Interposed Frame Structure (i.e., Subframe) Patents (Class 280/124.109)
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Publication number: 20140175767Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a transverse leaf spring arranged transversely relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis. The transverse leaf spring is supported at each of the two sides of a vehicle longitudinal center plane by at least one resilient member on a vehicle-side support which is securely connected to the vehicle superstructure or an auxiliary frame which is connected to the vehicle superstructure. The resilient member and the support form an articulated engagement. With an articulated engagement provided at each side of the vehicle longitudinal center plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicants: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG and CoAG, Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Marc Simon, Paul Zandbergen, Thomas Gerhards, Walter Shimpl
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Patent number: 8752660Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
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Patent number: 8746718Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively ensure the rigidity of supporting a front suspension with a simple configuration, without increasing the weight of a vehicle body. In a suspension mounting structure for a vehicle in which a front suspension is supported by sub frames 3, the sub frames 3 have a pair of right and left side sub frames 9 that extend in a front-rear direction of a vehicle in lower parts of front side frames 2; and a rear sub cross member 11 that couples rear end parts of the right and left side frames 9 to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takahiro Otani, Masanobu Fukushima, Hiroaki Takeshita
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Patent number: 8740231Abstract: A light-alloy vehicle suspension member integrally made from a light alloy, including a sectional shape formed by an upper wall, a front wall, and a rear wall so as to have an open bottom, the upper wall being substantially horizontal, the front wall and the rear wall being erected in a substantially vertical manner on a front edge and a rear edge of the upper wall respectively, wherein: one end of a torque rod is connected to a center portion, in a vehicle width direction, of the upper wall, another end of the torque rod is connected to an engine; a vertical position of the upper wall substantially corresponds to a vertical center position between the front wall and the rear wall, and substantially corresponds to a height position of the torque rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Takao Shibaya
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Patent number: 8727380Abstract: In a suspension tower structure for a vehicle (1) including a chassis frame (9) to which suspension towers (101) are attached, a front leg part (101a) and a rear leg part (101b) branched to be separated from each other in a vehicle length direction are provided in a lower part of the suspension tower (101), and lower parts of the front leg part (101a) and the rear leg part (101b) are attached to a main frame (10) of the chassis frame (9) extending in the vehicle length direction so as to be separated from each other in the vehicle length direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Soukichi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 8720919Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension subframe (1) in which highly rigid side-end members (10) are attached to opposite side end sections of a flat plate-like main body member (2) so as to extend in the front-rear direction of a vehicle. The subframe (1) has extremely high rigidity against forces acting thereon from the front, rear, left, right and the like with the aid of the side-end members (10). The subframe (1) makes it possible to cut out materials with almost zero waste, and is made lightweight and inexpensive.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Yorozu CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Takahashi, Youhei Koiso
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Patent number: 8708401Abstract: A crash brace is incorporated into a body structure of an automotive vehicle as an energy absorption and management device to assist in managing the energy during rear and side impact collisions, thereby protecting internal structures within the rear end of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chunhui Kevin Lee, Peyman Aghssa, Matthew Brian Makowski, Stephen Wai-Fun Siu, Edward Michael Wilson
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Publication number: 20140110916Abstract: An axle bracket for a front axle or rear axle of a motor vehicle includes two side members and at least one cross member interconnecting the side members and having at least one attachment point for attachment of a drive component, wherein during travel an operating force can be introduced from the drive component via the attachment point to the cross member. The cross member is constructed as a hollow profile of downwardly open U-shaped configuration to define a hollow space bounded by an upper top wall and two sidewalls depending downwards from the top wall. The cross member has a bearing site configured for securement of a stiffening element such that the stiffening element is arranged, at least in part, in the hollow space of the cross member, for increasing a strength of the cross member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Audi AGInventor: Peter Leibl
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Patent number: 8696003Abstract: A front axle support is provided with arrangement of a steering gear and a front axle stabilizer. The front axle support has receptacles for fastening the steering gear and for fastening the front axle stabilizer with screw connections. The steering gear and the front axle stabilizer are fixed on a common fitting. The common fitting is disposed with a common screw connection on the front axle support.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Oliver Eichelhard, Lutz Uhlenbruch
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Patent number: 8684382Abstract: The invention relates to an axle support for motor vehicles, for receiving components of the chassis of the motor vehicle. The axle support comprises frame side members (2, 3) running substantially in the driving direction, each having at least one cast connection point (5, 6), and a pipe section (7) that adjoins the cast connection point. The pipe section has an at least half-shell form in the region of the connection to the cast connection point.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Karsten Hoppe, Juergen Eickmann, Michael Wagner
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Publication number: 20140062047Abstract: A support assembly for receiving a vehicle wheel suspension and adapted for mounting to a vehicle structure, is disclosed that includes: a transverse body (3, 203, 303) having opposite ends; a left hand anchoring strut (9, 209, 309) extending downwardly from the transverse body (3, 203, 303) to define a distal left hand lower end; a right hand anchoring strut (7, 207, 307) extending downwardly from the transverse body (3, 203, 303) to define a distal right hand lower end. Separately attached left hand and right hand external reinforcing elements (31, 33; 231, 233, 333) each extend from an adjacent one of the opposite ends of the transverse body (3, 203, 303) to a connecting area (35, 37; 235, 335, 337) adjacent the respective one of the left and right hand distal lower ends of the downwardly extending anchoring struts (7, 9; 207, 209, 307, 309).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: DAF Trucks N.V.Inventors: Albertus Clemens Maria Van Der Knaap, Jasper Joshua Backx
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Patent number: 8657061Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Joseph A Beaupied, Dermot A Ashby, Riccardo Capitanio
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Patent number: 8646791Abstract: A frame structure is adapted to absorb energy from frontal impacts and extends under a front portion of the body frame. The frame structure includes a rear sub-frame located below and in front of a pair of side frame under-members, and a reinforcement bracket attached to the pair of side frame under-members to facilitate formation and control a deformation shape in an energy absorption pocket in the side frame under-member during a frontal impact for temporarily restraining the rear sub-frame before releasing the rear sub-frame to slide past the reinforcement bracket. The energy absorption pocket is formed in the side frame under-member forward of and outboard of the reinforcement bracket during a frontal impact prior to the rear sub-frame be released from B-point bolt connections to the side frame under-members.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Richard Young, Taichi Yamashita, Naipaul Deo Ramoutar
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Sub-frame intrusion control by ramping during frontal impact for electric vehicle battery protection
Patent number: 8646790Abstract: A frame structure is adapted to absorb energy from frontal impacts and extends under a front portion of the body frame. The frame structure includes a rear sub-frame located below and in front of a pair of side frame under-members, and at least one ramp connected to the pair of side frame under-members for directing rearward sliding movement of the rear sub-frame and attached structures downwardly beneath a battery assembly. A catching surface engages a steering gear to improve energy absorption during frontal impacts. A reinforcement bracket attached to the pair of side frame under-members defines a pocket for temporarily catching the rear sub-frame providing an energy absorption path before releasing the rear sub-frame to slide past. A tether is connected between the pair of side frame under-members and the rear sub-frame for holding the rear sub-frame against the ramp to increase energy absorption.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Richard Young, Taichi Yamashita, Jesse Thomas Buehler, Naipaul Deo Ramoutar, Gerritt Benjamin Meyers -
Patent number: 8646792Abstract: A vehicle frame structure is adapted to absorb energy from frontal impacts. The frame structure extends under a front portion of the body frame. The frame structure includes a rear sub-frame located below and in front of a pair of side frame under-members, and a catching surface connected to the pair of side frame under-members for engaging the rear sub-frame and attached structures. A steering gear is attached to the rear sub-frame. The catching surface interacts with the steering gear to promote additional crushing energy absorption during sliding movement of the rear sub-frame relative to the catching surface during the frontal impact. The catching surface can be formed on ramps attached to the pair of side frame under-members. A tether can prolong crushing contact of the rear sub-frame with respect to the catching surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Richard Young, Taichi Yamashita, Naipaul Deo Ramoutar, Gerritt Benjamin Meyers
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Patent number: 8641066Abstract: An integrated vehicular suspension and differential mounting structure includes a metal base frame which supports a differential support member having a body formed of a resin or composite material. The differential support member further includes integrated annular collars having a central portion formed of a metal and a peripheral portion formed of resin or rubber. The peripheral portion of the collars are integrated with the resin or composite body of the differential support member. The base frame may further include a bracket for supporting the differential support member and a bracket for mounting an associated suspension system. The bracket for supporting the differential support member may be integrally formed with the bracket for mounting the associated suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Kudla, Naoki Munekata
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Patent number: 8641065Abstract: The battery-powered towing tractor includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a body, a battery, a member plate, a front reinforcing plate and a rear reinforcing plate. The body has a floor formed between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The battery is disposed in the body at a position between the front wheel and the floor. The member plate extends in width direction of the body for compartmenting a rear end of the floor in the body. The front reinforcing plate is joined to a front surface of the member plate. The rear reinforcing plate is joined to a rear surface of the member plate. The front reinforcing plate and the rear reinforcing plate are opposed across the member plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventor: Seiji Uno
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Patent number: 8616568Abstract: A structure of a vehicle subframe mounted to a vehicle, in which a wheel hub may be connected to a vehicle body through a lower arm and an upper arm disposed below and above one another, and in which the lower arm may be coupled in a traverse direction of the vehicle may include a plate-shaped body mounted to a lower portion of the vehicle body, and having the lower arm mounted thereon in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and a mounting bracket protruding from the body upwards wherein the upper arm may be pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Hwashin Co. Ltd.Inventors: Bo-Min Kim, Dae-Sik Ko, Eui-Keun Jeong
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Patent number: 8616324Abstract: A sub-frame and component configuration for mounting on a motorcycle includes a body frame structure including a main frame portion; and a sub-frame portion, he sub-frame is fixedly secured to the main frame portion and is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat providing a rider with a seating area that is relatively closer to the ground than the seating area of a conventional motorcycle seat. A method of mounting the sub-frame on a motorcycle includes: fixedly securing a drop seat sub-frame portion onto a main frame portion, wherein the drop seat sub-frame portion is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Gary D. Chipp
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Patent number: 8613461Abstract: A frame structure is adapted to absorb energy from frontal impacts and extends under a front portion of the body frame. The frame structure includes a rear sub-frame located below and in front of a pair of side frame under-members, and a tether is connected between the pair of side frame under-members and the rear sub-frame for prolonging proximity of the rear sub-frame with the side frame under-members. A noise-vibration, ride and handling bracket can be modified to define the tether. The tether attaches to the pair of side frame under-members at two outboard locations and to the rear sub-frame at the two inboard locations positioned forward of the outboard locations. The tether attaches to the pair of side frame under-members providing a limited degree of rotary displacement away from the side frame under-members.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Richard Young, Taichi Yamashita, Naipaul Deo Ramoutar
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Patent number: 8590663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Udo Mildner, Karsten Bohle
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Patent number: 8590908Abstract: Disclosed is a front axle support for a motor vehicle having support members, which comprise holders for mounting wheel guidance members, and a transverse structure, which forms a housing of a steering gear, wherein the support members are connected to the transverse structure by weld joints. In a first teaching, the front axle support according to the invention is characterized in that the support members are in the form of longitudinal supports, a portion of each longitudinal support being formed from sheet metal shells welded together, and in that the transverse structure is in the form of a transverse support and is formed from a steering gear housing made of steel.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignees: GMF Umformtechnik GmbH, ThyssenKrupp Presta AGInventors: Matthias Kroger, Ulf Sudowe, Michael Scholten, Zoltan Stamm, Udo Wachter
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Patent number: 8585066Abstract: A vehicle frame includes an inverter protection brace extending between front and rear sub-frames located below and in front of side under frame members. A gusset of the brace strongly connects to the front sub-frame to load a beam section without overloading attaching bolts. The brace has a bolted connection attaches to the rear sub-frame. The brace deforms forward of the bolted connection creating a safety cage around an inverter during frontal impacts. A reinforcement bracket attaches to the side frame under members to define a pocket for temporarily catching the rear sub-frame. Ramps connect to the reinforcement bracket allowing sliding of the rear sub-frame rearward, and direct movement downwardly beneath a battery assembly. A catching surface defined on the ramp engages at least one rear sub-frame attached structure. A tether connects between the pair of side frame under-members and the rear sub-frame for improving the interaction of the rear sub-frame against the ramps.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Richard Young, Taichi Yamashita, Jesse Thomas Buehler, Naipaul Deo Ramoutar, Gerritt Benjamin Meyers
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Patent number: 8585064Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a pivoting axle suspension assembly that includes a bolster assembly secured between the frame rails of the main frame of the crop sprayer. The bolster assembly includes formed tube members that support a bearing structure for pivotably coupling a pivot pin of a pivot axle to the main frame. The tube members are curved downwardly from the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: ET Works, LLCInventors: Chad A Ringer, Justin Honegger, Ryan Larsh, Jarrett Waters
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Patent number: 8585065Abstract: In a suspension structure, a suspension link has a hollow structure in which a pair of frame brackets are joined together, while opposing each other. Also provided is a stiffening bracket integrally connected to both the frame brackets for holding and sandwiching the frame brackets together. The stiffening bracket is configured to hold and sandwich both an end face of a first one of the frame brackets facing apart from the mating face with the second frame bracket and an end face of the second frame bracket facing apart from the mating face with the first frame bracket together. One end of a stabilizer, a height sensor, or the like is connected to the stiffening bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Reo Koide, Kenji Sagara, Jiro Inatomi, Kazuhiro Kiriyama, Toshiyuki Kondou
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Patent number: 8579308Abstract: A suspension module for a vehicle and a method of manufacture. The suspension module may include a subframe assembly having at least one unitary side plate that is configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The subframe assembly may facilitate mounting of an axle subassembly and a suspension subsystem to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Gordon Aaron Weeks, Kevin Thomas Paquette, Paul Lawrence Barr
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Patent number: 8579307Abstract: The invention relates to a monolithically cast axle support (12) for motor vehicles. A steering box (10) is provided which is monolithically produced as a whole or in part along with the axle support or which is integrally bonded to the axle support as a whole or in part.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Juergen Eickmann, Heiko Kauert
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Patent number: 8579310Abstract: It is an object to obtain excellent suspension performance and effectively enhance steering stability during vehicle turning, with a simple configuration. A vehicle suspension apparatus comprises an upper lateral link (5) and a lower lateral link (6) each having one end (5a, 6a) swingably mounted to a wheel carrying member (1) and the other end (5b, 6b) swingably supported by a vehicle body, while being installed to extend in a vehicle widthwise direction, and a lower link (7) having one end mounted to a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at a position rearward of a rotary shaft of a wheel, and the other end swingably supported by the vehicle body. The one ends (5a, 6a) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are mounted, respectively, to an upper portion and a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at positions frontward of the rotary shaft of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Shin Murata
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Patent number: 8579309Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a structural member configured to support a vehicle body and a subframe member configured to support at least one of a vehicle suspension and an engine. The structural member includes a cavity and the subframe member includes a support section and an extension that extends transversely from the support section. The extension is received in the cavity to connect the subframe member with the structural member.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Charles J. Gagliano
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Patent number: 8567801Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert, Juergen Eickmann, Andreas Hennings, Andreas Buehrig-Polaczek, Lars Wuerker, Klaus Greven
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Patent number: 8562021Abstract: There is provided a front vehicle body structure including: a front sub frame mounted below front side frames; a tie rod disposed forwardly of an axle; a tie rod pressing member having a pressing portion which is mounted on the front sub frame forward of the tie rod and presses the tie rod when a collision occurs; and a rotational movement generating member for causing the tie rod pressing member to generate a rotational movement by deforming an area on which the tie rod pressing member is mounted in the front sub frame, by the load received when a collision occurs. The pressing portion is displaced by the rotational movement from a first position which is out of a steering range of the front wheels to a second position at which the pressing portion swings outward in the vehicle width direction and which allows pressing of the tie rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsumasa Kuwabara, Hiroyuki Matsuda
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Patent number: 8540261Abstract: A suspension arm attachment structure provided with a cylindrical vibration-damping bush which is attached to the side of a vehicle body via a core member. The attachment structure is provided with: a suspension arm having an attachment tube part fitted with a vibration-damping bush; and a retaining member which regulates the movement of the attachment tube part in the axial longitudinal direction. The retaining member is provided with: facing walls on sides thereof which respectively face end surfaces of the vibration-damping bush; a linking part which integrally links the facing walls; and an attachment part on one end and an attachment part on the other end which respectively extend in the axial longitudinal direction of a core member from the facing surface on one side and the facing surface on the other side and which are attached to the side of a vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kimio Okamoto
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Patent number: 8540259Abstract: A frame structure absorbs energy from frontal impacts and extends under a front portion of the body frame. The frame structure includes a rear sub-frame located below and in front of a pair of side frame under-members, and an inverter protection brace extending between the front sub-frame and the rear sub-frame. Loading from the inverter protection brace travels through the rear sub-frame to A-point bolt connections located on the pair of front frame side members. The rear sub-frame moves rearward and deforms at the A-point bolt connections. The load through the A-point bolt connections changes the deformation mode of the frame front side members between the A-point bolt connections and B-point bolt connections. At least one of the pair of side frame under-members buckles rearward of the B-point bolt connection located on the pair of side frame under-members for energy absorption during the frontal impact.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Richard Young, Taichi Yamashita, Jesse Thomas Buehler, Gerritt Benjamin Meyers
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Patent number: 8522909Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuzo Niina
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Patent number: 8517140Abstract: An independent rear suspension kit includes first and second mounting brackets configured to be fastened to a chassis of a vehicle, a cross-member interconnecting the first and second brackets, a differential housing supported by the cross-member, first and second upper control arms pivotably coupled to the cross-member, first and second lower control arms pivotably coupled to the differential housing, a first upright pivotably coupled to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm, and a second upright pivotably coupled to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Heidts Acquisition, LLCInventors: Vaughn E. D. West, Thomas E. Brown
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Patent number: 8511696Abstract: A sub-frame (1) of an automobile includes a pair of a front width direction member (2) and a rear width direction member (3) extending in a vehicle width direction, a pair of front-back direction members (4, 5) extending in a vehicle front-back direction, connecting members (6, 7) for connecting between a lower arm supporting part (11) of the front width direction member (2) and the rear width direction member (3), and a pair of linking brackets (8, 9) for respectively linking between an upper arm supporting part (10) of the front width direction member (2) and the pair of front-back direction members (4, 5). According to this, it is possible to achieve weight saving while maintaining rigidity in the front-back direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Osamu Kuratomi
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Patent number: 8496268Abstract: A vehicle chassis that incorporates the engine structure, transaxle structure and a backbone structure provided as a unitary structure onto which other components of a vehicle, such as suspension, steering, body and crash absorbers may be attached. The backbone structure is a closed tubular structure in which a relatively rigid drive shaft can be supported for rotational power delivery between the engine and the transaxle. Several variations of the basic chassis embodiment are disclosed to accommodate rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, four wheel drive, as well as internal combustion, electrical and hybrid powered vehicles. Front and rear energy absorbing crash structures are rigidly fixed to front and rear sub-frames of the vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Theodore & Associates LLCInventor: Chris P. Theodore
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Patent number: 8490988Abstract: A suspension cross member comprises a middle-portion attaching member which extends upwardly from a suspension cross member body, and a pipe-shaped attaching member which is supported at a support portion provided at an upper portion of the middle-portion attaching member. A side portion, in a vehicle width direction, a front portion and a rear portion, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, of a side face portion of the attaching member are supported at the support portion. A lower portion of the attaching member is supported at the support portion with a specified support rigidity, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, which is lower than that of the supporting of the side portion, the front portion or the rear portion of the side face portion of the attaching member.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Takeshita, Takahiro Otani, Masanobu Fukushima
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Patent number: 8485543Abstract: An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Reyco Granning, LLCInventors: Gregory A. Richardson, John A. Hinz, Richard Lee Conaway
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Publication number: 20130175780Abstract: Front-axle bracket (1) for motor vehicles, in which in each case two receptacles or recesses (5, 6) for the bearings for the swivel mounting of in each case one of two wheel control elements (7), such as the wishbone or A-arm, and the receptacles (18, 19, 20) for the securing of the front-axle bracket are provided as a premanufactured unit together with preassembled assemblies on the vehicle body, and at least some of the receptacles or recesses listed below for the securing of the steering mechanism (13) the securing of the stabilizer (15) the mounting of a hinged column (14), and the front-axle bracket is produced in the form of a light-metal component which is integral with said receptacles or recesses and connects them to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: KSM CASTINGS GROUP GMBHInventor: KSM Castings Group GmbH
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Patent number: 8480102Abstract: In a lower vehicle-body structure of a vehicle, there is provided a rear connecting member swingably supporting a rear portion of a lower arm at a sub frame and a front side frame, the rear connecting member comprising a support portion to support the lower arm, a fifth connection portion to connect the sub frame and the support portion, and a fourth connection portion to connect the front side frame and the support portion. Further, there is provided a separation mechanism to separate the fourth connection portion off the front side frame in the vehicle frontal collision. Accordingly, the sub frame and the lower arm are separated off the front side frame by the separation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Ken Yamada, Kazuki Yamauchi, Hiroaki Takeshita, Masanobu Fukushima
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Publication number: 20130168939Abstract: The invention relates to an axle support (12) for motor vehicles. The axle support comprises at least one receiving element (10) for the steering device, which preferably comprises a tubular hollow body (10a) and is either produced in a single piece with the axle support or is bonded thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: KSM CASTINGS GROUP GMBHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert
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Publication number: 20130147145Abstract: A structure of a vehicle subframe mounted to a vehicle, in which a wheel hub may be connected to a vehicle body through a lower arm and an upper arm disposed below and above one another, and in which the lower arm may be coupled in a traverse direction of the vehicle may include a plate-shaped body mounted to a lower portion of the vehicle body, and having the lower arm mounted thereon in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and a mounting bracket protruding from the body upwards wherein the upper arm may be pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the mounting bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicants: Hwashin Co. Ltd, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyundai Motor Company
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Patent number: 8439377Abstract: Provided is a structure of a roll rod for a vehicle which is mounted on a subframe of the vehicle and combined with a transmission or an engine. The structure includes a fastening rod having one end connected with the transmission or the engine and the other end where a sliding portion is inserted in the subframe, a mounting member fixed to the subframe in contact with the outer circumference of the sliding portion and having a protrusion on the inner circumference, a front insulator connected to the outer circumference of the sliding portion and positioned ahead of the protrusions, a rear insulator connected to the outer circumference of the sliding portion and positioned behind the protrusion, and an end plate mounted on the fastening rod, behind the rear insulator, in which the rear insulator is formed by combining two or more sub-insulators and one or more sub-insulators are spaced apart from the end plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hyo-Seok Kim
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Patent number: 8439148Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine attached to the vehicle body frame, and a power transmission unit for transmitting output from the engine to a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle body frame includes a plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket which is integrally connected to front end portions of main frame sections extending in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle at a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, and also is integrally connected to lower end sides of front frame sections vertically extending at a front portion of the vehicle body frame. The plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket includes suspension arm-supporting portions formed integrally therewith. The lightweight vehicle body frame reduces total weight of the vehicle and, at the same time, enhances assembling accuracy thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama
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Publication number: 20130099461Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively ensure the rigidity of supporting a front suspension with a simple configuration, without increasing the weight of a vehicle body. In a suspension mounting structure for a vehicle in which a front suspension is supported by sub frames 3, the sub frames 3 have a pair of right and left side sub frames 9 that extend in a front-rear direction of a vehicle in lower parts of front side frames 2; and a rear sub cross member 11 that couples rear end parts of the right and left side frames 9 to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Takahiro Otani, Masanobu Fukushima, Hiroaki Takeshita
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Publication number: 20130099460Abstract: It is an object to obtain excellent suspension performance and effectively enhance steering stability during vehicle turning, with a simple configuration. A vehicle suspension apparatus comprises an upper lateral link (5) and a lower lateral link (6) each having one end (5a, 6a) swingably mounted to a wheel carrying member (1) and the other end (5b, 6b) swingably supported by a vehicle body, while being installed to extend in a vehicle widthwise direction, and a lower link (7) having one end mounted to a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at a position rearward of a rotary shaft of a wheel, and the other end swingably supported by the vehicle body. The one ends (5a, 6a) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are mounted, respectively, to an upper portion and a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at positions frontward of the rotary shaft of the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Shin Murata
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Patent number: 8424889Abstract: In a vehicle-body stiffening device, a wind-receiving plate that receives traveling wind is fixed to a main bar portion of a lower bar that connects brackets formed at left and right lower sections of a suspension cross member to each other and supporting suspension lower arms. The wind-receiving plate receiving a traveling-wind pressure biases the main bar portion so as to generate bending stress. Due to this bending stress, a preload is generated between the left and right brackets. Since the preload is generated by the traveling-wind pressure, the preload is 0 (kg/mm) when the vehicle speed is 0 (km/h), but increases as the vehicle speed increases.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuo Fujinuki
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Publication number: 20130093154Abstract: A method of producing a modular independent suspension having portal wheel ends is disclosed herein. The method includes, but is not limited to, assembling a first flank component and a second flank component to opposite sides of a sub-frame configured to receive a carrier. The method further includes assembling a first upper control arm and a first lower control arm to the first flank component. The method further includes assembling a second upper control arm and a second lower control arm to the second flank component. The method further includes assembling a first portal wheel end to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm. The method still further includes assembling a second portal wheel end to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: AXLETECH INTERNATIONAL IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLC
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Patent number: 8408566Abstract: A subframe for a front axle of a motor vehicle is arranged on the floor side of the vehicle structure and is connected to a front axle transverse beam and to the vehicle body. The subframe substantially contains two longitudinal beams which are arranged in a divergent fashion in relation to one another and which are connected at the rear end—as viewed in relation to the direction of travel—to a plate-shaped stiffening element. The latter is held together with the longitudinal beams on a central tunnel of the vehicle structure by fastening devices, with it being possible for the free front ends of the longitudinal beams to be fastened to the front axle transverse beam by further fastening devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heiko Teichmann, Dennis Tegelkamp