first pivot portion 95 and the second p2.vot portion 97 are spaced apart in a substantially longitudJLnal 2, direction of the body B. A pivot axial line P which connects the centers, of the first pivot mortion 95 with the second pivot portion 97 exends, in the substantially longitudinal direction of the body B. The volume of t-he rubber bushing 96 is larger than that of the rubber bushing 98. Thus, when a load is applied to the suspension system, the rubber bushing 98 in the second pivot 97 more elastically deforms 'than the rubber bushing 96 in the first pivot 95 does.

An end portion oil a spring plate 101 made of a leaf spring member is disposed between the first arm portion 91 and the second arm portion 92. Thus, the proximal portion olf the spring plate 101 is fixed to the i BAD ORIGINAL_ suspenscn arm 90.The spring plate 101 extends in the -her subs"an'tialiv lateral directic- of the body T h t wroximal portzIon of the s-pring plate 1,01 to a front end Dcrtion cf: a t--rs-,cr. bar 102. A rear end portion c-E the torsion bar - 02, is fixed zo the body B. The front end portion of torsion bar 102 is spline connected to a sleeve 103. 3.; welding the sleeve 103 and t,c: plate 10-i -1s fixed to.he spring plate 101, the spr- the f rcn'- end port -cn c- --:2rs ion bar -- 0 17 Likewise, a sleeve 104 is to rea: end of the torsion bar 102. Ey welding the sleeve 104 and the body B, the rear end z)cr't-:on of the torsion bar 102 is fixed to the body B. As shown i n Fig. 15 t h e spr ing p 1 a 1. e 101 1 S -,5 disposed between the first arm z)crtc)n 91 an- th.=, second ar,m wortion 92. in addi, the firs'. arm portion 91, -he second arm 1DOrL-'on 92, and the spring plate 101 are intecra-",-7lv connected With a tctal of three bolts 111, 112, and 113.

The join'- holder 94 is integrally connected tO the fA.rst arm nortion 91 with the bolt 111 and three other bolts 115, 116, and 117. 1 Figs. 17A, 17B, and 17C, show a r)r-nc-inal portion of a suspension system where the suspension system according to the third embodiment shown in Figs. 13 IC c 16 is provided with a body height ad7 justment mechanism. In Figs. 17.A to 17C, 'three bolts ill to 113 which connect first arm portion 91, a second arm portion 92, and a spring plate 101 are enlarged. The first arm portion 91 30 and the second arm portion 92 are formed by bending -erial. The interior of these first arm portion steel mall 91 and second arm portion 92 are hollow. The first arm portion 91 and the second arm portion 92 have openings according to these bolts. Thus, these bolts can be 35 nserted from the outside into the openings formed on the first arm portion 91 and the second arm portion 92.

a a 1 BAD ORIGINAL Apú 1 The bolt 1111 passes through the first arm porttion 9 1!n add -4 t icn, the bolt Ill pass es,- -- oucnthe front and a proximal end portion or -he second arm portion 02 portion of the sD---;ng plate 10-1. The bolt!I! extends in - the subs tantiai I y longitudinal direction of the body B. The bolt 111 and a nut 121 whicIn is thread onto the front end portion thereof construct a reference thread member. Holes for the arm ocrt-Jons 91 and 92 and the spring plate 101 throuch w--,ch the bolt 111, passes accord with the outer circumference of the bcit ill. T.ne twc bolts 1-12 and 113 are mounted on a circum.-Eerence G with the same radius of curvature as the bolt 111. The bolts 112 and 113 are mounted nearly in parallel with the bolt 111. By the bolts 112 and 113, the first arm portion 91, the se.cond arm portion 92, and the szring plate 101 are connected.

112 and a nut 122 which is thread on' The bc I- o the front end therec-F construct a cam thread member. The bolt 1-12 on the nut 122 is tightened by a tool inserted from an opening formed on, the second arm_ portion 112. The bolt 112, which is the dam thread member, is fit to circular holes 131 and 132 which accord wi.th, the center of the bolt 112 formed on the f i --st and second arm portions 91 and 92. The bolt 112 has a drive cam porticn 112a which is eccentric from the center thereof. The drive cam portion 112a is engaged with a follower cam portion 133 formed on the spring plate 101. The follower cam portion 133 is formed of an oval hole which extends in the radial direction R connect-ing the center of the bolt 111 and the center of the bolt 112, namely in a direction perpendicular to the circumference G.

The bolt 113 is a reinforcement bolt. The bolt 113 passes through circular holes formed on the first arm portion 91 and the second arm portion 92. in addition, as shown in the figure, the bolt 113 passes through an oval hcle 134 which extends in the direction of the circumference G of the spring plate 101. Thus, while the I BAD OFjIGINAL 26 nuts 121 122, and 123 h ' Is 2 ', 2, and ', 3 112 as the ca.n thread r)orli--c)n off ---ne s::)---;ng plate -101 bar - 02 vertt -Jcal'-,, deforms abcut the bc-t 111.'11-1 U S ' a S shown in Fig. 16, the spring plate 101 vertically rottaes abcut the bol, t l' f o r a P. an cl e E 1. Therefore, the 0 f the spring p I a t e 1, 01 verticall.; 52.

an anc e aca nst ---he bcd v.

ad-jused. After an t.,e wheel aiignme, t can be adjusted. B7 i s completed. The be used for the thread member, :es=)ectvely.

Figs. 18A, l, BE, and 18C show a principal pertion of a suspension syst ter angle em having a wheel cas,- - mechanism. A bolt - 17and a nut ad j us -1mer. 1. 121 which is thread thereto construct a c ani thread member which t,' ntens a first arr-, -portion 91, a second arm,portion 92, and a sprinc plate 101. The bolt 1 -1 1 has a drive cam pertIon ilia which eccentric to -the center thereof The second arm portion 92 has two fcIllower cam portions which are encaced with the drive cam portion 111a.

The follower cam nortions 135 are opposed in a tion of a body. Two bolts 112 substantially lateral direcl and 113, which are disposed in r)a.-allel with the cam thread member 111, and nuts 122 and 123 which are thread thereto construct a tightening thread member. The bolts 112 and 113 pass through oval holes 132 and 132a formed on the second arm portion 92. The oval hcles 132 and 132a extend in the substantially lateral direction of the body. The bolts 112 and 113 are fit to circular holes formed on the first- arm portion 91 and the spring plate 101, Irespectively. Thus, while the three bolts ill to w.ri,Lch are thread onto the '.lree are beInc "---csened, -w'-en, the nut- mer,ibe:i S rotated, a -- o x i:n a -- imal portIon, prox d e f c r: n s a b c z t h e '-- a 0 b a-, c i n t 93 Lherefore, the!7e-Jc'-i of the bod.; is a 0M0b u ile has been assembled,when s per - ormed, the 'neeight of the body the adjust.ment 1 11 z m a y tight-ening the nuts b 0 1 -- 1,12 and t h, e r e i n.E c) r c em en t, bolt and connected to tne tors-on i BAD OR, NA L 0 2 7 113 are being icesened, when the bolt ill as the ca.,r, thread is r'.atted, the position of the second a= portion 92 Itc the firs", arm 91 in the latera';:'i c - directicr, of the body varies as shown by arrow Y c t 1- 1 f 15. In he --icu,-e, the pos-itions of the cener 01 o- the first pivot por--icn 95 and the center 0 2 of the second - r)cr" Th-js pivol ion 97 against 'the body do not chance.

the front end cf: the first arm portion 911, na:-,,e-'; 1 93, moves - - i ci n the COS1,ion c- -.e ba- 0 subs tant. iall y long. tudinal direction X of the body. Z -c a result, the caster ang-le of the wheel is adDusted. this adjustment is completed, the nuts are tightened.

Figs. 19A and 19B show a principal portion of a suspension system having a wheel carriber angle adjust.,-Lient.

is mechanism. The ficures show a portion where a jcint - and second a ions 91 and 92, and a holder 94, first rm z)ort- te 101 are connected to each c- sprinc -,:)!at ther. These portions are connected by a cam thread member whic.n is -here'o.

constructed of a belt 111 and a nut 121 thread 'L The bcilt 111 has a drive cam portion 111b which is eccentric to the center thereof. The drive cam por'.Lon lilb is formed on a joint holder 9111. T-he: drive cam portion!lib passes through a follower cam, portion 136 which is an oval hole extending in the subs tan t -ialiv vertical direction of the body.

On the other hand, bolts 115 to 117 extend in a direction nearly perpendicular to the bolt Ill, namely in the substantially vertical direction of the body. The bolts 11-5 and 117 and nuts 125 to 127 which are thread thereto constitute a tightening thread member. The bolts to 1117 pass through oval holes 137 to 139 formed on the joint holder 94. The oval holes 137 to 139 extend in the lateral direction of the body. Thus, while the nuts 121 and 125 to 127 are being loosened, when the bolt l1 as the cam thread member is rotated, the drive c am portion llIb and the follower cam portion 136 are engaged with each other. Thus, 'the joint holder 94 deforms 1,1 BAU ( p 0 29 the substantially lateral d' rection of the body. As a result, the camber anGle of the wheel can be adjusted.

:, h e r e a f t_ e r, b V t i C h t e n -L n c a i I J-, n u t s, t h e a d - L: s 1. r,,,, e 7. S J c omr) 1 e t ed in the embod-ment shown -n Fics P z a n d' 9 t h. e L follower cam pert -Lon 136 is formed on the ic)J nt ho' der 94. Eowever, the follower cam portion 136 may be formed on the firs,- arm portion 91, the second ar.n portion 92, and the spr nc: i), ate - 0 this pc-nt, the JEollower d - ve c a-.,, pccr- = car., pc r: J on 66 is e.icac:e,-: t h e S fit -0 a ilib. in this case, the holder portion which _s not- eccentr-c to the bolt 111. As the boil- ill is rotated, the joint holder 94 deforms in the lateral direction cl the body against the f i r s t a r:n portion 91.' Thus, the camber angle of the wheel can be adjusted.

Figs. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D show a principal portion of a suspension system having a mechanism which can adjust the overall body height, caster angle and camber anale of- a wheel. A first arm portion 91, a second arm portion 92, a spring plate 1-01, and a joint holder 94 are connected to each other by a first cam thread m e:-., b e r. The first cam thread member isconstructed of a bolt 111 and a nut 121 which is threaded thereto. The bolt 111 extends in a substantiailv longitudinal direction of a body. On a circumference G with 'the same radius of curvature from the center of the bolt 1111, two bolts 112 and 113 are mounted nearly in marallel- with the bolt 111. By these bolts 112 and 113, -the first arm portion 91, the second arm portion 92, and the spring plate 101 are tightened to each other.

A bolt 112 and a nut 122 which is threaded onto the front end thereof construct a second cam thread member. The bolt 112 is fit to a circular hole 131 formed on the first arm portion 91. As in the embodiment shown in Figs. 17A, 17B, and 17C, 'the bolt 112 has a drive cam portion 11.2a. The drive cam portion. 112 is engaged with BAD 1 0 29 a follower cam z)c.-'ion 133 formed on the - 0-1,. As in the e.-,ibod--,,- ient s'-o.wn i- I7C, a reinforcement boil-- 113 _s to a circular hole 1 91.

ormed on the first arm portien In addition, the reinforcement bolt 113 passes through an oval hole 134 formed on the spring plate 101. In the mechanism Shown in Frig. 20, t.he cf the spring plate 101 is the same as that shown in Fic. 17. Thus, while the nuts 121, 122, and 123 arre 'De,ne ";.ocsen.e,-J, when the bc-"'t. -7-11 is rctated, the b-sd-- '-e,9.nt can be adjusted.

The bolt I'll' which constructs the first cam thread member has a drive cam r=tion Illa which is eccentric tO t ter axi-s thereof as in the embodiment shownin the cent 1 1- Fic. 18. On the second arm nortion 92, two follower cam th the drive cam iDcr- portions 135 which are engaged wit ien !!!a are. op-posed- in the substantially lateral direction :7 'portion 92, as shown in c the bod-v. On the second arm Fig. 20C, oval holes 132 and 132a which extend in the substtantially lateral direction of the body are formed.

'he bolts 112 and 113 pass through the oval holes 132 and tively.

132a, respect Lhus, while the three bolts 111 to 113 are beJnci loosened, when the bolt ill as the first cam thread me:-,.ber is rotated, a front end portion of the second arm portion 92 deforms in the substantially lateral direction of the body against the first arm - shown in Fig. 18. Thus, portion 91 as in the embodiment the caster angle cl L-he wheel can be adjusted.

A bolt 115 is one oi- three bolts which connec the joint holder 94 to the first arm portion 91. The bolt 115 and a nut 125 which is threaded thereto constitute a third cam thread member. The belt 115 has a drive cam portion 115a. The drive cam portion 115a is f it to an oval hole 137a formed on the joint holder 94. The oval hole 137a e,xtends in the substantially longitudinal direction of the bcdy. fhe other two bolts 116 and 117 ts. The bolts 116 and 117 pass through are tightening bol, oval holes 138 an 139 which. extend in the substantially spring z)late UH1f ' ''h 11 ' A lateral direction of body and are le holde:- 94. 1: 1 Au S w 1 - ne--n:,ee be-,--,, loosened, w-en the b o 1 t a s i e m e,-,-i b e s r c t a t e d, t j o i -'c 1 d e 9 f::n e substantially lateral direction c.

z: formed on the deforms in the bodv. T hu S ' a bai, joint 93 dsDcsed at a fron' end -portion of the - - - - - L - ll J o n t nolder 94 de f c rms i n tn e sul:s tant ia' ly laterad i c: t i on 0 f t e b c) d v Thus ' tne ca-tiber angle c. he w'-ee', can be -0 Atter t camber angle and nuts, "he -j, ' - igs. 21P.

1 = ad-,,-, s: e d.

he body casz:e-- a-g-e have been acus--ec, 1 z) v e r, 17.

is com-:)leted.

a n e the bolts ad4ustment r 2LB, and 21C show a nrincloal portion of a susDens-ion system having a mechan-ism which can adjust - 4 1 beth body heigh,'t and camber angle of a wheel. A b c -, extends in a substantially longitudinal direction c-- a irst arm pcrticn 91, a second arm body and ccnnects a f portion 92, and a spring plate 101. Th e b c, 1 t 111 an d a nut 51 wtich is 'threaded thereto constitute a f irst cam thread member As in the embcdiment shown in Fia. 17, t the first arm portion 911, the second arm portion 92, and the sprIng plate 101 are connected by a bolt 112 and a tichtening bolt 113). The bolt 112 constitute a second cam thread member. As in the embodiment shown in Fig.

17, the bolt 112 has a drive cam -acrtion 112a. The spring plate 101 has an oval hole 63 as a follower portion. Thus, while the three bolts 111 to 113 being loosened, when 'the bolt 112 as the second thread member is rotated the body height can be adjusted.

As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 19, the bolt 111 as the first cam Ithread member has a drive cam portic," llib which is eccentric to the center thereof. The drive cam portion ilia is fit to an oval hole 136formed on a joint holder 94. The oval hole 136 extends i n a subs tantlally vertical direction of the body. The oval hole 1-36 is a follower cam oartion. As in the embodiment BAD OHI(2ii\jAL L 4k 31 shown Ln Fig. 19, three boll ts 115 tO 117 whIch connect the -L'J'j -sl, arm iDcr-.-on 91 and the ",cider 94 pass 3 7 holder through oval holes to 139 _formed --- 94 T 11, e oval 0 1 e S 11 3 7 t 0 139 extend i r, -on o S substantially latera --c,.- Ody. Thus, while t the bolts 111 and -11-5 to 117 are beinc loosened, when the bolt ill is rotated, the joint holder 94 deforms in the -Jon of ' lateral direct- the body. T h e -- e f c) -- e as in'the embod-,-,ie-,t shown i- F1C. the cambe: angle o- wheel can be adjusted.

ft body height After the wheel have been adjusted, with the nuts. Thus, the t imen t s he embod- shownin j:

and the ang -, e c.

all the belts are tightened adiustment is co=leted. In F igs 20 an. d 21, as i n t he embodiment shown in F-JLg. 17, the functions ot- the bolts 112 and 11113 may be reversely designatec. In other words, the bolt 1-1-2 and the bolt 113 mav be used for a reinforcement bolt and a cam thread member, respectively.

Figs. 22A, 22B, and 22C show the construction of a 20 modification of the suspension System having the body height adjustment mechanism shown in Fig. 17. In this modification, two follower cam Dortions 133a and 133a are opposed on a circumference C. The two f ollowe.- carn portions 133a and 133a are disposed on a first arm portion 9-1 through a bolt 112.' The bclt- 112 constructs a cam thread member. A drive cam portion 112a which is engaged with the follower cam 1Dortiens 133a and 133a is Erom the center- off the bolt 112.

dis:Dosed eccentrically f As shown in Fig. 22C, a spring plate -1 01 has oval holes 30 134 and 134a on the circumference G. The bolts 112 and 113 pass through the oval holes 134 and 134a. Thus, when the bolt 112 is rotated, the spring plate 101 is rotated t arm portion 91 and about the bolt 111 against the firs. the second arm portion 92. In the susiDersion system Of 17, the this type, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. body height can be adjusted.

BAD Urijullymi_ L --- - ' 1 3-- Figs. 23A, 233, and 23C sl::)w another t the suspension s-js-te-,, havinz m e ch a n i s,-,-i s - 8. 7n h-'s 2 sprinc piate I C; =-ac- h, a -,, e an oval Icle 135a as a z ' rt J or- f o -1 '11 o w e r c am pc - _ - engaged with the -4c--'ower ca--,i a bolt Ill. The oval hole t.'-ie body as s'-Gwn 3 is rotated, t ri e s e c c - d A dr've cam -11c which is pc r t i -- n -, 3 5 a i s d _ s pc s ed on subs tan t -all-,; lazeral directic- of the boc-v arm portion 91 and - r s 11 he spring plate z _cilower cam i 0 1. As a result, a ffront end:)c-tion of the f' rst ar-m -portion 91 - I- - - t- - - - D m. c) v e s i n a h s t a n t -, a 11, y 1 c n tu, d i n a 1 d -L r e c -- i o n c f tne body. Therefore, the caster ancle can be adjusted.

'ca-.icn of ' - _ h e in each mod A - he third embodiment, - or -ent-a t ions of a!-', the bclts and nuts w-ich are threaded thereto can be reversely designated wlt h respect to each 1. - tools for other in consideration of t-e operab v ef the or -e.-i ta tions of the bolts and the nuts may be 4 -e des gnated in any d -c-tion.

Reference is directed to cu-periding Application \o 9316853.2

Claims

which ClaiMS MdtIer described in this application.

BAD OIGINAL L J0 L_ 1 1 1.6 33 CLAIMS:, 1. A suspension system, for automobile, having first and second pivot portions on a body for supporting said suspension system comprising:- a suspension arm for supporting a wheel and having first and second arm portions rotatably mounted on the first and second pivot portions, one of said pivot portions being diLsposed rearwardly of the other; torsion bar having one end connected to said body; spring plate having a proximal portion mounted on said suspension arm, and a portion connected with the other end of said torsion bar; a reference thread member arranged to suspen-sion arm and said spring plate; connect said a cam thread member arranged substantially in parallel with said reference thread member opposite to said proximal portion of said spring plate to connect said suspension arm and said -rom spring plate and having a drive cam portion being eccentric a center of said cam thread member; and a follower cam portion provided on one of said spring plate and said suspension arm engaged with said drive cam portion to cause said spring plate to rotate with said reference thread member in a vertical direction of the body by rotating said cam thread member, so as to adjust the height of the body.
2. A suspension system according to claim 1, further comprising:an additional thread member disposed on the same circumference as said cam thread member with said reference thread member to connect said spring plate to said suspension arm; and one of said spring plate and said suspension arm having an oval hole extending in a direction of the circumference with said reference thread member through which said additional thread member passes.

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