Abstract: A supporting structure for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a suspension arm fixing structure provided under the floor of a vehicle body and having a statically sufficient rigidity, the fuel tank being located so as to partially overlap the suspension arm fixing structure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a supporting member provided under the fuel tank so as to extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle being detachably fastened to the suspension arm fixing structure to bring the fuel tank into pressure contact with the floor of the vehicle body by fixing the fuel tank. The supporting member serves also as a reinforcing member for imparting rigidity to the suspension arm fixing structure so that the suspension arm fixing structure can sufficiently sustain a dynamic load during running of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front subframe 42 is formed of an aluminum alloy into a frame that is formed substantially into a shape of parallel crosses or into a rectangular shape and is made up of left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 which are disposed at corners of the frame that is formed substantially into the shape of parallel crosses or the rectangular shape, and left and right longitudinal members 61, 61, and front and rear cross members 62, 67 which connect the joint portions 64, 64, 71, 71 together. The left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and the left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product, whereas the left and right longitudinal members 61, 61 are formed of an aluminum alloy wrought product. In addition, connecting locations 76 . . . of a camber angle adjusting mechanism 157 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product. Additionally, a rear cross member compound 63 is formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a suspension arm fixing structure provided under the floor of a vehicle body and having a statically sufficient rigidity, the fuel tank being located so as to partially overlap the suspension arm fixing structure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a supporting member provided under the fuel tank so as to extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle being detachably fastened to the suspension arm fixing structure to bring the fuel tank into pressure contact with the floor of the vehicle body by fixing the fuel tank. The supporting member serves also as a reinforcing member for imparting rigidity to the suspension arm fixing structure so that the suspension arm fixing structure can sufficiently sustain a dynamic load during running of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front subframe 42 is formed of an aluminum alloy into a frame that is formed substantially into a shape of parallel crosses or into a rectangular shape and is made up of left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 which are disposed at corners of the frame that is formed substantially into the shape of parallel crosses or the rectangular shape, and left and right longitudinal members 61, 61, and front and rear cross members 62, 67 which connect the joint portions 64, 64, 71, 71 together. The left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and the left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product, whereas the left and right longitudinal members 61, 61 are formed of an aluminum alloy wrought product. In addition, connecting locations 76 . . . of a camber angle adjusting mechanism 157 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product. Additionally, a rear cross member compound 63 is formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product.

Abstract: A liquid-encapsulated anti-vibration device is provided having an inner shell and an outer shell connected to each other by means of a first elastomeric member, a second elastomeric member and a diaphragm. A main liquid chamber is defined between the first and second elastomeric members and changed in volume by the axial movement of the inner and outer shells relative to each other. A subsidiary liquid chamber is defined between the first elastomeric member and the diaphragm. The main and subsidiary liquid chambers communicate with each other by a constriction extending axially through the first elastomeric member. Since the diaphragm is mounted independently from the first elastomeric member, the size and shape of the constriction, defined in the first elastomeric member, cannot be limited by the diaphragm.

Abstract: A subframe assembly for assembly as a unit to a vehicle body in which a subframe is formed of left and right side members disposed on the left and right of a fuel tank, and a cross member interconnecting the side members; left and right suspensions are mounted to the subframe and a vehicle member is disposed at a lower portion of the vehicle body and supported on the subframe. The subframe and vehicle member are assembled and the assembled subframe and vehicle member are then assembled to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A fuel tank is supported by an upper surface of a subframe, inclined surfaces abutting four corners of the fuel tank, and steel straps passed across the upper surface of the fuel tank. Thus, the fuel tank can be securely mounted on the subframe without involving any play, and it can be accomplished by engaging relatively rigid and mechanically strong parts of the fuel tank. Thus, various advantages obtained by mounting a fuel tank on a subframe can be obtained without any need to reinforce the fuel tank or the subframe or to take any costly special measures.

Abstract: In an automotive subframe having a rectangular annular shape as seen in plan view, the longitudinal members have closed cross sections, but the lateral members open cross sections and are provided with open parts adapted to receive a flange projecting from the fuel tank. Because the lateral members have open cross sections, the subframe is capable of undergoing a twisting deformation relatively easily, and the sloshing movement of the fuel inside the fuel tank would not be directly transmitted to the vehicle body. Because the longitudinal members have closed cross sections, and therefore have a relatively high rigidity, the wheel suspension system can be securely supported without creating any possibility of changes in the wheel alignment. Furthermore, the open part of the lateral subframe member can conveniently receive the flange of the fuel tank, and it is possible to maximize the capacity of the fuel tank without causing any interference between the fuel tank and the lateral member.

Abstract: A multi-link type suspension system includes a knuckle for rotatably supporting an axle, an upper arm extending laterally of the vehicle body to connect the knuckle with the vehicle body above the axle, a leading arm extending outwardly and forwardly of the vehicle body from a rear inside position of the vehicle body to connect the knuckle with the vehicle body above the axle, a lower arm extending laterally of the vehicle body to connect the knuckle with the vehicle body below the axle, a trailing arm extending outwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle body from a front inside position of the vehicle body to connect the knuckle with the vehicle body below the axle, and a control arm extending laterally of the vehicle body to connect the knuckle with the vehicle body in rear of the axle.

Abstract: A laser-emitting head (12) is placed in a cavity (6) of an aluminum hollow and profile material (3), the material being of a desired shape in cross section and having an inner peripheral wall. A laser beam of an energy level capable of cutting the material is irradiated from the cavity onto the inner peripheral wall while the head is being rotated along the wall in a circular direction. The hollow and profile material (3) can be sliced in this manner to produce knuckles (1) as one of automobile parts, even if it is of a comparatively large size adapted for production of larger knuckles.

Abstract: A process for producing a suspension member for a vehicle, which member comprises a first mounting portion relatively swingably connected to either one of a vehicle body and an axle, through a connecting member, an a second mounting portion integrally connected to the first mounting portion and connected to the other of the vehicle body and the axle. The first mounting portion is provided at an outer surface thereof with a pair of parallel cam guides of readjusting the relative mounting position between the first mounting portion and a connection member by cooperation with eccentric cams connected to the connecting member. The process comprises steps of forming a base material for the suspension member by an extrusion, and cutting the base material along planes spaced at an equal distance form onto another in an extruding direction to provide a plurality of the suspension members.

Abstract: An upper arm 1 of a front suspention made of light alloy is provided with a lateral rubber bush mounting bore 2 connected to a vehicle body, and a vertical joint mounting bore 6 connected to a wheel support member. When forming the arm 1, a shape of the arm 1 is first determined such that the mounting bores 2 and 6 are directed in the same direction. Then, the arm 1 is extuded in an axial direction of the bores, and after cutting off the extruded material at a predetermined length, a portion of the mounting bore 2 is twisted by 90.degree.. Therefore, the extrusion can be employed for producing the suspention arm made of light alloy without increasing a thickness thereof.

Abstract: A suspension arm is formed of at least two arm bodies formed by an extrusion. The arm bodies are coupled such that their extruding directions intersect each other. The coupled assembly is integrally provided at one end thereof with a mounting portion for mounting to a wheel and at the other end of the coupled assembly with a mounting portion for mounting to the vehicle body. Thus, a required rigidity and strength can be efficiently provided to portions of the suspension arm to oppose various external forces applied to such portions, while enabling a reduction in weight of the suspension arm.