Rear Patents (Class 296/187.11)
  • Patent number: 11945509
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure includes a rear frame and a beam member. The rear frame has: a first inner bead, a first outer bead, a second inner bead, and a second outer bead. The first inner bead and the first outer bead are formed on an inner wall and an outer wall, respectively, in a region close to the beam member. The second inner bead and the second outer bead are formed on the inner wall and the outer wall, respectively, in a region that is separated to a vehicle body frontward direction from the first beads. The first outer bead is formed to have a higher fragility than the first inner bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shungo Chino, Yuya Akaba, Toshihiro Yamaguchi, Kyosuke Yamakita, Yusuke Miura, Dai Kamata, Chihiro Sakagami, Kosuke Fushimi, Shohei Ohtsuka, Hitomi Yamada
  • Patent number: 11912338
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, and a reinforcement member extending along a vehicle cabin-side side portion to vehicle cabin-side peripheral portion of a rear wheel housing of the vehicle body to an opening edge of the vehicle body. The opening edge receives a rear lower portion of a rear door. The reinforcement member includes a projecting portion that defines two or more closed-section spaces respectively extending toward different locations of the opening edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Tanabe, Noritaka Kosaka
  • Patent number: 11884330
    Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes: an inner panel connected to a side member and defining the inside of the side member; an outer panel connected to the side member and coupled to the inner panel forming a closed section with the inner panel and defining the outside of the side member; an opening formed in lower sides of the inner panel and outer panel to partially open the closed section such that a front end of a rear suspension arm can be inserted therein; a first reinforcement member provided in the opening forming a first closed portion with the inner panel; and a second reinforcement member provided in the opening forming a second closed portion with the inner panel, the outer panel, and the first reinforcement member and to isolate a space formed by the inner panel and the outer panel from an outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Won Hae Lee, Nam Ho Kim, Dae Ki Jeong, Su Jin Lee, Jong Chan Baek, Byung Joo Chung, Dong Ho Lee, Seung Hak Lee, Yeon Seo Kim
  • Patent number: 11884326
    Abstract: The vehicle body rear structure includes a floor panel 2, a subframe 3 which is provided below the floor panel 2, an impact absorbing member 4 which is provided behind the subframe 3 and extends in the front-rear direction, and a bracket which detachably attaches the impact absorbing member 4 to a lower surface of the floor panel 2. The front end portion 38 of the impact absorbing member 4 is disposed to be at the same height as the subframe 3 in the vertical direction and is disposed with the spacing S from the subframe 3 in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ukyo Watanabe, Norikazu Matsuura, Shunta Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11873030
    Abstract: An underbody for a vehicle may arrange and couple a plurality of assemblies forming the underbody in a vertically laminating structure. The underbody includes a panel assembly configured to form a floor of a vehicle interior; an upper member assembly configured to be laminated on and coupled to an upper side of the panel assembly; and a lower member assembly configured to be laminated on and coupled to a lower side of the panel assembly and coupled to a side portion of the panel assembly and a side portion of the upper member assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Sung Don Pyun
  • Patent number: 11834099
    Abstract: To actively absorb impact energy by a bead and reduce weight. A vehicle body rear structure 1 of an embodiment includes rear floor panels 2 and 3 formed by a steel plate having a tensile strength of 440 MPa or more. The rear floor panels 2 and 3 have beads 13 and 23 extending in a predetermined direction over an entire surface, and the direction in which the beads 13 and 23 extend and the type of the beads 13 and 23 are set so as to reduce a difference between a peak load and an average load at the time of collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Watanabe, Satoru Kawabe
  • Patent number: 11814101
    Abstract: A front-end structure for a motor vehicle includes two first bodyshell parts spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle for a self-supporting body of the motor vehicle, and includes a bulkhead in the form of a second bodyshell part for the self-supporting body. At least one assembly carrier forwardly overlaps at least a partial region of the bulkhead in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is in the form of a third bodyshell part for the body, and via which the two first bodyshell parts are connected to each another. A carrier element is formed separately from the assembly carrier and separately from the first bodyshell parts, and is mounted on the assembly carrier in a vibration-damped manner via bearing elements and on which at least one component for the motor vehicle, which component is formed separately from the bodyshell parts, separately from the carrier element and separately from the bearing elements, is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Eck, Andreas Mayer, Benjamin Schlaepfer, Florian Traub
  • Patent number: 11772578
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a first body component and a second body component. The first body component has an exterior surface and an interior hidden surface, where the exterior surface has in part an aesthetic finish. The first body component defines a first connecting portion having a rib secured by the interior surface. The rib has a first opening formed therethrough. The second body component has an outward extended second connecting portion. A base wall of the second connecting portion has a second opening formed therethrough. The base wall abuts the rib with the second opening aligned with the first opening. A fastener is inserted through the first and second openings from within the second connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michael V. Peterson, Stephen Frericks
  • Patent number: 11772707
    Abstract: A method for producing a vehicle rear module that includes: a clear member monolithically including a lamp section and a window section; and a colored member for shielding at least part of a vehicle interior from the exterior. The method for producing the vehicle rear module comprises: a step for injecting a transparent resin from a single resin injection hole into a first cavity to form the clear member; and a step for injecting a colored resin from a plurality of resin injection holes into a second cavity to form the colored member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Tsutsumi, Daisuke Mochizuki, Hideaki Yamamoto, Takenao Yoshimura, Yuki Takahashi, Masaaki Nakabayashi, Hiroaki Hara, Masayuki Kobayashi, Masaru Kaneko
  • Patent number: 11718349
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, and a reinforcement member extending along a vehicle cabin-side side portion to vehicle cabin-side peripheral portion of a rear wheel housing of the vehicle body to an opening edge of the vehicle body. The opening edge receives a rear lower portion of a rear door. The reinforcement member includes a projecting portion that defines two or more closed-section spaces respectively extending toward different locations of the opening edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Tanabe, Noritaka Kosaka
  • Patent number: 11548557
    Abstract: There is provided a power unit mounting structure including: a power unit mounted at an upper side in a vehicle vertical direction relative to a pair of side members, the side members being spaced apart in a vehicle width direction at a vehicle front side or a vehicle rear side relative to a passenger compartment; a pair of upper side vehicle body structural members of which at least portions are disposed at outer sides in the vehicle width direction at the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the side members; and a brace that spans between the pair of upper side vehicle body structural members at the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the side members, the brace supporting a bottom portion of the power unit at the side thereof that is further from the passenger compartment in the vehicle front-and-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Daisuke Murai
  • Patent number: 11541932
    Abstract: A vehicle side member includes: a main member portion which extends in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; a front-side mounting portion which is one-piece construction with a front portion of the main member portion; a rear-side mounting portion which is one-piece construction with a rear portion of the main member portion; and a damper mounting portion which is one-piece construction with the main member portion, and in which a top end of a damper is received and mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Il Do Kim
  • Patent number: 11535183
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a body including a rear surface defining an opening, a door configured to open and close the opening, and a rear bumper reinforcement fixed to a portion of the body located below the opening via a crash box. The body may include a lower back reinforcement extending in a vehicle widthwise direction along a lower edge of the opening and at least a part of the lower back reinforcement may be located directly above the rear bumper reinforcement in a vehicle height direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Itoh, Ryotaro Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 11505252
    Abstract: An automated vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a storage area located rearward of a rearmost vehicle seat in a front-rear direction of the automated vehicle. An interior structure is located in the storage area. The interior structure defines a storage compartment for housing an electronic component of the automated vehicle. The interior structure includes a removable floor panel overlying the storage compartment and a wall panel extended upward from the floor panel in a height direction of the automated vehicle. The storage compartment includes a dedicated space for the electronic component, the dedicated space located forward of a forward edge portion of the floor panel in the front-rear direction and between the wall panel and the rearmost vehicle seat in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuze Li, Akira Miyazaki, Carlington G. Demetrius, Yuichiro Umeda
  • Patent number: 11440591
    Abstract: A reinforcement extending in the front-back direction of a vehicle and connecting a rear side member and a center pillar is provided. The reinforcement includes a gusset, an intermediate connecting member, and a pillar-side member. The gusset is connected to the rear side member, and the front end portion of the gusset is connected to the rear surface of the intermediate connecting member. The front surface of the intermediate connecting member is connected to the rear end portion of the pillar-side member. The pillar-side member is connected to the center pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sakurai, Kenya Fujimoto, Satoshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 11273771
    Abstract: Structural liner (20) of a motor vehicle hatchback (10) having an outer face (22) oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and an inner face (24) oriented towards the inside of the vehicle when the hatchback (10)) is assembled on the latter, and at least one groove (23) borne by one of the two faces (22, 24), the groove (23) forming a zone of mechanical weakness able to facilitate the execution of an opening (28) within the structural liner (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM
    Inventors: Franck Leterrier, Pascal Barbier, Philippe Coudron
  • Patent number: 11247728
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure including: a pair of left and right first vehicle body frame members manufactured by die casting, and are provided at vehicle transverse direction outer sides of a vehicle, and are provided so as to extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction; a pair of left and right second vehicle body frame members that are made of steel plates, and are joined to front end portions of the first vehicle body frame members from substantially vehicle transverse direction inner sides, and are provided so as to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and projecting portions that are provided at the first vehicle body frame members at further toward a vehicle rear side than positions where the second vehicle body frame members are joined to the first vehicle body frame members, and that project-out toward a vehicle cabin inner side with respect to the first vehicle body frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ayaka Kagami, Soshiro Murata, Takashi Sagisaka, Takuji Okuda
  • Patent number: 11220298
    Abstract: A lower vehicle-body structure of an electric vehicle that can ensure desired resistance to rear-end collision even if a tunnel of a front floor panel is eliminated. The lower vehicle-body structure of the electric vehicle includes a pair of left and right side sills; a substantially flat front floor panel; a first floor cross member and a second floor cross member connecting the left and right side sills in a vehicle-width direction. The lower vehicle-body structure further includes a kick-up portion raised from a rear end of the front floor panel toward a vehicle upper side; a rear floor panel connected to a vehicle rear side of the kick-up portion; and a kick-up reinforcing element connecting a substantial middle of the kick-up portion in the vehicle-width direction and the front floor panel in front of the substantial middle of the kick-up portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yamato Matsuda, Nobuyuki Nakayama, Morihide Yamada
  • Patent number: 11203290
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle illumination system, including: interior lighting provided in a vehicle that is operable in a manual driving mode and in an autonomous driving mode; a detection device, provided in the vehicle, that detects an ambient light level outside the vehicle; a first control unit, provided in the vehicle, that controls switching on and switching off of headlights on the basis of a detection result from the detection device; and a second control unit that controls an illumination level of the interior lighting, such that the illumination level of the interior light when the headlights have been switched on while the vehicle is in the autonomous driving mode is higher than the illumination level of the interior lighting when the headlights have been switched on while the vehicle is in the manual driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaki Ito
  • Patent number: 11117619
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of frame rails elongated along a longitudinal axis, each of the frame rails having a downward deformation zone, the frame rails bendable at the downward deformation zones from a first position to a second position beneath the first position. The vehicle includes a tire supported between the pair of frame rails at the downward deformation zones. The vehicle includes a spare tire retention member supported between the pair of frame rails forward of the downward deformation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jamil M. Alwan, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Sean Timothy Ryan, Hassan Najib Dubaisi, Harish Honnavalli Dutt, Peyman Aghssa, Zakareia H. Hussain
  • Patent number: 10737727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rear structure of a motor vehicle (201), said structure comprising: a floor having a rear area intended for accommodating a rear bench, said area being raised forming a projection (209B) relative to an area of said floor adjacent to the front; two rear structural profile members (207) extending longitudinally towards the rear under the rear area of the floor away from the projection (209B); characterised in that the structure (201) also comprises: two reinforcements (215) on the two structural profile members (207), respectively; each of said reinforcements (215) being attached to the corresponding profile member (207) and to the floor, at the projection (209B), and configured to limit a tendency of said profile member (207) to pivot vertically upwards in the event of a rear impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventor: Marc Peru
  • Patent number: 10689040
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody provides a simple structure which enhances the strength and rigidity at a joint between a tunnel portion and a cross member. The tunnel portion of a floor member extends rearward from the front of the vehicle to reach the cross member. The cross member includes a shelf board portion on a side towards the front. The shelf board portion is longer than the tunnel portion along the transverse axis of the vehicle. The rear end portion of the top surface of the tunnel portion is overlapped with the shelf board portion such that the top surface of the tunnel portion and the shelf board portion are connected there by spot welding or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Saeki
  • Patent number: 10647359
    Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure containing a rear rail extending in a longitudinal direction and a rear bumper beam, extending transversely to the longitudinal direction, the rear rail having a rear end and a front end, spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, the rear end being connected to the rear bumper beam and the rear rail extending towards the front of the vehicle from its rear end, wherein the rear rail comprises at least a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion, the front portion being intended for extending alongside a fuel tank of the vehicle, the resistance to plastic deformation of the front portion being greater than the resistance to plastic deformation of the intermediate portion, which is itself greater than the resistance to plastic deformation of the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL
    Inventor: Ivan Viaux
  • Patent number: 10633037
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody assembly including a pair of rockers, a pair of rear rails, a first cross member, and a second cross member is provided. Each of the pair or rear rails extends from one of the rockers and each includes a rear portion, a first mid-portion, a second mid-portion, and a forward portion. Each of the forward portions is secured to one of the rockers at one of a first joint and a second joint. The first cross member extends between the rear rails at a transition region between the second mid-portion and the forward portion. The second cross member extends between the rear rails at locations adjacent the first and second joints. Each of the rear rails is thermally treated so that the second mid-portions form a hard strength zone. The hard strength zone may further be defined as a zone having a fully martensitic microstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saied Nusier, Raj Sohmshetty, Rohit Telukunta
  • Patent number: 10501125
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear portion structure includes a rear end panel, a rear side frame, a rear end cross member, a first gusset, and a second gusset. The rear end cross member extends in a vehicle width direction along the rear end panel and is separately disposed above the rear side frame. The first gusset connects the rear side frame to the rear end panel. The second gusset connects the rear side frame to the rear end cross member above the first gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Muramatsu, Kengo Kishida, Hirofumi Kikuchi, Kazutaka Kanezashi, Keiichiro Okuyama
  • Patent number: 10407098
    Abstract: A rear vehicle frame includes a first longitudinal side frame member, a second longitudinal side frame member, a storage bin, and a center longitudinal frame member. The storage bin is disposed laterally between the first and second longitudinal side frame members adjacent rear end portions of the first and second longitudinal side frame members. Lateral sides of the storage bin are respectively secured to the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member is disposed laterally between and spaced apart from the first and second longitudinal side frame members. The center longitudinal frame member extends from a rear end of the storage bin to a forward end of the storage bin for absorbing energy in a rear crash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Berman, Brandon D. Koester, Brian T. Bautsch, Matthew R. Lux, Robb Louis Augustine
  • Patent number: 10308285
    Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a structural pillar defined by a first structural node, a second structural node, an upper outer member and an upper inner member spaced laterally from the upper outer member. The upper outer member extends substantially vertically between the first and second structural nodes and has first and second end portions connected to the respective first and second structural nodes. The upper inner member is angled laterally inwardly relative to the upper outer member and has a first end portion connected to the first structural node. The first and second structural nodes together with the upper outer and inner members define a first triangular load distribution path for the vehicle frame assembly which is adapted to distribute a roof crush load from the first structural node to the upper outer and inner members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam J. Rompage, Edward W. Bach, Kurtis Ray Horner, Aron K. Madsen, Anthony Ordonio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10308288
    Abstract: A side vehicle-body structure of a vehicle comprises a rear frame, a roof side rail, a rear wheelhouse, a C pillar, and a suspension housing reinforcement which interconnects the C pillar and the rear wheelhouse in a vertical direction, wherein the suspension housing reinforcement comprises a front suspension housing reinforcement which extends downward from a lower end portion of the C pillar along an extension direction of the C pillar and connects to an upper portion of the rear wheelhouse and a rear suspension housing reinforcement which is positioned in back of the front suspension housing reinforcement, extends rearward and downward from a rear portion of the C pillar and/or a rear portion of the front suspension housing reinforcement, and connects to the upper portion of the rear wheelhouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Kiyoshita, Shuji Muraoka
  • Patent number: 10106199
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a lower back panel, a rear side member, a gusset, a roof side rail, and a coupling member. The lower back panel has an outer panel and a lower back reinforcement, which is joined to the outer panel. The gusset is joined to both the lower back reinforcement and the rear side member. The coupling member is joined to both the rear end of the roof side rail and the lower back reinforcement. When viewed in the vehicle vertical direction, a region of the lower back reinforcement to which the gusset is joined overlaps with a region of the lower back reinforcement to which the coupling member is joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sota Sugimoto, Norimasa Koreishi, Yasuhiko Fukuzumi, Yasuhiro Hara
  • Patent number: 10053155
    Abstract: A vehicle body of shell construction has a rear frame extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rear frame has a support rear panel configured as an inner shell and a rear panel configured as an outer shell. The support rear panel is composed of a center part and at least two side parts. The center part is configured as a lock counterpart for a lock of a rear flap. In the region of the lock counterpart, the rear frame is solely comprised of the center part as the inner shell and the support rear panel as the outer shell, without sheet metal doubling or reinforcement structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Stein
  • Patent number: 9988107
    Abstract: A vehicle rear portion structure including: a spare tire house; a front side reinforcing portion provided at a bottom wall portion of the spare tire house, the front side reinforcing portion reinforcing the bottom wall portion and structuring a first high rigidity portion; a rear side reinforcing portion provided at the bottom wall portion so as to include a lower wall portion that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction, the rear side reinforcing portion being disposed at a vehicle rear upper side of the front side reinforcing portion, reinforcing the bottom wall portion, and structuring a second high rigidity portion, and a low rigidity portion provided between the first high rigidity portion and the second high rigidity portion, and a rigidity of the low rigidity portion being set to be lower than rigidities of the first high rigidity portion and the second high rigidity portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Shimpo
  • Patent number: 9884657
    Abstract: A vehicle framework structure includes a tunnel disposed in a central part of a floor panel of a vehicle in a vehicle width direction so as to extend in a vehicle front-rear direction, a pair of rockers, a floor lower cross structure, and a floor frame. A front end of the floor frame in the vehicle front-rear direction is connected to a front side structure provided in a vehicle front part so as to be disposed between one of the rockers and the tunnel in the vehicle width direction and to extend along the vehicle front-rear direction, and a rear end of the floor frame is connected to the one of the rockers and the floor lower cross structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Saeki
  • Patent number: 9862420
    Abstract: A vehicle rear section structure includes: left and right rear side members disposed along a front-rear direction at both width direction sides of a rear floor pan; a rear suspension member that includes left and right side sections disposed along the front-rear direction, both front-rear end portions thereof being attached to respective front portions of the rear side members; and left and right reinforcement members extending along the front-rear direction, and being disposed at a width direction inner side of rear portions of the side members and at a rear side of the rear suspension member, each including a straight ridgeline section extending along the front-rear direction from a front end portion across to a rear end portion of the reinforcement member, at least part of the respective front end portion of the reinforcement member overlapping the respective side section of the rear suspension member in a front-rear direction view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Yuji Nakane, Yasuyuki Kumazawa, Masatoshi Hata, Osamu Shimasaki, Takaaki Onodera, Shohei Hashiguchi, Hiroshi Amano
  • Patent number: 9789917
    Abstract: An article support structure for a vehicle includes a vehicle body floor (2) having a substantially flat reference placing surface (2A) onto which an article is placed and fixed, and a recessed section surface (2B) continuously formed at an edge of the reference placing surface (2A) and recessed downward with respect to the reference placing surface (2A), and an auxiliary supporting member detachably attached to the recessed section surface (2B) and configured to support a portion of the article placed on the reference placing surface (2A) from below, wherein the auxiliary supporting member (14) includes an article support surface (14c-1) having substantially same upper surface height as the reference placing surface (2A) in a state in which the auxiliary supporting member is attached to the recessed section surface (2B), and a fastening section configured to fasten the auxiliary supporting member with the recessed section surface (2B) and release the fastening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Kojo, Naoto Ogura
  • Patent number: 9744884
    Abstract: Realized is a vehicle seat capable of improving the rigidity of a cushion frame with respect to a load input to a seat back while suppressing an increase in weight and size of the cushion frame. In a vehicle seat including a height adjustment mechanism which is driven to adjust the height of a seat cushion and a brake mechanism which maintains the height of the seat cushion when the height adjustment mechanism is not driven, the brake mechanism is connected to a second connection portion different from a first connection portion connected to the seat back in the cushion frame, and reinforcement portions and which extend in a direction from the first connection portion toward the second connection portion are provided between the first connection portion and the second connection portion in the cushion frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd, Imasen Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hoshi, Takuto Esaki, Takashi Yashiro
  • Patent number: 9738318
    Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a structural pillar defined by a first structural node, a second structural node, an upper outer member and an upper inner member spaced laterally from the upper outer member. The upper outer member extends substantially vertically between the first and second structural nodes and has first and second end portions connected to the respective first and second structural nodes. The upper inner member is angled laterally inwardly relative to the upper outer member and has a first end portion connected to the first structural node. The first and second structural nodes together with the upper outer and inner members define a first triangular load distribution path for the vehicle frame assembly which is adapted to distribute a roof crush load from the first structural node to the upper outer and inner members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam J. Rompage, Edward W. Bach, Kurtis Ray Horner, Aron K. Madsen, Anthony Ordonio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9701250
    Abstract: A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly includes a metallic sheet body. A body shelf defines a plane having multiple apertures. Each of the apertures is at least partially surrounded by a peripheral flange created from a portion of the shelf extending away from the plane defined by the shelf. A first leg of the peripheral flange of each of the apertures is integrally connected to the shelf and is angularly oriented with respect to the shelf, and a second leg of the peripheral flange is angularly oriented with respect to the first leg. A reinforcement member of a polymeric material is integrally connected to at least the second leg of the peripheral flange. Multiple ribs formed of the polymeric material directly contact a surface of the body to stiffen the body. The ribs extend between successive peripheral flanges and integrally connect to the reinforcement member of the peripheral flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: DURA Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Suhant Prajwal Reddy Ranga, Alex Mark Langreet
  • Patent number: 9604672
    Abstract: A rear sub-frame supporting a portion of left and right suspension devices on the rear side is connected to left and right rear side frames. A pair of left and right braces, the front end portions of which are joined to side sills and the rear end portions of which are joined to a middle area of the rear sub-frame in the vehicle width direction, are provided. Support recesses that swingably support control arms of the suspension devices are provided on the rear sub-frame. Intermediate areas of the left and right braces are each connected to a corresponding one of the left and right support recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kanji Kaneko, Kazuya Kimura, Yuki Matsubara
  • Patent number: 9522702
    Abstract: A vehicle rear structure located between a backrest and a luggage space includes a first cross member and fixation members. Each fixation member has a joint portion, a first plate and a second plate. The length of a first path extending from a first intersection point of a line passing through a fixation portion at which the second plate is fixed to the vehicle body and an upper side of the second plate through an upper side of the first plate up to the joint portion is as long as a second path extending from a second intersection point of the line and a lower side of the second plate through a lower side of the first plate up to the joint portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Munenobu Takeda, Daisuke Shindo
  • Patent number: 9422010
    Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly, system and method includes a vehicle frame assembly having a variable length longitudinal frame component. The longitudinal frame component is formed at a first length when used on a first vehicle type and formed at a second length when used on a second vehicle type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric J. Boettcher, Ceby Philip
  • Patent number: 9227669
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure of a floor panel which includes a rear floor panel that is provided in a vehicle body, and has a storage portion for a spare tire; a rear crossmember that is installed on a front side of the rear floor panel so as to extend in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, and is joined to the rear floor panel; a rear end panel that is installed on a rear side of the rear floor panel 10 so as to extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, and is joined to the rear floor panel 10; and a bead portion that is formed in the rear floor panel while having a lengthwise direction of the vehicle body as a longitudinal direction of the bead portion, and extends to an installation region of the rear crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayoshi Shigihara
  • Patent number: 9126637
    Abstract: A motor vehicle rear (10) has left and right longitudinal members (12) forming a supporting structure of the motor vehicle. A receiving housing (18) is arranged between the longitudinal members (12) for receiving a traction battery. The receiving housing (18) has a left and right side walls (22, 24) running in the forward direction of travel. A back wall (20) is connected to the left and right side walls (22) and running transverse to the forward direction of travel. An impact profile (26) is connected to the left and right longitudinal members (12, 14) and absorbs impact energy in the event of a rear crash. Left and right reinforcing elements (32 34) connect the impact profile (26) to the respective left and right side walls (22, 24) for reinforcing the impact profile (26) and conducting away some of the impact energy into the left and right side walls (22, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilfried Eberle, Herbert Klamser, Franz-Rudolf Wierschem, Gerald Hekmann, Daniel Haag
  • Patent number: 8967702
    Abstract: Structure of a vehicle body rear part in which a back door opening section around which a closed cross-sectional structure is provided wherein the vehicle body rear part includes rear lamp house panels, a back panel section and a back door opening section arranged to incline obliquely such that a lower part is located further toward a vehicle back than an upper part. In the structure, a tail end member extending along a vehicle width direction is coupled to lower side corner portions of the closed cross-sectional structure located on both the left and right sides of the back door opening section, swelling sections extending further outward than the lower side corner portions of the closed cross-sectional structure are provided on both the left and right sides of the tail end member, and the swelling sections are joined to the rear lamp house panels and the back panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Shinei Mochizuki, Koji Oishi
  • Publication number: 20150054309
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a rear vehicle body with a reinforcing structure is disclosed. The reinforcing structure includes at least two legs starting out from a common center. A face side formed by each of the legs is at least partially structurally connected with a side wall of the rear vehicle body. The reinforcing structure has a section which over at least a portion of the reinforcing structure includes a top-hat shaped cross section having material sections which projecting laterally towards the outside at least partially serve as a flange for fastening to the side wall or another part of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Boris Kuenkler, Karsten Bohle, Lothar Harzheim
  • Patent number: 8919865
    Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure is provided in a vehicle that includes an electrical component box. The vehicle rear body structure includes a rear frame, a protective frame that is positioned on a rear side of the electrical component box and stands erect on the upper surface of the rear frame, a wheel housing reinforcing gusset that includes an engagement pin that protrudes rearward from the rear surface thereof, and an upper load transmitting member that extends forward from the upper end portion of the protective frame to the wheel housing reinforcing gusset. In the vehicle rear body structure, the upper load transmitting member has a positioning hole with which the engagement pin is engaged and includes a fastening extension fastened to the inner side surface of the wheel housing reinforcing gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Ogawa, Takenobu Haga, Yoshihiro Kobayashi, Itsuo Kimura, Kazutaka Kanezashi
  • Publication number: 20140375083
    Abstract: The Dual (day/night) Power Window system (DPW) for automobiles is comprised of two window glasses per door. It has an outer/clear window and an inner window tinted to the automobile owner's liking. It is designed to give the occupant(s) of the automobile an instant choice on whether the occupant(s) want a clear, ambient view or if the occupant(s) wants to be protected from too much ambient light, whether the occupant is the driver or a passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Franklin Tejeda
  • Patent number: 8915537
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle body structure that can improve collision performance at the time of a rear collision. The vehicle body structure includes first and second crash boxes that are provided at rear ends of rear side members. Further, the second crash boxes are disposed at positions different from the positions of the first crash boxes in a vertical direction of the vehicle. The second crash boxes, which are disposed at the positions different from the positions of the first crash boxes, can absorb a load applied from bumper reinforcement of another vehicle. Since a load at the time of a rear collision is absorbed by the second crash boxes, it is possible to suppress the deformation of a trunk that is provided at the rear portion of a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Muraji
  • Patent number: 8888151
    Abstract: A collision load is appropriately absorbed even in a case that the collision load is intersectionally input from the oblique rear with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction. Plural first to sixth corner portions provided at the rear end of an extension are arranged such as to be located at respective different positions along the vehicle longitudinal direction, wherein the first corner portion located at the vehicle transverse inner upper end is located the rearmost, and wherein the first to sixth corner portions and first to sixth edge lines, which form the rear end of the extension, are provided such as to be located at the rear in a spiral form from the first corner portion toward the vehicle front in order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Kashiwagi, Norikazu Matsuura, Hiroyoshi Watanabe, Ryota Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8870274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a side member in shell design for a rear frame of a self-supporting body of a motor vehicle, having a lower shell and an upper shell which are connected to each other in a fixed manner and at least in portions for a closed hollow member, wherein the lower shell is assembled from three shell parts, which in extension direction of the side member are arranged one after the other, wherein a middle shell part arranged between the two other shell parts at least in portions is formed as metal cast component, in particular steel cast component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Udo Mildner
  • Patent number: 8864198
    Abstract: A tubular back beam for a vehicle is provided to effectively cope with crashes, including a head-on crash, an offset crash, etc., thus promoting excellent crashworthiness, and thereby maximally reducing damage to a vehicle body, in addition to maximally mitigating injuries to a pedestrian and a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventor: Hyun Gyung Kim