Suspension arm and method for manufacturing the suspension arm

Abstract

To provide a suspension arm that can improve hot water circulation.SOLUTION: A suspension arm 1 formed by casting, comprising a strike plate 2 that receives a load of a spring C1, and a cylindrical part 3 protruding from the strike plate 2, has a configuration in which a volume of a first part 3a is larger than a volume of a second part 3b and / or a height of the first part 3a is larger than a height of the second part 3b, when an upstream side in a direction of hot water flow during casting is the first part 3a in the cylindrical part 3 and a downstream side is the second part 3b in the cylindrical part 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension arm that constitutes a part of a vehicle suspension, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a spring seat is placed between the spring and the spring seat, and in order to hold the spring seat, a cylindrical portion that protrudes upward from the spring seat is formed on the suspension arm (Patent Document 1: JP 2008-018784 A). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-018784 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when forming a suspension arm by casting, there is a problem of insufficient molten metal flow in the cylindrical part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a suspension arm that can improve the running performance of the molten metal.

[0006] In one embodiment, the above problem is solved by the solution disclosed below.

[0007] The suspension arm according to the present invention is a suspension arm formed by casting, comprising a seat that receives the load of a spring and a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the seat, and wherein the upstream side of the molten metal flow direction during casting is defined as a first portion of the cylindrical portion, and the downstream side is defined as a second portion of the cylindrical portion. The first portion and the second portion are separated by a virtual line in the short direction passing through the center of the cylindrical portion.The configuration is characterized in that the volume of the first portion is larger than the volume of the second portion, and / or the height of the first portion is larger than the height of the second portion.

[0008] According to this configuration, the relationship between the volumes of the first and second regions and / or the relationship between the heights of the first and second regions is such that the first region is larger than the second region, and the first region is positioned upstream in the direction of molten metal flow, thereby improving the running of molten metal.

[0009] It is preferable that the cylindrical portion is inclined from the upstream end in the molten metal flow direction to the downstream end in the molten metal flow direction. This configuration makes the molten metal run more smoothly. As an example, the cylindrical portion may be configured such that a step is formed from the upstream end in the molten metal flow direction to the downstream end in the molten metal flow direction.

[0010] For example, the suspension arm is formed by casting aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which improves rigidity and reduces weight.

[0011] The manufacturing method of the suspension arm according to the present invention is a manufacturing method of a suspension arm which includes a seat for receiving a spring load and a cylindrical portion protruding from the seat and is formed by casting, and in which the upstream side of the molten metal flow direction during casting is defined as a first portion of the cylindrical portion and the downstream side is defined as a second portion of the cylindrical portion. The first portion and the second portion are separated by a virtual line in the short direction passing through the center of the cylindrical portion. The volume of the first region is formed to be larger than the volume of the second region, and / or the height of the first region is formed to be larger than the height of the second region.

[0012] According to this manufacturing method, the relationship between the volumes of the first and second regions and / or the relationship between the heights of the first and second regions is such that the first region is larger than the second region, and the first region is positioned upstream in the direction of molten metal flow, thereby improving the running of molten metal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The disclosed suspension arm can improve the running of molten metal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a suspension arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a suspension arm 1 according to this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof, and Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view thereof. The suspension arm 1 forms part of the components of a suspension in a vehicle. In all the drawings used to explain the embodiment, members having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof may be omitted.

[0016] The suspension arm 1 of this embodiment is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy and is formed by gravity casting or the like. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, one end of the suspension arm 1 is formed with a vehicle body mounting portion 5. The vehicle body mounting portion 5 has a through hole 5a and is configured to be rotatably mounted to a vehicle body support portion via a support shaft. The other end of the suspension arm 1 is formed with a cushion connecting portion 4. The cushion connecting portion 4 is bifurcated and is configured to connect the lower end of a cushion provided between the suspension arm 1 and the vehicle body via a connecting shaft.

[0017] The suspension arm 1 has a wide longitudinal middle section and includes a dish-shaped seat 2 recessed in the middle section, and a cylindrical section 3 protruding upward from the seat 2. The seat 2 is configured to receive the load of a coil spring C1 via a shock absorber (not shown) made of synthetic resin or rubber. The cylindrical section 3 fits into the lower end of the spring C1, preventing the spring C1 from shifting out of position. The upper end of the spring C1 is supported by a spring holder on the vehicle body side via a shock absorber (not shown).

[0018] A sprue (not shown) for casting the suspension arm 1 is provided near the cushion connecting portion 4. The cushion connecting portion 4 is located upstream of the molten metal flow direction F1 indicated by the arrow, and the vehicle body side mounting portion 5 is located downstream of the molten metal flow direction F1. When the suspension arm 1 is cast, solidification occurs in order from the downstream side to the upstream side.

[0019] When the cylindrical portion 3 is divided by an imaginary line K1 in the short direction passing through the center of the cylindrical portion 3, one side is a first portion 3a and the other side is a second portion 3b, the volume of the first portion 3a is formed to be larger than the volume of the second portion 3b. According to this configuration, the relationship between the volumes of the first portion 3a and the second portion 3b is first portion 3a > second portion 3b, and by arranging the first portion 3a on the upstream side of the molten metal flow direction F1, the running of molten metal can be improved.

[0020] When the cylindrical portion 3 is divided by an imaginary line K1 in the short direction passing through the center of the cylindrical portion 3, one side is a first portion 3a and the other side is a second portion 3b, the height H1 of the first portion 3a is formed to be greater than the height H2 of the second portion 3b. According to this configuration, the relationship in height between the first portion 3a and the second portion 3b is first portion 3a > second portion 3b, and by arranging the first portion 3a on the upstream side of the molten metal flow direction F1, the running of molten metal can be improved.

[0021] The cylindrical portion 3 is inclined from the upstream end in the molten metal flow direction F1 to the downstream end in the molten metal flow direction F1. This configuration allows for smoother molten metal running and improved degassing.

[0022] In the manufacturing method of this embodiment, molten aluminum or aluminum alloy is poured into a mold having a cavity and a gate with the body horizontal, with the gate positioned to the side. Then, the body is turned vertical, and the mold is tilted so that the gate is positioned at the top, completing the pour. This gravity casting method allows the molten metal to permeate the cavity, preventing the formation of porosity and achieving a more efficient casting process while maintaining the required rigidity and achieving a lighter weight. The gate may not be located in a single place, but may be located in multiple places. Furthermore, the method is not limited to the gravity casting described above, and any known casting technique can be applied.

[0023] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0024] 1 suspension arm 2 catch seat 3 Cylindrical part, 3a 1st part, 3b 2nd part 4 Cushion connection part 5 Vehicle body side mounting part C1 Spring F1 Flow direction K1 Virtual Line

Claims

1. A suspension arm formed by casting, the suspension arm comprising a seat that receives the load of a spring and a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the seat, wherein an upstream side of a molten metal flow direction during casting is a first portion of the cylindrical portion, and a downstream side of the molten metal flow direction during casting is a second portion of the cylindrical portion, the first portion and the second portion being separated by an imaginary line in the short side direction that passes through the center of the cylindrical portion, The volume of the first portion is larger than the volume of the second portion, and / or the height of the first portion is larger than the height of the second portion. A suspension arm characterized by:

2. 2. The suspension arm according to claim 1, The cylindrical portion is inclined from an upstream end in the molten metal flow direction to a downstream end in the molten metal flow direction. A suspension arm characterized by:

3. 3. The suspension arm according to claim 1, Made of aluminum or aluminum alloy A suspension arm characterized by:

4. A method for manufacturing a suspension arm that includes a seat that receives a spring load and a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the seat and is formed by casting, wherein an upstream side of a molten metal flow direction during casting is a first portion of the cylindrical portion and a downstream side of the molten metal flow direction is a second portion of the cylindrical portion, and the first portion and the second portion are separated by an imaginary line in the short side direction that passes through the center of the cylindrical portion, The volume of the first portion is formed to be larger than the volume of the second portion, and / or the height of the first portion is formed to be larger than the height of the second portion. A manufacturing method of a suspension arm, characterized by:

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