Including Auxiliary Frame For Motor And Resilient Means For Connecting Auxiliary Frame To Body Frame Patents (Class 180/299)
  • Patent number: 11453440
    Abstract: A subframe assembly adapted to receive and secure an engine or motor in a vehicle, the subframe assembly including: a crossmember; an arm member coupled to each end of the crossmember; and a corner member coupled to each arm member adjacent to a corresponding intersection with the crossmember, wherein each corner member includes an upwardly protruding shelf structure defining a plurality of threaded holes adapted to receive a plurality of attachment bolts for securing a corresponding engine mount or motor mount to the subframe assembly. Each corner member includes a horizontal arm disposed along an upper surface of the corresponding arm member and a vertical arm disposed along an outboard surface of the corresponding arm member, wherein the horizontal arm includes the upwardly protruding shelf structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Johan Eklund
  • Patent number: 11358642
    Abstract: A motor vehicle cradle structure includes at least two longitudinal side rails made of aluminium or aluminium alloy which are spaced apart transversely and at least one crossmember, of transverse orientation, made of aluminium or of aluminium alloy, which connects together the two longitudinal side rails. The crossmember is secured to the longitudinal side rails in a non-dissociable manner by bonding in combination with a fastening using rivets. The surfaces bonded together are spaced apart by a determined dimensional clearance able to accept glue or an adhesive agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Christophe Estiot, Jonathan Ferreira
  • Patent number: 11155149
    Abstract: A battery is mounted in front of the vehicle along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and mounted on the vehicle body, and the fuel tank is mounted in the vehicle body by disposing the fuel tank at the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle such that expansion of passenger compartment and vehicle body stability may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Buyeol Ryu, Tac-koon Kim, Hyun Do Jeon
  • Patent number: 11142247
    Abstract: In a vehicle subframe, a left coupling member is connected to a left front portion, a left connecting portion, and a lateral portion of the cross member in a left front coupling portion while covering the left connecting portion of the cross member in the width direction, and a right coupling member is connected to a right front portion, a right connecting portion, and the lateral portion of the cross member in the right front coupling portion while covering the right connecting portion of the cross member in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: F-TECH INC.
    Inventor: Toru Kawai
  • Patent number: 10967905
    Abstract: A suspension sub frame structure comprises a suspension sub frame provided to extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction and supporting a suspension link, an extension frame provided to extend forwardly from a front end of the suspension sub frame and having lower rigidity against a load applied in the vehicle longitudinal direction than the suspension sub frame, and a cross member provided to extend in a vehicle width direction on an inward side, in the vehicle width direction, of the both frames, wherein the cross member is joined to the both frames at a joint area which is continuous in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Masaaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10835948
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting an adjustable retaining structure. The adjustable retaining structure may be rotated, passively, about a spherical interface as a panel applies a load to the adjustable retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Harinder S. Oberoi, Alfredo Jose Gerosa, Kevin Marion Barrick, Quang T. Do, Yuanxin Charles Hu, Branko Sarh, Richard Griffith Reese, IV, Gregory Gudzinski, Jeffrey Lawrence Miller
  • Patent number: 10773583
    Abstract: A vehicle lower structure includes: a floor of a vehicle; a cross member that is provided under the floor and extends in a vehicle width direction; a battery pack mounted under the floor; a suspension member with which a movable part of a suspension is connected so that the movable part is able to operate, the suspension member being positioned on a front side or a rear side of the battery pack and fixed to a vehicle body; and a hanging bracket that is hung from the cross member and is connected with an end surface of the battery pack on a suspension member side by a fastening component such that the hanging bracket supports the battery pack in a hanging manner. The battery pack and the hanging bracket are connected with each other below the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryosuke Fukui
  • Patent number: 10752295
    Abstract: A sleeper panel is provided for use with each of the passenger and driver sides of a sleeper cab. The entire upper ends of the sleeper panels have a top flange which is secured to the underside of the sleeper cab. Structure is provided to maintain the curved portions of the sleeper panel in their desired radius of curvature. A cab panel is also described which is ideally suited for use on a truck cab so as to be positioned forwardly of the sleeper panels thereby providing an esthetic appearance to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventors: Adam J. Wurzer, Terry D. Wurzer, David T. Wurzer
  • Patent number: 10658907
    Abstract: An electric power train for an automotive vehicle includes an electric motor, a power electronics system, a first casing containing the power electronics system, a second distinct casing that contains the motor, and a third distinct casing. The first casing includes a bottom and an opening for access to the power electronics system. The second casing bears on an exterior wall of the first casing bottom. The opening is opposite the second casing. The third casing is assembled on the first casing and contains an electric filtering system. The first casing includes a platform, which juts out relative to at least one portion of the first casing and on a face of which platform an assembly contour for assembling the third casing on the first casing is defined. The assembly contour is substantially parallel to an axial direction of the motor. The platform overhangs the second casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Fabrice Meunier, Herve Duval, Philippe E. Dubois, Remi Oudart
  • Patent number: 10434963
    Abstract: A power distribution box includes a bottom cover having a lower surface. Disposed on the lower surface are a pair of axially offset feet. Each of the pair of feet has a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the lower surface of the bottom cover so as to form an opening having a back wall. The second contact surface is spaced further apart from the lower surface relative to the first contact surface by a ramp portion so as to define the opening to be tapered. The opening is configured to receive a front edge of a bracket. Also disposed on the lower surface is a guide having a first portion that is angled relative to an insertion direction of the power distribution box to a bracket and a linear wall portion configured to slidably engage a side edge of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Aaron Steffka, Nathan Like
  • Patent number: 10214088
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a universal electric engine mount for vehicles, wherein the universal engine mount may be configured to be installed into at least any front wheel drive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Skylar Netherland
  • Patent number: 10167018
    Abstract: A subframe for a vehicle for supporting at least one wheel-controlling component, wherein the subframe has at least one shell element, wherein the subframe has or forms at least one mount section for the mounting of a transverse link element, wherein a first subsection of the mount section has or forms at least one first passage opening for receiving a fastening mechanism for the transverse link element, wherein a further subsection of the mount section is a section which is bent relative to the first subsection. Also disclosed is a method for producing a subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Alexander Pavel
  • Patent number: 9885410
    Abstract: A unit support for supporting a drive unit with respect to a motor vehicle includes a crossmember, at least one unit bearing between the crossmember and the drive unit to support the drive unit, and a shape-fitting connection fastening the at least one unit bearing to the crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: BOGE Elastmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Rosendahl, Jin Han, Tim Lamparski, Jovan Radakovic
  • Patent number: 9835218
    Abstract: A vehicle active damper includes a damping actuator that is provided between a radiator and a vehicle body so as to be interposed in a substantially vertical direction, and a coupling member that elastically couples between the vehicle body and an engine. The damping actuator is formed from a elastic modulus-variable member having an elastic modulus that varies according to the strength of an applied magnetic field. The coupling member transmits vibrations of the engine to the vehicle body along a substantially vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshio Inoue
  • Patent number: 9707869
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis defining a longitudinal centerline, a first axle and a second axle coupled to the chassis, a cab, a door, and a driver's seat. The cab is coupled to the chassis and defines a door opening. The cab includes (a) a windshield assembly comprising a first side portion, a middle portion, a second side portion, a first pillar coupling the first side portion to the middle portion, a second pillar coupling the second side portion to the middle portion, (b) an A-pillar defining a front edge of the door opening, and (c) a B-pillar defining a rear edge of the door opening. The door is movably coupled to the cab, disposed within the door opening, and selectively repositionable relative thereto independent of the windshield assembly. The driver's seat is disposed within the cab and positioned along the longitudinal centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Rob Messina, Chris Yakes, Dave Marek, Colin Wheeler, Joseph Holda, Dean Seefeldt, Ben Andrews, Martin Schimke, Steve Tittl, Austin Dowdy, Kevin Pennau, Greg Malcolm, Andrew Drach, Andy McClaine, Ryan Carignan, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron Rositch
  • Patent number: 9707836
    Abstract: A roll restrictor for restraining movement of a vehicle powertrain relative to a vehicle sub-frame. The roll restrictor has a bracket for coupling to the sub-frame in the form of a generally U-shaped housing defining a central cavity. A link arm for coupling to the powertrain has a first end positioned within the cavity and extends through an opening in the bracket. A plurality of resilient elements are disposed within the cavity between the housing and the first end of the link arm to resist movement of the first end relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Sykes
  • Patent number: 9637172
    Abstract: Upon a rear-end collision of a vehicle, an arm section(s) of a cross member of a rear suspension member on the rear side of the vehicle, which is(are) positioned in a low-strength region in a vehicle-body strength distribution, undergoes crush deformation together with a corresponding rear side member(s). Deformation of the part of the rear suspension member other than the arm sections, which is positioned in a high-strength region in the vehicle-body strength distribution, is suppressed, so that a high voltage component mounted in the high-strength region is protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Sagara, Takeo Ehara
  • Patent number: 9327568
    Abstract: A wheelhouse structure, including: an arm section of a suspension arm that is supported by a suspension member so as to be capable of oscillating in a vehicle vertical direction about a support axis disposed inside an engine room, and that extends from the support axis toward a side of a wheelhouse; a wheelhouse side cover that partitions the engine room from the wheelhouse, and that has a lower portion at which is formed an opening portion having a size that allows oscillation of the arm section of the suspension arm; and an arm side cover that is integrally provided at the support axis side of the arm section, and that blocks a gap between a peripheral edge of the opening portion and the arm section as viewed along an axial direction of the support axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takayuki Mashimo
  • Patent number: 9297426
    Abstract: A power take-off includes an input mechanism that is disposed within an input mechanism housing and is adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy. A clutch assembly is disposed within a driveshaft housing and is adapted to be connected to a rotatably driven accessory. A driveshaft connects the input mechanism to the clutch assembly. The driveshaft may be disposed within the driveshaft housing, which also forms a housing for the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Damon B. Graves, John M. Loeffler, James E. Bohn
  • Patent number: 9163911
    Abstract: A vehicle, apparatus, method and computer program are provided. The vehicle comprises: vehicle stabilizing means for ejecting at least one non-gaseous mass; means for detecting an explosion local to the vehicle; and control means for controlling, in response to detection of an explosion local to the vehicle, the vehicle stabilizing means to eject at least one non-gaseous mass in order to apply a force to the vehicle and stabilize the vehicle in response to the explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Roger Mark Sloman
  • Patent number: 9045031
    Abstract: An engine and a transmission are connected to each other via a connecting bracket interposed therebetween in the vehicular lengthwise direction. The engine is provided with a first connector having a first mounting hole substantially parallel to a vehicle lengthwise direction, and a first tightening member to be inserted into the first mounting hole on a side opposite to the engine connects the first end of the connecting bracket to the first connector. The transmission is provided with a second connector having a second mounting hole penetrating in a vehicular widthwise direction, and a second tightening member to be inserted into the second mounting hole connects the second end of the connecting bracket to the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Kouma, Seiji Itoo, Taisuke Morita, Ayumi Hamada
  • Patent number: 8985259
    Abstract: In a fuel cell vehicle, the power generation amount of a fuel cell into which air is introduced from a front side of a vehicle and from which air is discharged to a rear side of the vehicle is increased while the fuel cell is protected when an impact force acts on the vehicle. A fuel cell case (24) is arranged in a cage-shaped sub frame (32) surrounding a front, rear, left, and right side portions of the fuel cell case (24), a drive unit (7) formed by coupling a drive motor (5) and a gear box (6) to each other is joined to a rear side portion of the sub frame (32), and left and right end portions of the sub frame (32) and the drive unit (7) are supported on a vehicle body (15) respectively by mounting devices (33, 34, 35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Ozawa, Shiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8985261
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an engine supporting structure for a working vehicle that can realize the simplification of manufacturing processes and the reduction of costs. With respect to an engine supporting structure for a working vehicle (backhoe) that includes an engine and a plurality of engine mounts to support the engine, the engine supporting structure includes one piece of mount plate to support the plurality of engine mounts, wherein the mount plate is supported by a stand having a skin-stressed sheet-metal body construction, surrounding with beams welded to the left and right end portions of the mount plate, and with beams welded to the anterior and posterior end portions of the mount plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mathieu Driant, Christophe Caboret
  • Patent number: 8985260
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, an engine, and an exhaust system. The frame includes a main frame and a sub-frame movably attached to the main frame. The sub-frame includes an exhaust bracket that includes a hollow collar. The engine includes an engine casing and an exhaust port. The engine is releasably attached to the sub-frame. The exhaust system includes a conduit, a conduit bracket, and a muffler. The conduit includes an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end is connected to the exhaust port. The conduit bracket includes a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the conduit at a location intermediate the upstream end of the conduit and the downstream end of the conduit. The second end of the conduit bracket is movably attached to the hollow collar. The muffler is attached to the downstream end of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Holoweiko, Travis Barkey
  • Publication number: 20150068832
    Abstract: A rear subframe assembly, for use in a vehicle, includes a first and second side member that are coupled to a front cross member, a lower cross member, and an upper cross member. First and second gussets are provided to reinforce joints between each of the first and second side members and the front cross member. A motor mount portion for mounting a motor thereon is located between the side members and includes a first and second motor bracket each coupled to the front cross member through an isolator and to one of the side members through an isolator, the isolators for isolating the motor from vibration. A fuel tank mounting portion for mounting a fuel tank onto the subframe member is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Fisker Automotive and Technology Group, LLC
    Inventors: Manfred Rumpel, Mike Jones, Art Goudie, Bill Stinnett, Amritpal Dhadiala
  • Publication number: 20150060182
    Abstract: A fitting arrangement for fitting a drive package (1) for a vehicle, the arrangement includes a supporting element (2) to be mounted on the drive package (1). The supporting element (2) has an end element (6), which cooperates with the vehicle's frame (4) to support the drive package (1). The end element abuts upon a cooperating bearing element which is suspended relative to the frame (4). At least one screw (10) cooperates with the end element (6), to fix the supporting element (2) to the vehicle's frame (4) via the bearing element (8). A washer (12) cooperates with the screw (10) to fix the supporting element (2) to the frame. A spacing element (14) cooperates with the screw (10) to keep the washer (12) in a horizontal position above the bearing element (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Erik Andersson
  • Patent number: 8955635
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame assembly (FR) for a motorcycle includes a main frame (1), which extends from above a combustion engine (E) in a direction rearwardly, and a subframe (4) having front and rear end portions connected with the main frame (1) and also having an intermediate portion positioned laterally outside of a cylinder block (26) of the combustion engine (E). The combustion engine (E) is fixed to a motorcycle frame assembly (FR) by means of first, second and third engine mounting areas (M1, M2, M3). The first engine mounting area (M1) is provided in the intermediate portion of the subframe (4) and, also, a damping unit (72) for suppressing vibrations of a to-be-damped region (76) is provided in the to-be-damped region (76) provided at a location remote from the first engine mounting area (M1) in the subframe (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Idaka, Shiken Hayashi, Yota Katsukawa, Yoshitaka Awazu
  • Patent number: 8950535
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a radiator, an engine, a first post-treatment apparatus, a second post-treatment apparatus, and a bracket. The engine is provided in front of the radiator. The first post-treatment apparatus and the second post-treatment apparatus are positioned in front of the radiator and treat exhaust from the engine. The bracket is positioned in front of the radiator and is elastically supported by the vehicle frame. The bracket supports the engine, the first post-treatment apparatus, and the second post-treatment apparatus. Both the highest position of the first post-treatment apparatus and the highest position of the second post-treatment apparatus are no higher than the highest position of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Muneo Harada, Naoto Ikeda, Akihiko Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8915326
    Abstract: An axle beam arrangement on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has two longitudinal beams and at least one cross beam connecting the two longitudinal beams. At least one of the beams has in an installation state of the vehicle a clearance between the beam stop region and a vehicle-side stop structure, in particular a body structure. The beam has in the beam stop region at least one stop and reinforcing element which reinforces the beam stop region and which is constructed and arranged so that it comes into supporting contact with the stop structure when the beam moves toward the stop structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Peter Leibl
  • Patent number: 8888134
    Abstract: A mounting unit for a sub-frame of a vehicle is provided. The mounting unit is used for engaging a front side member with the vehicle's sub-frame. The mounting unit includes a welding seat that is formed as a groove on a lower side of the front side member. The mounting unit further includes a mounting nut assembled with the front side member, a welding flange integrated with an external circumference and a head of the mounting nut and inserted into the welding seat to be combined with the welding seat, and a member seat that is formed outside the welding flange and with which a fender upper connecting member is combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Shin Young Co., Ltd., Sungwoo Hitech Co., Ltd., MS Autotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae Seung Kim, Chang Wook Park, Jang-Su Kim, Mun Yong Lee, Sungyong Park, Daeho Yang, Dae Keun Kim, Sang Hoon Chae, Sang-Lae Lee
  • Patent number: 8863884
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis in the form of a trough is ‘V shaped and encloses the vehicle driveline and is resistant to ballistic and blast damage. The chassis has a removable body attached by longitudinal pivot pins. A torsion bar suspension is pivoted on the axis of the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ricardo UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Roland Jacob-Lloyd
  • Patent number: 8851223
    Abstract: A motor mounting structure including: a left and right pair of side section members disposed at two vehicle width direction sides of a vehicle body with a length direction of the side section members being along a vehicle front-rear direction; a first cross member spanning across a vehicle width direction between the pair of side section members; a second cross member spanning across the vehicle width direction between the pair of side section members, and disposed offset in a vehicle top-bottom direction with respect to the first cross member as viewed from directly in front of the vehicle body; and a coupling member coupling together the first cross member and the second cross member, with an attaching portion of a motor to be mounted to the vehicle body attached to the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taichi Yamashita, Seiji Sakai
  • Patent number: 8839894
    Abstract: An electric drive system for a vehicle includes: an electric drive unit that electrically drives the vehicle; and a cooling unit that cools the electric drive unit, wherein: the electric drive unit and the cooling unit are mounted at a body frame of the vehicle via an elastic support member, the electric drive unit and the cooling unit being configured as an integrated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yokoyama, Masatsugu Arai, Tadashi Osaka, Itsuro Sawada
  • Patent number: 8820467
    Abstract: Said device for mounting an electric propulsion assembly into the engine compartment of an electric vehicle includes a mounting member (4, 5) having a means for attaching onto the vehicle chassis and attachment means for an electrical machine (3), an electrical power unit (2), and a charging unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Patrick Lamoine, Michael Grosjean
  • Patent number: 8807262
    Abstract: A vehicle (10) having a bearing frame (12) of the tubular trestle type, two front steered wheels (14, 16), two rear wheels (18, 20) with fixed axis (144), an engine unit (22), steering means (24), a front suspension unit (26), connecting the frame (12) to the front wheels (14, 16), a rear suspension unit (28), connecting the frame (12) to the rear wheels (18, 20), a transmission unit, interposed between the engine unit (22) and the axle shafts of the rear wheels (18, 20), a seat (44) for the driver of the vehicle (10), arranged at a central position with respect to such vehicle (10), and at least two seats (44?) for the passengers of the vehicle (10) adjacent to each other, arranged laterally and receded according to a predefined distance with respect to the seat (44) for the driver of the vehicle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Piaggio & C.S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Lambri, Luca Marano, Davide Fabio Scotti
  • Patent number: 8794209
    Abstract: An engine mounting system for power equipment includes a tubular frame, an internal combustion engine, and one or more supports for mounting the engine to the tubular frame. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block and a crankcase cover attached to the engine block. The one or more supports are integrally cast with and extend away from at least one of the engine block and the crankcase cover. Additionally, the one or more supports are designed to be mounted to the frame and are contoured to match a portion of a profile of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Klika, Stephen J. Lavender
  • Patent number: 8752660
    Abstract: There is obtained a cooling structure for a vehicle that can keep low a temperature of an interior of a power unit chamber in which a power unit is disposed. A cooling structure for a vehicle has: a power unit that is disposed within a power unit chamber disposed at a vehicle front side and at which air intake ports are formed in a front end side in a vehicle front-rear direction; an air-cooling-type heat exchanger that is disposed at a rear side with respect to the power unit, and that is cooled by heat exchange with air that passes from a front side to a rear side; and a communication duct that communicates a rear side portion with respect to the air-cooling-type heat exchanger and a rear side portion of the power unit in the power unit chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
  • Patent number: 8739917
    Abstract: An off-road vehicle comprising a pair of articulatable chassis members each swivelably connected at or near one end thereof by a generally upright trailing yoke therebetween, each chassis member including means for mounting respective forward, middle and rearward wheel means thereon, the center of the yoke including means for swivelably receiving the trailing end of a rockable cradle for supporting a driver of the vehicle, the cradle being rockable about an axis generally transverse to the wheel axes, the leading end of the cradle forming a leading yoke connected to respectively opposite ends of a pair of pivotable struts, the other end of each strut being pivotally connected to a respective leading part of one of the pair of chassis members, the arrangement being such that independent vertical movement of the or each wheel means is generally isolated from the cradle and hence the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Sioin Emyr Pierce
  • Patent number: 8733492
    Abstract: A power unit 4 is mounted in a rear part of a vehicle, a shaft C shared by a motor 2 and a motor speed reducer 3 is disposed in a vehicle width direction, and a sub-frame 8 is provided around the power unit 4, a front cross frame 11 is disposed over a front portion of the power unit 4 in a front view of the vehicle and disposed in parallel with the shaft C of the motor 2, a rear cross frame 12 is disposed over a side portion of the power unit 4 in a side view of the vehicle, and left and right side portions of the power unit 4 are suspended from a vehicle body via suspension brackets 13 and 14 provided on side frames 9 and 10, circular mount rubbers 15 and 16, and motor-side mount brackets 17 and 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Tachibana, Akihiro Nishikawa, Shuichi Yamane, Sunao Wakatsuki
  • Patent number: 8720636
    Abstract: A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electromotive drive unit and a power supply module capable of supplying the electromotive drive unit, a running gear mechanically coupled to the electromotive unit, and a chassis attached to the body of the vehicle, in the vicinity of the running gear, onto which the electromotive unit and the power supply module are attached, characterized in that the chassis defines a platform attached below the body of the vehicle, between the body of the vehicle and a floor separating a useful space of the vehicle which is part of the passenger compartment or adjacent to the passenger compartment, and in that the chassis is capable of receiving and supporting the electromotive unit and the power supply module, wherein the electromotive unit and the power supply module are arranged on either side of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Hassan Akoum, Olivier Ciesielski
  • Patent number: 8714295
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine mounted in a central tunnel of the vehicle floor pan. The internal combustion engine comprises an engine block assembly having a lower end closed by an oil pan and an upper end extending at an angle ? from a rear of the engine block assembly to a front thereof. An engine block closes the upper end and defines a crankcase that is configured to house a crankshaft for rotation therein. A cylinder housing assembly is reclined from vertical, towards the rear of the engine block, about an axis of the crankshaft by an angle ?. At least a portion of the cylinder housing assembly and the crankcase are disposed in the central tunnel of the vehicle floor pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, James J. Mazzola, III, William A. Bear
  • Publication number: 20140090919
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame assembly (FR) for a motorcycle includes a main frame (1), which extends from above a combustion engine (E) in a direction rearwardly, and a subframe (4) having front and rear end portions connected with the main frame (1) and also having an intermediate portion positioned laterally outside of a cylinder block (26) of the combustion engine (E). The combustion engine (E) is fixed to a motorcycle frame assembly (FR) by means of first, second and third engine mounting areas (M1, M2, M3). The first engine mounting area (M1) is provided in the intermediate portion of the subframe (4) and, also, a damping unit (72) for suppressing vibrations of a to-be-damped region (76) is provided in the to-be-damped region (76) provided at a location remote from the first engine mounting area (M1) in the subframe (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Idaka, Shiken Hayashi, Yota Katsukawa, Yoshitaka Awazu
  • Patent number: 8657061
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that may include a chassis, a mounting bracket, a drivetrain component, a first shaft and a second shaft. The mounting bracket may be secured to the chassis. The drivetrain component may include a housing defining an internal cavity and including a fluid fill-hole in communication with the internal cavity and extending through an exterior surface of the housing. The first shaft may engage the fluid fill-hole and may have a head on one end. The second shaft may extend outward from the head and may engage an aperture of the mounting bracket. The second shaft may bear a mounting load of the housing and may transmit at least a portion of the mounting load through the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A Beaupied, Dermot A Ashby, Riccardo Capitanio
  • Patent number: 8651217
    Abstract: A structure of an engine mount is provided for a vehicle in which an engine is disposed in the front of the vehicle, a front wheel is driven, and the engine is integrally coupled with a transmission to be seated horizontally on a vehicle body in a transverse mounting direction. The structure may include a driveshaft coupled to receive the driving force of the engine through the transmission and penetrate a center bearing through a bearing bracket fixed to the engine, a subframe as a plate shape coupled to the vehicle body in a rear lower part of the engine and coupled to a lower part of the transmission through a main roll rod mounted on the front, and a sub-roll rod having one end connected to the subframe and the other end connected to the bearing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yong-Jin Kim, Seung-Won Kim, Kong-Sup Jung, Hyo-Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8651216
    Abstract: In a motor mount structure of an electric vehicle, in which a front cross frame is connected to a front cross member, a rear cross frame is secured to a rear cross member, opposite sides of a power train in a vehicle width direction are supported on side frames by a side mount device placed so that positions in a vehicle fore-and-aft direction and a vehicle vertical direction are close to a horizontal line passing through the center of gravity of the power train and extending in the vehicle width direction, while a front mount device that regulates rolling of the power train is placed on a front portion of the power train, and the front mount device is mounted to a central portion of the front cross frame in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Sunao Wakatsuki, Shuichi Yamane
  • Patent number: 8590663
    Abstract: A support structure for a motor vehicle body includes, but is not limited to a longitudinal girder extending between an engine compartment and a wheel installation space, a wheel installation strut extending over the wheel installation space, an engine frame, an attached bracket protruding downward on the longitudinal girder, which supports the longitudinal girder on the engine frame, and a one-piece reinforcement element, of which a first arm flanks the bracket and a second arm extends in the direction of the wheel installation strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Karsten Bohle
  • Publication number: 20130248275
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a right side member and a left side member with a motor compartment disposed therebetween, a motor compartment cross member extending transversely across the motor compartment, the motor compartment cross member coupled to the left side member and the right side member, a front cross member extending transversely across the motor compartment, wherein the front cross member is spaced apart from the motor compartment cross member in a vertical direction, and a motor mount member extending between the front cross member and the motor compartment cross member, wherein the motor mount member is coupled to the front cross member and the motor compartment cross member, the motor mount member comprising an attachment point for receiving a corresponding coupler of an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dennis Cunningham, Taichi Yamashita, Alan Williams
  • Patent number: 8522909
    Abstract: An attachment structure of an electromotor, connected to rear wheels, of a vehicle, includes: a sub frame, to which the electromotor is assembled, provided at a rear portion of the vehicle, and having members extending in a longitudinal direction, and front and rear cross members extending in a width direction of the vehicle, the sub frame having a rectangular shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions; a receptacle provided at a front of the sub frame; and a rear motor mount provided at a rear of the rear cross member, a position of the rear motor mount being substantially the same as that of the electromotor in the perpendicular direction, the electromotor being provided at an upper side of the rear cross member; and a connection member, to which the electromotor is fixed, being provided at a lower side of the front cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuzo Niina
  • Patent number: 8523258
    Abstract: In a structure for mounting a subframe, located under a vehicle body, to the vehicle body via an elastic assembly, the elastic assembly includes: a first mounting member located under the vehicle body and over the subframe; a second mounting member located immediately above the first mounting member; and an elastic member disposed between the first and second mounting members. The first mounting member is mounted to the vehicle body, while the second mounting member is mounted to the subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shosuke Ohhama, Tetsuya Miyahara, Daisuke Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 8511416
    Abstract: A motor supporting structure including: a vehicle body member; side frames which extend in a vehicle forward and backward direction below the vehicle body member; cross frames which extend in a vehicle left and right direction below the vehicle body member and are connected to the front end sides and rear end sides of the side frames; frame supporting members which are fixed to cross portions and elastically support the side frames and cross frames by way of elastic bodies, wherein the cross portions are defined as portions where the side frames and the cross frames meet with each other when seen from above the vehicle body; a motor which is disposed in an area surrounded by the side frames and cross frames when seen from above the vehicle body; a motor supporting member for elastically supporting the front side of the motor by fixing the front side of the motor to both side frames and the front cross frame by way of an elastic body; a side frame side connecting member for connecting the side frame with the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Hiruma