Vehicle suspension structure and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle suspension structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The vehicle suspension structure can utilize low-cost stamping to form a mounting portion for mounting components even when the axial length of a component such as a collar is short. The vehicle suspension structure (vehicle suspension arm) 11 has a mounting portion 22 formed by a first panel 40 and a second panel 50 and used to mount a component 30 (collar 31 and bushing 32). The portion of the first panel facing the first flat portion is in an open state so that a first mounting surface 43 can be formed by stamping in a single-body state in which the first flat portion 42 is bent. The portion of the second panel facing the second flat portion 52 is also in an open state. The mounting portion is constructed by making the first flat portion of the first panel and the second flat portion of the second panel face each other with a gap therebetween, and arranging the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface 53 with a gap therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle suspension structure and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle suspension system includes various components, such as a vehicle suspension structure and a shock absorber. Examples of the vehicle suspension structure include a vehicle suspension arm and a vehicle suspension component. The vehicle suspension structure includes a mounting portion to which the vehicle suspension component is mounted.

[0003] As a vehicle suspension arm mounted on the front of a vehicle, for example, a lower arm that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from above is known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The lower arm has a mounting portion in the middle portion to which a collar is mounted by welding. The collar is a component for vehicle suspension, and is used to swingably connect the lower arm to the vehicle body. The mounting portion is formed by a pair of wall portions. The mounting portion is formed by forming a concave arc-shaped collar mating surface corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the collar on a plate, and then bending the plate. The cross-sectional shape near the mounting portion has a cup shape (approximately the shape of the characters).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-55716

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-172470 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] It is difficult to form the mounting portion with high precision by bending, and the axis of the collar mounted on the mounting portion may deviate from the designed axis (for example, the front-rear direction of the vehicle body).

[0010] To achieve high-precision mounting, the following process is typically employed. First, the sheet material is bent, and then a mold is inserted between a pair of walls that form the mounting portion. Next, a portion of the wall is removed by stamping, forming a concave, arc-shaped collar-engaging surface that corresponds to the outer circumference of the collar.

[0011] However, when the shaft length of the collar is shortened due to limitations such as vehicle layout, the dimension between the pair of walls that form the mounting portion becomes smaller. In this case, it is impossible to insert a casting mold wide enough to ensure strength to withstand the loads during cutting between the pair of walls. Therefore, laser cutting equipment, etc., is used instead of stamping to form the collar mating surface, increasing manufacturing costs.

[0012] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle suspension structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The vehicle suspension structure of the present invention can use low-cost stamping to form a mounting portion for mounting components when the axial length of components such as shaft rings is short.

[0013] Solutions to the problem

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle suspension structure having a main body formed by at least a first panel and a second panel as stamped products and having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion for mounting a vehicle suspension component. The first panel has a first main body constituting the main body, a first flat plate portion extending from the main surface of the first main body and bent relative to the main surface, and a first mounting surface formed on the first flat plate portion and abutting against the outer surface of the component. The second panel has a second main body constituting the main body together with the first main body of the first panel, a second flat plate portion extending from the main surface of the second main body and bent relative to the main surface, and a second mounting surface formed on the second flat plate portion and abutting against the outer surface of the component. The portion of the first panel facing the first flat plate portion is open so that the first mounting surface can be formed by stamping in a single-body state in which the first flat plate portion is bent. The portion of the second panel facing the second flat plate portion is open so that the second mounting surface can be formed by stamping the second flat plate portion in a bent, stand-alone state. The main body portion is formed by bonding the first main body portion of the first panel and the second main body portion of the second panel. The mounting portion is formed by positioning the first flat plate portion of the first panel and the second flat plate portion of the second panel facing each other with a gap therebetween, and arranging the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface with a gap therebetween.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle suspension structure, wherein the vehicle suspension structure includes a main body portion formed of at least a first panel and a second panel as stamped parts and having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion for mounting a vehicle suspension component. The first panel is formed with a first main body portion constituting the main body portion, and a first flat plate portion extending from a main surface of the first main body portion and bent relative to the main surface. The first panel, with the bent first flat plate portion, is pressed against a mold to form a first mounting surface that abuts the outer surface of the component. The second panel is formed with a second main body portion constituting the main body portion together with the first main body portion of the first panel, and a second flat plate portion extending from a main surface of the second main body portion and bent relative to the main surface. The second panel, with the bent second flat plate portion, is pressed against the mold to form a second mounting surface that abuts the outer surface of the component. In a state where the first main body portion of the first panel and the second main body portion of the second panel are in contact with each other, and further, in a state where the first flat plate portion of the first panel and the second flat plate portion of the second panel are facing each other with a gap, and the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are arranged with a gap, the first panel and the second panel are integrated by welding to form the main body portion and the mounting portion.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle suspension structure and a method for manufacturing the structure, in which a mounting portion for mounting a member such as a collar can be formed by low-cost press working even when the axial length of the member is short. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a vehicle suspension arm as a vehicle suspension structure according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional image of the vehicle suspension arm after being flipped over.

[0020] Figure 3 For the Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the vehicle suspension arm when viewed from different angles.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A perspective view of a vehicle suspension arm is shown with the first panel and the second panel separated.

[0022] Figure 5A for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line 5A-5A.

[0023] Figure 5B for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line 5B-5B.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of a vehicle suspension arm and a collar as a component, as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of a vehicle suspension arm and a collar as a component, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of the vehicle suspension arm as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A perspective view showing the vicinity of a mounting portion of a vehicle suspension arm with a first panel and a second panel separated from each other.

[0028] Figure 10 For viewing from the front of the vehicle Figure 2 A side view showing the vicinity of the mounting portion of a vehicle suspension arm and a collar as a component.

[0029] Figure 11 For viewing from the rear of the vehicle Figure 2 A side view showing the vicinity of the mounting portion of a vehicle suspension arm and a collar as a component.

[0030] Figure 12 A perspective view schematically shows a state in which the first mounting surface is formed on the first flat plate portion of the first panel, and also shows the first extended portion.

[0031] Figure 13 A perspective view of the second extended portion is shown to schematically illustrate a state in which the second mounting surface is formed on the second flat plate portion of the second panel.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the first panel is set in a casting mold.

[0033] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing a vehicle suspension arm according to a second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of a vehicle suspension arm and a bushing as a component, as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of a vehicle suspension arm and a bushing as a component, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of the vehicle suspension arm and a bushing as a component, as viewed from a direction parallel to the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of the first panel as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of the second panel as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0039] Explanation of symbols

[0040] 11, 12 Suspension arm (vehicle suspension structure, vehicle suspension arm), 20 Arm body (body), 21 Wheel support, 22 Mounting portion, 23 Second vehicle body connecting portion, 30 Vehicle suspension member, 31 Metal cylindrical component (shaft collar), 32 Resin cylindrical component (bushing), 33 Connecting pin, 40 First panel, 41 First body, 41a Main surface of first body, 41b Flange, 42 First flat plate, 43 First mounting surface, 44 First end surface, 45 First extension, 46 Third flat plate, 46a End surface, 47 First circular Cylindrical support portion, 50 second panel, 51 second main body, 51a main surface of the second main body, 51b flange portion, 52 second flat plate portion, 53 second mounting surface, 54 second end surface, 55 second extension portion, 56 fourth flat plate portion, 57 second cylindrical support portion, 60 casting die, 61, 62 cutting blades, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 fillet welds, 81, 83 ridges, 82 first gap portion, 84 second gap portion, h1 height dimension of the third flat plate portion, h2 height dimension of the fourth flat plate portion, L dimension between the first main body portion and the second main body portion DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, the methods for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are examples for specifically demonstrating the technical ideas of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, other embodiments, examples, and applicable technologies that can be thought of and implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the purpose of the present invention are included in the scope and gist of the present invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalent variations.

[0042] Furthermore, for the sake of ease of presentation and understanding, the drawings accompanying this specification may schematically illustrate the actual objects by appropriately reducing their dimensions and changing their aspect ratios, shapes, etc. However, these are merely examples used to illustrate the present invention, and the interpretation of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0043] In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "1st" and "2nd" are used. However, unless otherwise specified, these ordinal numbers are only for the purpose of convenient description and identification of constituent elements, and do not have any special limiting effect on numbers or sequences.

[0044] The vehicle suspension device has a number of components such as a vehicle suspension structure and a shock absorber. Examples of the vehicle suspension structure include a vehicle suspension arm and a vehicle suspension component. The vehicle suspension structure of the present invention includes a main body formed by at least a first panel and a second panel as stamped products and having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and an installation portion for installing a vehicle suspension component. Examples of the vehicle suspension structure include a vehicle suspension arm and a vehicle suspension component. The following describes an embodiment in which the vehicle suspension structure of the present invention is applied to a vehicle suspension arm.

[0045] First embodiment

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 14 The vehicle suspension arm 11 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle suspension arm 11 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the vehicle suspension arm 11 after being turned over. Figure 3 For the Figure 2 The three-dimensional diagram of the vehicle suspension arm 11 when viewed from different directions, Figure 4 for Figure 3 The vehicle suspension arm 11 is shown in a perspective view in a state where the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are separated. Figure 5A for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line 5A-5A, Figure 5B for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line 5B-5B. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the mounting portion 22 of the vehicle suspension arm 11 and the collar 31 as the member 30 as viewed from the vehicle front and rear. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion 22 of the vehicle suspension arm 11 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 9 for Figure 8 The illustrated perspective view shows the vicinity of the mounting portion 22 of the vehicle suspension arm 11 in a state where the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are separated. Figure 10 and Figure 11 For observation from the front and rear of the vehicle Figure 2 A side view of the vicinity of the mounting portion 22 of the vehicle suspension arm 11 and the collar 31 as a member 30 is shown.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, a vehicle suspension arm 11 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "suspension arm 11") according to the first embodiment is used as a lower arm member of a front suspension system provided in a vehicle such as an automobile. The suspension arm 11 is attached to the lower portion of the front of the vehicle.

[0048] The suspension arm 11 has an arm body 20 (equivalent to a body) that is substantially L-shaped when viewed from above. Figure 1 The wheel support portion 21 is configured on the left front side of the center. The wheel support portion 21 is swingably connected to the wheel support member (not shown) via a ball joint. The arm body portion 20 is bent in the middle portion ( Figure 1 The mounting portion 22 for mounting the vehicle suspension component 30 is arranged on the central inner side of the arm 20. The mounting portion 22 functions as the first vehicle body connecting portion. The component 30 in the first embodiment is a cylindrical component made of metal, generally referred to as a collar 31. The collar 31 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a bushing (not shown) made of resin is pressed into the interior thereof. A connecting pin (not shown) is inserted through the center of the bushing. The axis of the collar 31, the bushing and the connecting pin extends, for example, along the front and rear directions of the vehicle body. The collar 31 connects the arm body 20 to the vehicle body in a swingable manner. The arm body 20 is pivoted at the other end ( Figure 1 The second vehicle body connecting portion 23 is arranged at the rear end portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The second vehicle body connecting portion 23 is swingably connected to the vehicle body via a bushing and a connecting pin (both not shown) whose axis is in the vertical direction.

[0049] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the suspension arm 11 is formed by at least a first panel 40 and a second panel 50 which are stamped products. The suspension arm 11 shown in the figure is formed by two panels (the first panel 40 and the second panel 50). The first panel 40 is also called the upper panel, and the second panel 50 is also called the lower panel. The first panel 40 and the second panel 50 have a shape that is roughly "L"-shaped when viewed from above. The suspension arm 11 has at least a rectangular cross-section (see Figure 5A ) portion, and an arm body portion 20 at a location where a vehicle suspension member 30 is mounted.

[0050] like Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the first panel 40 includes a first main body portion 41 constituting the arm main body portion 20, a first flat plate portion 42 extending from and bent relative to the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41, and a first mounting surface 43 formed on the first flat plate portion 42 and abutting against the outer surface of the collar 31. The first flat plate portion 42 is bent from the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41 toward the second panel 50.

[0051] Here, the "main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41" refers to the portion constituting the main body of the first main body portion 41. Figure 1 The upper part of the arm body 20 shown in the upper middle side. The term "surface" in the term "main surface 41a" is not used to distinguish the surface ( Figure 1 the upper middle side) or the back side ( Figure 2 The main surface 41a has a gently concavoconvex shape to ensure the rigidity of the first main body 41. The bent first flat plate portion 42 and the flange portion 41b described below constitute part of the side portion of the arm main body 20.

[0052] In addition to the first flat plate portion 42, the first panel 40 also has a flange portion 41b that is continued from the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41 and is bent relative to the main surface 41a. By forming the flange portion 41b, the rigidity of the first panel 40 is improved. In addition, the flange portion 41b is also bent from the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41 toward the second panel 50. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the first panel 40 is a cup shape (similar to a cup shape) that is open downward. The wheel support portion 21 is formed on one end of the first main body portion 41 by burring. The second vehicle body connecting portion 23 is formed on the other end of the first main body portion 41 by burring.

[0053] The second panel 50 includes a second main body portion 51 that, together with the first main body portion 41 of the first panel 40, constitutes the arm main body portion 20; a second flat plate portion 52 that is continuous with the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51 and is bent relative to the main surface 51a and extends; and a second mounting surface 53 formed on the second flat plate portion 52 and abuts against the outer surface of the collar 31. The second flat plate portion 52 is bent from the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51 toward the first panel 40.

[0054] Here, the "main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51" refers to the portion constituting the main body of the second main body portion 51. Figure 2 The lower part of the arm body 20 shown in the upper middle side. The term "surface" in the term "main surface 51a" is not used to distinguish the surface ( Figure 2 the upper middle side) or the back side ( Figure 1 The main surface 51a may have a gently concavo-convex shape. The bent second flat plate portion 52 constitutes a portion of the side portion of the arm body 20.

[0055] The second panel 50 has a substantially flat shape except for the second flat plate portion 52 and its vicinity. Similar to the flange portion 41b of the first panel 40, the flange portion of the second panel 50 for increasing rigidity can be formed by continuing from the main surface 51a of the second body portion 51 and bending relative to the main surface 51a. The second body portion 51 is mounted on the first panel 40 so as to close a portion of the lower opening of the first panel 40 (see FIG. 4 ). Figure 4 and Figure 5A The dimension from one end to the other end of the second main body portion 51 is smaller than the dimension from one end to the other end of the first main body portion 41. The second main body portion 51 exposes the wheel support portion 21 and the second vehicle body connecting portion 23 of the first main body portion 41.

[0056] like Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and the following Figure 14 As shown, the portion of the first panel 40 facing the first flat plate portion 42 is open so that the first mounting surface 43 can be formed by stamping when the first flat plate portion 42 is bent and in its single state. Similarly, the portion of the second panel 50 facing the second flat plate portion 52 is open so that the second mounting surface 53 can be formed by stamping when the second flat plate portion 52 is bent and in its single state.

[0057] The arm body portion 20 is formed by bonding the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body portion 51 of the second panel 50 to each other.

[0058] The mounting portion 22 is formed by placing the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40 and the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 facing each other with a gap therebetween, and arranging the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 with a gap therebetween. The first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are integrated by fillet welding 76, 77 (see FIG. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5A ). The reference numerals 76 and 77 of the fillet welds 76 and 77 represent weld beads.

[0059] The present invention has no particular limitation on the angle formed by the first flat plate portion 42 and the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41. As an example, Figure 9 As shown, the first flat plate portion 42 can be bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41. Here, "bent into an L-shape" means that when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the fold line between the first flat plate portion 42 and the first main body portion 41, the cross-sectional shape of the first flat plate portion 42 and the main surface 41a is bent into a substantially L-shape.

[0060] The present invention does not particularly limit the angle formed by the second flat plate portion 52 and the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51. As an example, Figure 9 As shown, the second flat plate portion 52 can be bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51. "Bent into an L-shape" means that when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the fold line between the second flat plate portion 52 and the second main body portion 51, the cross-sectional shape of the second flat plate portion 52 and the main surface 51a is bent into a substantially L-shape.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the first mounting surface 43 is formed by the first end surface 44 formed at the end of the first flat plate portion 42, and the second mounting surface 53 is formed by the second end surface 54 formed at the end of the second flat plate portion 52 (see Figure 8 and Figure 9 The collar 31 is mounted on the mounting portion 22 by fillet welds 71, 72 to the first end face 44 of the first flat plate portion 42 and the second end face 54 of the second flat plate portion 52 (see FIG. Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). Reference numerals 71 and 72 of fillet welds 71 ​​and 72 represent weld beads.

[0062] like Figure 5B 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in the first embodiment, the first panel 40 further includes a first extension portion 45 that continues from the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41 and extends further toward the outside of the first main body portion 41 than the first flat plate portion 42. The second panel 50 further includes a second extension portion 55 that continues from the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51 and extends further toward the outside of the second main body portion 51 than the second flat plate portion 52. The first extension portion 45 and the second extension portion 55 are in a direction ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 The direction that intersects perpendicularly with the paper surface) Figure 10 and Figure 11 The collar 31 can be clamped in the vertical direction. The collar 31 is mounted on the mounting portion 22 by fillet welds 73, 74 with the end faces of the first extension portion 45 and the end faces of the second extension portion 55 (see FIG. Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11). The reference numerals 73 and 74 of the fillet welds 73 and 74 represent weld beads.

[0063] like Figure 5A 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first panel 40 includes a third flat plate portion 46 that extends from the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41 and is bent relative to the main surface 41a. The second panel 50 includes a fourth flat plate portion 56 that extends from the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51 and is bent relative to the main surface 51a, overlapping with the third flat plate portion 46 of the first panel 40. The third flat plate portion 46 is located closer to the inside of the first main body portion 41 than the first mounting surface 43. The third flat plate portion 46 has a curved shape when viewed from above in a direction intersecting the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41. The fourth flat plate portion 56 is located closer to the inside of the second main body portion 51 than the second mounting surface 53. The fourth flat plate portion 56 has a curved shape when viewed from above in a direction intersecting the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51. The end surface 46a of the third flat plate portion 46 is located closer to the inside of the first main body portion 41 than the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53. The end surface 46a of the third flat plate portion 46 is closer to the inner side of the first main body portion 41 than the first mounting surface 43, so as not to hinder the operation of punching the first mounting surface 43 (see FIG. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The end surface 46a of the third flat plate portion 46 is closer to the inner side of the first main body portion 41 than the second mounting surface 53, so as not to hinder the operation of the fillet welding 72 between the collar 31 and the second end surface 54 (see Figure 11 ).like Figure 5A As shown, the height h1 of the third flat plate portion 46 and the height h2 of the fourth flat plate portion 56 are smaller than the distance L between the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body portion 51 of the second panel 50 .

[0064] The third flat plate portion 46 and the fourth flat plate portion 56 have a small radius of curvature in their curved shape, and therefore employ a bending flange forming method (calendering). When the height dimension h1 of the third flat plate portion 46 is smaller than that of the first flat plate portion 42, the bending flange forming of the first panel 40 is facilitated, thereby preventing defects such as cracks and wrinkles. Similarly, when the height dimension h2 of the fourth flat plate portion 56 is smaller than that of the second flat plate portion 52, the bending flange forming of the second panel 50 is facilitated, thereby preventing defects such as cracks and wrinkles.

[0065] like Figure 5A and Figure 7As shown, the generation of an oxide film can be suppressed by the lap welding 76 between the third flat plate portion 46 of the first panel 40 and the fourth flat plate portion 56 of the second panel 50. Reference numeral 76 of the lap welding 76 indicates a weld bead.

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, the ridge line 81 from the end of the first end surface 44 of the first panel 40 to the first extension 45 faces the outer surface of the collar 31 via the first gap 82. Figure 11 As shown, a ridgeline 83 extending from the end of the second end surface 54 of the second panel 50 to the second extension 55 faces the outer surface of the collar 31 via a second gap 84. The first gap 82 and the second gap 84 function as drain holes for discharging the coating liquid when the suspension arm 11 is painted, thereby preventing excess coating liquid from remaining.

[0067] Figure 12 Schematically showing a first mounting surface 43 formed on the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40, and showing a perspective view of the first extension portion 45, Figure 13 The second panel 50 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the second mounting surface 53 is formed on the second flat plate portion 52 , and the second extension portion 55 is also shown. Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the first panel 40 is set in the casting mold 60 .

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown, the first mounting surface 43 is formed by press-working the first panel 40 in a single-body state by bending the first flat plate portion 42 . Figure 12 Reference numeral 61 in the figure denotes a cutting piece cut from the first flat plate portion 42 by a stamping process. The stamping device may include, for example, a cam actuator and a cam slider. The first flat plate portion 42 can be cut by a cam-type stamping process to form a first mounting surface 43 having a concave arc shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the collar 31.

[0069] like Figure 13 As shown, the second mounting surface 53 is formed by press-working the second panel 50 in a single-body state by bending the second flat plate portion 52 . Figure 13 Reference numeral 62 in FIG. 5 represents a cutting piece cut from the second flat plate portion 52 by press working. The second flat plate portion 52 can be cut by cam-type press working to form a second mounting surface 53 having a concave arc shape corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the collar 31.

[0070] like Figure 14As shown, when forming the first mounting surface 43, the first panel 40 in which the first flat portion 42 is bent is brought into contact with the casting mold 60 (equivalent to the mold) for stamping. As for the width W of the casting mold 60, it is formed to a width that can ensure the strength to withstand the load during stamping. The cross-section of the portion of the first panel 40 where the first flat portion 42 and the first extension portion 45 are formed is roughly "L"-shaped, and the portion facing the first flat portion 42 is in an open state. The first panel 40 is positioned by bringing the first extension portion 45 into contact with the top surface of the casting mold 60 and bringing the first flat portion 42 into contact with the side surface of the casting mold 60. In this state, stamping is performed to cut a portion of the first flat portion 42 to form the first mounting surface 43.

[0071] Similarly, to form the second mounting surface 53, the second panel 50, with the second flat plate portion 52 bent, is pressed against the mold 60. The cross-section of the second panel 50 where the second flat plate portion 52 and the second extension portion 55 are formed is approximately L-shaped, with the portion facing the second flat plate portion 52 being open. The second panel 50 is positioned by pressing the second extension portion 55 against the top surface of the mold 60 and the second flat plate portion 52 against the side surface of the mold 60. In this state, the second panel 50 is pressed, and a portion of the second flat plate portion 52 is cut to form the second mounting surface 53.

[0072] Due to limitations such as vehicle body layout, the axial length of the collar 31 may be shorter. In this case, the width of the first extension portion 45 may be smaller than the width of the mold 60. Even in this case, since the portion contacting the mold 60 has a roughly L-shaped cross-section, the first flat plate portion 42 and the first extension portion 45 can be contacted with the mold 60, allowing the first mounting surface 43 to be formed without hindrance. Similarly, even if the width of the second extension portion 55 is smaller than the width of the mold 60, since the portion contacting the mold 60 has a roughly L-shaped cross-section, the second flat plate portion 52 and the second extension portion 55 can be contacted with the mold 60, allowing the second mounting surface 53 to be formed without hindrance. Therefore, when forming the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53, there is no need to use a laser cutting device or the like in place of a stamping process, thereby reducing the increase in manufacturing costs.

[0073] Next, a procedure for manufacturing the suspension arm 11 will be described.

[0074] The suspension arm 11 includes an arm body 20 that is L-shaped when viewed from above, and a mounting portion 22 disposed in the middle of the arm body 20 for mounting a collar 31. The collar 31 is used to pivotally connect the arm body 20 to the vehicle body. The suspension arm 11 includes the arm body 20, which is formed by a first panel 40 and a second panel 50 and has at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and the mounting portion 22 for mounting the collar 31.

[0075] First, the first panel 40 is formed with a first main body portion 41 constituting the arm main body portion 20 and a first flat plate portion 42 extending from and bent relative to the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41. The first panel 40, with the bent first flat plate portion 42, is pressed against a mold 60 to form a first mounting surface 43 in contact with the outer surface of the collar 31.

[0076] Similarly, the second panel 50 includes a second main body portion 51 that, together with the first main body portion 41, constitutes the arm main body portion 20, and a second flat plate portion 52 that is continuous with and bent relative to the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51. The second panel 50, with the bent second flat plate portion 52, is pressed against a die to form a second mounting surface 53 that contacts the outer surface of the collar 31.

[0077] Next, the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body portion 51 of the second panel 50 are brought into contact with each other. Furthermore, the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40 and the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 face each other with a gap therebetween, and the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 are positioned with a gap therebetween. In this state, the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are integrated by welding, thereby forming the arm body portion 20 and the mounting portion 22.

[0078] As described above, the suspension arm 11 of the first embodiment includes an arm body 20 formed of a first panel 40 and a second panel 50, which are press-formed products and have at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion 22 for mounting the suspension member 30 (shaft collar 31). The first panel 40 includes a first body 41 that constitutes the arm body 20, a first flat plate 42 that extends from and is bent relative to the main surface 41a of the first body 41, and a first mounting surface 43 that is formed on the first flat plate 42 and abuts against the outer surface of the member 30 (shaft collar 31). The second panel 50 includes a second body 51 that, together with the first body 41 of the first panel 40, constitutes the arm body 20, a second flat plate 52 that extends from and is bent relative to the main surface 51a of the second body 51, and a second mounting surface 53 that is formed on the second flat plate 52 and abuts against the outer surface of the member 30 (shaft collar 31). The portion of the first panel 40 facing the first flat plate portion 42 is open so that the first mounting surface 43 can be formed by stamping when the first flat plate portion 42 is bent and in its single state. The portion of the second panel 50 facing the second flat plate portion 52 is open so that the second mounting surface 53 can be formed by stamping when the second flat plate portion 52 is bent and in its single state. The arm body 20 is formed by bonding the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body portion 51 of the second panel 50 to each other. The mounting portion 22 is formed by positioning the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40 and the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 facing each other with a gap therebetween, and arranging the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 with a gap therebetween.

[0079] According to the suspension arm 11 constructed as described above, even when the axial length of the member 30 (collar 31) is short due to limitations such as vehicle layout, the first and second flat plate portions 42 and 52 have a substantially L-shaped cross-section, allowing the first and second mounting surfaces 43 and 53 to be formed unimpeded by stamping the first and second panels 40 and 50 in a single state. Consequently, there is no need to use a laser cutting device or the like to replace stamping to form the first and second mounting surfaces 43 and 53, thereby reducing the increase in manufacturing costs. Therefore, even when the axial length of the member 30 (collar 31) is short, a suspension arm 11 having the mounting portion 22 for mounting the member 30 (collar 31) formed therein can be provided using low-cost stamping.

[0080] The first flat plate portion 42 is bent into an L shape relative to the main surface 41a of the first body portion 41, and the second flat plate portion 52 is bent into an L shape relative to the main surface 51a of the second body portion 51. The L-shaped bending does not complicate the stamping process.

[0081] The first mounting surface 43 is formed by the first end surface 44 formed at the end of the first flat plate portion 42, and the second mounting surface 53 is formed by the second end surface 54 formed at the end of the second flat plate portion 52. The component 30 (collar 31) is mounted on the mounting portion 22 using fillet welds 71 ​​and 72 with the first end surface 44 of the first flat plate portion 42 and the second end surface 54 of the second flat plate portion 52, respectively. With this configuration, the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 face outward, making it easy to mount the component 30 (collar 31) using the fillet welds 71 ​​and 72.

[0082] The first panel 40 further includes a first extension 45, and the second panel 50 further includes a second extension 55. The first extension 45 and the second extension 55 can hold the component 30 (collar 31) in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first flat plate 42 and the second flat plate 52 face each other. With this configuration, the component 30 (collar 31) can be attached to the mounting portion 22 using fillet welds 71 ​​and 72 to the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53, respectively, as well as fillet welds 73 and 74 to the end surfaces of the first extension 45 and the second extension 55, respectively. As a result, the component 30 (collar 31) can be securely attached to the mounting portion 22.

[0083] A ridgeline 81 extending from the end of the first end surface 44 of the first panel 40 to the first extension 45 faces the outer surface of the member 30 (shaft collar 31) across a first gap 82. A ridgeline 83 extending from the end of the second end surface 54 of the second panel 50 to the second extension 55 faces the outer surface of the member 30 (shaft collar 31) across a second gap 84. With this configuration, the first and second gaps 82 and 84 function as drain holes for discharging the coating liquid during coating of the suspension arm 11, thereby preventing excess coating liquid from remaining.

[0084] The component 30 is a cylindrical metal member (collar 31). With this configuration, the metal collar 31 can be attached to the mounting portion 22 by using fillet welds 71 ​​and 72 with the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53, respectively. Furthermore, the metal collar 31 can be attached to the mounting portion 22 by using fillet welds 73 and 74 with the end surfaces of the first extension 45 and the second extension 55, respectively.

[0085] The first panel 40 includes a third flat portion 46, and the second panel 50 includes a fourth flat portion 56. The third flat portion 46 is located closer to the inside of the first main body 41 than the first mounting surface 43, and is curved when viewed from above in a direction intersecting the main surface 41a of the first main body 41. The fourth flat portion 56 is located closer to the inside of the second main body 51 than the second mounting surface 53, and is curved when viewed from above in a direction intersecting the main surface 51a of the second main body 51. The height h1 of the third flat portion 46 and the height h2 of the fourth flat portion 56 are smaller than the distance L between the first main body 41 of the first panel 40 and the second main body 51 of the second panel 50. This configuration facilitates the forming of the curved flanges of the first and second panels 40, 50, even when the curvature radius of the curved shape of the third and fourth flat portions 46, 56 is small and a curved flange is used, thereby preventing defects such as cracks and wrinkles.

[0086] The suspension arm 11 manufactured according to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment includes an arm body 20 formed of a first panel 40 and a second panel 50 as stamped parts, and having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion 22 for mounting the vehicle suspension component 30 (shaft collar 31). When manufacturing the suspension arm 11, first, the first body 41 and the first flat plate 42 are formed on the first panel 40. The first panel 40, in which the first flat plate 42 is bent, is pressed against a casting mold 60 to form a first mounting surface 43. Similarly, the second body 51 and the second flat plate 52 are formed on the second panel 50. The second panel 50, in which the second flat plate 52 is bent, is pressed against a casting mold 60 to form a second mounting surface 53. Subsequently, the first body 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body 51 of the second panel 50 are brought into contact with each other. Then, the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40 and the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 are positioned facing each other with a gap therebetween, and the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 are positioned with a gap therebetween. In this state, the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are integrated by welding, thereby forming the arm body 20 and the mounting portion 22.

[0087] According to the manufacturing method of the embodiment, even when the axial length of the member 30 (collar 31) is short, the suspension arm 11 having the mounting portion 22 for mounting the member 30 (collar 31) can be provided by low-cost press working.

[0088] The first flat plate portion 42 is bent into an L shape relative to the main surface 41a of the first body portion 41, and the second flat plate portion 52 is bent into an L shape relative to the main surface 51a of the second body portion 51. The L-shaped bending does not complicate the stamping process.

[0089] Second embodiment

[0090] Below, refer to Figures 15 to 20 The vehicle suspension arm 12 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing a vehicle suspension arm 12 according to the second embodiment. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The figures are perspective views of the vicinity of the mounting portion 22 of the vehicle suspension arm 12 and the bushing 32 as the member 30 , as viewed from the vehicle front and rear. Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion 22 of the vehicle suspension arm 12 and the bushing 32 as the member 30 as viewed from a direction parallel to the first flat plate portion 42 and the second flat plate portion 52 . Figure 19 and Figure 20 1 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion 22 of the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Components common to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are partially omitted. Figure 20 Reference numeral 51 b in FIG. 5 is the same as the flange portion 41 b of the first panel 40 , and denotes a flange portion that is continued from the main surface 51 a of the second main body portion 51 and is bent relative to the main surface 51 a .

[0091] The vehicle suspension arm 12 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 are formed by the inner surfaces of the bored cylindrical support portions 47 and 57, respectively. The first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 are formed by the end surfaces 44 and 54 of the flat plate portions 42 and 52, respectively. Furthermore, the structure of the member 30 also differs from the first embodiment.

[0092] The suspension arm 12 has an arm body 20 that is substantially L-shaped when viewed from above. The arm body 20 is bent in the middle portion ( Figure 15 The mounting portion 22 for mounting the member 30 is located on the center front side of the arm. The member 30 in the second embodiment is a cylindrical component made of resin, generally referred to as a bushing 32. A connecting pin 33 is inserted through the center of the resin bushing 32. The axis of the bushing 32 and the connecting pin 33 extends, for example, along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body. The bushing 32 pivotally connects the arm body 20 to the vehicle body.

[0093] like Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 17 、 Figure 18 、 Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, the suspension arm 12 of the second embodiment is formed from a first panel 40 and a second panel 50, which are stamped parts, similar to the first embodiment. The first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are generally L-shaped when viewed from above. The suspension arm 12 includes an arm body 20 having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion 22 to which the vehicle suspension member 30 (bushing 32) is mounted.

[0094] The first panel 40 includes a first main body portion 41 constituting the arm main body portion 20 , a first flat plate portion 42 extending from and bent relative to the main surface 41 a of the first main body portion 41 , and a first mounting surface 43 formed on the first flat plate portion 42 and contacting the outer surface of the bushing 32 .

[0095] The second panel 50 has a second main body portion 51 which together with the first main body portion 41 of the first panel 40 constitutes the arm main body portion 20, a second flat plate portion 52 which continues from the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51 and is bent and extended relative to the main surface 51a, and a second mounting surface 53 formed on the second flat plate portion 52 and abuts against the outer surface of the bushing 32.

[0096] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the portion of the first panel 40 facing the first flat plate portion 42 is open so that the first mounting surface 43 can be formed by stamping when the first flat plate portion 42 is bent and in its single state. Similarly, the portion of the second panel 50 facing the second flat plate portion 52 is open so that the second mounting surface 53 can be formed by stamping when the second flat plate portion 52 is bent and in its single state.

[0097] The arm body portion 20 is formed by bonding the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body portion 51 of the second panel 50 to each other.

[0098] like Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the mounting portion 22 is formed by positioning the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40 and the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 facing each other with a gap therebetween, and arranging the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 with a gap therebetween. As in the first embodiment, the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are integrated by fillet welding.

[0099] The present invention does not specifically limit the angle formed between the first flat plate portion 42 and the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41. As an example, the first flat plate portion 42 can be bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41. The present invention also does not specifically limit the angle formed between the second flat plate portion 52 and the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51. As an example, the second flat plate portion 52 can be bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51.

[0100] In the second embodiment, the first mounting surface 43 is formed by the inner surface of the first cylindrical support portion 47 formed by the punching process on the first flat plate portion 42, and the second mounting surface 53 is formed by the inner surface of the second cylindrical support portion 57 formed by the punching process on the second flat plate portion 52 (see Figure 19 and Figure 20 The bushing 32 is mounted in the mounting portion 22 by being press-fitted into the first cylindrical support portion 47 of the first flat plate portion 42 and the second cylindrical support portion 57 of the second flat plate portion 52 (see FIG. Figure 16 、 Figure 17 and Figure 18 ).

[0101] The present invention does not have any special restrictions on the height of the first cylindrical support portion 47 (the width of the first mounting surface 43) and the height of the second cylindrical support portion 57 (the width of the second mounting surface 53), and the appropriate size can be determined based on the axial length of the pressed-in bushing 32.

[0102] as Figure 14 In the case shown, when forming the first mounting surface 43, the first panel 40 with the first flat plate portion 42 bent is brought into contact with the casting die 60 for stamping. The width W of the casting die 60 is formed to a width that can ensure strength to withstand the load during stamping. Furthermore, the width W of the casting die 60 is formed to a width that can accommodate the inclined grooves and the like for discharging the slices cut off during the punching process. As for the portion from the first main body portion 41 to the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40, the cross-section is roughly "L"-shaped, and the portion facing the first flat plate portion 42 is in an open state. The first panel 40 is positioned by bringing the first main body portion 41 into contact with the top surface of the casting die 60 and the first flat plate portion 42 into contact with the side surface of the casting die 60. In this state, the first cylindrical support portion 47 that has been punched and punched is formed.

[0103] Similarly, when forming the second mounting surface 53, the second panel 50, with the second flat plate portion 52 bent, is pressed against the casting mold 60. The section from the second main body 51 to the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 has a generally L-shaped cross-section, with the portion facing the second flat plate portion 52 being open. The second panel 50 is positioned by pressing the second main body 51 against the top surface of the casting mold 60 and the second flat plate portion 52 against the side surface of the casting mold 60. In this state, the second cylindrical support portion 57 is formed, which has been punched and punched.

[0104] Due to limitations such as vehicle body layout, the axial length of bushing 32 may be set relatively short. Even in such cases, since the portion contacting mold 60 has a roughly L-shaped cross-section, the first flat plate portion 42 can contact the mold 60, allowing the first mounting surface 43 (the inner surface of the first cylindrical support portion 47) to be formed without hindrance. Similarly, since the portion contacting mold 60 has a roughly L-shaped cross-section, the second flat plate portion 52 can contact the mold 60, allowing the second mounting surface 53 (the inner surface of the second cylindrical support portion 57) to be formed without hindrance. Therefore, there is no need to use a laser cutting device or the like instead of a stamping process to form the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0105] The manufacturing procedure of the suspension arm 12 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0106] First, the first panel 40 is formed with a first main body portion 41 constituting the arm main body portion 20 and a first flat plate portion 42 extending from and bent relative to the main surface 41a of the first main body portion 41. The first panel 40, with the bent first flat plate portion 42, is brought into contact with the mold 60 for press working, thereby forming a first mounting surface 43 (the inner surface of the first cylindrical support portion 47) on the first flat plate portion 42 to contact the outer surface of the bushing 32.

[0107] Similarly, the second panel 50 includes a second main body portion 51 that, together with the first main body portion 41, constitutes the arm main body portion 20, and a second flat plate portion 52 that is continuous with the main surface 51a of the second main body portion 51 and is bent relative to the main surface 51a. By placing the second panel 50, in which the second flat plate portion 52 is bent, against a die and performing a press process, a second mounting surface 53 (the inner surface of the second cylindrical support portion 57) that abuts against the outer surface of the bushing 32 is formed on the second flat plate portion 52.

[0108] Subsequently, the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body portion 51 of the second panel 50 are brought into contact with each other. Furthermore, the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40 and the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 face each other with a gap therebetween, and the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 are positioned with a gap therebetween. In this state, the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 are integrated by welding, thereby forming the arm body portion 20 and the mounting portion 22.

[0109] As described above, the suspension arm 12 of the second embodiment includes an arm body portion 20 formed of a first panel 40 and a second panel 50 as stamped parts and having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion 22 for mounting the vehicle suspension component 30 (bushing 32). The first panel 40 includes a first body portion 41 constituting the arm body portion 20, a first flat plate portion 42 extending from the main surface 41a of the first body portion 41 and bent relative to the main surface 41a, and a first mounting surface 43 formed on the first flat plate portion 42 and abutting against the outer surface of the component 30 (bushing 32). The second panel 50 includes a second body portion 51 constituting the arm body portion 20 together with the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40, a second flat plate portion 52 extending from the main surface 51a of the second body portion 51 and bent relative to the main surface 51a, and a second mounting surface 53 formed on the second flat plate portion 52 and abutting against the outer surface of the component 30 (bushing 32). The portion of the first panel 40 facing the first flat plate portion 42 is open so that the first mounting surface 43 can be formed by stamping when the first flat plate portion 42 is bent and in its single state. The portion of the second panel 50 facing the second flat plate portion 52 is open so that the second mounting surface 53 can be formed by stamping when the second flat plate portion 52 is bent and in its single state. The arm body 20 is formed by bonding the first body portion 41 of the first panel 40 and the second body portion 51 of the second panel 50 to each other. The mounting portion 22 is formed by positioning the first flat plate portion 42 of the first panel 40 and the second flat plate portion 52 of the second panel 50 facing each other with a gap therebetween, and arranging the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 with a gap therebetween.

[0110] According to the suspension arm 12 constructed as described above, even if the axial length of the component 30 (bushing 32) is set to be short due to restrictions such as vehicle layout, the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 can be formed unimpeded by stamping the first and second panels 40, 50 in a single state, because the cross-section of the portion including the first flat plate portion 42 and the second flat plate portion 52 is substantially L-shaped. Therefore, there is no need to use a laser cutting device or the like instead of stamping to form the first and second mounting surfaces 43, 53, thereby reducing the increase in manufacturing costs. Therefore, even if the axial length of the component 30 (bushing 32) is short, the suspension arm 12 having the mounting portion 22 for mounting the component 30 (bushing 32) can be provided by low-cost stamping.

[0111] The first mounting surface 43 is formed by the inner surface of the first cylindrical support portion 47, which is bored in the first flat plate portion 42, and the second mounting surface 53 is formed by the inner surface of the second cylindrical support portion 57, which is bored in the second flat plate portion 52. The component 30 (bushing 32) is mounted in the mounting portion 22 by press-fitting into the first cylindrical support portion 47 of the first flat plate portion 42 and the second cylindrical support portion 57 of the second flat plate portion 52. With this configuration, the first mounting surface 43 and the second mounting surface 53 form cylindrical flange surfaces, making it easy to mount the component 30 (bushing 32) by press-fitting.

[0112] Component 30 is a cylindrical member (bushing 32) made of resin. With this configuration, the resin bushing 32 can be press-fitted into the first mounting surface 43 (the inner surface of the first cylindrical support portion 47) and the second mounting surface 53 (the inner surface of the second cylindrical support portion 57), thereby being mounted in the mounting portion 22.

[0113] The manufacturing method of the suspension arm 12 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Even if the axial length of the component 30 (bushing 32) is short, the suspension arm 12 having the mounting portion 22 for mounting the component 30 (bushing 32) can be provided by low-cost stamping.

[0114] Modification

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications are possible. For example, the vehicle suspension arm 12 is shown as being formed of two panels (the first panel 40 and the second panel 50 ), but may also be formed of three or more panels.

[0116] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a cylindrical member (bushing 32) made of resin is press-fitted, but a cylindrical member (collar 31) made of metal may be press-fitted or mounted in the mounting portion 22 by fillet welding. The resin bushing 32 is housed inside the collar 31.

[0117] While the first and second embodiments described above employ the vehicle suspension structure of the present invention in a vehicle suspension arm, the present invention is not limited to this application. The vehicle suspension structure of the present invention can be applied to any vehicle suspension component as long as it comprises a main body formed from at least a first face plate and a second face plate as stamped parts, having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion for mounting a vehicle suspension member.

Claims

1. A vehicle suspension structure comprising a main body formed of at least a first panel and a second panel as press-formed products and having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion for mounting a vehicle suspension member, characterized in that: The first panel includes a first main body portion constituting the main body portion, a first flat plate portion extending from a main surface of the first main body portion and bent relative to the main surface, and a first mounting surface formed on the first flat plate portion and abutting against an outer surface of the component. The second panel includes a second main body portion that together with the first main body portion of the first panel constitutes the main body portion, a second flat plate portion that continues from the main surface of the second main body portion and is bent and extended relative to the main surface, and a second mounting surface formed on the second flat plate portion and abutting against the outer surface of the component. The portion of the first panel facing the first flat portion is in an open state so that the first mounting surface can be formed by stamping in a single state in which the first flat portion is bent. The portion of the second panel facing the second flat plate portion is in an open state so that the second mounting surface can be formed by stamping in a single state in which the second flat plate portion is bent. The main body portion is formed by bonding the first main body portion of the first panel and the second main body portion of the second panel to each other. The mounting portion is formed by placing the first flat plate portion of the first panel and the second flat plate portion of the second panel facing each other with a gap therebetween, and arranging the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface with a gap therebetween. The first mounting surface is formed by the inner surface of the first cylindrical support portion formed by the punching process on the first flat plate portion, and the second mounting surface is formed by the inner surface of the second cylindrical support portion formed by the punching process on the second flat plate portion. The member is mounted on the mounting portion by press-fitting the first cylindrical supporting portion of the first flat plate portion and the second cylindrical supporting portion of the second flat plate portion.

2. The vehicle suspension structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first flat plate portion is bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface of the first main body portion, and the second flat plate portion is bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface of the second main body portion.

3. The vehicle suspension structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The member is a cylindrical component made of resin or metal.

4. The vehicle suspension structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first panel includes a third flat plate portion that is continuous with the main surface of the first main body and is bent relative to the main surface, and the second panel includes a fourth flat plate portion that is continuous with the main surface of the second main body and is bent relative to the main surface and then attached to the third flat plate portion of the first panel. The third flat plate portion is located closer to the inner side of the first main body portion than the first mounting surface, and has a curved shape when viewed from above in a direction intersecting the main surface of the first main body portion. The fourth flat plate portion is located closer to the inner side of the second main body portion than the second mounting surface, and has a curved shape when viewed from above in a direction intersecting the main surface of the second main body portion. The height of the third flat plate portion and the height of the fourth flat plate portion are smaller than a distance between the first main body portion of the first panel and the second main body portion of the second panel.

5. The vehicle suspension structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The vehicle suspension structure is applied to a vehicle suspension arm.

6. A method for manufacturing a vehicle suspension structure, the vehicle suspension structure comprising a main body formed of at least a first panel and a second panel as stamped parts and having at least a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion for mounting a vehicle suspension member, characterized in that: The first panel includes a first main body portion constituting the main body portion and a first flat plate portion extending from a main surface of the first main body portion and bent relative to the main surface. The first panel with the first flat plate portion bent is brought into contact with a die for press working, thereby forming a first mounting surface on the first flat plate portion that contacts the outer surface of the component. The second panel includes a second main body portion that constitutes the main body portion together with the first main body portion of the first panel, and a second flat plate portion that continues from a main surface of the second main body portion and is bent and extended relative to the main surface. The second panel with the second flat plate portion bent is pressed against the die to form a second mounting surface on the second flat plate portion that contacts the outer surface of the component. In a state where the first main body portion of the first panel and the second main body portion of the second panel are bonded to each other, and further, in a state where the first flat plate portion of the first panel and the second flat plate portion of the second panel are facing each other with a gap therebetween, and the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are arranged with a gap therebetween, the first panel and the second panel are integrated by welding, thereby forming the main body portion and the mounting portion. The first mounting surface is formed by the inner surface of the first cylindrical support portion formed by the punching process on the first flat plate portion, and the second mounting surface is formed by the inner surface of the second cylindrical support portion formed by the punching process on the second flat plate portion. The member is mounted on the mounting portion by press-fitting the first cylindrical supporting portion of the first flat plate portion and the second cylindrical supporting portion of the second flat plate portion.

7. The method for manufacturing a vehicle suspension structure according to claim 6, wherein: The first flat plate portion is bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface of the first main body portion, and the second flat plate portion is bent into an L-shape relative to the main surface of the second main body portion.

8. The method for manufacturing a vehicle suspension structure according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: The vehicle suspension structure is applied to a vehicle suspension arm.

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