Passenger vehicle structure
US5988734A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D25/2018
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle body structure includes a perimeter frame including laterally spaced right and left side rails of tubular construction and front and rear bumper rails of tubular construction extending between the side rails. A structural tunnel extends longitudinally of the vehicle midway between the side rails and has front and rear ends. The structural tunnel includes an inverted U-shaped channel having vertically depending the first and second legs, and a close-out plate which extends horizontally between the legs. First and second front shear walls extend forwardly and diagonally from the first and second legs at the front of the tunnel to the respective right and left side rails of the perimeter frame. Similarly, first and second rear shear walls extend generally rearward and diagonally from the first and second legs at the rear end of the tunnel to the respective left and right side rails of the perimeter frame. Reinforcement plates are welded along side the front shear walls and the rear shear walls to additionally connect the legs of the structural tunnel with the right and left side rails. Right and left rear pillars are attached respectively to the right and left side rails of …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.