NADESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]
The present invention relates to a structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, the structural membe r including a
closed cross-section structural member at _acr_oss^i^
portion thereof, thus reducing deflection.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
For reduced weights or increased sizes, steel structures such as automobiles, construction machines, bridges, and architectural buildings need to use high tensile strength steel called a high tensile strength material to reduce the board thicknesses or cross-sectional areas of members thereof. However, disadvantageously, the reduced board thicknesses or cross-sectional areas of the members may reduce the rigidity thereof, causing the members to be significantly deformed, that is, deflected, Under an external force. This may prevent the safety of steel structures from being ensured. Thus, there has been a strong demand for a technique to achieve a consistent reduction in both the weight and deflection of structural members.
[0003]
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Among techniques to reduce the deflection of structural members, a technique is widely known in which a reinforcing plate called a rib is attached to a crossing portion of the structural member. Furthermore, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique to bend an end of a plate-like reinforcing plate into a U or V shape to improve the proof stress and fatigue performance of the structural member. Additionally,. Paten_t Literature 2 discloses a technique to define the angle between a U- or V-shaped reinforcing material and a structural member and the width of the combination of the reinforcing material and structural member, to improve the proof stress and fatigue performance of the structural member. [0004]
Furthermore, Patent Literature 3 discloses a coupled structure including a structural member having a hollow cross section with bulkheads and a coupling member with an opening end into which the structural member is inserted. [0005]
Additionally, Patent Literature 4 discloses a joining structure in which a columnar structural member is joined to a second structural member. A plate-like reinforcing material is welded to the columnar structural member and second structural member joined together to reinforce the junction between the structural members. The reinforcing
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material includes a bent portion that is U- or V-shaped along a surface of the structural member, and a ring-like opening.
CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE [0006]
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent
Publication No .200 1_^1 32.102
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-2464
Patent Literature 3: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-118257
Patent Literature 4: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-54565
SUMMARY OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM [0007]
Those of the above-disclosed techniques in which an unbent plate-like reinforcing plate is arranged at a crossing portion of the structural member are effective for reducing a deflectioh occurring when the structural member acts to deflect in an in-plane direction, that is, the deflection occurring in a direction in which the angle of the crossing portion of the structural member decreases. However, disadvantageously, if the structural member acts to deflect in an out-of-plane direction, that is, if the
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structural member deflects in a direction perpendicular to the reinforcing plate, the techniques are less effective for reducing the deflection. [0008]
Furthermore, in Patent Literature 1, the reinforcing plate is bent into a U or V shape to allow improvement of the proof stress and fatigue performance of the portion of the structural member with the reinforcing plate attached thereto, while effectively reducing the deflection occurring if the structural members act to deflect in the in-plane direction. However, this technique is disadvantageously less effective for reducing the deflection occurring if the structural member acts to deflect in the out-of-plane direction. [0009]
Additionally, the technique in Patent Literature 2 defines the angle between a tubular structural member and a U- or V-shaped reinforcing material secured between the tubular structural member and a base plate as well as the width of the combination of the structural member and the reinforcing material. This allows improvement of the proof stress and fatigue performance of the portion of the structural member with the reinforcing plate attached thereto, while effectively reducing the deflection occurring if the structural member acts to deflect in the in-plane direction. However, this technique is
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disadvantageously less effective for reducing the deflection occurring if the structural member acts to deflect in the out-of-plane direction.
[0010]
In addition, the technique in Patent Literature 3 provides bulkheads in a structural member of a car body to divide the structural member into a plurality of compartments so that the structural member has a
hollow cross section^ ajicl_ forms opening ends in
coupling members corresponding to the plurality of compartments, thus improving the rigidity and strength of the coupled structure. However, the technique is disadvantageously less effective for reducing the deflection occurring if the structural member acts to deflect in the in-plane and out-of-plane directions.
[0011]
In addition, the technique in Patent Literature 4 is applied to a joined structure in which a columnar structural member is joined to a second structural member. However, although Patent Literature 4 specifies a preferable dimensional relationship between the columnar structural member, which is a circular steel stand column, and a reinforcing material, the dimensional relationship cannot be applied to joining of the reinforcing material to a member of a different shape. Furthermore, in Patent Literature 4, the reinforcing material is joined to an outer-peripheral circular-arc surface of the
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columnar structural member. Thus, the thickness of the reinforcing material and the like are limited, and an effective dimensional relationship and the like may not be always established. [0012]
An object of the present invention is to provide a structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, the structure
effectively reducing the deflection .pf the struct_ura_l_
member subjected to loads acting in the in-plane and out-of-plane direction.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM [0013]
The present invention provides a structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, characterized in that a closed cross-section structural member is provided in a corner formed by crossing between each of opposite ends of a predetermined side subjected" to a load and a second side so as to extend along an inner-peripheral flat surface of the predetermined side and an inner-peripheral flat surface of the second side," the closed cross-section structural member includes two horizontal portions separated from each other in a thickness direction of the structural member and exte'nding in an in-plane direction of the frame-like structural member, a vertical portion connecting first ends of the two horizontal portions together,
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and a vertical portion connecting second ends of the two horizontal portions together, the closed cross-section structural member includes a first opening formed therein facing the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member and a second opening formed therein facing inside of the frame-like structural member, a part of an opening edge of the first opening corresponding at least to ,_th.e__ two yertical porti^^^ joined to the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member, and a flattening that is a ratio of a maximum width of the second opening to a height of the closed cross-section structural member is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 3.0.
The structure according to the present invention is further characterized in that the flattening is at least 1.5.
The structure according to the present invention is further characterized in that the opening edge of the first opening is entirely joined to the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member.
The structure according to the present invention is further characterized in that a height of the closed cross-section structural member is identical to a thickness of the frame-like structural member.
The structure according to the present invention is further characterized in that an inner height of the closed cross-section structural member is
- 7 ~

identical to a thickness of the frame-like structural member.
The structure according to the present invention is further characterized in that the closed cross-section structural member is provided in all of four corners of the frame-like structural member.
The structure according to the present invention is further characterized in that the horizontal portions of the closed cross-^section structural member are smoothly connected to the vertical portions of the closed cross-section structural member.
The present invention provides another structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, characterized in that a closed cross-section structural member is provided in a corner formed by crossing between each of opposite ends of a predetermined side subj ected to a load and a second side so as to extend along an outer-peripheral flat surface of th^e predetermined side and an outer-peripheral flat surface of the second side, the closed cross-section structural member includes two horizontal portions separated from eaCh other in a thickness direction of the structural member and extending in an in-plane direct ion-of the frame-like structural member, a vertical portion connecting first ends of the two horizontal portions together, and a vertical portion connecting second ends of the two horizontal portions together, the closed cross-
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section structural member includes a first opening formed therein facing the outer-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member and a second opening formed therein facing outside of the frame-like structural member, a part of an opening edge of the first opening corresponding at least to the two vertical portions is joined to the outer-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member,_ and a _flattening that is a ratio of a maximum width of the second opening to a height of the closed cross-section structural member is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 6.0.
The present invention provides another structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides^ characterized in that a closed cross-section structural member is provided in a corner formed by crossing between each of opposite ends of a predetermined side subjected to a load and a second side so as to extend along an inner-peripheral flat surface of the predetermined sid~e and an inner-peripheral flat surface of the second side, the closed cross-section structural member includes a ho'rizontal portion extending in an in-plane direction of the frame-like structural member at a predetermined height position in a thickness direction of the structural member, two vertical portions connected to 'each ends of the horizontal portion, and a connection portion connecting the two vertical portions together, the closed cross-section
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structural member includes a first opening formed therein facing the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member' and a second opening formed therein facing inside of the frame-like structural member, a part of an opening edge of the first opening corresponding at least to the two vertical portions is joined to the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member, and a flattening .that _i_s _a rat io_of_ a maximum v^^^ of the second opening to a height of the closed cross-section structural member is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 3.0.
The present invention provides another structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, characterized in that a closed cross-sect ion structural member is provided in a corner formed by crossing between each of opposite ends of a predetermined side subjected to a load and a second side so as to extend along an outer-peripheral flat surface of the predetermined side and an outer-peripheral flat surface of the second side, the closed cross-section structural member includes a horizontal portion extending in an in-plane direction of the frame-like structural member at a predetermined height position in a thickness direction of the structural member, two vertical portions connected to each ends of the horizontal ' portion, and a connection portion connecting the two vertical portions together, the closed cross-section
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structural member includes a first opening formed therein facing the outer-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member and a second opening formed therein facing outside of the frame-like structural member, a part of an opening edge of the first opening corresponding at least to the two vertical portions is joined to the outer-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural membe r, and a flattening that is a ratio of a maximum width_qf the second opening to a height of the closed cross-section structural member is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 6.0.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION [0014]
According to the present invention, in the structure including the structural member configured like a frame with four sides, the deflection of the structural member subjected to loads acting in the in-plane and out-of-plane direction can be effectively reduced. The present invention thus has a great industrial significance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0015]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a first embodiment.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a load input to a structural
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member and a deflection.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between another load input to a structural member and another deflection.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the
structure according to the first embodiment in which
a closed cross-section structural member is arranged
in a crossing corner of the frame-like structural
member_. _ _
[Fig. 5A] Fig. 5A is a plan view of the closed cross-section structural member in the structure according to the first embodiment.
[Fig. 5B] Fig. 5B is a side view of the closed cross-section structural member in the structure according to the first embodiment.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a comparative example in which a non-flattened closed cross-section structural member arranged in a crossing corner of the frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a variation of the first embodiment in which another closed cross-section structural member is arranged in a crossing corner of the frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a second embodiment in which a closed cross-section structural member is arranged in a crossing corner of a frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a third embodiment in which a
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closed cross-section structural member is arranged in a crossing corner of a frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a fourth embodiment in which a closed cross-section structural member is arranged in a crossing corner of a frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a fifth embodiment in which a
closed cross-section structural memb_er_^ is...A^J^_§r>ged in
a crossing corner of a frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a structure according to a sixth embodiment in which a closed cross-section structural member is arranged in a crossing corner of a frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a variation of the sixth embodiment in which another closed cross-section structural member is arranged, in a crossing corner of the frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 14A] Fig. 14A is a plan view showing a variation of "the closed cross-section structural member.
[Fig. 14B] Fig. 14B is a side view showing a variation of the closed cross-section structural' member.
[Fig. 15A] Fig. ISA is a plan view showing a variation of the closed cross-section structural member.
[Fig. 15B] Fig. 14B is a side view showing a variation of the closed cross-section structural
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member.
[Fig. 16A] Fig. 16A is a plan view showing a variation of the closed cross-section .structural member.
[Fig. 16B] Fig. 16B is a side view showing a variation of the closed cross-section structural member.
[Fig. 17A] Fig. 17A is a cross-sectional view showing _a var i^ati on of the frame-like struc^t member.
[Fig. 17B] Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view showing a variation of the frame-like structural member.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example in which a load is imposed on a frame-like structure.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example in which another load is imposed on the frame-like structure.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example in which a triangular rib is arranged in a crossing corner of a frame-like structural member according to a conventional technigue.
[Fig.' 21] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example in which two triangular ribs are arranged in the crossing corner of the frame-like structural member according to the conventional technigue.
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing results for the examples.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing results
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for the examples.
[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing results
for the examples.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing results
for the examples.
[Fig. 26] Fig, 26 is a diagram showing results
for the examples.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing results
f or _ the examples . .__.___
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0016]
With reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In the specification and drawings, components with substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these components are omitted.
"[0"0"i7l
(First Embodiment)
First, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a structure to which the present invention is applicable. The structure includes a structural member 1 configured like a frame (quadrilateral shape) with four sides by joining four hollow rectangular bars with a rectangular cross section together into a quadrilateral shape. A member different from the structural member 1 may be joined to the structure,
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though this is not shown in the drawings. Such a structure is widely applied to common structures, for example, an engine cradle on which an engine of a car is installed and a rear sub-frame provided in the rear of the car. [0018]
The present inventors examined in detail a deflection yl of the structural member 1 which occurs _when_ a load Pi is input inward to one side of the structural member 1, that is, when an in-plane-wise load is input to the structural member 1. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the present inventors examined in detail a deflection y2 of the structural member 1 which occurs when a load P2 is input downward to one side of the structural member 1, that is, when an out-of-plane-wise load is input to the structural member 1. [0019]
As a result, the present inventors have found out the following. The structural member i is deformed significantly near the center thereof. Thus, the deflection yl of the structural member 1 which occurs when the load Pi is input inward to the structural member 1 depends on a second moment of area generated near the center of the structural member 1. However, the structural member 1 is also deformed significantly in a'crossing corner 2 of the structural member 1. Hence, reinforcement is effective for reducing the deformation of the corner
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2. In this case, the deflection yl is not
substantially reduced simply by joining a triangular
rib 3 as a reinforcing plate to the crossing corner 2
of the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 20 and
Fig. 21. Moreover, if the load P2 is input downward
to the structural member 1, the structural member 1
is not sufficiently prevented from being subjected to
lateral buckling or deformation of the cross-
sectional sh_ape,; Thus ,the_present inventors
examined various manners of reinforcement which
reduce both the deflections yl and y2.
[0020]
The present inventors have found out that a closed cross-section structural member 4 serving as a reinforcing material can be very effectively provided at a corner 2 of the structural member 1, formed by crossing between each of the opposite ends of a predetermined side subj ected to a load and a second side, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. The closed cross-section structural member 4 is provided so as to extend along an inner-peripheral flat surface la of the predetermined side of the structural member 1 and an inner-peripheral flat surface la of the second side . [0021]
As shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the closed cross-section structural member 4 includes two plate¬like horizontal portions 5 arranged opposite each other and two plate-like vertical portions 6 arranged
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opposite each other. Each of the horizontal portions 5 is continuous with the corresponding vertical portion 6 to form the closed cross section. That is, the closed cross-section structural member 4 includes the two horizontal portions 5 separated from each other in the thickness direction of the structural member 1 and extending in the plane direction of the structural me mb er 1 and the two vertical portions 6
connecting first ends of the two horizontal portions
5 together and second ends of the two horizontal portions 5 together, respectively. The closed cross-section structural member includes a first opening 7 formed therein facing an inner-peripheral flat surface la of the structural member 1 and a second opening 8 formed therein facing the inside of the structural member 1. The first opening 7 has an annular shape formed by connecting open ends of generally U-shaped openings together at right angles. The opening edge of the first opening 7 is welded and joined to the inner-peripheral flat surface ia of the structural member 1. In this case, the opening edge of the first opening 7 may be arc-welded to the inner-peripheral flat surface la from the outer-peripheral side of the opening edge, from the inner-peripheral side of the opening edge, or from both the outer and inner-peripheral sides. [0022]
Although the horizontal portion 5 extends in the plane direction of the structural member 1, the
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horizontal portion 5 need not be an entirely flat plane. The horizontal portion 5 may at least partly extend in the plane direction of the structural member 1. Furthermore, the vertical portion 6 need not be an entirely flat plane. The horizontal portion 5 and vertical portion 6 formed into curved planes can be smoothly connected together. Compared to a case where a flat horizontal portion 5 and a
flat vertical port ion 6 are connected together, this
configuration prevents stress from being concentrated in corners, and thus has a sufficient strength to resist fatigue fracture. [0023]
When the closed cross-section structural member 4 is used as a reinforcing material, if the in-plane-wise load Pi is input to the structural member 1, the two horizontal portions 5 offer increased resistance to in-plane-wise deformation of the structural member 1. This is effective for reducing the deflection yl. FurFhermore, if the out-of-plane-wise load P2 is input to the structural member 1, the two horizontal portions 5 similarly offer increased resistance to out-of-plane-wis^ deformation of the structural member 1, whereas the vertical portions 6 effectively prevents the structural member 1 from being subjected to lateral buckling or deformation of the cross-sectional shape. This is effective for reducing the deflection y2. As described above, evidently, the structure with the closed cross-section structural
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member 4 provided in each crossing corner 2 of the structural member 1 serves to significantly reduce the deflection of the structural member 1. [0024]
If the side of the structural member 1 on which the load mainly acts {side on which deflection may occur) is known, the closed cross-section structural membe r 4 is preferably provided in the corners 2
located at the respective opposite ends ,..of _this __s_ide -
However, if the load may act on all of the four sides, the deflection of the structural member 1 can be reduced in a well-balanced manner by providing the closed cross-section structural member 4 in each of the four corners (four corners 2} of the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 1. [0025]
The structure according to the present invention includes the structural member 1 configured like a frame with four sides. The side portions of the structural member 1 may be shaped like straight lines or curves with a certain curvature. The four sides of the structural member 1 cross one another to form the corners 2, and may cross one another at acute, obtuse, or right angles or so as to have a certain curvature as shown in Fig. 13. [0026]
In the present invention, it is assumed that the in-plane-wise load Pi or the out-of-plane-wise load P2 is input to the structural member 1. Thus, the
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present invention is different from a structure to which only one of the in-plane-wise load Pi and the out-of-plane-wise load P2 is input. The present invention accomplishes the object specific to the structure to which the both loads Pi and P2 are input. The present invention has been found based on knowledge that cannot be obtained from the structure to which only one of the loads is input.
[0027]
The present inventors further examined in detail the effects of the shape of the closed cross-section structural member 4 on the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1. As a result, the present inventors have found out that the closed cross-section structural member 4 flattened along the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 4 is effective for reducing both the deflections yl and y2. The flattening as used herein refers to a flattening of greater than 1.0; the flattening is defined to be the ratio of the maximum width L of the second opening 8 to the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 5A, and Fig. 5B. Here, the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 refers to the dimension of the structural member 1 in the thickness direction thereof, that is, the dimension between the top surface of the upper horizontal portion 5 and the bottom surface of the lower horizontal portion 5. [0028]
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The horizontal portion 5 of the closed cross-section structural member 4 significantly impacts both the case where the in-plane-wise load Pi is input to the structural member 1 and the case where the out-of-plane-wise load P2 is input to the structural membe r 1. That is, deformation resistance to the in-
plane-wise load and the out-of-plane-wise load increases consistently with the length of the horizontal portions resulting from the flattening _pf.._ the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the structural member 1. In addition, the presence of the vertical portions 6 of the closed cross-section structural member 4 significantly resists lateral buckling of the structural member 1 and deformation of the cross-sectional shape thereof. This enables a reduction on the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1. [0029]
If the closed cross-section structural member 4 is not flattened along the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 6, the horizontal portions 5 of the closed cross-section structural member 4 are shorter. Thus, this structural member 1 fails to offer sufficient deformation resistance to the in-plane-wise load and the out-of-plane-wise load. This prevents the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1 from being effectively reduced. [0030]
Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7, the closed
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cross-section structural member 4 may be flattened on
one side of the corner of the structural member 1 in
a biased manner. If the closed cross-section
structural member 4 is flattened substantially evenly
on both sides of the corner 2 of the structural
member 1 as shown in Fig. 4, the deflections yl and
y2 are reduced on both the corresponding sides of the
structural membe r 1. In contrast, it has been found
that if the_c_lqs_^ed crossj^sGct 4
is flattened on one side of the corner 2 of the structural member 1 in a biased manner as shown in Fig. If the deflections yl and y2 are reduced on the side of the structural member 1 on which the closed cross-section structural member 4 is flattened in a biased manner. [0031]
The range of the flattening effectively reducing the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1 is preferably a flattening of at least 1.5 and not greater than 3.0. this is because a low degree of flattening (flattening of smaller than 1.5) is less effective for reducing deflection. In contrast, extreme flattening (flattening of greater than 3.0) is likely to subj ect the structural member 1 to lateral buckling or significant cross-sectional deformation. As described above, evidently, in the structure in which the closed cross-section structural member 4 is flattened along the structural member 1, the deflection of the structural member 1
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is significantly reduced.
[0032]
(Second Embodiment)
In a structure according to a second embodiment, the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is smaller than the thickness H of the structural member 1.
[0033]
The present inventors examined^ in det_ail_ the
effects of the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 on the deflection of the structural member 1. As a result, it has been found out that if the thickness of the structural member 1
(height of the structural member 1 in the thickness direction thereof) is denoted by H, then in the structure including the closed cross-section structural member 4 with a height ho that is the same as the thickness H, the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1 are significantly reduced. The height EQ of the closed cross-section structural member 4 significantly impacts the deformation resistance of the structural member 1. When the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is substantially the same as the thickness H of the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 4, the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1 are effectively reduced in both the case where the in-plane-wise load is input to the structural member 1 and the case where the out-of-plane-wise load is
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input to the structural member 1. [0034]
If the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is smaller than the thickness H of the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 8, reduced deformation resistance is offered if the out-of-plane-wise load is input to the structural member 1. The structural member 1 also offers reduced
r_esi_s_t:ance_ to lateral buckling and cross-sectional _
deformation. However, the second embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention. [0035]
(Third Embodiment)
The upper limit of the height ho of the closed
cross-section structural member 4 is not particularly
limited. In a structure according to a third
embodiment, the height ho of the closed cross-section
structural member 4 is larger than the thickness H of
the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 9.
"T003 6]"~ ~ '" " ""
When the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is larger than the thickness H of 'the structural member 1, the junction between the closed cross-section structural member 4 and the structural member 1 is limited to the inside of the structural member 1 and is thus smaller. That is, the junction with the structural member 1 is a part of the opening edge of the first opening 7 which corresponds to the two vertical portions 6. Thus,
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the third embodiment is less effective for reducing the deflections yl an y2 of the structural member 1 than the first and second embodiments in which the opening edge of the first opening 7 is entirely joined to the structural member 1, but is also included in the scope of the present invention. [0037]
( Fourth Embodiment)
The present _in vent or_s_ fur th effects of the inner height hi of the closed cross-section structural member 4 on the deflection of the structural member 1. As a result, it has been found out that if the inner height hi of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is the same as the thickness H of the structural member 1, the deflection of the structural member 1 is significantly reduced. The inner height hi of the closed cross-section structural member 4 as used herein is defined as the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 minus the upper and lower board thicknesses of the closed cross-section structural member 4 (board thicknesses of the horizontal portions 5). [0038]
As described above, the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 significantly impacts the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1. When the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is substantially the same
- 26 -

as the thickness H of the structural member 1, the deflection of the structural member 1 is significantly reduced. However, the following has been found out. Even if the inner height hi of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is the same as the thickness H of the structural member 1 as shown in Fig. 10, when the horizontal portions 5 of the closed cross-section structural membe r 4 are
fillet-welded onto the top andbottom surfaces,
respectively, of the structural member 1, a sufficient junction strength is ensured, allowing a significant reduction in the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1. [0039]
In this case, the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is larger than the thickness H of the structural member 1 by the upper and lower board thicknesses. However, the length of the junction between the closed cross-section structural member 4 and the structural member 1 remains almost unchanged compared to the case where the height ho of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is the same as the thickness H of the structural member 1. Thus, the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1 can be significantly reduced as described above. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the junction between the closed cross-section structural member 4 and the structural member 1 may .require groove welding.
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However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 involves fillet welding instead of groove welding. This eliminates the need for time and effort for groove welding, resulting in improved processability.
[0040]
The upper limit of the inner height hi of the
closed cross-section structural member 4 is not
particularly limited. However, when the inner height
hi of _the^_closed crx)^s-^^ member 4 is
larger than the thickness H of the structural member 1, the length of the junction between the closed cross-section structural member 4 and the structural member 1 is limited to the inside of the structural member 1 and thus reduced. This in turn decreases the rate of the reduction in the deflections yl and y2 of the structural member 1. Thus, the inner height hi of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is preferably set such that the closed cross-section structural member 4 is joined to the structural member 1 all over the cTosed cross section thereof. As described above, evidently, the deflection of the structural member 1 is significantly reduced in the structure in which the inner height hi of the closed cross-section structural member 4 is the same as the thickness H of the structural member 1.
[0041]
(Fifth Embodiment)
The first to fourth embodiments disclose the
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examples of the closed cross-section structural member 4 centered on the center of the thickness H of the structural member 1 and having a vertically symmetric shape as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 to Fig. 10. However, the present invention is not limited to these configurations. In a fifth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, the closed cross-section structural member 4 includes a horizontal portion 5 extending in the plane direction of the structujral memb^er l__ajt a predetermined height position in the thickness direction of the structural member 1, two vertical portions 6 connected to ends of the horizontal portion, and a connection portion 11 connecting the two vertical portions 6 together. The closed cross-section structural member 4 includes a first opening 7 formed therein facing the inner-peripheral flat surface of the structural member 1 and a second opening 8 formed therein facing the inside of the structural member 1. The horizontal portion 5 is j o i n e d to the inner-peripheral flat surface of th e structural member 1. The connection portion 11 is jointed to the top surface (or the bottom surface) of the structural member 1. Even this structure enables a reduction in the deflection of the structural member 1. [0042]
(Sixth Embodiment)
Moreover, the installation position of the closed cross-section structural member 4 of the structure of
- 29 -

the present invention is not limited to the inside of the crossing portion of the structural member 1. The deflection of the structural member 1 is effectively reduced even if the closed cross-section structural member 4 is installed outside the crossing portion as shown in Fig. 12. That .is, the closed cross-section structural member 4 includes two horizontal portions 5 separated from each other in the thickness . ..diT._?i?_tAon__of _the _ stjructura member 1 and extending in the plane direction of the structural member 1, and two vertical portions 6 connecting first ends of the two horizontal portions 5 together and second ends of the two horizontal portions 5 together, respectively. The closed cross-section structural member 4 includes a first opening 9 formed therein facing the outer-peripheral flat surface lb of the structural member 1 and a second opening 10 formed therein facing the outside of the structural member 1. In particular, if the crossing portion of the structural member 1 has a certain curvature as shown in Fig. 13 and falTs to have a sufficient rigidity, the deflection is significantly and effectively reduced by providing the clo'sed cross-section structural member 4 outside the crossing portion. If the crossing portion of the structural member 1 has a certain curvature as shown in Fig. 13, the closed cross-section structural member 4 may be provided inside the crossing portion. [0043]
The second opening 10 in the sixth embodiment
- 30 -

inevitably has a larger maximum width L than that in the first to fifth embodiments in which the closed cross-section structural member 4 is installed inside the crossing portion of the structural member 1. If the closed cross-section structural member 4 is installed outside the crossing portion of the structural member 1 as in the case of the sixth Gmbodiment, the range of flattening effectively
reducing _the def lectiqns_ yl _ and y2 pf__th_e_ structural
member 1 is preferably a flattening of at least 1.5 and not greater than 6.0. This is because a low degree of flattening (flattening of smaller than 1.5) is less effective for reducing deflection. In contrast, extreme flattening (flattening of greater than 6.0) is likely to subject the structural member 1 to lateral buckling or significant cross-sectional deformation. As described above, evidently, in the structure in which the closed cross-section structural member 4 is flattened along the structural member 1, the deflection of the structural member 1 is significantly reduced. [0044]
The preferred embodiments of th'e present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art can conceive various variations and modifications without departing from the scope of the technical concepts described in the claims. It should be appreciated
- 31 -

that these variations and medications naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. [0045]
For example/ in a structure in which the structural member 1 varies in cross-sectional shape or dimension depending on the location thereon and in which the location on which a load acts lies away
from the longitudinal center of the corresponding
side of the structural member 1, the deflection of the structural member 1 can be effectively reduced by providing the closed cross-section structural member 4 with the different shapes and dimensions described above in the respective corners 2 of the structural member 1. [0046]
Furthermore, the closed cross-section structural member 4 and the structural member 1 do not depend on the type of the material thereof. The closed cross-section structural member 4 and the structural member 1 are applicable to any material such as a steel material, aluminum and its alloy, titanium and its alloy, magnesium and its alloy, and resin. Additionally, similar effects are obtained using processed, cast, or forged plate materials or tube materials. The present invention reduces the deflection by modifying the structures of the relevant members, and is thus effective on all the materials without depending on the chemical
- 32 -

composition or mechanical properties of the material. [0047]
In addition, the shape of the closed cross-
section structural member 4 is not particularly
limited. Of cours.e, similar effects are obtained
using various shapes for the closed cross-section
structural member 4 as shown in Fig. 14A, Fig. 14B,
Fig. ISA, Fig. 15B, Fig. 16A, and Fig. 16B. The
structure can_ be manufac_tured_^^ t'-i^.e
materials by means of pressing or hydro forming, or joining together at least two pieces resulting from division. Furthermore, of course, similar effects are obtained by manufacturing a closed cross-section structural member 4 integrated with the structural member 1, by means of a combination of hydroforming and cutting. [0048]
Additionally, the structural member 1 forming the structure is not limited to a hollow member with a rectangular cross section. Of course, similar effects are obtained using any of various shapes provided that the junction surface between the structural member 1 and t'he closed cross-section structural member 4 is flat. As shown in Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B, the structural member 1 may be manufactured by processing using an appropriate method, for example, hydroforming or by processing and manufacturing two members with a cross-sectional shape having three sides and outward protruding
- 33 -

junction margins and joining the two members by means
of spot welding or the like.
[0049]
In addition, the present invention enables a
reduction in the deflection of the structural member
1 even if the structural member 1 varies in thickness
or cross-sectional shape along the length thereof.
EXAMPLES
[0050]
A structure was manufactured as follows by application of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, four hollow rectangular bars with a rectangular cross section were joined together into a quadrilateral shape by welding to form a structural member 1 configured like a frame (quadrilateral shape) with four sides. The closed cross-section structural member 4 was joined, by welding, to the inside of each of the four corners 2 as a reinforcing material. Then, a load Pi of 1,000 kg shown in Fig. 18 andT a load P2 of 1,000 l^g shown in Fig. 19 were imposed on the structure. The resultant deflection of the structural member 1 was measured. At this time, with the effects of rotational displacement of the corners 2 of the structural member 1 neglected, only the deflection of the structural member 1 caused by deformation was determined. [0051]
Furthermore, as a comparative example, two
- 34 -

structures were manufactured; in one of the structures, one triangular rib 3 was joined to the inside of each of the corners 2 of the structural member 1 as a reinforcing plate, as shown in Fig. 2 0, and in the other structure, two triangular ribs 3 were joined to the inside of each of the corners 2 of the structural member 1 as reinforcing plates, as shown in Fig. 21. Load carrying tests were similarly conducted on t,h_ese _s_tructures . [0052]
All of the structural members 1 and reinforcing plates (closed cross-section structural members 4 and triangular ribs 3) were formed of a steel material of board thickness 2.3 mm and a 780 MPa-class tensile strength. [0053]
The results are shown in Fig. 22 to Fig. 26. The "deflection reduction rate 1" in the examples of the present invention in the figures refers to the rate of a reduction in deflection with respect to the deflection in the case of one triangular rib; in this case, all the triangular ribs, used in the structure as reinforcing'materials, are the same in the maximum width of the opening and in the length along the structural member 1. Furthermore, the "deflection reduction rate 2" in the examples of the present invention in the figures refers to the rate of a reduction in deflection with respect to the deflection in the case of two triangular ribs; in
- 35 -

this case, all the triangular ribs, used in the structure as reinforcing materials, are the same in the maximum width of the opening, in the length along the structural member 1, and in the height of the reinforcing plate 3. [0054]
The following notes are added to Fig. 22 to Fig. 26.
*1: Indicates the length of a hypotenuse_ of the
triangle if the reinforcing material is a triangular rib .
*2: Indicates the distance between the two triangular ribs plus the board thickness of the two triangular ribs if the reinforcing material is two triangular ribs .
*3: Indicates the distance between the two triangular ribs if the reinforcing material is two triangular ribs .
*4: Indicates the deflection of the center of the structural member subjected to a load Pi of 1,~0 00 kg. *5: Indicates the rate of a reduction in the deflection under the load Pi in the case of one triangular rib where all the triangle ribs,' used in the structure as reinforcing materials, are the same in the length along the structural member. *6: Indicates the rate of a reduction in the deflection under the load Pi in the case of two triangular ribs where all the triangle ribs, used in the structure as reinforcing materials, are the same
- 36 -

in the length along the structural member and in height.
*7: Indicates the deflection of the center of the structural member subjected to a load P2 of 1,000 kg. *8: Indicates the rate of a reduction in the deflection under the load P2 in the case of one triangular rib where all the triangle ribs, used in the structure as reinforcing materials, are the same in_ the length along the structural member. *9: Indicates the rate of a reduction in the deflection under the load P2 in the case of two triangular ribs where all the triangle ribs, used in the structure as reinforcing materials, are the same in the length along the structural member and in height. [0055]
In the results shown in Fig. 22, nos. 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114 denote examples of the present invention in which the reinforcing material (close'd cross-section structural member 4j is 70.8 mm in height and is thus smaller than the structural member 1 in height (nos. 102 and 114 denote reference exaitiples) . Compared to comparative examples for one triangular rib labeled nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and in which the length of the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the present invention indicate a deflection reduction
- 37 -

rate 1 of at least 5.5% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 5.7% for the load P2. Furthermore, compared to comparative examples for two triangular ribs labeled nos. 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, and 113 and in which the length of the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the
Structural member J., the exa_mpl^_s__o_f_.the present
invention exhibit a deflection reduction rate 2 of at least 2.8% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 2 of at least 2.6% for the load P2- The results indicate that the deflection was significantly reduced in all the cases. [0056]
Moreover, nos. 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114 of the above examples, denote examples of the present invention which involve the closed cross-section structural member 4 with a flattening of greater than 1.0. Compared to the reference example labeled no. 102 and involving a flattening of not greater than 1.0, the above-described examples served to increase the deflection reduction rate 1 for the load Pi by at least 2.3% and the deflection reduction rate 2 for the load P2 by at least 1.0%. [0057]
Furthermore, particularly, examples of the present invention labeled nos. 108, 110, and 112 and involving a flattening of at least 1.5 and not
- 38 -

greater than 3.0 exhibit a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 12.4% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 14.8% for the load P2. This indicates a significant deflection reduction effect. [0058]
As described above, the structure according to the present invention has proved to be effective for
reducing the deflection of .the structural member _1._ _
[0059]
Next, in the results shown in Fig. 23, nos. 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 denote examples of the present invention in which the reinforcing material (closed cross-section structural member 4) is 75.4 mm in height and is thus smaller than the structural member 1 in height (nos. 202 and 214 denote reference examples). Compared to the comparative examples for one triangular rib labeled nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 and in which the length of the closed cross-section structuraT member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the present invention indicate a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 6.1% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 9.5% for the load P2. Furthermore, compared to comparative examples for two triangular ribs labeled nos. 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, and 213 and in which the length of the closed
- 39 -

cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the present invention exhibit a deflection reduction rate 2 of at least 3.4% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 2 of at least 2.9% for the load P2. The results indicate that the deflection was significantly reduced in all the cases.
[0060] _
Moreover, nos. 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214
of the above examples, denote examples of the present
invention which involve the closed cross-section
structural member 4 with a flattening of greater than
1.0. Compared to the reference example labeled no.
2 02 and involving a flattening of not greater than
1.0, the above-described examples served to increase
the deflection reduction rate 1 for the load Pi by at
least 2.5% and the deflection reduction rate 2 for
the load P2 by at least 1.5%.
"["0"0 61] ^~
Furthermore, particularly, examples of the present invention labeled nos. 208, 210, and 212 and involving a flattening of at least 1.5 and not greater than 3.0 exhibit a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 13.3% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 15.8% for the load P2. This indicates a significant deflection reduction effect. [0062]
- 40 -

As described above, the structure according to the present invention has proved to be effective for reducing the deflection of the structural member 1. [0063]
Moreover, in the results shown in Fig. 24, nos. 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 denote examples of the present invention in which the reinforcing material (closed cross-section structural membe r 4)
is 80.0 mm in height _and is thus the_ same _as_ the
structural member 1 in height {nos. 302 and 314 denote reference examples). Compared to comparative examples for one triangular rib labeled nos. 2, 9, 4, 10, 5, 11, and 12 and in which the length of the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the present invention indicate a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 10.2% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 13,2% for the load P2. Furthermore, compared to comparative examples for two triangular ribs labeled nos. 301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, and 313 and in which the length of the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member
1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the present invention exhibit a deflection reduction rate
2 of at least 6.6% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 2 of at least 6.0% for the load P2.
- 41 -

The results indicate that the deflection was significantly reduced in all the cases. These deflection reduction rates are higher than those in nos. 102, 202, 104, 204, 106, 206, 108, 208, 110, 210, 112, 212, 114, and 214 denoting examples in which the length of the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same and in which the closed cross-section structural member 4 is smaller th_an_the structural member 1 in height. [0064]
Moreover, nos. 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 of the above examples, denote examples of the present invention which involve the closed cross-section structural member 4 with a flattening of greater than 1.0. Compared to the reference example labeled no. 3 02 and involving a flattening of not greater than 1.0, the above-described examples served to increase the deflection reduction rate 1 for the load Pi by at least 2.5% and the deflection reduction rate 2 for
" tt^"roa"d'"P2'b'y'~aT~r¥a¥FT7l¥". ' " " '""
[0065]
Particularly, examples of the present invention labeled nos'. 308, 310, and 312 and involving a flattening of at least 1.5 and not greater than 3.0 exhibit a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 20.5% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 22.7% for the load P2. This indicates a significant deflection reduction effect. [0066]
- 42 -

As described above^ the structure according to the present invention has proved to be effective for reducing the deflection of the structural member 1. [0067]
Furthermore, in the results shown in Fig. 25, nos.
402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, and 414 denote examples
of the present invention in which the reinforcing
material {closed cross-section structural membe r 4)
is 8 4. 6 mm in height _and_ has an inner height _of 8 0.0
mm, which is the same as the height of the structural
member 1 (nos. 402 and 414 denote reference examples}.
Compared to comparative examples for one triangular
rib labeled nos. 2, 13, 10, 14, 5, 11, and 15 and in
which the length of the closed cross-section
structural member 4 along the each structural member
1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate
3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the
present invention indicate a deflection reduction
rate 1 of at least 10.5% for the load Pi and a
deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 14.4% for the
load P2 . Furthermore, compared to comparative
examples for two triangular ribs labeled nos. 401,
403, 405, 407, 409, 411, and 413 and in^which the
length of the closed cross-section structural member
4 along the each structural member 1 is the same as
the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the
structural member 1, the examples of the present
invention exhibit a deflection reduction rate 2 of at
least 6.9% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction
- 43 -

rate 2 of at least 7.1% for the load P2. The results indicate that the deflection was significantly reduced in all the cases. These deflection reduction rates are higher than those in nos. 102, 202, 104, 204, 106, 206, 108, 208, 110, 210, 112, 212, 114, and 214 denoting examples in which the length of the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same and in which the
._c_l.p_sed cross-: sect ion structural member 4 has an inner
height smaller than that of the structural member 1. [0068]
Moreover, nos. 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, and 414 of the above examples, denote examples of the present invention which involve the closed cross-section structural member 4 with a flattening of greater than 1.0. Compared to the comparative example labeled no. 4 02 and involving a flattening of not greater than 1.0, the above-described examples served to increase the deflection reduction rate 1 for the load Pi by at least 2.2% and tThTe deflection reduction rate 1 for the load P2 by at least 2.5%. [0069]
Particularly, examples of the present invention labeled nos. 408, 410, and 412 and involving a flattening of at least 1.5 and not greater than 3.0 exhibit a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 21.2% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 24.4% for the load P2. This indicates a significant deflection reduction effect.
- 44 -

[0070]
As described above, the structure according to the present invention has proved to be effective for reducing the deflection of the structural member 1. [0071]
In addition, in the results shown in Fig. 26, nos.
501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, and 507 denote examples
of the present invention in which the reinforcing
material .(closed _cr^ss-section^_s^ 4)
is 8 9.2 mm in height and has an inner height of 84.6 mm, which is greater than the height of the structural member 1 (nos. 501 and 507 denote reference examples). Compared to comparative examples for one triangular rib labeled nos. 2, 12, 13, 16, 5, 17, and 18 and in which the length of the closed cross-section structural member 4 along the each structural member 1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the present invention indicate a deflection reductfion rate 1 o^ at least 1.6% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 3.3% for the load P2. The results indicate that the deflection was significantly 'reduced. [0072]
Moreover, nos. 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, and 507 of the above examples, denote examples of the present invention which involve the closed cross-section-structural member 4 with a flattening of greater than 1.0. Compared to the reference example labeled no.
- 45 -

501 and involving a flattening of not greater than 1.0, the above-described examples served to increase the deflection reduction rate for the load Pi by at least 1.0% and the deflection reduction rate for the load ?2 by at least 1.1%. [0073]
Particularly examples of the present invention labeled nos. 504, 505, and 506 and involving a flattening of at least 1.5 and not greater than 3.0 exhibit a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 4.4% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 5.2% for the load P2. This indicates a significant deflection reduction effect. [0074]
As described above, the structure according to the present invention has proved to be effective for reducing the deflection of the structural member 1. [0075]
Another structure was manufactured by application of the present invention as follows. Four hollow rectangular bars with a rectangular cross section were joined together into a quadrilateral shape by welding to form a structural member 1 configured like a frame (quadrilateral shape) with four sides; this is not shown in the drawings. The closed cross-section structural member 4 was joined, by welding, to the outside of each of the four corners 2 as a reinforcing material (see Fig. 12). Load carrying tests were conducted on this structure as in the case
- 46 -

of Fig. 18 and Fig. 19.
[0076]
Additionally, as a comparative example, a
structure was manufactured in which one L-shaped
rectangular rib was joined to the outside of each of
the corners 2 of the structural member 1 as a
reinforcing plate. Load carrying tests were <
similarly conducted on this structure.
[g0_77] _
All of the structural members 1 and reinforcing plates (closed cross-section structural members 4 and L-shaped ribs) were formed of a steel material of board thickness 2.3 mm and a 780 MPa~class tensile strength.
[0078]
The results are shown in Fig. 27. The "deflection reduction rate 1" in the examples of the present invention in the figures refers to the rate of a reduction in deflection with respect to the deflection in the case of one L-shaped rib; in this case, all the L-shaped ribs, used in the structure as reinforcing materials, are the same in the maximum width of the opening and in the length along the structural member 1. Notes *1 to *9 similar to those for Fig. 22 to Fig. 26 described above are added to Fig. 27.
[0079]
In the results shown in Fig. 27, nos. 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, and 610 denote
- 47 -

examples of the present invention in which the reinforcing material (closed cross-section structural member 4) is 8 0.0 mm in height and has an inner height of 75.4 mm, which is the same as the height of the structural member 1 (nos. 601, 610, and 611 denote reference examples). Compared to comparative examples for one L-shaped rib labeled nos. 19 to 29 and in which the length of the closed cross-sect ion structural member 4 along the each _struct.ural_mem^ 1 is the same as the length of the reinforcing plate 3 along the structural member 1, the examples of the present invention indicate a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 6.5% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 9.0% for the load P2- The results indicate that the deflection was significantly reduced.
[0080]
Moreover, nos. 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, and 610 of the above examples, denote examples of the present invention which involve the closed cross-section structural member 4 with a flattening of greater than 1.0. Compared to the reference example labeled no. 601 and involving a flattening of not greater than 1.0, the above-described examples served to increase the deflection reduction rate 1 for the load Pi by at least 2.4% and the deflection reduction rate 1 for the load P2 by at least 2.5%.
[0081]
Particularly, examples of the present invention
- 48 -

labeled nos. 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, and 608 and involving a flattening of at least 1.5 and not greater than 6.0 exhibit a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 13.9% for the load Pi and a deflection reduction rate 1 of at least 15.9% for the load P2. This indicates a significant deflection reduction effect. [0082]
As _des_crAb_ed__ above, the structure according to
the present invention has proved to be effective for reducing the deflection of the structural member 1.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0083]
The present invention is applied to, for example, an engine cradle on which an engine of a car is installed and a rear sub-frame provided in the rear of the car.
- 49 -

CLAIMS [Claim 1]
A structure comprising a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, wherein:
a closed cross-section structural member is provided in a corner formed by crossing between each of opposite ends of a predetermined side subjected to a load and a second side so as to extend along an inner-peripheral flat surface of ^the predetermined side and an inner-peripheral flat surface of the second side,
the closed cross-section structural member comprises two horizontal portions separated from each other in a thickness direction of the frame-like structural member and extending in an in-plane direction of the frame-like structural member, a vertical portion connecting first ends of the two horizontal portions together, and a vertical portion connecting second ends of the two horizontal portions together, and the closed cross-section structural member comprises a first opening formed therein facing the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member and a second opening formed therein facing inside of the frame-like structural member,
a part of an opening edge of the first opening corresponding at least to the two vertical portions is joined to the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member, and
- 50 -

a flattening that is a ratio of a maximum width of the second opening to a height of the closed cross-section structural member is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 3.0. [Claim 2]
The structure according to Claim 1, wherein the flattening is at least 1.5. [Claim 3]
The structure according to Claim 1, wherein.the _
opening edge of the first opening is entirely joined to the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame¬like structural member. [Claim 4]
The structure according to Claim 1, wherein a height of the closed cross-section structural member is identical to a thickness of the frame-like structural member. [Claim 5]
The structure according to Claim 1, wherein an inner height of the closed cross-section structural member is identical to a thickness of the frame-like structural member. [Claim 6]
The structure according to Claim 1, wherein the closed cross-section structural member is provided in all of four corners of the frame-like structural member. [Claim 7]
The structure according to Claim 1, wherein the
- 51 -

horizontal portions of the closed cross-section structural member are smoothly connected to the vertical portions of the closed cross-section structural member. [Claim 8]
A structure comprising a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, wherein:
a closed cross-section structural member is
provided in_a_ corner formed by crossing_ between each
of opposite ends of a predetermined side subjected to a load and a second side so as to extend along an outer-peripheral flat surface of the predetermined side and an outer-peripheral flat surface of the second s ide,
the closed cross-section structural member comprises two horizontal portions separated from each other in a thickness direction of the frame-like structural member and extending in an in-plane direction of the frame-like structural member, a vertical portion connecting first ends of the two horizontal portions together, and a vertical portion connecting second ends of the two horizontal portions together, and the closed cross-section structural member comprises a first opening formed therein facing the outer-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member and a second opening formed therein facing outside of the frame-like structural member,
a part of an opening edge of the first opening
- 52 -

corresponding at least to the two vertical portions is joined to the outer-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member, and
a flattening that is a ratio of a maximum width of the second opening to a height of the closed cross-section structural member is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 6.0. [Claim 9]
A structure_ comprising a structural meiaber
configured like a frame with four sides, wherein:
a closed cross-section structural member is provided in a corner formed by crossing between each of opposite ends of a predetermined side subj ected to a load and a second side so as to extend along an inner-peripheral flat surface of the predetermined side and an inner-peripheral flat surface of the second side,
the closed cross-section structural member comprises two horizontal portions extending in an in-piane direction of the frame-like structural member at a predetermined height position in a thickness direction of the frame-like structural member, two vertical portions connected to ends ofthetwo horizontal portions, and a connection portion connecting the two vertical portions together, and the closed cross-section structural member comprises a first opening formed therein facing the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member and a second opening formed therein facing
- 53 -

inside of the frame-like structural member,
a part of an opening edge of the first opening corresponding at least to the two vertical portions is joined to the inner-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member, and
a flattening that is a ratio of a maximum width of the second opening to a height of the closed cross-section structural me mb er is greater than 1.0 and not greater _than_ 3.0. _ [Claim.10]
A structure comprising a structural member configured like a frame with four sides, wherein:
a closed cross-section structural member is provided in a corner formed by crossing between each of opposite ends of a predetermined side subj ected to a load and a second side so as to extend along an outer-peripheral flat surface of the predetermined side and an outer-peripheral flat surface of the second side,
the closed cross-section structural member comprises a horizontal portion extending in an in-plane direction of the frame-like structural member at a predetermined height position in a thickness direction of the frame-like structural member, two vertical portions connected to ends of the horizontal portion, and a connection portion connecting the two vertical portions together, and the closed cross-section structural member comprises a first opening formed therein facing the outer-peripheral flat
- 54 -

surface of the frame-like structural member and a second opening formed therein facing outside of the frame-like structural member,
a part of an opening edge of the first opening corresponding at least to the two vertical portions is joined to the outer-peripheral flat surface of the frame-like structural member, and
a flattening that is a ratio.of a maximum width
_.P.f.._th^ second_,_qp,ening J^^ ..h_^_ig'_ht_p./__J;_h^__cXp_s^e^_
cross-section structural member is greater than 1.0 and not greater than 6.0.
Dated this 24/05/2012
f] ^ /-
[HRISHIKESH AY GMAIWIR YJ
OF REMFRY & SAGAR
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLIC^NT[S]