Hybrid vehicles
Filing Information
- Patent Number: US7392871
- Application Number: US11429446
- Filing date: 05/08/2006
- Issue date: 07/01/2008
- Prior Publication Data:
- US20060237247 - 10/26/2006
- Predicted expiration date: 03/09/2019
View assignee updates
analyzing 100 million+ documents to uncover your network...- U.S. Classifications: 180/652 · 180/233 · 180/658 · 903/941 · 180/653 ·
- International Classifications: B60W2000 ·
- Related U.S. Application Data:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 10/382,577 filed Mar. 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,347 which was a divisional application of Ser. No. 09/822,866 filed Apr. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,088, which was a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/264,817 filed Mar. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,672, issued Apr. 3, 2001, which in turn claimed priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/100,095, filed Sep. 14, 1998, and was also a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/392,743, filed Sep. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,391 issued Jan. 15, 2002, in turn claiming priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/122,296, filed Mar. 1, 1999.
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.References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
| Document Number | Assignees | Inventors | Issue/Pub Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE2517110 | FIAT SPA | Oct 1975 | |
| DE1905641 | DAIMLER BENZ AG | Jun 1976 | |
| DE19814402 | ISAD ELECTRONIC SYS GMBH & CO | Mar 1998 | |
| DE19838853 | AISIN AW CO | Aug 1998 | |
| EP136055 | Mar 1985 | ||
| EP0136055 | LUCAS INDUSTRIES public limited company | Mar 1985 | |
| EP510582 | Oct 1992 | ||
| EP0510582 | IVECO FIAT S.p.A. | Dec 1995 | |
| EP0743211 | TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA | May 1996 | |
| EP0769403 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Apr 1997 | |
| EP0839683 | TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA | Oct 1997 | |
| FR2419832 | BOCQUET LUCIEN | Mar 1978 | |
| JPS4849115 | Oct 1971 | ||
| JPS5030223 | Jul 1973 | ||
| JP4864626 | Sep 1973 | ||
| JP4929642 | Aug 1974 | ||
| JP51103220 | KUBOTA LTD | Feb 1975 | |
| JP51103220 | KUBOTA LTD | Aug 1976 | |
| JP5355105 | May 1978 | ||
| JP55069724 | HINO MOTORS LTD | Nov 1978 | |
| JP55110328 | CASIO COMPUT CO LTD | Aug 1980 | |
| JP5512722 | Oct 1980 | ||
| JPH564531 | Sep 1984 | ||
| JP62113956 | NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD | May 1987 | |
| JP3124201 | Oct 1989 | ||
| JP02101903 | Apr 1990 | ||
| JP04274926 | Feb 1991 | ||
| JP4297330 | TOYOTA MOTOR CORP | Mar 1991 | |
| JP3273933 | May 1991 | ||
| JP467703 | Mar 1992 | ||
| JP11082261 | AISIN AW CO LTD | Mar 1992 | |
| JP5319110 | AQUEOUS RES KK | May 1992 | |
| JP4244658 | HITACHI LTD | Sep 1992 | |
| JP4297330 | TOYOTA MOTOR CORP | Oct 1992 | |
| JP04341657 | NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD | Nov 1992 | |
| JP06080048 | AQUEOUS RES:KK | Nov 1992 | |
| JP06144020 | AQUEOUS RES:KK | Nov 1992 | |
| JP6245317 | TOYOTA MOTOR CORP | Feb 1993 | |
| JP06144020 | AQUEOUS RES:KK | May 1994 | |
| JP7172196 | GEN MOTORS CORP | Sep 1994 | |
| JP754983 | Feb 1995 | ||
| JP7268922 | SEKISUI HOUSE KK | Oct 1995 | |
| JP9170533 | TOYOTA MOTOR CORP | May 1996 | |
| JP8214592 | KANSAI ELECTRIC POWER CO | Aug 1996 | |
| JP1066383 | Mar 1998 | ||
| JP6382283 | Jun 1998 | ||
| JP11082260 | AISIN AW CO LTD | Mar 1999 | |
| JP11122712 | NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD | Apr 1999 | |
| WO198201170 | ANDERSSON AB CARL W | Apr 1982 | |
| WO199924280 | RENAULT | Nov 1997 |
Other Publications
| Published U.S. Appl. No. 2001/0037905, Nogi et al. Nov. 2001. |
| Published U.S. Appl. No. 2003/0085577 of Takaoka et al, May 8, 2003. |
| Mayrhofer et al “A Hybrid Drive Based on a Structure Variable Arrangement” (1994). |
| “Diesel-Electric VW”, Popular Science, Dec. 1990, p. 30. |
| “Electric Vehicles Only”, Popular Science, May 1991, pp. 76-81 and 110. |
| “Lightweight, High-Energy Lead/Acid Battery” NASA Tech Briefs, Apr. 1991, 22-24. |
| Yamaguchi et al, “Dual System - Newly Developed Hybrid System” (incomplete). |
| Takaoka et al “A High-Expansion- Ratio Gasoline Engine for the Toyota Hybrid System” Toyota Technical Review vol. 47, No. 2, Apr. 1998. |
| Sasaki et al, “Toyota's Newly Developen Electric-Gasoline Hybrid Powertrain System” (publication data not available). |
| Ehsani et al “Propulsion System Design of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles”, IEEE Trans. Ind. Elec., 44 1 (1997). |
| Ehsani et al, “Parametric Design of the Drive Train of an Electrically Peaking Hybrid (ELPH) Vehicle”, SAE paper 970294 (1997). |
| Yamaguchi et al, “Development of a New Hybrid Sytem - Dual System”, SAE papers 960231 (1996). |
| Simanaitis, “Electric Vehicles” , Road & Track, May 1992, pp. 126-136. |
| Reynolds,“AC Propulsion CRX”, Road & Track, Oct. 1992, pp. 126-129. |
| Kalberlah, “Electric Hybrid Drive Systems . . . ” SAE Paper No. 910247, 1991. |
| Bullock, “The Technological Constraints of Mass, Volume, Dynamic Power Range and Energy Capacity . . . ” SAE Paper No. 891659 1989. |
| Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology, vol. SP-915, SAE, Feb. 1992. |
| Wouk, “Hybrids: Then and Now”, IEEE Spectrum, vol. 32, Jul. 7, 1995. |
| Bates, “Getting a Ford HEV on . . . ”, IEEE Spectrum, vol. 32, Jul. 7, 1995. |
| King et al, “Transit Bus takes . . . ”, IEEE Spectrum, vol. 32, Jul. 7, 1995. |
| Yamaguchi, “Toyota readies gasoline/electric hybrid system”, Automotive Engineering, Jul. 1997, pp. 55-58. |
| Wilson, “Not Electric, Not Gasoline . . . ” Autoweek, Jun. 2, 1997, pp. 17-18. |
| Bulgin, “The Future Works, Quietly”, Autoweek, Feb. 23, 1998 pp. 12-13 “Toyota Electric and Hybrid Vehicles”, a Toyota brochure. |
| Nagasaka et al, “Development of the Hybrid/Battery ECU . . . ”, SAE paper 981122, 1998, pp. 19-27. |
| Trial and deposition transcripts of witnesses relied upon to assert invalidity of parent patents in Civil Docket No. 2:04-CV-211-DF (E.D. Texas). |
| Claim construction order entered Sep. 28, 2005 in Civil Docket No. 2:04-CV-211-DF (E.D. Texas). |
| Toyota Hybrid System, Toyota Press Information, Tokyo, 1997. |
| Prius Hybrid EV, Toyota brochure, undated. |
| Miller et al, “Starter-Alternator for Hybrid Electric Vehicle . . . ” (1996). |
| Johnston et al, “The Design and Development of the [UC Davis] . . . ” (No date). |
| Johnston et al, “The Design and Development of the [UC Davis] . . . ” (1997). |
| Alexander et al, “A Mid-Sized Sedan Design for High Fuel . . . ” (No date). |
| “PRIUS New Car Features”, (Toyota manual) (1998). |
| TRW Systems Group, “Analysis and Advanced Design Study . . . ” (1971). |
| Gelb, “An Electromechanical Transmission for Hybrid Vehicle . . . ” (1971). |
| Hirose et al, “The New High Expansion Ratio Engine . . . ” (1997). |
| Hong, “Toyota's Hybrid Program”, Road & Track,Aug. 1997. |
| Law, “Toyota Tech ”, Car & Driver, Aug. 1997. |
| “The Dual-Engine Fuel Saver ”, Popular Mechanics, Jul. 1997. |
| “Toyota Launches Break-Through Hybrid EV”, Motor Trend, Sep. 1977. |
| “Toyota touts advances in safety, emissions ”, Automotive News, Apr. 28, 1997. |
| “'96 North Wind Performance”, undated. |
| Wakefield, “History of the Electric Automobile - Hybrid Electric Vehicles” (1998). |
| “Escort 92-94”, undated. |
| “Near-Term Hybrid Vehicle Program”, General Electric Company (1979). |
| “Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Safety”, SAE J2344 (1998). |
| “Intrepid”, (undated). |
| “COE's Team Paradigm challenged to build FutureCar” (1995). |
| Butler et al, “A Versatile Computer Simulation Tool . . . ” SAE 970199 (1997). |
| Crumbley, “Hybrid vehicle designed”, (1994). |
| Brokaw, “Students Pick up the Challenge”, (1997). |
| Cuddy et al, “Analysis of the Fuel Economy Benefit . . . ” SAE 970289 (1997). |
| “Team Paradigm Shines in FutureCar Competition” (1996). |
| Takaoka et al, “Study of the Engine Optimized for Hybrid System” (undated). |
| Gelb et al, “Cost and Emission Studies of a Heat Engine/Battery . . . ” (1972). |
| Gelb et al, “Design and Performance Characteristics . . . ” SAE 690169 (1969). |
| “Electric/Hybrid Vehicles: Alternative Powerplants . . . ” SAE SP-1284 (1987). |
| “Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Design Studies ”, SAE SP-1243 (1997). |
| Gelb, “The case for Constant Speed Accessory Drives”, (1975). |
| Sasaki, “Toyota's Newly Developed Hybrid Powertrain”, (1998). |
| “Near-Term Hybrid Vehicle Program, Phase 1”, General Electric Co. (1979). |
| “Near-Term Hybrid Vehicle Program, Phase 1, App. A. ”, Gen'l Elec. (1979). |
| Joint Feasibility Study of Hybrid Vehicle, Final Report (1982). |
| North American Technology Seminar plans, Apr. 1997. |
| Hermance, THS Technical Explanation (undated). |
| “Toyota” brochure describing Prius (undated). |
| Hermance, “Toyota Hybrid System” (undated). |
| Winkelman et al, SAE paper 730511, “Computer Simulation . . . ” (1973). |
| Berman et al, IEEE VT-23, No. 3, pp. 61-72 “Propulsion Systems . . . ” (1974). |
| Berman SPC-TUE-2 “Battery Powered Regenerative SCR Drive ” (1970). |
| Gelb et al, “Performance Analyses . . . ” ACS pub (1972), pp. 977-988. |
| Berman SPC-TUE-1 “Design Considerations . . . ” (1971). |
| Berman SPC-TUE-2 “All Solid State Method . . . ” (1971). |
| Minorikawa et al, “Current Status and Future Trends . . . ” (Undated). |
| Baum et al, “Semiconductor Technologies . . . ” (Undated). |
| Chen “Automotive Electronics in the Year 2000. . . ” (Apparently 1992). |
| Brusaglino, SAE paper 910244 “Electric Vehicle Development . . . ” (1991). |
| Anderson et al, SAE paper 910246 “Integrated Electric . . . ” (1991). |
| Burke, SAE paper 911914 “Battery Availability for Near-Term . . . ” (1991). |
| Chang, IEEE AES Magazine (1993) “Recent Developments of Electric . . ”. |
| Kamiyama et al, IEEE 0-7803-0582-5 (1992) “Application Trends . . . ”. |
| Sen, IEEE Trans. Ind. Elec. (1990) “Electric Motor Drives. . . ”. |
| Wang et al, PCSC '71 Record, “Analysis of SCR Chopper Drive” (1971). |
| EPRI Report TR-101264 Assessment of Electric Motor Technology (1992). |
| Berman et al, SAE paper 720111 “Electric Car Drives . . . ” (1972). |
| Gelb et al, “The Application of Solid Electrolyte Batteries . . . ”(Undated). |
| Miller, “Integrated Power Module Requirements for Automotive . . . ”(Undated). |
| Vukosavic et al, IEEE Trans. Ind. App. “SRM Inverter Topologies . . . ”(1991). |
Referenced By
| Document Number | Assignee | Inventors | Issue/Pub Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US7605493 | Joseph P. Boudreaux | Joseph P. Boudreaux | Oct 2009 |
| US7496435 | Aisin AW Co., Ltd. | Ken Iwatsuki et al. | Feb 2009 |
| US7591749 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. | John A. Diemer et al. | Sep 2009 |
Patent Family
| Document Number | Assignee | Inventors | Issue/Pub Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US20060100057 | PAICE LLC | Alex Severinsky et al. | May 2006 |
| US20060231304 | PAICE LLC | Alex Severinsky et al. | Oct 2006 |
| US20060231306 | PAICE LLC | Alex Severinsky et al. | Oct 2006 |
| US20060231305 | PAICE LLC | Alex Severinsky et al. | Oct 2006 |
| US20060237246 | PAICE LLC | Alex Severinsky et al. | Oct 2006 |
| US20060237247 | PAICE LLC | Alex Severinsky et al. | Oct 2006 |
| US7237634 | PAICE LLC | Alex J. Severinsky et al. | Jul 2007 |
| US7392871 | Paice LLC | Alex J. Severinsky et al. | Jul 2008 |
| US7455134 | Paice LLC | Alex J. Severinsky et al. | Nov 2008 |
Independent Claims | See all claims (23)
- 1. A hybrid vehicle, comprising: at least two pairs of wheels, each pair of wheels operable to receive power to propel said hybrid vehicle; a first alternating current (AC) electric motor, operable to provide power to a first pair of said at least two pairs of wheels to propel said hybrid vehicle; a second alternating current (AC) electric motor, operable to provide power to a second pair of said at least two pairs of wheels to propel said hybrid vehicle a third AC electric motor; an engine coupled to said third electric motor, operable to provide power to at least one of said two pairs of wheels to propel the hybrid vehicle, and/or to said third electric motor to drive the third electric motor to generate electric power; a first alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter having an AC side coupled to said first electric motor, operable to accept AC or DC current and convert the current to DC or AC current respectively; a second alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter having an AC side coupled to said second electric motor, operable to accept AC or DC current and convert the current to DC or AC current respectively; a third alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter coupled to said third electric motor, at least operable to accept AC current and convert the current to DC; an electrical storage device coupled to a DC side of said AC-DC converters, wherein the electrical storage device is operable to store DC energy received from said AC-DC converters and provide DC energy to at least said first and second AC-DC converters for providing power to at least said first and second electric motors; and a controller, operable to start and stop the engine to minimize fuel consumption.
- 13. A method of control of a hybrid vehicle, said vehicle comprising: at least two pairs of wheels, each pair of wheels operable to receive power to propel said hybrid vehicle; a first alternating current (AC) electric motor, operable to provide power to a first pair of said at least two pairs of wheels to propel said hybrid vehicle; a second alternating current (AC) electric motor, operable to provide power to a second pair of said at least two pairs of wheels to propel said hybrid vehicle a third AC electric motor; an engine coupled to said third electric motor, operable to provide power to said at least two wheels to propel the hybrid vehicle, and/or to said third electric motor to drive the third electric motor to generate electric power; a first alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter having an AC side coupled to said first electric motor, operable to accept AC or DC current and convert the current to DC or AC current respectively; a second alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter having an AC side coupled to said second electric motor, operable to accept AC or DC current and convert the current to DC or AC current respectively; a third alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter coupled to said third electric motor, at least operable to accept AC current and convert the current to DC; an electrical storage device coupled to a DC side of said AC-DC converters, wherein the electrical storage device is operable to store DC energy received from said AC-DC converters and provide DC energy to at least said first and second AC-DC converters for providing power to at least said first and second electric motors; and a controller, operable to start and stop the engine to minimize fuel consumption; wherein relative amounts of power directed to said first and second pairs of wheels by the first and second electric motors, respectively, are controlled by said controller.
- 22. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, comprising: operating a first alternating current (AC) electric motor comprised in the hybrid vehicle to propel the hybrid vehicle, comprising: providing direct current (DC) from an electrical storage device to a DC side of a first alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter; the first AC-DC converter converting the DC to AC; providing the AC to the first AC electric motor to drive the AC electric motor; and providing power to a first pair of wheels of the hybrid vehicle in response to said step of providing the AC to the first AC electric motor; starting and operating an engine comprised in the hybrid vehicle to propel the vehicle and/or drive a second AC electric motor comprised in the hybrid vehicle to generate electric power, comprising providing power to the at least two wheels and/or the second AC electric motor respectively; converting the generated electric power from AC to DC using a second AC-DC converter; storing the converted electric power in the electrical storage device, wherein the electrical storage device is coupled to a DC side of the second AC-DC converter; and operating a third AC electric motor to provide power to a second pair of wheels of the hybrid vehicle to propel the hybrid vehicle.
