Cylindrical member

Abstract

To provide a cylindrical member capable of improving rigidity and strength.SOLUTION: A beam 220 includes a beam main body 230 extended in a vehicle width direction on a front part of vehicle and a reinforcement plate 270 which is formed with material of higher rigidity than that of the beam main body 230 and is extended along the beam main body 230 and reinforces the beam main body 230. The beam main body 230 has an inner peripheral wall part 281 which is arranged on the inner side than the reinforcement plate 270 in a radial direction and is extended in a circumferential direction, and an outer peripheral wall part 288 which is arranged on the outer side than the reinforcement plate 270 in a radial direction. Only a part of the reinforcement plate 270 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral wall part 281 and the outer peripheral wall part 288 in a radial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tubular member. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an arrangement structure for an airbag device. In this arrangement structure, an opening for deploying an airbag is formed on the upper surface of the instrument panel on the passenger side. The airbag device is arranged within the opening. A reinforcing member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided below the airbag device. The airbag device is attached to the reinforcing member via a bracket.

[0003] A duct of a vehicle air conditioning system is provided between the airbag device and the instrument panel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extending in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a tray that is rotatably attached in a recess formed in the upper surface of an instrument panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-219228 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-204037 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the meantime, it is desirable to increase the strength and rigidity of such a tubular member including a reinforcing member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various aspects of the cylindrical member for solving the above problems will be described below. [Mode 1] A tubular member comprising a main body portion extending in the vehicle width direction at the front of the vehicle, and a reinforcing plate formed from a material more rigid than the main body portion and extending along the main body portion to reinforce the main body portion, wherein when the circumferential and radial directions of the main body portion are simply defined as the circumferential and radial directions, the main body portion is positioned inward of the reinforcing plate in the radial direction, and has a peripheral wall portion extending in the circumferential direction, and an outer portion positioned outward of the reinforcing plate in the radial direction, and only a portion of the reinforcing plate is sandwiched between the peripheral wall portion and the outer portion in the radial direction.

[0007] According to the above-described configuration, the reinforcing plate is fixed to the peripheral wall portion in such a manner that only a portion of the reinforcing plate is sandwiched between the outer portion and the peripheral wall portion, thereby reinforcing the main body portion with the reinforcing plate, thereby increasing the rigidity and strength of the tubular member.

[0008] [Aspect 2] The main body portion has a protrusion portion that protrudes from the peripheral wall portion and penetrates the reinforcing plate, and at least a portion of the outer portion is constituted by the tip of the protrusion portion. This is a tubular member described in [Aspect 1].

[0009] According to the above configuration, at least a part of the outer portion can be easily realized by the tip of the protrusion that protrudes from the peripheral wall portion and penetrates the reinforcing plate. [Embodiment 3] A cylindrical member according to [Embodiment 2], wherein the portion of the reinforcing plate through which the protrusion passes is a hole.

[0010] When the portion of the reinforcing plate through which the protrusion penetrates is formed, for example, by cutting out an edge of the reinforcing plate, the resulting cutout portion tends to reduce the rigidity and strength of the reinforcing plate. In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the portion is formed by a hole, so there is no need to cut out any portion of the reinforcing plate other than the portion. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the reinforcing plate can be increased compared to when the portion through which the protrusion penetrates is formed by cutting out the reinforcing plate.

[0011] [Aspect 4] A tubular member as described in [Aspect 2] or [Aspect 3], wherein the main body portion has a plurality of the protrusions and a connecting portion that extends along the reinforcing plate and connects the tips of the plurality of protrusions, and at least a portion of the outer portion is constituted by the plurality of protrusions and the connecting portion.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the reinforcing plate is sandwiched between the peripheral wall portion and the tips of the protrusions and the connecting portions connecting the tips, so that the reinforcing plate can be firmly fixed to the peripheral wall portion.

[0013] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the main body is reinforced by the plurality of tip portions and connecting portions in addition to the reinforcing plate, which can further increase the rigidity and strength of the cylindrical member.

[0014] [Aspect 5] A cylindrical member according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 4], wherein the outer portion is in the form of a lattice extending along the outer surface of the reinforcing plate. In order to increase the rigidity and strength of the tubular member, it is conceivable to provide an outer portion so as to cover the entire outer surface of the reinforcing plate. In this case, while the rigidity and strength of the tubular member can be further increased by the reinforcing plate and the outer portion, there is a problem in that the weight of the tubular member increases due to the provision of the outer portion. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the outer portion has a lattice shape. In other words, the outer portion has a shape with partial hollowing out. This reduces the weight of the outer portion. Therefore, the outer portion can further increase the rigidity and strength of the tubular member while suppressing an increase in the weight of the tubular member.

[0015] [Aspect 6] A tubular member described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 5], wherein the tubular member further includes a support portion for supporting peripheral components of the main body portion, the support portion including a support portion main body to which the peripheral components are fastened, and the reinforcing plate, the reinforcing plate having a reinforcing plate main body and a flange portion extending from the circumferential edge of the reinforcing plate main body, and the support portion main body is fastened to the flange portion.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the support body can be fixed to the cylindrical member via the flange portion of the reinforcing plate. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the support body is reinforced by the flange portion made of a material that is more rigid than the body portion, and therefore the flange portion can increase the rigidity and strength of the support body.

[0017] [Aspect 7] The tubular member is a vehicle beam whose both ends in the vehicle width direction are attached to the vehicle body to reinforce the front of the vehicle, and the support portion is a metal steering support portion that supports a steering column as the peripheral member, a tubular member described in [Aspect 6].

[0018] According to the above-described configuration, the reinforcing plate is embodied as a part of the metal steering support portion, and therefore, in the vehicle beam, the main body portion of the vehicle beam is reinforced by the metal reinforcing plate.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the support portion main body of the steering support portion is reinforced by the metal flange portion. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the vehicle beam can be increased.

[0020] [Aspect 8] The tubular member is composed of a plurality of divided bodies that divide the main body portion in the circumferential direction, and is formed by joining flange-shaped joints that extend along the periphery of each of the plurality of divided bodies, one of the plurality of divided bodies being an insert-molded product molded by inserting the reinforcing plate, the flange portion being superimposed on the outer surface of the joint of the insert-molded product, and an engaging portion that penetrates the flange portion and engages with the flange portion being formed on the outer surface.A tubular member as described in [Aspect 6] or [Aspect 7].

[0021] According to the above configuration, a cylindrical member having a main body portion reinforced by a reinforcing plate can be formed simply by joining the joint portions of the segments together. Here, a tubular member composed of multiple divided bodies has a problem in that, for example, when the tubular member is deformed (twisted) in the circumferential direction, stress tends to concentrate between adjacent joints in the circumferential direction. In this regard, with the above configuration, the engaging portion penetrates the flange portion and engages with the flange portion, thereby fixing the flange portion in a state where it is overlapped with the joint portion. Therefore, the joint portion is reinforced by the flange portion. This makes the joint portion less likely to deform. Therefore, even if the tubular member is twisted, stress concentration between adjacent joints in the circumferential direction can be suppressed.

[0022] [Aspect 9] A joining rib is formed at the joining portion of the insert molded product and joined to the joining portion of the divided body adjacent to the insert molded product in the circumferential direction, The tubular member according to [Aspect 8], wherein the engaging portion is positioned so as not to overlap with the joining rib in the protruding direction of the joining rib.

[0023] If the engaging portion is positioned so as to overlap the joining rib in the protruding direction of the joining rib, the thickness of the insert-molded divided body at the portion where the engaging portion and joining rib are formed increases significantly compared to other portions. In this case, when the divided body is molded by inserting a reinforcing plate, sink marks are likely to occur in the portion where the engaging portion and joining rib are formed. In this regard, with the above configuration, the engaging portion is formed at a position that does not overlap the joining rib in the protruding direction. This prevents a significant increase in the plate thickness of the divided body. Therefore, the occurrence of sink marks can be suppressed.

[0024] [Aspect 10] A cylindrical member described in [Aspect 8] or [Aspect 9], in which a window portion is formed in the peripheral wall portion of the insert-molded product, exposing the inner surface of the reinforcing plate toward the radially inward direction.

[0025] According to the above configuration, when the reinforcing plate is inserted to form the divided bodies, the portion of the inner surface of the reinforcing plate exposed by the window portion can be used as the abutment surface against which the molding die abuts. Therefore, by abutting the portion exposed by the window portion and the outer surface of the reinforcing plate with the molding die, the reinforcing plate can be held in a predetermined position. Therefore, displacement of the reinforcing plate from the predetermined position during molding of the divided bodies can be prevented.

[0026] [Aspect 11] A cylindrical member described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 10], wherein the main body portion has a recess formed by recessing the peripheral wall portion radially inward. According to the above configuration, the recessed portion increases the shape rigidity of the peripheral wall portion, thereby further increasing the rigidity and strength of the cylindrical member.

[0027] [Aspect 12] The tubular member is composed of a plurality of segments that divide the main body in the circumferential direction, and is formed by joining joints extending along the periphery of each of the plurality of segments, the plurality of segments including a first segment and a second segment adjacent to the first segment in the circumferential direction, each of the first segment and the second segment having a fastening portion formed therein for fastening a metal brace, and configured so that one brace can be fastened to a pair of the fastening portions, a tubular member described in any one of [Aspects 1] to [Aspect 11].

[0028] According to the above configuration, one brace is fastened to the fastening portions formed on each of the first and second segments adjacent in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the first and second segments are reinforced by one brace via a pair of fastening portions. This makes the first and second segments less likely to deform. This prevents stress from concentrating between the joints of the first and second segments, even if the tubular member is twisted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, the rigidity and strength of the tubular member can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of an instrument panel structure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the beam of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the beam of FIG. 2 as seen from the opposite side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the display device of FIG. 1 in a second position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a beam together with a brace in the second embodiment of the instrument panel structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the steering support portion of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the third embodiment of the instrument panel structure, focusing on the steering support portion of the beam. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the reinforcing plate of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8, showing a modification of the fastening portion in the second and third embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a beam together with a brace in the fourth embodiment of the instrument panel structure. [Figure 13] 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the support body, upper beam half, and lower beam half of the beam of FIG. 12 together with the collar. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the reinforcing plate of FIG. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the beam in FIG. 12, focusing on the steering support portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a plan view showing the lower half body of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a bottom view showing a modified example of the beam in the fourth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] First Embodiment A first embodiment of an instrument panel structure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0032] Hereinafter, the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 10 will be referred to as the fore-and-aft direction, and the front and rear in the fore-and-aft direction will be simply referred to as the front and rear. The width direction of the vehicle 10 will be referred to as the vehicle width direction, and the right and left sides in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the rear of the vehicle to the front will be simply referred to as the right and left sides. The up-and-down direction of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is positioned on a horizontal plane will be referred to as the up-and-down direction, and the upper and lower sides in the up-and-down direction will be simply referred to as the up and lower.

[0033] (Instrument panel structure 10A) As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument panel structure 10A is provided in front of a driver's seat (not shown) and a passenger seat 11 in the cabin of a vehicle 10, that is, in the front part of the vehicle 10.

[0034] The instrument panel structure 10A includes an instrument panel 13 arranged below a windshield 12, a beam 20 provided inside the instrument panel 13, an airbag device 50, and a display device 60.

[0035] The beam 20 supports a steering column (both not shown) that holds a steering shaft extending from a steering wheel, and extends in the vehicle width direction as a whole, with both ends in the vehicle width direction attached to the vehicle body.

[0036] The airbag device 50 is a device for protecting an occupant P seated in the passenger seat 11 from an impact such as a frontal collision, and is disposed below the beam 20. The display device 60 is a device that displays images such as television programs, videos, DVD software, etc., and is disposed above the beam 20.

[0037] Each component will be described in detail below. (Beam 20) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the beam 20 has a beam main body 30 and a peripheral portion 40 as the other component.

[0038] The beam body 30 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that passes through the center of the beam body 30 in the vehicle width direction and is perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. That is, the beam body 30 has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical.

[0039] The beam body 30 has a duct portion 31, an inlet 33, an outlet 34, a mounting portion 35 and a reinforcing rib 36. The duct portion 31 extends in the vehicle width direction and mainly constitutes the beam body 30. The duct portion 31 has a hollow shape. Specifically, the duct portion 31 is cylindrical with both ends in the vehicle width direction closed. Inside the duct portion 31, a flow path 32 is formed through which the conditioned air A from the air conditioner 14 flows (see FIG. 4).

[0040] The inlet 33 is cylindrical and protrudes forward from the center of the duct portion 31 in the vehicle width direction. The cross-sectional shape of the inlet 33 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is a rectangle that is long in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the inlet 33 is connected to the air conditioner 14 (see FIG. 3). Thus, the inlet 33 functions to guide the air-conditioning air A from the air conditioner 14 to the flow path 32.

[0041] The outlet 34 is cylindrical and protrudes rearward from the duct portion 31. The cross section of the outlet 34 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is square. The rear end of the outlet 34 is connected to an outlet 15 for air conditioning air A attached to the instrument panel 13 (see FIG. 2). Thus, the outlet 34 functions to guide the air conditioning air A flowing through the flow path 32 toward the outlet 15. In this embodiment, two outlets 34 are provided in the center of the duct portion 31 in the vehicle width direction, and one outlet 34 is provided at each end of the duct portion 31 in the vehicle width direction, corresponding to the outlets 15.

[0042] The mounting portions 35 are provided one on each end of the duct portion 31 in the vehicle width direction. Each mounting portion 35 has an upper mounting portion 35a that protrudes upward from the outer surface of the duct portion 31 and a lower mounting portion 35b that protrudes downward from the outer surface. When each mounting portion 35 is fastened to a front pillar (not shown) of the vehicle body, the beam main body 30, and therefore the beam 20, is fixed to the vehicle body.

[0043] The reinforcing rib 36 has an upper reinforcing rib 36a and a lower reinforcing rib 36b, which will be described later. The peripheral portion 40 includes a plurality of support portions for attaching various components to the beam main body 30, and a plurality of stay portions for connecting the beam main body 30 to the vehicle body.

[0044] The multiple support portions include a steering support portion to which a steering column is fastened via a bracket or the like, and an airbag support portion 41 to which a case 51 of an airbag device 50 is fastened via a bracket or the like (see Figure 2).

[0045] In this embodiment, the airbag support portion 41 is provided integrally with the left portion of the beam body 30. The steering support portion is provided integrally with the right portion of the beam body 30. That is, the vehicle 10 in this embodiment is a right-hand drive vehicle.

[0046] Specifically, the airbag support portion 41 is provided between the outlet 34 provided in the center of the duct portion 31 and the outlet 34 provided at the left end of the duct portion 31 .

[0047] Two holes 41a through which bolts (not shown) are inserted are formed at an interval in the vehicle width direction in the airbag support portion 41. After the bolts (both not shown) are inserted through the two holes 41a and two holes formed in the bracket or the like at positions corresponding to the two holes 41a, nuts (not shown) are screwed onto the bolts, thereby fastening the case 51 of the airbag device 50 to the airbag support portion 41.

[0048] The stay portions are provided integrally with the right portion of the beam body 30, for example, and are fastened to the cowl panel or dash panel of the vehicle body. 2 and 3, for the sake of convenience, the peripheral portion 40 other than the airbag support portion 41 and the portion of the beam body 30 where the peripheral portion 40 other than the airbag support portion 41 is provided are omitted.

[0049] (Upper divided body 21, lower divided body 23) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the beam 20 is made up of a plurality of divided bodies. In this embodiment, the beam 20 is made up of two divided bodies: an upper divided body 21 that forms the upper part of the beam 20, and a lower divided body 23 that forms the lower part of the beam 20. The divided bodies 21 and 23 divide the beam main body 30 into two in the circumferential direction of the duct portion 31. In the following description, the circumferential direction of the duct portion 31 will be simply referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0050] Each of the divided bodies 21, 23 is integrally molded from a resin material. From the viewpoint of improving rigidity and strength, it is preferable to use a fiber-reinforced resin as the resin material. In this embodiment, a polyamide resin containing glass fiber is used.

[0051] The upper split body 21 has an upper beam half body 30 a that constitutes the upper half of the beam main body 30 . The upper beam half body 30a has a semi-cylindrical upper peripheral wall portion 31a, an upper inlet half body 33a connected to the upper peripheral wall portion 31a and protruding forward, a plurality of upper outlet half bodies 34a connected to the upper peripheral wall portion 31a and protruding rearward, a pair of upper mounting portions 35a, and an upper reinforcing rib 36a.

[0052] The upper peripheral wall portion 31a constitutes the upper half of the duct portion 31. The upper inlet half body 33a constitutes the upper half of the inlet 33. The upper outlet half body a constitutes the upper half of the outlet .

[0053] A flange-shaped upper joint portion 22 is provided on the peripheral edge of the upper peripheral wall portion 31a and on the lower end portions of the upper inlet half body 33a and the plurality of upper outlet half bodies 34a that are continuous with the peripheral edge portion.

[0054] The upper joint portion 22 is integrally molded with the upper peripheral wall portion 31a, the upper inlet half body 33a, and the plurality of upper outlet half bodies 34a. The upper joint portion 22 has an upper opposing surface 22a extending along the dividing surface of the beam body 30, and an upper welding rib 22b protruding downward from the upper opposing surface 22a (see FIG. 4).

[0055] The upper reinforcing ribs 36a are molded integrally with the upper peripheral wall 31a. The upper reinforcing ribs 36a protrude upward from the outer surface of the upper peripheral wall 31a and extend in a mesh pattern along the outer surface. The protruding height of the upper reinforcing ribs 36a is constant throughout their extension.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the lower split body 23 has a lower beam half body 30b that constitutes the lower half of the beam main body 30. The lower beam half body 30b has a semi-cylindrical lower peripheral wall portion 31b, a lower inlet half body 33b connected to the lower peripheral wall portion 31b and protruding forward, a plurality of lower outlet half bodies 34b connected to the lower peripheral wall portion 31b and protruding rearward, a pair of lower mounting portions 35b, and a lower reinforcing rib 36b.

[0057] 2, in this embodiment, the lower beam half 30b has an airbag support portion 41. The airbag support portion 41 protrudes rearward from the outer surface of the lower peripheral wall portion 31b.

[0058] The lower peripheral wall portion 31b forms the lower half of the duct portion 31. The lower inlet half body 33b forms the lower half of the inlet 33. The lower outlet half body b forms the lower half of the outlet .

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a flange-shaped lower joint portion 24 is provided on the peripheral edge of the lower peripheral wall portion 31b and on the upper ends of the lower inlet half body 33b and multiple lower outlet half bodies 34b that are connected to the peripheral edge portion.

[0060] The lower joint portion 24 is integrally molded with the lower peripheral wall portion 31b, the lower inlet half body 33b, and the plurality of lower outlet half bodies 34b. The lower joint portion 24 has a lower opposing surface 24a extending along the dividing surface of the beam body 30 and a lower welding rib 24b protruding upward from the lower opposing surface 24a (see FIG. 4). The lower opposing surface 24a faces the upper opposing surface 22a in the vertical direction.

[0061] The upper welding rib 22b and the lower welding rib 24b are welded together using a known welding method such as vibration welding, thereby joining the upper joint portion 22 and the lower joint portion 24, and ultimately the upper division body 21 and the lower division body 23 together.

[0062] The lower reinforcing ribs 36b are molded integrally with the lower peripheral wall portion 31b. The lower reinforcing ribs 36b protrude downward from the outer surface of the lower peripheral wall portion 31b and extend in a mesh pattern along the outer surface. The protruding height of the lower reinforcing ribs 36b is constant throughout their extension direction.

[0063] (Airbag device 50) As shown in FIG. 1, the airbag device 50 includes a case 51, an airbag 52, and an inflator 53.

[0064] The case 51 has an airbag opening 51a that opens rearward and through which the airbag 52 passes when it is deployed and inflated. When the airbag 52 is not deployed and inflated, the airbag opening 51a is closed by an airbag door portion 13a attached to the instrument panel 13.

[0065] The airbag 52 is housed inside the case 51 in a folded state. The inflator 53 is fixed to the case 51 while being built into the front end of the airbag 52. The inflator 53 is electrically connected to an airbag control ECU (not shown) that activates the inflator 53 by detecting a frontal collision with the vehicle 10 based on information from a collision sensor.

[0066] The airbag device 50 is configured so that the airbag 52 deploys and inflates rearward when inflation gas is supplied from the inflator 53. In Fig. 1, the state of the airbag 52 and the airbag door portion 13a after inflation is shown by a two-dot chain line. The inflated airbag 52 has an upper inflation portion 52a and a lower inflation portion 52b.

[0067] The upper inflation portion 52a is large enough to be deployed and inflated between the instrument panel 13 and the upper body of the occupant P, particularly between the part that forms the upper surface of the instrument panel 13 (hereinafter referred to as the upper surface portion 13b) and the area from the head Ph to the chest Pc of the occupant P.

[0068] The lower inflation portion 52b has a size that allows it to be deployed and inflated between the instrument panel 13 and the knees Pk of the occupant P. (Display device 60) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the display device 60 includes a housing portion 61, a holding portion 62, and a display portion 63.

[0069] The storage section 61 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the storage section 61 is closed. The rear end of the storage section 61 has an opening 61a. The accommodation portion 61 is disposed inside the instrument panel 13 in the space S between the beam 20 and the upper surface portion 13b, and is fixed to the instrument panel 13.

[0070] The opening 61a is adjacent to a panel opening 13c formed in the instrument panel 13 in the front-rear direction, and opens rearward further forward than the panel opening 13c.

[0071] The holding portion 62 is configured to be displaceable between a first position (see Figure 1) in which it is accommodated within the accommodation portion 61 and a second position (see Figure 5) in which it protrudes rearward from the panel opening 13c of the instrument panel 13 by a sliding mechanism (not shown) possessed by the display device 60.

[0072] The holding portion 62 is configured so that it is restricted from being displaced further rearward than the second position by a restriction mechanism (not shown) that the display device 60 has. The display unit 63 is a flat plate having a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. One surface of the display unit 63 in the thickness direction is provided with a screen 63a for displaying images such as television programs, videos, DVD software, etc.

[0073] The display unit 63 is rotatably attached to the rear end of the holding unit 62 via pins 64 provided on both ends in the vehicle width direction. The display unit 63 is configured to be rotatable between a closed position in which it extends from the holding unit 62 in the front-to-rear direction, and an open position in which it stands up from the closed position. In Fig. 5, the solid line indicates the display unit 63 when in the closed position, and the two-dot chain line indicates the display unit 63 when in the open position.

[0074] When the display unit 63 is in the closed position, the display unit 63 is held by the holding part 62 with the screen 63a facing downward. When the display unit 63 is in the open position, the display unit 63 is held by the holding part 62 with the screen 63a facing backward. This allows the occupant P to view the screen 63a.

[0075] The display unit 63 is configured such that its rotation is restricted at each of the closed position and the open position by a locking mechanism (not shown) that the display device 60 has. <Effects of the First Embodiment> (1-1) The beam 20 has a duct portion 31 that extends in the vehicle width direction and forms a flow path 32 through which the conditioned air A from the air conditioner 14 flows. The airbag device 50 is disposed below the beam 20 in the up-down direction.

[0076] With this configuration, the beam 20 functions as an air conditioning duct. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate air conditioning duct inside the instrument panel 13. In addition, the airbag device 50 is disposed below the beam 20. As a result, the space S above the beam 20 inside the instrument panel 13 can be effectively utilized to improve functionality. Therefore, the functionality of the instrument panel 13 can be improved.

[0077] (1-2) The instrument panel structure 10A further includes a display device 60. The display device 60 has a holding portion 62 configured to be displaceable between a first position where it is housed in a housing portion 61 provided in the instrument panel 13 and a second position where it protrudes rearward from a panel opening 13c of the instrument panel 13. The display device 60 also has a display unit 63 rotatably attached to the holding portion 62. When the display device 60 is in the first position, it is located above the beam 20.

[0078] With this configuration, the space in the instrument panel where the airbag device and the air conditioning duct were conventionally arranged can be effectively used as storage space for the display device 60. Therefore, the functionality of the instrument panel 13 can be improved.

[0079] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the instrument panel structure will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The instrument panel structure of the second embodiment differs from the instrument panel structure of the first embodiment in that, instead of the beam 20, a beam 120 having a metal steering support portion 142 is provided.

[0080] The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, for configurations that are the same as or correspond to those in the first embodiment, the symbol "1**" is added by adding "100" to each symbol "**" in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0081] (Beam 120) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the beam 120 has a beam body 130 and a peripheral portion 140 as other components.

[0082] The beam body 130 has a duct portion 131 , an inlet 133 , a plurality of outlets 134 , an attachment portion 135 and a reinforcing rib 136 . The peripheral portion 140 includes an airbag support portion 141 to which the airbag device 50 is fastened via a bracket or the like, and a steering support portion 142 that supports the steering column 16 (see FIG. 6).

[0083] (Upper divided body 121, lower divided body 123) As shown in Fig. 6, the beam 120 is composed of two divided bodies: an upper divided body 121 that forms the upper part of the beam 120, and a lower divided body 123 that forms the lower part of the beam 120. The divided bodies 121 and 123 divide the beam main body 130 into two in the circumferential direction. The upper divided body 121 has an upper beam half body 130a that forms the upper half of the beam main body 130. In this embodiment, the upper divided body 121 is formed by injection molding the upper beam half body 130a using a metal steering support part 142 (described later) as an insert member.

[0084] (Steering support part 142) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the steering support portion 142 has a half-cylindrical insert portion 143 and a support portion main body 144 to which the steering column 16 is fastened via a bracket or the like (not shown).

[0085] The insert portion 143 has a base portion 143a to which the support portion main body 144 is joined, and a left side extending portion 143b and a right side extending portion 143c extending from the base portion 143a. The left side extending portion 143b extends to the left of the support portion main body 144 in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the left side extending portion 143b extends to a position to the left of the outlet 134 provided in the center of the duct portion 131 and to the right of the airbag support portion 141. The right side extending portion 143c extends to the right of the support portion main body 144 in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the right side extending portion 143c extends to a position to the right of the outlet 134 provided at the right end of the duct portion 131.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, both extensions 143b and 143c are embedded in the upper beam half 130a. 7 and 8, the left extension portion 143b is formed with a fastening portion 145 that protrudes radially outward (in this embodiment, toward the rear) of the duct portion 131. Here, the radial direction of the duct portion 131 coincides with the radial direction of the beam main body 130. Note that, hereinafter, the radial direction of the duct portion 131 will be simply referred to as the radial direction. Also, the side closer to the center of the duct portion 131 and the side farther from the center in the radial direction will be simply referred to as the radial inside and outside.

[0087] A tip end 145a of the fastening portion 145 protrudes from the upper peripheral wall portion 131a and is exposed to the outside. A bolt hole 145b and a stud bolt 145c attached to the bolt hole 145b are provided in the tip end 145a. A metal brace 17 is fastened to the fastening portion 145. The stud bolt 145c is inserted into a fastening hole 17a formed in one end of the brace 17, and a nut 145d is screwed onto the stud bolt 145c, thereby fastening the brace 17 in a state where it abuts against the tip end 145a (see FIG. 8). The brace 17 extends downward from the fastening portion 145 (see FIG. 6). The other end of the brace 17 is fixed to, for example, the floor of the vehicle body.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the support portion main body 144 has an intermediate portion 144a, and a rear support portion 144b and a front support portion 144c that protrude from the intermediate portion 144a. The intermediate portion 144a covers the base portion 143a from above. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 144a is welded to the base portion 143a of the insert portion 143 by any method, such as laser welding or spot welding, thereby fixing the support portion main body 144 to the insert portion 143. The rear support portion 144b protrudes rearward from the upper beam half body 130a. For example, the rear portion of the steering column 16 is fixed to the rear support portion 144b. The front support portion 144c protrudes forward from the upper beam half body 130a. For example, the front portion of the steering column 16 is fixed to the front support portion 144c.

[0089] A fastening hole 144d for fastening a metal brace 18 is formed in the rear support portion 144b. In this embodiment, the fastening hole 144d is formed at the right end of the rear support portion 144b. One end of the brace 18 is fastened to the fastening hole 144d with fastening members such as bolts and nuts. The brace 18 extends at an incline so that it is positioned more to the right as it extends downward. The other end of the brace 18 is fixed to the side of the vehicle body. The braces 17 and 18 restrict tilting of the beam 120 in the circumferential direction.

[0090] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) and (1-2) of the first embodiment, the following new effects can be achieved.

[0091] (2-1) The beam 120 comprises a cylindrical beam main body 130 and a metal steering support portion 142 that supports the steering column 16. The beam main body 130 is composed of an upper beam half body 130a and a lower beam half body 130b, which are made of resin and divide the beam main body 130 in half in the circumferential direction. The upper beam half body 130a is molded with the steering support portion 142 inserted. The steering support portion 142 has a support portion main body 144 to which the steering column 16 is attached, and extension portions 143b and 143c that extend from the support portion main body 144 in the vehicle width direction and are embedded in the upper beam half body 130a.

[0092] In a vehicle powered by an engine, vibrations from the engine are easily transmitted to the beam 120, and so the beam 120 is required to have greater rigidity and strength than vehicles that do not have an engine, such as electric vehicles. In particular, the steering support portion 142 is required to have greater rigidity and strength than other portions of the beam 120. For this reason, if the steering support portion 142 and the beam main body 130 were both made of a resin material, there would be a problem in that the size of the steering support portion 142 would tend to increase in order to increase the rigidity and strength. In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the steering support portion 142 is made of a metal material. Therefore, compared to when the steering support portion 142 is made of a resin material, the steering support portion 142 can be made smaller while still maintaining its rigidity and strength.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the steering support portion 142 has the extensions 143b and 143c embedded in the upper beam half 130a. Therefore, the upper beam half 130a is reinforced by the extensions 143b and 143c. This increases the rigidity and strength of the beam 120.

[0094] (2-2) The left extension 143b is formed with a fastening portion 145 that protrudes rearward and is exposed outward, and to which a metal brace 17 that connects the beam 120 to the vehicle body is fastened.

[0095] When both the steering support part 142 and the beam main body 130 are made of a resin material, it is possible to mold a fastening part for attaching a metal brace 17 integrally with the beam main body 130 or the steering support part 142. However, in this case, a problem arises in that the fastening to the brace 17 is likely to loosen due to expansion and contraction of the resin. In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the fastening part 145 that is exposed to the outside is formed on the left extension part 143b of the steering support part 142. This eliminates the need to mold the fastening part integrally with the beam main body 130, and makes it possible to fasten the brace 17 to the metal fastening part 145. This prevents the fastening of the brace 17 to the beam 120 from loosening.

[0096] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the instrument panel structure will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The instrument panel structure of the third embodiment differs from the instrument panel structure of the second embodiment in that the steering support portion 142 includes a half-cylindrical reinforcing plate 170 in addition to the insert portion 143 and the support portion main body 144.

[0097] The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the second embodiment are used to designate the same or corresponding components as in the second embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0098] (Lower split body 123) 9, the lower divisional body 123 has a lower beam half body 130b that constitutes the lower half of the beam main body 130. In this embodiment, the lower divisional body 123 is formed by injection molding the lower beam half body 130b using a metal reinforcing plate 170 (described later) as an insert member.

[0099] (Reinforcing plate 170) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the reinforcing plate 170 includes a semi-cylindrical reinforcing plate main body 171, a flange portion 172, and a fastening piece 173. The reinforcing plate main body 171 is entirely embedded in the lower beam half body 130b. The flange portion 172 extends radially outward (coincident with the rear in this embodiment) from one circumferential end edge of the reinforcing plate main body 171. The flange portion 172 protrudes radially rearward beyond the lower beam half body 130b and is exposed outward. Fastening holes 174 are formed on both the left and right sides of the flange portion 172. Bolts are inserted through the pair of fastening holes 174 and a pair of fastening holes 144e formed in the rear support portion 144b, and nuts (both not shown) are screwed onto the bolts to fasten the flange portion 172 to the rear support portion 144b.

[0100] The fastening piece 173 extends radially outward (in this embodiment, coincident with the front) from the other circumferential end edge of the reinforcing plate main body 171. The fastening piece 173 projects radially forward beyond the lower beam half body 130b and is exposed outward. A pair of fastening pieces 173 is provided on the other end edge, spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. A fastening hole (not shown) is formed in each fastening piece 173. The pair of fastening pieces 173 is fastened to the front support portion 144c by inserting bolts through the fastening holes of the pair of fastening pieces 173 and through a pair of fastening holes formed in the front support portion 144c, and then threading nuts (both not shown) onto the bolts.

[0101] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) and (1-2) of the first embodiment and the effects (2-1) and (2-2) of the second embodiment, the following new effects can be achieved.

[0102] In addition to the half-cylindrical insert portion 143, the half-cylindrical reinforcing plate 170 is embedded in the beam main body 130, so that the beam main body 130 is reinforced over almost the entire circumferential direction. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the portion of the beam 120 where the steering support portion 142 is provided can be increased over almost the entire circumferential direction.

[0103] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the instrument panel structure will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 20. The instrument panel structure of the fourth embodiment differs from the instrument panel structures of the second and third embodiments in that, instead of the beam 120, a beam 220 having a steering support portion 242 as a peripheral portion 240 is provided.

[0104] The following description will focus on differences from the second and third embodiments. Note that in the fourth embodiment, configurations that are the same as or correspond to those of the second and third embodiments will be marked with the symbol "2**," which is obtained by adding "100" to the symbol "1**" in the second and third embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0105] (Steering support part 242) 12 and 13, the steering support part 242 has a support part main body 244 and a reinforcing plate 270. Note that the steering support part 242 of this embodiment does not have the insert part 143 and the fastening part 145. The support part main body 244 has an intermediate part 244a, a rear support part 244b, and a front support part 244c, as well as a pair of extension parts 244f extending in the vehicle width direction from both the left and right sides of the intermediate part 244a and the front support part 244c. A fastening hole 244d for fastening the metal brace 18 is formed in the rear support part 244b.

[0106] 13 and 16, a part of the extending portion 244f extends along the outer surface of the upper beam half 230a. A pair of fastening holes 244g is formed in each extending portion 244f so as to sandwich the upper peripheral wall portion 231a of the duct portion 231 in the front-rear direction.

[0107] (Reinforcement plate 270) As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the reinforcing plate 270 has a reinforcing plate main body 271 in the shape of a half cylinder, a rear flange portion 272, and a front flange portion 273.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16, the reinforcing plate body 271 is partially embedded in the lower peripheral wall portion 231b of the lower beam half body 230b. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the rear flange portion 272 extends radially outward (coincident with the rear in this embodiment) from one circumferential edge of the reinforcing plate main body 271. The rear flange portion 272 has a first portion 272a and a second portion 272b. The first portion 272a extends along the entire one edge of the reinforcing plate main body 271 in the vehicle width direction. The first portion 272a is provided with a pair of fastening holes 275 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. The second portion 272b extends further rearward from the edge of the first portion 272a. The second portion 272b has one fastening hole 274 formed on each of the left and right sides. In this embodiment, the pair of fastening holes 274 are elongated holes that are long in the front-to-rear direction.

[0109] As shown in Figures 13 and 16, bolts 290 are inserted into the pair of fastening holes 274 and the pair of fastening holes 244e of the rear support part 244b, and then nuts 291 are screwed onto the bolts 290, whereby the rear flange part 272 is fastened in a superimposed state to the rear support part 244b.

[0110] 13 and 14, the front flange portion 273 extends radially outward (coincident with the front in this embodiment) from the other circumferential end edge of the reinforcing plate main body 271. The front flange portion 273 has a first portion 273a and a second portion 273b. The first portion 273a extends along the entire other end edge of the reinforcing plate main body 271 in the vehicle width direction. The second portion 273b extends further forward from the edge of the first portion 273a. A fastening hole 276 is formed on each of the left and right sides of the second portion 273b.

[0111] 14, the reinforcing plate 270 further has a pair of recesses 277 formed by recessing the reinforcing plate main body 271 radially inward, and a plurality of holes 278. The pair of recesses 277 are provided at positions continuous with one end edge of the reinforcing plate main body 271 in the circumferential direction, spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0112] The multiple holes 278 include multiple first holes 278a formed in the reinforcing plate main body 271 and multiple second holes 278b formed in the first portions 272a, 273a. The multiple first holes 278a are aligned at intervals from one another in the vehicle width direction in the central portion of the reinforcing plate main body 271 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, nine first holes 278a are aligned at equal intervals. The multiple second holes 278b are aligned at intervals from one another in the vehicle width direction in both the first portions 272a, 273a.

[0113] (Upper divided body 221) 13 and 16, the upper segment 221 has a pair of upper recesses 238a formed by recessing the upper peripheral wall portion 231a radially inward, and a rearward expanding portion 222A and a frontward expanding portion 222B formed by expanding a portion of the upper joint portion 222. The pair of upper recesses 238a are provided spaced apart in the vehicle width direction at positions that connect with the rearward end edges of both end edges of the upper peripheral wall portion 231a in the circumferential direction. The inner surface of the upper recesses 238a is a curved surface that curves in the vehicle width direction.

[0114] A cylindrical portion 222c protrudes downward from the rearward position of the upper welding rib 222b in the rearward expanding portion 222A. A metal collar 222d is inserted into the cylindrical portion 222c (see FIG. 16). In this embodiment, the pair of cylindrical portions 222c are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 13). The pair of cylindrical portions 222c are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of recessed portions 238a in the front-rear direction.

[0115] 13 and 16, bolt 292 is inserted through pair of fastening holes 244g, collar 222d in pair of tubular portions 222c, and pair of fastening holes 275 in that order, and then nut 293 is screwed onto bolt 292, whereby rear expansion portion 222A is fastened in a state where pair of extension portions 244f overlaps rear expansion portion 222A from above, and rear flange portion 272 overlaps rear expansion portion 222A from below. Note that collar 222d directly contacts extension portion 244f and rear flange portion 272, while the resin portion of rear expansion portion 222A does not contact them. This achieves metal-to-metal fastening.

[0116] 16, a cylindrical portion 222e protrudes downward from the front extension portion 222B forward of the upper welding rib 222b. A metal collar 222f is inserted into the cylindrical portion 222e. In this embodiment, the pair of cylindrical portions 222e are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction.

[0117] 13 and 16, bolts 292 are inserted through the pair of fastening holes 244g, the pair of collars 222f inside the tubular portions 222e, and the pair of fastening holes 276 in that order, and nuts 293 are then threaded onto the bolts 292, whereby the pair of extension portions 244f are overlapped from above with the front expansion portion 222B, and the front flange portion 273 is overlapped from below with the front expansion portion 222B, thereby fastening them together. Note that while the collars 222f are in direct contact with the extension portions 244f and the front flange portion 273, the resin portion of the front expansion portion 222B is not in contact with them. This achieves metal-to-metal fastening.

[0118] (Lower split body 223) 15 and 16, the lower segment 223 has a lower beam half 230b that constitutes the lower half of the beam main body 230. In this embodiment, the lower segment 223 is formed by injection molding the lower beam half 230b using a metal reinforcing plate 270 as an insert member. In the following description, the portion of the lower beam half 230b where the reinforcing plate 270 is embedded will be referred to as a reinforcing portion 280a, and the portion other than the reinforcing portion 280a will be referred to as a general portion 280b.

[0119] 15 to 19, the reinforcing portion 280a has a semi-cylindrical inner circumferential wall portion 281, a plurality of protrusions 284, and an outer circumferential wall portion 288. The inner circumferential wall portion 281 is disposed radially inward of the reinforcing plate 270 and covers the inner surface of the reinforcing plate 270. The inner surface of the inner circumferential wall portion 281 is flush with the inner surface of the lower circumferential wall portion 231b of the general portion 280b (see FIG. 17).

[0120] The inner peripheral wall portion 281 has a pair of lower recesses 238b and a plurality of circular windows 282. The pair of lower recesses 238b are formed corresponding to the pair of recesses 277 and are recessed radially inward (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The pair of lower recesses 238b and the pair of recesses 277 are provided at positions overlapping with the pair of upper recesses 238a in the up-down direction (see FIG. 16). The inner surface of the lower recess 238b, like the upper recess 238a, is a curved surface that curves in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 17). This prevents a sudden change in the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 232 due to the provision of both recesses 238a and 238b. This makes it less likely that the flow of the air-conditioning air A flowing through the flow path 232 will be obstructed.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the multiple window portions 282 are formed at positions overlapping the multiple first holes 278a, exposing the first holes 278a and the peripheral edges 271a of the first holes 278a radially inward. In this embodiment, a total of four window portions 282 are provided so as to expose every other one of the multiple first holes 278a (see FIG. 17 ). An opening edge 283 of the window portion 282 in the inner circumferential wall portion 281 is formed with an inclined portion 283a whose radial thickness decreases toward the center of the window portion 282 (see FIG. 18 ). This suppresses abrupt changes in the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 232 due to the presence of the window portion 282, compared to when the opening edge 283 is formed in a stepped shape. This reduces the flow of the air-conditioning air A flowing through the flow path 232.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 15, 17, 18, and 19, the plurality of protrusions 284 includes a plurality of first protrusions 285 and 286 and a plurality of second protrusions 287. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the multiple first protrusions 285 penetrate through the multiple first hole portions 278a that overlap with the multiple window portions 282. Each first protrusion 285 is fitted in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first hole portion 278a. A tip end 285a of each first protrusion 285 protrudes radially outward beyond the first hole portion 278a. The diameter of each tip end 285a is larger than that of the first hole portion 278a (see FIG. 18).

[0123] 15, 17, and 19, the multiple first protrusions 286 protrude from the inner circumferential wall 281 and penetrate the remaining first hole portions 278a. Each first protrusion 286 is fitted in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first hole portion 278a. A tip end 286a of each first protrusion 286 protrudes outward beyond the first hole portion 278a. The diameter of each tip end 286a is larger than that of the first hole portion 278a.

[0124] As shown in Figures 15, 18, and 19, the multiple second protrusions 287 protrude from the outer surface of the lower joint portion 224 and pass through multiple second hole portions 278b formed in each of the flange portions 272, 273. Each second protrusion 287 is fitted in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second hole portion 278b. A tip portion 287a of each second protrusion 287 protrudes outward beyond the second hole portion 278b. In this embodiment, the multiple second protrusions 287 are provided at positions that overlap the lower welding rib 224b in the up-down direction.

[0125] The outer peripheral wall portion 288 is disposed radially outward of the reinforcing plate 270. The outer peripheral wall portion 288 extends along the outer surface of the reinforcing plate 270 and partially covers the outer surface. That is, only a portion of the reinforcing plate 270 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral wall portion 281 and the outer peripheral wall portion 288 in the radial direction. The outer peripheral wall portion 288 has a plurality of first portions 288a and a plurality of second portions 288b. The plurality of first portions 288a extend in the circumferential direction and are arranged at equal intervals in the vehicle width direction. The plurality of second portions 288b extend in the vehicle width direction and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the tip portions 285a, 286a, and 287a are disposed at intersections of the first portion 288a and the plurality of second portions 288b. That is, the tip ends 285a, 286a, 287a that are adjacent in the vehicle width direction and the circumferential direction are connected to each other. Also, part of the outer circumferential wall portion 288 is configured by each of the tip ends 285a, 286a, 287a and the portions that connect the adjacent tip ends 285a, 286a, 287a.

[0126] 15, the outer peripheral wall portion 288 has a lattice shape as a whole, which allows stress acting in the vehicle width direction or circumferential direction to be suitably dispersed, thereby improving the rigidity and strength of the beam 220 against the stress.

[0127] (Fastening parts 239a, 239b) As shown in FIGS. 12, 15, and 20, an upper fastening portion 239a and a lower fastening portion 239b are integrally formed on each of the beam half bodies 230a, 230b, protruding rearward from the peripheral wall portions 231a, 231b. A pair of the fastening portions 239a, 239b is provided on each of the left and right sides of the outlet 234, which is located at the center in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 12). A bolt 294 is inserted through a fastening hole formed in each of the fastening portions 239a, 239b and a pair of fastening holes 19a formed at one end of the metal brace 19, and a nut 295 is screwed onto the bolt 294. The brace 19 extends downward from the fastening portions 239a, 239b (see FIG. 12). The other end of the brace 19 is fixed to, for example, the floor of the vehicle body.

[0128] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) and (1-2) of the first embodiment, the following new effects can be achieved.

[0129] (4-1) The beam 220 includes a beam main body 230 extending in the vehicle width direction at the front of the vehicle 10, and a metal reinforcing plate 270 for reinforcing the beam main body 230. The beam main body 230 has an inner circumferential wall portion 281 extending in the circumferential direction. The reinforcing plate 270 is disposed radially outward of the inner circumferential wall portion 281. The inner circumferential wall portion 281 is formed with a first protrusion portion 286 that protrudes from the inner circumferential wall portion 281 and penetrates the reinforcing plate 270. Only a portion of the reinforcing plate 270 is sandwiched radially between a tip portion 286a of the first protrusion portion 286 and the inner circumferential wall portion 281.

[0130] According to this configuration, the reinforcing plate 270 is sandwiched between the tip end 286a of the first protrusion 286 and the inner circumferential wall portion 281, and thus the reinforcing plate 270 is fixed to the inner circumferential wall portion 281. As a result, the reinforcing portion 280a of the beam main body 230 is reinforced by the reinforcing plate 270. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the beam 220 can be increased.

[0131] However, for example, if the metal reinforcing plate 270 is fixed inside the inner circumferential wall portion 281, the following problem occurs. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the beam 220 is formed by the inner circumferential surface of the resin beam main body 230 and the inner surface of the metal reinforcing plate 270. Here, metal materials have relatively higher thermal conductivity than resin materials. Therefore, when the beam 220 functions as an air-conditioning duct having a flow path 232 through which air-conditioning air A flows, heat from the air-conditioning air A is likely to be released to the outside of the beam 220 via the inner surface of the metal reinforcing plate 270. As a result, it becomes difficult to maintain the temperature of the air-conditioning air A flowing inside the beam main body 230 at the temperature adjusted by the air conditioner 14. In addition, since the air-conditioning air A comes into direct contact with the inner surface of the reinforcing plate 270, there is also the problem that rust is likely to form on the reinforcing plate 270. Furthermore, in this case, there is a risk that the rust will be carried by the air-conditioning air A and scattered downstream.

[0132] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the reinforcing plate 270 is fixed outside the inner circumferential wall portion 281. Therefore, compared to when the reinforcing plate 270 is fixed inside the inner circumferential wall portion 281, the area of ​​the portion of the inner surface of the reinforcing plate 270 that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the beam 220 can be made smaller. This suppresses heat release to the outside of the beam 220 via the reinforcing plate 270. Furthermore, rust formation on the reinforcing plate 270 due to direct contact with the air-conditioning air A is suppressed. Therefore, the temperature of the air-conditioning air A can be maintained at the temperature adjusted by the air conditioner 14, and rust formation on the reinforcing plate 270 and scattering of rust downstream can be suppressed.

[0133] (4-2) The portion of the reinforcing plate 270 through which the first protrusion 286 penetrates is the first hole 278a. When the portion of the reinforcing plate 270 through which the first protrusion 286 penetrates is formed, for example, by cutting out an end of the reinforcing plate 270, the cutout portion thus formed is likely to reduce the rigidity and strength of the reinforcing plate 270. In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the above-described portion is formed by the first hole portion 278a, so there is no need to cut out portions of the reinforcing plate 270 other than the above-described portion. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the reinforcing plate 270 can be increased compared to when the portion through which the first protrusion 286 penetrates is formed by cutting out the reinforcing plate 270.

[0134] (4-3) The beam main body 230 has a plurality of first protrusions 286 and a portion that extends along the reinforcing plate 270 and connects the tip ends 286a of the plurality of first protrusions 286. The plurality of first protrusions 286 and the portion described above constitute a second portion 288b of the outer circumferential wall portion 288.

[0135] According to this configuration, the reinforcing plate 270 is sandwiched between the inner circumferential wall portion 281 and the second portion 288b, which includes the tip ends 286a of the multiple first protrusions 286 and portions connecting the tip ends 286a together. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 270 can be firmly fixed to the inner circumferential wall portion 281.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the beam main body 230 is reinforced by the second portion 288b in addition to the reinforcing plate 270. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the beam 220 can be further increased.

[0137] (4-4) The outer peripheral wall portion 288 has a lattice shape that extends along the outer surface of the reinforcing plate 270 . In order to increase the rigidity and strength of the beam 220, it is conceivable to provide an outer peripheral wall portion 288 so as to cover the entire outer surface of the reinforcing plate 270. In this case, while the rigidity and strength of the beam 220 can be further increased by the reinforcing plate 270 and the outer peripheral wall portion 288, there is a problem in that the weight of the beam 220 increases due to the provision of the outer peripheral wall portion 288. In this regard, according to the above-described configuration, the outer peripheral wall portion 288 has a lattice shape. In other words, the outer peripheral wall portion 288 has a shape in which portions are partially hollowed out. This reduces the weight of the outer peripheral wall portion 288. Therefore, the outer peripheral wall portion 288 can further increase the rigidity and strength of the beam 220 while suppressing an increase in the weight of the beam 220.

[0138] (4-5) The beam 220 further includes a support portion main body 244 for supporting the steering column 16 as a peripheral member of the beam main body 230. The reinforcing plate 270 has a reinforcing plate main body 271 and flange portions 272, 273 extending from the circumferential edge of the reinforcing plate main body 271. Fastening holes 274, 275, 276 are formed in the flange portions 272, 273 to which the respective support portions 244b, 244c of the support portion main body 244 are fastened.

[0139] According to this configuration, the support portion main body 244 can be fixed to the beam main body 230 via the flange portions 272 and 273 of the reinforcing plate 270 . Furthermore, with the above configuration, the support body 244 is reinforced by the metal flanges 272, 273. Therefore, the flanges 272, 273 can increase the rigidity and strength of the support body 244.

[0140] (4-6) The lower half body 223 is an insert-molded product formed by inserting a reinforcing plate 270. Flange portions 272, 273 are superimposed on the outer surface of the lower joint portion 224 of the lower half body 223. A second protrusion 287 is formed on the outer surface of the lower joint portion 224. The second protrusion 287 protrudes from the outer surface, penetrates the flange portions 272, 273, and fits closely into the inner circumferential surfaces of the second hole portions 278b of the flange portions 272, 273.

[0141] According to this configuration, the beam 220 in which the beam main body 230 is reinforced by the reinforcing plate 270 can be formed simply by joining the joints 222, 224 of the divided bodies 221, 223 together.

[0142] Here, the beam 220 formed by the segments 221, 223 has a problem in that, for example, when deformation (twisting) occurs in the beam 220 along the circumferential direction, stress is likely to concentrate between the circumferentially adjacent joints 222, 224. In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the second protrusions 287 engage with the inner circumferential surfaces of the second holes 278b of the flanges 272, 273, thereby fixing the flanges 272, 273 in a state where they are overlapped with the lower joint 224. Therefore, the lower joint 224 is reinforced by the flanges 272, 273. This makes the lower joint 224 less likely to deform. Therefore, even when twisting occurs in the beam 220, stress concentration between the circumferentially adjacent joints 222, 224 can be suppressed.

[0143] (4-7) The inner peripheral wall portion 281 of the lower divided body 223 is formed with a window portion 282 that exposes the inner surface of the reinforcing plate 270 toward the inside in the radial direction. According to this configuration, when molding the lower beam half 230b of the lower section 223, the peripheral edge 271a, which is the portion of the inner surface of the reinforcing plate 270 exposed by the window 282, can be used as an abutment surface against which a molding die abuts. Therefore, by abutting the molding die against the peripheral edge 271a and the outer surface of the reinforcing plate 270, the reinforcing plate 270 can be held in a predetermined position. Therefore, displacement of the reinforcing plate 270 from the predetermined position can be suppressed during molding of the lower section 223.

[0144] (4-8) The beam main body 230 has recessed portions 238a and 238b formed by recessing the peripheral wall portions 231a and 281 radially inward. According to this configuration, the recesses 238a and 238b increase the shape rigidity of the upper circumferential wall portion 231a and the inner circumferential wall portion 281. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the beam 220 can be further increased.

[0145] (4-9) Fastening portions 239a, 239b for fastening a metal brace 19 are formed on each of the divided bodies 221, 223. The beam 220 is configured so that one brace 19 can be fastened to the pair of fastening portions 239a, 239b.

[0146] According to the above configuration, one brace 19 is fastened to the fastening portions 239a, 239b formed on each of the upper segment 221 and the lower segment 223 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the upper segment 221 and the lower segment 223 are reinforced by the one brace 19 via the pair of fastening portions 239a, 239b. This makes it difficult for the segments 221, 223 to deform. As a result, even if twisting occurs in the beam 220, stress concentration between the joints 222, 224 of the segments 221, 223 can be suppressed.

[0147] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0148] In the first embodiment, the display device 60 is disposed in the space S between the beam 20 and the upper surface portion 13b, but what is disposed in the space S is not limited to this. For example, instead of the holding portion 62 and the display portion 63, a table configured to be displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the accommodation portion 61 may be accommodated.

[0149] Instead of the display device 60, the top surface 13b of the instrument panel 13 may be provided with an accommodation recess having an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of an object to be accommodated. The display device 60 may be omitted, and the space S above the beam 20 in the instrument panel 13 may be reduced to set the upper surface 13b of the instrument panel 13 lower.

[0150] With this configuration, the instrument panel 13 can be made thinner. The inlet 33 is not limited to one that protrudes forward from the duct portion 31. For example, the inlet 33 may extend at an angle from the duct portion 31 so that it is positioned higher toward the front, or may extend at an angle from the duct portion 31 so that it is positioned lower toward the front.

[0151] The cross-sectional shapes of the inlet 33 and the outlet 34 are not limited to the shapes exemplified in the first embodiment, and may be, for example, oval shapes that are long in the vehicle width direction. The protruding height of the upper reinforcing rib 36a and the lower reinforcing rib 36b does not have to be uniform throughout the entire extension direction.

[0152] In the first embodiment, the upper division body 21 and the lower division body 23 are joined by welding the upper welding rib 22b and the lower welding rib 24b, but the method for joining the upper division body 21 and the lower division body 23 is not limited to this. Any joining method can be used as long as it defines the flow path 32. For example, the upper division body 21 and the lower division body 23 may be joined by fastening the upper joint portion 22 and the lower joint portion 24 together using a plurality of bolts.

[0153] The beam 20 is not limited to being divided into an upper segment 21 and a lower segment 23 as exemplified in the first embodiment. For example, the beam 20 may be divided into a front segment and a rear segment. Furthermore, the beam 20 is not limited to being divided into two segments in the circumferential direction, but may be divided into three or more segments in the circumferential direction.

[0154] The shape of the duct portion 31 is not limited to the cylindrical shape exemplified in the first embodiment, but may be, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape. The shape of the beam body 30 is not limited to the bilaterally symmetrical shape exemplified in the first embodiment, and may be an asymmetrical shape.

[0155] In the first embodiment, the segments 21, 23 are integrally molded from a resin material. However, for example, each of the segments constituting the beam main body 30 may be integrally molded from a resin material, with the remaining components being formed separately from a metal material. The entire beam 20 may also be formed from a metal material. In this case, the rigidity and strength of the beam 20 are ensured, and the reinforcing ribs 36a, 36b can be omitted.

[0156] The brace 18 is not limited to being fastened to the support body 144 as illustrated in the second embodiment, but may instead be fastened to an additional fastening portion that protrudes radially outward from the right extension 143c. In this case, the brace 18 extends downward and is fastened to the floor of the vehicle body, similar to the brace 17.

[0157] The fastening portion 145 is not limited to the one protruding radially and exposed outward as illustrated in the second embodiment. For example, it may be modified as shown in FIG. 11 . That is, the fastening portion 145 may simply be a stud bolt 145c attached to a bolt hole 145b formed in the left-side extending portion 143b. In this case, a window 137 for exposing the fastening portion 145 outward can be formed in a location of the upper peripheral wall portion 131a corresponding to the fastening portion 145. Even with this configuration, if the stud bolt 145c of the fastening portion 145 exposed outward by the window 137 is inserted into the fastening hole 17a of the brace 17, and the nut 145d is screwed onto the stud bolt 145c, the brace 17 is fastened in a state of abutting against the fastening portion 145. Therefore, the same effects as those described in (2-2) can be achieved.

[0158] The brace 17 may be fastened to the support body 144 . In the second and third embodiments, the braces 17 and 18 may be omitted.

[0159] The reinforcing plate 170 may have an extension portion that extends from the reinforcing plate main body 171 beyond the support portion main body 144 in the vehicle width direction. In this case, at least one of the extension portions 143b, 143c may be omitted from the insert portion 143. When the extension portion 143b is omitted, the fastening portion 145 may be provided on the extension portion of the reinforcing plate 170.

[0160] The second protrusions 287 are not limited to those formed at positions overlapping the lower welding rib 224b in the up-down direction, as illustrated in the fourth embodiment. For example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the second protrusions 287 may be positioned radially outward of the lower welding rib 224b.

[0161] When the second protrusion 287 is positioned so as to overlap the lower welding rib 224b in the vertical direction, the thickness of the portion of the lower section 223 where the second protrusion 287 and the lower welding rib 224b are formed increases significantly compared to other portions. In this case, when the lower section 223 is molded, sink marks are likely to occur in the portion where the second protrusion 287 and the lower welding rib 224b are formed. In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the second protrusion 287 is formed in a position where it does not overlap the lower welding rib 224b in the vertical direction. This prevents the thickness of the lower section 223 from increasing significantly. This prevents the occurrence of sink marks.

[0162] In the fourth embodiment, of the pair of braces 19, the brace 19 adjacent to the steering support portion 242 in the vehicle width direction may be fastened to the support portion main body 244. In this case, the fastening portions 239a, 239b to which the brace 19 is fastened can be omitted.

[0163] The recessed portion 277 may be omitted from the reinforcing plate 270. In this case, the recessed portions 238a and 238b are omitted from the beam half bodies 230a and 230b. The shape, number and arrangement of the window portions 282 are not limited to those exemplified in the fourth embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate as long as the effects described in (4-7) are achieved.

[0164] The window portion 282 may be omitted. That is, the multiple protrusions 284 may be formed only by the protrusions 286, 287. In this case, the flanges 272, 273 may be clamped by a molding die to prevent the reinforcing plate 270 from shifting in position when the lower section 223 is formed. With this configuration, the reinforcing plate 270 does not form the inner peripheral surface of the beam 220. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent heat release from the reinforcing plate 270, rust generation, and rust scattering downstream.

[0165] The beam 220 is not limited to having the support portion main body 244 as exemplified in the fourth embodiment. In other words, by omitting the support portion main body 244 from the beam 220, the beam 220 may simply function as an air conditioning duct through which the air conditioning air A flows. Accordingly, the second portions 272b, 273b may be omitted from the flange portions 272, 273 of the reinforcing plate 270.

[0166] The number and arrangement of the holes 278 and the protrusions 284 are not limited to those exemplified in the fourth embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in Fig. 21, a first hole 278a (not shown) and a first protrusion 286 penetrating the first hole 278a may be provided at the intersection of the first portion 288a and the second portion 288b.

[0167] Of the plurality of first portions 288a and second portions 288b, those other than those connecting the tip portions 286a, 287a may be omitted as appropriate. The tip ends 286a, 287a of the multiple protrusions 284 do not have to be connected to each other. In this case, the outer peripheral wall 288 is not limited to a lattice shape, and may be formed simply by the tip ends 286a, 287a.

[0168] The portion of the reinforcing plate 270 through which the protrusion 284 passes is not limited to being constituted by the hole 278, but may be constituted by, for example, a notch formed by cutting out the above portion from the edge of the reinforcing plate 270.

[0169] The flanges 272, 273 may be omitted from the reinforcing plate 270. In this case, the second protrusion 287 is omitted from the reinforcing portion 280a. That is, the multiple protrusions 284 are configured by only the first protrusion 286.

[0170] The multiple protrusions 284 may be omitted. In this case, instead of the protrusions 284, an outer portion disposed radially outward from the reinforcing plate 270 may be provided on the beam main body 230. Even in this case, it is sufficient that only a portion of the reinforcing plate 270 is sandwiched radially between the inner circumferential wall portion 281 and the outer portion.

[0171] The reinforcing plate 270 is not limited to being made of metal, but may be made of a material that is more rigid than the resin material that forms the beam body 230. Examples of such materials include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

[0172] In the second to fourth embodiments, the airbag device 50 is not limited to being disposed below the beams 120, 220 in the vertical direction, and the position thereof may be changed as appropriate, for example, to be disposed above the beams 120, 220.

[0173] The instrument panel structure according to the present invention is not limited to being applied to a right-hand drive vehicle 10, but may also be applied to a left-hand drive vehicle. The instrument panel structure according to the present invention is not limited to one having a separate instrument panel and beam. For example, the instrument panel may be omitted from the instrument panel structure, and the beam may have a design surface that is visible from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0174] <Additional Notes> The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. [Appendix 1] A vehicle beam comprising: a cylindrical beam body extending in a vehicle width direction within an instrument panel and attached to a vehicle body; and a metal steering support part supporting a steering column, the beam body is composed of a first beam divided body and a second beam divided body made of resin that divide the beam body in the circumferential direction of the beam body, At least one of the first beam divided body and the second beam divided body is molded by inserting the steering support portion, The steering support portion has a support portion main body to which the steering column is attached, and an extension portion that extends from the support portion main body in the vehicle width direction and is embedded in one of the beam segments. Vehicle beam.

[0175] [Appendix 2] The extension portion protrudes radially from the beam body and is exposed outward, and has a fastening portion formed thereon to which a metal brace that connects the vehicle beam to the vehicle body is fastened. [Appendix 1] Vehicle beam.

[0176] [Appendix 3] A cylindrical member including: a main body portion extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion of a vehicle; and a reinforcing plate formed of a material having higher rigidity than the main body portion, extending along the main body portion to reinforce the main body portion, When the circumferential direction and the radial direction of the main body portion are simply defined as the circumferential direction and the radial direction, the main body portion has a peripheral wall portion that is disposed inward of the reinforcing plate in the radial direction and extends in the circumferential direction, and an outer portion that is disposed outward of the reinforcing plate in the radial direction, A cylindrical member, wherein only a portion of the reinforcing plate is sandwiched between the peripheral wall portion and the outer portion in the radial direction.

[0177] [Appendix 4] the main body portion has a protrusion portion that protrudes from the peripheral wall portion and penetrates the reinforcing plate, The cylindrical member according to [Appendix 3], wherein at least a portion of the outer portion is constituted by the tip of the protrusion.

[0178] [Appendix 5] The cylindrical member according to [Appendix 4], wherein the portion of the reinforcing plate through which the protrusion passes is a hole.

[0179] [Appendix 6] the main body portion has a plurality of the protrusions and a connecting portion that extends along the reinforcing plate and connects tip ends of the plurality of the protrusions to each other, The cylindrical member according to [Appendix 4] or [Appendix 5], wherein at least a portion of the outer part is constituted by the plurality of protrusions and the connecting part.

[0180] [Appendix 7] The cylindrical member according to any one of [Appendix 3] to [Appendix 6], wherein the outer portion has a lattice shape extending along the outer surface of the reinforcing plate.

[0181] [Appendix 8] the cylindrical member further includes a support portion for supporting a peripheral member of the main body portion; the support portion includes a support portion main body to which the peripheral member is fastened and the reinforcing plate, the reinforcing plate has a reinforcing plate body and a flange portion extending from an edge of the reinforcing plate body in the circumferential direction, The cylindrical member according to any one of [Appendix 3] to [Appendix 7], wherein the support body is fastened to the flange portion.

[0182] [Appendix 9] the tubular member is a vehicle beam whose both ends in the vehicle width direction are attached to a vehicle body and which reinforces a front portion of the vehicle, The cylindrical member described in [Appendix 8], wherein the support portion is a metal steering support portion that supports a steering column as the peripheral member.

[0183] [Appendix 10] the cylindrical member is composed of a plurality of divided bodies that divide the main body in the circumferential direction, and is formed by joining flange-shaped joint portions that extend along peripheral edges of each of the plurality of divided bodies, one of the plurality of divided bodies is an insert-molded product molded by inserting the reinforcing plate, the flange portion is superimposed on an outer surface of the joint portion of the insert molding product, The cylindrical member according to [Appendix 8] or [Appendix 9], wherein an engaging portion that penetrates the flange portion and engages with the flange portion is formed on the outer surface.

[0184] [Appendix 11] a joining rib is formed at the joining portion of the insert-molded product and joined to the joining portion of the divided body adjacent to the insert-molded product in the circumferential direction, The tubular member according to [Appendix 10], wherein the engaging portion is positioned so as not to overlap with the joining rib in the protruding direction of the joining rib.

[0185] [Appendix 12] A cylindrical member described in [Appendix 10] or [Appendix 11], wherein a window portion is formed in the peripheral wall portion of the insert-molded product, exposing the inner surface of the reinforcing plate toward the radially inward direction.

[0186] [Appendix 13] The cylindrical member according to any one of [Appendix 3] to [Appendix 12], wherein the main body portion has a recess formed by recessing the peripheral wall portion radially inward.

[0187] [Appendix 14] the cylindrical member is configured from a plurality of divided bodies that divide the main body in the circumferential direction, and is formed by joining joints extending along peripheral edges of each of the plurality of divided bodies, the plurality of divided bodies include a first divided body and a second divided body adjacent to the first divided body in the circumferential direction, Each of the first divided body and the second divided body is formed with a fastening portion for fastening a metal brace, The tubular member according to any one of [Appendix 3] to [Appendix 13], wherein one brace can be fastened to a pair of the fastening portions.

[0188] [Appendix 15] A cylindrical member including: a main body portion extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion of a vehicle; and a reinforcing plate formed of a material having higher rigidity than the main body portion, extending along the main body portion to reinforce the main body portion, When the circumferential direction of the main body portion is simply defined as the circumferential direction, the tubular member is configured from a plurality of divided bodies that divide the main body in the circumferential direction, and is formed by joining joints extending along peripheral edges of each of the plurality of divided bodies, One of the plurality of divided bodies is a cylindrical member formed by inserting the reinforcing plate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] A: Air conditioning air P...Crew member Pc…Chest Ph…Head Pk…knee area S...Space 10...Vehicle 10A...Instrument panel structure 11...Passenger seat 12...Windshield 13...Instrument panel 13a...Airbag door section 13b...Top part 13c...Panel opening 14...Air conditioner 15…Air outlet 16...Steering column 17...Brace 17a…Fastening hole 18...Brace 19...Brace 19a…Fastening hole 20, 120, 220...Beam 21, 121, 221...Upper division 22,222…Upper joint 22a...Upper opposing surface 22b, 222b...Upper welding rib 23,123,223…lower division body 24,224…lower joint 24a...Lower opposing surface 24b, 224b...Lower welding rib 30, 130, 230...Beam body 30a, 130a, 230a...Upper beam half body 30b, 130b, 230b...Lower beam half body 31, 131, 231...Duct section 31a, 131a, 231a...Upper peripheral wall part 31b, 231b…lower peripheral wall part 32,232...flow path 33,133...Inlet 33a...Upper inlet half 33b...Lower inlet half 34,134,234...Outlet 34a...Upper outlet half 34b...Lower outlet half 35,135...Mounting part 35a...Upper mounting part 35b...Lower mounting part 36,136...Reinforcing rib 36a...Upper reinforcing rib 36b...Lower reinforcing rib 40, 140, 240...periphery 41,141...Airbag support part 41a…hole 50...Airbag device 51...Case 51a...Airbag opening 52...Airbag 52a...Upper expansion part 52b...lower expansion part 53...Inflator 60…Display device 61...Storage section 61a...Opening 62...Holding part 63...Display section 63a...Screen 64...pin 137...Window section 142,242...Steering support 143...insert part 143a...base part 143b,243b...Left side extension 143c...Right side extension 144,244…Support body 144a,244a…middle part 144b,244b...Rear support part 144c,244c...Front support part 144d,244d…fastening hole 144e,244e…fastening hole 145... Fastening part 145a...Tip 145b...Bolt hole 145c...Stud bolt 145d...Nut 170, 270...Reinforcing plate 171, 271...Reinforcing plate body 172...Flange part 173…Fascinating piece 174,274…Fastening hole 222A...Rear extension 222B…Anterior extension part 222c...Cylinder part 222d...Color 222e…Cylinder part 222f...Color 238a...Upper recess 238b...lower recess 239a...Upper fastening part 239b…Lower fastening part 244f...Extension part 244g…fastening hole 271a...periphery 272...Rear flange 272a…Part 1 272b…Second part 273...Front flange 273a…Part 1 273b…Second part 275…Fastening hole 276…Fastening hole 277…Recess 278...hole 278a...First hole 278b…Second hole 280a...Reinforcement section 280b…General section 281...Inner peripheral wall 282...Window section 283...Opening edge 283a...Slope part 284...Protrusion 285...first protrusion 285a...Tip 286...first protrusion 286a...Tip 287…Second protrusion 287a...Tip 288...Outer peripheral wall 288a…Part 1 288b…Second part 290...volts 291...Nat 292...Bolt 293...Nat 294...Bolt 295...Nut

Claims

1. A cylindrical member including: a main body portion extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion of a vehicle; and a reinforcing plate formed of a material having higher rigidity than the main body portion, extending along the main body portion to reinforce the main body portion, When the circumferential direction and the radial direction of the main body portion are simply defined as the circumferential direction and the radial direction, the main body portion has a peripheral wall portion that is disposed inward of the reinforcing plate in the radial direction and extends in the circumferential direction, and an outer portion that is disposed outward of the reinforcing plate in the radial direction, Only a portion of the reinforcing plate is sandwiched between the peripheral wall portion and the outer portion in the radial direction. Cylindrical member.

2. the main body portion has a protrusion portion that protrudes from the peripheral wall portion and penetrates the reinforcing plate, At least a part of the outer part is formed by the tip of the protrusion. The tubular member according to claim 1 .

3. The portion of the reinforcing plate through which the protrusion penetrates is a hole. The tubular member according to claim 2 .

4. the main body portion has a plurality of the protrusions and a connecting portion that extends along the reinforcing plate and connects tip ends of the plurality of the protrusions to each other, At least a portion of the outer portion is configured by the plurality of protrusions and the connecting portion. The cylindrical member according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The outer portion is a lattice-like shape extending along the outer surface of the reinforcing plate. The tubular member according to claim 1 .

6. the cylindrical member further includes a support portion for supporting a peripheral member of the main body portion; the support portion includes a support portion main body to which the peripheral member is fastened and the reinforcing plate, the reinforcing plate has a reinforcing plate body and a flange portion extending from an edge of the reinforcing plate body in the circumferential direction, The support body is fastened to the flange portion. The tubular member according to claim 1 .

7. the tubular member is a vehicle beam whose both ends in the vehicle width direction are attached to a vehicle body and which reinforces a front portion of the vehicle, The support portion is a metal steering support portion that supports a steering column as the peripheral member. The tubular member according to claim 6 .

8. the cylindrical member is composed of a plurality of divided bodies that divide the main body in the circumferential direction, and is formed by joining flange-shaped joint portions that extend along peripheral edges of each of the plurality of divided bodies, one of the plurality of divided bodies is an insert-molded product formed by inserting the reinforcing plate, the flange portion is superimposed on an outer surface of the joint portion of the insert molding product, An engaging portion that penetrates the flange portion and engages with the flange portion is formed on the outer surface. The cylindrical member according to claim 6 or 7.

9. a joining rib is formed at the joining portion of the insert-molded product and joined to the joining portion of the divided body adjacent to the insert-molded product in the circumferential direction, The engaging portion is located at a position where it does not overlap with the joining rib in the protruding direction of the joining rib. The tubular member according to claim 8 .

10. a window portion that exposes an inner surface of the reinforcing plate toward the inside in the radial direction is formed in the peripheral wall portion of the insert molding product; The tubular member according to claim 8 .

11. The main body portion has a recessed portion formed by recessing the peripheral wall portion radially inward. The tubular member according to claim 1 .

12. the cylindrical member is configured from a plurality of divided bodies that divide the main body in the circumferential direction, and is formed by joining joints extending along peripheral edges of each of the plurality of divided bodies, the plurality of division bodies include a first division body and a second division body adjacent to the first division body in the circumferential direction, Each of the first divided body and the second divided body is formed with a fastening portion for fastening a metal brace, One brace can be fastened to a pair of the fastening portions. The tubular member according to claim 1 .

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