construction component

Abstract

A construction member (100) is provided with a member main body (10) and a cylindrical bush (20). The member main body (10) includes a through-hole (16) and a cylindrical flange portion (17) provided to a peripheral edge of the through-hole (16). The bush (20) is inserted into the through-hole (16) and the flange portion (17). The flange portion (17) has a difference in level between a first portion (171) and a second portion (172) when viewed in a cross section including a central axis of the bush (20), the first portion (171) being a portion on one side in a direction perpendicular to the central axis that contacts the bush (20), and the second portion (172) being a portion on the other side that contacts the bush (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a structural component for automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] A car is composed of many structural components. Among these structural components is the chassis, which forms the car's running gear. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a suspension arm as one of the chassis components.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a suspension arm comprising a first arm component and a second arm component. The first and second arm components are each formed of sheet metal and are arranged opposite to each other. A hollow suspension arm is formed by welding the edges of the first and second arm components together.

[0004] In the suspension arm of Patent Document 1, a through hole and a protrusion protruding from the periphery of the through hole toward the second arm component are formed in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the first arm component by flanging. A through hole and a protrusion corresponding to those of the first arm component are also formed in the second arm component by flanging. A bushing is pressed into the through hole and protrusion of both the first and second arm components. The suspension arm is connected to the stabilizer bar via this bushing and ball joint.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-140859 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] As in the suspension arm of Patent Document 1, there are structural components in automobiles that are connected to other components or parts by means of bushings. These structural components are, for example, formed of sheet metal. A through hole extending through the structural component in the thickness direction is provided for mounting the bushing.

[0010] When such structural components are loaded, torsional deformation sometimes occurs in the bushinged sections. This is especially true when the structural components are thinned, as the stiffness of the structural members decreases, making them more susceptible to torsional deformation. If torsional deformation occurs in the bushinged sections of a structural member, these sections are prone to buckling, which can reduce the structural member's resistance to loads.

[0011] The present disclosure addresses the technical problem of providing a structural component for automobiles that can improve durability.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] The automotive structural component disclosed herein includes a component body and a cylindrical bushing. The component body includes a through hole and a cylindrical flange portion disposed around the periphery of the through hole. The bushing is inserted into the through hole and the flange portion. When viewed in a cross-section including the central axis of the bushing, the flange portion has a height difference between a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being the part that contacts the bushing on one side in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the second portion being the part that contacts the bushing on the other side.

[0014] The effects of the invention

[0015] According to this disclosure, the durability of structural components used in automobiles can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of a structural component for an automobile according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II of the structural component shown.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the structural components of a modified embodiment of the above-described embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the structural components of the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 5 Is with Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of the structural components of different comparative examples.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a graph obtained through an embodiment, and it is a graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the height difference x of the flange portion of the component body to the height x0 of the bushing, x / x0, and the backlash load. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The automotive structural component of the embodiment includes a component body and a cylindrical bushing. The component body includes a through hole and a cylindrical flange portion disposed around the periphery of the through hole. The bushing is inserted into the through hole and the flange portion. When viewed in a cross-section including the central axis of the bushing, the flange portion has a height difference between a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being the portion that contacts the bushing on one side in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the second portion being the portion that contacts the bushing on the other side (first structure).

[0023] In the first structural component, a bushing is inserted into a through hole and a flange portion provided in the component body. When viewed in a cross-section including the central axis of the bushing, the flange portion has a height difference between a first part and a second part. The first part is the portion that contacts the bushing on one side in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the second part is the portion that contacts the bushing on the other side. In this case, when a load is applied to the structural component to cause torsional deformation in the portion of the component body where the bushing is mounted, the tilting of the bushing resulting from this torsional deformation is easily limited by the flange portion. Therefore, torsional deformation of the portion of the component body where the bushing is mounted can be suppressed. As a result, buckling in this portion is less likely to occur, and the strength of the structural component can be improved.

[0024] In the above-described structural components, when the height difference of the flange portion is set as x and the axial length of the bushing is set as x0, x / x0 is preferably 0.10 or more (second structure).

[0025] In the second structure, the height difference x of the flange is ensured to be at least 0.10 times the axial length (height) x0 of the bushing. This improves the effectiveness of using the flange to limit bushing tilt. Consequently, it is easier to suppress torsional deformation of the bushing-mounted portion of the component body. Therefore, buckling in this portion is less likely to occur, further improving the structural strength of the component.

[0026] x / x0 is more preferably 0.25 or higher (third structure).

[0027] In the third structure, the height difference x of the flange is ensured to be at least 0.25 times the height x0 of the bushing. This further improves the effect of using the flange to limit the tilt of the bushing. Therefore, it is easier to suppress torsional deformation of the portion of the component body where the bushing is mounted. Consequently, buckling in this portion is less likely to occur, further improving the structural strength of the component.

[0028] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent structures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and identical descriptions are not repeated.

[0029] [Structure of the component]

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the automotive structural component 100 according to this embodiment. While not particularly limited, the structural component 100 is, for example, a chassis component of an automobile. Chassis components include suspension arms such as lower arms and upper arms. In this embodiment, an example of the structural component 100 being a lower arm will be described.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 The structural component 100 includes a component body 10 and a bushing 20.

[0032] (Main body of the component)

[0033] The main body 10 has an approximate L-shape when viewed from above and below. In this embodiment, the main body 10 includes arms 11 and 12. Arms 11 and 12 extend in different directions when the main body 10 is viewed from above. When the structural member 100, as the lower arm, is mounted on a vehicle, one arm 11 extends in the approximate width direction of the vehicle, and the other arm 12 extends in the approximate length direction (front-to-back direction).

[0034] The top end of arm 11 is connected to the vehicle wheel, for example, via a ball joint and a steering knuckle (not shown). The top end of arm 12 is connected to the vehicle body via bushing 20. The bend 13 between arm 11 and arm 12 is also connected to the vehicle body via bushing (not shown). A cylindrical portion 14 for inserting the bushing is fixed to the bend 13.

[0035] The main body 10 of the component is, for example, hollow. In this embodiment, the main body 10 includes a top plate 151, a bottom plate 152, and longitudinal walls 153 and 154. The top plate 151 is arranged opposite to the bottom plate 152. The longitudinal walls 153 and 154 are continuously disposed on both sides of the top plate 151. The longitudinal walls 153 and 154 are arranged opposite to each other. The bottom plate 152 is disposed between the longitudinal walls 153 and 154. The bottom plate 152 is fixed to the longitudinal walls 153 and 154, for example, by welding.

[0036] The main body 10 also includes a through hole 16 for inserting the bushing 20 and a flange 17. The through hole 16 is provided at the top end of the arm 12 in the top plate 151. The through hole 16 penetrates the top plate 151 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, a bottom plate 152 is not provided at the location of the through hole 16. The flange 17 is cylindrical and is provided at the periphery of the through hole 16. The flange 17 protrudes from the periphery of the through hole 16 toward one side of the bushing 20 in the axial direction. The through hole 16 and the flange 17 can be formed in the main body 10, for example, by flanging.

[0037] The main body 10 of the component is formed of a sheet metal. The main body 10 of the component is typically formed of a metal sheet. When the main body 10 of the component is formed of a metal sheet, the metal sheet may be formed of, for example, iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), or alloys thereof.

[0038] (bushing)

[0039] The bushing 20 is inserted into the through hole 16 and the flange 17 of the component body 10. The bushing 20 is mounted to the component body 10, for example, by pressing it into the through hole 16 and the flange 17. The bushing 20 is cylindrical in shape. The axial direction of the bushing 20 is substantially aligned with the thickness direction of the component body 10, and more specifically with the thickness direction of the base plate 152. The bushing 20 includes an outer cylinder 21, an inner cylinder 22, and an elastomer 23.

[0040] The outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 21 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the flange portion 17 of the component body 10. The inner cylinder 22 is disposed substantially coaxially with the outer cylinder 21 inside the outer cylinder 21. The outer cylinder 21 and the inner cylinder 22 are, for example, substantially cylindrical. However, the outer cylinder 21 and the inner cylinder 22 may also have shapes other than cylindrical, such as polygonal cylinders. An elastomer 23, such as rubber, is filled between the outer cylinder 21 and the inner cylinder 22.

[0041] The following is for reference Figure 2 The structure of bushing 20 and its vicinity is described in detail. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view (II-II) of the structural component 100. Figure 2 The cross section (section) is shown when the structural member 100 is cut with a plane including the central axis of the bushing 20 and substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 12.

[0042] As described above, the bushing 20 is inserted into the through hole 16 and the flange portion 17 provided in the top plate 151 of the component body 10. Figure 2 As shown by the dashed lines, the through hole 16 and the flange 17 are radially inclined relative to the bushing 20. The radial direction of the bushing 20 refers to the radial direction of the cylinder having a central axis that shares the same central axis as the outer cylinder 21 of the bushing 20. The radial direction of the bushing 20 is... Figure 2 The cross-section shown is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of bushing 20 when viewed.

[0043] When viewed in a cross-section (axial section) including the central axis of the bushing 20, the flange portion 17 includes a first portion 171 and a second portion 172. The first portion 171 is the part that contacts the bushing 20 on one radial side when the cylindrical flange portion 17 is viewed in an axial section. The second portion 172 is the part that contacts the bushing 20 on the other radial side of the bushing 20, that is, the side opposite to the first portion 171, when the cylindrical flange portion 17 is viewed in an axial section. The flange portion 17 has a height difference between the first portion 171 and the second portion 172 when viewed in its axial section. In other words, when the structural component 100 is viewed in a cross-section including the central axis of the bushing 20, the first portion 171 is offset relative to the second portion 172 in the axial direction of the bushing 20. The top plate 151 of the component body has a height difference at least between the region adjacent to the first portion 171 of the flange portion 17 and the region adjacent to the second portion 172.

[0044] exist Figure 2 On the paper, when viewed in axial section of the flange 17, the first part 171 is positioned higher than the second part 172. Compared to the second part 172, the first part 171 is positioned further away from the base plate 152 of the main body 10 in the axial direction of the bushing 20. The first part 171 and the second part 172 represent the parts in the flange 17 with the greatest difference in axial distance, i.e., the greatest difference in height. Figure 2 As shown by the dotted line, part 171 and part 272 are smoothly connected. However, steps or similar elements may also be provided between part 171 and part 272.

[0045] When the height difference between the first portion 171 and the second portion 172 of the flange 17, i.e., the maximum height difference of the flange 17, is set as x, and the height of the bushing 20 is set as x0, x / x0 is preferably 0.10 or more, more preferably 0.25 or more. However, x / x0 is less than 1.00. Although not particularly limited, x / x0 may also be 0.50 or less. In this embodiment, the height difference x is set as the axial distance of the bushing 20 from the surface (lower surface) of the portion of the top plate 151 of the component body 10 that is continuous with the first portion 171 of the flange 17 on the side of the bottom plate 152 to the surface (lower surface) of the portion of the top plate 151 of the top plate 151 that is continuous with the second portion 172 of the flange 17 on the side of the bottom plate 152. The height x0 of the bushing 20 is the axial length of the bushing 20, and more specifically, the axial length of the outer cylinder 21 of the bushing 20. The height x0 of the bushing 20 is constant, for example, throughout the bushing 20.

[0046] [Effect]

[0047] In the structural component 100 of this embodiment, the top end of the arm 12 of the component body 10 is connected to the vehicle body via a bushing 20. The bushing 20 is inserted into a through hole 16 and a flange portion 17 provided at the top end of the arm 12. When viewed in its axial section, the flange portion 17 has a height difference between a first portion 171 and a second portion 172. In this case, when a load is applied to the structural component 100 to cause torsional deformation of the top end of the arm 12 on which the bushing 20 is mounted, the tilting of the bushing 20 caused by the torsional deformation is easily limited by the flange portion 17. Thus, torsional deformation of the top end of the arm 12 can be suppressed. As a result, buckling of the top end of the arm 12 is less likely to occur, and the strength of the structural component 100 can be improved.

[0048] In the structural component 100 of this embodiment, when the height difference between the first portion 171 and the second portion 172 of the flange 17 is set as x, and the height of the bushing 20 is set as x0, x / x0 is preferably 0.10 or more. This improves the effect of the flange 17 in limiting the tilt of the bushing 20. Consequently, it is easier to suppress torsional deformation at the tip of the arm 12 of the component body 10. Therefore, buckling of the tip of the arm 12 is less likely to occur, further improving the durability of the structural component 100.

[0049] In the structural member 100 of this embodiment, x / x0 is more preferably 0.25 or higher. This further improves the effect of limiting the tilt of the bushing 20 by using the flange portion 17. As a result, it is easier to further suppress torsional deformation of the tip of the arm 12. Therefore, buckling of the tip of the arm 12 is less likely to occur, and the endurance of the structural member 100 can be further improved.

[0050] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made as long as they do not depart from its spirit.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the flange portion 17 of the component body 10 has the largest height difference x in a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane including the central axis of the bushing 20 and substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the arm 12. However, the flange portion 17 may also have the largest height difference x in a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane including the central axis of the bushing 20 and along the extending direction of the arm 12. Alternatively, the flange portion 17 may also have the largest height difference x in a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane including the central axis of the bushing 20 and inclined relative to the extending direction of the arm 12. The positions of the flange portion 17 with the largest height difference x, namely the positions of the first part 171 and the second part 172, can be appropriately changed.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the main body 10 of the component includes a top plate 151, a bottom plate 152, and longitudinal walls 153 and 154. Figure 2In the example shown, the top plate 151 is integrally formed with the longitudinal walls 153 and 154. However, the structure of the main body 10 is not limited to this. It can also be, for example... Figure 3 As shown, in the main body 10 of the component, the longitudinal walls 153 and 154 are integrally formed with the base plate 152.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the component body 10 has a hollow rectangular cross-section defined by the top plate 151, the bottom plate 152, and the longitudinal walls 153 and 154. However, the cross-sectional shape of the component body 10 is not limited to this. For example, the component body 10 may also have a roughly U-shaped cross-section defined by the top plate 151 and the longitudinal walls 153 and 154, or it may have a cross-section of other shapes. The shape of the cross-section of the component body 10 may be substantially the same throughout the component body 10 or may be locally different.

[0054] Example

[0055] The present disclosure is further illustrated in detail below through embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0056] To confirm the effectiveness of this disclosure, an analysis was performed on the structural component 100 having the shape described in the above embodiments using commercially available structural analysis software (LS-DYNA, manufactured by Livermore Software Technology Corporation). In this analysis, the reaction force generated in the structural component 100 when a backlash force is input was investigated and evaluated as a backlash load (endurance).

[0057] In this analysis, the influence of the height difference x of the flange 17, particularly the ratio x / x0 of the height difference x relative to the height x0 of the bushing 20, on the backlash load was evaluated (Examples 1 to 4). For comparison, the backlash load was also investigated for a component with a flange 17 that does not have a height difference x (Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2). A transverse sectional view of the component of Comparative Example 1 is shown in... Figure 4 In the figure, a cross-sectional view of the structural component of Comparative Example 2 is shown. Figure 5 In the middle. For example Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the construction components of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, the through hole 16 and flange portion 17 of the component body 10 are parallel to the radial direction of the bushing 20.

[0058] The conditions for x and x0 in each embodiment, as well as the backlash loads in each embodiment and comparative example, are shown in Table 1.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060] Table 1

[0061]

[0062] As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 4 (x > 0) where the flange portion 17 has a height difference, the backlash load is increased compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2 (x = 0) where the flange portion 17 does not have a height difference. Therefore, it can be seen that by providing a height difference in the flange portion 17, the backlash load (endurance) of the structural component 100 is increased.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between x / x0 and the backlash load. See Table 1 and... Figure 6 As shown, the larger x / x0 is, the higher the backlash load. According to Table 1 and... Figure 6 It can be seen that if x / x0 is 0.10 or higher, the backlash load is significantly increased compared to the case where x / x0 is 0.00 (Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2). If x / x0 is 0.25 or higher, the backlash load is substantially increased compared to the case where x / x0 is 0.00 (Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2). Therefore, in order to obtain an excellent effect in improving the backlash load (endurance), x / x0 is preferably 0.10 or higher, and more preferably 0.25 or higher.

[0064] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0065] 100. Structural component; 10. Component body; 16. Through hole; 17. Flange; 171. Part 1; 172. Part 2; 20. Bushing.

Claims

1. A structural component for automobiles, comprising: The main body of the component includes a through hole and a cylindrical flange disposed around the periphery of the through hole; and A cylindrical bushing is inserted into the through hole and the flange. When viewed in a cross-section including the central axis of the bushing, the flange portion has a height difference between a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being the part that contacts the bushing on one side in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the second portion being the part that contacts the bushing on the other side. The through hole and the flange are disposed on the top plate of the main body of the component. The top plate has a height difference between the region adjacent to the first part and the region adjacent to the second part.

2. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein, When the height difference between the first part and the second part is set as x and the axial length of the bushing is set as x0, x / x0 is 0.10 or more.

3. The structural component according to claim 2, wherein, x / x0 is greater than 0.25.

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