Volvo Trucks Patente

A computer system (17) comprising processing circuitry (19) configured to provide, in response to an indication (21) that, for a vehicle combination (1) comprising a tractor (3) having a front axle (7), a first rear axle (9), and a second rear axle (11) longitudinally further away from the front axle (7) than the first rear axle (9) is, and a trailer (5) coupled to the tractor (3) with a fifth-wheel coupling (13), a risk of jack-knifing is higher than a predefined threshold risk, an instruction (31) to operate at least one actuator (15) comprised in the tractor (3) to redistribute a total axle load of the tractor (3) in such a way that a first rear axle load on the first rear axle (9) of the tractor (3) is decreased and a second rear axle load on the second rear axle (11) of the tractor (3) is increased.

The disclosure relates to a battery cell stack assembly (1), comprising: - at least one battery cell stack (21-24), - a cooling plate member (4) for cooling the at least one battery cell stack (21-24), and wherein the at least one battery cell stack (21-24) comprises at least one vapor chamber (5) configured to transfer heat between a plurality of prismatic battery cells (3) of the battery cell stack (21-24) and the cooling plate member (4). The disclosure also relates to a battery pack (100) and a vehicle (200).

The disclosure relates to a battery pack (4), the battery pack (4) comprising a plurality of battery layers (6) stacked on top of each other, wherein a respective battery layer of at least a first and a second adjacently stacked battery layer (61, 62) of the plurality of battery layers (6) comprises: - a plurality of cell stacks (8), each comprising a plurality of battery cells (9) stacked together, - a base plate (10), wherein the plurality of cell stacks (8) are arranged on the base plate (10), - a frame arrangement (12), mechanically connected to the base plate (10), and enclosing the plurality of cell stacks (8). The disclosure also relates to a vehicle (2).

A computer-implemented method for detection of ground surface height variation in a vicinity of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises acquiring (by processing circuitry of a computer system) measured backscatter from a radar transceiver mounted on the vehicle and directed at the ground surface, comparing (by the processing circuitry) the measured backscatter to expected ground surface backscatter according to a current vehicle motion, and detecting (by the processing circuitry) a ground surface height variation responsive to a difference between the expected ground surface backscatter and the measured backscatter satisfying a detection criterion. In some examples, the difference may indicate one or more of: a distance from the radar transceiver to the ground surface height variation, and an angular orientation relative the radar transceiver of the ground surface height variation. Corresponding computer system, vehicle, computer program product, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Automatic turn signal cancellation for vehicle lane changes based on monitored vehicle position in driving lanes. The automatic turn signal cancellation system includes a computer system configured to cancel turn signaling for completed vehicle lane changes based on rate of change of vehicle position from a current driving lane (302) to a new driving lane (304) (i.e., lane change rate 524) using monitoring vehicle position relative to driving lanes. The automatic turn signal cancellation system determines start of vehicle lane change rate (524) based on monitoring vehicle position relative to the current driving lane (302). The automatic turn signal cancellation system then determines vehicle lane change rate (524) to the new driving lane (304) based on monitoring vehicle position relative to the new driving lane (304). As the lane change is completed, the lane change rate (524) to the new driving lane stabilizes, which is then used to detect lane change completion to cancel turn signaling.

A computer system (200) for adaptive state-of-charge (SoC) window control is provided, including processing circuitry (210) configured to: obtain a minimum required usable energy value (220) for an electric energy storage system (ESS, 240); obtain indications (230) of uncertainties for ESS usable energy estimation associated with at least one of i) aging of the ESS, ii) usage of the ESS, and iii) measurement errors of one or more parameters of the ESS; adapt, based on the indicated uncertainties, the minimum required usable energy value to a most likely minimum required usable energy value and/or a range of minimum required usable energy values for the ESS; define a SoC window for the ESS to match the most likely minimum required usable energy value and/or a value within the range of minimum required usable energy values, and control a discharging and/or charging (260) of the ESS in accordance with the SoC window.

The invention relates to a cargo bike (1), with a longitudinal orientation (X), comprising:- a steerable front wheel (4) located at a front section (2) of the cargo bike (1), a first rear wheel (8) and a second rear wheel (9) located at a rear section (3) of the cargo bike (1), a chassis (10) being configured to support loads (11) placed at the rear section (3),- a first drive motor mechanically coupled to the first rear wheel (8) and built into the first rear wheel (8), and a second drive motor mechanically coupled to the second rear wheel (9) and built into the second rear wheel (9),- at least one pedal (7), and an electric generator connected mechanically with said at least one pedal (7) and configured to generate power when said at least one pedal (7) is actuated,- at least one electric assistance battery (12) for powering the first drive motor and the second drive motor,- an electronic power unit for controlling the powering of the first drive motor and the second drive motor by the electric generator and by the at least one electric assistance battery, and- a rear suspension system (13) comprising for each rear wheel (8, 9) a damping element and a cylinder for adjusting the height of a lateral part of the chassis (10), each cylinder being controlled by a control system to adjust the position of the chassis (10).

The present disclosure relates to a transmission arrangement comprising an input shaft configured to be connected to an electric traction motor, a first countershaft and a second countershaft, each of the first and second countershafts being drivingly connected to the input shaft, wherein each of the first and second countershafts comprises a respective first and second countershaft gearwheel, a differential gear arrangement connected to an output shaft of the transmission arrangement, and a clutch arranged concentrically to the differential gear arrangement, wherein the transmission arrangement is configured to assume a first gear state in which the clutch connects the first countershaft gearwheel of each of the first and second countershafts to the differential gear arrangement, and a second gear state in which the clutch connects the second countershaft gearwheel of each of the first and second countershafts to the differential gear arrangement.

A computer system (700) comprising processing circuitry (702) configured to handle a lighting system (1) of a vehicle (2) is provided. The lighting system comprises at least two redundant component groups (4) each comprising a respective plurality of light sources (5) and each being powered by a respective separate power source (6). The processing circuitry is further configured to: obtain diagnosis data of the lighting system, which diagnosis data is indicative of a status of the at least two redundant component groups in comparison with a predeterminable safety model; and in response to the diagnosis data indicating a fault or risk of fault associated with at least a first (41) of the at least two redundant component groups, reconfigure the lighting system to utilize at least a first (42, 43) of the at least two redundant component groups not associated with said fault or risk of fault.

The disclosure relates to a battery pack (1), wherein the battery pack (1) comprises a plurality of battery layers (11-14) arranged on top of each other in the height direction (H), and wherein each battery layer (11-14) of at least two adjacent battery layers of the plurality of battery layers (11-14) comprises:- a plurality of battery cells (2) arranged in battery cell rows,- a base plate member (4) with a support surface (41), and- a frame arrangement (5) mechanically connected to the base plate member (4). The disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising a battery pack (1).

The disclosure relates to a battery pack (4) comprising a battery pack layer (6), the battery pack layer (6) comprising:- a base plate (8), comprising a first support surface (10) facing away from the base plate (8) in a first direction (d1) along a third axis (z), and further comprising a second support surface (12) facing away from the base plate (8) in a second direction (d2) which is opposite to the first direction (d1),- a first battery stack layer (14), arranged on the first support surface (10),- a second battery stack layer (16), arranged on the second support surface (12),- a frame arrangement (18), mechanically connected to the base plate (8), and enclosing the first and second battery stack layers (14, 16). The disclosure also relates to a vehicle (2).

A computer system (11) comprising processing circuitry (13) configured to: receive a set of indications, including an indication (15) of a torque (T) provided to an S-cam (29) of a drum brake (7), and an indication (17) of an angular displacement (β) of the S-cam (29) resulting from the provided torque (T); determine, based on the set of indications, that the torque (T) is higher than a predefined threshold torque (T_TH) indicating contact between a brake lining (33a-b) of a brake shoe (31a-b) actuated by the S-cam (29) and an inner surface (37) of a brake drum (35), and the angular displacement (β) resulting from the provided torque (T) is less than a predefined threshold angular displacement ((β_TH) expected to result in contact between the brake lining (33a-b) and the inner surface (37) of the brake drum (35); and provide a signal (19) indicating that the drum brake (7) may have been overadjusted.

A high voltage junction box, comprising: a housing having a plurality of sides forming a frame; a plurality of high voltage connectors provided at one or more of said sides; at least one frame-shaped main busbar arranged inside the housing, wherein each of the at least one frame-shaped main busbar extends along each of said sides; and a plurality of electrical conductors arranged to connect the at least one frame-shaped main busbar to the high voltage connectors.

An ignition system (10) including an injection member (20) configured to deliver fuel to an ignition zone (140) within a combustion chamber, an ignition element (40) configured to ignite fuel within the ignition zone, and a control unit (60) configured to operate the injection member and the ignition element in a first ignition phase including ignition of a first delivery of fuel provided to the combustion chamber by the injection member and a second ignition phase including ignition of a second delivery of fuel provided to the combustion chamber by the injection member.

The present disclosure relates to a vibration control arrangement (300) for a vehicle component (200), comprising:- a mass member (301) having a mass member centre of gravity (301'),- a mass member connector (302), wherein a first mass member connector portion (303) of the mass member connector (302) is adapted to be connected to a portion of the vehicle component (200) whereby the mass member (301) is connected to the portion of the vehicle component (200) via at least a portion of the mass member connector (302), and- a distance adjuster (304) adapted to vary an effective distance (L) between the first mass member connector portion (303) and the mass member centre of gravity (301') along the mass member connector (302) to thereby vary a natural frequency of the vibration control arrangement (300).

A towed vehicle detection apparatus for a towing vehicle includes a hose coupling for a hose for supplying pressurized air from the towing vehicle to brakes of the towed vehicle, a sensor configured to detect a physical position of the hose coupling relative to the towing vehicle, and a computer system configured to detect whether the towed vehicle is attached to the towing vehicle based on a signal from the sensor regarding the physical position of the hose coupling. A towing vehicle with a towed vehicle detection apparatus and a method for detecting whether a towed vehicle is attached to a towing vehicle are also provided.

A computer system (1) and a method for controlling a fuel cell system (5) comprising a power conversion and distribution circuitry (3) configured to convert and deliver electric power generated by the fuel cell system to an electric energy storage system (30) and to a power consumer (40). The method comprises:- monitoring an operating voltage of the fuel cell system and/or of the electric energy storage system,- monitoring a temperature of the power conversion and distribution circuitry,- detecting that the monitored operating voltage is below a nominal operating voltage of the fuel cell system, and that the monitored temperature is within a defined temperature range above a nominal temperature of the power conversion and distribution circuitry, and in response thereto temporarily controlling the fuel cell system in a first operating mode, enabling power delivery in accordance with a power request from the power consumer.

A computer system (1) and method for controlling a power system (2) comprising a fuel cell system (5) in which a power conversion and distribution circuitry (3) is configured to convert and deliver electric power to an electric energy storage system (30) and to a power consumer (40). The method comprises:- predicting a power request for power delivery from the fuel cell system,- monitoring operating voltage of the power system,- detecting an upcoming event during which a power capability of the fuel cell system is expected to be insufficient to deliver power in accordance with the power request,- determining if a selection criterion for selecting a first operating mode is fulfilled, in which a temporarily increased output current from the fuel cell system is enabled to comply with the predicted power request, and- activating the first operating mode when the selection criterion is fulfilled.

A bracket assembly for mounting of at least one component to a vehicle structure (4), comprising: an interface bracket arrangement (110) for attachment to the vehicle structure (4), comprising a stopping member (113), a component mounting bracket arrangement (120) for attaching at least a first component, comprising a first hook (121b) and a second hook (122), and being configured to be brought to a fixed state by attaching it to the interface bracket arrangement by fasteners, and to be brought to a tiltable state by releasing the fasteners, wherein, in the tiltable state, the first hook is configured to engage with the vehicle structure to enable tilting of the component mounting bracket arrangement relative to the interface bracket, wherein the second hook engages with the stopping member during the tilting of the component mounting bracket arrangement to hold it in a fixed intermediate tilt position defined by the second hook.

An electrical component box for a heavy-duty vehicle, comprising a bottom floor, a first panel and a second panel, which together, at least partly, define an internal space configured to house electrical components. The electrical component box also comprises a pivotable panel configured to support a plurality of electrical components. The pivotable panel has a closed position and an open position, A locking mechanism is configured to lock the pivotable panel in said closed position by securing the pivotable panel to the first panel and the second panel, thereby causing the pivotable panel to contribute in absorbing load exerted on at least one of the first and second panel, and preventing the pivotable panel from pivoting. Unlocking the pivotable panel, by the locking mechanism, allows the pivotable panel to be pivoted from the closed position to the open position.

A computer system (100) for controlling a power usage of a traction electric machine (104) of a vehicle (202), the computer system comprising processing circuitry (102) configured to: predict a power profile (127) for an upcoming route section (204, 220); determine a thermal buffer (116) of a component or subsystem (118) of the vehicle (202) that is available before a thermal limit (115) is reached, the component or subsystem is associated with a usage restriction due to increased power usage of a driveline (119) of the vehicle, determine a constant power level (124) of the traction electric machine for the upcoming route section based on the thermal buffer and the predicted power profile for the upcoming route section that allows an increase in temperature of the component or subsystem without exceeding the thermal limit while travelling through the upcoming route section, and provide an output message (C) indicating the constant power level.

A method and control system for a fuel cell system for a fuel cell vehicle comprising the fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell stack, and a cooling system. Processing circuitry of the control system may be configured to, for each fuel cell system power output in a plurality of fuel cell system power outputs, determine a cooling electrical power value indicative of cooling electrical power required to be supplied by the fuel cell system to the cooling system for rejecting output heat generated at least by the fuel cell system, determine a net electric power output value indicative of net electric power output that can be supplied from the fuel cell system to one or more electric power consumers when operating to produce the fuel cell system power output, and using the net electric power output value for determining a fuel cell system output level threshold for the fuel cell system.

A system and method of controlling operation of a fuel cell vehicle comprising a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack. The method comprises obtaining route data of a route for the vehicle that comprises at least one section of the route wherein switching from a hot operating mode to a normal operating mode can be performed; when a state of health (SoH) of the fuel cell stack is within a target SoH and the vehicle assumes the hot operating mode, controlling the vehicle to either assume the normal operating mode or remain operating in the hot operating mode during the section of the route, based on an expected degradation of the fuel cell stack due to switching between the hot and normal operating modes and an expected degradation of the fuel cell stack due to the vehicle remaining operating in the hot operating mode when passing the section of the route.

A system and method for controlling transition of a fuel cell vehicle from a normal operating mode to a hot operating mode when a power demand from a fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle increases. The method comprises determining a required value of a traction power from the fuel cell system for the fuel cell vehicle; determining a net electric power output value of the fuel cell system based on a fuel cell system power output and a cooling electrical power value; and controlling the fuel cell vehicle to transition from the normal operating mode to the hot operating mode by increasing the net electrical power output from a first fuel cell system output level threshold level to a second fuel cell system output level threshold level beyond which an increase in the fuel cell power output results in a decrease in the net electric power output value.

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle cab body (20), comprising a firewall structure (30) dividing the vehicle cab body into a cabin side (40) and an engine side (50), the vehicle cab body comprising a vehicle thermal system (100), comprising a refrigerant system (200), comprising a first refrigerant circuit (202), a second refrigerant circuit (204), a third refrigerant circuit (206), a refrigerant compressor (210), and a four-way valve (212), wherein each one of the first, second and third refrigerant circuits is arranged in fluid communication with the refrigerant compressor via the four-way valve, and a refrigerant bulkhead (500) connected to the firewall structure (30), wherein the first refrigerant circuit, the second refrigerant circuit, and the third refrigerant circuit are integrated in the refrigerant bulkhead, the four-way valve (212) being mounted to the refrigerant bulkhead (500) on the engine side, and wherein the refrigerant compressor (210) is arranged external to the refrigerant bulkhead.

The present disclosure relates to a brake drum, comprising a brake drum wall extending in a circumferential direction and in an axial direction, the brake drum wall extending in the axial direction from a first axial end of a first axial end portion to a second axial end of a second axial end portion of the brake drum, the brake drum wall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the brake drum wall has a wall thickness in a radial direction between the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the brake drum comprises a plurality of cooling channels arranged internally between the inner and outer surfaces, each one of the cooling channels extends in the axial and circumferential directions between an inlet at the first axial end portion and an outlet at the second axial end portion.

A safety system (10) configured for use on a vehicle (100) including a sensor unit (40) configured to detect an object (300) at a location surrounding the vehicle and to transmit a detection signal corresponding to detection of the object at a location surrounding the vehicle; and a control unit (20) configured to operate the ride height adjustment system of the vehicle, the control unit being configured to process a ride height adjustment demand to transition at least a portion of the vehicle between at least a first position and a second position and to receive the detection signal transmitted by the sensor unit; wherein the control unit is configured to suppress the ride height adjustment demand in response to the detection signal received from the sensor unit.

A measurement device (100) for determining the conductivity of a coolant in a liquid cooling system is provided. The measurement device comprises a reference resistance (Rk) arranged in parallel with a fluid path (26) of a coolant conduit (22) of the liquid cooling system (20); a voltage sensor (110) configured to measure a voltage (V2) across the reference resistance (Rk); and a control unit (120) configured to: obtain the voltage (V2) from the first voltage sensor (110); obtain a primary voltage (V1) across a primary fluid path (25) of the coolant conduit (22) of the liquid cooling system (20); and determine the conductivity of the coolant based on the voltage (V2), the primary voltage (V1), and the reference resistance (Rk).

The present disclosure relates to a computer system and a computer-implemented method for issuing control data for controlling a power system (200) of a vehicle (100). The method comprising:- identifying (S1) a driving event and power demand,- obtaining (S2) power system operating information, comprising operating temperatures, of each one of the first and second electric motors (201) (202), and determining (S2) a temperature difference indicative of a difference between the first and the second electric motors' operating temperatures,- in response to the identified power demand being below a power demand threshold level, determining (S3) that a condition for the single-motor operating mode is fulfilled,- on the basics of the temperature difference, selecting an electric motor amongst the first and second electric motors (201) (202) to be connected to the drive shaft (205) for the single motor operating mode, and- issuing (S5) the control data to control the power system (200) to be operated under the single-motor operating mode.

A system and method for controlling transition of a fuel cell vehicle from a normal operating mode to a hot operating mode comprising a fuel saving operating mode. The method comprises determining a required value of a traction power from the fuel cell system for the fuel cell vehicle; determining a net electric power output value of the fuel cell system based on a fuel cell system power output and a cooling electrical power value; and controlling the fuel cell vehicle to transition from the normal operating mode to the hot operating mode via a first transition mode or via a second transition mode so that the net electric power output value is equal to the required value of the traction power and a coolant inlet temperature at a coolant inlet of a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle is equal to a hot coolant temperature.

A computer system (700) for a vehicle combination (10) comprising a truck (12) and at least one trailer (14a, 14b) comprising processing circuitry (702) is provided. The processing circuitry (702) is configured to: obtain information pertaining to a current truck drive mode (110) from the truck (12), determine a suitable trailer drive mode (120), wherein the suitable trailer drive mode (120) is determined among a plurality of predefined trailer drive modes (121 - 138), wherein the determination is based on the obtained current truck drive mode (110); and set the at least one trailer (14a, 14b) in the determined trailer drive mode (120).

Present disclosure relates to a battery system comprising a battery pack comprising an inlet and an outlet connected to the inlet, the battery system further comprising a controllable pressure reducing device connected to the outlet of the battery pack for decreasing the internal pressure of the battery pack by controlling the gas discharge from the battery pack through the outlet.

Present disclosure relates to a space compensating system for a battery unit comprising one or more cell arrays and a housing, the one or more cell arrays being arranged in said housing, the space compensating system comprising a plate arranged on a first cell array of the one or more cell arrays, and one or more adjustable elements configured to be adjustably mounted to the housing of the battery unit, wherein the one or more adjustable elements each has an end portion adapted to adjustably engage the plate for adjusting a pressure exerted by the plate onto the cell array for clamping the one or more cell arrays against the housing.

Present disclosure relates to a computer system (700) comprising processing circuitry (702) configured to: obtain temperature data (T) comprising a temperature (T1, T2, T3) at a first input port (131), a second input port (132) and an output port (133) connected to the first and second input port (131, 132) of a liquid cooling system (100), obtain flow distribution data comprising a flow distribution value indicative of the flow from the first and second input port (131, 132) at the output port (133), determine an expected temperature (TE1, TE2, TE3) at the first input port (131), the second input port (132) and the output port (133) based on the flow distribution value and the temperature data (T), determine an expected flow distribution based on the temperature data (T), and provide control data for control of the liquid cooling system (100).

A method and a tooling for dismounting a cassette seal (32) having a radially inner ring (34) mounted on a rotative shaft (12) and a radially outer ring (38) mounted in a receiving static bore (24), characterized in that the method (100) for dismounting said cassette seal (32) includes at least:- a pressing step comprising displacing a first of said radially inner and outer rings (34, 38) with respect to its respective cylindrical support surface (36, 40), along a first axial direction along the main axis (A1);- an extraction step, subsequent to the pressing step, comprising displacing the second of said radially inner and outer rings (34, 38) with respect to its respective cylindrical support surface (36, 40), along a second axial direction opposite to said first axial direction along the main axis (A1).

A kit (30) of parts for simplified assembly of a heavy vehicle (1), the kit (30) of parts comprising: a first part (11) including an alignment member (15) pivotable around a pivot axis (19), a circumference of the alignment member (15) around the pivot axis (19) having a first portion (21) with a first surface profile and a second portion (23) with a convex second surface profile; and a second part (12) including an alignment structure (17) having a first portion (25) with a first surface profile being complementary to the first surface profile of the first part (11), and a second portion (27) with a convex second surface profile being arranged and configured to make point contact with the second portion (23) of the alignment member (15), when the first portion (25) of the alignment structure (17) is aligned with the first portion (21) of the alignment member (15).

This disclosure relates to a computer system (800) for handling a reference parameter from a controller (105), wherein the reference parameter is associated with operation of a machine (103) arranged to be controlled by the controller (105). The computer system (800) comprising processing circuitry (802) configured to: • receive the reference parameter from the controller (105); • determine an output parameter based on the reference parameter; • compare the determined output parameter with an output parameter limit; and to • when a result of comparison indicates that the determined output parameter exceeds the output parameter limit, determine a new output parameter based on the reference parameter and a present availability of a resource at the controller (105).

A computer system and a method for controlling longitudinal movement of an ego vehicle, such as during travel behind a preceding vehicle, the method comprising: controlling (301) the longitudinal movement of the ego vehicle according to a first operating mode by sending acceleration requests to a propulsion system and/or a brake system, each acceleration request defining a set acceleration, determining (302) that a predefined low-speed condition applies, controlling (303) the longitudinal movement according to a second operating mode in response to the determining of the predefined low-speed condition by sending at least one distance request to the propulsion system and/or the brake system, each distance request defining a set longitudinal distance that the ego vehicle is to move from a current position of the ego vehicle.

A computer system comprising processing circuitry is provided. The computer system is configured to: obtain a chassis voltage (V1) between a first traction voltage pole (A) and a chassis (P) of a vehicle (1); obtain a scheduled switching time (Ts) to switch from the first traction voltage pole (A) to the second traction voltage pole (B) in order to measure the chassis voltage (V2) between the second traction voltage pole (B) and the chassis (P) of the vehicle (1); determine a disturbance on the first or second voltage pole; adjust the scheduled switching time (Ts) and/or a corrective algorithm; and obtain a chassis voltage (V2) between the second traction voltage pole (B) and the chassis (P) of the vehicle (1) based on the adjusted scheduled switching time (Ts) and/or the corrective algorithm.

A battery housing (100) for a vehicle, the battery housing comprising: a plurality of battery cells (102) arranged in at least one row, each battery cell comprising a vent (104) arranged on a top side of the battery cell and configured to release gas and particles; a venting channel (106) running circumferentially around the plurality of battery cells, the venting channel being closed in a first end (108), forming a first portion (110) of the venting channel adjacent to the first end, and having an opening (112) in a second end (114), forming a second portion (116) of the venting channel on an opposite side of the battery cells from the first portion of the venting channel, to enable unidirectional flow of gas in the venting channel; a top structure (118) dividing the battery cells into compartments (120), each compartment being open towards the first portion of the circumferential venting channel and closed towards the second portion of the circumferential venting channel; and a plurality of particle trapping structures (122a-b) arranged in the venting channel, the particle trapping structures being configured to trap particles in a gas flow comprising gas and particles.