Abstract: A meter device includes a rotation shaft, a pointer provided in an end part of the rotation shaft and rotating integrally with the rotation shaft, an illumination light source which outputs visible rays to the pointer, a light source of infrared rays which is arranged in parallel to the illumination light source and outputs the infrared rays to the pointer, and a reflection part provided in the pointer to substantially reflect the visible rays into the pointer and to substantially pass and output the infrared rays from a central part of rotation of the pointer.

Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle comprises a battery configured by connecting a plurality of cells in series; and a motor configured to transmit electric power to and from the battery. When an abnormality occurs in a cell voltage detection system configured to detect cell voltages of the respective cells of the battery, the electrically driven vehicle prohibits regenerative control of the motor. The electrically driven vehicle determines whether the battery is being charged, based on an open circuit voltage of a block that is comprised of at least two or more cells among all the cells constituting the battery. The open circuit voltage of the block is calculated from a voltage of the block and a battery current flowing in the battery.

Abstract: An on-board charging device includes an AC connector, an AC to DC converter and a detection circuit. The AC connector is configured to be connected to an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), so that a protective earth terminal of EVSE is electrically connected to a protective earth terminal of the on-board charging device. The AC to DC converter is electrically connected to the AC connector, and the AC to DC converter is configured to convert an AC voltage provided by the EVSE into a DC voltage. The AC to DC converter has a reference ground terminal. The detection circuit outputs a detection voltage based on the voltage difference between the protective earth terminal of the on-board charging device and the reference ground terminal of the AC to DC converter. The detection voltage reflects whether the protective earth terminal of the EVSE is abnormal or not.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an energy storage system (10) in a vehicle (30), preferably an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, said energy storage system (10) comprising at least two battery packs (12) connected in parallel, said energy storage system (10) being adapted to provide at least a nominal power functionality for propulsion of said vehicle (30) using an allowed operating extent of all of said battery packs (12) of said energy storage system (10), said allowed operating extent being a nominal working range of said battery packs (12); said method comprising disconnecting at least one battery pack (12); and setting said allowed operating extent for said remaining connected and active battery pack(s) (12) to an increased working range so as to enable said energy storage system (10) to provide said nominal power functionality to said vehicle (30), the method further comprising monitoring at least one accumulated parameter indicative of the operation of said energy

Abstract: A first and a second control device capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a third control device that performs an overall management to the control devices. The third device transmits a command signal to the second device in response to a reception signal from the first device. The first device transmits, to the second device and the third device, an electrical power storage unit signal includes at least one of control information and abnormality information about charging/discharging. The second device includes a function of controlling actuation of a rotating electrical machine on the basis of an actuation command signal about actuation of the rotating electrical machine transmitted from the third device in response to the electrical power storage unit signal, and a function of controlling actuation of the rotating electrical machine on the basis of the electrical power storage unit signal transmitted from the first device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for triggering an emergency shutdown of the inductive charging of a secondary-side component in the form of a motor vehicle by a primary-side component in the form of a charging station, includes a plurality of charging system parts of the secondary-side component. The charging system parts are each configured to interrupt at least one switchable communication channel that connects the charging system parts in order to trigger an emergency shutdown of the inductive charging.

Abstract: A current collector monitoring system in one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with: a collected current measurement unit; a collected current state determination unit; an image acquisition unit; an event recognition unit; an event determination unit; and a determination result output unit. When a state of collected current corresponds to an abnormal state, the image acquisition unit acquires an image including, within an angle of view, a collector shoe provided to a current collector.

Abstract: A method for executing regenerative braking of a mild hybrid system may include performing, when a brake is operated while a vehicle having the mild hybrid system is traveling, regenerative braking only in a state in which a wheel torque is greater than a clutch load torque by a threshold, thereby preventing occurrence of an abnormal engine-off state during regenerative braking.

Abstract: An apparatus for flexible DC fast charging of an electrified vehicle includes a charge receptacle and a vehicle charging controller programmed to establish a wireless communication with a charging station. The apparatus further includes a reconfigurable energy storage system selectively and electrically connected to the charge receptacle. The reconfigurable energy storage system includes a first rechargeable energy storage device selectively and electrically connected to the charge receptacle, a second rechargeable energy storage device selectively connected to the charge receptacle, and a plurality of low-loss switching devices selectively connected to the first rechargeable energy storage device and the second rechargeable energy storage device.

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for providing a charging park having a plurality of charging points, in which all of the charging points are connected to a medium-voltage grid by a common transformer with overloading capability. A power electronics system is provided at each charging point, which power electronics system is designed to perform a quick-charging operation of a connected electrically driven vehicle that is to be charged, and a power drawn from the medium-voltage grid jointly by the charging points at a respective time is monitored centrally and/or decentrally and continuously at a grid contact point connected upstream of the transformer in the direction of the medium-voltage grid. An average power drawn from the medium-voltage grid jointly by the charging points is in each case adjusted over a prescribed time interval.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for electric vehicle supply equipment, the electrical circuit including a pilot control signal unit structured to generate a pilot control signal having a state including one of a high state and a low state, an isolation unit electrically connected to the pilot control signal unit and a first ground and being structured to isolate the pilot control signal to generate an isolated pilot control signal, and an amplification unit electrically connected to the isolation unit, having a second ground, and being structured to amplify the isolated pilot control signal to generate a pilot signal. The isolation unit is structured to isolate the second ground of the amplification unit from the first ground.

Abstract: A power control system includes: an ECU configured to control (i) charging from a power facility to a vehicle and (ii) discharging from the vehicle to the power facility; and a user terminal configured to allow a user to separately set a charging power setting value and a discharging power setting value. When the charging from the power facility to the vehicle is performed, the ECU is configured to control power charged to the vehicle per unit time to correspond to the charging power setting value set by the user using the user terminal. When the discharging from the vehicle to the power facility is performed, the ECU is configured to control power discharged from the vehicle per unit time to correspond to the discharging power setting value set by the user using the user terminal.

Abstract: A charging system for charging an electric vehicle includes a charging station and a charging network server, with the charging network server in network communication with the charging station and a mobile device application. The charging station and the charging network server include computing devices programmed to: store an authorization code at each of the network server and the charging station for authorizing charging of the electric vehicle when the charging station is off-line from the charging network server, process a charging authorization request at the charging network server sent from the mobile device application, transmit the authorization code from the network server to the mobile device application responsive to the charging authorization request and when the charging station is off-line, and authorize or deny charging of the electric vehicle based on whether an authorization code input to the charging station matches the authorization code stored on the charging station.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for managing a network of electric vehicle charging stations. A system is provided that includes: a system for tracking a capacity of each charging station in the network; an interface that allows each of a set of electric vehicle operators to enter an itinerary; and a scheduling system that generates at least one proposed agenda for each itinerary that includes a route, at least one charging station, and a charging time window for each at least one station.

Abstract: Upon receiving a scheduled departure time of a vehicle, the fee setting apparatus determines a time slot containing the utilization start time of the vehicle. The fee setting apparatus sets a power unit price for the current utilization of the vehicle based on a power unit price list and a time slot containing the utilization start time of the vehicle. In the power unit price list, the power unit price is registered in association with the unit price of commercial power which fluctuates in different time slots The fee setting apparatus calculates a consumed power amount due to the current utilization of the vehicle based on the SOC at the utilization start time of the vehicle and the SOC at the utilization end time. The fee setting apparatus sets a utilization fee based on the power unit price and the consumed power amount.

Abstract: When a first electric vehicle is reserved, a fee setting device estimates an SOC of the first electric vehicle at the time of arrival at a destination as a first estimated SOC. When the fee setting device determines that the first estimated SOC is less than a predetermined value, the fee setting device sets a vehicle change station and presents it to a user. When the user changes the first electric vehicle to a second electric vehicle at the vehicle change station, the fee setting device applies a first vehicle change discount to a utilization fee for the second electric vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments include a converter including a plurality of switching elements connected in series and coupled between power signal lines that receive a first voltage from an external power source. The converter includes at least one capacitance coupled between the power signal lines and coupled to the plurality of switching elements, a first battery and a second battery. The converter includes a resonant circuit coupled to the plurality of switching elements. A switching frequency of the plurality of switching elements is matched to a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit being such that, during a charging mode, the plurality of switching elements, the resonant circuit and the at least one capacitance operate to convert the first voltage into a second voltage that charges the first battery and the second battery.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power storage device, a connector, a power converter, and an ECU. The connector and the power converter are configured to supply, to the power facility, power stored in the power storage device. When the vehicle is connected to the power facility via a power cable, the ECU is configured to control an upper limit SOC and a lower limit SOC in association with time. The upper limit SOC and lower limit SOC define an SOC usable range of the power storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus for power demand distribution in a fuel cell vehicle includes: a battery management system calculating an allowable battery power that a battery can supply; a power demand distribution controller configured to derive a vehicle demand power including a drive motor demand power required by the drive motor, and determine a value corresponding to a vehicle demand power minus the allowable battery power being scaled down or the drive motor demand power, as a fuel cell demand output; and a fuel cell controller configured to drive the air compressor feeding the air to the fuel cell to enable a fuel cell to generate the fuel cell demand output calculated by the power demand distribution controller.

Abstract: A drive system for at least one axle of a motor vehicle can be controlled, wherein the drive system has at least one electrical machine as drive unit, a drive shaft which is driven by the drive unit, a first output shaft and optionally a second output shaft and also a first clutch which connects the drive shaft to the first output shaft and optionally a second clutch which connects the drive shaft to the second output shaft, and furthermore a control unit for controlling the drive unit and the clutches, wherein the first output shaft and the optional second output shaft are arranged on a common axle.

Abstract: A control system for controlling operation of a drive motor includes an input device for providing a command signal that is indicative of a desired speed and direction of rotation of the drive motor. A sensor is associated with the drive motor and adapted to provide a sensor signal indicative of current rotational speed of the drive motor. A controller receives the command signal, and determine whether the command signal is indicative of a desired zero speed to be associated with the drive motor. The controller also receives the sensor signal, and determine whether the current rotational speed of the drive motor is within a pre-defined range of difference from the desired zero speed. The controller then generates a de-rated torque command signal having a reduced gain factor, and reduce the current rotational speed of the drive motor based on the de-rated torque command signal.

Abstract: A control method for a motor-driven vehicle is provided. The method includes calculating a correction torque of a drive motor through a difference between speeds of wheels or a variance rate of the difference between speeds of the wheels and comparing a calculated correction torque with a current required torque of the drive motor. When the calculated correction torque is greater than the current required torque, the drive motor is operated based on the current required torque. When the calculated correction torque is less than or equal to the current required torque, the drive motor is operated based on the calculated correction torque, or the required torque of the drive motor is corrected to correspond to the calculated correction torque and the drive motor is operated based on a corrected required torque of the drive motor.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has an electric traction machine. In a first kind of operation of the motor vehicle, before or during a release of a parking brake of the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is at a standstill, a desired rotational speed for a rotational speed regulation of the traction machine is set to a value corresponding to the standstill of the motor vehicle, and an actual rotational speed of the traction machine is adjusted to the desired rotational speed.

Abstract: Electric drive system of a hybrid or electric vehicle comprising at least a first and a second battery pack, said first battery pack being formed by a first plurality of equal cells, wherein a cell of said first plurality of cells identifies a first predetermined C-rate coefficient (power/capacity) and said second battery pack being formed by a second plurality of equal cells, wherein a cell of said first plurality of cells identifies a second predetermined C-rate coefficient (power/capacity) higher than said first predetermined coefficient, and wherein the drive system comprises at least a first and a second set of electromagnetic induction windings, respectively independently powered by said first and second battery pack by means of relative first and second inverter.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical energy in a vehicle, including a main energy store for storing electrical energy, an additional energy store, which can be switched over by the main energy store, a main switch for supplying the apparatus connection with a voltage provided by the main energy store, an additional switch for supplying the apparatus connection with a voltage provided by the additional energy store and a control device for switching the main switch and the additional switch over between a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the apparatus connection is supplied with the voltage provided by the main energy store, while the additional energy store is disconnected from the apparatus connection. In the second switching state, is supplied with the voltage provided by the additional energy store, while the main energy store is disconnected from the apparatus connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing power supply at a device. The device is capable of receiving power via a plurality of power inputs. The device first determines whether a first condition is satisfied. A first switch is maintained in a closed position if the first condition is satisfied. When the first switch is in a closed position, the device is capable of receiving power from a first power supply. Alternatively, when the first condition is not satisfied, the device determines whether or not a second condition is satisfied. If the second condition is satisfied, the first switch is maintained to be in a closed position. If the second condition is not satisfied, the first switch is opened after a predefined time period.

Abstract: A parking assistance method provides parking assistance when parking a vehicle in a parking space equipped with a ground coil for supplying electric power via a wireless connection to a vehicle coil mounted on the vehicle, at least two ground marks indicating a position of the ground coil, and a parking frame. The parking assistance method switches from a bird's-eye image including the vehicle and a circumference of the vehicle as viewed from above the vehicle to an enlarged image showing a relative position between the ground coil and the vehicle coil on a larger scale than the bird's-eye image when an absolute value of a relative angle between a longitudinal direction of the parking frame and a front-rear direction of the vehicle is a predetermined value or smaller.

Abstract: A scalable power unit for powering one or more electric motors of a riding vehicle and/or a piece of outdoor power equipment. The scalable power unit includes a number of interconnected battery packs. The battery packs can be received in a battery tray or stacked to form the scalable power unit. Each battery pack can be removed and used separately or added to a combination of battery packs. A control unit selectively opens and closes switching elements to separately control the connections between the battery packs and an electrical load, such as a motor. During charging, the control unit opens and closes the switching elements to control the charging rate of the individual battery packs. When the battery packs are connected to an electric load, the control unit controls the state of the switching elements to selectively discharge the battery packs to power the riding vehicle and/or electric loads.

Abstract: A modular sidewall for a passenger vehicle. The modular sidewall comprises an outer frame, and a plurality of individual sections configured to be secured together at least partially within the outer frame. The plurality of individual sections includes—a main section presenting at least one window opening, and a standard section presenting at least one window opening. The standard section has a width that is smaller than a width of the main section. The modular sidewall may also include a seat rail for supporting one or more seats within the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A seat adjustment device includes: an authentication unit that is configured to identify plural occupants of a vehicle; an acquisition unit that is configured to acquire information relating to each one of the plural vehicle occupants identified by the authentication unit; a determination unit that is configured to determine relationships between the plural vehicle occupants based on information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that is configured to control at least one of a position or an orientation of seats mounted in the vehicle based on determination results from the determination unit.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly comprising a base assembly including an inner base shell and an outer base shell and defining a recess, a shell assembly operably coupled to the base assembly, wherein a bottom of the shell assembly nests within the recess, at least one armrest integrally formed with the shell assembly, and at least one headrest wing integrally formed with the shell assembly.

Abstract: A locking device includes a locking pin mounting box, a locking pin, a locking spring, a handle and an unlocking tension spring. Respective ends of the locking pin pass through corresponding locking pin guide holes in lateral sides of the locking pin mounting box. A spring bearing boss is provided in a middle position of each locking pin. The locking spring surrounds the corresponding locking pin with one locking spring end in contact with one lateral side and another end in contact with the spring bearing boss. One end of the handle is hinged to a top side of the locking pin mounting box. The unlocking tension spring has one end connected to the handle and another end connected to an end of the locking pin that has passed through the first lateral side. In the locking device, the locking pin is inserted into a locking hole to achieve locking.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat rotation mechanism includes a connecting plate connected to a seat, a moving plate, located below the connecting plate and connected to the connecting plate, and a fixed plate, located below the moving plate and connected to an upper slide rail in a seat slide rail assembly. An upper ball assembly is located between a press plate and the moving plate. A lower ball assembly is located between the moving plate and the fixed plate. A lower anti-detachment hook ring is located between the connecting plate and the fixed plate and fixed to the fixed plate. An annular lower anti-detachment hook is provided at an inner edge of the lower anti-detachment hook ring. An annular upper anti-detachment hook is provided at an outer edge of the moving plate. The lower anti-detachment hook and the upper anti-detachment hook are engaged with each other.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes: a recliner configured to allow a back frame to pivot about a prescribed pivot axis with respect to a cushion frame. The seat frame is provided with a through hole arranged around the pivot axis. The recliner has a protruding portion fitted into the through hole. The seat further includes a joint portion formed by joining the seat frame and the recliner using laser welding. The joint portion has an outer circumferential portion, an inner circumferential portion and a circumferential end portion. The outer circumferential portion extends along an edge on an outer circumferential side of the through hole. The inner circumferential portion extends along an edge on an inner circumferential side of the through hole. The circumferential end portion extends along an edge on an end side of the through hole and connects the outer circumferential portion and the inner circumferential portion.

Abstract: A convertible passenger seat for a vehicle including a back seat portion and a bottom seat portion, the bottom seat portion incorporating a baby seat assembly, the baby seat assembly having at least one baby seat support surface and the baby seat assembly being movable from a non-baby seat usable operative orientation, in which a first surface of the bottom seat portion defines a non baby seat surface, to a baby seat usable operative orientation in which at least one second surface of the bottom seat portion, different from the first surface, defines the at least one baby seat support surface.

Abstract: An adjustment system for adjusting relative position between a car safety seat and an onboard backrest is introduced and has a controlling unit to receive a first monitoring signal or a second monitoring signal in response to pressure change, pull change or displacement. The adjustment system allows a backrest of the car safety seat to closely lean against the onboard backrest so that the child sitting on the car safety seat is well protected when in a sudden brake or a collision.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering a child car seat attachment anchor includes a sleeve that is formed in a single piece, a slot in a first face of the sleeve that defines an opening extending towards a second face of the sleeve opposing the first face, and a rib of the sleeve located at an end of the opening forming a retention surface for the child car seat attachment anchor. The sleeve has an outer shape forming a quadrilaterally faced hexahedron. The retention surface extends in parallel with the second face. The apparatus can be used to cover an ISOFIX wire that extends from a seat crevasse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a backrest portion and a seating surface portion, each of which is arranged to be connected with a seat base portion, wherein the backrest portion is resiliently arranged and supported to be able to swivel with respect to the seat base portion, and wherein the seating surface portion is arranged to be able to move in at least a longitudinal direction of the seat frontwards and rearwards with respect to the seat base portion, wherein the backrest portion and the seating surface portion are operatively connected together via a first lever arrangement in such a way that the seating surface portion is able to move rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the seat when the backrest portion makes a suspending movement with respect to the seat base portion in a direction away from the seating surface portion.

Abstract: A seating assembly comprising a shell assembly, a base assembly operably coupled to the shell assembly, and a control assembly including a handle. The control assembly comprises a spindle gear positioned within the base assembly, a gear plate disposed in the shell assembly proximate the spindle gear, a locking key configured to simultaneously engage the spindle gear and the gear plate, a locking leaf spring configured to bias the locking key into engagement with the spindle gear and the gear plate, and an actuator configured to withdraw the locking key from engagement with one of the gear plate and spindle gear and subsequently withdraw the locking key from engagement with the other of the gear plate and spindle gear.

Abstract: A headrest comprising an external surface surrounding an interior and a deployable neck support including: a non-deployed position wherein the deployable neck support is disposed in the interior; and a deployed position wherein the deployable neck support extends out of the interior and is configured to support a neck of an occupant of a seating assembly incorporating the headrest. The headrest includes a housing disposed in the interior. In the non-deployed position, the deployable neck support is housed within the housing. In the deployed position, a primary neck support section of the deployable neck support extends out of the housing. The deployable neck support can further include an inboard lateral neck support and an outboard lateral neck support, each having an enclosed position and an extended position. In the enclosed position, the inboard lateral neck support and outboard lateral neck support are housed within the primary neck support section.

Abstract: A linear actuating assembly for a headrest having a fixed portion and a moveable portion configured to support a user's head. The linear actuating assembly comprising a stator fixedly connectable to the fixed portion of the headrest, a rotor circumferentially surrounding the stator, a shaft extending axially through the stator and the rotor, and a nut connected to a threaded portion of the shaft and fixedly connectable to the moveable portion of the headrest. The shaft is fixedly connected to Rotation of the rotor causes linear movement of the nut along the threaded portion of the shaft, thereby moving the moveable portion of the headrest relative to the fixed portion of the headrest.

Abstract: A climate pad assembly is coupled with the amplified vehicular circulation device so as to draw and redirect the airflow immediately from a vent of the vehicular air condition into a climate pad seated on the car seat such that the climate pad be consistently and efficiently circulated with conditioned airflow from an output vent of a vehicle so as to provide a comfortable environment of the baby car seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad; a backboard disposed on a back side of the seat pad; and a seat cover covering the seat pad and the backboard. The seat cover includes a pair of covering pieces adjacent to each other on the backboard-side, and a slide fastener that connects the covering pieces. When the slide fastener is closed with use of a slider, an end portion of the slide fastener is projected from an edge end of the seat cover in a state where the slider is disposed in the end portion of the slide fastener. The backboard is provided with an insertion portion. When the end portion of the closed slide fastener is disposed on a reverse side of the seat cover, the end portion of the slide fastener and the slider are inserted in and locked to the insertion portion.

Abstract: Seats and seat covers are provided with selectively attachable and detachable blankets for lap warming of seat occupants. Embodiments include golf cart attachable blanket systems, and portable seating and blanket systems operable configurable between multi-occupant and individual single-occupant modes of use, and/or between compact transport and working multi-occupant positions.

Abstract: Cushion components for use in an aircraft and methods of making thereof. The cushion components having a lattice that is open celled, breathable, and has a compressibility profile that mimics an indentation load deflection (ILD) and spring rate of foam. In certain aspects, the elastomeric lattice is formed of interconnected cuboid structures that include, for example, interconnected face-centered cube (FCC) structures, interconnected body-centered cube (BCC) structures, or interconnected kagome structures.

Abstract: An occupant-support base includes a seat pan and a seat pad. The seat pan and the seat pad cooperate to support an occupant thereon. The seat pad includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is configured to move relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a foam body having a first region, a second region, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and a trench defined by and between the first and second regions. The trench includes at least one section including a narrow portion having a first width and extending downwardly into the trench from the top surface, and a base portion below the narrow portion having a second width greater than the first width. The vehicle seat further includes a trim attachment fixture disposed in the foam body below the trench, wherein the trim attachment fixture is configured to be secured to a trim cover by an attachment member disposed in the base portion.

Abstract: A refresh device that refreshes an occupant of a vehicle includes: a control device; and a relaxation device controlled by the control device, in which the control device causes the relaxation device to execute a refresh operation that alleviates tension of the occupant based on at least one information of traveling state information of the vehicle, information on a vehicle position and a road around the vehicle position, and information on a traffic control device around the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual hinged, diamond-steel plate structured and arranged to swing to cover the gap between a truck or trailer's floor and its lift-gate thereby eliminating the gap in between the trailer floor and lift gate to make loading and unloading the truck trailer a much easier and smoother operation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to receiving retail products.