Motorcycle single shell

Abstract

The object of the invention is a single shell for a motorcycle, in particular a pedal motorcycle, comprising a frame part made of a first metal material and a body part fastened to the frame part, in which the body part is made of a second metal material that is different from the first metal material and that is not weldable to the first metal material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motorbikes. More in detail, the present invention relates to the field of frames of motorbikes, in particular of scooters. BACKGROUND

[0002] Motorbikes usually have a supporting frame made of metal or metal alloy, on which main elements are fixed, such as the engine, the transmission, the suspension and the driving cylinder.

[0003] The frame in scooters comprises structural components, usually having a hook shape, associated with a plastic body. The body is made of sheet metal and is welded to the frame to form a monolithic shell.

[0004] The stiffness and solidity of the material used have a considerable influence on the handling, solidity and stability features of the motorbike.

[0005] On the other hand, it is desirable to reduce the weight of the motorbike to ensure an increase in the convenience of its use, for example when pushing it or when parking it positioned on the central stand, while reducing the energy consumption when the vehicle is pushed by an electric or thermal engine.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to provide a monolithic shell for motorbikes, in particular scooters, which is lighter than the known ones, but has comparable stiffness and solidity features, thus making the motorbike more maneuverable and environmentally friendly. SUMMARY

[0007] The aim of the present invention is achieved by a monolithic shell for motorbikes, in particular scooters. The monolithic shell comprises a frame portion made of a first metal material, and a body portion fastened to the frame portion, made of a second metal material different from the first metal material and not weldable to the first metal material.

[0008] In particular, the frame portion is made of steel or steel alloy, while the body portion is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, or in any case of a material lighter than the material of the frame portion.

[0009] Therefore, the frame portion still satisfies the stiffness and solidity features required for the vehicle to have good handling, while the body portion associated therewith can be made of a lighter material, so that the overall motorbike has a smaller weight.

[0010] Since the frame portion and the body portion are not joined by welding, the present invention provides alternative fastening techniques, such as riveting or stapling between the two components.

[0011] The present application also relates to a motorcycle, in particular a scooter, using the above-mentioned monocoque. Further, it relates to a method of fixing a body portion to a frame portion to form a monocoque of a motorcycle, in particular a scooter.

[0012] Further features and improvements are subject of the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of non-limiting examples, the principles of the application.

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of a body according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 The body of the preceding figures is shown from a different angle.

[0016] Figure 3 A motorcycle assembled on the body of the preceding figures is shown, wherein the frame portion is connected to the body portion by fastening elements, and elements for covering the fastening elements are shown in exploded view.

[0017] Figure 4 Some examples of self-piercing rivets that can be used to fasten the frame portion to the body portion of the body according to the present application are shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a body according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0019] The following description of the exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of non-limiting examples, specific details of certain embodiments of this application. Same reference numerals in different drawings represent same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the application. The scope of the application is defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] REFERENCE Figure 1 and Figure 2 A monocoque according to a first embodiment of the present application comprises a frame portion 1 and a body portion 2, the frame portion 1 extending longitudinally and having a hook shape.

[0021] The body portion 2 comprises a plurality of elements connected to the frame portion 1 to obtain a central portion 102 of the motorcycle. The central portion 102 is adapted to constitute a lowered plane forming a footrest 112 for the driver's feet. Extending rearwardly from the central portion 102 is a rear portion 202 of the motorcycle, which forms a top and bottom open but laterally closed cabin 212. Extending forwardly from the central portion 102 is a front portion 302 of the motorcycle, which forms a front wall 312, known as a fairing, for providing protection to the driver's legs in the front portion.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3 room 212 is generally adapted to house a helmet and covers the engine and swingarm of the motorcycle 10, the top of which is covered by the saddle 4 hinged to one end of the monocoque shell.

[0023] The bodywork is composed of several covering elements, such as a footrest cover 5 for the driver to place his feet safely on, a cover 6 of plastic material arranged in front of the fairing 312 (also called lacing bracket shell) and a cover 7 delimiting the helmet housing area within the cabin 212.

[0024] The frame part 1 is made of steel or steel alloy, while the body part 2 is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Since these two materials are not weldable together, the invention provides that the body part 2 is fastened to the frame part 1 at a predetermined number of anchoring points by point fastening elements 3, such as U-shaped rivets and rivets. Advantageously, the point fastening elements 3 act on the peripheral joint edges of both the overlapping parts of the body part and the frame part.

[0025] The frame part 1 and the body part 2 can be glued at the joint area to increase the solidity of the fastening.

[0026] Some of the points 3 for anchoring the frame part 1 to the body part 2 are located at the rear cabin 212 so as to be hidden by the saddle 4 when the latter is in the closed position of the cabin and / or by the helmet cabin cover 7.

[0027] Other anchoring points 3 are located at the footrest 112 so as to be hidden by the footrest cover 5.

[0028] Further anchoring points 3 of the frame part 1 and the body part 2 can be located at the fairing 312 so as to be hidden in the front lacing bracket shell 6.

[0029] The rivets can be of the conventional type, i.e. suitable for being inserted into the through holes of the joint area of the plates and hammered on the inside.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the rivets are of the self-punching type, provided with an enlarged head 103 and a stem 203 of smaller diameter with respect to the head. The stem 203 is adapted to pierce the body part 2 and to be caught in the frame part 1, and vice versa.

[0031] The adoption of self-punching rivets, such as the ones in the Stanley catalog, for example in Figure 3 , is particularly advantageous since it does not require any pre-piercing operation of the plates.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method for fastening a body part 2 to a frame part 1 to form a monocoque shell of a motorcycle, in particular a scooter, comprising:

[0033] A plurality of point fastening elements 3, such as rivets or U-pins, are arranged, which point fastening elements 3 comprise an enlarged head 103 and a shank 203 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the head 103, the legs of the shank (203) being aligned or slightly diverging;

[0034] A contrast plate is arranged;

[0035] The vehicle body part 2 is coupled to the vehicle frame part 1 so that the sheet material of the vehicle frame part 1 and the vehicle body part 2 partially overlap at the peripheral joint edge;

[0036] The vehicle frame part 1 and the vehicle body part 2 are locked in the overlapping position;

[0037] The fastening elements 3 are positioned at anchor points arranged along one side of the peripheral overlapping edge of the vehicle frame part 1 and the vehicle body part 2;

[0038] The contrast plate is positioned on the other side of the peripheral overlapping edge of the vehicle frame part 1 and the vehicle body part 2;

[0039] The fastening elements 3 are compressed with a punch onto one of the vehicle frame part 1 or the vehicle body part 2 so as to pierce the respective sheet material;

[0040] The compression operation is continued so that the shank 203 of the fastening element 3 is snapped into the sheet material of the other of the vehicle frame part or the vehicle body part without piercing it.

[0041] Advantageously, the contrast plate can be wedge-shaped or double-wedge-shaped so as to open up as the legs of the shank 203 snap into the sheet material.

[0042] If the vehicle frame part 1 is made of steel or steel alloy and the vehicle body part 2 is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, the method advantageously provides for piercing the peripheral edge of the vehicle body part 2 with the shank 203 of the fastening element 3 and snapping said shank 203 into the respective peripheral edge of the vehicle frame part 2. Thus, the fastening element 3, in particular a self-piercing rivet, will pierce the softer aluminum sheet while snapping into the harder steel sheet, ensuring maximum convenience while ensuring the solidity of the fastening.

Claims

1. A monocoque for a motorcycle (10), particularly a scooter, said monocoque comprising: The frame portion (1) made of a first metal material, and The vehicle body portion (2) is fastened to the frame portion (1), the vehicle body portion (2) being made of a second metal material different from the first metal material, and the first metal material and the second metal material being non-weldable to each other. Its features are, The frame portion (1) extends longitudinally and has a barb shape; The vehicle body part (2) includes a plurality of elements connected to the frame part (1) to obtain a central part (102) of the motorcycle, the central part being adapted to obtain a lowered plane to form a foot pedal (112) for the driver to place his feet. Extending rearward from the central portion (102) is the rear portion (202) of the motorcycle, forming a compartment (212) that is open at the top and bottom but closed laterally; and Extending forward from the central portion (102) is the front portion (302) of the motorcycle, forming a front wall (312), referred to as a fairing, which is used to provide protection for the driver's legs at the front.

2. The monolithic shell according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle body part (2) is fastened to the frame part (1) at a predetermined number of anchor points by point fastening elements (3).

3. The monolithic shell according to claim 2, wherein, The fastening element (3) acts on the peripheral joint edge where the body part (2) and the frame part (1) partially overlap.

4. The monolithic shell according to one or more of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The fastening element (3) includes a U-shaped pin and / or a rivet.

5. The monolithic shell according to claim 4, wherein, The rivet is a self-piercing type, with an enlarged head (103) and a shank (203) with a diameter smaller than that of the head. The shank (203) is adapted to pierce the vehicle body part (2) and engage with the frame part (1), or to pierce the frame part (1) and engage with the vehicle body part (2).

6. The monolithic shell according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The single-shell assembly includes cover elements (4, 5, 6, 7) which are connected to the frame portion (1) and / or the body portion (2) to conceal the fastening element (3).

7. The monolithic shell according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The frame part (1) is made of steel or steel alloy, and the body part (2) is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

8. The monolithic shell according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The frame portion (1) and the body portion (2) are bonded together in the joint area.

9. The monolithic shell according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The compartment (212) is generally adapted to accommodate a helmet and cover the engine and rocker arm of the motorcycle, and the top of the compartment (212) is covered by a saddle (4) hinged to one end of the monocoque. The point (3) for anchoring the frame portion (1) to the body portion (2) is located in the compartment (212) so that the saddle is hidden by the saddle (4) and / or by the cover (7) when the saddle is in the closed position of the compartment (212), the cover (7) defining a helmet-receiving area within the compartment (212).

10. The monolithic shell according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The foot pedal (112) has a foot pedal cover (5) for the driver to safely place his foot on it; Some anchor points (3) of the frame portion (1) and the body portion (2) are located at the foot pedal (112) and are hidden by the foot pedal cover (5).

11. The monolithic shell according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, Some anchor points (3) of the frame portion (1) and the body portion (2) are located at the fairing (312) so as to be hidden by a plastic material cover (6), also known as a tether bracket shell, which is arranged or configured to be arranged at the front of the fairing (312).

12. A motorcycle (10) comprising a monocoque casing according to one or more of the preceding claims.

13. A method for fastening a body portion (2) to a frame portion (1) to form a monocoque of a motorcycle (10), particularly a scooter, the method comprising: Multiple point fastening elements (3), such as rivets or U-shaped pins, are arranged, the point fastening elements (3) including an enlarged head (103) and a rod (203) with a diameter smaller than that of the head (103), the legs of the rod (203) being aligned or slightly separated; Set up a comparison board; The vehicle body part (2) is connected to the frame part (1) such that the plates forming the frame part (1) and the vehicle body part (2) partially overlap at the peripheral joint edges; Lock the frame portion (1) and the body portion (2) in an overlapping position; The fastening element (3) is positioned at an anchor point arranged along one side of the overlapping edge of the periphery of the frame portion (1) and the body portion (2); The comparison plate is positioned on the opposite sides of the overlapping edges of the periphery of the frame part (1) and the body part (2); The fastening element (3) is compressed onto one of the frame portion (1) or the body portion (2) using a punch to pierce the corresponding plate. Continue the compression operation so that the rod (203) of the fastening element (3) engages with but does not pierce the plate of the other of the frame part (1) or the body part (2).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The contrast plate is wedge-shaped or double-wedge-shaped so that it opens when the legs of the rod (203) engage with the plate.

15. The method according to one or more of claims 13 to 14, wherein, The frame portion (1) is made of steel or steel alloy, and the body portion (2) is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The method includes using the rod portion (203) of the fastening element (3) to pierce the peripheral edge of the body portion (2) and to engage the rod (293) with the corresponding peripheral edge of the frame portion (1).

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