Abstract: A fuel cell unit has a structure that enables the maximum use of a cell monitor in the height direction (vertical direction). In order to achieve this, the fuel cell unit comprises a fuel cell stack (3) including a cell stack body in which unit cells are stacked; and a cell monitor (6) for monitoring a voltage of the unit cells, wherein the cell monitor (6) is arranged so as to be inclined relative to a vertical direction. The cell monitor is inclined by providing a part of the cell monitor in the vicinity of a heat-generating part in a fuel cell on an opposite side of the heat-generating part relative to a central part in the vertical direction of the cell monitor and providing a part of the cell monitor in an area other than the heat-generating part in the fuel cell on a heat-generating part side relative to the central part in the vertical direction of the cell monitor.

Abstract: Arrangements related to the confirmation of component connections made during manufacturing or assembly processes are described. Acoustic data resulting from the connection can be received by a microphone. A controller can analyze the acoustic information to determine if a predetermined acoustic signature is present in the acoustic information. Responsive to the determination, a confirmation signal can be generated and transmitted by the controller. One or both of the microphone and controller can be included in a wearable device and worn by a user. In some arrangements, a motion sensor can be included in the wearable device to allow determination whether motion data during a connection is acceptable.

Abstract: A controller calculates a period travel distance that is a travel distance of the vehicle from when the available travel distance is calculated to when the available travel distance is calculated next. The controller, when the remaining amount of urea aqueous solution inside a tank exceeds a predetermined amount, executes a first calculation process in which the available travel distance is calculated with reference to the remaining amount of the urea aqueous solution. The controller, after the remaining amount of the urea aqueous solution becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined amount, executes a second calculation process in which the available travel distance is calculated by subtracting the period travel distance from the previously calculated available travel distance.

Abstract: A travel information recording system for associating travel information on a vehicle obtained immediately after travel through a branch location with an appropriate road segment includes: travel segment specifying unit for specifying a travel segment that is a road segment in which a vehicle is traveling; and travel information recorder for recording travel information on the vehicle obtained during travel in the travel segment in association with the travel segment in a storage medium. In the case where there occurs a segment variation in which the travel segment is varied from one of several road segments branched off from a branch location, the travel information recorder acquires the travel information to be recorded in association with a post-variation segment, which is the travel segment after the segment variation, on the basis of the travel information obtained before the segment variation.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device that smoothly operates a seat and a seatbelt. When a collision is predicted, if the time to the collision reaches a preset time t1, a seat control ECU starts operation of a seat actuator, and if a time to the collision reaches a preset time t2 (t1>t2), the seat control ECU starts operation of a seatbelt actuator. Further, when the time t2 to the collision is reached or when the time t3 (t1>t2>t3) is reached at which time the seatbelt actuator is activated to start application of a predetermined tensile force to the seatbelt, the seat control ECU stops operation of the seatbelt actuator. Seat adjustment and seatbelt adjustment may be adapted such that both the adjustments are not performed at the same time or, alternatively, such that both the adjustments are operated at the same time only during a time period in which application of the predetermined tensile force to the seatbelt starts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of wirelessly charging a battery are disclosed. The wireless charging system may include a charge receiver, charge transmitter, and an active control sheet. The active control sheet may include a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells may be activated or deactivated according to the location of the charge receiver relative to the charge transmitter. Charging may be initiated, and electrical charge transferred, from the charge transmitter, through the activated cells on the active control sheet, and to the charge receiver.

Abstract: A novel ferromagnetic phase of manganese-bismuth alloy has an NiAs-type unit cell structure, similar to that of Low Temperature Phase manganese-bismuth, but with manganese atoms populating interstitial sites. The novel phase, termed ?-MnBi, possesses maximum magnetic coercivity at unusually high temperature. A method for forming ?-MnBi includes annealing MnBi nanoparticles, for example by hot compaction, at temperature lower than 175° C.

Abstract: A system for recycling energy within an assembly line includes a mobile power generator attached to a conveyer platform (a.k.a. a “skillet”) or other conveyance within the assembly line. The mobile power generator has a drive wheel that contacts an adjacent surface, such as a floor, and is rotated by movement of the conveyance along or past the surface. Rotation of the drive wheel is transmitted to a low RPM electrical generator to produce electrical energy at the conveyance.

Abstract: A first part having an attachment having an elongated body configured to release from a second attachment of a second part under a desired force, and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. The first attachment includes a generally elongated body extending outwardly from the first wall with respect to the first support surface, the first wall further including at least one indent, the at least one indent formed on the first wall and open to a peripheral side edge of the elongated body, the indent extending into the wall a predetermined depth so as to provide the elongated body with a predetermined resiliency.

Abstract: A welding torch (1) includes a cylindrical nozzle (2) in which shielding gas is flown from an opening (3b), and an electrode (4) that is a bar-shaped body projecting from the opening (3b). The shielding gas includes upper shielding gas flowing in an upper region (3u) on an upper side of a central axis (C2) of the electrode (4), and lower shielding gas flowing in a lower region (3d) on a lower side of the central axis (C2) of the electrode (4). Atmospheric pressure of the lower shielding gas is higher than atmospheric pressure of the upper shielding gas. A method of horizontal welding with this kind of welding torch is also defined.

Abstract: An electric storage apparatus includes a plurality of electric storage elements, a bus bar electrically connecting the plurality of electric storage elements, and a case housing the plurality of electric storage elements. Each of the electric storage elements extends in a predetermined direction and has a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal at both ends in the predetermined direction. The plurality of electric storage elements are aligned in a plane orthogonal to the predetermined direction. The case has an opening portion configured to pass a heat exchange medium therethrough and extending in the predetermined direction. A portion of the bus bar extends in the predetermined direction and is disposed along a wall face of the case having the opening portion formed therein, the portion being disposed at a position different from a position of the opening portion.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes: an outside-of-vehicle operation device configured to cause a vehicle to travel operated by an operator from outside of the vehicle, inside of a compartment of the vehicle being isolated from the outside of the vehicle by a vehicle body; an assist instruction device configured to cause the operator to select a travel mode in which the vehicle is allowed to travel by an operation of the outside-of-vehicle operation device; a parking brake operation detector configured to detect an operation of a parking brake; and a warning device configured to issue warning in a compartment to stimulate sense of hearing or sense of sight at the time the travel mode is selected and the operation of the parking brake is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle door including a vehicle door handle that moves a door latch assembly between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. A door lock apparatus is operatively connected to the door latch assembly. An electric motor moves the door lock apparatus between a locked configuration to disallow operation of the door latch assembly using the vehicle door handle and an unlocked configuration that allows operation of the door latch assembly using the vehicle door handle. A door lock control system includes a door lock control zone that is provided on the vehicle door handle. The door lock control zone includes a touch sensor that provides a control signal to an ECU based on an operator touch. The ECU operates the electric motor based on the control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and device for repetitive use in automotive testing is provided. The apparatus includes a frame dimensioned in the same shape as a bicycle frame. The frame includes a first support beam and a plurality of second support beams. The apparatus further includes an elastic member elastically coupling each of the plurality of second support beams to the first support beam so as to allow the frame to separate when impacted and be easily reassembled for further testing. The device includes a disk having a first radar transparent layer opposite a second radar transparent layer and a reflective film disposed between the first radar transparent layer and the second radar transparent layer. The reflective film has a radar cross section pattern similar to that of an actual bicycle wheel when seen by automotive radar.

Abstract: An oil deterioration prevention device is provided that can prevent an increase in pressure loss by reducing oilflow resistance. The oil deterioration prevention device may include a filtering unit including a filter element that filters oil, and a deterioration prevention unit including a powdery deterioration prevention agent that prevents deterioration of oil, wherein the deterioration prevention unit includes a passage wall that retains the deterioration prevention agent and forms an oil passage.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a residual pressure holding valve provided downstream a feed pump of a fuel to hold a pressure in a fuel pipe leading to the port injection valve. Residual pressure holding valve is opened to return the fuel in the fuel pipe to the fuel tank when the pressure in the fuel pipe exceeds a valve opening pressure, and closed when the pressure in the fuel pipe is lower than the valve opening pressure. At the time of a request to reduce a target pressure of the fuel to be supplied to the electric feed pump, a control device refrains from causing the target pressure to decrease when a load of the engine is smaller than a prescribed value, and causes the target pressure to decrease when the load of the engine is greater than the prescribed value.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material is provided. The material can be a grain boundary modified nanocomposite that has a plurality of bismuth antimony telluride matrix grains and a plurality of zinc oxide nanoparticles within the plurality of bismuth antimony telluride matrix grains. In addition, the material has zinc antimony modified grain boundaries between the plurality of bismuth antimony telluride matrix grains.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes first and second semiconductor elements and first and second conductive members. A first electrode on the first semiconductor element is bonded to a first stack part of the first conductive member by a first bonding layer. A second electrode on the second semiconductor element is bonded to a second stack part of the second conductive member by a second bonding layer. A first joint part of the first conductive member is bonded to a second joint part of the second conductive member by an intermediate bonding layer. A first surface of the first joint part facing the second joint part, a side surface of the first joint part continuous from the first surface, a second surface of the second joint part facing the first joint part, and a side surface of the second joint part continuous from the second surface are covered by nickel layers.

Abstract: A mechanical oil pump, an electric oil pump, and a strainer are disposed inside a transmission case. As a suction oil passage that returns an excess hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic control device to the mechanical oil pump, a common oil passage extending from the hydraulic control device, a branch point, a first oil passage extending from the branch point to the mechanical oil pump, and a second oil passage extending from the branch point to the electric oil pump are formed in the transmission case. A meeting point where an inlet oil passage for suctioning oil via the strainer and the first oil passage of the suction oil passage meet is formed inside a pump body of the mechanical oil pump. Accordingly, the suction oil passage of the mechanical oil pump and an inlet oil passage of the electric oil pump have a portion in common.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique capable of preventing an encapsulating material from covering a heat-dissipating surface of a semiconductor module, which releases heat of a switching element. Specifically disclosed a step for manufacturing a semiconductor module including a submodule having a collector and an emitter with heat-dissipating surfaces, including a step for placing the submodule in the cavity so that the submodule is pressed by the pressing device while covering the heat-dissipating surface of the emitter with the pressing device and covering the heat-dissipating surface of the collector with the lower mold, and a step for feeding the encapsulating material to the cavity by moving the piston so that the pressure of the cavity measured by the pressure measuring device does not exceed the pressure at which the pressing device presses the submodule.

Abstract: In a rotor manufacturing method, a magnetic body is moved by being pushed by a pusher along a guide surface of a guide portion, and the magnetic body is in a stated of being biased to the guide surface since the magnetic body is urged by a restriction portion. Therefore, the magnetic body can slide reliably between the guide portion and the restriction portion while restricting an insertion posture of the magnetic body. Thus, even if a wall surface of a magnet insertion hole is provided with a protrusion, when the magnetic body slides with the guide surface as a reference, the magnetic body will not abut against the protrusion, and the magnetic body can be reliably loaded into the magnet insertion hole.

Abstract: The invention reduces exhaust emission by quickly supplying CO2 into a cylinder, and restraining a delay in EGR, when an EGR request occurs. An engine 10 includes an upstream EGR passage 34, a middle EGR passage 36, a downstream EGR passage 38, a bypass passage 40, an EGR valve 42, a changeover valve 44, an EGR cooler 46, a CO2 adsorbent 48. When an EGR request does not occur, the ECU 70 keeps a temperature of the CO2 adsorbent 48 in a release temperature region by the heater 50, and opens the EGR valve 42 by a valve opening set time period t so that a gas in the middle EGR passage 36 is replaced with CO2 released from the CO2 adsorbent. When an EGR request occurs, CO2 accumulated in the middle EGR passage 36 can be quickly supplied into a cylinder, without releasing CO2 from the CO2 adsorbent 48.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided with: a database configured to store therein, for each vehicle, vehicle data including a plurality of types of information about vehicle operation; a group divider configured to divide the vehicle data of a plurality of vehicles into groups each including similar driving characteristics; a specifier configured to specify to which of the groups a host vehicle belongs, from a running history of the host vehicle; an extractor configured to extract the vehicle data of a vehicle with higher evaluation regarding a predetermined evaluation item, which can be evaluated by using the vehicle data, than that of the host vehicle, from the group specified by the specifier; and a controller configured to control a running aspect of the host vehicle such that it approaches to a running aspect performed on the basis of the vehicle operation indicated by the vehicle data extracted by the extractor.

Abstract: An object identifying apparatus (13) has: a first determining device (131) configured to determine a first region (231) including an object in an image; a second determining device (134) configured to determining a specific border portion (302) in the first region from a border (301) of the object at which a degree of gradient of image characteristics amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the specific border portion is a portion at which a direction of the gradient of the image characteristics amount is one direction and a distribution range of the specific border portion in the first region is larger than that of another border portion at which the direction of the gradient of the image characteristics amount is another direction different from the one direction; and an identifying device (136) configured to identify the object on the basis of a first parameter (A) representing a length of the first region and a second parameter (B) representing a length of the specific border portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad configured to support an occupant, the seat pad having a through-hole provided so as to extend through the seat pad in a direction from an occupant sitting side toward a side opposite to the occupant sitting side; and a frame member attached to an opening end of the through-hole on the occupant sitting side, the frame member having an opening configured such that a fixation connecting portion of a child safety seat is inserted into the opening. The frame member is provided with a locking portion locked to the seat pad. The seat pad includes a locking pad portion constituting a part of an inner wall surface of the through-hole, a wire member is embedded in the locking pad portion, and the locking portion of the frame member is locked to the locking pad portion.

Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a cylinder, an in-cylinder pressure sensor, a fuel injection valve, and an alcohol concentration sensor. The control device includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: carry out learning of fuel properties with the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve as a target; calculate a combustion speed parameter, showing a combustion speed, within the cylinder, of the fuel that is a learning target of the fuel properties, on a basis of the in-cylinder pressure; and determine that water is included in the fuel when the capacitance of the fuel detected by the alcohol concentration sensor is larger than a preset first threshold, and when the combustion speed of the fuel within the cylinder is smaller than a preset second threshold.

Abstract: Side surfaces of an end cam cap and a pair of side surfaces of a recess for cam cap form two cross-sectional area gradually changing gaps therebetween. A gasket is filled between an inner surface of the recess for cam cap and an outer surface of the end cam cap. The inner surface includes the side surfaces of the recess for cam cap and the outer surface includes the side surfaces of the end cam cap.

Abstract: A vehicle lower structure includes: an introducing port into which air is introduced, the introducing port being provided to a front part of a vehicle; an air outlet from which the air blows, the air outlet being provided to an underfloor downward of a bumper cover in a vehicle-vertical direction, the bumper cover being located at the front part of the vehicle; and a spat provided frontward in a vehicle-longitudinal direction of a front wheel, the spat including: a front wall protruding from a front edge of the air outlet in the vehicle-longitudinal direction toward a vehicle-downward direction in the vehicle-vertical direction; and a rear wall protruding from a rear edge of air outlet in the vehicle-longitudinal direction toward the vehicle-downward direction, and the spat opening at both sides of the air outlet in a vehicle-width direction.

Abstract: A collision avoidance device includes, for example, a collision avoidance executor, a determiner, and a collision avoidance controller. The collision avoidance executor can execute a collision avoidance function for a vehicle to avoid collision with an object to be avoided. The determiner determines, when a driver operates a steering, whether to be able to avoid the collision with the object to be avoided, based on a turning parameter related to a turning caused by the steering. The determiner determines whether to be able to avoid the collision with the object to be avoided by determining whether a lateral acceleration or a yaw rate serving as the turning parameter is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The collision avoidance controller inhibits the execution of the collision avoidance function when the lateral acceleration or the yaw rate of a vehicle is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a piston and a fuel injection valve. The fuel injection valve includes a first injection hole, a second injection hole, a first needle configured to open and close the first injection hole, and a second needle configured to open and close the second injection hole. The first injection hole and the second injection hole are configured such that a portion of a fuel spray injected from the first injection hole and a portion of a fuel spray injected from the second injection hole overlap each other at a position apart at a predetermined distance from a side wall of a cavity of the piston. The second needle is configured to start operation in order to open the second injection hole after a predetermined time has elapsed from a point of time when the first needle starts operation in order to open the first injection hole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: a kneading step of kneading a carbon-based negative electrode active material, a binder, and a sugar alcohol with each other to form a negative electrode mixture paste; and an application step of applying the negative electrode mixture paste to a negative electrode current collector to form a negative electrode mixture layer.

Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a drive transmission member that is coupled to a first rotation member via a torque limiter and is arranged in a fitting part of a second rotation member and a third rotation member, and a transmission member moving part that includes a first gap and a second gap, the first gap being formed in the fitting part and having a width wider than the thickness of the drive transmission member and the second gap being formed in the fitting part and having a width that is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the drive transmission member, the transmission member moving part being formed in such a way that the width thereof becomes smaller about a rotation axis in the fitting part.

Abstract: A behavior control apparatus for a vehicle, comprising a control unit that controls braking/driving forces of wheels so that the magnitude of a deviation between a steering angle and a steering angle conversion value of a yaw rate decreases when it is determined that the deviation exceeds a threshold value in magnitude and the vehicle is in an understeer state; the vehicle has a steering device including a variable gear ratio type rack bar; and, when the sign of the steering angle is the same as the sign of the offset amount and the zero point offset amount exceeds a reference value in magnitude, the control device corrects at least one of the threshold value and the magnitude of the deviation according to the steering angle and the zero point offset amount so that it becomes difficult to determine that the magnitude of the deviation exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: In a case where intermediate gear stage fault occurs, an electronic control unit determines, using a predetermined relationship for determining gear stage switching between a gear stage on a lower side than the intermediate gear stage by one stage and the intermediate gear stage, whether or not to execute gear stage switching between the low gear stage and a gear stage on a higher than the intermediate gear stage by one stage. For example, compared to using a relationship for determining gear stage switching between a gear stage on the higher side and the intermediate gear stage, it is possible to execute gear stage switching between a gear stage on the lower side and a gear stage on the higher side in a low vehicle speed region. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence on vehicle behavior.

Abstract: A battery system includes a nickel hydride battery and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to store data indicating a corresponding relationship between an elapsed time from start of use of the nickel hydride battery and a memory quantity. The data are data determined in a classified manner individually for each of conditions of use that are defined in such a manner as to include an open circuit voltage and a temperature. The electronic control unit is configured to sequentially calculate, with reference to the data, the memory quantity within a time when classification of the conditions of use does not change. The memory quantity is a quantity indicating an amount of change in voltage resulting from a memory effect. The electronic control unit is configured to estimate a current memory quantity of the nickel hydride battery by integrating the calculated memory quantity.

Abstract: A controller for an internal combustion engine is configured, when the speed of combustion of a fuel in a cylinder changes as the property of the fuel injected from a fuel injection valve changes, to change a combustion limit excess air ratio that is a target value of a fuel injection amount feedforward control according to a first relationship that the combustion limit excess air ratio increases as the speed of combustion of the fuel in the cylinder increases. The controller is also configured, when the speed of combustion of the fuel in the cylinder changes as the property of the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve changes, to change the value of a combustion limit combustion speed parameter that is the target value of a fuel injection amount feedback control according to a second relationship that the speed of combustion of the fuel in the cylinder corresponding to a combustion limit increases as the speed of combustion of the fuel in the cylinder increases.

Abstract: A relation of X×?T×CTEt<L×t is satisfied, where X represents a distance between a circumferentially innermost position of a bonded portion of a resin frame bonded to first projections of separators and a circumferentially inner end of the resin frame; L represents a distance between the circumferentially inner end of the resin frame and a circumferentially outermost position of a held portion of a membrane electrode gas-diffusion-layer assembly that is interposed and held between second projections of the separators: ?T represents a temperature difference from a low temperature T1 of ?40° C. to a high temperature T2 of 100° C. CTEf represents an average coefficient of linear expansion of the resin frame within a range of the low temperature T1 to the high temperature T2; t represents a breaking elongation of the electrolyte membrane at the low temperature T1; and the distances X, L represents dimensions at the high temperature T2.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC) inverter includes a converter circuit configured to convert a direct current (DC) voltage to an AC voltage, and output terminals, the converter circuit being configured to output the AC voltage to the output terminals. The AC inverter further includes a signal terminal configured to receive a signal from outside of the AC inverter, and a control circuit configured to detect an abnormality related to the AC inverter, control the converter circuit to stop conversion of the DC voltage to the AC voltage in response to detection of the abnormality, and control the converter circuit to resume conversion of DC voltage to the AC voltage in response to reception of the signal on the signal terminal.

Abstract: A spinning die for melt-blowing has plastic passages, a hot air passage, and an opening surface, in which discharge ports and blowing ports open. Adjacent and closest two of the discharge ports are first and second proximate discharge ports. One of the blowing ports corresponding to the first proximate discharge port is a first proximate blowing port, and one of the blowing ports corresponding to the second proximate discharge port is a second proximate blowing port. The first proximate blowing port includes a guide portion that projects away from the center of the first proximate discharge port. The guide portion is formed such that, as the distance from the opening surface increases, the hot air flow guided by the guide portion flows to be separated away from the hot air flow blown onto the molten plastic discharged from the second proximate discharge port.

Abstract: A transfer device that includes a case that houses a transfer mechanism; a strainer that suctions oil stored in a lower portion of the case; a valve body that has a hydraulic supply circuit that supplies a hydraulic pressure to the transfer mechanism and a suction oil path that discharges an extra hydraulic pressure that is extra for the hydraulic supply circuit; a first suction inlet that communicates with one of the suction oil path and the strainer and a second suction inlet that communicates with the other of the suction oil path and the strainer, and a balanced vane pump.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve has first injection holes, second injection holes, a first needle that opens and closes the first injection holes, and a second needle. The fuel injection valve is arranged such that a part of fuel injected from the first injection hole and a part of fuel injected from the second injection hole are gathered together at a position spaced from the side wall of the cavity by a predetermined distance. The second needle starts operating to open the second injection holes, after a predetermined time elapses from a point in time at which the first needle starts operating to open the first injection holes.

Abstract: In an in-vehicle structure described in the present specification, an electric-power converter is fixed onto a transaxle and positioned in front of a cowl top. The electric-power converter includes a capacitor configured to restrain a high-frequency fluctuation in a voltage of electric power supplied from a battery, and a discharge circuit configured to discharge the capacitor. A connector (a signal connector) to which a wiring harness for communication of a discharge instruction signal to operate the discharge circuit at a time of a collision is connected is provided on a side face of the electric-power converter, the side face of the electric-power converter being facing in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A wire harness includes an exterior member having a tube shape. The exterior member includes a flexible tube part formed in a flexible bellows tube shape and a straight tube part. The straight tube part is formed continuously with the flexible tube part so as to arrange the conductive path straight and has a non-bellows tube shape. A continuous portion between the flexible tube part and the straight tube part includes a tapered portion formed in a whole peripheral direction of the exterior member so as to reduce stress concentration in the continuous portion. An inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion include slopes connecting a top of a bellows projection of the flexible tube part and the straight tube part, or connecting a groove bottom of a bellows recess of the flexible tube part and the straight tube part.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle carries out, when a vehicle travels in a downhill control section or a congestion control section, pre-charge/discharge control of changing a target state of charge (SOC) SOCcntr from a standard SOC SOCcntr-n to a specific SOC, and is within a permissible range, in a period in which the vehicle travels from a control start point (Ds) to at least a start point (Dk) of a subject downhill section or a subject congested section. Further, the control device is configured to inhibit, when return control is carried out while the pre-charge/discharge control is being carried out, the pre-charge/discharge control from a start time point (D5) of the return control to a time point (D9) at which the vehicle has passed through the control section. As a result, fuel efficiency can be improved when the return control is carried out during the pre-charge/discharge control.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes cylinders that are divided into a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group, a cylinder reduction mechanism that holds intake valves and exhaust valves of the first cylinder group in closed states so as to establish a reduced-cylinder state. When the engine is stopped in the reduced-cylinder state, the electronic control unit provided in the engine starts the engine by ignition, by executing fuel injection and ignition in an expansion-stroke cylinder. When the first cylinder group includes an exhaust-stroke cylinder, the engine is started by ignition through fuel injection and ignition in the expansion-stroke cylinder, after a piston is moved in a reverse direction through fuel injection and ignition in the exhaust-stroke cylinder. When the first cylinder group does not include the exhaust-stroke cylinder, the engine is started by ignition, through fuel injection and ignition in the expansion-stroke cylinder and an intake-stroke cylinder.

Abstract: A control device of an exhaust sensor comprises a cell temperature detecting part detecting a temperature of the electrochemical cell, a heater control part controlling the heater so that a temperature of the electrochemical cell becomes the target temperature, and a judging part judging whether a water repellency of the protective layer is falling. The judging part judges that the water repellency of the protective layer is falling if a condition for judging abnormality is satisfied. The condition for judging abnormality includes a temperature of the electrochemical cell detected by the cell temperature detecting part falling from the target temperature and a speed of fall of the temperature being faster than a speed of fall of the temperature of the electrochemical cell when the heater is turned off.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad configured to support an occupant and having a through-hole extending through the seat pad in a direction from an occupant sitting side toward a side opposite to the occupant sitting side; and a frame member attached to an opening end of the through-hole on the occupant sitting side, the frame member having an opening configured such that a fixation connecting portion of a child safety seat is inserted into the opening. The frame member is provided with an attaching portion attached to the seat pad. The seat pad includes an attachment pad portion provided integrally with an attachment member including an attachment portion to which the attaching portion of the frame member is attached, the attachment pad portion constituting a part of an inner wall surface of the through-hole. The attaching portion is fixed to the attachment portion with a fixing member.

Abstract: A system and method that detects, using processing circuitry, a predetermined energy condition. The processing circuitry determines a geographic location of a vehicle, identifies at least one energy station as a function of a plurality of factors, determines a vehicle range based on an energy level of the vehicle and a first mode of vehicle operation, determines whether an energy saving condition is satisfied based on the vehicle range, a location of the at least one energy station, and the geographical location of the vehicle, and enters an economy mode when the energy saving condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist apparatus executes a vehicle collision prevention control when a target object distance from a vehicle to a target object is equal to or smaller than a predetermined distance. The apparatus acquires the target object distance on the basis of a position of the target object in a camera image taken by a camera and a height of the camera in a situation that a movable load of the vehicle is a maximum load capacity.

Abstract: A control device of an exhaust sensor comprises a heater control part configured to set a target temperature of an electrochemical cell and control a heater so that a temperature of the electrochemical cell becomes the target temperature, and a judging part configured to judge whether a water repellency of a protective layer is falling when the heater control part sets the target temperature to a temperature of a lowest temperature at which a Leidenfrost phenomenon occurs at an outer surface of the protective layer or more. The heater control part is configured to rise the target temperature when the judging part judges that the water repellency of the protective layer is falling.