With Means On Vehicle For Generating Power For The Electric Motor Patents (Class 180/65.31)
  • Publication number: 20120247856
    Abstract: An electric vehicle can include a pair of left and right rear wheels configured to be driven by the rotary driving power of a motor supplied with electric power from a battery. A rear body can support the motor and rear wheels, and is attached at the back of a body frame. A battery box houses at least the battery, and is supported by a battery box supporting frame joined to the body frame below a seat of the vehicle. A monitoring board monitors the state of the battery, and can be located on top of the battery. A BMU collects information from the monitoring board, and a contactor opens and closes the connection between the battery and a drive circuit for the motor. The BMU and the contactor are housed in the battery box and in front of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo SHINDE, Koichiro HONDA, Kazunori KURODA
  • Publication number: 20120247847
    Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Jon Murray Schroeder, Gerald Phillip Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8280561
    Abstract: A powered wheel chair device comprises a motorized undercarriage and a support seat for supporting a wheelchair occupant. At least one support arm is located adjacent the seat. A controller is mounted on the arm, the controller including a joystick unit within reach of the occupant. The joystick is in communication with the motorized undercarriage for driving the undercarriage. The joystick includes an upstanding post with a collar, the collar having a periphery with a number of abutment regions located therealong. A number of actuators are provided, each movable from a storage position distal to the corresponding abutment region and a deployed position adjacent the corresponding abutment region. Each actuator is responsive to an obstacle detecting sensor near a corresponding peripheral region of the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: University Health Network
    Inventors: Gerald Thomas Griggs, Tilak Dutta, Geoffrey Roy Fernie
  • Patent number: 8276695
    Abstract: A battery electrode sheet comprises a conductive substrate and an electrode material coated on at least a portion of the conductive substrate. The coated portion of the conductive substrate comprises a first region, a second region, and a transition region between the first and second regions. The electrode material on the first region has a first thickness; and the electrode material on the second region has a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness. The electrode material on the transition region has a thickness that decreases between the first and second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei Han, Changping Wang
  • Patent number: 8269446
    Abstract: When an electric vehicle outputs a torque instruction, firstly, a request torque is acquired and a judged whether the acquired request torque is positive or negative. Regardless of the sign of the request torque, it is judged whether the eco-switch is ON. If the request torque has a positive sign and the eco-switch is OFF, a map A is selected. If the eco-switch is ON, a map B which limits the maximum torque to a low value for the map A is selected. If the request torque has a negative sign, a map C is selected regardless of the eco-switch ON/OFF state and the maximum torque is not limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Suhama, Hideto Hanada, Masaki Okamura, Hiroaki Kioka, Ken Iwatsuki
  • Publication number: 20120228041
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lawn mower, comprising: a housing; a motor having a motor shaft connected to the housing; a blade having at least one cutting edge connected with the motor shaft for mowing; a power unit for supplying energy to the motor when the lawn mower works so as to drive the blade to rotate at a cutting speed; and a speed control device being selectively operated in a constant-speed control mode, when the speed control device is operated in the constant-speed control mode, the speed-control device keeping the cutting speed of the blade at a predetermined constant-speed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: POSITEC POWER TOOLS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gianni Borinato
  • Patent number: 8261865
    Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, a regenerative suspension system replaces or complements a standard shock absorber on a vehicle. A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted on a vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator. The Pressurized fluid, air, or other material is controllably released via a valve in order to perform work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Physics Lab of Lake Havasu, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Stansbury, III
  • Patent number: 8256549
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen G Crain, Russ G Olsen, Joel M Notaro, Richard R. Maki, Josh J Leonard
  • Patent number: 8252473
    Abstract: A vehicle equipped with a fuel cell recognizes an external characteristic of a following mobile unit. Corresponding to the recognized characteristic, the vehicle controls the permission, the amount and the prohibition of discharge of the water produced along with electricity generation of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahide Izutani
  • Patent number: 8253359
    Abstract: A control system includes an electric rotating machine; a driving circuit that is connected to a DC power supply, the driving circuit includes a frequency conversion unit configured such that, when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a power running mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the DC power supply into AC electric power, and when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a regenerative operation mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the electric rotating machine into DC electric power; and a control unit that controls the driving circuit, wherein the control unit judges whether a connection between the DC power supply and the driving circuit is being maintained, and is configured such that, when the connection is not being maintained, regenerative electric power generated by the electric rotating machine is reduced by controlling the driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tanaka, Daisuke Ogino, Subrata Saha, Jin Izawa
  • Patent number: 8255137
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, when an ECO switch 88 is “on” when a brake demand operation is performed by a driver, a target regeneration distribution rate d is set using an ECO mode regeneration distribution rate setting map that gives priority to energy efficiency in comparison to a normal regeneration distribution rate setting map that is used when the ECO switch 88 is “off” and a braking force demand BF* that is based on the brake demand operation of the driver (S150), and a motor MG2 and a brake unit 90 are controlled so that the braking force demand BF* is obtained based on the target regeneration distribution rate d (S160 to S230).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiko Jinno, Tadashi Nakagawa, Masahiko Maeda, Hideaki Yaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120211291
    Abstract: An electric car system for use in transporting users from one location to another at speeds of up to 70 MPH. Electric car system comprises a frame, a steering system, a braking system, a suspension system, and a body. An electronic drive system controller is located near the operator's controls comprising a touch screen for selecting forward, reverse, and security movement lock position(s). The drive assembly comprises at least one accessory battery charged by an accessory alternator, at least one drive assembly battery charged by a drive assembly alternator, and an electric drive motor. The accessory battery powers car accessories and provides redundant electricity to the drive assembly battery when needed. The drive assembly battery provides power to the electric drive motor. The electric drive motor provides torque to two half shafts which couple to front axles and front rotatable wheels in front-wheel drive versions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: George Black
  • Patent number: 8248221
    Abstract: An information display configured to display one or more energy efficiency values of a vehicle. The information display system may comprise an information display configured to display an energy recovered indicator corresponding to a ratio of the braking energy recovered using a regenerative braking system. The information display may include both an overall energy recovered indicator and an instantaneous energy recovered indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 8245801
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle drive system comprises a first power bus electrically coupled to a motive power subsystem and a drive wheel propulsion assembly; a second power bus electrically coupled to the first power bus and a plurality of energy storage subsystems, wherein the first power bus is configured to allow electrical power to be transmitted among the motive power subsystem, the drive wheel propulsion assembly, and the second power bus, and wherein the second power bus is configured to allow electrical power to be transmitted among the plurality of energy storage subsystems and the first power bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bluways USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick P. Flett
  • Patent number: 8240414
    Abstract: An electric lawn mower includes a main frame, a mower deck supported by the main frame, a castor supported by the main frame, a sub frame, a pair of transaxles, and a pair of motor drivers. Each of the transaxles includes a transaxle housing, an electric motor disposed in the transaxle housing, a single axle supported by the transaxle housing, and a drive wheel fixed on the axle outside of the transaxle housing. The motor drivers supply electric power to the respective motors of the respective transaxles. The sub frame, supporting the transaxles and the motor drivers, is connected to the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Yanmar Co., Ltd., Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Sasahara, Tomoyuki Ebihara, Mitsuhiro Nakagaki, Kazuma Moriguchi, Keiji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8240410
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a first frame and a second frame supported above the first frame and movable relative to the first frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the first frame. A wheel is movable relative to the first frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the first frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, John D. Vogel, Thomas M. Webster
  • Patent number: 8235154
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system uses multi-fuel engines to provide mechanical energy as an electric generator. The electric generator provides electrical energy to an electric motor which in turn provides mechanical energy to the drive train of a vehicle. The electric generator also provides electric energy to storage batteries. Electrical energy may be provided from the storage batteries to the electric motor as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Green Torch Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Hermann, Jr., Bass Blundell, Henry A. Mlcak
  • Publication number: 20120186888
    Abstract: A novel multiple induction electric motor and vehicle that stores electrical power; provides a first and second direct current power input from the stored electrical power; separately produces first and second synchronized variable frequency alternating current control signal from the first and second direct current power inputs, respectively; produces first and second synchronized rotating magnetic fields responsive to the first and second variable frequency alternating current control signals, respectively; induces a first induced magnetic field around a conductor in a first inductive rotor responsive to the first rotating magnetic field; induces a second induced magnetic field around a conductor in a second inductive rotor responsive to the second rotating magnetic field; applies first and second rotational forces between the first and second rotating magnetic fields and the first and second induced magnetic fields to the shaft; and transmits the first and second rotational forces to a drive wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: New Core, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ross
  • Publication number: 20120181098
    Abstract: In a fuel cell system, a compressor used for supply of a gas and a motor are arranged to be opposed to each other across a transmission mechanism, such that a motor driveshaft is placed to face rotating shafts of the compressor. Such opposed arrangement enables the motor and the compressor to be relatively close to each other across only a narrow distance required for the transmission mechanism. Additionally, a circulation pump used for supply of a coolant is placed, such that the motor driving force is transmitted from the motor driveshaft to the circulation pump directly or via the transmission mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Daisuke Masaki, I
  • Publication number: 20120181097
    Abstract: An electric vehicle has simple structure allowing effective cooling of on-board batteries collectively disposed within a swing arm. The electric vehicle includes a swing arm that houses an electric motor that is swingably mounted to a vehicle body and drives a drive wheel WR, and batteries of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A wide case portion that houses the batteries is formed at a position toward a pivot shaft of the swing arm. Also, a protruding portion for forming an air reservoir space above the batteries is formed at a roof portion of the wide case portion. The batteries are disposed side by side in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The protruding portion, in a side view of the vehicle body, is substantially convex protruding upward across the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaoru Hatanaka, Yoichi Taniguchi, Atsushi Yonehana
  • Patent number: 8220569
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electric vehicle without an internal combustion engine. The vehicle comprises at least one electric motor connected to a drive axle, and a plurality of rechargeable batteries to provide stored electrical energy to the motor. The batteries are recharged by multiple sources of energy. Wind energy is collected through a system including funnel-shape ducts and turbines. Solar energy is collected through a plurality of solar panels. Thermal energy radiated from a driving surface is collected with thermal receptors. The vehicle may also include a generator connected to an axle. The vehicle is provided with a management control system to regulate and combine electrical power from the wind, solar, thermal, and generator sources, and selectively direct power to the motor for driving, and the batteries for recharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: M. Hassan Hassan
  • Patent number: 8215437
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy storage system comprised of a heat block having a relatively high specific energy capacity. The heat block can be used, for example, with a regenerative braking system for gas turbine powered vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: ICR Turbine Engine Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Watson, Frank Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20120145468
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of a freestanding, heat resistant microporous polymer film (10) constructed for use in an energy storage device (70, 100) implements one or more of the following approaches to exhibit excellent high temperature mechanical and dimensional stability: incorporation into a porous polyolefin film of sufficiently high loading levels of inorganic or ceramic filler material (16) to maintain porosity (18) and achieve low thermal shrinkage; use of crosslinkable polyethylene to contribute to crosslinking the polymer matrix (14) in a highly inorganic material-filled polyolefin film; and heat treating or annealing of biaxially oriented, highly inorganic material-filled polyolefin film above the melting point temperature of the polymer matrix to reduce residual stress while maintaining high porosity. The freestanding, heat resistant microporous polymer film embodiments exhibit extremely low resistance, as evidenced by MacMullin numbers of less than 4.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Amtek Research International LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Pekala, Srinivas Cherukupalli, Robert W. Waterhouse
  • Patent number: 8197980
    Abstract: A fuel cell is mounted in a mobile unit. The fuel cell may include a stacked assembly composed of a plurality of stacked power generation elements held between a first rigid plate and a second rigid plate. The plurality of stacked power generation elements may be stacked adjacent to one another in a stacked direction and along a central stack axis. The central stack axis may extend through a center of gravity of the fuel cell. A first mount, a second mount, and a third mount may be used to mount the fuel cell to the mobile unit. Each of the first mount, the second mount, and the third mount may be an insulating elastic element that suppresses vibration transferred from the mobile unit to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunobu Jufuku
  • Patent number: 8197385
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control device for a vehicular power transmitting device. The control device has shifting-point altering means 108 operative such that when a second electric motor M2 is operated with priority to obtain a charging efficiency and/or electric power generating efficiency, a shifting point for a vehicle to run under a decelerating state (during a coast running state) is altered to a point on a higher vehicle speed than that at which a shifting point for a running-performance-conscious state is set. Therefore, when the second electric motor M2 is operated with priority for generating electric power, a downshift is initiated at a high vehicle speed than that at which the downshift is initiated at a shifting point for a running-performance-conscious state. This increases a rotation speed NM2 of the second electric motor M2, resulting in an increase in regeneration amount (electric power generation amount) of the second electric motor M2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 8200383
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to an input member of a transmission device operative to transmit torque between the input member and a torque machine and an output member. The torque machine is connected to an energy storage device. A method for controlling the powertrain system include monitoring a temperature of the torque machine, selecting a candidate powertrain system operating point, determining an electrical power input and a motor power output of the torque machine for the candidate powertrain system operating point, determining a power loss for the torque machine associated with the motor power output of the torque machine and the electrical power input, and determining operating costs for operating the powertrain system at the candidate powertrain system operating point associated with the power loss from the torque machine and based upon the temperature of the torque machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8198836
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a power generator that generates electric power using power from an internal combustion engine; a motor that outputs power for travel of the hybrid vehicle; a first inverter connected to an electric power storage device and the motor to drive the motor; a second inverter connected to the electric power storage device; and a large drive power determination portion that determines whether the hybrid vehicle is in a large-drive-power required state in which drive power equal to or larger than a predetermined value is required for the travel of the hybrid vehicle. When it is determined that the hybrid vehicle is not in the large-drive-force required state, the second inverter is connected to the power generator. When it is determined that the hybrid vehicle is in the large-drive-force required state, the second inverter is connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadayoshi Kachi, Hiroaki Ono
  • Patent number: 8200386
    Abstract: A method of controlling an accelerator of a four-wheel drive electric vehicle comprises the steps of controlling power output of the vehicle by a sum of an output torque of a main drive motor and an output torque an auxiliary drive motor with the output torque of the main drive motor being determined by a position of the accelerator pedal. The output torque T0 of the auxiliary drive motor is determined by: obtaining a torque calculation factor GainAccSum that a cumulative value of the acceleration GainAcc of the accelerator pedal; determining a maximum output torque T of the auxiliary drive motor at a current speed of the vehicle; and calculating the output torque T0 of the auxiliary drive motor varying between 0 and T based on the torque calculation factor GainAccSum and the maximum output torque T of the auxiliary drive motor at the current speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Xianhong Jiang, Xuguang Zhou, Xiaohua Tang
  • Patent number: 8191660
    Abstract: The vehicle hybrid apparatus provides a combined electrical unit that provides three functions that are starter motor, generator, and auxiliary drive motor. The apparatus attaches to a vehicle in typical starter motor location, with starter motor mounts being used. The pinion gear of the combined electrical unit is continuously engaged with the existing flywheel of the existing fuel engine. Electrical components of the apparatus are connected to existing automobile components and, together, these decide which function, whether starter motor, generator, or drive motor is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew White
  • Patent number: 8191669
    Abstract: A power generating engine mount is provided for coupling an engine and a body of a vehicle. The engine mount includes, but is not limited to a mounting stud configured for coupling to the engine and a permanent magnet coupled to the mounting stud. A coil is also provided that at least partially surrounds the permanent magnet and another mounting stud is configured to couple to the coil and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: David J. Verbrugge
  • Patent number: 8191663
    Abstract: A radioisotope powered thermoelectric vehicle lacking an internal combustion engine. The vehicle may include a commercially available, federally-approved encased radioisotope, sensors, an encased metal heat conductor, a heating element embedded within a heat sink, a plurality of thermoelectric chips mounted around the outer surface of the heat sink, a hollow body surrounding the heat sink with a space present between the heat sink and the hollow body, a power converter, an electric power regulation and distribution system, a magnetic reed relay unit, operational and directional controls, radioisotope thermoelectric power generator, and at least one DC motor mounted to a wheel of the vehicle. A portable lead-lined metal, climate-controlled, and airtight lockbox may house the entire power generating unit providing for more than redundant systems protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Franz B. Boncodin
  • Patent number: 8190317
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mode change control method of a hybrid vehicle, which can improve driving performance and power performance and provide a more stable vehicle behavior control during a mode change from an EV mode to a HEV mode. For this purpose, a transmission input speed is compared with an engine idle speed. If the transmission input speed is lower than the engine idle speed, the pressure of a clutch is open-loop controlled so that an optimal engine torque of operation point determination circuit can be transferred to the clutch. On the other hand, if the transmission input speed is equal to or higher than the engine idle speed, the clutch pressure is feedback-controlled so that a delta RPM follows a target delta RPM profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Joon Kim, Joon Young Park
  • Patent number: 8181726
    Abstract: A vehicle has at least one electric machine that can be operated as a generator, an electrical energy accumulator and a control unit for controlling the at least one electric machine and the electrical energy accumulator. The control unit operates so that in a recovery phase the vehicle can be decelerated by the generator load of the electric machine operated as a generator (2:a) and the resulting electrical energy (1:E) can be stored in the electrical energy accumulator. The control unit is configured so that the at least one electric machine operated as a generator in a recovery phase is operated by said control unit in a chronologically unlimited fashion with a predefinable overload (2?:a, 2?:a, 2??:a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Reuter, Rainer Wuest
  • Publication number: 20120118655
    Abstract: In a vehicle having rear seats which can be swung up, a vehicle electric equipment mounting structure is provided which can ensure a sufficient space at a rear part of the vehicle which allows passengers to walk therethrough while arranging vehicle driving electric motor-related electric equipment at the rear part of the vehicle. Third row seats 5 which can be swung up towards side walls 9a are provided at a rear part of a vehicle 1. Electric equipment such as a battery unit 21, an inverter unit 22 and a DC-DC converter unit 23 is accommodated within a downwardly depressed portion 11 in a floor panel 2 underneath a rear lid board 34 on which the third row seats 5, taking a seating posture, are positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ogihara, Harumi Takedomi
  • Patent number: 8177003
    Abstract: A fuel cell electric vehicle includes a driving motor for driving a pair of wheels, a fuel cell for generating electricity used in the driving motor with the fuel cell being disposed above the driving motor, and supply/discharge manifolds. The supply/discharge manifolds are for transporting the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant to or from the fuel cell from lateral end portions of a lower part of the fuel cell so that the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant supplied to and discharged from the fuel cell flow in a substantially vertical direction with respect to a vehicle without the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant passing through a center portion between the lower part of the fuel cell and an upper part of the driving motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Shiomi, Hisashi Nakata
  • Patent number: 8172019
    Abstract: A towing tractor includes a tractor body, a motor, a controller, a cable electrically connecting the motor and the controller, an axle housing integrally mounted with the motor, and a suspension through which the axle housing is supported by the tractor body. The controller is fixed to the tractor body. The length of the cable is greater than the shortest distance between the motor and the controller. The suspension allows vertical movement of the axle housing and the motor relative to the tractor body. The controller, the axle housing and the motor are arranged in this order in longitudinal direction of the tractor body. The controller is located above the axle housing and the motor. The cable led out from the motor extends below the axle housing and then upward toward the controller. The part of the cable between the axle housing and the controller forms an extra length portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Mitsumasa Takeda
  • Publication number: 20120103710
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a seat, a driving wheel, a motor, a battery, an accessory, and an accessory box. The vehicle body frame includes a head pipe, a main frame connected to the head pipe, and a first seat frame attached to the main frame. The seat is fixed to an upper portion of the first seat frame. The driving wheel is rotatable relative to the vehicle body frame. The motor is connected to the driving wheel to rotate the driving wheel. The battery is configured to supply power to the motor. The accessory is configured to assist at least one of the motor and the battery. The accessory box stores the battery and the accessory. The accessory box is provided above a rear end of the main frame and under the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michio ATSUCHI, Junji KIKUNO, Takashi INOUE, Masayuki KINOSHITA, Kasetwetin TAWATCHAI
  • Patent number: 8169183
    Abstract: An electric automobile has a battery and also has a travel motor and a vehicle interior load device which operate using electric power from the battery. In response to a request for a start of electric power supply to the vehicle interior load device with the automobile being at a standstill, the electric automobile determines, based on the charged state of the battery, whether electric power from the battery can be supplied to the vehicle interior load device. When determining that the electric power from the battery cannot be supplied to the vehicle interior load device, the electric automobile makes a request to an electric power supply device to supply electric power to the vehicle interior load device. In response to the request, the electric power supply device electrically connects to the vehicle interior load device and starts supply of electric power to the vehicle interior load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Obayashi
  • Patent number: 8157686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the transmission of power between a shaft (2) of a heat engine (3) and a wheel (5) axle shaft (4) of a motor vehicle. The inventive device (1) comprises at least one electrical machine (6, 7) comprising a machine shaft (8, 9) and a mechanical pump (11) comprising a pump shaft (55). The shaft (2) of the engine (3) and the machine shaft (8, 9) are connected to the pump shaft (55) by means of a mechanism (12) comprising two free wheels. The connection between the pump (11) and the shafts (8, 9) of the transmission device is such that the pump (11) can be driven in any vehicle operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Thomas Boutou, Serge Belmont, Olivier Boury
  • Patent number: 8159823
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric vehicle and a method of cooling a vehicular DC/DC converter. A fuel cell vehicle, as one example of an electric vehicle, includes a DC/DC converter connected between an electricity storage device and a fuel cell for converting a voltage generated by the electricity storage device and applying the converted voltage to a motor, and converting a regenerated voltage produced by the motor in a regenerative mode or a voltage generated by the fuel cell and applying the converted voltage to the electricity storage device, and a cooling apparatus for cooling the DC/DC converter. The cooling apparatus includes a cooling fluid passage therein for a cooling fluid that flows therethrough, the cooling fluid passage including a bend. The cooling apparatus is constructed such that the cooling fluid flowing upstream of the bend cools upper arm devices, while the cooling fluid flowing downstream of the bend cools lower arm devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoatsu Murakami
  • Publication number: 20120086398
    Abstract: An in-vehicle charger of an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The in-vehicle charger comprises: a rectification and voltage-stabilizing circuit, which inputs, rectifies and stabilizes a commercial power; a traction battery charging circuit, which is electrically connected with the rectification and voltage-stabilizing circuit, and which charges a traction battery; a control communication circuit, which is electrically connected with the rectification and voltage-stabilizing circuit, and which controls the traction battery charging circuit; and a starting battery charging circuit, which is electrically connected with the rectification and voltage-stabilizing circuit, and which starts charging of a starting battery under control of the control communication circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Bin GUO, Jianhua Zhang, Hongbin Luo
  • Publication number: 20120080250
    Abstract: An object is to provide a vehicle in which the configuration of a frame supporting a tank is effectively used. In order to achieve such an object, the vehicle includes a tank supported by a pair of side frames and cross frames which traverse the side frames, wherein a displacement suppression target on a vehicle floor is supported by the cross frames, the displacement suppression target having a relative displacement during an action of an external force on the vehicle, needed to be suppressed. The tank is preferably suspended on the cross frames. In addition, the displacement suppression target is preferably attached to the cross frames on which the tank is suspended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20120080249
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: William M. YATES, III, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20120080251
    Abstract: This fuel cell vehicle FCV is provided with a fuel cell FC as well as a first tank and a second tank, which store a reaction gas to be supplied to the fuel cell FC. The first tank and the second tank are arranged in the front area of the fuel cell vehicle FCV. The second tank is arranged nearer to a rear area than the first tank and arrangement is performed so that the positions of the tanks are out of alignment in a vertical direction. This configuration enables compatibility to be ensured between an increase in the tank capacity of the fuel cell vehicle and an increase in the space in a passenger room and a trunk, and is capable of absorbing the impact of a collision even if the collision occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8146692
    Abstract: The correction coefficient ? is set such that, when the atmospheric pressure Pa is lower than the threshold pressure Paref, the maximum dischargeable electric power of the battery is made smaller than it is when the atmospheric pressure Pa is equal to or higher than the threshold pressure Paref (S120, S220). Then, the maximum dischargeable electric power Wout of the battery is calculated by multiplying the basic maximum dischargeable electric power Woutb by the correction coefficient ? (S140), and the engine and the two motors are controlled such that the required vehicle torque Tr* is produced to propel the hybrid vehicle without discharging electric power from the battery beyond the maximum dischargeable electric power Wout (S150-S210). As such, an excessive decrease in the charge level SOC of the battery can be prevented even when the hybrid vehicle is running in an area where the atmospheric pressure is low, such as high-altitude areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8141666
    Abstract: A solar powered baggage cart that includes a baggage container portion, an operator platform, front wheels and rear wheels underlying the baggage cart for supporting, and an array of photo-voltaic cells located in an overlying relationship to the container. The cells are in electrical communication with a bank of batteries through a charging control circuit for charging the batteries, which are mounted under the baggage cart and are electrically connected to one or more electric motor/pumps. The electric motor/pumps are in mechanical communication with respective drive motors and brakes for the front and rear wheels. The baggage cart is configured to steer in one of three modes, a front wheel steer mode, a rear wheel assist steer mode or a crab steer mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jeff Ganiere
  • Patent number: 8140208
    Abstract: In an electric drive vehicle equipped with a power generating unit that is detachable, the power generating unit includes a power-generating-unit side ECU capable of controlling an operation of the power generating unit solely, and the electric drive vehicle includes a vehicle-side ECU capable of managing a state of charge of a battery used for running, and in a case where the power generating unit is installed in the electric drive vehicle and power is supplied to the battery from the power generating unit, an instruction by the vehicle-side ECU is given priority to an instruction by the power-generating-unit side ECU, and the vehicle-side ECU controls the operation of the power generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoko Tofukuji
  • Patent number: 8136615
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine connected thereto which is in connection with at least one energy storage device including operating the internal combustion engine is operated in overload mode in at least one preferably exceptional operating situation of the hybrid drive in order to avoid power losses at low loading state of the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Pels, Paul Kapus, Peter Ebner, Robert Fischer, Günter Fraidl, Wolfgang Kriegler, Carsten Kaup
  • Patent number: 8134320
    Abstract: A motor system includes a drive motor configured to generate a drive force using power supplied from a fuel cell; an idle control unit configured to operate the fuel cell intermittently between an idle operation mode and an idle stop mode; a state detection unit configured to detect a state of the fuel cell when the idle stop mode of the fuel cell ends; a recovery time estimation unit configured to estimate a recovery time taken for total voltage of the fuel cell to reach voltage at the idle operation based on the state of the fuel cell detected by the state detection unit; and a control unit configured to perform a correction control for torque of the drive motor based on the recovery time estimated by the recovery time estimation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Koike
  • Patent number: 8134333
    Abstract: A battery and ultracapacitor device for use in a vehicle includes a positive electrode, a first negative electrode, a second negative electrode, a first separator disposed between the positive electrode and the first and second negative electrodes, and a controller communicating with the positive electrode, the first negative electrode, and the second negative electrode. A first negative electrode has a first composition and communicates with the first positive electrode. The second negative electrode has a second composition and is adjacent to the first negative electrode and a second separator. The second negative electrode communicates with the positive electrode and the first negative electrode. The first negative electrode comprises a secondary battery negative electrode. The second negative electrode comprises an ultracapacitor negative electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Carl Elder, Xiao Guang Yang, Franco Leonardi