Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. The system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The system further includes a follower that supports the slats. The system further includes a spring-biased pulley system that is configured to cooperate with the follower and biases the slats toward the tracks.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a transmission comprising an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set which is connected to the first planetary gear set. Each of the planetary gear sets comprises multiple elements. The input shaft, the two output shafts, the planetary gear sets, as well as the elements thereof are arranged and designed such that—a torque introduced via the input shaft is converted and is distributed to the two output shafts in a defined ratio, and the development of a sum torque is prevented. At least one element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to another element of the second planetary gear set. Another element of the second planetary gear set is secured to a rotationally fixed component.

Abstract: Provided are a circumferential locking mechanism, a battery securing device comprising same, a traction battery, and a vehicle. The circumferential locking mechanism comprises: a first component comprising an inner ring gear (10), the inner ring gear (10) having inner straight teeth (11) distributed along an inner circumference; a second component comprising an outer ring gear (20) and a tightening sleeve (30), the outer ring gear (20) having outer straight teeth (21) distributed along an outer circumference, the tightening sleeve (30) being fixed inside the outer ring gear (20) in an embedded manner, wherein the inner straight teeth (11) are adapted to engage with the outer straight teeth (21).

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame supported by the ground-engaging members, and a powertrain assembly. The powertrain assembly includes an engine, a shiftable transmission, a continuously variable transmission, and a charger. Additionally, the utility vehicle may include a cooling assembly fluidly coupled to at least the engine and the charger.

Abstract: A rear mount power take-off for a transmission includes a housing assembly configured to be mounted in an opening in the transmission. A power take-off shaft includes an externally splined end extending into an opening in the housing assembly and is configured to be driven by a component of the transmission. A guide sleeve is received in the housing assembly and includes an exterior shoulder opposing an interior retaining shoulder of the housing assembly, the guide sleeve further including an interior shoulder. A spring biases the guide sleeve against the interior retaining shoulder of the housing assembly. A coupler sleeve is secured to an interior of the guide sleeve and includes a first internal spline for selective engagement with the externally splined end of the power take-off input shaft and a second internal spline configured to engage a power take-off device.

Abstract: A tandem wheel assembly for a work vehicle includes a tandem wheel housing, a center drive member rotatably disposed within the housing, first and second wheel end assemblies, a coupler between each wheel end drive member and the center drive member, and a brake assembly. Each wheel end assembly includes an input shaft, a wheel end drive member mounted thereon, a wheel end gear train coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft coupled to the wheel end gear train, and a wheel end hub coupled to the output shaft for supporting one of the wheels. The brake assembly is coupled to the tandem wheel housing and to the input shaft or the output shaft of at least one of the first wheel end assembly or the second wheel end assembly and reduces the amount of backlash.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a power take-off (PTO) assembly. The PTO assembly, in one example, includes a bi-directional pump in fluidic communication with a fluid reservoir and a hydraulic system and a disconnect clutch configured to mechanically disengage and disconnect the bi-directional pump from a transmission when a prime mover is in operation, and mechanically engage and connect the bi-directional pump to the transmission when the prime mover is shut down. The PTO assembly further includes an electro-mechanical valve configured to trigger engagement and disengagement of the disconnect clutch.

Abstract: Provided is a control device configured to control an instrument configured to indicate a state of a moving body. The control device comprises a braking information acquisition unit configured to acquire braking information about a braking force of a braking unit configured to brake the moving body, and a display control unit configured to control display of the instrument, based on the braking information acquired by the braking information acquisition unit. The braking information includes at least one of (i) first braking information, which indicates a present setting, of a plurality of settings relating to the braking force of the braking unit and (ii) second braking information indicative of a present value of the braking force of the braking unit.

Abstract: A base unit with a base dent region supports a main display unit having a main display panel. The main display unit is integrated in the base dent region and is rotatable about a base axis between a main loaded position and a main viewing position where the main display panel is visually accessible to a user from a predefined head position. The display device includes an auxiliary display unit which is integrated in a main dent region of the main display unit. The auxiliary display unit includes an auxiliary display panel which is designed to be visually accessible to the user from the predefined head position by rotating the main display unit about the base axis.

Abstract: A detection system for a vehicle comprises a blind spot detection module and a glasses module. The blind spot detection module comprises a first video recording device recording a vehicle surrounding image; a first identification device generating a blind spot identification result; a first determination device determining whether to transmit the vehicle surrounding image and/or a blind spot warning message; and a transmitting device transmitting the vehicle surrounding image and/or the blind spot warning message.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating and presenting a graphical user interface for display of autonomous vehicle behaviors. The techniques include determining a trajectory of a vehicle operating in a real-world environment. Sensors of the vehicle obtain sensor data representing an object in the real-world environment. A maneuver of the vehicle to avoid a collision with the object is predicted based on the sensor data and the trajectory of the vehicle. It is determined that a passenger comfort level of a passenger riding in the vehicle will decrease based on the maneuver of the vehicle. The passenger comfort level is measured by passenger sensors of the vehicle. A graphical user interface is generated including representations of the vehicle, the object, and a graphic, text, or a symbol alerting the passenger of the predicted maneuver. The graphical user interface is transmitted to a display device of the vehicle.

Abstract: A processor controls a first display section and a second display section provided to a vehicle such that when an occupant of the vehicle has performed a first operation while in a state in which a message is being displayed on the first display section and the second display section, the message is cleared from the first display section and the message continues to be displayed on the second display section.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for rotating a console display device of a vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes a display device; a rotation mechanism connected to the display device and configured to rotate the display device between a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation; a touch bar having at least one button; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions include receiving a request from a user via the touch bar to rotate the display device from the portrait orientation to the landscape orientation; sending a message to the user via the display device providing a time for the user to cancel the request; executing, via the rotation mechanism, a rotation of the display device from the portrait orientation to the landscape orientation after the provided time to cancel the request elapses; and sending a signal to disable vehicle movement.

Abstract: A drive unit and a drive arrangement having the drive unit are provided. The drive unit includes a first electric machine and a second electric machine and an output shaft. A rotor of the second electric machine is connected to the output shaft for conjoint rotation and the drive unit has a separating clutch by which a rotor of the first electric machine is connected to the output shaft for torque transmission. The drive unit furthermore has a first flow system for implementing a flow of a first liquid for at least partial cooling of at least one electric machine and a second flow system for implementing a flow of a second liquid, the first flow system and the second flow system being arranged such that heat from the first liquid in the first flow system is transferred to the second liquid in the second flow system.

Abstract: An electric vehicle (10) comprising: a frame (11); an electric battery module (24) comprising at least one battery connected to the frame; an electric motor (20) receiving power from the battery module (24); a transmission system (80) provided with a transmission casing (208B); said electric motor (20) is closely coupled to the transmission system (80) and is mounted on the transmission casing (208B); and a rear wheel (84) receiving power from the electric motor (20) through the transmission system (80) and said rear wheel (84) is connected to the frame using a rear suspension system; wherein the rear wheel (84) is connected to the frame (11) using said casing (208B) forming a part of the rear suspension system.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes one or more traction motors and an electrical device configured to be electrically coupled with the one or more traction motors. The one or more traction motors are configured to propel a vehicle and to generate electric power during rollback of the vehicle down a grade. The electrical device is configured to consume the electric power generated from the rollback of the vehicle by performing work with the electric power during the rollback of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an electric drive train of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include operating a first motor of a set of motors in a torque control mode at a first speed while operating a second motor of the set of motors in a speed control mode at a second speed. The second speed may be determined based on the first speed and torque may be summed at an output node of a planetary gear set coupled to each of the set of motors.

Abstract: A motor control system for a commercial vehicle having an electric axle includes: first and second motors disposed in a rear-wheel electric axle; an accelerator position sensor for detecting a degree to which an accelerator is depressed; a wheel speed sensor detecting a wheel speed change; and a controller determining a driver's required torque on the basis of detection signals of the accelerator position sensor and the wheel speed sensor and then controlling a torque of the first motor in such a manner as to approach target torque for satisfying the driver's required torque and at the same time either controlling either a torque of the second motor to a level that compensates for a torque error of the first motor or controlling the torque of the first motor and the torque of the second motor at alternating fixed duty ratios.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting overheating of a battery module includes a battery pack including a first battery module and a second battery module, a first temperature fuse arranged on the first battery module and having a first resistance value, a second temperature fuse arranged on the second battery module and having a second resistance value, and a controller that detects an overheated battery module based on a total resistance value of the first and second temperature fuses, which are connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A system for controlling charging of a battery of an eco-friendly vehicle includes: an on-board charger (OBC) mounted in the vehicle, setting a required charging current based on available charging current information received from a power supply unit supplying power for charging the battery, transmitting the required charging current to the power supply unit, and converting the power supplied from the power supply unit to charge the battery; and a controller determining whether charging of the battery is completed, and when it is determined that charging of the battery is abnormally terminated in a state where charging is not completed, changing the required charging current to charge the battery based on first information supplied from the power supply unit upon abnormal termination of charging and based on second information supplied from the power supply unit upon normal completion of charging.

Abstract: An object of the disclosure is to provide a technique for identifying an arc position between an overhead line and a pantograph mounted on an electric vehicle. A system according to the disclosure includes: a magnetic field detector configured to detects a magnetic field generated by an arc; and a first processor disposed in an electric vehicle and configured to determine a horizontal position of the arc on a pantograph by using the magnetic field detected by the detector.

Abstract: Reinforcement assemblies and associated methods are provided for reinforcing a battery pack of an electrified vehicle. An exemplary battery pack may include a battery internal component (e.g., a battery array), an enclosure assembly for housing the battery internal component, and a reinforcement assembly secured to the enclosure assembly. The reinforcement assembly may include a beam and a bracket secured to the beam. The reinforcement assembly may be positioned at expected high impact load locations of the enclosure assembly and is configured for absorbing and transferring energy during vehicle impact loading events, thereby minimizing transfer of the impact loads inside the battery pack where relatively sensitive battery internal components are housed.

Abstract: Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a power electronic energy conversion system comprising a first energy storage device configured to store DC energy and a first voltage converter configured to convert a second voltage from a remote power supply into a first charging voltage configured to charge the first energy storage device. The apparatus also includes a first controller configured to control the first voltage converter to convert the second voltage into the first charging voltage and to provide the first charging voltage to the first energy storage device during a charging mode of operation and communicate with a second controller located remotely from the power electronic energy conversion system to cause a second charging voltage to be provided to the first energy storage device during the charging mode of operation to rapidly charge the first energy storage device.

Abstract: An exterior structure of a vehicle includes a charging port for external charging and a sensor unit for automated driving. The sensor unit is provided on at least one surface of a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface of the vehicle, and is provided to protrude outside the vehicle from the surface. The charging port is provided below the sensor unit.

Abstract: An adaptor for electric vehicle charging connectors allows an EV to be shifted from park even though the charging connector is still connected to the charging port. As a result, a driver needs not leave the EV to unplug the charging connector. The adapter can include an inner portion housing inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions and an outer portion housing outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions. The adapter can also include a switching mechanism for selectively forming a connection between one of the outer communication pin portions and one of the inner communication pin portions. The outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions can be configured to separate from the inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions respectively when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.

Abstract: A low-voltage DC-DC converter (LDC) includes: an N-phase power circuit configured by connection of N DC-DC converters in parallel between a high-voltage (HV) battery and a low-voltage (LV) battery; and one output capacitor commonly connected to an output of each phase DC-DC converter. Each phase of the N-phase power circuit is controlled in an interleaving manner which delays a phase by 360°/N. Here, each N-phase power circuit is controlled by switching at a frequency of [(a frequency at which the parasitic resistance (equivalent series resistance (ESR)) of the output capacitor is minimized)/N]. The parasitic resistance of the output capacitor of the LDC can be minimized. Accordingly, a lifespan of a battery can be improved and efficiency of the DC-DC converter can be increased through the reduction of the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the output capacitor.

Abstract: A battery charging system for a hybrid electric powerplant can be configured to determine a maximum available charging power available from windmilling and/or excess thermal engine power available, and to use up to the maximum available charging power and/or the excess thermal engine power available to charge a battery. In certain embodiments, a control module can be configured to determine the maximum available charging power available from windmilling.

Abstract: A network-based energy management system of managing electric vehicle (EV) charging network infrastructure is provided. The system comprises a gateway including one or more of an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), a building automation system and any other independent controller. The gateway is configured for performing charging authorization, load management and/or demand response on an EVSE network using more than one communication channels including remote and/or local modes. The EVSE network includes two or more components from a group of components including a first EVSE, a controller, a second EVSE, the building automation system, a local server, a remote server and other energy management device.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a battery management system with an energy storage device configured to power the vehicle. The energy storage device includes a battery module with: at least one sensor, a processor, and an optical transceiver. The battery management system also includes a control unit to control the energy storage device, and a control unit optical transceiver configured for bidirectional free-space optical communication with the battery module optical transceiver via a free-space optical communication link. The battery module processor is configured to receive sensor readings and transmit them to the control unit via the free-space optical communication link. Based on the sensor readings, the control unit sends commands to the battery module processor via the free-space optical communication link.

Abstract: Battery powered quadrotors or drones have a limited operation time. To extend operation time, a powered tether can be used. This tether provides power to the drone allowing it to stay up indefinitely. Most tethered drones are captured to the base station. The tether can reel in and out as the drone moves, but the drone can't go higher or further than the maximum length of the tether. If the tether can be automatically disconnected, the drone could fly off for some remote mission, assuming the drone had an onboard power source such as rechargeable batteries. The present invention relates to a self-powered drone tether that comprises a rechargeable drone in flight which is referred to as the rechargeable drone, a drone that carries a powered tether which is referred to as the tether drone, a coupling mechanism between the rechargeable drone and the tether drone, and a base station with a powered tether and tether deployment system.

Abstract: A method of operating a charging station for a marine battery on a marine vessel is provided, wherein the charging station includes a charger configured to deliver a DC charge current from an AC power source and wherein the charger is at least partially encapsulated in an enclosure located on a dock structure in or adjacent to a body of water. Upon the marine battery being operatively coupled to the charging station, charging the marine battery with the charger using the power source. At least one pump is controlled to draw in cooling water from the body of water and to circulate the cooling water through the enclosure to cool the charger.

Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) charging system includes a plurality of electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) units, a plurality of associated EV charging stations, electrical power distribution wires or cables for distributing electrical power from the plurality of EVSE units to the plurality of EV charging stations, and an EVSE communications bus. Each EVSE unit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a solid-state switch that control whether electrical current is able to flow to an associated EV charging station and connected plug-in EV (PEV) load. The MCUs communicate over the EVSE communications bus and, as PEVs charge, plug into, and unplug from the plurality of EV charging stations, reallocate or reapportion an available supply current among the plurality of EVSE units while also dynamically adjusting one or more circuit protection attributes also provided by the EVSE units.

Abstract: Systems and methods may coordinate and execute bidirectional energy transfer events between electrified vehicles and other devices or structures. Weather related data and/or grid related data may be leveraged for predicting the likelihood of power outage conditions of a grid power source. When power outage conditions are likely, a charging storage limit of a traction battery pack of the electrified vehicle may be automatically increased. The increased charging storage limit temporarily increases the energy storage capacity of the traction battery pack in anticipation of expected power outage conditions, thereby better preparing the traction battery pack for use as a backup power source during the power outage conditions.

Abstract: A bidirectional energy transfer system includes a supply device having a vehicle port, an inverter port, a converter, and an isolation transformer. The vehicle port is configured to electrically couple the supply device to an electrified vehicle. The inverter port is configured to electrically couple the supply device to an inverter that is separate from the supply device.

Abstract: A battery system includes a nickel-metal hydride battery and an ECU that controls charging and discharging of the nickel-metal hydride battery. The ECU calculates a discharge electricity amount showing an integrated value of a current discharged from the nickel-metal hydride battery, and further calculates ?SOC of the nickel-metal hydride battery in a prescribed time period. The ECU calculates a charge reserve capacity of the nickel-metal hydride battery based on a temperature of the nickel-metal hydride battery, the discharge electricity amount, and the ?SOC.

Abstract: A method for determining a minimum state of charge for an energy storage means of a vehicle can include: determining a routine of use of charge of the energy storage means; determining a user requirement for future driving of the vehicle; predicting a reduction in the state of charge of the energy storage means associated with the user requirement in dependence on the determined routine; determining a minimum state of charge for the energy storage means for enabling the user requirement to be satisfied in dependence on the predicted reduction; and providing an output to the user indicative of a time requirement for increasing the state of charge of the energy storage means to a value at or above the minimum state of charge.

Abstract: An electric-vehicle battery system includes a high voltage system with a plurality of connected rechargeable battery cells; a low voltage system with an operating voltage lower than an operating voltage of the high voltage system, the low voltage system supplying a battery system manager; and a real time clock configured to provide a system time to the battery system manager. The real time clock may be at least temporarily powered by the high voltage system.

Abstract: This patent application is directed to thermal management systems of vehicles with an electric powertrain. More specifically, the battery system and one or more powertrain components and/or cabin climate control components of a vehicle share the same thermal circuit as the battery module through which heat can be exchanged between the battery module and one or more powertrain or climate control components as needed.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a control unit configured to determine whether to include a regenerative brake in specifications of a proposed vehicle based on regenerative brake operation data acquired while a first vehicle including the regenerative brake is traveling in a predetermined area. The proposed vehicle is a vehicle proposed as a vehicle for a customer to drive in the predetermined area.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having fewer components and having a pitching mechanism advantageous for strength/rigidity is provided. The vehicle seat includes: a base frame mounted in a vehicle compartment; a cushion frame pin-connected to a first connecting point of the base frame to be capable of a forward leaning operation; a back frame disposed to be capable of a reclining operation with respect to the cushion frame; a front link swingably pin-connected at a proximal end side thereof with a second connecting point of the base frame and slidably connected at a distal end side thereof with the cushion frame; a lock unit for locking the cushion frame to the base frame at a seated position and regulating a pitching operation of the main frame; and a release member for releasing a locked state.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an adjustable child restraint system is provided. The system may include a base portion, a child retaining portion, a sensor, and a controller operatively connected to the base portion and/or the child retaining portion, the controller for operating movement of the base portion and/or the child retaining portion, in some embodiments. The child retaining portion may include a first expandable section and a second expandable section to operatively expand to support a head and neck of a child seated there within.

Abstract: A rotatable child safety seat can include a seat shell for receiving a child therein, a rotating pedestal, and a seat base. The pedestal and seat shell can rotate with respect to the seat base. The pedestal can include a locking pin and the seat base can include a multitude of pin receiving apertures that allow a user to rotate the seat shell and pedestal in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction at a number of different angles or positions. The child safety seat can also include two separate seat belt/LATCH tether pathways. One seat belt/LATCH tether pathway can be provided on the seat back of the seat shell and can be used when the child safety seat is in a forward-facing configuration and the other seat belt/LATCH tether pathway can be provided in the seat base and used when in a rearward-facing configuration.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes an ISOFIX assembly and a base. The ISOFIX assembly includes a support foot, a connecting portion, and a sliding rail portion between the support foot and the connecting portion. The connecting portion connects to a car seat. The sliding rail portion includes a first sliding rail portion and a second sliding rail portion connected to the first sliding rail portion. A width of the second sliding rail portion is larger than a width of the first sliding rail portion. The base has a frame assembly which has a sleeve portion slidably sleeved on the sliding rail portion. The sleeve portion includes first and second sleeve portions slidably sleeved on corresponding first and second sliding rail portions. The base is operable to be adjusted telescopically with respect to the ISOFIX assembly through a sliding cooperation between the sliding rail portion and the sleeve portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat surface and a backrest. The seat surface and the backrest comprise, in particular, a seat cover which forms a surface of the seat surface and the backrest. Two fastening means which are spaced apart in the transverse direction are attached to the backrest or the seat surface, an additional device, in particular a child seat, being able to be attached thereby to the vehicle seat. Advantageously the fastening means are attached at a transition between the seat surface and the backrest. If the fastening means are not required for attaching the additional device, the fastening means may be covered. To this end, the vehicle seat comprises a covering element which is configured to be strip-shaped.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a utility vehicle having a pivotable seat connected by a hinge to a fixed platform. The pivotable seat configured to pivot between a first position and a second position defining a standard seat location and a first wall of a cargo bay, respectively. A seatback is configured to form a second wall of a cargo bay when the pivotable seat is in the second position. First and second opposing side walls are positioned on either side of the pivotable seat. The side walls are configured to form barriers at either side of the cargo bay when the pivotable seat is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a controllable deformable material and control apparatus is provided for controlling the state of a controllable deformable material. The control apparatus is configured to generate a signal to cause a control element in proximity to the controllable deformable material to change the characteristic of the controllable deformable material and thereby change the state of the controllable deformable material. The controllable deformable material is controllable to change state from a first state to at least a second state and is controllable to change state from at least the second state to the first state, the controllable deformable material being more deformable per unit force in the second state than in the first state.

Abstract: A space-saving suspension apparatus comprising a coarse suspension device, a mechanical assembly, and a fine suspension device coupling a supported frame to a base frame at a neutral height such that forces and/or displacements of either the base frame or the supported frame result in oppositely directed forces and/or displacements of the other of the base frame and the supported frame. In some embodiments, the neutral height is adjustable.

Abstract: An armrest includes an arm-side wire harness and an arm body member. The arm-side wire harness includes an electric wire and an arm-side connector on an end of the electric wire to be coupled to a mount member-side connector mounted on a mount member. The arm body member includes an arrangement section in which the electric wire of the arm-side wire harness is arranged and a mount member-side wall that is to be arranged opposite the mount member. The arm body member is to be fixed to the mount member while the mount member-side wall being opposite the mount member. The mount member-side wall includes a connector insertion hole through which the mount member-side connector can be inserted. The arm-side connector and the mount member-side connector can be arranged in the arrangement section. The arm body member includes an operation hole that is continuous from the arrangement section.

Abstract: Headrest (1) for a racing vehicle (10) comprising a cockpit (11) wherein a driver (20) wearing a helmet (30) can sit, comprising a flexible casing (2) configured to be anchored to a vehicle body (12) and at least one energy-absorbing member (3) comprising at least one honeycomb cellular structure (9) arranged inside said casing (2). The energy-absorbing member (3) further comprising a foam pad (8) shaped so as to hold the at least one honeycomb cellular structure (9).