Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus having at least one over-center linkage. In some aspects, an operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may automatically lock in the operator protection apparatus in a raised position. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required to overcome the lock, and allow the operator protection apparatus to return to a lowered position.

Abstract: A seatbelt device comprises a webbing, a bag body and an anchor member. The webbing is applied to the body of a vehicle occupant sitting on a seat. The bag body is provided along a length direction of the webbing and can be inflated by pressure of a fluid supplied from a length direction one side of the bag body. A deployment portion through which the fluid can pass is provided in the bag body, being disposed at at least one of width direction outer sides and a thickness direction one side of the webbing. An insertion hole is formed in the anchor member, through which the webbing and the bag body are inserted. The webbing is folded to the thickness direction one side when applied to the body of the sitting vehicle occupant, and the deployment portion of the bag body is disposed in the insertion hole.

Abstract: An airbag unit and method for folding up a driver's airbag, which has an insertion opening for a gas generator and, after activation of the gas generator, is unfolded away therefrom in the direction of a user. The airbag is folded around an imaginary center in alternating directions along first folding lines running around the imaginary center and is compressed in the direction of the center. At least one partial region of the airbag is rolled up or folded over onto the side towards the insertion opening.

Abstract: A machine for folding a side curtain airbag which has a simpler machine configuration and is more efficient than a fully automatic machine and that can fold a large-capacity side curtain airbag cushion of approximately 4.0 m in length to sufficiently secure quality stability, and a process for folding a side curtain airbag by using the same, are provided.

Abstract: A belly pan is provided for a motor vehicle. The belly pan includes a body having at least one stiffener with a forwardmost zone of peak section force F1, an intermediate zone of peak section force F2 and a rearwardmost zone of peak section force F3 where F1<F2<F3. Advantageously, the belly pan functions to provide pedestrian protection while simultaneously limiting vehicle damage resulting from a low-speed collision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt buckle feeder (10) for a seat belt system of a vehicle comprising at least one spindle (14), comprising at least one bearing element (24), the bearing element (24) being arranged on one end of the spindle (14), and comprising at least one bearing surface (13) to which the bearing element (24) is adjacent, wherein the bearing element (24) is resiliency mounted to the spindle (14) such that in the case of loads above a predefined threshold the end (16) of the spindle (14) may enter into contact with the bearing surface (13) or a housing wall of the belt buckle feeder (10). Furthermore the present invention relates to a seat belt system of a vehicle.

Abstract: In a through anchor, a thinned portion is formed at a metal core lower portion of a metal core. This thereby enables an increase in body size of the through anchor to be prevented or suppressed even when a mold portion is made thick at the portion of the metal core where the thinned portion is formed.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device includes a spool capable of taking-up webbing worn by an occupant, a V-gear capable of rotating accompanying rotation of the spool, a lock pawl that is operated to restrict rotation of the spool in a pull-out direction, and a W-pawl provided at the V-gear, that is displaced and causes the lock pawl to operate when the V-gear is rotated in the pull-out direction at a specific speed or greater. The webbing take-up device also includes a restricting body that is moved to a permitting position permitting displacement of the W-pawl when the V-gear is rotated in the pull-out direction, and that is moved to a restricting position enabling the W-pawl to abut when the V-gear is rotated in a take-up direction, restricting displacement of the W-pawl due to the W-pawl abutting, a contact angle with the W-pawl being set with 90 degrees or greater.

Abstract: A system and method for improving usage of safety belts during operation of vehicles by preventing them from starting when the belts are not engaged. A vehicle includes an onboard computer, a safety belt monitoring system, seats, and safety belts, and the system includes a connector and a hand-held unit. The connector allows for communicating with the computer, and the hand-held unit allows for communicating with the computer via the connector in order to program the computer to require both entry of a code and engagement of the belts of some or all occupied seats, as determined by the safety belt monitoring system, before allowing the vehicle to start. The hand-held unit may also allow for programming the onboard computer to require that the code be re-entered before allowing the vehicle to start again if a belt is disengaged during operation and the transmission is not in “park” or “neutral”.

Abstract: In a mechanical steering lock for vehicles, an angular locking nib of a steering shaft is movable away from and towards a releasing position, in which the free rotation of the steering shaft is allowed, and is withheld in this releasing position by two retaining means arranged parallel to each other and one of which comprises a stop element movable away from and towards a retaining position, in which it cooperates abutting against an axial shoulder of the nib.

Abstract: A fragile part (15) which is set to have lower load resistance than other positions of a frame (10) is provided on a guide part (12) at a position that overlaps with a linkage portion (50a ) between a hanger (52) and a lock body (51) of a lock member (50) positioned in a steering lock release position.

Abstract: A remote control system may be for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle and connecting vehicle devices. The vehicle devices may be operable with a given set of vehicle device codes from among different sets thereof for different vehicles. A vehicle controller that is responsive to a remote transmitter may include a controller data link interface. A data bus adaptor may store the given set of vehicle device codes and include an adaptor data link interface cooperating with the controller data link interface to provide a communication link for adapting the vehicle controller to communicate with a vehicle device via the data communications bus. The data bus adaptor may be operable based upon a set of adaptor codes from among different sets thereof. The vehicle controller may include a controller download interface for downloading the set of adaptor codes to operate the data bus adaptor.

Abstract: A keyless entry system includes a first communication apparatus and a second communication apparatus. The first communication apparatus includes first transmitter, first receiver, and first two-way communication device. The second communication apparatus includes second receiver, second transmitter, and second two-way communication device. The first communication apparatus or the second communication apparatus includes electric field strength detector. In a case where the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus are not connected to each other through two-way communication or electric field strength detected by the electric field strength detector is less than a predetermined value, the first communication apparatus stops a call function of the first transmitter or the second communication apparatus stops a wait function of the second receiver.

Abstract: An electronic key system includes an onboard apparatus and a portable apparatus. The electronic key system establishes wireless communication with a secret key common between the onboard apparatus and the portable apparatus, and authenticates the portable apparatus registered as the portable apparatus of an authorized user. The portable apparatus includes a portable apparatus code transmitter that transmits a portable apparatus code. The onboard apparatus includes an onboard code transmitter that transmits an onboard code. The onboard apparatus further includes a portable apparatus code receiver, and an onboard-side key generation portion. The portable apparatus further includes an onboard code receiver, and a portable-apparatus-side key generation portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive sensor arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising an elongate, flat measuring electrode and at least one fastening element for fastening the measuring electrode on a support component. It is provided that the fastening element has a retaining tongue, which can be elastically deflected out of a rest position, and the uninstalled measuring electrode can be slid, for the fastening thereof, underneath the retaining tongue via a flat side in an installation motion, which elastically deflects the retaining tongue.

Abstract: A wiper device is provided that suppresses plastic deformation of a blade rubber of a wiper blade without wasting power of a battery installed to a vehicle. A wiper device is equipped with wiper blades that wipe a vehicle front glass, a wiper motor that swings the wiper blades in alternating between an upper turn position and a lower turn position by accompanied rotation of the output shaft, and a control unit that controls the wiper motor. In a case of the vehicle ignition switch being ON or OFF, the control unit controls the wiper motor such that from a stopped position where the wiper blades are located, the wiper blades are swung in a specific range of between a first stopping position and a second stopping position, and then stopped.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an attachment (3) of a wiper device, designed for fastening in a wiper arm (5) by a snap-fit connection, designed and configured for its connection to a connector (2) for fastening the wiper blade (1), wherein said snap connection has a yielding lock button (7), secured by a flexible tongue (8) to at least one of the end surfaces (11, 12) of the attachment (3), wherein said yielding lock button (7) is able to fit into a corresponding opening (15) of the wiper arm (5) and is able to snap in the wiper arm (5) when the attachment (3) of the wiper device is pressed into the wiper arm (5), characterized in that it has at least one locking wedge, configured to cooperate with the yielding lock button (7), on whose surface of the locking wedge (10) the yielding lock button (7) can move if it is tilted from the position of equilibrium, while the flexible tongue (8) is not tensioned.

Abstract: A machine for replacing used transmission or power steering fluid in a vehicle with new transmission or power steering fluid includes a frame having a housing. The machine includes a pair of service hoses that extend from the machine and connect to the vehicle for placing the machine in the fluid flow. New, used, and axillary fluid tanks are provided. A pump and a manifold are associated with two of the tanks. The pumps provide for the selective withdraw or insertion of fluid into or out of the tanks. A display on the housing presents an operator of the machine with various tasks or options the machine can perform. A processor controls activation of the pumps and other electrical components based on inputs received by the display. Scales are provided under one or more of the tanks for determining the amount of fluid going into and out of the tanks during the exchange process.

Abstract: A disc for a disc brake of a vehicle, the disc including: a drum and a radially external band that is extended around a symmetry axis (X-X), said radially external band having side braking surfaces adapted to cooperate with brake calipers in order to exert a braking action on a vehicle; and rotor elements of a rotary electrical machine adapted to cooperate with stator elements of said rotary electrical machine mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer brake controller for a motor vehicle may include a control unit configured to be mounted behind a spoke of a steering wheel of the vehicle, and a brake lever coupled to the control unit and extending along the control unit such that, when the control unit is mounted behind the spoke of the steering wheel, the brake lever extends above and/or below the spoke in a direction substantially perpendicular to the spoke. The brake lever may be configured to transmit a force applied to the lever by the driver to the control unit. The control unit may be configured to generate a manual trailer brake control signal based on the force applied to the lever.

Abstract: Disclosed is an advanced emergency brake system that performs an emergency brake if a target is situated at a location close to a vehicle. The emergency brake system includes a radar sensor; a camera; an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object situated at a close distance from the vehicle; and an electronic control unit that outputs a predetermined alarm control signal or performs an emergency brake depending on the input from the radar sensor, the camera, and the ultrasonic sensor. The emergency brake system disclosed herein can perform emergency brakes even when a target outside the angle of view of the radar sensor or the camera abruptly intervenes. Also disclosed is a method for controlling a brake with the emergency brake system.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the brake system, the control unit executes a fluid suction control to suck in the brake fluid from the supply line. The control unit determines whether or not the fluid suction control needs to be executed, and in the event that the control unit determines that the fluid suction control needs to be executed, the control unit is configured to close the cutoff valve and control the electric actuator to drive the slave cylinder in a depressurizing direction.

Abstract: A method for operating a brake system of a vehicle which includes a master brake cylinder which can be activated by the driver by a brake pedal, at least one driver-independent pressure source, at least one wheel brake to which a wheel speed sensor is assigned, and a brake activation sensor, wherein it is checked whether a hazardous situation is present, and in the case of a hazardous situation being detected the at least one driver-independent pressure source is activated. A hazardous situation is detected when the change in a measured deceleration over time or the absolute value of a measured deceleration exceeds a predefined hazard threshold value and a brake activation operation is detected. In addition, the invention relates to a brake system for a motor vehicle having brake assistance in hazardous situations which does not require a master brake cylinder pressure sensor.

Abstract: A simulation device for an electrically controlled braking apparatus of a vehicle with an electric motor having a motorised axis slant in relation to the translation axis of the strut of the pedal group, a contrast body connected to the strut, a main abutment wall and an elastic contrast element, disposed between the main abutment wall and the contrast body. The method of applying the contrast action to the pedal provides for activating, when the flattening action of the pedal by the user is terminated, the motor to achieve an inactive configuration in which the useful distance of maximum compression of the elastic contrast element is minimal.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the brake system, the connection of the master cylinder and the slave cylinder to the wheel brakes can be switched by the first switching valve and the second switching valve, and the communication with the slave cylinder can be cut off by the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve. This enables the fluid pressures which are applied to the wheel brakes to be put in the various states without having a complex configuration, thereby making it possible to control the fluid pressures with good efficiency in such a way as to match suitably the conditions of the brake system and the conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic brake system according to the present invention includes a reservoir that stores oil, a cylinder that receives supply of oil from the reservoir, a piston that is provided so as to be moved forward and backward within the cylinder, a spring that is provided within the cylinder and provides an elastic reaction force to the piston, a motor that generates a rotational force for driving the piston in accordance with an electrical signal of a pedal displacement sensor, a ball screw that converts a rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion to drive the piston, and an ECU (electronic control unit) that controls the motor. Here, a normally closed type solenoid valve that is closed in a normal state and opened when an open signal is applied from the ECU may be provided on the hydraulic line connecting the reservoir and the cylinder.

Abstract: A relay valve (2) for a compressed air system, has a housing, which has a pressure medium inlet that can be connected to a pressure medium source, at least one pressure medium outlet that can be connected to a consuming unit, at least one control inlet, and at least one vent (32) leading to atmosphere. The relay valve (2) furthermore has a relay valve piston (14), which is arranged in the housing in such a way that the relay valve piston can be moved along a relay valve piston axis (16) and divides a control chamber (22) and a working chamber (26) from each other in the housing. The relay valve (2) has a damping volume (52), which is pneumatically connected to the control chamber (22), thereby advantageously enabling the oscillation capacity of the relay valve piston (14) to be reduced.

Abstract: A relay valve (2) includes a housing having a pressure medium inlet that can be connected to a pressure medium source, at least one pressure medium outlet that can be connected to a consumer, at least one control input, and at least one ventilation (32) leading to the atmosphere. The relay valve (2) has further a relay valve piston (14), which is arranged in the housing along a relay valve piston axis (16) in a slidable manner. The relay valve (2) has a first sealing element (54) fixed to the housing , and a second sealing element (56) fixed to the relay valve piston for sealing the relay valve piston (14) with respect to the housing. An annular space (58) having a connection to the atmosphere is defined by the first sealing element (54), the second sealing element (56), the relay valve piston (14), and the housing.

Abstract: An air dryer bypass device and system for use with a compressed air system. The air dryer bypass device provides a safety bypass that allows a compressed air system to continue to function after an air dryer becomes clogged. The present invention includes a device with an intake port, an output port and a port configured to connect to an air governor. A one-way check valve is positioned near the intake port, and is configured to prevent air from flowing back out toward the intake port. There is an inner passageway that connects all three ports. The ports are configured to connect to a complete compressed air system. The device also provides a mounting plate for installation. The air dryer bypass device is adapted to be a complete replacement of an air dryer system.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes: an engine; a first motor; a planetary gear having three rotary elements that are connected respectively to a rotary shaft of the first motor, an output shaft of the engine, and a drive shaft coupled to an axle such that on a collinear diagram, the rotary shaft, the output shaft, and the drive shaft are arranged in that order; a second motor; a first inverter configured to drive the first motor; a second inverter configured to drive the second motor; a battery capable of exchanging power with the first and second motors via the first and second inverters; and an electronic control unit configured to control the engine such that a rotation speed of the engine increases at a predetermined time when the engine is operative, respective gates of the first and second inverters are both blocked, and an accelerator is ON.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle driveline that includes an engine and a motor are presented. In one example, the systems and methods include one or more speed control modes where torque output of a motor is adjusted responsive to different control parameters in the different control modes.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a power transmission unit configured to switch a power transmission path between an engine, a first MG, and a second MG. The control device is configured such that, during execution of regenerative braking using at least one of the first MG and the second MG while the engine is stopped, when a state amount indicating a state related to a battery has reached a determination threshold, the control device executes a standby operation in which the state of the power transmission unit is brought from a current state closer to a state that enables an engine brake operation in which the engine in a fuel-cut state is rotated using an external force to generate a loss.

Abstract: A running control device changes the distribution of engine braking or regenerative braking and the distribution of friction braking in the entire requested braking force according to an operation amount of an operation element, according to whether the behavior of a vehicle during running is in a stable state or an unstable state, or becomes an unstable state in the near future with high probability.

Abstract: A method controlling a state of a drivetrain including a set of couplers and reducers between a powertrain of a motor vehicle and one or a plurality of drive wheels of the vehicle, the drivetrain configured to take up a plurality of kinematic states each defined by a diagram of engagements of the couplers and reducers making it possible to link an engine of the powertrain to at least one drive wheel, the method including: calculating, before changing the kinematic state, depending on a current speed of the vehicle, a current kinematic state of the vehicle, and an intended kinematic state that is different from the current state, a change-of-state end speed; and comparing the change-of-state end speed with a threshold.

Abstract: A control device includes a gear shift information acquisition portion acquiring gear stage information selected in a current running state by a multi-stage automatic transmission, a required information acquisition portion acquiring required information that shows a required drive force required by the vehicle, an actual drive three acquisition portion acquiring an actual drive force that is provided by a combination of an actual engine drive force actually generated by a drive of an internal combustion engine in the current running state and an actual motor drive force actually generated by a drive of a motor in the current running state, and a control portion selecting and shifting the gear stage of the multi-stage automatic transmission in response to the required drive force.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine, an MG, a first rotary shaft, a second rotary shaft, a transmission disposed between the first rotating shaft and the second rotary shaft, a driving wheel, a first clutch capable of interrupting power transmission between the engine and the first rotary shaft, a second clutch capable of interrupting power transmission between the MG and the first rotary shaft, and an ECU for controlling the engine, the MG, the transmission, the first clutch and the second clutch. The ECU releases the second clutch as a rotation speed of the first rotary shaft becomes higher than a threshold value, and sets the threshold value lower in the case where an acceleration request is issued from the driver than in the case where no acceleration request is issued to reduce the operation times for the clutch to engage or disengage the MG.

Abstract: A drive system includes a drive source and a transmission mechanism transmitting a torque between the drive source and a drive wheel. The transmission mechanism includes at least one clutch switching between an engaged state of transmitting the torque between elements constituting the drive system and a disengaged state of failing to transmit the torque. An ECU detects at least one loaded state in which an excessively large torque can be applied to the drive system in a direction from the drive wheel, and disengages a predetermined clutch when the at least one loaded state in which an excessively large torque can be applied is detected. In the case where an excessively large torque can be applied to the drive system, the torque applied to a predetermined element constituting the drive system can be blocked and the torque applied to the drive system can be suppressed with a good response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one safety function for a motor vehicle includes: a step of determining seat occupancy information, which indicates whether a seat of the vehicle is occupied by a child or not, based on sensor signals originating from a seat belt buckle sensor of the seat and from a weight sensor in the seat; and a step of applying a control signal, which includes child safety settings, depending on the seat occupancy information, to an interface for at least one vehicle safety device.

Abstract: There is provided a structure in a driving support system of a vehicle equipped with a steering assist mechanism and a torque vectoring mechanism of right and left wheels, the system capable of reducing an occurrence of a driver's sense of incongruity as much as possible also during the operation of a control based on a machine input and reflecting a driver's steering in the control. The inventive device comprises a steering assist torque controller which controls a steering assist torque given by the steering assist mechanism, a right and left braking-driving force difference controller which controls the braking-driving force difference between the right and left wheels given by the torque vectoring mechanism and a control target value determiner which determines the target values of the steering assist torque and braking-driving force difference for driving support control, based on the steering torque by the driver.

Abstract: A system for parallel parking a vehicle into a target parking space is provided herein. The system includes a user input device through which one or more parking parameter selections are made. The system also includes a park assist system for automatically steering the vehicle during the execution of a parallel parking maneuver, wherein the parallel parking maneuver is governed by the one or more parking parameter selections.

Abstract: A vehicle driving situation determination apparatus includes object detection means for detecting an object around a subject vehicle; index calculation means for calculating an index relating to a traveling state of the subject vehicle, which is a value that is obtained by dividing a jerk of the subject vehicle by a deceleration, and comparing the index to past index statistics in a case where the object is detected by the object detection means and then a response operation against the detected object by a driver of the traveling subject vehicle is detected; and determination means for determining a driving situation of the driver of the subject vehicle based on a result of the comparison by the index calculation means.

Abstract: A vehicle driving support system includes a detection part detecting an object; an area classification part classifying areas other than a presence area where the object detected by the detection part is present into an empty area and an unknown area, the empty area being such an area that it is determined that no object is present and an unknown area being such an area that whether an object is present is unknown; and a control part guiding a vehicle to the empty area.

Abstract: A method for improving prediction results of advanced driver assistance systems of a vehicle includes obtaining map data including information about a road geometry in a proximity of the vehicle. A sensor means is assigned, sensing a surrounding of the vehicle. A virtual sensing means output is generated, corresponding to an output of the sensing means if the sensing means. The generation is based on a mathematical model of the sensing means. The surrounding of the vehicle is sensed, and a sensing means output is generated. The sensing means output is compared to the virtual sensing means output. Parameters of the mathematical model are modified, and the virtual sensing means output are generated and compared to the sensing means output. Map data is combined with information derived from the sensing means output to generate combined information, which is output for further processing.

Abstract: Provided is a drive assist apparatus in which, when performing a linear search on search target values with respect to each of a plurality of search information items, the increase of maximum value of the total number of searches in all of the plurality of search information items can be suppressed. A drive assist apparatus 100 includes an assist determination unit 32 configured to, in calculation processing in a drive assist control of a host vehicle V, perform a linear search with respect to search information formed of a plurality of values. In a case of performing the linear search on the search target value which is the target of searching with respect to each of the plurality of search information items, the assist determination unit 32 alternately performs an ascending search and a descending search with respect to each search information.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for performing control such that a vehicle follows a preceding vehicle, includes: a calculating unit that calculates a target time for an inter-vehicle distance deviation which is obtained by subtracting a target inter-vehicle distance from a measurement value of the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle to be substantially 0; a correction unit that calculates a correction deceleration larger than a target deceleration in a case where the inter-vehicle distance deviation provides a deviation corresponding to a position of the vehicle closer to the preceding vehicle than a position where the inter-vehicle distance deviation is substantially 0; and a control unit that controls a deceleration of the vehicle at a deceleration jerk according to a magnitude of the correction deceleration such that, when the target time comes, the inter-vehicle distance deviation is substantially 0.

Abstract: In correcting a throttle opening degree for speed ratio control in accordance with an auxiliary load torque, when the throttle opening degree for speed ratio control is corrected in an increasing manner such that an engine rotational speed rises, a smoothing process of changes in a throttle opening degree correction amount is executed. When the throttle opening degree for speed ratio control is corrected in a decreasing manner such that the engine rotational speed falls, the aforementioned smoothing process is not executed.

Abstract: A vehicle travel control apparatus includes: a detection part that detects an operation state of an accelerator pedal by a driver; an automatic travel control part that performs an automatic travel control in which a vehicle is automatically stopped according to a predetermined condition and independent of the operation of the driver; and an erroneous start limitation control part that limits a drive amount when the vehicle is started according to the operation state of the accelerator pedal detected by the detection part, wherein the erroneous start limitation control part decreases the degree of limitation of the drive amount when the vehicle is started in a case where the vehicle is automatically stopped according to the automatic travel control compared to a case where the vehicle is stopped according to the operation of the driver.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a machine having a continuously variable transmission travelling on a ground surface. The method receives signals indicative of an inclination of the ground surface and a payload carried by the machine through an inclination sensor and a payload sensor respectively. The method further includes determining a retarding capability of the machine. The method determines a maximum allowable operating speed for the machine based at least on the inclination of the ground surface, a mass of the machine, the payload carried by the machine and the retarding capability of the machine.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a road condition determining system and a method for determining a condition of a road traversed by at least one vehicle. The road condition determining system comprises a vehicle position determination means for determining a position of the vehicle, a calibration parameter detection unit adapted to determine at least one calibration parameter of a part of the vehicle, a vertical acceleration sensor adapted to continuously sense a vertical acceleration of the vehicle, a calculation unit adapted to calculate a road condition value based on the vertical acceleration and on the calibration parameter, and to continuously monitor whether the road condition value exceeds a predefined schedule, and a data transmission unit adapted to provide maintenance data to at least one receiver, the maintenance data comprising at least an information about the vehicle position.