AUTO-SEEK ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR A PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
First Claim
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1. A guidance system for a hybrid electric vehicle having a rechargeable battery coupled to an electric motor and power steering system, comprising:
- a stationary battery charging device that couples a vehicle charging connector of the hybrid electric vehicle to a power grid for recharging, the device transmitting position signals for the hybrid electric vehicle to automatically maneuver the vehicle charging connector into alignment with the battery charging device using the motor and power steering system.
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Abstract
An auto-seek operating mode for an electric vehicle adjusts the vehicle using a vehicle power steering system and a vehicle traction motor to move the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid to charge a vehicle traction battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments may be made using a controllable vehicle suspension system.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A guidance system for a hybrid electric vehicle having a rechargeable battery coupled to an electric motor and power steering system, comprising:
a stationary battery charging device that couples a vehicle charging connector of the hybrid electric vehicle to a power grid for recharging, the device transmitting position signals for the hybrid electric vehicle to automatically maneuver the vehicle charging connector into alignment with the battery charging device using the motor and power steering system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for guiding a hybrid electric vehicle having a rechargeable battery coupled to an electric motor and power steering system, comprising:
transmitting position signals between a stationary battery charging device and the vehicle so that the vehicle automatically maneuvers in response to the position signals to align a vehicle charging connector with a battery charging connector of the stationary battery charging device using the vehicle electric motor and the power steering system. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for controlling a battery-powered vehicle having an electric traction motor, power steering, adjustable suspension, and a charging connector, comprising:
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controlling the electric traction motor to incrementally advance position of the vehicle toward a stationary battery charging element; controlling the power steering to steer the vehicle toward the stationary battery charging element; and controlling the suspension to align the charging connector to the stationary battery charging element. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification