JP2006051839A - Subframe for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable contribution to vehicle body rigidity by solving the point that there is no action on a vehicle body as a reinforcing material, and sufficient reduction of vibration and noise by solving the point that the whole of the subframe of a vehicle is caused to vibrate. <P>SOLUTION: The subframe for the vehicle body is interposed between the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 11 and a front suspension (suspension device) 70. The subframe for the vehicle is composed of a first frame part 41 directly fixed to the vehicle body frame 11 and a second frame part 42 which is connected to the first frame part 41 through elastic members 43, 43 and the elastic members 44, 44, and supports the front suspension 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle subframe on which a suspension device for suspending a wheel or the like is mounted in advance, and the suspension device or the like can be attached to a vehicle body side.

As a vehicle subframe, a substantially rectangular subframe in which left and right side members are connected to both ends of a front cross member and the ends of these side members are connected to each other by a rear class member is practically used.
A practical vehicle sub-frame is practically sufficient if a suspension device or the like is mounted on a substantially rectangular sub-frame, and the mounted sub-frame is mounted on the vehicle body side with anti-vibration measures taken.

As such a vehicle sub-frame, there is known one in which the sub-frame is attached to the vehicle body side via a rubber mount (vibration-proof elastic bush) (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-171045 (page 5, FIG. 2)

  11 is a diagram for explaining a conventional basic configuration. A vehicle sub-frame 200 includes a front cross member 201 and left and right side members 202, 202 (back side 202) connected to both ends of the front cross member 201. (Not shown) and a rear class member 203 connected to the front ends of these side members 202, 202 constitute a substantially rectangular frame, and a rubber mount (an elastic bushing for vibration isolation) 204. Is a floating structure with respect to the vehicle body 206 by being fixed to the vehicle body (vehicle body frame) 206 with bolts 205.

  However, since the vehicle sub-frame 200 has a floating structure as a whole with respect to the vehicle body 206, the function as a reinforcing material is weak with respect to the vehicle body 206, and it is not sufficient to contribute to the rigidity of the vehicle body.

  That is, a vehicle subframe that can contribute to the rigidity of the vehicle body and can further reduce vibration and noise is desired.

  The present invention solves the point of not acting as a reinforcing material for the vehicle body, can contribute to the vehicle body rigidity, solves the point of vibrating the entire vehicle subframe, and sufficiently reduces vibration and noise. It is an object to provide a vehicle subframe that can be achieved.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a vehicle sub-frame interposed between the vehicle body and the suspension device, a first frame portion for directly fixing the vehicle sub-frame to the vehicle body, and an elastic member on the first frame portion. And a second frame part that supports the suspension device.

  For example, it is preferable to allow the vehicle body to act as a reinforcing material because the vehicle body rigidity can be improved.

  Therefore, the vehicular subframe is divided into a first frame portion that is directly fixed to the vehicle body and a second frame portion that supports the suspension device.

  That is, by fixing the divided first frame portion directly to the vehicle body, the vehicle body rigidity is improved and the riding comfort of the vehicle is improved.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the second frame portion supports the steering gear box, the rear engine mount, and the lower arm of the suspension device.
In general, a steering gear box, a rear engine mount, and a lower arm of a suspension device are members that transmit a vibration source. The vehicle subframe is divided into a first frame portion and a second frame portion, and The second frame portion is attached to the first frame portion via an elastic member, and the second frame portion is supported by the steering gear box, the rear engine mount, and the lower arm of the suspension device. The vibration source can be concentrated.

  In the first aspect of the invention, since the first frame portion divided and configured is directly fixed to the vehicle body, the vehicle body rigidity can be improved. As a result, there is an advantage that the ride comfort of the vehicle can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 2, since the second frame portion that is divided and attached to the first frame portion via the elastic member is supported by the steering gear box, the rear engine mount, and the lower arm of the suspension device, The vibration source can be concentrated on the second frame portion. As a result, there is an advantage that vibration and noise can be sufficiently reduced, and the quietness of the vehicle can be promoted.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are viewed in the direction of the reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle employing a vehicle subframe according to the present invention. In FIG. Is a front window, 18 is a front door, 19 is a front wheel, 33 is an engine, and 36 and 37 are front and rear engine mounts.

  As will be described later, a vehicle subframe (front subframe) 40 according to the present invention includes a first frame portion 41 that is directly fixed to the vehicle body frame 11, and an elastic member for vibration isolation to the first frame portion 41. 43 and 43 (the back side 43 is not shown) and the vibration-proof elastic members 44 and 44 (the back side 44 is not shown) and connected to a suspension device (front suspension) described later. 2 frame portions 42.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle employing the vehicle subframe according to the present invention. The front structure of the vehicle body frame 11 includes left and right front side frames 21 extending front and rear of the vehicle body on both sides of the vehicle body front portion. , 21, left and right upper frames 22, 22 extending to the front and rear of the vehicle body on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front side frames 21, 21, and the front side frames 21, 21 and the upper frames 22, 22. The left and right front damper housings 23, 23 spanned between them, and the front bulkhead 24 coupled to the front portions of the left and right front side frames 21, 21 and the front portions of the left and right upper frames 22, 22, A monocoque body.

The front bulkhead 24 includes a lower cross member 25 that extends in the vehicle width direction below the front portions of the left and right front side frames 21 and 21, and left and right side stays 26 that extend upward from both ends of the lower cross member 25. 26 and an upper cross member 27 that extends in the vehicle width direction so as to be coupled to the upper ends of the side stays 26 and 26 are main components.
The upper cross member 27 is formed by extending left and right extension portions 28 and 28 obliquely rearward from both left and right end portions, and is coupled to the left and right upper frames 22 and 22 in the middle of the length via the extension portions 28 and 28.

  That is, the vehicle body frame 11 is attached to the front body of the left and right front side frames 21 and 21 and the front end portions of the left and right floor frames 31 and 31 extending rearward from the rear ends of the front side frames 21 and 21. The parts 54 and 54 and the rear vehicle body attachment parts 55 and 55 are configured such that the vehicle subframe (front subframe) 40 is suspended.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the engine and transmission are mounted on the vehicle subframe according to the present invention. The vehicle subframe (front subframe) 40 has a horizontally placed engine (power source) 33 on the right half. It is mounted via a front engine mount 36 and a rear engine mount 37, and a transmission 34 is mounted on the left half. The transmission 34 transmits power by extending the propeller shaft 35 rearward from the output side.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicular subframe according to the present invention. The vehicular subframe 40 includes a first frame portion 41 that is directly fixed to the vehicle body frame 11 (see FIG. 1), and the first frame. A second frame portion that is connected to the portion 41 via elastic members 43 and 43 (and elastic members 44 and 44 (44 on the back side is not shown)) and supports the front suspension 70 as a suspension shown in FIG. 42.

  The first frame portion 41 is a substantially U-shaped frame formed of an aluminum alloy, and includes a front horizontal member 46 and left and right front joint portions 47 connected to left and right end portions of the front horizontal member 46. 47, a left vertical member 48 extending rearward from the left front joint portion 47, and a right vertical member 48 extending rearward from the right front joint portion 47.

  The front horizontal member 46 forms a front mount support portion 51 at the upper center to support the front engine mount 36 (see FIG. 1), and a jack up portion 52 is attached to the lower center for jacking up. It is a thing.

  The left front joint portion 47 includes a stay fitting 53 that supports a lower cross bar (not shown) that secures the ground clearance, and a front for rigidly (stiffly) fixing the front portion of the vehicle body frame 11 (see FIG. 1). A vehicle body mounting portion 54. The right front joint portion 47 has a shape symmetrical to the left front joint portion 47 with respect to the vehicle body center.

The left vertical member 48 includes a lower arm front support portion 56 that supports the front portion of the lower arm 72 of the front suspension 70 (see FIG. 5), and a front mounting portion 57 that attaches the second frame portion 42 via the elastic member 43. A rear mounting portion 58 for attaching the second frame portion 42 via the elastic member 44, and a rear vehicle body mounting portion 55 for rigidly (stiffly) fixing the rear portion of the vehicle body frame 11 (see FIG. 1). .
Reference numerals 61 and 62 denote mounting bolts provided at the front and rear vehicle body mounting portions 54 and 55. The right vertical member 48 is symmetrical to the left vertical member 48 with respect to the vehicle body center.

  The second frame portion 42 includes front support portions 64 and 64 which are elastically supported via elastic members 43 and 43 on front mounting portions 57 and 57 formed on the left and right vertical members 48 and 48, respectively, and left and right vertical members. Rear support portions 65 and 65 (65 at the back is not shown) for elastically supporting the rear mounting portions 58 and 58 formed at 48 and 48 via elastic members 44 and 44, respectively, and a front suspension 70 (see FIG. 5). Lower arms 72, 72 (one 72 is not shown) and lower arm rear support portions 66, 66 for supporting the rear portion, and mount support bosses 67 for supporting the rear engine mount 37 (... are plural). The same applies hereinafter) and gear box mounting bosses 68 for attaching the steering gear box 86 are formed.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of mounting parts around the vehicle subframe according to the present invention. A front suspension (suspension device) 70 includes an upper arm 71 mounted on the front side frame 21 (see FIG. 1) so as to be able to swing up and down. A lower arm 72 swingably attached to the lower arm front support portion 56 of the first frame portion 41 and the lower arm rear support portion 66 of the second frame portion 42, and the lower arm 72 and the front damper housing 23 (see FIG. 1). The front wheel suspension device has a front cushion 73 mounted therebetween and a knuckle 74 connected to the upper arm 71 and the lower arm 72 as main components, and the front wheel 19 is suspended on the vehicle body frame 11 (see FIG. 1).

The lower arm 72 includes a front-side front arm 77 extending from a knuckle connecting portion 76 that connects the knuckle 74, and a rear-side rear arm 78 extending from the knuckle connecting portion 76. It is.
The knuckle 74 includes an arm portion 75 that connects a tie rod 88 extending from the steering box 86.

  The front arm 77 is attached to the lower arm front support portion 56 of the first frame portion 41 via a vibration-proof elastic bushing 81 so as to be swingable up and down, and the rear arm 78 is a vibration-proof elastic bushing. It shows that the bolt 83 is attached to the lower arm rear support portion 66 of the second frame portion 42 through 82 so that it can swing up and down.

  The steering gear box 86 is a member that houses a gear mechanism (for example, a power steering gear mechanism) for converting a steering force of a steering handle (not shown) into a steering force in the left-right direction of the vehicle body and taking it out from the tie rod 88. The tie rod 88 steers the front wheel 19 (see FIG. 1) by connecting the tip to the arm portion 75 of the knuckle 74. Reference numeral 89 denotes a boot that covers the steering gear box 86 and the tie rod 88.

  That is, the vehicle sub-frame 40 is a vehicle sub-frame interposed between the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 11 and the front suspension (suspension device) 70 shown in FIG. It can be said that the second frame portion 42 is connected to the first frame portion 41 via the elastic members 43 and 43 and the elastic members 44 and 44 and supports the front suspension 70.

  For example, it is preferable to allow the vehicle body to act as a reinforcing material because the vehicle body rigidity can be improved.

  Therefore, the vehicle sub-frame 40 is divided into a first frame portion 41 that is directly fixed to the vehicle body frame 11 and a second frame portion 42 that supports the front suspension 70, and the divided first frame is formed. By fixing the portion 41 directly to the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 11, the vehicle body rigidity can be improved. As a result, it is possible to improve the riding comfort and the maneuverability (steering stability) of the vehicle 10 (see FIG. 1).

  Further, it can be said that the vehicle sub-frame 40 is configured such that the second frame portion 42 supports the steering gear box 86, the rear engine mount 37, and the lower arm 72 of the front suspension (suspension device) 70.

  In general, the steering gear box 86, the rear engine mount 37, and the lower arm 72 of the front suspension (suspension device) 70 are members that transmit a vibration source, and the vehicle subframe 40 is connected to the first frame portion 41 and the second frame. The second frame portion is attached to the first frame portion 41 via elastic members 43 and 43 and elastic members 44 and 44, and the steering gear is attached to the second frame portion 42. By supporting the box 86, the rear engine mount 37 and the lower arm 72 of the front suspension (suspension device) 70, the vibration source can be concentrated on the second frame portion 42. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently reduce vibration and noise, and to promote the quietness of the vehicle 10 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the elastic member employed in the vehicle subframe according to the present invention, and shows the elastic member 43 of the front support portion 64 of the second frame portion 42.
The elastic member 43 includes an upper piece 91 that covers the upper portion of the front support portion 64 and a lower piece 92 that is fitted to the front support portion 64.

  The upper piece 91 is obtained by baking (lining) the upper elastic bush 94 on the washer member 93, and the lower piece 92 is obtained by baking (lining) the lower elastic bush 96 on the inner member 95. The lower elastic bush 96 includes an intermediate ring member 97 in the middle and an outer member 98 on the outer periphery. The elastic member 44 has substantially the same configuration as the elastic member 43, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of mounting parts around a vehicle subframe according to the present invention. In other words, the vehicle subframe 40 includes a drive system component including an engine (power source) 33, a steering gear box 86 (see FIG. 5). 1 is a vehicle body frame structure including a vehicle subframe (front subframe) 40 that supports a steering component including a front suspension 70 and a suspension device including a front suspension 70 and is supported on the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 11 side illustrated in FIG. A first frame portion 41 for directly supporting the sub-frame 40 on the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) side, and elastic members 43 and 43 (one 43 not shown) and elastic members 44 and 44 on the first frame portion 41. And a second frame portion 42 that is attached via one (not shown) 44, and a front suspension (suspension device) 70 is provided. Also say that is supported across the first and second frame portions 41, 42.

That is, a first frame portion 41 that directly supports the vehicle sub-frame 40 on the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 11 side shown in FIG. 1, and elastic members 43 and 43 and elastic members 44, And a second frame portion 42 that is attached via 44, and the front suspension (suspension device) 70 is supported across the first and second frame portions 41 and 42 so that the front wheel 19 is side-mounted. The side force can be absorbed smoothly by moving the second frame portion 42 relative to the first frame portion 41 when the force is applied.
As a result, it is considered that the steering feeling can be improved and the steering stability can be contributed.

The operation of the vehicle subframe 40 described above will be described.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are operation explanatory views showing an assembled state of the vehicle subframe according to the present invention. Note that (a) shows the vehicle subframe 140 of the comparative example, and (b) shows the vehicle subframe 40 of the example.

  In (a), the vehicle sub-frame 140 is a substantially U-shaped frame formed of an aluminum alloy, and includes a front horizontal member 146 and left and right fronts connected to the left and right ends of the front horizontal member 146. Joint portions 147 and 147 (right 147 is not shown), left and right vertical members 148 and 148 (right 148 is not shown) extending rearward from the left and right front joint portions 147 and 147, and left and right vertical members 148 , 148, and a rear lateral member 149 that integrally connects (rigidly (stiffly)) the rear end, and an integrated subframe, as shown in FIG. It attaches via the elastic bush 132 ... for use.

  In the figure, 156 is a lower arm front support portion, 166 is a lower arm rear support portion, 170 is a front suspension (suspension device), 172 is a lower arm of the front suspension 170, 176 is a knuckle connecting portion of the lower arm 172, and 177 is a front portion of the lower arm 172. Arms, 178 are rear arms of the lower arm 172, 181 and 182 are elastic bushings for vibration isolation, 186 is a steering gear box, and 188 is a tie rod.

  In (b), the vehicle sub-frame 40 includes a first frame portion 41 that is directly fixed to the vehicle body frame 11 (see FIG. 1), and elastic members 43 and 43 and elastic members 44, And a second frame portion 42 that supports the front suspension 70 while being connected via the connector 44.

  FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are operation explanatory views showing attachment states of components around the vehicle subframe according to the present invention. Note that (a) shows the vehicle subframe 140 of the comparative example, and (b) shows the vehicle subframe 40 of the example.

  In (a), the mounting structure around the vehicle sub-frame 140 is such that the vehicle sub-frame 140 is elastically mounted on the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 111 via the vibration-proof elastic bushings 132, 132. The engine 133 is elastically attached to the vehicle 140 via front and rear engine mounts 136 and 137, and is elastically attached to the vehicle subframe 140 via vibration-proof elastic bushes 181 and 182.

  In (b), the mounting structure around the vehicle sub-frame 40 is configured such that the vehicle sub-frame 40 is divided into first and second frame portions 41 and 42, and the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 11 has a first frame portion. 41 is directly fixed (attached to the rigid), the second frame part 42 is elastically attached to the first frame part 41 via elastic bushes 81 and 82, and the engine 33 is attached to the vehicle body frame 11 at the front part. The front suspension 70 (specifically, the lower arm 72 shown in FIG. 8) is attached to the second frame portion 42 via the rear engine mount 37 and elastically attached to the vehicle body frame 11 via the engine mount 36. And is elastically attached to the second frame portion 42 via the elastic bush 82 and elastically attached to the second frame portion 42.

  That is, the vehicle subframe 40 is divided into first and second frame portions 41 and 42, and the mounting structure around the vehicle subframe 40 includes the engine 33 with the first frame portion 41 and the second frame. It can be said that the front suspension 70 (lower arm 72) is mounted across the first frame portion 41 and the second frame portion 42 while being mounted across the portion 42.

  By mounting the engine 33 across the first frame portion 41 and the second frame portion 42, it is possible to precisely take measures against vibrations of the engine 33, which can contribute to reduction of vehicle vibration.

  Similarly, by mounting the front suspension 70 (lower arm 72) across the first frame portion 41 and the second frame portion 42, measures against vibration caused by the front suspension 70 can be facilitated.

  Further, since the vehicle subframe 40 has the first frame portion 41 directly fixed to the vehicle body frame (vehicle body) 11 (attached to the rigid body), the vehicle body rigidity can be improved. As a result, the quietness of the vehicle 10 (see FIG. 1) can be improved.

  10 (a) and 10 (b) are operation explanatory views showing the operation when the side force is applied to the vehicle sub-frame according to the present invention. Note that (a) shows the vehicle subframe 140 of the comparative example, and (b) shows the vehicle subframe 40 of the example.

  In (a), since the vehicle sub-frame 140 is a monolithic frame, for example, when a side force is applied to the wheel 119 as indicated by an arrow a1, the entire vehicle sub-frame 140 moves as indicated by an arrow a2.

In (b), since the vehicle sub-frame 40 is a frame having a divided structure of the first frame portion 41 and the second frame portion 42, for example, when the side force is applied to the wheel 19 as shown by the arrow b1, Only the second frame part 42 moves as indicated by the arrow b2.
Thereby, the wheel 19 which is an inertia outer ring | wheel returns, and it becomes a toe-out tendency. Therefore, the vehicle balance can be maintained and the running stability can be improved.

  In the vehicle sub-frame according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the front suspension 70 (lower arm 72) is mounted across the first frame portion 41 and the second frame portion 42, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It may be attached only to the second frame portion 42 instead of the one.

  The vehicle subframe according to the present invention is suitable for use in a passenger car such as a high-class saloon that requires vehicle body rigidity.

It is the side surface of the vehicle which employ | adopted the sub-frame for vehicles which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view of the front part of the vehicle which employ | adopted the vehicle sub-frame which concerns on this invention. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which an engine and a transmission are mounted on a vehicle subframe according to the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the sub-frame for vehicles which concerns on this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the attachment components around the sub-frame for vehicles which concerns on this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the elastic member employ | adopted as the sub-frame for vehicles which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view of the attachment components around the subframe for vehicles concerning the present invention. It is action explanatory drawing which shows the assembly state of the sub-frame for vehicles which concerns on this invention. It is an operation explanatory view showing the attachment state of the components around the vehicle subframe according to the present invention. It is an operation explanatory view showing an operation when a side force is applied to the vehicle sub-frame according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the conventional basic composition.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle, 11 ... Car body (body frame), 33 ... Engine, 36, 37 ... Front / rear engine mount, 40 ... Sub-frame for vehicles, 41, 42 ... First and second frame parts, 43, 44 ... Elastic member, 70... Suspension device (front suspension), 72... Lower arm, 86.

Claims (2)

In the vehicle sub-frame interposed between the vehicle body and the suspension device,
The vehicle subframe includes: a first frame portion that is directly fixed to the vehicle body; and a second frame portion that is coupled to the first frame portion via an elastic member and supports the suspension device. A vehicle subframe characterized by comprising:   The vehicle sub-frame according to claim 1, wherein a steering gear box, a rear engine mount, and a lower arm of the suspension device are supported on the second frame portion.

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