Abstract: A method for checking a functional state of an automatic parking brake system having a control unit and an actuator configured to generate an electromagnetic braking force includes actuating the actuator, using the control unit, at a first frequency higher than a second frequency. The second frequency is able to cause a rotation of the actuator.

Abstract: A method for determining a triggering condition for recalibration at a predetermined time during a release process of an automatic parking brake with a brake motor configured to generate an electromechanical braking force includes determining a motor current which is expected at the predetermined time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is rotated to increase pressure within a fuel rail. The engine is rotated without combusting air and fuel within the engine.

Abstract: A method operates a motor vehicle having a hybrid drive with a first drive machine and a second drive machine, the first drive machine being an internal combustion engine and the second drive machine being an electric machine, operation of at least one of the drive machines requiring an adaptation in which the internal combustion engine is started. The method includes the use of a navigation device to identify at least one of a present position, a direction of travel or a travel route. An adaptation with a start of the internal combustion engine is postponed or eliminated based on at least one of present position data, present direction of travel data, present route data, predicted position data, predicted direction of travel data or predicted route data.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring torques, including the following steps in a first processing unit: Receiving a delta torque; in a first calculating process, calculating a first setpoint torque and a second setpoint torque from the delta torque; in a second calculating process, checking whether a difference of the first setpoint torque and of the second setpoint torque is less than, or equal to the delta torque, the second calculating process being carried out independently of the first calculating process; and output of the first setpoint torque and the second setpoint torque, only if the difference of the first and the second setpoint torque is less than, or equal to the delta torque.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive parking space environmental characteristics, from a vehicle parked in a parking space. The processor is also configured to download weather data for an area in which the parking space is located, covering a time duration for which the vehicle was parked. The processor is further configured to correlate the weather data to the received environmental characteristics to build a parking space environment profile for the duration of time and update a parking space model based on the environment profile.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle in an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode that utilizes electric-only power to propel the vehicle. The controlling step may be based on a selection of a travel range reservation.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided to reduce a change in drive force and to start an engine without delay when starting the engine by a motor during running. The control system is applied to a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and two motors supplied electric power from a battery. The control system comprises a determination means that determines a fact that a state of charge of the battery is lower than a first threshold, during propelling the vehicle by the two motors by supplying the electric power from the battery while stopping the engine (at step S2); and a drive force restriction means that restricts a total drive force of said two motors for propelling the vehicle to an allowable limit which is lower than a theoretical maximum drive force of said two motors, given that the state of charge of the battery is lower than a first threshold (at step S3).

Abstract: A hybrid control device calculates engine rotational speed and engine torque based on cooling water temperature for an engine and a charging state of a main battery. The hybrid control device operates the engine in a maximum charging efficiency mode, when the cooling water temperature is lower than a target temperature value and the main battery has a remaining charging capacity. In the maximum charging efficiency mode, the hybrid control device calculates such engine rotational speed and engine torque, which realize engine operation according to which a fuel consumption amount for a unit amount of charging electric power is minimized. As a result, efficiency of a vehicle control system is improved as a whole, to thereby improve fuel consumption ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: an engine; a first electric motor capable of inputting or outputting power; a power split mechanism including a sun gear, a ring gear and a planetary carrier rotatably revolvably supporting pinion gears meshing with the sun and ring gears. The planetary carrier, the sun gear and the ring gear are respectively coupled to an engine output shaft, a first electric motor rotary shaft and a drive wheel. The vehicle further includes a second electric motor capable of inputting or outputting power to or from the drive wheel; and a control device setting an engine operation range determined by a limit value of a rotation speed of the pinion gears. To increase durability of the pinion gears the limit value is higher at a high engine rotation and low vehicle speed side than at a low engine rotation and high vehicle speed side. Engine operation is controlled on the basis of the set engine operation range.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for operating a road-bound hybrid vehicle are provided. The vehicles includes a control apparatus for controlling the drive torque of a first drive unit which is associated with a first axle and of the drive torque of a second drive unit which is associated with a second axle. One drive unit has at least one electric motor and the other drive unit has at least one internal combustion engine, wherein a load point increase, by which an energy store for operating the electric motor is charged, is limited by the internal combustion engine and the control unit. The limiting is performed by: in a first step, determining a maximum permissible upper limit for the load increase torque under optimum traction conditions depending on the steering angle and on the vehicle speed. In a second step, performing, as required, a torque-reducing adaptation of the previously determined upper limit to match traction-impairing environmental influences which may be present.

Abstract: A control apparatus is applied to a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a second MG as driving sources, and a power split mechanism which is capable of changing and transmitting to an output portion transmitting torque to drive wheel, a rotating speed of the internal combustion engine. And, the hybrid vehicle is capable of switching a gear ratio mode of the power split mechanism between a variable gear ratio mode and a fixed gear ratio mode. The control apparatus determines whether or not a switching of the gear ratio modes is prohibited based on a vehicle speed and a gradient of a road. And, when it is determined that the switching is prohibited, the control apparatus maintains the gear ratio mode in the variable gear ratio mode or the fixed gear ratio mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and an electrical system. The electrical system has an auxiliary starter motor connected to a crankshaft of the engine, a high-voltage motor generator unit (MGU) connected to the crankshaft, and a controller. Execution of instructions by a processor causes the controller to determine a set of powertrain conditions in response to a requested autostart of the engine, e.g., state of charge and/or power limits of a high-voltage energy storage system (HV-ESS), torque limits of the MGU, and/or a crank angle of the engine. The controller determines whether the requested autostart may not succeed relative to a time or noise standard using the set of powertrain conditions, and transmits an autostart command to the MGU when the requested autostart may succeed. The controller transmits the autostart command to the auxiliary starter motor when the requested autostart will not succeed.

Abstract: A Hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine, a first motor-generator, i.e., MG, a second MG, a battery section, and a control section. The control section performs first control which transmits power of the first MG to a drive shaft. The control section performs second control which starts the internal combustion engine by generating torque to the internal combustion engine using difference of rotational speeds of the first MG and the second MG, when the battery section fails while performing the first control. In the second control, the control section controls the second MG to generate electric power for driving the first MG. It is possible to provide a hybrid vehicle capable of starting the internal combustion engine even if the battery section becomes abnormal.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle system, which is designed for autonomous operation of a motor vehicle is described, wherein setting information for the vehicle system is determined from location information describing a current position of the motor vehicle and from at least one location-related permission information item relating to the permission of use of the vehicle system, and at least one operating parameter of the vehicle system is selected as a function of the setting information.

Abstract: When a collision of a vehicle is detected, a control device performs fuel cut of an engine (14) in a case where the engine (14) is in a driven state, and engages an engine connection/disconnection clutch (KO) in a case where the engine connection/disconnection clutch (KO) is disengaged, whereby the rotational resistance of a motor (MG) is increased by drag of the engine (14) and the rotation speed (Nmg) of the motor (MG) after the collision of the vehicle can be speedily reduced. Consequently, generation of an electromotive force by rotation of the motor (MG) is prevented, and it is possible to speedily complete discharge of an inverter circuit (40).

Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, a collision prevention control apparatus is provided which includes an image sensor that detects an object near the vehicle; a radar sensor that detects the object near the vehicle; and a controller that, if only one of the sensors, among the image sensor and the radar sensor, detects the object, determines reliability of the other sensor, and changes, based on the determined reliability, a way of performing a collision prevention control for preventing a collision with the object detected by the one of the sensors.

Abstract: A method for operating an off-road speed control system of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises identifying a pattern or change in at least one component of vehicle drag. The method further comprises monitoring vehicle speed to predict where a change in the at least one component of vehicle drag may result in a speed overshoot event or a speed undershoot event. The method still further comprises, in response to the predicted speed overshoot event or speed undershoot event, automatically commanding the application of an appropriate opposing torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle to counteract the predicted speed overshoot or undershoot. An off-road speed control system for a vehicle comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to perform the above-described methodology is also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a speed control system of a vehicle having a plurality of wheels is provided. The method comprises receiving one or more electrical signals representative of vehicle-related information. The method further comprises determining, based on the one or more electrical signals representative of vehicle-related information, that one or more of the wheels of the vehicle have overcome an obstacle or are about to overcome an obstacle and that therefore a reduction in an applied drive torque to one or more of the wheels of the vehicle by a powertrain subsystem (applied drive torque) will be required to maintain the speed of the vehicle at a target set-speed of the speed control system. The method still further comprises automatically commanding the application of a retarding torque to one or more of the wheels of the vehicle to counteract the effect of an overrun condition in the powertrain subsystem from increasing the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle control system comprising a plurality of speed control systems each operable to cause the vehicle to operate in accordance with a respective target speed, the system being operable wherein one at said plurality of speed control systems may be selected to control vehicle speed at a given moment in time, wherein when responsibility for speed control is transferred from a first one of the plurality of speed control systems to a second one of the speed control systems, the second one of the speed control systems is operable to set a value of target speed thereof to a value corresponding to that of the target speed of the first.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, the vehicle speed control system comprising: means for receiving a user input of a target speed at which the vehicle is intended to travel; and means for commanding application of torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle, wherein the system is configured such that when it is required to accelerate the vehicle to achieve the target speed and the system detects a wheel slip event, the system is operable temporarily to suspend further acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, the vehicle speed control system comprising: means for receiving a user input of a target speed at which the vehicle is intended to travel; and means for commanding application of torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle, wherein the system is configured such that when it is required to accelerate the vehicle to achieve the target speed and the system detects a wheel slip event, the system is operable temporarily to suspend an increase in net torque applied to one or more wheels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a speed control system for a vehicle, comprising: means for automatically causing a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, means for receiving information relating to movement of at least a portion of a vehicle body or at feast a portion of a body of an occupant relative to a vehicle, and means for adjusting automatically the value of the target speed value in dependence on said information.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a target drive force setting unit configured to set a target drive force based on an operating state, a target speed ratio setting unit configured to set a target speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission to achieve the target drive force and a target torque setting unit configured to set a target torque of a drive source to achieve the target drive force. The target drive force setting unit is configured to set a target drive force reduced in a stepwise manner at the time of upshifting in the continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: A control unit performs a engaging control, which supplies an ON pressure to a engaging-side oil chamber to set a lock mechanism to a locked state and then decreases the hydraulic pressure of the engaging-side oil chamber, when a running mode is selected, and performs a releasing control, which supplies an OFF pressure to a release-side oil chamber to set the lock mechanism to an unlocked state and then decreases the hydraulic pressure of the release-side oil chamber, when a non-running mode is selected. The control unit supplies the OFF pressure to the release-side oil chamber when the stop of the operation of the driving force source is notified, and allows stopping the operation of the driving force source when the lock mechanism becomes the unlocked state afterward.

Abstract: A control device for a drivetrain of a vehicle, includes a drive engine, a starting element, and a coupling element. The coupling element brakes a secondary side when the control device receives an input signal indicating a switching off of the drive engine. The starting element includes a mass damper torsional damper arrangement with at least one damper mass. The starting element is coupled with the drive engine by a primary side and with the mass damper torsional damper arrangement by a secondary side so as to be fixed with respect to relative rotation, and the coupling element is constructed to brake the secondary side by coupling with the primary side of the starting element and/or by coupling with a reference component that stationary when the vehicle is stationary. This makes it possible to find a better compromise between comfort, responsiveness, economical, and ecological aspects of the drivetrain.

Abstract: A vehicle driving behavior predicting device that predicts a driving behavior of a vehicle at a prediction target point based on speed information or acceleration information of the vehicle includes: a storage unit storing a reference template indicating a transition of the speed information or the acceleration information corresponding to the driving behavior being a prediction target in a predetermined prediction section to the prediction target point; a converting unit converting the reference template to a converted template indicating a transition of a speed or acceleration from an entry speed to a case in which the driving behavior being the prediction target is exhibited based on the entry speed of the vehicle into the prediction section; and a predicting unit predicting the driving behavior at the prediction target point by comparing the converted template with a current transition of the speed information or the acceleration information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system for determining a movement of a control device and a system for detecting drowsiness of a driver of a vehicle, as well as an according processing unit used for this purpose and an according method. The system (12) for determining a movement comprises a plurality of light sensors (16), a processing unit (14) and an interface (18), wherein the light sensors (44-58) are able to transmit light intensity information to the processing unit (14) and the latter is able to provide information to a user. Further, the processing unit (14) is able to determine the movement of the control device based on the light intensity information submitted by the light sensors (44-58).

Abstract: A vehicle automates a driver action by controlling vehicle systems according to a rule. The rule includes a trigger event and an automated action. Rules are created or added for use by a vehicle using applications including user-defined rule applications, automatic rule applications, and network applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a motor vehicle control system for selecting and/or determining a driving surface and for controlling a plurality of vehicle subsystems to operate in a plurality of subsystem control modes in dependence on the selected/determined driving surface, the system being operable in a manual control mode selection condition in which a user is able to select said driving surface and an automatic control mode selection condition in which the system is configured to select said driving surface automatically, wherein the vehicle control system is provided with a memory arranged to memorise a last selected control mode that was selected prior to vehicle de-activation or key-off when operating in the automatic control mode selection condition, and upon the next subsequent vehicle activation or key-on, the system is configured to continue operating in the memorised control mode and to automatically obtain new data in respect of a driving surface over which the vehicle is moving b

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a hybrid vehicle and to a hybrid vehicle using said method, which vehicle can be driven by an internal combustion engine and/or an electrical drive which can be supplied via a reserve of stored electrical energy, wherein the vehicle comprises a drive control having a user interface and wherein the method comprises a user determining by means of the user interface that the vehicle be driven primarily only by the electrical drive at a specific point in time and/or for a specific length of time or route.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a user request to edit vehicle feature settings from a computer remote from a vehicle. The processor is also configured to retrieve saved vehicle feature setting configurations associated with a vehicle associated with an identified user account. The processor is further configured to build a current feature setting configuration display. Also, the processor is configured to present a user-configurable version of the display on a user interface. The processor is additionally configured to receive changes to current features setting configurations. The processor is also configured to save the changes and upload the changes to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control device including a manipulating unit that is manipulated by a user and a vehicle having the same are provided. The vehicle control device includes a manipulating unit having an object detecting unit configured to detect an object in a noncontact manner and a pad disposed above the object detecting unit and having elasticity. In addition, a controller is configured to generate a control signal for operating a vehicle based on an output signal of the manipulating unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for displaying vehicle parameters, which comprise at least a first and a second parameter is provided. A value of the first parameter and a value of the second parameter are determined and the value of the first parameter and the value of the second parameter are displayed on a display area. In addition, the value of the first parameter is changed and the change in the value of the first parameter at least in a first portion is converted into a change in the value of the second parameter. A first display element, via which the conversion of the change in the value of the first parameter into the change in the value of the second parameter is depicted graphically, is created on the display area.

Abstract: The zip line rail system can be connected to a challenge course, a zip line, a zip track system, or any combination thereof. The zip line rail system of the present invention can have two rails that a member slide's two wheels rollably engage with, and the zip line rail system can be configured in any of a variety of directions.

Abstract: A display system is easily attached to the safety bar of a chair on a chair lift system at the beginning of a season. The display system includes brackets formed of rails holding clamp portions that may be fastened together to clamp the display system to a chair, such as to the safety bar across the lap of a rider. At the end of a season, the display system may be removed from each chair, the clamp portions removed, and the display systems stacked. In one simplified system, adjacent displays may be stacked back to back, and such adjacent pairs may be stacked with the displays in adjacent pairs positioned face-to-face. Thus, metal brackets on the backs need not scratch up the reading faces or surfaces. Meanwhile, the displays may be stored in minimal space, with great stability, while minimizing wear and damage.

Abstract: A swinging-sliding door module for a rail vehicle having at least one swinging-sliding door and a linear guide with a profile rail oriented in the sliding direction of the swinging-sliding door, and a carriage mounted displaceably on the profile rail. The swinging-sliding door module includes a bracket or a plurality of brackets for fastening the swinging-sliding door, which bracket or brackets is/are connected to the at least one carriage or is/are surrounded by the latter. The swinging-sliding door module also has at least one rotary joint which permits rotation of the swinging-sliding door in relation to the profile rail about an axis of rotation oriented substantially horizontally and transversely with respect to the sliding direction and/or about an axis of rotation oriented substantially vertically. Also disclosed is a rail vehicle with a swinging-sliding door module.

Abstract: An exit system, in particular an emergency exit system, for a rail vehicle has a fixture device and a ladder-like exit and/or descent aid that is removably fastened to the fixture device for exiting and descending from an exit opening leading from the interior of the rail vehicle to the vehicle exterior. Accordingly, the fixture device and the exit and/or descent aid fastened to the fixture device are formed from an interior furnishing object of the rail vehicle. Wherein an element of the interior furnishing object that is removably fastened to the rest of the interior furnishing object forms the exit and/or descent aid. The rest of the interior furnishing object forms the fixture device, and the element fastened to the rest of the interior furnishing object is functionally integrated into the interior furnishing object.

Abstract: A transporting and loading system for rail-supported conveyances using transport vehicles outfitted with a standardized loading platform for ISO containers, particularly for machinery for inspecting and maintaining track installations, is provided. Transporting and loading rail-supported conveyances allowing rail-supported conveyances to be safely transported to places of use at any distance apart without special-purpose vehicles and to be deposited on and picked up from a track installation without external lifting gear is described. The transporting and loading system has a sandwich construction comprising two floor assemblies which conform to ISO container dimensions, an intermediate space between the floor assemblies for drive units, transmission units and control units for the automated movement of the loading and offloading unit, and rails are provided for holding and guiding the rail-supported conveyances on the sandwich construction.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a monorail vehicle apparatus and method for controlling roll attitude, lateral location, and loading of a monorail vehicle traveling on a non-featured rail exhibiting substantial profile variation by the placement of the vehicle's center of gravity and without the use of additional mechanisms such as springs or suspensions. The design is especially well adapted for travelling along curves by using at least two trucks connected by a linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A rerailer device for rerailing a railway vehicle onto a track, the device including a body with a ramp adapted to support a wheel of a railway vehicle thereon, a sloped face provided on said body and being configured with a slope that declines in a preferred direction toward the track on which the railway vehicle wheel is to be rerailed, and support means for supporting said sloped surface and railway vehicle wheels thereon, where the support configuration, material or combinations of configurations and materials facilitate lightweight construction.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating data obtain operational data associated with a control system of a vehicle consist. The operational data is obtained at a first vehicle of the consist. The operational data is communicated from the first vehicle to one or more second vehicles in the consist. Responsive to a loss of the operational data at the first vehicle, at least the operational data that was lost at the first vehicle can be communicated from one or more of the second vehicles to the first vehicle. Onboard the first vehicle, an operational capability of the consist to perform a movement event can be determined using the operational data that was lost at the first vehicle and that was communicated from the at least one of the one or more second vehicles to the first vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dolly for transporting or presenting goods, including a braking member (8) that includes a flexible body, that is positioned near a tread of a wheel (6, 7) and that is fixedly connected with a first body part with a bottom part (3) or a suspension system of the wheel (6, 7) and with a second body part is connected to an end of an activation member (15), wherein, upon movement of an operating member (9) arranged on the dolly to a braking position, the second body part is bent towards the tread of the concerned wheel (6, 7) by the activation member (15) for engagement of the flexible body on the tread.

Abstract: A stroller system including an expandable base and two frame members is discussed. The stroller system is configured for dual occupancy and provides an expandable cargo area to a user. The first and second seats coupled to their respective frame members may be modular in nature. The second seat may also include a bench seat with optional secondary support structures. The two frame members are configured to fold independently of one another. The mechanical apparatus of the dual occupancy stroller including locking and actuator mechanisms are discussed. Additionally, the mechanism by which the front frame member folds is discussed. The disclosed stroller is capable of simultaneously carrying multiple children with a cargo area that can be extended or retracted and can carry a heavy load. The stroller is able to easily fold to a stowed state.

Abstract: A stroller includes a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, and a handle bar assembly, with each respective assembly being configured to connect to respective first, second, and third rotatable elements of a folding mechanism. Each of the first, second, and third rotatable elements are rotatably supported by a common axle. The stroller further includes a leverage element rotatably supported by a leverage axle, with the leverage axle being supported by the third rotatable element and being arranged in a parallel relationship with the common axle. The leverage element includes an axle slot for accommodating movement of the common axle. The leverage element also includes a first pin and a second pin, with the first pin being rotatably supported by the first rotatable element in a receptacle arranged at a first distance from the common axle, and the second pin being rotatably supported by the second rotatable element in a second receptacle at a second distance from the common axle.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover comprising a core layer is disclosed. The core layer includes an inner surface molded to form and self-maintain an annular channel sized to receive an automobile steering wheel therein. The core layer also includes an outer surface and two opposing terminating edges. The steering wheel cover is devoid of an outer cover layer coupled to the core layer. Thus no adhesives or stitching are required. In particular embodiments, the core layer includes a first foamed material, such as but not limited to ethyl-vinyl acetate. The core layer may also include one or more protrusions extending from the outer surface of the core layer. The protrusions may include a second foamed material of a different hardness than the first foamed material. The core layer may also include ribs protruding from the inner surface of the annular channel and/or holes extending through the core layer.

Abstract: A releasable coupling (1) comprising a hub (3) and a shaft (5), the shaft (5) being received or receivable in the hub (3), one of the hub (3) and shaft (5) having first (54) and second (55) splines, the other of the shaft (5) and the hub (3) having corresponding first (35) and second (36) rebates in which the first and second splines (54, 55) are received or are receivable, the first spline (54) extending to or substantially to a distal end of the said one of the hub (3) and shaft (5) and beyond the second spline (55).

Abstract: A steering column of a vehicle is provided having a first and a second shaft part, which, arranged coaxially with respect to one another, are mutually connected viewed in the axial direction behind one another and without any elastic deformation of joint disks within the scope of conventional tolerances by way of a universal-joint-type joint arrangement, having first and second rubber-elastic joint disks. An intermediate piece is provided between the two joint disks which is independent of the two shaft parts with respect to its mobility and is connected with the shaft parts by way of the joint disks in the manner of a universal joint. In the installed condition of the steering column, in a suitable lateral view, as a result of an elastic deformation of the two joint disks, the axes of rotation of the two shaft parts enclose an inclination angle of the steering column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric motor and an electric power steering apparatus including the same. According to an embodiment of the present invention, problems such as a malfunction of an electric motor, damage to a component of the electric motor, and lowering of an output of the electric motor can be solved by preventing penetration of foreign substances into the electric motor, so that a steering stability of a vehicle can be improved.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes: a rotation shaft that is caused to rotate by steering of a steering unit; a housing that accommodates at least a part of the rotation shaft; an opening that is formed in the housing so as to communicate an inside of the housing with an outside thereof; a cover member that covers the opening while ensuring ventilation via the opening; and an outer circumferential wall that is provided along an outer circumference of the cover member, wherein the outer circumferential wall has a cutout in a lower portion in a vertical direction of the outer circumferential wall.