Abstract: A hybrid transaxle permits location of a traction motor in a more favorable location, decreasing the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle collision. Axis transfer gearing moves the generator off the engine axis. This permits placing the traction motor further forward without interference with the generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a hybrid-drive motor vehicle, having an internal combustion engine (12), a variable-speed transmission (14), and an electric machine (32) connected downstream of the variable-speed transmission (14). According to the invention the electric machine (32) is arranged in the motor vehicle as an independent structural unit (16) and is connected by at least one connecting shaft (20, 46) to one of the shafts (38, 40) of the variable-speed transmission (14).

Abstract: A traction system for vehicles comprises a first power source of the non-reversible type, a second power source of the reversible type and a transmission which is connected to the power sources and which includes a first differential device. The transmission further comprises a speed variator which is interposed between the first source and the first differential device and which comprises a continuous speed variation device, and a second differential device. The continuous speed variation device is of the toroidal friction wheel type and comprises a lateral motion input disc, a lateral motion output disc and at least two idle oscillating friction roller members. The lateral motion input and output discs have a friction surface of toroidal shape and the idle oscillating roller members have a friction surface shaped in the form of a spherical dome.

Abstract: A transmission includes first, second, and third planetary gear sets (PGS). A first electric machine is fixedly coupled to a sun gear of the first PGS. A second electric machine is fixedly coupled to a carrier of the first PGS. A brake is selectively holding a ring gear of the first PGS against rotation. First and second clutches selectively couple the first and second electric machines, respectively, to a portion of the second and third PGS, respectively.

Abstract: A machine body has a front-rear direction and a right-left direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The machine body has right and left sides in the right-left direction. A cabin is mounted in the machine body between the right and left sides. Right and left traveling devices are arranged respectively on the right and left sides of the machine body. A boom has a front end part in the front-rear direction to be connected to a working tool. A first wall is provided on one side of the boom in the right-left direction. A second wall is provided on another side opposite to the one side with respect to the boom in the right-left direction. A urea aqueous solution tank is provided between the first and second walls to store a urea aqueous solution.

Abstract: The resinous filler port includes: a filler-port body including a nozzle insertion port through which a filler nozzle is insertable, a fuel supply port supplying a fuel supplied from the filler nozzle to a fuel tank by way of a filler tube, and a vapor inlet port letting flow in vapors arising from the fuel and passing through a breather tube from a side of the fuel tank; a joint formed to penetrate through from one of opposite ends thereof to another one of the opposite ends, fitted undetachably into and around the vapor inlet port at the one of the opposite ends, and connected with the breather tube at the other one of the opposite ends; and a flow control valve accommodated inside the joint, and controlling a flow volume of the vapors flowing into the filler-port body from the breather tube.

Abstract: One embodiment of a fuel tank cap and mounting bracket apparatus includes a cap including protrusions on a lower surface of the cap, the protrusions including a raised portion adapted to be received within a recess of a mounting bracket to secure the cap to the mounting bracket. One embodiment of the mounting bracket includes slots to receive the protrusions of the cap and recesses to receive the raised portion of each protrusion. In one embodiment of the mounting bracket the slots and the recesses are surrounded by mounting bracket material on all sides so that the shape of the slots and recesses is protected against deformation during an impact, thereby inhibiting separation of the cap from the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine, comprises a machine frame, on which a working unit is arranged, and comprises a drive unit for driving the working unit. An additive, in particular a urea solution for operating an exhaust gas treatment system, is provided in an operating material tank which is integrated in the fuel tank or water tank of the construction machine. The integration of the operating material tank in the fuel tank or water tank does not necessitate any modifications to the machine frame. The dimensions of the construction machine can also remain unchanged, since the fuel tank does not take up any extra space on the machine frame if the dimensions of the fuel tank or water tank are maintained.

Abstract: Provided is a saddle type fuel tank in which liquid fuel does not reach a canister through an exhaust passage immediately after full-tank refueling. The saddle type fuel tank includes a saddle type tank body and a full-tank regulating valve. The full-tank regulating valve includes a valve body, a float valve, a first hanging pipe communicatively connected to the valve body and having a first opening at a hanging end thereof, and a second hanging pipe communicatively connected to the valve body and having a second opening at a hanging end thereof. The first opening of the first hanging pipe is located at a height corresponding to a full-tank liquid level RA1_full in the first chamber. The second opening of the second hanging pipe is located at a height lower than that corresponding to a full-tank liquid level RA2_full in the second chamber.

Abstract: A differential device is provided with an outer case receiving torque; a differential gear set so geared as to allow differential motion between first and second axles; a clutch including an inner case supporting the differential gear set, and a clutch ring drivingly engaged with the outer case to transmit the torque from the outer case and axially movable to disconnectably connect with the inner case, the clutch ring having an end section led out of the outer case; a first spring creating a repulsive force in a disconnecting direction; a second spring creating a repulsive force in a connecting direction; and an actuator including a plunger so disposed as to exert a thrust force axially on the end section of the clutch ring, and a solenoid driving the plunger in a direction to make the clutch ring disconnect from or connect with the inner case.

Abstract: A hand control throttle system includes an actuating mechanism and a sensor. The system is mounted to a standard steering wheel for a vehicle, so that a disabled driver can operate the throttle using a single hand (either right or left) while the hand is also holding the steering wheel.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle with a driver's seat; a seat belt apparatus provided for the driver's seat; a seat belt detecting device for detecting the set state of the seat belt apparatus provided for the driver's seat; and a controller for controlling the off-road vehicle. The controller has a rotation speed control mode for controlling the rotation speed of the engine to a predetermined rotation speed or less, and the controller releases the rotation speed control mode when the seat belt detecting device detects the set state of the seat belt apparatus provided for the driver's seat.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing implement-based speed control for a work vehicle may include a planter controller provided in operative association with a planter towed by the work vehicle and a vehicle controller provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The planter controller may be configured to access an input associated with at least one predetermined threshold value for an operating parameter of the planter and monitor the operating parameter relative to the predetermined threshold value(s) as the planter is being towed at a current ground speed of the work vehicle. In addition, when the operating parameter differs from the predetermined threshold value(s), the planter controller may be configured to adjust a speed control request transmitted to the vehicle controller to cause the current ground speed of the work vehicle to be automatically increased or decreased between predetermined maximum and minimum speed values set for the work vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle control device that can display various pieces of image information associated with a state of a vehicle, and a control method for the device. The vehicle control device comprises: a single touch screen; and a single control unit, which includes at least two different operating system programs which independently operate, and controls each of the operating system programs to display image information on the single touch screen, wherein the control unit controls the touch screen to enable at least one of the operating system programs to display image information on the touch screen, according to at least one of operation states of the operating system programs and the state of the vehicle.

Abstract: When a vehicle is traveling in a state in which an abnormality has occurred in a second resolver, a PWM control unit periodically calculates an estimated electrical angle value of a second motor generator and generates a control command for an inverter using the estimated electrical angle value. The estimated electrical angle value in each cycle can be calculated by correcting an electrical angle estimation error with respect to a sum of an estimated rotation angle change value between cycles and an estimated electrical angle value in a previous cycle. The PWM control unit generates the control command for the inverter such that an output of the inverter is a constant potential while an absolute value of the electrical angle estimation error is greater than a predetermined value during traveling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply control apparatus controls (i) storage of electricity generated by an alternator powered by an internal combustion engine of a vehicle and (ii) main and auxiliary power supplies that supply stored electricity to a load. The apparatus includes a first switch, a second switch, a controller and a switching circuit. The first switch is provided between the main power supply and the alternator. The second switch is provided between the auxiliary power supply and the alternator. The controller controls a connection state of the first switch and a connection state of the second switch based on a state of the vehicle. The switching circuit turns on the first switch and/or the second switch in a case where a first voltage of the main power supply is smaller than a second voltage of the auxiliary power supply by a threshold value or greater.

Abstract: An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is provided that is capable of braking itself without a driver depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle has a powertrain that includes an engine, a transmission, and a motor with a connected battery to provide regenerative braking capabilities. Friction brakes are provided to apply when necessary, such as when the battery has a high state of charge and further regenerative braking would overcharge the battery. The braking may be activated in response to a sensor detecting a distance to an object in front of the vehicle. A vehicle controller is programmed to automatically control amounts of regenerative braking and friction braking during a braking event based on a comparison between a regenerative torque limit of the powertrain and a desired brake torque over the brake event to safely brake the vehicle during the brake event.

Abstract: A solar cell system may include a first power converting device connected to an output of a first solar cell; a second power converting device which an input connected to an output of a second solar cell connected to the first solar cell in parallel and an output connected to a circuit between the output of the first solar cell and the input of the first power converting device; a bypass circuit at the output of the second solar cell and connected to the circuit between the output of the first solar cell and the input of the first power converting device; a first circuit opening/closing device disposed in a circuit between the second solar cell and the first power converting device; a second circuit opening/closing device in the bypass circuit; and a path control device controlling opening or closing of the first and second circuit opening/closing devices, and a control method thereof.

Abstract: A heavy cabling counterbalance device includes a base portion having a plurality of legs where a battery charger having a charging cable is configured on the base portion. A charging stand having a charging arm and counterweight operates where the charging arm can be easily raised or lowered about a center of gravity such that the charging cable can be connected to a forklift positioned adjacent the base portion for charging its battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes aspects of a vehicle-based beacon mode for wireless electric vehicle charging. In some aspects, a circuit for receiving wirelessly transferred power includes a coil connected to boost circuitry configured to convert received power to a form suitable for storage. The circuit also includes beacon circuitry connected to a voltage source that, in combination with portions of the boost circuitry, enables current to be driven into the coil to generate a beacon signal. Based on this beacon signal, a base charging unit can detect the presence of the circuit and initiate the wireless transmission of power to the circuit without additional out-of-band communication. Further, the beacon circuitry may be compatible with, or protected from, current of the received power such that the circuit can seamlessly transition from generating the beacon signal to converting the received power without active reconfiguration, synchronization, or state control.

Abstract: A power reception apparatus to which power is transferred from a power transmission apparatus in a contactless manner includes: a ferrite provided in a plate shape and having a first principal face and a second principal face; an annular coil provided on the first principal face of the ferrite; and a shield provided on the second principal face of the ferrite, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the coil is placed on an inner side relative to an outer peripheral portion of the ferrite, such that part of the first principal face is exposed on an outer-peripheral-portion side of the ferrite, and an outer peripheral side of the shield includes a stepped portion provided at a position away from the second principal face of the ferrite, such that part of the second principal face is exposed on the outer-peripheral -portion side of the ferrite.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle power exchange includes both a system for exchanging a container having a power cell associated with the vehicle and an appropriate vehicle which has been adapted for vehicle power exchange. Advantageously, the system includes at least one power exchange power strip, at least one container with charged power cell associated with the power strip and wireless communication associated with the power exchange strip for communicating with a vehicle to effect power exchange. An advantageous vehicle for power exchange has a removable container with power cell, a computer processor for controlling requisite functions of the vehicle during power exchange (i.e. container exchange) and a mechanism which allows for the depositing of a container with depleted power cell and insertion of a replacement container with charged power cell into the vehicle.

Abstract: In a case where a connector of a power supply facility is connected to an inlet, an ECU is configured to control a potential of a pilot signal so as to request power supply to the power supply facility and to permit execution of external charging. Further, in a case where the ECU detects a feeding voltage from the power supply facility without requesting the power supply to the power supply facility, when it is detected that the feeding voltage is not output from the power supply facility in a state where the connector is connected to the inlet, the ECU permits the external charging.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electric vehicle charging pile control system and method considering grid frequency safety. The electric vehicle charging pile control system comprises a grid single-phase power input port, a voltage transformer, an AD conversion chip, a first data processor and a second data processor connected successively; the first data processor is further connected with a data real-time display device and a GPS/Beidou signal receiver respectively; the second data processor communicates with an electric vehicle charging pile and an electric vehicle battery pack respectively; and the second data processor is further connected with a man-machine interaction device.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a motor that is adapted to provide drive torque and a storage device that is connected to the motor and adapted to receive power for charging from an external supply. The vehicle also includes a user interface and a controller. The user interface is adapted to provide a charge level selection. The controller is configured to receive a present charge value of the storage device and to disable charging from the external supply in response to the present charge value corresponding to the charge level selection.

Abstract: Vehicle systems and methods can include a traction battery and a controller to implement a state estimator configured to output battery state based on internal resistance of the traction battery and a system dynamics estimation of the traction battery using discrete battery measurements of voltage and internal resistance, and operate the traction battery according to output of the state estimator. For example, the controller can identify a system dynamics model of the traction battery using a battery input current profile and a battery output voltage profile measured within a predefined time period, transform the identified system dynamics model to a state-space model having a diagonal system matrix consisting of system Eigenvalues through the Eigendecomposition, estimate battery current limits and available power limits from the transformed system dynamics model, and operate the traction battery according to system dynamics model identified using estimated battery current limits and available power limits.

Abstract: A dynamo that is connectable to a wheel of a bicycle may include an electric machine capable of alternatively operating as a generator and as a motor and one or more batteries connected to the electric machine in order to be capable of exchanging energy with this latter. The dynamo may also include a control unit configured for commanding the electric machine according to a first mode, wherein the electric machine acts as a generator and is capable of converting rotational mechanical energy of the wheel into electric energy to be stored in the one or more batteries, and according to a second mode, wherein the electric machine acts as a motor and is capable of delivering additional power to the bicycle wheel by withdrawing energy from the one or more batteries. The dynamo may further include one or more command members connected to the control unit.

Abstract: A charging system for an electrified vehicle includes a battery pack, a charging component in charging connection with the battery pack, a visual indicator on the charging component, and a control module configured to illuminate the visual indicator in response to reaching a predefined state of charge (SOC) threshold of the battery pack. The visual indicator can indicate that the SOC of the battery pack has reached a level that is acceptable for unplugging the electrified vehicle from a charging station.

Abstract: A utility task vehicle (UTV) includes a frame having frame rails and a battery assembly positioned laterally between the frame rails. The battery assembly includes a battery housing and a battery array having a plurality of battery cells. The battery array is positioned within the battery housing and the battery assembly provides support for or is located under a floor of a cabin of the utility task vehicle.

Abstract: A transport and power system having a plurality of tubes or tunnels, a magnetic levitation and linear motor train, and a superconducting power cable. One of the tubes can be an escape, power distribution, and maintenance tunnel. These tubes can be above ground, below ground, at ground, or under water.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle travels along a road surface and rotates relative to the road surface and the vehicle. The first support assembly includes a spherical tread layer for contacting the road surface, a foam layer adjacent the spherical tread layer, the foam layer including adjustable elements for altering an outer physical contour of the spherical tread layer, the outer physical contour contacting the road surface, a spherical wheel/tire for supporting the spherical tread layer and the vehicle, and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the spherical wheel/tire relative to the vehicle such that no portion of the spherical tread layer physically contacts the vehicle.

Abstract: Magnetic levitation can be used for transportation purposes. In various embodiments, the vehicle utilizing magnetic levitation can be enclosed within a tube or a tunnel or outside of an enclosed environment. Various cross-sections of vehicles and tubes can be utilized. In various embodiments, the vehicles can be used for personal or mass transportation use. The vehicle can travel in at least two directions with a window at each end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having two motors is provided to limit damage on rotary members even if an excessive torque is applied from drive wheels. The control system comprises a first motor, a second motor, and a locking mechanism, and a differential mechanism disposed between the first motor and the drive wheels. The locking mechanism halts one of rotary elements of a differential mechanism when torque of the rotary member is small, and allows the rotary element to rotate when the torque of the rotary member is large. A controller is configured to increase power output of the first motor and decrease power output of the second motor during propulsion on an uneven road surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a geared traction drive system configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a driveshaft for transmitting power to the wheel; an electric drive motor for driving the driveshaft, the electric drive motor configured to receive signals from a vehicle dynamic control system to command a required speed; a gear reduction component for reducing the speed of the motor by a predetermined factor to a lower speed suitable for driving the wheel; and a drive electronics component that works with the electric drive motor to drive the wheel to the speed commanded by the vehicle dynamic control system.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, and a transmission including a torque converter having an impeller. The vehicle further includes an electric machine configured to provide drive torque to the impeller. The impeller is selectively coupled to the engine via a clutch. At least one vehicle controller is configured to, in response to the engine being OFF, the transmission being in DRIVE, a vehicle speed being zero and a brake pedal being released beyond a threshold position, command the electric machine to provide a torque to the impeller. The torque is a predetermined feedforward torque adjusted by a feedback torque that is based on a difference between measured and calculated speeds. The speeds may be the speeds of the electric machine.

Abstract: A vehicle management method is provided for managing an electric vehicle by using a management server based on vehicle-specific ID information that defines a condition of use transmitted from an onboard controller. The vehicle management method includes acquiring vehicle ID information from the electric vehicle by using the management server; determining the vehicle ID information to be valid if the vehicle ID information acquired falls within a use period set in advance and determining the vehicle ID information to be invalid if the vehicle ID information acquired falls outside a use period set in advance; and applying a prescribed limitation to charging of a battery of the electric vehicle having the vehicle ID information upon determining that the vehicle ID information is invalid.

Abstract: A renewable energy-based hybrid bi-directionally interactive DC traction power supply system includes two traction substations. Each substation includes transformers, rectifiers, bidirectional AC-DC converters, a DC bus, a catenary, a steel rail and a section post. A DC bus between two adjacent traction substations is provided with a DC renewable energy system constructed by an electric vehicle charging-discharging system, a distributed generation and more than one low voltage DC microgrid. The DC renewable energy system is connected to the DC bus between two adjacent traction substations through a high voltage DC bus, thus a DC circular microgrid being formed in a power supply section post. The electric vehicle charging-discharging system is formed by more than one bidirectional DC-DC charging-discharging equipments which are intended for in connection with the power batteries of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle occupancy alerting system for alerting a driver of a passenger positioned in a seat of a car includes a vehicle and a plurality of seats mounted within the vehicle. The plurality of seats includes a back seat. An occupant warning system is mounted on the vehicle and warns a driver of the vehicle that a person is on the back seat when the vehicle has been turned off.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a vehicle seat, for locking the back rest to a seat part and/or for locking the backrest to a body of a vehicle. The locking device uses a locking lever which can be moved from an unlocked position into a locked position in which it lockingly interacts with a bolt.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat including an adjustment device configured to move a front end of a seat cushion to adjust the length of the seat cushion in a front-to-back direction, the adjustment device has a support portion movable back and forth relative to a seat cushion frame, and a roller portion rotatably supported by the support portion and configured such that a pad material is wound around an outer peripheral portion at a front end portion of the seat cushion. The length of the seat cushion is adjustable by a change in an amount of winding of the pad material around the outer peripheral portion corresponding to a rotation of the roller portion during front-to-back movement of the support portion. The outer peripheral portion of the roller portion is made of a soft material.

Abstract: A seat position adjustment apparatus for a vehicle may include fixed rails fixed on a bottom plane; first sliding rails configured to slide in forward and backward directions on the fixed rails respectively, and provided with cushion links rotatably coupled to the cushion frame; second sliding rails configured to move with the first sliding rails and slide on and protrude from the first sliding rails, and formed to support the cushion frame with the cushion links; a driving device mounted to the first sliding rails or the second sliding rails and configured to transmit power to the first sliding rails and the second sliding rails; and a seat back link rotatably mounted on the bottom plane or the fixed rails and rotatably coupled to and supporting a seat back frame.

Abstract: A track assembly including a track and a support. The support may be configured for selective connection with the track. The support may include a lock plate that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. The support may include an anchor that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of the second direction and a third direction. The support may include a cam that may be configured to selectively engage and disengage at least one of the lock plate and the anchor from the track.

Abstract: A seating assembly comprises a seat base operably coupled to a track assembly, a latch assembly, and a release bar including a front bar and a rear bar and configured to allow fore and aft movement of the seat base along the track assembly when a curve of the rear bar is depressed by the release cam. The latch assembly comprises a striker plate coupled to the track assembly, a dual cam latch configured to engage with a striker pin, and a sector arm that includes a pivot operably coupled to a release cam and the striker plate.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a reclining vehicle seat assembly includes an activation mechanism, for example a lever or handle, and a transmission. The transmission is coupled to the activation mechanism via a wire for releasing a seat back of the vehicle seat assembly. The transmission includes a plurality of meshed gears for transmitting a torque created by movement of the activation mechanism from a gear of the plurality of gears attached to the wire to a shaft associated with the seat back. Rotation of the shaft releases the seat back for rotation. A shield partially covers a side of the base and seat back, and covers the transmission and wire. The activation mechanism is uncovered allowing the passenger to activate the release mechanism and is positioned in a readily accessible zone relative a passenger hip point. The position avoids interference with the seat belt and occupies minimal space between the side shield and vehicle side.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat operable between a lateral use position and a vertical storage position. A mattress is disposed below the seat when the seat is in the lateral use position and held in place by securing features. The mattress is operable between an inflated condition and a deflated condition.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a pad including: a first pad part; a second pad part; a step portion formed along at least a part of the boundary; and a groove portion extending from the step portion into between the first and second pad parts over the whole length of the step portion; and a trim cover formed by sewing multiple skin pieces together, the skin pieces including: a first body configured to cover the surface of the first pad part following the surface of the step portion; a first gore configured to cover the surface of the step portion; a second body configured to cover the surface of the second pad part following the surface of the step portion; and a second gore jointed to the second body, wherein an edge of the first gore and an edge of the second gore are respectively stored in the groove portion.

Abstract: The invention discloses a seat pan (20), being formed from a first thermoplastic composite material into a one-piece pan, the seat pan (20) having a weight loading portion (201), wherein at least one slot (2010) is provided in the area of the weight loading portion (201) of the seat pan (20), and covering strips (2012) are formed by overmolding on the side edges of straps (2011) separated by the slot (2010) and extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the slot (2010) so as to reinforce the straps (2011), the covering strips (2012) being made of a second thermoplastic composite material. Furthermore, the invention discloses a seat (1) comprising the above seat pan (20).

Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a unitary armrest subassembly having a support substrate and a resilient web secured together by a mechanical fastening feature. The armrest subassembly also includes a cushion overlying the resilient web and a coverstock concealing the cushion and the resilient web and enclosing the receiver in the unitary armrest subassembly that holds those components.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a supporting structure, having a seat surface and having a back rest, and having at least one arm rest arrangement which is held on the supporting structure. The arm rest arrangement includes a fixation unit which is capable of being attached to a complementary accommodating unit of the supporting structure or detached from the accommodating unit without a tool.

Abstract: A headrest moving device, wherein a lever member, which is connected to the seat or the headrest in a pivoted state, presses the pawl, thereby releasing the engagement between the pawl and the ratchet. A consumer can release the locking at any position by operating a lever member externally protruded from the headrest after the consumer has moved the headrest. The method of releasing the locking can be easily recognized by the consumer, therefore the consumer can effectively and easily utilize the headrest moving device.