Abstract: An on-board optical sensor cleaning device includes an on-board camera and a discharge port. The on-board camera is mounted on a vehicle. The on-board camera includes a lens. The discharge port discharges fluid toward the lens. The discharged fluid removes foreign material collected on the lens. The lens and the discharge port are relatively movable. At least one of the lens and the discharge port is movable between a cleaning position, where the discharge port is located proximal to an image capturing range center of the on-board camera, and a non-cleaning position, where the discharge port is located farther from the image capturing range center than the cleaning position.

Abstract: A wheel roller for a chain conveyor of an automated carwash has a direct connection of the wheels to the carrier link. The wheel roller contains a carrier link and a roller frame supported by the carrier link. The roller frame has a plurality of pins rigidly connected to the carrier link. A plurality of wheels is supported by the pins of the roller frame. Because the roller frame is rigidly connected (e.g. welded) to the carrier link, the wheels cannot rotate about the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a slave cylinder configured to drive an electric motor and generate a brake fluid pressure by moving pistons with a ball screw shaft; normally open type master cut valves that communicate/shut off between the slave cylinder and a master cylinder; and a control unit that controls the electric motor to close the master cut valves and limit a displacement of the ball screw shaft on the basis of a reference position during operation of a VSA device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrohydraulic pressure control device for vehicle brake systems, including at least one electronic control unit, at least one hydraulic unit and at least one electric motor for driving a hydraulic pump, wherein the electronic control unit is mechanically connected to the hydraulic unit and is sealed off from the outer environment in at least one connection zone to the hydraulic unit by a circumferential, in particular elastic sealing material, and the sealing material extends along an edge of the substantially cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit, wherein the edge is formed by a face of the cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit facing the electronic control unit and at least one face of the cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit not facing the electronic control unit, and the sealing material at least partially covers both cuboid faces in the connection zone and/or sealing zone.

Abstract: A braking method for a motor vehicle including a hybrid or electric propulsion system, a hydraulic braking system, an electric braking system recuperating electrical energy, a brake pedal, systems to assist with driving of the vehicle, and a vehicle electronic stability control system. The method includes: selecting one of torque setpoints from between a pedal torque setpoint relating to position of or force supplied to the brake pedal, and a torque setpoint relating to the driver assistance systems; formulating a hydraulic braking torque setpoint independent of a state of the pedal by the electric or hybrid propulsion system; acquiring information relating to stability of the vehicle; formulating a hydraulic braking torque setpoint and an electric braking torque setpoint intended for the hybrid or electric propulsion system based on the selected torque setpoint, the independent hydraulic braking torque setpoint, and the information relating to the vehicle stability.

Abstract: A pedal force simulator for a hydraulic brake system of a vehicle has a simulator chamber and a simulator piston that can be moved along a working path within the simulator chamber. The pedal force simulator has a line arrangement by which the simulator chamber can be brought into fluid communication with a pressure chamber of a brake cylinder of the hydraulic brake system. The line arrangement has a valve arrangement, the throttling effect of which depends on the position of the simulator piston along the working path.

Abstract: A master cylinder for a controlled brake system, including at least one piston which is displaceable in a housing and is sealed with respect to a pressure chamber by a sealing element arranged in an annular groove of the housing, which pressure chamber is connectable to an unpressurized supply chamber by control passages formed in the piston. The piston 46 is formed in at least two parts, including a main body and an annular control element, the control passages being provided in the control element.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flow of air includes establishing a level of vacuum in a booster device by generating the flow of air from the booster device using a pump. The method also includes determining whether the level of vacuum in the booster device has reached a predetermined value. The method additionally includes terminating the flow of air from the booster device when the level of vacuum in the booster device has reached the predetermined value. A system for controlling a flow of air according to the method may be incorporated into a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine that is adapted to drive the pump.

Abstract: A vehicle braking control device includes a control unit that, when a characteristic representing the relationship between an estimated amount of fluid consumed by braking, which is estimated based on the amount a brake pedal is operated, and an actual master-cylinder pressure detected by a master-cylinder pressure detection unit is different from that of a preset characteristic in a reference map indicating representing the relationship between the amount of fluid consumed by braking and the master cylinder pressure, corrects a target value of a degree of relative displacement between an input member and an assist member by a target relative displacement-amount correction unit in a direction in which the difference between characteristics is reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle shifting are presented. Specifically, torque supplied to an input shaft of a transmission may be adjusted during torque and inertia phases of a transmission gear shift. The torque supplied to the transmission input shaft may be increased or decreased based on the shift and the shift phase.

Abstract: A method of operating a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator in a vehicle drive includes operating the vehicle drive in a first operating mode and a second operating mode, the first operating mode including operating the first motor/generator as a generator and operating the second motor/generator as a motor, the second operating mode including operating both the first motor/generator as a generator and the second motor/generator as a generator when a first power generation capability associated with the first motor/generator is below a first threshold level, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator providing electrical power to the DC bus without doing either of (a) providing electrical power to an energy storage device or (b) consuming electrical power from an energy storage device.

Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: an engagement control portion configured to place the clutch or the brake in a slipping state in a decelerating state of the hybrid vehicle in a hybrid drive mode in which the engine is operated.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for recharging a storage catalyst of an internal combustion engine. A method is described, comprising: while operating an engine in a substoichiometric operating mode when the engine is under medium load and responsive to an LNT condition, assisting the engine with an electric machine connected to an engine crankshaft. The electric machine provides an auxiliary drive to assist the engine in maintaining the substantially steady state substoichiometric operating mode which may be used to reduce NOx or SOx build up in a storage catalytic convertor or to assay the condition of a storage catalytic convertor.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control device includes a drive system including a starter motor, an engine and a motor/generator, and a power supply system including a high power battery, a capacitor, and a hybrid control module which controls charging and discharging of the capacitor. The hybrid control module performs a starter start-up control, a motor-generator start control and charging and discharging control: during EV mode, when the operating point in accordance with the vehicle speed and required driving force is present in a M/G start-up region, the hybrid control module maintains the capacitor voltage at or below a deterioration free voltage, and when the operating point is deviated from the M/G start-up region, the hybrid control module recharges the capacitor to or above a starter start-up permission voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a method for navigating a user vehicle may include acquiring, using at least one image capture device, a plurality of images of an area in a vicinity of the user vehicle; determining from the plurality of images a first lane constraint on a first side of the user vehicle and a second lane constraint on a second side of the user vehicle opposite to the first side of the user vehicle; determining, based on the plurality of images, whether an encroaching vehicle is approaching from a side of the user vehicle; and causing the user vehicle to maintain a current velocity and to travel within the first and second lane constraints such that a first distance, on the side of the user vehicle that the encroaching vehicle is approaching from, is greater than a second distance.

Abstract: A vehicle travel control apparatus includes a utility function determination unit, which determines a utility function fu representing a relationship between the manipulated variable for vehicle speed control of an own vehicle and an effectiveness degree, a travel inhibition degree function determination unit, which determines a travel inhibition degree function fr representing a relationship between the manipulated variable for vehicle speed control and an estimated travel inhibition degree of the own vehicle, and an appropriateness function determination unit, which determines an appropriateness function fap combining both functions fu and fr. A driving/braking force of the own vehicle is manipulated according to the value of the manipulated variable for vehicle speed control corresponding to a highest appropriateness in the appropriateness function fap.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an internal combustion engine capable of switching an operating state and a non-operating state while a vehicle travels, an engaging device capable of switching an engaged state in which the internal combustion engine is engaged with a driving wheel so that a power can be transmitted therebetween and a release state in which the engagement is released, and a controller configured to control the internal combustion engine and the engaging device based on a vehicle speed parameter as to a traveling speed of the vehicle and a determination parameter different from the vehicle speed parameter, place the engaging device in a release state at the time stop permission conditions of the internal combustion engine as to the determination parameter have been established while the vehicle travels at deceleration.

Abstract: A method of displaying a driver's propensity includes: determining a current drive mode, at a plurality of predetermined times, of a vehicle that is in operation, each determined current drive mode being selected from a plurality of predetermined drive modes; calculating cumulative ratios of each determined current drive mode by accumulating in real-time ratios of the current drive mode determined at each of the plurality of predetermined times; and simultaneously displaying the cumulative ratios of each determined current drive mode and the predetermined drive modes to inform the driver of the cumulative ratios.

Abstract: A collision mitigation apparatus for mitigating damage to a vehicle at a time of collision, on which the collision mitigation apparatus is mounted, includes an operation control unit that detects a collision object present around the vehicle, makes a comparison between a collision time indicative of a time remaining before collision between the vehicle and the collision object and an operation reference time according to which timing to start control for avoiding collision is set, and causes a collision mitigation device mounted on the vehicle to start operating depending on a result of the comparison. The collision mitigation apparatus further includes a collision probability calculating unit that calculates a collision probability between the vehicle and the collision object, and a reference time setting unit that sets the operation reference time depending on the collision probability.

Abstract: During a self-driving control, when an acquisition failure occurs in traveling environment information acquisition required for performing self-driving, and a failure of a steering system of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle driving control apparatus is detected, a brake controller sets an evacuation course along which the vehicle is to travel safely within traveling environment, based on traveling environment information detected last time before the acquisition failure of the traveling environment information, and executes a deceleration of the vehicle and a yaw brake control that applies a yaw moment to the vehicle based on the evacuation course.

Abstract: A platform screen gate system having a tower, a gate secured to the tower. The gate is movable between an open position, to facilitate access to and from the platform, and a closed position, to block access to and from the platform. The system further includes at least one roller secured to the tower and a track secured to the gate. The track is supported by and movable on the least one roller such that the door cantilevers from the tower and remains above the platform when the door is moved between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: In the event that a steering device is damaged, the damaged component is prevented from dropping onto a surface of a track or prevented from making contact with a surface of a track, even if a component to prevent dropping is not newly installed. A railway vehicle steering truck having a steering device with a steering link which is rotatably connected to an axle box which supports a steering axle, and a connecting link rotatably connected to a bolster, and these are each rotatably connected to a steering lever which is rotatably connected to a truck frame. A length A1 or A2 from one center of rotation of the steering link is shorter than a radius B of a wheel that has reached a wear limit.

Abstract: This guide-rail track vehicle, which travels on a track, is provided with: a carbody disposed at the top of a vehicle; and a running device that supports the carbody from below, and has a guide frame to which at least a pair of guide wheels, which are guided by a guide rail disposed on the track, are attached. Moreover, the guide frame has: a pair of beam members that are capable of sliding in the width direction of the track, and to which the guide wheels are attached; a rotating part capable of rotating around a first axis in the direction of travel; and a transmission part that converts the rotation of the rotating part to motion in the width direction, and moves the guide wheels in a symmetrical fashion by synchronizing the pair of beam members. Thus, the guide-rail track vehicle has a running device that allows the distance between the guide wheels to be changed.

Abstract: A railcar coupler having a head portion extending from a shank portion, the coupler head portion is configured to couple to a first coupler knuckle for coupling the railcar coupler to a second railcar coupler of an adjacent railcar. The coupler has weight reduction features that also are configured to provide strength to the coupler when handling forceloads. The coupler may have a head with a front face with bores provided in the front face a cavity extending through the coupler, a guard arm with cavities formed therein, and a shank having a plurality of longitudinal cavities and adjacent ribs separating the cavities. Preferred embodiments may be constructed from an austempered metal.

Abstract: A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

Abstract: A goods fixing structure for a trolley contains: two support columns, a connection mount, and at least two retainers. A control bar is disposed between two top ends of the two support columns, and the connection mount is mounted between two bottom ends of the two support columns and includes two locking recesses defined on one side thereof. Each retainer has an abutting face and two contacting faces. Each contacting face has an engaging rib arranged thereon to retain with each of the two locking recesses. Thereby, the at least two retainers are connected with the connection mount of the trolley, and each retainer has the abutting face. Thus, the at least two retainers position columnar or cylindrical goods stably when pushing the trolley, thus avoiding the goods dropping from the trolley.

Abstract: A cart transportation apparatus can be used to transport carts from one location to another. Utilizing the cart transportation apparatus can reduce damage to carts that need to be relocated for various reasons. Furthermore, the cart transportation apparatus can comprise a means to facilitate secure cart movement for carts with a variety of wheel sizes.

Abstract: A utility cart with lock box which includes a fixed housing portion mounted to the top of a cart storage unit, and a rotating housing portion rotatably mounted to the fixed housing portion. The fixed housing portion includes spaced sidewalls joined to a clear see through arcuate back wall, and an open front. The rotating housing portion includes spaced sidewalls joined to a clear see through arcuate front wall, and an open back. The rotating housing portion is dimensioned such that it can be rotated rearwardly up and over the fixed housing to provide access to items stored in the fixed housing portion, or under the closed rotating housing portion. Alternatively the rotating housing can be rotated forwardly and downwardly to enclose all items in the lock box. The items located in the lock box are visible whether the box is opened or closed.

Abstract: The infant stroller with air conditioner and heater includes a stroller with a seat and seat back that include a cooling member and a heating member. The seat and seat back may be further defined as a flexible membrane that contours to provide a comfortable seating posture. The cooling member may utilize a refrigeration cycle to circulate cooled water through tubing integrated into the seat and seat back. The heating member involves the use of a heating element that when energized releases heat. The heating element is integrated into the construction of the seat and the seat back. Both the heating member and the cooling member are connected to a control member positioned underneath the seat and seat back. The control member is ideally positioned in a storage compartment provided between the wheels of the infant stroller.

Abstract: A steering wheel of the present invention is provided with: a spoke cored bar portion configured to couple a boss cored bar portion and a rim cored bar portion to each other. At least a surface of a respective one of the rim cored bar portion and the spoke cored bar portion is covered with a synthetic resin. An inclined longitudinal wall portion is coupled to the spoke cored bar portion at a connection portion, and at an intermediate part of the connection portion, an easily deformable portion is formed. In this manner, it is possible to provide a steering wheel which is not degraded in appearance quality, even if a rib for preventing shrinkage of a resin is increased in size, the steering wheel having an excellent dynamic performance thereof.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover that includes an outer cover layer and an inner core layer coupled to the outer cover layer is disclosed herein. The inner core layer includes an inner surface shaped to form and self-maintain an annular channel sized to receiving an automobile steering wheel therein. The inner core layer has a composition that includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and one or more hardening agents. The composition of the inner core layer may also include a flexibility agent, a de-molding agent, a flowing agent, an emollient, an oxidizing agent, a cross-linking agent, a coloring agent, a curing agent, and a foaming agent. The inner core layer may also include one or more ribs extending from an inner surface of the inner core layer.

Abstract: A steering column assembly shroud includes a first member having an end portion which is received within a second member having at least one slit through its wall extending partially along its length. A guide bush is located between the first member and the second member and fixed relative to one of the members. The guide bush provides a surface over which the other member can slide to alter the overall length of the shroud. A clamp mechanism squeezes the second member onto the guide bush which is, in turn, squeezed onto the first member. The cross section of the guide bush varies along its length to vary the resistance it provides to crushing by the action of the clamp mechanism when the shroud is at its greatest length and the resistance it provides when the shroud is clamped at its shortest length.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes: a worm gear; a worm wheel that is connected to the worm gear; a second bearing that rotatably supports the worm gear; a coil spring that biases the second bearing in a preload direction to push the worm gear against the worm wheel; a bearing case that supports the second bearing, and guides the movement of the second bearing along the preload direction; and a shock absorbing member that is provided at a location. The second bearing moves in an opposite direction of the preload direction to be brought into contact with the shock absorbing member at the location.

Abstract: A compensation control apparatus of motor driven power steering may include: a torque sensor for measuring a driver's column torque inputted to a steering wheel; and a controller for generating an assist torque based on the column torque measured through the torque sensor, compensating for a phase margin in a low-frequency band for the generated assist torque, detecting a resonance frequency to attenuate resonance, and outputting a final assist torque.

Abstract: A friction compensation control unit includes a contact state determination unit that determines the contact state of a speed reducer, a friction coefficient estimation unit that estimates a friction coefficient of a power column, and a frictional force estimation unit that estimates a frictional force generated in the power column. The contact state determination unit determines the contact state of the speed reducer based on a first assist torque command value, a detected steering torque, and an estimated load torque. The friction coefficient estimation unit estimates a friction coefficient of the power column based on an estimated motor angular velocity. The friction force estimation unit computes a second assist torque correction value based on the result of determination made by the contact state determination unit, the friction coefficient, the detected steering torque, the estimated load torque, and the estimated motor angular velocity.

Abstract: A method for characterizing steering gear reversal clunk noise in a steering system having a rack and a pinion gear, and electric power steering assist via a steering assist motor, includes transmitting a steering input angle control signal to a rotary actuator to rotate a steering shaft to a fixed steering angle with assist active. A linear actuator applies an axial force at a constant rate along a longitudinal axis of the rack. Axial rack acceleration is measured after imparting the axial force. A control action is executed when peak amplitude of the axial acceleration value exceeds a calibrated threshold axial acceleration value indicative of the clunk noise. A system includes the rotary actuator and steering system, a linear actuator for providing a calibrated axial apply force along the rack axis, an accelerometer for measuring an axial acceleration value of the rack, and the controller noted above.

Abstract: A power steering device is provided with a device body and a hollow motor. The device body has a steering system in which a piston is disposed on an output shaft via a ball screw mechanism so that a steering (rotational) torque is transmitted from an input shaft to the output shaft and converted to rotation of a sector shaft by axial movement of the piston for steering of steerable wheels. The hollow motor is connected to the outer circumference of the input shaft and driven by energization control based on driving support information from a vehicle-mounted camera and the like. A key and a key groove are provided on the outer circumference of the input shaft and the inner circumference of a rotor of the hollow motor, respectively, so as to constitute a key connection between the input shaft and the hollow motor.

Abstract: A method for determining a desired preset value (YMSM) for a motor torque of an electric servomotor in a power assisted steering system for a motor vehicle, wherein the desired preset value is determined using a motor torque servo control component (MVSK) which forms a controlled section, and using a motor torque regulator component (MRK) which forms a regulated section, wherein the regulating variable is a torsion bar torque (MDS), the two motor torque components being functionally offset against one another in order to determine therefrom the desired preset value (YMSM) for the motor torque (MSM) of the servomotor (SM).

Abstract: A power steering system includes a first steering device which controls the steering of the first wheels of the vehicle according to a first steering angle ?1 and includes a first actuator capable of providing a steering assistance effort, a second steering device including a second actuator controlled by a controller as a function of a parameter related to the steering wheel movement, and controlling the steering of the second wheels, according to a second steering angle ?2. In normal operation of the power steering system, ?2 is set according to a first rule depending on the first steering angle ?1. In case the steering wheel torque is greater than a predetermined threshold, the second steering device is operated in a forced mode by setting the second steering angle according to a rule depending on the first steering angle and taking into account at least one different or additional data, in order to cause an offset-oversteering of the second wheel.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle includes: a longitudinal guide controller; a transverse guide controller; at least one operating element via which the transverse guide controller is able to be activated only in common with, or in addition to, the longitudinal guide controller; a steering sensor which detects an operation of the steering wheel by the driver, the transverse guide controller being able to be deactivated by a signal of the steering sensor without the longitudinal guide controller being deactivated; and a brake pedal sensor which detects an operation of the brake pedal of the vehicle, the transverse guide controller and the longitudinal guide controller being able to be deactivated by a signal of the brake pedal sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle framework member is provided with a framework member, a reinforcing member and a connecting plate. The framework member has a closed cross section structure including plural wall portions structuring a framework of a vehicle. The framework member includes an inflection portion that is inflected at a portion partway along a length direction. The reinforcing member is fabricated of fiber-reinforced resin and includes a pair of side walls formed in inflected flat plate shapes along the inflection portion. The reinforcing member is disposed in the closed cross section structure at the inflection portion of the framework member. The connecting plate connects the pair of side walls of the reinforcing member and connects a compression deformation side wall portion of the inflection portion with an extension deformation side wall portion of the inflection portion.

Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pickup truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.

Abstract: A structure that creates a compressive mechanical lock during an external force includes a beam, an offset bulkhead, and a compressive member. The beam has a hollow cross section, an axis, and a wall. The bulkhead is disposed within the hollow cross section and attached to the wall. The member has an axis and an end attached to one of the bulkhead and the beam wall. The member axis and the beam axis intersect with each other in a plan view to form an obtuse angle. The bulkhead is offset from the intersection in an offset direction, parallel to the beam axis and toward the opening of the obtuse angle. The external force causes the member end to deform the beam wall so as to create a pocket or compressive mechanical lock in the beam wall that mechanically locks the member end from moving in the offset direction.

Abstract: A blast shield for underbody protection of vehicles is presented that combines energy absorption and deflection in order to provide occupant protection and increased survivability in the event of an underbody explosive blast, especially those caused by improvised explosive devices. Absorption of blast energy is accomplished by a dampening system comprising a plurality of spaced hydraulic dampers position on a hull that deflects forces outward from underneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle cowl portion structure includes: a cowl top panel extending in a vehicle width direction; a cowl inner panel extending in the vehicle width direction at a lower side of the cowl top panel, including an inner panel-side joint portion joined to the cowl top panel and an extension wall extending from the inner panel-side joint portion toward the lower side and having a bent portion; and a reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction, and including (i) an upper end portion that is joined to the cowl inner panel or the cowl top panel at a position above the bent portion, (ii) a lower end portion that is joined to the cowl inner panel below the bent portion, and (iii) a vertical wall extending in a vehicle up-down direction as seen in a side sectional view and that has a hole.

Abstract: A side panel structure (20), including a side outer panel (21) provided on the vehicle exterior side, and a side inner panel (22) provided on the vehicle interior (12) side. The side outer panel (21) and the side inner panel (22) form, as a closed cross-section structure, a peripheral edge section forming door openings (35, 36). The side outer panel (21) comprises an inner frame (26) formed from a high-strength steel sheet having a high tensile strength, and an outer frame (27) provided to the outer periphery section (26a) of the inner frame (26). The outer frame (27) is formed from a low-strength steel sheet having a low tensile strength.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front portion structure including: a front pillar having a lower portion disposed on a vehicle rear side of a front wheel well; a rocker having a front end portion joined to a lower end portion of the lower portion of the front pillar; and a reinforcing member that is formed with a length in a vehicle up and down direction, is disposed near a vehicle front side in the lower portion of the front pillar, reinforces a front portion side of the lower portion, and is not joined to the rocker.

Abstract: Provided is a top part structure of a vehicle body provided with: a roof side rail extending in a front-rear direction on a side part of the vehicle body, the roof side rail being formed by a rail inner, a rail outer joined to a vehicle outer side of the rail inner to form a cross-section, and a rail stiffener sandwiched between the rail inner and the rail outer to partition the closed cross-section; and a pillar extending downward from the roof side rail, the top part structure including: a bulkhead joined, at an intersection portion between the pillar and the roof side rail, to the rail stiffener, fastened by a bolt to the rail inner, and disposed such as to partition the closed cross-section between the rail inner and the rail stiffener.

Abstract: A peripheral structure of a front hood of a vehicle comprises an instrument panel arranged in a front part of a riding space and includes a first surface facing the riding space and a second surface extending diagonally forwardly and downwardly from an upper end of the first surface, and an openable and closable or detachable front hood extending forwardly of the second surface and covering from above a storage compartment which is arranged in front of the riding space and between a pair of left and right front wheels. The instrument panel has an extension section being located along the second surface and extending diagonally forwardly and downwardly under a rear end of the front hood. A step section is provided at a front end portion of the extension section and projects upwardly from an upper surface which is located in the rear of the front and portion.

Abstract: A vehicle component (3, 11) for a motor vehicle body has at least one line (6, 7, 12, 13, 14) integrated in the vehicle component (3, 11). The vehicle component (3, 11) is formed from a fiber composite material and the at least one line (6, 7, 11, 12, 13) is laminated into the vehicle component (3, 11).