Under Frame Patents (Class 296/204)
  • Patent number: 8794646
    Abstract: A vehicle structure includes: a suspension member for supporting a suspension mechanism of a vehicle; a rear-portion support member (inner members, a dash panel) provided above a rear portion of the suspension member and supporting the suspension member; a fastening member for fastening the rear portion of the suspension member to the rear-portion support member; and a latching member provided in the fastening member and latching thereto the rear portion of the suspension member to be displaced in a vehicle lower direction due to an impact load toward a vehicle rearward direction, so as to transmit, to the fastening member, a load toward the vehicle lower direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Onishi, Tomoyuki Honsho
  • Patent number: 8794696
    Abstract: A structure for the front of a vehicle body includes front side frames. The front side frames have bend portions in the rear portion thereof, the bend portions sloping downwards along a dashboard lower panel as the front side frames extend towards the back of the vehicle body. Side sill-side extensions curve to the side of side sills from the end parts of the bend portions. Curving tunnel-side extensions curve towards a tunnel portion. The side sill-side extensions and the tunnel-side extensions form branched portions branching at substantially the same angle. Triangular load support portions are formed at the back of the branched portions between the side sill-side extensions and the tunnel-side extensions. Rear end support portions for supporting the rear ends of sub frames are provided to the bend portions and the fronts of the load support portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashige Iseki, Kosaku Tomozawa, Manabu Ishizono, Takeshi Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 8789875
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body structure including: a front frame member disposed in a front part of a vehicle body; a rear frame member disposed in a rear part of the vehicle body; and paired left and right middle frame members disposed on outer sides, in a vehicle width direction, of the vehicle body, respectively, and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction between the front and rear frame members. Each middle frame member includes: a side sill disposed on an outer side in the vehicle width direction; and a center side member disposed inward, in the vehicle width direction, of the side sill and coupling the front and rear frame members. The center side member extends to shift farther outward in the vehicle width direction as it gets closer to rear of the vehicle. The center side member is set larger in strength than the side sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yusuke Kageyama
  • Patent number: 8783761
    Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis including a rear central cross member, a hollow beam positioned over the rear central cross member along this rear central cross member, and a floor seat-cushion support part including rear seat fittings, supported at the rear by the hollow beam positioned under the seat-cushion support part. The beam includes a rear raiser including a horizontal plate fixed to the rear central cross member and further includes a blanking sheet fixed to the horizontal plate of the rear raiser and including at least one anchoring reinforcement assembled on the inside of the hollow beam. The reinforcement, which forms a hollow box section, connects the rear raiser and the blanking sheet, an upper face of the anchoring reinforcement supports a connecting piece, the connecting piece also being assembled, on the outside of the hollow beam, with the rear raiser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Olivier Bisror, Thomas Mauduit, Pascal Tabuteau
  • Patent number: 8770656
    Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis includes two side rail members covered at the front by two lateral floor reinforcements, a rear central cross member and a transverse reinforcement which is welded to the two lateral floor reinforcements, and a floor having a seat-cushion support part. The chassis further includes a rear raiser welded to the rear central cross member and two lateral raisers welded respectively to each of the two lateral floor reinforcements. The seat-cushion support part of the floor is welded to the two lateral raisers, to the rear raiser and to the transverse reinforcement, so as to create a space for an energy reservoir under the seat-cushion support part of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Pascal Tabuteau, Thomas Mauduit, Olivier Bisror
  • Patent number: 8764103
    Abstract: A front portion structure of a vehicle body includes: a dashboard lower panel extending in a vehicle width direction; an outrigger provided under the dashboard lower panel and extending outwards from the front side frame in the vehicle width direction; and a side sill extending from the outer portion of the outrigger in the vehicle width direction, toward the back of the vehicle; a footrest portion for a passenger, formed to the dashboard lower panel; and a reinforcing plate to reinforce the footrest portion, joined to the dashboard lower panel and covering the footrest portion from the passenger space side. A flange is formed to the reinforcing plate, and is joined to a side face of a side sill inner panel of the side sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Toba
  • Patent number: 8752885
    Abstract: A releasable tunnel brace for releasably connecting a first side panel to a second panel of a vehicle is disclosed. One or both ends of the brace include a fastener-receiving aperture. The aperture has a round portion and an elongated slot extending therefrom. The round portion can allow the head of a shoulder bolt fastener to pass therethrough. The elongated slot is defined by a pair of opposed walls. The shoulder of the shoulder bolt fastener can pass between the opposed walls. In the event of a side impact, the brace is pushed vehicle inward and the bolt slides through the elongated slot and into the round portion where it is allowed to be released from its attachment position. The brace provides maximum torsion stiffness while withstanding only a minimum amount of lateral force before it releases and thus minimizes local deflection in the event of a side impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Heping Yang
  • Patent number: 8746785
    Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus (3) is installed below a floor supported by both side members (11, 12) of a vehicle to recover heat from exhaust gas passing through an exhaust pipe (1) of an internal combustion engine. Assistance members (15, 16), which extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, are provided between the both side members (11, 12) of the vehicle. The exhaust heat recovery apparatus (3) is installed close to one of the assistance members (15, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takato Ishihata, Mamoru Yashima, Yoshihiro Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8740231
    Abstract: A light-alloy vehicle suspension member integrally made from a light alloy, including a sectional shape formed by an upper wall, a front wall, and a rear wall so as to have an open bottom, the upper wall being substantially horizontal, the front wall and the rear wall being erected in a substantially vertical manner on a front edge and a rear edge of the upper wall respectively, wherein: one end of a torque rod is connected to a center portion, in a vehicle width direction, of the upper wall, another end of the torque rod is connected to an engine; a vertical position of the upper wall substantially corresponds to a vertical center position between the front wall and the rear wall, and substantially corresponds to a height position of the torque rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Shibaya
  • Patent number: 8739939
    Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle can include a brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, and two brake wires that are each connected to the equalizer and extend to first and second brake assemblies. The first and second brake wires can extend in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first brake wire can cross over the second brake wire at least once and possibly twice, each time in a direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, the first and second brake wires can each include a cover that protects a respective wire. The covers can be in contact with each other at the crossover point for the wires to minimize noise, friction and to improve operating ability and durability of the brake wires. The various features, such as the cross-over configuration, the contacting wires, and/or the covers, also make it possible to minimize the space requirements for the wires in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Aaron Mears, Hiroki Ishikawa, Kevin Scott Katerberg
  • Publication number: 20140145472
    Abstract: A cross member extends in a vehicle width direction and has opening portions at end portions in the vehicle width direction. The cross member includes a cross member main body, a closing plate, and a cylindrical spacer. The end portion of the cross member main body in the vehicle width direction includes a recessed portion on a side of the cross member main body opposite to a side on which the cross member main body is opened, the recessed portion being recessed toward the inner surface side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Yorozu Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20140138987
    Abstract: A frame structure is provided for a motor vehicle having at least two longitudinal girders, each having a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, which are at an angle to one another, so that in the installed state of the frame structure in a motor vehicle, the first longitudinal section lies essentially horizontally below a floor plate of the vehicle body and the second longitudinal section extends essentially upward and, viewed in the forward travel direction, the first longitudinal section is arranged behind the second longitudinal section. It is provided that beginning in the area of the transition from the second longitudinal section to the first longitudinal section or an area adjacent thereto, the longitudinal girders extend at least partially away from one another in the direction of the first longitudinal section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rear frame structure and a vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo MILDNER, Stanislaw KLIMEK
  • Patent number: 8720981
    Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes a longitudinal floor frame member and a frame stiffener connected with the floor frame member. The floor frame member connects with a vehicle floor panel to form a substantially closed cross section. The floor frame member includes a lower wall including a lower section, a higher section, and a transition section disposed between the lower section and the higher section. The lower wall transitions upward along the transition section from the lower section to the higher section. The frame stiffener connects with the floor frame member on an exterior of the floor frame member. The frame stiffener has a substantially U-shaped configuration in cross section and includes a bottom wall that is vertically offset below the lower wall of the floor frame member at least along a portion of the transition section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Shafer, Takashi Nakano, Kishore K. Pydimarry, Brandon D. Koester
  • Publication number: 20140125091
    Abstract: A structure for constructing a chassis of a vehicle, trailer or the like comprising at least one internally hollow, elongated profile having a polygonal section, which includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves at its sides extending along the entire length of the profile and joint assemblies for coupling the wheels to said elongated profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jordi NADAL ALOY
  • Patent number: 8714635
    Abstract: A front body of a vehicle includes left and right front side frames and a subframe attached to the front side frames. The subframe includes front arm connecting parts and rear arm connecting parts configured to support lower arms of respective suspensions at left and right ends of the subframe, an engine contact part disposed in an upper part of the subframe and facing toward an engine, and rear fastening parts each disposed in a continuous part between the engine contact part and the corresponding rear arm connecting part and fastened to the corresponding front side frame. The rear fastening parts each are formed in a branch part disposed between the corresponding rear arm connecting part and the engine contact part and protruding from a rear branch member toward the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kosaku Tomozawa, Yushi Nakao
  • Patent number: 8714637
    Abstract: A chassis structure for a motor vehicle includes an extruded base member made of light metal and a reinforcing member made of steel to reinforce the base member. The base member has two walls which are spaced from one another by a distance, with the reinforcing member connecting free ends of the walls. The reinforcing member and the base member are joined to one another using electromagnetic pulse welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Neumann, Stephan Meyer, Wolfram Linnig
  • Patent number: 8690189
    Abstract: A frame assembly for an off-road vehicle including a left frame rail and a right frame rail that are identical to each other, a front frame module that includes at least one left toot and at least one right foot, an occupant frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, a rear frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, and a plurality of identical adapters mounting the components to the left and right frame rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Club Car, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Huston, Roy L. Woodard
  • Patent number: 8668254
    Abstract: A vehicle underfloor structure includes under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that cover an underside of a vehicle, and drain members (D) provided in the under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The drain members (D) each include: a front inclined wall (21) provided with a water drain opening (33, 34, 42, 43, 44, 72, 74); and a rear inclined wall (22). A recess is formed in each under cover in a front-back direction of the vehicle in such a manner that a first interior angle (?1) formed by the front inclined wall is larger than a second interior angle (?2) formed by the rear inclined wall and a length of the front inclined wall is different from a length of the rear inclined wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Onodera, Yasutsune Terashima
  • Patent number: 8668252
    Abstract: In this vehicle body floor structure, stiffeners that extend to a rear of a front cross member and that have a U-shaped concave portion that is open at to top thereof when viewed in a cross-section of a vehicle are joined to a bottom surface on both side portions of floor panel. Beads that have a U-shaped concave portion when viewed in a cross-section of the vehicle are provided at a rear portion of the floor panel, and the beads are aligned with the concave portion of the stiffeners and are provided continuously with the stiffeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeto Yasuhara, Kimitaka Ando, Yuji Matsuura, Katsunari Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8668248
    Abstract: A vehicle body (11) including: a tunnel cross-member (28) extending in the vehicle's widthwise direction along the lower surface of a tunnel section (18) of the floor panel (19); left and right side-frame extensions (22, 22) extending rearward along the lower surfaces (31, 32) of the dashboard (15) from the rear ends of left and right front side-frames (16, 16). The left and right side-frame extensions each bifurcate into a side sill-side extension (43, 43) which, while tilting, extends rearward and outward in the vehicle's widthwise direction from the rear end of each of the left and right side-frame extensions to a side sill (17, 17), and into a tunnel-side extension (44, 44) which, while tilting, extends rearward and inward in the vehicle's widthwise direction from the rear end of each of the left and right side-frame extensions to the tunnel cross-member. The tilt of the side sill-side extensions and the tilt of the tunnel-side extensions are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Ishizono, Takumi Tsuyuzaki, Kosaku Tomozawa
  • Patent number: 8668245
    Abstract: A front underfloor structure of a vehicle (EV) includes a protruding member protruding downward from a front underfloor surface of the vehicle, and redirects a flow of traveling air that flows around a front underfloor while traveling. The protruding member is configured as a protruding member with curved surface (31) disposed at a position closer to the vehicle front than front tires (1L, 1R) and in a central portion of the front underfloor straddling a vehicle center line (CL). The protruding member with curved surface (31) has a circumference of protrusion in a vehicle longitudinal direction that is longest at the position of the vehicle center line (CL), and the circumference of protrusion in the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes gradually shorter with increasing distance from the vehicle center line (CL) on both sides in a vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kakiuchi, Masahiro Ataka, Youhei Ogawa, Kazuaki Nakajima, Yuji Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20140062143
    Abstract: A heavy goods vehicle has a dropped frame that includes an upper skin, a lower skin and lateral beams between the skins. The frame is self-supporting. In a vehicle independent real wheel motors are provided. The vehicle may be a diesel-electric hybrid. The dropped body is suitable for delivery and collection vehicles, and particularly refuse vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Roger Michael Lane, Jonathan Alan Sayers, Mark Hopkins, David Anthony Collins, Paul Mark Bridden
  • Patent number: 8662574
    Abstract: A body structure is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, two side sills running in the vehicle longitudinal direction, between which a floor group is situated, and two rear frame profiles rigidly connected to the floor group, which extend from the floor group to the rear. The body structure has a structure crossbeam running in the vehicle transverse direction, which rigidly connects each of the two side sills and also the two rear frame profiles directly to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Juergen Hulbert, Martin Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8657367
    Abstract: A vehicle lower structure is equipped with a brace. The brace is configured to include an extension portion that extends in a vehicle width direction, and link portions that are provided at both ends of the extension portion respectively and have a generally V shape in a bottom view in such a manner as to be convex forward or rearward with respect to a vehicle body. The vehicle lower structure also has a body portion that is fastened to mounting portions, which are provided on both sides of a lower portion of a vehicle respectively, by the link portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaya Murata
  • Patent number: 8657369
    Abstract: A floor structure of a motor vehicle body is provided. The floor structure has two frame rail arrangements essentially extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body. The arrangements are joined together by a cross member essentially extending in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle body. A floor panel extends between the cross member and the two frame rail arrangements. A diagonal reinforcement is located above the floor panel and abuts against the cross member in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body. A reinforcing element essentially extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body between the two frame rail arrangements. The diagonal reinforcement abuts against the reinforcing element in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Stanislaw Klimek, Karsten Bohle
  • Patent number: 8646833
    Abstract: A vehicle body includes hollow left and right side sills. Front ends of the side sills are formed into closed cross sections and substantially inverted-L shapes. The front end of the right side sill is bilaterally symmetrical to the front end of the left side sill. Rear ends of the left and right side sills are formed into substantially square-shaped cross sections. Portions from the front ends to the rear ends of the side sills are formed into closed cross sections which change smoothly from the inverted-L shaped cross sections to the square-shaped cross sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Fujii, Masayo Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8646830
    Abstract: A vehicle, or a vehicle with electrical or hybrid propulsion, including: an energy reservoir support situated under a floor of the vehicle, the energy reservoir support being fixed between lateral side rails of the vehicle; and a mechanism absorbing a lateral impact, which is mounted in a space situated under the floor of the vehicle between the external bodywork of the vehicle and an energy reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Joel Hettinger, Thierry Fillion
  • Patent number: 8641065
    Abstract: The battery-powered towing tractor includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a body, a battery, a member plate, a front reinforcing plate and a rear reinforcing plate. The body has a floor formed between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The battery is disposed in the body at a position between the front wheel and the floor. The member plate extends in width direction of the body for compartmenting a rear end of the floor in the body. The front reinforcing plate is joined to a front surface of the member plate. The rear reinforcing plate is joined to a rear surface of the member plate. The front reinforcing plate and the rear reinforcing plate are opposed across the member plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Seiji Uno
  • Patent number: 8636093
    Abstract: To obtain a vehicle body lower portion structure that can efficiently absorb and disperse load of a front or rear collision including an offset collision or an oblique collision, and transmit the load to an underbody. A vehicle body lower portion structure has an underbody at which a dash lower portion and a lower back portion are provided to stand from both ends in a vehicle front-rear direction at a floor portion, a suspension member the length direction thereof is along a vehicle transverse direction and is joined to the underbody in a state of planarly-contacting a front surface of the dash lower portion, and a front EA member a length direction thereof is along the vehicle transverse direction and is joined to a front wall of the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sotoyama, Koki Ikeda, Shigeru Inamori, Kazuhiro Seki, Hiroaki Iwamoto, Masahiro Ono, Sho Maeda
  • Patent number: 8636314
    Abstract: A frame structure is provided for a motor vehicle having at least two longitudinal girders, each having a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, which are at an angle to one another, so that in the installed state of the frame structure in a motor vehicle, the first longitudinal section lies essentially horizontally below a floor plate of the vehicle body and the second longitudinal section extends essentially upward and, viewed in the forward travel direction, the first longitudinal section is arranged behind the second longitudinal section. It is provided that beginning in the area of the transition from the second longitudinal section to the first longitudinal section or an area adjacent thereto, the longitudinal girders extend at least partially away from one another in the direction of the first longitudinal section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rear frame structure and a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Stanislaw Klimek
  • Patent number: 8602454
    Abstract: An underbody structure in a vehicle includes a front rail configured to take a crash load and form a load path during a frontal impact. At least one arcuate beam is connected at one end of the front rail and is coupled at another end to at least one of a left structural member and a right structural member of the underbody structure. Here, the left and the right structural members are fixedly connected to a side structure of the vehicle, and the arcuate beam is angularly connected to the left and the right structural member. The angular connection is configured to transfer the crash load, at least partially, during the frontal impact to the at least one of the left structural member and the right structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saied Nusier, James Chih Cheng, Rahul Arora
  • Patent number: 8602488
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis structure includes, but is not limited to a central tunnel extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, plate sections extending on both sides of the central tunnel, and two longitudinal beams projecting over a front edge of the plate sections, which are constructed respectively in one piece with two branches, an inner branch of which extends on one of the plate sections to the central tunnel, and an outer branch is connected with an outer sill, which extends on an edge, facing away from the central tunnel, of one of the plate sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Stefan Gloger
  • Publication number: 20130320715
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis part, in particular a junction element for connecting a plurality of hollow sections in a frame construction, in particular for a motor vehicle, or in particular on a sub-frame for a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: KSM CASTINGS GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Greven, Thomas Buschjohann
  • Patent number: 8596685
    Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis including two side skirt lateral flanks comprising a horizontal portion. The motor vehicle chassis also includes a central floor situated between the two side skirt lateral flanks and including a horizontal main surface and horizontal secondary surfaces for attachment to the horizontal portion of the lateral flanks. The horizontal surfaces exhibit a height difference. The motor vehicle chassis also includes at least one fixing piece on each side of the central floor, between the horizontal main surface of the central floor and one of the side skirt lateral flanks. The at least one fixing piece includes two horizontal parts for fixing to the central floor, which are respectively fixed to the horizontal main surface and to a horizontal lateral surface of the central floor. One of the horizontal parts includes a first passage to accept a fixing lug of a bodywork element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Thomas Mauduit, Pascal Tabuteau, Guillaume Camus
  • Patent number: 8585134
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a crush area disposed in front end part of each side sill, the crush area being crushable under a collision load upon collision in order to absorb the collision load. A bulkhead is disposed on the rear of the crush area inside the side sill. A reinforcing frame is attached to a side surface of the side sill facing a vehicle interior, one end of the reinforcing frame being joined to surface part of a portion, where the bulkhead is disposed, of the side sill such that the reinforcing frame extends rearwardly and inwardly in a vehicle width direction, the other end thereof being joined to a floor frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ken Yasui, Yuya Furusaki
  • Patent number: 8585133
    Abstract: An automobile vehicle compartment includes an octagonal frame having side sills that extend in the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction, a dashboard lower cross member and middle cross member that extend in the vehicle width direction, and four inclined members, and it is therefore possible to ensure that there is sufficient rigidity both for a collision load from the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction and from the side of the vehicle body, thereby minimizing deformation of the vehicle compartment. Furthermore, since front side frames and a front bumper beam form a U-shaped frame that curves in a U-shape toward the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction in front of the vehicle compartment, it is possible by crushing of the high rigidity U-shaped frame to absorb effectively a collision load from the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction, including an offset collision, thereby preventing more effectively deformation of the vehicle compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeto Yasuhara, Yasuhisa Egawa, Ken Yasui
  • Publication number: 20130300158
    Abstract: A diagonal strut device (1) for reinforcing arrangement on an undercarriage of a motor vehicle. A plurality of struts (2) made from a fibre-reinforced plastic composite material extend away from a central joint element (3). Each strut (2) can be connected to the undercarriage via this from the end facing away from the central joint element (3). For this, a connecting joint element (4) is arranged on the end of each strut (2) facing away from the central joint element (3), wherein the central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are formed from a light metal material. The central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are then connected to the struts (2) by an at least positive connection. The central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are each formed from several individual elements joined together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Denis Andree, Konrad Eipper, Thomas Rudlaff, Asmir Salkic, Mirko Sretenovic
  • Publication number: 20130300157
    Abstract: An axle beam arrangement on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has two longitudinal beams and at least one cross beam connecting the two longitudinal beams. At least one of the beams has in an installation state of the vehicle a clearance between the beam stop region and a vehicle-side stop structure, in particular a body structure. The beam has in the beam stop region at least one stop and reinforcing element which reinforces the beam stop region and which is constructed and arranged so that it comes into supporting contact with the stop structure when the beam moves toward the stop structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Peter Leibl
  • Patent number: 8573683
    Abstract: A front structure for a vehicle is provided, the structure including (i) a pair of front rails (i.e., front left hand rail and front right hand rail) spaced apart in a widthwise direction with each rail extending lengthwise, where one end portion of each rail is mechanically coupled to the vehicle's bumper and the other end portion of each rail is mechanically coupled to a torque box, and where each rail is comprised of a polygonal-shaped upper hollow channel and a polygonal-shaped lower hollow channel, and where the upper and lower channels share a common wall; and (ii) a pair of rail reinforcement members, where one rail reinforcement member is mechanically mounted within each front rail, and where a plurality of features corresponding to each reinforcement member determines how the rails react to front impact loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Hitendra Laxmidas Gadhiya, Alexi Charbonneau, Nils Petter Winberg
  • Publication number: 20130285416
    Abstract: A lid-fastening structure for fastening a lid using a bolt, which is rotatably held in the lid for closing an adjustment opening. An insertion hole for inserting the bolt is formed in the lid. A portion of the circumferential edge of the insertion hole is cut out in a way that allows the bolt to slide, and a backslide-limiting opening for limiting the return of the bolt to the insertion hole is formed so as to be continuous with the circumferential edge. A supporting/fastening hole is formed continuous with the backslide-limiting opening to a smaller radius than is the insertion hole, the supporting/fastening hole being cut out so as to allow the bolt to advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Fukushi, Koji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8567857
    Abstract: A connection member which connects an outside portion of a cross member and an inside wall face portion of a side sill includes a cross-member-side connection portion connected to the cross member and a side-sill-side connection portion connected to the side sill, the side-sill-side connection portion is configured to have a lower rigidity than the cross-member-side connection portion, and an outside end portion of the cross member is located at a specified position which is located on the outside of the cross-member-side connection portion and on the inside away from the inside wall face portion of the side sill. Thereby, the impact load in the vehicle side collision can be effectively supported by the cross member with a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Fujii, Kohei Kirita, Yosuke Onda, Hideharu Kaeriyama, Masafumi Sakakida, Kenichi Yukumatsu
  • Publication number: 20130277928
    Abstract: A semi-generic underframe assembly configured to be mounted to an underside of a vehicle is disclosed. The underframe assembly provides preconfigured mounting locations where track systems used to replace wheels can be properly mounted. The underframe assembly comprises at least one customized adapter frame particularly configured to be mounted at specific locations on the underside of a specific model of vehicle, and at least one generic adapter frame configured to be mounted to the customized adapter frame, the at least one generic adapter frame generally comprising the preconfigured mounting locations. The underframe assembly generally allows track systems to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient and/or weak locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Steeve Paré, Steve Fréchette, Serge Latulippe, William Gasse, André Léger
  • Publication number: 20130270871
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cross member assembly, in particular a floor cross member assembly and/or a footwell cross member assembly, on a vehicle body, having a cross member (4) which extends in the vehicle transverse direction and on which at least one longitudinal member (6), to which force may be applied, in particular in a crash situation, and which essentially extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, is supported by force in a defined longitudinal member supporting area (13), the cross member assembly having at least one member component (9, 10, 11) which extends away from the cross member (4) diametrically opposed to the longitudinal member (6) to which force may be applied and/or which is connected in a member component connecting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Thorben Bösche, Stefan Thiele
  • Publication number: 20130264843
    Abstract: A front portion structure of a vehicle body includes: a dashboard lower panel extending in a vehicle width direction; an outrigger provided under the dashboard lower panel and extending outwards from the front side frame in the vehicle width direction; and a side sill extending from the outer portion of the outrigger in the vehicle width direction, toward the back of the vehicle; a footrest portion for a passenger, formed to the dashboard lower panel; and a reinforcing plate to reinforce the footrest portion, joined to the dashboard lower panel and covering the footrest portion from the passenger space side. A flange is formed to the reinforcing plate, and is joined to a side face of a side sill inner panel of the side sill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Toba
  • Publication number: 20130257105
    Abstract: A floor structure of a motor vehicle body having a floor panel is provided. The floor structure comprises a seat connection portion which with respect to a front foot well portion is formed in vehicle vertical direction and a support structure provided below the floor panel with two longitudinal structures running in vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced from one another in vehicle transverse direction. Below the seat connection portion a cross member structure formed in one piece and corresponding to the total area of the seat connection portion is connected to the longitudinal structures located opposite in vehicle transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo MILDNER, Karsten BOHLE
  • Publication number: 20130249249
    Abstract: A diagonal strut device (1) for reinforcing arrangement on an undercarriage of a motor vehicle. The diagonal strut device (1) has a plurality of struts (2) made from a fibre-reinforced plastic composite material, which extend away from a central joint element (3). Each strut (2) can be connected to the undercarriage via it's end facing away from the central joint element (3). For this, a connecting joint element (4) is arranged on the end of each strut (2) facing away from the central joint element (3). The central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are formed from a light metal material. The central joint element (3) and the connecting joint elements (4) are then connected to the struts (2) by an at least firmly bonded cast joint. Further, a method for the production of a diagonal strut device (1), as well as a motor vehicle undercarriage, which uses the diagonal strut device (1) for reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Denis Andree, Konrad Eipper, Thomas Rudlaff, Asmir Salkic, Mirko Sretenovic
  • Publication number: 20130249250
    Abstract: The present invention comprises: a front subframe consisting of steel and divided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; and a rear subframe consisting of light metal such as an aluminum alloy. The front subframe comprises a press-formed body formed by pressing. The rear subframe comprises a die-cast body formed by die-casting. The front subframe and the rear subframe are joined together by friction stir welding while the left and right rear side sections of the rear subframe are superposed on the upper surfaces of the thin plate sections of the front subframe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shosuke Ohhama, Tetsuya Miyahara
  • Patent number: 8528966
    Abstract: A shock absorber mounting portion structure of a vehicle may include a quarter panel, a wheel housing inner panel coupled to the top of the quarter panel to form a wheel house, an inner support member coupled to an upper surface of the wheel housing inner panel and a portion of the quarter panel to form a closed space together with the wheel housing inner panel and the quarter panel, wherein the portion of the quarter panel may be disposed above the top of the quarter panel, an outer support member coupled to the quarter panel to form a closed space together with the quarter panel to correspond to the inner support member around the quarter panel, and a mounting bracket of which the top may be coupled to the wheel housing inner panel through a horizontal bonding surface so as to support the top of a shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Joo Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 8528967
    Abstract: A rear floor structure for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to two longitudinal girders extending between rear wheel houses. A downwardly open pocket for receiving a shock absorber is formed in each of the longitudinal girders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Martin Schwarz, Juergen Hulbert, Stephan Rosenplaenter, Joerg Fritzinger, Andreas Stern, Juergen Siebeneick, Michael Harder, Dirk Ehrlich, Waldemar Solnica, Oleg Mazur, Gunther Heim, Sven Ohligschlaeger
  • Publication number: 20130221709
    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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC