Patents Issued in October 11, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180290529
    Abstract: A hail-resistant cover for a vehicle is provided which may include a plurality of cover panels, each cover panel including a cover panel sleeve and an impact resistant cover panel insert. The cover panels may be affixed to each other by flexible cover panel joints which allow the cover panels to fold over onto the adjacent cover panels. The cover may also include anchors for anchoring the cover to the top of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the cover panels are removably affixed to the adjacent cover panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Ming Wai Ching
  • Publication number: 20180290530
    Abstract: Provided are an electric drive system for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle using the electric drive system. The electric drive system for a motor vehicle comprises: an inverter unit (100) configured to convert externally-supplied DC power to AC power; an electric motor unit (300) configured to convert the power from the inverter unit (100) into mechanical rotation and output the mechanical rotation from an output shaft (303); and a gearbox unit (200) configured to decelerate the rotation transmitted from an input shaft (202) and output the decelerated rotation. The electric motor unit (300), the gearbox unit (200) and the inverter unit (100) have respective independent enclosures. The electric motor unit (300), the gearbox unit (200) and the inverter unit (100) are detachably and mutually connected in an axial direction along the input shaft (202) of the gearbox unit (200) with the gearbox unit (200) positioned in between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Xu CHAI, Chendong HUANG, Bin HE, Hongyu LAN, Mengyang LIU, Yibin REN, Bozhi LIANG, Shaobiao CHAI
  • Publication number: 20180290531
    Abstract: A vehicle lower section structure includes rockers that are configured to be disposed at both vehicle width direction ends of a vehicle and that extend along a vehicle front-rear direction; a floor panel that includes plural floors in which a vehicle rear side thereof set higher than a vehicle front side thereof in a vehicle vertical direction, and a step portion formed between the floors that are adjacent to each other in the vehicle front-rear direction; a battery pack that is configured to be installed at a vehicle lower side of the floor, an upper portion of the battery pack including a step corresponding to the step portion of the floor panel; and a cross member that forms a cross portion having a closed cross-section together with the step portion and the floor, the cross portion extending along the vehicle width direction and coupling between the rockers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi AJISAKA
  • Publication number: 20180290532
    Abstract: A hydraulic bearing has a cylindrical main housing, a load-bearing spring enclosed by the main housing, a work chamber, which is at least partially enclosed by the load-bearing spring, with a work chamber volume filled with hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic bearing further includes a control diaphragm, which is configured to change the work chamber volume, and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the control diaphragm for deflecting the same. The hydraulic bearing also includes an equalization chamber and a throttle duct hydraulically interconnecting the work chamber and the equalization chamber, and a cylindrical chamber housing is arranged with a first end face on an outer casing side section of the main housing, wherein the equalization chamber is formed by at least a part of an interior of the chamber housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Genderjahn, Peter Marienfeld
  • Publication number: 20180290533
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle comprising includes an internal combustion engine and a transfer case. The transfer case includes a primary output shaft, an electric motor, and a planetary gear set. The primary output shaft receives engine torque from the internal combustion engine. The electric motor includes a rotor and a stator. The planetary gear set includes a sun gear rotatably fixed to the rotor, a ring gear, planet gears arranged radially between and engaging the sun gear and the ring gear, and a planet carrier coupled to the planet gears and rotatably fixed to the primary output shaft. The ring gear is selectively groundable for selectively transferring torque between the electric motor and the primary output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20180290534
    Abstract: An All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), multi-mode, power-split hybrid vehicle employing a drive combining all electric motors and an internal combustion engine, together collocated on a 2-planetary-gear (PG) set. The present teachings are capable of delivering competitive performance while maximizing fuel economy through power-split hybrid design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Ziheng PAN, Huei PENG, Nikhil RAVI
  • Publication number: 20180290535
    Abstract: An adjustable airflow assembly and a vehicle include a body. The assembly includes a brake apparatus and a flap attached to a second panel portion proximal to an opening. The flap is disposed between the brake apparatus and a first panel portion. The flap is movable between a first position and a second position. The flap at least partially uncovers the opening when in the first position to direct a flow of air through the opening toward the brake apparatus to cool the brake apparatus. The flap is disposed generally flat relative to an outer surface of the second panel portion when in the second position such that the flap covers the opening to direct the flow of air away from the opening to improve aerodynamics around the body as compared to the flap being in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ethan A. McMillan, Rebecca Diane Tjoelker
  • Publication number: 20180290536
    Abstract: A method of forming a tank with a stiffening assembly includes forming a fuel tank such that the tank wall carries at least a first and second insert, locating a connecting assembly within the tank interior aligned with the first and second inserts, the connecting assembly including a rigid body, a first coupler and a second coupler, and coupling at least a portion of the first insert with the first coupler and at least a portion of the second insert with the second coupler to limit movement of the two wall portions relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: TI AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Ahmad Chehade, Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Peter Grauer, Moez Haouala, Gerrit A. Michaelis, Matthias B. Olbrich
  • Publication number: 20180290537
    Abstract: A tank manufacturing method includes the steps of (a) forming a reinforcing layer before hardening, (b) embedding at least a part of a label into the reinforcing layer before hardening, and (c) winding glass fiber with thermosetting resin before hardening impregnated so as to cover the label to form a surface layer before hardening. The step (a) includes (a1) forming an inner layer before hardening, and (a2) forming an outer layer before hardening having a cover rate lower than the inner layer before hardening and lower than 100%, the outer layer before hardening being arranged on the inner layer before hardening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoki UEDA
  • Publication number: 20180290538
    Abstract: A fuel filling aperture device includes a closing member turned to an open position to open a fuel filling aperture by an introduction of a fuel filling nozzle. The closing member includes a pair of flap members, and urging devices urging the pair of flap members to be positioned at a closed position. Each of the pair of flap members includes a turning assembly portion which becomes a center of the turning, and an abutment portion relative to the other flap member. Also, a seal projecting piece abutting against an opening edge portion of a pass-through opening of the fuel filling nozzle at the closed position, and an edge projecting piece continuing to a terminal of the seal projecting piece, and forming at least one portion of the abutment portion, are formed on a surface portion of each of the pair of flap members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Takatsugu HIROSE, Kensuke OGOSE
  • Publication number: 20180290539
    Abstract: Liquid reservoir systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a liquid reservoir system may capture and retain a fuel reservoir to provide an un-interrupted fuel supply to a fuel pump or pickup line during low fuel conditions such as those that may be experienced during vehicle acceleration, braking or side to side maneuvers. It may also capture and retain a fuel reservoir to provide an un-interrupted fuel supply to a fuel pump or other pickup line during periods of high agitation such as may be experienced during vehicle jumping, cross country/closed course racing and other aggressive driving maneuvers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Larry J. Tipton, Shane R. Weckerly
  • Publication number: 20180290540
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a limited-slip differential for front and rear wheels of a vehicle, the control apparatus includes: a basic LSD torque calculation module configured to calculate a basic LSD torque at least on the basis of a transfer input torque; a subtraction LSD torque calculation module configured to calculate a subtraction LSD torque that is subtracted from the basic LSD torque at least on the basis of a vehicle speed and a steering angle; a minimum LSD torque calculation module configured to calculate a minimum LSD torque on the basis of the transfer input torque; a target LSD torque setting module configured to set a target LSD torque at least on the basis of the basic, subtraction, and minimum LSD torques; and a clutch control module configured to control an engaging force of a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Taichi TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20180290541
    Abstract: A device for a motor vehicle for displaying information includes an instrument panel and an information device configured to display information at various locations on the instrument panel so as to be visible to a driver of the motor vehicle. The device also includes a control device which is configured to receive information specifications that are relevant to vehicle management and result from at least one of: a position of the vehicle, a position of the vehicle relative to a roadway, a position of the vehicle relative to a driving lane, and a position of road users in a surrounding of the vehicle. The control device also determines a display location on the instrument panel based on the information specifications, and displays an item of information on the instrument panel at the determined display location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Olivier PITRAT, Marcel OTTMANN
  • Publication number: 20180290542
    Abstract: A charge management method includes generating and storing a charge schedule related to an electric energy for charging a vehicle within an amount of suppliable electric power for charging said vehicle located in a region, wherein said vehicle includes a rechargeable battery. The method further includes storing an identification number of said vehicle in said region by an EV controlling center. The method further includes determining a propriety of charging said vehicle at a current time and location based on said charge schedule in response to detection of a signal indicating a start of a charging process of said rechargeable battery from said vehicle having said identification number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Takeshi KORENAGA, Hisaji TAKEUCHI, Ryota HIURA, Tomohiro MURATA, Takeshi NAGATA, Hiromichi NAKAMOTO, Seiki KATO
  • Publication number: 20180290543
    Abstract: A safety device for the reversible disconnection of at least one electrical component of a motor vehicle, with a first switching device. An electrical connection of a first energy supply unit of the motor vehicle to the at least one electrical component, in particular to an electric drive of the motor vehicle, is present in a first switching state of the first switching device and is interrupted in a second switching state of the first switching device. The safety device has a second switching device. An electrical connection of a second energy supply unit of the motor vehicle, which is connected in parallel to the first energy supply unit and is designed as a capacitor, to the at least one electrical component is present in a first switching state of the second switching device and is interrupted in a second switching state of the second switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Markus Geiss, Steffen Fey
  • Publication number: 20180290544
    Abstract: One or more converters are selected from a plurality of converters to enable where there is a plurality of energy storage modules electrically connected together in series. Each converter is electrically connected to a corresponding energy storage module. The selected converters are enabled where in response to being enabled, an enabled converter converts an input, from its corresponding energy storage module, at a first voltage level into an output at a second voltage level and the outputs of the enabled converters are electrically combined to produce a combined output. The combined output is compared against a desirable operating region defined by an upper threshold and a lower threshold. In response to the combined output being outside of the desirable operating region, the number of enabled converters is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Geoffrey Alan Long
  • Publication number: 20180290545
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an on-board charging system (OBCS), and a wireless power transfer system (WPTS). Each of the OBCS and WPTS is configured to selectively use a same rectifier such that the rectifier rectifies output of the OBCS and rectifies output of the WPTS to provide power to the traction battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mohamed Elshaer, Chingchi Chen, Mark J. Ferrel, John Paul Gibeau
  • Publication number: 20180290546
    Abstract: A method for controlling the charging of multiple electric vehicles operating in a geographic area may include inputting a tariff schedule into a control system. The tariff schedule may identify the cost of energy at different times in the geographic area. The method may also include receiving data from the multiple electric vehicles. The data may include at least the state of charge of the vehicle. The method may further include sending instructions to at least one vehicle of the multiple electric vehicles. The instructions may include directives on charging based at least on the tariff schedule and the received data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Proterra Inc.
    Inventors: Seamus McGrath, Rueben Sarkar
  • Publication number: 20180290547
    Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a vortex tube configured to generate hot and cold airstreams and a valve having hot and cold air inlets connected to the vortex tube to receive the hot and cold airstreams, respectively. The valve further has a vent and a valve outlet. A high-voltage electrical component is connected to the valve outlet by conduit to receive one of the hot and cold airstreams to thermally regulate the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Eric MYERS, John Peter BILEZIKJIAN
  • Publication number: 20180290548
    Abstract: A power converter arrangement, for feeding a plurality of energy stores of electrically driven vehicles has a transformer having a first multiphase winding and a plurality of second multiphase windings. The first winding is embodied to be connected to a power supply system, in particular to a medium-voltage power supply system, and the second windings are each connected to a first connection of an associated power converter. The invention also presents an installation having such a power converter arrangement, wherein the transformer is arranged in a weatherproof enclosure and at least a plurality of power converters form parts of respective charging stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: SEMIKRON ELEKTRONIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Kalkmann
  • Publication number: 20180290549
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for inductive positioning of a current collector on a vehicle relative to a stationary current conductor. The method involves transmitting a signal having predetermined phase characteristics using a signal transmitter arranged along the longitudinal direction of the current conductor; detecting the transmitted signal using a signal receiver on the vehicle, which signal receiver comprises at least one vertical antenna; detecting the phase characteristics of the signal induced in the at least one vertical antenna, indicating the relative location of the vertical antenna and the signal transmitter in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and controlling a positioning arrangement in dependence of the received signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans FORSBERG
  • Publication number: 20180290550
    Abstract: A wireless charging receiver which includes a wireless receiving panel provided with a receiving coil, and an aligning detection module including a first magnetic sensor chip array and a first solenoid set, is disposed on the lower portion of an electric automobile. A wireless charging transmitter comprises a wireless transmitting panel provided with a transmitting coil, a matching detection module including a photosensitive chip array, a second magnetic sensor chip array and a second solenoid set, and a driving device used for driving the wireless transmitting panel to move, is disposed on the ground of a parking area. Magnetic sensor chips of the first magnetic sensor chip array and solenoids of the first solenoid set are disposed around the receiving coil. The wireless charging transmitter. The wireless transmitting panel is disposed on the driving device and is driven by the driving device to be moved and aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Ruicong YANG, Guijiang LIN, Jianping LIAO, Yushan LIU, Binxu SHEN, Fengbing YANG, Lianfeng REN
  • Publication number: 20180290551
    Abstract: Disclosed are control algorithms and system architectures for managing wireless vehicle charging, including vehicles with rechargeable battery packs, wireless charging capabilities, and control logic for governing such charging. A method is disclosed for managing charging of an electrical storage unit of a motor vehicle at a wireless vehicle charging station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Jones, Ryan M. Ashby, Andrew J. Namou
  • Publication number: 20180290552
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling charge levels of vehicle batteries. An example vehicle includes a battery, a battery sensor for detecting a current of the battery, a power connector for connecting to an external electrical device, a relay electrically connected between the power connection and the battery, and a body control module to position the relay in a closed state in response to determining that the current is greater than zero and the battery is not in an overcharge state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Hanyang B. Chen, Michael J. Irby, Douglas George Rosner
  • Publication number: 20180290553
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a charging schedule for an electric vehicle that include determining a current state of charge of the electric vehicle. The system and method also include determining an average price per kilowatt-hour of energy to charge the electric vehicle to reach at least one of: a target state of charge of the electric vehicle and a maximum state of charge of the electric vehicle. The system and method further include creating the charging schedule based on the current state of charge and the average price per kilowatt-hour of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Maira A. Malik, Steven A. Rho, Robert M. Uyeki, Aparajithan Rajendran, Narendran Ravi, Mohitash Brijwasi
  • Publication number: 20180290554
    Abstract: A drone docking system is disclosed that is connected to a drone. The drone docking system has a positioning member that connects to the drone and is configured to rotate the angle of the drone from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position. Connected to the positioning member is a charging member, which in one embodiment has a charging prong. The charging member is configured to connect to a power source, such as one located on existing infrastructure, e.g., a street light. A connection member is connected to the charging member. The connection member engages existing infrastructure to hold the drone in place. In one arrangement, the connection member has a pair of arcuate arms that receive, retain, and hold onto the existing infrastructure. In one example, the pair of arcuate arms are spring biased to apply a gripping pressure on the existing infrastructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Anuj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20180290555
    Abstract: The application relates to an electrical vehicle charging system for charging an electrical vehicle with a DC current, including a charger, an air conditioning device and a control device, whereby the charger is configured for delivering the DC current to the electrical vehicle, the air conditioning device is configured for heating and/or cooling the charging system, the air conditioning device and/or the charger emits a noise, and the control device is configured for controlling delivery of the DC current according to the noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Wiebe Zoon
  • Publication number: 20180290556
    Abstract: A circuit can include a CAN bus and multiple nodes. The multiple nodes can reboot at the same time so that a Time 0 is set at boot for each node. Each node can store an ID node and determine from its ID node one time slot of a plurality of periodic time slots starting from Time 0 in which to transmit on the CAN bus. Each node can transmit messages on the CAN bus in its determined time slot subsequent to Time 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Sébastien Demont
  • Publication number: 20180290557
    Abstract: A vehicle power supply control device includes a main battery connected to a power supply circuit, a sub-battery having an internal resistance lower than an internal resistance of the main battery, an electric generator which is connected to the power supply circuit and has a controllable power generation voltage, and a connection controller configured to connect the sub-battery to the power supply circuit after adjusting a voltage on a side of the power supply circuit close to a voltage of the sub-battery by controlling the power generation voltage of the electric generator. The main battery is configured to be disconnectable from the power supply circuit. The connection controller is configured to disconnect the main battery from the power supply circuit first, then control the power generation voltage of the electric generator to adjust the power generation voltage close to the voltage of the sub-battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akifumi Koishi, Masahiko Tahara, Atsushi Tezuka, Tomoyuki Koike, Munemitsu Watanabe, Terumasa Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20180290558
    Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a vortex tube having hot and cold air outlets. A heat exchanger is selectively in fluid communication with one of the hot and cold outlets. A coolant loop is in thermal communication with an electrical component and is arranged to pass coolant through the heat exchanger to transfer thermal energy between the coolant and an airstream of the one of the hot and cold outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Eric MYERS, John Peter BILEZIKJIAN
  • Publication number: 20180290559
    Abstract: A control device is configured to control a first boost converter and a second boost converter. The control device is configured such that, when a prescribed state where an output of the second boost converter cannot be made at a ratio of an output voltage to an input voltage in the second boost converter to be equal to or more than a predetermined value is detected, the control device calculates a target output voltage of a fuel cell by using an voltage on an input side or an output side of the second boost converter measured by a measuring portion and a first value which is equal to or larger than a minimum boost ratio of the first boost converter, and controls the fuel cell so that an output voltage of the fuel cell is equal to or lower than the target output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryosuke OYA
  • Publication number: 20180290560
    Abstract: A bracket has deformation resistant strength set to be overwhelmed by an input load applied to the bracket from a rearward side toward a forward side when a fuel cell vehicle collides with an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto TAKEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180290561
    Abstract: Use of a range extender vehicle includes a range extender energy store and means for transmitting energy to a main vehicle for supplying a main vehicle, including a main vehicle electric motor for driving the main vehicle, a main vehicle energy store for supplying the main vehicle electric motor with power and means for obtaining energy from the range extender vehicle, with energy from the range extender energy store via the coupled-together energy transmission means and means for obtaining energy. The range extender vehicle also includes: a range extender electric motor for driving the range extender vehicle; means for autonomously driving the range extender vehicle on a road network; and receiving means for receiving information for detecting the main vehicle. By means of the invention, the mobility, in particular the range, of electric vehicles can be improved in a simple and comfortable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Manfred Baumgärtner
  • Publication number: 20180290562
    Abstract: A seating arrangement with improved seating comfort. In one embodiment, the seating arrangement is for a transportation vehicle. The arrangement includes seats at least having two levels adjacent to single-level seats. The multi-level seats include at least a bottom row of seats and a top row of seats. In one embodiment, the bottom row seats are on a floor; and there is an imaginary horizontal plane that is parallel to the floor, and that at least a part of the top row seats and at least a part of the bottom row seats intersect. The single-level seats include at least two rows, with at least one seat in each row being adjacent to the aisle, to allow passengers to access the single-level seats. In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes only multi-level seats. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented method is applicable to the seats, such as allowing the display of a visual representation of a top-row seat and a bottom-row seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180290563
    Abstract: A seat apparatus includes: a seat on which a passenger of a vehicle sits; an inputter which is operated by the passenger; a fixer which fixes a position of the seat until the inputter is operated by the passenger and allows the position of the seat to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the inputter is operated by the passenger; and a restrictor which restricts the movement of the seat when a predetermined condition related to a traveling state of the vehicle or an external environment of the vehicle is satisfied in comparison with a case in which the predetermined condition is not satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Muneatsu Minato, Hajime Ishihara, Kenta Hirayama, Manabu Matsumoto, Yosuke Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20180290564
    Abstract: A device that enables the correct ergonomic adjustment, by means of preset longitudinal positions, of the advancement and retreat of the motor vehicles seats, to guarantee comfort and safety of the driver as well as of the passengers. The device is made up by two rails (special and differentiated profiles), the upper rail (1) having a flat base (10) with flaps at tangent arcs (11 to 15) and the lower base (2) having tangential curved flaps (21 to 27), being fit and inserted in the inner spaces of the flaps by bearing balls (3). It further includes stops (16 and 28) of longitudinal movement and a position lock (4) activated by a bi-articulated mechanism (5) through a tubular lever (6), with vertical activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Pietro Sportelli
  • Publication number: 20180290565
    Abstract: A seat lock device includes a base, a case, a rotatable hook, a rotatable pawl, and a rotatable cam. The base is arranged in one of a seat and a vehicle body and includes a groove configured to receive a striker arranged on the other one of the seat and the vehicle body. The case is opposed to the base. The case includes a groove configured to receive the striker. The hook cooperates with at least the groove of the case to hold the striker in a locked state. The pawl is engaged with a peripheral surface of the hook to hold the hook in the locked state. The cam presses the hook held in the locked state in a lock direction. A portion of the hook and a portion of the pawl are overlapped with each other in an axial direction of the hook and the pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke TONE, Kazuya IWASA
  • Publication number: 20180290566
    Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle seat including: a seat cushion that serves as a seating portion which receives a load of an occupant; an ottoman that is connected to a front portion of the seat cushion; a base that supports the seat cushion from a vehicle floor in a seating position at which the seat cushion receives the occupant and in a tip-up position at which the seat cushion is tipped up rearward from the seating position; and a folding mechanism that moves the ottoman between an initial position at which the ottoman is positioned at the front portion of the seat cushion and a folding position at which the ottoman is retracted beneath the seat cushion in accordance with a movement of the seat cushion from the seating position and the tip-up position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidefumi SERA, Hideki FUJISAWA
  • Publication number: 20180290567
    Abstract: Systems and methods for actively isolating a payload from a disturbance. In one example, a seat system for a vehicle includes a seat, a support structure that allows the seat to move about an axis of a pivot, a first sensor positioned to detect movement of the vehicle, a second sensor positioned to detect lateral acceleration of the pivot, an actuator configured to move the seat, and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor and a second signal from the second sensor, generate a command signal based at least on the first and the second signal to instruct the actuator to position the seat at a desired command angle, wherein the controller is configured to correct the command signal for lateral accelerations caused by steering the vehicle, and provide a force command to the actuator to move the seat at the desired command angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: ClearMotion Acquisition I LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Knox, Travis Lee Hein
  • Publication number: 20180290568
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a seat frame including a waist portion supporting member having a smaller size while stably supporting a waist portion of an occupant. A vehicle seat frame serving as a frame for a vehicle seat includes a seat cushion frame forming a frame of a sitting part of the vehicle seat, a seatback frame forming a frame of a backrest part of the vehicle seat, and a waist portion supporting member coupled to a lower frame which is included in the seatback frame. The waist portion supporting member has a coupling region extending in the seat width direction, the coupling region being coupled to the lower frame, and a waist portion supporting region extending from the coupling region toward the seat cushion frame and supporting a waist portion of an occupant. The waist portion supporting region is longer in the seat width direction than the coupling region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Yuta Kijima, Takanori Yamaguchi, Wataru Nishii, Satoshi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20180290569
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a seat frame including a waist portion supporting member having a smaller size while stably supporting a waist portion of an occupant. A vehicle seat frame serving as a frame for a vehicle seat includes a seat cushion frame forming a frame of a sitting part of the vehicle seat, a seatback frame forming a frame of a backrest part of the vehicle seat, and a waist portion supporting member coupled to a lower frame which is included in the seatback frame. The waist portion supporting member has a coupling region extending in the seat width direction, the coupling region being coupled to the lower frame, and a waist portion supporting region extending from the coupling region toward the seat cushion frame and supporting a waist portion of an occupant. The waist portion supporting region is longer in the seat width direction than the coupling region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Yuta Kijima, Takanori Yamaguchi, Wataru Nishii, Satoshi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20180290570
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion and a seatback coupled with the cushion and rotatable between collapsed and open positions. The seatback includes a first inflatable bladder within an interior of the seatback, a pneumatic actuator fluidically coupled with the bladder and configurable between a compressed condition and a withdrawn condition, and a control cable coupled between the actuator and the cushion for linking the configuration of the actuator with the position of the seatback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Travis Justin Raines
  • Publication number: 20180290571
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a unitary armrest subassembly having a support substrate and a resilient web secured together by a mechanical fastening feature. The armrest subassembly also includes a cushion overlying the resilient web and a coverstock concealing the cushion and the resilient web and enclosing the receiver in the unitary armrest subassembly that holds those components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Humberto Memetla Martinez, Leonel de Jesus Perez Sandoval
  • Publication number: 20180290572
    Abstract: A vehicle door padding feature and optional expansion feature that creates an armrest integrated as part of a vehicle door sill at the upper part of the door near the junction of the door covering and the window, and/or an expandable armrest in the door sill/upper door area via extension toward the inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent Gabriel Shaw, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180290573
    Abstract: A head restraint for a seating assembly of a vehicle comprising: an exterior surface; one or more interior wall surfaces disposed beneath the exterior surface forming an internal receptacle; an opening into the internal receptacle; the internal receptacle comprising a bottom; and the one or more interior wall surfaces are configured to prevent an object resting on the bottom from falling out of the internal receptacle through the opening during normal use of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi, Scott Holmes Dunham
  • Publication number: 20180290574
    Abstract: A thermally conductive padding 20 for transferring heat comprising a layer of cellular foam padding 10 having a plurality of spaced apart openings 22 formed therein. A thermal tunneling pad 24 is seated in each of the openings for creating a thermal path through the thermally conductive padding wherein the thermal tunneling pad includes a cellular foam block 12 encased in strip of thermally conductive graphite ribbon 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Eric Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20180290575
    Abstract: A seat support structure including an elastomeric panel. The elastomeric panel positions and supports a seated occupant. The panel is constrained on a forward side and a rearward side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Kurt SEIBOLD
  • Publication number: 20180290576
    Abstract: A seat adjuster, includes a brake acting between fixed and adjustable parts so the adjustable part is blockable in positions on the fixed part and releasable by a release element, an adjustment element acting on the release element, selectively adjusting the adjustable part in two opposite directions, and a locking element automatically engaging and interlockingly locking the adjustable part to the fixed part when the adjustment element is not actuated and automatically disengaging when the adjustment element is actuated, disengagement of the locking element and adjustment of the adjustable part being effected by moving the adjustment element out of neutral position, the locking element having a toothed segment for meshing with a toothed ring coupled to the adjustable part so the locking element is movable in the radial direction of the toothed ring between locking and release positions, in which the locking element meshes with or moves away from the toothed ring
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jörg SCHWARZBICH
  • Publication number: 20180290577
    Abstract: A method for operating a massage device of a seat, in particular of a motor vehicle, having a massage drive with an unbalance which is driven by means of an electric motor, and an electrical line for operating the massage drive. By means of a component of the massage device, a change in capacitance due to a change in occupancy of at least one section of the seat is detected, and based on the change in capacitance, the energization of the electric motor is adjusted. A massage device of a seat and a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle as well as a component of a massage device of a seat are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellscha ft, Bamberg
    Inventor: Alexander MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20180290578
    Abstract: The present application relates to accessories of motor vehicle, particularly to a bracket for motor vehicle rest pedal and rest pedal. The present application aims at solving the problem that existing motor vehicle rest pedals are prone to deforming and breaking. To this end, the bracket comprises a first bracket part secured within the vehicle and a second bracket part connected to the first bracket part and used for fixing the pedal plate. The second bracket part is of L-like plate structure such that a part of the second bracket part extends under the fixed pedal plate and supports the same. The structural stiffness and rigidity of the rest pedal is strengthened by the L-like plate structure of the second bracket part of the bracket of the present application to prohibit deformation of the rest pedal due to bad road condition or emergency braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Bao RONG, Hong YAN, Jia LI, Liwen LV, Yanqing WEN