Abstract: The inventive relates to a method for external operation of an actuator of a vehicle having an optical sensor. The following steps are provided: obtaining an approach of a person in an approach area of the optical sensor; determining, within an obtaining area of the optical sensor, a targeted approach of a person's steps towards an operating area of the optical sensor; and operating the actuator when a step made into the operating area of the optical sensor is determined. It is the object of the invention to simplify the operation of an actuator of a vehicle by a gesture.
Abstract: A vehicle pillar structure comprising: a pillar member configuring a skeleton of a vehicle; a reinforcement member disposed inside the pillar member, bridging a pair of side portions of the pillar member, and reinforcing the pillar member; and an infrared transmission inhibition member, the infrared transmission inhibition member covering the reinforcement member at least from a design surface side of the pillar member and inhibiting transmission of infrared radiation.
Abstract: A vehicle back door including: an inner panel; an outer panel that has an attached member attached to a vehicle outer portion of the outer panel; a first adhesive that has at least a part arranged in a region overlapping the attached member as viewed from a vehicle rear side, and that joins the inner panel and the outer panel together; and a second adhesive that has a higher elasticity than the first adhesive, that has at least a part arranged in a region overlapping locations of the outer panel excluding a location where the attached member is attached as viewed from the vehicle rear side, that forms a frame shape together with the first adhesive, and that joins the inner panel and the outer panel together.
Abstract: A glass run channel and applique attachment for a door having a door frame and an openable window includes a glass run channel, an applique, and a fastener. The glass run channel has a first locating feature adapted for attachment to the door frame and a first snap-fit feature. The applique has a second locating feature and a second snap-fit feature. The applique is located relative to the glass run channel in a located position when the first locating feature contacts the second locating feature and is attached to the glass run channel in the located position when the first snap-fit feature engages the second snap-fit feature. The fastener mounts the first locating feature to the door frame and is concealed from view on the interior surface of the door by the door frame and on the exterior surface of the door by the applique.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 29, 2016
Date of Patent:
July 24, 2018
Assignees:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Henniges Automotive Seeding Systems North America, Inc
Inventors:
Keith A. Kramar, Kevin Parent, Dale French, Todd Russell, Shayne Bigelow
Abstract: A lateral impact retention system for a vehicle door includes a door window frame retainer configured for mounting to the vehicle body and a pivoting catch configured for mounting to a window frame of the door. The pivoting catch engages the retainer when the door is subjected to a door-displacing lateral impact, but is not connected to any door-operating mechanism of the door. During normal operation of the door between the fully closed and open configurations, the pivoting catch automatically inserts into and displaces from the retainer.
Abstract: A belt molding includes: a molding body, which includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a connection wall that connects an upper end of the inner wall and an upper end of the outer wall; a design lip, which is formed at the upper end of the inner wall of the molding body; and a design portion, wherein the design portion includes a first portion, which covers at least a part of the molding body, and a second portion, which covers at least a part of the design lip, and wherein a step is formed between the first portion and the second portion, such that a level of a surface of the first portion is different from a level of a surface of the second portion.
Abstract: A door of a utility vehicle includes a door body including a grip portion utilized for opening and closing the door, an attachment portion provided to the door body, and a replaceable portion detachably attached to the attachment portion and enabling visual recognition from inside to outside the vehicle.
Abstract: A cable splitter includes a main body. The main body includes a top wall and an end portion. The top wall defines a splitting slot, a first guide slot, a second guide slot running through the top wall. The end portion includes a first guide arm and a second guide arm extending from the end portion and corresponding to the first guide slot and the second guide slot.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 29, 2016
Date of Patent:
October 10, 2017
Assignees:
NANNING FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
Abstract: A frame structure for a vehicle door and a method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. In particular, a tailgate includes at least two tubular parts which are flexurally deformed in the direction of their longitudinal extension and connected to each other to form a ring structure. The ring structure is incorporated into a structural unit with the frame structure in a tailgate of a motor vehicle.
Abstract: This solution will help to detect oncoming traffic and/or nearby external objects when the vehicle door is being opened, and it would automatically stop the vehicle door from opening further if there is a possibility of an accident involving the vehicle doors or its users. This solution will notify vehicle users using an indicator on the vehicle door and/or an existing notification systems in vehicle that vehicle door has been restricted from opening further due to potential of an accident. This invention also has an external alert mechanism, which would generate alert externally that vehicle door is about to be opened, and therefore, help to prevent accidents. This invention will also comprise of an artificial intelligence module within the proactive vehicle door system, where such module would constantly gather data, analyze and provide proactive suggestions or even take necessary actions in order to help prevent any vehicle door related accidents.
Abstract: An energy absorber for improving passenger safety in a vehicle during an impact to the vehicle, the energy absorber comprising a hollow body having a base defining a proximal end of the body, the base being configured to affix the body to a portion of the vehicle, the body further including a sidewall extending from the base and terminating in a distal end of the body, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface including a portion defining an interior step transition, the exterior surface including a portion defining an exterior step transition, the interior and exterior step transitions being provided at locations axially offset from each other along the sidewall.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 7, 2013
Date of Patent:
February 16, 2016
Assignee:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert C. Steinbrecher, Michael G. Morrison, Michael Zielinski
Abstract: A power tailgate system for a vehicle includes an actuator for moving a tailgate of the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power tailgate system also includes a spring spaced apart from the actuator for counter-balancing a weight of the tailgate and a coupler assembly for removably coupling the tailgate to the power tailgate system.
Abstract: Obstacle detection for a sliding door of a vehicle including a sensor apparatus located on or near a hinge of the sliding door and arranged to detect an obstacle in a path of the hinge of the sliding door. A controller connected to the sensor apparatus is configured to receive an obstruction signal from the sensor apparatus indicating detection of an obstacle in the path of the hinge of the sliding door.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 1, 2012
Date of Patent:
July 7, 2015
Assignee:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Abstract: A mounting bracket mounts a distal end of a body panel to an adjacent distal end of a structural frame member of a motor vehicle. The mounting bracket comprises a single piece extruded fender attachment bracket having a first horizontally projecting ear attached to a first surface of the distal end of the structural frame member, a second horizontally projecting ear attached to the distal end of the body panel, and a depending projecting ear extending perpendicularly to and adjacent the first horizontally projecting ear, the depending projecting ear being attached to a second surface of the distal end of the structural frame member. The mounting bracket rigidly attaches the distal end of the body panel to the structural frame member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 2013
Date of Patent:
June 23, 2015
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Mark Joseph Courtright, Dragan B. Stojkovic
Abstract: A door and an integrated safety net system for a recreational vehicle having a chassis with a step-through door opening. The door includes a forward end and a rearward end, and a hinge coupled between the rearward end of the door and the chassis of the vehicle. A door panel or upper and lower safety nets are coupled to the door frame forward of the hinge and coupled to the chassis of the vehicle on or rearward of the rearward side of the door opening. The safety net and the door are collectively and cooperatively movable as the rear-hinged door moves to the open position or closed position. The door includes a latch at the forward end of the door to provide one operational step to release or secure the door and the integrated safety nets to the chassis upon ingress or egress of the vehicle.
Abstract: A utility bed includes a bed frame, a side wall, and a door. The door at least partially defines a passageway and is pivotally coupled with the side wall and pivotable between an opened position and a closed position. A securing portion is configured for selective routing through the handle and releasable coupling to an adjacent portion of the utility bed.
Abstract: A door (200) of a motor vehicle has an outer panel (100) and an opening apparatus. The opening apparatus has a door handle (30) and a door lock (20) with a lock barrel (10). The lock barrel (10) and the door handle (30) are arranged completely on the inner side of the outer panel (100) of the door (200).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 7, 2015
Assignee:
Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
Abstract: A side door extension support assembly for a vehicle includes a side door movably mounted on a vehicle body of the vehicle and an extension member mounted to the vehicle body. The side door is longitudinally moveable between a closed position and an open position. The extension member is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position for supporting the side door. Movement of the extension member corresponds to movement of the side door such that the extension member moves to the extended position when the side door is moved from the closed position to the open position, and the extension member moves to the retracted position when the side door is moved from the open position to the closed position.
Abstract: A vehicle width direction wall portion (29) and a front-rear direction wall portion (33) are formed in a stiffener (7) provided inside a front door (1), the vehicle width direction wall portion (29) extending in a vehicle width direction, the front-rear direction wall portion (33) extending from a vehicle width direction inner end (31) of the vehicle width direction wall portion (29) in a vehicle front-rear direction. Additionally, a locking member (23) is provided on the front-rear direction wall portion (33) at a portion, and faces a lock lever (25). The locking member engages the lock lever, after a load is inputted to an outside handle and a door outer panel thereby deforming the door outer panel, to prevent movement of the lock lever after the deforming the door outer panel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 6, 2011
Date of Patent:
February 17, 2015
Assignee:
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Inventors:
Ryohei Moriya, Takanori Yagi, Masatsugu Mori
Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device electromagnetically connects a door handle side circuit of a door handle with a door main body side circuit of a door main body. This electromagnetic coupling device includes a door handle side coupling unit, a door main body side coupling unit, a door handle side coupling unit, a handle side support unit that supports the door handle, and a connector body that supports the door main body side coupling unit in a vehicle door main body. The door handle side coupling unit is electromagnetically coupled with the door main body side coupling unit without making contact therewith. At least one of the handle side support unit and the connector body restricts the relative movement, caused by rotation of the door handle, of the door handle side coupling unit and the door main body side coupling unit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 11, 2009
Date of Patent:
February 3, 2015
Assignees:
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
Abstract: An assembly of a swing type tailgate checker includes: a checker assembly including a first base bracket on a vehicle body and having a hole at one side and an arm locking member at an outer side of the first base bracket to form a fitting space together with the first base bracket and partially bent toward the first base bracket; and an arm assembly including a second base bracket on a tailgate of a vehicle and including an arm extended from the second base bracket toward the vehicle body and having an arm roller provided at an end portion, wherein at the time of opening the tailgate, the arm roller is temporarily fixed while being locked by the arm locking member at a primary open angle and passes through the arm locking member to thereby be unlocked, such that it is completely opened while being again rotated.
Abstract: A single input, multi-output drive system adapted for use, for example, with a power seat or a vehicular door assembly, includes an input power source, such as a PMDC motor, and at least one transmission further including a plurality of output elements shiftable between engaged and disengaged conditions relative to the source, so as to be selectively driven thereby, and drivenly coupled, for example, to various functions of the power seat or door assembly, and a plurality of active material actuators drivenly and individually coupled to an associated one of the output elements, and configured to selectively engage the associated output element and input source.
Abstract: A trim panel system includes a vehicle trim panel movably coupled to a vehicle body. The vehicle body defines a vehicle body opening. The vehicle trim panel is configured to move between an open position and a closed position wherein the vehicle trim panel covers the vehicle body opening. The trim panel system further includes an arm movably coupled to the vehicle body and a cable coupled between the vehicle trim panel and the arm. As such, the vehicle trim panel is configured to move from the closed position toward the open position in conjunction with a corresponding movement of the arm relative to the vehicle body and through the vehicle body opening.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 14, 2013
Publication date:
September 18, 2014
Applicant:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Inventors:
James K. Quandt, William J. Majewski, David L. Brown
Abstract: A door handle assembly for a vehicle includes a mount structure, a door handle, and a latch assembly. The door handle includes an interface portion and a mounting portion. The interface portion includes inner and outer surfaces. The mounting portion is pivotally coupled with the mount structure such that the door handle is pivotable about a first axis between first and second positions. The latch assembly includes a latch body and an actuator arm pivotally coupled with the latch body. The latch body is attached to the mount structure. The actuator arm is pivotable between released and actuated positions. The door handle is configured to contact the actuator arm during at least a portion of the pivotal movement of the door handle from the first position to the second position, forcing the actuator arm to pivot from the released position to the actuated position. Vehicles are also provided.
Abstract: An improved cooling system compartment door for a landfill compactor is provided. The door comprises a door frame and a replaceable screen insert. The screen insert is configured so that it can be used in either a left side or right side cooling system compartment door frame. The screen insert can be easily replaced when the screen is damaged or clogged, thereby saving time, materials and expense. The screen insert is particularly suited for use with landfill compactor machines which operate in debris laden environments which can damage the ventilation screens.
Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the present invention includes a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in order from the front side, wherein the cargo bed is changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward into a rear riding space on the front side of the cargo bed and a non-expanded state in which the cargo bed is not expanded in the rear riding space, a pair of left and right rear doors partitioning the rear riding space and left and right exteriors of a vehicle body in the non-expanded state is provided, and the rear doors serve as expansion side walls partitioning an expanded part of the cargo bed and the left and right exteriors of the vehicle body in the expanded state.
Abstract: An assembly method and a motor vehicle body having at least one marginal portion delimiting a bodywork opening is provided. The motor vehicle includes a plasma-treated gluing surface to which a seal is fastened in a materially joined manner.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 17, 2012
Date of Patent:
June 17, 2014
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Inventors:
Klaus-Albert Priess, Michael Alhof, Robert Mann, Harald Schenk, Sharon Orlans
Abstract: The inventive device disclosed in the present application is a set of shock-absorbent panels that attach to the doors of a vehicle. The system is designed so each of the panels may be easily hooked onto the car doors and locked in place when the doors are closed, protecting the vehicle from collisions and objects which may inadvertently bump the doors, causing unsightly dents and scratches.
Abstract: A check link assembly for a vehicle closure is configured to be operable in two phases: a detent check phase and an infinite check phase. The vehicle closure is pivotably connected to a vehicle body and has a closed position and an open position. The check link assembly includes a detent assembly having a detent configured to provide a detent check position between the closed position and the open position. The check link assembly also includes a hydraulic or pneumatic strut operatively connected to the detent assembly and configured to provide check positions at all positions between the detent check position and the open position. The detent assembly and the strut are configured to operate in series as the door is pivoted.
Abstract: The belt molding body includes a vehicle exterior-side portion which faces a pillar and an upper edge of an outer panel from the vehicle exterior side; a vehicle interior-side portion, an entire end face of the vehicle interior-side portion being positioned between a pair of pillars as a receded end face; and an engaged portion formed on an inner surface of the belt molding body. The end cap includes a covering end which covers an end face of the vehicle exterior-side portion, an insertion portion extending from the covering end to a position in front of the receded end face, and an engaging portion formed on a vehicle exterior-side surface of the insertion portion and engaged with the engaged portion to prevent the end cap from moving toward the vehicle interior.
Abstract: A system and method is provided to index the door window glass of a vehicle to disengage the glass from the window sealing interface prior to opening the door. A door latch including an unlatching lever selectively connectable to the inside and outside door handles is configured such that moving either handle to actuate the latch causes an initial change in the position of the unlatching lever prior to latch release. A sensor in the latch detects the initial change in position of the unlatching lever and signals an indexing mechanism to move the glass to the indexed position prior to latch release, such that the glass does not substantially interfere with the sealing interface when the door is moved from a closed position. The system may be configured such that the door lock mechanism must be unlocked prior to the indexing mechanism moving the window to an indexed position.
Abstract: A vehicle door opening warning system for a car includes a sensor for sensing the approaching of another car from behind when a person is opening the car door, a car door-opening control unit stops the car door from being opened when the sensor senses the approaching of the other car from behind, and a warning light and a buzzer are activated to give a visual warning signal and an audio warning signal when the car door is being opened.
Abstract: A sunshade assembly wherein the sunshade is secured in a deployed position at a single location, and wherein when the sunshade is retracted, the field of view through the window is unobstructed by securing members or the like. More particularly, the sunshade assembly utilizes a recessed hook or hook retainer within a trim panel adjacent the window as an anchor point, while a handgrip secured to the window shade is configured to pivot into a position to permit a hook or hook retainer associated therewith to be inserted into the recessed anchor point.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 30, 2010
Date of Patent:
February 11, 2014
Assignee:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Inventors:
Charles Stephen Haase, Shinichi Yamase, Generoso Tan Sia, Jr., Ruben E. Guanzon, Ryuichi Fukuyama
Abstract: A rail unit includes a lower rail, which guides the movement of a guide member connected to a sliding door, a front bracket, which is provided on the lower rail and fixed to a vehicle body, a rear bracket, and a center bracket. The rail unit is inserted into a first insertion hole, which is located below a lower panel provided on the vehicle body at a position below a door opening and opens outward in the vehicle body in the lateral direction of the vehicle. A drive unit is inserted into a second insertion hole, which is formed in the lower panel and opens upward in the vehicle. The drive unit is layered on an upper side of a drive pulley provided in the center bracket to rotate the drive pulley.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 19, 2011
Publication date:
December 5, 2013
Applicant:
AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Inventors:
Seiichi Sumiya, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Kenta Mori
Abstract: A capacitive sensor unit is not susceptible to failure and remotely actuates a door of a vehicle. The sensor unit contains an electrode assembly having an elongated sensor electrode and a supply line for electrically connecting the sensor electrode to an evaluation unit. The supply line is surrounded by a shield. An additional ground conductor, which is electrically conductively connected to the shield over the entire length of the supply line, is connected in parallel to the supply line.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 11, 2013
Publication date:
November 7, 2013
Inventors:
THORSTEN KUHNEN, ANDRE GUNREBEN, HOLGER WUERSTLEIN
Abstract: The belt molding body includes a vehicle exterior-side portion which faces a pillar and an upper edge of an outer panel from the vehicle exterior side; a vehicle interior-side portion, an entire end face of the vehicle interior-side portion being positioned between a pair of pillars as a receded end face; and an engaged portion formed on an inner surface of the belt molding body. The end cap includes a covering end which covers an end face of the vehicle exterior-side portion, an insertion portion extending from the covering end to a position in front of the receded end face, and an engaging portion formed on a vehicle exterior-side surface of the insertion portion and engaged with the engaged portion to prevent the end cap from moving toward the vehicle interior.
Abstract: A working machine has a machine room cover and a bonnet on an upper rotating body. The bonnet has a frame-like raising member and a dome-like hood member that covers an opening in the upper part of the raising member. The lower part of the raising member is attached so as to surround an opening portion formed in the upper surface of the machine room cover, and the hood member is attached to the raising member so as to be able to be rotationally opened and closed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 18, 2009
Date of Patent:
October 8, 2013
Assignee:
Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
Abstract: A door hole cover which is intended to be attached to a door inner panel of a vehicle to cover an opening formed in the door inner panel, and which has an average of loss coefficients at frequencies of 150 Hz or less of 0.085 or more.
Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of a both motorically and manually movable vehicle part includes a drive unit controllable in its rotational speed for motorically moving the vehicle part, a coupling device for coupling the drive unit with the vehicle part, and a control unit which controls the drive unit and the coupling device such that during manually moving the vehicle part the coupling device couples the drive unit with the vehicle part if the vehicle part has reached a pre-defined position. The control unit controls the rotational speed of the drive unit depending on the moving speed of the vehicle part. In this way, a device and a method are provided which in an easy and low-wear manner allow for a control of the movement of a both motorically and manually movable vehicle part.
Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 4, 2011
Date of Patent:
June 25, 2013
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Inventors:
Scott W. Thorpe, Matthew J. Nelson, David P. Zink, Altaf S. Imam, Shawn G. Quinn, Michael E. McGuire
Abstract: A long door, particularly for a four-passenger cope vehicle, is provided to allow passengers in the back seat to get in or out while the passengers in the front seat remain seated. An intermediate member stands between a door and a car body. A first connection member in which the door and the intermediate member are connected to enable rotational or horizontal motion, and a second connection member in which the intermediate member and the car body are detachably connected are provided. A control drives the second connection member located at the front or back end of the door when the front or back part of the door is opened, so that the connection between the intermediate member and the car body is released and the remaining second connection member, the intermediate member connected to that member, and the first connection member cooperate to support the weight of the door.
Abstract: A window assembly is used in a vehicle. The window assembly comprises a transparent pane having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface. The window assembly also comprises a ceramic frit disposed on a portion of the transparent pane. A primer is disposed on at least one of the transparent pane and the ceramic frit for providing a bonding surface. An encapsulation is coupled to the primer.
Abstract: A pair of opposing hinged doors includes a first door and a second door having a first window panel and a second window panel respectively. The first window panel moves along a first path that initially guides the first window panel away from the second window panel and then guides the first window panel vertically downward when moving from an extended position into a retracted position. Similarly, the second window panel moves along a second path that initially guides the second window panel away from the first window panel and then guides the second window panel vertically downward when moving from an extended position into a retracted position. The movement of the first window panel and the second window panel along the first path and the second path respectively allows for the first door and the second door to be independently openable relative to each other.
Abstract: Embodiment of a strengthened glass laminate comprise at least one layer of strengthened glass having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and one or more coatings adhered to the first surface of the strengthened glass, wherein the one or more coatings impart an asymmetric impact resistance to the glass laminate.
Abstract: A sensor housing which may be used to house a pinch sensor may include: a first portion having a sensor attaching surface and a first connecting member; a second portion that at least partially covers the sensor attaching surface and that has a second connecting member; and, an installation surface that can be used to install the sensor housing onto a vehicle. The second portion may be adjustable with respect to the first portion between: (1) a first condition where the second portion at least partially uncovers the sensor attaching surface and where a sensor can be attached to the sensor attaching surface; and, (2) a second condition where the second portion at least partially covers the sensor and where the second connecting member can be connected to the first connecting member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 21, 2010
Date of Patent:
May 14, 2013
Assignee:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Inventors:
Steven Ray Thiele, Jeremy Brandon Josefovsky
Abstract: An insert with a light weight per unit length, which is securely separable to obtain insert pieces, a method for producing such an insert, and a method for producing long products using such an insert. The insert includes a large number of insert pieces and joining parts formed by the application of a rolling operation and a tension force, and has a ladder-shaped configuration. Slits are defined between adjacent insert pieces, and include first slits, each having a large width in a longitudinal direction of the insert, and second slits, each having a width smaller than that of the first slits so as to be alternately formed. The joining parts include first joining parts, each having a small width in a width direction of the insert, and second joining parts, each having a width larger than that of the first joining parts so as to be alternately formed.
Abstract: In the case of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger motorcar, with a body in which at least one opening, such as a door opening, a trunk opening or the like is provided, which can be closed off by a pivotably articulated covering element, such as a door, a tail gate, a trunk lid or the like, which has an outer skin and a support structure and at least one function element arranged in between, which is connected to the outer skin, the function element is provided to stiffening structures and directly connected to the support structure.
Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a sliding door, which has an inner side facing the vehicle interior, on which a protruding armrest is disposed. The sliding door can be displaced from a closed position in which the entry opening is closed by the sliding door, within the scope of an opening process via an intermediate position in which the sliding door is outwardly offset with respect to an adjoining vehicle wall, into an open position in which the inner side of the sliding door is disposed opposite to the outer side of the vehicle wall. Within the scope of the opening process the protruding armrest can be moved automatically from a usage position into a non-usage position in which the protruding armrest is set back with respect to the usage position in the direction of the inner side of the sliding door.
Abstract: A method and system for disengaging a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod striking member. The drive rod striking member can be positioned adjacent the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod is disengaged from the door handle and/or the latching system through inertia, through the drive rod striking member impacting the drive rod, or through any other disengagement mechanisms. The drive rod striking member prevents the drive rod from re-engaging with the latching system. The disengagement of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker, either through deformation of the door, or through actuations by the door handle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 1, 2012
Date of Patent:
March 19, 2013
Assignee:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Inventors:
Daisuke Teramoto, Kazuhiro Fukazawa, David L. Minock, Christopher M. Higgins, Nathaniel P. Jordan, Jessica A. Riffe
Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes an outer handle assembly, a latch mechanism, a rod, and a contact surface. The outer handle assembly includes a moveable handle. The latch mechanism includes a latch for engaging a striker and an outer handle lever operably connected to the latch. The rod connects the outer handle assembly to the latch mechanism. The contact surface is associated with the vehicle door and is inwardly offset from the rod. The contact surface is positioned with respect to the rod such that inward lateral movement of the handle during an outer handle intrusion event results in the rod moving laterally inward and impacting the contact surface. Impact with the contact surface by the rod inhibits the rod from moving the outer handle lever in an unlatching direction.