Patents by Inventor Kenshi Yamanaka

Kenshi Yamanaka has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9718362
    Abstract: An electric vehicle disclosed by the present specification, includes an inverter arranged outside frame members in a vehicle width direction, in a front compartment. An inner side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to one of the frame members. An outer side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to a cabin outer plate. Furthermore, a fixation strength of the inner side of the inverter is lower than a fixation strength of the outer side of the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9469201
    Abstract: A vehicle equipment mounting structure that arranges a motor case, in which a rotary electric machine that drives a vehicle is housed, in an engine compartment, and that includes a PCU that controls the rotary electric machine, and an auxiliary battery that supplies electric power to the PCU. This structure includes a fixing portion that fixes the PCU onto the motor case, and a connecting portion that connects the auxiliary battery to a side member that absorbs an impact load by being crushed in a crushing direction. The connecting portion has a displaceable member that is displaceable in the crushing direction. The auxiliary battery is arranged on a vehicle front side of the PCU such that the PCU and the auxiliary battery partially overlap in the crushing direction. The auxiliary battery is arranged so as to be able to move past the PCU in response to an impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hotta, Kenshi Yamanaka, Yutaka Hotta
  • Patent number: 9440593
    Abstract: The vehicle mounting structure comprises an electronic device, a first bracket, a drive train and a first vibration isolating bush. The electronic device is fixed on the drive train via the first bracket, and the electronic device and the drive train define a gap therebetween. The first vibration isolating bush is provided between the first bracket and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Sakamoto, Kenshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9266565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicular instrument mounting structure in which an auxiliary battery is mounted so as to be as high as a power control device , for protecting the power control device by a protector even when the auxiliary battery interferes with the power control device. The power control device is fastened to the upper surface of a transaxle by a screw via a mounting foot provided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The protector for protecting a corner of the power control device is fastened to the power control device and the transaxle by screws for a power control device fastening part and a transaxle fastening part. The power control device has a power cable for supplying power and a discharger for rapid discharge at a time of emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenshi Yamanaka, Kouji Hotta
  • Patent number: 9254871
    Abstract: The present invention comprises side members (15), which are vehicular skeleton members of a hybrid vehicle (10); a front cross member (18) for connecting the two side members (15); spring supports (16) connected to the side members (15); an auxiliary battery arranged further towards the vehicle front relative to a PCU (13) and attached to the front cross member (18) via a support platform (23) and a securing piece (22); a radiator (17) attached to the front cross member (18); a motor case (12) and an engine (11) connected to the vehicular skeleton member via an engine mount; an axle (25) extending from the motor case (12); and a PCU (13) connected to the motor case (12) via a guide plate (19) and a linkage bolt. Thus, there is provided a vehicular instrument-mounting structure capable of inhibiting collision of a power control device or other vehicle-mounted instrument with another member, and inhibiting damage caused to the power control device or other vehicle-mounted instrument during a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hotta, Kenshi Yamanaka, Yutaka Hotta
  • Publication number: 20150375622
    Abstract: An electric vehicle disclosed by the present specification, includes an inverter arranged outside frame members in a vehicle width direction, in a front compartment. An inner side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to one of the frame members. An outer side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to a cabin outer plate. Furthermore, a fixation strength of the inner side of the inverter is lower than a fixation strength of the outer side of the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenshi YAMANAKA
  • Patent number: 9199537
    Abstract: A technology for mitigating a collision impact applied to a power controller positioned in a front compartment is provided. An automobile has a power controller and device in the front compartment. The power controller and the device are positioned side by side in an automobile lateral direction. A corner or protrusion of the power controller faces a lateral surface of the device. When the automobile collides with an obstacle, the lateral surface of the device comes into contact with the corner of the power controller. Because the lateral surface of the device is weaker than the corner of the power controller, the device breaks first. The device functions as a cushioning material to mitigate damage suffered by the power controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Hotta, Kenshi Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20150283955
    Abstract: The vehicle mounting structure comprises an electronic device, a first bracket, a drive train and a first vibration isolating bush. The electronic device is fixed on the drive train via the first bracket, and the electronic device and the drive train define a gap therebetween. The first vibration isolating bush is provided between the first bracket and the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Sakamoto, Kenshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9108502
    Abstract: A cable routing structure includes a drive train within which an electric motor is housed; a power control unit configured to supply alternating current to the electric motor, the power control unit being fixed to an upper portion of the drive train, and on-board components being arranged on both sides of the power control unit in a lateral direction of a vehicle; an electrical component being arranged on a side of a plane that the power control unit is on; and a first end of a first cable being connected to a side surface of the power control unit that faces toward a front or a rear of the vehicle, a second end of the first cable being connected to the electrical component, and the first cable being routed through a space defined by the power control unit and the drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9101060
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structure for protecting a corner of a case of an inverter (an on-board device), and provides the structure for protection having improved assembling efficiency. The present Description discloses the structure for protecting a corner of a case of an inverter. The structure includes a protector for covering the corner, and a receiving portion provided on the case. The protector is fixed at least at two points arranged on a straight line on a first surface adjacent to the corner. The receiving portion is provided on a second surface adjacent to the corner. The receiving portion is provided at a position where the receiving portion receives an edge of the protector when the protector rotates around a straight line Pv passing through at least two fixed points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenshi Yamanaka, Kouji Hotta
  • Publication number: 20150021114
    Abstract: A technology for mitigating a collision impact applied to a power controller positioned in a front compartment is provided. An automobile has a power controller and device in the front compartment. The power controller and the device are positioned side by side in an automobile lateral direction. A corner or protrusion of the power controller faces a lateral surface of the device. When the automobile collides with an obstacle, the lateral surface of the device comes into contact with the corner of the power controller. Because the lateral surface of the device is weaker than the corner of the power controller, the device breaks first. The device functions as a cushioning material to mitigate damage suffered by the power controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hotta, Kenshi Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20140345960
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structure for protecting a corner of a case of an inverter (an on-board device), and provides the structure for protection having improved assembling efficiency. The present Description discloses the structure for protecting a corner of a case of an inverter. The structure includes a protector for covering the corner, and a receiving portion provided on the case. The protector is fixed at least at two points arranged on a straight line on a first surface adjacent to the corner. The receiving portion is provided on a second surface adjacent to the corner. The receiving portion is provided at a position where the receiving portion receives an edge of the protector when the protector rotates around a straight line Pv passing through at least two fixed points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Kenshi Yamanaka, Kouji Hotta
  • Publication number: 20140151086
    Abstract: A cable routing structure includes a drive train within which an electric motor is housed; a power control unit configured to supply alternating current to the electric motor, the power control unit being fixed to an upper portion of the drive train, and on-board components being arranged on both sides of the power control unit in a lateral direction of a vehicle; an electrical component being arranged on a side of a plane that the power control unit is on; and a first end of a first cable being connected to a side surface of the power control unit that faces toward a front or a rear of the vehicle, a second end of the first cable being connected to the electrical component, and the first cable being routed through a space defined by the power control unit and the drive train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenshi YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20140084627
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicular instrument mounting structure in which an auxiliary battery is mounted so as to be as high as a power control device , for protecting the power control device by a protector even when the auxiliary battery interferes with the power control device. The power control device is fastened to the upper surface of a transaxle by a screw via a mounting foot provided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The protector for protecting a corner of the power control device is fastened to the power control device and the transaxle by screws for a power control device fastening part and a transaxle fastening part. The power control device has a power cable for supplying power and a discharger for rapid discharge at a time of emergency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenshi Yamanaka, Kouji Hotta
  • Publication number: 20130307330
    Abstract: A vehicle equipment mounting structure that arranges a motor case, in which a rotary electric machine that drives a vehicle is housed, in an engine compartment, and that includes a PCU that controls the rotary electric machine, and an auxiliary battery that supplies electric power to the PCU. This structure includes a fixing portion that fixes the PCU onto the motor case, and a connecting portion that connects the auxiliary battery to a side member that absorbs an impact load by being crushed in a crushing direction. The connecting portion has a displaceable member that is displaceable in the crushing direction. The auxiliary battery is arranged on a vehicle front side of the PCU such that the PCU and the auxiliary battery partially overlap in the crushing direction. The auxiliary battery is arranged so as to be able to move past the PCU in response to an impact load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hotta, Kenshi Yamanaka, Yutaka Hotta
  • Publication number: 20130270862
    Abstract: The present invention comprises side members (15), which are vehicular skeleton members of a hybrid vehicle (10); a front cross member (18) for connecting the two side members (15); spring supports (16) connected to the side members (15); an auxiliary battery arranged further towards the vehicle front relative to a PCU (13) and attached to the front cross member (18) via a support platform (23) and a securing piece (22); a radiator (17) attached to the front cross member (18); a motor case (12) and an engine (11) connected to the vehicular skeleton member via an engine mount; an axle (25) extending from the motor case (12); and a PCU (13) connected to the motor case (12) via a guide plate (19) and a linkage bolt. Thus, there is provided a vehicular instrument-mounting structure capable of inhibiting collision of a power control device or other vehicle-mounted instrument with another member, and inhibiting damage caused to the power control device or other vehicle-mounted instrument during a vehicle collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hotta, Kenshi Yamanaka, Yutaka Hotta