Patents Issued in October 20, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160303949
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, includes a ventilation device for supplying air into the interior of the vehicle. The ventilation device includes at least one air outlet nozzle oriented toward an interior of the vehicle and is connected to a channel via which air is conductible to the air outlet nozzle. The air outlet nozzle has a first outlet region receiving the air supplied via the channel, and a second outlet region separate from the first outlet region, the second outlet region being connected with another channel for conducting a gaseous fragrance to the second outlet region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Karsten Belz, GEORG TECHEL, FALKO RADEKE
  • Publication number: 20160303950
    Abstract: Protective device for a vehicle interior including a flexible two-dimensional structure held on a winding shaft and movable between a pulled-out protective position and a rest position wound-up on the winding shaft. The winding shaft is driven by a motor in both directions of rotation, wherein the two-dimensional structure is provided with a dimensionally stable pull-out profile in the end face region that is in front in the pull-out direction, and a drive transmission arrangement is provided which engages the pull-out profile and is in operative connection with the winding shaft. The winding shaft is associated with a blocking device which is, by control device, movable between a release position, releasing the winding shaft for rotational movement, and a securing position, blocking rotational movement of the winding shaft, in response to a displacement condition of the pull-out profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Jan LEKAR
  • Publication number: 20160303951
    Abstract: An automated shade apparatus for a vehicle's windshield includes a housing having a pair of openings, a drive assembly disposed within the housing and having a belt disposed around rollers, at least one of the rollers driven by a motor, a retractable shade roller coupled to the housing and having a sheet disposed around the shade roller, and a collapsible scissor arm assembly coupled to the housing and having a plurality of arms with a pair of top ends disposed through the housing openings and coupled to the belt and a pair of bottom ends coupled to the sheet. The motor drives the belt in a first direction to extend the arms, thereby deploying the sheet over the windshield. The motor drives the belt in a second direction to collapse the arms, thereby retracting the sheet around the shade roller to expose the windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Obaid Masih, Onkar Modgil, Michael Wuensch
  • Publication number: 20160303952
    Abstract: An impact beam for reinforcing a vehicle door includes an elongated beam having a hollow interior spanning a length of the elongated beam. The elongated beam includes an impact portion spanning the length and configured to face an exterior side of the vehicle door. The elongated beam also includes a cross-sectional shape having a top wall section and a bottom wall section that interconnect at a bend section of the cross-sectional shape, which includes the impact portion. The top and bottom wall sections each include an intermediate bend to define a substantially horizontal section and an angled section on opposing sides of the intermediate bend, where the intermediate bends are configured to limit inward displacement of the elongated beam from an impact force at the exterior side of the vehicle door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Corey J. Hoff
  • Publication number: 20160303953
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes an elongated outer panel reinforcement member that reinforces an outer panel and an elongated door beam that reinforces the vehicle door. A front end of the outer panel reinforcement member in its lengthwise direction and a front end of the door beam in its lengthwise direction are joined. A rear end of the outer panel reinforcement member in its lengthwise direction and a rear end of the door beam in its lengthwise direction are joined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Fukahori
  • Publication number: 20160303954
    Abstract: A recess is formed at a door outer panel, and a reference pin provided at a rear spoiler abuts a front wall of the recess, thereby enabling the rear spoiler to be positioned with respect to a back door in a vehicle front-rear direction and a vehicle vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mutsumi KAWASHIMA, Miho MIZUKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20160303955
    Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel adapted to open and close an opening formed in a vehicle roof; a guide rail provided in each edge portion of the opening in a lateral direction, and extending in a longitudinal direction; a support bracket including a front end portion supported by the guide rail, and supporting each edge portion of the movable panel; and a shoe member provided such that the shoe member can be moved along the guide rail, and engaged with the support bracket, wherein the movable panel is opened and closed along with movement of the shoe member, and the shoe member includes a limiting protrusion portion protruding in the lateral direction at a position higher than an upper surface of the guide rail, and is in contact with or is close to the upper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHISIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Aisei KAWAZU, Yusuke KOKUBO
  • Publication number: 20160303956
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle, having a roof opening in its fixed roof, comprises at least one movable panel closing said roof opening in its closed position and being movable from said closed position rearwardly and upwardly above the fixed roof. A driven operating mechanism supports the panel and comprises a telescope including a first telescopic part attached to the panel and a second telescopic part attached to a remainder of the operating mechanism. A height adjusting mechanism is provided between the panel and the operating mechanism. This height adjusting mechanism is arranged and adjusts the height between the first and second telescopic parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20160303957
    Abstract: A tonneau cover securing apparatus for removably securing a cover to a support frame attached to a pickup truck. The support frame preferably includes two opposing side rails that can be secured to respective sidewalls of the pickup truck, such that the cover can be secured to the side rails and the pickup truck by the securing apparatus, which preferably includes a channel, a locking member and a draw cord secured to the locking member. The locking member is biased toward a first position in which the securing apparatus can be prevented from disengaging from the respective side rail; wherein the draw cord can draw the locking member from the first position to a second position, in which the securing apparatus can be disengaged from the respective side rail. The securing apparatus preferably includes two locking members. Methods of securing a cover to a pickup truck are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Steven C. Schmeichel
  • Publication number: 20160303958
    Abstract: A covering device for a storage area of a motor vehicle having a storage area cover which is at least partly flexible and can be drawn from a storage device against a spring force into a use position. The covering device also has a guiding device that has two guiding rails, which run substantially parallel to each other and in which the guiding elements can be guided, and at least one locking device for releasably locking the guiding elements in the guiding rails. The locking device has a latching protrusion in each guiding rail, a latching lug of the respective guiding element being latchable to the latching protrusion against the spring force, and each latching lug can be lifted over the respective latching protrusion in order to release the lock by tilting the bearing rod in a first direction using an actuating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan GAUGER
  • Publication number: 20160303959
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement is provided for positioning and fastening a decorative cover on a window frame of a vehicle door of a vehicle. The fastening arrangement has a first fastening element associated with the window frame and a second fastening element associated with the decorative cover. The first and second fastening elements cooperate in a form-fitting manner for fastening the decorative cover on the window frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Erol MORI, Michael ALHOF
  • Publication number: 20160303960
    Abstract: Self-adjusting spacer device, comprising: a bushing having a cavity with a longitudinal axis, a pin having a shank inserted into said cavity and a head projecting outside of said cavity, the cavity of the bushing and the pin being provided with respective threaded portions that do not extend over the entire circumference of the pin and the cavity, and the pin being rotatable relative to the bushing between: an adjustment position in which the threaded portion of the pin is disengaged from the threaded portion of the bushing and the pin is capable of moving axially with respect to the bushing, and a locking position in which the threaded portion of the pin engages the threaded portion of the bushing and in which the pin is locked axially with respect to the bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Fulvio Pacifico YON, Andrea COCCOZ
  • Publication number: 20160303961
    Abstract: An integrated high-performance and light-weight electric drive system for a bicycle is disclosed comprising an integrated unitary motor-controller-drive system that can be inserted into and removed from a first tube portion of a bicycle frame through an open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. A longitudinally-extending battery pack configured to be electrically connected with and to provide electrical power to the electric motor and the controller may be configured to be inserted into and removed from a second tube portion of the bicycle frame through the open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. Some or all of the electrical components may not be visible from the exterior of the bicycle. A unique digital torque sensing and control system is described along with regenerative braking and other unique features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: SPIR BIKES, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Hendey, Stephen Moore, John Waters
  • Publication number: 20160303962
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit designed for a hybrid vehicle provided with a hydraulic machine (22) and a pump (20) linked to a transmission (4) driving the wheels of the vehicle, said machine and said pump being linked together in order to allow direct exchanges of fluid that take place in a very high pressure circuit (42) not comprising a pressure accumulator, characterised in that the very high pressure circuit (42) comprises safety means (110) which, in case of overpressure, discharge the fluid to a limited pressure circuit (40) provided with a pressure accumulator (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: TECHNOBOOST
    Inventors: Arnaud Le Dren, Franck Roy
  • Publication number: 20160303963
    Abstract: A split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system, comprised of two or more than two separation drive systems allowing independent operation to respectively drive the load, or all loads driven individually are incorporated in a common frame to drive land, surface, underwater transportation means or aircraft, industrial machines and equipment or any other load drive by rotational kinetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Tai-Her YANG
  • Publication number: 20160303964
    Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an adaptable hub motor having two or more adaptor sleeves that allow for the hub motor to be attached to or incorporated into various different types of pallet jacks. Other implementations relate to a kit having a hub motor and two or more adaptor sleeves for such use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Dan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160303965
    Abstract: An elongate structural member is provided that can be integrated into a fuel system support assembly. The elongate structural member can be a multifunctional member, for example including a support portion for supporting a catwalk or segment of a fuel line and an auxiliary anchor feature that comprises a channel extending the length thereof. The elongate structural member can be an extrusion with the support portion and the anchor feature extending the entire length thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Todd F. Sloan, Chris Forsberg, Andrew Taylor Gordon
  • Publication number: 20160303966
    Abstract: A four-wheel-drive vehicle includes a driving source, main driving wheels, auxiliary driving wheels, a power transmitting member, a first mesh clutch, and a second mesh clutch. Meshing teeth on the driving source side of the first mesh clutch each have, along an entire tooth width thereof, an inclined surface in which a length in a rotational axis direction increases in a direction in which the meshing teeth on the driving source side rotate when the four-wheel-drive vehicle is traveling forward. The meshing teeth on the power transmitting member side of the first mesh clutch each have, along an entire tooth width thereof, an inclined surface in which a length in a rotational axis direction decreases in a direction in which the meshing teeth on the driving source side rotate when the four-wheel-drive vehicle is traveling forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryota HORIE, Takahiro YOSHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20160303967
    Abstract: An immobilizer system for a motor vehicle having an starter mechanism and a substance detector for detecting impairing drugs/substances in a driver's bode, the allowing the vehicle to be started/operated only when the substance detector delivers a result which is below a limit value. An electronic controller of the immobilizer system is programmed by the driver to pre-specify which restrictions the starter mechanism is subject to if the substance detector delivers a positive test result (above a limit level). The immobilizer may be programmed to either a) prevent operation of the vehicle, or b) allow operation but present a notification to the driver. The driver may set a future time interval during which a selection of option a) cannot be changed by the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Hans Guenter QUIX, David VAN BEBBER, Monika ANGST
  • Publication number: 20160303968
    Abstract: A vehicle interface system may include an interface configured to present selectable features, and a controller programmed to generate a feature probability for each selectable feature based at least in part on at least one historical selection of each selectable feature at a time from vehicle key-on, and display certain of the selectable features based on the generated feature probabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth James MILLER, Douglas Raymond MARTIN, William Paul PERKINS
  • Publication number: 20160303969
    Abstract: A system may include a user interface, a transmitter, a processor, and a memory having a program communicatively connected to the processor. The processor may be configured to receive a body sensor output associated with an occupant of a vehicle, receive a vehicle sensor output associated with the vehicle, compare the body and vehicle sensor outputs with a threshold, prompt for a confirmation associated with at least one of the body and vehicle sensor outputs, determine an issue type based on at least one of the body and vehicle sensor outputs, and send a notification including the issue type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Sneha Akula
  • Publication number: 20160303970
    Abstract: A lens assembly, and a method for providing a lens assembly is disclosed herein. The lens assembly includes a first frame piece with a first edge on the direction in which a viewer of the electronic display would face, the first edge forming a first angle with a second edge; a second frame piece with a third edge on the direction in which a viewer of the electronic display would face, the third edge forming a second angle with a fourth edge; a lens with a first lens edge facing the viewer, a second lens edge and third lens edge connected to the first lens edge and forming a lens angle; a first adhesive layer placed between the second edge and the second lens edge to attach the first frame piece to the lens; and a second adhesive layer placed between the fourth edge and the third lens edge to attach the second frame piece to the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: James Frederick Krier, Robert Edward Belke
  • Publication number: 20160303971
    Abstract: An operating element in a vehicle includes a capacitive touch panel and a capacitive sensor unit configured to detect a user approaching the touch panel. When the capacitive sensor unit detects the approaching user, a first control unit activates the touch panel, such that the touch panel may be activated from a sleep mode by a single movement, and such that the user can, at the same time, perform inputs using the touch panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Sascha KAYSSER
  • Publication number: 20160303972
    Abstract: A driver assistance system of a motor vehicle has an autonomous driving mode in which the driver assistance system independently performs vehicle guidance including both longitudinal guidance and lateral guidance of the vehicle. A change signal is designed to initiate a change from the autonomous driving mode into another, predetermined driving mode in which a driver of the vehicle is intended to perform at least part of the vehicle guidance in such a way as to make a safe change of the driving mode. For this purpose, the driver assistance system detects driver data, which depend on a posture of at least part of the driver, by a sensor device. When the change signal is received, it is checked whether the driver data satisfy a predetermined safety condition and the driving mode is changed only when the safety condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Marcus KÜHNE
  • Publication number: 20160303973
    Abstract: A content startup control device includes: a reception unit that receives an instruction from a user to select a content; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information from a vehicle and/or information on traveling as vehicle information; a startup recording unit that stores the vehicle information, which is acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit when the content is selected or started up in response to the instruction received by the reception unit, as a startup record of the content; a condition creation unit that creates a startup condition under which the content is to be started up based on the startup record; and a content startup control unit that, if the vehicle information acquired from the vehicle information acquisition unit corresponds to the startup condition, proposes startup of a content related to the startup condition or starts up the content related to the startup condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Yusuke MATSUMOTO, Noriyuki ABE, Kimio OKAMOTO, Tetsuya YAMADA, Takuya FUJIEDA
  • Publication number: 20160303974
    Abstract: A head-up display in accordance with the present disclosure includes a display device that displays an image toward a vertically downward direction, a first mirror that reflects the image to output reflected light toward a vertically upward direction, and a second mirror that reflects the reflected light from the first mirror to output reflected light toward a vertically upward direction. Also, a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure includes a head-up display in accordance with the present disclosure, and a windshield that reflects reflected light emitted from the head-up display. The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a thin head-up display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: YUSUKE YONETANI, SATOSHI KUZUHARA
  • Publication number: 20160303975
    Abstract: The display device is loaded on a vehicle, and connects the communication with the information processing terminal via the connection unit. Specifically, the display device obtains and displays an application image outputted by the information processing terminal. Also, the display device obtains, from the information processing terminal, a property of the application generating the application image. The property of the application may include information whether or not the application is controllable by an external device, the reliability of the application, the genre of the application and the display appropriateness. Then, the display device regulates the display of the application image based on the obtained property of the application and the running state of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Shunichiro NAGAO, Yozo TAKEHARA
  • Publication number: 20160303976
    Abstract: The fail safe apparatus for an eco-friendly vehicle includes: a main battery to supply driving power of a vehicle; a battery controller to manage a state of charge of the main battery; a power converter to convert power supplied from the main battery into power for charging an auxiliary battery; a motor controller to drive a motor with the power supplied from the main battery; a hybrid starter generator to start an engine and charge the main battery; and a vehicle controller to monitor a capacity voltage of any one of the power converter and the motor controller when there is an error in data communication of the battery controller and control charging and discharging of the main battery based on the monitored results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jung Min CHA, Dae Ro PARK
  • Publication number: 20160303977
    Abstract: A battery monitoring system, comprises a battery state detection circuit that detects battery states of a plurality of battery cells that are connected in series, based on respective cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells, and a control circuit that monitors state of a battery cell, based on each cell voltage of the plurality of battery cells. The control circuit inputs pseudo voltage information to the battery state detection circuit, and thereby diagnoses whether or not the battery state detection circuit is operating normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Akihiko KUDO, Mutsumi KIKUCHI, Gosuke SHIBAHARA, Akihiko EMORI, Yasuo UEMURA, Tatsumi YAMAUCHI, Kenji KUBO, Masahito SONEHARA, Masahiko AMANO, Yoshinori AOSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20160303978
    Abstract: The invention results in improved switching from the idling mode to an active short circuit mode of an electric machine. According to the invention, the switch from the idling mode to the active electric short circuit mode is delayed until predefined voltage conditions have been reached on the external terminals of an electric machine or until the rotor of the electric machine is in a predetermined position corresponding to the required voltage conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Tino Merkel, Andreas Koenig
  • Publication number: 20160303979
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for operating a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Joerg Heyse
  • Publication number: 20160303980
    Abstract: A charge plate receiver assembly for an electric vehicle includes an inductive charge plate receiver and a swing arm pivotally secured to a mounting surface. The charge plate receiver is pivotally secured to the swing arm such that the charge plate receiver travels along an arc defined by a length of the swing arm when the assembly moves between a retracted position and a deployed position. When retracted, the charge plate receiver may retract into a cavity, defined by under-body components. The charge plate receiver has a planar surface and the planar surface is generally perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the vehicle in the retracted position and parallel with the horizontal plane of the vehicle in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cyr, Raymond C. Siciak, Michael Reibling
  • Publication number: 20160303981
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an inductive charging coil assembly for a vehicle comprising a first base plate and a second base plate is disclosed. The first base plate includes at least one first coil for transmitting magnetic flux. The second base plate includes at least one second coil having a top side and a bottom side to receive the magnetic flux for charging a vehicle. The at least one second coil defines a window to position at least one ferrite on the top side and on the bottom side of the at least one second coil. The at least one ferrite is arranged to guide the magnetic flux from the bottom side of the at least one second side to the top side of the at least one second side and back to the bottom side of the at least one second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Aribert NEUMANN, David A. HEIN, Madhur BHATTACHARYA
  • Publication number: 20160303982
    Abstract: The battery charger comprises: two output terminals (BS1, BS2) between which a battery (102) is designed to be connected; two input terminals (BE1, BE2) designed to be connected to an electrical network (110); two inductors (LA, LC) respectively connected to the first input terminal (BE1) and to the second input terminal (BE2); two switching arms (BA, BC) for respectively connecting the inductors (LA, LC) selectively to the first output terminal (BS1) and to the second output terminal (BS2); a control device (120) designed for controlling the switching arms (BA, BC) so as to draw from the electrical network (110) a mains current (iR) in phase with the mains voltage (uR). The battery charger further comprises: a smoothing capacitor (C) connected to the second output terminal (BS2); and a connection device (112) for connecting the smoothing capacitor (C) to the second input terminal (BE2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventors: Luis de Sousa, Bruno Condamin, Boris Bouchez, Pierre-Alexandre Chauvenet, Benedicte Silvestre
  • Publication number: 20160303983
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an on-vehicle battery charger includes estimating a charging efficiency of the battery charger. Upon achieving an indeterminate result related to the estimated charging efficiency of the battery charger, a commanded input power to the battery charger and an electric power at the on-vehicle battery during operation of the battery charger are determined. Flow of electric current through the battery charger is interrupted, and electric power flow from the on-vehicle battery is determined. An active charging efficiency of the battery charger is determined based upon the commanded input power to the battery charger, the electric power at the on-vehicle battery during operation of the battery charger and the monitored electric power flow from the on-vehicle battery when the flow of electric current through the battery charger is interrupted. Charging performance of the battery charger is evaluated based upon the active charging efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert Rotay, Robert B. Cooley, Keith Kumar, William M. Hare, Michael W. Adrian
  • Publication number: 20160303984
    Abstract: A vehicle charging device is provided and efficiently operates a converter to charge a battery mounted within vehicles. The vehicle charging device includes a power-supply unit that provides a direct current (DC) voltage and a DC/DC converter that converts the DC voltage received from the power-supply unit into a battery charging voltage. The converter also includes an active snubber that is mounted to a secondary coil of a main transformer. The converter is configured to reduce a peak noise generated from the secondary coil using the active snubber and transmit the resultant voltage having the reduced peak noise to an output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Dea Woo Lee, Si Hun Yang, Jin Young Yang, In Yong Yeo, Byeong Seob Song, Woo Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20160303985
    Abstract: A charge control apparatus includes a control device configured to execute a refresh charge to fully charge a battery upon a predetermined refresh charge start condition being met, and execute a predetermined control according to a vehicle travel state under a situation where the control device does not execute the refresh charge, the predetermined control involving at least one of charging and discharging the battery. The control device suppresses the refresh charge when the control device detects at least one of a predetermined input from an external device and a predetermined vehicle operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobukazu UEKI
  • Publication number: 20160303986
    Abstract: Provided is an electric vehicle capable of reciprocally supplying electricity with another vehicle which includes: a power connector; a communication connector; a DC/DC converter used for charging or discharging an internal battery pack; a charging relay for preventing an inrush current during charging; and a display. While moving at the same speed as the other vehicle, the electric vehicle is capable of performing charging or discharging when a connection is maintained between a power connector of the other vehicle and the power connector of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: SungEun PARK, Heeseo CHAE
  • Publication number: 20160303987
    Abstract: An isolated DC/DC converter (3) includes a full-bridge type switching circuit. A primary winding of a transformer (6) and a resonance reactor (5) are connected in series to each other. Another end of each of the primary winding and the resonance reactor (5) is connected to one of middle points between switching elements. First and second surge suppression diodes (D5 and D6) are provided to a node between the resonance reactor (5) and the primary winding of the transformer (6) and between a positive side and a negative side of a capacitor (4). This configuration suppresses a surge voltage applied to the transformer by releasing surge energy of the resonance reactor (5) caused by a recovery of rectifying diodes (D1 to D4) on a secondary side of the transformer (6) via the surge suppression diodes (D5 and D6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Mao KAWAMURA, Yohei MATSUDA
  • Publication number: 20160303988
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a battery pack replacement system for an electric vehicle with an Energy Storage System (ESS) and a method of managing and replacing a battery pack using the same. A system equipped with a replacement system for replacing a battery pack of an electric vehicle and an ESS includes a determination unit for determining the type of battery pack of the vehicle, a replacement unit for detaching a discharged battery pack from the vehicle or mounting a battery pack on the vehicle, a charging/discharging unit for charging/discharging and storing the discharged battery pack, and a transfer unit for conveying the discharged battery pack, detached from the replacement unit, to the charging/discharging unit or conveying the battery pack, fully charged by the charging/discharging unit, to the replacement unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Byung Hyouk KANG
  • Publication number: 20160303989
    Abstract: A portable backup charger includes a set of batteries; a charging circuit; a charge-discharge protection circuit; multiple DC-DC voltage adjusting circuits including a DC-DC 19 V-output boost circuit, a 12 V output circuit, and a DC-DC 5 V-output buck circuit; a MCU circuit; a 12 V output circuit outputting a current in the range of 100 A to 400 A; and a 150 A-250 A fuse. The set of batteries is composed of lithium iron phosphate batteries and lithium cobalt oxide batteries. The 12 V output circuit outputting a current in the range of 100 A to 400 A is directly connected to the set of batteries without interference with the charge-discharge protection circuit. The charger is convenient for carrying, and is capable of providing power for different electrical instruments including for an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Xingliang Lei
  • Publication number: 20160303990
    Abstract: Battery carriers that provide replaceable and exchangeable batteries and systems are provided. One example battery carrier is for batteries used in electric vehicles. The battery carrier includes a housing having a plurality of slots, and each of the slots is configured to receive a battery that is configured for hand-insertion and hand-removal from the battery carrier. Each slot and each battery has a form factor that is dimensioned to at least partially fit within ones of the slots. A plurality of electrical connectors is also provided. Each electrical connector is disposed inside respective ones of the slots and each electrical connector is configured to mate with an electrical connector of the battery when present in a slot of the plurality of slots and each electrical connector is configured to provide power transfer between a power source to which the battery carrier is connected and a battery when present in one of the slots. Further provided is electronics integrated with the battery carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
  • Publication number: 20160303991
    Abstract: A charging system for a multi-floor tower for the parking of electric vehicles includes a super capacitor, a charging port connecting with the electric vehicle, and a charging controller. The charging controller includes a diverter switch, a first current limited portion, a second current limited portion, and a charging control portion. The charging control portion is connected with the diverter switch, the super capacitor, and the charging port. The first current limited portion outputs a first stable current and is interconnected between the diverter switch and the charging port. The second current limited portion outputs a second stable current and is interconnected between the super capacitor and the charging port. The magnitude of the first stable current is larger than the magnitude of the second stable current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: JEN-TSORNG CHANG
  • Publication number: 20160303992
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery and an auxiliary battery. A battery management system may be configured to transfer energy from the traction battery to the auxiliary battery during an ignition-off period. A controller is programmed to, in response to detecting conditions during the ignition-off period inhibiting an energy transfer from the traction battery to the auxiliary battery while a voltage of the auxiliary battery is less than a threshold and the traction battery is decoupled from the auxiliary battery, output a low-voltage alert. Conditions inhibiting the energy transfer include a state of charge of the traction battery being less than a predetermined state of charge and a traction battery voltage being less than a predetermined value. The low-voltage alert may be output via a wireless communications network to a device remote from the vehicle to alert the operator of the condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Karin Lovett, Ryan J. Skaff
  • Publication number: 20160303993
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a low voltage DC/DC converter (LDC) of a hybrid vehicle is provided in which a fuel efficiency mode for artificially turning off pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the LDC is added, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Accordingly, the fuel efficiency mode for artificially turning off the PWM control of the LDC is added, so that when the fuel efficiency mode is performed, power of an auxiliary battery is temporarily supplied to an electric field load, thereby reducing power consumption of a main battery and improving fuel efficiency. Further, when the auxiliary battery is separated, power of the main battery is temporarily supplied to the electric field load by performing the PWM control of the LDC, to prevent a phenomenon that power is not supplied to the electric field load when the auxiliary battery is separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jee Heon Kim, Hyun Wook Seong, Won Kyoung Choi, Dong Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20160303994
    Abstract: The performance of a fuel cell power plant that decays, in an electric vehicle which makes frequent starts, is recovered by partially shutting down the power plant. Recovery is enabled by a recovery enable flag upon conditions such as vehicle using low or no power, vehicle speed at or near zero, electric storage SOC above a threshold, and no recovery during the last half-hour (or other duration). The recovery restart resets a timer to ensure that recovery is not attempted too often. The power plant then remains in a recovery stand-by mode until a recovery restart flag is set to 1. The restart causes start-up of the fuel cell power plant, reaching an operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Sitaram Ramaswamy, Venkateshwarlu Yadha, Matthew P. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20160303995
    Abstract: A vehicle power stage assembly is disclosed which may include a power stage housing, a power stage supported by the housing, and a pair of stacked DC leadframes. The pair of stacked DC leadframes are of opposite polarity and spaced apart from one another. Each of the DC leadframes may extend from the power stage and each has distal and proximal ends. The spacing between the leadframes may be such that parasitic inductances associated with current flowing through each of the leadframes at least partially cancel one another. Each of the leadframes may define a first and second side surface opposite one another. The first side surfaces may be coplanar and the second side surfaces may be coplanar. A distance between the spaced apart pair of DC leadframes may be based on a preselected amount of current and a material of the DC leadframes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Guangyin Lei, Chingchi Chen, Ke Zou, Michael W. Degner
  • Publication number: 20160303996
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns an operating method for an electric motor vehicle with at least one electrical machine as the traction motor and with an operating element for preselecting a coasting function, wherein, if the coasting function is preselected by the driver, under predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into a coasting mode, in which neither a drive torque nor a drag torque is exerted on the wheels of the vehicle. According to the disclosure, the predetermined conditions include the conditions that the gas pedal is in a neutral position and that the current speed of the vehicle is at or is greater than a preset value. Under the predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into the coasting mode by bringing the drive train of the vehicle into a state in which the at least one electrical machine is consuming no electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Arnulf SPONHEIMER, Brian GILLESPEY
  • Publication number: 20160303997
    Abstract: A method for dynamic control of an electric vehicle operable based on a throttle value received from a throttle and a default throttle map correlating default output values with throttle values, the method including: determining a user parameter; detecting a condition indicative of perturbation; in response to detecting the condition indicative of perturbation, determining a replacement output value for a first throttle value based on the user parameter; and controlling vehicle operation to meet the replacement output value in response to receipt of the first throttle value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Sanjay Dastoor, John Ulmen, Salomon Trujillo, Matthew Tran
  • Publication number: 20160303998
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling creep driving of an electric vehicle are provided to improve driving convenience and fuel efficiency. The apparatus is applied to an electric vehicle to which a ‘one-foot drive’ mode is applied to execute the creep driving and actively determine whether the creep driving is provided based on a vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Woo Cheol Cho