Patents Issued in December 31, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150375695
    Abstract: A plug-in communication system, for implementation with a vehicle. The system in one aspect includes an onboard diagnostics port-expansion device, configured for mounting in the vehicle to, or adjacent, an onboard diagnostics port, and an onboard diagnostics port expansion connection line extending from the onboard diagnostics port-expansion device, the connection line being configured to connect the port-expansion device to one or more vehicle components. In another aspect, the system includes an inline remote-services terminal configured for wired connection inline, via a plurality of connection lines, to a remote-services module of the vehicle, a first connection line, of the plurality of connection lines, configured to connect to the inline remote-services terminal and to the remote-services module, and a second connection line, of the plurality of connection lines, configured to connect to the inline remote-services terminal and to the remote-services module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Donald K. Grimm, Timothy J. Talty, Duane S. Carper, Daniel J. Forest
  • Publication number: 20150375696
    Abstract: A wire harness includes an electrical pathway and a pipe like exterior member that covers the electrical pathway. The exterior member includes a low rigidity portion which is flelxible and a high rigidity portion which is unflexible and has a rigidity higher than the low rigidity portion, and the low rigidity portion and the high rigidity portion are successively arranged in an extending direction of the electrical pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Takeshi OGUE, Hideomi ADACHI, Shinichi INAO, Tatsuya OGA, Hiroyuki YOSHIDA, Masaaki SUGURO
  • Publication number: 20150375697
    Abstract: An Automobile Generator System (AGS) to mechanically engage and sustain energy flow to AGS motor system components to operate an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Rick Malkonian, Patrick Flynn
  • Publication number: 20150375698
    Abstract: A battery power management apparatus, including a first battery capable of providing electrical power to a first load at a selected time, a second battery capable of providing at least some electrical power to a second load continuously, a first electrical switch capable of connecting the first battery to a circuit containing the first load, a second electrical switch capable of connecting the first battery to the first load, and a recharging device capable of recharging the first battery and the second battery and capable of providing power to the second load. The second battery provides power to the second load when the recharging device ceases to operate or becomes non-operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: RAYMOND ANTHONY JOAO
  • Publication number: 20150375699
    Abstract: A method for obtaining rule sets for a motor vehicle to be automated includes receiving with a stationary central server arrangement from each respective one of a plurality of other motor vehicles at least one item of activation information regarding a vehicle function activated in the respective motor vehicle in an actual situation encountered by the respective motor vehicle, and a respective data set including vehicle data determined by the respective motor vehicle in the respective actual situation; generating with the centralized server rule sets on the basis of the respective data set and the at least one item of activation information, wherein each rule set defines an activation condition and a vehicle function to be activated when the activation condition is satisfied; and transmitting the rule sets to the motor vehicle to be automated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: ANDREAS LAMPRECHT, ANDRE HAINZLMAIER
  • Publication number: 20150375700
    Abstract: A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20150375701
    Abstract: One bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket is composed of a metallic workpiece with an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has at least one undulation trough and at least two undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in regions of the undulation trough. Another bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket has an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has a plurality of undulation troughs and a plurality of undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in each undulation trough. In each system, a second deformation element may be connected to the bumper bracket, and at least one characteristic of the reinforcement zones may increase or decrease between the deformation elements and a middle of the bumper bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Rolf Peter Röttger, Martin Kibben, Markus Zörnack
  • Publication number: 20150375702
    Abstract: A device for absorbing energy in the event of a vehicle collision includes a body component of a motor vehicle, a thrust body for transmitting force, and a metal band for absorbing energy. The body component has a guide for the thrust body, and the body component has a deviating point for the deviating of the metal band. The thrust body has a fastening point for the fastening of the metal band. The metal band is coupled to the deviating point of the body component and to the fastening point of the thrust body such that the metal band is subjected to a tensile load when the thrust body is pushed into the guide of the body component. A distance between the deviating point and the fastening point is selectively adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Rolf Peter Röttger, Martin Kibben, Markus Zörnack
  • Publication number: 20150375703
    Abstract: A vehicle control system and a method for prolonging or extending the availability of certain safety-related features after an ignition unit has switched off or otherwise become inactive. The method can provide some safety-related features following an unintended ignition event, such as the type that can occur when the vehicle is involved in a multiple collision accident and the force of the initial impact unintentionally jars or switches the ignition unit off. In one example, the method uses a prolongation timer to temporarily power an airbag control module so that it is capable of sensing a crash and deploying an airbag for a period of time following the ignition being switched off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: VIPUL A. MODI, JOHN R. DOLAN, JAMES M. CHURCHWELL, CHRISTIAN G. OTT
  • Publication number: 20150375704
    Abstract: A vehicle curtain system comprises a curtain having at least a front wall and two side walls, at least one pretensioner having a corresponding pretensioner cable, and a plurality of tethers, each having a first end attached to the curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Robert William McCoy
  • Publication number: 20150375705
    Abstract: A vehicle interior structure has a driver's seat disposed inside a cabin, a rear passenger's seat disposed on a vehicle rear side of the driver's seat inside the cabin, a partition wall member extending in a vehicle width direction between the driver's seat and the rear passenger's seat, and an inside handle for opening that opens a door on a side of the rear passenger's seat. The inside handle is set at a position rearward of and close to a vehicle outer end portion of the partition wall member in the vehicle width direction. The partition wall member includes an inclining surface portion inclining such that the inclining surface portion becomes closer to a vehicle front side as extending toward a vehicle center from the vehicle outer end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruka Mochizuki, Hitoshi Nito, Wataru Suzuki, Takashi Mukaiyama, Hiroyuki Ide
  • Publication number: 20150375706
    Abstract: An airbag has a main panel and at least one side panels that is arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly from the main panel when the airbag is inflated. At least one inflator is arranged to inflate all of the panels. The airbag, e.g., via the main panel, may be secured to a back of a vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammed Omar Faruque
  • Publication number: 20150375707
    Abstract: An airbag is disclosed which allows for stable and easy adjustment of the degree of opening of a discharge hole with a simple configuration. The airbag includes: a variable discharge vent hole in at least one of paired lateral surfaces facing each other; and a cover at a position of an outer portion of an airbag main body to be placed over the variable vent hole. In addition, a first end of a tether is connected to the cover corresponding to a first one of the paired lateral surfaces. A second end of the tether is connected in the airbag main body to a second one of the paired lateral surfaces that is positioned opposite to the first one of the paired lateral surfaces including the variable vent hole corresponding to the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Chiari SAITO
  • Publication number: 20150375708
    Abstract: A hatch protection system and method protect personnel against blunt force trauma caused by contact with a hatch. In an embodiment, a hatch protection system for a hatch on a vehicle includes a hatch pad. The hatch pad is attached to the hatch. In addition, the hatch pad comprises a protective padding. Further, the hatch pad is adapted to be raised, lowered, or any combinations thereof. The hatch protection system also includes a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets is secured to the vehicle and to the hatch pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, James Buckner, Joshua Price, Matthew Howell, Devin Gerland
  • Publication number: 20150375709
    Abstract: An airbag includes at least one panel defining an interior of the airbag, and a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A valve mechanism is operatively coupled to the divider for restricting a flow of gases from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. The valve mechanism is structured such that an actuation response time of the valve in attenuating or impeding gas flow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber is proportional to the pressure differential between the upper and lower chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150375710
    Abstract: An airbag for a vehicle occupant restraining system of a motor vehicle is provided. The airbag comprises a pre-folded portion, which comprises at least two subsections of the airbag, of which the one subsection is folded about a folding line via bend folding to an inner side of the other subsection facing the vehicle interior space in the mounted and inflated status of the airbag. The folded subsection is formed such that it extends in the mounted and inflated status of the airbag beyond a door balustrade of a vehicle longitudinal side. The airbag further comprises a roll folded portion, which comprises the pre-folded portion, wherein the roll folded portion is formed by rolling up the airbag to an outer side of the airbag facing in the mounted and inflated status of the airbag a vehicle longitudinal side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: TAKATA AG
    Inventors: Thomas SIEVERS, Christian BROSCH
  • Publication number: 20150375711
    Abstract: A vent hole communicating with an air chamber is opened in an airbag main body. A cover is disposed outside the air chamber of the airbag main body with respect to the vent hole. One end of the tether is connected to the cover via the vent hole, and the other end is connected to the airbag main body. If the tether is not pulled by the airbag main body, the vent hole is reliably opened to discharge gas to the outside. If the tether is pulled by the deployed airbag main body, the cover is partially drawn into the vent hole so that the cover is ensured to be in tight contact with the edge of the vent hole so as to reliably seal the vent hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Junichi UMEHARA, Tomoki TAKAHASHI, Chiari SAITO
  • Publication number: 20150375712
    Abstract: An emergency seatbelt release apparatus is disclosed for use in a seatbelt mechanism. The release apparatus includes a release actuator coupled to a seatbelt locking member to facilitate selective unlocking of the seatbelt locking mechanism from a biased locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: ROLIN F. BARRETT, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150375713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt retractor with an electromotive winding aid (4) comprising a belt shaft (1) which is pretensioned in the winding-up direction by a spring and is mounted rotatably in a frame (3) of the belt retractor on which a belt strap (2) can be wound up. The electromotive winding aid (4) can be activated as a function of the belt-strap-retraction speed (BRS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick Süllau, Andreas Lucht, Hans-Jörg Langhoff, Hans-Otto Kock, Philip Rings
  • Publication number: 20150375714
    Abstract: A wiper device that includes: a wiper motor that uses a wiper to perform a wiping operation; and a controller that controls the wiper motor such that a wiping operation by the wiper is performed during a first wiping period for a plurality of cycles in a case in which a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed detection section is below a specific speed and a washer switch is switched ON to instruct a washer pump to eject washer fluid, and controls the wiper motor such that a wiping operation of a plurality of cycles by the wiper begins by starting during a second wiping period that is longer than the first wiping period in a case in which the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection section is the specific speed or greater and the washer switch is switched ON.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Takashi UMENO
  • Publication number: 20150375715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a windshield-cleaning liquid for windshield wiper blades of a motor vehicle, comprising: a hydraulic pipe (7, 8) having at least one liquid flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b); at least one hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15) for transporting of liquid to said pipe or discharging the liquid from said pipe, characterized in that the dispensing device also comprises at least one non-return valve (20) received in the flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) or in a hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Vincent Izabel, Gérald Caillot, Jean-Michel Jarasson
  • Publication number: 20150375716
    Abstract: A wiper blade may be provided which is used in both a left hand drive vehicle and a right hand drive vehicle. The wiper blade includes: a connection holder which is formed in the central portion of the wiper blade and is connected to a wiper arm; and an adaptor which is coupled to the connection holder and receives a connector connected directly to the wiper arm. The main lever is formed symmetrically with respect to the connection holder. A direction in which the adaptor is coupled to the main lever is selected according to a steering wheel position of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jae-Hyuck An
  • Publication number: 20150375717
    Abstract: A temperature-dependent spray assembly for a headlight and associated method of spray washing a headlight are provided. The spray assembly includes a nozzle assembly having an opening directed toward a headlight lens surface. A sensor monitors an outdoor temperature. A controller is in operative communication with the sensor and the nozzle assembly, and the controller provides a signal indicative of one of (i) a temperature at or above a predetermined temperature and (ii) a temperature below the predetermined temperature whereby the nozzle assembly is operated in a first manner at or above the predetermined temperature and in a different, second manner below the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, John A. Horan, Michael T. Binfet
  • Publication number: 20150375718
    Abstract: A system for distributing washer fluid (1) for motor vehicle windscreen wipers (3, 5) including at least one fluid circulation pipe (19, 21), at least one heating element (25, 27) extending along said pipe, at least one hydraulic connection (9, 11) connected hydraulically to said pipe, characterized in that it includes a heat-conducting adapter (55, 57) in contact with said heating element (25, 27) and arranged at a suitable distance to transmit at least some of the heat from said adapter to said hydraulic connection (9, 11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Jarasson, Vincent Izabel, Gérald Caillot
  • Publication number: 20150375719
    Abstract: A method for determining a vehicle reference speed and a vehicle controller having such a method, in which directly or indirectly determined or estimated vehicle status signals, including weighting factors associated with each of the vehicle status signals, are merged in a merging module, wherein the merging module includes at least two stochastic estimators, which exchange signals with one another that correspond to physical vehicle parameters, wherein the association of the estimators is selected in accordance with a physics model for the vehicle behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Julien Levrier, Philipp Kessler
  • Publication number: 20150375720
    Abstract: System for reducing the brake wear of heavy vehicles, in particular for public transportation or for garbage collection, the vehicle comprising a pneumatic braking system for the actuation of the brakes, the wear reducing system being characterized in comprising limiting means, suitable to be activated, for limiting the air pressure within the pneumatic braking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Georg LEOKA, Franz BAUR
  • Publication number: 20150375721
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pedal simulator. The pedal simulator installed at an electronic brake system which includes a master cylinder coupled with a reserver and configured to generate an oil pressure according to a driver's pedal force, a pedal displacement sensor configured to detect displacement of a brake pedal, and an oil pressure generating device configured to output an electric signal corresponding to an operation of the brake pedal through the pedal displacement sensor, to operate a motor and also to convert a rotating force of the motor into a rectilinear motion, includes a pedal simulation unit connected with the master cylinder and configured to provide a reaction force according to the pedal force of the brake pedal; and a simulation valve connected with a rear end of the pedal simulation unit and configured to control a flow in a passage according to an opening and closing operation, wherein the simulation valve controls a flow rate of the oil by controlling a degree of opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chan-Hui LEE
  • Publication number: 20150375722
    Abstract: A valve of a piston pump for a vehicle brake system has a closing body which is resiliently preloaded against a sealing seat. The closing body is formed in two parts with a damping piston and a closing element inserted therein. The damping piston is axially displaceably guided in a cylindrical piston guide. At least one flow channel is provided between the damping piston and the piston guide. The at least one flow channel is configured such that fluid can flow around the damping piston in the longitudinal direction thereof through the at least one flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Oliver Hennig, Patrick Schellnegger, Oliver Gaertner
  • Publication number: 20150375723
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit for a slip control system of a hydraulic vehicle brake system includes a pressure change damper arranged radially with respect to a piston pump and laterally to the outside of an intake valve on one valve side of a hydraulic block of the hydraulic unit. The hydraulic unit has hydraulically separate annular channels that surround the piston pump. The pressure change damper has an inlet and an outlet that issue into the hydraulically separate annular channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Matthias Hurst, Andreas Weh
  • Publication number: 20150375724
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a brake pedal unit (BPU) coupled to a vehicle brake pedal and including an input piston connected to operate a pedal simulator during a normal braking mode, and coupled to actuate a pair of output pistons during a manual push through mode. The output pistons are operable to generate brake actuating pressure at first and second outputs of the BPU. A hydraulic pressure source for supplying fluid at a controlled boost pressure is included. The system further includes a hydraulic control unit (HCU) adapted to be hydraulically connected to the BPU and the hydraulic pressure source, the HCU including a slip control valve arrangement, and a switching base brake valve arrangement for switching the brake system between the normal braking mode wherein boost pressure from the pressure source is supplied to first and second vehicle brakes, and the manual push through mode wherein brake actuating pressure from the BPU is supplied to the first and second vehicle brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: KELSEY-HAYES COMPANY
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20150375725
    Abstract: An outlet valve arrangement of a pump element of a vehicle brake system has an outflow duct configured to discharge a pumped fluid from an outlet valve. The outflow duct has at least three duct sections, and each of the at least three duct sections has a respective flow cross-sectional area. The flow cross-sectional area of a first duct section of the at least three duct sections is larger than the flow cross-sectional area of a second duct section of the at least three duct sections. The flow cross-sectional area of the second duct section is smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of a third duct section of the at least three duct sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Oliver Gaertner
  • Publication number: 20150375726
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle brake system, the brake system including an electrically controllable pressure-providing device, including a cylinder/piston assembly having a hydraulic pressure chamber and a piston that can be moved by an electromechanical actuator, a number of hydraulic wheel brakes associated with two axles of the vehicle can be supplied with braking pressure via the hydraulic pressure chamber, and a sensor for detecting the driver braking request. An electric drive having at least one electrical machine, which can also be operated as a generator, is associated with at least one axle of the vehicle, and, during regeneration braking, in which a generator deceleration is built up by the electric drive, the cylinder-piston assembly is controlled such that the pressure in the hydraulic pressure chamber is adjusted in accordance with the difference between the requested braking deceleration and the generator deceleration built up by the electric drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Georg Roll, Jürgen Böhm, Marco Besier
  • Publication number: 20150375727
    Abstract: A pressure generator for a hydraulic vehicle brake system includes a piston cylinder unit with a cylinder and a piston, a ball screw drive, an electric hollow-shaft motor which surrounds and is configured to drive the ball screw drive, and a planetary gear set configured to transmit a rotational movement of the hollow-shaft motor to the ball screw drive. The planetary gear set includes a planetary carrier and an internal gear which are respectfully connected via pint-type positive locking connections to a spindle nut of the ball screw drive and a static tubular force transmitter. The locking connections are configured to enable connections between parts via the respective parts being brought together axially in a hollow shaft of the hollow-shaft motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Weh, Matthias Mayr
  • Publication number: 20150375728
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system having a master cylinder and first and second hydraulic braking circuits including respective first and second wheel cylinders for braking first and second wheels. The master cylinder has first and second outlets, first and second pistons associated with the first and second outlets, a fluid reservoir and a master cylinder input member provided with a mechanical coupling to drive the first piston and configured to drive the second piston only through movement of hydraulic fluid. The second hydraulic braking circuit is selectively disengageable from the master cylinder via a separation valve. The second hydraulic braking circuit includes a line coupling a suction side of a pump with the master cylinder reservoir. A pressure control valve is configured to modulate the amount of fluid drawn from the reservoir by the pump. The second hydraulic braking circuit is coupled to the first outlet of the master cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan A. Kuhlman
  • Publication number: 20150375729
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake mechanism is described including a housing. A master cylinder assembly is disposed within the housing, and the master cylinder assembly includes a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber includes a first chamber portion having a first diameter and a second chamber portion having a second diameter, with the first diameter greater than the second diameter. The fluid chamber includes a transition region between the first and second chamber portions. The mechanism includes a piston assembly having a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. A first seal is configured to sealingly engage between the first chamber portion and the piston, and a second seal is configured to sealingly engage between the second chamber portion and the piston. The mechanism includes an outlet port extending from the fluid chamber from or adjacent the transition region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Charles E. Dunlap, Paul Feuerstein
  • Publication number: 20150375730
    Abstract: A fluid-pressure brake device for a vehicle includes a brake operation member, a master cylinder, wheel cylinders a fluid-pressure control actuator, a fluid-pressure control circuit, and an electric control unit. Moreover, in the fluid-pressure brake device for a vehicle, normally closed electromagnetic open/close valves are interposed on paths for connecting master system fluid-pressure circuits and a drive fluid chamber of the master cylinder with each other, the master system fluid-pressure circuits being configured to connect pressure chambers of the master cylinder and pressure chambers of the wheel cylinders—with each other. The fluid-pressure brake device for a vehicle is configured so that the electromagnetic open/close valves are opened when an action amount of the brake operation member is equal to or more than a set value. As a result, a size and a stroke of each of master pistons in the master cylinder can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20150375731
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle employing a powertrain system and a braking system coupled to vehicle wheels includes interrupting vehicle creep operation upon detect absence of a qualified operator in a driver's seat when the vehicle is in a propulsion state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: RONALD O. GROVER, JR., TANG-WEI KUO
  • Publication number: 20150375732
    Abstract: A driveline of a vehicle includes an internal combustion engine unit for driving a generator unit for generating electrical energy, an electric motor unit arranged to be supplied with said electrical energy from said generator unit, an AC/DC conversion unit configured to convert AC voltage from the generator unit to DC voltage, and a DC/AC conversion unit configured to convert said DC voltage to controllable AC voltage. The driveline is controlled based on desired efficiency, or based on desired power output and based on criteria related to the performance of said internal combustion engine unit, and control based on desired efficiency or desired power output is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Mats NORDLÖF, Olof NORÉUS
  • Publication number: 20150375733
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having a hybrid drive is disclosed. The hybrid drive includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine having an associated energy store, which can be charged when the electric machine is operated as generator, and an electronically shiftable transmission, the gears of which can be manually upshifted or downshifted by operating a selecting element, wherein the electric machine is switched to generator operation when a lower gear is selected by operating the selecting element at least once or another shifting mode of a transmission control unit leading to a higher rotational speed because of a gear change is selected and, after the gear selection or shifting mode selection, the acceleration of the motor vehicle is not changed or changed only to a predetermined extent by pressing the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: REIMUND LIMBACHER, OLIVER HAHNE
  • Publication number: 20150375734
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drive system of a vehicle, the drive system including a combustion engine with an output shaft, a gearbox with an input shaft, an electrical machine including a stator and a rotor, and a planetary gear with a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet wheel carrier. The combustion engine may be active or inactive. A braking device may be active or passive. The planetary gear may be released or locked. The method includes arranging the planetary gear in the released state, the combustion engine in inactive state, the braking device in active state, and, when information on a requested torque for the operation of the vehicle is received, controlling the electrical machine to provide the requested torque with the combustion engine inactive, the braking device active and the planetary gear released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Niklas PETTERSSON, Mikael BERGQUIST, Johan LINDSTRÖM, Anders KJELL, Mathias BJÖRKMAN
  • Publication number: 20150375735
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle includes: specifying a time-related target power demand for the vehicle to an internal combustion engine; and switching in an additional powering device in addition to the internal combustion engine when a time-related actual power demand of the vehicle on the internal combustion engine deviates from the time-related target power demand. The present invention makes it possible to operate the internal combustion engine in a diagnosis mode largely independently of the specific driving situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Uta Fischer, Udo Schulz, Rainer Schnurr
  • Publication number: 20150375736
    Abstract: Method for operating a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle, whereas the drive unit comprises a drive assembly (3) with an internal combustion engine (1) and an electric motor (2) and a transmission (5) featuring several sub-transmissions (6, 7) shifting between the drive assembly (3) and an output (4), whereas, through a planetary transmission (10), the electric motor (2) is coupled to an input shaft (8) of a first sub-transmission (6) and an input shaft (9) of a second sub-transmission (7) shifted in parallel to the first sub-transmission (6), whereas, through a frictional-locking separating clutch (11), the internal combustion engine (1) is able to be coupled to the input shaft (8) of the first sub-transmission (6) and, if the separating clutch (11) is locked, is coupled to the same element (15) of the planetary transmission (10) together with the input shaft (8) of the first sub-transmission (8), and whereas, for the coupling of the internal combustion engine (1) at the output (4) coming out of all-electric dr
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Johannes KALTENBACH, Uwe GRIESMEIER
  • Publication number: 20150375737
    Abstract: A first rotating machine and a second rotating machine, a first travel mode, in which one rotating machine of the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine is used as a power source, and a second travel mode, in which the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine are used as the power sources, are provided. Regarding at least one rotating machine of the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine, when transition from one of the first travel mode and the second travel mode to the other is made, a degree of change in a torque command value for said rotating machine is higher in the case where said rotating machine newly becomes the power source in a travel mode after transition than in the case where said rotating machine is used as the power source in a travel mode before transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji IWASE, Yosuke SUZUKI, Hirotatsu KITABATAKE, Yasuhiro OSHIUMI, Takashi KAWAI
  • Publication number: 20150375738
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a fault of a component of a vehicle. The method also includes providing a plurality of modes of operation for the vehicle including an engine only mode, an electric only mode, a hybrid mode, a partial engine only mode, a partial electric only mode and a partial hybrid mode. At least two of the plurality of modes of operation that avoid use of the faulty component are displayed on a display screen, and a selection of one of the at least two of the plurality of modes of operation that are displayed on the display screen is received. The method includes activating at least one electric, mechanical or software isolator to isolate or disengage at least one component associated with electric propulsion of the vehicle or at least one component associated with combustion engine propulsion of the vehicle that includes the faulty component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Yasuo Uehara, Danil Prokhorov
  • Publication number: 20150375739
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle includes a traction motor that is for driving a vehicle and transmits power to the wheels of the vehicle, an engine that is connected to a power transmission route to the vehicle wheels, through a clutch, a generator that is connected to the engine, a breakdown detecting unit that detects a breakdown of the traction motor, and a retreat traveling control unit that stops firing of the engine and operates the generator as a motor while switching the clutch to a connection state to make the vehicle travel using the generator, in a case where a breakdown of the traction motor is detected by the breakdown detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroo OHKUBO, Hirokazu TANIUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150375740
    Abstract: A parking support device 1 includes a calculation unit 17 that calculates a speed pattern, an acceleration recognition unit 13 that recognizes driver-requested acceleration, a parking support control unit 19 that performs parking support control in a target parking position based on the speed pattern, and a determination unit 18 that determines whether a host vehicle V can stop in the target parking position at a set deceleration. When the driver-requested acceleration is recognized during the control and exceeds acceleration of the speed pattern at the time of recognition, the parking support control unit 19 accelerates the host vehicle V at the driver-requested acceleration. When the determination unit 18 determines that the host vehicle V can stop in the target parking position at the set deceleration, the host vehicle V is decelerated at the set deceleration and is stopped in the target parking position regardless of the driver-requested acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryuji OKAMURA, Atsushi SAGISAKA, Shinya SANNODO, Yu HIEI, Kotaro SAIKI, Keisuke HATA
  • Publication number: 20150375741
    Abstract: A vehicle apparatus used in a vehicle measures a first elapsed time after completion of a parking operation by which the vehicle is parked in a parking region, and prohibits movement of the vehicle to adjust the parking position when the first elapsed time reaches a first predetermined time before receipt of a instruction signal by the receiver Accordingly, it is possible to improve safety by preventing the vehicle from moving out of a parking position even if the moving part is erroneously operated when the predetermined time elapses after the completion of parking operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Takechika KIRIYA
  • Publication number: 20150375742
    Abstract: A method and a device for the forward parking of a motor vehicle into a perpendicular parking space, wherein the motor vehicle includes an apparatus for detecting objects in the environment of the motor vehicle. The method includes detecting an object in the environment of the motor vehicle; determining the position of the object in relation to the motor vehicle; selecting a situation-dependent parking strategy as a function of the combination of the position of the object in relation to the motor vehicle and the turn signal position “left”, “right”, or “neutral” under the assumption of a perpendicular parking space next to the detected object; and performing a parking process on the basis of the situation-dependent parking strategy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Hermann GEBERT, Mehmet TERKES, Torsten WENDLER
  • Publication number: 20150375743
    Abstract: A collision mitigation apparatus is mounted to an own vehicle and mitigates a collision between the own vehicle and an obstacle. The collision mitigation apparatus acquires information indicating that the own vehicle will make a right turn or a left turn at an intersection. When the information indicating that the own vehicle will make the right turn or the left turn at the intersection is acquired, the collision mitigation apparatus sets a target area on a predicted route of the own vehicle at the intersection. The collision mitigation apparatus determines whether or not an obstacle that becomes an obstacle for travelling of the own vehicle is present in or is entering the target area. When the obstacle is present in or is entering the target area, the collision mitigation apparatus performs output to mitigate a collision between the own vehicle and the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Hideshi Izuhara, Masao Oooka, Yousuke Hattori
  • Publication number: 20150375744
    Abstract: When the object detection unit 10 detects the front vehicle X, the speed of the own vehicle 2 is controlled using a detection value of the state of the front vehicle (position, speed) detected by the front vehicle state detection unit 15, and, in the lost state where the front vehicle X is not detected, the speed of the own vehicle 2 is controlled using an estimation value of the state of the front vehicle by the lost front-vehicle state estimation unit 22 based on a condition that a length of the scheduled traveling route of the own vehicle 2 is shorter than a predetermined threshold in the detection target range by the object detection unit 10 as a necessary condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Daichi Kato, Toru Kokaki