Patents Issued in August 2, 2018
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Publication number: 20180215210Abstract: A tire pressure regulating system is disclosed for adjusting tire pressures of pneumatic tires of vehicle wheels of a plurality of vehicle axles of a motor vehicle while driving. The tire pressure regulating system comprises: at least one switchover valve, an axle valve, a wheel valve and a valve. A motor vehicle comprising the tire pressure regulating system is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Michael HAVERKAMP, Dennis SABELHAUS, Thomas STELLMACHER
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Publication number: 20180215211Abstract: A system is provided for assessing a condition of a tire. The system includes first and second individual modules, a data transmission gateway, and a collaboration device. The first and second individual modules are for assessing the condition of the tire. Each of the first and second individual modules includes a housing, which is structured to be placed on a ground surface, and a data transmitter. The housing includes at least one detector arranged to enable a parameter of the tire to be assessed as the tire passes over the housing. The data transmission gateway is structured to transmit data between the first and second individual modules and a remote database. The collaboration device is structured to enable data from the first individual module to be used collaboratively with data from the second individual module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: THOMAS LEDOUX, DENIS MARTIN, ALEXANDRE PERNOT, GUILLAUME HEREDIA
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Publication number: 20180215212Abstract: A robotic tire mounter for mounting a tire to a wheel is disclosed. The robotic tire mounted comprises a robotic arm and a gripping unit. The gripping unit further comprises a plurality of gripping fingers that are selectively moveable between a releasing position and a gripping position. When in the gripping fingers are in the releasing position, the gripping fingers are positioned adjacent one another adjacent a center of the gripping unit. A method of mounting a tire to a wheel using a robotic tire mounter is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: ARKK ENGINEERINGInventors: Kevin R. KERWIN, Daniel EHLKE, Mohammed HASSAN
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Publication number: 20180215213Abstract: A hitch mount assembly includes a drawbar receiver configured to receive a drawbar and a pin receiver that is supported by the drawbar receiver. Furthermore, the assembly includes a pin that is received within the pin receiver and a latch that is supported for movement between a first position and a second position. The latch, in the first position, is configured to engage the pin and retain the pin in a retracted position. The latch, in the second position, is configured to disengage and release the pin for movement of the pin from the retracted position to an extended position. Moreover, the assembly includes a biasing member configured to bias the latch toward the first position to retain the pin in the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Jeremy J. Faust, Stephen K. Parsons, Roger D. Stephenson
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Publication number: 20180215214Abstract: A pin-drop hitch mount assembly includes a drawbar receiver that defines a drawbar cavity and a pin opening that is open to the drawbar cavity. The assembly also includes a pin that is supported for movement within the pin opening between first and second unhitched positions and a hitched position. The hitch mount assembly further includes a latch that is supported for movement relative to the drawbar receiver between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position. The latch, in the first position, engages and supports the pin in the first unhitched position. The latch, in the second position, disengages the pin for movement toward the hitched position. The hitch mount assembly includes a biasing member that biases the latch from the intermediate position toward the first position to return the pin to the first unhitched position as the drawbar moves out of the drawbar cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Jeremy J. Faust, Stephen K. Parsons, Roger D. Stephenson
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Publication number: 20180215215Abstract: A hitch mount assembly includes a drawbar receiver with a drawbar cavity and a pin opening and a pin removably received within the pin opening. A latch that is supported for movement between a first position and a second position. The latch, in the first position, is configured to engage the pin and retain the pin in a retracted position. The latch, in the second position, is configured to disengage the pin and release the pin for movement of the pin from the retracted position to the extended position. Furthermore, the hitch mount assembly includes a biasing member that biases the latch toward the first position and a pin rest configured to support the pin when the latch is in the second position. The pin rest is configured to release the pin as the latch biases from the second position to the first position and engages the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Jeremy J. Faust, Stephen K. Parsons, Roger D. Stephenson
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Publication number: 20180215216Abstract: A hitch mount assembly includes features configured to facilitate hitching of a drawbar receiver to a drawbar. The hitch mount assembly includes an alignment member supported for movement relative to the drawbar receiver. The alignment member is configured to abut the drawbar and consequently move the drawbar receiver relative to the drawbar to substantially align the pin opening of the receiver with the pin hole of the drawbar. The hitch mount assembly also includes a view window in the drawbar receiver for viewing movement of the drawbar within the drawbar cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Jeremy J. Faust, Stephen K. Parsons, Roger D. Stephenson
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Publication number: 20180215217Abstract: A pin box assembly with gooseneck coupler for coupling a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle is described. The pin box assembly may include a first member capable of being secured to a towed vehicle and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member about an axis of rotation relative to the first member. The pin box assembly may further include a gooseneck ball coupler coupled to the second member, and a suspension system coupled to at least one of the first and second members, the suspension system damping motion between the first and second members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Michael R. Curl, Richard W. McCoy
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Publication number: 20180215218Abstract: A tie down apparatus for securing an item is shown and described herein. The tie down apparatus may include first and second body members, where the first body member is configured to be located and rotated about a first axis within a first receiving member and the second body member is configured to be located and rotated about a second axis within a second receiving member. The tie down apparatus may also include first and second locking members each extending through the first and second body members, respectively, where rotating the first and second body members about the respective first and second axes engages the first and second locking members and generally prevents removal of the first and second body members from the first and second receiving member, and a safety chain holding member selectively engaged with either of the first and second body members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Richard McCoy
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Publication number: 20180215219Abstract: The disclosure relates to a middle hoop system for a vehicle joint arranged between a first vehicle section and a second vehicle section of a multi-unit vehicle. The middle hoop system comprises a middle hoop, which is oriented in a transverse direction, and a cable strand which extends between sections of the vehicle. The middle hoop surrounds a passage intended for passengers. The cable strand is arranged above the passage. The middle hoop system comprises a guide lever which is connected to the middle hoop by means of a first pivot joint and which is connected to the cable strand by means of a second pivot joint, the axis of the first pivot joint and the axis of the second pivot joint intersecting a vertical longitudinal plane. The middle hoop system according to the invention can be produced inexpensively and offers reliable guidance for the cable strand.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Denis Browne
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Publication number: 20180215220Abstract: A vehicle has a frame and left and right suspension assemblies connected to the frame. Each suspension assembly has a lower control arm having an inner end pivotally connected to the frame, a first outer end and a second outer end; an upper control arm having an inner end pivotally connected to the frame and an outer end; a knuckle pivotally connected to the outer ends of the lower and upper control arms, the outer ends are pivotally connected to the knuckle separately from one another; and a shock absorber having an upper end pivotally connected to the frame and a lower end pivotally connected to one of the lower and upper control arms. The vehicle also has a left and right wheels rotationally connected to the knuckles of the left and right suspension assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Philippe MAILHOT
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Publication number: 20180215221Abstract: A suspension system includes: a trailing arm and a lower arm which are turnably connected to a chassis and are joined in such a way as to be displaceable relative to each other through a hinge mechanism; and a stabilizer. The suspension system includes a stabilizer link which connects the stabilizer to the trailing arm. A fitting point of the stabilizer link to the trailing arm is located on a front side in a vehicle front-back direction relative to a center axis of the hinge mechanism, and a fastening point of the stabilizer and the stabilizer link is located on a lower side in a vehicle up-down direction and on an inside in a vehicle width direction with reference to the fitting point.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Kosuke MATSUSHITA
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Publication number: 20180215222Abstract: A suspension system includes: a trailing arm and a lower arm which are turnably connected to a chassis and are joined in such a way as to be displaceable relative to each other through a hinge mechanism; and a stabilizer. The suspension system includes a stabilizer link which connects the stabilizer to the trailing arm. A fitting point of the stabilizer link to the trailing arm is located behind a center axis of the hinge mechanism in a vehicle front-back direction, and a fastening point of the stabilizer and the stabilizer link is located above the fitting point in a vehicle up-down direction and inside the fitting point in a vehicle width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Kosuke MATSUSHITA
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Publication number: 20180215223Abstract: A vehicle has a frame and left and right suspension assemblies connected to the frame. Each suspension assembly has a suspension support connected to the frame; a lower control arm having an inner end pivotally connected to the suspension support at two longitudinally spaced positions; an upper control arm having an inner end pivotally connected 5 to the suspension support at two longitudinally spaces positions; a knuckle pivotally connected to outer ends of the lower and outer control arms; and a shock absorber having an upper end pivotally connected to the suspension support and a lower end pivotally connected to one of the lower and upper control arms. A sway bar has ends connected to two of the control arms and is pivotally connected to the suspension supports. Wheels are rotationally 10 connected to the knuckles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Philippe MAILHOT, Pascal JACQUES, Bruno LAROCQUE, Jeremie DUFORD
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Publication number: 20180215224Abstract: A coil spring for use in a link-motion-type suspension includes a lower end turn portion, an upper end turn portion, and an effective portion of a cylindrical shape between the lower end turn portion and the upper end turn portion. Further, the coil spring includes a bowing control portion including a taper portion formed in at least one end turn portion of the lower end turn portion and the upper end turn portion. The taper portion has a shape whose thickness is reduced from the middle of the end turn portion toward a distal end of a wire along its length, and bowing of the effective portion is suppressed by absorbing a change in the inclination of a spring seat by the taper portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinichi NISHIZAWA
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Publication number: 20180215225Abstract: A coil spring for a vehicle suspension according to one embodiment includes a lower end turn portion, an upper end turn. portion, and a cylindrical effective portion between the lower end turn portion and the upper end turn portion. In at least one of the upper end turn portion and the lower end turn portion, a taper portion having a taper length and a taper thickness for controlling a force line of the coil spring is formed. The taper portion is formed such that the thickness is reduced in a tapered way from a thickness varying portion provided in the middle of the end turn portion toward a distal end of the wire along its length. The thickness varying portion is arranged at a position close to the force line.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinichi NISHIZAWA
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Publication number: 20180215226Abstract: A coil spring according to one embodiment includes a lower end turn portion which is in contact with a lower spring seat, an upper end turn portion which is in contact with an upper spring seat, and an effective portion between the lower end turn portion and the upper end turn portion. The coil spring is cylindrical about an axis of the effective portion in its free shape which is not compressed. Further, with respect to a coordinate system in which a force line is assumed as a Z-axis, the coil spring is cylindrical with a constant pitch in a direction along the Z-axis in its compressed shape which is compressed to a specified height.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinichi NISHIZAWA
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Publication number: 20180215227Abstract: A coil spring includes a wire formed of spring steel shaped to be helical, and is compressed between an upper spring seat and a lower spring seat. The coil spring includes an upper portion and a lower portion. A positive pitch winding end portion is formed on the upper portion of the coil spring. A terminal-point-strong-abutting-portion is formed at a distal end of the winding end portion. The terminal-point-strong-abutting-portion is in contact with the upper spring seat at one point at a position deviated to an inner side of a vehicle with respect to a coil central axis. On the lower portion of the coil spring, an end turn portion which contacts the lower spring seat is formed at a position deviated to an outer side of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Ken OKURA, Shuji OHMURA, Shusaku HAYASHI
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Publication number: 20180215228Abstract: The invention is directed to a spring strut support mount, including a damper element and a mount housing having a first and a second housing member, wherein the housing members can be threadably engaged by a thread so as to encompass the damping element. The housing members have a detent arrangement which permits a screwing action but prevents a loosening of the thread connection. The invention provides for improving a spring strut support mount such that the housing members cannot loosen from one another during operation. The housing members have a detent arrangement which permits a screwing action but prevents a loosening of the thread connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Stefan Woehler, Jirka Busch
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Publication number: 20180215229Abstract: An ECU controls the damping force at the time of the expansion movement and contraction movement of the front fork. When detecting at least that the motorcycle is in a state of making a stop and the brake hydraulic sensor shows an output of more than or equal to a predetermined value, the ECU carries out a damping force reducing control for minimizing the damping force of the front fork. The ECU takes the following sequential steps of: sensing a start of an expansion movement of the front suspension after starting the damping force reducing control, sensing a termination of the expansion movement of the front suspension, and terminating the damping force reducing control.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Kazuhiko Ono, Hiroyuki Kaneta, Yoshiaki Nedachi
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Publication number: 20180215230Abstract: The shock absorber includes a shock absorber main body, a spring seat that supports one end of a suspension spring and is movable in an axial direction of the shock absorber main body, a jack that adjusts a position of the spring seat, and an auxiliary spring interposed between the spring seat and the jack.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: KYB CorporationInventor: Takahisa MOCHIZUKI
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Publication number: 20180215231Abstract: A climate-control system for a vehicle, comprising a controller in communication with a chiller configured to cool a vehicle battery and an evaporator configured to cool a vehicle cabin. The controller is configured to output a target chiller-pump speed based upon a difference between a battery coolant temperature and a target-battery coolant temperature to mitigate a temperature swing of air entering the cabin, and limiting the target chiller-pump speed in response to an available capacity of the chiller.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Angel Fernando PORRAS, Timothy Noah BLATCHLEY, Kenneth J. Jackson
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Publication number: 20180215232Abstract: A working vehicle includes an engine, an air blowing device, an exhaust gas post-processing device, and a guide device. The air blowing device is disposed in front of the engine. The exhaust gas post-processing device processes exhaust gas from the engine, and is disposed above the engine. The guide device lifts and guides at least portion of the air from the air blowing device to an upper side where the exhaust gas post-processing device is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Yuki Arai, Hirokazu Ashikawa, Tomoyuki Moriyama, Satoshi Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20180215233Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system (1) for the heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, said control system (1) comprising: a first camera (2) sensitive to wavelengths in the mid-infrared spectrum, and a device (5) for processing and analysis of images, capable of performing temperature measurements on the images of the first camera (2) and of calculating, from said measurements, at least one thermal comfort coefficient of at least one occupant (4) of the motor vehicle, the thermal comfort coefficient being used for regulating the air temperature, the air flow rate and the air distribution within the heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system, the control system (1) further comprising a second camera (3) sensitive to wavelengths in the visible and/or near-infrared spectra.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: Valeo Systemes ThermiquesInventors: Daniel Neveu, Gilles Rivet, Thierry Elbhar, Vincent Feuillard, Stefan Karl, Didier Barat, Josselin Gour
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Publication number: 20180215234Abstract: A chiller system includes an intercooler configured to cool compressed charge air received from a turbocharger or a supercharger, a low temperature cooling circuit fluidly coupled to the intercooler, the low temperature cooling circuit circulating a coolant to provide cooling to the intercooler and including a low temperature radiator configured to cool the coolant, a chiller-accumulator loop having a combined chiller-accumulator, a chiller bypass line bypassing the chiller-accumulator, and a charging valve configured to selectively provide coolant to at least one of the chiller-accumulator loop and the chiller bypass line, and an air conditioner circuit circulating a refrigerant and having a primary circuit and a bypass circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Eric M. Lott, Alfred Piggott
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Publication number: 20180215235Abstract: A vehicle heating and cooling system comprising an interior system, a compressor system, and primary working fluid configured to flow between the interior system and the compressor system, an auxiliary heating system, and at least one valve assembly. The auxiliary heating system comprises an auxiliary heat exchanger comprising at least one heating element and a voltage controller operatively connected between the vehicle battery and the at least one heating element. The at least one valve assembly configured to operate in a cooling mode, a standard heating mode, and an augmented heating mode in which the auxiliary heating system transfers heat from the at least one heating element to the primary working fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Michael Andrews, Doddy Ervondy
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Publication number: 20180215236Abstract: A pressure relief assembly includes a housing defining an air passage chamber having at least one opening, and a membrane flap secured within the air passage chamber. The membrane flap is configured to move into an open position to expose the opening(s) to relieve air pressure. A plurality of flap-retaining clips securely couple the membrane flap to the housing. Each of the plurality of the flap-retaining clips includes a main body. A housing-connecting tab extends from a first end of the main body. The housing-connecting tab is retained within a retaining channel formed in the housing. Opposed flap-retention wings laterally extend from opposite sides of the main body. A portion of the membrane flap is trapped between the opposed flap-retention wings and the housing to securely couple the membrane flap to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Daniel David Carlson
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Publication number: 20180215237Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling a direction of a fluid flow. The system may include a vent for channeling the fluid flow. The vent may have a vane supported within the vent, with at least a portion of the vane formed from an electrically responsive material. The vane may assume a first shape when no electrical signal is applied thereto, and may deform into a second shape when an electrical signal is applied thereto. An electrical signal source electrically coupled to the vane to apply an electrical signal to the vane. A controller may control the application of the electrical signal to the vane to control a shape of the vane in a manner that causes the vane to direct the fluid flow in different directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Kamil BALCERZAK
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Publication number: 20180215238Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an air flow direction in an air vent for a vehicle, may include a single horizontal wing exposed outside through an air duct is disposed and first and second guide wings connected to the single horizontal wing by connection links are vertically and rotatably disposed above and under the single horizontal wing so that the flow of air discharged inside can be easily controlled in upward and downward directions by vertical rotation of both the first guide wing and second guide wing together with the single horizontal wing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, NIFCO KOREA INC., Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventors: YOUNG JU LEE, In Seop Kim, Young Rok Lee, Young Beom Lee, Choong Yeul Kim, Dae Ig Jung, Keun Sig Lim, Ji Won Lee, Jae Seob Choi, Won Sik Kim
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Publication number: 20180215239Abstract: A vehicular optical system includes an optical device disposed to acquire information on an environment outside a vehicle cabin, a transparent member disposed on a front surface of the optical device via a predetermined closed space, an anti-fogging sheet disposed in a first region of an inner surface of the transparent member in the closed space, the first region being within an angle of view of the optical device, and a dew condensation portion disposed in a second region of the inner surface of the transparent member in the closed space, the second region being out of the angle of view of the optical device and dew condensation being more likely to occur in the dew condensation portion than in the first region.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Daisuke MAETA, Takahiro ADACHI, Takeki MORI, Kazumi CHIDA
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Publication number: 20180215240Abstract: Provided are a vehicle windshield equipped with a transparent film at a visual field area, where a negative effect on a driving visibility due to a boundary line between a forming area and a non-forming area of the transparent film is improved, and a vehicle component having the vehicle windshield. The vehicle windshield includes: a window plate; and a transparent film provided at a surface on a vehicle-interior side of the window plate, wherein the vehicle windshield includes a first area where the transparent film is not provided and a second area where the transparent film is provided, at a central area when viewed from a front side, and a boundary between the first area and the second area has no perspective distortion and is constituted by a boundary line having line width visually recognized by scattering of irradiated light of 10 ?m to 200 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Tetsuji IRIE, Nana SATO, Jun OKAWA, Hideyuki SAITO, Akio NAGATA
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Publication number: 20180215241Abstract: An operation input determination device includes an operation input detector, a movement detector, and a sensor output correction unit. The operation input detector detects an operation input to an operation input unit, which is arranged on a vehicle surface, based on a sensor output of a capacitance sensor that changes when a detection subject moves toward and away from the operation input unit. The movement detector detects movement of a vehicle. The sensor output correction unit executes calibration on the capacitance sensor when movement of the vehicle is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Seika MATSUI, Junya NAKAMURA
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Publication number: 20180215242Abstract: A sliding roof system including a support frame, a front movable roof part and a rear roof part, wherein the front roof part is shiftable between a closed position, an obliquely erected ventilation position and an open position in which the front roof part is positioned over the rear roof part. The front guide lever has a lower guide joint which is guided in a guide path, which is curved downwards on the front side, of the guide rail arrangement in such a manner that, in the ventilation position of the roof part, the guide slide is held in the guide path in a self-locking manner with respect to shifting of the control slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Michael HEIDAN
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Publication number: 20180215243Abstract: A soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes front side rails pivotally connected to rear side rails. A plurality of fabric control bows with control linkages provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A first and second gas strut are attached to the rear side rails to assist lifting and controlled motion as the top is moved between a closed position and open sunroof position, as one strut is fully loaded and compressed while the other strut is fully loaded and open, for lift assist and dampening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Publication number: 20180215244Abstract: A weather strip includes an installation base member and a seal member. The installation base member is configured to operably couple to a peripheral edge of a panel. The seal member is integrally molded with the installation base member and configured to make elastic contact with a peripheral edge of an opening in a body of an automobile when a side door is in a closed position. The seal member includes sponge material which has specific gravity that falls within a range of 0.35 to 0.65 and a loss elastic modulus of not more than 0.25 MPa. More preferably, the sponge material has the loss elastic modulus of not more than 0.20 MPa.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshitaka NISHIMOTO, Takeshi UEDA, Hiroyuki KAWAKAMI
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Publication number: 20180215245Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a chassis frame, a battery pack, and a brace. The battery pack includes a support structure vertically spaced at least in-part from the chassis frame. The first brace extends between, and is engaged to, the chassis frame and the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Shreeganesh Sudhindra, Frank Haubold, Giles D. Bryer
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Publication number: 20180215246Abstract: A system for power integration is provided. The system for power integration includes a planetary gear system with a ring gear, a sun gear and a carrier. A supercharger compressor is mechanically coupled to the ring gear, a secondary turbine is mechanically coupled to the sun gear, and a hybrid energy device is mechanically coupled to the carrier. The system is configured for an internal combustion engine (ICE) to be mechanically coupled to the hybrid energy device through the carrier and a first clutch, and a brake may be mechanically coupled to the supercharger compressor via a band brake or second clutch. The system integrates power between the supercharger compressor, secondary turbine, hybrid energy device and ICE such that enhanced fuel economy is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Michael Franke, Satyum Joshi, Erik Koehler, Mufaddel Z. Dahodwala
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Publication number: 20180215247Abstract: A vehicle comprising an electric motor configured to drive power to rear wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a mechanical disconnect configured to engage, when closed, a plurality of half shafts corresponding to the rear wheels and a drive shaft coupled to a differential, and to engage, when open, the drive shaft but not the plurality of half shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Anthony Mario D'AMATO, Karin LOVETT
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Publication number: 20180215248Abstract: A device for driving a vehicle including an engine that serves as a power source of the vehicle, and a transmission that is connected to the engine, the engine and the transmission being arranged transversely such that an axial direction of an output shaft of the engine accords with a right-left direction of the vehicle includes a motor generator (MG) that serves as a power source of the vehicle, and a speed reducer that is connected to the MG. The MG and at least a part of the speed reducer are arranged outside of an engine compartment that accommodates the engine and the transmission. An output shaft of the speed reducer is connected to a power transmission system, which transmits power of an output shaft of the transmission to a drive shaft of a vehicle wheel to be capable of transmitting its power to the power transmission system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoyuki SHINKAI, Takashi SATO, Takurou NAKAOKA, Takeo MAEKAWA, Keiji KONDOU
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Publication number: 20180215249Abstract: A powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine including a rotor, a geartrain including a pump drive mechanism, a first clutch and a second clutch and a variator for a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The internal combustion engine is rotatably coupled to the rotor of the electric machine by activation of a second clutch. The internal combustion engine is rotatably coupled to the variator by activation of first and second clutches. The rotor of the electric machine is rotatably coupled to the variator by activation of the first clutch, and the electric machine is operative in either a forward direction or a reverse direction. The geartrain is disposed to operate the pump drive mechanism to drive a fluidic pump in a first direction when the electric machine is operating in the forward direction and when the electric machine is operating in the reverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chengwu Duan, Jian Yao, Zhen Gao
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Publication number: 20180215250Abstract: A vehicle, for example an All-Terrain Vehicle, having a front facing air intake. The air intake is substantially centered along a longitudinal center line and funnels air through an air duct that is positioned from the air intake to a rear mounted engine. The air duct may be located below a passenger seating arrangement and the air duct may extend along a substantial portion of a length. In one embodiment, the air chute is centered along the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Stephen Kariniemi
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Publication number: 20180215251Abstract: A mounting structure of an air intake apparatus includes an air intake apparatus including a first mounting portion made of resin and a second mounting portion made of resin, a first collar member made of metal positioned within a first mounting bore at the first mounting portion, a second collar member made of metal positioned within a second mounting bore at the second mounting portion, and a large diameter annular portion made of metal provided between the first and second collar members, the first collar member, the large diameter annular portion and the second collar member being fastened while making contact with one another in a state where the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are fastened together relative to the cylinder head by a fastening member inserted to be positioned within the first collar member, the large diameter annular portion and the second collar member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yasuhiko ESAKI
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Publication number: 20180215252Abstract: A liquid vehicle tank (1) having a wall made of a plastic material, the tank (1) comprising a component (3, 5) affixed to the wall, the component (3, 5) having a portion (10) embedded in the wall, the embedded portion (10) having an external surface (21) a part of which is chemically incompatible with the plastic material of the wall, wherein the tank (1) also comprises a strengthening element welded to the wall over the embedded portion (10) of the component (3, 5).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and ResearchInventor: Jean-Francois COING
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Publication number: 20180215253Abstract: An inlet check valve intended to be entirely located within an internal volume delimited by a liquid tank of a vehicle and a filler pipe welded to the tank, the filler pipe defining a downstream direction followed by a liquid filling the tank, and an upstream direction opposite thereto the inlet check valve comprising a tube and, at the upstream end of the tube, resilient means for adapting the form of the tube to the internal wall of the filler pipe. The inlet check valve comprises hook means for securing the tube to an internal wall of the filler pipe and prevent the inlet check valve from moving within the filler pipe. The tube bears a skirt ending with an edge which can merge with the filler pipe wall when the latter is welded to the tank, making the edge a seal part of the inlet check valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and ResearchInventor: Jean-Francois COING
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Publication number: 20180215254Abstract: A charging connector device for a motor vehicle. A connector socket, which is arranged in a depression, with a pivotable cover, which can be detachably connected to said connector socket, as well as a pivotable cover flap, which closes the depression reversibly. The cover and the cover flap can pivot between a closed position and an opened position. The cover, situated in the opened position, is arranged in the pivoting path of the cover flap, which can pivot from the opened position to the closed position by a motor-driven positioning device, and, during the pivot movement of the cover flap, is entrained by the latter for closure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: AUDI AGInventors: Thomas JOBST, Jaume SANCHEZ, Michael KAUSELMANN
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Publication number: 20180215255Abstract: A drive assembly for a kart, and a kart including the assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an electric motor including an output shaft; an assembly housing surrounding the motor, the housing defining an aperture; an intermediate shaft rotatably disposed within the assembly housing; a driving gear removably disposed on the output shaft within the housing; a reduction gear removably disposed on the intermediate shaft within the housing; and a panel removably connected to the housing for selectively covering the aperture, the driving gear and the reduction gear being removable from the motor and the housing via the aperture when the panel is removed from the housing, the panel, the driving gear, and the reduction gear being disposed above a maximum level of transmission oil contained within the housing when the motor is not operating. A method of changing a kart transmission ratio is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Dominik KRONSTEINER, Heinz KUSEL, Stefan GRUBER, Giuliano TIRONZELLI, Emilio STOPPONI
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Publication number: 20180215256Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle is disclosed, which includes an engine, a rear propeller shaft, a rear differential gear, a transfer mechanism, a front propeller shaft, and a front differential gear. The front propeller shaft is arranged so as to pass through a vicinity of an outside of a room of a pedal working space of a driver's seat and extend toward a front part of the vehicle. In such a four-wheel drive vehicle, the gear ratio of the front differential gear may be RF, the final gear ratio of the rear differential gear may be RR, the transmission ratio of the transfer mechanism may be RT, and the relationships RF<RR and RT>1 may be satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Eiji Mito, Hideki Murata
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Publication number: 20180215257Abstract: A transfer device is provided, which includes an input shaft configured to receive a driving force generated by a drive source, an output shaft configured to output a portion of the driving force to part-time drive wheels of a vehicle, a transfer case accommodating the input and output shafts, at least two output bearings rotatably supporting the output shaft, and a constant-velocity (CV) joint connected to the output shaft and provided on a first side of the part-time drive wheels with respect to the output shaft. The output shaft is formed with a recessed opening portion opening toward the first side and receiving at least a part of the CV joint therein. The transfer case has an annular intruding part extending from the first side of the output shaft into the recessed opening portion. A first output bearing is located inside the recessed opening portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Yuzo Ohkawa
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Publication number: 20180215258Abstract: A clutch drive unit 220 includes a crank arm 221 configured to rotate by rotary driving of a clutch actuator 231. The crank arm 221 includes an output pin 222 configured to press a master cylinder 232, and a receiving pin 223 configured to receive pressing force P from an extendable body 228. The extendable body 228 includes a lock spring 228a with such strength that the pressing force P is generated. The pressing force P allows pressing moment PM greater than reactive force moment RM based on reactive force R acting on the crank arm 221 from a clutch 210 to act on the crank arm 221. The extendable body 228 is, by the stretching force of the lock spring 228a, provided in a stretched state between the receiving pin 223 and a holder receiving pin 229.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Shouji MAKITA, Kazuyoshi MIYACHI, Ryouhei CHIBA, Kaoru IIDA
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Publication number: 20180215259Abstract: In a drive train for a motor vehicle, which has a permanently driven primary drive train and a secondary drive train which can be connected to the primary drive train when necessary or decoupled therefrom, in order to couple or decouple from the primary drive train, there is provision for actuating a clutch apparatus of a device for power transmission and/or power distribution, in which the disengagement unit when providing the clutch actuation force which is required for the actuation of the clutch apparatus is operationally connected to secondary drive members or in which there is provided a drive clutch which, in order to provide the clutch actuation force required for the actuation of the clutch apparatus, is capable of producing an operational connection between the primary drive members or the secondary drive members and a manipulated variable unit of the disengagement unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2015Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Reinhard Möhlmann
