JPH0872519A - Front suspension - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a front suspension of strut type to which the steering force is input, wherein the steering feeling as well as the durability of components is enhanced and also road noise is reduced. CONSTITUTION: A front suspension is equipped with a ball bearing (g) for steering, which is installed between an upper mount insulator (e) and shock absorber rod (f) and admits its (f) rotation round the axis associate with the steering motion, and the first and second initially coned leaf springs (j, k) which are located between the first and second seat members (h, i) installed on the race side face of the ball bearing (g) and the rod (f) and pinch the ball bearing (g) from above and below.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a strut type front suspension to which steering force is input.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a front suspension, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 1-197108 is known.

According to the above-mentioned conventional source, a flon suspension in which one leaf spring is interposed between the shock absorber rod and the upper mount insulator so that the upper mount insulator and the shock absorber rod can be relatively displaced in the axial direction. The upper mount structure of is shown.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional front suspension, although the upper mount insulator and the shock absorber rod can be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction by the leaf spring, the shock absorber rod is circumferentially displaced around the axial center. Since it is not configured to allow relative displacement, a large friction (friction) occurs between the leaf spring and the leaf spring support member when the vehicle is steered for turning, and this friction produces a steering feeling. Deteriorates, and the durability of each component also deteriorates.

Further, when the upper mount insulator and the shock absorber rod are displaced relative to each other in the axial direction, the bearing and the spring seat of the coil spring collide with each other to generate abnormal noise.

Further, in the conventional front suspension described above, when the system is represented by a vibration model, as shown in FIG. 5, the leaf spring is in series relationship with only the shock absorber, and is in parallel with the shock absorber. Since the coil springs that are placed are connected to the vehicle body without the leaf springs, the high frequency input (small amplitude input) that is the cause of road noise is transmitted directly from the front wheels to the upper mount insulators through the coil springs. There is also a problem that road noise cannot be reduced sufficiently.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. A first object of the present invention is to provide a strut-type front suspension to which steering force is input.
It is intended to improve the steering feeling and the durability of each part and to reduce road noise.

The second object is to effectively achieve the first object.

A third object is to prevent the generation of abnormal noise when an excessive vertical displacement is input, in addition to the first or second object.

A fourth object is to achieve the first to third objects while reducing the number of parts.

[0011]

In order to achieve the first object, in the first invention according to claim 1, as shown in the claim correspondence diagram of FIG. 1, a front wheel support member a for supporting a front wheel and a vehicle body. shock absorber c arranged in parallel with b
And a coil spring d, an upper mount insulator e provided on the vehicle body side support portion of the shock absorber c and the coil spring d, and a shock absorber associated with the steering provided between the upper mount insulator e and the shock absorber rod f. A steering ball bearing g that allows the rod f to rotate about its axis, a race side surface portion of the steering ball bearing g, and a first seat member h provided on the shock absorber rod f.
And a second seat member i, and a first disc spring j and a second disc spring k sandwiching the steering ball bearing g from above and below are provided.

In order to achieve the second object, according to the second invention of claim 2, as shown in the claim correspondence diagram of FIG. 1, in the front suspension of claim 1,
It is characterized in that a lubricant m is enclosed in a closed space formed by sandwiching the steering ball bearing g from above and below by the first disc spring j and the second disc spring k.

In order to achieve the third object, the third invention according to claim 3 is the front suspension according to claim 1 or 2, as shown in the claim correspondence diagram of FIG. Cushioning rubbers n and o are provided on the inner surface of the sheet member h on the disc spring side and the inner surface of the second sheet member i on the disc spring side, respectively.

In order to achieve the fourth object, according to the fourth invention of claim 4, as shown in the claim correspondence diagram of FIG. 1, in the front suspension according to claim 1 to claim 3, Is a spring seat provided on the upper end of the shock absorber rod f,
Is used as a spring seat of the coil spring d.

[0015]

The operation of the first invention will be described.

When the front wheels are steered by steering, the front wheel support member a and the shock absorber c are accompanied by the turning of the front wheels.
Is rotated, and the shock absorber rod f and the first seat member h and the second seat member i provided on the shock absorber rod f are also rotated.

At this time, the shock absorber rod f is
The steering ball bearing g rotates about the axis and allows relative displacement in the circumferential direction with respect to the upper mount insulator e.

The first disc spring j and the second disc spring k whose one ends are supported by the first seat member h and the second seat member i are the races of the steering ball bearings g at the other ends. Since it is supported on the side surface, it rotates around the axis together with the race of the steering ball bearing g, and together with the shock absorber rod f, the upper mount insulator e.
Relative displacement in the circumferential direction is allowed.

Therefore, at the time of steering, the friction at the mounting portions of both disc springs j, k is suppressed to be small, and the steering feeling and the durability of each part are improved.

The first disc spring j and the second disc spring k are arranged so as to sandwich the steering ball bearing g from the upper and lower sides when a vertical vibration is applied to the front wheels from the road surface during traveling. Therefore, not only are both disc springs j and k included in the vibration input path that passes the shock absorber c and enters the vehicle body b, but also the vibration input path that passes the coil spring d and enters the vehicle body b. Since the disc springs j and k are included, the high frequency input, which is a factor of road noise among the vibration inputs, is reduced by the damping action of both disc springs j and k.

Further, even when the coil spring d is surging, the input to the vehicle body can be reduced by the damping action of both disc springs j and k.

The operation of the second invention will be described.

At the time of relative displacement in the circumferential direction, the lubricant m is enclosed in the closed space formed by sandwiching the steering ball bearing g from above and below by the first disc spring j and the second disc spring k. In both cases of vertical relative displacement and vertical relative displacement, both disc springs j, k
The friction due to the change in the pressure contact position between the sheet member h and the sheet member h and the friction at the sliding contact portion can be suppressed to be small.

The operation of the third invention will be described.

When there is an input to excessively displace the shock absorber c in the vertical direction, the first seat member h
Since the cushion rubbers n and o are provided on the inner surface of the disc spring side of the second sheet member i and the inner surface of the second sheet member i of the second sheet member i, the metal contact between the both disc springs j and k and the sheet members h and j is performed. Is avoided, and the generation of abnormal noise (tapping sound) is suppressed.

The operation of the fourth invention will be described.

In providing both disc springs j and k, the first
Since the seat member h is a spring seat provided on the upper end portion of the shock absorber rod f and the second seat member i is a spring seat of the coil spring d, it is necessary to add a new seat member as at least the second seat member i. Instead, since the existing coil spring seat can be used, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the structure will be described.

FIG. 2 is an upper sectional view of a front suspension of an embodiment corresponding to the first to fourth inventions, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the front suspension of the embodiment.

In FIG. 2, 1 is a vehicle body, 2 is a shock absorber, 3 is a coil spring, 4 is a shock absorber rod, 5 is an upper mount insulator, 6
Is a ball bearing for steering, 7 is a spring seat (corresponding to the first seat member h), 8 is a spring upper seat (corresponding to the second seat member i), 9 is a first disc spring (first
Is a disc spring j) and 10 is a second disc spring (corresponding to a second disc spring k).

The shock absorber 2 and the coil spring 3 are arranged in parallel and offset coaxially between a knuckle spindle (corresponding to a wheel supporting member a) (not shown) for supporting the front wheels and the vehicle body 1. In addition, shock absorber 2
Has a shock absorber rod 4 and a shock absorber cylinder 11. The coil spring 3 is interposed between a spring upper seat 8 provided on the shock absorber rod 4 and a spring lower seat (not shown) fixed to the shock absorber cylinder 11.

The upper mount insulator 5
Is the shock absorber 2 and the coil spring 3
Is provided on the vehicle body side support portion of the inner cylinder 5a and the outer cylinder 5
b and a rubber body 5c bonded between the inner and outer cylinders 5a and 5b. The outer race 6b of the steering ball bearing 6 is fitted to the inner cylinder 5a, and the vehicle body mounting bracket 12 is fixed to the outer cylinder 5b.

The steering ball bearing 6 is provided between the inner cylinder 5a of the upper mount insulator 5 and the shock absorber rod 4, and allows the shock absorber rod 4 to rotate about its axis accompanying the steering. The steering ball bearing 6 is composed of an inner race 6a, an outer race 6b and a ball 6c, and a bearing retainer 13 is provided between the shock absorber rod 4 and the inner race 6a of the steering ball bearing 6. ing.

The spring seat 7 is fixed to the upper end of the shock absorber rod 4 by a nut 14.

The spring upper seat 8 is provided at the lower portion of the upper mount insulator 5 and the steering ball bearing 6 and at the stepped portion of the shock absorber rod 4.

The first disc spring 9 and the second disc spring 10 are
As shown in FIG. 3, between the inner race side surface portion (bearing retainer 13) of the steering ball bearing 6 and the spring seat 7 and the spring upper seat 8 provided on the shock absorber rod 4, a steering ball is provided. The inner race 6a of the bearing 6 is arranged so as to be sandwiched from above and below by a spring force.

Then, the first disc spring 9 and the second disc spring 10
Lubricant G such as grease is enclosed in the closed spaces 15 and 16 formed by sandwiching the steering ball bearing 6 from above and below.

The inner surface of the spring seat 7 on the disc spring side and the inner surface of the spring upper seat 8 on the disc spring side are
Buffer rubbers 17 and 18 are provided respectively.

Reference numeral 19 in the drawing denotes a stopper rubber.

Next, the operation will be described.

[During steering] When the front wheels are steered by steering, the knuckle spindle and the shock absorber 2 rotate as the front wheels steer, and the shock absorber rod 4
The spring seat 7 and the spring upper seat 8 provided on the shock absorber rod 4 also rotate.

At this time, the shock absorber rod 4 is
The steering ball bearing 6 rotates about the axis to allow relative displacement in the circumferential direction with respect to the upper mount insulator 5.

The first disc spring 9 and the second disc spring 10, the outer ends of which are supported by the spring seat 7 and the spring upper seat 8, have the inner ends on the side surfaces of the inner race 6a of the steering ball bearing 6. Since it is supported, it rotates around the axis together with the inner race 6a of the steering ball bearing 6. That is, the shock absorber rod 4, the spring seat 7, the spring upper seat 8, the first Belleville spring 9, the second Belleville spring 10, the bearing retainer 13, and the inner race 6a rotate as an almost integral member and are fixed to the vehicle body 1 side. The balls 6c are interposed between the upper mount insulator 5 and the outer race 6b to allow relative displacement in the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the friction at the mounting portion of both disc springs 9 and 10 at the time of steering is slightly generated only when the relative displacement occurs such as when the force that overcomes the spring force is input. The steering feeling is improved, and damage to each component due to a large friction is prevented, so that the durability of the components is improved.

[Road surface vibration input] When vibration is input to the front wheels in the vertical direction from the road surface during running, the first ball spring 9 and the second disk spring 9 sandwich the steering ball bearing 6 from above and below. Since the spring 10 is disposed, not only the both disc springs 9 and 10 are included in the vibration input path that passes through the shock absorber 2 and enters the vehicle body 1, but also the vibration input that passes through the coil spring 3 and enters the vehicle body 1. Both disc springs 9 and 10 are also included in the path.

That is, when the front suspension of this embodiment is represented by a vibration model, as shown in FIG. 4, the shock absorber 2, coil spring 3, and both disc springs 9 and 10 arranged in parallel are arranged in series. Becomes

Therefore, of the vibration input from the road surface, even if the high frequency input which is a factor of road noise is transmitted after passing through the shock absorber 2 or the coil spring 3, the both disc springs 9 and 10 attenuate the vibration, and Input to 1 is reduced. As a result, the road noise due to the input from the coil spring 3 can be reduced.

Further, even when the coil spring 3 is surging, the input to the vehicle body 1 can be reduced by the damping action of both the disc springs 9 and 10.

[Lubricant action] The lubricant G is enclosed in the closed spaces 15 and 16 formed by sandwiching the steering ball bearing 6 from above and below by the first disc spring 9 and the second disc spring 10. In both cases of circumferential relative displacement, vertical relative displacement, and lateral relative displacement, friction and sliding contact due to pressure contact position change between the disc springs 9 and 10 and the seats 7 and 8 Friction of the part is suppressed to a small level.

Therefore, the steering feeling related to the magnitude of friction is further improved by enclosing the lubricant G, and the durability of each part is further improved by enclosing the lubricant G.

[When inputting an excessive vertical displacement] When the shock absorber 2 is relatively excessively displaced in the vertical direction, the inner surface of the spring seat 7 on the disc spring side and the inner surface of the spring upper seat 8 on the disc spring side are respectively separated. Buffer rubber 17,1
Since 8 is provided, metal contact between both disc springs 9 and 10 and both seats 7 and 8 is avoided, and generation of abnormal noise (striking noise) is suppressed.

[When assembling the disc springs] When the disc springs 9 and 10 are provided, the first seat member is the spring seat 7 provided at the upper end of the shock absorber rod 4, and the second seat member is provided.
Since the seat member of is the spring upper seat 8 of the coil spring 3, the existing spring upper seat 8 can be diverted without adding a new seat member as at least the second seat member, and the number of parts can be reduced. it can.

Next, the effect will be described.

(1) In a strut type front suspension to which a steering force is input, a rolling suspension which is provided between the upper mount insulator 5 and the shock absorber rod 4 and which allows the shock absorber rod 4 to rotate about its axis accompanying steering. The steering ball bearing 6 is arranged between the race side surface of the steering ball bearing 6 and the spring seat 7 and the spring upper seat 8 provided on the shock absorber rod 4, and the steering ball bearing 6 is sandwiched from above and below. Since the first disc spring 9 and the second disc spring 10 are provided, the steering feeling and the durability of each component can be improved, and the road noise can be reduced.

(2) Since the lubricant G is enclosed in the sealed spaces 15 and 16 formed by sandwiching the steering ball bearing 6 from above and below by the first disc spring 9 and the second disc spring 10, both disc springs 9 , 10 further suppresses the friction, and more effectively achieves the effect (1).

(3) Since cushion rubbers 17 and 18 are provided on the inner surface of the spring seat 7 on the side of the disc spring and the inner surface of the spring upper sheet 8 on the side of the disc spring, respectively, abnormal noise is prevented when an excessive vertical displacement is input. can do.

(4) The first seat member is the spring seat 7 provided on the upper end of the shock absorber rod 4, and the second seat member is
Since the seat member is the spring upper seat 8 of the coil spring 3, the above effect can be achieved while reducing the number of parts.

Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Be done.

For example, although two independent disc springs are shown in the embodiment, a bearing retainer and both disc springs may be integrally formed.

Further, as the disc spring, one whose surface is coated with a low friction agent or resin may be used.

[0062]

According to the first invention of claim 1,
In a strut-type front suspension to which steering force is input, a ball bearing for steering that is provided between the upper mount insulator and the shock absorber rod, and that allows the shock absorber rod to rotate around the axis accompanying steering, A first disc spring and a second disc spring arranged between the race side surface of the ball bearing and the first seat member and the second seat member provided on the shock absorber rod to sandwich the steering ball bearing from above and below. Since the disc spring is provided, the steering feeling and the durability of each component can be improved, and road noise can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the front suspension according to the first aspect is formed by sandwiching the steering ball bearing from above and below by the first disc spring and the second disc spring. Since the enclosed space is filled with the lubricant, the friction caused by both disc springs can be further suppressed, and the effect of the first invention can be achieved more effectively.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the front suspension according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the disc spring side inner surface of the first seat member and the disc spring side of the second seat member are provided. Since the cushioning rubber is provided on each of the inner surface, in addition to the above-described effect, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to prevent abnormal noise from being generated when an excessive vertical displacement is input.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the front suspension according to the first to third aspects, the first seat member is a spring seat provided on an upper end portion of the shock absorber rod, and the second seat member is provided. Since the seat member of is a spring seat of the coil spring, the above effect can be achieved while reducing the number of parts.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram corresponding to claims of a front suspension of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an upper sectional view of a front suspension according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the front suspension according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a vibration model diagram of the front suspension of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a vibration model diagram of a conventional front suspension.

[Explanation of symbols]

 a front wheel support member b vehicle body c shock absorber d coil spring e upper mount insulator f shock absorber rod g steering ball bearing h first seat member i second seat member j first disc spring k second disc spring m Lubricant n, o Buffer rubber

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A shock absorber and a coil spring that are arranged in parallel between a front wheel support member that supports a front wheel and a vehicle body, and an upper mount insulator that is provided on a vehicle body side support portion of the shock absorber and the coil spring, A steering ball bearing that is provided between the upper mount insulator and the shock absorber rod, and that allows the shock absorber rod to rotate around the axis accompanying steering, and a race side surface portion of the steering ball bearing and the shock absorber rod. A first disc spring and a second disc spring which are arranged between the first seat member and the second seat member and which sandwich the steering ball bearing from above and below. And front suspension. 2. The front suspension according to claim 1, wherein a lubricant is enclosed in a closed space formed by sandwiching the steering ball bearing from above and below by the first disc spring and the second disc spring. The front suspension featuring. 3. The front suspension according to claim 1, wherein a cushion rubber is provided on each of the inner surface of the first seat member on the disc spring side and the inner surface of the second seat member on the disc spring side. A front suspension characterized by this. 4. The front suspension according to claim 1, wherein the first seat member is a spring seat provided on an upper end portion of a shock absorber rod, and the second seat member is a spring seat of a coil spring. The front suspension is characterized by