Abstract:
A vehicle pillar structure comprising: a pillar member configuring a skeleton of a vehicle; a reinforcement member disposed inside the pillar member, bridging a pair of side portions of the pillar member, and reinforcing the pillar member; and an infrared transmission inhibition member, the infrared transmission inhibition member covering the reinforcement member at least from a design surface side of the pillar member and inhibiting transmission of infrared radiation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-030974 filed on Feb. 22, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a vehicle pillar structure. 
         [0004]    Related Art 
         [0005]    Japanese Patent Application Laid-open (JP-A) No. 2006-273057 discloses a pillar structure where a front pillar is configured to include a transparent pillar member and a front pillar frame that holds the pillar member. Furthermore, the front pillar frame is configured to include a front pillar inner panel and a front pillar outer panel that are each substantially frame-shaped. 
         [0006]    Moreover, the front pillar inner panel has reinforcement walls (reinforcement members) that bridge a pair of vertical walls of the front pillar inner panel, and the reinforcement walls are placed near the surface of the pillar member on the cabin side. Because of this, the front pillar inner panel can be reinforced and the pillar member can be reinforced. 
         [0007]    However, in this pillar structure, the following is of concern. That is, when sunlight strikes the pillar member, the reinforcement walls heat up because of the infrared radiation in the sunlight, and the heat generated in the reinforcement walls is transmitted to the pillar member. For this reason, there is the potential for degradation and warping caused by the heat to occur in the pillar member. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In consideration of the circumstances described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle pillar structure that can, even in a case where a reinforcement member is disposed in a pillar member, inhibit the generation of heat in the reinforcement member. 
         [0009]    In a vehicle pillar structure pertaining to a first aspect of the invention, the vehicle pillar structure comprising: a pillar member configuring a skeleton of a vehicle; a reinforcement member disposed inside the pillar member, bridging a pair of side portions of the pillar member, and reinforcing the pillar member; and an infrared transmission inhibition member, the infrared transmission inhibition member covering the reinforcement member at least from a design surface side of the pillar member and inhibiting transmission of infrared radiation. 
         [0010]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the first aspect of the invention, the reinforcement member is disposed inside the pillar member configuring the skeleton of the vehicle, and the reinforcement member bridges the pair of side portions of the pillar member. Because of this, the pillar member is reinforced by the reinforcement member. 
         [0011]    Here, the infrared transmission inhibition member that inhibits the transmission of infrared radiation covers the reinforcement member at least from the design surface side of the pillar member. For this reason, regarding sunlight striking the pillar member from the design surface side of the pillar member, transmission of the infrared radiation in the sunlight through the infrared transmission inhibition member can be inhibited. Because of this, the infrared radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the reinforcement member. Consequently, the generation of heat in the reinforcement member can be controlled. 
         [0012]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to a second aspect of the invention, wherein the infrared transmission inhibition member covers the reinforcement member from a vehicle upper side in addition to the design surface side of the pillar member. 
         [0013]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the second aspect of the invention, the infrared transmission inhibition member covers the reinforcement member from the vehicle upper side in addition to the design surface side of the pillar member. For this reason, also regarding sunlight striking the pillar member from the vehicle upper side, transmission of the infrared radiation in the sunlight through the infrared transmission inhibition member can be inhibited. Because of this, the infrared radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the reinforcement member. 
         [0014]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to a third aspect of the invention, wherein: the pillar member has an ultraviolet transmission inhibition member that inhibits transmission of ultraviolet radiation, and the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member configures the design surface of the pillar member. 
         [0015]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the third aspect of the invention, the section of the pillar member configuring the design surface is configured by the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member that inhibits the transmission of ultraviolet radiation. For this reason, regarding sunlight striking the pillar member from outside the vehicle, transmission of the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight through the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member can be inhibited. Because of this, the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the section configuring the pillar member placed on the cabin side of the design surface. Consequently, ultraviolet radiation-induced degradation of the section configuring the pillar member placed on the cabin side of the design surface can be reduced. 
         [0016]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to a fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the infrared transmission inhibition member is also disposed between the pair of side portions and the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member. 
         [0017]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the fourth aspect of the invention, the infrared transmission inhibition member is also disposed between the pair of side portions of the pillar member and the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member, so ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the pair of side portions. Because of this, the generation of heat in the pair of side portions of the pillar member can be controlled. 
         [0018]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to a fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the infrared transmission inhibition member interconnects the pair of side portions, and the reinforcement member is embedded in the infrared transmission inhibition member. 
         [0019]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the fifth aspect of the invention, the entire reinforcement member can be covered by the infrared transmission inhibition member while the pair of side portions are interconnected by the infrared transmission inhibition member. For this reason, infrared radiation in sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the section configuring the pillar member placed on the cabin side of the design surface and the entire reinforcement member. Consequently, the generation of heat in the pillar member can be effectively controlled. 
         [0020]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to a sixth aspect of the invention, wherein: the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member interconnects the pair of side portions, and the reinforcement member covered by the infrared transmission inhibition member is embedded in the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member. 
         [0021]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the sixth aspect of the invention, the entire reinforcement member covered by the infrared transmission inhibition member can be covered by the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member while the pair of side portions are interconnected by the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member. For this reason, compared to a case where the pair of side portions are interconnected by the infrared transmission inhibition member, the cost of the pillar member can be kept down. That is, usually the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member having the function of reducing the transmission of ultraviolet radiation can be made more cheaply than the infrared transmission inhibition member having the function of reducing the transmission of infrared radiation. Additionally, in the invention pertaining to the sixth aspect, the pair of side portions are interconnected by the ultraviolet transmission inhibition member, so it becomes unnecessary to place the infrared transmission inhibition member completely between the pair of side portions. Because of this, compared to a case where the pair of side portions are interconnected by the infrared transmission inhibition member, the cost of the pillar member can be kept down. 
         [0022]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to a seventh aspect of the invention, wherein the infrared transmission inhibition member is placed adjacent to the design surface side of the pillar member. 
         [0023]    In the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the seventh aspect of the invention, the infrared transmission inhibition member is placed adjacent to the design surface side of the pillar member, so the pillar member can be covered from the design surface side by the infrared transmission inhibition member. For this reason, compared to a case where another member is interposed between the infrared transmission inhibition member and the reinforcement member, infrared radiation in sunlight can be kept, by a simple configuration, from being directly applied to the reinforcement member. 
         [0024]    According to the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention, the generation of heat in the reinforcement member can be controlled. 
         [0025]    According to the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the third aspect of the invention, ultraviolet radiation-induced degradation of the section configuring the pillar member placed on the cabin side of the design surface can be reduced. 
         [0026]    According to the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the fourth aspect of the invention, the generation of heat in the pair of side portions of the pillar member can be controlled. 
         [0027]    According to the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the fifth aspect of the invention, the generation of heat in the pillar member can be effectively controlled. 
         [0028]    According to the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the sixth aspect of the invention, compared to a case where the pair of side portions are interconnected by the infrared transmission inhibition member, the cost of the pillar member can be kept down. 
         [0029]    According to the vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the seventh aspect of the invention, compared to a case where another member is interposed between the infrared transmission inhibition member and the reinforcement member, infrared radiation in sunlight can be kept, by a simple configuration, from being directly applied to the reinforcement member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a plan sectional view (a sectional view along line  1 - 1  of  FIG. 3 ), seen from a vehicle upper side, showing a pillar member of a front pillar to which a vehicle pillar structure pertaining to the embodiment has been applied; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a schematic plan view showing the front portion of a cabin interior of an automobile equipped with the front pillar shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a side view, seen from the right side, showing the entire automobile shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a side view, seen from inside in the vehicle width direction, schematically showing reinforcement beams formed inside an infrared transmission inhibition layer of an outer wall shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view (a sectional view along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 ), seen from inside in the vehicle width direction, showing a reinforcement beam shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view, corresponding to  FIG. 5 , showing one version of a modification example of the configuration of the outer wall shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view, corresponding to  FIG. 5 , showing another version of the modification example of the configuration of the outer wall shown in  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a plan sectional view, showing a modification example of the shape of the outer wall shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    A vehicle pillar structure S pertaining to an embodiment will be described below using the drawings. It should be noted that arrow FR appropriately shown in the drawings indicates a vehicle forward direction of a vehicle (automobile) V equipped with a front pillar  30  to which the vehicle pillar structure S has been applied, arrow UP indicates a vehicle upward direction, and arrow RH indicates a vehicle rightward direction. Hereinafter, when description is given simply using the directions of front/rear, upper/lower, and right/left, unless otherwise specified these will be understood to mean front/rear in the vehicle forward and rearward direction, upper/lower in the vehicle upper and lower direction, and right/left in the vehicle rightward and leftward direction (the vehicle width direction). 
         [0040]    First, the general configuration of the automobile V will be described below. In  FIG. 2  the front portion of a cabin C interior in the automobile V is shown by way of a schematic plan view. As shown in this drawing, a vehicle seat  10  for a driver&#39;s seat is disposed in the right side portion of the front portion of the cabin C. The vehicle seat  10  is configured to include a seat cushion  10 A, on which an occupant P (hereinafter called “the driver P”) sits, and a seat back  10 B, which supports the back of the driver P. The lower end portion of the seat back  10 B is connected to the rear end portion of the seat cushion  10 A. 
         [0041]    Furthermore, a vehicle seat  12  for a front passenger seat is disposed in the left side portion of the front portion of the cabin C. The vehicle seat  12  is, like the vehicle seat  10 , configured to include a seat cushion  12 A and a seat back  12 B. Thus, the automobile V is a vehicle with right-side steering wheel. 
         [0042]    A windshield glass  14  is disposed in the front end portion of the cabin C of the automobile V. The windshield glass  14  is formed as a transparent plate and is placed sloping rearward when heading upward as seen in a side view (see  FIG. 3 ). Furthermore, the windshield glass  14  is formed in a curved shape whose vehicle width direction center portion swells a little convexly forward. Additionally, vehicle width direction outer end portions  14 A of the windshield glass  14  are held in pillar members  32  of front pillars  30  described later. Furthermore, the lower end portion of the windshield glass  14  is secured by an adhesive (not shown in the drawings) to a cowl  16  that extends along the vehicle width direction. It should be noted that the cowl  16  is disposed along the upper end portion of a dash panel (not shown in the drawings) configuring the front portion of the cabin C. Furthermore, the upper end portion of the windshield glass  14  is secured by an adhesive (not shown in the drawings) to a front header  20  disposed along the vehicle width direction on the front end portion of a roof  18  configuring the upper portion of the cabin C. 
         [0043]    Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 3 , transparent plate-like side door glasses  22  are disposed on the side portions of the cabin C. Additionally, front pillars  30  are disposed between front end portions  22 A of the side door glasses  22  and the vehicle width direction outer end portions  14 A of the windshield glass  14 . 
         [0044]    Next, the front pillars  30 , which are the relevant portion of the present invention, will be described. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front pillars  30  are disposed on both vehicle width direction sides of the windshield glass  14  placed in the front portion of the cabin C. Additionally, the vehicle pillar structure S of the present embodiment is applied to the front pillar  30  on the driver&#39;s seat side (the right side). For this reason, in the following description, mainly the front pillar  30  on the right side will be described. 
         [0045]    The front pillars  30  are made of resin. Furthermore, each front pillar  30  has a hollow pillar-like pillar member  32  configuring a skeleton of the automobile V. The pillar members  32  are placed on the vehicle width direction outer sides of the windshield glass  14  and extend along the vehicle width direction outer end portions  14 A of the windshield glass  14 . Additionally, the upper end portions of the pillar members  32  are secured via brackets or the like to the front header  20 . Furthermore, the lower end portions of the pillar members  32  are secured to the upper end portions of front pillar lower members (not shown in the drawings) that are made of metal and extend in the substantially upper and lower direction. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the pillar member  32  is configured as a hollow structure having a substantially elliptical closed cross section  34  whose longitudinal direction coincides with the substantially vehicle width direction as seen in a plan sectional view. Specifically, the pillar member  32  is configured to include an outer wall  40 , which configures the wall portion of the pillar member  32  on the vehicle outer side, and an inner wall  50 , which configures the wall portion of the pillar member  32  on the cabin C side. Furthermore, the pillar member  32  has a first side wall  52 , which interconnects the vehicle width direction inner end portion (in other words, the end portion on the windshield glass  14  side) of the outer wall  40  and the vehicle width direction inner end portion of the inner wall  50 , and a second side wall  54 , which interconnects the vehicle width direction outer end portion (in other words, the end portion on the side door glass  22  side) of the outer wall  40  and the vehicle width direction outer end portion of the inner wall  50 . 
         [0047]    The outer wall  40  is formed in a curved shape that swells a little convexly toward the vehicle outer side (specifically, obliquely forward and rightward). A surface  40 A on the vehicle outer side of the outer wall  40  (the surface on the opposite side of the closed cross section  34  side) configures a design surface of the pillar member  32 , and the section of the outer wall  40  configuring the surface  40 A (in other words, the section of the outer wall  40  on the outer peripheral side) is an ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  serving as an “ultraviolet transmission inhibition member.” The ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  is configured by a transparent resin material containing a material that absorbs ultraviolet radiation (e.g., a transparent resin material whose ultraviolet transmittance is equal to or less than 20%). Because of this, when sunlight strikes the pillar member  32  from outside the vehicle, transmission of the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight through the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  is inhibited. That is, the “ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer (ultraviolet transmission inhibition member) that inhibits the transmission of ultraviolet radiation” in the present invention also includes an ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer (ultraviolet transmission inhibition member) whose ultraviolet transmittance is outside 0%. Additionally, the plate thickness (layer thickness) of the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  is set constant (e.g., set to 2 to 3 mm). 
         [0048]    Furthermore, the section on the inner peripheral side of the outer wall  40  (in other words, the section on the closed cross section  34  side) is an infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  serving as an “infrared transmission inhibition member.” The infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is configured by a transparent resin material containing a material that absorbs infrared radiation (e.g., a transparent resin material whose infrared transmittance is equal to or less than 20%). Because of this, when sunlight strikes the pillar member  32  from outside the vehicle, transmission of the infrared radiation in the sunlight through the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is inhibited. That is, the “infrared transmission inhibition layer (infrared transmission inhibition member) that inhibits the transmission of infrared radiation” in the present invention also includes an infrared transmission inhibition layer (infrared transmission inhibition member) whose infrared transmittance is outside 0%. 
         [0049]    Furthermore, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is formed in a substantially T shape as seen in a plan sectional view. Specifically, a first cutout portion  44 B that opens to the closed cross section  34  side is formed in a vehicle width direction inner end portion  44 A (the end portion on the windshield glass  14  side) of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 , and a second cutout portion  44 D that opens to the closed cross section  34  side is formed in a vehicle width direction outer end portion  44 C (the end portion on the side door glass  22  side) of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . Additionally, the width direction middle portion (the section between the vehicle width direction inner end portion  44 A and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  44 C) of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is a main body portion  44 E. Furthermore, the plate thickness (layer thickness) of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  at the vehicle width direction inner end portion  44 A and at the vehicle width direction outer end portion  44 C is set equal to or less than 5 mm, for example. 
         [0050]    Moreover, the section on the inner peripheral side (the closed cross section  34  side) of the vehicle width direction inner end portion of the outer wall  40  is a first inner layer  46  serving as a “side portion.” The first inner layer  46  configures part of the vehicle width direction inner side portion of the pillar member  32 . Furthermore, the section on the inner peripheral side (the closed cross section  34  side) of the vehicle width direction outer end portion of the outer wall  40  is a second inner layer  48  serving as a “side portion.” The second inner layer  48  configures part of the vehicle width direction outer side portion of the pillar member  32 . Furthermore, the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  are configured by an opaque resin material (in the present embodiment, black-colored carbon fiber-reinforced resin, for example). Additionally, the first inner layer  46  is placed inside the first cutout portion  44 B, the second inner layer  48  is placed inside the second cutout portion  44 D, and the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  are formed integrally with the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . Because of this, the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  are interconnected by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  (the main body portion  44 E). Moreover, when sunlight strikes the pillar member  32  from outside the vehicle, the infrared radiation in the sunlight is kept, by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 , from being directly applied to the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48 . 
         [0051]    Furthermore, the surfaces on the inner peripheral side (the closed cross section  34  side) of the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  are even with the surface on the inner peripheral side (the closed cross section  34  side) of the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 , and the plate thicknesses (layer thicknesses) of the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  are set equal to or less than 5 mm, for example. Because of this, the vehicle width direction inner end portion and the vehicle width direction outer end portion of the outer wall  40  have a three-layer structure with the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 , the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 , and the first inner layer  46  (the second inner layer  48 ). Furthermore, the width direction middle portion of the outer wall  40  has, in its section excluding reinforcement beams  56  described later, a two-layer structure with the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  and the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . 
         [0052]    The inner wall  50  of the pillar member  32  is placed sloping substantially straightly rearward when heading outward in the vehicle width direction as seen in a plan sectional view. A vehicle width direction inner end  50 A and a vehicle width direction outer end  50 B of the inner wall  50  are configured by the same opaque resin material (i.e., carbon fiber-reinforced resin) as that of the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40 . Furthermore, the width direction middle portion of the inner wall  50  (the section between the vehicle width direction inner end portion  50 A and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  50 B) is an inner transparent portion  50 C configured by a transparent resin material. The inner transparent portion  50 C is formed integrally with the vehicle width direction inner end portion  50 A and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  50 B. 
         [0053]    Additionally, the inner transparent portion SOC and the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  are placed in such a way as to coincide with each other as seen from the position of the driver P. That is, as seen in a plan sectional view at the position of an eye point EP of the driver P (which, as shown in  FIG. 2 , is the midpoint between both eyes of the driver P and the center point of a line joining both eyes of the driver P), the inner transparent portion  50 C and the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  are placed opposing each other in the direction in which the eye point EP and the pillar member  32  oppose each other (see the direction of arrow OUT and the direction of arrow IN shown in  FIG. 1 ). Because of this, the driver P can see outside the vehicle through the inner transparent portion  50 C, the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 , and the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 . 
         [0054]    It should be noted that the position of the eye point EP of the driver P is, for example, set using a dummy (e.g., an AM50 dummy covering from smaller builds up to 50% of Europeans and Americans males) on the basis of the position of the eye point EP of the dummy, in a driving posture, sitting in the vehicle seat  10 . Additionally,  FIG. 1  is depicted as a plan sectional view at the position of the eye point EP of the driver P. Moreover, the transmittance of the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 , the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 , and the inner transparent portion  50 C is set equal to or greater than 50%, for example, so that the driver P can see outside the vehicle through the pillar  32 . Furthermore, as seen in a plan sectional view at the position of the eye point EP of the driver P, a width dimension W 1  (a dimension along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the eye point EP of the driver P and the inner transparent portion  50 C oppose each other) of the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  and the inner transparent portion  50  is set to 65 mm, for example. 
         [0055]    The first side wall  52  of the pillar member  32  is configured by the same opaque resin material (i.e., carbon fiber-reinforced resin) as that of the first inner layer  46  of the outer wall  40  and the vehicle width direction inner end portion  50 A of the inner wall  50  and is formed integrally with the first inner layer  46  and the vehicle width direction inner end portion  50 A of the inner wall  50 . The first side wall  52  is formed in a substantially inverted L shape that opens forward and inward in the vehicle width direction as seen in a plan sectional view. Additionally, the wall portion of the first side wall  52  connected to the outer wall  40  (the first inner layer  46 ) is a first outer side wall  52 A, and the wall portion of the first side wall  52  connected to the inner wall  50  (the vehicle width direction inner end portion  50 A) is a first inner side wall  52 B. The first outer side wall  52 A is placed with its plate thickness direction coinciding with a direction substantially orthogonal to the plate thickness direction of the windshield glass  14  as seen in a plan sectional view in the vehicle width direction outer side. In other words, the first outer side wall  52 A is placed substantially parallel to the end surface of the vehicle width direction outer end portion  14 A of the windshield glass  14 . Furthermore, a rain gutter  60  is disposed between the vehicle width direction outer end portion  14 A of the windshield glass  14  and the first outer side wall  52 A. The rain gutter  60  is configured in such a way that drops of water and the like on the windshield glass  14  do not get into the space between the vehicle width direction outer end portion  14 A and the first outer side wall  52 A. 
         [0056]    The first inner side wall  52 B is placed on the cabin C side (the rear side) of the vehicle width direction outer end portion  14 A of the windshield glass  14  and is placed opposing the windshield glass  14  in the plate thickness direction of the windshield glass  14 . An adhesive  62  such as a urethane sealant, for example, is directly applied to the surface of the first inner side wall  52 B opposing the windshield glass  14 , and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  14 A of the windshield glass  14  is held on the first inner side wall  52 B via the adhesive  62 . The adhesive  62  has elasticity, seals the space between the windshield glass  14  and the front pillar  30 , and utilizes its elasticity to absorb differences in extension and contraction between the windshield glass  14  and the front pillar  30  caused by changes in temperature. Moreover, a molding  64  is disposed between the vehicle width direction outer end portion  14 A of the windshield glass  14  and the first inner side wall  52 B in a position on the vehicle width direction outer side of the adhesive  62 . Additionally, the space between the windshield glass  14  and the first inner side wall  52 B is filled in by the molding  64 . 
         [0057]    The second side wall  54  of the pillar member  32  is configured by the same opaque resin material (i.e., carbon fiber-reinforced resin) as that of the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40  and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  50 B of the inner wall  50  and is formed integrally with the second inner layer  48  and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  50 B of the inner wall  50 . Furthermore, the second side wall  54  is formed in a substantially L shape that opens rearward and outward in the vehicle width direction as seen in a plan sectional view. In other words, the second side wall  54  extends inside the closed cross section  34  of the pillar member  32  in relation to the vehicle width direction outer ends of the outer wall  40  and the inner wall  50 . Additionally, the wall portion of the second side wall  54  connected to the outer wall  40  (the second inner layer  48 ) is a second outer side wall  54 A, and the wall portion of the second side wall  54  connected to the inner wall  50  (the vehicle width direction outer end portion  50 B) is a second inner side wall  54 B. 
         [0058]    Furthermore, a retainer  66  formed by bending a strip of stainless steel, for example, is disposed on the second side wall  54 . The retainer  66  is formed in a substantially U shape that opens outward in the vehicle width direction and rearward as seen in a plan sectional view. Additionally, the bottom wall of the retainer  66  is secured to the second outer side wall  54 A by fastening members such as screws (not shown in the drawings). Furthermore, a door seal  68  is attached to the retainer  66 . The door seal  68  is made of an elastic member such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Because of this, the door seal  68  is held on the second side wall  54  via the retainer  66 , and the front end portion  22 A of the side door glass  22  is held on the second side wall  54  via the door seal  68 . 
         [0059]    Furthermore, reinforcement beams  56  serving as “reinforcement members” are integrally formed in the outer wall  40  of the pillar member  32 . The reinforcement beams  56  are embedded inside the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  of the outer wall  40 . The reinforcement beams  56  bridge the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40  and extend substantially straightly along the surface  40 A of the outer wall  40  (see  FIG. 4 ). Additionally, the reinforcement beams  56  are configured by the same resin material (i.e., carbon fiber-reinforced resin) as that of the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40 . Furthermore, the shape (the extension direction, a width dimension W 2  (see  FIG. 5 ), a thickness dimension T (see  FIG. 5 ), etc.) of the reinforcement beams  56  is set using a technique such as topological data analysis, and the thickness dimension T of the reinforcement beams  56  is set to 4 mm, for example. 
         [0060]    Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the cross section of each reinforcement beam  56  as seen from inside in the vehicle width direction is formed in a quadrilateral shape (more specifically, a rhombus shape). Specifically, each reinforcement beam  56  has a front face (a vehicle forward and rearward direction outer face)  56 A placed parallel to the surface  40 A of the outer wall  40  and a rear face (a vehicle forward and rearward direction inner face)  56 B placed parallel to the front face  56 A. The front face  56 A and the rear face  56 B are placed sloping rearward when heading upward. Furthermore, each reinforcement beam  56  has an upper face  56 C, extending from the upper end of the rear face  56 B forward along the vehicle forward and rearward direction, and a lower face  56 D, extending from the lower end of the front face  56 A rearward along the vehicle forward and rearward direction. That is, as seen in a sectional view seen from inside in the vehicle width direction, the upper face  56 C and the lower face  56 D are placed parallel to each other, and an angle θ 1  formed by the upper face  56 C and the rear face  56 B and an angle θ 2  formed by the lower face  56 D and the front face  56 A are set to acute angles. 
         [0061]    Moreover, as mentioned above, the reinforcement beams  56  are embedded inside the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  of the outer wall  40 . For this reason, the front face  56 A, the upper face  56 C, the rear face  56 B, and the lower face  56 D of each reinforcement beam  56  are covered by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . Because of this, infrared radiation in sunlight is kept from being directly applied to the front face  56 A, the upper face  56 C, the rear face  56 B, and the lower face  56 D of each reinforcement beam  56 . 
         [0062]    Next, the action and effects of the vehicle pillar structure S pertaining to the present embodiment will be described. 
         [0063]    In the vehicle pillar structure S configured as described above, the front pillar  30  has the pillar member  32 , and the pillar member  32  extends along the vehicle width direction outer end portion  14 A of the windshield glass  14 . Because of this, the pillar member  32  is placed on the front side and the vehicle width direction outer side of the driver P, so the field of vision of the driver P on the front side and the vehicle width direction outer side of the pillar member  32  is obstructed. 
         [0064]    To address this, the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  and the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  that are configured by a transparent resin material are formed in the outer wall  40  of the pillar member  32 , and the inner transparent portion  50 C that is configured by a transparent resin material is formed in the inner wall  50  of the pillar member  32 . Additionally, the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  and the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  and the inner transparent portion  50 C are placed in such a way as to coincide with each other as seen from the position of the driver P. For this reason, the driver P can see outside the vehicle through the inner transparent portion  50 C, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 , and the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 . 
         [0065]    Furthermore, the reinforcement beams  56  configured by carbon fiber-reinforced resin bridge the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40 . Because of this, the pillar member  32  is reinforced by the reinforcement beams  56 . 
         [0066]    Here, the reinforcement beams  56  are embedded inside the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  of the outer wall  40 . For this reason, the front face  56 A, the upper face  56 C, the rear face  56 B, and the lower face  56 D of each reinforcement beam  56  are covered by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . Because of this, regarding sunlight striking the pillar member  32  from outside the vehicle, transmission of the infrared radiation in the sunlight through the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is inhibited, so the infrared radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the reinforcement beams  56 . In other words, the amount of infrared radiation applied to the reinforcement beams  56  can be reduced. Consequently, the generation of heat in the reinforcement beams  56  can be controlled. As a result, the weatherability of the pillar member  32  can be improved. More specifically, thermal degradation of the pillar member  32  or warping of the pillar member  32  caused by the reinforcement beams  56  heating up can be controlled, and thermal expansion of the pillar member  32  can be controlled. 
         [0067]    Furthermore, in the pillar member  32 , the surface  40 A of the outer wall  40  configures the design surface of the pillar member  32 , and the section of the outer wall  40  configuring the surface  40 A is configured by the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  that inhibits the transmission of ultraviolet radiation. For this reason, regarding sunlight striking the pillar member  32  from outside the vehicle, transmission of the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight through the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  can be inhibited. Because of this, the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the sections (specifically, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  of the outer wall  40 , the first inner layer  46 , the second inner layer  48 , the first outer side wall  52 A of the first side wall  52 , the second outer side wall  54 A of the second side wall  54 , and the inner transparent portion  50 C of the inner wall  50 ) of the pillar member  32  placed on the cabin C side (the closed cross section  34  side) of the surface  40 A of the outer wall  40 . Consequently, ultraviolet radiation-induced degradation of the sections of the pillar member  32  placed on the cabin C side of the surface  40 A of the outer wall  40  can be reduced. In particular, the transparency of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  and the inner transparent portion  50 C of the inner wall  50  can be kept from being reduced because the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  and the inner transparent portion  50 C of the inner wall  50  are configured by a transparent resin material. 
         [0068]    Furthermore, in the outer wall  40 , the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is placed adjacent to the closed cross section  34  side of the entire ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 . Additionally, the vehicle width direction inner end portion  44 A of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is disposed between the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  and the first inner layer  46 , and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  44 C of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is disposed between the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  and the second inner layer  48 . For this reason, ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40 . Because of this, the generation of heat in the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the pillar member  32  can be controlled. 
         [0069]    Furthermore, the reinforcement beams  56  are embedded inside the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  of the outer wall  40 . For this reason, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is adjacent to the front face  56 A, the upper face  56 C, the rear face  56 B, and the lower face  56 D of each reinforcement beam  56 . Because of this, the front face  56 A, the upper face  56 C, the rear face  56 B, and the lower face  56 D of each reinforcement beam  56  can be covered by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . Consequently, compared to a hypothetical case where the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  is interposed between the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  and the reinforcement beams  56 , infrared radiation in sunlight can be kept, by a simple configuration, from being directly applied to the reinforcement beams  56 . 
         [0070]    (Modification Example of Outer Wall  40  of Pillar Member  32 ) 
         [0071]    Next, an modification example of the outer wall  40  of the pillar member  32  will be described using  FIG. 6 . In this modification example, the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  of the embodiment is omitted, and the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is configured to cover the front face  56 A and the upper face  56 C of each reinforcement beam  56 . In other words, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  covers each reinforcement beam  56  from the surface  40 A side of the outer wall  40  and the upper side. Because of this, whereas in the embodiment the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is continuously disposed between the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40 , in this modification example the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is partially disposed between the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40 . 
         [0072]    Furthermore, in this modification example, the section corresponding to the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  of the embodiment is configured as the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 , and the reinforcement beams  56  covered by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  are embedded inside the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 . That is, although the drawings do not show this, the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  is formed in a substantially T shape as seen in a plan sectional view, interconnects the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40 , and covers each entire reinforcement beam  56  covered by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . 
         [0073]    Because of this, in this modification example, when sunlight strikes the pillar member  32  from the front side or the upper side, the infrared radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the reinforcement beams  56 . That is, when sunlight strikes the pillar member  32 , the sunlight strikes the pillar member  32  mainly from the front side, the upper side, and obliquely from the front side and the upper side. In contrast, in this modification example, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is configured to cover each reinforcement beam  56  from the front side and the upper side. For this reason, regarding sunlight striking the pillar member  32  from the front side, the upper side, and obliquely from the front side and the upper side, transmission of the infrared radiation in the sunlight through the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is inhibited. Because of this, the infrared radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being directly applied to the reinforcement beams  56 . Consequently, in this modification example also, the generation of heat in the reinforcement beams  56  can be controlled. 
         [0074]    Furthermore, in this modification example, the front face  56 A and the upper face  56 C of each reinforcement beam  56  is covered by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . Moreover, the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  interconnects the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40  and covers each entire reinforcement beam  56  covered by the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44 . Because of this, compared to the embodiment, the cost of the pillar member  32  can be kept down. That is, usually the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  having the function of inhibiting the transmission of ultraviolet radiation can be made more cheaply than the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  having the function of inhibiting the transmission of infrared radiation. Additionally, in this modification example, the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  of the outer wall  40  are interconnected by the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 , so it becomes unnecessary to place the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  completely between the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48 . In other words, the main body portion  44 E of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  can be omitted and the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  can be partially disposed between the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48 . Consequently, compared to the embodiment, the cost of the pillar member  32  can be kept down. 
         [0075]    Furthermore, as seen in a sectional view seen from inside in the vehicle width direction, each reinforcement beam  56  is formed in a rhombus shape and slopes rearward when heading upward. For this reason, even when sunlight strikes the reinforcement beams  56  from the upper side, the infrared radiation in the sunlight can be kept from being applied to the rear face  56 B of each reinforcement beam  56 . Because of this, in this modification example also, in which the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is configured to cover only the front face  56 A and the upper face  56 C of each reinforcement beam  56 , the generation of heat in the reinforcement beams  56  can be effectively controlled. 
         [0076]    It should be noted that, although in this modification example the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is configured to cover the front face  56 A and the upper face  56 C of each reinforcement beam  56 , the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  may also be configured to cover the rear face  56 B or the lower face  56 D of each reinforcement beam  56  in addition to the front face  56 A and the upper face  56 C of each reinforcement beam  56 . Or, like in the embodiment, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  may also be configured to cover the entire periphery of each reinforcement beam  56 . 
         [0077]    Furthermore, in this modification example, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is placed adjacent to the front face  56 A and the upper face  56 C of each reinforcement beam  56 , but the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  may also be interposed between the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  and each reinforcement beam  56 . 
         [0078]    Furthermore, in this modification example, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is bent in a substantially inverted L shape as seen in a side sectional view and covers the front face  56 A and the upper face  56 C of each reinforcement beam  56 , but the shape of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  is not limited to this. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the upper end portion of the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  that covers the front face  56 A of the reinforcement beam  56  from the front side (the surface  40 A side of the outer wall  40 ) may also be extended upward, with the extended section being placed in such a way as to coincide with the upper face  56 C of the reinforcement beam  56  in the upper and lower direction. In this case also, the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  can cover the upper face  56 C of the reinforcement beam  56  from the upper side. It should be noted that  FIG. 7  shows an example where the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  is interposed between the infrared transmission inhibition layer  44  and the reinforcement beam  56 . 
         [0079]    Furthermore, in the embodiment, the section of the pillar member  32  on the outer peripheral side of the outer wall  40  is configured by the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42 , but the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  may also be omitted from the outer wall  40 . 
         [0080]    Furthermore, in the embodiment, the plate thickness (layer thickness) of the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  of the outer wall  40  is set constant, but the plate thickness (layer thickness) of the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  may also be varied. For example, as shown in part A of  FIG. 8 , the plate thickness (layer thickness) of the sections of the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  corresponding to the first inner layer  46  and the second inner layer  48  may also be set thicker than the plate thickness (layer thickness) of other sections (part A of  FIG. 8  shows an example where the plate thickness of the section of the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  corresponding to the second inner layer  48  is made thicker than the plate thickness of other sections). 
         [0081]    Furthermore, in the embodiment and in the modification example, the outer wall  40  is formed in such a way as to swell a little convexly obliquely forward and rightward as seen in a plan sectional view, but the shape of the outer wall  40  is not limited to this. For example, as shown in part B of  FIG. 8 , the vehicle width direction inner end portion and the vehicle width direction outer end portion of the outer wall  40  may also be formed in a stepped way in correspondence, for example, to the design of the automobile V (part B of  FIG. 8  shows an example where a step portion is formed in the vehicle width direction inner end portion of the outer wall  40 ). Moreover, in this case also, the plate thickness (layer thickness) of the ultraviolet transmission inhibition layer  42  may also be varied in the same way as described above. 
         [0082]    Furthermore, in the embodiment and in the modification example, the reinforcement beams  56  are formed in the outer wall  40 , but reinforcement beams may also be formed in the inner wall  50  like in the outer wall  40 . That is, reinforcement beams that bridge the vehicle width direction inner end portion  50 A and the vehicle width direction outer end portion  50 B of the inner wall  50  may also be formed inside the inner transparent portion  50 C of the inner wall  50 . In this case, like in the embodiment, the inner transparent portion  50 C may be configured by a transparent resin material that inhibits the transmission of infrared radiation. Or, like in the modification example, the front face and the upper face of each reinforcement beam may be covered by an infrared transmission inhibition layer that inhibits the transmission of infrared radiation. 
         [0083]    Furthermore, in the embodiment and in the modification example, the pillar member  32  is formed as a hollow pillar, but the pillar member  32  may also be formed as a solid pillar. In this case, for example, the section inside the closed cross section  34  may be made of the same material as that of the inner transparent portion  50 C of the inner wall  50 . 
         [0084]    Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example was described where the vehicle pillar structure S is applied to the front pillar  30  on the driver&#39;s seat side, but the application of the vehicle pillar structure S is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle pillar structure S may also be applied to the front pillar  30  on the front passenger seat side. Furthermore, for example, although the drawings do not show this, the vehicle pillar structure S may also be applied to a rear pillar disposed between a rear windshield glass disposed in the rear portion of the cabin C and a side door glass disposed in the side portion of the cabin C. In this case, the rear pillar has a configuration where the configurations of the front pillar  30  are front-and-back reversed. Furthermore, for example, although the drawings do not show this, the vehicle pillar structure S may also be applied to a center pillar disposed between the front pillar  30  and the rear pillar. 
         [0085]    Furthermore, in the embodiment, the vehicle pillar structure S is applied to the automobile V with right-side steering wheel, but the vehicle pillar structure S may also be applied to an automobile with left-side steering wheel.