Beam for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a beam for a vehicle, which can improve the sealing performance of a joint part of adjacent beam connecting parts. The upper pipe split body has, as a beam connection part: an upper front connection part having an upper front facing surface on which an upper front welding rib extending in the left-right direction (the direction orthogonal to the paper surface) is formed; and an upper rear connecting part having an upper rear opposite surface on which an upper rear welding rib extending in the direction is formed. The lower pipe split body is provided with: a lower front connection part having a lower front facing surface on which a lower front welding rib extending in the left-right direction is formed; and a lower rear connection part having a lower rear facing surface on which a lower rear welding rib extending in the direction is formed. The upper front welding rib and the lower front welding rib are welded to join the upper front connection portion and the lower front connection portion, and the upper rear welding rib and the lower rear welding rib are welded to join the upper rear connection portion and the lower rear connection portion. The upper pipe divided body and the lower pipe divided body are connected so that the pipe main body part forms a beam shell part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beam for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As one mode of a beam for a vehicle that supports an instrument panel of a vehicle, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a structure having a function of a duct through which air delivered from an air conditioning device flows.

[0003] The skeleton portion of the above-described beam for a vehicle is formed in a tubular shape and is constituted by a hollow duct main body portion having an air flow path. The outer shell portion of the beam for a vehicle is constituted by a beam outer shell portion, and the beam outer shell portion is formed in a tubular shape from a resin material. The beam outer shell portion is divided into a plurality of beam segments in the circumferential direction of the beam outer shell portion. Regarding each beam segment, a beam connection portion is formed at a boundary portion with an adjacent beam segment. Moreover, adjacent beam connection portions are fastened to each other by a plurality of bolts. The adjacent beam connection portions are joined by the above-described fastening, and thereby the adjacent beam segments are connected. The above-described connection is performed on all the beam segments to form the beam outer shell portion.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-345396 Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, regarding the beam for a vehicle described in Patent Document 1, in order to join adjacent beam connection portions to each other, fastening is performed using a plurality of bolts arranged at a constant interval. Therefore, the fastening force of the bolts weakens as the distance from the bolts increases. Along with this, the airtightness of the joint portion decreases as the distance from the bolts increases. Therefore, regarding the beam for a vehicle described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the airtightness of the joint portion.

[0006] Each mode of the beam for a vehicle for solving the above problems is described.

[0007] [Mode 1] A vehicle beam that supports the instrument panel by extending in the vehicle width direction within the instrument panel of the vehicle and being mounted on the vehicle body. The vehicle beam has a cylindrical pipe main body as a skeleton part, the pipe main body has a flow path for air, and the vehicle beam has a peripheral part connected to the pipe main body. The outer shell part is constituted by a beam outer shell part formed in a cylindrical shape using a resin material. The beam outer shell part is divided into a plurality of beam segments in the circumferential direction of the beam outer shell part. Each beam segment has a beam connection part at the boundary part with an adjacent beam segment. The adjacent beam segments are connected by joining the adjacent beam connection parts to each other. The adjacent beam connection parts have a pair of beam opposing surfaces facing each other. On at least one of the pair of beam opposing surfaces, a beam welding rib extending along the pair of beam opposing surfaces is formed in a direction crossing the direction in which the pair of beam opposing surfaces face each other. The adjacent beam connection parts are joined to each other by welding the adjacent beam connection parts at the beam welding rib.

[0008] According to the above structure, the adjacent beam connection parts are joined to each other to connect the adjacent beam segments. The above connection is performed for all the beam segments to form the beam outer shell part. The above joining is performed by welding the adjacent beam connection parts at the beam welding rib. The beam welding rib extends in a direction crossing the direction in which the pair of beam opposing surfaces of at least one of the adjacent beam connection parts face each other along the beam opposing surface. Therefore, the adjacent beam connection parts are joined in a wider area in the above crossing direction compared to the case of fastening with bolts. The airtightness of the joint part of the adjacent beam connection parts is also improved compared to the case of bolt fastening.

[0009] [Mode 2] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 1], the pipe main body is formed of a resin material. The pipe main body is divided into a plurality of pipe segments in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body. The plurality of beam segments of the beam outer shell part are constituted by the plurality of pipe segments of the pipe main body. Each pipe segment has a pipe connection part as the beam connection part at the boundary part with an adjacent pipe segment. The adjacent pipe connection parts have a pair of pipe opposing surfaces facing each other and constituting the beam opposing surfaces. In the case where the direction in which the pair of pipe opposing surfaces face each other is set as the opposing direction, on at least one of the pair of pipe opposing surfaces, a pipe welding rib extending along the pair of pipe opposing surfaces in a direction crossing the opposing direction is formed as the beam welding rib. The adjacent pipe connection parts are joined by welding at the pipe welding rib. By this joining, the adjacent pipe segments are connected and the adjacent beam segments are connected.

[0010] According to the above structure, a plurality of pipe segments of the pipe main body form a plurality of beam segments of the beam housing portion. A pipe connection portion having opposite pipe faces forms a beam connection portion having opposite beam faces. A pipe welding rib forms a beam welding rib.

[0011] If adjacent pipe connection portions are welded at the pipe welding ribs, the adjacent pipe connection portions are joined to each other. Further, if adjacent beam connection portions are welded at the beam welding ribs, the adjacent beam connection portions are joined to each other.

[0012] Moreover, through the above joining, adjacent pipe segments are connected and adjacent beam segments are connected. By performing the above connection on all the pipe segments, the above connection is performed on all the beam segments. Through the above connection, a pipe main body portion is formed and a beam housing portion is formed.

[0013] Regarding the pipe main body portion formed as described above, adjacent pipe connection portions are joined in a direction crossing the relative direction in a wider area compared to the case of fastening with bolts. The airtightness of the joint portion of the adjacent pipe connection portions is improved compared to the case of bolt fastening. Further, by improving the airtightness, the phenomenon of air flowing in the flow path leaking from the joint portion is suppressed compared to the case of bolt fastening.

[0014] In addition, regarding the beam housing portion formed as described above, adjacent beam connection portions are joined in a direction crossing the relative direction in a wider area compared to the case of fastening with bolts. The airtightness of the joint portion of the adjacent beam connection portions is improved compared to the case of bolt fastening.

[0015] [Mode 3] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 2], wherein the pipe welding ribs are respectively formed on a pair of the pipe opposite faces of adjacent pipe connection portions, the pipe welding rib formed on one of the pipe opposite faces and the pipe welding rib formed on the other pipe opposite face face each other in the relative direction, and adjacent pipe connection portions are joined by welding the pair of pipe welding ribs facing each other in the relative direction, and adjacent pipe segments are connected through the joining.

[0016] According to the above structure, when the pipe welding rib is formed only on one of a pair of pipe opposite faces of adjacent pipe connection portions, the pipe welding rib is welded to the pipe connection portion on the other pipe opposite face. Regarding the pipe welding rib, at the time of welding, the front face of the pipe welding rib is heated. In contrast, regarding the pipe connection portion having the other pipe opposite face, at the time of welding, the portion of the pipe opposite face facing the pipe welding rib and its peripheral portion are heated. The area of the pipe opposite face that needs to be heated is larger than the front face of the pipe welding rib. Accordingly, the heat is easily dispersed and the heating efficiency is reduced.

[0017] At this point, based on the above structure in which the pipe welding ribs formed on the opposite surfaces of one pipe and the pipe welding ribs formed on the opposite surfaces of the other pipe face each other in opposite directions, the pipe welding ribs are welded to each other. Regarding each pipe welding rib, the front face is heated during welding. The area of the front face that needs to be heated in each pipe welding rib is smaller than the area of the portion that needs to be heated on the pipe opposite surface. Correspondingly, heat is difficult to disperse, and the heating efficiency is improved.

[0018] [Mode 4] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 3], wherein each pipe segment has the pipe connection portions at the two ends in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body portion, and the pipe opposite surfaces of the pipe connection portions at one end and the pipe opposite surfaces of the pipe connection portions at the other end face in different directions.

[0019] According to the above structure, regarding all the pipe segments, the pipe main body portion is formed by connecting adjacent pipe segments to each other. This connection is performed by joining adjacent pipe connection portions to each other. The above joining is performed by welding the pipe welding ribs of adjacent pipe connection portions to each other.

[0020] During the above joining, before welding, for all the pipe segments, adjacent pipe segments are brought close to each other so that the pipe welding ribs of adjacent pipe connection portions are brought close to each other.

[0021] Here, it is assumed that if the pipe opposite surfaces of the pipe connection portions at one end and the pipe opposite surfaces of the pipe connection portions at the other end among the two ends in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body portion for each pipe segment both face the same direction, the following phenomenon may occur. That is, in a state where the pipe welding ribs of adjacent pipe connection portions do not face each other, that is, in a state where they are offset in the direction along the pipe opposite surface, the two pipe welding ribs are brought close to each other.

[0022] At this point, according to the above structure, for each pipe segment, the pipe opposite surfaces of the pipe connection portions at one end and the pipe opposite surfaces of the pipe connection portions at the other end face in different directions.

[0023] Therefore, before welding, when the adjacent pipe segments are brought close to each other so that the pipe welding ribs of the adjacent pipe joints are close to each other, the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at one end contact the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint. Through this contact, the positioning of the direction of the pipe opposite surface of the above-mentioned pipe joint is carried out for the adjacent pipe segments. Along with this, regarding the adjacent pipe segments, the positioning of the above-mentioned direction of the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at the other end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint is carried out. Through this positioning, the two pipe welding ribs can be brought close to each other and welded in a state where the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at the other end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint face each other. Moreover, welding is carried out for all the pipe segments in the above-mentioned positioned state.

[0024] As described above, before welding, when the adjacent pipe segments are brought close to each other so that the pipe welding ribs of the adjacent pipe joints are close to each other, the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at the other end contact the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint. Through this contact, the positioning of the direction of the pipe opposite surface of the above-mentioned pipe joint is carried out for the adjacent pipe segments. Along with this, the positioning of the above-mentioned direction of the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at one end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint is carried out for the adjacent pipe segments. Through this positioning, the two pipe welding ribs can be brought close to each other and welded in a state where the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at one end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint face each other. Moreover, welding is carried out for all the pipe segments in the above-mentioned positioned state.

[0025] [Mode 5] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 4], wherein the pipe main body is divided into 2 pipe segments as a plurality of the pipe segments, the pipe joints of each pipe segment are located at both side portions of the flow path in the radial direction of the pipe main body, and for the pipe opposite surface of the pipe joint at one end of each pipe segment, it faces a direction different from the direction in which the pipe opposite surface of the pipe joint at the other end faces, and faces an intersecting direction.

[0026] According to the above structure, regarding each pipe segment, the pipe opposing surface of the pipe connection portion at one end faces a direction that intersects the direction in which the pipe opposing surface of the pipe connection portion at the other end faces. Therefore, before welding, by bringing the two pipe segments close to each other and bringing the pipe welding ribs of adjacent pipe connection portions close to each other, for example, making the pipe welding rib of the pipe connection portion at one end contact the pipe welding rib of its adjacent pipe connection portion. Through this contact, the positioning of the two pipe segments in the direction in which the pipe opposing surfaces of the above-mentioned pipe connection portions face is carried out. Along with this, for the two pipe segments, the positioning of the pipe welding rib of the pipe connection portion at the other end and the pipe welding rib of its adjacent pipe connection portion in the above-mentioned direction is carried out. Through this positioning, the two pipe welding ribs can be brought close to each other and welded in a state where the pipe welding rib of the pipe connection portion at the other end and the pipe welding rib of its adjacent pipe connection portion face each other.

[0027] As described above, before welding, by bringing the two pipe segments close to each other and bringing the pipe welding ribs of adjacent pipe connection portions close to each other, for example, making the pipe welding rib of the pipe connection portion at the other end contact the pipe welding rib of its adjacent pipe connection portion. Through this contact, the positioning of the two pipe segments in the direction in which the pipe opposing surfaces of the above-mentioned pipe connection portions face is carried out. Along with this, regarding the two pipe segments, the positioning of the pipe welding rib of the pipe connection portion at one end and the pipe welding rib of its adjacent pipe connection portion in the above-mentioned direction is carried out. Through this positioning, the two pipe welding ribs can be brought close to each other and welded in a state where the pipe welding rib of the pipe connection portion at one end and the pipe welding rib of its adjacent pipe connection portion face each other.

[0028] [Mode 6] On the basis of the vehicle beam described in any one of [Mode 2] to [Mode 5], wherein the peripheral portion has a suction pipe portion that protrudes radially outward from the pipe main body portion and sucks the air outside the pipe main body portion into the flow path. The suction pipe portion is divided into a plurality of suction pipe segments in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body portion. In each suction pipe segment, a suction connection portion is formed at the boundary portion with an adjacent suction pipe segment. The adjacent suction pipe segments are connected by joining a pair of adjacent suction connection portions to each other. In at least one of the adjacent suction connection portions, a suction welding rib is formed that extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the pair of suction connection portions face each other and is connected to the pipe welding rib of the pipe segment. The adjacent suction connection portions are joined to each other by welding the pair of suction connection portions at the suction welding rib.

[0029] According to the above structure, adjacent intake duct segments are joined by joining adjacent intake connection parts to each other. The intake duct portion is formed by performing the above joining for all the intake duct segments. The adjacent intake connection parts are joined to each other by welding the two intake connection parts at the intake welding rib. The intake welding rib extends in a direction crossing the direction in which the adjacent intake connection parts face each other and is connected to the duct welding rib of the duct segment. Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the adjacent intake connection parts is ensured, and the phenomenon of air leaking from the joint portion flowing in the intake duct portion is suppressed.

[0030] In addition, correspondingly to joining the adjacent intake connection parts by welding, the number of welded parts increases, and the welding strength of the entire vehicle beam is improved.

[0031] [Mode 7] Based on the vehicle beam described in any one of [Mode 2] to [Mode 6], wherein the duct main body portion is further divided into a plurality of duct main body structural parts in the vehicle width direction, and adjacent duct main body structural parts are joined by welding.

[0032] According to the above structure, the duct main body portion is divided into a plurality of duct main body structural parts in the vehicle width direction, so that the length of each duct main body structural part in this direction is shorter than the length of the duct main body portion not divided in this direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the duct main body portion is not divided, welding can be performed using a smaller welding device, such as an existing welding device. In addition, compared with the case of welding the duct segments of the non-divided duct main body portion, it is easier to achieve welding accuracy. Moreover, it is possible to achieve the commonization of components, that is, a part of the plurality of duct main body structural parts can be used for vehicle beams mounted on different types of vehicles.

[0033] [Mode 8] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 7], wherein in each duct main body structural part, an auxiliary connection part is formed at the boundary part with the adjacent duct main body structural part, and adjacent duct main body structural parts are joined by joining the adjacent auxiliary connection parts to each other. The adjacent auxiliary connection parts have a pair of auxiliary facing surfaces facing each other in the vehicle width direction, and an annular auxiliary welding rib surrounding the flow path is formed on at least one of the auxiliary facing surfaces of the adjacent auxiliary connection parts. The adjacent auxiliary connection parts are joined to each other by welding the adjacent auxiliary connection parts at the auxiliary welding rib.

[0034] According to the above structure, the pipe main body structure parts adjacent in the vehicle width direction are connected by joining the auxiliary connection parts adjacent in this direction to each other. The pipe main body part is formed by performing the above connection for all the pipe main body structure parts. The joining of the adjacent auxiliary connection parts to each other is performed by welding the auxiliary connection parts at the auxiliary welding ribs. The auxiliary welding ribs are formed in a ring shape so as to surround the flow path with respect to at least one of the auxiliary opposing surfaces of the adjacent auxiliary connection parts. Therefore, the airtightness of the joint part of the adjacent auxiliary connection parts is ensured, and the phenomenon of air flowing in the pipe main body part leaking from the joint part is suppressed.

[0035] [Mode 9] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 7] or [Mode 8], wherein, when one of the adjacent pipe main body structure parts is set as the first pipe main body structure part and the other is set as the second pipe main body structure part, the first pipe main body structure part has a first cylindrical part at the end in the vehicle width direction, and the second pipe main body structure part has a second cylindrical part at the end in the vehicle width direction. By inserting the second cylindrical part into the first cylindrical part, the first pipe main body structure part overlaps the second cylindrical part of the second pipe main body structure part in the radial direction of the first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part. A linear welding rib extending in the vehicle width direction is formed on at least one of the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical part and the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical part. By welding and joining the first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part at the linear welding rib, the first pipe main body structure part and the second pipe main body structure part are connected.

[0036] According to the above structure, when connecting the first pipe main body structure part and the second pipe main body structure part adjacent in the vehicle width direction, the second cylindrical part is inserted into the first cylindrical part. Then, the first pipe main body structure part overlaps the second cylindrical part of the second pipe main body structure part in the radial direction with respect to the first cylindrical part. The first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part are welded at the linear welding rib formed on at least one of the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical part and the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical part.

[0037] Corresponding to the radial overlap of the first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part, the bonding strength of the first pipe main body structure part and the second pipe main body structure part is improved. And since the first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part are joined by welding at the linear welding rib, the above bonding strength is further improved.

[0038] [Mode 10] On the basis of the vehicle beam described in any one of [Mode 7] to [Mode 9], wherein, when one of the adjacent pipe main body structure parts is set as the first pipe main body structure part and the other is set as the second pipe main body structure part, the first pipe main body structure part has a first cylinder part at the end in the vehicle width direction, and the second pipe main body structure part has a second cylinder part at the end in the vehicle width direction. By inserting the second cylinder part into the first cylinder part, the first pipe main body structure part overlaps in the radial direction of the first cylinder part with respect to the second cylinder part of the second pipe main body structure part. A ring-shaped welding rib extending along the circumferential direction of the pipe main body part is formed on at least one of the inner circumferential surface of the first cylinder part and the outer circumferential surface of the second cylinder part. By welding and joining the first cylinder part and the second cylinder part at the ring-shaped welding rib, the first pipe main body structure part and the second pipe main body structure part are connected.

[0039] According to the above structure, when connecting the first pipe main body structure part and the second pipe main body structure part adjacent in the vehicle width direction, the second cylinder part is inserted into the first cylinder part. Thus, the first pipe main body structure part overlaps in the radial direction of the first cylinder part with respect to the second cylinder part of the second pipe main body structure part. The ring-shaped welding rib formed on at least one of the inner circumferential surface of the first cylinder part and the outer circumferential surface of the second cylinder part welds the first cylinder part and the second cylinder part.

[0040] Therefore, corresponding to the overlap of the first cylinder part and the second cylinder part in the radial direction, the bonding strength between the first pipe main body structure part and the second pipe main body structure part is improved. And since the first cylinder part and the second cylinder part are joined by welding of the ring-shaped welding rib, the above bonding strength is further improved.

[0041] [Mode 11] Based on the vehicle beam described in any one of [Mode 2] to [Mode 10], wherein the pipe main body portion and the surrounding portion are arranged above the steering column of the vehicle. The pipe main body portion is divided into an upper pipe segment and a lower pipe segment located below the upper pipe segment as a plurality of the pipe segments. The surrounding portion has: an upper support portion connected to the upper pipe segment; and a lower support portion connected to the lower pipe segment. The upper support portion has: a front upper support portion arranged on the front side of the upper pipe segment and connected to the pipe connection portion on the front side of the upper pipe segment; and a rear upper support portion arranged on the rear side of the upper pipe segment and connected to the pipe connection portion on the rear side of the upper pipe segment. The lower support portion has: a front lower support portion connected to the lower pipe segment at its rear end and having a portion arranged below the front upper support portion; and a rear lower support portion arranged on the rear side of the lower pipe segment and below the rear upper support portion and connected to the pipe connection portion on the rear side of the lower pipe segment. At least one of the front upper support portion and the front lower support portion has a portion for suspending the steering column at a position more forward than the pipe main body portion. The rear upper support portion and the rear lower support portion respectively have a portion for suspending the steering column at a position more rearward than the pipe main body portion.

[0042] According to the above structure, the steering column arranged below the pipe main body portion and the surrounding portion is suspended by the surrounding portion more forward than the pipe main body portion and the surrounding portion more rearward than the pipe main body portion.

[0043] Here, assuming that the pipe main body portion is divided into two pipe segments in the front-rear direction, the steering column is suspended by the front surrounding portion connected to the front pipe segment at a position more forward than the pipe main body portion. In addition, the steering column is suspended by the rear surrounding portion connected to the rear pipe segment at a position more rearward than the pipe main body portion. In this case, the load of the steering column is borne by the front surrounding portion at a position more forward than the pipe main body portion. In addition, the above load is borne by the rear surrounding portion at a position more rearward than the pipe main body portion.

[0044] In contrast, according to the above structure, the steering column is suspended by at least one of the front upper support portion and the front lower support portion at a position more forward than the pipe main body portion. In addition, the steering column is suspended by the rear upper support portion and the rear lower support portion at a position more rearward than the pipe main body portion.

[0045] In this case, the load of the steering column is borne by one or two front support portions at a position more forward than the main body portion of the pipe. In addition, the above load is borne by two upper and lower rear support portions at a position more rearward than the main body portion of the pipe. This way of bearing the load can be achieved by dividing the main body portion of the pipe into two pipe divided bodies (an upper pipe divided body and a lower pipe divided body) in the vertical direction.

[0046] Therefore, compared with the case where the main body portion of the pipe is divided into two pipe divided bodies in the front-rear direction, the above structure is advantageous in bearing the load of the steering column.

[0047] [Mode 12] Based on the vehicle beam described in any one of [Mode 2] to [Mode 11], wherein, on at least one of a pair of pipe opposing surfaces of the adjacent pipe connection portions and at a position radially separated from the pipe welding rib in the main body portion of the pipe, a catching rib is formed to allow burrs generated during welding to stay between the pair of pipe opposing surfaces, and the catching rib extends along the pair of pipe opposing surfaces in a direction crossing the relative direction.

[0048] When welding the adjacent pipe connection portions at the pipe welding rib, in the case of generating burrs, if a structure for restricting the movement of the burrs is not provided, the burrs may protrude from between the two pipe opposing surfaces.

[0049] In this regard, according to the above structure, the catching rib provided at a position radially separated from the pipe welding rib in the main body portion of the pipe obstructs the movement of the burrs between the pair of pipe opposing surfaces. When the burrs move, a part of the catching rib, the pipe welding rib, and the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portion become wall portions and restrict the movement of the burrs, thereby catching the burrs. The burrs that are not caught change their moving direction. As the burrs change their moving direction along the shape of the catching rib etc., the number of times of restricting the movement of the burrs by the wall portion increases. Along with this, the chance of catching the burrs increases, and the amount of burrs caught between the pair of opposing surfaces increases. Moreover, the catching rib extends along the pair of pipe opposing surfaces in a direction crossing the relative direction. Therefore, the function of catching the burrs by the catching rib is exerted in a wide area in the above crossing direction. Thereby, the phenomenon of the burrs protruding from between the two pipe opposing surfaces of the pair is suppressed.

[0050] [Mode 13] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 12], wherein, when the side closer to the air flow path in the radial direction of the cylindrical main body portion of the pipe is set as the inner side, the catching rib is formed closer to the inner side in the radial direction than the pipe welding rib.

[0051] According to the above structure, even if the burrs generated during welding move radially inward between the opposite surfaces of a pair of pipes to a position closer to the pipe main body than the pipe welding ribs, this movement is restricted by the catching ribs. Therefore, the phenomenon of burrs entering the pipe main body is restricted by the catching ribs. The phenomenon of burrs being transported to the passenger compartment along the air flowing in the flow path inside the pipe main body is restricted.

[0052] [Mode 14] Based on the vehicle beam described in [Mode 12] or [Mode 13], wherein a plurality of the catching ribs are provided, and two of the plurality of catching ribs are respectively formed on a pair of the opposite surfaces of the adjacent pipe connection parts and are positions separated from each other in the radial direction of the pipe main body. The two catching ribs protrude in opposite directions along the opposite direction in a state of being adjacent to each other in the radial direction. A part of the opposite direction of one catching rib, which includes the front end part of the one catching rib, and a part of the opposite direction of the other catching rib, which includes the front end part of the other catching rib, overlap in the opposite direction when observing the two catching ribs from the radial direction.

[0053] According to the above structure in which a part of the catching ribs formed on each of the opposite surfaces of a pair of pipes overlap with each other in the opposite direction, compared with the case where the same structure is not provided, the number of times of restricting the movement of burrs based on the wall part increases. In addition, a gap part formed between the overlapping parts of a pair of catching ribs adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the pipe main body functions as a space for catching burrs, and accordingly, the catching part of the burrs increases. As a result, the phenomenon of burrs exposing between the opposite surfaces of a pair of pipes is further suppressed.

[0054] [Mode 15] Based on the vehicle beam described in any one of [Mode 12] to [Mode 14], wherein the catching rib protrudes from one of the opposite surfaces of a pair of the opposite surfaces of the adjacent pipe connection parts toward the other opposite surface, and a catching reinforcement part made of a material softer than the catching rib is installed on the other opposite surface, and at least the front end part in the protruding direction of the catching rib enters the catching reinforcement part.

[0055] According to the above structure, a state where there is no gap or a state where the gap is extremely small is formed between the part of the catching rib that enters the catching reinforcement part and the catching reinforcement part. Compared with the case where there is no catching reinforcement part, it is difficult for burrs to pass through. As a result, burrs do not expose or hardly expose between the opposite surfaces of a pair of pipes.

[0056] [Mode 16] On the basis of the vehicle beam described in any one of [Mode 12] to [Mode 15], wherein the pipe welding rib and the catching rib protrude in opposite directions along the relative direction in a state of being separated from each other in the radial direction of the pipe main body portion, the pipe welding rib has: a welding base portion located on the proximal end side in the protruding direction of the pipe welding rib; and a welding front end portion adjacent to the welding base portion on the front end side in the protruding direction of the pipe welding rib, the catching rib has: a catching base portion located on the proximal end side in the protruding direction of the catching rib; and a catching front end portion adjacent to the catching base portion on the front end side in the protruding direction of the catching rib, the pipe welding rib is formed such that the size of the welding front end portion in the radial direction is smaller than the size of the welding base portion in the radial direction, the catching rib is formed such that the size of the catching front end portion in the radial direction is smaller than the size of the catching base portion in the radial direction, the catching base portion and the welding front end portion are separated from each other in the radial direction via a first gap portion extending along the relative direction, the welding base portion and the catching front end portion are separated from each other in the radial direction via a second gap portion extending along the relative direction, and the catching base portion and the welding base portion are separated from each other in the relative direction via a communication gap portion extending in the radial direction and communicating the first gap portion and the second gap portion.

[0057] According to the above structure, in order for the burr to be exposed from between the pair of pipe opposing surfaces, when moving between the catching rib and the pipe welding rib, it moves sequentially to the first gap portion, the communication gap portion, and the second gap portion.

[0058] When the burr moves in the relative direction in the first gap portion, it contacts the welding base portion. The welding base portion becomes a wall portion and restricts the movement of the burr in the relative direction, thereby attempting to catch the burr. The burr not caught by the welding base portion changes its moving direction from the direction approaching the welding base portion in the relative direction to the direction away from the welding front end portion in the radial direction of the pipe main body portion.

[0059] When the burr moves in the above-mentioned radial direction in the communication gap portion, it contacts the catching front end portion. The catching front end portion becomes a wall portion and restricts the movement of the burr in the above-mentioned radial direction, thereby attempting to catch the burr. The burr not caught by the catching front end portion changes its moving direction from the direction from the welding front end portion towards the catching front end portion in the above-mentioned radial direction to the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the pipe welding rib in the relative direction.

[0060] During the movement of the burr in the second gap portion, it contacts the pipe opposing surface where the pipe welding rib is formed. The above-mentioned pipe opposing surface becomes a wall portion and restricts the movement of the burr in the relative direction, thereby attempting to catch the burr. The burr not caught by the above-mentioned pipe opposing surface changes its moving direction to the direction away from the welding base portion in the above-mentioned radial direction. The burr that has changed its moving direction passes through the gap portion between the above-mentioned pipe opposing surface and the catching front end portion.

[0061] In this way, the number of times of movement restriction of the burrs on the wall portion increases, and accordingly, the chance of capturing the burrs increases. The amount of burrs captured between the opposing surfaces of the pair of pipes increases.

[0062] In addition, the gap between the capture rib and the pipe welding rib functions as a space for enclosing the burrs. In this regard, the overall volume of the first gap portion, the communication gap portion, and the second gap portion as a whole is larger than the overall volume in the case where the first gap portion and the second gap portion are directly connected without passing through the communication gap portion. Therefore, more burrs can be enclosed.

[0063] Effects of the Invention

[0064] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the airtightness of the joint portion of the adjacent beam connection portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the whole of the vehicle beam according to the first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the lower half of the vehicle beam according to the first embodiment.

[0067] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of

[0068] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged cross-sectional view of part X of

[0069] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of

[0070] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of

[0071] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the lower pipe segment according to the first embodiment.

[0072] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the upper pipe segment according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 9 is a view showing the second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 5

[0074] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the lower pipe segment according to the second embodiment.

[0075] Figure 11 ​It is a partial perspective view of the upper pipe split body of the second embodiment.

[0076] Figure 12 It is a figure showing the third embodiment and is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the state where the first and second pipe main body structural parts are connected.

[0077] Figure 13 It is a partial perspective view of the pipe main body part of the third embodiment.

[0078] Figure 14 It is a figure showing the fourth embodiment and is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the state before the first and second pipe main body structural parts are connected.

[0079] Figure 15 It is a figure showing the fifth embodiment and is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the state before the first and second pipe main body structural parts are connected.

[0080] Figure 16 It is a figure showing the sixth embodiment and is a Figure 5 corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0081] Figure 17 It is Figure 16 a magnified cross-sectional view of the Y part of

[0082] Figure 18 It is a partial sectional view showing the state before the upper rear connecting part and the lower rear connecting part are joined by welding in the sixth embodiment.

[0083] Figure 19 It is a figure showing the seventh embodiment and is a Figure 17 corresponding partial cross-sectional view.

[0084] Figure 20 It is a partial sectional view showing the state before the upper rear connecting part and the lower rear connecting part are joined by welding in the seventh embodiment.

[0085] Figure 21 It is a figure showing the eighth embodiment and is a Figure 17 corresponding partial cross-sectional view.

[0086] Figure 22 It is a partial sectional view showing the state before the capture reinforcement part is installed on the lower rear connecting part in the eighth embodiment.

[0087] Figure 23 It is a partial sectional view showing the state before the upper rear connecting part and the lower rear connecting part are joined by welding in the eighth embodiment.

[0088] Figure 24This is a diagram showing a modified example of the sixth embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view of an upper rear connecting portion and a lower rear connecting portion joined to each other by welding. Detailed Embodiment

[0089] (First Embodiment)

[0090] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 8 a first embodiment of a vehicle beam will be described.

[0091] In addition, in the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle 6 will be described as the front, and the backward direction of the vehicle 6 will be described as the rear. Also, the up-and-down direction in the following description refers to the up-and-down direction of the vehicle 6, and the left-and-right direction is the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 6, which is the same as the left-and-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0092] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, an instrument panel 9 is provided in front of the driver's seat 8A and the passenger seat 8B of the vehicle 6. Inside the instrument panel 9 and above the steering column SC indicated by the double-dashed line in Figure 3 is disposed a vehicle beam 10 extending in the left-and-right direction. The vehicle beam 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 7 and supports the instrument panel 9.

[0093] The outer shell portion of the vehicle beam 10 is composed of a beam outer shell portion formed in a cylindrical shape using a resin material. Next, a schematic structure of the beam outer shell portion will be described. The cylindrical beam outer shell portion is divided into a plurality of beam segments in the circumferential direction. Each beam segment has a beam connecting portion at the boundary portion with an adjacent beam segment. Adjacent beam segments are connected by joining adjacent beam connecting portions to each other. The adjacent beam connecting portions have a pair of beam opposing surfaces facing each other. On at least one of the beam opposing surfaces of the adjacent beam connecting portions, beam welding ribs extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the beam opposing surfaces face each other are formed along the pair of beam opposing surfaces. The joining of the adjacent beam connecting portions to each other is performed by welding the two beam connecting portions at the beam welding ribs.

[0094] The vehicle beam 10 has a pipe main body portion 11 and a peripheral portion formed using a resin material, respectively. In the first embodiment, a glass fiber-reinforced polyamide resin is used as the above resin material, but other resin materials may also be used.

[0095] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the pipe main body portion 11 is a part that constitutes the skeleton portion of the vehicle beam 10. In addition, the pipe main body portion 11 constitutes the above beam outer shell portion. The pipe main body portion 11 is cylindrical and has air A1 (refer to Figure 2 , Figure 6) The flow path 12. The two end portions of the pipe main body 11 in the left-right direction are closed. The pipe main body 11 of the first embodiment has a circular cross-section on a vertical plane extending in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the vehicle 6. In addition, the pipe main body 11 has a central axis CL that passes through the center of the circular cross-section and extends in the left-right direction.

[0096] In addition, in order to define each part of the pipe main body 11, the direction extending radially centered on the central axis CL is referred to as the radial direction. In addition, with respect to the circle centered on the central axis CL, the direction along the circle is referred to as the circumferential direction. In addition, sometimes based on the flow path 12, the side closer to the flow path 12 in the above-mentioned radial direction is referred to as "inner", "inside", etc., and the side farther from the flow path 12 is referred to as "outer", "outside", etc.

[0097] Next, the pipe main body 11 will be described in detail.

[0098] <Upper pipe segment 15 and lower pipe segment 30>

[0099] The pipe main body 11 is divided into a plurality of pipe segments in the circumferential direction. The plurality of beam segments of the beam housing portion are composed of the plurality of pipe segments of the pipe main body. In the first embodiment, the pipe main body 11 is divided into the following two parts: an upper pipe segment 15 that constitutes its upper half; and a lower pipe segment 30 that is adjacent to the lower side of the upper pipe segment 15 and constitutes the lower half of the pipe main body 11.

[0100] <Connection portion>

[0101] The upper pipe segment 15 has a semicircular cross-section on the above-mentioned vertical plane. The lower end of the upper pipe segment 15 is open. The upper pipe segment 15 has a pipe connection portion as the above-mentioned beam connection portion at the boundary portion with the lower pipe segment 30. In other words, the upper pipe segment 15 has pipe connection portions as beam connection portions at the two circumferential end portions respectively. The two pipe connection portions are located on both sides of the flow path 12 in the radial direction. The pipe connection portions of the upper pipe segment 15 are located in the front side portion and the rear side portion in the radial direction of the flow path 12. Here, in order to distinguish the two pipe connection portions, the portion located on the front side of the flow path 12 is referred to as the "front upper connection portion 16", and the portion located on the rear side of the flow path 12 is referred to as the "rear upper connection portion 21". The front upper connection portion 16 has a flange portion 16a that protrudes outward in the radial direction from the upper pipe segment 15, here forward. The rear upper connection portion 21 has a flange portion 21a that protrudes outward in the radial direction from the upper pipe segment 15, here backward.

[0102] The lower pipe dividing body 30 has a semi-circular cross-section on the above-mentioned vertical plane. The upper end of the lower pipe dividing body 30 is open. The lower pipe dividing body 30 has a pipe connection portion as the above-mentioned beam connection portion at the boundary portion with the upper pipe dividing body 15. In other words, the lower pipe dividing body 30 has pipe connection portions as beam connection portions at both circumferential end portions. The two pipe connection portions are located on both side portions of the radial flow path 12. The pipe connection portions of the lower pipe dividing body 30 are located in the front side portion and the rear side portion of the radial flow path 12. Here, in order to distinguish between the two pipe connection portions, the portion located on the front side of the flow path 12 is referred to as the "lower front connection portion 31", and the portion located on the rear side of the flow path 12 is referred to as the "lower rear connection portion 36". The lower front connection portion 31 has a flange portion 31a protruding outward in the radial direction, here forward, from the lower pipe dividing body 30. The lower rear connection portion 36 has a flange portion 36a protruding outward in the radial direction, here rearward, from the lower pipe dividing body 30.

[0103] In addition, detailed description is omitted, but as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the upper pipe dividing body 15 has upper end connection portions 25 at both left and right end portions in the left-right direction. Similarly, the lower pipe dividing body 30 has lower end connection portions 39 at both left and right end portions in the left-right direction.

[0104] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the upper pipe dividing body 15 and the lower pipe dividing body 30 are connected to each other by joining the following respective portions.

[0105] · Joining of the upper front connection portion 16 and the lower front connection portion 31.

[0106] · Joining of the upper rear connection portion 21 and the lower rear connection portion 36.

[0107] · Joining of the upper end connection portion 25 and the lower end connection portion 39 adjacent to each other in the up-down direction (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0108] <Relative Surfaces>

[0109] A pair of pipe connection portions adjacent to each other in the up-down direction have a pair of pipe opposing surfaces that oppose each other in this direction and constitute a pair of beam opposing surfaces.

[0110] More specifically, as described above, the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 are adjacent in the vertical direction. The upper front connecting portion 16 has an upper front opposing surface 17 extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction on its lower surface in a downward-facing state. The lower front connecting portion 31 has a lower front opposing surface 32 extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction on its upper surface in an upward-facing state. The upper front opposing surface 17 and the lower front opposing surface 32 face each other in the vertical direction. The upper front opposing surface 17 and the lower front opposing surface 32 constitute a pair of pipe opposing surfaces and a pair of beam opposing surfaces.

[0111] As described above, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are adjacent in the vertical direction. The upper rear connecting portion 21 has an upper rear opposing surface 22 extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction on its lower surface in a downward-facing state. The lower rear connecting portion 36 has a lower rear opposing surface 37 extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction on its upper surface in an upward-facing state. The upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 face each other in the vertical direction. The upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 constitute a pair of pipe opposing surfaces and a pair of beam opposing surfaces.

[0112] <Pipe welding ribs>

[0113] Here, the direction in which a pair of pipe opposing surfaces face each other is set as the opposing direction. The opposing direction of the upper front opposing surface 17 and the lower front opposing surface 32 is the vertical direction. The opposing direction of the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 is the vertical direction.

[0114] In a direction crossing the above-described opposing direction, two types of inner and outer pipe welding ribs extending along two pipe opposing surfaces are formed as the above-described beam welding ribs on a pair of adjacent pipe opposing surfaces, respectively. The crossing direction includes not only the direction crossing the above-described opposing direction at 90° (orthogonal), but also an inclined direction crossing at an angle different from 90°.

[0115] In addition, the pipe welding ribs formed on one pipe opposing surface and the pipe welding ribs formed on the other pipe opposing surface face each other in the above-described opposing direction.

[0116] As the pipe welding ribs, there are the structures described below.

[0117] · As Figure 8 shown, on the upper front opposing surface 17, two upper front welding ribs 18 are formed so as to extend in the left-right direction while being separated from each other in parallel with the front-rear direction.

[0118] · On the upper rear opposing surface 22, two upper rear welding ribs 23 are formed so as to extend in the left-right direction while being separated from each other in parallel with the front-rear direction.

[0119] · At the upper connection parts 25 on the left and right respectively (refer to Figure 1 ), two upper welding ribs (not shown) are formed so as to extend in the front-rear direction in a state of being separated parallel to the left-right direction.

[0120] · As Figure 7 shown, on the lower front opposing surface 32, two lower front welding ribs 33 are formed so as to extend in the left-right direction in a state of being separated parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0121] · On the lower rear opposing surface 37, two lower rear welding ribs 38 are formed so as to extend in the left-right direction in a state of being separated parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0122] · At the lower connection parts 39 on the left and right sides respectively, two lower end welding ribs 42 are formed so as to extend in the front-rear direction in a state of being separated parallel to the left-right direction (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0123] The outer upper welding rib 28 is formed by the upper front welding rib 18, the upper rear welding rib 23, and the two upper end welding ribs on the left and right, which are respectively located on the outside. Similarly, the inner upper welding rib 29 is formed by the upper front welding rib 18, the upper rear welding rib 23, and the two upper end welding ribs on the left and right, which are respectively located on the inside.

[0124] In addition, the outer lower welding rib 43 is formed by the lower front welding rib 33, the lower rear welding rib 38, and the two lower end welding ribs on the left and right, which are respectively located on the outside. Similarly, the inner lower welding rib 44 is formed by the lower front welding rib 33, the lower rear welding rib 38, and the two lower end welding ribs on the left and right, which are respectively located on the inside.

[0125] <Joining of adjacent pipe connection parts>

[0126] Regarding adjacent pipe connection parts, by welding methods such as infrared (IR) welding, hot plate welding, vibration welding, etc., a pair of pipe welding ribs facing each other in the above relative directions are welded to each other for joining.

[0127] · As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the upper front connection part 16 and the lower front connection part 31 are joined by welding the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 located below the upper front welding rib 18.

[0128] · The upper rear connection part 21 and the lower rear connection part 36 are joined by welding the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 located below the upper rear welding rib 23.

[0129] · By welding the upper welding rib and the lower welding rib 42 located below the upper welding rib, the upper connecting portion 25 and the lower connecting portion 39 adjacent in the vertical direction are joined (see Figure 2 ).

[0130] Moreover, by joining the adjacent pipe segments through the above joining, the adjacent beam segments are connected.

[0131] As described above, in addition to the above pipe main body portion 11, the vehicle beam 10 also has a peripheral portion. As Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, the peripheral portion is connected to the pipe main body portion 11. The peripheral portion has a suction pipe portion 51 and a blow pipe portion 65. Both the suction pipe portion 51 and the blow pipe portion 65 protrude radially outward from the pipe main body portion 11. In the first embodiment, the peripheral portion has one suction pipe portion 51 and four blow pipe portions 65.

[0132] Next, each part constituting the peripheral portion will be described.

[0133] <Suction pipe portion 51>

[0134] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the suction pipe portion 51 protrudes forward from the vicinity of the central portion of the pipe main body portion 11 in the left - right direction. The suction pipe portion 51 is in the shape of a flat cylinder in the vertical direction and has an inflow path 52 for air A1. The inflow path 52 communicates with the flow path 12 of the pipe main body portion 11. The inflow path 52 functions to guide the air A1 sent from the air - conditioning device outside the vehicle beam 10 to the flow path 12.

[0135] The suction pipe portion 51 is divided into a plurality of suction pipe segments in the above - mentioned circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, the suction pipe portion 51 is divided into the following two parts: an upper suction pipe segment 53, which constitutes the upper half thereof; and a lower suction pipe segment 57, which is adjacent to the lower side of the upper suction pipe segment 53 and constitutes the lower half of the suction pipe portion 51.

[0136] The lower end of the upper suction pipe segment 53 is open. The upper suction pipe segment 53 has two upper suction connection portions 54 at the boundary portion with the lower suction pipe segment 57. The two upper suction connection portions 54 extend in the front - rear direction at two positions separated from each other in the left - right direction.

[0137] The upper front connection portion 16 of the above upper pipe segment 15 (see Figure 5The upper suction pipe dividing body 53 is divided at the portion where it protrudes from the upper pipe dividing body 15 (etc.). The rear end portions of the two upper suction connection portions 54 are connected to the upper front connection portion 16 at the portion divided as described above.

[0138] The upper end of the lower suction pipe dividing body 57 is open. The lower suction pipe dividing body 57 has two lower suction connection portions 58 at the boundary portion with the upper suction pipe dividing body 53. The two lower suction connection portions 58 extend in the front-rear direction at two portions separated from each other in the left-right direction.

[0139] The lower front connection portion 31 of the lower pipe dividing body 30 (refer to Figure 5 etc.) is divided at the portion where the lower suction pipe dividing body 57 protrudes from the lower pipe dividing body 30. The rear end portions of the two lower suction connection portions 58 are connected to the lower front connection portion 31 at the portion divided as described above.

[0140] By joining the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 adjacent to its lower side, the upper suction pipe dividing body 53 and the lower suction pipe dividing body 57 are connected to each other.

[0141] Two upper suction welding ribs (not shown) extending in a direction crossing the direction relative to the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 are formed on each upper suction connection portion 54. The two upper suction welding ribs are separated from each other in parallel in the left-right direction. Among the two upper suction welding ribs of each upper suction connection portion 54, the upper suction welding rib far from the inflow path 52 is connected to the outer upper welding rib 28 (upper front welding rib 18). The upper suction welding rib close to the inflow path 52 is connected to the inner upper welding rib 29 (upper front welding rib 18).

[0142] Similarly, two lower suction welding ribs 61 extending in a direction crossing the direction relative to the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 are formed on each lower suction connection portion 58. The two lower suction welding ribs 61 are separated from each other in parallel in the left-right direction. Among the two lower suction welding ribs 61 of each lower suction connection portion 58, the lower suction welding rib 61 far from the inflow path 52 is connected to the outer lower welding rib 43 (lower front welding rib 33). The lower suction welding rib 61 close to the inflow path 52 is connected to the inner lower welding rib 44 (lower front welding rib 33).

[0143] In addition, in the above-mentioned crossing direction, in addition to the direction crossing at 90° (orthogonal) to the direction relative to the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58, it also includes a direction crossing at an angle different from 90°, that is, an inclined direction. In the first embodiment, the two upper suction welding ribs and the two lower suction welding ribs 61 extend in the front-rear direction as the orthogonal direction.

[0144] The upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 are joined by welding the upper suction welding rib and the lower suction welding rib 61 located below it.

[0145] <Blow-out duct portion 65>

[0146] Four blow-out duct portions 65 protrude rearward from both side portions and the vicinity of the central portion of the duct main body portion 11 in the left-right direction, as the outer side in the radial direction of the duct main body portion 11. The blow-out duct portion 65 on the right side is located in front of the driver's seat 8A. The blow-out duct portion 65 on the left side is located in front of the passenger seat 8B. The two blow-out duct portions 65 near the central portion are located in front of the boundary portion between the driver's seat 8A and the passenger seat 8B. The four blow-out duct portions 65 have the same structure as each other. Each blow-out duct portion 65 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape in the up-down direction and has a blow-out flow path 66 for the air A1. Each blow-out flow path 66 communicates with the flow path 12 of the duct main body portion 11. Each blow-out flow path 66 has the function of guiding the air A1 flowing in the flow path 12 to a duct (not shown) provided between the blow-out port of the air A1 of the blow-out duct portion 65 and the instrument panel 9.

[0147] Each blow-out duct portion 65 is divided into a plurality of blow-out duct segments in the above-mentioned circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, each blow-out duct portion 65 is divided into the following two parts: an upper blow-out duct segment 67 constituting its upper half; and a lower blow-out duct segment 72 adjacent to the lower side of the upper blow-out duct segment 67 and constituting the lower half of the blow-out duct portion 65.

[0148] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, the lower end of the upper blow-out duct segment 67 is open. The upper blow-out duct segment 67 has two upper blow-out connection portions 68 at the boundary portion with the lower blow-out duct segment 72. The two upper blow-out connection portions 68 extend in the front-rear direction at two positions separated from each other in the left-right direction.

[0149] The above-mentioned upper rear connection portion 21 (refer to Figure 5 etc.) is interrupted at the portion where the upper blow-out duct segment 67 protrudes from the upper duct segment 15. The front end portions of the two left and right upper blow-out connection portions 68 are connected at the portion where the upper rear connection portion 21 is interrupted as described above.

[0150] As Figure 2 shown, the upper end of the lower blow-out duct segment 72 is open. The lower blow-out duct segment 72 has two lower blow-out connection portions 73 at the boundary portion with the upper blow-out duct segment 67. The two lower blow-out connection portions 73 extend in the front-rear direction at two positions separated from each other in the left-right direction.

[0151] The above-mentioned lower rear connecting portion 36 (refer to Figure 5 etc.) is interrupted at the portion where the lower blowing pipe dividing body 72 protrudes from the lower pipe dividing body 30. The front end portions of the two lower blowing connecting portions 73 are connected to the lower rear connecting portion 36 at the interrupted portion as described above.

[0152] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the upper blowing pipe dividing body 67 and the lower blowing pipe dividing body 72 are connected to each other by joining the upper blowing connecting portion 68 and the lower blowing connecting portion 73.

[0153] Two upper blowing welding ribs (not shown) extending in a direction crossing the direction opposite to the upper blowing connecting portion 68 and the lower blowing connecting portion 73 are formed on each upper blowing connecting portion 68. The two upper blowing welding ribs are separated from each other in parallel with the left-right direction. Among the two upper blowing welding ribs of each upper blowing connecting portion 68, the upper blowing welding rib on the side away from the blowing flow path 66 is connected to the above-mentioned outer upper welding rib 28 (upper rear welding rib 23). The upper blowing welding rib on the side close to the blowing flow path 66 is connected to the above-mentioned inner upper welding rib 29 (upper rear welding rib 23).

[0154] Similarly, two lower blowing welding ribs 75 extending in a direction crossing the direction opposite to the upper blowing connecting portion 68 and the lower blowing connecting portion 73 are formed on each lower blowing connecting portion 73. The two lower blowing welding ribs 75 are separated from each other in parallel with the left-right direction. Among the two lower blowing welding ribs 75 of each lower blowing connecting portion 73, the lower blowing welding rib 75 on the side away from the blowing flow path 66 is connected to the above-mentioned outer lower welding rib 43 (lower rear welding rib 38). The lower blowing welding rib 75 on the side close to the blowing flow path 66 is connected to the above-mentioned inner lower welding rib 44 (lower rear welding rib 38).

[0155] In addition, in the above-mentioned crossing direction, in addition to the direction crossing at 90° (orthogonal) to the direction opposite to the upper blowing connecting portion 68 and the lower blowing connecting portion 73, it also includes a direction crossing at an angle different from 90°, that is, an inclined direction. In the first embodiment, the two upper blowing welding ribs and the two lower blowing welding ribs 75 extend in the front-rear direction as the orthogonal direction.

[0156] The upper blowing connecting portion 68 and the lower blowing connecting portion 73 are joined by welding the upper blowing welding rib and the lower blowing welding rib 75 located below it.

[0157] <Upper support portion 76 and lower support portion 81>

[0158] As Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the peripheral portion also has: an upper support portion 76 connected to the upper pipe dividing body 15; and a lower support portion 81 connected to the lower pipe dividing body 30.

[0159] The upper support portion 76 has an upper front support portion 77 and an upper rear support portion 78. The upper front support portion 77 is disposed on the front side of the upper pipe dividing body 15 and is connected to the upper front connecting portion 16 at its rear end portion. The upper rear support portion 78 is disposed on the rear side of the upper pipe dividing body 15 and is connected to the upper rear connecting portion 21 at its front end portion.

[0160] The lower support portion 81 has a lower front support portion 82 and a lower rear support portion 83. The lower front support portion 82 is connected to the lower end portion of the lower pipe dividing body 30 at its rear end portion. In the first embodiment, the rear end portion of the lower front support portion 82 is connected to the central portion in the front-rear direction of the lower pipe dividing body 30 from below. The lower front support portion 82 has a portion disposed adjacent to the upper front support portion 77 on the lower side, or in other words, has an overlapping portion.

[0161] The lower rear support portion 83 is disposed on the rear side of the lower pipe dividing body 30. The lower rear support portion 83 has a portion disposed on the lower side of the upper rear support portion 78. The front end portion of the lower rear support portion 83 is connected to the lower rear connecting portion 36.

[0162] At least one of the upper front support portion 77 and the lower front support portion 82 is provided with a portion for suspending the steering column SC at a position more forward than the pipe main body portion 11. The upper rear support portion 78 and the lower rear support portion 83 are respectively provided with a portion for suspending the steering column SC at a position more rearward than the pipe main body portion 11.

[0163] As Figure 3 indicated by the double-dashed line in the figure, the above-mentioned steering column SC is suspended in front of the pipe main body portion 11 at the above-mentioned portion of at least one of the upper front support portion 77 and the lower front support portion 82. In addition, the steering column SC is suspended behind the pipe main body portion 11 at the above-mentioned portions of the upper rear support portion 78 and the lower rear support portion 83.

[0164] And, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, in the first embodiment, two upper and lower reinforcing ribs 84 and two types of reinforcing ribs 85 are integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe main body portion 11. The two reinforcing ribs 84 and the two reinforcing ribs 85 are formed for the region of the pipe main body portion 11 in the left-right direction except for both end portions.

[0165] Two reinforcing ribs 84 extend in the left - right direction at the upper end (top) of the upper pipe - dividing body 15 and at the lower end (bottom) of the lower pipe - dividing body 30, respectively. In contrast, two types of reinforcing ribs 85 are formed to wind around the pipe main body 11 in a spiral shape while proceeding from right to left or conversely from left to right. One reinforcing rib 85 intersects obliquely with the two reinforcing ribs 84 and the other reinforcing rib 85 at multiple positions in the left - right direction. In addition, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 the illustrations of the reinforcing ribs 84 and 85 are omitted. This is the same in the Figures 10 to 15 described later.

[0166] <Function of the First Embodiment>

[0167] When manufacturing the vehicle beam 10, adjacent pipe connection parts are joined by welding at the pipe welding ribs. The corresponding pipe connection parts are the upper front connection part 16 and the lower front connection part 31, the upper rear connection part 21 and the lower rear connection part 36, the upper end connection part 25 and the lower end connection part 39. The corresponding pipe welding ribs are the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33, the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38, the upper end welding rib and the lower end welding rib 42.

[0168] Here, it is assumed that if the pipe welding rib is formed only on one of a pair of opposite pipe opposing surfaces, the pipe welding rib is welded to the pipe connection part on the other pipe opposing surface. In this case, at the pipe welding rib, during welding, the front face of the pipe welding rib is heated. In contrast, at the pipe connection part having the above - mentioned other pipe opposing surface, during welding, the part of the other pipe opposing surface opposite to the pipe welding rib and its surrounding parts are heated. The area to be heated in the above - mentioned other pipe opposing surface is larger than the front face of the pipe welding rib. Correspondingly, heat is easily dispersed and the heating efficiency is reduced.

[0169] Regarding this point, in the first embodiment, the pipe welding rib formed on one pipe opposing surface and the pipe welding rib formed on the other pipe opposing surface face each other in the opposite direction. The pipe welding ribs are welded to each other. In this case, at each pipe welding rib, during welding, the front face of each pipe welding rib is heated. The area of the front face to be heated in each pipe welding rib is smaller than the area of the part to be heated on the pipe opposing surface. Correspondingly, heat is difficult to disperse and the heating efficiency is improved.

[0170] The function regarding the heating area and heating efficiency of the above - mentioned pipe welding rib is the same as the function regarding the heating area and heating efficiency of the above - mentioned upper suction welding rib, lower suction welding rib 61, upper blow - out welding rib, and lower blow - out welding rib 75.

[0171] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 andFigure 6 As shown, regarding the vehicle beam 10, the air A1 for air conditioning sent from the air conditioning device flows in the inflow path 52 in the suction pipe portion 51 and is guided to the flow path 12 in the pipe main body portion 11. After the air A1 flows in the flow path 12 and then in the blow-out flow path 66 in each blow-out pipe portion 65, it is blown out to the rear of the vehicle beam 10. This air A1 flows in the pipe between the blow-out pipe portion 65 and the blow-out port of the instrument panel 9, and then is blown out from this blow-out port into the passenger compartment.

[0172] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 are joined, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined, and the upper end connecting portion 25 and the lower end connecting portion 39 are joined, thereby connecting the upper pipe split body 15 and the lower pipe split body 30. The pipe main body portion 11 is formed by the above connection.

[0173] The upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 are joined by welding the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 located below it. The upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined by welding the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 located below it. The upper end connecting portion 25 and the lower end connecting portion 39 adjacent in the vertical direction are joined by welding the upper end welding rib and the lower end welding rib 42 located below it.

[0174] The upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 extend in the left-right direction respectively. Therefore, compared with the case where the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 are joined by fastening bolts arranged at multiple positions separated in the left-right direction, the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 are joined in a larger area in this direction. The airtightness of the joint portion of the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 is improved compared with the case of bolt fastening.

[0175] In addition, the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 extend in the left-right direction respectively. Therefore, compared with the case where the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined by fastening bolts arranged at multiple positions separated in the left-right direction, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined in a larger area in this direction. The airtightness of the joint portion of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 is improved compared with the case of bolt fastening.

[0176] The upper end welding rib and the lower end welding rib 42 opposite in the vertical direction extend in the front-rear direction respectively. Therefore, the upper end connecting portion 25 and the lower end connecting portion 39 are joined in a larger area in the front-rear direction. The airtightness of the joint portion of the upper end connecting portion 25 and the lower end connecting portion 39 adjacent in the vertical direction is ensured.

[0177] In addition, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in the first embodiment, the upper suction pipe segment 53 and the lower suction pipe segment 57 are connected by joining the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58. The suction pipe portion 51 is formed by this connection. The upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 are joined by welding the upper suction welding ribs and the lower suction welding ribs 61 adjacent in the vertical direction. Each upper suction welding rib extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the upper front welding rib 18 of the upper pipe segment 15 (see Figure 5 ) at its rear end. Each lower suction welding rib 61 extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the lower front welding rib 33 of the lower pipe segment 30 at its rear end. Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 is ensured.

[0178] In addition, by welding the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 adjacent in the vertical direction, correspondingly, the welded portions of the entire vehicle beam 10 increase.

[0179] And, in the first embodiment, the upper blowout pipe segment 67 and the lower blowout pipe segment 72 are connected by joining the upper blowout connection portion 68 and the lower blowout connection portion 73. Each blowout pipe portion 65 is formed by this connection. The upper blowout connection portion 68 and the lower blowout connection portion 73 are joined by welding the upper blowout welding ribs and the lower blowout welding ribs 75. The upper blowout welding rib extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the upper rear welding rib 23 of the upper pipe segment 15 (see Figure 5 ) at its front end. The lower blowout welding rib 75 extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the lower rear welding rib 38 of the lower pipe segment 30 at its front end. Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the upper blowout connection portion 68 and the lower blowout connection portion 73 is ensured.

[0180] In addition, by welding the upper blowout connection portion 68 and the lower blowout connection portion 73, correspondingly, the welded portions of the entire vehicle beam 10 increase.

[0181] However, the steering column SC arranged below the pipe main body portion 11 and the peripheral portion is suspended by the peripheral portion on the front side and the peripheral portion on the rear side of the pipe main body portion 11.

[0182] Here, it is assumed that when the pipe main body 11 is divided into two pipe segments in the front-rear direction, the steering column SC is suspended at a position more forward than the pipe main body 11 from the front peripheral portion connected to the front pipe segment. In addition, the steering column SC is suspended at a position more rearward than the pipe main body 11 from the rear peripheral portion connected to the rear pipe segment. In this case, the load of the steering column SC is borne by the front peripheral portion at a position more forward than the pipe main body 11. The above load is borne by the rear peripheral portion at a position more rearward than the pipe main body 11.

[0183] In contrast, in the first embodiment, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the steering column SC is suspended at a position more forward than the pipe main body 11 from at least one of the upper front support portion 77 and the lower front support portion 82. The steering column SC is suspended at a position more rearward than the pipe main body 11 from the upper rear support portion 78 and the lower rear support portion 83. In this case, the load of the steering column SC is borne by one or two front support portions at a position more forward than the pipe main body 11. In addition, the above load is borne by the upper and lower two rear support portions at a position more rearward than the pipe main body 11. This method of bearing the load can be achieved by dividing the pipe main body 11 into two upper and lower pipe segments (upper pipe segment 15 and lower pipe segment 30).

[0184] <Effect of the First Embodiment>

[0185] (1-1) As Figure 5 shown, by welding the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 extending in the left-right direction respectively, the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 are joined. Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 can be improved.

[0186] In addition, by welding the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 extending in the left-right direction respectively, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined. Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 can be improved.

[0187] And, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, by welding the upper end welding rib and the lower end welding rib 42 located below it, the upper end connecting portion 25 and the lower end connecting portion 39 adjacent in the up-down direction are joined. Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the upper end connecting portion 25 and the lower end connecting portion 39 adjacent in the up-down direction can be improved.

[0188] As a result, the airtightness of the entire pipe main body 11 can be improved, and the phenomenon of air A1 flowing in the flow path 12 leaking from the joint portion of the adjacent connection portion can be suppressed as compared with the case of joining by bolt fastening.

[0189] (1-2) When the upper suction pipe segment 53 and the lower suction pipe segment 57 are joined to form the suction pipe portion 51, the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 are joined by welding the upper suction welding rib and the lower suction welding rib 61. The upper suction welding rib extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the upper front welding rib 18 of the upper pipe segment 15 at its rear end. The lower suction welding rib 61 extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the lower front welding rib 33 of the lower pipe segment 30 at its rear end.

[0190] Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the upper suction connection portion 54 and the lower suction connection portion 58 can be ensured, and the air A1 flowing in the inflow path 52 can be suppressed from leaking to the outside of the vehicle beam 10 from the joint portion. In addition, corresponding to the welding of the upper suction welding rib and the lower suction welding rib 61, the welding portion can be increased, and the welding strength of the entire vehicle beam 10 can be improved.

[0191] (1-3) The upper blowout connection portion 68 and the lower blowout connection portion 73 are joined by welding the upper blowout welding rib and the lower blowout welding rib 75. The upper blowout welding rib extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the upper rear welding rib 23 of the upper pipe segment 15 at its front end. The lower blowout welding rib 75 extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the lower rear welding rib 38 of the lower pipe segment 30 at its front end.

[0192] Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the upper blowout connection portion 68 and the lower blowout connection portion 73 can be ensured, and the air A1 flowing in the blowout flow path 66 can be suppressed from leaking to the outside of the vehicle beam 10 from the joint portion. In addition, corresponding to the welding of the upper blowout welding rib and the lower blowout welding rib 75, the welding portion can be increased, and the welding strength of the entire vehicle beam 10 can be improved.

[0193] (1-4) As Figure 3As shown, the pipe main body 11 is divided into an upper pipe segment 15 and a lower pipe segment 30. As the peripheral part, there are provided: an upper support part 76 having an upper front support part 77 and an upper rear support part 78; and a lower support part 81 having a lower front support part 82 and a lower rear support part 83. At least one of the upper front support part 77 and the lower front support part 82 is provided with a part for suspending the steering column SC at a position more forward than the pipe main body 11. The upper rear support part 78 and the lower rear support part 83 are respectively provided with a part for suspending the steering column SC at a position more rearward than the pipe main body 11. Moreover, the steering column SC is suspended at the above-mentioned part more forward than the pipe main body 11 and at the above-mentioned part more rearward than the pipe main body 11.

[0194] Therefore, compared with the case where the pipe main body 11 is divided into two pipe segments in the front-rear direction, it is more advantageous in terms of bearing the load of the steering column SC.

[0195] (1-5) As Figure 5 shown, etc., the pipe main body 11 has a circular cross-section, so it exhibits the same high strength at any part in the circumferential direction. Compared with the case of having other cross-sectional shapes, the pipe main body 11 exhibits higher strength.

[0196] (1-6) Reinforcing ribs 84 and 85 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe main body 11, so the strength and rigidity of the pipe main body 11 can be improved.

[0197] (1-7) The upper front welding rib 18 is formed on the upper front opposing surface 17, and the lower front welding rib 33 is formed on the lower front opposing surface 32. The upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 are opposed to each other in the up-down direction. Moreover, the upper front connecting part 16 and the lower front connecting part 31 are joined by welding the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 to each other.

[0198] Therefore, compared with the case where the upper front welding rib 18 is formed on the upper front opposing surface 17 and the lower front welding rib 33 is not formed on the lower front opposing surface 32, the area of the part that needs to be heated can be reduced. In addition, compared with the case where the lower front welding rib 33 is formed on the lower front opposing surface 32 and the upper front welding rib 18 is not formed on the upper front opposing surface 17, the area of the part that needs to be heated can be reduced. As a result, the dispersion of heat can be suppressed and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0199] Similarly, the upper rear welding rib 23 is formed on the upper rear opposing surface 22, and the lower rear welding rib 38 is formed on the lower rear opposing surface 37. The upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 are opposed to each other in the up-down direction. Moreover, the upper rear connecting part 21 and the lower rear connecting part 36 are joined by welding the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 to each other.

[0200] Therefore, compared with the case where the upper rear welding rib 23 is formed on the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear welding rib 38 is not formed on the lower rear opposing surface 37, the area of the portion that needs to be heated can be reduced. In addition, compared with the case where the lower rear welding rib 38 is formed on the lower rear opposing surface 37 and the upper rear welding rib 23 is not formed on the upper rear opposing surface 22, the area of the portion that needs to be heated can be reduced. As a result, the dispersion of heat can be suppressed and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0201] The above effects can also be similarly obtained for the joint portions of the upper end connecting portion 25 and the lower end connecting portion 39, the joint portions of the upper suction connecting portion 54 and the lower suction connecting portion 58, and the joint portions of the upper blow-out connecting portion 68 and the lower blow-out connecting portion 73.

[0202] (Second Embodiment)

[0203] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 11 The second embodiment of the vehicle beam will be described.

[0204] The shapes of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 in the second embodiment are different from those in the first embodiment. The upper rear connecting portion 21 has a bent portion 21b that bends downward from the rear end portion of the flange portion 21a. The upper rear connecting portion 21 has the front surface of the bent portion 21b as the upper rear opposing surface 22. The upper rear opposing surface 22 extends in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction and faces forward. In contrast, as described above, the upper front opposing surface 17 of the upper front connecting portion 16 extends in the front-rear direction and the horizontal direction and faces downward. Thus, the upper rear opposing surface 22 faces a direction different from the direction in which the upper front opposing surface 17 faces, and in the second embodiment, it faces a direction that intersects the direction in which the upper front opposing surface 17 faces.

[0205] The lower rear connecting portion 36 does not have a flange portion 36a. The lower rear connecting portion 36 is formed by a portion adjacent to the lower side in the circumferential direction with respect to the upper surface 30a of the rear end portion in the lower pipe dividing body 30. The lower rear connecting portion 36 has its outer peripheral surface as the lower rear opposing surface 37. The lower rear opposing surface 37 faces rearward. In contrast, as described above, the lower front opposing surface 32 of the lower front connecting portion 31 extends in the front-rear direction and the horizontal direction and faces upward. Thus, the lower rear opposing surface 37 faces a direction different from the direction in which the lower front opposing surface 32 faces, and in the second embodiment, it faces a direction that intersects the direction in which the lower front opposing surface 32 faces.

[0206] On the upper rear opposing surface 22, two upper rear welding ribs 23 are formed which extend in a direction intersecting with the direction opposite to the lower rear opposing surface 37 and the upper rear opposing surface 22. On the lower rear opposing surface 37, two lower rear welding ribs 38 are formed which extend in the above-mentioned intersecting direction. In the second embodiment, the two upper rear welding ribs 23 extend in the left-right direction in a state of being separated in parallel in the up-down direction. The two lower rear welding ribs 38 also extend in the left-right direction in a state of being separated in parallel in the up-down direction.

[0207] Moreover, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined by welding the portions of the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 that face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0208] The structure other than the above structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the elements identical to those described in the first embodiment, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0209] <Function of the Second Embodiment>

[0210] In the second embodiment, in addition to the same function as that of the first embodiment, the following function is also exerted.

[0211] Before the welding of the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 and the welding of the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38, the upper pipe dividing body 15 and the lower pipe dividing body 30 approach each other, for example, in the up-down direction which is the direction in which the upper front opposing surface 17 and the lower front opposing surface 32 face.

[0212] The upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 come into contact with each other, thereby positioning the upper pipe dividing body 15 and the lower pipe dividing body 30 in the up-down direction. Along with this, the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 are positioned in the up-down direction. Through this positioning, the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 can be made to face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0213] In addition, before the above welding, the upper pipe dividing body 15 and the lower pipe dividing body 30 approach each other, for example, in the front-rear direction which is the direction in which the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 face. The upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 come into contact with each other, thereby positioning the upper pipe dividing body 15 and the lower pipe dividing body 30 in the front-rear direction. Along with this, the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 are positioned in the front-rear direction. Through this positioning, the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 can be made to face each other in the up-down direction.

[0214] Moreover, the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 are welded, and the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 are welded. By the former welding, the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 are joined. By the latter welding, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined. By the above joining and the joining of the respective upper end connecting portions 25 and the respective lower end connecting portions 39 on the left and right (refer to Figure 1 ), the upper pipe segment 15 and the lower pipe segment 30 are connected to form the pipe main body portion 11.

[0215] <Effect of the Second Embodiment>

[0216] According to the second embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as (1-1) to (1-7) of the first embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0217] (2-1) The upper rear opposing surface 22 of the upper rear connecting portion 21 of the upper pipe segment 15 faces a direction crossing the direction in which the upper front opposing surface 17 of the upper front connecting portion 16 faces. In addition, the lower rear opposing surface 37 of the lower rear connecting portion 36 of the lower pipe segment 30 faces a direction crossing the direction in which the lower front opposing surface 32 of the lower front connecting portion 31 faces.

[0218] Therefore, before welding, by bringing the upper pipe segment 15 and the lower pipe segment 30 closer in the front-rear direction and bringing the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 into contact with each other, the positioning of the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 in the front-rear direction can be performed. The upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 can be welded in a state where they are opposed to each other in the up-down direction. It is possible to suppress welding of the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 in a state where they are misaligned in the front-rear direction.

[0219] In addition, before welding, by bringing the upper pipe segment 15 and the lower pipe segment 30 closer in the up-down direction and bringing the upper front welding rib 18 and the lower front welding rib 33 into contact with each other, the positioning of the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 in the up-down direction can be performed. The upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 can be welded in a state where they are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction. It is possible to suppress welding of the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 in a state where they are misaligned in the up-down direction.

[0220] (Third Embodiment)

[0221] Next, with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 the third embodiment of the vehicle beam will be described.

[0222] Regarding the third embodiment, as described above, the pipe main body portion 11 formed by connecting the upper pipe split body 15 and the lower pipe split body 30 is further divided into a plurality of pipe main body structural portions in the left - right direction, and adjacent pipe main body structural portions are connected by welding. In this regard, the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in which the pipe main body portion 11 is not divided in the left - right direction.

[0223] Here, one of the two pipe main body structural portions adjacent in the left - right direction ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 is the left side in this case) is set as the first pipe main body structural portion 86, and the other ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 is the right side in this case) is set as the second pipe main body structural portion 95.

[0224] A first auxiliary connection portion 87 is formed at the boundary portion between the first pipe main body structural portion 86 and the second pipe main body structural portion 95. The first auxiliary connection portion 87 has an annular flange portion 87a that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe main body structural portion 86. A second auxiliary connection portion 96 is formed at the boundary portion between the second pipe main body structural portion 95 and the first pipe main body structural portion 86. The second auxiliary connection portion 96 has an annular flange portion 96a that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe main body structural portion 95.

[0225] The first pipe main body structural portion 86 and the second pipe main body structural portion 95 are connected by joining the first auxiliary connection portion 87 and the second auxiliary connection portion 96.

[0226] The first auxiliary connection portion 87 has an annular first auxiliary opposing surface 88 that surrounds the flow path 12. The second auxiliary connection portion 96 has an annular second auxiliary opposing surface 97 that surrounds the flow path 12. The first auxiliary opposing surface 88 and the second auxiliary opposing surface 97 are opposed to each other in the left - right direction.

[0227] On the first auxiliary opposing surface 88, two annular first auxiliary welding ribs 89 having the center axis CL as their center and different diameters are formed. On the second auxiliary opposing surface 97, two annular second auxiliary welding ribs 98 having the center axis CL as their center and different diameters are formed. The first auxiliary connection portion 87 and the second auxiliary connection portion 96 are joined by welding the first auxiliary welding ribs 89 and the second auxiliary welding ribs 98 that are opposed to each other in the left - right direction.

[0228] The structure other than the above - described structure is the same as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the elements identical to those described in the second embodiment, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0229] <Function of the Third Embodiment>

[0230] The lengths of the first pipe main body structure part 86 and the second pipe main body structure part 95 formed by dividing the pipe main body part 11 in the left - right direction are shorter than the length of the undivided pipe main body part 11.

[0231] In addition, the adjacent first pipe main body structure part 86 and second pipe main body structure part 95 are joined by welding the first auxiliary welding rib 89 and the second auxiliary welding rib 98 that face each other in the left - right direction. Both the first auxiliary welding rib 89 and the second auxiliary welding rib 98 are formed in a ring shape and surround the flow path 12. Therefore, the air A1 flowing in the flow path 12 is restricted from passing through the joint part of the first auxiliary connection part 87 and the second auxiliary connection part 96.

[0232] <Effects of the Third Embodiment>

[0233] According to the third embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as (1 - 1) to (1 - 7) of the first embodiment and (2 - 1) of the second embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0234] (3 - 1) As Figure 13 shown, the first pipe main body structure part 86 and the second pipe main body structure part 95, which are shorter than the undivided pipe main body part 11, are connected by welding. Therefore, various effects shown below can be obtained.

[0235] · Compared with the case of welding the upper pipe divided body 15 and the lower pipe divided body 30, which are not divided in the left - right direction and are long in this direction, the first pipe main body structure part 86 and the second pipe main body structure part 95 can be welded using a smaller welding device, such as an existing welding device. In addition, compared with the undivided pipe main body part 11, the first pipe main body structure part 86 and the second pipe main body structure part 95 are more likely to achieve welding accuracy.

[0236] · It is possible to achieve the so - called commonization of components by using a part (for example, one) of multiple pipe main body structures for the vehicle beam 10 mounted on different types of vehicles 6.

[0237] (3 - 2) As Figure 12 shown, a circular first auxiliary welding rib 89 is formed on the first auxiliary opposing surface 88 of the first auxiliary connection part 87, and a circular second auxiliary welding rib 98 is formed on the second auxiliary opposing surface 97 of the second auxiliary connection part 96. The first auxiliary connection part 87 and the second auxiliary connection part 96 are joined by welding the first auxiliary welding rib 89 and the second auxiliary welding rib 98 that face each other in the left - right direction.

[0238] Therefore, the airtightness of the joint portion of the first auxiliary connection portion 87 and the second auxiliary connection portion 96 can be ensured, and leakage of the air A1 flowing in the pipe main body portion 11 from the joint portion to the outside of the vehicle beam 10 can be suppressed.

[0239] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0240] Next, refer to Figure 14 to describe the fourth embodiment of the vehicle beam.

[0241] Regarding the fourth embodiment, the pipe main body portion 11 is divided into a plurality of pipe main body structural portions in the left-right direction. In addition, one of the adjacent pipe main body structural portions ( Figure 14 the left side) is set as the first pipe main body structural portion 86, and the other ( Figure 14 the right side) is set as the second pipe main body structural portion 95. In these aspects, the fourth embodiment is common to the third embodiment.

[0242] In the fourth embodiment, the first pipe main body structural portion 86 has a cylindrical first cylinder portion 91 at an end on one side in the left-right direction ( Figure 14 the right side in this case). The second pipe main body structural portion 95 has a cylindrical second cylinder portion 101 at an end on one side in the left-right direction ( Figure 14 the left side in this case).

[0243] The first cylinder portion 91 has an insertion port 91a for the second cylinder portion 101 on an end face on one side in the left-right direction ( Figure 14 the right side in this case). At least the inner surface in the radial direction (inner peripheral surface 91b) of the first cylinder portion 91 is formed by a tapered surface that expands as it approaches the insertion port 91a along the central axis CL. At least the outer surface in the radial direction (outer peripheral surface 101a) of the second cylinder portion 101 is formed by a tapered surface that expands as it moves away from the front end along the central axis CL. Moreover, by inserting the entire second cylinder portion 101 into the first cylinder portion 91, the first pipe main body structural portion 86 overlaps the second cylinder portion 101 of the second pipe main body structural portion 95 in the radial direction.

[0244] On the inner peripheral surface 91b of the first cylindrical portion 91, a plurality of linear welding ribs 92 are formed which extend substantially in the left - right direction while following the inner peripheral surface 91b. Adjacent linear welding ribs 92 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 91b. On the outer peripheral surface 101a of the second cylindrical portion 101 and at a position radially inside the above - mentioned linear welding ribs 92, a plurality of linear welding ribs 102 are formed which extend substantially in the left - right direction while following the outer peripheral surface 101a. That is, a plurality of linear welding ribs 102 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 101a in a state of being separated from each other in the circumferential direction. The linear welding ribs 92 and the linear welding ribs 102 are welded to join the first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101. By this joining, the first pipe main body structure portion 86 and the second pipe main body structure portion 95 are connected to form the pipe main body portion 11.

[0245] In addition, although not shown, in the second cylindrical portion 101, the flange portion 16a of the upper front connection portion 16 and the flange portion 21a of the upper rear connection portion 21 both project inward in the radial direction. Also, the flange portion 31a of the lower front connection portion 31 and the flange portion 36a of the lower rear connection portion 36 both project inward in the radial direction. Moreover, the upper front connection portion 16 and the lower front connection portion 31 are joined at a position more radially inside than the outer peripheral surface 101a of the second cylindrical portion 101. Also, the upper rear connection portion 21 and the lower rear connection portion 36 are joined at a position more radially inside than the outer peripheral surface 101a of the second cylindrical portion 101.

[0246] The structure other than the above - mentioned structure is the same as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the elements identical to those described in the second embodiment, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0247] <Function of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0248] When connecting the adjacent first pipe main body structure portion 86 and the second pipe main body structure portion 95, the second cylindrical portion 101 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 91. Then, the first pipe main body structure portion 86 overlaps the second cylindrical portion 101 of the second pipe main body structure portion 95 in the radial direction with respect to the first cylindrical portion 91. The first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101 are joined by welding the linear welding ribs 92 and the linear welding ribs 102 which are radially inside with respect to the linear welding ribs 92.

[0249] <Effect of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0250] According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to being able to obtain the same effects as (1 - 1) to (1 - 7) of the first embodiment and (2 - 1) of the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0251] (4-1) When forming the pipe main body portion 11, the second cylindrical portion 101 having linear welding ribs 102 formed on its outer peripheral surface 101a is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 91 having linear welding ribs 92 formed on its inner peripheral surface 91b. By welding the linear welding rib 92 and the linear welding rib 102, the first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101 are joined and the first pipe main body structure portion 86 and the second pipe main body structure portion 95 are connected.

[0252] Therefore, corresponding to the first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101 overlapping in the radial direction, the bonding strength between the first pipe main body structure portion 86 and the second pipe main body structure portion 95 can be improved compared to the non-overlapping case. Moreover, since the first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101 are joined by welding the linear welding ribs 92 and 102, the above-mentioned bonding strength can be further improved.

[0253] (The fifth embodiment)

[0254] Next, refer to Figure 15 The fifth embodiment of the vehicle beam will be described.

[0255] In the fifth embodiment, the linear welding ribs 92 and 102 of the fourth embodiment are changed to annular welding ribs 93 and 103. More specifically, a plurality of annular welding ribs 93 extending circumferentially are formed on the inner peripheral surface 91b of the first cylindrical portion 91. Each annular welding rib 93 is formed over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 91b to be annular. Adjacent annular welding ribs 93 are separated from each other in the left-right direction. Annular welding ribs 103 are respectively formed at positions on the outer peripheral surface 101a of the second cylindrical portion 101 and inside the above-mentioned annular welding ribs 93 in the radial direction. That is, on the outer peripheral surface 101a of the second cylindrical portion 101, a plurality of annular welding ribs 103 are formed in a state of being separated from each other in the left-right direction. Each annular welding rib 103 is formed over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface 101a to be annular.

[0256] The first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101 are joined by welding the annular welding rib 93 and the annular welding rib 103. By this joining, the first pipe main body structure portion 86 and the second pipe main body structure portion 95 are connected.

[0257] According to the fifth embodiment, although the form of the welding ribs is different, it is common with the fourth embodiment in that the first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101 are joined by welding. Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, the same functions and effects as those of the fourth embodiment can also be obtained.

[0258] (The sixth embodiment)

[0259] Next, refer to Figures 16 to 18 The sixth embodiment of the vehicle beam will be described.

[0260] The main differences between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment are the following two points.

[0261] · A pipe welding rib is formed on one of a pair of opposed surfaces of the pipes facing each other.

[0262] · A trap rib for trapping burrs generated during welding is formed on the opposed surfaces of the pipes so that the burrs stay between the pair of opposed surfaces of the pipes.

[0263] Next, the sixth embodiment will be described in detail centering on the above differences.

[0264] As Figure 16 shown, the joining of the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 is performed by welding. In addition, the joining of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 is performed by welding. The joining structure of the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 and the joining structure of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the central axis CL and extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, here, the joining structure of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 will be described, and the description of the joining structure of the upper front connecting portion 16 and the lower front connecting portion 31 will be omitted.

[0265] As Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, the upper rear connecting portion 21 of the upper pipe segment 15 has an upper rear opposed surface 22 extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction on its lower surface. The lower rear connecting portion 36 of the lower pipe segment 30 has a lower rear opposed surface 37 extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction on its upper surface.

[0266] In the middle portion of the upper rear opposed surface 22 in the front-rear direction, one upper rear welding rib 23 is formed as a pipe welding rib. The upper rear welding rib 23 extends in the left-right direction in a state of protruding downward from the upper rear opposed surface 22. In the sixth embodiment, the upper rear welding rib 23 is formed at the front portion of the upper rear opposed surface 22 and is a portion slightly separated rearward from the front end portion. In contrast, no lower rear welding rib is formed on the lower rear opposed surface 37.

[0267] The upper rear welding rib 23 has: a welding base portion 23a located on the proximal side (upper side) in the protruding direction; and a welding front end portion 23b adjacent to the welding base portion 23a on the front end side (lower side) in the protruding direction.

[0268] The upper rear welding rib 23 is formed such that the size of the welding front end portion 23b in the front-rear direction is smaller than the size of the welding base portion 23a in this direction. The above front-rear direction is one direction in the radial direction of the pipe main body portion 11. The welding front end portion 23b is located in the middle portion of the welding base portion 23a in the above front-rear direction.

[0269] The front surface of the welding front end portion 23b is located at a position more rearward than the front surface of the welding base portion 23a. The front surface of the welding base portion 23a and the front surface of the welding front end portion 23b are connected via a stepped surface provided at the front portion of the lower surface of the welding base portion 23a.

[0270] The rear surface of the welding front end portion 23b is located at a position more forward than the rear surface of the welding base portion 23a. The rear surface of the welding base portion 23a and the rear surface of the welding front end portion 23b are connected via the rear portion of the lower surface of the welding base portion 23a.

[0271] At the rear end portion of the upper rear facing surface 22, one upper rear catching rib 105 extending in the left - right direction in a downwardly protruding state is formed as one of the plurality of catching ribs. The upper rear catching rib 105 is formed such that the dimension in the front - rear direction is substantially uniform in the up - down direction. The up - down direction is the direction in which the upper rear facing surface 22 and the lower rear facing surface 37 face each other.

[0272] On the lower rear facing surface 37, a pair of lower rear catching ribs 107, 111 are formed as part of the plurality of catching ribs. One lower rear catching rib 107 is formed at the front end portion of the lower rear facing surface 37. The other lower rear catching rib 111 is formed at the middle portion in the front - rear direction of the lower rear facing surface 37. Each of the lower rear catching ribs 107, 111 extends in the left - right direction in an upwardly protruding state.

[0273] As described above, the direction (left - right direction) in which the upper rear welding rib 23, the upper rear catching rib 105, and the two lower rear catching ribs 107, 111 extend is along the upper rear facing surface 22 and the lower rear facing surface 37, and is a direction intersecting the above - mentioned up - down direction.

[0274] As described above, one upper rear catching rib 105 and two lower rear catching ribs 107, 111 are formed between the upper rear facing surface 22 and the lower rear facing surface 37. The rear lower rear catching rib 111 and the upper rear catching rib 105 among the above - mentioned catching ribs are respectively formed at the upper rear facing surface 22 and the lower rear facing surface 37, and are two parts separated from each other in the front - rear direction.

[0275] The upper rear welding rib 23 and the front lower rear catching rib 107 protrude in opposite directions along the up - down direction in a state of being separated from each other in the front - rear direction. Similarly, the upper rear welding rib 23 and the rear lower rear catching rib 111 protrude in opposite directions along the up - down direction in a state of being separated from each other in the front - rear direction.

[0276] The front lower rear catching rib 107 has: a catching base portion 107a located on the lower side at the base end side of its protruding direction; and a catching front end portion 107b adjacent to the upper side at the front end side relative to the catching base portion 107a.

[0277] The front lower rear catching rib 107 is formed such that the size of the catching front end portion 107b in the front-rear direction is smaller than the size of the catching base portion 107a in this direction. The catching front end portion 107b is located in front of the catching base portion 107a.

[0278] The rear surface of the catching front end portion 107b is located at a position more forward than the rear surface of the catching base portion 107a. The rear surface of the catching base portion 107a and the rear surface of the catching front end portion 107b form a stepped surface at the rear part of the upper surface of the catching base portion 107a and are connected via this stepped surface.

[0279] Similarly, the rear lower rear catching rib 111 has: a catching base portion 111a located on the lower side, which is the proximal side in its protruding direction; and a catching front end portion 111b adjacent to the catching base portion 111a on the front side, which is the upper side in the protruding direction.

[0280] The rear lower rear catching rib 111 is formed such that the size of the catching front end portion 111b in the front-rear direction is smaller than the size of the catching base portion 111a in this direction. The catching front end portion 111b is located behind the catching base portion 111a.

[0281] The front surface of the catching front end portion 111b is located at a position more rearward than the front surface of the catching base portion 111a. The front surface of the catching base portion 111a and the front surface of the catching front end portion 111b form a stepped surface at the front part of the upper surface of the catching base portion 111a and are connected via this stepped surface.

[0282] Moreover, as Figure 17 shown, the lower end portion of the front end portion of the welding front end portion 23b is welded to the lower rear opposing surface 37. Through this welding, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined. In the state where the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined, the following relationships are satisfied for the joined portions.

[0283] · The front lower rear catching rib 107 is located at a position separated from the upper rear catching rib 105 toward the front side, which is the inner side in the front-rear direction. The rear lower rear catching rib 111 is located at a position separated from the upper rear catching rib 105 toward the front side, and in the sixth embodiment, it is located between the upper rear welding rib 23 and the upper rear catching rib 105.

[0284] · When the rear lower rear catching rib 111 and the upper rear catching rib 105 are adjacent in the front-rear direction, they protrude in opposite directions along the up-down direction.

[0285] · The upper rear catching rib 105 is separated upward from the lower rear opposing surface 37 via the gap portion 106.

[0286] · The catching front end portion 107b of the lower rear catching rib 107 on the front side is separated downward with respect to the upper rear opposing surface 22 via the gap portion 108. Similarly, the catching front end portion 111b of the lower rear catching rib 111 on the rear side is separated downward with respect to the upper rear opposing surface 22 via the gap portion 112.

[0287] · The lower rear catching rib 111 and the upper rear catching rib 105 on the rear side are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via the gap portion 113.

[0288] · The catching base portion 107a and the welding front end portion 23b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via the first gap portion 114 extending in the up-down direction. The welding base portion 23a and the catching front end portion 107b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via the second gap portion 115 extending in the up-down direction. The catching base portion 107a and the welding base portion 23a extend in the front-rear direction and are separated from each other in the up-down direction via the communication gap portion 116 that connects the first gap portion 114 and the second gap portion 115.

[0289] Similarly, the catching base portion 111a and the welding front end portion 23b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via the first gap portion 117 extending in the up-down direction. The welding base portion 23a and the catching front end portion 111b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via the second gap portion 118 extending in the up-down direction. The catching base portion 111a and the welding base portion 23a extend in the front-rear direction and are separated from each other in the up-down direction via the communication gap portion 119 that connects the first gap portion 117 and the second gap portion 118.

[0290] · A part of the lower rear catching rib 111 on the rear side in the up-down direction and a part of the upper rear catching rib 105 in this direction overlap in the up-down direction when viewed from the front-rear direction. The above-mentioned part of the former includes the upper end portion that is the front end portion of the lower rear catching rib 111. The above-mentioned part of the latter includes the lower end portion that is the front end portion of the upper rear catching rib 105.

[0291] In addition, although not shown, the above-mentioned catching ribs are also provided at both ends of the pipe main body portion 11 in the left-right direction, the suction pipe portion 51, the blow-out pipe portion 65 (refer to Figure 1 etc.).

[0292] The structure other than the above-mentioned structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the elements that are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0293] <Function of the Sixth Embodiment>

[0294] In the sixth embodiment, on the basis of the same function as that of the first embodiment, the following functions are also exerted.

[0295] When welding the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 adjacent to each other to the upper rear welding rib 23, if burrs are generated and there is no structure to restrict the movement of the burrs, the burrs may protrude from between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0296] In this regard, in the sixth embodiment, the upper rear catching ribs 105 and the lower rear catching ribs 107 and 111 provided at positions separated from the upper rear welding rib 23 in the front-rear direction restrict the phenomenon of burrs moving between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0297] More specifically, when the burrs protrude forward from between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37, they sequentially move to the first gap portion 114, the communicating gap portion 116, the second gap portion 115, and the gap portion 108.

[0298] When the burrs move upward in the first gap portion 114, they come into contact with the welding base portion 23a. The welding base portion 23a serves as a wall portion and restricts the upward movement of the burrs, thereby attempting to catch the burrs. The burrs not caught by the welding base portion 23a change their moving direction from upward to forward.

[0299] When the burrs whose moving direction has changed move forward in the communicating gap portion 116, they come into contact with the catching front end portion 107b. The catching front end portion 107b serves as a wall portion and restricts the forward movement of the burrs, thereby attempting to catch the burrs. The burrs not caught by the catching front end portion 107b change their moving direction from forward to upward.

[0300] When the burrs whose moving direction has changed move upward in the second gap portion 115, they come into contact with the upper rear opposing surface 22. The upper rear opposing surface 22 serves as a wall portion and restricts the upward movement of the burrs, thereby attempting to catch the burrs. The burrs not caught by the upper rear opposing surface 22 change their moving direction from upward to forward. The burrs whose moving direction has changed move forward in the gap portion 108.

[0301] In this way, the number of times of restricting the movement of the burrs based on the wall portion increases, and accordingly, the chance of catching the burrs increases. The amount of burrs caught between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 increases.

[0302] Similarly, when the burrs protrude backward from between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37, they sequentially move to the first gap portion 117, the communicating gap portion 119, the second gap portion 118, the gap portion 112, the gap portion 113, and the gap portion 106.

[0303] When the burr moves upward in the first gap portion 117, it contacts the welding base portion 23a. The welding base portion 23a serves as a wall portion and restricts the upward movement of the burr, thereby capturing the burr. The burr that is not captured by the welding base portion 23a changes its moving direction from upward to backward.

[0304] When the burr whose moving direction has changed moves backward in the communication gap portion 119, it contacts the capture front end portion 111b. The capture front end portion 111b serves as a wall portion and restricts the backward movement of the burr, thereby capturing the burr. The burr that is not captured by the capture front end portion 111b changes its moving direction from backward to upward.

[0305] When the burr whose moving direction has changed moves upward in the second gap portion 118, it contacts the upper rear opposing surface 22. The upper rear opposing surface 22 serves as a wall portion and restricts the upward movement of the burr, thereby capturing the burr. The burr that is not captured by the upper rear opposing surface 22 changes its moving direction from upward to backward.

[0306] When the burr whose moving direction has changed moves backward in the gap portion 112, it contacts the upper rear capture rib 105. The upper rear capture rib 105 serves as a wall portion and restricts the backward movement of the burr, thereby capturing the burr. The burr that is not captured by the upper rear capture rib 105 changes its moving direction from backward to downward.

[0307] When the burr whose moving direction has changed moves downward in the gap portion 113, it contacts the lower rear opposing surface 37. The lower rear opposing surface 37 serves as a wall portion and restricts the downward movement of the burr, thereby capturing the burr. The burr that is not captured by the lower rear opposing surface 37 changes its moving direction from downward to backward.

[0308] In this way, the number of times of restricting the movement of the burr based on the wall portion increases, and accordingly, the chance of capturing the burr increases. The amount of burrs captured between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 increases.

[0309] In addition, the first gap portions 114 and 117, the second gap portions 115 and 118, and the communication gap portions 116 and 119 each function as a space for enclosing the burrs. The total volume of the first gap portions 114 and 117, the communication gap portions 116 and 119, and the second gap portions 115 and 118 is larger than the total volume when the first gap portions 114 and 117 and the second gap portions 115 and 118 are directly connected without passing through the communication gap portions 116 and 119. Therefore, more burrs can be enclosed.

[0310] Moreover, the upper rear catching rib 105 and the lower rear catching rib 111 extend in a direction (left - right direction) crossing the vertical direction along the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37. Therefore, the catching of burrs based on the upper rear catching rib 105 and the lower rear catching rib 111 is performed in a wide area in the above - mentioned crossing direction (left - right direction). Thereby, the phenomenon of burrs leaking out between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 is suppressed.

[0311] Particularly, in the sixth embodiment, a part of the upper rear catching rib 105 formed on the upper rear opposing surface 22 and a part of the lower rear catching rib 111 formed on the lower rear opposing surface 37 overlap in the vertical direction when viewed from the front - rear direction. Therefore, compared with the case without such a structure, the number of times of restricting the movement of burrs on the wall portion increases.

[0312] The case without the above - mentioned structure includes the case where the upper rear catching rib 105 and the lower rear catching rib 111 do not overlap, and the case where the catching rib is formed only on one of the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0313] The number of times of restricting the movement of burrs on the wall portion increases corresponding to the movement restriction when the burrs move from the gap portion 112 to the gap portion 113 and the movement restriction when moving from the gap portion 113 to the gap portion 106.

[0314] In addition, the gap portion 113 of the overlapping part of the upper rear catching rib 105 and the lower rear catching rib 111 functions as a space for catching burrs.

[0315] Therefore, the burrs passing through the overlapping upper rear catching rib 105 and lower rear catching rib 111 are likely to be caught in the gap portion 113 in the middle of the passage. Accordingly, the catching parts of the burrs increase. The phenomenon of burrs leaking out between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 is further suppressed.

[0316] In addition, as described above, the lower rear catching rib 107 on the front side restricts the burrs from moving more forward than the upper rear welding rib 23 between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37. Therefore, the phenomenon of burrs entering the pipe main body portion 11 is restricted by the lower rear catching rib 107.

[0317] <Effects of the Sixth Embodiment>

[0318] According to the sixth embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as (1 - 1) to (1 - 6) of the first embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0319] (6-1) Upper rear opposing surface 22 and lower rear opposing surface 37, and at positions separated in the front-rear direction with respect to upper rear welding rib 23, upper rear catching ribs 105 and lower rear catching ribs 107, 111 are formed. The upper rear catching ribs 105 and the lower rear catching ribs 107, 111 extend in the left-right direction.

[0320] Therefore, even if burrs are generated during welding, by making the burrs stay between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37, it is possible to suppress the burrs from exposing between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0321] (6-2) The lower rear catching rib 107 is formed to be closer to the front side on the inner side in the radial direction of the pipe main body 11 than the upper rear welding rib 23.

[0322] Therefore, after the burrs move forward between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 and then enter the pipe main body 11, it is possible to restrict the air A1 flowing in the flow path 12 from being delivered to the passenger compartment.

[0323] (6-3) The lower rear catching rib 111 and the upper rear catching rib 105 are formed at two positions separated from each other in the front-rear direction on the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37. The lower rear catching rib 111 and the upper rear catching rib 105 protrude in opposite directions in the up-down direction in a state of being adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. A part of the lower rear catching rib 111 and a part of the upper rear catching rib 105 overlap in the up-down direction when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0324] Therefore, by increasing the number of times of restricting the movement of the burrs based on the wall portion, the chance of catching the burrs can be increased. In addition, corresponding to the gap portion 113 formed by overlapping, the space for catching the burrs can be expanded. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the burrs from exposing between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0325] (6-4) The upper rear welding rib 23 having a welding base portion 23a and a welding front end portion 23b and the lower rear catching rib 107 having a catching base portion 107a and a catching front end portion 107b protrude in opposite directions in the up-down direction in a state of being separated from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0326] In the upper rear welding rib 23, the size of the welding front end portion 23b in the front-rear direction is smaller than the size of the welding base portion 23a in this direction. In the lower rear catching rib 107, the size of the catching front end portion 107b in the front-rear direction is smaller than the size of the catching base portion 107a in this direction. The rear surface of the catching front end portion 107b is located at a position more forward than the rear surface of the catching base portion 107a. The front surface of the welding front end portion 23b is located at a position more rearward than the front surface of the welding base portion 23a.

[0327] The catching base portion 107a and the welding front end portion 23b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via a first gap portion 114 extending in the vertical direction. The welding base portion 23a and the catching front end portion 107b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via a second gap portion 115 extending in the vertical direction. The catching base portion 107a and the welding base portion 23a extend in the front-rear direction and are separated from each other in the vertical direction via a communication gap portion 116 that connects the first gap portion 114 and the second gap portion 115.

[0328] Therefore, when the burr moves between the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear catching rib 107, by increasing the number of times the movement of the burr is restricted by the wall portion, the chance of catching the burr can be increased. As a result, the exposure of the burr from between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 to the front side can be further suppressed.

[0329] In addition, the space for enclosing the burr can be increased. Even if there are fluctuations in the amount of burrs generated, the burrs can stay between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37. In this regard, the performance of suppressing the exposure of the burr from between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 to the front side can also be improved.

[0330] (6-5) In relation to the above (6-4), the above upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear catching rib 111 having a catching base portion 111a and a catching front end portion 111b project in opposite directions in the vertical direction while being separated from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0331] In the lower rear catching rib 111, the size of the catching front end portion 111b in the front-rear direction is smaller than the size of the catching base portion 111a in this direction. The front surface of the catching front end portion 111b is located at a position more rearward than the front surface of the catching base portion 111a. The rear surface of the welding front end portion 23b is located at a position more forward than the rear surface of the welding base portion 23a.

[0332] The welding front end portion 23b and the catching base portion 111a are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via a first gap portion 117 extending in the vertical direction. The welding base portion 23a and the catching front end portion 111b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via a second gap portion 118 extending in the vertical direction. The catching base portion 111a and the welding base portion 23a extend in the front-rear direction and are separated from each other in the vertical direction via a communication gap portion 119 that connects the first gap portion 117 and the second gap portion 118.

[0333] Therefore, when the burr moves between the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear catching rib 111, by increasing the number of times the movement of the burr is restricted by the wall portion, the chance of catching the burr can be increased. As a result, the exposure of the burr from between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 to the rear side can be further suppressed.

[0334] In addition, the space for enclosing burrs can be increased. Even if the amount of burrs generated fluctuates, the burrs can stay between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37. In this regard, the performance of suppressing the exposure of burrs from between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 to the rear side can also be improved.

[0335] (The 7th Embodiment)

[0336] Next, with reference to Figure 19 and Figure 20 the 7th embodiment of the vehicle beam will be described.

[0337] The main differences between the 7th embodiment and the 6th embodiment are as follows.

[0338] · Pipe welding ribs are formed on both of a pair of opposing pipe opposing surfaces.

[0339] Next, the 7th embodiment will be described in detail centering on the above differences.

[0340] Here, similar to the 6th embodiment, the joining structure based on the welding of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 will be described. Regarding this joining structure, as Figure 20 shown, the pipe opposing surface is composed of the upper rear opposing surface 22 of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 of the lower rear connecting portion 36.

[0341] Most of the upper rear welding rib 23 protruding downward from the upper rear opposing surface 22, except for the upper end portion, is formed such that the dimension in the front-rear direction is uniform in the up-down direction.

[0342] On the lower rear opposing surface 37, a lower rear welding rib 38 is formed at a position below the above upper rear welding rib 23. The lower rear welding rib 38 extends in the left-right direction in a state of protruding upward from the lower rear opposing surface 37. The lower rear welding rib 38 is formed such that the dimension in the front-rear direction is larger than that of the above upper rear welding rib 23. In addition, the lower rear welding rib 38 is formed such that the dimension in the front-rear direction is uniform in the up-down direction.

[0343] The upper rear catching rib 105 is formed on the upper rear opposing surface 22 at a position separated rearward from the upper rear welding rib 23 and more forward than the rear end of the upper rear opposing surface 22.

[0344] The front lower rear catching rib 107 protrudes upward from the front end portion of the lower rear opposing surface 37. The lower rear catching rib 107 is formed such that the dimension in the front-rear direction is substantially uniform in the up-down direction.

[0345] The rear lower rear catching rib 111 is formed at a substantially rear end portion of the lower rear opposing surface 37. The lower rear catching rib 111 is formed such that the dimension in the front-rear direction is uniform in the up-down direction.

[0346] As Figure 19 shown, the lower end portion of the front end portion of the upper rear welding rib 23 is welded to the upper end portion of the front end portion of the lower rear welding rib 38. Through this welding, the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined. In a state where the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are already joined, each part between the upper rear facing surface 22 and the lower rear facing surface 37 satisfies the following relationship.

[0347] · The lower rear catching rib 111 at the rear side is separated rearward from the upper rear catching rib 105.

[0348] · The lower rear catching rib 107 at the front side and the upper rear facing surface 22 are separated from each other in the vertical direction via a gap portion 108 extending in the front - rear direction. The lower rear catching rib 107 and the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 are separated from each other in the front - rear direction via a gap portion 121 extending in the vertical direction. The upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 and the upper rear catching rib 105 are separated from each other in the front - rear direction via a gap portion 122 extending in the vertical direction. The upper rear catching rib 105 and the lower rear facing surface 37 are separated from each other in the vertical direction via a gap portion 124 extending in the front - rear direction. The upper rear catching rib 105 and the lower rear catching rib 111 are separated from each other in the front - rear direction via a gap portion 123 extending in the vertical direction. The lower rear catching rib 111 and the upper rear facing surface 22 are separated from each other in the vertical direction via a gap portion 112 extending in the front - rear direction.

[0349] Structures other than the above - described structure are the same as those of the sixth embodiment. Therefore, elements identical to those described in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0350] <Functions of the Seventh Embodiment>

[0351] In the seventh embodiment, on the basis of the same functions as those of the first and sixth embodiments, the following functions are exhibited.

[0352] In the seventh embodiment, the upper rear welding rib 23 formed on the upper rear facing surface 22 and the lower rear welding rib 38 formed on the lower rear facing surface 37 face each other in the vertical direction. The upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 are welded to each other. At the time of this welding, the front end surfaces of the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 are heated. The area of each front end surface that needs to be heated is small. Accordingly, heat is difficult to disperse, and the heating efficiency is improved.

[0353] When the burrs generated by welding are exposed forward between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37, they sequentially move toward the gap portion 121 and the gap portion 108. When the burrs move upward in the gap portion 121, they contact the upper rear opposing surface 22. The upper rear opposing surface 22 serves as a wall portion and restricts the upward movement of the burrs, thereby capturing the burrs. The burrs not captured by the upper rear opposing surface 22 change their moving direction from upward to forward. In this way, the movement of the burrs is restricted by the wall portion. Therefore, the burrs moving forward between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 are likely to be captured midway through the movement. As a result, the burrs enter the pipe main body portion 11, restricting the phenomenon of the air A1 flowing along the flow path 12 being delivered to the passenger compartment.

[0354] In addition, when the burrs are exposed rearward between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37, they sequentially move toward the gap portion 122, the gap portion 124, the gap portion 123, and the gap portion 112.

[0355] When the burrs move downward in the gap portion 122, they contact the lower rear opposing surface 37. The lower rear opposing surface 37 serves as a wall portion and restricts the downward movement of the burrs, thereby capturing the burrs. The burrs not captured by the lower rear opposing surface 37 change their moving direction from downward to rearward.

[0356] The burrs whose moving direction has changed contact the lower rear capturing rib 111 when moving rearward in the gap portion 124. The lower rear capturing rib 111 serves as a wall portion and restricts the rearward movement of the burrs, thereby capturing the burrs. The burrs not captured by the lower rear capturing rib 111 change their moving direction from rearward to upward.

[0357] The burrs whose moving direction has changed contact the upper rear opposing surface 22 when moving upward in the gap portion 123. The upper rear opposing surface 22 serves as a wall portion and restricts the upward movement of the burrs, thereby capturing the burrs. The burrs not captured by the upper rear opposing surface 22 change their moving direction from upward to rearward. The burrs move rearward in the gap portion 112.

[0358] In this way, the number of times of restricting the movement of the burrs based on the wall portion increases, and accordingly, the chance of capturing the burrs increases. Therefore, the amount of burrs captured between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 increases. In addition, the gap portion 122, the gap portion 124, and the gap portion 123 function as spaces for enclosing the burrs.

[0359] In the seventh embodiment, a part of the upper rear catching rib 105 protruding downward from the upper rear opposing surface 22 and a part of the lower rear catching rib 111 protruding upward from the lower rear opposing surface 37 overlap in the vertical direction even when viewed from the front-rear direction. Therefore, compared with the case where such a structure is not provided, the number of times of restricting the movement of burrs on the wall portion increases. This number increases corresponding to the restriction of the movement of burrs when moving from the clearance portion 124 to the clearance portion 123 and the restriction of the movement of burrs when moving from the clearance portion 123 to the clearance portion 112.

[0360] In addition, as described above, the clearance portion 123 formed by the overlap of the lower rear catching rib 111 and the upper rear catching rib 105 functions as a space for catching burrs.

[0361] Therefore, burrs that are to pass rearward between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 are more likely to be caught midway through this passage. The phenomenon of burrs leaking rearward between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 is further suppressed.

[0362] <Effect of the Seventh Embodiment>

[0363] According to the seventh embodiment, the same effects as those of (1-1) to (1-7) of the first embodiment and (6-1) to (6-3) of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

[0364] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0365] Next, with reference to Figures 21 to 23 the eighth embodiment of the vehicle beam will be described.

[0366] The main differences between the eighth embodiment and the sixth embodiment are as follows.

[0367] · Pipe welding ribs are formed on both of a pair of pipe opposing surfaces facing each other.

[0368] · The clearance portion between the pipe opposing surface on the front side in the protruding direction of a specific catching rib and the catching rib is filled with a catching reinforcement portion made of a material softer than the catching rib.

[0369] Next, the eighth embodiment will be described in detail centering on the above differences.

[0370] Here, similar to the sixth embodiment, the joining structure based on the welding of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 will be described. Regarding this joining structure, the pipe opposing surfaces are constituted by the upper rear opposing surface 22 of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 of the lower rear connecting portion 36. The pipe welding ribs are constituted by the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38. The catching ribs are constituted by the upper rear catching rib 105 and the lower rear catching rib 107.

[0371] As Figure 23 shown, the upper rear welding rib 23 is formed at the middle part in the front - rear direction of the upper rear opposing surface 22. In the eighth embodiment, it is formed at a position more separated rearward than the central part in this direction. The upper rear welding rib 23 is formed such that the dimension in the front - rear direction is substantially uniform in the up - down direction.

[0372] The lower rear welding rib 38 is formed at the middle part in the front - rear direction of the lower rear opposing surface 37. In the eighth embodiment, it is formed at a position more separated rearward than the central part in this direction. The lower rear welding rib 38 is formed such that the dimension in the front - rear direction is slightly larger than that of the upper rear welding rib 23 described above. In addition, the lower rear welding rib 38 is formed such that the dimension in the front - rear direction is substantially uniform in the up - down direction.

[0373] The upper rear catching rib 105 is formed at a position that is the middle between the front end of the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the upper rear welding rib 23. The upper rear catching rib 105 protrudes from the upper rear opposing surface 22 toward the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0374] The lower rear catching rib 107 is formed at the front end part of the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0375] On the lower rear opposing surface 37, a positioning rib 126 is formed at a position more rearward than the lower rear catching rib 107 and separated forward from the lower rear welding rib 38. The positioning rib 126 extends in the left - right direction in a state of protruding upward from the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0376] As Figure 22 shown, a catching reinforcing part 127 extending in the left - right direction is arranged on the lower rear opposing surface 37. The catching reinforcing part 127 is formed of a material softer than the upper rear catching rib 105, such as polyurethane. The catching reinforcing part 127 has a rectangular cross - sectional shape in the eighth embodiment, but may have a cross - sectional shape different from a rectangle. The cross - sectional shape of the catching reinforcing part 127 in the left - right direction is the same in the left - right direction.

[0377] As Figure 22 and Figure 23 shown, the catching reinforcing part 127 is installed on the lower rear connecting part 36 before joining the upper rear connecting part 21 and the lower rear connecting part 36 by welding. At this installation, the catching reinforcing part 127 is positioned in front of the positioning rib 126 by contacting the positioning rib 126. The thus - positioned catching reinforcing part 127 is adhered to the lower rear opposing surface 37 using double - sided tape, adhesive, etc. and installed on the lower rear connecting part 36.

[0378] Moreover, the lower end part of the front end part of the upper rear welding rib 23 is welded to the upper end part of the front end part of the lower rear welding rib 38. At the above - mentioned welding, as Figure 23As shown, one of the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 approaches the other. In Figure 23 , the upper rear connecting portion 21 moves downward to approach the lower rear connecting portion 36. During this approach, as Figure 21 shown, a region including at least the lower end portion of the front end of the protruding direction of the upper rear catching rib 105 enters from above with respect to the catching reinforcement portion 127. The catching reinforcement portion 127 is deformed by the external force applied along with this entry. The above region of the upper rear catching rib 105 is in close contact with the deformed portion of the catching reinforcement portion 127. In this state, the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38 are welded.

[0379] In a state where the upper rear connecting portion 21 and the lower rear connecting portion 36 are joined by the above welding, each part between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 satisfies the following relationship.

[0380] · The upper rear catching rib 105 is separated upward from the lower rear opposing surface 37 via the gap portion 106.

[0381] · The lower rear catching rib 107 is separated downward from the upper rear opposing surface 22 via the gap portion 108.

[0382] · The positioning rib 126 is located at a position behind the upper rear catching rib 105.

[0383] · The interval between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 is defined as the joint surface interval D1. The size of the catching reinforcement portion 127 in the vertical direction is set to be larger than the value obtained by subtracting the size of the upper rear catching rib 105 in this direction from the joint surface interval D1.

[0384] <Function of the Eighth Embodiment>

[0385] In the eighth embodiment, on the basis of the same function as the sixth embodiment, the following functions are exerted.

[0386] A state where there is no gap or a state with a very small gap is formed between the part of the upper rear catching rib 105 that enters the catching reinforcement portion 127 and the catching reinforcement portion 127. In addition, a state is formed in which the gap portion 106 is filled with the catching reinforcement portion 127. Therefore, compared with the case where the catching reinforcement portion 127 is not provided, burrs are less likely to pass through the gap portion 106. As a result, burrs do not protrude forward or hardly protrude between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0387] <Effect of the Eighth Embodiment>

[0388] According to the eighth embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as those in (1-1) to (1-7) of the first embodiment and (6-1) and (6-2) of the sixth embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0389] (8-1) A capture reinforcement portion 127 made of a material softer than the upper rear capture rib 105 is installed on the lower rear opposing surface 37 in front of the protruding direction of the upper rear capture rib 105. At least the front end portion in the protruding direction of the upper rear capture rib 105 enters the capture reinforcement portion 127. The gap portion 106 between the upper rear capture rib 105 and the lower rear opposing surface 37 is filled with the capture reinforcement portion 127.

[0390] A state where there is no gap or a state where the gap is extremely small can be formed between the portion of the upper rear capture rib 105 that enters the capture reinforcement portion 127 and the capture reinforcement portion 127. The performance of the upper rear capture rib 105 for capturing burrs can be improved by the capture reinforcement portion 127. The burrs can be prevented from exposing or hardly exposing between the upper rear opposing surface 22 and the lower rear opposing surface 37.

[0391] (8-2) In connection with the above (8-1), in the eighth embodiment, the upper rear capture rib 105 and the capture reinforcement portion 127 are provided closer to the front side, which is the inner side in the above-mentioned radial direction, than the upper rear welding rib 23 and the lower rear welding rib 38.

[0392] Therefore, the entry of burrs into the pipe main body portion 11 can be more strongly restricted, and the burrs can be prevented from flowing along the air A1 flowing in the flow path 12 and being conveyed to the passenger compartment.

[0393] <Change Example>

[0394] The above-described embodiments can be modified and implemented in the following manner. The above-described embodiments and the following change examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non-conflicting range.

[0395] · In each of the embodiments including the first embodiment, at the portion where the steering column SC is suspended at a position more forward than the pipe main body portion 11, only one of the upper front support portion 77 and the lower front support portion 82 may be provided.

[0396] · The third to fifth embodiments can be applied to the vehicle beam 10 of the first embodiment instead of the second embodiment.

[0397] · The linear welding rib 92 ( Figure 14 ) of the fourth embodiment and the annular welding rib 93 ( Figure 15 ) of the fifth embodiment can both be formed on the inner peripheral surface 91b of the first cylinder portion 91. In addition, the linear welding rib 102 ( Figure 14 ) of the fourth embodiment and the annular welding rib 103 ( Figure 15)Both of them can be formed on the outer peripheral surface 101a of the second cylindrical portion 101. Moreover, the first cylindrical portion 91 and the second cylindrical portion 101 can be joined by welding the linear welding ribs 92 and 102 and welding the annular welding ribs 93 and 103.

[0398] · In the second embodiment, the pipe main body portion 11 can be circumferentially divided into three or more pipe segments. In this case, each pipe segment has pipe connection portions at both circumferential ends. The pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at one end and the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at the other end face in different directions. Pipe welding ribs are formed on the pipe opposing surfaces of the adjacent pipe connection portions. The adjacent pipe connection portions are joined by welding the respective pipe welding ribs.

[0399] In this modification example, the pipe main body portion 11 is formed by connecting adjacent pipe segments to each other for all the pipe segments. This connection is made by joining the adjacent pipe connection portions to each other. This joining is made by welding the pipe welding ribs of the adjacent pipe connection portions to each other.

[0400] At the time of the above joining, before welding, for all the pipe segments, the adjacent pipe segments approach each other, and the pipe welding ribs of the adjacent pipe connection portions approach each other.

[0401] Here, it is assumed that if the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at one end and the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at the other end face in the same direction for each pipe segment, the following phenomenon may occur. This is a state where the pipe welding ribs of the adjacent pipe connection portions do not face each other, that is, a state where they are offset in the direction along the pipe opposing surface, and the two pipe welding ribs are brought close to each other.

[0402] In this regard, according to the above modification example, for each pipe segment, the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at one end and the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at the other end face in different directions.

[0403] Therefore, before welding, when adjacent pipe segments approach each other and the pipe welding ribs of adjacent pipe joints approach each other, the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at one end contact the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint. Through this contact, positioning is performed in the direction of the facing surfaces of the pipes of the above-mentioned pipe joints with respect to adjacent pipe segments. Along with this, positioning is performed in the above-mentioned direction of the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at the other end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint with respect to adjacent pipe segments. Through this positioning, the two pipe welding ribs can be brought close to each other and welded in a state where the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at the other end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint face each other. Moreover, welding is performed in a state where the above-mentioned positioning has been achieved for all pipe segments.

[0404] As described above, before welding, when adjacent pipe segments approach each other and the pipe welding ribs of adjacent pipe joints approach each other, the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at the other end contact the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint. Through this contact, positioning is performed in the direction of the facing surfaces of the pipes of the above-mentioned pipe joints with respect to adjacent pipe segments. Along with this, positioning is performed in the above-mentioned direction of the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at one end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint with respect to adjacent pipe segments. Through this positioning, the two pipe welding ribs can be brought close to each other and welded in a state where the pipe welding ribs of the pipe joint at one end and the pipe welding ribs of its adjacent pipe joint face each other. Moreover, welding is performed in a state where the above-mentioned positioning has been achieved for all pipe segments.

[0405] · When the pipe main body 11 is circumferentially divided into two pipe segments, it can be divided in the front-rear direction. In this case, the pipe main body 11 is divided into: a front pipe segment constituting the front half; and a rear pipe segment adjacent to the rear side of the front pipe segment and constituting the rear half of the pipe main body 11.

[0406] · The pipe main body 11 can have a cross-sectional shape different from a circle, for example, a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0407] · When the pipe main body 11 is circumferentially divided into two pipe segments, one pipe segment can be formed in a flat plate shape. As the other pipe segment, a structure having a semi-circular cross-sectional shape can be used in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this case, the pipe main body 11 has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape. In addition, as the other pipe segment, a structure having a "C" - shaped cross-sectional shape can be used. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the pipe main body 11 is rectangular.

[0408] · The suction pipe portion 51 can be circumferentially divided into three or more suction pipe segments in the pipe main body portion 11.

[0409] · The blowing pipe portion 65 can be circumferentially divided into three or more blowing pipe segments in the pipe main body portion 11.

[0410] · The number of the same type of welding ribs can be changed to one or three or more. The corresponding welding ribs include pipe welding ribs, namely, the upper front welding rib 18, the upper rear welding rib 23, the upper end welding rib, the lower front welding rib 33, the lower rear welding rib 38, and the lower end welding rib 42. In addition, the corresponding welding ribs include the upper suction welding rib, the lower suction welding rib 61, the upper blowing welding rib, the lower blowing welding rib 75, the first auxiliary welding rib 89, and the second auxiliary welding rib 98.

[0411] · When adjacent connecting portions are joined to each other by welding, the welding ribs can be formed on both of the two opposing surfaces in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, or can be formed only on one of the opposing surfaces.

[0412] The corresponding connecting portions include pipe connecting portions, namely, the upper front connecting portion 16, the upper rear connecting portion 21, the upper end connecting portion 25, the lower front connecting portion 31, the lower rear connecting portion 36, and the lower end connecting portion 39. In addition, the corresponding connecting portions include the upper suction connecting portion 54, the lower suction connecting portion 58, the upper blowing connecting portion 68, the lower blowing connecting portion 73, the first auxiliary connecting portion 87, and the second auxiliary connecting portion 96.

[0413] The corresponding welding ribs are the same as those listed in the column of the variation example of the number of the same type of welding ribs described above.

[0414] The corresponding opposing surfaces include pipe opposing surfaces, namely, the upper front opposing surface 17, the upper rear opposing surface 22, the lower front opposing surface 32, and the lower rear opposing surface 37. In addition, the corresponding opposing surfaces include the first auxiliary opposing surface 88 and the second auxiliary opposing surface 97.

[0415] · In the fourth embodiment, one of the linear welding ribs 92 and 102 can be omitted.

[0416] · In the fifth embodiment, one of the annular welding ribs 93 and 103 can be omitted.

[0417] · Regarding the vehicle beam 10, at least one of the suction pipe portion 51, the blowing pipe portion 65, the upper support portion 76, and the lower support portion 81, which are parts different from the pipe main body portion 11, can be formed of a material different from the resin material.

[0418] ·In the sixth to eighth embodiments, a concave portion that opens on the opposite pipe surface may be provided with respect to the pipe connection portion in front of the protruding direction of the catching rib, and the catching rib may extend forward in the protruding direction. Moreover, the extended portion of the catching rib may enter the concave portion in a state of being separated from the wall surface of the concave portion.

[0419] Figure 24 An example of applying the above modification to the sixth embodiment is shown. In this modification, a concave portion 131 that opens on the upper rear opposite surface 22 is formed in the upper rear connection portion 21. The wall surface of the concave portion 131 is composed of a front wall surface 132 and a rear wall surface 134 that are separated from each other in the front-rear direction and a bottom wall surface 133. The catching front end portion 111b of the lower rear catching rib 111 extends upward and enters the concave portion 131.

[0420] The front wall surface 132 and the catching front end portion 111b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via a gap portion 135. The bottom wall surface 133 and the catching front end portion 111b are separated from each other in the up-down direction via a gap portion 136. The rear wall surface 134 and the catching front end portion 111b are separated from each other in the front-rear direction via a gap portion 137.

[0421] In this modification, the burr that moves upward in the second gap portion 118 moves to the gap portion 113 after passing through the gap portion 135, the gap portion 136, and the gap portion 137 in the concave portion 131. When the burr moves from the second gap portion 118 to the gap portion 135, the dimension in the front-rear direction decreases. The burr contacts the bottom wall surface 133 when moving upward in the gap portion 135. The bottom wall surface 133 becomes a wall portion to restrict the upward movement of the burr, thereby catching the burr. The burr that is not caught by the bottom wall surface 133 changes its moving direction from upward to backward.

[0422] The burr that has changed its moving direction contacts the rear wall surface 134 when moving backward in the gap portion 136. The rear wall surface 134 becomes a wall portion to restrict the backward movement of the burr, thereby catching the burr. The burr that is not caught by the rear wall surface 134 changes its moving direction from backward to downward.

[0423] In this way, the number of times of restricting the movement of the burr increases, and accordingly, the chance of catching the burr increases. The amount of burrs caught between the upper rear opposite surface 22 and the lower rear opposite surface 37 increases.

[0424] In addition, the gap portions 135, 136, and 137 each function as a space for enclosing the burrs. Therefore, more burrs can be enclosed compared to the case where the concave portion 131 is not provided.

[0425] ·The catching rib may be formed on the first auxiliary connection portion 87 and the second auxiliary connection portion 96.

[0426] · The catching rib(s) can be formed on at least one of a pair of opposing surfaces of adjacent connecting parts, that is, formed on only one of them or on both. The corresponding connecting parts include pipe connecting parts, namely the upper front connecting part 16, the upper rear connecting part 21, the upper end connecting part 25, the lower front connecting part 31, the lower rear connecting part 36, and the lower end connecting part 39. Additionally, the corresponding connecting parts include the upper suction connecting part 54, the lower suction connecting part 58, the upper blowing connecting part 68, the lower blowing connecting part 73, the first auxiliary connecting part 87, and the second auxiliary connecting part 96.

[0427] In the eighth embodiment, the portion of the catching rib (the upper rear catching rib 105) that enters the catching reinforcement part 127 only needs to be at least the front end portion. Therefore, only the front end portion of the catching rib can enter the catching reinforcement part 127, or more portions of the catching rib than in the eighth embodiment can enter the catching reinforcement part 127. For example, the entire catching rib can enter the catching reinforcement part 127.

[0428] · In the eighth embodiment, as the soft material for forming the catching reinforcement part 127, a sealing material such as a caulking material can be used. In this case, before joining based on welding, a catching reinforcement part 127 having a circular, quadrilateral, etc. cross-section and extending in the left-right direction can be formed on the lower rear opposing surface 37 by applying a sealing material with a relatively high viscosity. Moreover, during welding, when one of the upper rear connecting part 21 and the lower rear connecting part 36 approaches the other, a part including the front end portion of the upper rear catching rib 105 is made to enter the catching reinforcement part. In this modified example, the same functions and effects as in the eighth embodiment where the catching reinforcement part 127 is formed using polyurethane or the like can also be obtained.

[0429] · The joining structures of the sixth to eighth embodiments can be applied to the joining structures of the upper end connecting part 25 and the lower end connecting part 39, the joining structures of the upper suction connecting part 54 and the lower suction connecting part 58, and the joining structures of the upper blowing connecting part 68 and the lower blowing connecting part 73.

[0430] · Different from the first to eighth embodiments, the beam housing part can be constituted by a component different from the pipe main body part 11 on the condition that it forms a part of the housing part of the vehicle beam 10.

[0431] Explanation of reference numerals

[0432] 6… Vehicle

[0433] 7… Body

[0434] 9… Instrument panel

[0435] 10… Vehicle beam

[0436] 11… Pipe main body part (beam housing part)

[0437] 12… Flow path

[0438] 15… Upper pipe dividing body (pipe dividing body, beam dividing body)

[0439] 16… Upper front connecting part (pipe connecting part, beam connecting part)

[0440] 17… Upper front opposing surface (pipe opposing surface, beam opposing surface)

[0441] 18… Upper front welding rib (pipe welding rib, beam welding rib)

[0442] 21… Upper rear connecting part (pipe connecting part, beam connecting part)

[0443] 22… Upper rear opposing surface (pipe opposing surface, beam opposing surface)

[0444] 23… Upper rear welding rib (pipe welding rib, beam welding rib)

[0445] 23a… Welding base

[0446] 23b… Welding front end

[0447] 25… Upper end connecting part (pipe connecting part, beam connecting part)

[0448] 30… Lower pipe dividing body (pipe dividing body, beam dividing body)

[0449] 31… Lower front connecting part (pipe connecting part, beam connecting part)

[0450] 32… Lower front opposing surface (pipe opposing surface, beam opposing surface)

[0451] 33… Lower front welding rib (pipe welding rib, beam welding rib)

[0452] 36… Lower rear connecting part (pipe connecting part, beam connecting part)

[0453] 37… Lower rear opposing surface (pipe opposing surface, beam opposing surface)

[0454] 38… Lower rear welding rib (pipe welding rib, beam welding rib)

[0455] 39… Lower end connecting part (pipe connecting part, beam connecting part)

[0456] 42… Lower end welding rib (pipe welding rib, beam welding rib)

[0457] 51… Suction pipe part (surrounding part)

[0458] 53… Upper suction pipe dividing body (suction pipe dividing body)

[0459] 54… Upper suction connecting part (suction connecting part)

[0460] 57…Lower suction pipe dividing body (suction pipe dividing body)

[0461] 58…Lower suction connection part (suction connection part)

[0462] 61…Lower suction welding rib (suction welding rib)

[0463] 65…Blow-out pipe part (surrounding part)

[0464] 76…Upper support part (surrounding part)

[0465] 77…Upper front support part

[0466] 78…Upper rear support part

[0467] 81…Lower support part (surrounding part)

[0468] 82…Lower front support part

[0469] 83…Lower rear support part

[0470] 86…First pipe main body structure part (pipe main body structure part)

[0471] 87…First auxiliary connection part (auxiliary connection part)

[0472] 88…First auxiliary opposing surface (auxiliary opposing surface)

[0473] 89…First auxiliary welding rib (auxiliary welding rib)

[0474] 91…First cylinder part (cylinder part)

[0475] 91b…Inner peripheral surface

[0476] 92, 102…Linear welding rib

[0477] 93, 103…Circular welding rib

[0478] 95…Second pipe main body structure part (pipe main body structure part)

[0479] 96…Second auxiliary connection part (auxiliary connection part)

[0480] 97…Second auxiliary opposing surface (auxiliary opposing surface)

[0481] 98…Second auxiliary welding rib (auxiliary welding rib)

[0482] 101…Second cylinder part (cylinder part)

[0483] 101a…Outer peripheral surface

[0484] 105…Upper rear catching rib (catching rib)

[0485] 107, 111... Rear capture ribs (capture ribs)

[0486] 107a, 111a... Capture bases

[0487] 107b, 111b... Capture front end parts

[0488] 114, 117... First gap parts

[0489] 115, 118... Second gap parts

[0490] 116, 119... Connecting gap parts

[0491] 127... Capture reinforcement parts

[0492] A1... Air

[0493] SC... Steering column

Claims

1. A vehicle beam that supports a dashboard by extending in the vehicle width direction within the dashboard of the vehicle and being mounted on the vehicle body, wherein, the vehicle beam has a cylindrical pipe main body portion as a skeleton portion, the pipe main body portion has a flow path for air, and the vehicle beam has a peripheral portion connected to the pipe main body portion, and an outer shell portion of the beam formed in a cylindrical shape using a resin material constitutes the outer shell portion, the outer shell portion of the beam is divided into a plurality of beam segments in the circumferential direction of the outer shell portion of the beam, each beam segment has a beam connection portion at a boundary portion with an adjacent beam segment, adjacent beam segments are connected by joining adjacent beam connection portions to each other, adjacent beam connection portions have a pair of beam opposing surfaces facing each other, on at least one of the pair of beam opposing surfaces, beam welding ribs extending along the pair of beam opposing surfaces are formed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the pair of beam opposing surfaces face each other, adjacent beam connection portions are joined by welding the adjacent beam connection portions at the beam welding ribs.

2. The vehicle beam according to claim 1, wherein, the pipe main body portion is formed of a resin material, the pipe main body portion is divided into a plurality of pipe segments in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body portion, the plurality of beam segments of the outer shell portion of the beam are constituted by the plurality of pipe segments of the pipe main body portion, each pipe segment has a pipe connection portion as the beam connection portion at a boundary portion with an adjacent pipe segment, adjacent pipe connection portions have a pair of pipe opposing surfaces facing each other and constituting the beam opposing surfaces, when the direction in which the pair of pipe opposing surfaces face each other is set as the opposing direction, on at least one of the pair of pipe opposing surfaces, pipe welding ribs extending along the pair of pipe opposing surfaces in a direction intersecting the opposing direction are formed as the beam welding ribs, adjacent pipe connection portions are joined by welding at the pipe welding ribs, adjacent pipe segments are connected and adjacent beam segments are connected by the joining.

3. The vehicle beam according to claim 2, wherein, the pipe welding ribs are respectively formed on a pair of pipe opposing surfaces of adjacent pipe connection portions, the pipe welding rib formed on one pipe opposing surface and the pipe welding rib formed on the other pipe opposing surface face each other in the opposing direction, adjacent pipe connection portions are joined by welding a pair of pipe welding ribs facing each other in the opposing direction to each other, adjacent pipe segments are connected by the joining.

4. The vehicle beam according to claim 3, wherein, each pipe segment has the pipe connection portion at both end portions in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body portion, the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portion at one end portion and the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portion at the other end portion face in mutually different directions.

5. The vehicle beam according to claim 4, wherein, The pipe main body is divided into two pipe segments as a plurality of the pipe segments, The pipe connection portions of each pipe segment are located on both sides of the flow path in the radial direction of the pipe main body, For the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at one end of each pipe segment, they face in a direction that intersects as a direction different from the direction in which the pipe opposing surfaces of the pipe connection portions at the other end face.

6. The vehicle beam according to claim 2, wherein, The peripheral portion has a suction pipe portion that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the pipe main body from the pipe main body and sucks the air outside the pipe main body into the flow path, The suction pipe portion is divided into a plurality of suction pipe segments in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body, In each suction pipe segment, a suction connection portion is formed at a boundary portion with an adjacent suction pipe segment, Adjacent suction pipe segments are connected by joining a pair of adjacent suction connection portions to each other, In at least one of the adjacent suction connection portions, a suction welding rib is formed that extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the pair of suction connection portions face each other and is connected to the pipe welding rib of the pipe segment, The pair of adjacent suction connection portions are joined to each other by welding at the suction welding rib.

7. The vehicle beam according to claim 2, wherein, The pipe main body is further divided into a plurality of pipe main body structural portions in the vehicle width direction, and adjacent pipe main body structural portions are connected by welding.

8. The vehicle beam according to claim 7, wherein, In each pipe main body structural portion, an auxiliary connection portion is formed at a boundary portion with an adjacent pipe main body structural portion, Adjacent pipe main body structural portions are connected by joining adjacent auxiliary connection portions to each other, The adjacent auxiliary connection portions have a pair of auxiliary opposing surfaces facing each other in the vehicle width direction, An annular auxiliary welding rib that surrounds the flow path is formed on the auxiliary opposing surface of at least one of the adjacent auxiliary connection portions, The adjacent auxiliary connection portions are joined to each other by welding at the auxiliary welding rib.

9. The vehicle beam according to claim 7, wherein, In the case where one of the adjacent pipe main body structural portions is set as the first pipe main body structural portion and the other is set as the second pipe main body structural portion, The first pipe main body structural portion has a first cylinder portion at an end in the vehicle width direction, The second pipe main body structural portion has a second cylinder portion at an end in the vehicle width direction, By inserting the second cylinder portion into the first cylinder portion, the first pipe main body structural portion overlaps the second cylinder portion of the second pipe main body structural portion in the radial direction of the first cylinder portion and the second cylinder portion. On at least one of the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion, a linear welding rib extending in the vehicle width direction is formed, and the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion are welded and joined at the linear welding rib, thereby connecting the first pipe main body structure portion and the second pipe main body structure portion.

10. The vehicle beam according to claim 7, wherein, when one of the adjacent pipe main body structure portions is defined as the first pipe main body structure portion and the other is defined as the second pipe main body structure portion, the first pipe main body structure portion has a first cylindrical portion at an end in the vehicle width direction, the second pipe main body structure portion has a second cylindrical portion at an end in the vehicle width direction, by inserting the second cylindrical portion into the first cylindrical portion, the first pipe main body structure portion is overlapped with the second cylindrical portion of the second pipe main body structure portion in the radial direction of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, on at least one of the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion, an annular welding rib extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe main body portion is formed, and the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion are welded and joined at the annular welding rib, thereby connecting the first pipe main body structure portion and the second pipe main body structure portion.

11. The vehicle beam according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, the pipe main body portion and the surrounding portion are arranged above the steering column of the vehicle, the pipe main body portion is divided into an upper pipe divided body and a lower pipe divided body located below the upper pipe divided body as a plurality of pipe divided bodies, the surrounding portion has: an upper support portion connected to the upper pipe divided body; and a lower support portion connected to the lower pipe divided body, the upper support portion has: a front upper support portion arranged on the front side of the upper pipe divided body and connected to the pipe connection portion on the front side of the upper pipe divided body; and a rear upper support portion arranged on the rear side of the upper pipe divided body and connected to the pipe connection portion on the rear side of the upper pipe divided body, the lower support portion has: a front lower support portion connected to the lower pipe divided body at its rear end and having a portion arranged below the front upper support portion; and a rear lower support portion arranged on the rear side of the lower pipe divided body and below the rear upper support portion and connected to the pipe connection portion on the rear side of the lower pipe divided body, at least one of the front upper support portion and the front lower support portion has a portion for suspending the steering column provided in front of the pipe main body portion, and at the rear upper support portion and the rear lower support portion, portions for suspending the steering column are respectively provided behind the pipe main body portion.

12. The vehicle beam according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of a pair of opposite surfaces of the pipes at the adjacent pipe connection portions, and at a position radially separated from the pipe welding rib on the pipe body portion, a catching rib is formed to allow burrs generated during welding to stay between the pair of opposite surfaces of the pipes, and the catching rib extends in a direction intersecting the relative direction along the pair of opposite surfaces of the pipes.

13. The vehicle beam according to claim 12, wherein When the side closer to the air flow path in the radial direction of the cylindrical pipe body portion is set as the inner side, the catching rib is formed closer to the inner side in the radial direction than the pipe welding rib.

14. The vehicle beam according to claim 12, wherein A plurality of the catching ribs are provided, Two of the plurality of catching ribs are respectively formed at a pair of opposite surfaces of the adjacent pipe connection portions and at positions radially separated from each other on the pipe body portion, In a state where the two catching ribs are adjacent in the radial direction, they protrude in opposite directions along the relative direction, A part of the relative direction of one catching rib and a part including the front end portion of the one catching rib, and a part of the relative direction of the other catching rib and a part including the front end portion of the other catching rib overlap in the relative direction when the two catching ribs are viewed from the radial direction.

15. The vehicle beam according to claim 12, wherein The catching rib protrudes from one of the pair of opposite surfaces of the adjacent pipe connection portions toward the other opposite surface of the pipe, A catching reinforcement portion made of a material softer than the catching rib is installed on the other opposite surface of the pipe, At least the front end portion in the protruding direction of the catching rib enters the catching reinforcement portion.

16. The vehicle beam according to claim 12, wherein The pipe welding rib and the catching rib protrude in opposite directions along the relative direction in a state of being radially separated from each other on the pipe body portion, The pipe welding rib has: a welding base portion located on the proximal side in the protruding direction of the pipe welding rib; And a welding front end portion adjacent to the welding base portion on the front end side in the protruding direction of the pipe welding rib, The catching rib has: a catching base portion located on the proximal side in the protruding direction of the catching rib; And a catching front end portion adjacent to the catching base portion on the front end side in the protruding direction of the catching rib, The pipe welding rib is formed such that the size of the welding front end portion in the radial direction is smaller than the size of the welding base portion in the radial direction, The catching rib is formed such that the size of the catching front end portion in the radial direction is smaller than the size of the catching base portion in the radial direction, The capture base portion and the welding front end portion are separated from each other in the radial direction via a first gap portion extending in the relative direction, the welding base portion and the capture front end portion are separated from each other in the radial direction via a second gap portion extending in the relative direction, and the capture base portion and the welding base portion are separated from each other in the relative direction via a communication gap portion extending in the radial direction and communicating the first gap portion and the second gap portion.

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