Plate joint body and manufacturing method of plate joint body

Abstract

To provide a plate joint body that can be readily made lightweight and can easily ensure design freedom and appearance.SOLUTION: A plate joint body is a hollow plate joint body formed by joining a plurality of component members (50 and 60) made from plates (150 and 160). In the plate joint body, a hollow part (33s) is formed by joining U-shaped open ends of a first component member (50) which is formed like a letter U and has notches (52a and 53a) formed in two surfaces (52 and 53) on an open side, and a second component member (60) which is formed like a letter U so as to be paired with the first component member (50) and has notches (62a and 63a) formed in two surfaces (62 and 63) on an open side. The notches (52a and 53a) formed in the first component member (50 and the notches (62a and 63a) formed in the second component member (60) are opposed to each other to form openings (33a and 33b).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joined body of plate materials and a method for manufacturing the joined body of plate materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for joining a plurality of components made of plate materials is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that a vehicle body frame is constructed by resistance welding press-formed metal plate materials. In Patent Document 1, when manufacturing a vehicle body frame, flanges are provided at open ends of curved metal plate materials, and the entire longitudinal direction of the flanges of a pair of metal plate materials is welded by seam welding or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-162528 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the flanges must be provided when forming the body frame, which makes the body frame heavy. Also, when attaching exterior parts to the body frame, the exterior parts must be attached while avoiding the flanges, which reduces design freedom and reduces appearance. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a plate joint that is easy to reduce in weight and easily ensures design freedom and appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The plate material joint is a hollow plate material joint formed by joining a plurality of plate material constituent members, and the plate material joint is characterized in that a hollow portion is formed by joining the open ends of a first constituent member formed in a U-shape and having notches on its two open faces, and a second constituent member formed in a U-shape to pair with the first constituent member and having notches on its two open faces, and the notches in the first constituent member and the notches in the second constituent member form openings opposite each other. The manufacturing method of a plate material joint is a manufacturing method of a plate material joint for manufacturing a hollow plate material joint, and is characterized by comprising a first step of providing notches on two opposing sides of a plate material, a second step of bending the plate material into a U-shape with the notches as the open end side, a third step of bringing together the U-shaped open ends of the components of a pair of plate material joints formed in the second step to form an opening using the notches, and a fourth step of inserting a joining tool through the opening to join the components of the pair of plate material joints. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plate joint body which is easy to reduce the weight and easily ensures design freedom and appearance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the seat frame of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a flow of a method for manufacturing a joined plate body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a continuation of FIG. 6, and illustrates a schematic diagram of the manufacturing method of the joined plate body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a left side view of a seat frame according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a joined plate body according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, rear, left, right, up and down are the same as directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In addition, the symbol FR in each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment Mode] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle that includes a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports a front wheel 13 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports a rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a passenger. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a rider sits astride a seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear part of the body frame 11.

[0010] The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the body frame 11, a front frame 19 located rearward of the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located rearward of the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by a rear frame 20 .

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by a head pipe 18 so as to be steerable left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a provided at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21 that is held by a rider is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 that is supported by the body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted into the front end of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down about the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15 a provided at the rear end of a swing arm 16 .

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheels 13 and the rear wheels 15 and is supported by the body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder portion 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to an exhaust port of the cylinder portion 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheels 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheels 15 .

[0014] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 also includes a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a step 28 on which a rider places his or her feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the step 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the body frame 11.

[0015] The front frame 19 has a main frame 31 extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 18, and a center frame 32 extending downward from the rear end of the main frame 31. The rear frame 20 has a pair of left and right seat frames 33 extending rearward and upward from a longitudinal midpoint of the main frame 31, and a pair of left and right rear subframes 34 extending rearward and upward from a longitudinal midpoint of the center frame 32 and connected to the longitudinal midpoint of the seat frames 33.

[0016] The seat 17 is supported by the seat frame 33. A luggage box 39 and the fuel tank 29 disposed behind the luggage box 39 are disposed below the seat 17. The luggage box 39 and the fuel tank 29 are supported in a straddling state between the pair of left and right seat frames 33 and the pair of left and right rear sub-frames 34.

[0017] The body frame 11 is covered with a body cover 40. The body cover 40 includes a front cover 41 that covers the head pipe 18 and the main frame 31 from the front, a pair of left and right front side covers 42 that are disposed on both the left and right sides of the front cover 41 and cover the head pipe 18 and the main frame 31 from the sides, a center cover 43 that is disposed between the left and right front side covers 42 and covers the head pipe 18 and the main frame 31 from above and rearward, and an upper cover 44 that covers the periphery of the handlebars 21.

[0018] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the seat frame 33 in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the left seat frame 33 as a single unit before being connected to the main frame 31. In this embodiment, the pair of left and right seat frames 33 are formed symmetrically. The left seat frame 33 will be described below.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 1. The seat frame 33 of this embodiment is a plate material joint formed by joining a plurality of constituent members 50, 60 made of plate materials (plate material shapes). The plate material joint can also be referred to as a vertically extending columnar structure or a horizontally extending beam-like structure. In this embodiment, the plate material is manufactured from a metal material. That is, the plate material is a metal plate material. Thus, in this embodiment, the constituent members 50, 60 are made of metal. In this embodiment, the seat frame 33 is a plate material joint formed by joining a plurality of constituent members 50, 60 formed by press-molding plate materials. The seat frame 33 of this embodiment has a first constituent member 50 formed in a U-shaped cross section with an open upper side (one side in a predetermined direction) and a second constituent member 60 formed in a U-shaped cross section with an open lower side (the other side in a predetermined direction). The seat frame 33 is formed in a hollow square pipe shape by joining the open ends of the U-shaped cross sections of the first constituent member 50 and the second constituent member 60.

[0020] Here, in this embodiment, the U-shape refers to an open-end shape having three or more sides. That is, the U-shape refers to a shape having a plate-like base surface portion (surface), a plate-like one-side side surface portion (surface) extending from one end of the base surface portion, and a plate-like other-side side surface portion (surface) extending from the other end of the base surface portion opposite the one-side side surface portion. In other words, a shape having a base surface portion, one-side side surface portion, and the other-side side surface portion is U-shaped.

[0021] The base surface portion may be a flat plate or a curved plate. The base surface portion may be formed in a single surface shape or in a plurality of surfaces, for example, in a folded plate shape partitioned by ridges. It is preferable that the one-side side surface portion and the other-side side surface portion extend parallel to each other at least at the tip, but they may be shaped so that the gap between them widens toward the open end, or they may be shaped so that the gap between them closes toward the open end.

[0022] The first component member 50 has a base surface portion 51, a one-side side surface portion 52, and an other-side side surface portion 53. In this embodiment, the base surface portion 51 is flat. The one-side side surface portion 52 and the other-side side surface portion 53 extend opposite to each other. 2, one side surface portion 52 has a notch 52a cut from an open end of the U-shaped cross section toward base surface portion 51. A plurality of notches 52a are formed at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction of one side surface portion 52. Between the notches 52a, there are portions where no notches 52a are formed. The portions where no notches 52a are formed form one side joint portion 52b, bent portion 52c, etc.

[0023] The other side surface portion 53 has a notch 53a cut from an open end of the U-shaped cross section toward the base surface portion 51. A plurality of notches 53a are formed in the longitudinal direction of the other side surface portion 53 at appropriate intervals so as to be offset from the formation position of the notch 52a of the one side surface portion 52. A portion where no notch 53a is formed is formed between the notches 53a. The portion where no notch 53a is formed constitutes the other side joint portion 53b, the bent portion 53c, etc.

[0024] The second component 60 is configured similarly to the first component 50 , except that the second component 60 is configured to be paired with the first component 50 . More specifically, the second component member 60 has a base surface portion 61, a one-side side surface portion 62, and an other-side side surface portion 63. In this embodiment, the base surface portion 61 is flat. The one-side side surface portion 62 and the other-side side surface portion 63 extend opposite to each other.

[0025] The one-side side surface portion 62 has a notch 62a cut from an open end of the U-shaped cross section toward the base surface portion 61. A plurality of notches 62a are formed in the longitudinal direction of the one-side side surface portion 62 at appropriate intervals so as to pair with the notches 52a of the first component member 50. A portion where no notch 62a is formed is formed between the notches 62a. The portion where no notch 62a is formed constitutes the one-side joint portion 62b, the bent portion 62c, etc.

[0026] The other side surface portion 63 has a notch 63a cut from an open end of the U-shaped cross section toward the base surface portion 61. The notches 63a are formed in a plurality of positions in the longitudinal direction of the other side surface portion 63 at appropriate intervals so as to be paired with the notches 53a of the first component member 50. In other words, the notches 63a are formed in a plurality of positions in the longitudinal direction of the other side surface portion 63 at appropriate intervals so as to be offset from the formation position of the notch 62a of the one side surface portion 62. A portion where the notch 63a is not formed is formed between the notches 63a. The portion where the notch 63a is not formed constitutes the other side joint portion 63b, the bent portion 63c, and the like.

[0027] In the seat frame 33, the first component 50 and the second component 60 are overlapped so that the base surface portion 51 of the first component 50 forms the lower surface and the base surface portion 61 of the second component 60 forms the upper surface. At this time, one side joint portion 52b of the paired first component 50 and one side joint portion 62b of the paired second component 60 are joined to each other in a state where they overlap in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the other side joint portion 53b of the paired first component 50 and the other side joint portion 63b of the paired second component 60 are joined to each other in a state where they overlap in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the open ends of the U-shaped cross section of the first component 50 and the second component 60 are joined to each other to form a square pipe-shaped seat frame 33 having a hollow space (hollow portion) 33s.

[0028] At this time, the notches 52a, 53a of the first component member 50 face the notches 62a, 63a of the second component member 60. The facing notches 52a, 53a and the facing notches 62a, 63a form corresponding openings 33a, 33b, respectively. The openings 33a, 33b communicate the hollow space 33s with the outside.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, a front end of the seat frame 33 is connected to the main frame 31. The seat frame 33 extends rearward and upward. A rear subframe 34 is connected to a longitudinal midsection of the seat frame 33. A rear cushion 38 is provided to a longitudinal midsection of the seat frame 33. The rear cushion 38 is connected to a rear end of the swing arm 16.

[0030] In the seat frame 33, as shown in Fig. 4, some of the portions where the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a are not formed constitute the bent portions 52c, 53c, 62c, 63c bent toward the hollow space 33s. The bent portions 52c, 53c, 62c, 63c form a rib structure. The rib structure improves the rigidity of the joined plate member.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. The seat frame 33 includes a fixing portion 33c having a structure wider in the vehicle width direction than other portions. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 33c is configured such that the base surface portion 61 of the upper second component member 60 is formed wider than other portions, and the other side surface portion 53 of the lower first component member 50 extends inward in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, a weld nut 70 is provided on the fixing portion 33c. In detail, the weld nut 70 is welded to the inner surface of the base surface portion 61 of the upper second component member 60. A through hole is formed in the base surface portion 61 at a position corresponding to the position of the weld nut 70.

[0032] In this embodiment, a luggage box 39 and a fuel tank 29 are fixed to the fixing portion 33c. In detail, a flange portion 29a of the fuel tank 29 is disposed above the fixing portion 33c. A rubber 71 is disposed above the flange portion 29a. A fastening portion 39a of the luggage box 39 is disposed above the rubber 71. A bolt 72 is inserted from above the fastening portion 39a and fastened to the weld nut 70. As a result, the luggage box 39 and the fuel tank 29 are fixed to the fixing portion 33c of the seat frame 33 via the rubber 71.

[0033] The fixing portion 33c is wide, and therefore can stably support the luggage box 39 and the fuel tank 29 while ensuring strength. The weld nut 70 allows exterior parts such as the luggage box 39 and the fuel tank 29 and other parts to be fixed to the seat frame 33 without the need to weld additional stays to the seat frame 33. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stays and related members can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of weight reduction and improved appearance.

[0034] In the hollow space 33s of the seat frame 33, an electric wiring 29b of a fuel pump of the fuel tank 29, a fuel pipe (piping) 29c of the fuel tank 29, an electric wiring 37a of a tail lamp 37 (see FIG. 1), and the like are arranged. The electric wiring 29b of the fuel tank 29 and the fuel pipe 29c are disposed in the hollow space 33s through an opening 33b. The electric wiring 37a of the tail lamp 37 can be arranged, for example, in the hollow space 33s from an opening at an end of the seat frame 33 in the longitudinal direction. The fuel pipe 29c of the fuel tank 29 is connected to the front intake system. Therefore, by hiding the electric wiring 29b, 37a, the fuel pipe 29c, and the like inside the seat frame 33, it is possible to protect the electric wiring 29b, 37a, the fuel pipe 29c, and the like, and to improve the appearance of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of a manufacturing method of a joined plate body according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram continuing from Fig. 6 showing a schematic diagram of the manufacturing method of a joined plate body according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 illustrates a cross section corresponding to the line VII-VII in Fig. 6. 6 and 7, an example of a manufacturing method of a plate joint body of the present embodiment applied to a seat frame 33 will be described. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the reference numerals used in the seat frame 33 will be used to indicate corresponding parts.

[0036] The joined plate body according to this embodiment is formed by joining two plate materials 150 and 160 together. That is, first, in the first step (zeroth step), a sheet of plate material 150 cut to a predetermined size is prepared. The size, material, etc. of plate material 150 are selected according to the plate joining member to be manufactured. In this embodiment, plate material 150 is manufactured from a metal material, and plate material 150 is rectangular.

[0037] In the next step (first step), a notch 52a is provided on one side 150a of the plate material 150. A plurality of notches 52a may be formed at appropriate intervals. Then, a notch 53a is provided on the other side 150b facing the plate material 150. The notch 53a on the other side 150b is formed by shifting the position of the notch 52a on the one side 150a. For example, the notches 53a are provided so that the vertices of the notches 52a, 53a on both sides are staggered (staggered). The shape of these notches 52a, 53a is not particularly limited, but examples include a circle and a rectangle. The notches 52a, 53a do not need to have the same shape, and all the notches 52a, 53a may have different shapes from each other. That is, the shape of the notches 52a, 53a is selected as necessary.

[0038] In the next step (second step), the plate material 150 with the cutouts 52a, 53a is press-molded so that the sides 150a, 150b with the cutouts 52a, 53a form the open ends of the U-shaped cross section. This forms the first component member 50 having the base surface portion 51, one side surface portion 52, and the other side surface portion 53.

[0039] Then, through a similar process, another plate material 160 is made to have a U-shaped cross section so as to pair with the U-shaped cross section of the first component member 50. That is, notches 62a, 62b are provided in the plate material 160, and the plate material 160 is press-formed to have a U-shaped cross section. This forms a second component member 60 that pairs with the first component member 50. This second component member 60 has a base surface portion 61, a one-side side surface portion 62, and an other-side side surface portion 63.

[0040] In the next step (third step), the open ends of the U-shaped cross section of the first component 50 and the second component 60 are overlapped with each other, and the notches 52a, 53a and the notches 62a, 63a are opposed to each other to hold the openings 33a, 33b formed. At this time, the notches 52a, 62a, 53a, 63a are alternately formed in the one-side side surface portions 52, 62 and the other-side side surface portions 53, 63, so that the other-side joint portions 53b, 63b are exposed to the outside of the one-side side surface portions 52, 62 side through the opening 33a of the one-side side surface portions 52, 62. Also, the one-side joint portions 52b, 62b are exposed to the outside of the other-side side surface portions 53, 63 side through the opening 33b of the other-side side surface portions 53, 63. That is, when one of the side surface portions 52, 62 and the other side surface portions 53, 63 is viewed from the other, the other joint portions 53b, 63b, 52b, 62b are exposed through the openings 33a, 33b.

[0041] In the next step (fourth step), linear welding electrodes (tools) 81, 82 are inserted sequentially through openings 33a, 33b as shown in Fig. 7. Since openings 33a, 33b are formed alternately, by inserting either linear welding electrode 81, 82 through opening 33a, 33b, it is possible to sandwich and weld one-side joint portions 52b, 62b with welding electrodes 81, 82, and also possible to sandwich and weld the other-side joint portions 53b, 63b with welding electrodes 81, 82. The first component member 50 and the second component member 60 are joined in an opposing state to form a joined plate body having a hollow space 33s. Therefore, in this embodiment, a plate joint body can be manufactured without providing a flange.

[0042] Here, instead of welding, bolts, rivets, or the like may be used for joining. When bolts or the like are used, holes are drilled in any step prior to the third step. For example, holes may be formed when forming the notches 53a-63a in the first step. Also, holes may be formed in the plate materials 150, 160 in a step prior to the formation of the notches 53a-63a. Then, in the fourth step, joining is performed by bolting or riveting instead of welding. Note that welding may be used in combination with bolting or riveting.

[0043] Also, the weld nut 70 can be provided in any step prior to the third step. For example, the weld nut 70 may be welded to the inner surface of the plate materials 150, 160 in the first step. Also, the weld nut 70 may be welded to a position that will become the inner surface of the plate materials 150, 160 in a step prior to the formation of the notches 53a to 63a. Furthermore, the weld nut 70 may be welded to the constituent members 50, 60 in a single item state. Note that holes are formed in the plate materials 150, 160 in advance at the welding positions of the weld nut 70.

[0044] In addition, the bent portions 52c, 53c, 62c, and 63c can also be provided in any of the steps. For example, in the first step, when the notches 53a to 63a are formed, a portion may be folded without being completely cut out, thereby forming the bent portions 52c to 63c between the notches 53a to 63a. In addition, the bent portions 52c, 53c, 62c, and 63c may be formed when the cross section is press-molded into a U-shaped shape, specifically, in the third step, when the cross section is press-molded into a U-shaped shape. In addition, the bent portions 52c to 63c may be formed in advance before the cross section is press-molded into a U-shaped shape.

[0045] As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in the hollow seat frame 33 formed by joining a plurality of components 50, 60 made of plate materials 150, 160, specifically, a plurality of components 50, 60 formed by press-molding the plate materials 150, 160, the seat frame 33 includes a first component member 50 formed in a U-shape and having notches 52a, 53a on side surfaces 52, 53 which form two open surfaces, and a second component member 60 formed in a U-shape to be paired with the first component member 50 and having notches 62a, 63a on side surfaces 62, 63 which form two open surfaces, the hollow space 33s is formed by joining the open ends of the U-shapes, and the notches 52a, 53a formed in the first component member 50 and the notches 62a, 63a formed in the second component member 60 face each other to form openings 33a, 33b.

[0046] According to this configuration, the seat frame 33 can be easily made lighter by the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, and 63a. In addition, by joining the open ends of the portions where the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, and 63a are not formed, joining can be performed without providing a flange. Therefore, material can be reduced and weight can be further reduced. In addition, exterior parts such as the luggage box 39 and the fuel tank 29 can be easily attached to the seat frame 33 without avoiding the flange, and design freedom and appearance can be secured. Therefore, according to this configuration, a seat frame 33 can be provided that is easy to make lighter and easy to secure design freedom and appearance. In addition, when joining by resistance welding, there is no need to use an extra material called a flange, so it is easy to make lighter and can also lead to a reduction in production costs. Furthermore, since the seat frame 33 plate material joint is formed by press molding, it is easier to perform additional processing and molding on the hollow part before and after molding compared to casting molding in a mold.

[0047] In this embodiment, the openings 33a, 33b are insertion holes for tools such as welding electrodes 81, 82 for joining the first component member 50 and the second component member 60 together. According to this configuration, a tool such as welding electrodes 81, 82 can be inserted through the openings 33a, 33b to join the open ends of the first component member 50 and the second component member 60 with the tool.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, the notches 52a, 53a of the first component member 50 are arranged alternately on the one side surface portion 52 and the other side surface portion 53 which form the two faces on the open side of the first component member 50, and the notches 62a, 63a of the second component member 60 are arranged alternately on the one side side surface portion 62 and the other side side surface portion 63 which form the two faces on the open side of the second component member 60, and the joint portions 53b, 63b, 52b, 62b of one of the side surface portions 52, 62, 53, 63 which form the joined two faces face the openings 33a, 33b of the other side surface portions 53, 63, 52, 62. According to this configuration, even linear tools such as welding electrodes 81 and 82 can be brought close to joints 53b, 63b, 52b and 62b by utilizing openings 33a and 33b.

[0049] In this embodiment, the plate members 150, 160 are made of a metal material, and the first component member 50 and the second component member 60 are joined by resistance welding. According to this configuration, welding electrodes 81, 82 for resistance welding can be inserted into the openings to effect joining.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the openings 33a and 33b are formed with bent portions 52c, 53c, 62c and 63c extending from the inner periphery of the openings 33a and 33b into the hollow space 33s of the seat frame 33. According to this configuration, the bent portions 52c, 53c, 62c, and 63c have a rib structure, which can improve rigidity.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the seat frame 33 is a part of the body frame 11 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. According to this configuration, the body frame 11 of the saddle type vehicle 10 can be constructed of a lightweight joined body.

[0052] In this embodiment, a weld nut 70 is welded to the inner surface. According to this configuration, it is possible to fasten other components, such as exterior components such as luggage box 39 and fuel tank 29, without welding additional stays. In addition, since there are no stays, it is possible to reduce the weight accordingly and improve the appearance of seat frame 33. In particular, by providing weld nuts 70 to components 50, 60 before joining components 50, 60, it is possible to provide weld nuts 70 at positions corresponding to the interior of seat frame 33.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 includes the electric wiring 29b, 37a and the fuel pipe 29c, and the electric wiring 29b, 37a and the fuel pipe 29c are routed into the hollow space 33s of the seat frame 33 from the openings 33a, 33b. According to this configuration, by routing the electrical wiring 29b, 37a and the fuel piping 29c of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 in the hollow space 33s of the seat frame 33, the electrical wiring 29b, 37a and the fuel piping 29c can be protected and the electrical wiring 29b, 37a and the fuel piping 29c can be easily hidden from the outside, improving the appearance.

[0054] As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the method for manufacturing a plate material joint body for manufacturing a hollow seat frame 33 includes a first step of providing notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a in two opposing sides 150a, 150b, 160a, 160b of plate materials 150, 160, a second step of bending plate materials 150, 160 into a U-shape with notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a serving as open ends, a third step of matching the open ends of the U-shapes of components 50, 60 of the pair of plate material joint bodies formed in the second step to form openings 33a, 33b through notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a, and a fourth step of inserting tools such as welding electrodes 81, 82 for joining through the openings 33a, 33b to join the components 50, 60 of the pair of plate material joint bodies. According to this configuration, the seat frame 33 can be manufactured with reduced weight due to the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, and 63a. In addition, the open ends of the portions where the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, and 63a are not formed can be joined together to manufacture the joined seat frame 33 without providing a flange. This reduces the amount of material and makes the seat frame 33 lighter. In addition, the seat frame 33 can be manufactured with ease of attaching exterior parts to the seat frame 33 without avoiding the flange, and with a high degree of freedom in design and good appearance. Therefore, according to this configuration, the seat frame 33 can be provided that is easy to reduce in weight and easy to ensure a high degree of freedom in design and good appearance. In addition, when joining by resistance welding, there is no need to use an extra material called a flange, so that the seat frame 33 can be manufactured with reduced weight and reduced production costs. In particular, joining can be performed through tools such as welding electrodes 81 and 82 from the openings 33a and 33b, improving productivity.

[0055] In this embodiment, in a first step, staggered notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a are provided on two opposing sides 150a, 150b, 160a, 160b of plate materials 150, 160, and in a fourth step, linear tools such as welding electrodes 81, 82 for joining are inserted through openings 33a, 33b to join the constituent members 50, 60 of a pair of seat frames 33. This configuration allows linear tools such as welding electrodes 81, 82 to be used to join components 50, 60.

[0056] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below. In this second embodiment, parts configured similarly to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0057] 8 is a left side view of a seat frame 233 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the left seat frame 233 is shown in a state before being connected to the main frame 31. The seat frame 233 of the second embodiment has a first component member 250 and a second component member 260 instead of the first component member 50 and the second component member 60 of the seat frame 33 of the first embodiment.

[0058] In a first component member 250 and a second component member 260 in the second embodiment, the positions of the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, and 63a are different from those in the first embodiment. That is, in the first component member 50 and the second component member 60 of the first embodiment, the positions of the notches 52a, 62a in the one-side side surface portions 52, 62 and the positions of the notches 53a, 63a in the other-side side surface portions 53, 63 are shifted from each other in the longitudinal direction of the side surface portions 52, 53, 62, 63, and the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a are formed alternately (zigzag). In contrast, in the first component member 250 and the second component member 260 of the second embodiment, the positions of the notches 52a, 62a in the one-side side surface portions 52, 62 and the positions of the notches 53a, 63a in the other-side side surface portions 53, 63 are formed to coincide with each other in the longitudinal direction of the side surface portions 52, 53, 62, 63.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a method for manufacturing a joined plate body according to the second embodiment, which corresponds to Fig. 7 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, plate materials 150, 160 are press-formed into a U-shaped cross section to form component members 250, 260 through processes similar to those of the first embodiment, except that the positions of notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a are formed so as to coincide on one side surface portion 52, 62 and the other side surface portion 53, 63.

[0060] In the next step (third step), the open ends of the U-shaped cross sections of the components 250, 260 are overlapped and the notches 52a, 53a and the notches 62a, 63a are opposed to each other, thereby maintaining the state in which the openings 33a, 33b are formed. At this time, the positions of the notches 52a, 53a, 62a, 63a are formed to coincide on the one-side side surface portions 52, 62 and the other-side side surface portions 53, 63, so that the opening 33a formed by the notches 52a, 62a and the opening 33b formed by the notches 53a, 63a are linearly connected to each other. In other words, the one side joints 52b, 62b and the bent portions 52c, 62c overlap with the other side joints 53b, 63b and the bent portions 53c, 63c when viewed from either one side surface portion 52, 62 or the other side surface portion 53, 63.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a welding device (tool) 280 is used. The welding device 280 has a main body 283, a movable welding electrode 281 protruding from the main body 283, and a fixed welding electrode 282 disposed opposite the movable welding electrode 281 and supported by an L-shaped support member 284. The movable welding electrode 281 is configured to be movable forward and backward relative to the main body 283. The movable welding electrode 281 can approach the fixed welding electrode 282 to sandwich and weld the components 250, 260 together with the fixed welding electrode 282.

[0062] That is, the fixed welding electrode 282 is advanced into the hollow space 233s from the openings 33a and 33b, and the fixed welding electrode 282 is moved to the rear surface of the joints 52b, 62b, 53b, and 63b. Then, the movable welding electrode 281 is brought close to the fixed welding electrode 282, and the joints 52b, 62b, 53b, and 63b are sandwiched between the movable welding electrode 281 and the fixed welding electrode 282, and welding resistance is performed. In this way, by sequentially inserting the fixed welding electrode 282 of the welding device 280 into the openings 33a and 33b, the joints 52b, 62b, 53b, and 63b can be welded. Instead of the welding device 280, linear welding electrodes 81, 82 may be inserted obliquely through the openings 33a, 33b to join the wires. In this embodiment as well, a plate joint body can be manufactured without providing a flange.

[0063] As described above, in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, similarly to the first embodiment, joining can be achieved without providing flanges by joining the open ends of the portions where notches 52a, 53a, 62a, and 63a are not formed. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a seat frame 233 that is easy to reduce weight and ensures design freedom and appearance.

[0064] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modification and application can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the structure is applied to the seat frame 33 and is a so-called joined plate structure extending horizontally, but it may be applied to a down frame extending downward from the head pipe, for example, as a so-called columnar structure. This can reduce the weight of the body frame 11.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the plate materials 150, 160 are described as being made of a metal plate material made of a metal material, but the plate materials 150, 160 may be made of a material other than a metal material as long as the plate materials 150, 160 can be joined to each other. For example, the plate materials 150, 160 may be made of a composite material such as a resin material or fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the seat frame 33 is formed by overlapping and joining the first component member 50 and the second component member 60 vertically, but they may also be overlapped and joined horizontally (horizontally).

[0068] In the above embodiment, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 having a power unit that is an internal combustion engine has been exemplified, but the power unit may be an electric motor driven by electricity. That is, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 may be a so-called electric vehicle.

[0069] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which one-side joint 52b and other-side joint 53b of the first component member 50 and one-side joint 62b and other-side joint 63b of the second component member 60 are overlapped and joined to each other, but, for example, the tips (open ends) of one-side joint 52b and other-side joint 53b and the tips (open ends) of one-side joint 62b and other-side joint 63b may also be joined by welding, respectively.

[0070] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle having a front wheel 13 and a rear wheel 15 has been used as an example of saddle-ride vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a three-wheel saddle-ride vehicle having two front or two rear wheels, or a saddle-ride vehicle having four or more wheels.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is given as an example of a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to so-called vehicles having wheels, such as the body frame of a passenger car or the like.

[0072] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0073] (Configuration 1) A hollow plate joint constructed by joining a plurality of plate material components, the plate joint being characterized in that a hollow portion is formed by joining the open ends of a first component member formed in a U-shape with notches provided on the two open faces thereof and a second component member formed in a U-shape to pair with the first component member and with notches provided on the two open faces thereof, and the notches provided in the first component member and the notches provided in the second component member form openings opposite each other. According to this configuration, the notch makes it easier to reduce the weight of the plate joint. In addition, by joining the open ends of the parts where the notch is not formed, joining can be performed without providing a flange. This reduces the amount of material and makes the plate joint even lighter. In addition, exterior components can be easily attached to the plate joint without avoiding the flange, and design freedom and appearance can be ensured. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to provide a plate joint that is easy to reduce the weight and that easily ensures design freedom and appearance. In addition, when joining by resistance welding, there is no need to use extra material such as a flange, so it is easy to reduce the weight and can also lead to reduced production costs.

[0074] (Configuration 2) The joined plate body according to configuration 1, wherein the opening is an insertion hole for a tool used to join the first component and the second component. According to this configuration, a tool can be inserted through the opening to join the open ends of the first component and the second component with the tool.

[0075] (Configuration 3) A plate material joint body according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutouts of the first component member are alternately provided on two faces on the open side of the first component member, the cutouts of the second component member are alternately provided on two faces on the open side of the second component member, and the joint portion of one of the two joined faces faces the position facing the opening of the other face. With this configuration, even a linear tool can be brought close to the joint by utilizing the opening.

[0076] (Configuration 4) The plate material joint according to configuration 3, characterized in that the plate material is made of a metal material, and the first component member and the second component member are joined by resistance welding. According to this configuration, joining can be achieved by inserting a welding electrode for resistance welding into the opening.

[0077] (Configuration 5) The plate joint body according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that a bent portion is formed in the opening, extending from the inner periphery of the opening into the hollow portion of the plate joint body. According to this configuration, the bent portion has a ribbed structure, which can improve rigidity.

[0078] (Configuration 6) The joined plate structure according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the joined plate structure is a body frame of a vehicle. According to this configuration, the body frame of the vehicle can be constructed from a lightweight joined plate body.

[0079] (Configuration 7) The joined plate body according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein a weld nut is welded to the inner surface. According to this configuration, it is possible to fix other components such as exterior components to the plate joint without welding additional stays. In addition, since there are no stays, it is possible to reduce the weight and improve the appearance of the plate joint. In particular, by providing weld nuts to the components before joining the components, it is possible to provide weld nuts inside the plate joint.

[0080] (Configuration 8) The plate joint body according to configuration 6, wherein the vehicle is provided with electrical wiring and piping, and the electrical wiring and piping are routed from the opening into a hollow portion of the plate joint body. According to this configuration, by routing the vehicle's electrical wiring and piping in the hollow portion of the plate joint, the electrical wiring and piping can be protected and can be easily hidden from the outside, improving the appearance.

[0081] (Structure 9) A method for manufacturing a plate material joint body for producing a hollow plate material joint body, comprising: a first step of providing notches on two opposing sides of a plate material; a second step of bending the plate material into a U-shape with the notches as the open end; a third step of bringing together the open ends of the U-shapes of the components of a pair of plate material joints formed in the second step to form an opening using the notches; and a fourth step of inserting a joining tool through the opening to join the components of the pair of plate material joints. According to this configuration, a plate joint that is lighter due to the notch can be manufactured. In addition, a plate joint that is joined without providing a flange can be manufactured by joining the open ends of the parts where the notch is not formed. Therefore, material can be reduced and weight can be further reduced. In addition, exterior parts can be easily attached to the plate joint without avoiding the flange, and a plate joint that ensures design freedom and appearance can be manufactured. Therefore, according to this configuration, a plate joint that is easy to reduce in weight and easy to ensure design freedom and appearance can be provided. In addition, when joining by resistance welding, there is no need to use an extra material called a flange, so a plate joint that is easy to reduce in weight and leads to reduced production costs can be manufactured. In particular, joining can be performed through a tool from the opening, improving productivity.

[0082] (Configuration 10) A method for manufacturing a plate material joint body according to Configuration 9, characterized in that in the first step, alternate notches are provided on two opposing sides of the plate material, and in the fourth step, the linear tool for joining is inserted through the openings to join the constituent members of the pair of plate material joint bodies. This arrangement allows the components to be joined using a linear tool. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Saddle-type vehicle (vehicle) 29b Electrical wiring 29c Fuel piping (piping) 33 Seat frame (plate joint, body frame) 33a aperture 33b opening 33s Hollow space (hollow part) 37a Electrical wiring 50 First component, component 52 One side surface (surface) 53 Other side surface (surface) 52a Notch 52b Joint 52c Bend part 53a Notch 53b Joint 53c Bend part 60 Second component, component 62 One side surface (surface) 63 Other side surface (surface) 62a Notch 62b Joint 62c bending part 63a Notch 63b Joint 63c Bend part 70 Weld Nut 81 Welding electrodes (tools) 82 Welding electrodes (tools) 150 Board material 150a side 150b side 160 Board material Around 160a 160b side 233 Seat frame (plate joint) 233s Hollow Space (Hollow Part) 250 First component, component 260 Second component, component 280 Welding equipment (tools)

Claims

1. In a hollow plate joint structure formed by joining a plurality of components (50, 60, 250, 260) made of plate materials (150, 160), The plate joint body is a first component (50, 250) formed in a U-shape and having notches (52a, 53a) on two open surfaces (52, 53) thereof, and a second component (60, 260) formed in a U-shape so as to be paired with the first component (50, 250) and having notches (62a, 63a) on two open surfaces (62, 63) thereof, the open ends of the U-shapes being joined together to form a hollow portion (33s, 233s), The notches (52a, 53a) provided in the first component (50, 250) and the notches (62a, 63a) provided in the second component (60, 260) face each other to form openings (33a, 33b). A plate joint comprising:

2. The openings (33a, 33b) are insertion holes for a tool (81, 82, 280) that joins the first component member (50, 250) and the second component member (60, 260). The plate joint body according to claim 1 .

3. The notches (52a, 53a) of the first component (50, 250) are alternately provided on two surfaces (52, 53) on the open side of the first component (50, 250), The notches (62a, 63a) of the second component member (60, 260) are alternately provided on two surfaces (62, 63) on the open side of the second component member (60, 260), A joining portion (53b, 63b, 52b, 62b) of the other surface (53, 63, 52, 62) faces a position facing the opening (33a, 33b) of one surface (52, 62, 53, 63) of the two joined surfaces (52, 53, 62, 63). The plate joint body according to claim 1 .

4. The plate members (150, 160) are made of a metal material, The first component (50, 250) and the second component (60, 260) are joined by resistance welding.

4. The plate joint assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that

5. The openings (33a, 33b) are formed with bent portions (52c, 53c, 62c, 63c) extending from the inner periphery of the openings (33a, 33b) to the hollow portions (33s, 233s) of the joined plate bodies.

5. The plate joint body according to claim 1, wherein the plate joint body is made of a material selected from the group consisting of tungsten carbide and tungsten.

6. The plate joint is a body frame (33) of a vehicle (10). The plate joint body according to claim 1 .

7. A weld nut (70) is welded to the inner surface. The plate joint body according to claim 1 .

8. The vehicle (10) includes electrical wiring (29b, 37a) and piping (29c); The electrical wiring (29b, 37a) and the piping (29c) are routed from the openings (33a, 33b) to the hollow portions (33s, 233s) of the plate joint bodies (33, 233). The plate joint body according to claim 6 .

9. A method for manufacturing a hollow plate joint (33, 233), comprising the steps of: a first step of forming notches (52a, 53a, 62a, 63a) on two opposing sides (150a, 150b, 160a, 160b) of a plate material (150, 160); a second step of bending the plate material (150, 160) into a U-shape with the notches (52a, 53a, 62a, 63a) on the open end side; a third step of joining U-shaped open ends of the pair of constituent members (50, 60, 250, 260) of the plate joint body formed in the second step to form openings (33a, 33b) by the notches (52a, 53a, 62a, 63a); a fourth step of inserting a joining tool (81, 82, 280) through the openings (33a, 33b) to join the constituent members (50, 60, 250, 260) of the pair of plate material joint bodies; A method for producing a plate joint, comprising the steps of:

10. In the first step, notches (52a, 53a, 62a, 63a) are provided alternately on two opposing sides (150a, 150b, 160a, 160b) of the plate material (150, 160), In the fourth step, the linear tools (81, 82) for joining are inserted through the openings (33a, 33b) to join the constituent members (50, 60, 250, 260) of the pair of plate material joint bodies (33, 233). The method for manufacturing a joined plate body according to claim 9 .

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