Abstract: An air vent apparatus for a vehicle may include a spacer securely mounted to an inner surface of a duct and having a plurality of partition walls protruding in an inner space thereof, and a plurality of inside wings rotatably coupled to the spacer and opening or closing the duct wherein the inside wings have respectively overlapping parts for overlapping with the partition walls when the inside wings close the duct so as to increase a duct sealing force between the inside wings and the spacer.

Abstract: New optic control systems are provided that manage camera, user or environmental movement and other factors impacting optical and resulting image quality. In some aspects of the invention, a variably, directionally shadable screen and actuating system is provided, which prevents and limits problematic glare for an observation point. In other aspects of the invention, a matrix of specialized pixels creates variably-directed light from a plurality of angle-directable, shiftable sources, which aids in creating virtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods and aid in reducing the appearance of distracting interceding objects (e.g., finger blocking a touch screen). In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed through a screen may be enhanced and overlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to the overlaid images and objects and an environment.

Abstract: A sun shade assembly includes a first visor structured to have a front side and a back side. The first visor is movably coupled to a vehicle. The first visor is positionable in front of the driver of the vehicle the first visor may provide shade for the driver. A second visor is structured to have a forward side and a rearward side. The second visor is movably coupled to the first visor. The second visor is positionable beside the driver of the vehicle. The second visor may provide shade for the driver. A window is movably coupled to the first visor. The window is positionable in a stored position so the window is concealed within the first visor. The window is positionable in a deployed position so the window extends outwardly from the first visor. The window may provide additional shade for the driver.

Abstract: A load-transmitting member attached to an inner panel includes an inside load-transmitting member serving as a first load-transmitting member and an outside load-transmitting member serving as a second load-transmitting member. Engagement holes are provided to an attachment plate formed at the inside load-transmitting member and serving as a first attachment plate, and engagement pawls are provided to an attachment plate formed at the second load-transmitting member and serving as a second attachment plate. The inside load-transmitting member and the outside load-transmitting member are engaged together to form an integral unit by engaging the engagement structures with the engagement structures.

Abstract: A smart entry system has an auto lock mode in which an auto lock function to automatically lock at least one door of the vehicle is executed in response to detection that a mobile device has got away from the vehicle, and the smart entry system includes: at least one movable member visually recognizable from outside the vehicle; and a control section that, once the vehicle shifts to the auto lock mode, actuates the at least one movable member to a predetermined state. Examples of the at least one movable member include electric folding door mirrors, vehicle height adjustment devices, electric sun shades, and pop-up door handles.

Abstract: A slide door apparatus includes a body-side guide rail provided at a vehicle body, a door-side guide rail provided at a slide door, connection members each of which includes a guide roller rolling on a path formed by each of the guide rails, each of the connection members being connected to each of the guide rails, the slide door being configured to open and close a door opening portion formed at the vehicle body based on a movement of the slide door, one of the connection members being connected to the door-side guide rail and including a support arm which is rotatably connected to the vehicle body and at which the guide roller is provided, and a rotation restriction mechanism restricting the support arm from rotating at a position at which the support arm is positioned after rotating in association with an opening operation of the slide door.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable panel, a guide rail, a sliding member, a check mechanism restricting a movement of the movable panel in a front-rear direction in a case where the sliding member moves in a front direction of the vehicle in a fully closed state of the movable panel to bring the movable panel to a tilt-up state, a first member mounted to the sliding member, and a second member provided at said each edge portion of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction and being rotatably supported about an axis line extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. One of the sliding member and the first member includes a mounting recessed portion and the other of the sliding member and the first member includes a mounting projection fitted to the mounting recessed portion, the mounting projection restricted a movement in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary part for attaching the roof assembly to the vehicle's fixed roof. At least one closing element is movably supported by the stationary part and is capable of moving between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which the rear of the closing element is raised and the closing element is moved rearwardly. The closing element is provided with at least a retaining hook configured to hook behind a locking device on the stationary part in the closed position of the closing element to provide a mechanical lock for the closing element in upward direction. The locking device is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The closing element is configured to actuate the locking device to move from the unlocked to the locked position when the closing element is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: An automobile umbrella apparatus for use with an automobile window includes a base member having an arch shape that nests atop the lower window frame of an automobile. A mounting shaft extends upwardly from the base member is length adjustable to span between the lower and upper window frame members of an automobile. A mounting fin is coupled to the mounting shaft proximate a distal end and has a wedge shape configured to engage an upper window frame member in a friction fit relationship. An umbrella pole includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to the upper end of the mounting shaft and an opposed distal end. An umbrella canopy is operatively coupled to the distal end of the umbrella pole and movable between a retracted configuration loosely surrounding the umbrella pole and a deployed configuration extending away from the umbrella pole so as to shield or shade an area thereunder.

Abstract: A battery array according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rail that supports a battery cell and a tie bracket connected to the rail and configured to limit travel of the rail.

Abstract: A battery pack held under a floor panel by a battery pan attached under the floor panel of a vehicle body is disposed at a position inside a over-floor framework formed over the floor panel by a pair of seat rails, a front upper seat cross member, and a right upper seat cross member.

Abstract: A vehicle with a hydraulic transformer including a forward propulsion valve and a reverse propulsion valve connecting a common low-pressure rail respectively to a first motor line and a second motor line, which propulsion valves have a spring to hold the valve in a first position wherein it acts as a check valve blocking the flow to the common low-pressure rail and an actuator that can switch the propulsion valve to a second position connecting the common low-pressure rail to one of the motor lines.

Abstract: An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure and at least one battery array located within the enclosure. The battery array also includes a voltage sense board having a plurality of bus bars disposed therein. The bus bars connect a positive terminal of a first battery cell to a negative terminal of a second battery cell. The voltage sense board has missing final bus bars in designated locations of the voltage sense board to limit the exposed voltage to 50 volts during initial assembly. The final bus bars are installed last in conjunction with safety covers which have overlap portions to cover the installed final bus bars.

Abstract: A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include a first shaft connected to an engine, a first hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first shaft and provided with a first output gear, a second hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first hollow shaft and provided with a second output gear, a second shaft disposed in parallel with the first shaft and operably connected to the first shaft and the first hollow shaft through a gear unit so as to selectively transmit torque of the first shaft to the first hollow shaft, a clutch selectively connecting the second shaft to the first hollow shaft, a first motor/generator operably connected to the second hollow shaft, and a second motor/generator operably connected to the second shaft.

Abstract: A modular electrically variable transmission includes at least one of a sun-shared module and a sun and ring-shared module assembled to form a two-module electrically variable transmission having a shiftable motor speed reducer subassembly and an electrically variable transmission subassembly. The sun-shared module includes a first motor-generator, an input, and primary and secondary planetary gear sets each having respective primary and secondary ring gears, carriers and associated pinion gears. The pinion gears are in meshing engagement with a single first shared sun gear that is non-rotatably coupled to the first motor-generator. The sun and ring-shared module includes a second motor-generator, a second input, a second shared sun gear and a shared ring gear, and primary and second secondary planetary gear sets. The secondary planetary gear set includes a secondary carrier supporting outer and inner pinion gears. The second shared sun gear is non-rotatably coupled to the second motor-generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is system for a hybrid vehicle in which a rotor in a motor is continuously and directly connected to a transmission and is rotatable with the transmission. A first stator mounted around an exterior side of the rotor is directly connected to a shaft of the engine to be rotatable with the shaft of the engine, and a second stator is fixedly mounted to the exterior side of the motor housing around the rotor. The system may further include a lock-up clutch configured to selectively connect a rotation shaft of the rotor with the shaft of the engine, a first inverter configured to control an operation of the first stator, and a second inverter configured to control an operation of the second stator.

Abstract: A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include two shafts, two hollow shafts and two motor/generators. A first shaft connected to an engine. A first hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first shaft, selectively connected to the first shaft, and provided with a first output gear. A second hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first hollow shaft and provided with a second output gear. A second shaft disposed in parallel with the first shaft and operably connected to the first shaft and the first hollow shaft through a gear unit to selectively transmit torque of the first shaft to the first hollow shaft. Clutches may connect the first shaft and the second shaft selectively to the first hollow shaft. A first motor/generator operably connected to the second hollow shaft and a second motor/generator operably connected to the second shaft.

Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes a front end support frame and radiator support beam. The front end support frame has an end that defines an opening that extends between two facing walls across an inside wall of the tubular structure. The radiator support beam is assembled into the opening in the end of the front end support frame and is attached to the two facing walls. The front end support frame is a hydro-formed tube and the radiator support beam is an extruded part. The radiator support beam includes at least one internal reinforcement wall and an outside wall of the front end support frame is fastened with flow drilling screws to the internal reinforcement wall.

Abstract: A revised location for the fuel system and fuel tanks to improve crashworthiness and reduce the occurrence of tank failure, fuel spillage, fire and/or explosion while still providing a sufficient range for the vehicle. The fuel tank system includes at least one fuel tank and a support structure. The at least one fuel tank is provided proximate frame rail members of the truck. At least a portion of the at least one fuel tank extends between an extension of a vertical axis of each of the frame rail members. The support structure protects the at least one fuel tank during an event, such as, but not limited to a collision, crash or accident. The support structure includes at least one mounting member which attaches the at least one fuel tank to the frame rail members, rails which extend about the at least one fuel tank, and at least one bottom plate.

Abstract: A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The distensible fuel tank includes a housing and a compliance structure coupled to the housing, the compliance structure including a base element coupled to a side of a structural element.

Abstract: A multifunction input device may be used to operate in-vehicle systems. The multifunction input device includes a main part having a touch surface and a rotating element. The rotating element rotates around the main part. The rotating element includes a touch surface that may select and activate programs, files, and options.

Abstract: Control panels with controls for controlling components that are reconfigurable by a user by selective placement of tiles corresponding to each of the controls and components. The controls can further be actuated by detecting an object and its motion in proximity of the selectively placed tiles.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a connection wire which is provided at the vehicle, an electricity storage device, an external charging system, which charges the electricity storage device with power received from an external power supply through the connection wire, an auxiliary machinery load which is connected to the connection wire, a current sensor which measures au inflow current value into the electricity storage device and an outflow current value from the electricity storage device, an auxiliary machinery current consumption measurement unit which measures a current value to be consumed by the auxiliary machinery load, and a control device which, estimates the inflow current value from the external power supply based on a measurement result of the current sensor and a measurement result of the auxiliary machinery current consumption measurement unit while the electricity storage device is being charged with power received from the external power supply.

Abstract: An integrated truck and trailer power system comprises auxiliary power generation and storage devices mounted on a trailer, such as an array of solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer and a storage battery mounted on the trailer, and switching devices for controlling flow of power there between and to an electrically powered HVAC system of the truck, whereby the truck can be maintained at a comfortable temperature by supply of power stored by the auxiliary power storage device.

Abstract: An inverter is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the inverter. A plurality of threshold values are set up for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, electric current restricting conditions different from each other are set up for each of the temperature regions sorted out by each threshold value, and an inverter restricting unit for applying a restriction to an electric current command applied to the inverter in dependence on the electric current restricting condition of the temperature region, in which the detected temperature is included. Without the drivability of an automobile being disturbed, by means of a temperature control of the inverter, not only are any change in characteristic and impairment, resulting from an overheating thereof, prevented, but also an undesirable reduction of the life of the inverter is avoided.

Abstract: A control device which executes the following control based on image information acquired by a camera: When the vehicle is traveling outside a trolley wire linkage section C, the control device executes control to give a yaw moment to the vehicle so that the vehicle travels while tracing a trolley wire 3R/3L. When the vehicle is traveling in the trolley wire linkage section C, the control device performs control not to execute the control to give the yaw moment. Further, the control device converts the acquired image information into coordinate information. Based on the coordinate information, when the vehicle is traveling outside the trolley wire linkage section C, the control device calculates a representative point of the vehicle and a target point situated on the trolley wire 3R/3L and gives a yaw moment to the vehicle so that the representative point approaches the target point.

Abstract: A method of operating an electric vehicle may include determining an angle of inclination of the electric vehicle, and selecting rates of regenerative braking corresponding to multiple brake pedal positions based on the determined angle of inclination.

Abstract: A braking system and method for a motor vehicle including a hybrid or electric traction system, including a decoupled brake pedal module, a hydraulic braking module, and an electric braking module used for recovery of electrical energy during braking carried out by the electric traction system, the decoupled braking module including a brake pedal and a mechanism controlling the hydraulic braking system and the electric braking module. The system measures at least one parameter associated with the pedal, and limits the recovery of electrical energy by the electric braking module.

Abstract: The present invention may include a towable trailer being mechanically couplable to a vehicle, the towable trailer including an auxiliary battery housing unit, a wheel being rotatably connected to the towable trailer, an auxiliary battery disposed within the auxiliary battery housing unit of the towable trailer, the vehicle including a storage battery, the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer being electrically couplable with the storage battery of the vehicle via a bidirectional pathway, and a control system configured to control a transfer of electrical energy between the auxiliary battery of the towable trailer and the storage battery of the vehicle along the bidirectional pathway.

Abstract: A light vehicle is provided with a drive train that is powered by an electric motor. The electric motor receives power from a battery and may also receive power from an onboard generator. The onboard generator is a rapid charge generator that provides a direct current (DC) signal to provide a rapid charge to the battery while the light vehicle is either stationary or moving. The light vehicle may also be equipped with a vehicle management system that controls the charge and discharge of the battery. The vehicle management system may also monitor and control the operation of the on-board rapid charge generator and the electric motor.

Abstract: A power supply system and method for charging a battery of a vehicle are provided and include a charger that is configured to charge the battery and a charging controller that is configured to receive a voltage to charge the battery and operate the charger. An auxiliary battery is configured to supply a first DC voltage to operate the charging controller and a power supplier is configured to generate a second DC voltage greater than the first DC voltage using external AC power, and to supply the second DC voltage to the charging controller as a driving power source to charge the battery. First and second diodes are respectively installed at output ends of the power supplier and the auxiliary battery, a cathode voltage of the second diode is increased when the power supplier supplies the second DC voltage, and the first DC voltage of the auxiliary battery is blocked.

Abstract: An electronic control unit includes a pilot voltage setting circuit that changes a voltage of a pilot signal in a stepwise manner, a processor that controls the pilot voltage setting circuit to change the voltage of the pilot signal, an input buffer that is disposed in a stage preceding a pilot signal input port of the processor, and an input buffer voltage setting circuit that changes an input voltage of the input buffer so as to be within a recommended input voltage range of the input buffer based on the change in the voltage of the pilot signal.

Abstract: A system for charging a battery within an at least partially electric vehicle. The system includes a charging device wherein the charging device configured to electrically connect to the at least partially electric vehicle and charge at least one battery by a predetermined amount. The system also includes a network configured to determine the location of the charging device.

Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle includes: a power supply; a cable having first and second ends, the first end attached to the power supply, the cable comprising a charging conductor and a cooling conduit, each of which extends from the first end to the second end; and a connector attached to the second end of the cable, the connector having a form factor corresponding to a charge port of the electric vehicle; wherein the cooling conduit is adapted to convey a fluid that cools the charging conductor.

Abstract: An external charging structure for an electric vehicle is provided with a normal charging port to be connected with a charging gun, and a charging port lid that closes when charging is not occurring to cover an opening of a port chamber where the normal charging port is disposed and opens when charging is occurring to ensure an open space allowing a port connection with the charging gun. In the external charging structure of the electric vehicle, the charging gun has a locking part for holding a port coupling in a position of electrical connection, and an unlocking operation part placed projecting from a surface of the gun and used for unlocking by a push operation. A first-striking part is disposed on a rear surface of the charging port lid, the first-striking part coming in contact with a location other than the unlocking operation part ahead of where contact would be made with the unlocking operation part when the charging port lid is closed toward the charging gun during charging.

Abstract: An electric bus may include a charging interface positioned on an external surface of the electric bus. One or more heating pads may be removably attached to the charging interface and configured to heat the charging interface. The heating pads may include a rigid plate forming an exposed surface of the charging interface. The plate may be positioned such that a first side of the plate forms a charging head contact surface when the charging head engages with the charging interface. A heating device may be attached to a second side of the plate opposite the first side. The heating device may include a heating element configured to heat the plate by resistive heating.

Abstract: A non-contact charging device for charging a battery includes a source resonator, a reference antenna, and a variable gain amplifier. The source resonator is configured to transfer electrical energy to a capture resonator in a vehicle. The reference antenna is configured to detect a reference signal originating from the source resonator. The reference antenna is configured to be less sensitive to a presence of a foreign object than a foreign object detection (FOD) antenna proximate to the reference antenna. The variable gain amplifier is configured to amplify a reference signal from the reference antenna.

Abstract: A method for charging an electric vehicle at a charging station may include electrically connecting the electric vehicle to the charging station, and determining a desired amount of energy to be provided to the electric vehicle at the charging station. The method may also include determining a layover time of the electric vehicle using a control system associated with the charging station. The layover time may be an amount of time the electric vehicle is expected to be positioned at the charging station. The method may also include calculating a charge current using the control system, wherein the charge current is a value of electric current that is needed to provide the desired amount of energy to the electric vehicle in a time period substantially equal to the layover time. The method may further include charging the electric vehicle using the calculated charge current.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle and method for estimating peak power of a battery system of the electrified vehicle are presented. In one exemplary implementation, the method includes receiving, at a controller of the electrified vehicle, measured current, voltage, and temperature of the battery system and determining, at the controller, operating parameters for the battery system based on the measured current, voltage, and temperature. An initial peak current at a start of a current prediction period for the battery system is determined, at the controller, based on the operating parameters, and an instantaneous peak current of the battery system is determined based on its initial peak current by performing voltage-limited extrapolation of resistances and open-circuit voltage (VLERO) of a battery model for the battery system. The battery system and an electric motor of the electrified vehicle are controlled, by the controller, based on the instantaneous peak current.

Abstract: A power conversion system includes: a switching element; an output circuit that outputs a transmission signal for transmitting information on a physical quantity that indicates a state of the switching element and for transmitting information on abnormality of the switching element; an isolating element that transmits the transmission signal in an electrically isolated state; a filter that deletes the information on the physical quantity from a signal transmitted through the isolating element; a control circuit to which the signal transmitted through the isolating element but not through the filter is input; and a shutdown circuit that shuts down power supply to the switching element on the basis of the signal through the filter.

Abstract: This electric vehicle is provided with at least a first traveling mode and a second traveling mode for which the maximum velocity (Vmax) is set lower than for the first traveling mode. The second traveling mode is a traveling mode that prioritizes travel distance per one electric power consumption unit.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a power train of a motor vehicle having an electric motor includes regulating the currents in the rotor and stator of the electric motor so that they reach required current values using control signals of the electric motor. The currents to be regulated and the control signals being expressed in a rotating reference frame including a plurality of axes. The control signals result from a transformation including a change of variable allowing the dynamic decoupling of the regulation along each of the axes. Regulating each axis includes an application to the current to be regulated of two different linear operators as a function of the value of the current to be regulated of that axis with respect to its required value, the result of the application of the two linear operators having to be substantially equal to the control signal of that axis.

Abstract: A guide track (3A) includes a guide rail (31) having a guide groove (31a) opened upward in which the pair of guide wheels (23) inserted, and is formed with a pair of guide surfaces (31b) for causing each of the pair of guide wheels (23) to roll at both sides of the traveling course in a width direction; conductor rails (32) that are placed at both sides of the outside of the traveling course in the width direction with respect to the guide groove (31a) to perform contact electricity supply by pressing a power collection shoe (43) of a power collector (4) of the track-based vehicle; a first insulator (33) that is formed of an insulation material and supports the conductor rails (32) with respect to the guide rail; and insulation plates (34) serving as insulation materials that are provided at both sides of the conductor rail (32) in the width direction, and are provided in parallel to the conductor rail (32) and in parallel to a pressing direction of the power collection shoe (43) so as to prevent a short circ

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle seat having a seat cushion. The seat cushion may have a cushion frame, a cushion pad arranged on the cushion frame, and an airbag provided on a front portion of the seat cushion. The airbag preferably has a lower air chamber and an upper air chamber situated above the lower air chamber. The airbag is configured such that, when the upper and lower air chambers are at least partially filled with compressed air, the seat cushion is elongated while an upper portion of a peripheral wall of the lower air chamber supports a lower portion of a peripheral wall of the upper air chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle seat slide device includes: an upper rail including a bracket support having side walls and an upper wall connecting upper ends of the side walls; a lower rail supporting the upper rail so as to be relatively movable; and a bracket fixed to the bracket support. A cutout portion open upward is formed in the bracket support, a nut member which can be screwed to a bolt inserted into the bracket support via a terminal of the bracket support is disposed in the cutout portion, the bracket includes first and second vertical walls having an insertion hole into which the bolt is inserted, and which oppose each other, the first vertical wall is fixed to the terminal, and the second vertical wall is arranged inside the cutout portion at a position where the nut member is interposed between the first and second vertical walls.

Abstract: A vehicle seat apparatus comprising a base, a seat, a fore and aft seat adjustment mechanism, an armrest bracket, and a fore and aft armrest adjustment mechanism. The fore and aft seat adjustment mechanism connects the seat to the base and includes seat slide rails and spacers thereby defining a vertical space between the seat and seat slide rails. The armrest bracket is positioned below the seat in the vertical space between the seat and seat slide rails and includes side supports to which armrests or armrest associated components may be mounted. The bracket also has a plurality of slots positioned coincident with the spacers of the fore and aft seat adjustment mechanism. The fore and aft armrest adjustment mechanism connects the bracket to the seat and includes a pair of armrest slide rails, whereby the position of the armrest bracket relative to the seat may be adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat device includes a lock mechanism, which restricts sliding movement of a seat, a drive source, which drives the lock mechanism to restrict and cancel restriction on the basis of operation of an operation switch, and a control portion, which controls the drive source. The control portion performs at least one of cancellation limitation control, restriction limitation control, and forced restriction control.

Abstract: The invention refers to a motor vehicle child safety seat comprising a support with means of side anchoring to the vehicle and a telescopic leg for support on the floor of the vehicle, characterized by the fact that the support is made up of a sloping frame, with means for anchoring it and having means to adjust the its length, so that by varying the length of the leg, you can change the slope of the support and thus the tilt of the chair. Thus, it is not necessary that the seat comprises means of conventional articulation to achieve the tilt of the chair.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a seat chassis for supporting a back member and a base member. The base member can have a first condition, which extends generally perpendicularly from the back member and is suitable for accommodating the occupant in a sitting position. In a second condition, the base member is retracted and thereby tends to reduce the profile of the seat. In selectively configuring the base member from the first condition to the second condition, the base member tilts such that it rises at the back edge and dips at the front edge.