Abstract: An onboard voice outputting device includes: a judging section that judges whether or not an occupant of a vehicle is alone; and an outputting section that, in a case in which it is judged by the judging section that the occupant of the vehicle is alone, outputs information, which is an object of outputting, to a voice outputting section that is installed in the vehicle and that outputs information by voice into a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A vehicle control device incorporating at least one vehicle control element and a vehicle terminal is disclosed, the at least one vehicle control element being adapted to control a functionality of a vehicle implement or tool, the vehicle terminal incorporating a terminal display, the terminal display being adapted to alter the functionality of the vehicle implement or tool associated with the vehicle control element, the terminal display also indicating the functionality associated with the vehicle control element, wherein the vehicle control element incorporates a vehicle control display element, the vehicle control display element indicating whether the functionality of the vehicle control element has been altered. This enables a driver when looking at the vehicle control element easily to see from the vehicle control display element whether the functionality of the vehicle control element has been altered.

Abstract: A vehicle control device incorporating a plurality of vehicle control elements, at least one control apparatus to alter a functionality of the vehicle control elements, each of the vehicle control elements adapted in use to control a valve in a hydraulic line, in which each vehicle control element incorporates a vehicle control display element, the vehicle control display element indicating whether the functionality of the vehicle control element may be altered. This allows a driver when looking at the vehicle control element easily to see from the vehicle control display element whether the functionality of the vehicle control element may be changed.

Abstract: A meter ECU changes a display color of a meter display item without changing a luminance of a first backlight of a first display and a display color of a first lamp display item, between when an illuminance detected by an optical sensor is higher than a certain threshold value (step S2, step S3) and when the illuminance is lower than the certain threshold value (step S7, step S8).

Abstract: A system includes a touch-sensitive panel deployed in a vehicle region between a driver and a front passenger. The system also includes a display deployed in a vehicle region such that the display is viewable from at least a peripheral field of driver vision while the driver watches a road and a processor. The processor is configured to mirror driver hand movements on the first touch-sensitive panel as a displayed selector on the second display.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle battery pack protective structure which protects a vehicle battery pack including battery stacks disposed in a width direction of a vehicle. The structure includes: a battery pack storage container that stores the vehicle battery pack; and a first upper reinforcing member that extends in a front-rear direction of the vehicle between the battery stacks, and is connected to the battery pack storage container at a front end and a rear end. A first fragile part is formed below an intermediate position of the first the upper reinforcing member.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes an electric machine, an inverter, and a plurality of pairs of switches and associated anti-parallel diodes electrically between the electric machine and inverter. Each of the pairs permits current flow from the inverter to the electric machine with activation of the switch, and prevents current flow from the electric machine to the inverter without activation of the switch.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle charger includes a diode bridge, contactors, and a controller. The diode bridge may be configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) source. The contactors may couple the AC source with a traction battery. The controller may be configured to, responsive to a magnitude of a potential across a diode of the bridge, corresponding to a neutral crossing of a potential of the AC source, exceeding a threshold, open the contactors.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic switch for switching off and establishing electric circuits includes a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor, and an ignition element. In a first state of the pyrotechnic switch, the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor are electrically connected to one another, wherein a target separation point between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor is provided. The target separation point is separated as soon as the ignition element is triggered, wherein the pyrotechnic switch is provided with a third electrical conductor. In the first state of the pyrotechnic switch, the third electrical conductor is electrically separated from the second electrical conductor and from the third electrical conductor, and in a second state of the pyrotechnic switch, the third electrical conductor is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hazardous voltage interlock loop, HVIL, system (10), comprising a first HVIL circuit (12) being associated with a first high voltage bus (52) and a second HVIL circuit (14) being associated with a second high voltage bus (54), wherein the first and second high voltage buses (52, 54) are separated and not electrically connected to each other. The system further comprises a galvanically isolated relay (16) connected to the first and second HVIL circuits, wherein the galvanically isolated relay is configured to open the first HVIL circuit when no electrical current is flowing in at least a portion of the second HVIL circuit comprising the galvanically isolated relay. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a system. The present invention also relates to a method of operating a hazardous voltage interlock loop system.

Abstract: Battery charging systems and the operations thereof are provided. The battery charging systems provide fast charging. The battery charging systems include a charging unit, a battery, a battery management system, and a number of sensors and battery monitors. The battery includes one or more cells. The battery charging systems include a fast-charge profile including a number of stages.

Abstract: A vehicle has a drive system that includes a battery, two inverters, an electric machine, and switches. The vehicle also has a controller that, responsive to charge mode, operates the switches to couple one of the inverters to a charge port and operates at least one of the inverters such that DC current from the charge port sequentially flows through the one of the inverters, the electric machine, and the other of the inverters to the battery.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle during charging is applied to the vehicle that includes a charger converting external alternating current power into direct current power, and a first battery and an electric load connected to a terminal to which the direct current power converted and output by the charger. The method includes calculating a maximum outputtable power capable of being output by the charger when an operation of the charger is initiated; and calculating a maximum allowable load power capable of being applied to drive the electric load on the basis of the maximum outputtable power, a minimum charging power required to charge the first battery, and a minimum load-requesting power required to operate the electric load.

Abstract: A transformer apparatus for a charging station for electrically charging vehicles. The charging station includes at least two charging points. The transformer apparatus includes an input connection for electrical connection to an electrical power source. The transformer apparatus further includes at least one primary winding, and connected downstream electrically in series, at least three electrically parallel secondary windings that are DC-isolated from one another. The secondary windings are configured to be connected to at least two output connections of the at least two charging points of the charging station by switching logic. The switching logic connects at least two secondary windings electrically in parallel with a respective output connection of a respective charging point.

Abstract: A home energy system for storing and providing energy.

Abstract: A wireless charging system for a vehicle is described, as well as methods of using the system. The system may include a computer programmed with instructions stored in memory and executable by a processor, and a radar device controlled by the computer. One method includes: aligning a reception coil on a vehicle with a charging coil using ground penetrating radar data; and then receiving inductive charge at the reception coil.

Abstract: A charging status or a location of a wireless charger is provided. A vehicle may charge at a particular wireless charger based at least in part on the charging status of the wireless charger and/or the location of the wireless charger.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus of charging a battery of a vehicle using a regenerative braking. A device for charging a second vehicle using a first vehicle includes a roller apparatus configured to transmit, to the second vehicle, a rotational force generated in response to a rotation of a wheel of the first vehicle; a controller configured to control a gear ratio of the roller apparatus; and a transmission configured to change the gear ratio in response to an instruction of the controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an electric vehicle to be charged according to a charging schedule. The system includes a memory that stores instructions for executing processes for scheduling charging of an electric vehicle. The system also includes a a processor configured to execute the instructions The instructions cause the processor to: determine a location of an electric vehicle and a time corresponding to when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station; determine charging preferences of a user based upon a preselected set of choices defined by the user.

Abstract: A method for controlling a mild hybrid electric vehicle may include detecting degradation state of a first battery, determining whether the degradation state of the first battery exceeds a degradation reference value or not, stopping normal operation of a mild hybrid starter & generator (MHSG) if the degradation state of the first battery exceeds a degradation reference value, determining whether an SOC value of a second battery is below a charge reference value or not, and operating the MHSG restrictively and inducing electric power conversion to the second battery if the SOC value of the second battery is below the charge reference value.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle battery; a vehicle sensor configured to detect a current, a voltage and a temperature of the vehicle battery; and an alternator configured to output a target voltage to the vehicle battery. A controller is configured to calculate state of charge (SOC) estimation based on the current, voltage and temperature of the vehicle battery, calculate an initial SOC based on a direct current internal resistance (DCIR) map and apply the initial SOC to the SOC estimation, when an open circuit voltage (OCV) is maintained in a predetermined range after engine-off, and adjust an available SOC range based on a difference between an actual battery charge current amount, to which the initial SOC is applied, and the calculated SOC estimation.

Abstract: Validating of a fill control formula used by a hydrogen dispenser for dispensing hydrogen is described. Template data of the hydrogen dispenser related to dispensing of hydrogen by the hydrogen dispenser over a period of time is received, as well as static parameter values. One or more fill operations for dispensing hydrogen to one or more hydrogen fuel tanks may be simulated based on the template data and static parameters, as well as based on the fill control formula utilized in the hydrogen dispenser. A comparison of one or more fill operation parameter values calculated by simulating the one or more fill operations and one or more values of one or more similar fill operation parameters in the template data may be output on a user interface.

Abstract: A method for controlling MHSG torque assist time of a mild hybrid electric vehicle includes detecting charge amount of a first battery, detecting indoor and outdoor temperature of the vehicle, expecting the MHSG torque assist time based on the outdoor temperature of the vehicle if the charge amount of the first battery exceeds a minimum charge amount, expecting an operation time of an air conditioner based on a data base of the air conditioner operating manners of a driver and a difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature of the vehicle, operating the MHSG to convert electricity from the first battery to the second battery, generating the MHSG to make the charge amount of the first battery to be maximum when the MHSG torque assist time is reached, and making the charge amount of the first battery to be maximum when the first battery becomes discharged.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a charging device for an electric vehicle can comprise: a relay unit arranged between an inlet and a battery so as to enable an output voltage of the inlet to be provided to the battery; a first voltage sensing unit for sensing the output voltage of the inlet; a second voltage sensing unit for sensing an output voltage of the relay; and a relay control unit for receiving output signals of the first voltage sensing unit and the second voltage sensing unit, and determining whether the sensed voltages are voltages within a normal range so as to control the ON/OFF of the relay unit.

Abstract: Adaptive charging networks in accordance with embodiments of the invention enable the optimization of electric design of charging networks for electric vehicles. One embodiment includes an electric vehicle charging network, including one or more centralized computing systems, a communications network, several, electric vehicle node controllers for charging several electric vehicles (EVs), where the one or more centralized computing systems is configured to: receive the electric vehicle node parameters from several electric vehicle node controllers, calculate a charging rates for the electric vehicle node controllers using quadratic programming (QP), where the quadratic programming computes the charging rates based on the electric vehicle node parameters, adaptive charging parameters and a quadratic cost function, and distributes the charging rates to the electric vehicle node controllers.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of rechargeable electrical energy storage modules arranged in parallel in an electric vehicle is provided. The method includes: separating the modules into at least two groups; and supplying power from one of the groups at a time. The method also includes a step of replacing a faulty module from a group that is supplying power, known as the active group, with an available module from another group, known as the available group. The invention also relates to a system using such a method and to an electric vehicle using such a method or system.

Abstract: A device temperature adjusting apparatus in which working fluid circulates is mounted on a vehicle and controls a temperature of a target device. The device temperature adjusting apparatus includes a heat absorbing portion that evaporates the working fluid by causing the working fluid to absorb heat from the target device, and a heat releasing portion condenses the working fluid by causing heat release from the working fluid. The device temperature adjusting apparatus includes a forward path portion that defines a forward flow passage and a return path portion. The heat releasing portion is disposed in an inside air circulation path through which inside air circulates while vehicle interior air conditioning is performed by an air conditioning unit that blows out temperature-controlled air to an interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat base, and a biometric sensor arranged in at least one of the seat back and the seat base. The biometric sensor is configured to detect a physiological characteristic of a seat occupant. A controller is operatively connected to the biometric sensor. The controller is configured to provide an output signal in response to a physiological characteristic detected signal from the biometric sensor.

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

Abstract: A seating layout of an autonomous automobile, which is aligned in a roughly rounded, circular or elliptical arrangement. It comprises of a seating area and a cabin structure to provide a unique travelling experience in terms of atmosphere and feelings for the passengers along with different aspects of travel such as comfort, safety, ergonomics, etc. The seating area and the cabin structure are aligned and assembled together in such a way that the passengers are oriented towards a common focal area. This stimulates interaction and in turn, provides a communal atmosphere to the passengers. The novelty of this layout in an autonomous automobile will result in a visually unique interior.

Abstract: A vehicle seat control system comprises a plurality of seats, a plurality of wireless receivers arranged about the seats, a controller for each of the seats, and a data network between the wireless receivers and controllers. Each of the seats has a seat customization function controlled by its controller. The wireless receivers receive a wireless signal from a portable electronic device. At least one of the controllers measures signal strengths and times of flight for the wireless signal using the wireless receivers, analyzes the signal strengths and times of flight to detect a location of the electronic device, and determines if the location is in any of the seating zones. When the location is in one of the seating zones, the seat customization function for the seating zone with the location is controlled according to the electronic device.

Abstract: A seat assembly having an extendable thigh support. The extendable thigh support may include an attachment sled that may be moveably disposed on a lower guide and a seat cushion extension sled that may be moveably disposed on an upper guide. A linkage mechanism may operatively connect the attachment sled to the seat cushion extension sled.

Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster (10), for a vehicle seat (1), includes at least one pair of rails (12), formed from a lower seat rail (14a) and an upper seat rail (14b). The seat rails mutually engage around each other and are movable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction (x) and are lockable to each other by a locking device (16). The locking device has at least one latching plate (18), which is movable in the vertical direction (z). The latching plate has a guide pin (20) protruding in the vertical direction. The upper seat rail has an opening (22) aligned with the guide pin. A guide sleeve (24) extends into a cavity between the seat rails and is accommodated in the opening. The guide pin is guided by the guide sleeve. The upper seat rail and the guide sleeve are connectable by a bayonet catch.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved vehicle access systems. In particular, one embodiment includes three compact, motorized mechanisms for pivoting a passenger seat toward a door opening, extending the passenger seat outside the door opening, lowering the passenger seat, and tilting the passenger seat to help the passenger stand. The first mechanism concurrently pivots the passenger seat and moves it sideways during the pivoting operation so that it is aligned with the door opening. The second mechanism extends the passenger seat outside the door opening. The third mechanism lowers the seat.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat is provided with a backrest and a seat portion having a fixed element and at least one body which can be moved between a lowered configuration, in which it forms with the backrest a place for an adult passenger, and a raised configuration, in which it forms a booster seat suitable for supporting a child; the body is releasably fixed in the raised configuration by means of a fastening device and carries a side support element, which is arranged next to the body and is movable between an operating configuration, in which it protrudes upwards with respect to an upper surface of the body, and a rest configuration, in which it is arranged lower or flush with respect to said upper surface.

Abstract: A portable child safety restraint system is provided. The portable child safety restraint system includes a child safety seating system and a backpack. The child safety seating system includes a seat bottom that is connected to a seat back such that the seat bottom is rotatable from an open position to a closed position. The child safety seating system is entirely removable from the backpack or permanently secured to or within at least one enclosure of the backpack. A method of securing a child in a portable child safety restraint system is also provided.

Abstract: A child safety seat is disclosed, wherein the child safety seat comprises: a base having an attachment point, a shell having a guiding element mounted on an upper portion of the shell, and a top tether connected to the attachment point of the base, wherein the guiding element is configured to abut against and slidably support the top tether when the top tether is secured to an anchoring point of a vehicle.

Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back comprising a backrest and an adjustable headrest. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a mount for the adjustable headrest. The mount is coupled to the backrest to support the adjustable headrest for movement relative to the backrest.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle seat is provided, comprising: providing a seat back frame; forwardly movably connecting a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant to the seat back frame; mounting a rear-end collision detector to the seat back frame at a position behind the seat occupant, operatively connecting the rear-end collision detector to the headrest; disposing a link member at a position lateral to the rear-end collision detector; forming a front extending portion that inwardly extends in a right-to-left direction at a front end of a lateral face of the side frame; and forming a rear extending portion that inwardly extends in the right-to-left direction; wherein a protruding portion is formed from a portion of the lateral face of the side frame that faces at least the part of the bracket, the link support shaft being disposed at a same height as the protruding portion.

Abstract: A seat device includes a seatback frame attached to a seat cushion frame via a seatback attachment member. The seatback attachment member includes a first attachment point to which the seat cushion frame extending forward is attached, a second attachment point to which the rear portion of the seat cushion frame is attached, and a third attachment point to which the lower portion of the seatback frame is rotatably attached. The second attachment point has a floating structure.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a seat coupled to a seat base. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. Motion-sickness mitigation means facilitates relative movement between a support surface of the seat and the seat base.

Abstract: A bi-directional blower includes a blower body for guiding for air to flow along an entire circumference scroll shape of an inner space of the blower body. The blower body divides the inner space into an upward space and a downward space to guide air flow. The blower body comprises: an upper discharge case discharging the air flow along the entire circumference scroll shape toward the upward space through an upper discharge port; and a lower discharge case discharging the air flow along the entire circumference scroll shape toward the downward space through a lower discharge port.

Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly comprises a foam bun, an electrically insulative top finish layer above the foam bun, a thermal gradient assembly under the finish trim layer, and a thermal enhancement layer between the thermal gradient assembly and the finish trim layer. The thermal gradient assembly is adapted to generate a thermal gradient when receiving an electric current and has an electrically conductive top layer, an electrically conductive bottom layer, and a semiconductor layer having first and second semiconductor regions between the top and bottom layers. The thermal enhancement layer has a thermal conductivity adapted to direct thermal energy transfer between the thermal gradient assembly and the finish trim layer.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a vehicle seat base comprising a generally concave seat pan (4) and side plates (16) fixed to the seat pan for mounting the seat pan to the vehicle wherein the seat pan has, all relative to the direction of movement of the vehicle, a front face, a rear face, two lateral side faces and a bottom face, and wherein the side plates extend from the front towards the rear of the seat pan and are bonded to the lateral side faces along at least part of the length of each of the side plates. This produces a lightweight yet rigid seat base which enables a low block height.

Abstract: A seat back for a vehicle seat comprising a panel (4) and a frame structure (6, 8, 10), the frame structure being formed of two metal tubes (6, 8) having first ends joined together by a crossmember ((10) and second ends joined together by a first member to form a tapering framework which is wide at the bottom of the seat back and narrow at the top of the seat back, wherein there is no cross-bracing of the frame between the top and bottom of the seat back. The framework is mounted to the panel such that in use the second ends are positioned near the lower portion of the seat back and the first ends are positioned towards the upper portion of the seat back.

Abstract: Provided is a seat which offers increased ride comfort and less fatigue felt even on long-time sitting. The seat includes a cushion frame, a first support member supported by the cushion frame and configured to support a seated occupant, second support members disposed at left and right sides of the first support member and configured to be deformable, and a restraining portion by which each second support member is restrained in such a manner that its laterally outer side is less likely to sink down than its laterally center side. The seat is configured such that an upper-side support surface for supporting a seated occupant is so restrained by the restraining portion as to assume a first position when no occupant is seated, and to assume a second position when an occupant is seated, the support surface facing further inward in the second position than in the first position.

Abstract: An armrest mounted in a seat assembly includes an armrest mounting assembly. The mounting assembly supports the armrest and is adapted to provide rotation of the armrest between a stowed and use position. The mounting assembly includes a bracket supporting a mounting plate having a stop rod rotation channel, a pivot rod installation aperture, a retention tab, and a pivot cradle. The pivot rod has an end portion shaped to engage the mounting plate. The armrest mounting assembly provides an efficient securing mechanism for a pivoting armrest.

Abstract: A operation knob device (10) for an armrest, that is configured to unlock the armrest and moves the armrest to a useable state, includes: a knob min body (30) having an operation knob (32); and an inner case (50) disposed around the knob main body (30) and configured to expose the operation knob (32) from a first opening (55). The inner case (50) includes a plurality of case protrusions (60) that protrude from a lower region (54a) of a lower edge of the first opening (55) toward the knob main body (30). The knob main body (30) includes a plurality of main body protrusions (40) that protrude toward the lower region (54a) of the inner case (50). The plurality of case protrusions (60) and the plurality of main body protrusions (40) are alternately disposed when viewed in a +Z direction.

Abstract: According to the invention, a vehicle seat is provided including a seat base, a seatback and a seatback recline pivot pivotably supporting the seatback relative to the seat base for pivoting movement of the seatback relative to the seat base about the seatback recline pivot, between a full upright position and a full recline position. An armrest is provided having an upper armrest upper surface. An armrest to seatback recline pivot connection pivotably connects the armrest to the seatback recline pivot for pivoting movement of the armrest relative to the seat base about the seatback recline pivot, between an armrest full upright position and an armrest full recline position.