Attachment bracket and attachment structure for suspension arm

Abstract

To provide an attachment bracket for a suspension arm and an attachment structure for a suspension arm that can securely hold an attachment position of the suspension arm and allow the attachment position to be adjusted in sufficiently fine adjustment units.SOLUTION: An attachment bracket includes a long hole into which a bolt is inserted; an adjustment frame part projecting from an outer surface at positions along at least both sides of the long hole, the adjustment frame part having, on a side portion thereof, an uneven portion in which unevenness directed outward in a width direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the long hole is repeated along the longitudinal direction; and a washer having a hole that supports the bolt to be inserted and having, on both sides of the hole, projecting seat surfaces shaped to engage with the uneven portion of the adjustment frame part, the washer being arranged on the adjustment frame part with the projecting seat surfaces engaged with the uneven portions on both sides of the long hole, wherein an attachment position of the suspension arm with respect to the attachment bracket is adjustable according to a placement position of the washer in the adjustment frame part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting bracket for a vehicle suspension arm and a mounting structure for the suspension arm. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been mounting structures for attaching a vehicle suspension arm to a vehicle body that allow wheel alignment to be adjusted by changing the mounting position. Mounting structures include, for example, a multi-hole type with multiple fixing holes on the vehicle body for fastening the end of the suspension arm with bolts, and an elongated hole type with elongated fixing holes. In the case of a multi-hole type, the mounting position of the suspension arm can be adjusted by changing the hole through which the bolt is passed. In the case of an elongated hole type, the mounting position can be adjusted by changing the position where the bolt is fastened. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-126386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When there are multiple fixing holes, the smallest adjustment unit is the distance between adjacent holes. However, the positions of adjacent holes must be spaced apart enough to ensure the necessary strength. As a result, the adjustment amount when shifting one fixing hole becomes relatively large, and the adjustment function is insufficient when more precise adjustments are required. On the other hand, when the hole is elongated, the suspension arm can be fixed at any position within the range of the elongated hole, allowing for fine adjustment of the mounting position. However, since the mounting position is fixed only by the fastening force of the bolts and nuts, it is difficult to maintain the mounting position.

[0005] Another example of a mounting structure, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, is a structure in which two opposing brackets sandwich the end of the suspension arm, one of which has an elongated hole and the other has a threaded hole for fastening a bolt, and a shaft member is inserted into the elongated hole and attaches the suspension arm to the bracket via the bolt. When a cam member located in front of the shaft member is turned, the shaft member moves along the elongated hole relative to the bracket and the bolt. This allows the mounting position of the suspension arm to be adjusted by operating the cam member and moving the shaft member. However, even with this configuration, as with a typical elongated hole, the mounting position of the suspension arm is maintained by the fastening force of the bolt, so the mounting position may be misaligned.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a suspension arm mounting bracket and suspension arm mounting structure that can reliably maintain the mounting position of a suspension arm and allow the mounting position to be adjusted in sufficiently fine increments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The means for solving the above problems are as follows.

[0008] (1) A mounting bracket for attaching a suspension arm, an elongated hole into which a bolt supporting the joint portion of the suspension arm is inserted; an adjustment frame portion protruding from the outer surface at positions along at least both sides of the elongated hole, the adjustment frame portion having a concave-convex portion on a side thereof, the concave-convex portion facing outward in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole, the concave-convex portion being repeated along the longitudinal direction; a washer having a hole for supporting the bolt to be inserted, and having protruding seating surfaces on both sides of the hole that are shaped to engage with the uneven portions of the adjustment frame portion, the protruding seating surfaces engaging with the uneven portions on both sides of the elongated hole, and the washer being disposed on the adjustment frame portion; A mounting bracket in which the mounting position of the suspension arm relative to the mounting bracket is adjustable according to the arrangement position of the washer in the adjustment frame portion.

[0009] (2) The mounting bracket described in (1) above, characterized in that the concave and convex portions of the adjustment frame portion are composed of a plurality of concave portions of the same shape and a plurality of convex portions of the same shape arranged alternately and continuously.

[0010] (3) The mounting bracket according to (2) above, wherein the recessed portion has a semicircular shape with the same diameter when viewed from the front of the adjustment frame portion.

[0011] (4) A mounting bracket as described in (2) or (3) above, characterized in that the protruding seat of the washer includes a first protruding seat and a second protruding seat arranged on both sides of the hole, and the first protruding seat and the second protruding seat each have at least one washer-side convex portion that fits into the concave portion of the adjustment frame portion.

[0012] (5) The mounting bracket described in (4) above, characterized in that at least one of the first protruding seat surface and the second protruding seat surface further has a pressing portion on both sides of the washer-side convex portion, and the pressing portion abuts against the convex portion of the adjustment frame portion.

[0013] (6) The mounting bracket according to (4) above, wherein at least one of the first protruding seat surface and the second protruding seat surface has two washer-side protrusions spaced apart.

[0014] (7) The mounting bracket described in (1) above is a frame-shaped member having a pair of opposing wall portions, and is characterized in that the adjustment frame portion is provided on the outer surfaces of both of the wall portions.

[0015] (8) The mounting bracket according to (1) above, characterized in that the mounting bracket is a pair of separate plate-like members, each having the adjustment frame portion on one side thereof.

[0016] (9) The mounting bracket according to (1) above, characterized in that it is used to connect a suspension arm to a vehicle body, to connect a suspension arm to a knuckle, or to connect a suspension arm to another suspension arm.

[0017] (10) A mounting structure for a suspension arm, an elongated hole into which a bolt supporting the joint portion of the suspension arm is inserted; an adjustment frame portion protruding from the outer surface at positions along at least both sides of the elongated hole, the adjustment frame portion having a concave-convex portion on a side thereof, the concave-convex portion facing outward in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole, the concave-convex portion being repeated along the longitudinal direction; a washer having a hole for supporting the bolt to be inserted, and having protruding seating surfaces on both sides of the hole that are shaped to engage with the uneven portions of the adjustment frame portion, the protruding seating surfaces engaging with the uneven portions on both sides of the elongated hole, and the washer being disposed on the adjustment frame portion; A suspension arm mounting structure in which the mounting position of the suspension arm can be adjusted according to the arrangement position of the washer in the adjustment frame portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mounting bracket for a suspension arm and a mounting structure for a suspension arm that can reliably hold the mounting position of the suspension arm and allow the mounting position to be adjusted in sufficiently fine increments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view from above showing the structure of the suspension device including the mounting bracket of the suspension arm according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a structure around the suspension device according to an embodiment, as seen from below. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the structure of the suspension device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a structure around a suspension device according to an embodiment, as seen from the front of a vehicle. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mounting bracket 50. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing a cross section parallel to the outer surface of the mounting bracket 50, at a position where the adjustment frame portion 58 and the protruding seat surface 30s are engaged with each other. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating variations of washers. [Figure 8] An exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the mounting bracket 52 is shown. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating the action of force on the mounting bracket 50. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (First embodiment) The mounting bracket for a suspension arm of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above showing the structure of a suspension device and its surroundings, including the mounting bracket for a suspension arm of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below showing the structure of the suspension device and its surroundings. FIG. 3 is a view from below showing the structure of the suspension device and its surroundings. FIG. 4 is a view of the suspension device and its surroundings as seen from the front of the vehicle. The suspension device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is, as an example, a suspension device for the front side of a vehicle. The suspension device 1 includes a front suspension arm 2 of a lower arm, a rear suspension arm 4 of the lower arm, a shock absorber 6, and the like (in the following description, the front suspension arm 2, the rear suspension arm 4, and other suspension arms will also be referred to simply as the "suspension arm"). One end of the front suspension arm 2 is fixed to a mounting portion 62 of a vehicle body part 60, and the other end, a joint 21, is fixed to the side of the rear suspension arm 4. One end of the rear suspension arm 4 is fixed to a mounting portion 72 of a vehicle body part 70, and the other end is fixed to a knuckle 8. For simplicity of explanation, only the suspension device 1 and a portion of the surrounding structure are shown in the drawings.

[0021] Mounting brackets 50, 52, 54 for mounting the suspension arms are provided on the suspension arms (2, 4), the mounting portions 62, 72 of the vehicle body parts, and the knuckle 8. The mounting position of the suspension arms can be adjusted along the direction of the elongated holes formed in each mounting bracket.

[0022] First, for the front suspension arm 2, the mounting bracket 50 is disposed inside the mounting portion 62 of the vehicle body part 60. Vehicle body-side elongated holes 64 extending in the vertical direction are formed in the opposing wall portions of the mounting portion 62. The mounting bracket 50 has an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction at a position corresponding to the vehicle body-side elongated hole 64. As will be described later, the vehicle body-side elongated hole 64 is a larger elongated hole than the elongated hole in the mounting bracket 50. The vehicle body-side elongated hole 64 can be used to attach bolts 32, washers 30, etc. to the internal mounting bracket 50, and the mounting position can be adjusted along the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole in the mounting bracket 50 (in this embodiment, the vertical direction).

[0023] For the rear suspension arm 4, a mounting bracket 52 for attaching one end of the arm is disposed inside a mounting portion 72 of a vehicle body part 70. Vehicle body elongated holes 74 extending in the vertical direction are formed in the opposing wall portions of the mounting portion 72. The mounting bracket 52 has an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction at a position corresponding to the vehicle body elongated hole 74. The vehicle body elongated holes 74 are elongated holes larger than the elongated holes in the mounting bracket 52. Bolts 32, washers 30, etc. can be attached to the internal mounting bracket 52 through the vehicle body elongated holes 74, and their attachment positions can be adjusted along the longitudinal direction of the elongated holes in the mounting bracket 52. Meanwhile, a mounting bracket 54 is disposed on the knuckle 8 to which the other end of the rear suspension arm 4 is attached. The mounting bracket 54 is a mounting portion for the rear suspension arm 4 on the knuckle 8 side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the mounting bracket 54 has an elongated hole extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The mounting position of the rear suspension arm 4 on the knuckle 8 side can be adjusted along the direction of this elongated hole, that is, in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0024] The mounting brackets 50, 52, 54 of this embodiment may be, for example, original vehicle parts, or may be provided as aftermarket parts that are later attached to or used to replace the original bracket portion for securing the suspension arm. When retrofitting or replacing a mounting bracket, modifications can be made to the vehicle body or knuckle as necessary. In this embodiment, the bolt holes in the original bracket portion on the vehicle body are modified into vehicle body elongated holes 64, 74, and the mounting bracket 50 is attached thereto. As described above, the vehicle body elongated holes 64, 74 may be shaped larger than the elongated holes in the mounting brackets 50 and 52. More specifically, as described below, a washer 30 wider than the head of the bolt 32 must be attached to the outer surface of the mounting bracket (50, 52) of this embodiment between the bearing surfaces of the bolt 32 and nut 33. To this end, the width of the vehicle body elongated holes 64, 74 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be set to a width that allows the washer 30 to be inserted and removed. In other words, the width of the washer 30 can be made wider than the width of the elongated hole of the mounting bracket 50 or 52 (the diameter of the bolt 32).

[0025] The mounting bracket of this embodiment can be placed in positions other than those exemplified in this embodiment. For example, it can be applied to the vehicle body side mounting portion of another arm (not shown) of the suspension device 1, or the knuckle side mounting portion of another arm. It can also be placed at the connection portion between a suspension arm and another suspension arm, for example, the mounting bracket of this embodiment can be placed at the connection portion between the joint 21 of the front suspension arm 2 and the rear suspension arm 4. It can also be placed on either the front or rear side. In short, the mounting bracket of this embodiment can be applied as appropriate to any mounting portion to which the end of any suspension arm equipped on the vehicle (a joint portion such as a rubber bushing or a pillow ball) is connected.

[0026] Next, the structure of the mounting bracket of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mounting bracket 50 as an example of a mounting bracket. As described above, the mounting bracket 50 is placed on a mounting portion 62 that secures the front suspension arm 2 to a body part 60 located on the front side of the vehicle. Washers 30 are placed on both sides of the mounting bracket 50. Then, by passing bolts 32 through the elongated holes 64 on the vehicle body side on both sides, the washers 30 on both sides, the elongated holes 56 on both sides of the mounting bracket 50, and the joints 22 of the front suspension arm 2, and fastening them with nuts 33, the suspension arm can be connected and fixed to the body part 60.

[0027] The mounting bracket 50 is frame-shaped and is supported by bolts 32 inserted into the joints 22 of the front suspension arm 2, which are inserted into the mounting bracket 50. The mounting bracket 50 is secured by fastening nuts 33. Slotted holes 56 are provided on both sides of the mounting bracket 50. The mounting bracket 50 is secured so that the slotted holes 56 align with the slotted holes 64 on both sides of the vehicle body part 60. The mounting bracket 50 can be inserted between the opposing wall portions of the mounting portion 62. To insert the mounting bracket 50, a portion of the mounting portion 62 may be cut open, or the mounting bracket 50 may be inserted by press-fitting or other methods. The mounting bracket 50 can be secured within the mounting portion 62 by any suitable fastening means. Examples of such fastening means include, but are not limited to, welding, screws such as bolts, and rivets. Furthermore, if the structure of the mounting portion 62 and the mounting bracket 50 allows the mounting bracket 50 to be installed on the vehicle body part 60 without rattle, a fastening means need not be used. The outer surface of the mounting bracket 50 has an adjustment frame portion 58 around the oblong hole 56. The adjustment frame portion 58 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the mounting bracket 50 and has an end face that is further outward than the outer surface of the bracket. This end face is parallel to the outer surface of the mounting bracket 50. Both sides of the protruding adjustment frame portion 58 (both sides in the width direction of the oblong hole 56) have an uneven portion with multiple identical uneven portions lined up along the longitudinal direction of the oblong hole 56. The uneven portion of the adjustment frame portion 58 is an uneven portion that faces outward from the oblong hole 56 in the width direction of the oblong hole 56, and the uneven portion is repeated along the longitudinal direction of the oblong hole 56. The adjustment frame portion 58 can determine the position of the washer 30 that engages with this uneven portion. Note that in this embodiment, the adjustment frame portion 58 is formed to surround the periphery of the oblong hole 56, but this is not limited to this. The adjustment frame portion 58 needs to have at least the uneven portions on both sides of the elongated hole 56, and does not need to surround the entire periphery of the elongated hole 56. For example, the adjustment frame portion 58 may not be provided in the upper and lower portions that do not have the uneven portions.

[0028] The washer 30 has a structure that engages with the concave and convex portions of the adjustment frame portion 58 of the mounting bracket 50, and this engagement allows the washer's position to be fixed. Fixing the position of the washer 30 also fixes the longitudinal position of the inserted bolt 32 within the elongated hole 56, thereby determining the mounting position of the suspension arm. The mounting position of the suspension arm can be adjusted by moving both washers 30 to any position within the range that allows them to engage with the adjustment frame portion 58 and then fastening the bolt 32. One surface of the washer 30 has a protruding bearing surface 30s that protrudes in the axial direction of the washer hole 30h. The washer 30 of this embodiment has a first protruding bearing surface 30s on either side of the hole 30h as the protruding bearing surface 30s. The washer 30 is positioned in the adjustment frame portion 58 with both protruding bearing surfaces 30s fitted so as to sandwich the concave and convex portions on both sides of the adjustment frame portion 58. It is preferable that the width of the elongated hole 56 of the mounting bracket 50, the diameter of the bolt 32, and the diameter of the hole 30h of the washer 30 are approximately the same, and are sized so that there is no play between them when they are inserted.

[0029] The materials for the mounting bracket 50 (including 52 and 54), washer 30, and bolt 32 to be combined therewith are not particularly limited, but they can be made of an appropriate steel or alloy. The mounting bracket 50 and washer 30 can be manufactured by an appropriate method, such as press working, cutting, casting, or forging.

[0030] The mechanism for adjusting the mounting position of the suspension arm in the mounting bracket 50 of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure parallel to the outer surface of the mounting bracket 50, at a position where the adjustment frame portion 58 and the protruding seating surface 30s are engaged. In FIG. 6 , the position of the vehicle body-side elongated hole 64 of the vehicle body part 60 is indicated by a dashed line. The washer 30 has a washer-side protrusion 30a and a pressing portion 30b as the protruding seating surface 30s. The protruding seating surface 30s protrudes from one side of the washer 30 toward the back of the paper in FIG. 6 . As described above, the adjustment frame portion 58 protrudes outward (toward the front of the paper in FIG. 6 ) from the outer surface of the mounting bracket 50. The concave-convex portions on both sides of the adjustment frame portion 58 are configured by a plurality of identically shaped concave portions 58a and a plurality of identically shaped convex portions 58b arranged alternately and continuously. The concave-convex portions are preferably symmetrical across the elongated hole 56. The recesses 58a are semicircular and have the same diameter when viewed from the front of the adjustment frame 58 (FIG. 6). The washer-side protrusions 30a of the washer 30 fit into the recesses 58a on both sides, fixing the position of the washer 30. The protrusions 58b of the adjustment frame 58 also have the same height in the width direction of the elongated hole 56, and their peaks are aligned. The peaks of the protrusions 58b are flat. When the washer 30 is fitted, the pressing portion 30b of the washer 30 comes into contact with the peaks of the protrusions 58b. The pressing portion 30b contacting the protrusions 58b reliably prevents the washer 30 from rotating around the bolt 32, thereby fixing the washer 30 with less rattle. Note that the peaks do not necessarily have to be flat as long as they are aligned; for example, they may be angular or curved.

[0031] The procedure for adjusting the mounting position of the suspension arm on the mounting bracket 50 from the position shown in FIG. 6(a) to the position shown in FIG. 6(b) will be described. First, loosen the bolt 32 (and nut 33). Next, pull the washers 30 on both sides of the mounting bracket 50 toward you to remove them from the concave and convex portions of the adjustment frame 58. Next, move the washers 30, bolt 32, and joint 22 of the front suspension arm 2 to the position shown in FIG. 6(b), and reinsert the washers 30 on both sides into the concave and convex portions of the adjustment frame 58. Finally, tighten the bolt 32 and nut 33 to complete the adjustment of the mounting position. In this way, the washer 30 can be moved to the desired position on the adjustment frame 58, thereby changing the mounting position of the suspension arm. Note that the adjustment procedure is not limited to the above example. For example, the bolt 32 may be completely pulled out, and only the washer 30 may be fitted into the desired position, and then the bolt 32 may be inserted into that position to mount the suspension arm.

[0032] The shape of the protruding seat 30s of the washer 30 will be described. The protruding seat 30s is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 6, and can have other shapes that engage with the adjustment frame portion 58. Variations of the washer 30 are shown in FIG. 7. (a) is the shape shown in FIG. 6. This type has one washer-side protrusion 30a in the center, and protruding seats 30s with pressing portions 30b on both sides of the hole 30h. (b) has the same shape as (a) for one of the first and second protruding seats 30s (the left side in the figure), but the shape of the other (the right side) protruding seat is different from (a). The other protruding seat has two washer-side protrusions 30a arranged side by side and does not have pressing portions 30b. These two washer-side protrusions 30a are spaced apart and fit into the two front and rear recesses 58a of the three recesses 58a of the adjustment frame 58, leaving the center one open. Instead of having a retaining portion 30b, the two washer-side protrusions 30a position the washer 30 and restrict rotation. (c) is a type in which protruding bearing surfaces 30s with two washer-side protrusions 30a are arranged on both sides. The shapes of the protruding bearing surfaces 30s are not limited to these. As long as each protruding bearing surface 30s has at least one washer-side protrusion 30a, positioning is possible using the washer-side protrusions 30a on both sides. While the retaining portion 30b may be omitted, it is preferable to include the retaining portion 30b because it improves strength and allows for more stable fixation to the mounting bracket 50 without rattle. Furthermore, the pair of washers 30 may be combined such that the shapes of the protruding seating surfaces 30s are the same (such as (a) and (a) in FIG. 7), or may be of different types (such as (a) and (b)).

[0033] Next, the configurations of the other mounting brackets 52 and 54 will be described. The mounting brackets 52 and 54 are basically similar to the mounting bracket 50. FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the mounting bracket 52. The mounting bracket 52 is a plate-shaped bracket. Unlike the mounting bracket 50, the mounting bracket 52 is a pair of separate plate-shaped brackets, each with an adjustable frame on its outer surface. The two brackets are fixed to the inside of opposing walls of the body part 70, aligning with the positions of the elongated holes 74 on the body side. The plate-shaped mounting bracket 52 can also be fixed to the body part 70 by welding, screws, rivets, or the like. The mounting bracket 52 also has vertical elongated holes and an adjustable frame, similar to the mounting bracket 50. Similarly, the mounting bracket 52 can adjustably fix the mounting position of the rear suspension arm 4 using the washer 30 described above.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting bracket 54 is fixed to the lower end of the knuckle 8. The mounting bracket 54 may be attached by replacing the bracket originally provided on the vehicle, or may be attached after making any necessary modifications to the knuckle 8. In the mounting bracket 54, the washer 30 is fitted into an adjustment frame portion on the outer surface of the mounting bracket 54 to determine the mounting position of the joint 41 of the rear suspension arm 4. The mounting bracket 54 also has an elongated hole and an adjustment frame portion that extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. Therefore, by moving the position of the washer 30, the mounting position of the rear suspension arm 4 on the knuckle 8 side can be adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0035] The effects of the mounting bracket 50 (including mounting brackets 52 and 54) according to the present embodiment will now be described. The minimum adjustment unit for the mounting position using the adjustment frame 58 and washer 30 of this embodiment can be freely set according to the size of the concave-convex portion of the adjustment frame 58 and the corresponding protruding seat surface 30s of the washer 30. This allows for a smaller adjustment unit compared to the conventional multiple-hole type, enabling more precise adjustment of the suspension arm mounting position. Furthermore, because the concave-convex portion of the adjustment frame 58 and the washer 30 are configured to interlock and prevent misalignment, the arm mounting position can be more reliably maintained than with the conventional elongated hole type. This reliably prevents misalignment of the suspension arm mounting position.

[0036] Furthermore, this embodiment can distribute the load acting between the suspension arm and the mounting bracket 50, thereby preventing deformation or damage to the elongated hole 56 of the mounting bracket 50. This point will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of force to the mounting bracket 50. FIG. 9(a) shows an example in which a force from the suspension arm to the right acts on the bolt 32. In this case, the bolt 32 applies a load indicated by arrow A to the elongated hole 56. At this time, the load on the bolt 32 also acts on the washer 30. Therefore, the load indicated by arrow B is also applied from the left protruding seating surface 30s to the left adjusting frame portion 58 (in the case of the protruding seating surface 30s shown in the figure, the load is applied to the adjusting frame portion 58 from the washer-side convex portion 30a and the pressing portion 30b). Therefore, the load on the bolt 32 acts in a distributed manner on the elongated hole 56 and the adjusting frame portion 58. FIG. 9( b ) shows a case where a load is applied to the bolt 32 from the left side of the drawing. Similarly, the load on the bolt 32 is distributed between the elongated hole 56 and the adjustment frame portion 58 on the right side. Thus, according to this embodiment, the load applied to the bolt 32 can be distributed between the inner surface of the elongated hole 56 and the adjustment frame portion 58. Therefore, the load on the inner surface of the elongated hole can be reduced compared to when the bolt 32 is supported solely by the elongated hole, thereby suppressing deformation and damage of the elongated hole 56 in the mounting bracket 50. In contrast, with a conventional simple elongated hole shape, the strength is reduced because the elongated hole is larger than a simple bolt hole. Furthermore, the load from the bolt is concentrated at one point on the inner surface of the elongated hole. Therefore, for example, if a large force is applied, such as pulling on the elongated hole, the strength may be insufficient, resulting in deformation or damage to the elongated hole.

[0037] In the embodiment described above, the adjustment frame portion 58 and the washer 30 are located on both sides of the mounting bracket 50, but they may be located on only one side. Even if they are located on only one side, the position of the washer 30 is determined and the bolt 32 is fixed, so the mounting position of the suspension arm can be adjustably fixed. However, if they are located on both sides, the position of the suspension arm can be more reliably and firmly fixed, so it is preferable that the adjustment frame portion 58 and the washer 30 are located on both sides of the mounting bracket 50.

[0038] Furthermore, the shape of the mounting bracket is not limited to the shape described in this embodiment. As long as the adjustment frame portion 58, which can engage and secure the washer 30, is provided on the outer surface along the elongated hole 56, the shape of the remaining portions can be appropriately configured depending on the shape and structure of the vehicle body. As described above, the mounting bracket may be an integrated unit like the mounting bracket 50, or a separate plate-like configuration like the mounting bracket 52. Furthermore, the original mounting portion of the suspension arm on the vehicle body or knuckle side may be removed by cutting or the like, and the mounting bracket of this embodiment may be attached thereto. Although the mounting bracket 50 of this embodiment is inserted into the mounting portion 62 of the vehicle body part 60, it may also be positioned so as to cover the outside of the mounting portion. Even when the mounting bracket is configured separately, it may be attached to the outside of the mounting portion 62, 72, etc. When the mounting bracket is located outside the mounting portion, the vehicle body-side elongated holes 64, 74 do not need to be wide as described above, and may be elongated holes of the same shape and size as the elongated hole (56) of the mounting bracket. Furthermore, the structure of the vehicle body or knuckle to which the suspension arm is connected varies depending on the vehicle, so the shape and mounting method of the mounting bracket can also be appropriately adapted to the structure.

[0039] In this embodiment, the shape of the concave-convex portion of the adjustment frame portion 58 is described as being formed by multiple identical semicircular recesses. However, this is not limited to this, and other shapes may be used. For example, the concave-convex portion may be formed by a series of rectangular recesses or a series of triangular recesses. The washer-side protrusions 30a and the pressing portion 30b of the protruding seating surface 30s of the washer 30 may also be formed to match the shape of the concave-convex portions of the adjustment frame portion 58. Furthermore, the relationship between the concave-convex portions of the adjustment frame portion 58 and the protruding seating surface 30s of the washer 30 may be reversed from that of this embodiment. That is, for example, the adjustment frame portion 58 may be provided with a series of convex portions, such as the washer-side protrusions 30a, and the protruding seating surface 30s of the washer 30 may have a concave shape that engages with the convex portions.

[0040] The direction in which the mounting position of the suspension arm can be adjusted using the mounting bracket according to this embodiment is not limited to the direction shown in this embodiment. A slot in any direction can be formed in the mounting bracket to allow the mounting position to be adjusted in any direction. Furthermore, by changing the orientation of the mounting bracket relative to the vehicle body, the mounting position can be adjusted in any other direction.

[0041] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described. This embodiment relates to a suspension arm mounting structure. That is, this embodiment is an embodiment in which the configuration of the mounting bracket 50 (including mounting brackets 52, 54, etc.) described in the first embodiment is originally included in the vehicle body structure. In this embodiment, for example, the elongated hole 56 and adjustment frame portion 58 described in the first embodiment may be directly formed in the mounting portion 62 of the vehicle body part 60 shown in Figures 1 and 2, etc. Similarly, the elongated hole 56 and adjustment frame portion 58 may also be formed in the mounting portion 72 of the vehicle body part 70. Furthermore, the knuckle 8 may also have the elongated hole 56 and adjustment frame portion 58 at the portion where it is connected to the rear suspension arm 4.

[0042] In this way, even when the vehicle body has a mounting structure such as an adjustment frame portion 58, the above-mentioned washer 30 can be fitted and positioned to fix the mounting position of the suspension arm. Also, by moving the position of the washer 30 along the direction of the elongated hole and fixing it, the mounting position of the suspension arm can be adjusted. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1. Suspension device 2 Front suspension arm 4 Rear suspension arm 6. Shock absorbers 8 Knuckles 21, 22, 41 joints 30 washer 30s protruding seat surface 30a Convex part on washer side 30b Presser foot 32 volts 33 Nut 50, 52, 54 Mounting bracket 56 slotted hole 58 Adjustment frame 58a Recess 58b Convex part 60, 70 body parts 62, 72 Mounting part 64, 74 Body side slots

Claims

1. A mounting bracket for mounting a suspension arm, an elongated hole into which a bolt supporting the joint portion of the suspension arm is inserted; an adjustment frame portion protruding from the outer surface at positions along at least both sides of the elongated hole, the adjustment frame portion having a concave-convex portion on a side thereof, the concave-convex portion facing outward in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole, the concave-convex portion being repeated along the longitudinal direction; a washer having a hole for supporting the bolt to be inserted, and having protruding seating surfaces on both sides of the hole that are shaped to engage with the uneven portions of the adjustment frame portion, the protruding seating surfaces engaging with the uneven portions on both sides of the elongated hole, and the washer being disposed on the adjustment frame portion; A mounting bracket in which the mounting position of the suspension arm relative to the mounting bracket is adjustable according to the arrangement position of the washer in the adjustment frame portion.

2. 2. The mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the concave and convex portions of the adjustment frame portion are configured by a plurality of concave portions of the same shape and a plurality of convex portions of the same shape being alternately arranged in succession.

3. The mounting bracket according to claim 2, wherein the recessed portion has a semicircular shape with a uniform diameter when viewed from the front of the adjustment frame portion.

4. 4. The mounting bracket according to claim 2, wherein the protruding seat of the washer includes a first protruding seat and a second protruding seat arranged on both sides of the hole, and the first protruding seat and the second protruding seat each have at least one washer-side convex portion that fits into the recess of the adjustment frame portion.

5. The mounting bracket according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the first protruding seat surface and the second protruding seat surface further has a pressing portion on both sides of the washer-side convex portion, and the pressing portion abuts against the convex portion of the adjustment frame portion.

6. 5. The mounting bracket according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first protruding seat surface and the second protruding seat surface has two of the washer-side protrusions spaced apart from each other.

7. The mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is a frame-shaped member having a pair of opposing wall portions, and the adjustment frame portion is provided on the outer surfaces of both of the wall portions.

8. The mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is a pair of separate plate-like members, each having the adjustment frame portion on one side thereof.

9. 2. The mounting bracket according to claim 1, which is used to connect a suspension arm to a vehicle body, to connect a suspension arm to a knuckle, or to connect a suspension arm to another suspension arm.

10. A suspension arm mounting structure for mounting a suspension arm, an elongated hole into which a bolt supporting the joint portion of the suspension arm is inserted; an adjustment frame portion protruding from the outer surface at positions along at least both sides of the elongated hole, the adjustment frame portion having a concave-convex portion on a side thereof, the concave-convex portion facing outward in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole, the concave-convex portion being repeated along the longitudinal direction; a washer having a hole for supporting the bolt to be inserted, and having protruding seating surfaces on both sides of the hole that are shaped to engage with the uneven portions of the adjustment frame portion, the protruding seating surfaces engaging with the uneven portions on both sides of the elongated hole, and the washer being disposed on the adjustment frame portion; A suspension arm mounting structure in which the mounting position of the suspension arm can be adjusted according to the arrangement position of the washer in the adjustment frame portion.

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