Suspension system and saddle-type vehicle equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient suspension system that allows for adjustment of the initial load of the spring. [Solution] The suspension device 1 comprises a cylinder 10, a piston rod 20, a spring 30, a spring support 43 that supports the first end 31 of the spring 30, a stopper 13 that protrudes radially outward from the cylinder 10, and an adjuster 50 that supports the second end 32 of the spring 30 and is supported by the stopper 13, and is rotatable relative to the cylinder 10. The adjuster 50 comprises a spring seat 60 having a plurality of cam surfaces 66 that engage with the stopper 13, each at a different axial position on the cylinder 10, and a grip 70 that rotates with the spring seat 60 and has a gripping surface 70a that is grasped by the operator's hand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension device and a saddle-type vehicle equipped with the same.

Background Art

[0002] Suspension devices are used as devices for alleviating impacts from the road surface in motorcycles and the like. Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 for example, a suspension device capable of adjusting the initial load of a spring has been known.

[0003] The suspension device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cylinder, a piston rod extending from the cylinder, and a spring disposed around the cylinder and the piston rod. A bracket is fixed to the tip of the piston rod, and a cam adjuster is rotatably attached to the bracket. The upper end of the spring is supported by a spring seat formed in the cylinder, and the lower end of the spring is supported by a spring seat formed in the cam adjuster. A stopper protruding radially outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the bracket. The cam adjuster has a plurality of cam surfaces that engage with the stopper. When the cam adjuster is rotated, the cam surface that engages with the stopper is changed, and the position of the cam adjuster in the cylinder axis direction is changed. As a result, the position of the spring seat of the cam adjuster is changed, so the initial length of the spring changes, and the initial load of the spring is changed.

[0004] A plurality of engagement grooves for tool engagement are formed in the cam adjuster. The cam adjuster can be rotated by engaging a tool with the engagement groove and rotating it. In the above suspension device, the initial load of the spring can be adjusted using a tool in this way.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, the above suspension system requires a special tool to adjust the initial load of the spring. Because a special tool needs to be prepared, its convenience was limited.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a highly convenient suspension system that allows for adjustment of the initial load of the spring, and a saddle-type vehicle equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The suspension system disclosed herein comprises a cylinder, a piston rod inserted into the cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction, a spring arranged around the cylinder and the piston rod and having a first end and a second end, a spring rest fixed to the piston rod and supporting the first end of the spring, a stopper provided on the cylinder and projecting radially outward from the cylinder, and an adjuster into which the cylinder is inserted, directly or indirectly supporting the second end of the spring and supported by the stopper, and rotatable relative to the cylinder. The adjuster comprises a spring seat having a plurality of cam surfaces, each at a different axial position of the cylinder and engaging with the stopper, and a grip that rotates with the spring seat and has a gripping surface that is grasped by the hand of an operator.

[0009] According to the above suspension device, when an operator rotates the grip while holding it, the cam surface that engages with the stopper changes, thereby changing the axial position of the adjuster cylinder. This changes the initial length of the spring and thus the initial load of the spring. With this suspension device, the initial load of the spring can be adjusted simply by the operator rotating the grip by hand. Since no special tools are required, convenience is enhanced.

[0010] The grip may be formed separately from the spring seat and assembled to the spring seat.

[0011] This allows the grip and spring seat to be formed from different materials. Since the grip does not need to be integrally formed with the spring seat, the manufacturing of the grip becomes easier.

[0012] One of the spring seat and the grip may have a protrusion that projects radially outward or inward, and the other of the spring seat and the grip may have a recess that engages with the protrusion.

[0013] As a result, when the grip is rotated, the rotational force of the grip is transmitted to the spring seat through the engagement of the convex and concave parts, causing the spring seat to rotate. Although the grip and spring seat are separate parts, rotating the grip allows the spring seat to rotate as well. By rotating the grip, the initial load of the spring can be adjusted.

[0014] The spring seat may have a first annular portion, a plurality of first protrusions projecting radially outward from the first annular portion, and a first cylindrical portion extending from the first annular portion in the axial direction of the cylinder. The plurality of cam surfaces may be made up of the end faces of the first cylindrical portion. The grip may have a second annular portion, a plurality of second protrusions provided on the surface of the second annular portion facing the first annular portion and arranged circumferentially at intervals from each other, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the second annular portion in the axial direction of the cylinder and arranged around the first cylindrical portion. The spring seat and the grip may be assembled together by fitting the second protrusions between adjacent first protrusions of the first annular portion.

[0015] This configuration allows for the rotational force of the grip to be effectively transmitted to the spring seat.

[0016] The spring sheet and the grip may be formed of different materials from each other.

[0017] This eliminates the constraint that the materials of the spring sheet and the grip must be the same, and suitable materials can be used for each. The degree of freedom in designing the spring sheet and the grip can be improved.

[0018] The spring sheet may be made of metal. The grip may be made of resin.

[0019] This can improve the strength of the spring sheet and can also reduce the weight and cost of the grip.

[0020] The outer diameter of the grip may be larger than the outer diameter of the spring sheet.

[0021] This makes the grip relatively large, so it is easy for an operator to grasp the grip. Also, since the operator can rotate the grip with a relatively small force, the initial load of the spring can be easily adjusted.

[0022] The grip may have a cylindrical cylindrical portion arranged concentrically with the cylinder.

[0023] This makes the cylindrical portion easy to grasp by hand, so the operator can easily rotate the grip. The operator can easily adjust the initial load of the spring.

[0024] On the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, an anti-slip portion formed of a concave portion or a convex portion extending in the axial direction may be formed.

[0025] This allows the operator to have a better grip when rotating the grip and makes it easier for the operator to rotate the grip, so that the initial load of the spring can be easily adjusted.

[0026] The cylinder may be a double-cylinder type cylinder having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder disposed inside the outer cylinder. The stopper may be welded to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder.

[0027] Since the outer cylinder is disposed outside the inner cylinder, the inner cylinder is less likely to be distorted even if the stopper is welded to the outer cylinder. Therefore, the stopper can be welded to the cylinder without impairing the performance of the suspension device.

[0028] The suspension device may include a spring guide disposed between the second end portion of the spring and the adjuster.

[0029] This allows a spring guide to be interposed between the second end portion of the spring and the adjuster, so that the load of the spring does not directly act on the adjuster. Aging deterioration of the adjuster can be suppressed.

[0030] The straddle-type vehicle disclosed herein includes the suspension device.

Advantages of the Invention

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] [[ID=​​​​​​ [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the adjuster. [Figure 6] (a) is a front view of the adjuster, and (b) is a bottom view of the adjuster. [Figure 7] (a) is a plan view of the spring seat, and (b) is a front view of the spring seat. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The following describes an embodiment of a suspension system and a saddle-type vehicle equipped therewith, with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a side view of a motorcycle 100, which is an example of a saddle-type vehicle. In this embodiment, the motorcycle 100 is a scooter, but the form of the motorcycle is not limited to a scooter.

[0034] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, front, rear, left, right, up, and down refer to the front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions as seen from the perspective of a hypothetical rider seated on the seat 105, when the motorcycle 100, which is unoccupied and unloaded, is stopped upright on a horizontal plane. F, Rr, U, and D in the diagram represent front, rear, up, and down, respectively.

[0035] The motorcycle 100 comprises a body frame 101, a seat 105 supported by the body frame 101, an internal combustion engine (hereinafter referred to as the engine) 130 as a drive source for propulsion, handlebars 106, a front wheel 103, a rear wheel 104, and a suspension system 1.

[0036] The vehicle frame 101 includes a head pipe 110, a down frame 111 extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 110, an under frame 112 extending rearward from the lower end of the down frame 111, and a seat frame 113 extending rearward from the rear end of the under frame 112. The seat 105 is supported by the seat frame 113.

[0037] The head pipe 110 is located inside the front cover 109. The steering shaft 121 is inserted into the head pipe 110. The handlebars 106 are connected to the upper end of the steering shaft 121. The front fork 102 is connected to the lower end of the steering shaft 121. The front wheel 103 is connected to the lower end of the front fork 102.

[0038] Below the seat 105 are the left and right footboards 107. The footboards 107 are supports for the feet of the driver seated on the seat 105. A center cover 108 is positioned between the left footboard 107 and the right footboard 107. The down frame 111 and under frame 112 are located inside the center cover 108. The engine 130 is supported by the body frame 101. Part of the engine 130 is located inside the center cover 108.

[0039] The engine 130 and the rear wheels 104 are connected by a power transmission device 131. The power transmission device 131 transmits the driving force of the engine 130 to the rear wheels 104. Although not shown in the figures, the power transmission device 131 in this embodiment is configured as a belt-type continuously variable transmission.

[0040] The suspension system 1 plays a role in mitigating and absorbing the impact from the ground to the rear wheels 104. The suspension system 1 is connected to the seat frame 113 and the rear wheels 104. More specifically, the upper end of the suspension system 1 is connected to the seat frame 113, and the lower end of the suspension system 1 is connected to a power transmission device 131 which is connected to the axle (not shown) of the rear wheels 104. The suspension system 1 is indirectly connected to the rear wheels 104. Next, the detailed configuration of the suspension system 1 will be described.

[0041] Figure 2 is a view of the suspension device 1 from the left side in the vehicle's left-right direction, and is a front view of the suspension device 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the suspension device 1, with the grip 70, which will be described later, omitted from the illustration. As shown in Figure 2, the suspension device 1 comprises a cylinder 10, a piston rod 20 inserted into the cylinder 10 so as to be movable in the axial direction, a spring 30 arranged around the cylinder 10 and the piston rod 20, a cylindrical rod cover 40, and an adjuster 50 for adjusting the initial load of the spring 30.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the cylinder 10 has a cylindrical outer cylinder 11 and a cylindrical inner cylinder 12 located inside the outer cylinder 11. The cylinder 10 is a double-cylinder type cylinder. The outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 are arranged concentrically. As shown in Figure 4, the outer cylinder 11 of the cylinder 10 is provided with a stopper 13 that protrudes radially outward from the cylinder 10. Here, the stopper 13 is welded to the outer cylinder 11.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, a rod guide 22 is fixed inside the outer cylinder 11. The piston rod 20 passes through the rod guide 22. The rod guide 22 slidably supports the piston rod 20. A piston 21 is fixed to the lower end of the piston rod 20. The piston 21 divides the inside of the cylinder 10 into a first chamber 10A and a second chamber 10B. The first chamber 10A and the second chamber 10B contain working fluid. In this embodiment, the first chamber 10A and the second chamber 10B contain oil as the working fluid. However, the working fluid is not limited to oil.

[0044] Although not shown in the diagram, the piston 21 has a first passage and a second passage connecting the first chamber 10A and the second chamber 10B. The piston 21 is also provided with a first valve located in the first chamber 10A and a second valve located in the second chamber 10B. The first valve is configured to provide resistance to the oil flowing through the first passage. The second valve is configured to provide resistance to the oil flowing through the second passage. In the following description, when the protruding length of the piston rod 20 relative to the cylinder 10 increases, this is referred to as the piston rod 20 extending, and when the protruding length of the piston rod 20 relative to the cylinder 10 decreases, this is referred to as the piston rod 20 contracting. When the piston 21 moves upward, the piston rod 20 extends, and when the piston 21 moves downward, the piston rod 20 contracts. When the piston rod 20 extends, oil flows from the second chamber 10B to the first chamber 10A through the first passage of the piston 21. At this time, resistance to the oil flow is provided by the first valve, so a damping force is generated. When the piston rod 20 retracts, oil flows from the first chamber 10A to the second chamber 10B through the second passage of the piston 21. At this time, the second valve provides resistance to the oil flow, generating a damping force. Thus, a damping force is generated in the suspension device 1 as the piston rod 20 extends and retracts.

[0045] The spring 30 is a compression coil spring and has a first end 31 and a second end 32. A bracket 41 is fixed to the upper end of the piston rod 20. A rod cover 40 is fixed to the bracket 41. Therefore, the rod cover 40 is movable relative to the cylinder 10, just like the piston rod 20. A spring retainer 43 extending radially outward is formed at the upper end of the rod cover 40. The spring retainer 43 supports the first end 31 of the spring 30. Here, the spring retainer 43 is indirectly fixed to the piston rod 20 via the bracket 41. In this embodiment, the spring retainer 43 is part of the rod cover 40, but the spring retainer 43 may be a separate component from the rod cover 40. Alternatively, the spring retainer 43 may be directly fixed to the piston rod 20.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the adjuster 50 according to this embodiment has a spring seat 60 and a grip 70. As shown in Figure 5, the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are formed separately. The spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are assembled together. Figures 6(a) and (b) are a front view and a bottom view of the adjuster 50, respectively. Figures 7(a) and (b) are a top view and a front view of the spring seat 60, respectively.

[0047] The spring seat 60 has a first annular portion 61, a plurality of first protrusions 63 projecting radially outward from the first annular portion 61, and a first cylindrical portion 65 extending from the first annular portion 61 in the axial direction of the cylinder 10. The plurality of first protrusions 63 are arranged circumferentially around the axis of the cylinder 10. A plurality of cam surfaces 66 are formed on the end face of the first cylindrical portion 65, each at a different axial position of the cylinder 10. As shown in Figure 4, the cam surfaces 66 are formed to be engageable with the stopper 13 of the cylinder 10. These cam surfaces 66 are aligned in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 10.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the grip 70 has a second annular portion 71, a plurality of second protrusions 73 provided on the surface of the second annular portion 71 facing the first annular portion 61, and a second cylindrical portion 75 extending from the second annular portion 71 in the axial direction of the cylinder 10. The second protrusions 73 are spaced apart and arranged circumferentially. Recesses 74 are formed between adjacent second protrusions 73 in the circumferential direction. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 75 is larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 65. The second cylindrical portion 75 is arranged around the first cylindrical portion 65. The spring seat 60 is fitted inside the grip 70. The outer diameter of the grip 70 is larger than the outer diameter of the spring seat 60. The outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 75 is a gripping surface 70a that is held in the hand of the worker. The gripping surface 70a has an anti-slip portion 76 formed on it, consisting of recesses or protrusions that extend in the axial direction of the cylinder 10. In this specification, the axial direction of the cylinder 10 includes not only the direction extending axially along the axis of the cylinder 10, but also the direction extending axially along the cylinder 10 at a position parallel to the axis of the cylinder 10.

[0049] The spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are assembled by inserting the spring seat 60 into the grip 70. The first protrusion 63 of the spring seat 60 is inserted into the recess 74 of the grip 70. The first protrusion 63 engages with the recess 74. In this way, the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are assembled by fitting the second protrusion 73 between adjacent first protrusions 63 of the first annular portion 61.

[0050] The spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are made of different materials. Here, the spring seat 60 is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel, and the grip 70 is made of resin. The spring seat 60 is made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the grip 70. However, the materials of the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are not particularly limited. The grip 70 may be made of aluminum.

[0051] The adjuster 50 directly or indirectly supports the second end 32 of the spring 30. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the adjuster 50 indirectly supports the second end 32 of the spring 30 via a spring guide 44. The spring guide 44 is positioned between the second end 32 of the spring 30 and the adjuster 50. More specifically, the spring guide 44 is positioned between the second end 32 of the spring 30 and the second annular portion 71 of the grip 70.

[0052] In the suspension device 1, the initial load of the spring 30 can be adjusted by rotating the adjuster 50. As shown in Figure 4, the stopper 13 of the cylinder 10 engages with the cam surface 66 of the spring seat 60. As mentioned above, the first protrusion 63 of the spring seat 60 and the second protrusion 73 of the grip 70 are engaged, so when the operator rotates the grip 70, the spring seat 60 rotates together with the grip 70. As the spring seat 60 rotates, the cam surface 66 moves in the circumferential direction, so the stopper 13 moves away from the engaged cam surface 66 and engages with the adjacent cam surface 66. The adjacent cam surfaces 66 are at different axial positions of the cylinder 10. Therefore, as the cam surface 66 that the stopper 13 engages with changes, the axial position of the adjuster 50 of the cylinder 10 changes. As a result, the position of the second end 32 of the spring 30 changes, and the axial length of the spring 30 of the cylinder 10 is changed. As a result, the initial load of the spring 30 is adjusted.

[0053] As described above, according to the suspension device 1 of this embodiment, when an operator rotates the grip 70 while holding it, the cam surface 66 that engages with the stopper 13 among the multiple cam surfaces 66 of the spring seat 60 is changed, thereby changing the axial position of the cylinder 10 of the adjuster 50. As a result, the initial length of the spring 30 changes, and the initial load of the spring 30 can be changed. With the suspension device 1, the initial load of the spring 30 can be adjusted simply by the operator rotating the grip 70 by hand. Since no special tools are required to adjust the initial load of the spring 30, the convenience of the suspension device 1 can be increased.

[0054] The spring seat 60 and the grip 70 may be a single unit, but in this embodiment, the grip 70 is formed separately from the spring seat 60 and assembled to the spring seat 60. Since the grip 70 and the spring seat 60 are separate units, they can be formed from different materials. Because the grip 70 does not need to be formed integrally with the spring seat 60, the manufacturing of the grip 70 becomes easier.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the spring seat 60 has a first protrusion 63 that projects radially outward, and the grip 70 has a recess 74 that engages with the first protrusion 63. As a result, when the grip 70 is rotated, the rotational force of the grip 70 is transmitted to the spring seat 60 through the engagement of the first protrusion 63 and the recess 74, causing the spring seat 60 to rotate. Although the grip 70 and the spring seat 60 are separate components, the spring seat 60 can be rotated by rotating the grip 70. Therefore, the operator can adjust the initial load of the spring 30 simply by rotating the grip 70.

[0056] Furthermore, the grip 70 and the spring seat 60 are assembled in such a way that the rotational force of the grip 70 is transmitted to the spring seat 60, and the specific configuration for this is not particularly limited. For example, the spring seat 60 may have a protrusion that projects radially inward, and the grip 70 may have a recess that engages with the protrusion. Alternatively, the grip 70 may have a protrusion that projects radially outward or inward, and the spring seat may have a recess that engages with the protrusion.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the spring seat 60 has a first annular portion 61, a plurality of first protrusions 63, and a first cylindrical portion 65, with a plurality of cam surfaces 66 formed on the end face of the first cylindrical portion 65. The grip 70 has a second annular portion 71, a second protrusion 73, and a second cylindrical portion 75. The spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are assembled together by fitting the second protrusions 73 between adjacent first protrusions 63 of the first annular portion 61. With this configuration, the rotational force of the grip 70 can be suitably transmitted to the spring seat 60.

[0058] The materials of the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are not particularly limited, and the materials of the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 may be the same. However, in this embodiment, the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 are made of different materials. Therefore, there is no constraint that the materials of the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 must be the same, and suitable materials can be used for each. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to make either the spring seat 60 or the grip 70 common to multiple types of suspension devices, and design the other individually according to the type of suspension device. Thus, the design freedom of the spring seat 60 and the grip 70 can be improved.

[0059] In this embodiment, the spring seat 60 is made of metal, and the grip 70 is made of resin. As shown in Figure 4, the spring seat 60 is sandwiched between the spring 30 and the stopper 13, so a relatively large load is applied to the spring seat 60. By making the spring seat 60 out of metal, the strength of the spring seat 60 can be improved. On the other hand, by making the grip 70 out of resin, the grip 70 can be made lighter and less expensive.

[0060] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the grip 70 is larger than the outer diameter of the spring seat 60. Because the grip 70 is relatively large, it is easy for the operator to grasp. Also, since the operator can rotate the grip 70 with relatively little force, the initial load of the spring 30 can be easily adjusted.

[0061] The grip 70 has a second cylindrical portion 75 that is arranged concentrically with the cylinder 10. Since the second cylindrical portion 75 is shaped to be easily grasped by hand, the operator can easily rotate the grip 70.

[0062] The outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 75 is formed with an anti-slip portion 76 consisting of recesses or protrusions extending in the axial direction. Therefore, when the operator rotates the grip 70, it is possible to prevent the operator's hand from slipping on the surface of the second cylindrical portion 75. Since the operator can easily rotate the grip 70, the initial load of the spring 30 can be easily adjusted.

[0063] The configuration of the cylinder 10 is not particularly limited, and the cylinder 10 may be a single-cylinder type cylinder. However, in this embodiment, the cylinder 10 is a double-cylinder type cylinder having an outer cylinder 11 and an inner cylinder 12. Since the outer cylinder 11 is located outside the inner cylinder 12, the inner cylinder 12 is less likely to be distorted even if the stopper 13 is welded to the outer cylinder 11. Therefore, the stopper 13 can be welded to the cylinder 10 without impairing the performance of the suspension device 1. The stopper 13 receives the load of the spring 30 via the adjuster 50. By welding the stopper 13 to the cylinder 10, sufficient strength of the stopper 13 can be ensured. The stopper 13 can adequately support the load of the spring 30.

[0064] The second end 32 of the spring 30 may be in direct contact with the adjuster 50, but in this embodiment, a spring guide 44 is positioned between the second end 32 of the spring 30 and the adjuster 50. Because the spring guide 44 is interposed between the second end 32 of the spring 30 and the adjuster 50, the load of the spring 30 is not directly applied to the adjuster 50. This prevents a large localized load from being applied to the adjuster 50. This also prevents deterioration of the adjuster 50 over time.

[0065] The above describes one embodiment of a suspension system and a saddle-type vehicle. However, the above embodiment is merely an example, and various other embodiments are possible.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the grip 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but the shape of the grip 70 is not particularly limited. Any shape that is easy for the worker to grasp can be adopted for the grip 70. For example, the grip 70 may be formed in a substantially triangular tube shape.

[0067] The shape of the anti-slip portion 76 of the grip 70 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the anti-slip portion 76 may be omitted.

[0068] A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle that the rider straddles to ride. A saddle-type vehicle is not limited to motorcycles. A saddle-type vehicle may also be, for example, a three-wheeled vehicle, an ATV (All Terrain vehicle), or a snowmobile. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Suspension device, 10 Cylinder, 11 Outer cylinder, 12 Inner cylinder, 13 Stopper, 20 Piston rod, 30 Spring, 31 First end, 32 Second end, 43 Spring seat, 44 Spring guide, 50 Adjuster, 60 Spring seat, 61 First annular section, 63 First protrusion (protrusion), 65 First cylindrical section, 66 Cam surface, 70 Grip, 70a Gripping surface, 71 Second annular section, 73 Second protrusion, 74 Recess, 75 Second cylindrical section (cylindrical section), 76 Anti-slip section, 100 Motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle)

Claims

1. Cylinder and A piston rod is inserted into the cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction, A spring having a first end and a second end is arranged around the cylinder and the piston rod, A spring support fixed to the piston rod and supporting the first end of the spring, A stopper is provided on the cylinder and protrudes radially outward from the cylinder, The cylinder is inserted into an adjuster that directly or indirectly supports the second end of the spring and is supported by the stopper, and is rotatable relative to the cylinder, The suspension device comprises an adjuster having a spring seat having a plurality of cam surfaces that engage with the stopper, each of which is positioned at a different axial position of the cylinder, and a grip that rotates together with the spring seat and has a gripping surface that is held in the hand of an operator.

2. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the grip is formed separately from the spring seat and assembled to the spring seat.

3. The suspension device according to claim 2, wherein one of the spring seat and the grip has a protrusion projecting radially outward or inward, and the other of the spring seat and the grip has a recess that engages with the protrusion.

4. The spring seat has a first annular portion, a plurality of first protrusions projecting radially outward from the first annular portion, and a first cylindrical portion extending from the first annular portion in the axial direction of the cylinder. The plurality of cam surfaces are made up of the end faces of the first cylindrical portion, The grip has a second annular portion, a plurality of second protrusions provided on the surface of the second annular portion facing the first annular portion and arranged circumferentially at intervals from each other, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the second annular portion in the axial direction of the cylinder and arranged around the first cylindrical portion. The suspension device according to claim 2, wherein the spring seat and the grip are assembled to each other by the second protrusion being fitted between adjacent first protrusions of the first annular portion.

5. The suspension device according to claim 2, wherein the spring seat and the grip are formed from different materials.

6. The suspension device according to claim 2, wherein the spring seat is made of metal and the grip is made of resin.

7. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the grip is larger than the outer diameter of the spring seat.

8. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the grip has a cylindrical portion arranged concentrically with the cylinder.

9. The suspension device according to claim 8, wherein an anti-slip portion consisting of an axially extending recess or protrusion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

10. The cylinder is a double-cylinder type having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder disposed inside the outer cylinder. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is welded to the outer surface of the outer cylinder.

11. The suspension device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring guide positioned between the second end of the spring and the adjuster.

12. A saddle-type vehicle equipped with the suspension device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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