Pillar Patents (Class 296/193.06)
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Publication number: 20150048654Abstract: A motor vehicle column includes an inner shell and an outer shell made from a metal, which are connected to each other in respective flange regions and which enclose a hollow space between them. In the hollow space a reinforcement element having a basic body made from a fiber composite plastic is arranged to strengthen the body component. The reinforcement element includes a metallic insert, which connects the reinforcement element to the inner and/or outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Daimler AGInventors: Konrad Eipper, Peter Feuser, Dietmar Kallfass, Uwe Lobenwein, Patrick Schuster, Thomas Schweiker, Kai Von Strzemie
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Patent number: 8944494Abstract: A load transmission portion which projects toward a roof rail outer panel is provided at a position between the roof rail outer panel and a roof rail inner panel which is located substantially at the same longitudinal-position as an upper end of a pillar outer panel. Accordingly, a center pillar can be properly restrained from coming into a vehicle compartment, restraining any improper increase of the number of components.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Junko Nitta, Seiji Nakano
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Patent number: 8936297Abstract: A sealing device, such as a sealing bulkhead for a motor vehicle, is provided that can be arranged or is arranged between an inner column part of a motor vehicle and an outer column part of the motor vehicle and includes, but is not limited to a holder fixed on the inner column part, a separating body fixed on the a holder and at least sectionally closes a gap formed between the inner column part and the outer column part, as well as a supporting unit fixed on the separating body and on the outer column part in order to fix the outer column part on the inner column part.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Roland Lessmeister
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Patent number: 8926005Abstract: A structural reinforcement for insertion into a cavity of a vehicle structure and method for making the same, the reinforcement including adjacent reinforcing segments and rigid bridges located between adjacent reinforcement segments. The rigid bridges are located for simplified separation of the reinforcement segments post-vehicle crash.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.Inventors: Bill Barz, Kenjiro Takahashi, Kurt Lilley
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Publication number: 20150001884Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including a front hinge pillar for a vehicle, wherein the front hinge pillar is a non-joined, one piece of continuous cast material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Robert N. SAJE, Keith J. SAARI, Artur WYSZYNSKI, Terry A. SWARTZELL
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Patent number: 8919867Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a vehicle body including a structural pillar. A headliner at least partially covers an exposed interior surface of the pillar. An interior garnish is secured to the headliner and is configured to conceal a lower edge portion of the headliner and cover at least a portion of the pillar. The interior garnish includes a main body having a pillar facing surface, a passenger compartment facing surface, a first longitudinal side portion, an opposite second longitudinal side portion, and an upper end portion. The interior garnish further includes a first engagement member located adjacent the first side portion and a second engagement member located adjacent the second side portion. The first engagement member is configured to hold the interior garnish in an install position relative to the headliner, and the second engagement member is configured to secure the interior garnish to the headliner.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Corey Davis
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Patent number: 8919868Abstract: The invention relates to a front end for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which has diametrically opposed A pillars (12) in the vehicle transverse direction (y), of which each A pillar (12) is constructed with an internal sheet metal molded part (31) and an external sheet metal molded part (29) which are connected to each other, in particular welded, via edge flange joints (35), the A pillar additionally being connected to at least one tension element (37) whose outer end (39) in the vehicle transverse direction (y) is connected, in particular, to a hinge element (45) mounted on the external sheet metal molded part (29) and whose inner end (43) is connected to the internal sheet metal molded part (31). According to the invention, the inner end (43) of the tension element (37) is fastened between the internal sheet metal molded part (31) of the A pillar (12) and a counter-holder (55) in at least one three-layer structure (57).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Ansgar Nortmann, Thorben Bösche
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Patent number: 8911004Abstract: A vehicular center pillar with improved proof stress against loads input from above a vehicle includes a pillar body that extends in a vertical direction of the vehicle and has flanges, formed on the front and rear sides of the pillar body, that extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a reinforcing member that connects the front flange to the rear flange. The reinforcing member includes a predetermined connection portion that rectilinearly connects the front flange to the rear flange in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Yao
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Patent number: 8905464Abstract: In a vehicle part with a structural reinforcement part, the structural reinforcement part comprises fibers embedded in plastic material to absorb tensile and/or compressive forces or tensile (FZ) and/or compressive stresses.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Metalsa Automotive GmbHInventors: Stefan Günther, Dirk Maier, Stephan Röhner
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Publication number: 20140354012Abstract: The center pillar outer member (36) of a center pillar (22) which supports a roof (17) is halved into a center pillar outer upper section (37) and a center pillar outer lower section (38). The center pillar outer member (36) is provided with a connection recess (41) at which the center pillar outer lower section (38) is joined to the center pillar outer upper section (37), and is also provided with a seal member (42) which covers the connection recess (41). The seal member (42) continues to the front upper seal (43) and the rear upper seal (44), respectively, of a front door opening seal (31) and a rear door opening seal (33), the front and rear upper seals (43, 44) extending along a roof side rail (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Shigeyuki Nagai, Kenichi Kitayama, Yasunori Watanabe
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Strength member for an automobile body, front side member, and side structure for an automobile body
Patent number: 8899665Abstract: A side structure for an automobile body has an A-pillar having a first portion which has a closed cross section and which is connected to a side sill and extends upwards, and a second portion which has a closed cross section and which is continuous with the first portion and extends along a slope therefrom, and a roof rail side member which has a closed cross section and which is continuous with the A-pillar and is connected to a B-pillar. The side reinforcing member having a closed cross section and a shape which is bent three-dimensionally and which is constituted by a single member in the axial direction and has undergone high frequency quenching is disposed so a to extend at least inside the second portion and inside the roof rail side member to be positioned to the rear of the connection with the B-pillar.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal CorporationInventors: Michitaka Yoshida, Nobusato Kojima, Atsushi Tomizawa, Naoaki Shimada -
Patent number: 8899666Abstract: A vehicle body having a reinforcement structure includes a side outer panel on an outer side of the vehicle body, a side inner panel on an inner side of the vehicle body at a predetermined distance from the side outer panel, a door hinge box attached to an upper portion of an inner side of the side inner panel, a door lower hinge reinforcement plate attached to a lower portion of the inner side of the side inner panel, vertically at a predetermined distance from the door hinge box, a bulk head attached to an upper end of the door lower reinforcement plate, with one end attached to an inner side of the side outer panel and the other end attached to an outer side of the side inner panel, and a reinforcement bracket disposed in an up-down direction to connect the door hinge box and the bulk head.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Sung Won Kim
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Patent number: 8898906Abstract: A method is provided for producing a body part of a vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to providing a first profile part with at least one first welding flange and with a first opening as well as a second profile part with at least one third welding flange. The welding flange is at least partially arranged on the third welding flange subject to the formation of an at least partially closed form of the body part. The first welding flange and the third welding flange are arranged within the at least partially closed form. A first laser beam is guided through the first opening onto the first welding flange subject to the formation of at least one first laser weld seam between the first welding flange and the third welding flange.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas Klein, Dirk Rainer Lungershausen, Jürgen Hulbert
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Patent number: 8894131Abstract: A vehicle pillar structure includes a reinforcement that is provided in a vehicle pillar and that includes a buckling portion and a strain reducing face portion, wherein the buckling portion serves as a starting point of buckling; and the strain reducing face portion is adjacent to the buckling portion in a lateral direction of the reinforcement and reduces strain that occurs when the buckling.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeo Mori
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Publication number: 20140339855Abstract: A pillar structure for a vehicle, to which a hinge of a door is attached, wherein a fragile portion is formed, respectively, above and below an attachment position of the hinge, wherein a force application member is disposed in one fragile portion of the fragile portions to transmit an external load to the fragile portions via across the one fragile portion, wherein a reinforcement member is disposed in the other fragile portion of the fragile portions to suppress deformation of the other fragile portion, and wherein the reinforcement member is in close contact with an inside of the other fragile portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nobuyuki Torii
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Patent number: 8888173Abstract: A vehicle side body structure includes a sill, an A-pillar and a reinforcement member. The sill defines an internal sill space and the A-pillar defines an internal A-pillar space. The A-pillar is rigidly connected to the sill with the internal sill space and the internal A-pillar space being connected. The reinforcement member is located within the internal sill space and the internal A-pillar space. The reinforcement member has a forward end fixedly attached to the sill at a front attachment point and a rearward end fixedly attached to the A-pillar at a rear attachment point that is laterally offset from the front attachment point. The reinforcement member includes a main bracing part that extends diagonally between the front and rear attachment points within both the internal sill space and the internal A-pillar space with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Scott Nydam, Kenneth Ameloot
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Publication number: 20140333095Abstract: A method is provided for producing a body part of a vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to providing a first profile part with at least one first welding flange and with a first opening as well as a second profile part with at least one third welding flange. The welding flange is at least partially arranged on the third welding flange subject to the formation of an at least partially closed form of the body part. The first welding flange and the third welding flange are arranged within the at least partially closed form. A first laser beam is guided through the first opening onto the first welding flange subject to the formation of at least one first laser weld seam between the first welding flange and the third welding flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas Klein, Dirk Rainer Lungershausen, Juergen Hulbert
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Publication number: 20140319877Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Hida
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Patent number: 8857896Abstract: A structure for dispersing the collision energy of a front pillar during a car crash, may include a front impact absorption member formed in the interior of a front frame of a vehicle and configured to receive a collision energy when a car crashes into on its front side; upper and lower impact absorption members configured to disperse the collision energy of the front impact absorption member to a front pillar and a lower side of the front pillar; and an impact transition member connected to a lower side of the lower impact absorption member and connected to a front end portion of the side sill.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sungdon Pyun
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Publication number: 20140300139Abstract: A vehicle upper-body structure having a pillar reinforcement member which connects an upper portion of a pillar member and a roof reinforcement member to be reinforced, includes at least one latch portion (hook-shaped member) which is latched to the roof reinforcement member when the pillar reinforcement member is deformed by an external load, and the latch portion is provided to pass through the roof reinforcement member as a portion of the pillar reinforcement member. According to the vehicle upper-body structure, when the pillar reinforcement member is deformed by the external load, since the latch portion is latched to the roof reinforcement member, load transmission efficiency from the pillar reinforcement member to the roof reinforcement member can be improved. Moreover, compared to a case where joining is performed at one point, the number of components is not increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nobuyuki Torii
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Patent number: 8851556Abstract: A center pillar includes a first reinforcement panel which is arranged between an outer panel and an inner panel, comprises a bottom wall portion, both-side vertical wall portions extending in a vehicle width direction from the bottom wall portion, and both-side flange portions, and has a cross section formed in substantially a hat shape. A second reinforcement panel comprising a bottom wall portion and both-side vertical wall portions and having a cross section formed in substantially a U shape is arranged inside the first reinforcement panel. The second reinforcement panel is joined to the first reinforcement panel such that only the bottom wall portion and one of the both-side vertical wall portions are joined to the bottom wall portion and one of the both-side vertical wall portions, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Yoshikazu Nishimura, Kei Ikeda, Kazuya Fukutani, Naoki Kaneko, Noboru Yoshii
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Patent number: 8845009Abstract: A center pillar upper portion joining structure that may improve joining strength and rigidity between an upper portion of a center pillar and a roof side rail. A recess portion that is indented to the vehicle inner side is formed in a roof side rail outer panel at a joining portion with a center pillar. An upper portion extended portion that closes off the recess portion is provided at an upper portion oft a center pillar reinforcement, and an upper end portion of the upper portion extended portion is joined to the roof side rail outer panel. In a vehicle rear elevation view, an upper face of the recess portion is provided upward in the vehicle relative to a centroid of a cross section of the roof side rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Kurokawa
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Publication number: 20140284967Abstract: A pillar structure that is configured to include an outer panel and an inner panel and in which an opening portion into which a retractor is inserted is formed in a lower portion of the inner panel, wherein a portion of the inner panel is depressed to the outside of a vehicle, whereby a retractor connection portion to which the retractor is connected, a front-side inclined portion disposed and inclined on the front side in a vehicle front-back direction of the retractor connection portion, and a rear-side inclined portion disposed and inclined on the rear side in the vehicle front-back direction of the retractor connection portion are formed, and an inclination of the rear-side inclined portion is formed gentler than an inclination of the front-side inclined portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nobuyuki Torii
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Publication number: 20140265449Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a vehicle body including a structural pillar. A headliner at least partially covers an exposed interior surface of the pillar. An interior garnish is secured to the headliner and is configured to conceal a lower edge portion of the headliner and cover at least a portion of the pillar. The interior garnish includes a main body having a pillar facing surface, a passenger compartment facing surface, a first longitudinal side portion, an opposite second longitudinal side portion, and an upper end portion. The interior garnish further includes a first engagement member located adjacent the first side portion and a second engagement member located adjacent the second side portion. The first engagement member is configured to hold the interior garnish in an install position relative to the headliner, and the second engagement member is configured to secure the interior garnish to the headliner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Corey Davis
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Publication number: 20140265448Abstract: An automotive vehicle including a pillar assembly. The pillar assembly comprises a structural reinforcement member and an associated garnish. The garnish is constructed of an elongated polypropylene inner layer mated to a cooperatively shaped fiber filled outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: Johnson Controls Technology Company, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mark David Bartlett, Hiroaki Taniguchi, Ben Edward Sapak, Shane M. Vorac
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Publication number: 20140252804Abstract: A pillar covering for motor vehicles is described. The pillar covering has a carrier part having an integrated window guide web and a mounting element, a narrowing at the point of contact of the window guide web with the carrier part, and a cover part connected to the carrier part via a contact surface, whereby the carrier part and the cover part form at least one common end portion and the contact surface within the end piece runs over a length of at least 1 mm at a mean angle of 5° to 60° above or below a mean axis along the contact surface outside the end piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Sebastian Schmidt, Luc-Henry Blanche, Ulrich Riegler
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Publication number: 20140239672Abstract: First to third steel members are cut to form predetermined planar shapes using press machines and form an upper member, a reinforcement member and a lower member. The carbon content of the third steel member is set lower than the carbon content of the first and second steel members. The upper member, the reinforcement member and the lower member are then assembled. The reinforcement member is superposed on the upper member. The upper member and the lower member are partially superposed. The superposed portions of the upper member and the reinforcement member and the superposed portions of the upper member and the lower member are then respectively joined by spot welding to form a blank member. The spot welded blank member is then heated to a temperature of a transformation point or higher, and the blank member is hot press formed by one press machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: TOA INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaki YAJIMA, Takashi KANAI
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Patent number: 8794693Abstract: A side structure for a vehicle body, the side structure having: a side rail and a pillar that are provided at sides of door openings; and trim members that are provided to the side rail and the pillar. In the side structure, a pillar inner member is provided to the side rail while the upper end of the pillar inner member overlaps a joint of the side rail, and this forms intersections at which rail flanges and pillar flanges cross. At the intersections, stepped sections are formed at the pillar flanges, and in the rail flanges, recesses are formed at portions corresponding to the stepped sections.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Manabu Nakayama, Mikihito Nei
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Publication number: 20140191536Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle reinforcement includes the step of a) joining a first portion comprising boron steel to a second portion comprising more ductile material than boron steel to form a vehicle reinforcement, and b) heat treating at least one part of the first portion after the joining so that the vehicle reinforcement comprises at least one hardened zone of boron steel and at least one soft zone of more ductile material than boron steel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Jens Elfwing, Michael Wehrend, Johan Nedemo, Kristoffer Trana
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Patent number: 8757709Abstract: A reinforced B-pillar assembly that achieves improved side impact resistance is provided in which the B-pillar assembly is mechanically coupled to an outer mounting surface of the rocker panel as well as to an extended brace that is attached to the upper and rear mounting surfaces of the rocker.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Michael John Baldwin, Hitendra Laxmidas Gadhiya
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Publication number: 20140159427Abstract: A side lower vehicle body structure of a vehicle includes a side seal, a center pillar and a reinforcing member. The side seal extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and has a channel. The center pillar has one end disposed in the channel of the side seal and the other end extending in a height direction of a vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed in the channel of the side seal and combined with the center pillar.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyeyeon KIM, Tae Wan PARK
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Patent number: 8746733Abstract: The pillar garnish has a main body, an extension part that is formed integrally with the main body, including a guide surface at an upper end of the extension part, the guide surface controlling a direction in which the air bag apparatus is unfolded so that the air bag apparatus is unfolded into the interior of the vehicle when the air bag apparatus is inflated, and a box portion that is formed integrally with the main body and the extension part, the box portion being positioned between the main body and the pillar. The box portion has a back wall portion and a pair of side wall portions that are adjacent to the back wall portion and the main body. The side wall portion has a thick portion and a thin portion, the thin portion being disposed closer to the main body than to the back wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Hayashi Telempu Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ken-ichi Hayashi, Hiroyuki Omiya
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Publication number: 20140152053Abstract: A first outer panel has: a first general surface; and a first flange section having an end section of the first general surface recessed more than the first general surface . A second outer panel has: a second general surface having a surface flush with the first general surface; and a second flange section that is recessed from the second general surface and is joined overlapping with the first flange section . A joint that is recessed more than the first and second general surface is formed in the joined section. A filler substance is provided in the joint, and the section from the first general surface to the second general surface is formed in a continuous surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasunori Watanabe, Kenichi Kitayama, Shigeyuki Nagai
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Publication number: 20140152052Abstract: A motor vehicle body is provided with a lateral front wall and a wheel installation strut connected therewith with an inner component and an outer component with an outer side wall. The outer component includes, but is not limited to a front portion with a lower front connecting flange, which is connected to the inner component and forms an angle with the horizontal which amounts to a maximum of approximately 20°, and a rear portion with a lower rear connecting flange, which is connected to the lateral front wall and forms an angle with the vertical which amounts to a maximum of approximately 20°.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Udo MILDNER, Lothar TESKE
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Patent number: 8740287Abstract: Disclosed is a passenger protection device (12) for a vehicle, which protects a passenger (Mn) sitting on a seat (11) when an external force (Fs) is applied to a side surface (16a) of a vehicle body (16). The passenger protection device has a side support (14). The side support is provided on the side portion of a seat back (46), and supports the upper body (Bu) of the passenger. The side support has a deformable portion (47). The deformable portion allows the side support to be deformed by an external force having a predetermined value or more.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Onda, Nobuhiro Kawamoto, Itaru Genpei, Makoto Uchikawa, Takashi Kikuchi, Hajime Ishida
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Patent number: 8740290Abstract: A vehicle body side part structure having high strength against a load in a frontal collision and a load in a side collision. A side panel outer member (14) is provided with a front pillar lower section (31) which is formed from a high-tensile steel sheet, a front pillar upper section (37a) which is formed from a normal steel sheet, and a reinforcement member (38) which is disposed along the front pillar upper section. The upper end (31a) of the front pillar lower section (31) is joined to the inner surface of the lower end (37c) of the front pillar upper section. The front end (38a) of the reinforcement member (38) is joined to the inner surface of the upper end (31a) of the front pillar lower section.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Takayama, Hitoshi Mizohata, Takayuki Yamada, Kazunori Hida, Yasunori Watanabe
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Publication number: 20140145469Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes, but is not limited to a lightweight component of a composite material and a metallic structure, on which the lightweight component is fastened. The metallic structure includes, but is not limited to a first groove, in which a first edge strip of the lightweight component engages. Between two surfaces of the first edge strip facing away from one another and side walls of the first groove located opposite these surfaces, an adhesive layer is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Udo MILDNER, Lothar TESKE
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Patent number: 8727427Abstract: A front pillar for an automobile includes an outer panel, an inner panel, and a hollow member disposed between the outer and inner panels. The outer panel has a roof-joining outer flange section projecting toward a roof skin flange section of a roof beyond the hollow member, and joined by spot welding to the roof skin flange section. A roof-joining extended flange section is joined by welding to at least two surfaces of the hollow member, extended to project toward the roof skin flange section beyond the hollow member and overlap the roof-joining outer flange section, and joined by spot welding to the roof skin flange section together with the roof-joining outer flange section.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Fujita
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Patent number: 8720979Abstract: A 2-door or 3-door type vehicle having enhanced resistance against a side impact may comprise a reinforcement member that is configured to be inclinedly mounted at a side of the 2-door or 3-door type vehicle which is not equipped with a rear door for affixing the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member may be affixed to a center pillar and a side sill at respective opposite ends thereof. The reinforcement member may be affixed to a bulkhead which connects a side sill outer reinforce and a side sill inner reinforce of the side sill.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Kyunghoon Son, Jaechul Bang, Seungtae Song
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Publication number: 20140125090Abstract: Method for producing a vehicle component, in particular a motor vehicle component, in particular a B-pillar, including providing a first aluminum alloy and a second aluminum alloy. The second alloy composition substantially matches the first aluminum alloy composition. Performing a heat-treatment of the first alloy to increase the ductility of the first alloy. Performing a heat-treatment of the second alloy. The heat-treatment of the first alloy differing from the heat-treatment of the second alloy. Welding together the heat-treated first alloy and the heat-treated second alloy to obtain a composite part. Shaping the composite parts into a motor vehicle component. The motor vehicle component sub-region of the first alloy can be designed as a predetermined deformation region when a force is applied due to an accident to achieve a good combination of rigid regions for example forming a safety cell, and deformable regions forming a crumple zone for absorbing energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: ALERIS ROLLED PRODUCTS GERMANY GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Braunschweig
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Publication number: 20140117719Abstract: A front pillar structure of a vehicle may include an outer side panel disposed on an outer side in a traverse direction of a vehicle, an inner side panel attached to the outer side panel with an opening formed therebetween, and a reinforcement inserted through the opening between the inner side panel and the outer side panel, Wherein the reinforcement may be attached to the outer side panel and the inner side panel to close the opening to have a closed cross-section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Suk Jun Chai
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Patent number: 8696050Abstract: In a side vehicle body structure of a vehicle, which is provided with a shoulder anchor part 2 for a seat belt, a shoulder reinforcement 9 of the shoulder anchor part 2 extends to the joint portion of a side body outer panel 7 and a quarter panel 8, and the shoulder reinforcement 9, the side body outer panel 7, and the quarter panel 8 are jointed together in the state in which the three elements are lapped together.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Hayato Nakamura, Junji Suzuki
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Patent number: 8690231Abstract: A vehicle structure body includes roof side rails 10 that extend in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle on both sides in a vehicle width direction, and center pillars 20 that are connected to rear end portions 10a of the roof side rails 10 and extend in a vertical direction of the vehicle. The cross-sectional area of the roof side rail 10 is substantially constant from the front end of the roof side rail 10 to a front position P in front of the center pillar 20, and the cross-sectional area of the roof side rail is reduced from the front position P to a position S immediately before a joint portion between the roof side rail 10 and the center pillar 20. When a collision load acts on the roof side rail 10, the roof side rail 10 is easily folded at a portion of which the cross-sectional area is reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the input of moment to the center pillar 20.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shuuitsu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8690232Abstract: A front pillar for an automobile includes an outer panel, an inner panel, a hollow member sandwiched between the outer and inner panels, and a reinforcing member. The outer panel has a glass attachment flange section extending along an edge of the windshield. The hollow member has a first concave section provided on an upper wall section at a terminal end of the hollow member. The first concave section is downwardly separated from the glass attachment flange section of the outer panel. The reinforcing member has a second concave section welded to the first concave section and downwardly separated from the glass attachment flange section of the outer panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Fujita
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Patent number: 8684449Abstract: The invention relates to a B-pillar for a vehicle including a main section (20) with a hat-shaped section (21) comprising a central flange (22), two web portions (23, 24) and two side flanges (25, 26). At least the hat-shaped section (21) is press-hardened and has a breaking strength in excess of 1400 MPa and the side flanges (25, 26) of the hat-shaped section (21) have a breaking strength below 1100 MPa along at least part of the length of the side flanges (25, 26). The B-pillar (13) includes a cover plate (40) welded to the side flanges (25, 26) of the hat-shaped section (21) so as to form a closed profile, the cover plate (40) having a breaking strength below 1100 MPa at least in the region in which it bears against the side flanges (25, 26). The side flanges (25, 26) of the hat-shaped section have a breaking strength below 1100 MPa in the region in which the side flanges bear against the cover plate (40).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Gestamp Hardtech ABInventors: Hans Bodin, Jan Krispinsson, Paul Akerstrom, Daniel Berglund, Lars Wikstrom, Martin Holmberg
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Publication number: 20140084630Abstract: A pillar structure for a vehicle includes: a glass to form a vehicle compartment; a pillar to support a roof panel; and a pillar outer cover disposed at an outer side of the pillar. A flow passage is provided between the pillar and the pillar outer cover. The flow passage includes an inlet port, an air-water separator, an air outlet port, and a discharge port. The air outlet port is disposed at a position with a pressure lower than a pressure in a vicinity of the inlet port during running of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoki KOJIMA
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Publication number: 20140084631Abstract: A front pillar structure for a vehicle includes a windshield; a front door; a front pillar located between the windshield and the front door; a pillar outer cover disposed on an outer surface of the front pillar; and a side mirror. A flow passage for flowing air is formed between the pillar outer cover and the front pillar. An inlet port and an air outlet port are respectively formed at the front and rear of the flow passage. The flow passage is provided with ribs to separate air and rain water from each other. The air outlet port is open toward the rear of the vehicle at a position slightly higher than the upper edge of the door mirror. The air outlet port has a longitudinal dimension approximately one-fifth of the longitudinal dimension of the inlet port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoki KOJIMA
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Patent number: 8678481Abstract: A structure for a side portion of a vehicle body, wherein the respective lower parts of a front pillar are joined to a side sill. A pillar's lower part (64) of a center pillar(21) and a pillar's lower part (65) of a front pillar (16) are provided with overlapping joining sections (31) having circular arc sections (68) which are formed so as to be separated outward from a corner (67) of a side sill (14). The overlapping joining sections (31) are overlapped on a vertical wall section (27) of the side sill (14). The overlapping joining sections (31) are provided with bead sections (72) separated from the vertical wall section (27). The overlapping joining sections (31) are also provided with contact sections (101) in contact with the vertical wall section (27).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoyuki Tamura
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Patent number: 8678484Abstract: Disclosed is an upper vehicle body structure (20) having a groove (31) between an outside panel (28) and a roof panel (24). The upper end of a center pillar stiffener (34) overlaps with a roof side stiffener (41). The roof side stiffener (41) is joined to a roof arch (23) at the groove (31). The upper end of a center pillar reinforcing member (33) inside the center pillar stiffener (34) is joined to an end (25b) of a corner gusset (25) at a position below the grooves (31), the other end (25a) of the corner gusset being connected to the roof arch (23). With this, concentration of impact load to the corner gusset (25) can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hidekazu Shono
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Publication number: 20140077529Abstract: A skeleton body comprises a rocker rear, a rear pillar, and a rear wheel house which are joined together. An inner corner portion which forms a rocker reinforcement is formed on the inner side of a bent portion located near the joint portion. A bulging portion having a three-dimensional curved surface shape bulging in a convex shape is formed at the inner corner portion. The rocker reinforcement is formed in such a manner that an upper wall portion, an upper end flange portion, and a rear end standing wall portion are formed on the inner side of the bent portion so as to be directed in three directions and so as to continue to the bulging portion at a position at which the upper wall portion, the upper end flange portion, and the rear end standing wall portion surround the bulging portion. Also, the upper end flange portion is joined to both a rocker inner panel and a pillar inner panel, and the rear end standing wall portion is joined to a wheel house outer panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroyuki Kurokawa