Pillar support member assembly, pipe member support member assembly, vehicle structure, pillar, and pipe member

Abstract

[Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to strengthen, more than the prior art, a pillar which is joined to a tip-side support member formed by a casting. [Solution] A vehicle structure comprises pillar support member assemblies, one on the left side and one on the right side of such structure. The pillar support member assemblies comprise: a metal pillar; and a tip-side support member that includes a joining part joining with the tip side of the pillar, supports the pillar, and is formed by a casting. The cross-sectional shape of the pillar is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

Description

Pillar support member assembly, pipe member support member assembly, vehicle structure, pillar, and pipe member

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a pillar support member assembly, a pipe member support member assembly, a vehicle structure, a pillar, and a pipe member.

[0002] In recent years, it has been proposed to use aluminum die-cast components for vehicle body components. Patent Document 1 discloses an aluminum die-cast suspension housing as a component supporting a front suspension damper that expands and contracts in response to road surface irregularities to suppress vertical movement of the vehicle body and ensure a comfortable ride for occupants.

[0003] In view of these circumstances, it is conceivable to use die-cast aluminum for the support members that support the pillars. When using die-cast aluminum for the support members that support the pillars, the strength of the pillars must match the strength of the die-cast aluminum support members.

[0004] JP 2017-114148 A

[0005] However, conventional pillars do not match the strength of support members made of die-cast aluminum.

[0006] The technology of the present disclosure has been developed in consideration of the above facts, and aims to provide a pillar support member assembly, a pipe member support member assembly, a vehicle structure, a pillar, and a pipe member that can increase the strength of a pillar joined to a tip support member made of casting compared to conventional technology.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a pillar support member assembly according to a first aspect of the technology of the present disclosure includes a metal pillar and a tip support member made of a casting, the tip support member having a joint that joins to the tip side of the pillar, the cross-sectional shape of the pillar being a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0008] The vehicle structure of the second aspect includes the pillar support member assembly of the first aspect, one on each side.

[0009] A pillar support body assembly according to a third aspect includes a metal pillar and a tip support member made of a casting, the tip support member having a joint that joins to the tip of the pillar. A portion of the tip of the pillar is cut off, and the cut portion of the pillar and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a pipe member support assembly comprising a metal pipe member and a tip support member made of a casting, the tip support member having a joint portion joined to the tip side of the pipe member, the cross-sectional shape of the pipe member being a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the pipe member support assembly includes a metal pipe member and a casting tip support member that supports the pipe member and has a joint that joins to the tip of the pipe member. A portion of the tip of the pipe member is cut off, and the cut portion of the pipe member and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0012] The pillar of the sixth aspect is a metal pillar, and the tip side of the pillar is provided with a joint and is joined to the joint of a tip side support member made of casting that supports the pillar, and a portion of the tip side of the pillar is cut off, and the cut portion of the pillar and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0013] The pipe member of the seventh aspect is a metal pipe member, and the tip side of the pipe member is provided with a joint and is joined to the joint of a tip side support member made of casting that supports the pipe member, and a portion of the tip side of the pipe member is cut off, and the cut portion of the pipe member and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0014] The technology of the present disclosure can increase the strength of the pillar or pipe member joined to the tip support member made of casting compared to conventional technology.

[0015] The technology of the present disclosure can increase the strength of the joint between the tip side support member made of casting and the tip side of the pillar or pipe member compared to conventional technology.

[0016] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a vehicle structure according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an intermediate portion between the tip end and rear end of a front pillar; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an intermediate portion between the tip end and rear end of a front pillar; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the tip end of a front pillar; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the tip end of a front pillar; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of the tip end of a front pillar; FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how the tip end of a front pillar and a joint portion of a tip end support member are joined; FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a pillar support member assembly according to a first modified example; FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a pillar support member assembly according to a second modified example; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a front pillar according to a third modified example; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a front pillar according to a fourth modified example; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a front pillar according to a fifth modified example.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [Embodiment] (Configuration) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a vehicle structure 100 according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, the front direction of the vehicle is indicated by F. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle structure 100 includes pillar support member assemblies 123 on the left and right sides. Since each pillar support member assembly 123 has the same configuration, only the pillar support member assembly 123 on the right side of the vehicle will be described, and a description of the pillar support member assembly 123 on the left side of the vehicle will be omitted.

[0019] The pillar support member assembly 123 includes a metal front pillar 101 and a front-end support member 102 that has a joint 102C (see also Figures 5 to 7) that joins to the front end of the front pillar 101 and supports the front pillar 101. The pillar support member assembly 123 also includes a rear-end support member 103 that has a joint that joins to the rear end of the front pillar 101 and supports the front pillar 101. The front-end support member 102 and the rear-end support member 103 are support members made of castings, for example, aluminum die-cast. The front pillar 101 is made of aluminum, for example.

[0020] The rear end side of the front pillar 101 has the same configuration as the front end side of the front pillar 101, so only the front end side of the front pillar 101 will be described, and a description of the rear end side of the front pillar 101 will be omitted. The rear end support member 103 has the same configuration as the front end support member 102, so only the front end support member 102 will be described, and a description of the rear end support member 103 will be omitted.

[0021] (Front pillar 101) Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an intermediate portion between the leading end and the trailing end of the front pillar 101. In Fig. 2A, the direction from the front pillar 101 toward the cabin is indicated by In, the horizontal direction of the front pillar 101 in Fig. 2A is indicated by the X-axis direction, the direction of the axis J of the front pillar 101 is indicated by the Y-axis direction, and the height direction is indicated by the Z-axis direction. Note that the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are perpendicular to one another.

[0022] The front pillar 101 is formed from a single pipe and has two flanges (101Ff1, 101Ff2). As shown in Fig. 2A, the cross section of the middle portion of the front pillar 101 has a continuous closed cross section (hollow). The front pillar 101 is also a pipe member.

[0023] Specifically, the closed cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion of the front pillar 101 includes, for example, a first bent side portion 101F1 that is bent at a first bent portion 101FK1 so as to have a shape that bulges outward from the axis J of the front pillar 101. The closed cross-sectional shape includes, for example, a second bent side portion 101F2 that is bent at a second bent portion 101FK2 so as to have a shape that bulges outward in the opposite direction from the outward direction of the first bent side portion 101F1. A hollow portion is formed by the first bent side portion 101F1 and the second bent side portion 101F2. The first bent side portion 101F1 is an example of a "first side portion" of the technology disclosed herein. The second bent side portion 101F2 is an example of a "second side portion" of the technology disclosed herein. The first bent side portion 101F1 and the second bent side portion 101F2 are not limited to being bent, and instead of the first bent side portion 101F1 and the second bent side portion 101F2, a first arc side portion and a second arc side portion having a gently curved shape may be used.

[0024] The closed cross-sectional shape includes a first flange 101Ff1 and a second flange 101Ff2.

[0025] One end of each of the first bent side portion 101F1 and the second bent side portion 101F2 is connected to the first flange 101Ff1. The other end of each of the first bent side portion 101F1 and the second bent side portion 101F2 is connected to the second flange 101Ff2.

[0026] The first bent side portion 101F1 includes a first bent horizontal side portion 101F11 and a first bent vertical side portion 101F12. The first bent horizontal side portion 101F11 is disposed along the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) from the first bent portion 101FK1 to the first flange 101Ff1. The first bent vertical side portion 101F12 is disposed along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the first bent portion 101FK1 to the second flange 101Ff2.

[0027] The second bent side portion 101F2 includes a second bent vertical side portion 101F21 and a second bent horizontal side portion 101F22. The second bent vertical side portion 101F21 is disposed along the vertical direction from the second bent portion 101FK2 to the first flange 101Ff1. The second bent horizontal side portion 101F22 is disposed along the horizontal direction from the second bent portion 101FK2 to the second flange 101Ff2.

[0028] The first flange 101Ff1 includes a flange portion 101Ff11 and a flange portion 101Ff12. The flange portion 101Ff11 is connected to the first bent horizontal side portion 101F11. The flange portion 101Ff12 is connected to the second bent vertical side portion 101F21. The flange portion 101Ff11 and the flange portion 101Ff12 are formed to be continuous with each other.

[0029] The second flange 101Ff2 includes a flange portion 101Ff21 and a flange portion 101Ff22. The flange portion 101Ff21 is connected to the first bent vertical side portion 101F12. The flange portion 101Ff22 is connected to the second bent horizontal side portion 101F22. The flange portion 101Ff21 and the flange portion 101Ff22 are formed to be continuous with each other.

[0030] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the tip side of the front pillar 101. As shown in FIG. 3A , a portion of the second bent side portion 101F2 is cut out at the tip side of the front pillar 101. Specifically, the portion of the second bent side portion 101F2 includes a portion of the second bent vertical side portion 101F21 and the second bent portion 101FK2 side of the second bent horizontal side portion 101F22. Note that the entire flange portion 101Ff11, the second bent side portion 101F2, and the flange portion 101Ff12 may be cut out. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A , the front pillar 101 includes two flanges (101Ff1, 101Ff2). However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B , the front pillar 101 may include only one flange, for example, the flange 101Ff2. 3C, a portion of the first flange 101Ff1 and the first flange 101Ff1 (flange portion 101Ff11 and flange portion 101Ff12) may be cut out at the tip side of the front pillar 101. Note that the front pillar 101 may include three or more flanges.

[0031] (Joint 102C of tip side support member 102 and tip side of front pillar 101) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of how the tip side of the front pillar 101 and the tip side support member 102 are joined together. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the A-A cross section in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the B-B cross section in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of how the tip side of the front pillar 101 and the joint 102C of the tip side support member 102 are joined together. Fig. 7 shows a cross section of only the joint 102C portion of the tip side support member 102.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the tip side of the front pillar 101 and the joint portion 102C of the tip side support member 102 (see also FIGS. 5 to 7) are joined by a plurality of bolts, for example, five bolts 105B1, 105B2, 105C, 105D, and 105E in the example shown in FIG. 4.

[0033] As shown in the upper right portion of Figure 7, the tip-side support member 102 includes a joint portion 102C. The joint portion 102C includes a base portion 102K and two protrusions 102Q and 102P. The two protrusions 102Q and 102P protrude from the base portion 102K to the second bent horizontal side portion 101F22 on the tip side of the front pillar 101 and are positioned spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The protrusion 102Q is positioned above the protrusion 102P.

[0034] The protrusion 102Q has an upper surface 102US and a side surface 102QS on the side of the second bent horizontal edge 101F22. Holes 102QB and 102QD for bolts 105B1 and 105D are formed on the side surface 102QS of the protrusion 102Q. A convex insertion portion 102QP is provided between the holes 102QB and 102QD on the side surface 102PS of the protrusion 102Q. The shape of the insertion portion 102QP is a rectangular column, but is not limited thereto and may be a cylindrical column. The side surface 102QS is an example of a "side joint" of the technology disclosed herein. The upper surface 102US and the side surface 102QS are examples of a "flange joint" of the technology disclosed herein.

[0035] The protruding portion 102P has a side surface 102PS on the second bent horizontal side portion 101F22 side. Holes 102PB, 102PC, and 102PD for the bolts 105B2, 105C, and 105D are formed in the protruding portion 102P on the side surface 102PS side.

[0036] Through holes 101QB, 101QP, and 101QD are formed in the second bent horizontal side portion 101F22 of the front pillar 101 shown on the left side of Figure 7. The through holes 101QB, 101QP, and 101QD are formed at positions corresponding to the positions of the hole 102QB, the insertion portion 102QP, and the hole 102QD in the side surface 102QS of the protruding portion 102Q of the joint portion 102C. The diameters of the through holes 101QB and 101QD correspond to the lengths of the bolts 105B1 and 105D. The through hole 101QP has a size and shape that allows the insertion portion 102QP to be inserted therein.

[0037] The second flange 101Ff2 (specifically, the flange portions 101Ff21 and 101Ff22) has through holes 101PB, 101PC, and 101PE formed therein, penetrating the flange portions 101Ff21 and 101Ff22. The through holes 101PB, 101PC, and 101PE are formed at positions corresponding to the positions of the holes 102PB, 102PC, and 102PS in the side surface 102PS of the protruding portion 102Q of the joint portion 102C. The diameters of the through holes 101PB, 101PC, and 101PE correspond to the lengths of the bolts 105B2, 105C, and 105E.

[0038] (Positioning Mechanism of Front Pillar 101) The pillar support member assembly 123 includes a positioning mechanism for the front pillar 101. The positioning mechanism includes an axial positioning mechanism in the direction of the axis J, a first positioning mechanism in a first direction intersecting the direction of the axis J, and a second positioning mechanism intersecting both the direction of the axis J and the first direction. The direction of the axis J is the Y direction. For example, the first direction is the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, and the second direction is the Z direction perpendicular to the Y direction and the X direction.

[0039] The axial positioning mechanism is composed of a through hole 101QP formed in the second bent horizontal edge portion 101F22 of the front pillar 101, and an insertion portion 102QP provided on the side surface 102QS of the protrusion portion 102Q of the joint portion 102C and inserted into the through hole 101Q.

[0040] The first positioning mechanism is configured by a side surface 102PS of the protrusion 102P and a surface of the flange portion 101Ff22 on the protrusion 102P side, which are positioned along the Y direction and come into contact with each other.

[0041] The second positioning mechanism is configured by the upper surface 102US of the protrusion 102Q and the surface of the flange portion 101Ff11 on the upper surface 102US side, which are positioned along the Z direction and come into contact with each other.

[0042] (Function) Next, the function of this embodiment will be described. Specifically, a method for manufacturing the pillar support member assembly 123 will be described.

[0043] The front end support member 102 and the rear end support member 103 are manufactured by aluminum die casting. The front pillar 101 is manufactured from a single pipe so as to have two flanges. Note that the front end support member 102, the rear end support member 103, and the front pillar 101 may be manufactured in any order, or they may be manufactured simultaneously. In other words, the order in which the front end support member 102, the rear end support member 103, and the front pillar 101 are manufactured does not matter.

[0044] The laser processing machine cuts out the flange portion 101Ff12, the entire second bent vertical side portion 101F21, and a part of the second bent horizontal side portion 101F22 on the second bent portion 101FK2 side at each of the front end side and rear end side of the front pillar 101.

[0045] The framing machine forms through holes 101QB, 101PB, 101QP, 101PC, 101PE, and 101QD at the front and rear ends of the front pillar 101. The order in which the through holes are formed does not matter.

[0046] The order in which the notches are formed by the frasing machine is not important.

[0047] The front end of the front pillar 101 and the joint portion 102C are positioned so that the front pillar 101 is positioned by the axial positioning mechanism, the first positioning mechanism, and the second positioning mechanism, thereby positioning the front pillar 101 in the direction of the axis J (Y direction), the X direction, and the X direction.

[0048] Bolt 105B1 is inserted into through holes 101QB and 102QB, bolt 105B2 is inserted into through holes 101PB and 102PB, and bolt 105C is inserted into through holes 101PC and 102PC. Bolt 105E is inserted into through holes 101PE and 102PE, and bolt 105D is inserted into through holes 101QD and 102QD. By tightening the bolts, the front end of the front pillar 101 and the joint portion 102C of the front end support member 102 are joined. The order in which the bolts are tightened does not matter.

[0049] The joint between the rear end side of the front pillar 101 and the rear end support member 103 is joined in the same manner as the joint between the front end side of the front pillar 101 and the joint portion 102C of the front end support member 102.

[0050] In this way, the pillar support member assembly 123 is manufactured.

[0051] (Effects) As described above, in this embodiment, the pillar support member assembly 123 includes the front end support member 102 and rear end support member 103 made of die-cast aluminum, and the front pillar 101 manufactured into a continuous closed cross-sectional shape from a single pipe. Therefore, in this embodiment, the strength of the front pillar 101 in the pillar support member assembly 123 can be increased to a level that matches the strength of the front end support member 102 and rear end support member 103 made of die-cast aluminum.

[0052] In this embodiment, one surface is cut out at each of the front and rear end sides of the front pillar 101, and the remaining three surfaces are joined to the front end support member 102 and the rear end support member 103, respectively. Therefore, a closed cross section is formed at each of the front end and rear end sides of the front pillar 101. Therefore, the strength of each of the front end and rear end sides of the front pillar 101 can be increased to a level commensurate with the strength of the front end support member 102 and the rear end support member 103.

[0053] Therefore, for example, when the vehicle collides with another object from the front end, the energy that the aluminum die-cast front end support member 102 cannot fully absorb can be transmitted to the rear end support member 103 on the rear side without bending the front pillar 101 or buckling the joint 102C between the front pillar 101 and the front end support member 102. Therefore, even if the vehicle collides with another object from the front end, the interior space of the driver's seat can be maintained and the driver can be protected.

[0054] [Modifications] Each modification will be described below. Since each modification has substantially the same configuration as the above embodiment, only the differences will be described below, and a description of the similarities will be omitted. As with the embodiment, the left and right configurations of each of the following modifications are the same, so only the configuration of the right side will be described, and a description of the configuration of the left side will be omitted.

[0055] (First Modification) Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a pillar support member assembly 123H1 of a first modification. As shown in Figure 8, the pillar support member assembly 123H1 of the first modification includes a front pillar 101H1 and a structural member 111H1 between a front end support member 102 and a rear end support member 103. The structural member 111H1 is a member to which the roof panel and the rear window are joined, and this member is integrally formed (i.e., a single member). The front pillar 101H1 and the structural member 111H1 are made of aluminum.

[0056] Each of the front pillar 101H1 and the structural member 111H1 is formed from one pipe and has two flanges, similar to the front pillar 101 of the above embodiment.

[0057] The cross-sectional shapes of the front pillar 101H1 and the structural member 111H1 are each continuous closed (hollow) cross-sectional shapes.

[0058] The tip end of the front pillar 101H1 is similar to the tip end of the front pillar 101 in the above embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The tip end of the front pillar 101H1 is joined to the joint 102C of the tip end support member 102, similar to the above embodiment.

[0060] The tip end side of the structural member 111H1 is similar to the rear end side of the front pillar 101 in the above embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The tip side of the structural member 111H1 is joined to the joint of the rear end support member 103, similar to the rear end side of the front pillar 101 in the above embodiment.

[0062] The rear end of the front pillar 101H1 and the rear end of the structural member 111H1 are joined together by bolts or the like.

[0063] (Second Modification) Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a pillar support member assembly 123H2 of a second modification. As shown in Figure 9, the pillar support member assembly 123H2 of the second modification includes a front pillar 101H2, a structural member 103H2, and another structural member 111H2 between the front end support member 102 and the rear end support member 103. The structural member 103H2 is a member to which a roof panel is connected. The other structural member 111H2 is a member to which a rear window is joined. The front pillar 101H2, the structural member 103H2, and the other structural member 111H2 are made of aluminum.

[0064] Each of the front pillar 101H2, the structural member 103H2, and the other structural member 111H2 is formed from one pipe and has two flanges, similar to the front pillar 101 of the above embodiment.

[0065] The cross-sectional shapes of the front pillar 101H2, the structural member 103H2, and the other structural member 111H2 are each a continuous closed cross-sectional (hollow) shape.

[0066] The tip end of the front pillar 101H2 is similar to the tip end of the front pillar 101 in the above embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The tip end of the front pillar 101H2 is joined to the joint 102C of the tip end support member 102, similar to the above embodiment.

[0068] The tip end side of the structural member 103H2 is similar to the rear end side of the front pillar 101 in the above embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The tip side of the structural member 103H2 is joined to the joint of the rear end support member 103, similar to the rear end side of the front pillar 101 in the above embodiment.

[0070] The rear end of the front pillar 101H1 and one end of the other structural member 111H2 are joined together by bolting or the like.

[0071] The rear end side of the structural member 103H2 and the other end side of the other structural member 111H2 are joined together by bolting or the like.

[0072] (Third to Fifth Modifications) In the above-described embodiment, first modification, and second modification, each pillar and structural member is formed from a single pipe with a pair of flanges. The cross-sectional shape of each pillar is a continuous closed cross-sectional (hollow) shape. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in the following third to fifth modifications, the cross-sectional shape of the middle part of the front pillar is described, but the other pillars and structural members may also have a similar shape.

[0073] (Third Modification) Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a front pillar 101H3 of a third modification. As shown in Fig. 10, the left front pillar 101H3 of the third modification is manufactured by bending a single plate material so as to have a first flange 101Ff1, a second flange 101Ff2, a first bent side portion 101F1, and a second bent side portion 101F2. The cross-sectional shape of the front pillar 101H3 is a discontinuous closed cross-sectional (hollow) shape. In the front pillar 101H3, the first flange 101Ff1 is formed by joining end portions 101Ff11 and 101Ff12 of a single plate material by spot welding or the like.

[0074] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a front pillar 101H4 according to a fourth modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the left front pillar 101H4 according to the fourth modification is manufactured by bending two plates so as to have a first flange 101Ff1, a second flange 101Ff2, a first bent side portion 101F1, and a second bent side portion 101F2.

[0075] The cross-sectional shape of the front pillar 101H4 is a discontinuous closed cross-sectional (hollow) shape. In the front pillar 101H4, one end 101Ff11 of one plate material and one end 101Ff12 of the other plate material are joined by spot welding or the like to form a first flange 101Ff1. In the front pillar 101H4, the other end 101Ff21 of one plate material and the other end 101Ff22 of the other plate material are joined by spot welding or the like to form a second flange 101Ff2.

[0076] (Fifth Modification) Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a front pillar 101H5 of a fifth modification. As shown in Fig. 12, the front pillar 101H5 of the fifth modification is formed of a single bent plate material, specifically, only a first bent side portion 101F1. The thickness of the front pillar 101H5 is thicker than the thickness of the first bent side portion 101F1.

[0077] (Other Modifications) In the embodiment to the fifth modification, the leading end support member 102 and the trailing end support member 103 are described as being made of die-cast aluminum, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, they may be made of die-cast aluminum. The sides are not limited to being straight. For example, the sides may be curved.

[0078] [Notes] Based on the above disclosure, the following notes are proposed.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 1) A pillar support body assembly comprising: a metal pillar; and a tip-side support member made of a casting, the tip-side support member having a joint that joins with the tip side of the pillar, supporting the pillar, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the pillar is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 2) The pillar support body according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the closed cross-sectional shape comprises: a first side portion having a shape bulging outward from an axis of the closed cross-section; a second side portion having a shape bulging outward from the axis; and a flange connected to at least one end side of each of the first side portion and the second side portion, and a hollow portion is formed by the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 3) The pillar support member assembly according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the joint further comprises at least one of: a side joint that contacts the first side via a notched portion of the second side on the tip side of the pillar; and a flange joint that contacts the flange.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 4) The pillar support member assembly according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, further comprising a positioning mechanism for the pillar.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 5) The pillar support member assembly described in Supplementary Note 4, wherein the positioning mechanism further comprises at least one of: an axial positioning mechanism in the axial direction; a first positioning mechanism in a first direction intersecting the axial direction; and a second positioning mechanism intersecting each of the axial direction and the first direction.

[0084] (Supplementary Note 6) The pillar support member assembly according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the positioning mechanism includes the axial positioning mechanism, and the axial positioning mechanism is configured with: a through hole formed in one of the pillar and the joint; and an insertion portion provided in the other of the pillar and the joint, and inserted into the through hole.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 7) The pillar support member assembly according to Supplementary Note 5 or Supplementary Note 6, wherein the positioning mechanism includes the first positioning mechanism, and the first positioning mechanism is a surface of each of the pillar and the joint that is positioned along a direction intersecting the first direction and that contacts each other.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 8) The pillar support member assembly according to any one of Supplementary Notes 5 to 7, wherein the positioning mechanism includes the second positioning mechanism, and the second positioning mechanisms are surfaces of the pillar and the joint that are positioned along a direction intersecting the second direction and are in contact with each other.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 9) The pillar support member assembly according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, further comprising: a rear-end support member that is made of a casting and that includes a joint that joins to a rear end side of the pillar, and supports the pillar.

[0088] (Appendix 10) The pillar support member assembly according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, further comprising: a metal structural member; and another support member made of a casting, the another support member having a joint that joins to a tip side of the structural member and supports the structural member.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 11) The pillar support member assembly according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein a rear end side of the structural member is joined to a rear end side of the pillar.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 12) The pillar support member assembly according to Supplementary Note 10 or Supplementary Note 11, further comprising: another structural member made of metal; one end of the other structural member being joined to the rear end side of the pillar; and the other end of the other structural member being joined to the rear end side of the other structural member.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 13) The pillar support member assembly according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 12, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the other structural member is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 14) The pillar support member assembly according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, wherein the pillar is a front pillar.

[0093] (Supplementary Note 15) The pillar support member assembly according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 14, wherein the closed cross-sectional shape is formed so as to include at least one flange from one pipe.

[0094] (Supplementary Note 16) A vehicle structure including the pillar support member assembly according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 15, one on each side.

[0095] (Supplementary Note 17) A pillar support body assembly comprising: a metal pillar; and a tip-side support member made of a casting, the tip-side support member having a joint that joins to a tip side of the pillar, supporting the pillar, wherein a part of the tip side of the pillar is cut off, and the cut part of the pillar and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 18) The pillar support body according to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the pillar is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0097] (Appendix 19) A pipe member support assembly comprising: a metal pipe member; and a tip side support member made of casting, the tip side support member having a joint portion joined to the tip side of the pipe member, supporting the pipe member; wherein the cross-sectional shape of the pipe member is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0098] (Appendix 20) A pipe member support assembly comprising: a metal pipe member; and a tip support member made of casting, the tip support member having a joint that joins to the tip side of the pipe member, the tip side of the pipe member being supported by the casting; wherein a portion of the tip side of the pipe member is cut off, and the cut portion of the pipe member and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0099] (Supplementary Note 21) A pillar made of metal, wherein a tip side of the pillar has a joint and is joined to the joint of a tip side support member made of a casting that supports the pillar, a part of the tip side of the pillar is cut off, and the cut part of the pillar and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0100] (Appendix 22) A metal pipe member, wherein a tip side of the pipe member has a joint and is joined to the joint of a tip side support member made of casting and supporting the pipe member, a part of the tip side of the pipe member is cut off, and the cut part of the pipe member and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0101] (Supplementary Note 23) A pillar made of metal, wherein a tip side of the pillar is provided with a joint, is joined to the joint of a tip side support member made of a casting, and supports the pillar, and a cross-sectional shape of the pillar is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0102] (Supplementary Note 24) A metal pipe member, wherein a tip side of the pipe member is provided with a joint, and is joined to the joint of a tip side support member made of casting, which supports the pillar, and has a cross-sectional shape that is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Vehicle structure 123 Pillar support member joint 101 Front pillar 102C Joint 102 Front end support member 103 Rear end support member 101F1 First bent side portion 101F11 First bent horizontal side portion 101F12 First bent vertical side portion 101F2 Second bent side portion 101F21 Second bent vertical side portion 101F22 Second bent horizontal side portion 101Ff1 First flange 101Ff11 Flange portion 101Ff12 Flange portion 101Ff2 Second flange 101Ff21 Flange portion 101Ff22 Flange portion

Claims

1. A pillar support body assembly comprising: a metal pillar; and a tip-side support member made of a casting that supports the pillar and has a joint that joins with the tip side of the pillar, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the pillar is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

2. A pillar support body as described in claim 1, wherein the closed cross-sectional shape comprises: a first side portion having a shape that bulges outward from the axis of the closed cross-section; a second side portion having a shape that bulges outward from the axis; and a flange connected to at least one end side of each of the first side portion and the second side portion, and a hollow portion is formed by the first side portion and the second side portion.

3. A pillar support body assembly according to claim 2, wherein the joint further comprises at least one of: a side joint that contacts the first side portion via a notched portion of the second side portion on the tip side of the pillar; and a flange joint that contacts the flange.

4. The pillar support assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning mechanism for the pillar.

5. A pillar support assembly according to claim 4, wherein the positioning mechanism further comprises at least one of: an axial positioning mechanism in the direction of the axis; a first positioning mechanism in a first direction intersecting the direction of the axis; and a second positioning mechanism intersecting each of the direction of the axis and the first direction.

6. The pillar support body assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a rear end support member made of casting, the rear end support member having a joint that joins with the rear end side of the pillar, and supporting the pillar.

7. A pillar support body assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a metal structural member; and another support member made of casting, which has a joint that joins with the tip side of the structural member and supports the structural member.

8. A pillar support body assembly according to claim 7, wherein the rear end side of the structural member is joined to the rear end side of the pillar.

9. The pillar support body assembly according to claim 7, further comprising another structural member made of metal, one end of said other structural member being joined to the rear end side of said pillar, and the other end of said other structural member being joined to the rear end side of said other structural member.

10. A pillar support body assembly according to claim 7, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the other structural member is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

11. The pillar support body assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pillar is a front pillar.

12. The pillar support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the closed cross-sectional shape is formed from one pipe and has at least one flange.

13. A vehicle structure comprising one pillar support body assembly according to claim 1 on each side.

14. A pillar support body assembly comprising: a metal pillar; and a tip support member made of casting, which supports the pillar and has a joint that joins with the tip side of the pillar, wherein a portion of the tip side of the pillar is cut off, and the cut portion of the pillar and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

15. A pillar support body assembly according to claim 17, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the pillar is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

16. A pipe member support assembly comprising: a metal pipe member; and a tip support member made of casting, which has a joint that joins to the tip side of the pipe member, supports the pipe member, and has a cross-sectional shape that is a continuous closed cross-sectional shape.

17. A pipe member support assembly comprising: a metal pipe member; and a tip support member made of casting, which supports the pipe member and has a joint that joins to the tip side of the pipe member, wherein a portion of the tip side of the pipe member is cut off, and the cut portion of the pipe member and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

18. A metal pillar, wherein the tip side of the pillar has a joint and is joined to the joint of a tip side support member made of casting that supports the pillar, and the tip side of the pillar is partially cut off, and the cut part of the pillar and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

19. A metal pipe member, wherein a tip end of the pipe member is provided with a joint and is joined to the joint of a tip end support member made of casting that supports the pipe member, and a portion of the tip end of the pipe member is cut off, and the cut portion of the pipe member and the joint form a closed cross-sectional shape.

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