Abstract: A rain awning system and an electric vehicle using the system, wherein the rain awning system having an awning stretching and storing device mounted on a frame front crossbeam, the awning stretching and storing device having a roller, awning fabric rolled around the roller and a drive assembly for driving the rotation of the roller, and the roller and the drive assembly are both fixed to the frame front crossbeam which is connected to a support plate; and the rain awning system further having an awning fabric drive device which is provided on the support plate and is used for driving the awning fabric rolled around the roller to stretch outwardly, and a guide assembly for guiding the movement of the awning fabric is provided between the awning fabric and a door. The electric vehicle having the rain awning system.

Abstract: A truck bed accessory frame is disclosed therein which allows for reconfiguration between an opened position and a closed position. In the open position, objects taller than the frame can loaded onto the truck bed. In the closed position, objects placed in the truck bed can be protected from the environmental elements (e.g. rain and UV rays from the sun).

Abstract: A door weather strip includes an attaching base, wherein: the attaching base has a bottom side part having a plate-like shape and facing the outer circumference of the door; core removal slits are formed at a main wall of a seal lip part of a die molding part; two core removal slits are provided at the bottom side part of the attaching base, and is provided such that the core removal slits of the attaching base are located at opposite sides of the core removal slits of the hollow seal part; and one of the core removal slits of the hollow seal part is open in a direction parallel to the bottom side part of the attaching base, and the other of the core removal slits of the attaching base is open in a direction perpendicular to the bottom side part of the attaching base.

Abstract: A vehicle battery mounting structure includes a battery frame that is disposed at a vehicle lower side of a floor panel, and is made from resin; a ductile member that includes a main body joined to the battery frame and a flange contiguously formed at a vehicle width direction outside end of the main body, the flange having a hole, and the ductile member being fastened to a lower face of the floor panel using a fastener inserted through the hole; and a fastening portion that is formed in a region including the hole, having a substantially hat shaped cross-section profile projecting toward a vehicle upper side and having ridge lines on vehicle front-rear direction sides of the region, and the ridge lines being formed with curved or bent shape toward directions heading away from the hole on progression toward a vehicle width direction inside in plan view.

Abstract: In a rear structure for an electric vehicle including, at the rear of the vehicle body, an article storage unit supported on a rear frame, and a first lid configured to cover the article storage unit from above, the electric vehicle includes sub batteries serving as a drive source thereof, the sub batteries are stored in a battery storage unit disposed below the article storage unit, the article storage unit and the battery storage unit include an upper opening and a lower opening, respectively, which are open to the rear side of the vehicle, and a second lid configured to cover the upper opening and the lower opening is formed as a member different from the first lid. Such a rear structure for a vehicle is easy to use, and allows many articles be loaded on the article storage unit and be stored therein.

Abstract: A framework structure of a body-on-frame vehicle, the framework structure comprises a first framework, a second framework, and a battery. The first framework includes: a pair of left and right side rails extending in a vehicle body front-and-rear direction, a first cross-member and a second cross-member, both extending in a vehicle body left-and-right direction and linking the side rails. The second framework is structured in a rectangular shape in plan view and includes: a front cross portion and a rear cross portion that are formed in chamber shapes and extend in the vehicle body left-and-right direction, and a left side cross portion and a right side cross portion that are formed in chamber shapes and extend in the vehicle body front-and-rear direction. The battery is disposed in a cavity surrounded by the first framework and the second framework.

Abstract: To provide an engine unit support structure with excellent vibration damping performance and durability, the engine unit support structure (1) is provided with an engine unit (2) having an engine (22), a mounting base (3) for mounting the engine unit (2) thereon, and a plurality of elastic support bodies coupled to the engine unit (2) and the mounting base (3) to thereby support the engine unit (2), in which the plurality of elastic support bodies include a first elastic support body (4A) disposed under the lower surface (20) of the engine unit (2) in a position closest, than any other of the plurality of the elastic support bodies, to the rotation center of the output shaft of the engine (22) and three or more of second elastic support bodies (4B, 4B, . . . ), and the first elastic support body (4A) is disposed within a closed space X in plan view formed by interconnecting the centers of the neighboring second elastic support bodies (4B, 4B, . . . ).

Abstract: An electric drive includes a motor assembly, an output assembly, a transmission stage and one or more power electronics units connected to one or more electric voltage sources in order to control electrical sub-phases of electric machines of the motor assembly. The electric machines have motor shafts disposed parallel to one another. The transmission stage is connected to the motor assembly and also connected to the output assembly. The transmission stage has a transmission sun connected to the output assembly and has a plurality of transmission planets each connected to a respective one of the electric machines. The transmission planets are each fixed on a respective one of the motor shafts and are disposed in an annular manner around the transmission sun and roll on the transmission sun in a torque-transmitting manner. A method for operating an electric drive and a serial hybrid drive train are also provided.

Abstract: A motor integration assembly includes a supporting structure for connecting a transmission of a vehicle to a drivetrain of the vehicle, wherein the support structure includes a housing to receive a portion of the drivetrain of the vehicle. The motor integration assembly also includes a torque transfer unit for transferring torque from an electric machine to the portion of the drivetrain of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a replaceable pin system for an in-vehicle component. The replaceable pin system including a holding member, a pin member. The pin member includes a body, a protruding portion, and a first engaging portion. The holding member includes a base, a retainer, and a second engaging portion. The retainer is spaced away from the base in the protruding direction to define a rotation space together with the base. The two ends are interposed between the retainer and the base when the body is rotated to the second orientation. The second engaging portion is formed in the holding member at a position where the first engaging portion is positioned when the body is rotated to the second orientation, whereby the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion when the body is at the second orientation.

Abstract: Active grille shutter. In an embodiment of a shutter system of the present disclosure, the shutter system comprises a plurality of moveable louvers, at least one lifter, the lifter including a lifter arm having a plurality of platforms and a plurality of spurs extending therefrom, a plurality of tensioners, and a drive mechanism connected to the lifter arm and structured to reversibly move the lifter arm and the plurality of platforms extending therefrom, wherein the movement of the lifter arm and platforms causes each louver to rotate about a pin extending therefrom, the pin adjacent and offset from the post.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a latchable refueling valve designed to reduce noise associated with opening and closing the valve. In one example, a system may include a valve armature with first and second latch indices formed on an outer diameter of the armature. The latch indices may be rounded and configured to engage with a latch guide to enable rotation between the armature and the latch guide.

Abstract: A storage container is provided having improved mounting assemblies for connection to the bed of a transport vehicle such as a truck or trailer.

Abstract: Fuel tank made of thermoplastic material comprising baffle components provided therein in the form of at least one baffle element (2) comprising at least one wall portion (4) which is clamped approximately centrally and/or at the end, so that said wall portion may perform relative movements in relation to the tank, caused by splashing movements of the fuel, at least one fastening foot being provided for the clamping, the base thereof being provided with at least one through-hole, through which the fastening foot is riveted and/or welded to the tank wall (2).

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a heavy goods vehicle includes a hollow hub, a wheel body rotatably mounted to the hollow hub, and a planetary gear including first and second planetary gear stages, each having a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier with planetary wheels mounted rotatably in the planetary carrier and meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear. A drive shaft is axially guided through the hollow hub and the sun gear of the second planetary gear stage, with the sun gear of the first planetary gear stage being non-rotatably mounted on a vehicle-distal outer end of the drive shaft. Non-rotatably connected by a screw and pin connection to the hollow hub is an annular disk which has an axial opening and a plurality of boreholes in radially surrounding relationship to the axial opening.

Abstract: A driving apparatus of an electric vehicle that enables secure positioning and easy assembling, and a method for assembling the driving apparatus of the electric vehicle. A driving apparatus of an electric vehicle includes an electric motor provided in an electric motor case, the electric motor having an output shaft protruding outside the electric motor case, a planetary gear mechanism provided in a speed reducer case, the planetary gear mechanism transferring the driving force at a reduced speed from the output shaft to the driving wheel. The output shaft integrally includes a sun gear meshed with a planetary gear of the planetary gear mechanism. The speed reducer case includes a positioning section disposed concentrically with the output shaft, the positioning section being combined with the electric motor case. A meshing length between the sun gear and the planetary gear is larger than an insertion depth of the positioning section.

Abstract: A carrier bearing assembly includes a bracket, a mounting structure permitting the bracket to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle, an opening in the bracket extending through the bracket, from a first lateral side of the bracket to a second lateral side of the bracket, the opening substantially offset (e.g., an inch or more off center) in a direction; and a bearing fitted into the opening permitting a driveshaft of the vehicle to pass through and to substantially constrain movement of the driveshaft. Additionally, the opening can be formed as a non-straight hole allowing the driveshaft to pass through the bearing at a non-perpendicular angle. The carrier bearing assembly permits a substantial correction one more operating angle of the driveshaft by constraining the angle of a portion of the driveshaft.

Abstract: The present invention discloses electric vehicles and methods to operate such vehicles, comprising an electric drive capable of moving the vehicles, together with a non-battery operative feature to enhance the performance of the vehicle, such as extending the range or increasing the power. The non-electrical enhanced feature is independent and not integrated with the electric drive, to enable the return of the vehicle design to pure electrical power with minimum modification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling traction of a vehicle with independent drives or motors connected to the wheels or other ground engaging apparatuses. Nominal torque allocations can be determined for a set of motors, the motors connected to ground engaging elements and including a front set of motors and a rear set of motors. The nominal torque allocations can be modified based on a lateral differential correction and a fore-aft differential correction to produce modified torque commands and the modified torque commands can be applied to the set of motors.

Abstract: A method and a device for a vehicle configured for automatic longitudinal guidance. The method involves detecting a guide vehicle, the guide vehicle being a vehicle travelling directly in front of the vehicle; determining a current state from at least two states which describe a current reaction of the vehicle to the guide vehicle; and displaying the current state in animated form on a display.

Abstract: In one embodiment, location and route information of a route associated with the autonomous vehicle is obtained, where the route includes a starting location and a destination. Real-time traffic information of the route is obtained based on the location and route information. A driving mode of the autonomous vehicle is determined based on the location and route information and the real-time traffic information. A content item is selected from a list of content items obtained from a content database based on the determined driving mode. The selected content item is displayed in a display device within the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An upper-limit vehicle speed should be prevented from being set to speed different from an intention of a driver. When it is detected that a speed limit is changed, an upper-limit vehicle speed setting ECU temporarily switches a control mode from a normal mode to an inquiry mode. An ASL operation unit serves a function for a change operation of upper-limit vehicle speed in the normal mode, and serves a function for a reply operation about whether the speed limit is accepted in the inquiry mode. When the ASL operation unit is operated in the normal mode, the upper-limit vehicle speed setting ECU does not switch the control mode to the inquiry mode, even if a change of a speed limit is detected, until a certain period of time (a certain period during which a mode switching prohibition period is set) has passed since the operation.

Abstract: In a user interface and to a method for signaling a position of an input mechanism with respect to an area for 3D gesture detection for a user interface, the method includes the following steps: input mechanism of a user are detected in the area for 3D gesture detection, and the position of the input mechanism is signaled by an indicator in the area of the edge of a display unit of the user interface.

Abstract: A compressed air supply device for a rail vehicle, having a main compressor for generating compressed air for a pneumatic brake system and a vehicle battery for supplying electric energy. The compressed air generator for supplying additional auxiliary air for operating at least one pneumatic actuator is provided in a frame of an adjusting drive for a pantograph. The compressed air generator for supplying auxiliary air includes an electric frequency converter for operating the electric-motor driven main compressor of the rail vehicle with low rotational speed from the electric drive energy provided by the vehicle battery. A secondary line is attached to the compressed air line connected to the main compressor to branch off the auxiliary air for the supply of auxiliary air of the actuator.

Abstract: A drivable exercise machine may include an electric vehicle with human power input provided by a high output, variable-resistance pedal-driven generator. The vehicle may include a computing device with a user interface that mimics an electric exercise bicycle. Using one or more program modes, a user may activate pre-set, custom and dynamic terrain-based exercise program profiles while commuting.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system and associated methods are described that include an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a liquid cooling system. In one example, the liquid cooling system includes an oil circulation system that cools selected components, and lubricates selected components.

Abstract: An electric power storage system for a vehicle includes: an electric power storage device; a converter configured to perform voltage conversion between the device and the motor; a DC/DC converter configured to step down an output voltage to an auxiliary machine or an auxiliary machine battery; a charger configured to charge the device with external electric power; and first and second relays disposed on first and second connection lines connecting the device to the converter, respectively. One end of the DC/DC converter is connected to the first connection line between the first relay and the converter and the other end is connected to the second connection line between the device and the second relay. The charger is disposed on a current path capable of charging the device with the external electric power when the first relay is in an ON state and the second relay is in an OFF state.

Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle comprises a charging connector to which an outside connector connected to an outside electric power supply is detachably attached; a battery which charges therein electric power supplied from the outside electric power supply with the outside connector attached to the charging connector, and discharges the electric power stored therein to supply the electric power to an electric motor; a battery case accommodating the battery; and a seat on which a passenger is seated, wherein the battery case is disposed between the seat and a front wheel, the charging connector is attached to an upper portion of the battery case, and a charging port of the charging connector is located forward relative to the seat so as to face rearward.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power reception device which receives electric power from a power transmission device in a non-contact manner. The power reception device can be mounted on a bottom surface side of the vehicle. An accommodation space of the power reception device is defined between a base and a protective cover. Within the apparatus accommodation space of the power reception device is a frame that has a plurality of radial ribs extending radially from a center of the frame toward an outer peripheral portion of the frame. In addition, a side of an apparatus within the accommodation space closer to the vehicle abuts on the base, and a side of the apparatus opposite to the vehicle abuts on the protective cover.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a power supply circuit including a fuel cell and a secondary battery; an oxidant gas supply flow passage; a pump; and a control unit configured to drive the pump and dilute hydrogen retained in an cathode. The control unit is configured to stop supplying an oxidant gas to the cathode by stopping an operation of the pump such that dilution of the hydrogen retained in the cathode is stopped, while the fuel cell vehicle remains stationary after a starter switch of the fuel cell vehicle is switched from an off state to an on state, or while a load required of the power supply circuit remains smaller than a predetermined value after the starter switch of the fuel cell vehicle is switched from the off state to the on state.

Abstract: A shielded wire is connected to a high-voltage system and conducting high-voltage communication. The shielded wire includes a wire section and a first shielding layer. The first shielding layer covers the wire section. The first shielding layer is grounded to the high-voltage system or an object with the same potential as the high-voltage system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described to provide the user with information relating to status of vehicle and battery status based on environment and vehicle use. The user can be educated on the effects of vehicle use and environmental factors on the vehicle battery's status and ability to store charge. This is intended to alter the user's behavior to improve battery performance. A display can provide data representing at least one display image presenting information related to battery status, including capacity decay. A display generator can generate visual data for display in the at least one display image to provide visual stimulation, representing the battery state, which is based on the state of charge (SOC), temperature, and vehicle off time, and user selected options to reduce possible battery capacity decay, to the user.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery discharging apparatus and a method thereof of a battery management system and an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a battery discharging apparatus, including: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a discharging element which is connected to the battery cells through switches to discharge a voltage of the battery cells; a detecting unit which detects an abnormal state of a vehicle; and a control unit which is connected to the battery module to monitor a charged/discharged status of the battery cells of the battery module and controls the switches to balance the battery cells, in which when the control unit receives a vehicle abnormal state signal from the detecting unit, the control unit controls the switches to be turned on/off at a predetermined duty ratio to discharge the battery cell.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a motor, an ECU, and an inverter device. A motor control module of the inverter device includes: a parameter map having motor parameters stored therein; an open loop control section to generate control variables in open loop control by a voltage equation using the parameters stored in the parameter map, in response to a torque command from the ECU; a current feedback control section to perform control to eliminate a deviation relative to a command current value generated in an inverter, in response to the torque command from the ECU; and a hybrid control section to control the motor on the basis of control variables which are generated on the basis of the control variables generated by the open loop control section and control variables generated by the current feedback control section.

Abstract: Provided is an electric vehicle, including: left and right rear wheels, which are suspended from a vehicle body by suspensions that elastically allow displacements in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle body, the rear wheels being capable of being driven by corresponding motors independently of each other; and a control device configured to control driving forces of the rear wheels. Target driving forces Ti for the left and right rear wheels are calculated during traveling, a value ?G relevant to a difference between relative displacement amounts of the rear wheels in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle body is calculated, and the target driving forces are corrected based on the value relevant to the difference between the relative displacement amounts so that a magnitude of the value relevant to the difference between the relative displacement amounts becomes smaller.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes a power storage device, a motor, a limitation control unit, a notification unit, and a changing unit. The motor generates traveling driving power using electric power output from the power storage device. The limitation control unit limits possible output power, which indicates electric power able to be output from the power storage device, based on a load state of the power storage device. The notification unit notifies a warning when the possible output power is smaller than a threshold value for notifying a driver of decrease of the traveling driving power. The changing unit increases, when the load state of the power storage device is high, the threshold value to be larger than the threshold value when the load state of the power storage device is low.

Abstract: A safety seat is provided, including a seat base and a seat back. The seat back includes a framework adjustable in shape and a covering part covering the framework and made of flexible material. A surface of the covering part is provided with multiple sensors for obtaining back position information of a person sitting on the safety seat. The safety seat further includes a data processing device and a driving structure. The data processing device is for receiving the back position information, determine a shape of a back surface of the person and send a covering part adjustment signal. The driving structure is for adjusting a shape of the framework according to the covering part adjustment signal and changing a shape of the surface of the covering part by changing the shape of the framework so as to match the shape of the back surface of the person.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing an armrest is provided. After an armrest is slid to a position, the position of the armrest is selectively locked or unlocked using an armrest locking unit to thus prevent the weight of the armrest or vibrations of a vehicle from accidentally changing the position of the armrest against the intention of the user. The operation of unlocking the opening/closing plate from the console body and the operation of unlocking the sliding cover from the opening/closing plate are performed simultaneously with a single unlocking manipulation to allow a user to rapidly and conveniently perform the operations of opening/closing and sliding the armrest.

Abstract: Apparatus, devices, systems, and methods for clamping a length adjustable hook on a portable headrest with chin support to a top or side of a seat back, which is both adjustable and foldable to be portable for ease in transport. The horizontal chin rest pivotally attached to the bottom of a vertical member allows a sitting person's head to be supported in an upright position, while restricting movement both forward and side to side. The headrest can have telescoping vertical members which are length adjustable for different sized users. The chin support can have a cushion that is rotatable at different increments for comfort. The cushion can be slotted to allow the vertical member to be placed inside the slotted portion.

Abstract: A temperature adjustment control device includes a heat diffusion layer, a heat flux sensor, and a temperature changing body provided in this order from a surface making contact with a human body. The heat flux sensor is disposed on the temperature changing body and outputs a sensor signal corresponding to a heat flux. The heat diffusion layer is disposed opposite to the temperature changing body through the heat flux sensor. The heat flux sensor outputs the sensor signal corresponding to the heat flux passing through the heat flux sensor in a direction in which the heat diffusion layer, the heat flux sensor, and the temperature changing body are arranged. A control portion controls a start and a stop of the power supply to the temperature changing body based on the sensor signal outputted from the heat flux sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base having a side bolster cover. A bolster is disposed under the side bolster cover. The bolster has a static bolster carrier and an operable portion that is operable relative to the bolster carrier to define a plurality of bolster positions. A flexible interior facing extends from the bolster carrier to an intermediate portion of the bolster cover, wherein a lower edge of the bolster cover is positioned below the bolster carrier such that the bolster cover conceals the bolster in each of the plurality of bolster positions.

Abstract: A seating assembly is provided herein. The seating assembly includes a partition disposed between first and second seats. The partition includes a panel movable between a stowed position and a deployed position along a track assembly. A lamp is optically coupled with the panel.

Abstract: An air cart for distributing air entrained particulate material from a chamber or tank to a plurality of distribution lines for application to an agricultural field has a tank refilling feature utilizing air flow from the cart distribution system or from a dedicated pneumatic source. The cart conveying system air flow is diverted and passed through an assembly containing multiple venturis which also receives particulate material from a supply source. The air entrained material from the source is conveyed to and gently deposited in the cart tank. Exhaust air from the tank may be directed back into the cart conveying system or vented through an air diffuser located beneath the cart. Exhaust air which is directed back to the cart conveying system may return to a location closely adjacent that from which it was originally diverted.

Abstract: Embodiments of a connector with integrated lighting are provided. The connector may be used with an awning assembly of an RV, for non-limiting example. The connector includes a head and neck with a luminaire mounted thereto, and the connector may be mounted to a rail on an RV or sidewall of other structures.

Abstract: A curvature estimation unit estimates the curvature of the road on which a vehicle is driving. A swivel angle setting unit is configured to perform a first mode in which a swivel angle of a lamp unit is set such that a light distribution pattern follows the travelling direction of the vehicle based on the curvature estimated by the curvature estimation unit, and perform a second mode in which a swivel angle of the lamp unit is set such that a shielded area created in a light distribution pattern follows the position of the vehicle detected by a vehicle position detector. A pattern determination unit determines a light distribution pattern such that the position of the vehicle detected by the vehicle position detector remains in the shielded area. A swivel angle setting unit performs the first mode when it is determined that the road is a curved road based on the curvature estimated by the curvature estimation unit, and performs the second mode when it is determined that the road is a straight road.

Abstract: A headlight controller and a vehicle headlight system including an ADB can include a headlight controller and an optical unit. The headlight controller can include a system controller and a camera photographing vehicles located in a forward direction thereof, and the system controller can be configured to output a control signal to provide various favorable light distribution patterns by using image data output from the camera in accordance with traffic conditions. The optical unit can be configured to emit beam lights using lights emitted from a first and second light-emitting device via a projector lens so that the beam lights can be used as a high beam and a low beam without movable parts. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can include providing vehicle headlight systems that can form various favorable light distribution patterns by utilizing the characteristics of the controller and the optical unit in accordance with the traffic conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle spot or floodlight system includes a vehicle rear-mounted light source such as a backup light array configured to emit light at a first intensity and at another intensity that is different from the first intensity. Emission of light at the another intensity is caused by an actuator operatively associated with the rear-mounted light source. A controller selectively allows the actuator to cause the emission at the another intensity. The controller allows the actuator to cause the emission of light at the another intensity only on receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle transmission is in a park or on receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle ignition is set on run, accessory, or off. The controller resets the actuator to off after a predefined time period when the ignition system is set on accessory or off, or when the transmission is placed in drive.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, turn signals are automatically activated in response to signals received from a navigation system, based on the navigation instructions generated by the navigation system. The navigation system of a vehicle (either built into the vehicle or provided as a stand-alone unit) is communicatively coupled with or otherwise integrated with the turn signals of the vehicle. When the navigation system instructs the driver to perform a maneuver (such as making a turn), it can also cause the appropriate turn signal to be automatically activated at the appropriate time and/or distance in advance of the maneuver. When the navigation system detects that the maneuver has been made, or that the driver has ignored the system's instructions, the turn signal can be automatically deactivated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of projecting laser light onto a road surface from a vehicle. It also relates to an apparatus for projecting laser light onto a road surface from a vehicle. Said apparatus may be a stand-alone device mounted on a vehicle, or it may be integrally formed with a vehicle.