18474710. VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM simplified abstract (Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha)

VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM

Organization Name

Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha

Inventor(s)

Akira Yamamoto of Yokkaichi-shi (JP)

VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18474710 titled 'VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM

Simplified Explanation

The abstract of the patent application describes a system in a vehicle drive system where a first ECU can disconnect the electrical connection between a battery and a motor device in the event of a collision detection signal or when an interlock line is disconnected. The motor device includes an electric motor for traveling, a PCU with capacitors, a second ECU, and a backup power supply. When the interlock line is disconnected, the second ECU is activated by the backup power supply to control the PCU for discharge control if certain conditions are met.

• The first ECU in a vehicle drive system can disconnect the electrical connection between the battery and motor device in case of a collision detection signal or when an interlock line is disconnected.
• The motor device includes components such as an electric motor, PCU with capacitors, second ECU, and a backup power supply for emergency situations.
• The second ECU is activated by the backup power supply when the interlock line is disconnected and can control the PCU for discharge control if specific conditions are met.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and other transportation systems where safety mechanisms are crucial.

Problems Solved

This technology helps prevent further damage or accidents in the event of a collision by disconnecting the power source from the motor device.

Benefits

The system ensures the safety of passengers and the vehicle by quickly disconnecting the power source in emergency situations, potentially reducing the severity of accidents.

Potential Commercial Applications

This technology can be implemented in electric vehicle manufacturing, autonomous vehicle systems, and transportation safety equipment industries.

Possible Prior Art

Similar safety mechanisms exist in some vehicles where power sources can be disconnected in emergency situations, but the specific implementation described in this patent application may offer unique features or improvements.

How does the system differentiate between a collision detection signal and other signals that may trigger a disconnection?

The system likely uses sensors or algorithms to distinguish between a collision detection signal and other signals to ensure the disconnection is only activated in the event of an actual collision.

What measures are in place to prevent false disconnections or unintended discharges of the PCU?

There may be fail-safe mechanisms or validation processes in the system to prevent false disconnections or unintended discharges of the PCU, ensuring the system operates only when necessary.

Original Abstract Submitted

In a vehicle drive system, in at least either of a case where a first ECU receives a collision detection signal or a case where an interlock line is disconnected, the first ECU controls a relay such that electrical connection between a battery and a motor device is disconnected. The motor device includes an electric motor for traveling, a PCU, a second ECU, and a backup power supply. The PCU includes one or more capacitors. When the interlock line is disconnected, the second ECU is activated by electric power supplied from the backup power supply activated along with the disconnection. Under the condition that the second ECU does not receive, from the first ECU, a discharge command to discharge residual charge or that a determination that a collision occurs is made, the second ECU controls the PCU such that the PCU executes a discharge control.