Abstract: An axle assembly that includes an axle housing, a differential carrier, and an electric motor module. The differential carrier that is mounted to the axle housing and rotatably supports a differential. The electric motor module is received inside the differential carrier and is operatively connected to and provides torque to the differential.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle housing, a differential carrier, an electric motor module, and a gear reduction module. The differential carrier may be mounted to the axle housing and may rotatably support a differential. The electric motor module may be disposed in the differential carrier. The gear reduction module may be disposed adjacent to a differential carrier cover and may transmit torque from the electric motor module to the differential via a drive pinion.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an electric motor module, a gear reduction module, and a shift mechanism. The shift mechanism may have a shift collar that may transmit torque from the gear reduction module to a drive pinion. The shift collar may be movable between a first position in which a low range gear ratio is engaged, a second position in which a neutral gear ratio is selected, and a third position in which a high range gear ratio is engaged.

Abstract: An in-wheel motor drive device speed reducer includes an input shaft coupled to a motor rotating shaft. an output shaft coupled to a wheel hub and parallel to the input shaft, and one or more intermediate shafts parallel to the input shaft and the output shaft. An input gear coupled to the input shaft, a plurality of intermediate gears coupled to the intermediate shafts, and an output gear coupled to the output shaft mesh with each other and configure a drive transmission path leading to the output gear from the input gear through the plurality of intermediate gears. When viewed axially using the intermediate shaft, axes of the output shaft, the at least one intermediate shaft, and the input shaft are arranged in this order in the vehicle front-to-rear direction. The axis of the at least one intermediate shaft is disposed above the axes of the output and input shafts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an actuator for an active air flap apparatus which may manually open air flaps during an actuator failure and may prevent the opened air flaps from closing using e.g., vehicle induced wind. The apparatus includes a worm gear that is driven by the power of a motor and a spur gear that is configured to transmit rotary force of the worm gear towards the air flaps.

Abstract: A shutoff vent is disclosed. A main body has a first end and a second end. The main body defines a first opening towards the first end, a second opening towards the second end, and a mating port between the first opening and the second opening. The first opening and the second opening are in communication through the mating port to define a gas passageway. A translatable plug is disposed within the main body, and the gas passageway extends past the translatable plug. The translatable plug is configured to reversibly translate towards the second end to sealably obstruct the mating port. In some examples, the translatable plug is configured to translate towards the second end when force is applied to the translatable plug from the first end.

Abstract: A fuel tank inlet assembly comprising a fuel tank inlet (200) defining an opening. The fuel tank inlet is configured for receipt by an aperture of the fuel tank (400). An anti-siphon device (300) is configured for receipt by the fuel tank inlet. The anti-siphon device defines an inlet aperture and comprises an anti-siphon portion configured to inhibit the passage of a siphon tube through the anti-siphon device. The fuel tank inlet comprises a first locking portion (206) and the anti-siphon device defines a second locking portion (307) configured to engage the first locking portion so as to secure the anti-siphon device to the fuel tank inlet such that the anti-siphon device is positioned within the fuel tank inlet entirely beyond the opening.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle comprising: a first and a second track; a generator assembly configured to generate mechanical power; a group of work devices coupled to the generator assembly; a first and a second drive wheel coupled to the first and to the second track, respectively, and to the generator assembly; a user interface configured to receive commands from an operator; and a control unit connected to the user interface to receive commands from the operator; the control unit being configured to: measure an amount of time elapsed between a command sent by the operator and a subsequent command sent by the operator; and set the tracked vehicle to a blocked state if the amount of time measured is greater than a first time interval threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle comprising a moveable cover and a self-contained display means arranged in relation to the cover such that said display means is arranged generally behind the cover when in a closed position, the display means comprising energy harvesting means for harvesting energy for powering for the self-contained display means, communication means for wirelessly communicating with vehicle communication means to obtain vehicle information, and visual display means for visually outputting an indication of the vehicle information.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for heating an electrified vehicle. An exemplary electrified vehicle includes a passenger cabin, and an infrared heater configured to radiate heat for conditioning the passenger cabin. The vehicle further includes a heating device configured to heat airflow for conditioning the passenger cabin. Further, the vehicle includes a controller configured to selectively command a change in an output of the heating device based on an amount of power available to the infrared heater.

Abstract: A motor vehicle control system (210C, 220) for controlling an electric propulsion motor (230) to drive a wheel (290) of the vehicle (200), the control system (210C, 220) being configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode in dependence at least in part on an amount of slip experienced by at least one driven wheel (290), in the first mode the control system (210C, 220) being configured to cause the at least one electric propulsion motor (230) to generate a predetermined amount of drive torque, in the second mode the control system (210C, 220) being configured to cause the at least one electric propulsion motor (230) to rotate at a predetermined speed, wherein the control system (210C, 220) is configured to operate in the first mode if the amount of slip experienced by the at least one driven wheel (290) is below a predetermined slip amount and to operate in the second mode if the amount of slip experienced by the at least one driven wheel (290) exceeds the predetermined slip amount.

Abstract: An energy storage system for supporting dual electrical functions of a vehicle includes an energy storage unit having a plurality of energy storage modules connected in series, a plurality of sensing units for sensing state of charges of the plurality of energy storage modules, and a pair of primary voltage terminals. The series connected plurality of energy storage modules is connectable across the pair of primary voltage terminals during a key-on state of the vehicle to supply energy storage power at a first voltage level to support primary electrical functions of the vehicle. The energy storage system is further configured to select a subset of the plurality of energy storage modules during a key-off state of the vehicle to connect across a pair of secondary voltage terminals using a switch network to supply energy storage power at a second voltage level.

Abstract: A coil unit includes a case (an upper cover) made of a resin, the case including an attachment surface to be attached to a case of a power storage apparatus, a metal plate provided in the case, a coil located opposite to the attachment surface with respect to the metal plate, and a metal member arranged to surround a space portion located between the metal plate and the case (the upper cover). The metal member is formed integrally with the upper cover made of the resin.

Abstract: A charging control method is provided for an electric vehicle (EV) receiving a power from a charging apparatus. The method includes detecting a signal from an implanted medical device (IMD) and determining a limitation on a charging output based on whether the signal from the IMD is detected. Information related to the limitation on the charging output is then transmitted to the charging apparatus which provides power to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Electrical energy which has been provided for a given session (e.g. for charging an electric vehicle), but was not called up (required), can be otherwise used for at least one other session. The available electrical energy can be divided efficiently between the sessions in accordance with the actually required energy. Further, a plan set prior to this allocation requires only a low, or zero, degree of predictive accuracy since the amounts of assigned electrical energy can be corrected during the charging process. This is useful, for example, in electro-mobility and load management when charging a plurality of electric vehicles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products charge a battery in a vehicle. A charging station and the vehicle negotiate charging parameters. When the vehicle receives electrical power from the charging station, the vehicle checks the electrical power for the parameters. Should the electrical power fail to exhibit the parameters, charging is terminated.

Abstract: An automatic parking system with charging function includes an in-out space, parking levels, loading boards, and a conveyer. Each parking level includes parking spaces, each parking space has a charging pile and a power supply interface electrically connected with the charging pile. Each loading board includes a board portion, a power receiving interface, a charging cable for charging the electric vehicle, and a support foot. The conveyer includes a lifting platform and an automated guided vehicle, the automated guided vehicle is configured to drive into a position under the board portion and support the loading board upward so as to carry the loading board, when the loading board is carried to a predetermined position of the corresponding parking space, the automated guided vehicle is lowered to make the support foot be supported on the corresponding parking space and the power receiving interface mate with the corresponding power supply interface.

Abstract: A method for controlling electrical power transmission to a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a charging component receiving electrical charge current from individually controlled charge segments along a road for the vehicle, wherein the method includes the steps of receiving a signal indicative of a charge current mode for the charge segments along the road; determining if at least one charge segment ahead of the vehicle is provided in a disabled charge mode and currently not being able to provide an electrical charge current; calculating a time period until the vehicle arrives at the charge segment provided in the disabled charge mode; and shutting off the electrical power transmission to the vehicle within a predetermined time period of the calculated time period.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided, equipped with a communication network including: at least one communication bus, called main communication bus; and at least two subnetworks, each subnetwork carrying out a communication with at least two components of the vehicle; each subnetwork including a communication node connecting the subnetwork to the main bus; and the communication network includes a subnetwork dedicated to communicating with the rechargeable electrical energy storage modules.

Abstract: A charging method of electric vehicle applied in charging station for electric vehicle, the method comprising: providing a control host, an authentication data acquisition device capable of communicating with the control host, and a charging apparatus at the charging station. When an electric vehicle is parked at the charging station, the authentication acquisition device is configured to capture an authentication data and transmit the authentication data to the control host. When the control host determines it's in off-line state with a remote server, the control host performs a specific calculation on an information to be verified included in the authentication data so as to obtain a value to be verified, and the control host allows the charging apparatus to output electric power to charge the electric vehicle parked at the charging station when the value to be verified is determined to be the same as a preset value.

Abstract: The apparatus includes: a power feeding side identification information acquiring unit that acquires power feeding side identification information for identifying the power feeding side from a device or a user's communication terminal in the power feeding side; a power receiving side identification information acquiring unit that acquires power receiving side identification information for identifying the power receiving side from a device or a user's communication terminal in the power receiving side; a power feeding information acquiring unit that acquires power feeding information about a power amount fed from the device in the power feeding side or a power amount fed to the device in the power receiving side; and a transmission unit that associates with one another: the power feeding side identification information; the power receiving side identification information; and the power feeding information, and transmits them to a transaction management apparatus.

Abstract: A charge and discharge control device is provide. The charge and discharge control device includes a determination circuitry configured to determine an ion diffusion rate associated with electric conduction in a secondary battery, and determine a time integrated value of an overcharged amount of an active material based on the ion diffusion rate and a charge condition; an evaluation circuitry configured to evaluate the charge condition of the secondary battery based on a determination result obtained by the determination circuitry, and a charge and discharge controller configured to control state of current application and voltage application to the secondary battery at a time of charging or discharging the secondary battery based on an evaluation result obtained by the evaluation circuitry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method of selecting range for an electric device having a rechargeable energy storage unit. The system includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. A charging unit is configured to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit when plugged to the charging unit. An operator is requested to enter a selected range for the electric device. The controller is configured to determine if the selected range is less than a predetermined maximum range. If the selected range is less than the predetermined maximum range, the selected range is converted to a selected energy consumption based on a driving model of the operator. A target voltage is determined based on the selected energy consumption and predetermined parameters of the charging unit. The rechargeable energy storage unit is charged to the target voltage, via the charging unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell arrangement which has a fuel cell for providing electrical energy in an electric circuit that has a circuit which is electrically connected to the fuel cell via a DC-DC converter, and a battery. It is provided that in at least one mode of operation of the fuel cell arrangement, following a start-up of the fuel cell, the battery is electrically disconnected from the circuit, and the DC-DC converter is operated in non-switched mode in order to supply at least one electrical consumer in the circuit with electric current provided by the fuel cell. The invention further relates to a fuel cell arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine. The vehicle includes a controller configured to repeatedly adjust power outputs for the two inverters so that they differ to drive the difference toward zero and such that power provided to the electric machine satisfies demand until the difference falls below a second predetermined threshold. The controller may be configured to adjust responsive to a temperature difference between two inverters associated with the electric machine exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for detecting a child left unattended in a car seat as well as the status of the connection between the car seat and the vehicle. The apparatus includes a sensor module and a processor. The sensor module including a sensor for measuring force data associated with the coupling between car seat and a vehicle. The processor receives and analyzes the sensor data to determine the status of the child/child seat, and then communicates status data to a caretaker. Counter-measure instructions can also be provided to the vehicle for altering the vehicle state/environment.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques are provided for occupancy assessment of a vehicle. For one or more occupants of the vehicle, the occupancy assessment establishes position and/or identity for some or all of the occupant(s).

Abstract: A vehicle seat, which includes a seat part, for a motor vehicle. The seat part is fixed in place on a supporting device of the vehicle seat, said device being arranged below the seat part in the direction of a vertical axis of the vehicle seat and being able to travel together with the seat part in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle seat. The supporting device is designed as a base plate that has a front section, which, in the longitudinal direction, projects beyond a front edge of the seat part. The front section of the base plate is designed for resting the feet of an occupant of the vehicle seat. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle having such a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A safety belt guiding apparatus and a child car seat are disclosed, the latter includes a seat shell with a holder and thereon a backrest section and a seat section movably disposed. The seat section and the backrest section are pivoted to each other thereby allowing the seat shell at least two using positions. A safety belt guiding apparatus assembled to the holder includes a safety belt director and a linking assembly with one end of it linked to the backrest section or the seat section and another to the safety belt director. During a switch among using positions, the backrest section or the seat section selectively drives the safety belt director to pop out of or retract to the holder, where a safety belt selectively passes through the safety belt director to fasten the seat shell, alone or base-assembled, to a car seat, thereby providing versatility.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat foldable by rotation of rotary links disposed below a seat cushion in a direction toward the seat cushion, a front end portion of the seat cushion includes a suspending portion of a cushion pad and a skin material covering the suspending portion. Contact portions of the front end portion of the seat cushion contacting the rotary links when the vehicle seat is in a folded state include a recessed portion provided at the suspending portion, and a flexible plate provided at an outer skin material downwardly extending along a front surface of the suspending portion in the skin material covering the recessed portion. The flexible plate is configured to restore the shape of the outer skin material when the rotary links are separated from the contact portions.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided herein. The vehicle includes a first seating assembly and a second seating assembly. The first seating assembly is positioned vehicle rearward of the second seating assembly and is comprised of a seatback pivotally coupled to a seat-base, a headrest coupled to the seatback via a connecting feature, and a panel assembly coupled to the connecting feature. The seatback is operable between a folded position and an unfolded position. The panel assembly is configured to protrude vehicle forward of the headrest when the seatback is in the folded position.

Abstract: A seat structure is configured to support an occupant. The seat structure includes a suspension. A seat cushion is arranged adjacent to the suspension. The seat cushion defines a plurality of variable effective property regions. At least one of the plurality of variable effective property regions includes a regular periodic lattice structure.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. A seatback is pivotally coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a rear-side. A panel is pivotally coupled to the rear-side of the seatback. The panel is pivotable to extend between a first position that is forward of the seatback and a second position that is rearward of the seatback when the seatback is in a forwardly-folded position.

Abstract: A vehicle maintenance method using a mobile vehicle maintenance station, includes: determining a location of a vehicle to be maintained; and a technician taking the maintenance station to the location of the vehicle to be maintained and using the maintenance station to perform corresponding maintenance operations on the vehicle to be maintained. The maintenance operations include: taking a lifting mechanism out of a compartment of the maintenance station, and supporting the lifting mechanism on the ground; moving the vehicle to be maintained to the lifting mechanism and fixing the same thereto; and raising the vehicle to be maintained to a predetermined height by using the lifting mechanism so that an overhead space is formed between a chassis of the vehicle to be maintained and the ground, and the technician entering the overhead space to perform maintenance operations on the chassis of the vehicle to be maintained.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a lighting device for vehicles includes a socket including a flange, and a mounting unit which is provided on one face of the flange; a light emitting unit which is provided at an end portion of the mounting unit on a side opposite to a side of the flange, and includes a light emitting element; and at least one support unit which protrudes from a face of the flange on which the mounting unit is provided.

Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle includes a laser diode configured to output light, an interface configured to communicate with a brake device of the vehicle, and at least one processor coupled to the interface and configured to receive brake operation information from the brake device via the interface, and control a light output of the laser diode based on the brake operation information.

Abstract: A method of guiding a vehicle user approaching or exiting a vehicle. The method comprises projecting, by means of illumination from one or more light sources associated with the vehicle, a distinct illuminated path on the ground. The distinct illuminated path on the ground extends between the vehicle and a location remote from the vehicle. A light guidance system (10) for a vehicle (12), the system comprising one or more light sources (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) associated with the vehicle and configured to project at least part of a distinct illuminated path (64) on the ground between the vehicle and a location remote from the vehicle.

Abstract: A partition member (20) partitions a space occupied by a person from the outside. The space is, for example, an interior of a mobile object (30) such as a vehicle. A substrate (100) is disposed on a surface of the partition member (20) on the space side and has optical transparency. On a surface (a second surface (110b)) of the substrate (100) on the space side, a plurality of light-emitting units and an insulating layer (150) are disposed. Each light-emitting unit (140) includes a light-transmitting first electrode (110), an organic layer (120), and a second electrode (130) in this order from the external side. The insulating layer (150) defines the plurality of light-emitting units (140). A third region (106: a light-transmitting region) in the substrate (100) in which the second electrode (130) and the insulating layer (150) are not formed is provided between light-emitting units (140) next to each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a signaling system for a pushable transport object. The signaling system includes a signaling device and a control device. The signaling device includes at least one indicator light controllable to display a left signal and a right signal, and a first mounting component for mounting the signaling device to a cart. The control device is communicative with the signaling device to control the at least one indicator light. The control device includes a user interface for receiving a user input, in which the user interface includes a left input component for controlling the at least one indicator light to display the left signal and a right input component for controlling the at least one indicator light to display the right signal. The control device further includes a second mounting component for mounting the control device to a handle of the cart.

Abstract: A spoiler includes a lower shell, a bracket, a plurality of optical sensors, a CHMSL (center high mounted stop lamp) and an upper shell. The lower shell extends substantially a width of a vehicle roof. The bracket is fixed to the lower shell. The optical sensors are fixed to the bracket. The CHMSL is fixed to one of the lower shell and the bracket. The upper shell is disposed over and fixed to the lower shell. The upper shell has a plurality of sensor apertures aligned with the sensors and a CHMSL aperture aligned with the CHMSL.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided that includes a window panel provided on a vehicle body and a light reflecting medium provided on a surface of the window panel. The vehicle lighting assembly also includes a plurality of lighting assemblies each comprising a plurality of light sources arranged to direct light onto the reflecting medium for reflection towards different areas in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: Provided is a lighting device capable of minimizing damage of a joint portion between an operation switch and a substrate or the substrate itself due to a force when the operation switch is operated and improving assemblability. The lighting device includes a housing installed in a vehicle, a substrate fixed to the housing, a cover member which is fixed to the housing and presses down the substrate, a light emitting element installed on the substrate, an operation switch which is installed on the substrate and switches the light emitting element on/off by being operated in directions of coming into contact with and moving away from the substrate, and a movement restricting portion which is formed in the housing, engages with a part of the operation switch and restricts movement of the operation switch toward the substrate side.

Abstract: Specifically programmed, integrated motor vehicle dangerous driving warning and control system and methods comprising at least one specialized communication computer machine including electronic artificial intelligence expert system decision making capability further comprising one or more motor vehicle electronic sensors for monitoring the motor vehicle and for monitoring activities of the driver and/or passengers including activities related to the use of cellular telephones and/or other wireless communication devices and further comprising electronic communications transceiver assemblies for communications with external sensor networks for monitoring dangerous driving situations, weather conditions, roadway conditions, pedestrian congestion and motor vehicle traffic congestion conditions to derive warning and/or control signals for warning the driver of dangerous driving situations and/or for controlling the motor vehicle driver use of a cellular telephone and/or other wireless communication devices.

Abstract: A positioning system for a rear view display device includes at least a first gear rod for positioning a cover plate, a second gear rod for positioning the cover plate, a spring jack, and a position sensing means. The first gear rod, the second gear rod, and the spring jack may include conductive material. The spring jack may be adapted to contact the first gear rod and the second gear rod. The position sensing means may be adapted to sense the position of the first gear rod relative to the spring jack with at least a first resistance value of a first conductive path between at least a first point on the first gear rod and the spring jack varying with the position of the first gear rod relative to the spring jack.

Abstract: A vehicle side bar for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle side bar includes: a first bar; a second bar connected to the first bar, wherein the first bar and the second bar cooperatively form a supporting frame defining a hollow space; and a step engaged in the hollow, configured to be mounted on the supporting frame. The vehicle side bar provides a robust step configuration to assist the driver or the passenger in entering or existing the vehicle.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for hanging an object within an interior of a vehicle includes a base and a hanger. The base is configured to be fixed to a component within the interior of the vehicle. The base includes an anchor wall, first and second side walls extending from the anchor wall, and a retaining wall opposite the anchor wall and adjacent to the side walls. The anchor wall, the side walls, and the retaining wall cooperate to define a channel having a longitudinal axis. The hanger is slidable within the channel along the longitudinal axis. The hanger includes a first portion configured to be disposed within the channel and a second portion including a hook to support the object. The first portion has an inner surface oriented toward the anchor and an outer surface oriented toward the retaining wall when the hanger is disposed in the channel.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for an article, the apparatus including a rigid surrounding sidewall with first and second end portions, the sidewall has a chamber disposed within a primary interior of the sidewall that has a flexible partition member disposed between the sidewall and the chamber to dampen relative movement between the rigid sidewall and the chamber. Further, a flexible collar that is slidably engaged to a portion of an interior of the chamber, the flexible collar has a collar aperture that removably encompasses a portion of the article, wherein operationally the collar suspends the article within the chamber interior. Further, a head element is affixed to the sidewall second end portion and a hatch that has a removable engagement to the sidewall first end portion wherein both the head element and the hatch are operational to retain the article within the chamber in the sidewall.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle, in which a control device of the motor vehicle receives a control input conducted by a vehicle occupant. By means of a sensor device of the motor vehicle, it is checked whether at least one predetermined criterion is met. When the at least one predetermined criterion is met and when the control input is received, the control device brings about a movement of at least one sun visor of the motor vehicle from a stowed position into a functional position, in which the at least one sun visor is flipped down. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method of supporting a mobile computing device in a vehicle comprising: providing a seating assembly disposed in an interior of a vehicle, the seating assembly comprising a seatback and a headrest adjustably coupled to the seatback; placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest; and adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such that the seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing device. The seatback can further comprise a first lower support member including an upward extension, wherein, placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest includes placing the mobile computing device adjacent and forward the upward extension of the first lower support member; and wherein, the upward extension of the first lower support member further supports the mobile computing device. The method can further comprise connecting the mobile computing device to a connection port on the seating assembly.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has an electronic module and a connection assembly. The electronic module has a first housing and a first connection portion. The first connection portion is disposed on and recessed in a rear surface of the first housing and has a first magnetic attraction element and a first buckle assembly. The first buckle assembly is disposed on two sides of the first connection portion. The connection assembly is detachably connected with the electronic module and has a second housing and a second connection portion. The second connection portion is disposed on the second housing, is formed as a protrusion corresponding to the recessed first connection portion in shape, and has a second magnetic attraction element and a second buckle assembly. The second buckle assembly is disposed on two sides of the second connection portion and is detachably engaged with the first buckle assembly.