Suspension Structure and Model Vehicle

Abstract

A suspension structure that is easily processed and assembled, and by which production cost of the suspension structure can be reduced. A suspension structure ( 1 ) is installed at the inner bottom surface of a vehicle body ( 71 ). A bar-like member ( 20 ) is formed of a steel wire and has predetermined torsional elasticity. At both ends of the bar-like member ( 20 ), the steel wire is bent into an annular shape to form a first annular section ( 21 ) and a second annular section ( 22 ). The first annular section ( 21 ) is fixed to a projection section ( 75 ) on the inner bottom surface of the vehicle body ( 71 ). A pivot shaft ( 30 ) is attached to the second annular section ( 22 ). A swing arm ( 50 ) is attached to the other end side of the pivot shaft ( 30 ), and the swing arm ( 50 ) pivots together with the pivot shaft ( 30 ) in the range that the torsional elasticity of the bar-like member ( 20 ) allows.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A suspension structure for use in a model vehicle, comprising:
 a bar-like member having torsional elasticity;   a securing section that secures one end of said bar-like member to a vehicle body of said model vehicle;   a pivot shaft attached to the other end of said bar-like member;   a swing arm attached at a proximal end thereof to said pivot shaft; and   a wheel attached to a distal end of said swing arm.   
   
   
       13 . A suspension structure according to  claim 12 , wherein a first annular section is formed at one end of said bar-like member, said securing section being a projection section projecting from said vehicle body, said first annular section being fitted to said projection section, thereby securing the one end of said bar-like member to said vehicle body. 
   
   
       14 . A suspension structure according to  claim 12 , wherein said pivot shaft has a slit into which the other end of said bar-like member is inserted. 
   
   
       15 . A suspension structure according to  claim 14 , wherein said bar-like member has at the other end thereof a second annular section that is inserted into said slit. 
   
   
       16 . A suspension structure according to  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a securing ring that prevents said second annular section inserted into said slit from falling out of said slit.   
   
   
       17 . A suspension structure according to  claim 16 , wherein said pivot shaft has a projection that prevents said securing ring from falling off a distal end of said pivot shaft. 
   
   
       18 . A suspension structure according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a securing ring retainer that slidably supports said securing ring with respect to said vehicle body.   
   
   
       19 . A suspension structure according to  claim 18 , wherein said securing ring retainer has a curved surface that abuts against said securing ring. 
   
   
       20 . A suspension structure according to  claim 16 , further comprising;
 a restraining section that restrains said securing ring from moving axially of said pivot shaft.   
   
   
       21 . A model vehicle having said suspension structure according to  claim 12 . 
   
   
       22 . A model vehicle according to  claim 21 , having said suspension structure for a right wheel and said suspension structure for a left wheel, wherein said suspension structure for a right wheel and said suspension structure for a left wheel are disposed alternately.