Vehicle structures

Abstract

To provide a structure for vehicle in which the degree of freedom of arrangement of a linear body with respect to a pipe member is high.SOLUTION: A structure 1 for vehicle comprises: a pipe member 2 which constitutes a portion of a skeleton of a vehicle; and a first linear body 3A and a second linear body 3B which have flexibility. The pipe member 2 comprises: a pipe part 22 which has the tubular shape; and a flange part 23A and a flange part 23B which are formed so as to protrude from the pipe part 22. The pipe part 22, the flange part 23A and the flange part 23B are constituted by a continuous one member. The first linear body 3A and the second linear body 3B are arranged in at least one state of the first state along the flange part 23A (flange part 23B) and the second state striding over the flange part 23A or the flange part 23B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, automobiles are provided with bumpers at the front and rear to receive impacts during a collision. Known examples of bumpers include a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction and a crash box that supports the bumper reinforcement (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes two bumper reinforcements, one above the other. The upper bumper reinforcement is made of, for example, an aluminum extrusion and has a constant cross section that is roughly square-shaped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-56857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The upper bumper reinforcement has a protrusion that protrudes outward (upward or downward) and has a sharp edge (see "first bumper reinforcement 17" in Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 1). Therefore, when routing a cable (harness), the cable must be kept as far away as possible from the protrusion to prevent damage to the cable due to contact with the edge, which creates a problem in that the location where the cable can be placed is limited.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure that allows for a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of linear bodies relative to pipe members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the vehicle structure of the present invention is a vehicle structure including a pipe member constituting a part of a frame of a vehicle and a flexible linear body, the pipe member has a tubular pipe portion and a flange portion formed to protrude from the pipe portion, and the pipe portion and the flange portion are formed as a single continuous member; The linear body is characterized in that it is arranged in at least one of a first state in which it is along the flange portion and a second state in which it straddles the flange portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the pipe member is configured with a single member in which the pipe portion and the flange portion are continuous, resulting in a rounded shape overall. This prevents damage to the linear object due to contact with the flange portion whether the linear object is placed in the first state or the second state. This allows the linear object to be freely placed regardless of its position relative to the pipe portion, i.e., there is a high degree of freedom in placing the linear object relative to the pipe member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an automobile incorporating a vehicle structure (first embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area [B] surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 3A to 3C are views (in a mold-opened state) sequentially illustrating a process (one example) for manufacturing a pipe member included in the vehicle structure shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are views (in a clamped state) sequentially showing a process (one example) for manufacturing a pipe member included in the vehicle structure shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. [Figure 10] 8A to 8C are views (in a mold-opened state) sequentially illustrating a process (one example) for manufacturing a pipe member included in the vehicle structure shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 8A to 8C are views (in a mold-opened state) sequentially illustrating a process (one example) for manufacturing a pipe member included in the vehicle structure shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of an automobile incorporating a vehicle structure (third embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the area [F] surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle structure according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment A first embodiment of a vehicle structure of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. For convenience of explanation, the overall length direction of the vehicle will be referred to as the X-axis direction, the width direction of the vehicle as the Y-axis direction, and the height direction of the vehicle as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the positive side of the X-axis direction will be referred to as the front of the vehicle, the negative side of the X-axis direction will be referred to as the rear of the vehicle, the positive side of the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the right side of the vehicle, the negative side of the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the left side of the vehicle, the positive side of the Z-axis direction will be referred to as the top of the vehicle, and the negative side of the Z-axis direction will be referred to as the bottom of the vehicle.

[0010] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a vehicle structure 1 is mounted on and used in an automobile 100, which is a passenger car. As shown in Fig. 3, the vehicle structure 1 includes a pipe member 2, a first linear body 3A, and a second linear body 3B.

[0011] The pipe member 2 is disposed parallel to the XY plane and is a member that constitutes part of the vehicle frame. In this embodiment, the pipe member 2 is applied to the front bumper of an automobile (passenger car) 100. In this case, the pipe member 2 is called, for example, a "bumper reinforcement" or a "bumper beam." The pipe member 2 may be used as a "first bumper" that receives the impact generated in the event of a collision from the positive side in the X axis direction, or may be used as a "second bumper (leg sweep beam)" that prevents obstacles and the like from being caught in the bumper from the positive side in the X axis direction.

[0012] 2, the pipe member 2 has two curved portions 21 that are curved (or bent) midway along the longitudinal direction. The pipe member 2 is supported by crash boxes 101 on the negative side of each curved portion 21 in the X-axis direction. The pipe member 2 is not limited to being applied to a front bumper, but may also be applied to a rear bumper.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the pipe member 2 has a tubular pipe portion 22, and a flange portion (upper flange portion) 23A and a flange portion (lower flange portion) 23B integrally formed and protruding from the outer periphery of the pipe portion 22. As will be described later, the pipe member 2 is formed by molding a single cylindrical base material 2'. After this molding, the pipe member 2 has the pipe portion 22, the flange portion 23A, and the flange portion 23B formed continuously. In this manner, the pipe member 2 is made up of a single member. This increases the mechanical strength of the pipe member 2 against external forces by, for example, 1.5 times or more compared to a pipe member 2 made up of, for example, a joined body formed by joining a plurality of members.

[0014] The pipe portion 22 has a higher occupancy (volume ratio) than the flange portions 23A and 23B in the pipe member 2. The pipe portion 22 has a first recess 221 provided on the positive side in the X-axis direction and a second recess 222 provided on the negative side in the X-axis direction.

[0015] The first recess 221 is deformed by being recessed toward the negative side in the X-axis direction, and is formed in a groove shape along the central axis O22 of the pipe portion 22. The second recess 222 is deformed by being recessed toward the X-axis direction positive side, and similar to the first recess 221, is formed in a groove shape along the central axis O22 of the pipe portion 22.

[0016] Due to the first recess 221 and the second recess 222 having such shapes, the pipe portion 22 has a rounded, non-circular pipe shape (ring shape) in cross section, which can improve the mechanical strength of the pipe member 2. The relationship between the depth and width of the first recess 221 and the second recess 222 is not particularly limited.

[0017] A flange portion 23A is provided on the upper side of the pipe portion 22, and a flange portion 23B is provided on the lower side. The flange portions 23A and 23B are formed to protrude in opposite directions. That is, the flange portion 23A is formed to protrude upward (toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction), and the flange portion 23B is formed to protrude downward (toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction). This gives the pipe member 2 a vertically symmetrical shape, and therefore it can be used even if it is turned upside down (regardless of the upside-down direction).

[0018] 3, in this embodiment, the pipe member 2 is used in the automobile 100 with the flange portion 23A projecting upward and the flange portion 23B projecting downward. The flange portions 23A and 23B, together with the pipe portion 22, are located at the forefront of the pipe member 2. This state of use allows the largest possible area (range) to absorb the impact when the automobile 100 is involved in a head-on collision, for example, and therefore makes it possible to sufficiently prevent or suppress deformation of the pipe member 2, such as unintended bending. This ensures the safety of passengers in the automobile 100.

[0019] The flange portion 23A and the flange portion 23B have the same configuration except for the location where they are formed, so the flange portion 23A will be described as a representative example. The flange portion 23A is formed by crushing the base material 2' that will become the pipe member 2, and forming an overlapping portion where parts of the pipe walls of the base material 2' overlap in the X-axis direction. This improves the mechanical strength of the flange portion 23A itself. Note that the parts of the pipe walls may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart.

[0020] The flange portion 23A is formed in a plate shape along the central axis O22 of the pipe portion 22 over the entire length of the pipe portion 22. This ensures that the pipe member 2 has uniform mechanical strength along the longitudinal direction, and therefore can fully withstand impact regardless of the location of the collision.

[0021] Furthermore, when the protrusion amount of flange portion 23A is C and the thickness of the pipe wall of pipe member 2 is T, protrusion amount C is preferably between the smaller of 0.5 times or 1 mm and 20 times the thickness T, and more preferably between 1 mm and 50 mm. This allows the pipe wall of base material 2' to be bent just enough when forming pipe member 2' from base material 2', thereby allowing flange portion 23A to be formed sufficiently.

[0022] Furthermore, when the width of the pipe portion 22 along the protruding direction of the flange portion 23A is defined as W, the width W gradually decreases toward the negative side of the X-axis direction. The protruding amount C is preferably between 0.01 times the maximum value of the width W and 1 time the smaller of either 0.01 or 1 mm, and more preferably between 1 mm and 50 mm. When mounting the pipe member 2 on the automobile 100, if the length (width) of the pipe member 2 in the Z-axis direction is determined, it is preferable to ensure that the width W (maximum value) is as large as possible. By ensuring that the relationship between the protruding amount C and the width W satisfies the above numerical range, the width W can be ensured to be as large as possible, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the pipe member 2.

[0023] The first linear body 3A and the second linear body 3B are each a flexible linear body. As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, as an example, the first linear body 3A is thinner than the second linear body 3B. The first linear body 3A and the second linear body 3B are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include electric cables (harnesses) and tubes. Harnesses are also called wire harnesses. Examples of tubes include tubes for supplying various liquids such as coolant, oil, and washer fluid.

[0024] Each of the first linear body 3A and the second linear body 3B is arranged in at least one of a first state in which it follows the flange portion 23A (flange portion 23B) and a second state in which it straddles the flange portion 23A or the flange portion 23B. In the configuration shown in Fig. 3, the first linear body 3A is arranged in the first state on the outside of the pipe portion 22. On the other hand, the second linear body 3B is arranged in the first state on the inside of the pipe portion 22. Note that the first linear body 3A and the second linear body 3B may each be meandering.

[0025] 4, the flange portion 23A has a rounded end portion 231 that is rounded along the circumferential direction of the pipe member 2. The pipe portion 22 also has a plurality of rounded portions 223 that are rounded along the circumferential direction on the outer and inner circumferential portions. The reason why the pipe member 2 has such a rounded shape as a whole is that the pipe member 2 is formed from a single cylindrical base material 2'.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, on the negative side of the pipe member 2 in the X-axis direction, a traveling structure 102 used for traveling the automobile 100, such as a radiator and a battery, is disposed. Then, by utilizing the dead space 103 between the traveling structure 102 and the flange portion 23A of the pipe member 2, the first linear body 3A can be placed in the dead space 103. In this case, since it is desired to place the first linear body 3A away from the traveling structure 102, it is preferable to bring the first linear body 3A close to the flange portion 23A.

[0027] As described above, flange portion 23A has rounded end portion 231. As a result, even if first linear body 3A in the first state is arranged close to flange portion 23A, damage due to contact with end portion 231 is prevented on the outside of pipe portion 22. Therefore, in vehicle structure 1, as long as first linear body 3A is spaced apart from traveling structure 102, first linear body 3A can be arranged freely regardless of its position on pipe portion 22. In other words, there is a high degree of freedom in arranging first linear body 3A relative to pipe member 2.

[0028] Preferably, the highest point HP of first linear body 3A is at the same height as or lower than end 231 of flange portion 23A, so that first linear body 3A can be protected by flange portion 23A.

[0029] After first linear body 3A is placed, it is preferable to fix first linear body 3A using a clamp member or the like. This prevents first linear body 3A from shifting position while automobile 100 is traveling.

[0030] A plurality of rounded portions 223 are also formed inside pipe portion 22, preventing damage to second linear body 3B due to contact with the inner periphery of pipe portion 22. This allows second linear body 3B to be positioned freely regardless of its position within pipe portion 22, i.e., there is a high degree of freedom in positioning second linear body 3B relative to pipe member 2.

[0031] After second linear body 3B is placed, it is preferable to fix second linear body 3B using a clamp member or the like. This prevents second linear body 3B from shifting position while automobile 100 is traveling.

[0032] Next, a method for manufacturing the pipe member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this manufacturing method, a molding apparatus 5A is used. The molding apparatus 5A includes an upper mold 51, a lower mold 52, a gas supply unit 53, a heating unit 54, a cooling unit 55, a driving unit 56, and a control unit 57.

[0033] The lower mold 52 is fixed, and the upper mold 51 is supported so as to be able to move toward and away from the lower mold 52. As shown in Fig. 5, when the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 are in an open state, the base material 2' can be placed between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, when the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 are in a closed state, the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 can define a first cavity 58 for forming the pipe portion 22, a second cavity 59A for forming the flange portion 23A, and a second cavity 59B for forming the flange portion 23B.

[0034] The gas supply unit 53 supplies high-pressure air into the base material 2'. The configuration of the gas supply unit 53 is not particularly limited, and may be configured to include a compressor, for example. The heating unit 54 heats the base material 2'. The configuration of the heating unit 54 is not particularly limited, and may be configured to include, for example, two electrodes electrically connected to the base material 2' and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage between these electrodes. This allows the base material 2' to be energized, heating and softening the base material 2'.

[0035] The cooling section 55 rapidly cools the pipe member 2 (base material 2'). The configuration of the cooling section 55 is not particularly limited, and for example, the cooling section 55 can be configured to have a flow path provided in each of the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52, through which a refrigerant passes. When the refrigerant passes through the flow path, the pipe member 2 can be rapidly cooled together with the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. The refrigerant may be either liquid or gas. Furthermore, it is preferable that the cooling section 55 is built into, for example, the lower mold 52. This allows the pipe member 2 to be rapidly cooled.

[0036] The drive unit 56 can move the upper mold 51 to move it closer to or away from the lower mold 52. This allows switching between a mold open state and a mold clamped state. The configuration of the drive unit 56 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, a configuration including a motor, a ball screw connected to the motor, and a linear guide connected to the ball screw.

[0037] The control unit 57 controls the operation of the gas supply unit 53, the heating unit 54, the cooling unit 55, and the driving unit 56. The configuration of the control unit 57 is not particularly limited, and can be configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various memories.

[0038] The molding device 5A operates as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 are opened, and the base material 2' is placed between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. Next, with the molds still open, the heating section 54 is activated, thereby softening the base material 2'.

[0039] Next, the upper mold 51 is brought close to the lower mold 52. This state does not reach the mold clamping state shown in FIG. 6, and a gap is formed between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. Then, the gas supply unit 53 is operated to perform a primary blow. As a result, a portion of the base material 2' bulges and enters the gap between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. This bulging portion of the base material 2' will later become the flange portion 23A and the flange portion 23B.

[0040] Next, the mold is clamped as shown in Fig. 6. This forms flange portions 23A and 23B. Then, gas supply unit 53 is activated to perform secondary blowing. This allows base material 2' to deform into the shape of pipe member 2, i.e., it becomes pipe member 2 having pipe portion 22, flange portions 23A, and flange portions 23B.

[0041] In addition, in synchronization with the clamping of the mold, the pipe member 2 is rapidly cooled by the cooling section 55. As a result, austenite in the pipe member 2 is transformed into martensite. Next, the mold is opened again, and the pipe member 2 is taken out. Thereafter, the pipe member 2 is cut to a desired length and can be used for a bumper of the automobile 100.

[0042] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, but differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of similar points will be omitted. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the configurations of the flange portions are different.

[0043] 7, in this embodiment, flange portion 23A is configured to include two flange portions with different protrusion amounts (widths) from the outer periphery of pipe portion 22 (the same applies to flange portion 23B). That is, flange portion 23A includes first flange portion 232 with a large protrusion amount and second flange portion 233 with a small protrusion amount. Here, in the present invention, "small protrusion amount" also includes the case where the protrusion amount is zero.

[0044] In the configuration shown in Figure 7, two first flange portions 232 are formed, and one second flange portion 233 is formed between the two first flange portions 232, but the formation mode is not limited to this.

[0045] Additionally, three first linear bodies 3A are arranged in a first state on the outside of the pipe portion 22. The first linear bodies 3A are referred to as "first linear body 3A-1," "first linear body 3A-2," and "first linear body 3A-3," respectively.

[0046] First linear bodies 3A-1 to 3A-3 are bundled and pulled from the negative side to the positive side in the Y-axis direction, but halfway through, first linear body 3A-2 and first linear body 3A-3 are pulled together toward the negative side in the X-axis direction, and then first linear body 3A-1 is pulled further toward the negative side in the X-axis direction. This allows the number of first linear bodies 3A to be three in first flange portion 232 (see FIG. 8), and the number of first linear body 3A to be one in second flange portion 233 (see FIG. 9).

[0047] In this way, the number (total thickness) of first linear bodies 3A at first flange portion 232, which has a larger protrusion amount, is greater than the number (total thickness) of first linear bodies 3A at second flange portion 233, which has a smaller protrusion amount. This allows first flange portion 232 and second flange portion 233 to protect first linear bodies 3A just enough.

[0048] Next, a method for manufacturing the pipe member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this manufacturing method, a molding apparatus 5B is used. Here, differences between molding apparatus 5B and molding apparatus 5A will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. Molding apparatus 5B is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the configuration of upper mold 51 and lower mold 52. Note that (a) and (b) of Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of molding apparatus 5B taken at two different points midway along the longitudinal direction of pipe member 2 (base material 2'), respectively.

[0049] The base material 2' has an outer diameter and an inner diameter that vary along the longitudinal direction, and has a large diameter portion 24 and a small diameter portion 25.

[0050] The upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 share a first molding section 501 and a second molding section 502 . The first molding unit 501 can mold the large diameter portion 24 into the pipe portion 22 and the first flange portion 232 between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 . The second molding section 502 can mold the small diameter section 25 into the pipe section 22 and the second flange section 233 between the upper mold section 51 and the lower mold section 52 .

[0051] The molding device 5B operates as follows. 10, the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 are opened, and the base material 2' is placed between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. At this time, the large diameter portion 24 is placed in the first molding portion 501, and the small diameter portion 25 is placed in the second molding portion 502.

[0052] Next, as described above, the gas supply unit 53, the heating unit 54, the cooling unit 55, and the driving unit 56 are operated, and the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 are clamped together as shown in FIG. At this time, the first molding section 501 is defined with a first cavity 58 for molding the pipe section 22, and second cavities 59A-1 and 59B-1 for molding the first flange sections 232. In this way, the pipe section 22 and the first flange sections 232 are molded.

[0053] On the other hand, the second molding section 502 is defined with a first cavity 58 for molding the pipe section 22, and second cavities 59A-2 and 59B-2 for molding the second flange sections 233. In this way, the pipe section 22 and the second flange sections 233 are molded. The mold is then opened again, and the pipe member 2 is taken out. The pipe member 2 has a first flange portion 232 and a second flange portion 233.

[0054] <Third embodiment> Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, but differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of similar points will be omitted. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the location where the vehicle structure is applied to the automobile and the arrangement of the first linear body are different.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is disposed on the lower side of the automobile 100, and the pipe member 2 is applied to the side sill of the automobile 100. As shown in Fig. 13, the vehicle structure 1 includes a reinforcing member 4 that reinforces the pipe member 2. The reinforcing member 4 is joined to the positive side of the pipe member 2 in the Y-axis direction, i.e., on the vehicle interior side. The reinforcing member 4 is formed by bending a plate member, and has a tubular forming portion 41 that forms a tubular shape between itself and the pipe member 2, a flange portion (bent portion) 42A formed by bending the upper edge of the tubular forming portion 41, and a flange portion (bent portion) 42B formed by bending the lower edge of the tubular forming portion 41.

[0056] The tubular formation portion 41 has a recess 411. The recess 411 is deformed by being recessed toward the negative side in the Y-axis direction, and is formed in a groove shape along the central axis O22 of the pipe portion 22, similar to the second recess 222 of the pipe portion 22. The tubular formation portion 41 also has a plurality of rounded portions 412 on the outside.

[0057] The flange portion 42A is joined to the flange portion 23A of the pipe member 2, and the flange portion 42B is joined to the flange portion 23B of the pipe member 2. The joining method is not particularly limited, and spot welding, for example, can be used. Furthermore, the flange portion 42A is lower than the flange portion 23A. Similarly, the flange portion 42B is lower than the flange portion 23B.

[0058] First linear body 3A is arranged in at least one of a first state in which it is arranged along flange portion 23A and a second state in which it straddles flange portion 23A. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, first linear body 3A is arranged in the second state on the outside of pipe portion 22, thereby allowing it to straddle flange portion 42A.

[0059] As described above, flange portion 23A has rounded end portion 231. This prevents damage to first linear body 3A due to contact with end portion 231 even when first linear body 3A is arranged in the second state. Therefore, in vehicle structure 1, first linear body 3A can be freely arranged regardless of its position on pipe portion 22, that is, there is a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of first linear body 3A relative to pipe member 2.

[0060] Furthermore, as described above, flange portion 42A is lower than flange portion 23A, i.e., it protrudes less than flange portion 23A. This allows first linear body 3A to be separated from flange portion 42A even when first linear body 3A is arranged in the second state, as shown in Fig. 14, and therefore prevents damage due to contact with flange portion 42A.

[0061] <Fourth embodiment> Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15, but the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar points will be omitted. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment except that the configuration of the vehicle structure is different.

[0062] 15, in this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 includes two pipe members 2. The flange portions 23A of one of the pipe members 2 are joined to the flange portion 23A of the other pipe member 2, and the flange portions 23B of one of the pipe members 2 are joined to the flange portion 23B of the other pipe member 2. This allows the pipe members 2 to reinforce each other, thereby increasing the mechanical strength of the vehicle structure 1 as a whole.

[0063] Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 16, but the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments, and descriptions of similar points will be omitted. This embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment except that the configuration (cross-sectional shape) of the pipe member is different.

[0064] 16, in this embodiment, the pipe member 2 is configured as a single member, instead of the two pipe members 2 in the fourth embodiment. In this case, the flange portions 23A and 23B are each provided at the center of the pipe portion 22 in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, the mechanical strength of the pipe member 2 is increased by the amount that the size of the pipe portion 22 is expanded.

[0065] While the vehicle structure of the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and each part constituting the vehicle structure may be replaced with any other structure capable of exhibiting the same function. In addition, any other structure may be added. The vehicle structure of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more of the configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments.

[0066] In addition, although the vehicle structure 1 is mounted on a passenger car in the above-described embodiments, it is not limited thereto and can be mounted on a vehicle other than a passenger car. The other vehicle is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include construction vehicles such as dump trucks and excavators, and vehicles for passenger or freight railways.

[0067] Furthermore, although the number of pipe members provided in the vehicle structure is one or two in each of the above-described embodiments, the number is not limited to this and may be, for example, three or more. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the pipe members mounted on passenger cars are applied to bumper reinforcements or side sills, but are not limited to this and can also be applied to, for example, side roof rails or steering members (instrument panel reinforcements).

[0068] Furthermore, although the number of linear members provided in the vehicle structure is one or two in each of the above-described embodiments, the number is not limited to this and may be, for example, three or more. Furthermore, although the number of flange portions formed on the pipe member is two in each of the above-described embodiments, it is not limited to this and may be, for example, one or three or more.

[0069] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the linear body is arranged in one of the first state and the second state, but this is not limited to this, and the linear body may be arranged in a state having both the first state and the second state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Vehicle structure 2 Pipe members 2' Base material 21 Curved section 22 Pipe section 221 First recess 222 Second recess 223 Rounded part 23A Flange part (upper flange part) 23B Flange part (lower flange part) 231 End 232 First flange part 233 Second flange part 24 Large diameter section 25 Small diameter section 3A 1st linear body 3A-1 First linear body 3A-2 First linear body 3A-3 First linear body 3B Second linear body 4 Reinforcement members 41 Tubular formation 411 recess 412 Rounded part 42A Flange part (bending part) 42B Flange part (bending part) 5A molding equipment 5B Molding equipment 501 1st molding section 502 2nd molding section 51 Upper mold 52 Lower mold 53 Gas supply section 54 Heating section 55 Cooling section 56 Drive unit 57 Control Unit 58 First cavity 59A Second Cavity 59A-1 Second cavity 59A-2 Second cavity 59B Second cavity 59B-1 Second cavity 59B-2 Second cavity 100 Automobiles (passenger cars) 101 Crash Box 102 Running structure 103 Dead Space C Overhang amount HP Peak O22 center axis T Thickness W width

Claims

1. A vehicle structure including a pipe member that forms a part of a vehicle frame and a flexible linear body, the pipe member has a tubular pipe portion and a flange portion formed to protrude from the pipe portion, the pipe portion and the flange portion being formed as a continuous member; the pipe member has a portion where the linear body is disposed so as to straddle the flange portion, The end of the flange portion has a rounded portion, The vehicle structure is characterized in that, in the portion of the flange portion where the linear body is arranged straddling the flange portion, the rounded portion of the portion is exposed to the linear body.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the flange portion is formed in two pieces so as to protrude in opposite directions.

3. a reinforcing member joined to the pipe member to reinforce the pipe member; the reinforcing member has a tubular forming portion that forms a tubular shape between itself and the pipe member, and a bent portion that is bent at an edge of the tubular forming portion, the bent portion of the reinforcing member is joined to the flange portion of the pipe member, 3. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the bent portion of the reinforcing member has a portion where the linear body is arranged so as to straddle the bent portion.

4. 4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, wherein the bent portion protrudes less than the flange portion, and the end of the bent portion is joined to the flange portion so as to be positioned closer to the tubular formed portion than the end of the flange portion.

Images