Hybrid vehicles
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle'"'"'s instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine'"'"'s maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine'"'"'s maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle'"'"'s load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.
-
Citations
40 Claims
-
1-16. -16. (canceled)
-
17. A hybrid vehicle, comprising:
-
a battery bank for storing and supplying electrical power, an internal combustion engine for applying torque to road wheels of said vehicle, at least one traction motor for applying torque to wheels of said vehicle, and a controller for controlling flow of torque between said engine, said at least one motor, and said wheels, and for controlling flow of electrical power between said battery bank and said at least one motor, wherein said controller controls operation of said motor and engine for propulsion of said vehicle responsive to predicted patterns of vehicle operation. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A method of operation of a hybrid vehicle, said vehicle comprising:
-
a battery bank for storing and supplying electrical power, an internal combustion engine for applying torque to road wheels of said vehicle, at least one traction motor for applying torque to wheels of said vehicle, and a controller for controlling flow of torque between said engine, said at least one motor, and said wheels, and for controlling flow of electrical power between said battery bank and said at least one motor, and wherein said method comprises the step of said controller controlling operation of said motor and engine for propulsion of said vehicle responsive to predicted patterns of vehicle operation. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
-
-
29. A hybrid vehicle, comprising:
-
a battery bank for storing and supplying electrical power, an internal combustion engine for applying torque to road wheels of said vehicle, at least one traction motor for applying torque to wheels of said vehicle, and a controller for predictively controlling flow of torque between said engine, said at least one motor, and said wheels, and for controlling flow of electrical power between said battery bank and said at least one motor, wherein said controller predictively controls operation of said motor and engine for propulsion of said vehicle responsive to anticipated patterns of vehicle operation. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
-
-
35. A method of operation of a hybrid vehicle, said vehicle comprising:
-
a battery bank for storing and supplying electrical power, an internal combustion engine for applying torque to road wheels of said vehicle, at least one traction motor for applying torque to wheels of said vehicle, and a controller for controlling flow of torque between said engine, said at least one motor, and said wheels, and for controlling flow of electrical power between said battery bank and said at least one motor, and wherein said method comprises the step of said controller predictively controlling operation of said motor and engine for propulsion of said vehicle responsive to anticipated patterns of vehicle operation. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
-
Specification