Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a plurality of charging ports; a charging portion configured to output charge current to the charging ports; an input portion configured to receive selection of a user among a plurality of charge patterns prepared in advance including a charge-history-dependent charge pattern to determine the charge current based on charge history information regarding a charge history of the electrically-powered vehicle; a selection result storing portion configured to store a result of the selection; a history information storing portion configured to store the charge history information of the electrically-powered vehicles connected to any of the charging ports; and a controller configured to refer to the selection result storing portion, control the charging portion in accordance with a selected charge pattern, the controller configured to determine priorities of the electrically-powered vehicles based on the charge history information when the charge-history-dependent charge pattern is selec

Abstract: The invention relates to a power switch (100) for a battery system. The power switch (100) comprises: a first terminal (104); a second terminal (106); a control terminal (102) for receiving a control signal (108); a device (112) for identifying a power switching signal (114) and a communication signal (116) based on the control signal (108); a power section (118) comprising at least one switch (122) for switching an electrical connection between the first terminal (104) and the second terminal (106) based on the power switching signal (114); and a communication section (120) comprising at least one switch (124) for switching the electrical connection between the first terminal (104) and the second terminal (106) based on the communication signal (116).

Abstract: A system includes an on-board charger that receives energy from an external power source and a battery having a state of charge (SOC) and a battery temperature. The system also includes a battery heater that converts electrical energy into thermal energy (heat) for increasing the battery temperature. The system also includes a battery management system (BMS) that determines or detects a current SOC of the battery and a current battery temperature. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the on-board charger and to the BMS. The ECU controls the on-board charger to distribute energy to the battery and to the battery heater to cause the SOC to remain above a SOC threshold and to cause the battery temperature to remain above a battery temperature threshold based on the current SOC and the current battery temperature.

Abstract: A system for dynamic battery loading for electric vehicles includes an electric motor to displace a vehicle. A first battery stores a first electric power charge and a second battery stores a second electric power charge. A controller dynamically loads or couples the first battery or the second battery to deliver the first electric power charge or the second electric power charge, respectively, to the electric motor based at least in part on the power signal, a location of the first battery, or a location of the second battery within the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery housing for a traction motor battery of a vehicle is disclosed that includes attachments retained by parallel T-shaped guides on the outer surface of the walls of the enclosure. The attachments are oriented to extend either in a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation. The depth of the attachments and shape of the attachments may be selected to meet impact force requirements and packaging space limitations imposed by the structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle including a powertrain system that includes an electric machine electrically connected to a power inverter is described, wherein the powertrain system is operative in an electric vehicle mode to generate propulsion torque. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a vehicle speed, and determining a preferred audible sound to be generated by the powertrain system when operating in the electric vehicle mode at the vehicle speed. A control signal for the power inverter is determined, and is associated with operating the powertrain system in the electric vehicle mode at the vehicle speed. The preferred audible sound is incorporated into the control signal for the power inverter, and the power inverter is controlled to operate the electric machine employing the control signal and the preferred audible sound.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a rotary electric machine extracts, based on a rotational speed of a rotating member, a vibration component included in the rotational speed of the rotating member, the vibration component being based on vibrations of a drivetrain. The control apparatus calculates, according to the extracted vibration component, compensation torque for compensating the vibrations of the drivetrain. The control apparatus performs drive control of the rotary electric machine according to the compensation torque. The control apparatus performs suppression to suppress the rotational speed of the rotating member from changing due to change of a speed change ratio.

Abstract: A conductor line for supplying an electric load movable on the conductor line in the longitudinal direction of the conductor line, includes at least one conductor strand which runs in the longitudinal direction and has an electrically conductive profiled conductor section for contacting a sliding contact of a current collector of the load and at least one elongated slotted waveguide, which runs in the longitudinal direction, with a longitudinal slot for receiving an antenna which can be moved together with the load. A related current collector and a conductor line system are also provided. The aim is to allow a compact and material-saving design with good fault-tolerant transmission.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A vehicle seat control apparatus is configured to be provided in a vehicle switchable between a manual driving state in which a driver performs a driving operation of the vehicle and an automatic driving state in which the driving operation is performed automatically. The apparatus includes a seat adjuster, a controller, and a storage. The seat adjuster adjusts a position of a seat of the vehicle. The controller drives the seat adjuster and makes a transition between the driving two states. The storage stores seat position information indicating the seat position in the the manual driving state. The controller drives the seat adjuster on a basis of the seat position information read out from the storage, and moves, by the seat adjuster, the seat rearward on a basis of the seat position in the manual driving state as a reference position, upon making a transition from the manual driving state to the automatic driving state.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has an easy-entry module (6). A backrest (2) is adjustable relative to a seat part (3) between at least one comfort position (P1) and at least one easy-entry position (P3). The backrest (2) is, together with the seat part (3), arranged so as to be longitudinally displaceable by way of rails (4) along a movement travel (W) over a longitudinal adjustment range (L) at least between two seat positions (S1.1 to S1.n). To limit the movement travel (W), at least one switchable abutment (10) is provided in the region of the rails (4). The backrest (2) is, at a predefined seat position (S2), settable upright by way of the switchable abutment (10) from the easy-entry position (P3) into the comfort position (P1) and lockable to the seat part (3) in the predefined seat position (S2).

Abstract: A vehicle seat strap retaining assembly having a seat cushion section, a seatback section and a strap attachment structure. The seatback section is attached to the seat cushion. The seatback section has a passenger's back supporting surface and an upper end surface that includes a central indentation area configured to receive a child seat retaining strap. The strap attachment structure is rigidly fixed to one of the seat cushion section and the seatback section beneath the central indentation area. The central indentation area and the strap attachment structure are positioned and configured such that with a child seat positioned on the seat cushion section, a securing strap of the child seat extending over the upper end surface of the seatback section overlays the central indentation area and attaches to the child seat supporting strap attachment structure.

Abstract: A vehicle seat strap retaining assembly includes a seat cushion section, a seatback section, a strap retaining clip and a strap attachment structure. The seatback section is attached to the seat cushion, the seatback section having a passenger's back supporting surface and an upper end surface. The strap retaining clip is attached to a rear surface of the seatback section. The strap attachment structure is rigidly fixed to one of the seat cushion section and the seatback section beneath the upper end surface. The strap retaining clip and the strap attachment structure are positioned and configured such that with a child seat positioned on the seat cushion section, a securing strap of the child seat extending over the upper end surface of the seatback section passes through the strap retaining clip and attaches to the strap attachment structure.

Abstract: A child seat including a tensioning mechanism for applying tension to a seat belt to more fully secure the child seat to a vehicle seat is provided herein. The child seat, which may be front- and/or rear-facing, includes a seat base defining a seat portion and a backrest portion. The seat base can receive an untensioned belt to secure the child seat to a vehicle seat in an untensioned configuration. A tensioning mechanism attached to the backrest portion and is rotatable between a first position substantially adjacent to the backrest portion and a second position disposed therefrom. In the second position, the tensioning mechanism can receive a portion of the belt. In the first position, the tensioning mechanism applies tension to the portion of the received belt to secure the child seat to the vehicle seat in a tensioned configuration. Methods of manufacturing child seats are also provided herein.

Abstract: A car seat supporting apparatus is described. The car seat supporting apparatus can include a pair of rigid members configured to engage with a support structure. The car seat supporting apparatus can also include a pair of flexible members disposed between the pair of rigid members. The pair of flexible members can be configured to support an infant car seat when the car seat supporting apparatus is deployed in the support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a main part that forms a center portion of a front surface of a seatback; bolster parts that form side parts of the front surface of the seatback; and a reclining adjuster configured to adjust a backrest angle of the seatback, and to move a lower area of the main part toward a front side relative to the bolster parts as the main part is reclined.

Abstract: A fold-out component body (1), in particular an armrest of a vehicle seat, can be rotated about an axis of rotation (4) from a stowage position (9) into a usage position (10). In the event of an accident, the fold-out component (1) can be secured in the stowage position thereof by a locking element (2).

Abstract: Armrest device, in particular for commercial vehicle seats, having a guide rail system for guiding a displacement movement of a first rail relative to a second rail which can be connected to the armrest device, in a displacement direction, wherein the displacement movement of the first rail can be arrested by the engagement of a locking element of a locking device in at least one recess in the first rail, wherein the locking device is rigidly connected to the armrest device by a first end and can be deflected in a height direction by a second end, the locking element engaging in the recess in a non-deflected position of the locking device.

Abstract: An easy to operate sleep support frame for travelling is disclosed. The support frame includes a movable and curved chest rod which can move from a passenger's chest to the bottom of the seat; a chest cushion connected with the chest rod; and a headrest connected with the chest rod. The headrest can be placed in the back of the front seat or above the chest rod. The chest rod includes a circular arc segment with meshing gear teeth on the inner circular arc side of the chest rod. One end of the chest rod goes through the driving gear box under the seat to be driven by a driving gear box. The passenger can press a button to drive motors to raise chest cushion, and press the button to lower the chest cushion to be close to the seat bottom if the chest cushion is not used.

Abstract: With respect to a vehicular seat, a hook member of a seat skin and a seat frame structure that facilitate assembling of the skin of a seat cushion or a seat back to a seat frame are provided. The vehicular seat includes: a seat cushion to be a seating face portion of the seat; and a seat back provided on the rear side of the seat cushion and to be a backrest portion of the seat. At least either of the seat cushion and the seat back includes an engaging member provided at an end of the skin material thereof with one or more protruded portions. The skin material is engaged with the seat frame by fitting the protruded portions on the engaging member into grooves or openings provided in the seat frame of the vehicular seat.

Abstract: A object catching device for use in transportation vehicle, comprising a main section having a generally rectangular shape, the main section adapted to cover the area between two seats and the main section having a rear portion adapted to secure to the back portion of a seat, the front portion adapted to secure in front of the seat, and the side portions to extend upwards a predetermined height.

Abstract: A thermoplastic seatback for a passenger seat includes a thermoplastic peripheral structural frame for attachment to a seat assembly and a thermoplastic diaphragm overmolded onto a forward face of the frame. An aircraft passenger seat and a method of constructing a passenger seatback is also disclosed.

Abstract: The high density foldaway shelving unit of the present invention includes at least one shelf and at least two spaced posts. The shelf is mounted between the posts. A pair of cantilevered floor mounts is mounted to the floor of a vehicle. Each of the posts is mounted to a respective one of the cantilevered floor mounts to transfer weight to the cantilevered floor mounts. A pre-assembled shelf mounting assembly is provided for mounting the shelves to the posts. The pre-assembled shelf mounting assembly has a bracket mounted to the posts, a pivot pin mounted to the shelf and a guide pin for stopping the shelf in the raised and lowered position.

Abstract: A tray table for supporting portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The tray table may have a removable portion that may be completely separable from the body of the tray table, such as for cleaning, replacement or other purposes. A wireless battery charger is included for wirelessly charging one or more portable electronic devices.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be a disassemblable platform system in a pickup truck cab, or other vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a SUV or van that (after installation), comprises: a plurality of panels (generally, 40, as installed) relatively positioned to form a flat, raised rigid platform 41 in a pickup truck cab and that is elevated above lower seat cushions, where such panels include two rear panels 1,2 (i.e., in the rear seat area), a driver area panel 3, a passenger area panel 6, and a console area panel 42 between said driver area panel and said passenger area panel. The system further includes horizontal supports 43 that underlie at least some of said panels, such horizontal supports including at least two right-left horizontal support bars 44 (i.e., a horizontal support bar that is installed in a right-left direction defined by the vehicle); and panel-attached horizontal supports 45, each of which is attached to a panel to which it is dedicated.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a floor, a rear seat, and a front seat rotatable relative to the rear seat from a first position facing the rear seat to a second position facing away from the rear seat. An inflatable cushion is supported by the floor and is disposed between the front seat and the rear seat. A pressure control device is in communication with the inflatable cushion. The inflatable cushion may be used by an occupant of the vehicle as a footrest and/or a bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage compartment for a center console of a motor vehicle, having a partial cylinder shell-shaped compartment divider, which is movable on a circular path, in order to separate a storage region from the storage compartment in order to store a beverage container. For the purpose of supporting a stored beverage container in a tilt-free manner, the invention provides a spring-loaded support element on the compartment divider, the movement of which is synchronized with fixed support elements on a circumference of the storage region.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying plate glass has an elongated deck and an elongated rigid beam that extends above the deck. The beam supports plate glass transported by the trailer. The deck and the beam may be made from aluminum.

Abstract: A load-bearing palette includes two side frames; crosspieces; two end support areas for supporting car wheels; and a free central space. The first area includes a wheel support acting as an abutment for the first set of wheels; a transverse element connecting both side frames and having two oblique arms joined at a central portion directed towards an end of the palette; a recess between the wheel support and the transverse element having a width continually decreasing from the side frames to the central portion, into which a first set of wheels sinks down, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car. The second area includes decking, the dimensions of which are sufficient to support a second set of wheels, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car.

Abstract: A trailer for towing vehicles and related methods is presented. The disclosed trailer can be configured for towing certain three-wheeled vehicles and include a ramp, a front wheel retaining member, and rear wheel plates. The trailer may be configured to receive a three-wheeled vehicle, and upon receipt of the front wheel at the front wheel retaining member and the rear wheels at the rear wheel plates, transition from a first position with the ramp in a lowered configuration to a second position with the ramp in a raised and locked configuration, wherein the weight of the vehicle being towed may be used to both raise the ramp and maintain the ramp in a secured, raised configuration.

Abstract: A trailer device is provided with pressure washing features and devices. The trailer device is convertible between at least a first and mode of transport, wherein a first mode comprises a towing mode, and a second mode comprises a push or manual operation mode. The device also comprises various on-board features and control systems such that a fully-functional pressure washing unit is provided that is easily transporting between locations.

Abstract: This invention is a device to safely transport drinking water containers or other liquids in containers. The invention is designed in two parts that can interlock at the center to form a stable ‘X’ shape. The invention can be disassembled for easy storage and re assembled to carry large bottles of water or other fluids in similar containers in various modes of transportation without spilling. The invention can be constructed as a one-part design without changing the spirit of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable storage system for use in a vehicle which allows a storage cart to be rolled into and out of the vehicle and secured within the vehicle. The storage system includes a support assembly adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The support system has at least one horizontal member extending along the longitudinal side of the vehicle. The movable cart has at least one surface for supporting items, and a locking mechanism for locking the cart to the support system. The horizontal member includes at least one retention member to resist movement of the moveable cart in the longitudinal direction. The locking mechanism engages the horizontal member to lock the cart to the horizontal member to resist movement of the moveable cart in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle equipped with a parking light, a low-beam and a high-beam, and with a dashboard and a steering column. For the purpose of realizing a lightweight construction concept, the parking light, the low-beam and the high-beam are automatically controllable via information from a navigation system and from at least one camera for the environment around the vehicle, and the vehicle does not have any operating device operable by the driver for the parking light, the low-beam and/or the high-beam with at least one button, at least one switch and/or at least one operating lever in or on a dashboard or on a steering column.

Abstract: A computing device for a vehicle exterior light control system is described. The computing device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to automatically operate vehicle headlights responsive to a location of the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical warning illumination device includes a light pattern generator for generating and projecting a light pattern on the ground. The light pattern is comprised of a plurality of images. The device includes a mounting member for mounting the light pattern generator to a vehicle and to position the light pattern generator with respect to the vehicle. The device includes a controller for controlling the operation of the light pattern generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a travel direction indicator module for an exterior rearview mirror arrangement for a motor vehicle having at least one light source, a first light conductor comprising a multiplicity of light decoupling points, and a second light conductor, wherein the light source couples a first beam part into the first light conductor at a first end and a second beam part into the second light conductor at a first end, and a module housing is formed as one injection molded part in common with the first light conductor and the second light conductor, which emits light into a single light decoupling area, which is arranged in an area of the second end of the first light conductor situated opposite the first end of the first light conductor, and an exterior rearview mirror arrangement having such a travel direction indicator module.

Abstract: This system for detecting the surrounding: conditions of a moving body forcibly changes the state of at least one of a plurality of lighting devices (change from an unlit stats to a lighting state or a blinking state, change in the emission color, or change in the luminance) installed inside the moving body if an object to which attention must be paid during traveling of the moving body is detected in the surroundings of the moving body.

Abstract: An in-vehicle illumination system which is to be disposed in a door of a vehicle has: a door warning lamp which is disposed in the vicinity of a door handle that is operated when the door is to be opened, and which indicates an open/close state of the door; a door handle illumination lamp which illuminates the door handle; a decorative lamp which emits decorative light; and a first control connector having a first control apparatus which controls ON/OFF states of the door warning lamp, the door handle illumination lamp, and the decorative lamp. The first control apparatus of the first control connector causes, when the door is in an open state, the door warning lamp, the door handle illumination lamp, and the decorative lamp to be lighted ON with a predetermined warning color.

Abstract: A visor for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The visor comprises a pivot rod and a first and second shell being engagable to form a visor body. The visor also comprises a vanity and a mirror having at least one clear portion arranged at or near an end thereof. The visor also comprises a circuit board secured to the first shell and a light emitting diode secured to a surface of the circuit board. The visor also comprises a ramp arranged in a back surface of the mirror wherein the ramp is aligned with at least one clear portion of the mirror. The visor mirror having a ramp arranged therein may allow for light to be redirected towards the user of the mirror from the LED.

Abstract: An interior component for a vehicle is disclosed. The interior component may be configured to include portions facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle that can be illuminated by a light source providing light. The interior component may comprise a panel having a first side facing the passenger compartment, and a fabric having optical fibers wrapped around an edge of the panel and along at least part of the first side. The optical fibers may be coupled to the light source and configured to transmit light through the fabric. The fabric may be configured to transmit the light by total internal reflection. The fabric may be configured illuminated portions on the first side of the panel where total internal reflection is prevented to allow the light to be emitted only at the illuminated portions. The fabric may be configured with different designs, patterns or shapes corresponding to the illuminated portions.

Abstract: A lighting control system for a vehicle includes a controller configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to connect with or communicate with at least one light of the vehicle. The controller, responsive to at least one input, adjusts a color of the at least one light of the vehicle and an intensity of the at least one light of the vehicle. The input may include one or more of (i) a driver attentiveness input and (ii) a driver age input, and optionally a time of day input, an ambient light input, a weather condition input, and/or a navigation input.

Abstract: A rear vision system and a corresponding method for use with a host vehicle towing a trailer or other object. The rear vision system may include a rear facing camera, a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) unit, vehicle dynamic sensors, a navigation unit, a control unit, and an electronic display mirror. When the towed trailer obstructs the rear facing camera, the system and method look for unseen vehicles behind the trailer and use the V2V unit to gather information from these vehicles. This information is then used to generate a rendering that graphically depicts or represents the unseen vehicle, and the rendering is superimposed on top of the video output from the rear facing camera in the form of enhanced video output, which is then displayed on the electronic display mirror. Thus, the driver is able to “see” behind the obstructing trailer without the use of additional cameras installed on the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior observation device is provided with imaging devices (1L, 1R) and an image control unit (2). The imaging devices (1L, 1R) are each provided with: an imaging element (13) having an imaging surface; a first image-producing optical system (14t) configured so as to form, on the imaging surface, a first image of a first imaging area (13t) of the vehicle exterior at a first imaging magnification; and a second image-producing optical system (14w) configured so as to form, on the imaging surface, a second image of a second imaging area (13w) of the vehicle exterior at a second imaging magnification different from the first imaging magnification.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted stereo camera device that achieves high-precision distance detection is provided, including a left camera and a right camera disposed to cause visual fields to overlap each other, a first enclosure and a second enclosure that enclose the left camera and the right camera and have portions within the visual fields of the left camera and the right camera, respectively, and a stereo processor that calculates a distance to a body outside the vehicle based on images captured by the left camera and the right camera and on positions of the left camera and the right camera on the vehicle. The stereo processor detects displacement amounts of the left camera and the right camera based on amounts of change in positions of the first enclosure and the second enclosure within the visual fields of the left camera and the right camera, and changes a cutout position in the images captured by the left camera and the right camera.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted stereo camera device that achieves high-precision distance detection is provided. The provided vehicle-mounted stereo camera device includes a left camera and right camera disposed on a vehicle to cause a visual field of the left camera and a visual field of the right camera to overlap each other, a stereo processor that calculates a distance to a body outside the vehicle based on images captured by the left camera and right camera and on positions of the left camera and right camera on the vehicle, and sensors disposed near the left camera and right camera for detecting displacement amounts of the left camera and right camera. The stereo processor changes a cutout positions in the images captured by the left camera and right camera based on the displacement amounts.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle towing a trailer includes a vehicle transceiver disposed at the vehicle and at least one trailer camera disposed at the trailer being towed by the vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the trailer. A trailer transceiver is disposed at a front exterior portion of the trailer and is operable to receive image data captured by the at least one trailer camera and to wirelessly transmit captured image data to the vehicle transceiver disposed at the vehicle when the vehicle is towing the trailer. A video display screen is disposed at the vehicle and viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the vehicle is towing the trailer. The video display screen is operable to display video images derived from captured image data received by the vehicle transceiver disposed at the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular image-display system includes an image capturing device, a control device, and an image display device. The image capturing device includes an imaging element configured to capture an image of surroundings of a vehicle, and an image acquirer configured to acquire, based on the captured image captured by the imaging element, an image that is smaller in area than the captured image. The control device includes an image generator configured to generate an image that is smaller in area than the acquired image based on the acquired image acquired by the image acquirer. The image display device is configured to display the image to be displayed generated by the image generator. The acquired image is transmitted from the image capturing device to the control device.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a stem attached to a mirror head. The stem includes a first portion directly attached to the mirror head. The first portion includes a catch. The second portion is attached to a support structure, and includes a retention portion. The catch of the first portion is engaged with the retention portion of the second portion for supporting the first portion and the mirror head relative to the second portion. Once the first portion is supported by the interaction between the catch and the retention portion, fasteners may be installed to fixedly attach the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: A storage assembly is usable with a vehicle seat assembly having a seat frame and a seat bottom. The storage assembly includes an upper ring configured for attachment to the seat frame. The upper ring facilitates travel through the opening of the seat frame, and defines a hollow interior with open upper and lower ends. A lower receptacle having an upper opening is configured for attachment to the upper ring, such that the upper opening is contiguous with the hollow interior of the upper ring. The lower receptacle includes an interior storage space that is defined by sides and a bottom, the lower receptacle being larger in size than the upper ring such that the lower receptacle is impeded from travel through the opening of the seat frame. The lower receptacle is configured to be insertable into the open space of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle body panel.