Abstract: An electric motor vehicle including: a high-output assembled battery; a high-capacity assembled battery having a larger capacity and a smaller output than those of the high-output assembled battery; and an inverter, and the electric motor vehicle is equipped with a PCU that transmits and receives electric power to and from the high-output assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery, a first wiring that connects the high-output assembled battery to the PCU, and a second wiring that connects the high-capacity assembled battery to the PCU, and is shorter than the first wiring.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an electric machine, and a variable voltage converter. The variable voltage converter includes an inductor and is disposed electrically between the traction battery and electric machine. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to issue duty cycle commands for the variable voltage converter based on a product of an AC component of current flowing through the inductor and a calibrated resistance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a prime mover coupled to a generator that is directly electrically coupled to an electric motor. A propeller or fan may be coupled to and driven by the electric motor. A bi-directional power converter may be coupled to the generator and further coupled to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be selectively coupled to the electric motor. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A charging device for an eco-friendly vehicle includes a charger having an electronic switching element which reduces an excessive current instantaneously flowing when an external AC power source outside the vehicle is connected to the charger; and a controller configured to control an operation of the electronic switching element.

Abstract: Disclosed are a battery charging system and method. The battery charging system according to the present invention includes a first connector connected to both ends of a battery of a charging providing car; a second connector connected to both ends of a battery of a charging target car; a converter configured to convert a voltage transmitted from the battery of the charging providing car through the first connector and transmit the converted voltage to the battery of the charging target car through the second connector; and a controller connected to each of a battery management system (BMS) of the charging providing car and a BMS of the charging target car to control a voltage conversion ratio of the converter based on a state information on each of the batteries transmitted from each of the BMSs.

Abstract: A charging system (2) for a battery (3) has a first electrical terminal (4) for an AC voltage, a second electrical terminal (5) for a DC voltage and a converter (8). The converter (8) is designed to convert the AC voltage of the first terminal (4) into a DC voltage for charging the battery (3), and to convert a magnitude of a DC voltage that is passed from the second terminal (5) to the converter (8) in terms of the magnitude and to forward it to the battery (3). The converter (8) also is designed to convert the DC voltage of the battery (3) into an AC voltage for driving an electric motor (9).

Abstract: The battery charger comprises: two output terminals (BS1, BS2) between which a battery (102) is designed to be connected; two input terminals (BE1, BE2) designed to be connected to an electrical network (110); two inductors (L.A, L.C) respectively connected to the first input terminal (BE1) and to the second input terminal (BE2); two switching arms (BA, BC) for respectively connecting the inductors (LA, LC) selectively to the first output terminal (BS1) and to the second output terminal (BS2); a control device (120) designed for controlling the switching arms (BA, BC) so as to draw from the electrical network (110) a mains current (iR) in phase with the mains voltage (uR). The battery charger further comprises: a smoothing capacitor (C) connected to the second output terminal (BS2); and a connection device (112) for connecting the smoothing capacitor (C) to the second input terminal (BE2). The control device (120) is further designed to control at least the second switching arm (B.sub.

Abstract: A charging system for drones has a base structure connected to a power grid, a connector extendable from the base structure and ending in a charging interface compatible with a charging port of a drone, and a computerized controller at the base structure enabled to communicate with a drone and to initiate, control and stop charging power. As a drone approaches the charging-system, the controller directs the drone into position for charging, manages connection of the charging interface to the charging port of the drone, initiates charging power, monitors progress of charging, and upon completion of charging, disconnects the charging interface from the charging port of the drone.

Abstract: A parking assistance device for aligning a vehicle coil (11) mounted on a bottom surface of a vehicle (10) with a ground coil (31) installed on a ground, detects a voltage of the vehicle coil (11), detects a change in the voltage detected, notifies a driver of first braking when the change in the voltage detected shifts from an increasing direction to a decreasing direction, and notifies the driver of second braking when the change in the voltage shifts from the decreasing direction to the increasing direction.

Abstract: A DC building electrical system includes a DC power consuming device connected to a DC bus. A source of DC power is connected to the DC bus and powers the DC power consuming device. An energy storage device is connected to the DC bus and to a DC emergency load. The energy storage device powers the DC power consuming device in conjunction with the source of DC power, and powers the DC emergency load when source of power other than the energy storage device is available to the DC power consuming device.

Abstract: A vehicle system has a first communication device configured to selectively associate with a second communication device of a premise system based on a location of the vehicle with respect to the premise system and a vehicle identification. A charging control system is configured to permit charging of the vehicle in response to the selective association between the first and second communication devices.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system includes logic collocated with an electric service panel to monitor a total present electric current consumption value for all electric consumers below a point in the service panel; a first input to receive the present electric current consumption value from the logic collocated with the service panel, and to compare the present electric current consumption value with a maximum current capacity value for the service panel; a second input to receive electric current from the service panel; an output to supply electric charging power to at least one electric vehicle; and logic to set an electric charging current drawn from the service panel through the second input and provided to the electric vehicle charging output to a value less than a difference between the maximum current capacity for the service panel and a sum of the present electric current consumption value and the current consumption value of a largest expected electric consumer.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to detect a first current value in a period in which a current path is switched to a non-conductive state by an ignition-off operation. The electronic control unit is configured to detect a second current value in a period that is after an ignition-on operation is performed and before the current path is switched from the non-conductive state to a conductive state in the case where the first current value falls out of a specified reference range. The electronic control unit is configured to diagnose that there is an abnormality of the current sensor when the second current value falls out of the reference range and to diagnose that there is no abnormality of the current sensor when the second current value falls within the reference range.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries, a sensor, and a battery manager. The sensor obtains motion information of the rechargeable batteries. The motion information includes at least one of first information obtained by sensing whether the rechargeable batteries are in a movement state or in a standstill state or second information on a state in which the rechargeable batteries are inclined. The second information may be obtained based on a change in angle when the rechargeable batteries are in the movement state. The battery manager control charging or discharging of the rechargeable batteries in a charge mode or a discharge mode based on the motion information.

Abstract: A method is provided for balancing an energy storage system that includes a plurality of connected battery cells in a vehicle including an electric machine arranged for propulsion of the vehicle. The method includes monitoring a need for balancing of the cells, initiating a request for the balancing based on the operational condition related to the battery cells, discharging or charging the energy storage system until the state of charge of the energy storage system has reached a predetermined level, and balancing the voltage of the battery cells. The method further includes allowing input instructions representing a time schedule for the balancing upon initiating the request for balancing, and initiating the discharging so that the energy storage system reaches the predetermined level of the state of charge in accordance with the input instructions. An arrangement for balancing an energy storage system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for managing the temperature of a battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle includes recording a temperature value at which the cooling or heating of the battery is triggered. The method further includes, for two consecutive values in a predefined sequence of states of charge: a step of comparing a real gradient to a reference gradient of the battery temperature; and a step of modifying, depending on the comparison, the value of the trigger temperature, or the value of the power output by cooling or heating the battery; and also includes applying the modified trigger temperature or output power for the following two consecutive values of the state of charge of the battery in the predefined sequence.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electrical storage device, an auxiliary load, a charger configured to charge the electrical storage device with power supplied from a power supply outside the vehicle, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to create an actuation schedule of the auxiliary load during charging of the electrical storage device, before initiation of the charging. The electronic control unit is configured to learn charging power of the electrical storage device for each actuation pattern of the auxiliary load during the charging. The electronic control unit is configured to estimate a required time period for the charging based on a learned value of the charging power, an execution time period of each of the actuation patterns, and a total charging power amount of the electrical storage device. The electronic control unit sets initiation time of the charging in accordance with the estimated required time period.

Abstract: A vehicle has a body forming a passenger compartment. The vehicle also has a chassis supporting the body. The chassis includes a frame structure having a pair of side rails running longitudinally along the body, a plurality of rigid cross rails extending perpendicular to the side rails and attached at opposing ends to the side rails, and at least one bay defined between the plurality of cross rails. The vehicle also has a battery system including a battery pack. The battery pack has a plurality of electrical storage devices. The battery pack is secured to the side rails and removably positioned in the at least one bay.

Abstract: A power control system may include at least one of batteries, a motor, and a data logic analyzer that can interpret certain variable conditions of a transport, such as a tractor trailer, moving along a road or highway. The data can be used to determine when to apply supplemental power to the wheels of a trailer to reduce fuel usage. One example device may include at least one of a power source affixed to a trailer to capture energy from movement of an axle of the trailer, and a motor powered by the power source to operate and provide movement assistance to the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat cushion frame configuring a frame member of a seat cushion, and a seat unit that is supported by the seat cushion frame and on which an occupant sits, that has a higher seating face rigidity in a seat front-rear direction than a seating face rigidity in a seat width direction, and that has the seating face rigidity in the seat width direction set lower at a seat front-rear direction rear side than at a seat front-rear direction front side.

Abstract: A seat arrangement apparatus for a vehicle seat that includes at least two tracks fixed to a floor of a vehicle each track including a base separating a first hollow portion and a second hollow portion, at least two seat mounting assemblies movable along the at least two tracks, and a stopper movably installed inside each of the at least two tracks between the at least two seat mounting assemblies to prevent the at least two seat mounting assemblies from touching each other when positioned together.

Abstract: A latch includes a support structure to be fitted to the frame (F) of a backrest of a seat; and a coupling mechanism associated with the support structure and adapted to be coupled to a fixed striker (R) in a releasable manner when the backrest is in a substantially straight position. The latch also includes an elongated member, which, on one side, is adapted to be firmly and directly coupled to the support structure and, on the other side, is adapted to be firmly and directly coupled to the frame (F), without obstructing the operation of the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat shell, and a first and a second belt restraining member respectively connected with the seat shell. The seat shell has a shell surface, and a first and a second opening for selective passage of an anchoring belt to attach the child safety seat on a vehicle seat in two different configurations, which include a rearward and a forward facing configuration. The first belt restraining member is independently operable to press against an anchoring belt passing through the first opening, and the second belt restraining member is independently operable to press against an anchoring belt passing through the second opening.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat frame having a first end connected to a vehicle and a second end cooperating with a latching system having a latching mechanism to releasably secure to at least one receiving portion. A seat structure adjustably positionable on the seat frame includes a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected to the seat structure. A seat adjustment system includes a first guide member proximate the latching mechanism having a first channel portion and a second guide member proximate the seat structure having a second channel portion configured to align with the first channel portion. A coupling element operatively connected to a first actuator includes an elongate projection that is translated from a locked position in the first channel portion to an unlocked position in the second channel portion to release the latching mechanism from the at least one receiving portion.

Abstract: An adjustable seat has a seat base having a front end and a rear end, a front leg assembly having a top end engaged with the rear end of the seat base and a bottom end opposite the top end for engaging a supporting surface, and a back leg assembly having a top end engaged with the front end of the seat base and a bottom end opposite the top end for engaging the supporting surface. The back leg assembly is pivotally connected to the front leg assembly between the top end and the bottom end of the front leg assembly and the back leg assembly. The adjustable seat has an adjustment assembly for selectively locking the front leg assembly relative to the back leg assembly at one of a plurality of lockable positions between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. A seat bladder is disposed between a support and trim material face. The bladder is positively pressurized when the seat is unoccupied. An elastomeric reservoir is operably coupled with the seat bladder via a fluid line, wherein fluid moves to and pressurizes the reservoir when a passenger is seated on the seat. A rigid containment unit is configured to house the reservoir and limit expansion of the reservoir.

Abstract: A sliding armrest for a vehicle is provided that includes a lower cover having a rotatable hook that is detachably coupled to a console and opening and closing a storage space of the console An upper cover slides between a protruding position in a length direction and an initial position and a moving part is rotatably provided at the upper cover that rotates the hook at the initial position of the upper cover to detach the hook from the console. A stopper fastens to the lower cover to restrain sliding of the upper cover or released from the lower cover by the moving part to allow the sliding of the upper cover An interlock is disposed at the upper cover and that rotates the hook corresponding to an operation of the moving part at the protruding position of the upper cover, to detach the hook from the console.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back and headrest provided with a stay, a pair of panel members that sandwich a part of the stay from front and rear or above and below, and joined to each other through outer peripheries so as to form a space inside, a cushion material formed so as to cover the panel members and the part of the stay, and a dynamic damper arranged inside the space. The dynamic damper has a weight, and an elastic body that fastens the weight and has a leg part extending in a direction away from the weight. A part of the leg part is attached to the pair of panel members by being sandwiched by the pair of panel members.

Abstract: In a seat device for a vehicle, a dynamic damper comprises a damper case that is formed from first and second case halves joined together so as to be capable of separating from each other to define a damper chamber therebetween, a weight that is housed in the damper chamber, and an elastic member that is disposed between the weight and an inner face of the damper chamber so as to allow vibration of the weight, the damper case being provided with a mounting part that is mounted on a frame of the seat. Thus, it is possible to provide a seat device for a vehicle in which replacement of a weight and an elastic member in order to adjust or change the damping characteristics is possible, and the ease of mounting a damper case on a seat is good.

Abstract: A system for detecting hot car seat situations, manually cooling the child in those situations, and facilitating one or more alert notifications is disclosed. An apparatus receives sensor data that it uses to detect the presence of a child in a car seat in a vehicle. Multiple sensors provide added security against false positives. When a child is detected, the apparatus activates a cooling flow of air towards the child if the temperature rises above a threshold. The apparatus waits until the vehicle is not moving and off before initiating notifications to one or more subscribing devices. Once off, and once the temperature of the child further rises or has the air flow on for a period of time, the apparatus sends a notification to the subscribing devices. If the child is not removed within a set period of time, then emergency responders are notified.

Abstract: Suspension device for a vehicle seat, comprising an upper suspension portion and a lower suspension portion, which are interconnected by a first swivel connector and a second swivel connector, wherein the suspension device comprises a first adjustable toothed wheel element arranged on the upper suspension portion, a second toothed wheel element connected to the first swivel connector for adjusting a position of a first spring unit, by means of which a spring force and a spring rate of the suspension device can be changed, and a third toothed wheel element which is at least operatively connected to the first and the second toothed wheel element and is connected to the first swivel connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat or to a vehicle cabin having a suspension apparatus comprising a top end part and a bottom end part, which can be deflected relative to the top end part, which are connected to each other in a spring-loaded manner by means of a suspension element, and having a dampening apparatus for dampening vibrations having effect on at least one of the two end parts wherein the dampening apparatus and a distance leveling apparatus for adjusting a distance between the top end part and the bottom end part have an actuator fluid element controlled by common pressure stages.

Abstract: There is provided a seatback frame including: left and right side frames that are provided at left and right side portions of a seatback of a vehicle seat, with the respective lower end portions of the side frames coupled to a rear end portion of a seat cushion frame provided to a seat cushion of the vehicle seat; and a back face panel that is formed of sheet metal, that spans across between rear end portions of lower portions of the left and right side frames with its thickness direction along a seatback front-rear direction, that is fixed to the left and right side frames, and that includes an undulating shaped portion bent such that peaks and troughs alternate in a row along a seat width direction.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback having a seatback body and a door pivotally coupled to the seatback body. The seatback defines an internal compartment and an opening leading to the internal compartment. The seatback defines a first seatback edge and a second seatback edge opposite the first seatback edge. The door can rotate relative to the seatback body about an axis, which extends from the first seatback edge to the second seatback edge. The door can move relative to the seatback between an open position and a closed position, and covers the opening leading to the internal compartment when disposed in the closed position. The internal compartment is accessible through the opening when the door is in the open position. The seat assembly further includes a seat base below the seatback. The first seatback edge is closer to the seat base than the second seatback edge.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion and a seatback coupled with the cushion. At least one of the cushion and the seatback includes a base and an extension portion moveable along an axis toward and away from the base, an expandable fabric member coupled between the base and the extension portion, and an expandable support structure positioned on an interior of the expandable fabric member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion and a seatback rotatably coupled with the cushion, the seatback defining a height. The seatback further has an internal support unit with a connecting member extending through a portion of the height and a plurality of flexible ribs extending from the connecting member to ends fixed with the seatback. A link couples the connecting member with the cushion to move the connecting member along the height by rotation of the seatback.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat frame. The seat frame has a hollow deformable portion that is bent, and linear recessed portions formed by partially recessing an inner side of the deformable portion. The deformable portion has a linear separation portion formed in a projecting manner relative to the recessed portions and extending on the inner side of the deformable portion. A plurality of recessed portions is formed on each of one side and the other side of the separation portion so as to sandwich the separation portion, and placed independently from each other such that adjacent recessed portions are not connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of realizing a lighter cushion body that has ample cushioning properties when a person sits or lies thereon by: providing a plurality of rod-shaped or flat plate-shaped support bodies (2) comprising a synthetic resin foam that has a bending deflection amount of 20 mm or more as measured according to the method described in JIS K7221-2:2006 and a pressing force of 2-100 N at 20 mm of deflection, and legs (3) on which the support bodies (2) are placed or fixed; using the support bodies and the legs to form a space (5) that makes it possible to bend and deform the support bodies; and arranging the plurality of rod-shaped or flat plate-shaped support bodies (2) in a row so as to be deformable.

Abstract: A system for modifying a stiffness of at least a portion of a vehicle component includes one or more devices coupled to the vehicle component and a processor coupled to the one or more devices. The processor is configured to determine that a software application has switched from a first mode to a second mode and cause the one or more devices to modify the stiffness of the at least a portion of the vehicle component from a first stiffness associated with the first mode to a second stiffness associated with the second mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear seat including a backrest portion and a console box adjoining the backrest portion on the vehicle front side. The console box includes a body portion disposed along the vehicle front-back direction, the body portion together with the backrest portion defining a gap; a projecting portion projecting from the body portion to immediately below the backrest portion; and a tray portion in the form of a receiver, the tray portion being disposed in the projecting portion and located below the gap. With these features, a vehicle is provided that allows easy collection of an article that has fallen into an area under a rear seat.

Abstract: A friction bushing for being positioned on a shaft for friction-retarded rotation relative to the shaft, including a housing having a bore for receiving the shaft and a flange plate positioned on the housing around the bore. A plurality of flanges are carried by the flange plate and adapted for extending axially outwardly from the flange plate and along circumferentially-spaced apart areas of the shaft for frictionally-engaging axially-extending areas of the shaft.

Abstract: A floor mat or cargo mat includes a primary surface and a tray recessed from the primary surface. The tray defines a debris volume below the primary surface. An abrasive panel covers the tray. The abrasive panel is substantially contiguous with the primary surface and is porous, such that debris and liquids pass through the abrasive panel into the debris volume of the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a liquid-filled vessel includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature related to the temperature of the liquid in the vessel and a control unit connected to the temperature sensor. The control unit takes the sensed temperature as a basis for prompting an action. At a sensed temperature that is above a prescribed hot temperature limit value, the control unit then activates and/or influences a function that increases the safety of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A method for tipping a load by a working machine is provided. The working machine includes a load carrier and at least one lift cylinder adapted to raise the load carrier for tipping the load. The method includes obtaining a measure of the inclination angle of the working machine, where the inclination of the working machine is such that the rear end of the working machine is higher than the front end thereof, allowing a first maximal tipping pressure to the lift cylinder for raising the load carrier when the inclination angle is smaller than a predefined inclination angle, and allowing a second maximal tipping pressure to the lift cylinder for raising the load carrier when the inclination angle is greater than the predefined inclination angle, and where the second maximal tipping pressure exceeds the first maximal tipping pressure. A tipping device, a working machine comprising such a tipping device, a computer program and a computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame; a dump bed carried by the frame and having a non-dumping position and a dumping position; a dumping mechanism connected to the dump bed and configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position; a roof carried by the frame above the dump bed; and a rack carried by the frame below the roof, the rack being configured to not interfere with the dump bed in the dumping position.

Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.

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: An assembly includes a first elongate member having a periphery. The assembly also includes a bracket. The bracket has a first component and a second component. The first component is disposed about a first portion of the periphery and the second component is disposed about a second portion of the periphery. The first component is snap-fit to the second component to secure the first elongate member between the first component and the second component. The assembly additionally includes a second elongate member coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes a gauge surface and a light guide. The gauge surface includes a concave surface having an illuminable scale. The light guide forms a geometric shape corresponding to the concave surface of the gauge surface. The light guide has ends that curve away from the gauge surface to receive light.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for configuring automotive lamp illumination control are provided. One example method includes, at a computing device, generating a graphical user interface for configuring at an automotive lamp illumination pattern. The graphical user interface includes user input elements and is displayed by way of a display device. An input command is received by way of at least one of the plurality of user input elements. The input command corresponds to the at least one of the user input elements. A message is transmitted to an automotive lamp control device by way of a communication path including a first communication port of the computing device and a second communication port of the automotive lamp control device, based on the received input command. The message is received at the automotive lamp control device, and an action is performed in response to receiving the message.