Patents Issued in January 4, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180001851
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a tire held by the vehicle body, an electric power control unit including at least one of an inverter and a converter, a case housing the electric power control unit, a first predetermined member connected to the vehicle body in an insulated state, a self-discharge static eliminator configured to reduce the positive potential of the first predetermined member by elimination of static electricity, and a transfer member electrically connecting a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion to each other. Accordingly, static electricity charged to the electric power control unit is transferred to a portion, where static elimination is performed by the self-discharge static eliminator, of the first predetermined member via the case and the transfer member so as to be neutralized and eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio TANAHASHI, Koshi YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180001852
    Abstract: A vehicle which can neutralize static electricity accumulating on a vehicle body, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The vehicle comprises: a vehicle body sustained by tires; a battery; an earth cable electrically connecting a negative terminal of the battery to the vehicle body; a predetermined member connected to the vehicle body while being insulted to the vehicle body; a main self-discharge device that neutralizes the predetermined member; and a conducting member that connects a neutralizing area of the predetermined member that is neutralized by the main self-discharge device to the negative terminal of the battery or the earth cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio TANAHASHI, Koshi YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180001853
    Abstract: A bumper beam includes a first member, a second member, and an inner plate. The first member includes a top plate section, two vertical wall sections, and two flange sections. The two flange sections connect to the two vertical wall sections, respectively. The second member is plate-shaped, is joined to the two flange sections of the first member, and doses the gap between the two flange sections at least. The inner plate is joined to the two vertical wall sections of the first member and is disposed substantially in parallel with the second member in a space formed by the first member and the second member. Out of the first member and the second member, the second member is disposed facing the outside of a vehicle. Such a bumper beam has high energy absorption efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Atsuo KOGA, Yoshiaki NAKAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20180001854
    Abstract: A separated anti-collision car includes a frame and an independent passenger cabin, wherein the independent passenger cabin is arranged on the frame separately, a connected part between a front part of the independent passenger cabin and the frame is provided with a wedge-shaped slope mutually matched with the two, the slope is provided with a damping supporting rod separating the independent passenger cabin from the frame during collision, one end of the damping supporting rod is fixed on the frame, and the other end is connected to the independent passenger cabin; and a back part of the independent passenger cabin is hinged with the frame through an elastic expansion rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Guan Yang
  • Publication number: 20180001855
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a frame, a first pair of wheels connected to the frame, a second pair of wheels connected to the frame, a motor supported by the frame and operatively connected to at least one of the pair of wheels, a cockpit in the frame, a first seat disposed in the cockpit, a bed in the frame longitudinally rearward of the cockpit, the bed having at least one side wall, a second seat disposed in the bed, the second seat having a seat base and a seat back, the seat back having a storage position and a seating position, and a lateral retention member fixed to the at least one side wall of the bed, at least a portion of the lateral retention member being disposed higher than the seat base and forward of the seat back of the second seat when in the seating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. HOKES, Joseph H. KORTE, Dustin L. HINDERS, Matthew L. TARACKO, Stephen L. PAULOS, Kirk M. RAUSCH, Jacob O. BORTH, Luke M. UPAH
  • Publication number: 20180001856
    Abstract: Side portions of a guide member mounting portion of the instrument panel include a panel side welding guide surface integrally formed therewith. The panel side welding guide surface is spaced apart from the back surface of the instrument panel. Side portions of the guide member include a guide side welding guide surface integrally formed with the guide member. The panel side welding guide surface and the guide side welding guide surface overlap each other. One of the guide side welding guide surface and the panel side welding guide surface includes a position regulating recess. The other of the guide side welding guide surface and the panel side welding guide surface includes a position regulating protrusion that fits into the position regulating recess during vibration welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Tomiharu YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180001857
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure for mounting an occupant protection system in a vehicle. The structure includes an electric power steering device (1) and a knee protection air bag assembly (51). The device (1) includes a steering column (18). The assembly (51) includes a bag (53) configured to expand to protect knees (9a) of an occupant (9) seated on a driver's seat (8) of the vehicle. The steering column (18) includes a drive member (26) of the device (1). The assembly (51) is located below the drive member (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20180001858
    Abstract: A composite material provided in the form of a sheet material includes at least one textile layer as a cover for an airbag. The cover is arranged to form at least one flap with a hinge which includes a hinge region. One side or both sides of the at least one textile layer includes a plastics coating. A melting point of the plastics coating is lower than a melting point of the at least one textile layer. The hinge region is arranged to form at least one single or double fold along the hinge so that the sheet material contacts itself once or twice. In a region of the at least one single or double fold, areas of the plastics coating are arranged to contact each other and, via a prior introduction of heat or a subsequent introduction of heat, are melted onto each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: K.L. KASCHIER-UND LAMINIER GMBH
    Inventors: MAIK HOEING, ALBERT RORING, REMBERT SCHULZE WEHNINCK
  • Publication number: 20180001859
    Abstract: A side air bag device is described which is disposed in a space between a vehicle body and a back seat and for which rigidity of attachment to a vehicle body member is improved. The side air bag device provided between a vehicle body and a back seat includes: a base member including a base storage configured to store an air bag and an inflator and a base attachment portion attached to the vehicle body; and a retainer member configured to hold the base storage from a vehicle back side. The retainer member extends from a portion holding the base storage while being bent along the shape of the vehicle body. The retainer member is attached to the vehicle body together with the base attachment portion while being overlapped with the base attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jinichi Tanabe, Kazuhiro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20180001860
    Abstract: A side air bag device is described which is disposed in a space between a vehicle body and a back seat and for which rigidity of attachment to a vehicle body member is improved. The side air bag device provided between a vehicle body and a back seat includes: a base member including a base storage configured to store an air bag and an inflator and a base attachment portion attached to the vehicle body; and a retainer member configured to hold the base storage from a vehicle back side. The retainer member extends from a portion holding the base storage while being bent along the shape of the vehicle body. The retainer member is attached to the vehicle body together with the base attachment portion while being overlapped with the base attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jinichi Tanabe, Kazuhiro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20180001861
    Abstract: A side air bag device is described which is disposed in a space between a vehicle body and a back seat and for which rigidity of attachment to a vehicle body member is improved. The side air bag device provided between a vehicle body and a back seat includes: a base member including a base storage configured to store an air bag and an inflator and a base attachment portion attached to the vehicle body; and a retainer member configured to hold the base storage from a vehicle back side. The retainer member extends from a portion holding the base storage while being bent along the shape of the vehicle body. The retainer member is attached to the vehicle body together with the base attachment portion while being overlapped with the base attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jinichi Tanabe, Kazuhiro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20180001862
    Abstract: Airbag cushion covers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cover comprising a weakened pattern configured to facilitate separation of the cover during deployment of an airbag cushion. The weakened region may comprise a first tear seam comprising a first shape defined by a first line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions, and a second tear seam comprising a second shape defined by a second line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions. In some embodiments, the first shape may overlap and/or intersect with the second shape in a desired pattern to facilitate desired airbag deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: John F. Witt, JR., David W. Schneider, Jan Pontus Söderström, Uriel Hernandez Padilla
  • Publication number: 20180001863
    Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag stored in a storage part provided in front of an occupant seated on a seat, wherein: the airbag has an occupant protecting section configured to protect the occupant on a rear surface at the time of completion of inflation; the occupant protecting section includes: an upper half body restraining surface configured to receive the upper half body of the occupant; and a head receiving section formed in a left region and a right region of a center in a left-right direction of the occupant protecting section to protrude rearward from the upper half body restraining surface, in a region above the upper half body restraining surface; and the head receiving section is configured so that a part between a left restraining surface and a right restraining surface upon completion of inflation is continued from the upper half body restraining surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroyuki NAKANISHI, Wataru MIURA, Naohiko ISHIGURO, Ryotaro ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20180001864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of folding an airbag (10), especially for a driver airbag module, comprising a front airbag layer (11) which is connected at least in portions to a rear airbag layer (12), the method comprising the following steps of: a) flatly spreading the airbag (10) onto a support surface (15) so that the front airbag layer (11) comes to rest on the rear airbag layer (12), b) folding, especially zigzag folding, at least in portions each of an upper airbag portion (20) and a lower airbag portion (21) in the direction of a transverse axis (Q) of the airbag (10), c) furling each of a left-hand lateral airbag portion (30) and a right-hand lateral airbag portion (31) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) of the airbag (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Angel Collazo Gomez, Ramon Bana Castro
  • Publication number: 20180001865
    Abstract: An airbag includes: an airbag body formed in a bag shape with an occupant-side panel facing an occupant and an opposite-side panel facing a steering wheel in a deployed state; and a flow regulator arranged inside the airbag body and configured to regulate a direction of flow of gas supplied from an inflator. The flow regulator includes: a flow-regulator body arranged such that at least part of the flow-regulator body faces the inflator; fixed portions provided at mutually separated positions on the flow-regulator body and fixed to the opposite-side panel; and a notch provided between the fixed portions in a recessed shape toward a center of the flow-regulator body and forming a gas passage port between the notch and the opposite-side panel, the gas passage port being a port through which the gas supplied from the inflator flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Masahiro OOKA, Yohei KIUCHI, Akihiko YAMAMI, Yuta INABA
  • Publication number: 20180001866
    Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises a three-point safety belt device to a motor vehicle seat, wherein the safety belt device comprises a belt, a belt magazine, a belt buckle for releasably securing the belt and a deflection member. The deflection member is provided for guiding the belt emerging from the belt magazine and for deflecting the belt and forming a belt portion of the belt, wherein the belt portion is guided over a shoulder and a chest of a secured motor vehicle occupant seated on the motor vehicle seat. The deflection member is designed such that in the state of the motor vehicle occupant secured by the belt, when the belt portion is subjected to an increased tensile loading, the belt portion performs a displacement from a comfort position into an emergency position in the direction of the motor vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Carsten Bazant, Gregor Frosch, Joerg Frank Doering, Martin Kizil
  • Publication number: 20180001867
    Abstract: In a seat belt retractor (12) for a vehicle, comprising a frame (14) in which a belt reel (10) is supported which includes a reel body (26) as wed as a first flange (32) and a second flange (34), said flanges being provided at the axial ends (28, 30) of the reel body (26) and each being arranged in a seat (22) of the frame (14), wherein the first flange (32) is rotatable relative to the reel body (26) and wherein between the first flange (32) and the reel body (26) a force limiter is provided, and at the seat (22) locking teeth (24) are provided and at the first flange (32) a toothing corresponding to the locking teeth is provided, the second flange (34) is rotatable relative to the reel body (26) and at the second flange (34) and/or at the reel body (26) interacting stops (50, 54, 58) are provided for limiting rotation of the second flange (34) relative to the reel body (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Anna GROSSKOPF, Jens BOHN, Thomas KIELWEIN, Beate PFISTER
  • Publication number: 20180001868
    Abstract: A pretensioner and a seat belt device are provided. A pretensioner includes a wire connected to webbing that restrains an occupant, a piston disposed to the wire, a cylinder that slidably accommodates the piston, a gas generator that applies driving force to the piston, and a housing that integrally connects the cylinder and the gas generator. The housing includes an insertion hole that guides the wire, a communication part that is communicated with the cylinder and the insertion hole, and a gas-supply port that supplies gas generated by the gas generator to the communication part. The pretensioner includes a wire guide disposed at a boundary portion of the insertion hole and the communication part, and a holding member that is inserted into the communication part and locked to the gas-supply port, thereby to position the wire guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru KOHAMA
  • Publication number: 20180001869
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that are effective to generate an alarm for a vehicle. The methods include receiving, by a device, a first sensor value from a first sensor for the vehicle. The methods further include receiving, by the device, a second sensor value from a second sensor for the vehicle. The methods further include retrieving, by the device, an instruction from a memory disposed in the vehicle while the memory is in a write-protected mode. The methods further include evaluating, by the device, the first sensor value and the second sensor value based on the instruction. The methods further include determining, by the device, that the first sensor value is outside a range associated with the first sensor based on the evaluation. The methods further include transforming, by the device, the determination into an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: SHMUEL UR, David Hirshberg, Shay Bushinsky, Vlad Grigore Dabija, Ariel Fligler
  • Publication number: 20180001870
    Abstract: Example on-demand driver (ODD) systems and methods are described herein. An example method includes generating, with an ODD system, a softkey for a vehicle associated with an agreement between a driver-in-need (DIN) and an ODD, monitoring, with the ODD system, a location of an ODD device carried by the ODD, and transmitting, with the ODD system, the softkey to the ODD device when the ODD device is detected as being within a proximity of the vehicle. In the example method, the softkey is used to unlock the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Dave A. Herman, David Joseph Orris, Nicholas Scheufler, Nunzio Decia, Stephen Jay Orris
  • Publication number: 20180001871
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus for controlling operation of a vehicle system. The apparatus includes a processor operable in an automatic mode to output a control signal to automate operation of the vehicle system. The processor is configured to receive a measurement signal from a sensor associated with the vehicle system. The processor outputs the control signal in dependence on a comparison of the measurement signal to a control function. A user override of the automated operation of the vehicle system is detected and the processor re-calibrates the control function in dependence on the detected user override. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle and to a method of controlling operation of a vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Daren STEWARD
  • Publication number: 20180001872
    Abstract: A method of preventing a windshield wiper from freezing to a windshield of a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving information relating to an ambient condition of the vehicle; (b) switching power to a motor for driving the windshield wiper in a first direction if the received information indicates an adverse ambient condition of the vehicle; (c) sensing current drawn by the motor; (d) comparing an initial sensed current drawn by the motor when power is initially switched to the motor to a subsequent sensed current drawn by the motor a period after power is initially switched to the motor; and (e) periodically reversing the motor for driving the windshield wiper in a second direction or the first direction until the subsequent sensed current is less than the initial sensed current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam
  • Publication number: 20180001873
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosure include a power generation unit trailer system. A first aspect of the disclosure provides for a landing gear for a power generation unit trailer system. The landing includes: a support configured for attaching to a base of the power generation unit trailer; and a vibration isolator attached to the support and configured to anchor the support to a foundation beneath the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Vineet Sethi
  • Publication number: 20180001874
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosure include a power generation unit trailer system. A first aspect of the disclosure provides for a landing gear for a power generation unit trailer system. The landing includes: a support configured for attaching to a base of the power generation unit trailer; and a vibration isolator attached to the support and configured to anchor the support to a foundation beneath the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Vineet Sethi
  • Publication number: 20180001875
    Abstract: A brake pedal assembly of a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle includes a support structure, a brake pedal pivotally engaged to the support structure at a first pivot axis, and a brake pedal emulator assembly. The brake pedal emulator assembly extends between and is pivotally engaged to the brake pedal and the support structure at respective second and third pivot axis. The brake pedal emulator assembly includes a brake pedal emulator and an adjustment mechanism aligned along a centerline intersecting the second and third pivot axis. The brake pedal emulator is constructed and arranged to displace axially when the brake pedal is actuated, and the adjustment mechanism is constructed and arranged to adjust axial displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Alan J. Houtman, Brandon C. Pennala, Paul A. Kilmurray, Eric E. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20180001876
    Abstract: A lane departure prevention device includes: a travelling state recognition unit; a lane line recognition unit; a departure determination unit; a yaw moment calculation unit configured to calculate a target trajectory and a target yaw moment; a direction determination unit configured to determine the departure avoidance direction; a direction alignment determination unit configured to determine the turning direction of the vehicle by the target yaw moment coincides with the departure avoidance direction; and a braking force control unit configured to control the braking forces of the vehicle. In a case where the direction alignment determination unit determines that the results of determinations coincide with each other, the braking force control unit perform a braking force control, and in a case where the direction alignment determination unit doesn't determine that the results of determinations coincide with each other, the braking force control unit doesn't perform the braking force control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshitaka OIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180001877
    Abstract: A brake modulator (1) for a compressed air braking system (80) of a vehicle is disclosed. The brake modulator (1) has a main housing (8) and two relay valves (2, 3) Each relay valve is configured with a delivery valve seat (31, 131) and a vent valve seat (30, 130) and a vent position, wherein compressed air inlets (2d, 3d) are connected via a transverse bore (27) to a common compressed air inlet port (25, 26), and a delivery duct (12a, 112a) extends in the axial direction (A) in each relay valve (2, 3) The relay valves (2, 3) have guide body inserts (12, 112) which are inserted into a longitudinal bore (29) of the main housing (8), which longitudinal bore (29) extends in the axial direction (A), and the relay valves (2, 3) in each case have the delivery duct (12a, 112a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Karsten-Wilhelm LÜCHAU, Armin SIEKER, Arne STEPHAN, Olaf WICHMANN
  • Publication number: 20180001878
    Abstract: A brake assembly comprising: (a) a caliper including: (i) one or more pistons, (b) one or more rotary to linear actuators that provides an axial force to move the one or more pistons, (c) a motor gear unit in communication with the one or more rotary to linear actuators, the motor gear unit including: (i) a motor, and (ii) an electromagnetic brake that prevents movement of the motor gear unit, the pistons, or both when the motor is turned off so that the brake apply is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Carla Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180001879
    Abstract: An electronic brake system for a braking system of a utility vehicle having a brake encoder with at least one sensor for detecting positions of a brake pedal that is actuated by the driver of the utility vehicle and at least one valve that is mechanically actuated via the brake pedal, and which, as a result of the mechanical actuation, is moved from a pressure reduction position into at least one pressure-maintaining or pressure increase position, in which the valve admits at least one fluid flow for the actuation of at least one operating brake of the braking system, wherein the valve is assigned at least one control element that is different from the brake pedal, by which the valve is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Bastian WITTE
  • Publication number: 20180001880
    Abstract: An electric booster and master brake cylinder assembly includes a hydraulic master cylinder, a plunger, a brake pedal push rod, and a transmission. The hydraulic master cylinder includes a primary piston that is slidably positioned in a piston bore of a master cylinder housing. The plunger is plunger disposed within a hollow end portion of the primary piston. The brake pedal push rod has an enlarged actuation end slidably disposed within a plunger cavity and engages a control spring disposed therein. The brake pedal push rod is arranged to apply a brake input force to the primary piston. The transmission is arranged to apply a motor assist force to the hollow end portion that is overlaid with the brake input force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Zhenzhou Huang
  • Publication number: 20180001881
    Abstract: An electric booster and master brake cylinder assembly includes a master cylinder housing, a booster housing, a primary piston, and a ball screw assembly. The master cylinder housing defines a piston bore. The booster housing is attached to the master cylinder housing and defines a bore. The primary piston is slidably positioned within the piston bore and has an axially extending end portion that extends into the bore. The ball screw assembly is at least partially disposed within the bore of the booster housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Zhenzhou Huang
  • Publication number: 20180001882
    Abstract: Disclosed is a railway braking system including a service brake supplied by a first source, a parking brake having a device for immobilizing the service brake and a mobile control device for mobile control of the immobilizing device, and a command and control unit configured to receive information indicative of a value of the first source, process information indicative of a parking brake setpoint so as to actuate the control device, and determine a value of a second source according to the setpoint and to the information indicative of a value of the first source, so as to supply a pressure chamber of the service brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT AMIENS
    Inventors: Claudino GONCALVES, Evi FERRON, Gilles BOISSEAU, Louis SELLIER
  • Publication number: 20180001883
    Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow to and from a clutch includes a motor, a pump, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing defining an interior. The housing defines a first orifice operably coupled to the pump and a second orifice operably coupled to the clutch. The valve assembly also includes a piston operably coupled to the motor and disposed within the interior of said housing. The piston is movable between a first position for allowing the fluid flow between the first orifice and the second orifice, a second position for obstructing the fluid flow between the first orifice and the second orifice, and a third position for limiting the fluid flow between the first orifice and the second orifice. The valve assembly additionally includes a biasing member coupled to the piston. The biasing member biases the piston toward the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Christian Flandrinck
  • Publication number: 20180001884
    Abstract: A controller for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a power split mechanism, and a selectable one-way clutch. The hybrid vehicle is configured to increase and transmit a rotation speed of the engine to an output shaft to drive the output shaft in an overdrive state when the selectable one-way clutch is in the engaged state. The controller includes an electronic control unit configured to control the first electric motor such that an engine brake equivalent torque with a magnitude sufficient to maintain the locked state of the selectable one-way clutch is output in a direction opposite to a direction of a negative torque which is generated in the engine when the hybrid vehicle travels in a state in which supply of fuel to the engine is stopped in the overdrive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji ITAGAKI, Naofumi MAGARIDA, Koichi KATO
  • Publication number: 20180001885
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing torque pulsations during hybrid engine shutdown and restarts. A valve actuating mechanism may be actuated to operate an engine with a selected valve lift profile during engine restart and shutdown events that is distinct from the valve lift profile applied during cylinder combustion. The selected valve lift profile reduces cylinder pressure during engine shutdown and restarts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Kenneth James Miller
  • Publication number: 20180001886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a characteristic curve of a hybrid separating clutch of a hybrid vehicle without a test stand, wherein the hybrid separating clutch separates or connects an internal combustion engine and an electric motor and the hybrid separating clutch is slowly actuated on the basis of a position which the hybrid separating clutch assumes in an unactuated state, and a clutch characteristic curve is determined as a function of a clutch torque over a path of the hybrid separating clutch. In a method by which a characteristic curve of the hybrid separating clutch can be reliably defined without a test stand, a clutch torque which underlies the characteristic curve of the hybrid separating clutch is determined from the torque of the internal combustion engine in the case of a running internal combustion engine and a motion state of the electric motor which brakes the internal combustion engine while the hybrid separating clutch is moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20180001887
    Abstract: A traveling support device includes: a comparing unit that compares a detection result based on an output value output from a sensor for detecting a state of a vehicle with a reference value stored in advance; and a controller that, when comparison by the comparing unit determines that the detection result is equal to or more than the reference value, switches a first control mode to a second control mode different from the first control mode with respect to at least one of a display control capable of switching display of information on the vehicle, a vehicle height control capable of switching a vehicle height with a vehicle height adjustment device of the vehicle, and a vehicle speed control capable of switching a speed limit value with a vehicle control device of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya WATANABE, Yoji INUI, Naotaka KUBOTA
  • Publication number: 20180001888
    Abstract: A vehicle behavior control device for controlling a vehicle equipped with a steering apparatus comprises: a PCM operable to acquire a steering speed in the steering apparatus, and, when the steering speed becomes equal to or greater than a given threshold (TS1) which is greater than 0, to reduce a driving force for the vehicle according to the steering speed, wherein the steering apparatus comprises a steering shaft coupled to the steering wheel and rotatable together with the steering wheel, wherein the steering shaft has a torsion bar whose torsional rigidity about a rotational axis of the steering shaft is less than a remaining portion of the steering shaft. The steering speed acquisition section is configured to acquire the steering speed of the steering apparatus at a position on the side of the front road wheels with respect to the low rigidity portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori TAKAHARA, Tomoji IZUMI, Daisuke UMETSU, Osamu SUNAHARA, Masaki CHIBA
  • Publication number: 20180001889
    Abstract: A vehicle assistance system for a vehicle is provided. A corresponding computer implemented method and computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter HÄRSLÄTT
  • Publication number: 20180001890
    Abstract: A vehicle driver assist system includes an expert evaluation system to fuse information acquired from various data sources. The data sources can correspond to conditions associated with the vehicle as a unit as well as external elements. The expert evaluation system monitors and evaluates the information from the data sources according to a set of rules by converting each data value into a metric value, determining a weight for each metric, assigning the determined weight to the metric, and generating a weighted metric corresponding to each data value. The expert evaluation system compares each weighted metric (or a linear combination of metrics) against one or more thresholds. The results from the comparison provide an estimation of a likelihood of one or more traffic features occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory L. Ratcliffe
  • Publication number: 20180001891
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing a vehicle after a collision against a lateral carriageway boundary, includes a lane recognition system, with which information relating to the course of the lane is determined or detected. A collision detection unit identifies a collision of the vehicle against the lateral lane carriageway boundary on the basis of signals from at least one sensor or on the basis of a driving state variable. The device also includes a steering actuator for steering a steering system and a brake actuator for controlling one or more wheel brakes. A target path determination unit determines a target path for the vehicle on the basis of the course of the lane determined or detected before or at the time of the collision. A controller guides the vehicle onto the target path and/or stabilizes the vehicle via a steering intervention and/or individual wheel brake interventions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Peter Lauer, Thomas Raste, Alfred Eckert
  • Publication number: 20180001892
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control apparatus and method for improving fuel efficiency in a CACC system, which can improve fuel efficiency through control of a vehicle speed so that a vehicle travels using an optimized cost in consideration of a target vehicle speed, current vehicle speed, minimum driving speed set in the vehicle, and a deceleration distance if the vehicle that uses the CACC system senses a forward vehicle and enters into a CACC active mode. The control method for improving fuel efficiency in a CACC system includes setting a target speed profile based on a target speed of the subject vehicle and an expected driving path, determining whether a target vehicle to be followed by the subject vehicle exists, and controlling the driving speed of the subject vehicle according to the set target speed profile depending on whether or not the target vehicle exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Yoon Soo KIM, Dong Gyu NOH, In Yong JUNG, Su Lyun SUNG, Seung Wook PARK, Jong Rok PARK, Kyung Joo BANG, Cho Rong RYU, Min Byeong LEE, Hahk Rel NOH, Dae Sung HWANG
  • Publication number: 20180001893
    Abstract: An acceleration management system for operating an automated vehicle includes a navigation-device, an object-detector, and a controller. The navigation-device is used to determine a travel-path of a host-vehicle. The object-detector is used to determine when an other-vehicle will intersect the travel-path of the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the object-detector and the navigation-device. The controller is configured to select an acceleration-profile for the host-vehicle that avoids interference with the other-vehicle, and operate the host-vehicle in accordance with the acceleration-profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: JUNQING WEI, WENDA XU, JARROD M. SNIDER
  • Publication number: 20180001894
    Abstract: A cruise control device 10 is applied to a vehicle in which an imaging device 21 is mounted. The cruise control device 10 includes: a white line recognition unit 11 which recognizes a white line 61 as a lane boundary that defines an own lane 63 that is a travel lane of an own vehicle 50, on the basis of images acquired by the imaging device 21; and a cutting-in/deviation determination unit 12 which performs cutting-in determination and deviation determination, in which the forward vehicle traveling on an adjacent lane 64 is determined to be a cutting-in vehicle that cuts into the own lane, and the forward vehicle traveling on the own lane is determined to be a deviating vehicle that deviates from the own lane on the basis of a relative position with respect to the white line in a vehicle width direction of a forward vehicle 51.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Youhei MASUI, Toyoharu KATSUKURA, Yoshihisa OGATA, Takeshi NANAMI, Takashi NISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20180001895
    Abstract: A vehicle control system having a subsystem controller for initiating control of a first group of at least one vehicle subsystem in a selected one of a plurality of subsystem control modes each corresponding to one or more different driving conditions; and an estimator module for evaluating at least one driving condition indicator to determine the extent to which each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate and for providing an output indicative of the subsystem control mode that is most appropriate. The estimator module is configured to increase the probability to which the at least one off-road driving mode is determined appropriate in dependence on at least one terrain indicator. In an automatic response mode the subsystem controller selects the most appropriate one of the subsystem control modes for each subsystem of the first group in dependence on the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fairgrieve, James Kelly
  • Publication number: 20180001896
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander O`Connor Gibson, Steven Anatole Frait, Matthew John Shelton, Kirk Pebley, Hong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20180001897
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle control system comprising a speed control system, the speed control system being configured automatically to attempt to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value by causing a first vehicle speed value determined according to a first predetermined method to become or be maintained substantially equal to the predetermined target speed value at least in part by causing application of positive drive torque to one or more wheels by means of a powertrain, wherein the speed control system is configured to impose a constraint on the amount of driving torque that may be demanded of the powertrain in dependence on the target speed value and a second vehicle speed value determined according to a second predetermined method, said a second predetermined method being based on the mean speed of the driven wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Nick BROCKLEY
  • Publication number: 20180001898
    Abstract: Driving support ECU outputs an instruction to retract a seatbelt to a seatbelt retracting ECU when a driver of a vehicle is determined to be in an abnormal state where the driver loses an ability to drive the vehicle. Thereby, an upper body of the driver in a weak state is pulled strongly toward a backrest side of a seat. As a result, the driver's upper body is prevented from falling and covering a steering wheel, and LKA (traffic lane keeping control) can be performed properly. The driving support ECU decelerates the vehicle at a target deceleration a to stop the vehicle after outputting the instruction to retract the seatbelt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirotada OTAKE
  • Publication number: 20180001899
    Abstract: A method and system for driver monitoring by fusing contextual data with event data to determine context as cause of event is provided. The method includes detecting an event from event data received from one or more inertial sensors associated with a vehicle of a driver or with the driver. The method also includes determining a context from an audio or video feed received from one or more devices associated with the vehicle or the driver. Further, the method includes fusing the event with the context to determine the context as a cause of the event. In addition, the method includes assigning a score to a driver performance metric based at least on the context and the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Ravi SHENOY, Krishna A G, Gururaj PUTRAYA, Soumik UKIL, Mithun ULIYAR, Pushkar PATWARDHAN
  • Publication number: 20180001900
    Abstract: A yaw rate estimation system for a vehicle includes a camera, a yaw rate sensor, wheel sensors, an accelerometer and a steering sensor. A control includes a processor that estimates the actual yaw rate of the vehicle by processing (i) a first yaw rate derived from yaw rate data provided by the yaw rate sensor, (ii) a second yaw rate derived from wheel sensor data provided by the wheel sensors, (iii) a third yaw rate derived from acceleration data provided by the accelerometer, and (iv) a fourth yaw rate derived from steering data provided by the steering sensor. The vehicular control system utilizes (i) image data captured by the camera as the vehicle is being driven along a road and (ii) the estimated actual yaw rate of the vehicle as the vehicle is being driven along the road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Devendra Bajpai