Abstract: A vehicle cover providing a user with the ability to maintain a clean (i.e., free of ice, frost, and snow build-up) windshield and vehicle while the vehicle is not in use during times of inclement weather. The vehicle cover is automatically deployable from a housing positioned on the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle cover can be actuated remotely using a remote controller causing outward deployment of a canopy over the vehicle. The vehicle cover further provides an electrical heating means within the canopy to melt snow or ice deposited upon an existing vehicle while parked.

Abstract: A vehicle battery cooling structure is provided with a vehicle body, a battery unit and a cooling jacket. The vehicle body includes a floor panel and a vehicle body frame member. The battery unit is attached to the vehicle body frame member. The battery unit is arranged below the floor panel. The battery unit includes a battery case and a battery. The cooling jacket is attached to a laterally extending rearward surface of the battery case that houses the battery.

Abstract: A mounting structure for an engine mount (9) for an internal combustion engine. A fitting (19), such as a spigot, having an axis is provided for fitment to the engine mount. A bracket (11) is provided for fitment to the internal combustion engine. The bracket is arranged to receive the fitting in a direction parallel to its axis. The bracket includes an arrangement, such as a clamp, which is operable to cause the bracket to retain or release the fitting and the arrangement is accessible along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fitting is received into the bracket. This enables the engine mount to be released from the bracket by accessing the bracket from alongside rather than above.

Abstract: A vehicle includes, an engine including a crankshaft, a crankcase which is configured to accommodate the crankshaft therein, and a centrifugal clutch which is arranged coaxially with the crankshaft, and a propeller shaft to which rotational power output from the engine and changed in speed is transmitted, the propeller shaft passing through the crankcase and intersecting the crankshaft in plan view, at least a part of the propeller shaft being located between the centrifugal clutch and a support wall portion of the crankcase configured to support the crankshaft and above a lower end of the centrifugal clutch.

Abstract: A series hydraulic hybrid system for a vehicle is described. The hydraulic hybrid system has a hydraulic circuit and a high pressure accumulator. The hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic displacement unit in fluid communication with a second hydraulic displacement unit. The high pressure hydraulic accumulator is in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit and a low pressure hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit. The high pressure hydraulic accumulator is in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit through a proportional flow control valve. The proportional flow control valve is adapted to continuously vary a flow of hydraulic fluid between the high pressure hydraulic accumulator and the hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A drive unit of a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; an electric motor; first and second differential mechanisms; a selectable one-way clutch; and a case accommodating the electric motor. Further, the first differential mechanism includes a first rotational element coupled to the electric motor, a second rotational element coupled to the engine, and a third rotational element that outputs power toward drive wheels, the second differential mechanism includes a sun gear coupled to the electric motor, a carrier coupled to the engine, a ring gear whose rotation is regulated by the selectable one-way clutch, and a ring gear flange that rotates integrally with the ring gear, and the selectable one-way clutch switches a state thereof between a locked state and an unlocked state, and the ring gear flange is supported by a rotor shaft of the electric motor via a radial bearing.

Abstract: A combined heat exchanger and active grille shutter assembly. The assembly includes a rotatable shutter and an actuator configured to rotate the shutter. A conduit of the shutter is configured to accommodate flow of fluid therethrough and permit heat transfer between the fluid and air about the shutter. An inlet and an outlet are in fluid communication with the conduit.

Abstract: Vehicle engine systems and protectors for such systems are presented. Vehicle engine systems can include one or more engine components associated with an engine. In some embodiments a protector can be attached to an engine system to substantially cover a portion of one or more engine components. The protector can have a shield and a support. In some arrangements, the shield can be operatively connected to two cylinder banks of an engine. The shield can extend over and substantially cover a portion of a fuel line and/or a fuel line connector. In one or more embodiments, the support can include a support end configured to support a vehicle component such as a throttle body.

Abstract: A vehicle tank having a container and a pair of spaced apart baffle plates directly connected to walls of the container to define a swirl pot. The baffle plates have at least one orifice which lies spatially above the swirl pot, and within the swirl pot, the baffle plates have valves to allow an inflow of fuel into the swirl pot.

Abstract: A power transfer unit for transferring power from a front wheel side to a rear wheel side comprises: a hollow transfer input shaft which is coupled to an engine and through which a right-side front-wheel axle is penetrated; a transfer output shaft disposed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the transfer input shaft; a transfer drive gear provided on an outer periphery of the transfer input shaft; and a transfer driven gear provided on an outer periphery of the transfer output shaft and meshed with the transfer drive gear. It further comprises a damper mechanism configured to absorb a fluctuation in torque input from an engine side into the transfer input shaft. The damper mechanism is disposed such that an intermediate portion and a left end-side portion thereof overlap the transfer driven gear in an extension direction of the transfer output shaft, in top plan view.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal unit for a motor vehicle, having a base body on which an accelerator pedal is accommodated rotatably mounted in a rotary joint and which, starting from a resting position, can be moved by actuation in an actuating direction. A sensor unit is accommodated in the base body, which senses the position of the accelerator pedal via a feeler element. A return spring is provided, with which the accelerator pedal is prestressed into the initial position. A moveable counter-stop element can be moved into a stop position in which, when the accelerator pedal is actuated, the stop element comes into contact with the counter-stop element and runs into the sprung unit when an additional force is applied to the accelerator pedal and can be moved into a release position in which, when the accelerator pedal is actuated, the stop element can move freely in a movement region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a status of a vehicle door are provided. The method includes detecting a status of a door based on at least one image received from a camera of a vehicle, determining a function to be performed from among a plurality of functions based on the detected status of the door, and performing the determined function. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of a door being ajar or as a supplemental detection system to a hardwired door status sensor.

Abstract: Technology is described for sharing an autonomous vehicle. An autonomous vehicle may receive a request to perform a task. The autonomous vehicle may determine whether the task conflicts with previously scheduled tasks to be performed at the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may add the task to a schedule of tasks to be performed at the autonomous vehicle when the task does not conflict with the previously scheduled tasks. The autonomous vehicle may provide commands to enable the autonomous vehicle to perform the task in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for configuring a vehicle operating environment. An initial VOE configuration file and a VOE components file are provided to a VOE configuring application. A user employs the application to modify the VOE configuration file. The modified VOE configuration file is provided to a vehicle, where the vehicle uses the modified VOE configuration file to configure an operating environment of the vehicle.

Abstract: Electrical bus isolation is detected for an electrified vehicle having a DC power source connected to positive and negative buses. The positive bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting first current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The negative bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting second current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The positive and negative bus leakage resistances are estimated in response to respective ratios of the first and second currents. An isolation value is compared to a threshold, wherein the isolation value is responsive to a voltage of the DC power source and a smaller one of the positive and negative bus leakage resistances. An atypical isolation is signaled when the isolation value is less than the threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery system having a battery which is designed to supply a high-voltage power system and can be connected by at least one of its high-voltage power system terminals via a contactor (10), which battery system comprises a control coil (20), and closes in one state in which a control current flows through the control coil, and opens in a further state in which no current flows through the control coil. In this context, in order to generate the control current, the control coil can be connected via a supply circuit (80) to a supply unit (50) by means of which a predetermined voltage can be made available which is lower than the voltage generated by the battery.

Abstract: A voltage quality module (VQM) function and a solar power generation function are integrated by sharing a single voltage converter (VC) within the electrical system of an automotive vehicle with an electric-start internal combustion engine. The cost of adding solar power generating capabilities to vehicles, the packaging complexities of the systems, and the number of added components are all decreased. The VC can be a DC-DC converter in a boost mode or a buck mode. A switching circuit selectably couples the VC between a main battery and an accessory bus or to between a solar panel and an auxiliary battery. A VC controller regulating a VC output using the main battery to stabilize an accessory bus voltage when in an engine crank mode and otherwise regulating the VC output to match an auxiliary battery voltage using the solar panel output.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for a vehicle includes a controller programmed to, in response to changes in an output voltage of the converter, adjust a control signal that controls an output voltage of the DC-DC converter to drive a ratio of a first error between a reference current and a current through the inductor to a second error between a voltage reference and the output voltage to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide control means for a vehicle, the control means being operable to control charging of tractive energy storage means of the vehicle, the control means being configured to allow charging of the energy storage means in dependence on a location of the vehicle and a time of day, wherein if the location of the vehicle corresponds to one or more prescribed locations the control means is operable to permit charging only during one or more prescribed periods of the day.

Abstract: A charging pile includes a case and a charging gun base. The charging gun base is received in the case. The charging gun base is exposed from a side of the case. The charging gun base further includes a cover and a snap unit. The cover is coupled onto the case through the snap unit. The cover is rotatable relative to the case, thereby covering or exposing the charging gun base. When covering, the cover renders the charging gun base waterproof.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system includes a computing device having a processor and a memory storage device. The computing device is programmed to initiate electric charging of an electric vehicle and provide access to a different vehicle while the electric vehicle is charging. An example method that may be executed by the charging station includes detecting a first vehicle at a charging station, initiating electric charging of the first vehicle at the charging station, transmitting a lock signal to a charge cord of the charging station to lock the charge cord to the first vehicle, providing access to a second vehicle while the first vehicle is charging, detecting a return of the second vehicle to the charging station, and transmitting an unlock signal to the charge cord to unlock the charge cord from the first vehicle.

Abstract: An actuator module for locking an electrical connection comprises a lock, a drive unit, and a position detection unit. The lock is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position along a direction of movement. The lock has a trigger. The drive unit moves the lock from the unlocked position to the locked position. The position detection unit has an optical sensor detecting the trigger and determining a position of the lock.

Abstract: A non-contact power supply system supplies power in a non-contact manner from a power transmission coil of a vehicle to a power reception coil of a power supply device. The power supply device has a power supply side recording means unit records information, a power supply side communication unit that communicates with the vehicle, and a power supply side controller that controls the power output from a power source to the power transmission coil. Vehicle identification information is recorded to the power supply side recording unit during the power supply or during preparation for the power supply to the power reception coil. The power supply side controller cross-checks the vehicle identification information and vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle when the power supply to the power reception coil is stopped before the power supply to the power reception coil is ended normally.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an electric bus includes an electricity storage function unit, a power receiving unit, a charger, a driving unit, doors, and a controller. The controller transmits a first signal including information capable of identifying an attribute of the electric bus and instructing an external device to start charging the electricity storage function unit, to the external device, upon detecting at least one of the doors is opened; and transmits a second signal instructing the external device to stop charging the electricity storage function unit, to the external device, upon detecting all the doors are closed.

Abstract: Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to an electric vehicle emergency charging system and method of use. In one embodiment, a system for charging a moving electric vehicle is disclosed, the system comprising: an electrical storage unit disposed on the electric vehicle; a charging panel in electrical communication with the electrical storage unit; a vehicle controller that determines if the electrical storage unit requires charging and configured to determine if an emergency external power source is available to charge the electrical storage unit; wherein the charging panel receives the charge from the emergency external power source and charges the electrical storage unit.

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.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, electrical supply systems including Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) are provided. The EVSE includes a communication gateway that provides internet accessibility by a user through an EVSE server. In some embodiments, the EVSE allows communication with other smart devices, and/or communication of status of loads coupled to a load center. The user or the utility service provider can perform, through the EVSE server, energy management and home automation tasks using this communication gateway of the EVSE and may send control signals to smart devices through the EVSE. This EVSE may also provide a protection mechanism for smart devices coupled to the load center in case of emergencies like brown-outs or power surges on the electric grid. Methods of operating the system and EVSE are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a controller. The controller is configured to; a) control charging and discharging of an electrical storage device upon reception of an output of a current sensor and a voltage sensor, b) calculate a control current value by subtracting an offset value from a detected value of the current sensor, c) calculate a first determination result and a second determination result, respectively obtained by determining whether the electrical storage device is being charged or discharged based on the control current value, and based on a change in a remaining amount of charge of the electrical storage device, and d) when the first determination result and the second determination result differ from each other, change the offset value such that the first determination result coincides with the second determination result.

Abstract: A method for controlling a relay of an auxiliary battery by a controller includes deciding whether or not a low direct current (DC) to DC converter (LDC) supplies power required in an electronic load in a state of charge (SOC) maintaining mode of the auxiliary battery. As a result of the decision, a turn-on state of the relay in which power of the auxiliary battery is supplied to the electronic load is maintained when the LDC does not supply the power required in the electronic load. As a result of the decision, the relay is turned off so that power of the auxiliary battery is not supplied to the electronic load when the LDC supplies the power required in the electronic load.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a coolant loop routed through a traction battery, a battery chiller, a power electronics device, and a radiator. The system also includes a battery bypass valve in the coolant loop configured to, in a bypass position, bypass the traction battery and the battery chiller. The system includes a controller programmed to, in response to a demand for cabin cooling being greater than a predetermined demand, operate the battery bypass valve in the bypass position.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle (1) includes: a fuel cell (11); a storage battery (17); a power control unit (10), electrically connected to the fuel cell (11) and the storage battery (17), for controlling electric power in the vehicle (1); a power distribution unit (16), provided on an electrical path between the storage battery (17) and the power control unit, for distributing the electric power from the storage battery; and power-generation auxiliary machines (15) which are electrically connected to the power distribution unit (16) and to which the electric power, distributed by the power distribution unit (16), is supplied for performing operation for electric power generation by the fuel cell (11). The power distribution unit (16) and the power control unit (10) are connected directly without use of a harness.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a start of a fuel cell vehicle are provided. The method includes supplying hydrogen and air to a fuel cell and operating a converter so that a voltage on a high-voltage bus is constant, wherein the converter is disposed between a high-voltage battery and the high-voltage bus which is connected to an output terminal of the fuel cell. The voltage on the high-voltage bus is maintained at a preset lowest control voltage and the voltage on the high-voltage bus is adjusted based on a result comparing a preset lower-limit operational voltage of an inverter with an inverter detection voltage. The inverter is disposed between the high-voltage bus and a drive motor, and the inverter detection voltage is detected on a terminal of the inverter which is connected to the high-voltage bus.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for passively cooling an inverter subsystem within an enclosure. The method and system absorb heat generated by an inverter subsystem within an enclosure through a first heat spreader. The first heat spreader is thermally coupled to in the inverter subsystem and a first interior surface of the enclosure. The system and method transfer a portion of the heat from the first heat spreader to a second heat spreader through a plurality of heat pipes. The plurality of heat pipes are thermally coupled to the first heat spreader and the second heat spreader. The system and method further thermally couple the second heat spreader to a second interior surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: An electric vehicle accomplishes speed changes through the use of electronically controlled, multiple electric motor configurations that are coupled to an output drive shaft instead of a speed change transmission. A parallel-coupled motor configuration includes at least two motors that are each coupled to the output drive shaft through respective gear arrangements, each gear arrangement having a respective gear ratio. In a serially-coupled motor configuration, the stator of the second motor is coupled to the rotor of the first motor, where the rotor of the second motor is coupled to the output drive shaft. The required torque to reach or maintain a desired vehicle speed can be obtained by selective energization of either one or both of the motors (in both multi-motor configurations). Two motors are also coupled to a differential gear so that the rotational speed contributed by both motors are additive at the output shaft.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling a moveable object associated with a mobile platform are provided. The provided system and method generates an application specific protected volume between the moveable object and a feature of the mobile platform to be protected. The provided system and method use magnetic sensing techniques to sense the moveable object when it infringes upon the protected volume, and provide control of the moveable object responsive to sensed infringement.

Abstract: A seat driving device for a seat including a first position adjusting mechanism and a second position adjusting mechanism, wherein a first clutch mechanism is configured to set an output shaft and an input shaft of the first clutch mechanism to be in a connection state regularly and to maintain the output shaft and the input shaft of the first clutch mechanism in the connection state as an first operation member corresponding to the first position adjusting mechanism is operated, and wherein a second clutch mechanism is configured to set an output shaft and an input shaft of the second clutch mechanism to be in a disconnection state regularly and to switch the output shaft and the input shaft of the second clutch mechanism to a connection state as a second operation member corresponding to the second position adjusting mechanism is operated.

Abstract: An occupant support for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat and a foundation. The vehicle seat is configured to support an occupant of the vehicle above a floor of the vehicle. The foundation is configured to interconnect the vehicle seat to the floor to permit movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along a linear path.

Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding device includes: a lower rail configured to be fixed to a vehicle floor; an upper rail slidably engaging with the lower rail and configured to support a vehicle seat upward; a screw rod is rotatably supported by a first rail configuring one side of the lower and upper rails; a drive unit driving rotation of the screw rod; a nut member provided with a screw hole into which the screw rod is screwed; and a nut holding member fixed to a second rail configuring the other side of the lower and upper rails, and holding the nut member, in which one and the other of the nut and nut holding members are provided with a support shaft and an arcuate groove, respectively, and the nut holding member regulates integral rotation of the screw rod and the nut member, and allows the nut member to rotate around a second rotation axis.

Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding device for sliding a seat includes a fixed rail, a movable rail, a rolling element, and at least one rolling element holder. The fixed rail is for a floor of a vehicle. The movable rail is slidably engaged with the fixed rail and is mounted to the seat. The rolling element includes an outer circumferential surface for abutting an abutment surface of the fixed rail. The at least one rolling element holder is mounted to the movable rail and holds the rolling element so as to be rotatable and slidable along a longitudinal direction of the movable rail. The at least one rolling element holder is configured such that a distance between a rotation axis of the rolling element and the abutment surface becomes smaller as the rolling element slides toward one side in the longitudinal direction of the movable rail.

Abstract: A seat position detection apparatus for a vehicle seat which is guided using a seat rail in a floor rail of the vehicle. The seat position detection apparatus has a lock for the longitudinal setting of the seat rail and the floor rail in relation to one another, and a mechanical memory device that has a position determination unit and a position detection unit, which may be started symmetrically from both directions of the longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat to define a vehicle seat position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, wherein a seat back includes a first member to which an operating lever is attached and a bezel attached to the first member to surround an outer periphery of the operating lever in a frame shape, wherein the first member has an opening hole through which the bezel passes, wherein the bezel is attached to a second member, which has higher strength and higher rigidity than the first member and is attached to the first member so as to close the opening hole, and is disposed in the opening hole, wherein an outer edge portion of the bezel covers the first member at a peripheral edge of the opening hole, and wherein the first member is attached to the seat back frame by locking a locking portion of the second member to a locked portion of the seat back frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of a car seat include an outer protective shell, an inner seat, a suspension system connecting and permitting relative movement between the inner seat and the outer protective shell. The suspension system may include a plurality of deformable webs. Also, at least one padding element may be in contact with and interposed between the outer protective shell and the inner seat. In an accident, regardless of the direction in which the seat is facing and regardless of whether the result is a sudden acceleration and/or deceleration, the inner seat will move inside the frame, and the suspension system will absorb some, much, or all of the energy either by elastic or plastic deformation. Energy not absorbed by the suspension system may be absorbed by the inner seat itself and/or an anchor system used to connect the car seat to a vehicle.

Abstract: A bracket for connection of a child safety seat to a foldable vehicle seat includes a wire with a first leg, a second leg and a horizontal attachment portion. The attachment portion is connected to the first leg and the second leg and is configured to connect to the child safety seat when the attachment portion is in a first position. The bracket also includes a support member connected to the first and second leg. The support member is configured to couple the wire to the vehicle seat while permitting movement of the attachment portion from the first position to a second position, wherein the first position is different from the second position. The bracket also includes a biasing member in contact with at least one of the support member and the wire and is configured to bias the attachment portion of the wire toward the first position.

Abstract: A seat impact energy absorbing system having an energy absorbing module that manages forces emanating from, for example, a land mine detonation. The module has frustoconical structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create support pillars there between. At least some of the support pillars have tops that underlie an occupant-supporting surface. To receive forces associated with detonation, an impact-receiving surface underlies the energy absorbing module.

Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a seat having a seat cushion assembly. A seatback is pivotally coupled with the seat and includes a seatback cushion assembly. A polymeric hard back panel is operably coupled with the seatback and includes a recessed portion. A controlled deformation portion includes a rupture line configured to split during a rear impact collision of the vehicle, resulting in flaps of the controlled deformation portion extending rearward relative to the seatback. The controlled deformation portion is generally concealed from rearward view by a pocket wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device, in particular for a vehicle seat, comprising an upper suspension part and a lower suspension part, which can be connected to one another by a first swivelling connector and a second swivelling connector, wherein a first spring unit can be connected in a first end region on the one hand by means of an adjusting device to the first swivelling connector and can be connected in a second end region on the other hand to the lower suspension part, wherein by means of the adjusting device the position of the first spring unit can be adjusted in order to adjust the spring force and the spring rate of the suspension device.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an ISOFIX anchor for fixing a child seat which is provided in a through-hole that extends in a front and rear direction and is formed in a seat body. The vehicle seat further includes: a cover member which covers an opening on a seat front side of the through-hole in an openable and closable manner; and a plug member which is capable of being pushed into the opening on the seat front side of the through-hole in a drawable manner, wherein the plug member is configured to block an air-flowing channel of an air which flows in from an opening on a seat back side of the through-hole and flows out from the opening on the seat front side of the through-hole in a state where the plug member is pushed into the opening.

Abstract: In existing manufacturing methods wherein a bonded seat is formed by adhering a surface skin material to a pad made from molded foam, defects may occur from curing of the adhesive, such as reduced flexibility and a poor texture on the seat contact surface. In addition, the manufacturing steps therefor are complicated. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a manufacturing method for a vehicle seat having a molded pad and a trim cover that covers the molded pad. The molded pad has a groove, and an adhesive is applied to the inside of the groove. The trim cover is pressed into the inside of the groove, and a steam nozzle is inserted into the molded pad from the surface of the molded pad opposite from the surface covered by the trim cover. Heat or steam from the steam nozzle melts the adhesive inside the groove so as to adhere the trim cover to the groove.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a trim cover including: a plurality of surface materials joined each other; a core material; a welt surface material wrapping the core material; a welt provided along a seam of two pieces of joined surface materials; and an empty core part provided with the welt, the empty core part reaching one end of the welt; and a seat element overlapped on the empty core part.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a tilt plate rotationally coupled at a first horizontal axis to a front of a base. A cushion spring extends from a rear of the base to the tilt plate. Rotation of the tilt plate rotates the cushion spring about a second horizontal axis. A thigh support is rotationally coupled to the tilt plate. A dynamic spring biases the thigh support away from the tilt plate.