Suspension device for vehicle

Abstract

This vehicle suspension device is provided with a leaf spring, a locking member for locking one end of the leaf spring, and a holding member for holding the other end of the leaf spring, the holding member having a roller that holds the other end of the leaf spring and is rotatable in accordance with the displacement of the other end of the leaf spring; and a pressing member facing the roller, the other end of the leaf spring being provided between the roller and the pressing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a suspension device which is provided on a vehicle or the like and has a buffering function of preventing vibration caused by uneven road surfaces from being transmitted to the vehicle body via the wheels, thereby improving the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle. Among the suspension devices, a leaf spring type suspension device is constructed using leaf springs (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] One end of the leaf spring described in Patent Document 1 is fixed to the vehicle body, and the other end is slidably held via a slide plate. A load from an axle or the like is applied to the center portion of the leaf spring in the longitudinal direction, and the leaf spring is deformed by the load.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-169307 Summary of the invention

[0005] However, when the end of the leaf spring is held by a sliding piece as in Patent Document 1, wear caused by friction between the sliding piece and the leaf spring may reduce durability, or noise may be generated due to friction during sliding.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle suspension device capable of suppressing a decrease in durability and generation of noise due to friction between a leaf spring and a holding member.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention comprises a leaf spring, a locking component for locking one end of the leaf spring, and a retaining component for holding the other end of the leaf spring, the retaining component having a roller and a pressing component, the roller holds the other end of the leaf spring and can rotate freely with the displacement of the other end of the leaf spring, the pressing component is opposite to the roller, and the other end of the leaf spring is arranged between the roller and the pressing component.

[0008] Furthermore, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the leaf spring is sandwiched and held by the roller and the pressing member.

[0009] Furthermore, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention is the one described above, further comprising a biasing member that applies pressure to the roller and the pressing member in a direction in which the roller and the pressing member are brought closer to each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the pressing member is a roller that is rotatable in accordance with the displacement of the other end of the leaf spring.

[0011] Furthermore, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, at least one recessed portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller.

[0012] Furthermore, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, at least one recessed portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of at least one of the roller and the pressing member.

[0013] Furthermore, in the vehicle suspension device of the present invention, in the above invention, the roller includes: a shaft portion; and a rotating portion provided on an outer periphery of the shaft portion and rotatable relative to the shaft portion, wherein the rotating portion includes an elastic material.

[0014] Furthermore, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, a protrusion is formed on at least one end side of the roller in the axial direction, and the protrusion protrudes in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in durability and generation of noise due to friction between the leaf spring and the holding member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a structure of a part of a vehicle including a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a leaf spring of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of a roller of a suspension device according to Modification 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a roller of a suspension device according to Modification 2 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the structure of a holding member of a suspension device according to a third modification of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, a method for implementing the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "implementation method") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, etc. may sometimes be different from the actual situation, and the drawings may sometimes include parts with different size relationships or ratios.

[0022] Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a structure of a part of a vehicle including a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The suspension device 1 shown is provided on the vehicle body for supporting an axle 100, and the axle 100 is used to support a wheel 101. Figure 1 The left side is the front of the vehicle and the right side is the rear. The suspension device 1 includes a leaf spring 2, a locking member 3 for locking one end of the leaf spring 2, and a holding member 4 for holding the other end of the leaf spring 2 so that it can move forward and backward freely.

[0024] The locking member 3 and the holding member 4 are mounted on the frame 110. Specifically, the locking member 3 is fixed to the front mounting portion 120, and the front mounting portion 120 is fixed to the frame 110. The holding member 4 is fixed to the rear mounting portion 130, and the rear mounting portion 130 is fixed to the frame 110. The front mounting portion 120 and the rear mounting portion 130 are fixed to the frame 110 by fastening members such as screws. In addition, the locking member 3 is mounted on the front mounting portion 120 by welding or the like. In addition, the holding member 4 is mounted on the rear mounting portion 130 by welding or the like. In addition, the locking member 3 and the holding member 4 may be formed integrally with respect to the front mounting portion 120 and the rear mounting portion 130, respectively.

[0025] Insertion holes (not shown) are formed at the center of the leaf spring 2 in the longitudinal direction and at the center of the washer 140. The leaf spring 2 and the washer 140 form a leaf spring assembly, and the leaf spring assembly is formed by fastening the center bolt 140a inserted into each insertion hole with a nut 140b to fix the center bolt 140a. The leaf spring assembly is fixed to the housing 160 by a U-bolt 150.

[0026] The housing 160 is fixed to the axle 100 .

[0027] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a leaf spring of a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The leaf spring 2 has a main body 20 formed by bending one end of a strip-shaped member, a hook-shaped first end 21 provided on one end side of the main body 20, and a second end 22 provided on the other end side of the main body 20. An axle 100 is arranged below the main body 20 at the center of the main body 20 in the longitudinal direction. The first end 21 is locked by being wound around the locking member 3. The leaf spring 2 is formed using a metal material (e.g., spring steel), a resin material, or a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0028] The holding member 4 is composed of two rollers (a first roller 41 and a second roller 42 ) forming a pair.

[0029] The first roller 41 includes a first shaft portion 41a connected to the rear mounting portion 130 and a first rotating portion 41b rotatable relative to the first shaft portion 41a. The first rotating portion 41b is connected to the first shaft portion 41a via a bearing, for example, and rotates around the central axis N of the first shaft portion 41a. 1 Rotate.

[0030] The second roller 42 includes a second shaft portion 42a connected to the rear mounting portion 130 and a second rotating portion 42b rotatable relative to the second shaft portion 42a. The second rotating portion 42b is connected to the second shaft portion 42a via a bearing, for example, and rotates around the central axis N of the second shaft portion 42a. 2 Rotate.

[0031] The distance (gap) between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 is equal to the thickness of the leaf spring 2. Therefore, when the leaf spring 2 is arranged between the rollers, the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 are in contact with the leaf spring 2, respectively, and thus hold the leaf spring 2. The equal mentioned here includes manufacturing errors and the like.

[0032] The first shaft portion 41a and the second shaft portion 42a are formed of, for example, a metal material. In addition, the first rotating portion 41b and the second rotating portion 42b are formed of, for example, a metal material, a resin material, rubber, etc. By forming the rotating portion using an elastic material such as rubber or a flexible resin, a damping effect can be obtained. Furthermore, by adjusting the distance between the first shaft portion 41a and the second shaft portion 42a, the damping effect can be adjusted.

[0033] The first roller 41 and the second roller 42 face each other and correspond to rollers and a pressing member between which the end portion of the leaf spring 2 is disposed.

[0034] The leaf spring 2 is deformed in response to the vibration of the axle 100 caused by unevenness of the road surface, etc. (see Figure 2 In addition, the second end portion 22 is clamped by the first roller 41 and the second roller 42, and is thereby held by the holding member 4. When the second end portion 22 is displaced relative to the holding member 4 due to the deformation of the leaf spring 2, the length between the locking member 3 of the leaf spring 2 and the holding member 4, that is, the effective span of the leaf spring 2 changes, and thus the load characteristics of the leaf spring 2 change. In addition, at this time, the first rotating portion 41b and the second rotating portion 42b rotate in accordance with the displacement of the second end portion 22, thereby suppressing the generation of friction with the second end portion 22.

[0035] In the embodiment of the present invention described above, in the leaf spring 2 that is deformed in response to the vibration of the axle 100, one end side is locked to the vehicle body (here, the frame 110), and the other end side is gripped by the first roller 41 and the second roller 42, so that the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 rotate according to the displacement of the end portion of the other end side caused by the deformation. According to this embodiment, the generation of friction between the leaf spring 2 and the holding member 4 is suppressed by the rotation of the rollers, so that the reduction in durability and the generation of noise caused by the friction between the leaf spring and the holding member can be suppressed.

[0036] Here, when the end of the leaf spring is held by the slide, if the front side of the leaf spring 2 relative to the axle is damaged, the main body of the leaf spring 2 rotates around the end connection portion on the rear side, so that the axle approaches the vehicle body, resulting in a significant reduction in vehicle height. On the other hand, when the leaf spring 2 is clamped by rollers as in the present embodiment, even if the front side of the leaf spring 2 is damaged, the rear side generates a repulsive force due to the clamping, so that a significant reduction in vehicle height can be suppressed.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, by holding the leaf spring 2 by the rollers, it is possible to provide the leaf spring 2 with nonlinear characteristics with a simple structure, compared to a conventional leaf spring in which a main spring and a sub-spring are stacked.

[0038] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by making the thickness of the rotating portion with respect to the rotating shaft uniform, the resistance received by the leaf spring from the roller can be made uniform, thereby improving the vibration resistance and durability.

[0039] Modification 1

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 3 , a modification example 1 of the embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 3 The figure shows the structure of the roller of the suspension device of the modification 1 of this invention. The suspension device of the modification 1 has the roller 43 instead of the 1st roller 41 and the 2nd roller 42 of the holding member 4. Other components are the same as those of the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0041] The roller 43 includes a shaft portion 43a connected to the rear mounting portion 130 and a rotating portion 43b that is rotatable relative to the shaft portion 43a. The rotating portion 43b is connected to the shaft portion 43a via a bearing, for example, and rotates around the central axis N of the shaft portion 43a. 3 Rotate.

[0042] The rotating portion 43b includes: a main body portion 431, which is in a hollow cylindrical shape and is inserted into the shaft portion 43a; a first protrusion portion 432, which is arranged on one end side of the main body portion 431 and protrudes relative to the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 431; and a second protrusion portion 433, which is arranged on the other end side of the main body portion 431 and protrudes relative to the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 431.

[0043] The first protrusion 432 and the second protrusion 433 protrude to such an extent that they do not interfere with the protrusions of the other rollers in the pair. 3 Just highlight the direction where the directions intersect.

[0044] The second end portion 22 of the leaf spring 2 passes between the first protrusion 432 and the second protrusion 433 .

[0045] In the above-described modification 1, similarly to the embodiment, in the leaf spring 2 that is deformed in response to the vibration of the axle 100, one end side is locked to the vehicle body (here, the frame 110), and the other end side is gripped by two rollers 43, whereby the rollers 43 rotate in response to the displacement of the end portion of the other end side caused by the deformation. According to the modification 1, the generation of friction between the leaf spring 2 and the holding member 4 is suppressed by the rotation of the rollers 43, thereby suppressing the reduction in durability and the generation of noise caused by the friction between the leaf spring and the holding member.

[0046] According to the first modification, the leaf spring 2 passes between the first protrusion 432 and the second protrusion 433, so that the leaf spring 2 can be prevented from moving along the central axis N. 3 Displacement in direction.

[0047] In the first modification, one roller may be constituted by the roller 43 , and the other roller may be constituted by the first roller 41 or the second roller 42 .

[0048] In Modification 1, the protrusion may be provided only on one end side of the roller 43 and the protrusions of the rollers forming a set may be arranged so as to be located on opposite sides to each other, thereby suppressing the leaf spring 2 from coming off.

[0049] In addition, although in the modification example 1, the protrusion is provided on the roller 43 about the center axis N 3 The end in the direction, but not necessarily the end, as long as it can be able to grasp the leaf spring 2 by the roller while suppressing the leaf spring 2 from moving in the center axis N 3 The position of the displacement in the direction is sufficient.

[0050] Modification 2

[0051] Next, refer to Figure 4 , a second variation of the embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 4The figure shows the structure of the roller of the suspension device of the modification 2 of this invention. The suspension device of the modification 2 has the roller 44 instead of the 1st roller 41 and the 2nd roller 42 of the holding member 4. Other components are the same as those of the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0052] The roller 44 includes a shaft portion 44a connected to the rear mounting portion 130 and a rotating portion 44b that is rotatable relative to the shaft portion 44a. The rotating portion 44b is connected to the shaft portion 44a via a bearing, for example, and rotates around the central axis N of the shaft portion 44a. 4 Rotate.

[0053] The rotating portion 44b includes a main body 441 in a hollow cylindrical shape into which the shaft 44a is inserted, a first protrusion 442 provided at one end of the main body 441 and protruding relative to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 441, and a second protrusion 443 provided at the other end of the main body 441 and protruding relative to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 441. The second end 22 of the leaf spring 2 passes between the first protrusion 442 and the second protrusion 443.

[0054] The first protrusion 442 and the second protrusion 443 protrude to such an extent that they do not interfere with the protrusions of the other rollers in the pair. 4 Just highlight the direction where the directions intersect.

[0055] A plurality of recesses 444 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 441 . The recesses 444 are formed around the circumference of the main body 441 .

[0056] In the second modification described above, similarly to the embodiment, in the leaf spring 2 that is deformed in response to the vibration of the axle 100, one end side is locked to the vehicle body (here, the frame 110), and the other end side is gripped by two rollers 44, whereby the rollers 44 rotate in response to the displacement of the end portion of the other end side caused by the deformation. According to the second modification, the generation of friction between the leaf spring 2 and the holding member 4 is suppressed by the rotation of the rollers 44, thereby suppressing the reduction in durability and the generation of noise caused by the friction between the leaf spring and the holding member.

[0057] In addition, according to variant example 2, a recess 444 is formed in the main body 441. Therefore, when foreign matter enters the roller 44 from the outside, or foreign matter attached to the leaf spring 2 is attached to the roller 44, the contact state between the leaf spring 2 and the roller 44 can be maintained by accommodating the foreign matter in the recess 444, thereby suppressing damage to the leaf spring 2 by the foreign matter.

[0058] In the second modification, the roller 44 may constitute one roller, and the first roller 41 , the second roller 42 , and the roller 43 may constitute the other roller.

[0059] In addition, in Modification 2, a configuration in which the roller 44 has no protrusions may be adopted.

[0060] In addition, although the example of a plurality of recessed portions 444 extending in the circumferential direction is described in the second modification, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a single recessed portion 444 may be formed, or a plurality of recessed portions 444 extending in the circumferential direction may be formed. 4 The structure of the concave portion in which the axis extends spirally may be a structure in which a plurality of concave portions in the form of holes are formed (for example, by embossing).

[0061] In addition, when the structure of the modified example 2 is applied to Figure 2 In the case of the structure shown, the recessed portion may be formed only in one roller, or may be formed in both one roller and the other roller.

[0062] Modification 3

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 5 , a third variation of the embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a roller of a suspension device according to a modification example 3 of the present invention. The suspension device according to the modification example 3 includes a holding member 4A instead of the holding member 4. In addition, the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 of the holding member 4A are mounted on the frame 110 in a relatively movable manner. The other components are the same as those in the embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same components.

[0064] The holding member 4A includes two rollers (a first roller 41 and a second roller 42 ), a first spring member 45 for connecting the ends of the two rollers at one end in the axial direction, and a second spring member 46 for connecting the ends of the two rollers at the other end in the axial direction.

[0065] The first spring member 45 is connected to the shaft N of the first shaft portion 41a in a telescopic manner. 1 (Refer to Figure 2 ) direction and the axis N of the second shaft portion 42a. 2 (Refer to Figure 2 ) direction.

[0066] The second spring member 46 is connected to the axis N of the first shaft portion 41a in a telescopic manner. 1 The other end side of the direction is aligned with the axis N of the second shaft portion 42a. 2 direction to the other end side.

[0067] In this modification 3, the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 are pressed in a direction toward each other by the spring member as a force-applying member. For example, in a natural state where no load other than gravity is applied to the spring member, the distance (gap) between the rollers is less than or equal to the thickness of the leaf spring 2. Therefore, in a state where the leaf spring 2 is arranged between the rollers, the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 are in contact with the leaf spring 2 to grip the leaf spring 2.

[0068] In the third modification described above, similarly to the embodiment, in the leaf spring 2 that is deformed in response to the vibration of the axle 100, one end side is locked to the vehicle body (here, the frame 110), and the other end side is gripped by the first roller 41 and the second roller 42, so that the rollers rotate in response to the displacement of the end portion of the other end side caused by the deformation. According to the third modification, the generation of friction between the leaf spring 2 and the holding member 4A is suppressed by the rotation of each roller, so that the reduction in durability and the generation of noise caused by the friction between the leaf spring and the holding member can be suppressed.

[0069] According to Modification 3, the distance between the rollers is changed by the spring member in accordance with the displacement of the leaf spring 2 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leaf spring 2 from receiving an excessive load from the rollers and prevent the smooth deformation behavior of the leaf spring from being hindered.

[0070] In Modification 3, an example in which a spring member is used as a member for adjusting the interval between rollers is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which the interval between rollers is electronically controlled by an actuator may be employed.

[0071] So far, the specific embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Although the above embodiment and the modified example describe a structure in which the axle 100 and the leaf spring 2 are connected via the U-bolt 150, a structure may be adopted in which, for example, the axle 100 and the leaf spring 2 are directly connected without the U-bolt. In addition, although the above embodiment and the modified example adopt a structure in which the leaf spring 2 is arranged on the upper side of the axle 100, a structure in which the leaf spring 2 is arranged on the lower side of the axle 100 may also be adopted.

[0072] In the embodiment, a rotating table supporting the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 may be provided on the rear mounting portion 130 , and the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 may rotate (revolve) around the rotation axis of the rotating table.

[0073] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the holding member 4 is provided instead of the locking member 3 and both ends of the leaf spring 2 are gripped by rollers.

[0074] In addition, in the embodiment, one roller may be set as a non-rotating holding member (equivalent to a pressing member). For example, a holding member is provided instead of the second roller 42, and the leaf spring 2 is held by the first roller 41 and the pressing member. In this case, the surface of the holding member on the side in contact with the leaf spring 2 may be set as a curved surface, or a concave portion may be formed on the surface on the side in contact with the leaf spring 2.

[0075] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a structure in which the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 are supported by hooks may be adopted.

[0076] As described above, the present invention may include various embodiments and the like that are not described herein, and various design changes and the like can be implemented within the scope of the technical concept defined by the claims.

[0077] As described above, the vehicle suspension device of the present invention is suitable for suppressing the reduction in durability and the generation of noise due to the friction between the leaf spring and the holding member.

[0078] Explanation of symbols

[0079] 1 Suspension

[0080] 2 Leaf springs

[0081] 3 Locking parts

[0082] 4.4A retaining components

[0083] 41 First Roller

[0084] 42 Second Roller

[0085] 43, 44 rollers

[0086] 41a First shaft

[0087] 41b First rotating part

[0088] 42a Second shaft

[0089] 42b Second rotating part

[0090] 43a, 44a shaft

[0091] 43b, 44b Rotating part

[0092] 45 first spring member

[0093] 46 Second spring member

[0094] 100 Axles

[0095] 101 Wheel

[0096] 110 Frame

[0097] 120 front mounting part

[0098] 130 Rear mounting part

[0099] 140 Washer

[0100] 150 U-bolt

[0101] 160 Shell

[0102] 431, 441 Main body

[0103] 432, 442 first protrusion

[0104] 433, 443 Second protrusion

[0105] 444 Recess.

Claims

1. A vehicle suspension device comprising a leaf spring, a locking member for locking one end of the leaf spring, and a holding member for holding the other end of the leaf spring, wherein: The holding component has: a roller that holds the other end of the leaf spring and is rotatable as the other end of the leaf spring is displaced; and A pressing member, which is opposite to the roller, The other end of the leaf spring is provided between the roller and the pressing member.

2. The vehicle suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other end of the leaf spring is sandwiched and held by the roller and the pressing member.

3. The vehicle suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also available: A biasing member applies pressure to the roller and the pressing member in a direction in which the roller and the pressing member are brought closer to each other.

4. The vehicle suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing member is a roller that is rotatable in accordance with the displacement of the other end of the leaf spring.

5. The vehicle suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one recessed portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller.

6. The vehicle suspension device according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least one recessed portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of at least one of the roller and the pressing member.

7. The vehicle suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The roller has: shaft; and a rotating portion, which is arranged on the outer periphery of the shaft portion and is rotatable relative to the shaft portion, The rotating portion includes an elastic material.

8. The vehicle suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protrusion is formed on at least one end side of the roller in the axial direction, and the protrusion protrudes in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

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