TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA patent applications published on September 28th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA on September 28th, 2023

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA has filed several recent patents related to various technologies. These patents cover areas such as communication systems, time synchronization between devices, demodulating apparatus, stator design and manufacturing, electric motor cooling apparatus, energy storage modules, electrochemical catalysts, nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, and all solid state battery designs.

Notable recent applications include:

• Insulated communication system using a numeral system to convert data into symbols and transmit them using an insulator.
• Method of synchronizing time between devices mounted in vehicles based on data travel time.
• Demodulating apparatus for receiving modulated radio signals and extracting demodulation signals.
• Stator design for electric motors with a cylindrical core and resin sealing.
• Method and apparatus for manufacturing stators by holding insulation sheets and inserting coils.
• Electric motor cooling apparatus with a cooling pipe and adjustable ejection aperture.
• Energy storage module with multiple cells and expandable connection portion.
• Electrochemical catalyst for reducing oxygen with metal particles and organic nitrogen compound additive.
• Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery with specific conditions for the wound electrode assembly.
• All solid state battery design with a protective layer containing magnesium to prevent short circuits.

These patents demonstrate TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA's focus on developing innovative technologies in various fields, including communication, time synchronization, electric motor components, energy storage, and battery design. These advancements aim to improve the efficiency, performance, and safety of vehicles and related systems.

Patent applications for TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA on September 28th, 2023

CATALYST FOR PURIFICATION OF EXHAUST GAS AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF (17979571)

Inventor Naoki KUMATANI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a catalyst that can be used to purify exhaust gas. The catalyst consists of nanoparticles made of palladium (Pd) and ceria (CeO) that are supported on a composite metal oxide support. The support is made up of alumina, ceria, and zirconia. The abstract does not provide any additional details or information about the catalyst.

Abstract

A catalyst for purification of exhaust gas in which Pd-based nanoparticles and ceria nanoparticles represented by CeO, (0≤x<0.5) are supported on a composite metal oxide support containing alumina, ceria, and zirconia, wherein

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED OBJECT (18188962)

Inventor Soichiro Yahagi

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a method for manufacturing an object using additive manufacturing. The process involves creating a precursor with an opening and internal space by layering a liquid binder onto a powder layer. A plug is then created and assembled with the opening, and any remaining unsolidified powder is removed. The plug is coated with the liquid binder and then assembled with the opening. Finally, the precursor is sintered, resulting in the final object.

Abstract

The method for manufacturing an additively manufactured object includes: forming a precursor having an opening portion that communicates with an internal space, by jetting a liquid binder onto a powder layer to form solidified layers and stacking the formed solidified layers; forming a plug configured to be assembled with the opening portion; removing unsolidified powder remaining in the internal space from the opening portion; applying the liquid binder to an outer peripheral wall of the plug after removing the unsolidified powder; assembling the plug with the opening portion such that the outer peripheral wall of the plug comes into contact with an inner peripheral wall of the opening portion; and sintering the precursor having the plug assembled with the opening portion.

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING BOARD WITH ROUGHENED SURFACE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING BOARD HAVING PLATED LAYER (18159744)

Inventor Hiroshi YANAGIMOTO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a method for manufacturing a board with a roughened surface and a method for manufacturing a board with a plated layer. One embodiment of the method involves using laser ablation on a board containing resin to create a rough surface for wiring formation. The laser used has specific characteristics, including a pulse width of 1 ps or less, a wavelength of 320 nm or more, and an output of 1 W or less.

Abstract

Provided is a method for manufacturing a board with a roughened surface and a method for manufacturing a board having a plated layer that allow easily manufacturing the board having a plated layer. One of embodiments is a method for manufacturing a board with a surface roughened for wiring formation. The method for manufacturing a board includes performing laser ablation on a board containing a resin at least on a surface of the board. A laser light irradiated in the laser ablation is a laser light having a pulse width of 1 ps or less, a wavelength of 320 nm or more, and an output of 1 W or less.

VEHICLE, VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD (18204714)

Inventor Yoshiaki KIKUCHI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a vehicle that has a battery pack with a secondary battery, a battery sensor to monitor the battery's state, and a first control device. There is also a second control device that is separate from the battery pack. The first control device sets a maximum power limit for the battery based on the sensor's readings. The second control device sets a guard value for the maximum power limit based on the battery's temperature. The power limit is then adjusted to ensure it does not exceed the guard value.

Abstract

A vehicle includes: a battery pack including a secondary battery, a battery sensor configured to detect a state of the secondary battery, and a first control device; and a second control device provided separately from the battery pack, wherein: the first control device is configured to set a power upper limit value indicating an upper limit value of a battery power of the secondary battery by using a detection value of the battery sensor; and the second control device is configured to set a guard value of the upper limit value of the battery power by using a temperature of the secondary battery and set the power upper limit value such that the power upper limit value does not exceed the guard value.

VEHICLE (18081891)

Inventor Yamato NIWA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a vehicle that has a battery that can be charged by connecting it to an external power supply. The vehicle has an inlet where the power supply is connected, and a voltage sensor that measures the input voltage from the power supply. The vehicle also has a control device that performs a detection process when it is connected to the power supply. 

The detection process has two steps. The first step suspends the charging if there is a significant difference between the input voltage before and after the charging process starts. The second step stops the charging if there is a significant difference between the input voltage during the suspension of charging and after the charging resumes. The threshold value determines what is considered a significant difference in voltage.

Abstract

A vehicle configured such that an on-board battery is chargeable by receiving electric power from a power supply outside the vehicle includes an inlet, a voltage sensor that detects an input voltage that is a voltage input from the power supply to the inlet, and a control device configured to execute a detection process when connected to the inlet. The detection process includes a first process that suspends charging when a difference between the input voltage before a start of the charging and the input voltage after the start of the charging is equal to or larger than a threshold value, and a second process that stops the charging when a difference between the input voltage during suspension of the charging in the first process and the input voltage after resumption of the charging is equal to or larger than the threshold value.

CHARGING INLET APPARATUS (18101343)

Inventor Masaru SASAKI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a charging inlet apparatus for a vehicle. It consists of an inlet box located at the charging opening of the vehicle, which contains a charging inlet. The apparatus also includes one or more electrical components mounted on a surface of the inlet box from inside the vehicle cabin. These electrical components have a waterproof area. The surface of the inlet box is inclined towards the vehicle cabin side, and there are canopy portions that extend from the inlet box to cover the electrical components.

Abstract

A charging inlet apparatus includes an inlet box and one or more electrical components. The inlet box is provided at a charging opening of a vehicle. A charging inlet is disposed in the inlet box. One or more electrical components are mounted on a mounting surface of the inlet box from a vehicle cabin side of the vehicle and have a waterproof object area. The mounting surface is inclined toward the vehicle cabin side with respect to a vertical direction. The inlet box includes one or more canopy portions that project from the inlet box so as to be located over the one or more electrical components.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (18122902)

Inventor Fumiyoshi Kuribara

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electric vehicle that has a power storage device and a charger. The charger is controlled by a controller, which calculates the time needed to charge the power storage device and determines the scheduled end time for charging. If the charging is not completed by the scheduled end time, the controller calculates the incomplete factor. If the charging is completed after the scheduled end time, the controller calculates the delay factor.

Abstract

The electric vehicle comprises a power storage device, a charger that charges the power storage device using power from an external power supply, and a controller that controls the charger. The controller calculates the required charging time for charging before charging the power storage device by the charger, and calculates the scheduled charging end time using the required charging time; obtains the incomplete factor for which the charging was not completed, in case the charging of the power storage device is not completed at the scheduled charging end time; and obtains the delay factor that delayed the completion of charging, in case the charging of the power storage device is completed beyond the scheduled charging end time.

JIG FOR CONNECTOR CURRENT EVALUATION (18321282)

Inventor Hisato KAWAHARA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an evaluation jig, which is a device used to test and evaluate the performance of a charging connector. The jig includes a female terminal that can be connected to a male terminal of the charging connector. The female terminal has multiple contact pieces and a support portion. Each contact piece has a flexible part and a contact portion. The flexible part is shaped like a cylinder and can be elastically deformed. The contact portion protrudes inward in a curved shape. This allows the contact portion to make contact with the male terminal of the charging connector and enables the evaluation of its performance.

Abstract

An evaluation jig comprises a female terminal connectable to a male terminal of a charging connector. The female terminal includes a plurality of contact pieces and a support portion. Each contact piece has a flexible piece, and a contact portion protruding toward the center axis from an inner surface of the flexible piece. The flexible piece forms a portion of a cylinder having the center axis. The flexible piece has a length equal to or larger than twice an outer diameter of the cylinder in a direction parallel to the center axis. The flexible piece is elastically deformable so that the flexible piece has a distal end portion to be displaceable in a radial direction of the cylinder relative to a proximal end portion of the flexible piece. The contact portion has a shape curved so as to protrude inward in the radial direction.

VEHICLE SEAT STRUCTURE (18124029)

Inventor Norimasa KOREISHI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a new design for a seat mechanism in a vehicle cabin that reduces the amount of space needed for installation compared to previous designs. This is achieved by using support columns fixed to a rear panel, which in turn support seat crosses. The seatbacks are then supported by these seat crosses. A gap is created between the seat crosses and the rear panel, where a belt path is formed for the webbing of a seatbelt. This new design allows for a more compact and efficient seat installation.

Abstract

A space for installing a seat mechanism can be reduced as compared with a prior art when a seatback is supported by support members. A rear panel is provided upright to partition an inside and an outside of a vehicle cabin. A seat support body includes support columns that are fixtures and seat crosses that are support members. The support columns are fixed to a rear panel. The seat crosses are supported by the rear panel with a gap therebetween via the support columns. Each seatback is supported on a back face thereof by the seat crosses. A belt path through which a webbing extends from a retractor to a shoulder anchor is formed in the gap between the seat crosses and the rear panel.

VEHICULAR FRONT STRUCTURE (18124204)

Inventor Hirotaka ISHIOKA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a front structure for a vehicle that includes pillars on the left and right sides of the vehicle's body. There are also upper and lower crossing members that extend along the width of the vehicle and are connected to the pillars. Additionally, there is an external display that is attached to the crossing members.

Abstract

A vehicular front structure includes: a left front pillar disposed at a left front face of a body of a vehicle; a right front pillar disposed at a right front face of the body; an upper front crossing member extending along a lateral direction of the vehicle, the upper front crossing member having respective ends coupled one-to-one with the left front pillar and the right front pillar; a lower front crossing member extending along the lateral direction of the vehicle, the lower front crossing member having respective ends coupled one-to-one with the left front pillar and the right front pillar; and an external display coupled with the upper front crossing member and the lower front crossing member.

VEHICULAR FRONT STRUCTURE (18124030)

Inventor Hirotaka Ishioka

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a design for a vehicle where the driver's cab is located at the front of the vehicle. A sensor unit is placed on the front of the vehicle at the same height as the driver's cab floor. A floor crossing member is installed on the driver's cab floor, extending sideways between the sensor unit and the accelerator pedal. This floor crossing member is connected to the front side members of the vehicle. In the event of a frontal collision, the sensor unit will hit the floor crossing member, preventing it from entering the driver's cab too far.

Abstract

A driver's cab is located at the front end portion of a vehicle. A sensor unit is provided on the front face of a body of the vehicle and is located at the same height as the driver's-cab floor of the driver's cab. A floor crossing member extends along the lateral direction of the vehicle on the driver's-cab floor between the sensor unit and an accelerator pedal. The floor crossing member has both sides coupled one-to-one with a left front side member and a right front side member extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, respectively, at the left front portion and right front portion of the vehicle. After entering the driver's cab due to a frontal collision, the sensor unit abuts on the floor crossing member, leading to suppression of the distance of entry of the sensor unit into the driver's cab.

DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE (18185034)

Inventor Akifumi YUZAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a display system for vehicles. It consists of a display, a display control unit, power supply relays, an instruction receiver, and a power supply controller. The power supply controller controls the relays to turn on and off the power supply to the display and control unit. When the system is in the displaying mode, the controller can turn off the display power supply relay while keeping the control unit power supply relay on, putting the system in a sleep mode.

Abstract

A display system for vehicle includes: a display located on a vehicle; a display CTL that supplies display data to the display; a display power supply relay that switches on and off feeding of power to the display; a CTL power supply relay that switches on and off feeding of power to the display CTL; an instruction receiver; and a power supply controller that controls the display power supply relay and the CTL power supply relay. The power supply controller turns on the display power supply relay and the CTL power supply relay, thereby placing the display system in a displaying mode. In the displaying mode, upon receiving an OFF instruction from the instruction receiver, the power supply controller turns off the display power supply relay while maintaining the controller power supply relay in the ON state, and thereby places the display system in a sleep mode.

IN-SEAT AIRBAG DEVICE (18122788)

Inventor Takeshi YAMAMOTO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an in-seat airbag device that is designed to protect passengers in a vehicle. The device consists of an airbag main body with three chambers: a front-rear chamber that expands towards the front of the seat and is positioned next to the passenger's head, a left-right chamber that expands towards the inner side of the seat in the width direction and is located in front of the passenger's face, and a distal end chamber that expands towards the rear of the seat and is positioned on the other side of the passenger's head. When fully expanded, the left-right chamber has a curved shape when viewed from above.

Abstract

An in-seat airbag device, includes: an airbag main body having a front-rear chamber that, expands past one side of a head of a passenger toward a seat front side and is disposed at the one side of the head of the passenger, a left-right chamber that expands from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber toward a seat width direction inner side and is disposed at a seat front side of a face of the passenger, and a distal end chamber that expands from a seat width direction inner side end portion of the left-right chamber toward a seat rear side and is disposed at another side of the head of the passenger, wherein the airbag main body is structured such that, in a state in which expansion is completed, the left-right chamber has a curved shape as seen in plan view.

IN-SEAT AIRBAG DEVICE (18122801)

Inventor Mitsuyoshi OHNO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an in-seat airbag device that is designed to protect passengers in vehicles. The device includes an airbag main body with two chambers: a front-rear chamber that expands towards the front of the seat and is positioned next to the passenger's head, and a distal end chamber that expands towards the inner side of the seat and is located at the front of the passenger's face. The airbag main body is stored in a rolled-up form, with the distal end chamber folded over towards the opposite side of the passenger. When activated, gas is released from an inflator, causing the airbag to rapidly expand and provide protection to the passenger.

Abstract

An in-seat airbag device, includes: an airbag main body having a front-rear chamber that, due to gas jetted from an inflator, expands past a side of a head of a passenger toward a seat front side and is disposed at the side of the head of the passenger, and a distal end chamber that expands from a seat front side end portion of the front-rear chamber toward a seat width direction inner side and is disposed at a seat front side of a face of the passenger, wherein the airbag main body is accommodated in a state of having an outwardly-wound portion that is wound outwardly in a form of a roll whose axial direction is a seat vertical direction, after a distal end portion of the distal end chamber is folded-over toward a side opposite a passenger side.

VEHICLE BRAKING DEVICE AND FAILURE DETERMINATION METHOD THEREFOR (18107315)

Inventor Yusuke KAMIYA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a braking device for vehicles. It consists of several components, including a braking actuator, a hydraulic pressure generation device, a hydraulic pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit has three main functions. First, it maintains and increases the hydraulic pressure upstream. Second, it controls the braking actuator to supply hydraulic fluid to the wheel cylinder while maintaining the upstream pressure. Finally, it determines if there is a failure in the braking actuator by checking if the upstream pressure decreases below a certain threshold during the braking process.

Abstract

A vehicle braking device includes a braking actuator, a hydraulic pressure generation device, a hydraulic pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to execute an upstream pressure maintaining process of controlling the hydraulic pressure generation device to increase and maintain the upstream hydraulic pressure, a downstream pressurization process of controlling the braking actuator such that hydraulic fluid is supplied to the wheel cylinder through the hydraulic pressure flow path in a state in which the upstream hydraulic pressure is maintained, and a failure determination process of determining that a failure has occurred in the braking actuator in a case where the upstream hydraulic pressure is not decreased to be equal to or lower than a determination threshold value as the downstream pressurization process is executed.

CONTROLLER FOR VEHICLE, CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICLE, AND MEMORY MEDIUM (18165367)

Inventor Yuki NOSE

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a controller for a vehicle that has an air supply passage connected to a filter in the exhaust passage. The controller performs three processes: an air supplying process, an oxygen supplying process, and a reducing process. 

In the air supplying process, an air pump is used to supply air to the filter through the air supply passage.

In the oxygen supplying process, oxygen from the combustion chamber of the vehicle's internal combustion engine is passed through the exhaust passage and supplied to the filter.

The reducing process is used to lower the air supply amount per unit time in the air supplying process when both the oxygen supplying process and the air supplying process are executed simultaneously, compared to when they are not executed simultaneously.

Overall, the controller manages the air and oxygen supply to the filter in a way that optimizes the vehicle's performance and efficiency.

Abstract

A controller for a vehicle is provided. An air supply passage is connected to a portion upstream of a filter in an exhaust passage. An air supplying process supplies air to the filter through an air supply passage by driving an air pump. An oxygen supplying process supplies oxygen to the filter through the exhaust passage, the oxygen having been passed through a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A reducing process sets an air supply amount per unit time in the air supplying process obtained when the oxygen supplying process and the air supplying process are simultaneously executed to be lower than the air supply amount per unit time in the air supplying process obtained when the oxygen supplying process and the air supplying process are not simultaneously executed.

DIAGNOSING APPARATUS AND DIAGNOSING METHOD FOR HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (18169949)

Inventor Takumi ANZAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a diagnosing apparatus designed for hybrid electric vehicles. This apparatus can diagnose the engine during a load operation by executing a load operation diagnosis process when a specific condition is met. Additionally, it can perform an early execution process of the load operation diagnosis by applying load to the engine using the first motor while the vehicle is driven by the second motor.

Abstract

A diagnosing apparatus is configured to diagnose a hybrid electric vehicle. The diagnosing apparatus is configured to execute a load operation diagnosis process of diagnosing the engine when a specific execution condition is satisfied during a load operation of the engine. The diagnosing apparatus is further configured to execute an early execution process of a load operation diagnosis. The early execution process performs the load operation of the engine to satisfy an execution condition of the load operation diagnosis process in a state in which load is applied to the engine by the first motor while the first clutch is engaged and the second clutch is disengaged so that the vehicle travels with the driving force generated by the second motor.

DRIVING ASSIST APPARATUS (17981972)

Inventor Yusuke FUKUI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a driving assist system that helps avoid collisions between a vehicle and objects that pose a collision risk. When the system detects a potential collision risk object that is not within the range of the front radar, but its predicted path intersects with the vehicle's predicted path within a certain distance, the system uses information from the front lateral side radar to determine the likelihood of a collision with that object.

Abstract

In a driving assist apparatus which carries out a collision avoidance assist that is an assist for avoiding a collision of a self-vehicle and a collision risk object that is an object judged to have a high possibility to collide with the self-vehicle when the collision risk object is judged to exist, an object which does not exist in an object detection range of a front side radar and whose predicted running locus and a predicted running locus of a self-vehicle intersect at a position within a predetermined distance from the self-vehicle on the front side of the self-vehicle is selected as a target of judgment of a possibility to collide with the self-vehicle based on information acquired by the front lateral side radar, among the objects detected by the front lateral side radar.

DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE, DRIVING ASSISTANCE METHOD, AND PROGRAM (18169602)

Inventor Daisuke SHIRAISHI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a driving assistance device for a vehicle that aims to increase convenience during a stop state. The device includes a control unit that is responsible for controlling the vehicle's speed and stopping the vehicle when necessary. There is also a detection unit that can sense when the occupant of the vehicle releases the brake pedal, and a reception unit that can receive an assistance request from the occupant. When the detection unit detects the release of the brake pedal and the reception unit receives an assistance request while the vehicle is stopped, the control unit will initiate or resume the travel control, which can be either constant-speed travel control or follow-up travel control.

Abstract

To increase convenience of an operation performed from a vehicle stop state until ACC is started or resumed, provided is a driving assistance device for a vehicle, including: a control unit () configured to execute travel control of at least one of constant-speed travel control or follow-up travel control, and to stop the travel control during stop of the own vehicle (); a detection unit (, ) configured to detect release of a brake pedal by an occupant of the own vehicle (); and a reception unit (, ) configured to receive an assistance request from the occupant. The control unit () is configured to execute one of start or resumption of the travel control when the detection unit (, ) detects the release of the brake pedal and the reception unit (, ) receives the assistance request during the stop of the own vehicle ().

VEHICLE CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE (18184664)

Inventor Kenichi ISHII

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a controller for a vehicle that performs certain actions when the ignition switch is turned off before the engine reaches a speed suitable for autonomous operation. The controller increases the engine speed to meet the required autonomous speed and then uses regenerative braking to stop a piston at a specific position in a cylinder. This braking process converts the rotational energy of the engine's crankshaft into electric power using a motor generator.

Abstract

A controller for a vehicle executes, when an ignition switch is turned off before an engine speed increases to an autonomous speed that is a speed allowing for autonomous operation of an engine, an increase process that increases the engine speed to greater than or equal to the autonomous speed, and a stop position control that stops a piston at a predetermined position in a cylinder through regenerative braking that converts rotational energy of a crankshaft of the engine into electric power with a motor generator after the increase process is completed.

DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM (18125320)

Inventor Yuki NAKAGAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a driver assist system that helps a driver operate a vehicle by accurately identifying a target vehicle in a specific area in front of the vehicle. The system notifies the driver when the target vehicle is present in the area. The system includes a controller with a timer that measures the time since the target vehicle moved out of the area. The controller also has a recognizer that identifies other vehicles as the target vehicle until a certain amount of time has passed. After this threshold time, the recognizer cancels the identification of other vehicles as the target vehicle.

Abstract

A driver assist system configured to accurately recognize a target vehicle in a communication area set in front of a vehicle to assist a driver to operate the vehicle. The driver assist system notifies a driver of existence of the target vehicle in the communication area. A controller comprises: a timer that measures an elapsed time from a point at which the target vehicle moved out of the communication area; and a recognizer that recognizes other vehicle as a target vehicle until the elapsed time exceeds a threshold period of time, and that cancels a recognition of other vehicle as the target vehicle when the elapsed time exceeds the threshold period of time.

OPERATION DEVICE COMPRISING TOUCH PANEL TO INPUT CONTROLS FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING VEHICLE (18328063)

Inventor Hirohito IDE

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a display control unit that changes the color of the background on a touch panel based on whether an autonomous driving vehicle is allowed to operate in autonomous mode or not. When autonomous driving is not permitted, the background is displayed in one color and does not show a button to start autonomous driving. However, when autonomous driving is allowed, the background color changes to a different color and displays a button to start autonomous driving.

Abstract

A display control unit displays a background of a touch panel in a first color and does not display a button for starting autonomous driving on the touch panel when an autonomous driving vehicle is not permitted to travel in autonomous driving from a management center and displays the background of the touch panel in a second color different from the first color and displays an autonomous driving start button for starting the autonomous driving on the touch panel when the autonomous driving vehicle is permitted to travel in autonomous driving from the management center.

TURNING CONTROL DEVICE (18158591)

Inventor Takashi Koudai

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a turning control device that is able to detect and report abnormalities that may affect the smooth operation of a turning device. When a precursor of an abnormality is detected, the device starts measuring the total running time of the vehicle. It then reports the precursor based on this measured time. Even if the precursor is not detected again, the device continues to measure the total running time when the vehicle's electric power source is switched off and then switched on again after the precursor has been detected once.

Abstract

A turning control device includes a precursor detection circuit configured to detect a precursor of an abnormality by which a smooth operation of a turning device is impaired. The precursor detection circuit is configured to start measurement of a total running time of a vehicle when the precursor is detected, and is configured to execute a process of reporting the precursor, based on the measured total running time. The precursor detection circuit is configured to perform the measurement of the total running time regardless of whether the precursor is detected again, when a vehicle electric power source is switched off and then is switched on again after the precursor is detected once.

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE (18106695)

Inventor Yu Sakai

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a vehicle control device that includes a reaction device and a control device. The reaction device applies a steering reaction force to a driver's steering operation, while the control device is responsible for controlling the value of the steering reaction force. 

During normal steering operations where the driver's vehicle is not changing lanes, the control device applies a steering reaction force with a reference value. However, when the driver's vehicle is performing a lane change, the control device adjusts the steering reaction force to be smaller than the reference value and in the direction of the lane change.

In simpler terms, this device helps the driver control the vehicle's steering by providing a force feedback. It applies a stronger force when the vehicle is not changing lanes and a weaker force when the vehicle is changing lanes.

Abstract

A vehicle control device includes: a reaction device that applies a steering reaction force to a steering operation performed by a driver on a driver's vehicle; and a control device that executes steering reaction force control for controlling a value of the steering reaction force. The control device applies, to a steering operation, a reaction force having a reference value as a steering reaction force when a lane change of a driver's vehicle is not performed during execution of steering reaction force control. When the lane change of the driver's vehicle is performed, the control device sets the steering reaction force to be applied to the steering operation in a direction of the lane change of the driver's vehicle to a value smaller than the reference value.

VEHICLE FRONT STRUCTURE (18123490)

Inventor Yuki YAMANAKA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vehicle front structure that consists of front side members and an engine compartment cross member. The front side members are located on both sides of the vehicle front and extend in the longitudinal direction. The engine compartment cross member is attached between the front side members and is shaped like a ring. It includes side members that are attached to the inside surface of each front side member and extend in the longitudinal direction. There is also a front cross member that connects the front ends of the side members and a rear cross member that connects the rear ends. The rear cross member is curved and protrudes towards the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract

A vehicle front structure comprising a pair of front side members which are provided on both side portions at a vehicle front side and extended in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and an engine compartment cross member which is attached between the pair of front side members, wherein the engine compartment cross member is an annular member including a pair of side members which are respectively attached to the inside surface in the vehicle width direction of each of the front side members and extended in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a front cross member which connects respective front ends of the pair of side members in the vehicle width direction, and a rear cross member which connects respective rear ends of the pair of the side members in the vehicle width direction, and the rear cross member is curved to protrude toward the rear side of the vehicle.

VEHICLE FRONT STRUCTURE (18123408)

Inventor Takeshi KUNIYA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a torque rod that connects a drive unit and a suspension member in a vehicle. The suspension member has a hollow structure with a front wall opening. The torque rod is connected to the suspension member at the rear end inside the hollow space, and to the drive unit at the front end using a bracket. The abstract mentions that there is a small gap of 3 mm or less between the front wall opening and a corresponding part of the torque rod on the left and/or right side.

Abstract

A torque rod connects a drive unit and a suspension member. The suspension member has a hollow structure and having a front wall opening formed in a front wall. A rear end of the torque rod is coupled to the suspension member in an interior space of the suspension member, and a front end of the torque rod is coupled to the drive unit via a bracket. A gap between the front wall opening and an opening-corresponding portion of the torque rod that corresponds to the front wall opening is 3 mm or less on a left side and/or a right side of the opening-corresponding portion.

COATING LIQUID, MANUFACTURING METHOD OF COMPOSITE PARTICLE, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF ALL SOLID STATE BATTERY (18103065)

Inventor Masaru Kubota

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a coating liquid that is made up of a solute and a solvent. The solute consists of a phosphoric acid compound and a lithium compound. The coating liquid has a pH level ranging from 2.5 to 10.7.

Abstract

The coating liquid includes a solute and a solvent. The solute comprises a phosphoric acid compound and a lithium compound. The coating liquid has a pH of 2.5 to 10.7.

WATER ELECTROLYSIS CELL AND WATER ELECTROLYSIS STACK (18162983)

Inventor Joji YOSHIMURA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a water electrolysis cell that consists of an anode and a cathode separated by a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The anode is made up of an anode catalyst layer, an anode gas diffusion layer, and an anode separator, while the cathode is composed of a cathode catalyst layer, a cathode gas diffusion layer, and a cathode separator. The anode separator has a water-repellent wall face in a channel, while the cathode separator has a hydrophilic wall face in a channel.

Abstract

A water electrolysis cell includes an anode disposed on one side across a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a cathode disposed on the other side. The anode is configured of an anode catalyst layer, an anode gas diffusion layer, and an anode separator, laminated in that order from a side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The cathode is configured of a cathode catalyst layer, a cathode gas diffusion layer, and a cathode separator, laminated in that order from the side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A first channel is provided in the anode separator, and a wall face of the first channel in the anode separator is imparted with water repellency. A second channel is provided in the cathode separator, and a wall face of the second channel in the cathode separator is imparted with hydrophilicity.

VEHICLE COOLING DEVICE (18183333)

Inventor Masaya KUBO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a cooling device used in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and a forced-induction device. The device includes a circuit that circulates coolant to an intercooler, an electric pump that circulates the coolant in the circuit, and processing circuitry that controls the amount of coolant discharged by the pump. The processing circuitry calculates the control amount of the pump based on the requested flow rate and coolant temperature, and operates the pump according to this control amount when the requested flow rate is greater than zero.

Abstract

A cooling device is employed in a vehicle including an internal combustion engine provided with a forced-induction device and an intercooler. The cooling device includes a circulation circuit configured to circulate coolant supplied to the intercooler, an electric pump configured to operate to circulate the coolant in the circulation circuit, and processing circuitry configured to control a discharge amount of the coolant of the pump. The processing circuitry is configured to execute a control amount deriving process of deriving a control amount of the pump based on a requested flow rate and a coolant temperature, and an operation process of causing the pump to operate based on the control amount when the requested flow rate is larger than 0.

ANOMALY DETERMINATION DEVICE, ANOMALY DETERMINATION METHOD, AND MEMORY MEDIUM (18184668)

Inventor Tomoyuki KITTAKA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a device, method, and memory medium for determining anomalies in a water pump. The device captures image data of the pump's outer surface and uses it to acquire input variables for a map. The execution circuitry then obtains provisional determination results from the maps by executing provisional determination processes for output variables. Finally, a determination finalizing process treats the majority of the provisional determination results as a final determination result, indicating whether coolant has leaked from the water pump.

Abstract

An anomaly determination device, an anomaly determination method, and a memory medium for a water pump are provided. An acquisition process acquires an input variable of a map from image data obtained by capturing an outer surface of the water pump. Execution circuitry obtains provisional determination results from maps, respectively. The provisional determination results are respectively obtained by executing the provisional determination processes for output variables output from the maps. A determination finalizing process treats, as a majority of the provisional determination results, a final determination result indicating whether coolant has leaked out of the water pump.

ENGINE CONTROLLER (18181628)

Inventor Manabu ISHIMOTO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an engine controller that has processing circuitry. This circuitry is designed to perform a throttle limit control when the engine rotation speed falls within a specific range. This control reduces the maximum opening degree of the throttle valve, which is a component that controls the amount of air entering the engine. In simpler terms, the engine controller adjusts the throttle valve to limit the amount of air flowing into the engine when the rotation speed is in a certain range.

Abstract

An engine controller includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to, when an engine rotation speed is within a specified range, perform a throttle limit control that reduces an upper limit throttle opening degree, the upper limit throttle opening degree being an upper limit value of a control range of an opening degree of a throttle valve of an engine.

CONTROLLER AND CONTROL METHOD FOR ENGINE (18186208)

Inventor Yuki SUZUKI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an engine that has water injection valves connected to the intake ports of a cylinder. The engine is controlled by a controller that can choose between two injection methods for each intake port. The first method is synchronous injection, where water is injected only when the intake valve is open. The second method is asynchronous injection, where water is injected when the intake valve is closed. 

The controller can perform a concurrent injection process where some intake ports use synchronous injection and others use asynchronous injection. In this case, the controller can switch the intake port that is using asynchronous injection.

Abstract

An engine includes water injection valves that inject water to intake ports connected to a cylinder. A controller for the engine is configured to selectively execute, for each of the intake ports, a synchronous injection that causes the water injection valve to inject water only during a valve opening period of the intake valve and an asynchronous injection that causes the water injection valve to inject water during a valve closing period of the intake valve. The controller is configured to perform, when executing a synchronous/asynchronous concurrent injection in which the intake ports includes an intake port in which the synchronous injection is executed and an intake port in which the asynchronous injection is executed, a switching process of switching the intake port in which the asynchronous injection is executed.

CRANKSHAFT (18005877)

Inventor Tatsuhiko ABE

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a new type of crankshaft that has improved resistance to seizure. A crankshaft is a component used in engines to convert linear motion into rotational motion. This new crankshaft has specific chemical composition and surface characteristics that make it more resistant to seizing, which is when the crankshaft gets stuck and cannot rotate properly. The chemical composition includes certain percentages of carbon, silicon, manganese, chromium, aluminum, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, with the rest being iron and impurities. The surface of the crankshaft contains a high volume of tempered martensite, which is a type of hardened steel, and has a maximum surface hardness of HV 450.

Abstract

A crankshaft with improved seizure resistance is provided. A crankshaft () is a crankshaft including journals () and pins (), having a chemical composition of, in mass %: 0.35 to 0.40 % C; up to 0.70 % Si; 1.00 to 2.00 % Mn; up to 0.50 % Cr; up to 0.050 % Al; up to 0.020 % N; up to 0.020 % P; 0.005 to 0.200 % S; and balance Fe and impurities, each of the journals () and pins () having a surface microstructure containing tempered martensite in not less than 80 volume % and a surface hardness not higher than HV 450.

VIBRATION DAMPER (18179427)

Inventor Keiji YOEDA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vibration damper that reduces vibrations between a drive unit and a support body. It does this by using a rolling mass that moves the drive unit and support body closer together or further apart. The damper includes an elastic member between the drive unit and support body, an arm that extends from the drive unit towards the support body, and a rolling mass that rolls on the arm when the arm moves back and forth. There is also a support member that holds the rolling mass and allows it to rotate, and a position changer that adjusts the contact point between the rolling mass and the arm by moving the arm.

Abstract

A vibration damper that effectively damps vibrations moving a drive unit and a support body closer to and away from each other by a rolling mass. The vibration damper comprises: an elastic member interposed between the drive unit and the support body; an arm extending from the drive unit toward the support body; a rolling mass rolled on the arm by a reciprocation of the arm; a support member fixed to the support body while rotatably supporting the rolling mass; and a position changer that changes a contact point between the rolling mass and the arm by reciprocating the arm.

VEHICLE CHARGED TO POSITIVE POTENTIAL AND HAVING FRICTION NEUTRALIZING-STATIC ELIMINATING TYPE LUBRICATION MECHANISM (18001332)

Inventor Junichi SUDO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a mechanism in a vehicle that uses friction to generate a positive charge. To reduce this charge and improve the performance of the mechanism, a lubricant is used. The lubricant contains tiny particles made of a resin that generates a negative charge. These particles are mixed with an electrically insulating oil and placed between the moving parts of the mechanism. When the particles come into contact with the parts, they start to neutralize and eliminate the positive charge. As the particles move and circulate in the oil, they are attracted to the positive charge on the surface of the parts, further reducing the charge. This process continues to neutralize and eliminate the positive charge, improving the performance of the mechanism.

Abstract

In a vehicle having a microscopic dynamics friction mechanism formed of at least two parts and charged to a positive potential due to traveling, a lubricant in which first additive fine particles made of a resin that generates a negative potential are uniformly mixed with an electrically insulating base oil is disposed in a clearance between members of the friction mechanism. While the first additive fine particles are in frictional contact with the member, neutralization and elimination of the positive potential of the member are started. The first additive fine particles are attracted by a Coulomb force to the positive potential of the surface of the member other than a frictional contact part of the member when floating in the electrically insulating base oil and moving and circulating. The neutralization and elimination of the positive potential of the member are continued.

SERVER, POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM, AND POWER TRANSFER METHOD (18181737)

Inventor Masato EHARA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a method for transferring power between vehicles and power transfer devices without physical contact. The method involves obtaining a travel plan for each vehicle, estimating the amount of power that will be consumed or regenerated by a specific vehicle based on its travel plan, and setting the power transfer amount between the specific vehicle and the corresponding power transfer device to match the estimated power change. The power transfer device is specific to each vehicle.

Abstract

A power transfer method between vehicles that are traveling and power transfer devices in a non-contact manner includes acquiring, for each of the vehicles, a traveling plan for a specific vehicle among the vehicles, estimating a power change amount according to power consumption or power regeneration of the specific vehicle that is traveling based on the traveling plan, and setting a power transfer amount between the specific vehicle and a corresponding power transfer device such that the power transfer amount corresponds to the power change amount. The corresponding power transfer device is a device corresponding to the specific vehicle among the power transfer devices.

INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, ANDE METHOD (18123414)

Inventor Toshifumi NISHIJIMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an information processing apparatus that can search for facilities based on a user's location. It determines if the user is in an area where they frequently visit and then searches for new facilities within a certain range. The information about the new facility is then sent to a designated device. The apparatus keeps track of the user's movement history to identify areas where they visit frequently.

Abstract

An information processing apparatus determines, when detecting an instruction from a user to search for a facility, whether position information of the user indicates that the user is in a first area where visit frequency of the user is higher than a predetermined threshold. The information processing apparatus detects, when the position information of the user indicates that the user is in a first area, a new facility by searching within a predetermined range based on the position information, and outputs the information about the detected new facility to a predetermined device. The information processing apparatus records, as the first area, an area where a visit frequency indicated by movement history information indicating movement history of the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (18095645)

Inventor Keita KOMIYAMA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a battery management system that helps select a replacement battery for equipment. The system uses an arithmetic processing unit to analyze the current rate history of the installed battery and the capacity of candidate batteries. It also considers the amount of deterioration of each candidate battery. Based on this analysis, the system selects a replacement battery that has an assumed greatest current rate that is no greater than a predetermined rate.

Abstract

A battery management system includes an arithmetic processing unit that selects a replacement battery from among a plurality of candidate batteries, to replace an installed battery that is installed in equipment. The arithmetic processing unit calculates an assumed greatest current rate of each of the candidate batteries when used in the equipment, from current rate history of the installed battery and capacity of the candidate battery taking into consideration an amount of deterioration of the candidate battery. The arithmetic processing unit selects a battery of which the assumed greatest current rate of each of the candidate batteries that is calculated is no greater than a predetermined current rate, from among the candidate batteries as the replacement battery.

PROGRAM UPDATE SYSTEM AND VEHICLE MANAGEMENT SERVER (18327700)

Inventor Takanori ARIGA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a vehicle management server that can send an update program to a vehicle to update an existing program on an electronic device in the vehicle. The server has a communicator and a controller. The communicator communicates with the vehicle, while the controller controls the update process. Depending on the type of update program, the controller decides whether to show an indication of the update process to the vehicle user. If it decides to show the indication, it sends information to a predetermined information terminal to display the indication to the vehicle user.

Abstract

A vehicle management server is configured to transmit, to a vehicle, an update program for updating an existing program of an electronic device mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle management server includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator is configured to communicate with the vehicle. The controller is configured to control an update process. The controller is configured to determine, depending on a type of the update program, whether to present, to a vehicle user, an indication related to the update process for the existing program using the update program, and transmit, when the controller determines to present the indication related to the update process to the vehicle user, information for causing a predetermined information terminal to display the indication related to the update process to the vehicle via the communicator.

INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD (18161157)

Inventor Shimpei ASAI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an information processing device that can control a target. The device has a memory and a processor. The processor can measure the distance between the device and the target. Based on this distance, it can perform different types of biometric authentication processing for the user of the target. This can be done using either audible range sound or inaudible range sound. The device can then control the target based on the result of the biometric authentication processing.

Abstract

An information processing device controlling a target. The information processing device included: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to: measure a distance between the information processing device and the target; based on the distance, perform control to selectively implement: biometric authentication processing of a user of the target with audible range sound, or biometric authentication processing of the user with inaudible range sound; and control the target based on a result of the biometric authentication processing.

VIDEO TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE, AND VIDEO TRANSMISSION METHOD (18120854)

Inventor Takayuki HATORI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a video transmission system that consists of multiple transmitters and receivers. The first transmitter combines two or more video signals using a specific video transmission standard to create a second video signal. The second transmitter then combines a third video signal with the second video signal using a different video transmission standard to create a fourth video signal. The first receiver receives the fourth video signal through a single cable and separates the second and third video signals. The second receiver then separates the original two or more video signals from the second video signal.

Abstract

A video transmission system includes a first transmitter that multiplexes two or more first video signals using a first video transmission standard to produce a second video signal, a second transmitter that multiplexes a third video signal and the second video signal using a second video transmission standard different from the first video transmission standard to produce a fourth video signal, a first receiver that receives the fourth video signal transmitted through a single cable and separates the second video signal and the third video signal, and a second receiver that demultiplexes the second video signal to separate the two or more first video signals.

VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM, AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM (18122816)

Inventor Mitsuhiro KINOSHITA

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a method for a vehicle to recognize potential traffic light positions using a sensor. The vehicle has a light that can change its distribution state. When a signal candidate position is recognized, the method includes controlling the light in two ways: increasing the intensity of light emitted to the signal candidate position compared to before recognition, or making the intensity of the light emitted to the signal candidate position higher than the intensity of light emitted to other areas.

Abstract

A method includes: recognizing a signal candidate position around a vehicle by using a sensor mounted on the vehicle, the signal candidate position being a position a traffic light is possibly present, the vehicle including a light configured in such a manner that a light distribution state of the light changes; and performing a first light control process of controlling the light in response to recognition of the signal candidate position, the first light control process including at least one of: increasing an intensity of light emitted to the signal candidate position to a value higher than before the recognition of the signal candidate position; or making the intensity of the light emitted to the signal candidate position higher than an intensity of light emitted to an area other than the signal candidate position.

VEHICLE INTERIOR MONITORING SYSTEM (18126008)

Inventor Keisuke MIWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a system that uses a camera to monitor the behavior of a passenger inside a vehicle. The system includes a processor that captures an image of the vehicle's interior and then masks out the portion of the image that shows the outside of the vehicle. This allows the system to focus solely on monitoring the passenger's actions and behavior inside the vehicle.

Abstract

A vehicle interior monitoring system monitors the behavior of a passenger, based on the image of the interior of the vehicle, captured on a camera. A masking unit of the processor masks a portion of the image captured on the camera, the portion corresponding to the outside of the vehicle.

COMPOSITE PARTICLE, POSITIVE ELECTRODE, ALL-SOLID-STATE BATTERY, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF COMPOSITE PARTICLE (18100929)

Inventor Masaru KUBOTA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a composite particle that consists of a positive electrode active material particle and a coating film. The coating film is applied to the surface of the positive electrode active material particle and contains a phosphorus compound. This phosphorus compound includes either sodium (Na) or potassium (K) and phosphorus (P).

Abstract

The composite particle includes a positive electrode active material particle and a coating film. The coating film covers at least a part of a surface of the positive electrode active material particle. The coating film includes a phosphorus compound. The phosphorus compound includes at least one of Na and K and P.

ALL SOLID STATE BATTERY AND ALL SOLID STATE BATTERY SYSTEM (18121857)

Inventor Ximeng LI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an all solid state battery that aims to prevent short circuits. The battery includes an anode with an anode current collector, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte layer between them. To inhibit short circuits, a protective layer containing magnesium (Mg) is placed between the anode current collector and the solid electrolyte layer. This protective layer consists of a mixture of Mg-containing particles and a solid electrolyte. The concentration of Mg in the protective layer gradually increases from the side facing the solid electrolyte layer to the side facing the anode current collector.

Abstract

A main object of the present disclosure is to provide an all solid state battery in which occurrence of short circuit is inhibited. The present disclosure achieves the object by providing an all solid state battery comprising an anode including at least an anode current collector, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte layer arranged between the anode and the cathode; wherein a protective layer containing Mg is arranged between the anode current collector and the solid electrolyte layer; the protective layer includes a mixture layer including a Mg-containing particle containing the Mg, and a solid electrolyte; and in the protective layer, Mg concentration increases stepwisely or continuously from a first surface which is the solid electrolyte layer side towards a second surface which is the anode current collector side.

CATALYST LAYER (18184409)

Inventor Masanori INABA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a catalyst layer that consists of an electrode catalyst and an ionomer. The electrode catalyst is made up of tin oxide-based particles that have a unique structure where porous primary particles are connected in a bead shape. These particles have a specific surface area of at least 30 m/g. Additionally, platinum-based fine particles are supported on the surface of the tin oxide-based particles. The abstract also mentions that the conductivity of a green compact made from these tin oxide-based particles should be 1×10S/cm or higher. Specifically, tin oxide-based particles that are composed of Sb-doped SnO and have a specific surface area of 90 m/g or more, as well as a pore diameter between 5 nm and 8 nm, are preferred.

Abstract

A catalyst layer includes an electrode catalyst and an ionomer. The electrode catalyst includes: tin oxide-based particles having a structure (connected structure) in which porous primary particles are connected to each other in a bead shape and having a specific surface area of 30 m/g or more; and Pt-based fine particles supported on the surface of the tin oxide-based particles. The conductivity of a green compact composed of the tin oxide-based particles is desirably 1×10S/cm or more. As the tin oxide-based particles, those composed of Sb-doped SnOand having a specific surface area of 90 m/g or more and a pore diameter of 5 nm or more and 8 nm or less are desired.

FUEL CELL (18161379)

Inventor Satoshi NAKAZAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a fuel cell design that includes several components. These components include a membrane electrode assembly, which consists of a first catalyst layer, a second catalyst layer, and an electrolyte membrane placed between them. The assembly is further supported by a first gas diffusion layer on the first catalyst layer and a second gas diffusion layer on the second catalyst layer. Additionally, a support is placed around the periphery of the assembly, and a cover sheet is used to bridge the support and one end of the electrolyte membrane or the first catalyst layer. The cover sheet consists of a sheet portion that is layered on the side of the membrane electrode assembly and a permeation portion that penetrates into the first gas diffusion layer.

Abstract

A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly including a first catalyst layer, a second catalyst layer, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the first catalyst layer and the second catalyst layer; a first gas diffusion layer laminated on the first catalyst layer; a second gas diffusion layer laminated on the second catalyst layer; a support disposed on at least a part of a periphery around the membrane electrode assembly; and a cover sheet disposed between the first gas diffusion layer and the membrane electrode assembly to bridge the support and at least one end portion of the electrolyte membrane or the first catalyst layer, in which the cover sheet includes a sheet portion as a layer on a side of the membrane electrode assembly and a permeation portion laminated on the sheet portion and permeating into the first gas diffusion layer.

RESTRAINING MEMBER AND POWER STORAGE DEVICE (18068551)

Inventor Akinori SAITO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a restraining member that consists of several parts. It includes interposing portions, pressurizing portions, and pressing portions. The pressurizing portions are longer in a third direction compared to the first and second directions, and they make contact with both the interposing portion and the pressing portion. The interposing portion has a pressurized area that overlaps with each pressurizing portion in the first direction, as well as a low pressurized area that does not overlap with the pressurizing portion in the first direction.

Abstract

A restraining member includes a pair of interposing portions, a plurality of pressurizing portions, and a pair of pressing portions. Each pressurizing portion has the shape of which a dimension in a third direction perpendicular to both a first direction and a second direction is longer than a dimension in the first direction and a dimension in the second direction and is in contact with the interposing portion and the pressing portion. Each interposing portion includes a pressurized area overlapping each pressurizing portion in the first direction and a low pressurized area not overlapping the pressurizing portion in the first direction.

ALL SOLID STATE BATTERY AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING ALL SOLID STATE BATTERY (18121847)

Inventor Ximeng LI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an all solid state battery design that aims to prevent short circuits. The battery includes an anode with a current collector, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte layer between them. To inhibit short circuits, a protective layer containing magnesium (Mg) is placed between the anode current collector and the solid electrolyte layer. This protective layer consists of a mixture layer containing Mg particles and a solid electrolyte material.

Abstract

A main object of the present disclosure is to provide an all solid state battery in which occurrence of short circuit is inhibited. The present disclosure achieves the object by providing an all solid state battery comprising an anode including at least an anode current collector, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte layer arranged between the anode and the cathode; wherein a protective layer containing Mg is arranged between the anode current collector and the solid electrolyte layer; and the protective layer includes a mixture layer including a Mg-containing particle containing the Mg, and a solid electrolyte.

NONAQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE SECONDARY BATTERY AND BATTERY PACK (18186213)

Inventor Takaaki IZUMOTO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery that consists of a nonaqueous electrolyte, a wound electrode assembly, and a battery case. The wound electrode assembly is made up of two flat surface parts and two R parts. When the wound electrode assembly is restricted by applying a pressure of 4.5 kN from the thickness direction, certain conditions need to be met. The outermost circumferential lengths of the R parts on a cross section perpendicular to the winding axis should be denoted as (mm), the outermost circumferential length of the cross section should be denoted as b (mm), the width of the positive electrode active material layer should be denoted as c (mm), and the height of the wound electrode assembly of the cross section should be denoted as d (mm). The conditions state that both 0.282<a/b and c/d<1.91 must be satisfied.

Abstract

The nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery herein disclosed includes a nonaqueous electrolyte, a wound electrode assembly, and a battery case accommodating them. The wound electrode assembly includes a pair of flat surface parts and a pair of R parts. In a state where 4.5 kN restriction pressure is added from a thickness direction so as to restrict the wound electrode assembly, when a total of outermost circumferential lengths of the pair of R parts of the wound electrode assembly on a cross section orthogonal to the winding axis of the wound electrode assembly is treated as a (mm), an outermost circumferential length of the cross section is treated as b (mm), a width of the positive electrode active material layer is treated as c (mm), and a height of the wound electrode assembly of the cross section is treated as d (mm), both 0.282<a/b and c/d<1.91 are satisfied.

ELECTROCHEMICAL OXYGEN REDUCTION CATALYST, AIR ELECTRODE, FUEL CELL AND METAL-AIR CELL (18174704)

Inventor Keiichi OKUBO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an electrochemical catalyst used for reducing oxygen, which includes metal particles with oxygen reduction activity and an additive. The additive is an organic nitrogen compound, and the ratio of its weight to the weight of the metal particles falls between 0 and 0.46.

Abstract

There is provided an electrochemical oxygen reduction catalyst containing metal particles having oxygen reduction activity and an additive, in which the additive is at least one organic nitrogen compound, and a ratio of a weight of the additive to a weight of the metal particles is more than 0 and less than 0.46.

ENERGY STORAGE MODULE (18158575)

Inventor Yuki OHIRA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an energy storage module that consists of multiple cells, two end plates, and a busbar module. The busbar module includes several busbars and a case to hold them. The case is made up of two end cases and a connection portion. The first end case connects with the first end plate, while the second end case is separate from the first case and connects with the second end plate. The connection portion between the two end cases includes an expandable portion that can expand in a specific direction.

Abstract

An energy storage module includes a plurality of cells, a first end plate, a second end plate, and a busbar module. The busbar module includes a plurality of busbars and a busbar case that holds the busbars. The busbar case includes a first end case, a second end case, and a connection portion. The first end case engages with the first end plate. The second end case is located to be separate from the first end case in the first direction, and engages with the second end plate. The connection portion connects the first end case and the second end case to each other. The connection portion includes a first expandable portion that is expandable in the first direction.

ELECTRIC MOTOR COOLING APPARATUS (18183526)

Inventor Hiroshi INANO

Brief explanation

This abstract describes an electric motor cooling apparatus that is used in vehicles. The apparatus is designed to cool down the electric motor, which is responsible for providing the driving force for the vehicle. The electric motor consists of a stator core and a stator coil wound around it. The cooling apparatus works by ejecting coolant towards the stator coil.

The cooling apparatus includes a cooling pipe that is positioned above the electric motor in a vertical line when the vehicle is in motion. This cooling pipe has an opening from which the coolant is ejected. Additionally, the apparatus includes an acceleration information acquisition part that detects or estimates the acceleration information of the vehicle. It also has a coolant flowrate regulation part that controls the flowrate of the coolant supplied to the cooling pipe.

One interesting feature of this cooling apparatus is that the ejection aperture of the cooling pipe can be adjusted to change the direction in which the coolant is ejected. This adjustment is based on the flowrate of the coolant. Overall, this cooling apparatus helps to maintain the optimal temperature of the electric motor, ensuring its efficient operation in the vehicle.

Abstract

An electric motor cooling apparatus applied to an electric motor mounted as a driving force source on a vehicle. The electric motor has a stator core and a stator coil wound around the stator core, the electric motor cooling apparatus ejects coolant toward the stator coil. The electric motor cooling apparatus comprises a cooling pipe disposed above the electric motor in direction of a vertical line in on-vehicle state. The cooling pipe has an ejection aperture from which the coolant is ejected. The electric motor cooling apparatus comprises an acceleration information acquisition part detecting or estimating acceleration information of the vehicle and a coolant flowrate regulation part regulating flowrate of the coolant supplied into the cooling pipe. The ejection aperture of the cooling pipe is formed to enable adjustment of ejection direction of the coolant ejected from the ejection aperture, depending on the flowrate of the coolant.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING STATOR (18188896)

Inventor Kazushi ONDA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a method and apparatus for manufacturing a stator, which is a component used in electric motors. The method involves holding an insulation sheet in a slot of the stator core using a pressing device. A segment of the coil is then inserted into the insulation sheet from one end of the stator core. Finally, the pressing device is retracted from the slot. The abstract also mentions the existence of an apparatus for carrying out this manufacturing process.

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a stator that includes a tubular-shaped stator core and a tubular-shaped coil. The method includes: (a) a holding step of holding an insulation sheet, which is disposed in a slot provided in the stator core, by causing a pressing device to press the insulation sheet against an inner surface of the slot in an axial end potion of the stator core; (b) an inserting step of inserting a segment portion of the coil to an inside of the insulation sheet from a side of the axial end potion of the stator core, in a position distant from the pressing device that presses the insulation sheet against the inner surface of the slot; and (c) a retracting step of retracting the pressing device by extracting the pressing device from the slot, after the inserting step. Also disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing the stator.

STATOR AND STATOR SEALING METHOD (18188913)

Inventor Jun KAWAKAMI

Brief explanation

This abstract describes a stator, which is a component of an electric motor. The stator consists of a cylindrical core with a coil wound around a tooth on the core. The stator is sealed with a resin material. The resin has a mark called a gate mark, which is located on one side of the coil in the radial direction of the stator core. The gate mark is also positioned on the outer side of the end face of the stator core in the axial direction. The gate mark overlaps with the coil in the radial direction.

Abstract

A stator comprises a cylindrical stator core centered on an axis, a coil arranged wound around a tooth disposed on the stator core, the tooth protrudes to one side in radial direction of the stator core, and the stator comprises a resin portion sealing up each of the stator core and the coil, the resin portion has a gate mark that lies on one side with respect to the coil in the radial direction of the stator core, the gate mark lies on outer side with respect to an end face of the stator core in the axial direction, the gate mark overlaps in position with the coil in the radial direction of the stator core.

DEMODULATING APPARATUS, BASE STATION AND DEMODULATING METHOD (18130113)

Inventor Kenichi TAKIZAWA

Brief explanation

The demodulating apparatus described in the abstract is designed to receive modulated radio signals from multiple transmission devices. It first demodulates a specific type of reception signal called DPSK-modulated signal. Then, it modulates the demodulation signals into modulation signals based on DPSK. Using the radio signal and the modulation signal, it estimates the amplitude and phase of the propagation signal on the path from the transmission device to the reception circuit. Based on these variables, it generates a simulated signal that mimics the first reception signal. It then extracts a signal obtained by canceling out this simulated signal from the radio signals. This process is repeated until the first demodulating is successfully achieved.

Abstract

The demodulating apparatus includes circuits of receiving modulated radio signals coming from a plurality of transmission devices, first demodulating a first reception signal DPSK-modulated among the radio signals, modulating demodulation signals into modulation signals based on DPSK, estimating an amplitude and a phase of a propagation signal on a propagation path leading to the reception circuit from the transmission device on the basis of the radio signal and the modulation signal, first generating, based on the variables, a first simulated signal simulating the first reception signal from the modulation signal, extracting a signal obtained by cancelling the first simulated signal from the radio signals, and repeating processes of the first demodulating, the modulating, the estimating, the first generating and the extracting to such a limit as to enable the first demodulating.

VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE, ABNORMALITY DETECTING METHOD, AND ABNORMALITY DETECTING PROGRAM (18042792)

Inventor Kazuki KITAGAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a method of synchronizing the time between two devices mounted in vehicles. The synchronization is based on the time it takes for data to travel between the devices. The device receiving the request for time information updates its propagation delay time and sends the updated time information to the other device. The device also has a detection unit that can identify any abnormalities related to time synchronization and gather information about those abnormalities.

Abstract

Time synchronization is performed between the vehicle-mounted device and another device that is another vehicle-mounted device based on a data propagation delay time between the vehicle-mounted device and the other device. The vehicle-mounted device includes: a processing unit configured to receive, from the other device, request information that requests time information used for updating the propagation delay time, and transmit the time information to the other device; and a detection unit configured to detect an abnormality related to time synchronization, and acquire information regarding the detected abnormality.

INSULATED COMMUNICATION SYSTEM (18187123)

Inventor YOSHIKAZU FURUTA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an insulated communication system that uses a communication controller to convert communication data into symbols using a numeral system. The system then uses an insulator to transmit these symbols. The numeral system consists of positive, negative, and zero states. The positive state is represented by positive integers, the negative state by negative integers, and the zero state by zero, which does not consume any current. The absolute values of the positive and negative integers are the same. The communication controller assigns the initial section of the communication data to either the positive or negative state and the following section to one of the multiple states.

Abstract

An insulated communication system includes a communication controller that sets communication data to a communication symbol through a numeral system and executes insulated communication through an insulator by adopting the communication symbol. The numeral system includes multiple states having a positive state, a negative state and a zero state. The positive state is represented by at least one positive integer, and the negative state is represented by at least one negative integer. The zero state is represented by zero being a level without generating current consumption. An absolute value of the at least one positive integer and an absolute value of the at least one negative integer are identical to each other. The communication controller sets an initial section of the communication data in the communication symbol to the positive state or the negative state, and sets a following section of the communication data to one of the multiple states.