Patent Publication Number: US-8991909-B2

Title: Vehicle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-212350 filed on Sep. 26, 2012 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-138269 filed on Jul. 1, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a vehicle having a main frame having a plurality of members. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, in a vehicle including a main frame having a plurality of members, for example, in a vehicle having a monocoque structure, outer and inner panels that constitute the main frame of the vehicle are made of a steel sheet (a high tensile steel sheet or a super high tensile steel sheet), an iron sheet, an aluminum sheet, or the like. In order to ensure that a vehicle cabin space is safe against an instantaneous impact from a front direction or a side direction, or against an offset collision, such a monocoque structure is required to have sufficient strength and stiffness (transmission of force). 
     On the other hand, when the vehicle drives around a curve, driving stability that is influenced by transmission of a load is required. Accordingly, a balance is required between driving stability and collision safety that is influenced by strength against a collision such as that described above. 
     Furthermore, it is required to prevent noise from being generated and transmitted due to vibration and the like. Also, the vehicle having the monocoque structure includes front pillars, roof pillars, center pillars, door sills, and the like. In order to efficiently disperse a load or an impact applied to the respective members, sufficient joint stiffness is required on a junction of the respective members and a bent portion in which the direction of force transmission is changed. 
     For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2000-108930 discloses a lower structure of a vehicle side that securely disperses and transmits a collision load from a front or side of a vehicle to other members and suppresses deformation due to the collision. 
     JP-A No. 2001-71948 discloses a structure that is provided on a side roof of a vehicle side with a rail reinforcing member and on a door sill with a sill strength adjusting member, respectively, and that changes the vehicle deformation mode upon the occurrence of a side collision. 
     On the other hand, JP-A No. 2004-123036 discloses a technique for molding at least either one of an inner panel and an outer panel out of fiber reinforced plastic in a structure for fixing a securing wire harness to a vehicle body. 
     However, in the above three Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publications, the vehicle frame has insufficient strength and stiffness in view of driving stability and collision safety. 
     Also, in the above three Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publications, the vehicle frame cannot prevent noise from being generated and transmitted due to vibration or the like. Furthermore, the vehicle frame does not have sufficient joint stiffness to adequately transmit a force applied to a junction among members and a bent portion of a member. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an exemplary object of the present invention to provide a vehicle that can achieve a balance between strength and stiffness of the vehicle frame in view of driving stability and collision safety. 
     An aspect of the invention provides a vehicle including: a main frame having a plurality of members; and a reinforcing member made of a reinforced resin and disposed at a junction where two members out of the plurality of members intersect a point from two directions or at a bent portion of one of the plurality of members. 
     Preferably, the two members at the junction where the two members intersect a point from two directions are joined through the reinforcing member. 
     Preferably, the reinforcing member has a three-directional structure. 
     Preferably, the two members includes an outer member and an inner member, and the reinforcing member is disposed in a tubular hollow space defined between the outer and inner members so as to make a clearance in which the reinforcing member nearly comes into contact with inner walls of the outer and inner members. 
     Preferably, the reinforcing member is disposed in a hollow space defined in a bent portion of one of the plurality of members or in a hollow space defined in a bent portion where the plurality of members intersect, and the reinforcing member is disposed in an outer corner part of the bent portion so as to define a space between the reinforcing member and the outer and inner members. 
     Preferably, the reinforcing member is formed precisely along the tubular hollow space defined between the outer and inner members. 
     Preferably, the outer member is made of a metallic material. 
     Preferably, ends of the reinforcing member are joined to metallic reinforcing members and the metallic reinforcing members are connected to each other through the reinforcing member. 
     Preferably, the reinforcing member is made of fiber reinforced plastic or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (hereinafter referred to as CFRP). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a frame of a vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of part of a vehicle according to first aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of part of the vehicle frame according to a first embodiment of the invention, partially illustrating a cross section of the vehicle frame; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to the first embodiment of the invention, illustrating the schematic cross section taken in the direction indicted by an arrow IV in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the vehicle frame taken along a two-dot chain line VB-VB in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the vehicle frame taken along a two-dot chain line VIB-VIB in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the vehicle frame taken along a dotted line VIC-VIC in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of part of a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a frame of a vehicle according to a second aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to the second aspect of the invention, illustrating a cross section of the vehicle frame taken along a line XII-XII in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a tenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a frame of a vehicle according to a third aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a third aspect of the invention, illustrating a cross section of the vehicle frame taken along a line XXIV-XXIV in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of part of the vehicle frame according to the fourth aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to twentieth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 29  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a twenty-first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 30  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a twenty-second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 31  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a twenty-third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 33  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a frame of a vehicle  1  according to a first aspect of the invention. A frame of a vehicle  1  of the invention will be described below with reference to FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the vehicle  1  according to the first aspect of the invention. A plurality of members constitutes a main frame of the vehicle  1 . The main frame includes a front pillar  10 , a roof pillar  11 , a center pillar  12 , a door sill  13 , and the like. 
     The front pillar  10  constitutes a front section that defines a vehicle cabin space for the vehicle  1 . The front pillar  10  is disposed in such a manner as to support a side of a front glass. The front pillar  10  extends from an upper section to a lower section of the vehicle  1  and is coupled to the roof pillar  11  and the door sill  13 . 
     The roof pillar  11  extends longitudinally along an upper section that defines the vehicle cabin space for the vehicle  1  and constitutes a side portion of a roof of the vehicle  1 . 
     The center pillar  12  is a post-like pillar located between a front door and a rear door of the vehicle  1  and is located so as to extend vertically on the side of the vehicle  1  between the side roof rail  11  and the door sill  13 . 
     The door sill  13  is located so as to extend longitudinally on a lower section of the side of the vehicle  1 . 
     The respective members further include a plurality of members such as a combination of an inner member and an outer member, and a combination of the inner and outer members and a reinforcement (a reinforcing member) interposed between the inner and outer members. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of part of a vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. Part of the vehicle that has a monocoque structure includes a front pillar outer section  10 A, a roof pillar outer section  11 A, a center pillar outer section  12 A, and a door sill outer section  13 A. Cross sections of joined portions among the respective sections are substantially U-shaped or C-shaped. 
     The reinforcing member is provided on a portion in which two members out of the plurality of members intersect a point from two directions (hereinafter referred to “a two-member junction”), or on a bent portion of one of the plurality of members. In the first aspect, a reinforcing member  20  is provided in the bent portion of the front pillar outer section  10 A. The reinforcing member  20  is made of CFRP. 
     Since part of the vehicle frame is constructed in the manner described above, the reinforcing member made of CFRP can preferably maintain strength against a collision. Also, the inherent stiffness of CFRP is sufficient for transmission of a load. 
     Furthermore, since the reinforcing member  20  has a three-directional structure filled with CFRP therein, the reinforcing member  20  can absorb noise caused by vibration or the like and can serve as a sound proofing material and a vibration proofing material. 
     Thus, by using the reinforcing member  20  in the vehicle frame, a balance between collision safety and driving stability can be achieved. Heretofore, a steel sheet, an iron sheet, an aluminum sheet, or the like has been used in order to reinforce vehicle frames. However, since CFRP which has a light weight is used in the vehicle frame in the first aspect, it is possible to reduce the total weight of the vehicle  1 . In addition, since CFRP serves as a sound proofing material and a vibration proofing material, it is possible to introduce a sound proofing effect and a vibration proofing effect into a vehicle cabin space. 
     For example, in the case where an instantaneous force is applied to the front pillar  10  from a front direction of the vehicle, if the bent portion of the front pillar  10  does not have a balance between strength for supporting the bent portion and stiffness for transmitting the force to the bent portion, the force applied to the front pillar  10  is not transmitted to the other members effectively. The bent portion has insufficient strength. Consequently, there may be a case where the front pillar  10  is bent. However, according to the first aspect, by designing a reinforcing resin so as to achieve a balance between strength and stiffness, it is possible to effectively transmit the force applied to the front pillar  10  to the other members and to prevent the front pillar  10  from being bent. 
     Furthermore, a force from a front direction of the vehicle is transmitted to a bumper and a front side member disposed inside each of front side right and left wheels and is transmitted to a stiffener joined between the front pillar  10  and the front side member, so that the force is dispersed on the front pillar  10 , the door sill  13 , a center tunnel, and the like. Thus, the whole force from the front direction of the vehicle is not received on the front section of the vehicle and part of the force can be introduced to the rear section of the vehicle. 
     The invention can be applied to not only the junction that requires transmission of the external force mentioned above and strength against the external force, for example, not only the junction in the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , or the door sill  13 , but also to a bent portion and a junction in a front side member, a stiffener or a center tunnel. Also, it is possible to apply the present invention to a combination of a side sill and a torque box, a combination of a door sill and an A pillar, a combination of a door sill and a B pillar, a combination of a side sill and a cross member, a combination of an A pillar and an upper frame, a combination of an A pillar (or a side panel) and a front roof rail (a laterally crossing member), a combination of a side panel and a roof center brace (a laterally crossing member), and a combination of a C pillar or a D pillar (or a side panel) and a rear roof rail (a laterally crossing member). 
     In the case where there is a clearance in the joined section at the junction, the reinforcing member made of CFRP is inserted into the clearance and the respective members are coupled through the reinforcing member to each other, thereby enabling the joined section to satisfy the requirements for strength and stiffness. 
     Although carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used in the first aspect of the invention, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), carbon fiber reinforced thermoset (CFRTS), or carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) may be used in the first aspect. These materials can be used in accordance with the strength and stiffness characteristics or other properties required for the respective sections of the vehicle. 
     Although the reinforcing member  20  has the three-directional structure filled with CFRP therein in the first aspect of the invention, a material to be inserted into the reinforcing member  20  need not be CFRP but may be a foamed material. This will make it possible to adopt a foamed material that has a further sound proofing effect and a further vibration proofing effect. 
     Next, specific embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of part of the vehicle frame according to a first embodiment of the invention, partially illustrating a cross section of the vehicle frame. 
     The reinforcing member  20  is fitted in the bent portion of a front pillar outer section  10 A that has a U shape in cross section. The reinforcing member  20  has a size suitable for engagement with the front pillar outer section  10 A. The reinforcing member  20  is made of CFRP. It is not necessary to provide the reinforcing member  20  for the whole front pillar outer section  10 A. The reinforcing member  20  is located on the bent portion of the front pillar outer section  10 A so as to have a length that is determined in accordance with the required strength and stiffness. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to the first embodiment of the invention, illustrating the cross section taken in the direction indicated by an arrow IV in  FIG. 3 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the reinforcing member  20  made of CFRP is disposed on an inner wall of the front pillar outer section  10 A so that part of the reinforcing member  20  nearly comes into contact with the inner wall and so that a space is defined between the reinforcing member  20  and an outward projection of the front pillar outer section  10 A. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 5A  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to the second embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the part taken along a two-dot chain line VB-VB in  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate that an outer member  32  and an inner member  33  are engaged with each other so as to define the bent portion  31  of the vehicle frame and that a reinforced member  21  made of CFRP is disposed in a hollow space in the bent portion  31 . 
     In such a layout, the reinforcing member  21  has a shape that nearly comes into contact with a hollow space in the bent portion  31  defined by the outer member  32  and the inner member  33 , that is, nearly comes into contact with inner side walls of the outer member  32  and inner member  33 . The reinforcing member  21  is disposed in a tubular hollow space defined between the outer member  32  and the inner member  33  so as to make a clearance in which the reinforcing member  21  nearly comes into contact with inner walls of the outer member  32  and the inner member  33 . At this time, the reinforcing member  21  may be adhered to or may not be adhered to the outer member  32  or the inner member  33  by an adhesive or screws. 
     When an impact load is applied to the bent portion  31 , the clearance between the reinforcing member  21  and the outer and inner members  32  and  33  is cleared and the impact force is directly transmitted to the bent portion  31 . 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 6A  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a third embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the vehicle frame taken along a two-dot chain line VIB-VIB in  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6C  is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the vehicle frame taken along a dotted line VIC-VIC in  FIG. 6A .  FIGS. 6A to 6C  illustrate that the outer member  32  and the inner member  33  are engaged with each other at the bent portion  31  of the frame of the vehicle  1  and that a reinforcing member  22  made of CFRP is disposed in a tubular hollow space in the bent portion  31 . 
     In such a layout, the reinforcing member  22  has a shape that nearly comes into contact with a tubular hollow space in the bent portion  31  defined by the outer member  32  and the inner member  33 . However, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6C , there is a space between a left lower inner wall of the bent portion  31  and the reinforcing member  22 . The reinforcing member  22  is disposed in the tubular hollow space defined in a bent portion of one of the plurality of members or in a hollow space defined in a bent portion where the plurality of members intersect, and the reinforcing member  22  is disposed in an outer corner part of the bent portion so as to define a space between the reinforcing member  22  and inner walls of the outer member  32  and the inner member  33 . At this time, the reinforcing member  22  may be adhered to or may not be adhered to the outer member  32  or the inner member  33  by an adhesive or screws. A position of the reinforcing member  22  may be disposed in a bent portion of one of the plurality of members or a bent portion where the plurality of members intersects. 
     When an impact load is applied to the bent portion  31 , the clearance between the reinforcing member  22  and the outer and inner members  32  and  33  of the bent portion  31  is cleared and the impact load is directly transmitted to the bent portion  31 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7  illustrates that the outer member and the inner member are engaged with each other at a bent portion  34  of the frame of the vehicle  1  and that a reinforcing member  23  made of CFRP is disposed in a hollow space in the bent portion  34 . 
     In such a layout, the reinforcing member  23  has a shape that closely extends along a tubular hollow space defined by the outer and inner members and nearly comes into contact with the inner walls of the outer and inner members. At this time, the reinforcing member  23  may be adhered to or may not be adhered to the outer member or the inner member by an adhesive or screws. 
     When an impact load is applied to the bent portion  34 , the clearance between the reinforcing member  23  and the outer and inner members is cleared and the impact load is directly transmitted to the bent portion  34 . 
     Fifth Embodiment 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 8  illustrates that a first member  35  and a second member  36  at a junction of two members of the frame of the vehicle  1  are connected with each other through a reinforcing member  24  made of CFRP. 
     The first member  35  and the second member  36  are coupled to the reinforcing member  24 , respectively. In such a layout, strength and stiffness at the junction of the two members can be adjusted by the reinforcing member  24 . 
     Sixth Embodiment 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of part of a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. A side structural body  100  is an outer panel that is constructed continuously. The side structural body  100  is constructed by continuously connecting, for example, a front pillar outer member, a roof pillar outer member, a center pillar outer member, and a door sill outer member with each other. The side structural body  100  is made of a metallic material. In the sixth embodiment, the reinforcing member  20  is disposed in a bent portion of the side structural body  100 . 
     Since the reinforcing member  20  is disposed in the bent portion of the side structural body  100  made of a metallic material, a force applied to the bent portion, in which the reinforcing member  20  is disposed, is transmitted to the side structural body  100  made of the metallic material and formed continuously, thereby enabling the force to be dispersed further effectively. Also, since the side structural body  100  is constructed continuously, stiffness and strength can be enhanced. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 10  illustrates that a reinforcing member  120  made of CFRP is disposed in a bent portion  130  of a frame of the vehicle  1 . The bent portion  130  defines a tubular hollow space and outer and inner members are engaged with each other in the tubular hollow space. An upper side metallic reinforcing member  140  made of a metallic material and a right side metallic reinforcing member  141  made of a metallic material are disposed in the tubular hollow space in a tubular member which has an upper side extending portion and a right side extending portion in  FIG. 10 . The upper and right side metallic reinforcing members  140  and  141  are connected to the reinforcing member  120 . In the seventh embodiment, the bent portion  130  has a three-directional structure. The upper side metallic reinforcing member  140  made of a metallic plate is engaged with an upper outer periphery of the reinforcing member  120  filled with CFRP while the right side metallic reinforcing member  141  is engaged with a right outer periphery of the reinforcing member  120 . The opposite ends of the reinforcing member  120  are connected to the metallic reinforcing members (the upper and right side metallic members  140  and  141 ) and the metallic members are coupled to each other through the reinforcing member  120 . 
     Since the reinforcing member  120  made of CFRP is provided in the bent portion  130  of the vehicle frame  1  and the opposite ends of the bent portion  130  are constructed by the upper and right side metallic members  140  and  141 , strength and stiffness of the bent portion  130  can be further enhanced. 
     Next, a second aspect of the reinforcing member according to the invention will be described below.  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  illustrate the frame of a vehicle  1  according to a second aspect of the invention. The second aspect of the invention will be described in accordance with  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a vehicle in the second aspect of the invention. The explanations concerning the same construction of the vehicle in  FIG. 11  as that of the vehicle in  FIG. 1  are omitted here by giving the same signs to the construction in  FIG. 11 , as appropriate. 
     The respective members includes a plurality of elements such as a combination of inner and outer members, a combination of inner and outer members and a reinforcement (a reinforcing member) interposed between the inner and outer members. In the second aspect, the reinforcement is made of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to the second aspect of the invention, illustrating a cross section of the vehicle frame taken along a line XII-XII in  FIG. 11 . A pillar center inner  121  that serves as an inner member is coupled to a panel side outer  122  that serves as an outer member. Reinforcement pillar center outers  123  and  124  that serve as reinforcing members are disposed between the pillar center inner  121  and the panel side outer  122 . 
     The reinforcement pillar center outers  123  and  124  are made of CFRP. The panel side outer  122  is made of a metallic material. 
     Ends of the pillar center inner  121  and the panel side outer  122  are coupled to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above layout, the reinforcement (reinforcing member) interposed between the inner and outer members made of CFRP can preferably maintain strength and stiffness against collision. Inherent stiffness exerted in CFRP can carry out transmission of the load preferably. 
     Thus, by using the reinforcing member made of CFRP, the vehicle frame can accomplish a balance between collision safety and driving stability. Since the conventional reinforcement using a steel sheet, an iron sheet, an aluminum sheet, or the like is altered by using CFRP having a light weight, it is possible to reduce a total weight of the vehicle  1 . 
     For example, in the case where an instantaneous force is applied to the front pillar  10  from a front direction of the vehicle, if the bent portion of the front pillar  10  does not have a balance between strength for supporting the bent portion and stiffness for transmitting the force to the bent portion, the force applied to the front pillar  10  is not transmitted to the other members effectively. The bent portion becomes insufficient strength. Consequently, there may be a case where the front pillar  10  is bent. However, according to the second aspect, by designing a reinforced resin so as to satisfy a balance between strength and stiffness, it is possible to effectively transmit the force applied to the front pillar  10  to the other members and to prevent the front pillar  10  from being bent. 
     Furthermore, a force from a front direction of the vehicle is transmitted to a bumper and a front side member disposed inside each of front side right and left wheels and is transmitted to a stiffener joined between the front pillar  10  and the front side member, so that the force is dispersed on the front pillar  10 , the door sill  13 , a center tunnel, and the like. Thus, the whole force from the front direction of the vehicle is not received on the front section of the vehicle and part of the force can be introduced to the rear section of the vehicle. 
     The invention can be applied to not only the member that requires transmission of an external force and strength against the external force, for example, not only a member such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , or the door sill  13  that is described in connection with  FIG. 1 , but also a member such as a front side member, a stiffener or a center tunnel. Also, it is possible to apply the invention to a combination of a side sill and a torque box, a combination of a door sill and an A pillar, a combination of a door sill and a B pillar, a combination of a side sill and a cross member, a combination of an A pillar and an upper frame, a combination of an A pillar (or a side panel) and a front roof rail (a laterally crossing member), a combination of a side panel and a roof center brace (a laterally crossing member), and a combination of a C pillar or a D pillar (or a side panel) and a rear roof rail (a laterally crossing member). 
     In the case where there is a clearance in the joined section of these members, the reinforcing member made of CFRP is inserted into the clearance in order to reinforce the joined section and the respective members are coupled through the reinforcing member to each other, thereby enabling the joined section to satisfy the required strength and stiffness. 
     Usually, the vehicle frame is made of steel sheets that have different strength and stiffness. This can serve the need for a collision safety standard by using plural kinds of high tensile strength steel sheets or super high tensile strength steel sheets. 
     On the other hand, in the case where plural kinds of high tensile strength steel sheets or super high tensile strength steel sheets are not available on account of circumstances or environments in a manufacturing factory, it is possible to utilize the invention. That is, it is possible to design the respective sections of the vehicle frame that requires strength and stiffness by utilizing the reinforcement made of a few kinds of high tensile strength steel sheets or super high tensile strength steel sheets in the second aspect. 
     It is possible to adjust strength and stiffness by changing a thickness of the panel side outer  122  made of the metallic material in the second aspect, a thickness of the reinforcement made of CFRP, a direction of a fiber when producing and working a resin, or a synthetic material. 
     According to the invention, it is possible to obtain required strength and stiffness by utilizing CFRP, even if only a few kinds of steel sheets are available, that is, even if plural kinds of steel sheets that have required strength or the like are not available. 
     Although carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) are used in the second aspect of the invention, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), carbon fiber reinforced thermoset (CFRTS), or carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) may be used in the first aspect. These materials can be used in accordance with characteristics or other properties required for the respective sections of the vehicle. 
     Next, specific embodiments, that is, an eighth embodiment through a seventeenth embodiment will be described below with reference to  FIG. 13  through  FIG. 22 . 
     Eighth Embodiment 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of members of a vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, and a reinforcement  200 L that is formed into a concave shape along the outer panel  200 A and is made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A, the inner panel  200 I, and the reinforcement  200 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  200 L made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     A ninth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 14  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the ninth embodiment. 
       FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of members of a vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, and a reinforcement  201 L that is formed into a convex shape along the inner panel  200 I and is made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A, the inner panel  200 I, and the reinforcement  201 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  201 L made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Tenth Embodiment 
     A tenth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 15  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the tenth embodiment. 
       FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of members of a vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, a reinforcement  202 L that is formed into a concave shape along the outer panel  200 A and is made of CFRP, and a reinforcement  202 L′ that is formed into a convex shape along the inner panel  200 I and is made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A, the inner panel  200 I, and the reinforcements  202 L and  202 L′ are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcements  202 L and  202 L′ made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Eleventh Embodiment 
     An eleventh embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 16  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the eleventh embodiment. 
       FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the center pillar  12 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  201 I that serves to hold a seat belt retractor  300 , and a reinforcement  203 L that is formed into a convex shape from inner ends of the inner panel  201 I to the outer panel  200 A and is made of CFRP. 
     Both of the outer panel  200 A and the inner panel  201 I, and both of the inner panel  201 I and the reinforcement  203 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  203 L made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Twelfth Embodiment 
     A twelfth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 17  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the twelfth embodiment. 
       FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the center pillar  12 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, inner panels  202 I and  203 I, and a reinforcement  204 L that is formed into an O shape from inner ends of the inner panel  202 I and is made of CFRP. 
     Both of the outer panel  200 A and the inner panels  202 I and  203 I, and both of the inner panel  202 I and the reinforcement  204 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  204 L made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Thirteenth Embodiment 
     A thirteenth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 18  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the thirteenth embodiment. 
       FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the center pillar  12 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, inner panels  204 I and  205 I and a reinforcement  205 L that is formed into a plate-like shape connected inner ends of the inner panel  204 I and is made of CFRP. 
     Both of the outer panel  200 A and the inner panes  204 I and  205 I, and both of the inner panel  204 I and the reinforcement  205 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  205 L made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Fourteenth Embodiment 
     A fourteenth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 19  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the fourteenth embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, and a reinforcement  210 L that is formed into a convex shape along the inner panel  200 I and is provided with a plurality of plate-like ribs  210 R that have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. The reinforcement  210 L and the ribs  210 R are made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A, the inner panel  200 I, and the reinforcement  204 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  210 L made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  210 R serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  210 R may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  210 R may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  210 R against a force from free ends of the ribs  210 R. 
     Fifteenth Embodiment 
     A fifteenth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 20  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the fifteenth embodiment. 
       FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, and a reinforcement  211 L that is formed into a convex shape along the inner panel  200 I and is provided with a plurality of vertical plate-like ribs  211 R and horizontal plate-like ribs  211 C. The ribs  211 R and  211 C are intersected with each other perpendicularly to form a grid-like shape. The ribs  211 R have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. The reinforcement  210 L and the ribs  211 R and  211 C are made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A, the inner panel  200 I, and the reinforcement  211 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  211 L made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  211 R and  211 C serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  211 R and  211 C may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  211 R may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  211 R against a force from free ends of the ribs  211 R. 
     Sixteenth Embodiment 
     A sixteenth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 21  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the sixteenth embodiment. 
       FIG. 21  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, and a reinforcement  212 L that is formed into a concave shape along the outer panel  200 A and is provided with a plurality of plate-like ribs  212 R that have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. The reinforcement  212 L and the ribs  212 R are made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A, the inner panel  200 I, and the reinforcement  212 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  212 L made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  210 R serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  212 R may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  212 R may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  212 R against a force from free ends of the ribs  212 R. 
     Seventeenth Embodiment 
     A seventeenth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 22  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the seventeenth embodiment. 
       FIG. 22  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  200 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, and a reinforcement  213 L that is formed into a concave shape along the outer panel  200 A and is provided with a plurality of vertical plate-like ribs  213 R and horizontal plate-like ribs  213 C. The ribs  213 R and  213 C are intersected with each other perpendicularly to form a grid-like shape. The ribs  213 R have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. The reinforcement  213 L and the ribs  213 R and  213 C are made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A, the inner panel  200 I, and the reinforcement  213 L are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the reinforcement  213 L made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  213 R and  213 C serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  213 R and  213 C may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  213 R may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  213 R against a force from free ends of the ribs  213 R. 
     It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The invention may include variously altered constructions and structures. For example, it is possible to utilize a reinforcement that does not have flange and is made of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The invention can be applied to not only a vehicle but also a wing of an airplane and a ship. 
     Next, a third aspect of the reinforcing member according to the invention will be described below.  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24  illustrate the frame of a vehicle according to a third aspect of the invention. The third aspect of the invention will be described in accordance with  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 23  illustrates a vehicle in the third aspect of the invention. The explanations concerning the same construction of the vehicle in  FIG. 23  as that of the vehicle in  FIG. 1  are omitted here by giving the same signs to the construction in  FIG. 23 , as appropriate. 
     The respective members includes a plurality of members such as a combination of inner and outer members, a combination of inner and outer members and a reinforcement (a reinforcing member) interposed between the inner and outer members. In the third aspect, the reinforcement is made of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). 
       FIG. 24  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of the vehicle frame according to the third aspect of the invention, illustrating a cross section of the vehicle frame taken along a line XXIV-XXIV in  FIG. 23 . A pillar center inner  321  is coupled to a panel side outer  322 . The pillar center inner  321  is made of CFRP. The panel side outer  322  is made of a metallic material. 
     Ends of the pillar center inner  321  and the panel side outer  322  are coupled to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
       FIG. 25  is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of part of a vehicle frame according to the fourth aspect of the invention. A front pillar  310  includes a front pillar outer element  310 A, a front pillar inner element  310 I, and a front pillar inner front element  310 IF. The front pillar inner element  310 I and the front pillar inner front element  310 F are made of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). 
     A roof pillar  11  includes part of a roof pillar outer element  311 A, part of a center pillar outer element  312 A, and a roof pillar inner element  311 I. The roof pillar inner element  311 I is made of CFRP. 
     A center pillar  12  includes a center pillar outer element  312 A and a center pillar inner element  312 I. The center pillar outer element  312 A is made of a metallic material. The center pillar inner element  312 I is made of CFRP. 
     A door sill  13  includes a door sill outer element  313 A and a door sill inner element  313 I. The door sill inner element  313 I is made of CFRP. 
     According to the above layout, the inner elements of the respective members made of CFRP can preferably maintain strength against collision. Inherent stiffness exerted in CFRP can carry out transmission of the load preferably. 
     Thus, by using the reinforcing members, the vehicle frame can accomplish a balance between collision safety and driving stability. Since the conventional inner elements using a steel sheet, an iron sheet, an aluminum sheet, or the like is altered so as to be made of CFRP, it is possible to reduce a total weight of the vehicle  1 . 
     For example, in the case where an instantaneous force is applied to the front pillar  10  from a front direction of the vehicle, if there is no a balance between strength against a bending action to the front pillar  10  and stiffness for transmission of a load to the bent portion of the front pillar  10 , the force applied to the front pillar  10  is not transmitted to the other members effectively. The front pillar  10  becomes insufficient strength. Consequently, there may be a case where the front pillar  10  is bent. However, according to the fourth aspect, by designing a reinforced resin so as to satisfy a balance between strength and stiffness, it is possible to effectively transmit the force applied to the front pillar  10  to the other members and to prevent the front pillar  10  from being bent. 
     Furthermore, a force from a front direction of the vehicle is transmitted to a bumper and a front side member disposed inside each of front side right and left wheels and is transmitted to a stiffener joined between the front pillar  10  and the front side member, so that the force is dispersed on the front pillar  10 , the door sill  13 , a center tunnel, and the like. Thus, the whole force from the front direction of the vehicle is not received on the front section of the vehicle and part of the force can be introduced to the rear section of the vehicle. 
     The invention can be applied to not only the member that requires transmission of the external force and strength against the external force, for example, not only the member such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , or the door sill  13  that is described in connection with  FIG. 1 , but also a member such as a front side member, a stiffener or a center tunnel. Also, it is possible to apply the present invention to a combination of a side sill and a torque box, a combination of a door sill and an A pillar, a combination of a door sill and a B pillar, a combination of a side sill and a cross member, a combination of an A pillar and an upper frame, a combination of an A pillar (or a side panel) and a front roof rail (a laterally crossing member), a combination of a side panel and a roof center brace (a laterally crossing member), and a combination of a C pillar or a D pillar (or a side panel) and a rear roof rail (a laterally crossing member). 
     In the case where there is a clearance in the joined section of these members, the reinforcing member made of CFRP is inserted into the clearance and the respective members are coupled through the reinforcing member to each other, thereby enabling the joined section to satisfy the required strength and stiffness. 
     Usually, the vehicle frame is made of steel sheets that have a plurality of strength and stiffness. This can serve the need for a collision safety standard by using plural kinds of high tensile strength steel sheets or super high tensile strength steel sheets. 
     On the other hand, in the case where plural kinds of high tensile strength steel sheets or super high tensile strength steel sheets are not available on account of circumstances or environments in a manufacturing factory, it is possible to utilize the invention. That is, it is possible to design the respective sections of the vehicle frame that requires strength and stiffness by utilizing the reinforcement made of a few kinds of high tensile strength steel sheets or super high tensile strength steel sheets in the fourth aspect. 
     It is possible to adjust strength and stiffness by changing a thickness of the inner elements made of CFRP, a direction of a fiber when producing and working a resin, or a synthetic material. 
     According to the invention, it is possible to obtain required strength and stiffness by utilizing the inner elements made of CFRP, even if only a few kinds of steel sheets are available, that is, even if plural kinds of steel sheets that have required strength or the like are not available. 
     Although carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) are used in the fourth aspect of the invention, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), carbon fiber reinforced thermoset (CFRTS), or carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) may be used in the first aspect. These materials can be used in accordance with characteristics or other properties required for the respective sections of the vehicle. 
     Next, specific embodiments, that is, an eighteenth embodiment through a twenty-fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to  FIG. 26  through  FIG. 33 . 
     Eighteenth Embodiment 
       FIG. 26  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 26  is a cross sectional view of members of a vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, and an inner panel  400 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  400 A and the inner panel  400 I are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panel  400 I made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Nineteenth Embodiment 
     A nineteenth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 27  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the nineteenth embodiment. 
       FIG. 27  is a cross sectional view of members of a vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  401 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of CFRP, and an inner panel  401 I′ that is formed into a concave shape along the outer panel  400 A and is made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  400 A and the inner panels  401 I and  401 I′ are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panels  401 I and  401 I′ made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Twentieth Embodiment 
     A twentieth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 28  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the twentieth embodiment. 
       FIG. 28  is a cross sectional view of members of a vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, and an inner panel  402 I that is formed into a concave shape along the outer panel  400 A and is made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  200 A and the inner panel  402 I are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panel  402 I made of CFRP. This construction can obtain a light weight, since the reinforcement is not required. 
     Twenty-First Embodiment 
     A twenty-first embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 29 .  FIG. 29  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the twenty-first embodiment. 
       FIG. 29  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  403 I that is formed into a concave shape toward the outer panel  400 A and is made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  400 A and the inner panel  403 I are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panel  403 I made of CFRP. This construction can obtain high strength and a light weight. 
     Twenty-Second Embodiment 
     A twenty-second embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 30 .  FIG. 30  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the twenty-second embodiment. 
       FIG. 30  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, an inner panel  200 I that is formed into a convex shape and is made of a metallic material, and an inner panel  404 I that is formed into a convex shape and is provided with a plurality of plate-like ribs  404 IL that have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. The inner panel  404 I and ribs  404 IL are made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  400 A and the inner panel  404 I are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panel  404 I made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  404 IL serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  404 IL may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  404 IL may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  404 IL against a force from free ends of the ribs  404 IL. 
     Twenty-Third Embodiment 
     A twenty-third embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 31 .  FIG. 31  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the twenty-third embodiment. 
       FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, and an inner panel  405 I that is formed into a convex shape, is made of CFRP, and is provided with a plurality of vertical plate-like ribs  405 IL and horizontal plate-like ribs  405 IC that are made of CFRP. The ribs  405 IL and  405 IC are intersected with each other perpendicularly to form a grid-like shape. The ribs  405 IL have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. 
     The outer panel  400 A and the inner panel  405 I are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panel  405 I made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  405 IL and  405 IC serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  405 IL and  405 IC may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  405 IL may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  405 IL against a force from free ends of the ribs  405 IL. 
     Twenty-Fourth Embodiment 
     A twenty-fourth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 32 .  FIG. 32  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the twenty-fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 32  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, and an inner panel  406 I that is formed into a concave shape toward the outer panel  400 A, is made of CFRP, and is provided with a plurality of plate-like ribs  406 IL that have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. The ribs  406 IL are made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  400 A and the inner panel  406 I are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panel  406 I made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  406 IL serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  406 IL may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  406 IL may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  406 IL against a force from free ends of the ribs  406 IL. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  406 IL against a force from free ends of the ribs  406 IL. 
     Twenty-Fifth Embodiment 
     A twenty-fifth embodiment of the invention will be described below in accordance with  FIG. 33 .  FIG. 33  is an enlarged schematic sectional view of part of a vehicle frame according to the twenty-fifth embodiment. 
       FIG. 33  is a cross sectional view of members of the vehicle  1  such as the front pillar  10 , the roof pillar  11 , the center pillar  12 , and the door sill  13 . The vehicle  1  includes an outer panel  400 A that is formed into a concave shape and is made of a metallic material, and an inner panel  407 I that is formed into a concave shape toward the outer panel  400 A, is made of CFRP, and is provided with a plurality of vertical plate-like ribs  407 IL and horizontal plate-like ribs  407 IC. The ribs  407 IL and  407 IC are intersected with each other perpendicularly to form a grid-like shape. The ribs  407 IL have the same thickness and length and extend from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. The reinforcement  407 IL and  407 IC are made of CFRP. 
     The outer panel  400 A and the inner panel  407 I are connected to each other by an adhesive, screws, rivets, or a resin. 
     According to the above construction, a force is linearly transmitted to the inner panel  407 I made of CFRP. In addition, since the ribs  407 IL and  407 IC serve as impact absorption members, strength of the vehicle frame can be significantly enhanced. 
     The lengths of the respective plate-like ribs  407 IL and  407 IC may be set to be different and the thickness of the ribs  407 IL may be reduced from the inner panel side to the outer panel side. This can adjust impact strength of the ribs  407 IL against a force from free ends of the ribs  407 IL. 
     It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The invention may include variously altered constructions and structures. The invention can be applied to not only a vehicle but also a wing of an airplane and a ship. 
     Structures and Effects of the Embodiments 
     The vehicle according to the above embodiments has a monocoque structure that includes a plurality of members. The reinforcing member made of the reinforced resin is disposed in the junction of two members out of the plurality of members, or the bent portion of one member. 
     In the structure described above, the strength and stiffness of the junction of two members or the bent portion of one member are suitably set. This can realize a balance between collision safety and driving stability and further increased strength. 
     In the vehicle according to the above embodiments, the two members at a junction are joined through the reinforcing member. 
     In the structure described above, the strength and stiffness of the junction of two members can be enhanced. 
     The reinforcing member of the vehicle in the above embodiments has a three-directional structure. 
     By adopting the structure described above, it is possible to suitably set strength and stiffness and to further obtain a sound-proofing effect that can prevent noise caused by vibration and a vibration proofing effect. 
     In the vehicle according to the above embodiments, the reinforcing member is disposed in a hollow space in a bent portion defined by a single member or defined by intersecting the plurality of members and a space is defined between the reinforcing member and an outer corner of the bent portion. 
     According to the above construction, there is no clearance between the reinforcing member and the outer and inner members, thereby transmitting an impact force smoothly and controlling transmission of the impact force by means of the hollow space. 
     In the vehicle according to the above embodiments, the reinforcing member is formed precisely along the tubular hollow space defined between the outer and inner members. 
     According to the above construction, there is no clearance between the reinforcing member and the outer and inner members, thereby transmitting an impact force smoothly. 
     In the vehicle according to the above embodiments, the outer member is made of the metallic material. 
     According to the above construction, strength of the vehicle can be enhanced. 
     In the vehicle according to the above embodiments, the ends of the reinforcing member are joined to the metallic reinforcing members and the metallic reinforcing members are connected to each other through the reinforcing member. 
     According to the above construction, a balance between strength and stiffness can be obtained. 
     In addition, in the vehicle according to the above embodiments, the reinforced resin of the reinforcing member is fiber reinforced plastic or CFRP. 
     By adopting the structure described above, strength and stiffness can be suitably set. Therefore, a balance between collision safety and driving stability can be achieved. 
     DEFINITION 
     Reinforced plastic in the invention refer to fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), carbon fiber reinforced thermoset (CFRTS), carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP), and the like.