Patent Description:
A body of an automobile is made up of various structural members. Many of the structural members are formed by press forming a steel sheet. In order to improve collision safety performance, various proposals have been made regarding structural members (especially, long-sized members) of automobiles.

For example, Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>), Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>), Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>), Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) and Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) each disclose techniques for reinforcing a structural member for use in automobiles. Further, Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) describes a reinforced structural member for mounting a trailer hitch.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a frame structure including a tubular frame body. A reinforcing member is attached to the inner side of a corner portion of the frame body.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a structural member including a first formed body and a second formed body (reinforcing member). The first formed body has a hat-shaped cross-sectional shape and the second formed body has a grooved cross-sectional shape. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a structural member in which the second formed body (reinforcing member) is joined to an inner surface or outer surface of the first formed body.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a formed member having a ridge portion linking one plane with another plane. A reinforcing member is joined to the ridge portion. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a reinforcing member which has a similar shape as that of the ridge portion.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a structural member in which a hollow cross section is formed by a top wall portion, vertical wall portions respectively linked with both ends of the top wall portion, and a bottom wall portion. A bulging portion bulging outward is provided in a connection region between the top wall portion and the vertical wall portion.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a reinforcing structure of a collision energy absorbing member of an automobile, such as a front side member of the automobile, having a U-shaped cross section having an opened end. A clip-shaped patch member is inserted into a portion which is predicted to deform most on an opened end side of the member when impact force of a longitudinal direction is applied.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a hollow beam, for example, for mounting a trailer hitch. The hollow beam includes provisions to allow mounting a spacer sleeve or support body in its intended location for insertion of a mounting bolt from outside the beam. The sleeve at least partially encompasses the mounting bolt and is inserted through an access opening into the hollow beam and is subsequently positioned in registration with attachment holes and which receive the mounting bolt.

Using a structural member having high properties in a three-point bending test enables improvement of collision safety performance of an automobile and reduction of the weight thereof. Therefore, there is a need for new structural members having high properties in a three-point bending test. Under such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a structural member having high properties in a three-point bending test.

A structural member according to an embodiment of the present invention is a structural member for an automobile. This structural member includes a press-formed product formed from one steel sheet and a reinforcing member fixed to the press-formed product. The press-formed product includes two vertical wall portions and a top plate portion linking the two vertical wall portions. The reinforcing member is a member which has an L-shaped cross section and includes a first plate-like portion and a second plate-like portion. The first plate-like portion is fixed, by at least one kind selected from the group consisting of welding, adhesive bonding, brazing, riveting, and friction stir joining, to one of the vertical wall portions such that the second plate-like portion protrudes toward an outward direction from a side of the vertical wall portion along the top plate portion. A cross section at a boundary between the vertical wall portion and the top plate portion has a rounded shape, and the second plate-like portion is disposed on a top plate portion side with respect to a starting position of the rounded shape in the vertical wall portion.

According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a structural member having high properties in a three-point bending test. Using the structural member according to the present invention enables improvement of collision safety performance of an automobile and reduction of the weight thereof.

After having conducted diligent study, the present inventor has newly found that properties in a three-point bending test are improved by a specific structure. The present invention has been made based on this new finding.

Note that in the following description, while embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples, the present invention will not be limited to the examples to be described below. Although specific numerical values and materials may be illustrated by examples in the following description, other numerical values and materials may be applied provided that effects of the present invention can be achieved. The term "cross section" as used herein refers to, unless otherwise stated, a cross section perpendicular to a direction in which a press-formed product (P) extends (longitudinal direction).

The structural member of the present embodiment is a structural member for an automobile. This structural member includes a press-formed product formed from one steel sheet, and a reinforcing member fixed to the press-formed product. These press-formed product and reinforcing member may also be referred to as a "press-formed product (P)" and a "reinforcing member (R)", respectively. Further, the structural member of the present embodiment may also be referred to as a "structural member (S)".

The press-formed product (P) includes two vertical wall portions, and a top plate portion linking the two vertical wall portions. The reinforcing member (R) is a member which has an L-shaped cross section and includes a first plate-like portion and a second plate-like portion. The first plate-like portion is fixed to one of the vertical wall portions such that the second plate-like portion protrudes toward an outward direction from a side of the vertical wall portion along the top plate portion.

The press-formed product (P) can be formed by deforming one steel sheet (blank steel sheet). The cross section of the press-formed product (P) may include a U-shaped portion whose bottom portion is substantially flat. When the press-formed product (P) includes flange portions to be described below, its cross section may be substantially hat-shaped.

In viewpoints of collision safety and weight reduction, the steel sheet constituting the press-formed product (P) preferably has a high tensile strength. The tensile strength of the steel sheet may be not less than <NUM> MPa (for example, not less than <NUM> MPa, not less than <NUM> MPa, not less than <NUM> MPa, not less than <NUM> MPa, or not less than <NUM> MPa). There is no upper limit of tensile strength, it may be not more than <NUM> MPa.

Commonly, the press-formed product (P) has a generally elongated shape. Any of the vertical wall portions, the top plate portion, and the flange portions to be described below extends along the longitudinal direction of the press-formed product (P). The reinforcing member (R) may be disposed over the entire press-formed product (P) in the longitudinal direction, or may be disposed over only a part of the press-formed product (P) in the longitudinal direction.

Hereinafter, a region surrounded by the two vertical wall portions, a virtual plane linking the ends of the two vertical wall portions, and the top plate portion may be referred to as an "inside of press-formed product (P)". Further, a side opposite to the inside across the vertical wall portions and the top plate portion may be referred to as an "outside of press-formed product (P)". Furthermore, a direction away from the inside of press-formed product (P) may be referred to as an "outward direction".

The top plate portion connects the two vertical wall portions. To be more specific, the vertical wall portion and the top plate portion are continuous via the ridge portion (corner portion). In another aspect, the top plate portion is a lateral wall portion that connects the two vertical wall portions. For that reason, in this specification, the top plate portion can be replaced with the lateral wall portion. When the press-formed product (P) is disposed with the lateral wall portion (top plate portion) facing downward, the lateral wall portion can be called as a bottom plate portion. However, in this specification, the lateral wall portion is referred to as the top plate portion with reference to the case in which the lateral wall portion is disposed upward.

Angles Y formed by the top plate portion and each of the vertical wall portions are generally <NUM>° or the vicinity thereof. Although the angles Y may be less than <NUM>°, they are generally not less than <NUM>°, and may be in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The two angles Y may be different from each other, or substantially equal to each other (difference between the both is not more than <NUM>°). The angles Y will be described in <FIG>.

The first plate-like portion is fixed to the press-formed product (P) such that the side thereof which is linked to the second plate-like portion is disposed upward (on the top plate portion side). The way in which the first plate-like portion of the reinforcing member (R) is fixed to the press-formed product (P) may be selected depending on the circumstances. According to the invention, the first plate-like portion is fixed to the press-formed product (P) by at least one kind selected from the group consisting of welding, adhesive bonding, brazing, riveting, and friction stir joining. Examples of welding include resistance spot welding and laser welding. The shape, range, and number of the fixing portion may be appropriately selected depending on the circumstances. Regarding the position of the fixing portion, it is preferably as close to the top plate portion as possible. This is because as a result of fixing at a position close to the top plate portion, a moment, by which the first plate-like portion inwardly presses the vertical wall portion of the press-formed product, becomes more likely to occur. When a portion of the first plate-like portion abutting on the vertical wall portion of the press-formed product is denoted as a plane C, it is preferable that the center position of the fixing portion is located in a half-plane of the plane C on the side close to the second plate-like portion. Note that regarding the fixing strength, it is sufficient if the joined portion will not be torn off during collision deformation.

The top plate portion and the second plate-like portion are typically in parallel with each other. However, the second plate-like portion may be inclined with respect to the top plate portion. An angle X formed by the top plate portion and the second plate-like portion may be in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Hereinafter, this angle may be referred to as an "angle X". The angle X is, for example, not more than <NUM>°. Preferably, the angle X is <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The angle X will be described in <FIG>.

In the reinforcing member (R), a shape having an L-shaped cross section is constituted by the first plate-like portion and the second plate-like portion. The angle Z formed by the first plate-like portion and the second plate-like portion may be in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Preferably, the angle Z is <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Note that the angle Z is an angle determined in accordance with the angle X and the angle Y. The angle Z will be described in <FIG>.

In a cross section of the reinforcing member (R), the corner portion at a boundary between the first plate-like portion and the second plate-like portion is preferably rounded. Forming the corner portion into a rounded shape can suppress plastic deformation due to stress concentration in the corner portion of the reinforcing member at the time of collision. In the cross section of the reinforcing member (R), the radius of curvature of the corner portion may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The length of the reinforcing member (R) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel with the first plate-like portion is denoted as a width W1. Further, the length of the reinforcing member (R) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel with the top plate portion is denoted as a width W2. As long as effects of the present invention will be achieved, the value of W1/W2, which is a ratio between the width W1 and the width W2, may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the value of W1/W2 is in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The width W1 and the width W2 will be described in <FIG>.

The width W1 may be not less than <NUM>. Preferably, the width W1 is not less than <NUM>, and more preferably the width W1 is not less than <NUM>. Although there is no particular limitation on the upper limit of the width W1, if the width W1 is too large, properties per unit mass will deteriorate. The width W1 may be not more than <NUM>.

The width W2 may be not less than <NUM>. Preferably, the width W2 is not less than <NUM>, and more preferably the width W2 is not less than <NUM>. Although there is no particular limitation on the upper limit of the width W2, if the width W2 is too large, properties per unit mass will deteriorate. The width W2 may be not more than <NUM>.

The reinforcing member (R) may be fixed only to the press-formed product (P). That is, the reinforcing member (R) may not be fixed to any member other than the press-formed product (P). The same applies to a situation in which the structural member (S) is being used in an automobile. That is, in an automobile including the structural member (S) of the present embodiment, the reinforcing member (R) may be fixed only to the press-formed product (P).

In the structural member (S) of the present embodiment, a cross section of a boundary between the vertical wall portion and the top plate portion has a rounded shape. The second plate-like portion is disposed on the top plate portion side with respect to the starting position of the rounded shape in the vertical wall portion. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit the vertical wall portion from falling outwardly due to a collision from the top plate portion side. It is considered that inhibiting the vertical wall portion from falling outwardly enables improvement in properties against a collision from the top plate portion side.

Here, assume a first plane including the top plate portion. Further, assume a second plane which passes a starting position of the rounded shape in the vertical wall portion, and is parallel with the first plane. The second plate-like portion is disposed in a region constituted by the first plane, the space between the first plane and the second plane, and the second plane. For example, the second plate-like portion may be in the same plane as the first plane. According to this configuration, it is possible to inhibit the vertical wall portion from falling outwardly due to a collision from the top plate portion side.

The distance D between the first plane including the top plate portion and the second plate-like portion may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The distance D will be described in <FIG>.

In the structural member (S) of the present embodiment, when the structural member is projected from sideward, the projection region of the reinforcing member (R) may lie in a range of a projection region of the press-formed product (P). Note that the phrase "in a range of a projection region of the press-formed product (P)" includes an outer edge portion of the projection region of the press-formed product (P) as well. The meaning of the projection from sideward will be described in <FIG>.

The reinforcing member (R) may be made from a metal sheet which is usable as a reinforcing member, or made of another material which is usable as a material for a reinforcing member. The metal sheet may be a steel sheet, or a sheet made of another metal material such as aluminum. That is, the reinforcing member (R) may be made of steel sheet. For a steel sheet for constituting the reinforcing member (R), the steel sheet which has been shown as an example for the steel sheet for constituting the press-formed product (p) can be used. One example of the reinforcing member (R) is formed by press-forming a steel sheet.

The structural member (S) of the present embodiment may include two reinforcing members (R). In this case, the reinforcing member (R) is fixed to each of the two vertical wall portions. According to this configuration, properties in a three-point bending test can be further improved. One example of the structural member (S) of the present embodiment includes only one reinforcing member (R), and the reinforcing member (R) is fixed to only one of the vertical wall portions. Moreover, the widths W2 of these two reinforcing members may differ from each other.

The press-formed product (P) may include two flange portions that extend respectively from the ends of the two vertical wall portions. The structural member (S) of the present embodiment may further include an additional member made of steel sheet. The additional member may be, hereinafter, referred to as "additional member (M)" or "member (M)". The additional member (M) may be fixed to the two flange portions of the press-formed product (P) such that the press-formed product (P) and the additional member (M) constitute a closed cross section. That is, the press-formed product (P) and the member (M) may constitute a hollow body. According to this configuration, properties in a three-point bending test can be further improved.

The member (M) may be of a metal plate. For example, the member (M) may be of a steel sheet. The member (M) may be formed of the same kind of the steel sheet that constitutes the press-formed product (P). The member (M) may be a plate-like member such as one called as a back plate, or a formed product that is press-formed. For example, the member (M) may have a same kind of shape as that of a press-formed product (P) having two flange portions. In that case, the two flange portions of the press-formed product (P) and the two flange portions of the member (M) can be fixed to each other.

In the structural member (S) of the present embodiment, to enhance effects of the reinforcing member (R), the reinforcing member (R) and the press-formed product (P) preferably satisfy Formula (<NUM>) shown below.

Briefly, Formula (<NUM>) means that the strength of the reinforcing member (R) is preferably high to some extent. If the left hand side of Formula (<NUM>) is smaller than the right hand side, since the strength of the reinforcing member (R) is remarkably lower than that of the press-formed product (P), the vertical wall portions of the press-formed product are made less likely to fall inwardly upon a collision from the top plate portion side.

The structural member (S) of the present embodiment may be a bumper beam, a side sill, a center pillar, an A pillar, a roof rail, a door impact beam, a beltline reinforcement, or a roof arch. Alternatively, the structural member (S) may be used as another structural member for an automobile. The structural member (S) may be a component that undergoes bending deformation upon collision.

The structural member (S) of the present embodiment may include another reinforcing member in addition to the reinforcing member (R). For example, a reinforcing member having a cross section of an L-shape may be fixed to the press-formed product (P) so as to lie along the inside of the corner portion (corner portion at a boundary between the top plate portion and the vertical wall portion) of the press-formed product (P).

There is no particular limitation on the production method of the structural member (S) of the present embodiment, and it can be produced by a known method. For example, the press-formed product (P) and the reinforcing member (R) can be formed by a known press-forming. When the additional member (M) is a press-formed product as well, it can also be formed by a known press-forming. To fix those members, the above-described method can be applied. The structural member (S) of the present embodiment can be implemented simply by fixing the reinforcing member (R) from the outside to the existing press-formed product (P). Therefore, the structural member (S) is easy to produce.

The embodiments described below are exemplifications, and at least some of the configurations of the below-described embodiments can be replaced by the above-described configurations. In the following description, like parts may be given like symbols, thereby omitting overlapping description. Note that hereinafter, upward (top plate portion side) in <FIG> is referred to as upward of the structural member (S), and downward (the flange portion side) in <FIG> may be referred to as downward of the structural member (S).

A perspective view of one example of the structural member (S) of the present embodiment is schematically shown in <FIG>. A structural member <NUM> of <FIG> includes a press-formed product <NUM>, and two reinforcing members <NUM> fixed to the press-formed product <NUM>. The press-formed product <NUM> is one example of the above-described press-formed product (P). Each reinforcing member <NUM> is one example of the above-described reinforcing member (R).

A cross section of the structural member <NUM> (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the structural member <NUM>) is schematically shown in <FIG>. The press-formed product <NUM> includes two vertical wall portions <NUM> and a top plate portion <NUM> linking the two vertical wall portions <NUM>. Hereinafter, a ridge portion at a boundary between each vertical wall portion <NUM> and the top plate portion <NUM> may be referred to as a corner portion <NUM>. The press-formed product <NUM> further includes two flange portions <NUM> which extend from ends of the two vertical wall portions <NUM>. As shown in the following examples, the additional member (M) may be fixed to the flange portions <NUM>. In an example shown in <FIG>, the two flange portions <NUM> extend from lower end portions of the two vertical wall portions <NUM> substantially horizontally toward outward. That is, the flange portions <NUM> and the top plate portion <NUM> are substantially parallel with each other.

Each reinforcing member <NUM> includes a first plate-like portion <NUM> and a second plate-like portion <NUM>. A cross section of the reinforcing member <NUM> (a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member <NUM>) has an L-shape. The first plate-like portion <NUM> is fixed to a vertical wall portion <NUM> by at least one kind selected from the group consisting of welding, adhesive bonding, brazing, riveting, and friction stir welding. Here, the second plate-like portion <NUM> protrudes from the vertical wall portion <NUM> side toward an outward direction (horizontal direction) along the top plate portion <NUM>. The first plate-like portion <NUM> is fixed to the vertical wall portion <NUM> such that the second plate-like portion <NUM> is disposed in this way. In the following drawings, a fixing portion <NUM> (and a fixing portion <NUM> to be described below) between the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the vertical wall portion <NUM> may be schematically shown.

The first plate-like portion <NUM> is fixed to the vertical wall portion <NUM> such that a corner portion (ridge portion) <NUM> at a boundary between the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> is disposed on the top plate portion <NUM> side. As a result, the second plate-like portion <NUM> and the top plate portion <NUM> are close to each other.

The reinforcing member <NUM> is not fixed to any member other than the press-formed product <NUM>. That is, the reinforcing member <NUM> is fixed only to the press-formed product <NUM>.

The fixing portion <NUM> between the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the vertical wall portion <NUM> is preferably provided at a position close to the top plate portion <NUM> (a position at which load is input). This is because, as the fixing portion <NUM> is closer to the top plate portion <NUM>, a moment by which the first plate-like portion <NUM> presses the vertical wall portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> inward is more likely to occur.

A cross sectional view of another example of the structural member <NUM> is schematically shown in <FIG> shows an example in which an additional member <NUM> is fixed to the flange portions <NUM>. The additional member <NUM> is an example of the above-described the additional member (M). Further, <FIG> shows an example in which an angle X formed by the top plate portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> is not <NUM>°. The flange portions <NUM> and the member <NUM> are fixed at the fixing portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the angle X is an angle shown in <FIG> of the angles formed by a plane <NUM> including the top plate portion <NUM> and a plane <NUM> including the second plate-like portion <NUM>. To be more specific, it is an angle located above the top plate portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> in <FIG> out of the angles formed by the plane <NUM> and the plane <NUM>. The angle X may be within the above-described range.

Note that when unevenness exists in the top plate portion <NUM>, a major plane of the top plate portion (this plane is a plane which is substantially parallel with a virtual plane connecting the ends of the vertical wall portions) can be considered as a plane <NUM> including the top plate portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an angle Y formed by the vertical wall portion <NUM> and the top plate portion <NUM>. The angle Y is an angle on the inner side of the press-formed product <NUM> out of the angles formed by the vertical wall portion <NUM> and the top plate portion <NUM>. The angle Y may be within the above-described range.

Further, <FIG> shows an angle Z formed by the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM>. The angle Z is a smaller angle out of the angles formed by the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM>. The angle Z may be within the above-described range.

An enlarged view of a part of one example of the structural member <NUM> is shown in <FIG> is a cross-sectional view to show the vicinity of the corner portion <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the second plate-like portion <NUM> is located below the top plate portion <NUM> (on the end side of the vertical wall portion <NUM>). According to the invention, the cross section of the corner portion <NUM> at a boundary between the vertical wall portion <NUM> and the top plate portion <NUM> has a rounded shape which is rounded between two starting positions 113a and 113b. The starting position 113a of the rounded shape is the starting position on the vertical wall portion <NUM> side, and the starting position 113b is the starting position on the top plate portion <NUM> side. In the one example shown in <FIG>, the second plate-like portion <NUM> is disposed on the top plate portion <NUM> side with respect to the starting position 113a of the rounded shape in the vertical wall portion <NUM>.

The cross section of the corner portion <NUM> at a boundary between the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> has a rounded shape which is rounded between two starting positions 123a and 123b. The starting positions 123a of the rounded shape is the starting position (end point of R) on the first plate-like portion <NUM> side, and the starting position 123b is the starting position (end point of R) on the second plate-like portion <NUM> side.

Here, a plane including the top plate portion <NUM> is denoted as a first virtual plane <NUM>. Further, a plane passing through the starting position 113a and being parallel with the top plate portion <NUM> is denoted as a second virtual plane 113as. As shown in <FIG>, the second plate-like portion <NUM> is preferably disposed at the same level as the first virtual plane <NUM>, or on the virtual plane 113as side with respect thereto. In addition, the second plate-like portion <NUM> is preferably disposed on the top plate portion <NUM> side with respect to the second virtual plane 113as. When the press-formed product <NUM> is a structural member for an automobile, the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> is often not more than <NUM>. Therefore, the distance D between the first virtual plane <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> is preferably not more than <NUM>.

Further, the starting position 123a of the rounded shape of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is preferably disposed on the second virtual plane 113as. According to this configuration, the following effects will be achieved. When load is applied from the top plate portion <NUM> side, the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> tends to deform toward an outward direction. However, according to the invention, there exists the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> outside the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM>. For that reason, deformation toward an outward direction of the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> is suppressed by the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM>. As a result of this, the vertical wall portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> becomes less likely to deform in an outward direction, and according to the invention the vertical wall portion <NUM> becomes more likely to fall inwardly.

To achieve this effect, the second plate-like portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is preferably located closer to the first virtual plane <NUM>. In other words, the distance D between the first virtual plane <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> is preferably closer to <NUM>. If the distance D is <NUM>, the entire area of the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> is opposed to the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM>. For that reason, when load is applied from the top plate portion <NUM> side, it is easy to suppress deformation of the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> in an outward direction.

The distance D is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, further preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The shorter the distance D, the more quickly the reinforcing member <NUM> can come into contact with a collision object (an impactor) upon collision. Since this allows early generation of force to press the vertical wall portion <NUM> inwardly with the reinforcing member <NUM> before the vertical wall portion <NUM> falls outwardly, anti-collision properties will be improved.

The radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is preferably larger than <NUM>% of the entire length of the reinforcing member <NUM> in a cross sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>. If the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> is not more than <NUM>% of the entire length in a cross sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>, the corner portion <NUM> will be acute. If the corner portion <NUM> comes into contact with the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM>, stress concentration is likely to occur. In the viewpoint of mitigating this stress concentration, it is preferable that the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is larger than <NUM>% of the entire length in a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>.

Further, the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is preferably less than <NUM>% of the entire length of the reinforcing member <NUM> in a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>. If the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> is not less than <NUM>% of the entire length in a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>, it is difficult to ensure sufficient lengths in a cross-sectional view of the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM>. For that reason, a preferable upper limit of the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is <NUM>% of the entire length in a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>.

More specifically speaking about a preferable range of the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM>, when the press-formed product <NUM> is a structural member for an automobile, the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is preferably more than <NUM>. Moreover, the radius of curvature of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> is preferably less than <NUM>.

Note that a case in which the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> has a cross section of a round shape is described in <FIG>. However, the cross section of the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> may have a shape in which the starting positions 123a and 123b of the round shape are connected by a straight line. In this case, the length of the straight portion in a cross-sectional view of the corner portion <NUM> is preferably larger than <NUM>% of the entire length in a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>, and is preferably less than <NUM>% of the entire length in a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM>. When the press-formed product <NUM> is a structural member for an automobile, the length of the straight portion of the corner portion <NUM> in a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member <NUM> is preferably more than <NUM>, and preferably less than <NUM>.

Moreover, when the angle X is not <NUM>°, the distance D between the first virtual plane <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> is supposed to be the distance in the virtual plane vertical direction between the starting position (end point of R) 123b of the rounded shape on the second plate-like portion <NUM> side of the corner portion <NUM> and the first virtual plane <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a projection view of the structural member <NUM> shown in <FIG> when projected from sideward. Here, a projection view from sideward means a projection view when projection is performed from a direction shown by an arrow in <FIG>. This projection direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the structural member <NUM> and is parallel with the top plate portion <NUM>.

In an example shown in <FIG>, a projection region of the reinforcing member <NUM> lies in a range of a projection region of the press-formed product <NUM>. The second plate-like portion <NUM> is disposed between the plane <NUM> and the plane 113as. Since the structural member <NUM> becomes compact according to such configuration, the structural member <NUM> is less likely to interfere with other components. The less likeliness of the structural member <NUM> interfering with other components means the less likeliness of the reinforcing member <NUM> interfering with other components. If the reinforcing member <NUM> is brought into contact with an additional member when load is applied to the structural member, the force with which the reinforcing member <NUM> causes the vertical wall portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> to fall inwardly decreases. Therefore, the projection region of the reinforcing member <NUM> preferably lies in a range of the projection region of the press-formed product <NUM>.

An example in which the structural member of the present embodiment is a side sill is schematically shown by perspective views of <FIG>. To facilitate understanding, the reinforcing member <NUM> is indicated by a gray color in <FIG>, and <FIG> to be described below. The structural members (side sills) <NUM> shown in <FIG> each include a press-formed product <NUM>, two reinforcing members <NUM>, and an additional member <NUM>. In an example shown in <FIG>, each reinforcing member <NUM> is disposed over the entire press-formed product <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. As shown in <FIG>, each reinforcing member <NUM> may be disposed over only a part of the press-formed product <NUM> in the longitudinal direction.

Besides, when the structural member of the present embodiment is a bumper beam as well, the reinforcing member <NUM> may be disposed over only a part of the longitudinal direction of the press-formed product <NUM>. The bumper beam has its two ends in the longitudinal direction attached to a crash box, etc. For that reason, the middle of the longitudinal direction of the bumper beam is most likely to be deflected. As with the side sill shown in <FIG>, providing the reinforcing member <NUM> only in the middle of the structural member <NUM> can reinforce the middle of the bumper beam where strength is required most. Further, it is possible to reduce the weight of the two end portions in the longitudinal direction of the bumper beam, where reinforcement is not necessarily required, due to the absence of the reinforcing member <NUM>. In short, by providing the reinforcing member <NUM> only at a location where strength is required, it is possible to achieve both improvement in strength and reduction of weight of the structural member <NUM>.

When the reinforcing member <NUM> is provided at a part of the longitudinal direction of the press-formed product <NUM>, when the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the press-formed product <NUM> is denoted as L, it is preferable that the reinforcing member <NUM> is provided in a region up to a distance of L/<NUM> to both sides from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the press-formed product <NUM> (a region of L/<NUM> as a whole).

An example in which the structural member of the present embodiment is a center pillar is schematically shown by a perspective view of <FIG>. The structural member (center pillar) <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a press-formed product <NUM> and two reinforcing members <NUM>. In an example shown in <FIG>, the reinforcing members <NUM> are disposed over only a part of the press-formed product <NUM> in the longitudinal direction.

Examples of the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member <NUM> of the present embodiment are shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member <NUM> may be a U-shape linking three straight sides. As shown in <FIG>, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member <NUM> may be a triangular shape. As shown in <FIG>, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member <NUM> may be a rectangular shape. That is, the reinforcing member <NUM> may include any plate-like portion other than the first plate-like portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM>, or may not include the any plate-like portion. In any of <FIG>, as described above, when load is applied to the top plate portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM>, the reinforcing member <NUM> can make the vertical wall portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM> fall inwardly, thus achieving effects by the structural member of the present embodiment.

The present invention will be described in more detail by way of examples.

In Example <NUM>, simulation of a three-point bending test was conducted on a structural member of the present embodiment (Inventive Example) and a structural member of Comparative Example. A general-purpose FEM (finite element method) software (supplied by Livermore Software Technology Corporation, Product Name: LS-DYNA) was used for the simulation. A cross-sectional view of Sample <NUM> (Inventive Example) used in the simulation is schematically shown in <FIG>. The structural member <NUM> of <FIG> is consisted of the press-formed product <NUM>, the two reinforcing members <NUM>, and an additional member (back plate) <NUM> welded to a flange portion <NUM> of the structural member <NUM>. The sizes of Sample <NUM> shown in <FIG> were as follows. Where, the thickness of steel sheet was not taken into consideration in the following sizes. In Sample <NUM>, the top plate portion <NUM> and the second plate-like portion <NUM> were on the same plane. In Sample <NUM>, it was assumed that the first plate-like portion <NUM> be fixed to the vertical wall portion <NUM> by spot welding (pitch: <NUM>).

The width W1 is a length of the reinforcing member <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the structural member <NUM> and parallel with the first plate-like portion <NUM>. The width W2 is a length of the reinforcing member <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the structural member <NUM> and parallel with the top plate portion <NUM>. The width W2 corresponds to a length at which the reinforcing member <NUM> protrudes from the vertical wall portion <NUM> in a horizontal direction.

A cross-sectional view of Sample <NUM> (Comparative Example) used in the simulation is schematically shown in <FIG>, and a cross-sectional view of Sample <NUM> (Comparative Example) is shown <FIG>, and a cross-sectional view of Sample <NUM> (Comparative Example) is shown in <FIG>. Sample <NUM> is a sample having a structure in which the reinforcing members <NUM> are removed from the structural member <NUM> of Sample <NUM>. Sample <NUM> is a sample in which L-shaped reinforcing members <NUM> are spot-welded to the inside of the corner portion <NUM> of the press-formed product <NUM>. Sample <NUM> is a sample in which the reinforcing members <NUM> are removed from the structural member <NUM> of Sample <NUM>; a part of each of the top plate portion <NUM> and the two vertical wall portions <NUM> is indented inwardly; and a bulging portion <NUM> is provided in a connection region between the top plate portion <NUM> and each vertical wall portion <NUM>. There is no steel sheet placed on the bulging portion <NUM> of Sample <NUM>.

In Sample <NUM>, to make the reinforcing member <NUM> lie along the press-formed product <NUM>, the radius of curvature at the corner portion <NUM> of the reinforcing member <NUM> was made <NUM>. Also widths W1 and W2 of the reinforcing member <NUM> of Sample <NUM> were <NUM>, respectively. The press-formed products <NUM> and the members <NUM> of Samples <NUM> and <NUM> were the same as those of Sample <NUM>.

In Sample <NUM>, an inward indentation amount W3 of each of the top plate portion <NUM> and the two vertical wall portions <NUM> was <NUM>. An indentation width W4 of the top plate portion <NUM> was <NUM>, and was provided such that the shape of the top plate portion was bilaterally symmetrical. An indentation width W5 of one vertical wall portion <NUM> was <NUM>, and was provided such that the shape of one vertical wall portion was vertically symmetrical. The same was applied to the other vertical wall portion.

The method of the three-point bending test used in the simulation is schematically shown in <FIG>. The three-point bending test was performed in such a way that a sample was placed on two fulcrums <NUM> and the sample was pressed from above by an impactor <NUM>. In the test of Example <NUM>, the distance S between the two fulcrums <NUM> was <NUM> or <NUM>. The radius of curvature of the fulcrums <NUM> was <NUM>. The radius of curvature of the impactor <NUM> was <NUM>. The collision speed of the impactor <NUM> was <NUM>/h. The width of the impactor <NUM> (length in a direction perpendicular to the page surface of <FIG>) was larger than a total (<NUM>) of widths of the top plate portion <NUM> and the reinforcing member <NUM> of Sample <NUM>.

In the simulation of the three-point bending test, it was assumed that the impactor <NUM> was made to collide from the top plate portion <NUM> side of each sample. Simulation results in a case in which the inter-fulcrum distance S was <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. Note that a result of simulation of Sample <NUM> is shown only in <FIG>. The abscissa of <FIG> shows displacement amount. Here, the displacement amount is a moved distance of the impactor <NUM> from when the impactor <NUM> collided with the sample. The ordinate of <FIG> shows load that occurred in the impactor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows energy absorption amount of each sample at a time point when the displacement amount was <NUM>. Further, <FIG> shows results of evaluation of energy absorption amount of each sample at a time point when the displacement amount was <NUM> in consideration of the mass of each sample. The ordinate of <FIG> shows values of the energy absorption amount of the ordinate of <FIG> divided by the mass of each sample. Further, <FIG> shows maximum values of load applied up to a time point when the displacement amount was <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, Sample <NUM> of Inventive Example exhibited larger load and larger energy absorption amount in a region of an early stage of collision (region in which displacement amount was not more than about <NUM>) compared to Samples <NUM> and <NUM>, which were Comparative Examples. Larger load and larger energy absorption amount mean higher resistance against collision. Further, the results of <FIG> show that even for the structural members with the same mass, the properties of Sample <NUM> of Inventive Example were higher than those of Samples <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which were Comparative Examples. For that reason, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the weight of the structural member while maintaining collision safety performance.

<FIG> show simulation results of cross-sectional shape of each sample when the displacement amount was <NUM> in a case in which the inter-fulcrum distance S was <NUM>. In Sample <NUM> shown in <FIG> and Sample <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the vertical wall portion falls outwardly. On the other hand, in Sample <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the vertical wall portion falls inwardly. Although the reason why the properties of Sample <NUM> were excellent is not clear at present, there is a possibility that the vertical wall portion supported the load as a result of falling inwardly.

The above-described results are qualitatively considered to be caused by the fact that while decrease in the cross-sectional secondary moment during deformation is large in Samples <NUM> and <NUM>, decrease in the cross-sectional secondary moment is small in Sample <NUM>. In anyway, anti-collision properties are more excellent when the vertical wall portion falls inwardly than when falls outwardly. Here was shown an example in which the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member was formed into an L-shape and joined to the ridge portion (boundary between the vertical wall portion and the top plate portion) in order to make the vertical wall portion fall inwardly. As a result of joining the reinforcing member having an L-shaped cross section in this way, the reinforcing member is deformed to be rotated in such a way to press the vertical wall portion inwardly when load is applied. That is, although a reinforcing member having an L-shaped cross section was joined to the ridge portion in this example, the shape of the reinforcing member may be any one provided that it can deform in such a way to make the vertical wall portion fall inwardly.

<FIG> show simulation results when the inter-fulcrum distance S was <NUM>. <FIG> are figures corresponding to <FIG>, respectively. As with <FIG>, <FIG> shows maximum values of load applied up to a time point when the displacement amount was <NUM>. As with when the distance S was <NUM>, when the distance S was <NUM> as well, Sample <NUM> of Inventive Example exhibited higher properties than Samples <NUM> and <NUM>, which ware Comparative Examples.

In Example <NUM>, simulation was performed by varying the width W2 of Sample <NUM>. To be specific, the width W2 of Sample <NUM> was varied from <NUM> (Sample <NUM>) to <NUM> (Sample 3a), <NUM> (Sample 3b), and <NUM> (Sample 3c). Samples <NUM> and 3a to 3c are Inventive Examples. For those samples and Samples <NUM> and <NUM> of Comparative Example, similar evaluation as in Example <NUM> was performed. Samples <NUM> and <NUM> of Comparative Example were the same as Samples <NUM> and <NUM> described in Example <NUM>.

<FIG> show simulation results when the inter-fulcrum distance S was <NUM>. <FIG> are figures corresponding to <FIG>, respectively. Note that, when the inter-fulcrum distance S was <NUM>, simulation results of Sample <NUM> are not shown.

As shown in <FIG>, the samples of Inventive Example exhibited higher properties in the three-point bending test compared to samples of Comparative Example. When the distance S was <NUM>, if the L-shape width was not less than <NUM>, properties not less than those of Comparative Example were able to be obtained. Note that in any of samples of Inventive Example, the vertical wall portion was caused to fall inwardly by a collision of the impactor.

<FIG> show simulation results when the inter-fulcrum distance S was <NUM>. <FIG> are figures corresponding to <FIG>, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, sample of Inventive Example with an L-shape width of not less than <NUM> exhibited higher properties per unit mass compared to samples of Comparative Example. As shown in <FIG>, the samples of Inventive Example with an L-shape width of not less than <NUM> exhibited a larger maximum value of load applied until a time point when the displacement amount was <NUM> compared to the samples of Comparative Example. Further, the samples of Inventive Example which had an L-shape width of not less than <NUM> exhibited higher properties in any test compared to Comparative Examples.

The results described so far indicate that the L-shape width is preferably not less than <NUM>, more preferably not less than <NUM>, and further preferably not less than <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A structural member (<NUM>) for an automobile, comprising:
a press-formed product (<NUM>) formed from one steel sheet; and a reinforcing member (<NUM>) fixed to the press-formed product (<NUM>), wherein
the press-formed product (<NUM>) includes two vertical wall portions (<NUM>) and a top plate portion (<NUM>) linking the two vertical wall portions (<NUM>),
the reinforcing member (<NUM>) is a member which has an L-shaped cross section and includes a first plate-like portion (<NUM>) and a second plate-like portion (<NUM>),
the first plate-like portion (<NUM>) is fixed, by at least one kind selected from the group consisting of welding, adhesive bonding, brazing, riveting, and friction stir joining, to one of the vertical wall portions (<NUM>) such that the second plate-like portion (<NUM>) protrudes toward an outward direction from a side of the vertical wall portion (<NUM>) along the top plate portion (<NUM>),
a cross section of a corner portion (<NUM>) at a boundary between the vertical wall portion (<NUM>) and the top plate portion (<NUM>) has a rounded shape, and
the second plate-like portion (<NUM>) is disposed on a top plate portion side with respect to a starting position (113a) of the rounded shape in the vertical wall portion (<NUM>), in such a manner that when load is applied from the top plate portion (<NUM>) side, deformation toward an outward direction of the corner portion (<NUM>) of the press-formed product (<NUM>) is suppressed by a corner portion (<NUM>) at a boundary between the first plate-like portion (<NUM>) and the second plate-like portion (<NUM>) of the reinforcing member (<NUM>), for making the vertical wall portion (<NUM>) become more likely to fall inwardly.