US 7,559,388 B2
Hybrid vehiclesGeneral
US 7,559,388 B2
Hybrid vehicles
Tech Center:
3600Â Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security and License and Review
Examiner:
Christopher P Ellis
Art Unit:
3618Â Surface Transportation
Agent:
Michael de Angeli
Inventors:
Alex J. Severinsky; Theodore Louckes
Assignee:
Priority:
09/14/98
Filed:
05/08/06
Granted:
07/14/09
Expiration:
08/16/21
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.
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
B60B60W2510/0633B60K2006/268B60L2240/443B60Y2300/18125B60T2270/604B60H1/3222B60WF02N2200/061F02M35/10157F02D41/0007F02B37/16F02NY02T10/7072Y02E60/10Y02A50/20Y02TH01M2220/20H01MY10S903/946Y10SF01N3/2013F01N