A-PILLAR LINK
The A-pillar member's innovative design with separate subsections and high-tensile steel base area addresses stress concentrations, maintaining collision performance and reducing manufacturing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUTABA IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing A-pillar configuration in vehicles, as described in Japanese patent application 2013-230803, leads to stress concentrations during collisions, reducing collision performance while maintaining manufacturing costs.
The A-pillar member is designed with a configuration that allows separate formation of subsections through bending, featuring a wider parting line and high-tensile steel base area, preventing stress concentrations and maintaining collision performance.
This configuration reduces manufacturing costs while preserving vehicle collision performance by minimizing stress concentrations and ensuring structural integrity.
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Abstract
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an A-pillar member contained in an A-pillar of a vehicle.
[0002] An A-pillar disclosed in the unexamined Japanese patent application Publication No. 2013-230803 consists of several members, including an inner pillar lining and an outer pillar lining. The inner pillar lining is formed by joining an upper part of the inner pillar lining and a lower part of the inner pillar lining. More specifically, the upper part of the inner pillar lining, which has an extended section at its lower end, and the lower part of the inner pillar lining, which also has an extended section at its upper end, are joined such that their extended sections overlap. This configuration allows for an increase in the strength of a vehicle body without the use of a reinforcing member, resulting in reduced manufacturing costs. SUMMARY
[0003] The pillar lining disclosed in the unexamined Japanese patent application, publication no. 2013-230803, comprises an elongated main body and a section with a larger diameter. The section with the larger diameter is positioned at the lower end of the elongated main body and has a larger cross-sectional area than the main body. The extended sections connecting the upper and lower parts of the pillar lining are positioned in a region of the elongated main body close to the section with the larger diameter. Such a configuration can cause stress concentrations at the extended sections in the event of a vehicle collision or similar incident, resulting in damage and reduced collision performance of the vehicle.
[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to reduce the manufacturing costs of the vehicle while simultaneously preventing a reduction in the vehicle's collision performance.
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an A-pillar member contained within an A-pillar of a vehicle, extending from a front end to a rear end of the A-pillar member, the A-pillar member comprising an upper plate, an upper side wall, a lower side wall, an upper front-end side wall, an upper main body side wall, a lower front-end side wall, an upper front-end plate, an upper main body plate, a partial region, a base region, and a dividing line. The upper plate is a plate-shaped section extending from the front end to the side where the rear end is positioned. The upper side wall projects from a first end, in the transverse direction, of the upper plate and extends from the front end to the side where the rear end is positioned.The lower side wall projects forward from a second end, in the transverse direction, of the upper plate and extends from the front end to the side where the rear end is positioned, pointing downwards towards the upper side wall. The upper front end side wall is part of the upper side wall, encompasses part of the front end, and is curved downwards. The upper main body side wall is part of the upper side wall and abuts the upper front end side wall on a side closer to the rear end. The lower front end side wall is part of the lower side wall, encompasses part of the front end, and is curved downwards. The upper front end plate is part of the upper plate, encompasses part of the front end, and is positioned between the upper front end side wall and the lower front end side wall.The upper main body plate is a portion of the upper plate and abuts the upper front end plate on the side closer to the rear end. The partial area is a region of the A-pillar member and partially encompasses the front end. The base area is a region of the A-pillar member that is not the partial area. The dividing line forms a boundary between the partial area and the base area. The width of the upper front end plate is wider than the width of the upper main body plate. The upper side wall comprises a foot section and a rim section. The foot section is an end section of the upper side wall adjacent to the upper plate. The rim section is an end section of the upper side wall opposite the foot section.The dividing line crosses the upper side wall from the edge section to the foot section either at a boundary between the upper main body side wall and the upper front end side wall or at a region of the upper main body side wall near the boundary and further extends either to the part of the front end that is contained in the upper plate or to the part of the front end that is contained in the lower side wall.
[0006] According to the aforementioned configuration, the A-pillar section can be formed by separately forming the subsection and base section through a bending process and subsequently joining them. This improves yield compared to forming the A-pillar section through a drawing process. Furthermore, because the parting line runs through a wider area of the front end section of the A-pillar section, it is possible to reduce stress concentrations at the parting line and thus prevent damage to the parting line. Consequently, this configuration allows for a reduction in manufacturing costs for the A-pillar section while simultaneously preventing any reduction in the vehicle's collision performance.
[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the dividing line can cross the upper side wall from the edge section to the foot section in the area of the upper main body side wall near the boundary between the upper main body side wall and the upper front end side wall, and can extend further to the part of the front end that is contained in the upper plate.
[0008] According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the A-pillar element while simultaneously preventing a reduction in the vehicle's collision performance.
[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the lower side wall may include a connecting section to which a link contained in a B-pillar of the vehicle is to be connected.
[0010] According to the aforementioned configuration, the rear end of the A-pillar section can be positioned behind the driver's seat and the front passenger seat in the vehicle. This configuration makes it possible to prevent injuries to a person in the driver's or front passenger seat even if the A-pillar section is bent into the vehicle due to a collision.
[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a flange section projecting from an end section of the lower side wall on one side opposite the location where the upper plate is positioned to one side opposite the location where the upper side wall is positioned.
[0012] According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the A-pillar element while simultaneously preventing a reduction in the vehicle's collision performance.
[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the base area may be made of high tensile-strength steel with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more.
[0014] The aforementioned configuration can lead to an improvement in the strength of the A-pillar member.
[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a material of the sub-area may have a lower tensile strength than a material of the base area.
[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sub-section may be thicker than the base section.
[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sub-area and the basic area may be welded together.
[0018] According to the configurations mentioned above, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the A-pillar element while simultaneously preventing a reduction in the vehicle's collision performance.
[0019] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the upper front end sidewall may include a chamfered section extending in a substantially planar shape. The chamfered section may be positioned near a boundary between the upper front end sidewall and the upper main body sidewall and may abut the upper plate. The dividing line need not necessarily pass through the chamfered section.
[0020] The aforementioned configuration prevents a reduction in the strength of the chamfered section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings; the drawings show: Fig. 1 a front view of an A-pillar to which a B-pillar is connected; Fig. 2A a front view of the front end of an A-pillar segment and its surroundings; Fig. 2B a perspective view of the front end of the A-pillar section and its surroundings; Fig. 3A a cross-sectional view of a part along a line IIIA-IIIA in Fig. 2A (in other words, a cross-sectional view of a front end section of the A-pillar segment); and Fig. 3B a cross-sectional view of a part along a line IIIB-IIIB in Fig. 2A (in other words, a cross-sectional view of a main body of the A-pillar element). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE FORMS [1. Overview]
[0022] An A-pillar member 1 is made of a metal material and is an elongated member extending from a front end FE to a rear end BE of the A-pillar member 1. The A-pillar member 1 is contained within an A-pillar FP, which is part of a vehicle body (see Fig. 1) The A-pillar FP comprises the A-pillar section 1 and a lower part FPL of the A-pillar, which is an elongated section extending in the upward and downward directions. An upper end of the lower part FPL of the A-pillar is connected to the front end FE of the A-pillar section 1. Furthermore, an upper end of a B-pillar CP is connected to the A-pillar section 1 at a position between the front end FE and the rear end BE. The details of this connection are described below. The B-pillar CP is an elongated section extending in the upward and downward directions and is positioned behind a driver's or passenger's door in the vehicle body.
[0023] The A-pillar member 1 comprises a main body 1A and a front end section 1B. The front end section 1B adjoins the main body 1A at a front side (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B). The main body 1A extends in the forward and backward directions of the vehicle body and is inclined upwards with respect to horizontal directions on the side where the rear end BE is positioned. The front end section 1B encompasses the front end FE of the A-pillar member 1 and is curved downwards. Furthermore, a cross-section orthogonal to the extension directions of the A-pillar member 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cross-section) in the front end section 1B is larger than the cross-section in the main body 1A.
[0024] The A-pillar member 1 comprises an upper plate 10, an upper side wall 11, a lower side wall 12, and a connecting section 13. The upper plate 10, the upper side wall 11, and the lower side wall 12 extend over the main body 1A and the front end section 1B. Furthermore, the A-pillar member 1 consists of a subsection 2 and a base section 3. However, without limitation, the A-pillar member 1 may comprise multiple members, including the subsection 2 and the base section 3. [2. Top plate]
[0025] The upper plate 10 is an elongated plate-shaped section extending from the front end FE to the rear end BE and having a width that extends essentially in upward-downward directions (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B). The upper plate 10 comprises an upper main body plate 10A, which is contained in the main body 1A, and an upper front end plate 10B, which is contained in the front end section 1B.
[0026] The upper main body plate 10A abuts the upper front end plate 10B on one side which is closer to the rear end BE and extends from the upper front end plate 10B to the rear end BE.
[0027] The upper front end plate 10B comprises a portion of the front end FE and is positioned between an upper front end side wall 11B and a lower front end side wall 12B, which are described below. The upper front end plate 10B extends such that it curves downward from a front end of the upper main body plate 10A. A width WB of the upper front end plate 10B is wider than a width WA of the upper main body plate 10A. It is noted that the width refers to a length in the lateral directions W of the upper plate 10, these directions being substantially orthogonal to the extension directions of the upper plate 10. [3. Upper side wall]
[0028] The upper side wall 11 is a plate-shaped section that projects from a first end, in the lateral directions W, of the upper plate 10 (in other words, an upper end of the upper plate 10) and extends from the front end FE to the rear end BE (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B). The upper side wall 11 comprises an upper main body side wall 11A contained in the main body 1A, and an upper front end side wall 11B contained in the front end section 1B, a foot section 11C, an edge section 11D and a chamfered section 11E.
[0029] The upper main body side wall 11A borders the upper front end side wall 11B on a side that is closer to the rear end BE.
[0030] The upper front end side wall 11B encompasses part of the front end FE and extends such that it is curved downwards from a front end of the upper main body side wall 11A.
[0031] The foot section 11C is an end section of the upper side wall 11 next to the upper plate 10.
[0032] The edge section 11D is an end section of the upper side wall 11 opposite the foot section 11C. [4. Chamfered section]
[0033] The chamfered section 11E is a section provided on the upper front end side wall 11B and extends in a substantially planar shape. The chamfered section 11E is positioned near a boundary between the upper main body side wall 11A and the upper front end side wall 11B and is adjacent to the foot section 11C (in other words, adjacent to the upper plate 10). In other words, the chamfered section 11E is provided in a curved region of the upper front end side wall 11B.
[0034] As an example, the chamfered section 11E is provided only on the upper front end sidewall 11B and borders the boundary between the upper main body sidewall 11A and the upper front end sidewall 11B. However, the chamfered section 11E can be positioned away from the boundary within the upper front end sidewall 11B. Alternatively, the chamfered section 11E can be provided such that it extends over both the upper front end sidewall 11B and the upper main body sidewall 11A.
[0035] As an example, the chamfered section 11E is positioned at a distance from the edge section 11D; however, the chamfered section 11E can also be adjacent to the edge section 11D. Alternatively, the A-pillar member 1 does not necessarily have to have the chamfered section 11E. [5. Lower side wall]
[0036] The lower side wall 12 is a plate-shaped section that projects from a second end, in the lateral directions W, of the upper plate 10 (in other words, a lower end of the upper plate 10) and extends from the front end FE to the rear end BE (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B). The lower side wall 12 is positioned below the upper side wall 11 and points towards the upper side wall 11 in the width directions W of the upper plate 10. The lower side wall 12 comprises a lower main body side wall 12A, which is contained in the main body 1A, and a lower front end side wall 12B, which is contained in the front end section 1B, and a flange section 12C.
[0037] The lower main body side wall 12A borders the lower front end side wall 12B on one side of the lower front end side wall 12B, which is closer to the rear end BE.
[0038] The lower front end side wall 12B encompasses part of the front end FE and extends such that it is bent downwards from a front end of the lower main body side wall 12A.
[0039] The flange section 12C is a flange-shaped section provided on the lower side wall 12 and extending from the front end FE to the rear end BE. Specifically, the flange section 12C is located at one end of the lower side wall 12 on a side opposite the position of the upper plate 10 and projects forward on a side opposite the position of the upper side wall 11. [6th connecting section]
[0040] The connecting section 13 is a section where an upper end of the B-pillar CP is to be connected (see Fig. 1) As an example, the connecting section 13 is provided on the lower main body side wall 12A and positioned at a defined distance from the rear end BE. However, without this restriction, the connecting section 13 can be provided adjacent to the rear end BE. Alternatively, the connecting section 13 can be positioned so that it extends, for example, over the upper main body plate 10A and the lower main body side wall 12A. Of course, the A-pillar member 1 does not necessarily have to include the connecting section 13. [7. Sub-area and basic area]
[0041] Subsection 2 is a section of the A-pillar member 1 that includes part of the front end FE and is positioned at the front end section 1B (see Fig. 1 to 2B). It is noted that sub-section 2 may be positioned to extend over the front end section 1B and a portion of the main body 1A near a boundary with the front end section 1B. Base section 3 is a portion of the A-pillar member 1 that is not sub-section 2.
[0042] In the present embodiment, the sub-section 2 is, by way of example, made of a metal material with a lower tensile strength than the base section 3. Of course, without limitation, the tensile strength of the metal material of sub-section 2 can correspond to the tensile strength of the metal material of the base section 3, or sub-section 2 can be made of a metal material with a higher tensile strength than the base section 3.
[0043] In the present embodiment, the material of the base region 3 can, for example, be a high-tensile steel with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more, a high-tensile steel with a tensile strength of 1180 MPa or more, or a high-tensile steel with a tensile strength of 1470 MPa or more. Of course, the material can be steel, iron, or another metal.
[0044] In the present embodiment, the sub-area 2 is, by way of example, thicker than the base-area 3. However, without limiting ourselves to this, the sub-area 2 and the base-area 3 can have the same plate thickness, or the sub-area 2 can be thinner than the base-area 3.
[0045] The A-pillar section 1 is formed by welding together an end section of subsection 2 and an end section of base section 3. It is noted that the end section of subsection 2 and the end section of base section 3 can be welded together with an overlap. Alternatively, an end face of subsection 2 and an end face of base section 3 can be butt welded together. The end section of subsection 2 and the end face of base section 3 can be joined together by a method other than welding. [8th dividing line]
[0046] A dividing line 4, which forms a boundary between the sub-area 2 and the base area 3, crosses, as an example, the upper side wall 11 from the edge section 11D to the foot section 11C either at a boundary in the upper main body side wall 11A to the upper front end side wall 11B or in a region of the upper main body side wall 11A near the boundary (see Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B). The dividing line 4 further extends from an end section of the upper plate 10 next to the upper side wall 11 either to the part of the front end FE contained in the upper plate 10 or to the part of the front end FE contained in the lower side wall 12.
[0047] More specifically, the dividing line 4, as an example, passes through the upper main body plate 10A and the upper front end plate 10B and extends either to the portion of the front end FE contained in the upper front end plate 10B or to the portion of the front end FE contained in the lower side wall 12. Alternatively, the dividing line 4, without passing through the upper main body plate 10A, can pass through the upper front end plate 10B and extend either to the portion of the front end FE contained in the upper front end plate 10B or to the portion of the front end FE contained in the lower side wall 12.
[0048] In one example, the dividing line 4 passing through the upper plate 10 extends essentially linearly in a direction that substantially coincides with the upward-downward directions. Without restriction, the dividing line 4 may be inclined to the upward-downward directions or may have a curved shape. Furthermore, the dividing line 4 may, for example, be arranged to pass through or near a boundary between the upper front-end plate 10B and the upper front-end side wall 11B.
[0049] The dividing line 4 is positioned such that it bypasses the chamfered section 11E and does not pass through it. However, without this restriction, the dividing line 4 may be partially positioned within the chamfered section 11E. [9. Manufacturing process for the A-pillar element]
[0050] A process for manufacturing the A-pillar member 1 comprises a pressing process in which press forming is carried out and a joining process.
[0051] In the pressing process, section 2 is formed by bending a first sheet of material, and base section 3 is formed by bending a second sheet of material. It should be noted that the first and second sheet materials can be either blank materials or sheets on which pressing operations have already been carried out.
[0052] In the joining process, the end section of subsection 2 and the end section of base section 3 are welded together, forming A-pillar member 1. More specifically, the end section of subsection 2 and the end section of base section 3 can be overlapped, and spot welding can be performed on the overlapping section. Alternatively, butt welding can be used to weld the end of subsection 2 and the end of base section 3 together. These end sections can then be joined using a method other than welding. [10. Effects]
[0053] (1) The front end section 1B of the A-pillar member 1 according to the aforementioned embodiment has a so-called pocket shape. If the A-pillar member 1 is formed by bending a single sheet of material, the material flows towards the chamfered section 11E on the front end section 1B, and thus wrinkling around the chamfered section 11E on the front end section 1B is likely. However, if the A-pillar member 1 is formed by drawing a sheet of material, the occurrence of such wrinkles can be prevented; however, a clamping allowance, which is a section held by a hold-down device, must be provided on the sheet of material. For this reason, the sheet of material cannot be used completely effectively, which leads to a reduction in yield.
[0054] In contrast, according to the previously mentioned embodiment, the A-pillar member 1 can be formed by separately forming the sub-section 2 and the base section 3, which do not have a pocket shape like the front end section 1B, through the bending process, and by joining the sub-section 2 and the base section 3. This manufacturing method prevents wrinkling and improves yield compared to a case where the drawing process is used. Furthermore, since the parting line 4 runs through a wider portion of the A-pillar member 1, i.e., the front end section 1B, it is possible to reduce stress concentration at the parting line 4 and thus prevent damage to the parting line 4. Consequently, this configuration of the A-pillar member 1 allows for a reduction in manufacturing costs while simultaneously preventing a decrease in the vehicle's collision performance.
[0055] (2) If the A-pillar member 1 is formed by drawing a sheet of material, a clamping allowance must be provided on the sheet material, and thus the length of the main body 1A is limited. For this reason, an additional link can be welded to the rear end BE of the A-pillar member 1 to ensure a sufficient length. However, the connecting section between the A-pillar member 1 and the additional link may be damaged at the time of a vehicle collision, and thus the additional link could lead to a reduction in the collision performance of the A-pillar member 1.
[0056] However, according to the previously mentioned embodiment, the base area 3 is formed by bending the plate material. Therefore, no clamping allowance needs to be provided on the plate material, which allows for the formation of a longer main body 1A. Consequently, it is possible to provide the connecting section 13, to which a B-pillar CP member is to be connected, on the lower main body side wall 12A of the A-pillar member 1.
[0057] According to this configuration, it is no longer necessary to use the additional link to ensure a longer length of the A-pillar section 1, thus improving the collision performance of the A-pillar section 1. Furthermore, the rear end BE of the A-pillar section 1 can be positioned behind the driver's and passenger's seats in the vehicle. This makes it possible to prevent the rear end of the A-pillar section 1 from protruding towards the driver's or passenger's seat, even if the A-pillar section 1 is sharply bent into the vehicle due to a collision, thereby preventing injuries to those seated.
[0058] (3) The base section 3 is made of high-tensile steel with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more. This improves the strength of the A-pillar section 1. Furthermore, using high-tensile steel to form the A-pillar section 1 prevents wrinkling during the bending process, as the A-pillar section 1 is formed from the subsection 2 and the base section 3.
[0059] (4) The upper front end side wall 11B includes the chamfered section 11E. This configuration can prevent damage to the A-pillar member 1 at the time of a vehicle collision. Furthermore, the dividing line 4 is arranged to bypass the chamfered section 11E. This configuration prevents a reduction in the strength of the chamfered section 11E. [11. Other embodiments]
[0060] (1) In the aforementioned embodiment, the flange section 12C is provided on the lower side wall 12; however, the flange section 12C need not necessarily be provided on the lower side wall 12. In the aforementioned embodiment, the upper side wall 11 is not provided with a flange section; however, the edge section 11D of the upper side wall 11 may be provided with a flange section projecting to one side opposite the position of the lower side wall 12.
[0061] (2) In the embodiments described above, two or more functions of a single element can be achieved by two or more elements, or a single function of a single element can be achieved by two or more elements. The functions of two or more elements can be achieved by a single element, or a single function of two or more elements can be achieved by a single element. Part of the configuration in the embodiments described above can be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the embodiments described above can be added to or replaced by a configuration of other embodiments. [12. Technical idea disclosed in the present invention][Point 1]
[0062] A-pillar member, which is contained in an A-pillar of a vehicle and which extends from a front end to a rear end of the A-pillar member, wherein the A-pillar member comprises the following: an upper plate which is a plate-shaped section extending from the front end to a side where the rear end is positioned; an upper side wall that projects from a first end, in the width direction, of the upper plate and extends from the front end to the side where the rear end is positioned; a lower side wall projecting from a second end, in the width directions, of the upper plate and extending from the front end to the side where the rear end is positioned, the lower side wall pointing towards the upper side wall in a position below the upper side wall; an upper front end side wall that is part of the upper side wall, wherein the upper front end side wall includes part of the front end and is bent downwards; an upper main body side wall which is part of the upper side wall, wherein the upper main body side wall adjoins the upper front end side wall on a side of the upper front end side wall which is closer to the rear end; a lower front end side wall which is part of the lower side wall, wherein the lower front end side wall includes part of the front end and is bent downwards; an upper front end plate which is part of the upper plate, wherein the upper front end plate includes part of the front end and is positioned between the upper front end side wall and the lower front end side wall; an upper main body plate which is part of the upper plate, wherein the upper main body plate adjoins the upper front end plate on one side of the upper front end plate which is closer to the rear end; a sub-section which is a section of the A-pillar member, the sub-section partially encompassing the front end; a base area, which is an area of the A-pillar element that is not the sub-area; and a dividing line that forms a boundary between the sub-area and the base area, where the width of the upper front end plate is wider than the width of the upper main body plate, wherein the upper side wall comprises a foot section, which is an end section of the upper side wall next to the upper plate, and an edge section, which is an end section of the upper side wall opposite the foot section, and wherein the dividing line crosses the upper side wall from the edge section to the foot section either at a boundary between the upper main body side wall and the upper front end side wall or at a region of the upper main body side wall near the boundary, wherein the dividing line further extends either to the part of the front end that is contained in the upper plate or to the part of the front end that is contained in the lower side wall. [Point 2]
[0063] A-pillar section according to point 1, wherein the lower side wall includes a connecting section to which a link contained in a B-pillar of the vehicle is to be connected. [Point 3]
[0064] A-pillar section according to point 1 or 2, the base area is made of high tensile strength steel with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more. [Point 4]
[0065] A-pillar section according to one of points 1 to 3, wherein the upper front end side wall includes a chamfered section extending in a substantially planar shape, wherein the chamfered section is positioned near a boundary between the upper front end side wall and the upper main body side wall and is adjacent to the upper plate, and where the dividing line does not run through the chamfered section. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] JP 2013-230803
[0002]
Claims
A-pillar member (1) contained within an A-pillar (FP) of a vehicle and extending from a front end (FE) to a rear end (BE) of the A-pillar member (1), the A-pillar member (1) comprising: an upper plate (10) being a plate-shaped section extending from the front end (FE) to a side where the rear end (BE) is positioned; an upper side wall (11) projecting from a first end, in the lateral directions (W), of the upper plate (10) and extending from the front end (FE) to the side where the rear end (BE) is positioned; a lower side wall (12) projecting from a second end, in the lateral directions (W), of the upper plate (10) and extending from the front end (FE) to the side where the rear end (BE) is positioned.wherein the lower side wall (12) is in a position below the upper side wall (11) relative to the upper side wall (11); an upper front end side wall (11B) that is part of the upper side wall (11), wherein the upper front end side wall (11B) encompasses part of the front end (FE) and is bent downwards; an upper main body side wall (11A) that is part of the upper side wall (11), wherein the upper main body side wall (11A) adjoins the upper front end side wall (11B) on a side of the upper front end side wall (11B) that is closer to the rear end (BE); a lower front end side wall (12B) that is part of the lower side wall (12), wherein the lower front end side wall (12B) encompasses part of the front end (FE) and is bent downwards; an upper front end plate (10B) that is part of the upper plate (10),wherein the upper front end plate (10B) comprises a portion of the front end (FE) and is positioned between the upper front end side wall (11B) and the lower front end side wall (12B); an upper main body plate (10A) that is a portion of the upper plate (10), wherein the upper main body plate (10A) adjoins the upper front end plate (10B) on a side of the upper front end plate (10B) that is closer to the rear end (BE); a sub-area (2) that is a portion of the A-pillar member (1), wherein the sub-area (2) partially comprises the front end (FE); a base area (3) that is a portion of the A-pillar member (1) other than the sub-area (2); and a dividing line (4) that forms a boundary between the sub-area (2) and the base area (3), wherein a width of the upper front end plate (10B) is wider than a width of the upper main body plate (10A), wherein the upper side wall (11) forms a foot section (11C),which is an end section of the upper side wall (11) adjacent to the upper plate (10), and an edge section (11D) which is an end section of the upper side wall (11) opposite the foot section (11C), and wherein the dividing line (4) intersects the upper side wall (11) from the edge section (11D) to the foot section (11C) either at a boundary between the upper main body side wall (11A) and the upper front end side wall (11B) or at a region of the upper main body side wall (11A) near the boundary, the dividing line (4) further extending either to the part of the front end (FE) contained in the upper plate (10) or to the part of the front end (FE) contained in the lower side wall (12). A-pillar member (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dividing line (4) crosses the upper side wall (11) from the edge section (11D) to the foot section (11C) at the area of the upper main body side wall (11A) near the boundary between the upper main body side wall (11A) and the upper front end side wall (11B) and further extends to the part of the front end (FE) which is contained in the upper plate (10). A-pillar member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower side wall (12) comprises a connecting section (13) to which a member contained in a B-pillar (CP) of the vehicle is to be connected. A-pillar member (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a flange section (12C) projecting from an end section of the lower side wall (12) on one side opposite the location where the upper plate (10) is positioned to one side opposite the location where the upper side wall (11) is positioned. A-pillar member (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base area (3) is made of high tensile strength steel with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more. A-pillar member (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a material of the sub-region (2) has a lower tensile strength than a material of the base region (3). A-pillar element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sub-section (2) is thicker than the base section (3). A-pillar member (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sub-section (2) and the base section (3) are welded together. A-pillar member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper front end side wall (11B) comprises a chamfered section (11E) extending in a substantially planar shape, wherein the chamfered section (11E) is positioned near a boundary between the upper front end side wall (11B) and the upper main body side wall (11A) and adjoins the upper plate (10), and wherein the dividing line (4) does not pass through the chamfered section (11E).