JP2004034926A - Suspension structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a suspension structure that can be made lightweight while ensuring a desired strength by improving a cross sectional configuration efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: In a cross sectional configuration of a longitudinal intermediate part along the vehicle longitudinal direction of arm main bodies 11a and 11b of the upper arm member 11 provided in a suspension part of a vehicle, a horizontal wall 14 extended in the horizontal direction is substantially protruded horizontally from the downside in the vertical direction rather than a central position of a side wall 15 of the upper arm member 11, exhibiting a substantially L-shape. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a suspension structure mainly using a swing arm such as an upper arm member for a vehicle suspension.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an upper arm member 1 is known as a swing arm member used for a double wishbone type suspension as shown in FIGS. 14 to 20 of a vehicle. For the sake of explanation, the upper arm member 1 used for the suspension at the front right of the vehicle is shown in each figure, but the upper arm member used for the suspension at the front left of the vehicle is also arranged at a substantially symmetrical position and has substantially the same configuration. Have been.
[0003]
In the upper arm member 1, mounting holes 1d and 1e having an axial direction along the vehicle front-rear direction are formed at the bases of the arm bodies 1a and 1b.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 20, a knuckle arm member 5 is attached to the knuckle arm support portion 1c while being sandwiched between the lower arm member and the lower arm member. In the knuckle arm member 5, the virtual input point 5a, which is the center of the ball joint, is provided below the upper arm member 1 and offset by a predetermined distance h1.
[0005]
These arm main bodies 1a and 1b are configured such that a longitudinal middle cross-sectional shape along the vehicle front-rear direction (Z direction in the drawing) has a substantially H-shaped shape as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, shafts 2 and 2 serving as fulcrums are respectively inserted into the mounting holes 1d and 1e, and around the shaft 2, between the inner walls of the mounting holes 1d and 1e. Rubber bush members 3 and 4 interposed are provided so as to be fitted outside.
[0006]
Next, the operation of this conventional example will be described.
[0007]
15 and 16, the deformation in each direction is shown by amplifying it by 30 times for the sake of explanation.
[0008]
In this conventional suspension structure, the virtual input point 5a, which is the center of the ball joint, is provided below the upper arm member 1 and is offset by a predetermined distance h1, as shown in FIG. When a load from the front of the vehicle is applied to the virtual input point 5a, the arm bodies 1a and 1b of the upper arm member 1 are deformed rearward of the vehicle, and as shown in FIG. , Twisting in the rolling direction.
[0009]
As other suspension structures of this type, there are known double wishbone type suspensions described in JP-A-11-34622, JP-A-11-1110, JP-A-10-203126 and the like. ing.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional suspension structure thus configured, the virtual input point 5a, which is the center of the ball joint, is offset by a predetermined distance h1 below the upper arm member 1.
[0011]
The predetermined distance h1 is difficult to set or eliminate in terms of structure, and the cross-sectional shape of the arm main bodies 1a and 1b in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle front-rear direction is substantially H-shaped to reduce the shear stress. Even if it is set to be large, it is difficult to say that it effectively acts on the twist in the rolling direction.
[0012]
Since the rubber bush members 3 and 4 having elasticity are provided between the shaft 2 and the mounting holes 1d and 1e, the arm bodies 1a and 1b as shown in FIG. In the deformation twisted in the rolling direction, the deformation amount may be increased and increased.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a suspension structure that can reduce the weight while securing desired strength by improving the cross-sectional shape efficiency.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, among the swing arms provided on the suspension portion of the vehicle, the arm main body has a cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal middle portion along the vehicle front-rear direction and extends in the horizontal direction. The present invention is characterized by a suspension structure in which a horizontal wall portion to be provided protrudes substantially horizontally from below in a vertical direction from a central position of a side wall surface portion of the swing arm.
[0015]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the arm body has a longitudinally-intermediate cross-sectional shape along the vehicle front-rear direction, and the horizontal wall surface extending in the horizontal direction is formed at the center of the side wall surface of the swing arm. It protrudes substantially horizontally from below in the vertical direction from the position.
[0016]
Therefore, the horizontal wall portion bears the stress in the direction in which the arm body is deformed rearward of the vehicle, and the side wall surface portion bears the stress in the twisting direction.
[0017]
Therefore, by improving the cross-sectional shape efficiency, it is possible to reduce the weight while securing the desired strength.
[0018]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, of the swing arm provided in the suspension portion of the vehicle, the cross section of the arm body in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle front-rear direction has a substantially L-shaped cross section. It is characterized by the suspension structure that has been used.
[0019]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction is formed to be substantially L-shaped, so that the cross-sectional shape efficiency can be further improved. .
[0020]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, of the swing arm provided in the suspension portion of the vehicle, a cross section of the arm body in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle front-rear direction has a substantially T-shaped cross section. It is characterized by the suspension structure that has been used.
[0021]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the cross-sectional shape in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction is formed to have a substantially T-shape, the cross-sectional shape efficiency can be further improved. .
[0022]
Further, according to the present invention, a metal bush member is interposed between a base portion of the swing arm and a shaft portion rotatably supporting the swing arm. It features a suspension structure.
[0023]
According to the above configuration, the metal bush member is interposed between the base of the swing arm and the shaft that rotatably supports the swing arm. The base does not form an angle in the twisting direction with respect to the shaft.
[0024]
Therefore, unlike the related art, there is no possibility that the deformation amount of the arm body is increased and further increased, and the sectional shape efficiency can be effectively improved.
[0025]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the suspension portion is a double wishbone type, and the swing arm is an upper arm member having the arm body substantially symmetrical in front and rear. It features a suspension structure.
[0026]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the swing arm includes the upper arm member having the front and rear substantially symmetrical arm bodies, the cross-sectional shape efficiency is good, and the desired strength is secured. In addition, since the weight can be reduced, the rigidity around the suspension is improved, and the unsprung weight is reduced, so that the suspension is suitable for use in a suspension structure of a double wishbone type.
[0027]
Embodiment 1 of the present invention
Hereinafter, a specific embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to illustrated examples. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the conventional example will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0028]
1 to 13 show a suspension structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the conventional example will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0029]
First, in terms of the configuration, in the suspension structure of the first embodiment, an upper arm member 11 is provided as a swing arm member used for a double wishbone type suspension for a vehicle. For the sake of explanation, the upper arm member 11 used for the suspension at the front right of the vehicle is shown in each figure, but the upper arm member used for the suspension at the front left of the vehicle is also arranged at a substantially symmetrical position and has substantially the same configuration. Have been.
[0030]
The substantially cylindrical base portions 11f and 11g of the arm members 11a and 11b are formed with mounting holes 11d and 11e having an axial direction along the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[0031]
The knuckle arm member 5 is attached to the knuckle arm support portion 11c so as to be sandwiched between a lower arm member located on the lower side. In the knuckle arm member 5, the virtual input point 5a, which is the center of the ball joint, is provided below the upper arm member 1 and offset by a predetermined distance h1.
[0032]
These arm bodies 11a and 11b are mainly composed of horizontal wall portions 14 extending horizontally from the respective base portions 11f and 11g, and side wall surface portions 15.
[0033]
Of these, the horizontal wall portion 15 is configured to have a substantially L-shape at a position along the bottom surface that is vertically lower than the center position of the side wall surface portions 15 and 15 of the arm bodies 11a and 11b. As shown in FIG. 4, shafts 2 and 2 serving as fulcrums are inserted into the mounting holes 11d and 11e, respectively, and around the shaft 2 between the mounting holes 11d and 11e. The interposed metal bush members 13, 13 are provided so as to be externally fitted.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
[0035]
In the first embodiment, a horizontal wall surface portion 14 extending in the horizontal direction and having a longitudinally-intermediate cross-sectional shape along the vehicle front-rear direction of the arm bodies 11a and 11b is used as a side wall surface portion 15 of the arm bodies 11a and 11b. And projecting substantially horizontally from below in the vertical direction from the center position.
[0036]
Therefore, the horizontal wall portion 14 bears the stress in the direction in which the arm bodies 11a and 11b are deformed rearward of the vehicle, and the side wall surface portion 15 bears the stress in the twisting direction.
[0037]
Further, in the first embodiment, since the arm main bodies 11a and 11b are each formed so that the cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal middle portion is substantially L-shaped, the cross-sectional shape efficiency is further improved. Can be done.
[0038]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the arm main bodies 11a and 11b of the upper arm member 11 are deformed rearward of the vehicle even if a load from the front of the vehicle is applied to the virtual input point 5a, as shown in FIG. Thus, the amount of twisting of each arm body 11a, 11b in the rolling direction can be reduced.
[0039]
In FIGS. 2 and 3, for the sake of explanation, the deformation in each direction is amplified by a factor of 30.
[0040]
In addition, the first embodiment is lighter than the conventional H-shaped cross-sectional shape, because there is no side wall surface portion facing the side wall surface portion 15.
[0041]
As described above, by improving the cross-sectional shape efficiency, it is possible to reduce the weight while securing the desired strength.
[0042]
Further, in the first embodiment, the metal bush member 13 is interposed between the base portions 11f and 11g of the upper arm member 11 and the shaft portion 2 that rotatably supports the upper arm member 11. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, these bases 11 f and 11 g do not form a large angle in the twisting direction with respect to the shaft 2.
[0043]
For this reason, unlike the related art, there is no possibility that the deformation amount of the arm bodies 11a and 11b is increased and further increased, and the cross-sectional shape efficiency can be effectively improved.
[0044]
In addition, by applying the arm bodies 11a and 11b to a double wishbone type suspension structure, the cross-sectional shape efficiency is good, and a desired strength can be ensured and the weight can be reduced. Therefore, by improving the rigidity around the suspension and reducing the unsprung weight, the suspension structure is suitable for use in a suspension structure using a plurality of swing arms of a double wishbone type. .
[0045]
[Modification 1]
FIG. 8 shows a suspension structure according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0046]
In the first modification, the upper arm member 111 as a swing arm member is provided with an arm body 111b integrally provided with a horizontal wall surface portion 114 extending horizontally from a base 111g and a side wall surface portion 115. The cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal middle portion along the front-rear direction (Z direction in the figure) is configured to exhibit a substantially L-shaped shape.
[0047]
Further, a reinforcing rib portion 116 is provided integrally below the horizontal wall surface portion 114 of the arm main body 111b, and is formed integrally below the side wall surface portion 115 and protruded downward. It is configured such that the cross-sectional shape in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction along the (medium Z direction) has a substantially T-shape as a whole.
[0048]
In the upper arm member 111, the front arm body is configured in a substantially similar manner.
[0049]
The other configuration and operation and effect are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.
[0050]
[Modification 2]
FIG. 9 shows a suspension structure according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0051]
In this modified example 2, a horizontal wall portion 214 extending horizontally from a base portion 211g and a side wall surface portion 215 are integrally provided on an upper arm member 211 as a swing arm member, and the front and rear of the arm main body 211b are provided in the vehicle. It is configured so that the cross-sectional shape in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction along the direction (Z direction in the drawing) has a substantially L-shaped shape.
[0052]
Further, a connecting portion between the horizontal wall surface portion 214 and the side wall surface portion 215 is provided with a chamfered connection portion 216 for smoothly connecting the inner and outer surfaces.
[0053]
According to the modified example 2 configured as described above, the chamfered connection portion 216 can further improve the cross-sectional shape efficiency, and reduce the weight while suppressing torsional deformation.
[0054]
The other configuration and operation and effect are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.
[0055]
[Modification 3]
FIG. 10 shows a suspension structure according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0056]
In the fourth modification, a horizontal wall portion 314 extending horizontally from a base 311g and a side wall surface 315 are provided on an upper arm member 311 as a swing arm member so as to protrude upward from a leading edge of the horizontal wall portion 314. The arm body 311b is formed integrally with the reinforcing flange portion 316 so that the cross-sectional shape of the arm main body 311b in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle front-rear direction (the Z direction in the drawing) has a substantially L-shaped shape.
[0057]
According to the modified example 3 configured as described above, in addition to the operation and effect of the first embodiment, the reinforcing flange portion 316 further improves the sectional shape efficiency and suppresses the torsional deformation. The weight can be reduced.
[0058]
The other configuration and operation and effect are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.
[0059]
[Modification 4]
FIG. 11 shows a suspension structure according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0060]
In the fourth modification, a horizontal wall surface 414 and a side wall surface 415 extending horizontally from a base 411g are integrally provided on an upper arm member 411 as a swing arm member.
[0061]
The horizontal wall portion protrudes substantially horizontally from a substantially central position that is vertically lower than a central position of the side wall surface portion 415 of the upper arm member 411, so that the arm main body 411b can move in the vehicle front-rear direction (Z in the drawing). ) Is configured so that the cross-sectional shape in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction along the direction (direction) has a substantially T-shaped shape.
[0062]
In the modified example 4 configured as described above, in addition to the operation and effect of the first embodiment, the arm body 411b has a substantially T-shape, so that the sectional shape efficiency is improved. In addition, while suppressing torsional deformation, there is no side wall surface portion facing the side wall surface portion 415 as compared with the arm body having a substantially H-shaped cross section, so that the weight can be reduced.
[0063]
The other configuration and operation and effect are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.
[0064]
[Modification 5]
FIG. 12 shows a suspension structure according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0065]
In the fifth modification, a horizontal wall portion 514 extending horizontally from a base portion 511g, a side wall surface portion 515, and a reinforcing rib portion 516 having a substantially circular cross section are integrally formed with an upper arm member 511 as a swing arm member. The arm main body 511b is configured such that its longitudinal middle section along the vehicle front-rear direction (Z direction in the drawing) has a substantially T-shaped cross section.
[0066]
According to the fifth modification configured as described above, in addition to the operation and effect of the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the reinforcing rib portion 516 of the arm body 511b is deformed in the bending direction along the vehicle front-rear direction. Suppress.
[0067]
The other configuration and operation and effect are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.
[0068]
[Modification 6]
FIG. 13 shows a suspension structure according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0069]
In the sixth modification, a horizontal wall portion 614 and a side wall surface portion 615 extending horizontally from a base 611g are integrally provided on an upper arm member 611 as a swing arm member, and have a substantially U-shape. I have.
[0070]
Further, a reinforcing front wall portion 616 is provided upright at a front end edge of the horizontal wall surface portion 614 at a position facing the side wall surface portion 615, and is integrally provided to form an arm body 611b. The cross section of the arm body 611b in the longitudinal direction along the vehicle front-rear direction (the Z direction in the drawing) has a substantially U-shape.
[0071]
In the sixth modification described above, the reinforcing front wall portion 616 of the arm body 611b suppresses deformation in the bending direction along the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[0072]
The other configuration and operation and effect are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.
[0073]
Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the first embodiment, and even if there is a design change or the like within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. Included in the invention.
[0074]
For example, in the first embodiment, a double wishbone type suspension configuration is adopted as the vehicle suspension, and an example in which the upper arm member is used as the swing arm member has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a swing arm member having a suspension structure such as a lower arm member or a semi-trading arm member used in a double wishbone type suspension structure may be used.
[0075]
In addition, for example, in the sixth modification, the reinforcing front wall portion 616 is provided upright at the position facing the side wall surface portion 615 and provided integrally, but the thickness of the reinforcing front wall portion 616 is The shape, quantity, material, etc., including the thickness, such as the thickness may be smaller than that of the side wall surface portion 15, are not particularly limited to the first embodiment and the first to sixth modifications. A horizontal wall portion extending in the horizontal direction and having a longitudinally-intermediate portion cross-sectional shape along the front-rear direction is provided so as to protrude substantially horizontally from below in a vertical direction from a central position of a side wall surface portion of the swing arm. Then it is good.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the horizontal wall portion extending in the horizontal direction and having a longitudinal middle cross-sectional shape along the vehicle front-rear direction of the arm body includes the swing body. The arm protrudes substantially horizontally from below the center position of the side wall surface of the arm in the vertical direction.
[0077]
Therefore, the horizontal wall portion bears the stress in the direction in which the arm body is deformed rearward of the vehicle, and the side wall surface portion bears the stress in the twisting direction.
[0078]
Therefore, by improving the cross-sectional shape efficiency, it is possible to reduce the weight while securing the desired strength.
[0079]
In the second aspect, the cross-sectional shape in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction is formed so as to have a substantially L-shape, so that the cross-sectional shape efficiency can be further improved.
[0080]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction is formed to have a substantially T-shape, so that the cross-sectional shape efficiency can be further improved.
[0081]
Further, according to the present invention, the metal bush member is interposed between a base of the swing arm and a shaft that rotatably supports the swing arm. However, no angle is formed in the twisting direction with respect to the shaft portion.
[0082]
Therefore, unlike the related art, there is no possibility that the deformation amount of the arm body is increased and further increased, and the sectional shape efficiency can be effectively improved.
[0083]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by providing the swing arm composed of the upper arm member having the front and rear substantially symmetrical arm bodies, the cross-sectional shape efficiency is good, and the desired strength is secured. Since the weight can be reduced, the rigidity around the suspension is improved, and the unsprung weight is reduced, so that the suspension is suitable for use in a suspension structure of a double wishbone type. It has a beneficial effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a suspension structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper arm member is cut at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction of an arm body.
FIG. 2 is a top view for explaining bending deformation of the upper arm member mainly in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the suspension structure of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining torsional deformation mainly in a rolling direction of an upper arm member in the suspension structure of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper arm member in the suspension structure according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a side view of an upper arm member in the suspension structure according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a top view of an upper arm member in the suspension structure according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the upper arm member in the suspension structure according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a main part of an arm body of an upper arm member, which is cut at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction, in a suspension structure according to a first modification.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a suspension structure of Modification Example 2, which is broken at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction, which is a main part, of an arm body of an upper arm member.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a suspension structure according to a third modification, in which an arm main body of an upper arm member is broken at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction, which is a main part.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a main part of an upper arm member of a suspension structure according to a fourth modification, which is broken at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction.
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a suspension structure according to a fifth modification, in which an arm main body of an upper arm member is broken at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction, which is a main part.
FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a suspension structure of Modification Example 6, which is broken at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction, which is a main part, of an arm body of an upper arm member.
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a conventional suspension structure in which an upper arm member is broken at a substantially central position in a longitudinal direction of an arm body.
FIG. 15 is a top view for explaining bending deformation of an upper arm member mainly in a vehicle longitudinal direction in a conventional suspension structure.
FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a torsional deformation mainly in a rolling direction of an upper arm member in a conventional suspension structure.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an upper arm member in a conventional suspension structure.
FIG. 18 is a side view of an upper arm member in a conventional suspension structure.
FIG. 19 is a top view of an upper arm member in a conventional suspension structure.
FIG. 20 is a rear view of an upper arm member in a conventional suspension structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Shafts 11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611
Upper arm member (swing arm member)
11a, 11b, 111b, 211b, 311b, 411b, 511b, 611b
Arm bodies 11d, 11e Mounting holes 13, 13 Metal bushings 14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614
Horizontal wall portions 15, 115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615
Side wall surface

Claims (5)

Of the swing arm provided on the suspension portion of the vehicle, a horizontal wall portion extending in the horizontal direction with a longitudinal middle cross-sectional shape along the vehicle front-rear direction of the arm body is positioned at the center of the side wall surface portion of the swing arm. A suspension structure characterized by projecting substantially horizontally from below in the vertical direction. A suspension structure characterized in that, of a swing arm provided in a suspension portion of a vehicle, a cross-sectional shape of a middle portion in a longitudinal direction of the arm body along the vehicle front-rear direction is formed to have a substantially L-shape. A suspension structure wherein a swing arm provided on a suspension portion of a vehicle has a cross-sectional shape of a middle portion in a longitudinal direction of the arm body along the vehicle front-rear direction, which is substantially T-shaped. 4. The suspension structure according to claim 1, wherein a metal bush member is interposed between a base portion of the swing arm and a shaft portion rotatably supporting the swing arm. 5. The suspension structure according to claim 1, wherein said suspension portion is of a double wishbone type, and said swing arm is an upper arm member having said arm body substantially symmetrical in front and rear.

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