Suspension member structure

Abstract

A suspension member structure includes a suspension member and a rigid member formed in a plate shape and attached to the suspension member to reinforce the suspension member. A rib that suppresses deformation of the rigid member in a thickness direction is formed on the rigid member, and an opening (first opening, second opening) that penetrates the rigid member is formed in a portion of the rigid member that is different from the portion in which the rib is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a suspension component structure. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-041009 discloses a vehicle rear structure equipped with motors that independently drive the left and right rear wheels. The rear of the vehicle described in this document includes: a pair of left and right rear side frames extending along the vehicle's longitudinal direction; a pair of left and right motors that independently drive the left and right rear wheels; a motor mounting component; and a crossbeam. Here, the crossbeam extends along the vehicle width direction behind the pair of left and right motors. The motor mounting component is used to mount the pair of left and right motors to the vehicle body. The rear part of the motor mounting component is connected to the crossbeam, and its front part is connected to the pair of left and right rear side frames. Thus, the pair of left and right motors are mounted to the vehicle body via the motor mounting component. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In vehicles equipped with suspension components such as arms that support wheels, in order to improve the rigidity of the suspension components, it is advisable to mount a rigid member in the form of a plate onto the suspension components. In this case, it is preferable to ensure the rigidity of the rigid member while suppressing its vibration.

[0004] In view of the above facts, the present invention aims to obtain a suspension component structure that can ensure the rigidity of a rigid component while suppressing the vibration of that rigid component.

[0005] The suspension component structure of the first method has: Suspension components; and A rigid component, formed in the shape of a plate and mounted on the suspension member to reinforce the suspension member. Ribs are formed on the rigid component to inhibit deformation of the rigid component along the thickness direction. An opening is formed in the rigid member that penetrates the rigid member, in a portion different from the portion where the rib is formed.

[0006] In the suspension component structure of the first embodiment, the rigidity of the suspension component is improved by mounting a rigid member on it. Here, ribs are formed on the rigid member to suppress deformation of the rigid member along its thickness direction. This ensures the rigidity of the rigid member. Furthermore, an opening penetrating the rigid member is formed in a portion of the rigid member different from the portion where the ribs are formed. In this configuration, air surrounding the rigid member can pass through the opening and from one side of the rigid member along its thickness direction to the other. This suppresses vibration of the rigid member due to wind pressure.

[0007] The second type of suspension component structure is in the same way as the first type of suspension component structure. The ribs are formed along the edge of the opening.

[0008] In the second type of suspension component structure, the rigidity reduction of the rigid component caused by the formation of the opening is suppressed by the ribs formed along the edge of the opening.

[0009] The third type of suspension component structure is in the same way as the first or second type of suspension component structure. When viewed from the thickness direction, the rigid component has a rectangular shape. The ribs are formed along the diagonal of the rigid member.

[0010] In the suspension component structure of the third type, the ribs are formed along the diagonal of the rectangular rigid component. In this configuration, compared to a configuration where the ribs are not formed along the diagonal of the rectangular rigid component, the rigidity of the rigid component can be easily ensured.

[0011] The fourth type of suspension component structure is in any of the suspension component structures of types 1 to 3. The opening serves as a clearance portion to avoid interference with components supported by the suspension structure.

[0012] In the fourth type of suspension component structure, by forming an opening in the rigid component, interference between the component supported by the suspension component and the rigid component can be avoided.

[0013] The suspension component structure involved in this invention has the excellent effect of ensuring the rigidity of the rigid component while suppressing the vibration of the rigid component. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein: Figure 1 It is a top view showing suspension components, etc.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view showing suspension components, etc.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view representing a rigid component. Detailed Implementation

[0017] use Figures 1 to 3The rear part 10 of a vehicle to which the suspension component structure according to the embodiments of the present invention is applied will be described. Furthermore, in each figure, arrow FR appropriately indicates the front side of the vehicle, arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), and arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). In the following description, unless otherwise stated, front-back, up-down, and left-right directions refer to front-back in the front-back direction, up-down in the up-down direction, and left-right in the left-right direction.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a suspension member 12 is provided in the rear part 10 of a vehicle to which the suspension member structure of this embodiment is applied. Various arms, etc., supporting left and right rear wheels (not shown), are mounted on this suspension member 12. Furthermore, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The portion where various arms are mounted on the suspension member 12 is omitted. Furthermore, a motor 14 for driving the left and right rear wheels is supported on the suspension member 12 via a motor mount 16. Additionally, a rigid member 58 is mounted on the suspension member 12.

[0019] As an example, the suspension component 12 is formed from die-cast aluminum or the like, forming a structure in which all parts are integrally formed, as described later. This suspension component 12 includes a pair of left and right side components 18 extending along the longitudinal direction on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and a front crossbeam 20 connecting the front ends of the pair of left and right side components 18 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the suspension component 12 includes a rear crossbeam 22 connecting the rear ends of the pair of left and right side components 18 in the left-right direction, and a middle crossbeam 24 connecting the middle portions of the pair of left and right side components 18 in the longitudinal direction in the left-right direction.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, when viewed from above, the shape of the left and right side component portions 18, extending from the front end to the center in the front-rear direction, curves gently outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves towards the front. Figure 2 As shown, the middle portion of the left and right side component portions 18 in the front-rear direction has an upper middle component portion 26 extending in the front-rear direction and a lower middle component portion 28 extending in the front-rear direction below the upper middle component portion 26. An opening 30 is formed between the upper middle component portion 26 and the lower middle component portion 28 for the drive shaft for transmitting the rotation of the motor 14 to the rear wheel to pass through in the left-right direction.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a front fixing part 32 (not shown) is provided at the front end of a pair of left and right side component parts 18, which is fixed to a vehicle body (not shown). A mounting hole 34 is formed on this front fixing part 32 for mounting a mounting component (not shown) by pressing or inserting it. Furthermore, the front fixing part 32 is fixed to the vehicle body by mounting components installed in the mounting holes 34.

[0022] A rear-side fixing portion 36, which is fixed to a vehicle body (not shown), is provided at the rear end of a pair of left and right side component portions 18. A mounting hole 38 is formed on this rear-side fixing portion 36 for mounting a mounting component (not shown) by pressing or inserting it. Furthermore, the rear-side fixing portion 36 is fixed to the vehicle body by mounting components installed in the mounting holes 38.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, when viewed from above, the front crossbeam 20 has a shape that gently curves rearward toward the center in the vehicle width direction. This front crossbeam 20 is mounted between the front fixing portions 32 of the pair of left and right side component portions 18. Furthermore, the rear crossbeam 22 is mounted between the rear fixing portions 36 of the pair of left and right side component portions 18. Further, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the middle crossbeam 24 is mounted between the rear ends of the lower middle component 28 of the left and right side component parts 18.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, a motor mounting hole 40, which is a through-hole extending along the vehicle width direction, is formed on the rear end side of the upper middle component 26 of the pair of left and right side component portions 18. A bushing 42, forming part of the motor mounting member 16, is pressed into and mounted in this motor mounting hole 40 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. A motor mounting member body, forming another part of the motor mounting member 16, is fixed to the bushing 42. Furthermore, the motor 14, disposed between the pair of left and right side component portions 18, is supported on the suspension member 12 via the motor mounting member body and the bushing 42.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, as an example, the rigid member 58 is formed from die-cast aluminum or the like, forming a structure in which all parts are integrally formed as described later. This rigid member 58 has a plate-shaped rigid member body 60 that extends along the left-right and front-back directions. Furthermore, the rigid member 58 has ribs 62 that protrude downwards from the rigid member body 60.

[0026] Viewed from the thickness direction, the rigid member body 60 is shaped as a rectangle with its length in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the rigid member body 60 is configured to curve downwards towards the front. Figure 1and Figure 3 As shown, insertion holes 66 for fastening components 64 such as bolts are formed at the right front end, right rear end, left front end, and left rear end of the rigid component main body 60. Furthermore, the rigid component 58 is installed on the suspension frame 12 by screwing the fastening components 64, which are respectively inserted into the four insertion holes 66, into the threaded portions provided on the left and right side component portions 18. With the rigid component 58 installed on the suspension frame 12, the rigid component 58 is positioned between the front portions of the left and right side component portions 18.

[0027] The rigid member body 60 has a first opening 68 and a second opening 70, both of which are rectangular openings extending in the left-right direction. The first opening 68 extends through the rigid member body 60 at its center in both the left-right and front-back directions. The second opening 70 extends through the rigid member body 60 to the right rear side relative to the first opening 68.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, rib 62 protrudes downward from the rigid member body 60, serving to ensure the bending and torsional rigidity of the rigid member body 60. Rib 62 includes a first rib portion 72 extending laterally from the center of the rigid member body 60 in the front-rear direction. This first rib portion 72 is formed along the rear edge of the first opening 68 and the front edge of the second opening 70. Furthermore, rib 62 includes a pair of second rib portions 74 extending from the central portion of the first rib portion 72 in the left-right direction toward the right front and left front sides, respectively. Further, rib 62 includes a pair of third rib portions 76 extending from the end portions of the first rib portion 72 in the left-right direction toward the right rear and left rear sides, respectively. Finally, rib 62 includes a pair of fourth rib portions 78 extending laterally from the middle portion of the pair of second rib portions 62 in the longitudinal direction toward the right rear and left rear sides, respectively. The fourth rib portion 78 on the right side connects to the right end of the first rib portion 72 and the central portion of the third rib portion 76 along its length. Furthermore, the end of the fourth rib portion 78 on the right side opposite to the second rib portion 74 on the right side protrudes rearward relative to the third rib portion 76 on the right side. The fourth rib portion 78 on the left side connects to the left end of the first rib portion 72 and the central portion of the third rib portion 76 along its length. Furthermore, the end of the fourth rib portion 78 on the left side opposite to the second rib portion 74 on the left side protrudes rearward relative to the third rib portion 76 on the left side.

[0029] Viewed from the thickness direction (here, the upper side) of the rigid member body 60, the range from the second rib portion 74 on the right, through the middle portion of the first rib portion 72 in the left-right direction, to the third rib portion 76 on the left, roughly follows a diagonal line drawn from the front right end to the rear left end of the rigid member body 60. Similarly, the range from the second rib portion 74 on the left, through the middle portion of the first rib portion 72 in the left-right direction, to the third rib portion 76 on the right, roughly follows a diagonal line drawn from the front left end to the rear right end of the rigid member body 60.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment described above, the rigidity of the suspension member 12 is improved by mounting the rigid member 58 onto the suspension member 12. Here, a rib 62 is formed on the main body 60 of the rigid member to suppress deformation of the main body 60 in the thickness direction. This ensures the rigidity of the rigid member 58. Furthermore, a first opening 68 and a second opening 70 penetrating the main body 60 are formed in a portion of the main body 60 different from the portion where the rib 62 is formed. In this configuration, air surrounding the rigid member can pass through the first opening 68 and the second opening 70 from one side of the main body 60 in the thickness direction to the other. This suppresses vibration of the rigid member 58 (main body 60) due to wind pressure.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first rib portion 72, which constitutes part of the rib 62, is formed along the rear edge of the first opening 68 and the front edge of the second opening 70. As a result, the reduction in rigidity of the rigid member 58 (rigid member main body 60) caused by the formation of the first opening 68 and the second opening 70 can be suppressed.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed from above, the rigid member body 60 extends approximately diagonally from the second rib portion 74 on the right side, through the middle of the first rib portion 72 in the left-right direction, to the third rib portion 76 on the left side. Here, the diagonal is drawn from the right front end to the left rear end of the rigid member body 60. Further, the extension from the second rib portion 74 on the left side, through the middle of the first rib portion 72 in the left-right direction, to the third rib portion 76 on the right side, also extends approximately diagonally from the left front end to the right rear end of the rigid member body 60. In this configuration, compared to a configuration where the aforementioned extension in the rib 62 does not follow a diagonal, the rigidity of the rigid member 58 can be easily ensured.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first opening 68 and the second opening 70 formed on the rigid member body 60 can also function as clearance portions to avoid interference with components supported by the suspension member 12 (for example, a part of the motor 14 or a connector for wiring). In this configuration, interference between the components supported by the suspension member 12 and the rigid member 58 can be avoided.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example in which the aforementioned range in rib 62 is aligned with a diagonal has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Whether or not the aforementioned range in rib 62 is aligned with a diagonal can be appropriately set considering the rigidity required by the rigid member 58, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the first rib portion 72, which constitutes part of the rib 62, is formed along the rear edge of the first opening 68 and the front edge of the second opening 70 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Regarding whether the rib 62 is formed along the edges of the first opening 68 and the second opening 70, it can be appropriately set considering the degree of influence of the formation of the first opening 68 and the second opening 70 on the rigidity of the rigid member body portion 60.

[0036] The present invention has been described above as an embodiment of the invention, but the invention is not limited to the above description. Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A suspension component structure, characterized in that, have: Suspension components; and A rigid component, formed in the shape of a plate and mounted on the suspension member to reinforce the suspension member. Ribs are formed on the rigid component to inhibit deformation of the rigid component along the thickness direction. An opening is formed in the rigid member that penetrates the rigid member, in a portion different from the portion where the rib is formed.

2. The suspension component structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ribs are formed along the edge of the opening.

3. The suspension component structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from the thickness direction, the rigid component has a rectangular shape. The ribs are formed along the diagonal of the rigid member.

4. The suspension component structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening serves as a clearance portion to avoid interference with components supported by the suspension structure.

Images