JP2012254664A - Instrument panel reinforcement material structure for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an instrument panel reinforcement material structure for an automobile formed of an aluminum alloy which can secure satisfactory deformation strength, rigidity and vibration characteristics by suppressing an increase in weight, and can be manufactured at a low cost.SOLUTION: The instrument panel reinforcement material structure for the automobile formed of an aluminum alloy extruded shape material in which an axis L is horizontal with respect to a vehicle body and extended in the width direction of the vehicle in parallel includes an upper open cross section 1 having an opening 1a downward along the axial line L, and whose both ends can be joined to a vehicle body frame directly or via brackets 6a, 6b; and a lower open cross section 2 having an opening 2a upward along the axial line L. The instrument panel reinforcement material structure for the automobile has a main member formed by fitting the upper and lower open cross sections 1, 2 to each other at the driver's seat equivalent part of the vehicle body by fitting parts 3 formed at both end faces of the openings 1a, 2a.

Description

  The present invention relates to an instrument panel reinforcement structure for automobiles, and more particularly to an instrument panel reinforcement structure for automobiles that is low in cost and excellent in rigidity and deformation strength.

  In vehicle bodies such as automobiles, instrument panel reinforcements (also called instrument panel reinforcements, steering support beams, steering humber beams, cross car beams, etc.) are provided in the vehicle width direction to support the steering column in the front of the passenger compartment. .

  As is well known, this instrument panel reinforcing member is disposed so as to extend in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the vehicle body and in parallel with the vehicle width direction, and the vehicle body frame via a bracket provided directly or at an end in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body floor or the dash panel is connected by a member called a stay that is attached to the vehicle body and extends in the vehicle body downward or forward direction. Various cross-sectional shapes are selected for such an instrument panel reinforcing material. In addition, in order to avoid interference with other members, bending, swaging, or the like may be performed in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, various materials such as a steel plate, aluminum (hereinafter abbreviated as aluminum) and magnesium are selected from the viewpoint of cost and performance.

  The instrument panel reinforcing material is required to have high rigidity in order to prevent vibration of the steering during traveling. Also, in a frontal collision, it has high strength against the load from the front of the vehicle through the steering to the rear of the vehicle, the load to the front of the vehicle due to the forward movement of the occupant, and the axial load of the instrument panel reinforcement in a side collision. Required. In recent years, from the viewpoint of reducing the weight of automobiles, it has been desired to further reduce the weight while securing these strengths and rigidity.

  Since aluminum materials are lighter than conventional steel plates, application to frame members such as instrument panel reinforcement is also expected. So far, instrument panel reinforcements made of aluminum plate members formed by press molding or roll molding, aluminum castings, or aluminum extrusions have been studied or put into practical use. However, since the aluminum material has a higher material cost than the steel plate, it is a problem to suppress the processing or joining cost as much as possible.

  In a frame component such as an instrument panel reinforcement, it is desirable to adopt a closed cross-sectional structure in order to reduce the weight while satisfying the rigidity and strength requirements. For this reason, when manufacturing a frame part from an aluminum plate material, joining is often performed after pressing or roll processing to form a closed cross-sectional structure. However, in such a structure made of a plate material, since the weld line length becomes long, the problem is that the manufacturing cost is high.

  In the case of manufacturing the instrument panel reinforcing material by aluminum casting, there is an advantage that it is difficult to form a closed section hollow portion, although there is an advantage that an attachment portion with other parts can be integrally formed. For this reason, it is common to adopt an open cross-sectional shape such as a U-shape and to provide reinforcing ribs to ensure strength and rigidity, but there is a problem that the weight is heavier than the hollow closed cross-section component. is there.

  In this regard, an aluminum alloy extruded shape (hereinafter abbreviated as an aluminum extruded shape) has a great advantage that it can form a straight part having a closed cross-sectional space in advance without welding, unlike a plate. In order to reduce weight and load in the vehicle width direction, it is desirable that the instrument panel reinforcing material be linearly provided in a direction substantially horizontal to the vehicle body and parallel to the vehicle width direction. In view of this, several instrument panel reinforcement structures using aluminum extruded sections having the same cross section in the longitudinal direction have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the case of an aluminum extruded shape, since it has a uniform cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, shape restrictions often become a problem. For this reason, a structure provided with a deformed cross-sectional portion such as pressing a part of the cross section in the longitudinal direction has also been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).
In addition, as a method for imparting a more complicated cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, hydraulic forming or the like has been proposed, but cost increase is often a problem because of a long processing time.

  Further, in the passenger seat side region of the instrument panel reinforcement, the required values of rigidity and strength are relatively low as compared with the driver seat side region to which the steering column is connected. On the other hand, there is a relationship such as the arrangement of the storage box, and the restriction on the shape is severe, and a small-diameter thin-walled tube is desired as compared with the driver's seat side. For this reason, in the instrument panel reinforcement made of steel pipe that has been conventionally used, the passenger seat side is generally reduced in diameter and thickness by swaging. However, in the case of an aluminum material that is inferior in formability compared to a steel plate, it is very difficult to obtain a similar shape by swaging or the like.

Therefore, parts having different cross sections on the driver's seat side and the passenger seat side are used, and these are joined by welding joining or crimping joining using plastic deformation such as a contracted tube, or mechanical joining using bolts, pins, etc. Many structures have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 7).
However, these structures often have a problem of cost increase due to an increase in the number of parts. Further, in the case of using fusion welding, there is a problem that the joining cost itself is higher in the aluminum material than in the steel plate structure. Furthermore, since the coefficient of thermal expansion is high, it is necessary to solve production problems such as suppression of thermal deformation at the time of joining, and it takes time to start the product.

  In summary, in the instrument panel reinforcement goods, the driver's seat to which the steering column is joined has a strong demand for high strength and high rigidity, and a high-strength, large-diameter cross-section frame is required. In order to satisfy the requirements and to reduce the weight, a small-diameter thin frame is necessary, and it can be said that a structure capable of manufacturing these at a low cost is demanded. In particular, an aluminum material having a higher joining cost than a steel material requires a structure that shortens the joining length as much as possible to reduce the cost.

JP 2003-34266 A JP 2010-52487 A Japanese Patent No. 3734651 JP 2004-189040 A Japanese Patent No. 4496592 JP 2008-51237 A JP 2003-267264 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile made of an aluminum alloy that can be manufactured at a low cost while ensuring good deformation strength, rigidity and vibration characteristics by suppressing an increase in weight.

  In order to achieve the above object, the means adopted by the instrument panel reinforcing member structure for an automobile according to claim 1 of the present invention is an aluminum alloy extruded profile whose axis is parallel to the vehicle body and parallel to the vehicle width direction. An instrument panel reinforcing member structure for an automobile comprising: an upper open cross-section part having an opening downward along the axis, and capable of joining both ends to a vehicle body frame directly or via a bracket, and along the axis The upper and lower open cross-section parts are fitted by fitting portions formed on both end faces of the opening in the driver seat portion of the vehicle body. It has the main member formed.

  The vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to claim 2 of the present invention employs the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to claim 1, wherein the lower open cross-section component is located below the front passenger seat portion of the vehicle body. The end portion of the lower open cross-section part that has been bent into a bent shape is connected to the vehicle body floor.

  The means adopted by the vehicle instrument panel reinforcing material structure according to claim 3 of the present invention is the vehicle instrument panel reinforcing material structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the upper and lower open cross-section parts of the fitting portion. Both end surfaces of a part of the opening in the axial direction have a 180-degree folded bent portion extending in a parallel direction upward or downward, and the upper and lower open cross-section parts are formed by the 180-degree folded bent portion. It is characterized by being fitted.

  The means adopted by the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 4 of the present invention is the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fitting portion is the upper part. Further, both end surfaces of the opening of the lower open-section component are formed by being inserted while being slid together in the axial direction, and then press-molded and crimped.

  The means adopted by the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 5 of the present invention is the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 4, wherein the fitting portion has a different cross-sectional shape in the axial direction. It is characterized by.

  The means adopted by the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to claim 6 of the present invention is the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper and lower open cross-section parts are At least the opening end surface on the rear side of the vehicle body has a curved surface shape with a radius of 3 mm or more when a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction is viewed in cross section.

  The means adopted by the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to claim 7 of the present invention is the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper and lower open-section parts are These are substantially semi-cylindrical cross-section parts.

  The means adopted by the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 8 of the present invention is the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main member is 5000 series, It consists of a 6000 series or 7000 series aluminum alloy.

  According to the instrument panel reinforcement structure for an automobile according to claim 1 of the present invention, in the instrument panel reinforcement structure for an automobile comprising an aluminum alloy extruded profile whose axis is parallel to the vehicle body and parallel to the vehicle width direction, An upper open-section component having an opening downward along the axis and having both ends joined to the body frame directly or via a bracket, and a lower open-section having an opening upward along the axis The upper and lower open cross-section parts have a main member that is fitted in fitting parts formed at both end faces of the opening in the driver seat portion of the vehicle body. .

  As a result, the driver seat side of the main member has a closed cross-sectional structure with a relatively large diameter, and high deformation strength, high rigidity, and good vibration characteristics can be ensured. In this instrument panel reinforcing material structure, the relatively thick fitting portions are provided substantially in front and rear of the vehicle body, and the bending deformation strength when a load is applied in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body such as a collision is increased. Can be high. Moreover, the characteristic that the rigidity with respect to the load transmitted through a steering column also becomes high is acquired.

  According to the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to claim 2 of the present invention, the lower open cross-section component is bent downward at the passenger seat equivalent portion of the vehicle body, and the lower open cross-section component is bent. Since the end portion of this is connected to the vehicle body floor, it is possible to simultaneously realize a reduction in diameter and weight and a reduction in the number of parts. In addition, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 7, a steering member made of a tubular small-diameter member whose side surface on the passenger seat side is open is disclosed. It is not intended to improve deformation strength, rigidity, etc. as in the invention.

  Furthermore, according to the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 3 of the present invention, at least the opening both end surfaces in the axial direction in the upper and lower open-section parts of the fitting portion are upward or downward. 180 degrees folded bent portion extending in the direction parallel to the upper part, and the upper and lower open cross-section parts are fitted by the 180 degree folded bent portion, so that it is difficult to come out in the vertical direction of the vehicle body or in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for automobile is high in strength.

  Still further, according to the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 4 of the present invention, the fitting portion slides between both end surfaces of the opening of the upper and lower open-section parts in the axial direction. Since it is formed by being inserted, a linear joint is formed in the longitudinal direction of the main member, and a relatively high rigidity can be secured. Some of these joints may be welded in an auxiliary manner, but it is preferable not to perform welding from the viewpoint of preventing the increase in shape accuracy and manufacturing cost by preventing thermal deformation.

  The fitting portion is preferably further crimped and joined by press molding. In this case, since it can be firmly crimped and joined by press molding, which is a subsequent process, there is no major problem even if the cross-sectional shape of the fitting part is designed to have a slight clearance, and the control standard for the shape accuracy during material extrusion However, there is an advantage in manufacturing that the fitting itself can be easily performed without tightening. Further, the joint strength may be further improved by using an adhesive or the like in the fitting portion.

  According to the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 5 of the present invention, since the fitting portion has a different cross-sectional shape in the axial direction, the displacement deformation of the component in the vehicle width direction is prevented. There is an effect of suppressing, and a structure with higher strength and rigidity can be obtained.

  According to the vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure according to claim 6 of the present invention, when at least the opening end surface on the vehicle body rear side of the upper and lower open-section parts is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction. It has a curved surface shape with a radius of 3 mm or more. In the cross section of the main member that may come into contact with the occupant at the time of a collision, if there is an acute angle part at the rear part of the vehicle body, there is a possibility that a cut to the occupant may become a problem. If there is, there is a need to make it difficult to cut even if it comes into contact, such as by processing the end face inward. However, in the case of an aluminum extruded profile, if a die extrusion shape having a cross-sectional shape having a curved surface on the end face is previously provided, a product having no acute angle portion in the end face cross-section can be obtained without additional processing.

  Further, at least the opening end surface on the rear side of the vehicle body is joined by firmly biting into the opening end surface when the end surface having a gently curved shape with a radius of 3 mm or more is fitted and pressed. In other words, the effect of increasing the bond strength can be obtained.

The cross-sectional shapes of the upper and lower open-section parts are preferably substantially semi-cylindrical cross-section parts. This is because, particularly in the driver's seat side region, the anisotropy in the direction orthogonal to the axis is reduced, so that vibration characteristics as an instrument panel reinforcing material can be easily secured, and the cross-sectional shape of the semi-cylinder Buckling hardly occurs when a load is applied, and a relatively high strength can be obtained.

  On the other hand, according to the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 7 of the present invention, since the main member is made of a 5000 series, 6000 series or 7000 series aluminum alloy, the strength and rigidity necessary for the material can be secured. . In consideration of the requirement for high strength in an indoor space that is not a corrosive environment, when using a 7000 series aluminum alloy or a plate bracket as an extruded profile, the 5000 series is easy to ensure the strength of the welded portion. Application of aluminum plate is most desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing various forms of a fitting portion in which a vertical cross section A perpendicular to the axis L of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing details of an end face of an opening of the lower open cross-section component shown in FIG. It is a typical perspective view of the instrument panel reinforcement material structure for motor vehicles concerning Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vertical section A perpendicular to the axis L in the direction of the driver's seat, and FIG. 4B is a vertical cross-section perpendicular to the axis L. FIG. FIG. 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the horizontal section C viewed from above, and FIG. 4D is a schematic view of the horizontal cross-section D viewed from above. FIG. It is a typical perspective view which shows the preparation process of a main member in the manufacturing process of the instrument panel reinforcement material structure for motor vehicles concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a typical perspective view which shows an insertion process in the manufacturing process of the instrument panel reinforcement material structure for motor vehicles concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. The press molding process is shown in the manufacturing process of the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. (G) is a schematic perspective view after press molding, and FIGS. (H) and (i) are respectively A. It is typical sectional drawing which shows the press molding process in a cross section and B cross section. In the manufacturing process of the instrument panel reinforcement structure for automobiles according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, it is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the press forming process in the A section. It is a typical perspective view of the instrument panel reinforcement material structure for motor vehicles concerning Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  First, an instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an instrument panel reinforcing member structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical section A perpendicular to the axis L of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing details of the opening end face of the lower open cross-section component shown in FIG. 2C.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the instrument panel reinforcing member structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is for an automobile made of an aluminum alloy extruded profile whose axis L is parallel to the vehicle body and extends in the vehicle width direction. The present invention relates to an instrument panel reinforcement structure. And, this instrument panel reinforcing member structure for an automobile includes an upper open section part 1 having an opening 1a downward along the axis L, and a lower open section part 2 having an opening 2a upward along the axis L. This constitutes the main member.

Here, as an example, the cross-sectional shapes of the upper open cross-section component 1 and the lower open cross-section component 2 are shown as substantially semi-cylindrical shapes, but the hollow cross-sectional shape is a cylinder with a rectangular cylinder cross section or a flat portion. It is appropriately selected from the viewpoint of shape constraints, product requirement specifications, or joining with other parts, such as a cross section. Further, the upper open cross-section component 1 and the lower open cross-section component 2 do not necessarily have similar shapes, and a straight line connecting the fitting portions 3 and 3 described later is divided by an axial cross section that does not pass through the center of the cross section. May be.
In addition, as described above, from the viewpoint of improving the vibration performance of the instrument panel reinforcing material in the driver seat side region and suppressing buckling when the axial load is applied, the cross-sectional shapes of the upper open-section component 1 and the lower open-section component 2 are As shown in the drawing, it is preferable to have a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

  At the same time, this vehicle instrument panel reinforcing member structure is formed on the driver's seat side of the vehicle body, as illustrated in FIG. 2 to be described later, with the opening end faces 1b and 1b of the upper open section 1 and the opening end face 2b of the lower semi-cylindrical part 2. , 2b are formed with fitting portions 3, 3 in which both end faces 1b, 2b are fitted together. The fitting itself is formed by inserting both end faces 1b, 2b of the opening 1a of the upper open-section component 1 and the opening 2a of the lower open-section component 2 in the direction of the axis L.

  In addition, this vehicle instrument panel reinforcement structure has a joint stay 4 in which the upper end is connected to and supported by the boundary between the driver seat side and the passenger seat side of the main member, and the lower end portion 4a is joined to a vehicle body lower floor (not shown). , And a connecting stay 5 connected to the passenger seat side and connected to the cowl on the front side of the vehicle. Further, a bracket 6a is joined to the end of the main member on the driver's seat side, and a bracket 6b is joined to the end of the passenger seat side, and the structure is joined to the vehicle body via these brackets 6a and 6b. is doing.

  The main member is preferably made of a 5000 series, 6000 series or 7000 series aluminum alloy. Such an aluminum alloy can ensure the strength and rigidity required for an instrument panel reinforcement for automobiles as a material. In consideration of the requirement for high strength in an indoor space that is not a corrosive environment, when using a 7000 series aluminum alloy or a plate bracket as an extruded profile, the 5000 series is easy to ensure the strength of the welded portion. Application of aluminum plate is most desirable.

  Incidentally, the joining of the main member of the instrument panel reinforcing member and the joining stay 4 of the vehicle or the brackets 6a and 6b may be conveniently selected as required, such as MIG welding or laser welding. Further, the main member can be directly joined to the vehicle body frame without attaching the brackets 6a and 6b to both ends.

  The form of the fitting part 3 can use various forms as shown in FIG. That is, first, the opening end faces 1b, 1b of the upper open-section component 1 are turned downward 180 degree folding parts, and the opening end faces 2b, 2b of the lower open-section part 2 are turned upward 180 degree folding parts, respectively. After being formed as an aluminum extruded profile, the fitting end 3 (FIG. (A)) formed by inserting and inserting these opening both end faces 1b and 2b into a shape bent 90 degrees downward, respectively, The fitting part 3 (FIG. (B)) by which the direction of the 180 degree | times folding | turning bending process part of the part both end surfaces 1b and 2b was formed in the reverse direction is possible.

  Further, it is preferable that the fitting portion 3 is press-molded and crimped as will be described later, and crimped and joined. That is, the opening end surface 2b in the horizontal direction of the lower open-section component 2 is inserted into the opening end surface 1b of the upper open-section component 1 that has been bent 180 degrees in the horizontal direction, and then press-molded and joined. (FIG. 8 (c)), FIG. 8 (h), which is obtained by pressing the fitting portion 3 of FIG. (A) in a horizontal direction (FIG. (D)), and the fitting portion 3 of FIG. Can be press-molded (Fig. (E)), and the fitting portion 3 of Fig. (A) can be press-molded in the horizontal direction (Fig. (D)).

  Furthermore, the one formed by arranging the horizontal portions 1c, 1c and the projections 1d, 1d on the opening end faces 1b, 1b of FIG. (A) (FIGS. (E), (f)), or FIG. The fitting portion 3 is further press-formed as shown in FIG. 9 (FIG. 9 (g)), and is formed so that the projections 1d and 1d are attached and restrained on the opening end faces 1b and 1b of the upper open section part 1. (Fig. H)) can also be formed.

  Note that the shape of the fitting portion 3 is greater than that of FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) in view of the higher strength of the structure that is less likely to come off in the vehicle vertical direction or vehicle width direction. A structure in which crimp bonding is performed such as h) is preferable. From the viewpoint of shape constraints, considering the fact that strength and rigidity are preferably as small as possible in the smallest possible space, the structures shown in FIGS. (E), (f), and (g) with few protrusions on the outer periphery are more preferable. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 3 of the main member is such that the opening end faces 1b and 2b of both open cross-section parts 1 and 2 constituting the fitting portion 3 extend in the parallel direction upward or downward. It is desirable to be fitted by a 180-degree folded bent portion and further to be crimped.

  Moreover, the form of the fitting parts 3 and 3 shown to Fig.2 (a)-(h) showed the example of the fitting part of the upper open cross-section component 1 and the lower open cross-section component 2, In addition, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the configurations of the upper and lower open cross-section parts 1 and 2 are interchanged, and the upper and lower open cross-sections shown in FIGS. It is also possible to obtain predetermined performance by combining the fitting section cross-sectional shapes of the parts 1 and 2.

  The upper and lower open-section parts 1 and 2 are formed so that at least the opening end faces 1b and 2b on the rear side of the vehicle body have a gently curved shape with a radius of 3 mm or more as illustrated in FIG. Is preferred. In particular, for a vehicle body rear side portion that may come into contact with an occupant at the time of a collision, it is possible to prevent cuts even when the opening end surfaces 1b and 2b are in contact with an occupant or the like by adopting such a configuration. become. These end face shapes can be set in advance by an extrusion die when an aluminum extruded profile is applied. In addition, when this curved surface shape is an end surface shape that protrudes in the out-of-plane direction on the end side, the protruding portion firmly bites into the counterpart part and is joined by press molding and crimping as described later. For this reason, the bond strength can be further increased.

  Next, an outline of an instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 relates to the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. A schematic cross-sectional view of the cross-section A viewed in the direction of the driver's seat, FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vertical cross-section B perpendicular to the axis L in the direction of the driver's seat, and FIG. A schematic cross-sectional view as viewed from above and FIG. (D) are schematic cross-sectional views as viewed from above of the horizontal cross section D.

  Note that the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the joint stay that is joined to the lower floor of the vehicle body, and the other parts are completely the same. The explanation shall be stopped.

  That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the joining stay 4 is connected to and supported by the boundary between the driver seat side and the passenger seat side of the main member, and joined to the vehicle body lower floor (not shown). In the second embodiment of the present invention, the passenger seat equivalent portion of the vehicle body of the lower open-section component 2 is bent downward, and the passenger seat equivalent portion of the lower open-section component 2 that has been bent is used as the joining stay 4. The portion 4a is connected to a vehicle body floor (not shown). According to this structure, since the number of parts can be reduced and deformation due to welding heat can be suppressed, an effect of improving shape accuracy is also obtained, which is more preferable.

  And in this instrument panel reinforcement material structure for automobiles, both ends of the opening 1a of the upper open-section component 1 and the opening 2a of the lower open-section component 2 are located at the portion of the vertical cross section A on the driver's seat side of the main member. After being fitted and fitted in the direction of the axis L, it is further crimped and joined by press molding, which will be described later, to form a fitting portion 3 having the same form as FIG. 2E (see FIG. 5A). On the other hand, in the portion of the vertical section B on the passenger seat side of the vehicle body, only the upper open section part 1 having the same cross section as the upper open section part 1 in the vertical section A and having an opening 1a below the axis L. (See FIG. 5B).

  Further, the joining stay 4 corresponds to a boundary portion between the driver seat side and the passenger seat side of the lower open section part 2 from which the opening end faces 2b and 2b are removed as described later (FIG. 5 (c)). And a portion corresponding to the passenger seat of the part 2 formed in a U-shape having flange portions 4b and 4b in the cross section at the portion of the horizontal cross section D of the joining stay 4 (see FIG. 5 (d)). ing.

  Next, the details of the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile will be described according to the manufacturing process with reference to FIGS. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a main member preparation step in the manufacturing process of an instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an instrument panel reinforcement for an automobile according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the insertion process in the manufacturing process of the material structure, FIG. 8 shows the press molding process in the manufacturing process of the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for automobile according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. Schematic perspective view after molding, FIGS. (H) and (i) are schematic sectional views showing the press molding process in the A section and the B section, respectively, and FIG. 9 is an instrument panel reinforcement for automobiles according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the manufacturing process of material structure, it is typical sectional drawing which shows the other example of a press molding process in A cross section.

  In the manufacture of the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to the second embodiment of the present invention, first, the upper open cross-section component 1 is formed of a substantially semi-cylindrical member having an opening 1a, and the opening end face 1b of the cross section is formed. 1b is formed as an aluminum extruded shape having a 180-degree bent portion in the horizontal outward direction (see FIG. 6A).

  On the other hand, the lower open cross-section component 2 is formed of a substantially semi-cylindrical member having an opening 2a, and the opening end faces 2b and 2b are formed as aluminum extruded profiles each having a horizontal outward surface (FIG. 6 ( b)). Then, after trimming sections 7 and 7 are applied in the vicinity of the boundary between the driver seat side and the passenger seat side of the lower open-section component 2 (see FIG. 6C), the passenger seat side corresponding portion is opened. Bending is performed approximately 90 degrees in the direction opposite to the portion 2a (see FIG. 6D). At the time of this bending process, the cross section of the passenger seat side corresponding part is changed from a substantially semi-cylindrical shape to a U-shape having a flat surface part, and the flanges 4b and 4b are bent 180 degrees to form the opening end face 2b, A joining stay 4 having 2b is formed. The presence or absence of these shape changes is selected for convenience in terms of design or shape constraints.

  Then, the bent lower open-section component 2 is slid in the axis L direction (vehicle width direction) and fitted into the upper open-section component 1 (see FIGS. 7E and 7F). At this time, since the trim processing portions 7 and 7 are provided in the vicinity of the boundary between the driver seat side and the passenger seat side of the lower open-section component 2, only the driver seat side portion can be inserted. In the second embodiment, the fitting portions 3 and 3 are further press-molded from above in the vehicle body to be swaged and crimped to make the joint between the open ends firm (see FIG. 8 (g)). )reference).

  That is, in a portion corresponding to the vertical cross section A in FIGS. 4 and 8, as shown in FIG. 8 (h), the lower open cross-section component 2 and the upper open cross-section component that are inserted by forming the fitting portions 3 and 3 are inserted. After the cored bar 8 is inserted into the hollow portion 1, the punch 10 is pressed from above the upper open-section component 1 while supporting the lower portion of the lower open-section component 2 with the die 9, thereby fitting portions 3, 3. Are joined by caulking. On the other hand, in the portion corresponding to the vertical cross section B in FIGS. 4 and 8, the upper open cross-section component 1 is supported while the inner surface of the opening 1a of the upper open cross-section component 1 is supported by the cored bar 9 as shown in FIG. By pressing the punch 10 from above, the opening end faces 1b and 1b having a 180-degree bent portion in the vertical direction are formed.

  The fitting portions 3 and 3 are arranged in the vertical direction after the cored bar 8 is inserted into the hollow portion of the lower open-section component 2 and the upper open-section component 1 formed with the fitting portions 3 and 3. For example, the one shown in FIG. 9 in which the fitting portions 3 and 3 are pressed from the front and rear direction of the vehicle body by the punches 10 and 10 while being supported by the dies 9 and 9 may be selected for convenience.

Next, an automotive instrument panel reinforcing material structure according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an instrument panel reinforcement structure for an automobile according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
The third embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the fitting portion of the upper open-section component and the lower open-section component, and the others are completely the same configuration, so The description of the configuration of the parts will be limited.

  That is, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the fitting portions 3 and 3 of the upper open-section component 1 and the lower open-section component 2 are joined with the same cross-sectional shape in the axis L direction. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portions 3a, 3a at the end on the driver's seat side and the fitting portions 3a, 3a near the driver's seat on the driver's seat side, The fitting portions 3b, 3b have different structures in cross section. Thus, when the fitting parts 3 and 3 of the upper open cross-section component 1 and the lower open cross-section component 2 are configured to have different cross-sectional shapes in the axis L direction, the displacement deformation in the vehicle width direction is also suppressed. This makes it possible to obtain an instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile having higher strength.

  As described above, according to the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to the present invention, the upper part has an opening downward along the axis, and both ends can be joined to the vehicle body frame directly or via a bracket. An open cross-section component and a lower open cross-section component having an opening upward along the axis, and the upper and lower open cross-section components are located on both end faces of the opening in the driver seat portion of the vehicle body. It has a main member that is fitted by the formed fitting portion.

  Therefore, the driver seat side of the main member has a relatively large-diameter closed cross-sectional structure, and high deformation strength, high rigidity, and good vibration characteristics can be ensured. In this instrument panel reinforcing material structure, the relatively thick fitting portions are provided substantially in front and rear of the vehicle body, and the bending deformation strength when a load is applied in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body such as a collision is increased. Can be high. Moreover, the rigidity with respect to the load transmitted through the steering column is increased.

  Further, according to the instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to the present invention, the lower open cross-section component is bent downward in the passenger seat equivalent portion of the vehicle body, and the bent end portion of the lower open cross-section component is Since it is connected to the vehicle body floor, it is possible to simultaneously realize a reduction in diameter and weight and a reduction in the number of parts.

A, B: vertical section,
C, D: horizontal section,
L: axis,
1: upper semi-cylindrical component, 1a: opening, 1b: end face of opening,
1c: horizontal portion, 1d: protrusion,
2: lower semi-cylindrical component, 2a: opening, 2b: end face of opening,
3, 3a, 3b: fitting part,
4: Joining stay, 4a: Lower end part, 4b: Flange part,
5, Linked stay,
6a, 6b: bracket,
7: Trim processing part,
8: Core, 9: Die, 10: Punch

Claims (8)

In an instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile comprising an aluminum alloy extruded shape whose axis is parallel to the vehicle body and parallel to the vehicle width direction,
An upper open cross-section component having an opening downward along the axis and capable of joining both ends to the vehicle body frame directly or via a bracket;
A lower open-section component having an opening upward along the axis,
An automotive instrument panel, wherein the upper and lower open cross-section parts have a main member formed by fitting portions formed at both end faces of the opening in a driver seat equivalent portion of the vehicle body. Reinforcement structure.   2. The lower open cross-section part is bent downward in a passenger seat equivalent portion of the vehicle body, and the end of the bent lower cross-section part is connected to the vehicle body floor. Instrument panel reinforcement structure as described.   In the upper and lower open-section parts of the fitting portion, at least a part of both end surfaces of the opening in the axial direction has a 180-degree folded bent portion extending in a parallel direction upward or downward, and this 180-degree The instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper and lower open cross-section parts are fitted by a folded bending portion.   The fitting portion is formed by inserting and inserting both end surfaces of the opening portions of the upper and lower open-section parts while sliding in the axial direction, and then press-molding and crimping. The instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to claim 4, wherein the fitting portion has a different cross-sectional shape in the axial direction.   The opening end face of at least the rear side of the upper and lower open-section parts has a curved surface shape having a radius of 3 mm or more when viewed in cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. The instrument panel reinforcing material structure for automobiles according to any one of items 5 to 5.   The instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the upper and lower open section parts is a substantially semi-cylindrical section part. The instrument panel reinforcing material structure for an automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main member is made of a 5000 series, 6000 series, or 7000 series aluminum alloy.

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