Abstract: A vehicle charging system may include a parking area, indicia, and a wireless charging station. The indicia may be disposed on the parking area and define a plurality of vehicle parking spots. The wireless charging station may include a primary charge coil and a mechanical conveyor having the primary charge coil mounted thereon. The mechanical conveyor may be configured to move the primary charge coil across and between the parking spots defined by the indicia.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device are provided for positioning a vehicle over the base unit of an inductive charging system. In particular, a charging station for wirelessly transmitting electric energy to a vehicle includes a base unit which is designed to generate an electromagnetic charging field for transmitting electric energy to the vehicle. The charging station has a receiving unit which is designed to receive a request signal from a transmitting unit of a vehicle. The request signal lies in any of a plurality of different frequency ranges. The receiving unit is further designed to determine a signal strength of the received request signal.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus includes a charging body, a robot arm, and a feeding coupler. The charging body defines a receiving portion. The robot arm is movably coupled to a sidewall of the receiving portion and received in receiving portion. The feeding coupler is coupled to the robot arm and used to supply electric power to the electric vehicle. The robot arm is capable of extending from the receiving portion for coupling the feeding coupler to an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A battery charging system for an electric vehicle includes a movement control module configured to control a robot arm of a charging apparatus to move; a charging control module configured to control a feeding coupler of the battery charging apparatus to output electric current; a camera module configured to obtain an image of a location of a receiving coupler of the electric vehicle; and a comparing module configured to compare the image with a predefined image stored in a memory unit, the predefined image being of an open state of a receiving coupler of a same model as the electric vehicle. The movement control module controls the feeding coupler couple with the receiving coupler, when the image matches with the predefined image. The present disclosure also supplies a battery charging apparatus and a battery charging method.

Abstract: System and methods for electric vehicle charging are described. A preferred charging rate associated with an electric vehicle is determined. The preferred charging rate is compared with a first charging rate associated with a utility service current source and a second charging rate associated with an electrical energy storage device. The utility service current source supports the first charging rate and the electrical energy storage device supports the second charging rate, where the second charging rate is greater than the first charging rate. A transfer switch is instructed to select one of the utility service current source and the electrical energy storage device based on the comparison. The transfer switch is coupled to an electric vehicle charger and supplies current to the electric vehicle charger via the selected current source. The electric vehicle is charged at the preferred charging rate using at least the selected current source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a billing system for electric vehicle charging, which enables optimal charging and billing, considering details associated with electric vehicle charging, such as charging quality corresponding to charging power supply states, and an estimated rate determined differently according to a charging time and a charging power quantity. The present invention has a maximum electricity quantity sensing function, a charging electricity quantity setting function based on a sensing value, and a charging condition setting function based on a power reserve rate on a basis of a time, a user, an area, and a power company, a regional power situation, and the like.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a plurality of electrical storage devices, a distributor configured to distribute electric power between the plurality of electrical storage devices in a desired distribution mode, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit configured to (i) set the desired distribution mode based on at least one of a magnitude relation between first rates of change in dischargeable power of the corresponding electrical storage device to a charge state value indicating a remaining level of charge of the corresponding electrical storage device, or a magnitude relation between second rates of change in chargeable power of the corresponding electrical storage device to the charge state value, and (ii) control the distributor such that electric power is distributed in the set distribution mode.

Abstract: An energy management system includes an energy management controller and a power conditioning system that charges and discharges a storage battery installed in an electric vehicle. The energy management controller includes: a charge/discharge controller that is configured to, in accordance with an operation mode having an operation right among a plurality of operation modes, control charging and discharging of the storage battery through the power conditioning system; and an operation right granter that is configured to determine an operation mode to which the operation right is to be granted next based on a predetermined transition condition, and to grant the operation right to the operation mode determined thereby.

Abstract: A battery module, a power storage device, a power storage system, an electronic appliance, an electric vehicle, and a power system that can detect the voltage of a plurality of battery cells more accurately are provided. The power storage device includes a connection terminal portion which is coupled with terminal planes of a plurality of battery cells constituting battery columns. The connection terminal portion includes a coupling portion including a first coupling portion configured to couple at least with a first battery column and a second coupling portion configured to couple at least with a second battery column adjacent to the first battery column, and an extension portion extended from an end of the coupling portion in a longitudinal direction. The extension portion is provided at a predetermined position.

Abstract: An electronic control device 1 for controlling a vehicle battery pack 50 is described. The device 1 may be used to control a vehicle battery pack 50 adapted to supply a battery voltage Vb and a battery current Ib through a plurality of battery cells C. The device 1 is adapted to interact with a remote control unit 60 external to the battery pack 50. The device 1 comprises a non-programmable monitoring and actuation unit 2 and a two-way serial communication interface 3. The non-programmable monitoring and actuation unit 2 is electrically and operatively connectable to the battery pack 50 and to each of the battery cells C to detect analogue battery parameters P, comprising at least the magnitudes of battery voltage Vb and battery current Ib, in addition to temperature (Tc1, Tcn), current (Ic1, Icn) and voltage (Vc1, Vcn) of each battery cell C.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which, when the battery pack is at a low charge level, selectively heat the battery or battery module with the lowest voltage, thereby decreasing the internal resistance and mitigating the magnitude of the voltage drop of the affected battery/battery module. As a result, termination of the battery pack's discharge cycle is delayed and the driving range of the vehicle is increased, thereby giving the driver a little more time and driving range to reach a charging station.

Abstract: A driving control method and system for a fuel cell vehicle are provided. The driving control method includes monitoring, by a vehicle controller, information regarding vehicle conditions and entering a minimum driving mode when the monitored vehicle conditions meet minimum-driving-mode entry conditions. A temperature of a fuel cell stack detected and then adjusted when the determined temperature of the fuel cell stack is different from a preset target stack temperature value, to match the temperature of the fuel cell stack with the preset target stack temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a parking assist system. A motor drives a front wheel. A motor control device controls an output of the motor. A changeover switch changes over a control mode for the motor to an assist mode different from a normal traveling mode. The motor control device is configured to control the output of the motor depending on operation of the changeover switch at the assist mode.

Abstract: In a control system and control method for a driving device, opposite distribution control is performed (e.g., steps 1, 4 to 7), whereby a left driving force and a right driving force are controlled such that a yaw moment in a direction opposite to a turning direction of the vehicle acts on the vehicle, whereby a left-right driving force difference is generated which is a difference between the left driving force and the right driving force. During performance of the opposite distribution control, when deceleration of the vehicle is obtained, limit control is performed (e.g., step 8), whereby the left driving force and the right driving force are controlled such that a change in the left-right driving force difference becomes smaller than a change in a left-right driving force sum, which is the sum of the left driving force and the right driving force.

Abstract: An actuator (10, 210) for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle seat, includes an electric motor (20) that is equipped with an output shaft (24) and a gear mechanism (100, 200) that is connected to the output shaft (24). The gear mechanism (100, 200) is provided with a gear mechanism housing (120, 220). A gear mechanism retaining device (160, 260) supports the gear mechanism housing (120, 220) in such a way that the housing can swivel about a swivel axis (165, 265). A shaft section (126, 226) of the gear mechanism housing (120, 220) that is flush with the swivel axis (165, 265) is surrounded at least in part by a retaining bracket (170, 270) of the gear mechanism retaining device (160, 260). The output shaft (24) is located outside the retaining bracket (170, 270).

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a seat unlocking system includes a seat with a seat part and a back part secured to a body at an attachment, an airbag, and an actuator for releasing the attachment of the seat to the body. Following activation of the actuator, the attachment between the seat and the body is disconnected such that the seat is moveable relative to the body. A control unit is configured to activate the actuator following an accident exclusively in the case of an opened airbag and exclusively with the motor vehicle at a standstill.

Abstract: A vehicular seat slide device is provided with a lower rail, an upper rail, a lock member, a memory piece, a memory link, a slide member, and a stopper member. The memory piece is engaged with the upper rail and the lower rail. The memory link releases the lock member and the memory piece with urging force of a memory link urging member, and pivots in a releasing direction to press the lock member in a pivot direction and press the memory piece against the urging force of the memory piece urging member. The slide member releases the memory link with urging force of a slider urging member, and presses the memory link in the release direction by moving as a seat back is collapsed forward. After the seatback is collapsed forward and the upper rail is moved in a seat-rearward direction, the stopper member contacts the memory piece.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a pivot mechanism that pivotally couples first and second portions of a seat back. The pivot mechanism may have a linkage tube and a linkage pin. The linkage pin may extend through the linkage tube and may have an enlarged head that may retain the linkage pin in the linkage tube.

Abstract: A lock device is provided with: a latch unit having a slit which allows a striker to enter and exit and configured to engage with and to be disengaged from the striker; and a support member for supporting a spring member outside the latch unit in such a manner that the spring member extends in the width direction of the slit. The spring member is elastically deformed when in contact with the striker having entered the slit, and as a result, the spring member applies pressing force to the striker, the pressing force acting in the direction in which the striker exits the slit.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle, in particular a public transport vehicle such as a bus or train, comprises a transversely positioned bench seat in front of which there is a wheelchair space. In front of the transversely positioned bench seat in the travel direction of the vehicle is arranged a barrier device comprising at least one barrier element and a rotation axis, about which the barrier element can be moved between a tilted-down position extending in front of the transversely positioned bench seat and a tilted-up position which leaves the wheelchair space free.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and a headrest. The headrest is mounted for up-and-down movement on a seat back included in the juvenile vehicle seat. A releasable lock is provided to retain the headrest in more than one selected position on the seat back.

Abstract: A seat adjustment system for an operator seat is provided. The seat adjustment system includes a base support and at least two supports which are disposed laterally to the base support. The at least two supports have a plurality of bolsters. The bolsters are positioned on an inner surface of an operator console. The at least two supports define an operator seating space therebetween having a fixed maximum capacity. An adjustment module is operatively coupled with the bolsters. The adjustment module is adapted to selectively inflate the bolsters for decreasing the operator seating space with respect to the fixed maximum capacity. The adjustment module is adapted to selectively deflate the bolsters for increasing the operator seating space with respect to the fixed maximum capacity. The adjustment module is adapted to alter a current operator seating capacity with respect to the fixed maximum capacity based on an operator input.

Abstract: An arm rest frame (1) includes at least one frame component (7, 8, 9, 11). The at least one frame component (7, 8, 9, 11) is made from a organosheet. An arm rest and a method for producing an arm rest frame (1) are also provided.

Abstract: In a seat in which an armrest is attached to a side frame of a seatback, a reinforcing member that inhibits lateral torsion deformation of the side frame at a location where the armrest is attached to the side frame when a lateral load is applied to the armrest, is cross-linked between the side frame and a lower panel arranged in a different location than the side frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including a frame-shaped seat frame, a seat pad, a separate member provided to the seat frame, and a seat cover covering the seat pad and the seat frame, wherein the seat pad includes a main body portion configured to be arranged to a seating side of the seat frame and a hooking portion protruding in a direction opposite to the seating side from an edge of the main body portion, wherein at least a portion of the separate member protrudes into the frame shape of the seat frame and is exposed from the hooking portion at a rear side of the seat frame, wherein an extending portion is provided to the hooking portion and protrudes into the frame shape of the seat frame at the rear side of the seat frame, and wherein the extending portion greatly protrudes into the frame shape of the seat frame as compared to the separate member and is arranged between the seat cover and the separate member.

Abstract: A headrest system and a method of providing the same is disclosed. The headrest system comprises a head support unit adaptable onto a vehicle seat, a fabric member configured to envelope at least a portion of the head support unit, and a plurality of anchor members configured to retain the fabric member in a substantially staple-free fashion. The head support unit includes a pillow portion defining a head supporting surface. The fabric member includes a central portion configured to cover the head supporting surface, and a fringe portion integrally connected around the central portion. The anchor members are arranged at locations opposite to the head supporting surface, and are configured to engage selective parts of the fringe portion, so as to as to stretch the central portion substantially conformally over the head support surface of the pillow portion and substantially retain the fabric member on the head support unit.

Abstract: This surface fastener has a substrate portion and a plurality of engaging elements, each of the engaging elements being provided with a stem portion standing from the substrate portion and a hook portion extending in the fastener width direction from the stem portion. The engaging element has a narrow width tip end portion provided with at least a hook portion and an enlarged width portion provided with only the stem portion, separated by a reference surface along the fastener length and height directions as a boundary. This makes an undercut hardly formable in the molding of the engaging element, and deficiencies such as deformation and the like of the engaging element can be prevented. Further, the strength of the stem portion can be increased, and a damage which a loop-shaped engaging element and the engaging element receive when the loop-shaped engaging element is attached or pulled out can be reduced.

Abstract: A foam mold rail (100) for use with a foam mold tool in forming a foam pad (140) of a seat and a method of mounting a trim cover (150) to the foam pad (140) wherein the foam mold rail (100) is configured to retain a plurality of mechanical clips (122) both vertically and axially with respect to the foam mold rail (100) while simultaneously forming a self-aligning clip trench (138, 238) in the foam pad (140) during the foam pad forming process.

Abstract: A vehicle seat that can suitably protect a seated occupant against an impact from a seat width direction is described, while enlargement of the seat in the seat width direction is restrained. A support member provided to the vehicle seat supports the seated occupant from a side of the seated occupant, and includes an inner plate attached to a seat width direction inner side of a side frame, an outer plate attached to a seat width direction outer side of the side frame, and a connection plate for connecting the inner plate and the outer plate on a seat front side. The outer plate is attached to the seat width direction outer side of the side frame at a position that does not overlap in the seat width direction with attachment positions of the inner plate and the side frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for providing seating for an occupant within a vehicle may include an anchoring mechanism and a reversible seat cushion. The reversible seat cushion may be configured to be reversible between a seating position and a storage position and to be removable from and attachable to the anchoring mechanism in each of the seating position and the storage position. The reversible seat cushion may include a seating side and a storage side. In the seating position, the seating side may be exposed to provide support beneath the occupant and the storage side is concealed. In the storage position, the storage side may be exposed to provide a storage area and the seating side is concealed.

Abstract: A pizza delivery container leveling and position retaining structure having outwardly and upwardly angled walls from a centrally located platform form a bounded location for retaining a pizza delivery container therein. A rear downwardly extending support and upwardly angled foot extend along the rear of the platform resting on the rear of a vehicle seat at the junction with the seat back forming a capture point for engaging the seat belt to secure the structure in place. The platform also rests against the front portion of the seat crating a stable, level place for transporting a pizza delivery container.

Abstract: A roll off trailer is provided with a bumper assembly which may move between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The roll off trailer may include a trailer frame with a table top pivotally connected to the trailer such that the deployed position may be associated with a home position of the table top and the collapsed position may be associated with a tilted roll off position of the table top.

Abstract: A utility trailer with a movable bed floor includes a trailer frame supported by a plurality of wheel assemblies. A bed panel is coupled with the trailer frame and defines an upper support surface. A live-bed flexible member spans the length and width of the upper support surface. A load chain is coupled between forward and rearward ends of the live-bed flexible member and span the length of the bed panel below the bed panel. A drive system is supported by the trailer frame. The drive system has a sprocket engaged with the load chain and is operable to drive the live-bed flexible member in forward and rearward directions over the upper support surface for loading and unloading items from the utility trailer.

Abstract: A shock isolation system includes at least one isolator configured to be removably secured to an exterior of a container and at least one foot in communication with the at least one isolator and configured to contact a support surface. The isolator has a first end proximate the support surface and an opposing second end distal from the support surface, and is configured to transition between a first, contracted position and a second, expanded position. In a stowed configuration of the system, the isolator is in the contracted position and a bottom end of the container is spaced apart from the foot at a first distance. In a deployed configuration of the system, the isolator is in the expanded position and a bottom end of the container is spaced apart from the foot at a second distance which is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight assembly includes a plurality of snap wedge assemblies with at least one of the snap wedge assemblies including a ball stud configured for engagement with a light module and an insert coupled with the ball stud, the insert including a plurality of wedges and a plurality of snap fingers. The assembly further includes a plurality of carrier receptacles for matingly receiving and securing the snap wedge assemblies.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for controlling a high beam, including an environment detecting device. At least one radar or lidar sensor system as well as a camera sensor system are provided for detecting the environment in front of the vehicle. A control signal for a high beam controller or warning device is generated when the high beam is active and at least one sensor system for detecting the environment simultaneously detects a potentially dazzled object.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp of a motor vehicle includes a first motor vehicle headlamp and a second motor vehicle headlamp. The first and second motor vehicle headlamp include an illuminant for a low-beam light, a high-beam light and an ambient light above a propagation direction of a light distribution of the high-beam light. The ambient light can be emitted each combined with low-beam light and/or high-beam light and is separately adjustable for each headlamp.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an overall light beam emitted by an automotive vehicle headlamp and formed from selectively activatable beam segments produced independently from one another by illuminating means borne by the headlamp, the segments together forming an overall light beam when they are all activated and placed successively side-by-side. The instantaneous speed of the vehicle is compared to a first preset speed threshold, and a zone of high light intensity to be produced when the instantaneous speed is higher than the first preset speed threshold is determined.

Abstract: The lighting device includes a control circuit performing dimming control of dimming a light source device according to a desired dimming level. In the dimming control, the control circuit sets a desired current value of amplitude control to a value corresponding to the desired dimming level, and set a desired duty cycle of pulse width modulation control to a predetermined value associated with a dimming subrange containing the desired dimming level, of multiple different dimming subranges of a total dimming range of the light source device. The predetermined value is a duty cycle allowing luminance of the light source device to be equal to upper limit luminance of the associated dimming subrange under a condition where the current value of the current of the light source device is a maximum value.

Abstract: A color temperature control module of a vehicle headlight, installed to a moving vehicle body, includes a light emitting element, a sensing element and an auto switching element. The light emitting element includes a low-penetration light emitting source and a high-penetration light emitting source adjacent to the low-penetration light emitting source. The sensing element senses an ambient environment of the moving vehicle body and sends a sensing signal. The auto switching element, electrically connected to the light emitting element and the sensing element, receives the sensing signal sent by the sensing element to control switching of the low-penetration light emitting source and the high-penetration light emitting source. With the low-penetration light emitting source and the high-penetration light emitting source disposed, the light emitting element is allowed to switch in coordination with changes in the ambient environment of the moving vehicle body to increase driving safety.

Abstract: A roof rail is disposed on a motor vehicle and furnished with an integrated light system. The light system has at least one light source and one or more batteries that are part of the system arranged in or on a cover of the roof rail. The battery powered light system enables the light system to be operated independently of any connection to the onboard power supply of the motor vehicle, and it is then no longer necessary to provide an electrical connection between the light system and the onboard power supply or the motor vehicle electronics. A computer program, when executed on a light system controller, is configured to detect a position of a vehicle door and switch the at least one light source of the light system on and off.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a brake pedal coil printed circuit board for vehicles is provided which is capable of allowing a wireless sensor to quickly sense whether physical energy from a driver is applied to a foot brake pedal to turn on rear brake lights.

Abstract: One variation of a method for renting a vehicle includes: receiving a signal from a fleet manager, the signal specifying a current availability of the vehicle for rent; updating a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle according to the signal, the visual indicator visually detectable from outside the vehicle; receiving identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; enabling access to the vehicle for the user in response to verification of the user as a driver of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a driver's seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle for the user in response to determination that the user is seated in the driver's seat.

Abstract: A vehicular notification control apparatus includes: an operation acceptance portion that accepts an instruction operation performed by a non-driving occupant for an equipment device providing a function available to a user in a vehicle interior; an output data acquisition portion that acquires output data in response to the instruction operation for notifying the driver of a result of processing; a notification control portion that makes a notification to the driver; and a drive load determination portion that determines whether drive load of the driver is high. The notification control portion makes the notification when the drive load determination portion determines that the drive load is not high at a time the output data acquisition portion has acquired the output data. The notification control portion withholds making the notification until the drive load determination portion determines that the drive load is not high.

Abstract: A sound transmitting system for a motor vehicle has a sound generator (2) and a sound-conducting first sound duct (6). The first sound duct (6) has a proximal end (7) connected to the sound generator (2) to transmit sound and a distal end (21) facing away from the proximal end (7) and via which a sound from the generated sound enters a passenger compartment (19) or external region (20) of a bodywork (26) of the motor vehicle (12). To bring about a specific sound characteristic of the resulting sound, a first length (L1) of the first sound duct (6) and/or a first diameter (D1) of the first sound duct (6) and/or a first cross-sectional area (Q1) of the first sound duct (6) are/is adapted as a function of the generated sound.

Abstract: A method for providing information to a driver of a vehicle includes receiving remote vehicle information indicating geospatial state and kinematic state for each of the one or more remote vehicles. The method also includes identifying host vehicle information indicating geospatial state and kinematic state for the host vehicle, identifying a queue length representing a number of vehicles queued ahead of the host vehicle, and identifying at least one of the one or more remote vehicles as a conflicting vehicle. The method also includes determining a time-to-contact based on the remote vehicle information corresponding to the conflicting vehicle and the host vehicle information. The method also includes causing a warning alert to be output if the time-to-contact is less than a warning alert threshold and only if the queue length is zero vehicles.

Abstract: A method for providing information to a driver of a vehicle includes receiving, at a host vehicle via a wireless electronic communication link, messages that each include remote vehicle information for a respective one of the one or more remote vehicles; identifying host vehicle information for the host vehicle; determining that a potential message occlusion exists based at least in part on the remote vehicle information for the one or more remote vehicles and the host vehicle information; and in response to determining that a potential message occlusion exists, causing a message occlusion alert to be output.

Abstract: A system for eliminating blind spots is provided. The system includes a vehicle having a vehicle cabin with a viewing port. The vehicle further includes vehicle machinery obstructing at least a portion of the view from the view port, which forms a blind spot. At least one video camera is secured to the vehicle and directed to take a streaming video of the blind spot. At least one display is secured to the vehicle machinery on a side facing the vehicle cabin. The streaming video is displayed from the display so that an exemplary user sees the blind spot caused by the vehicle machinery.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and a prismatic reflective element, with the mirror casing adjustably supported at a mirror mount at an interior surface of the vehicle. The mirror casing includes a principal mirror casing portion and a pivotable mirror casing portion that is pivotable relative to the principal mirror casing portion. A toggle assembly includes a toggle lever and a spring element disposed between and coupled to the toggle lever and the pivotable mirror casing portion of the mirror casing. Pivotal movement of the toggle lever flexes the spring element and adjusts the angle of the principal mirror casing portion and the prismatic reflective element relative to the pivotable mirror casing portion of the mirror casing.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a housing, a bezel, and an electro-optic mirror element. The electro-optic mirror element includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the first substantially transparent substrate and a second substantially transparent substrate. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity. An electro-optic material is disposed within the cavity. The first substantially transparent substrate and at least one of the housing and bezel have a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between about 5 ppm and about 50 ppm.