(12) United States Patent
`
`Severinsky et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`Sep. 12, 2006
`
`US007l04347B2
`
`HYBRID VEHICLES
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Alex J. Severinsky, Washington, DC
`(US); Theodore Louckes, Holly, MI
`(US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Paice LLC, Boca Raton, FL (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. l54(b) by 263 days.
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(60)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Appl. No.: 10/382,577
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 7, 2003
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2003/0217876 A1 Nov. 27, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Division of application No. 09/822,866, filed on Apr. 2,
`2001, now Pat. No. 6,554,088, which is a continuation-in-
`part of application No. 09/392,743, filed on Sep. 9, 1999,
`now Pat. No. 6,338,391, which is a continuation-in-part of
`application No. 09/264,817, filed on Mar. 9, 1999, now Pat.
`No. 6,209,672.
`Provisional application No. 60/122,296, filed on Mar. 1,
`1999, and provisional application No. 60/100,095, filed on
`Sep. 14, 1998.
`Int. Cl.
`
`B60K 6/02
`
`(2006.01)
`
`...................... .. 180/65.2; 180/65.4; 701/54
`U.S. CI.
`Field of Classification Search .............. .. 180/65.2,
`180/65.3, 65.4, 65.8, 165; 60/706, 711, 716,
`60/718; 290/17, 40 R, 40 C; 322/16; 477/2,
`477/3; 701/54
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`913,846 A
`1,824,014 A
`2,666,492 A
`
`3/1909 Pieper
`9/1931 Froelich
`1/1954 Nims et al.
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`
`2517110
`1905641
`19814402
`19838853
`136055
`0136055
`510582
`0510582
`0743211
`0769403
`
`10/1975
`6/1976
`3/1998
`8/1998
`3/1985
`3/1985
`10/1992
`12/1995
`5/1996
`4/1997
`
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`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 .
`No. 910247, 1991.
`
`. ”, SAE Paper
`
`.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner—David R. Durm
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—MichaeI de Angeli
`
`(57)
`
`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 efiiciency, typically only
`when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine’s
`maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbo-
`charger 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 mecha-
`nism is provided to control the brake system to provide
`linear brake feel under varying circumstances.
`
`(Continued)
`
`41 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`"J*—
`\NVEl'LTEVL/
`1/;
`CHAREER
`
`.
`BATEEIZY
`BKNK
`
`
`
`X
`\\~NEKTER/ MCHNZ£aE\'L
`
`
`
`
`MR
`
`61
`
`40
`
`ENGINE
`
`THROTTLE
`
`75$ .—— FUEL
`
`
`ENGINE SPEED
`AUZELERM\ON
`M0101?. $PEED
`OPERKYUK
`DIRECT\0N
`}Dk'U\\NPL\T
`BKT TERY VOLTAGE
`COMMKNBS
`DELELERAT\ON
`BMTERV C\—\|\lZGE
`CRU\":E MODE
`AMBIENT TEMP.
`
`
`
`Page 1 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 1 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,211,249
`3,454,122
`3,502,165
`3,525,874
`3,566,717
`3,620,323
`3,623,568
`3,650,345
`3,699,351
`3,719,881
`3,732,751
`3,753,059
`3,790,816
`3,791,473
`3,837,419
`3,874,472
`3,888,325
`3,904,883
`3,923,115
`3,970,163
`4,042,056
`4,090,577
`4,095,664
`4,099,589
`4,126,200
`4,148,192
`4,165,795
`4,180,138
`4,187,436
`4,216,684
`4,233,858
`4,269,280
`4,287,792
`4,305,254
`4,306,156
`4,313,080
`4,331,911
`4,335,429
`4,351,405
`4,354,144
`4,400,997
`4,405,029
`4,407,132
`4,411,171
`4,416,360
`4,438,342
`4,439,989
`4,444,285
`4,470,476
`4,495,451
`4,511,012
`4,533,011
`4,562,894
`4,578,955
`4,583,505
`4,588,040
`4,591,016
`4,592,454
`4,593,779
`4,597,463
`4,611,466
`4,631,456
`4,646,896
`4,674,280
`4,680,986
`4,697,660
`4,753,078
`4,762,191
`4,765,656
`4,774,811
`
`>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>l>>>>>>>>>>>l>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
`
`10/1965
`7/1969
`3/1970
`8/1970
`3/1971
`11/1971
`11/1971
`3/1972
`10/1972
`3/1973
`5/1973
`8/1973
`2/1974
`2/1974
`9/1974
`4/1975
`6/1975
`9/1975
`12/1975
`7/1976
`8/1977
`5/1978
`6/1978
`7/1978
`11/1978
`4/1979
`8/1979
`12/1979
`2/1980
`8/1980
`11/1980
`5/1981
`9/1981
`12/1981
`12/1981
`1/1982
`5/1982
`6/1982
`9/1982
`10/1982
`8/1983
`9/1983
`10/1983
`10/1983
`11/1983
`3/1984
`4/1984
`4/1984
`9/1984
`1/1985
`4/1985
`8/1985
`1/1986
`4/1986
`4/1986
`5/1986
`5/1986
`6/1986
`6/1986
`7/1986
`9/1986
`12/1986
`3/1987
`6/1987
`7/1987
`10/1987
`6/1988
`8/1988
`8/1988
`10/1988
`
`Papst
`Grady, Jr.
`Matsukata
`Toy
`Berman et al.
`Maeda
`Mori
`Yardney
`Addie
`Shibata et al.
`Berman et al.
`Berman
`Berman
`Rosen
`Nakamura
`Deane
`Reinbeck
`Horwinski
`Helling
`Kinoshita
`Horwinski
`Moore
`Bray
`Williams
`Miller et al.
`Cummings
`Lynch et al.
`Shea
`Etienne
`Hagin et al.
`Rowlett
`Rosen
`Dailey
`Kawakatsu
`Monaco et al.
`Park
`Park
`Kawakatsu
`Fields et al.
`McCarthy
`Fiala
`Hunt
`Kawakatsu
`Fiala
`Fiala
`Kenyon
`Yamakawa
`Stewart et al.
`Hunt
`Barnard
`Rauneker
`Heidemeyer
`Yang
`Medina
`Frank et al.
`Albright, Jr. et al.
`Matthews
`Michel
`Krohling
`Barnard
`Keedy
`Drescher et al.
`Hammond et al.
`Stuhr
`Elsner
`Wu et al.
`Gardner
`Hagin et al.
`Becker et al.
`Kawamura
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`Page 2
`
`4,815,334
`4,862,009
`4,923,025
`4,951,769
`4,953,646
`5,000,003
`5,053,632
`5,081,365
`5,117,931
`5,120,282
`5,125,469
`5,141,173
`5,172,784
`5,176,213
`5,193,634
`5,212,431
`5,242,335
`5,249,637
`5,253,929
`5,255,733
`5,258,651
`5,264,764
`5,283,470
`5,291,960
`5,301,764
`5,318,142
`5,323,688
`5,323,868
`5,326,158
`5,327,987
`5,327,992
`5,336,932
`5,337,848
`5,343,970
`5,345,154
`5,345,761
`5,346,031
`5,350,031
`5,371,412
`5,372,213
`5,384,521
`5,403,244
`5,406,126
`5,412,251
`5,412,293
`5,415,245
`5,415,603
`5,427,196
`5,428,274
`5,433,282
`5,441,122
`5,457,363
`5,463,294
`5,473,228
`5,476,151
`5,489,001
`5,492,189
`5,492,190
`5,492,192
`5,495,906
`5,495,907
`5,495,912
`5,497,941
`5,513,718
`5,513,719
`5,515,937
`5,539,318
`5,545,928
`5,547,433
`5,549,524
`5,550,445
`
`>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
`
`3/1989
`8/1989
`5/1990
`8/1990
`9/1990
`3/1991
`10/1991
`1/1992
`6/1992
`6/1992
`6/1992
`8/1992
`12/1992
`1/1993
`3/1993
`5/1993
`9/1993
`10/1993
`10/1993
`10/1993
`11/1993
`11/1993
`2/1994
`3/1994
`4/1994
`6/1994
`6/1994
`6/1994
`7/1994
`7/1994
`7/1994
`8/1994
`8/1994
`9/1994
`9/1994
`9/1994
`9/1994
`9/1994
`12/1994
`12/1994
`1/1995
`4/1995
`4/1995
`5/1995
`5/1995
`5/1995
`5/1995
`6/1995
`6/1995
`7/1995
`8/1995
`10/1995
`10/1995
`12/1995
`12/1995
`2/1996
`2/1996
`2/1996
`2/1996
`3/1996
`3/1996
`3/1996
`3/1996
`5/1996
`5/1996
`5/1996
`7/1996
`8/1996
`8/1996
`8/1996
`8/1996
`
`Lexen
`King
`Ellers
`Kawamura
`Kim
`Wicks
`Suzuki et al.
`Field et al.
`Nishida
`Fjallstrom
`Scott
`Lay
`Varela, Jr.
`Kawai et al.
`Masut
`Origuchi et al.
`Kutter
`Heidl et al.
`Ohori
`King
`Sherman
`Kuang
`Hadley et al.
`Brandenburg et al.
`Gardner
`Bates et al.
`Walker
`Kawashima
`Ohori
`Abdelmalek
`Boll
`Barske
`Bader
`Severinsky .............. .. 180/65.2
`King
`King et al.
`Gardner
`Sugiyama et al.
`Iwashita et al.
`Hasebe et al.
`Coe
`Tar1kersley
`Hadley et al.
`Furutani
`Minesawa et al.
`Hammond
`Tuzuki et al.
`Yamaguchi et al.
`Furutani et al.
`Moroto et al.
`Yoshida
`Yoshii et al.
`Valdivia
`Nii
`Tsuchida et al.
`Yang
`Kreigler et al.
`Yoshida
`Brooks et al.
`Furutani
`Data
`Gray, Jr. et al.
`Numazawa et al.
`Suzuki et al.
`Moroto et al.
`Adler et al.
`Sasaki
`Kotani
`Yang
`Yang
`Nii
`
`Page 2 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 2 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`Page 3
`
`5,558,173 A
`5,558,175 A
`5,558,588 A
`5,558,595 A
`5,562,565 A
`5,562,566 A
`5,565,711 A
`5,566,774 A
`5,568,023 A
`5,569,995 A
`5,570,615 A
`5,586,613 A
`5,588,498 A
`5,589,743 A
`5,608,308 A
`5,614,809 A
`5,621,304 A
`5,623,194 A
`5,632,352 A
`5,635,805 A
`5,637,977 A
`5,637,987 A
`5,643,119 A
`5,644,200 A
`5,650,713 A
`5,650,931 A
`5,653,302 A
`5,656,921 A
`5,660,077 A
`5,664,635 A
`5,667,029 A
`5,669,842 A
`5,672,920 A
`5,675,203 A
`5,675,222 A
`5,678,646 A
`5,679,087 A
`5,680,050 A
`5,685,798 A
`5,691,588 A
`5,697,466 A
`5,698,905 A
`5,698,955 A
`5,704,440 A
`5,705,859 A
`5,713,425 A
`5,713,426 A
`5,713,427 A
`5,713,814 A
`5,714,851 A
`5,722,502 A
`5,722,911 A
`5,725,064 A
`5,755,302 A
`5,755,303 A
`5,757,151 A
`5,767,637 A
`5,771,478 A
`5,773,904 A
`5,775,449 A
`5,778,326 A
`5,778,997 A
`5,785,136 A
`5,785,137 A
`5,785,138 A
`5,786,640 A
`5,788,003 A
`5,788,004 A
`5,788,006 A
`5,788,597 A
`5,789,823 A
`
`9/1996 Sherman
`9/1996 Sherman
`9/1996 Schmidt
`9/1996 Schmidt et a1.
`10/1996 Moroto et a1.
`10/1996 Yang
`10/1996 Hagiwara
`10/1996 Yoshida
`10/1996 Grayer et a1.
`10/1996 Kusaka et al.
`11/1996 Westphal et a1.
`12/1996 Ehsani
`12/1996 Kitada
`12/1996 King
`3/1997 Kiuchi et a1.
`3/1997 Kiuchi et a1.
`4/1997 Kiuchi et a1.
`4/1997 Boll
`5/1997 Jearmeret et a1.
`6/1997 Ibaraki et a1.
`6/1997 Saito et a1.
`6/1997 Fattic et a1.
`7/1997 Yamaguchi et a1.
`7/1997 Yang
`7/1997 Takeuchi et a1.
`7/1997 Nii
`8/1997 Edye et a1.
`8/1997 Farrall
`8/1997 Nekola
`9/1997 Koga et a1.
`9/1997 Urban et a1.
`9/1997 Schmidt
`9/1997 Donegan et a1.
`10/1997 Schulze et a1.
`10/1997 Fliege
`10/1997 Fliege
`10/1997 Lutz
`10/1997 Kawai et a1.
`11/1997 Lutz
`11/1997 Lutz
`12/1997 Moroto et a1.
`12/1997 Ruthlein et a1.
`12/1997 Nii
`1/1998 Urban et a1.
`1/1998 Karg et a1.
`2/1998 Buschhaus et al.
`2/1998 Okamura
`2/1998 Lutz
`2/1998 Hara et a1.
`2/1998 Antony et a1.
`3/1998 Kubo
`3/1998 Ibaraki et a1.
`3/1998 Ibaraki et a1.
`5/1998 Lutz
`5/1998 Yamamoto et al.
`5/1998 Donegan et a1.
`6/1998 Lansberry
`6/1998 Tsukamoto
`6/1998 Schiebold et a1.
`7/1998 Moroto et a1.
`7/1998 Moroto et a1.
`7/1998 Setaka et a1.
`7/1998 Falkenmayer et al.
`7/1998 Reuyl
`7/1998 Yoshida
`7/1998 Sakai et a1.
`8/1998 Spiers
`8/1998 Friedmann et a1.
`8/1998 Yamaguchi et a1.
`8/1998 Boll et a1.
`8/1998 Sherman
`
`........... .. 180/65.2
`
`5,789,877 A
`5,789,881 A
`5,789,882 A
`5,789,935 A
`5,791,426 A
`5,791,427 A
`5,799,744 A
`5,801,497 A
`5,804,947 A
`5,806,617 A
`5,816,358 A
`5,818,116 A
`5,820,172 A
`5,823,280 A
`5,823,281 A
`5,826,671 A
`5,831,341 A
`5,833,022 A
`5,833,570 A
`5,839,530 A
`5,839,533 A
`5,841,201 A
`5,842,534 A
`5,844,342 A
`5,845,731 A
`5,846,155 A
`5,847,469 A
`5,851,698 A
`5,856,047 A
`5,856,709 A
`5,862,497 A
`5,865,263 A
`5,873,426 A
`5,875,691 A
`5,883,484 A
`5,883,496 A
`5,887,670 A
`5,887,674 A
`5,890,470 A
`5,890,555 A
`5,893,895 A
`5,895,100 A
`5,895,333 A
`5,898,282 A
`5,899,286 A
`5,904,631 A
`5,905,360 A
`5,907,191 A
`5,908,077 A
`5,909,720 A
`5,914,575 A
`5,915,488 A
`5,915,489 A
`5,923,093 A
`5,924,395 A
`5,927,415 A
`5,927,417 A
`5,928,301 A
`5,929,594 A
`5,931,271 A
`5,934,395 A
`5,935,040 A
`5,943,918 A
`5,944,630 A
`5,947,855 A
`5,951,115 A
`5,951,118 A
`5,951,614 A
`5,964,309 A
`5,967,940 A
`5,969,624 A
`
`........ .. 180/65.2
`
`8/1998 Yamada et a1.
`8/1998 Egami et a1.
`8/1998 Ibaraki et a1.
`8/1998 Suga et a1.
`8/1998 Yamada
`8/1998 Yamaguchi et a1.
`9/1998 Yamaguchi et al.
`9/1998 Shamoto et a1.
`9/1998 Nii et a1.
`9/1998 Yamaguchi et al.
`10/1998 Adler et a1.
`10/1998 Nakae et a1.
`10/1998 Brigham et a1.
`10/1998 Lateur ...................... .. 80/65.2
`10/1998 Yamaguchi et a1.
`10/1998 Nakae et a1.
`11/1998 Selfors et a1.
`11/1998 Welke
`11/1998 Tabata
`11/1998 Dietzel
`11/1998 Mikami et a1.
`11/1998 Tabata et a1.
`12/1998 Frank ...................... .. 180/65.2
`12/1998 Miyatani et a1.
`12/1998 Buglione et a1.
`12/1998 Taniguchi et a1.
`12/1998 Tabata
`12/1998 Reichmann et a1.
`1/1999 Venkatesan et a1.
`1/1999 Ibaraki et a1.
`1/1999 Yano et a1.
`2/1999 Yamaguchi et a1.
`2/1999 Tabata
`3/1999 Hata
`3/1999 Akao
`3/1999 Esaki et a1.
`3/1999 Tabata et a1.
`3/1999 Gray
`4/1999 Woon
`4/1999 Miller
`4/1999 Ibaraki
`4/1999 Ito et a1.
`4/1999 Morisawa
`4/1999 Drozdz et a1.
`5/1999 Yamaguchi et a1.
`5/1999 Morisawa et al.
`5/1999 Ukita
`5/1999 Sasaki et a1.
`6/1999 Moore
`6/1999 Yamaoka et a1.
`6/1999 Sasaki
`6/1999 Fliege
`6/1999 Yamaguchi
`7/1999 Tabata
`7/1999 Moriya et al.
`7/1999 Ibaraki et a1.
`7/1999 Brunner et a1.
`7/1999 Soga et a1.
`7/1999 Nonobe et a1.
`8/1999 Haka
`8/1999 Koide et a1.
`8/1999 Tabata et a1.
`8/1999 Reed, Jr. et al.
`8/1999 Omote
`9/1999 Weiss
`9/1999 Sakai et a1.
`9/1999 Soejima
`9/1999 Tabata
`10/1999 Kimura et a1.
`10/1999 Yamaguchi et a1.
`10/1999 Sakai et a1.
`............... .. 340/636
`
`.......... .. 180/65.6
`
`............. .. 180/65.2
`
`Page 3 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 3 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`Page 4
`
`10/1999 Smith
`10/1999 Walker
`10/1999 Taga, deceased et al.
`10/1999 Okuda etal.
`11/1999 Kaiser
`11/1999 Lawrie
`11/1999 Tabata et 31.
`11/1999 Saleckeretal.
`11/1999 Morisawa
`11/1999 Otomo et a1.
`
`11/ 1999 WW9“
`11/1999 Ymmda 9131'
`
`6,232,733 B1
`6,232,748 B1
`5,247,437 B1
`6,253,865 B1
`5,258,001 B1
`5,250,544 131
`6,265,692 B1
`5,278,195 B1
`:1
`1
`1
`6,291,953 B1
`6,300,735 B1
`6,306,057 B1
`
`5/2001 Obayashi et 211.
`5/2001 Kinoshita et a1.
`5/2001 Yamaguchi 61 €11,
`7/2001 Suzuki
`7/2001 Wa1<u1a
`_
`7/2001 01511
`7/2001 Umebayah-1 et al.
`872991 Y"1“‘1g1‘1%°h1 61131
`E5331 2:99 19”‘
`9/2001 Lovatt et al.
`10/2001 Stemler
`10/2001 Morisawa
`
`............. .. 477/5
`
`............. .. 701/102
`
`~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 180/552
`
`.............. .. 477/15
`
`11/ 1999 A1100111 01111
`11/ 1999 L11W110 01111
`11/1999 Deguchi 61 al.
`12/1999 Nagae et al.
`12/1999 Ibaraki et al.
`12/1999 Sasaki 6131.
`12/1999 Salecker et al.
`12/ 1999 L0W110 01111
`12/1999 011111111111
`12/1999 1V1atS11l Gt
`12/ 1999 T111<11111111101111~
`1/2000 Tsuzuki et al.
`1/2000 Ega.II1l €131.
`2/2000 L11W110 01111
`2/2000 A0Y1111111_1°~1*11~
`3/2000 Yamazakl et al.
`3/2000 Y_11111=1111101111~
`4/2000 Fle1C1 I
`4/2000 Hat_t0r1eta1.
`4/2000 K011100101~
`................ .. 477/5
`4/2000 Kltada et al.
`4/2000 Frank ........................ .. 322/16
`5/2000 M01010 01111
`5/2000 80111111111-1311101<011
`5/2000 Nagano et al.
`5/2000 T111011111111
`5/2000 Harada etal.
`6/2000 Oyama
`6/2000 Maeda etal.
`6/2000 Kojima etal.
`6/2000 Tabata et al.
`7/2000 Maeda et al.
`7/2000 Nakajima
`8/2000 Ibarakietal.
`8/2000 Murata etal.
`8/2000 Nedungadietal.
`9/2000 Frank
`9/2000 Morisawa
`9/2000 Otsu etal.
`9/2000 Saito
`10/2000 Kanai
`10/2000 Nii etal.
`10/2000 Yamaguchietal.
`11/2000 Minowa
`11/2000 Kashiwase
`12/2000 Nagano et 211.
`12/2000 Tabata
`12/2000 Reinbold et al.
`12/2000 Kanamorietal.
`1/2001 Bullock
`1/2001 Oba et 211.
`2/2001 Tabata etal.
`2/2001 Deguchietal.
`3/2001 Nitta
`3/2001 Kinoshita et 211.
`4/2001 Severinsky
`5/2001 Kinoshita et 211.
`5/2001 Bower et al.
`
`6,315,068 B1 * 11/2001 Hoshiya etal.
`6,317,665 B1
`11/2001 Tabata etal.
`6,318,487 B1
`11/2001 Yanase et
`6,321,150 B1
`11/2001 Nina
`6,328,122 B1
`12/2001 Yanlada
`6,328,670 B1
`12/2001 Minowa
`6,328,671 B1
`12/2001 Nakajinla
`6,330,498 B1 * 12/2001 Tamagawa et a1.
`6,332,257 B1
`12/2001 Reed, Jr. et al.
`6,334,498 B1
`1/2002 Morisawa
`6,338,391 B1
`1/2002 Severinsky etal.
`6,340,339 B1
`1/2002 Tabata
`6,344,008 B1
`2/2002 Nagano
`6,357,541 B1
`3/2002 Matsuda et al.
`6,359,404 B1 *
`3/2002 Sugiyama etal.
`6,387,007 B1
`5/2002 Fini
`6,394,209 B1
`5/2002 Goehring et :11.
`6,435,296 B1
`8/2002 Arai
`6,470,983 B1 >I< 10/2002 Amano et 31.
`6,481,516 B1
`11/2002 Field etal.
`6,563,230 B1
`5/2003 Nada
`6,592,484 B1
`7/2003 Tsai
`2001/0037905 A1
`11/2001 Nogi et al.
`2003/0085577 A1
`5/2003 Takaoka etal.
`
`.......... .. 180/65.2
`
`......... .. 701/22
`
`........ .. 318/432
`
`........... N 180/652
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`FR
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`0839683
`2419832
`s4849115
`s5030223
`4864626
`4929642
`5110322
`51103220
`5355105
`55069724
`55110328
`H564531
`62113956
`6382283
`3124201
`04274926
`429733
`3273933
`467703
`5319110
`4244658
`4297330
`06080048
`06144020
`6245317
`7172196
`754983
`7268922
`9170533
`8214592
`1066383
`
`10/1997
`3/1978
`10/1971
`7/1973
`9/1973
`8/1974
`2/1975
`8/1976
`5/1978
`11/1978
`8/1980
`9/1984
`5/1987
`6/1988
`10/1989
`2/1991
`3/1991
`5/1991
`3/1992
`5/1992
`9/1992
`10/1992
`11/1992
`11/1992
`2/1993
`9/1994
`2/1995
`10/1995
`5/1996
`8/1996
`3/1998
`
`5,971,088 A
`5,971,092 A
`5,973,460 A
`5,973,463 A
`5,979,158 A
`5,979,257 A
`5,982,045 A
`5,983,740 A
`5,984,034 A
`5,984,432 A
`
`519891379 A
`519881397 A
`
`5,993,159 A
`5,993,350 A
`5,993,351 A
`5,996,347 A
`6,003,626 A
`6,005,297 A
`6,006,149 A
`5,005,520 A
`5,007,443 A
`6,007,451 A
`5,009,355 A
`6,018,198 A
`6,018,694 A
`5,019,598 A
`5,025,921 A
`6,032,753 A
`5,041,877 A
`6,044,922 A
`6,048,289 A
`5,053,841 A
`6,053,842 A
`6,054,844 A
`R1335578 E
`5,059,059 A
`6,059,064 A
`5,054,151 A
`6,067,801 A
`6,070,680 A
`6,074,321 A
`6,077,186 A
`6,081,042 A
`6,087,734 A
`6,090,007 A
`6,098,733 A
`6,109,025 A
`6,110,066 A
`6,116,363 A
`6,119,799 A
`6,123,163 A
`6,123,642 A
`6,131,538 A
`6,131,680 A
`6,135,914 A
`6,142,907 A
`6,146,302 A
`6,155,364 A
`6,158,541 A
`6,161,384 A
`6,166,499 A
`6,170,587 B1
`6,176,807 B1
`6,183,389 B1
`6,190,282 B1
`6,203,468 B1
`6,204,636 B1
`6,209,672 B1
`6,225,784 B1
`6,231,135 B1
`
`Page 4 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 4 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`Page 5
`
`JP
`JP
`JP
`W0
`WO
`W0
`
`11082260
`11082261
`11122712
`W0 820117
`8201170
`W0 9924280
`
`3/1999
`3/1999
`4/1999
`4/1982
`4/1982
`11/1997
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Bullock, “The Technological Constraints of Mass,Volume,
`Dynamic Power Range and Energy Capacity .
`.
`. ” SAE
`Paper No. 891659 198.
`Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology, vol. SP—915, SAE,
`Feb. 1992.
`
`.
`
`. ”. IEEE Spectrum, vol. 32,
`
`.
`
`. ”. IEEE Spectrum, vol.
`
`Wouk, “Hybrids: Then and Now”, IEEE Spectrum, vol. 32,
`Jul. 7, 1995.
`Bates, “Getting a Ford HEV on .
`32, Jul. 7, 1995.
`King et al, “Transit Bus takes .
`Jul. 7, 1995.
`Yamaguchi, “Toyota readies gasoline/electric hybrid sys-
`tem”, 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.
`Published application US 2001/0037805, Nogi et al, Nov.
`2001.
`
`Published patent application US 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.
`78-81 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 Developed Electricflasoline
`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 System—
`Dual System”, SAE papers 960231 (1996).
`Winkelman et al, SAE paper 730511, “Computer Stimula-
`tion....” (1973).
`Berman et al., lEEE 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.
`
`. ” (1971).
`.
`Berman SPC—TUE—1 “Design Considerations. .
`Berman SPC—TUE—2“ All Solid State Method .
`.
`.
`.
`. ”
`
`(1971).
`
`Page 5 of 54
`
`Minorikawa et al, “Current Status and Future Trends. .
`(Undated).
`. ” (Undated).
`Baum et al. “Semiconductor Technologies. .
`Chen “Automotive Electronics in the Year 2000.
`.
`. ”
`
`. ”
`
`.
`
`(Apparently 1992).
`Brusaglino, SAE paper 910244 “Electric Vehicle Develop-
`ment. .
`. ” (1991).
`Anderson et al, SAE paper 910246 “lntegrated Electric. .
`”(1991).
`Burke, SAE paper 911914 “Battery Availability for
`Near—Term.
`.
`. ” (1991).
`Chang, lEEE AES Magazine (1993) “Recent Developments
`of Electric .
`.
`. ”
`
`.
`
`Kamiyama et al, lEEE 0—7803—0582—5 (1992) “Application
`Trends. .
`.
`. ”.
`
`IEEE Trans.
`Sen,
`Drives. .
`. ”
`
`lnd. Elec.
`
`(1990) “Electric Motor
`
`lnd. App. “SRM lnverter
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Wang et al, PCSC ’71 Record, “Analysis of SCR Chopper
`Drive” (1971).
`EPRl Report TR—101264 Assessment of Electric Motor
`Technology (1992).
`Berman et al, SAE paper 720111 “Electric Car Drives. .
`” (1972).
`“The Application of Solid Electrolyte
`al,
`Gelb
`et
`. ” (Undated).
`Batteries. .
`Miller, “lntegrated Power Module Requirements for Auto-
`motive. .
`. ” (Undated).
`Vukosavic et al,
`IEEE Trans.
`Topologies. .
`. ” (1991).
`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£V—211—DF (E.D. Texas).
`Toyota Hybrid System, Toyota Press lnforrnation, Tokyo,
`1997 Prius Hybrid EV, Toyota brochure, undated.
`Miller
`et
`al,
`“Starter—Altemator
`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 Designed for High—
`Fuel...” (No date).
`“PRlUS 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 Ration Engine...”
`(1997).
`Hong, “Toyota’s Hybrid Program”, Road & Track, Aug.
`1997.
`
`Law, “Toyota Tech ”, Car & Driver, Aug. 1997.
`“Dual—Engine Fuel Saver”, Popular Mechanics, Jul. 1997.
`“Toyota Launches Break—Through Hybrid EV”, Motor
`Trend, Sep. 1997.
`“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.
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 5 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`Page 6
`
`“Near—Term Hybrid Vehicle Program”, General Electric
`Company (1979).
`“Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Safety”, SAE J2344 (1998).
`“lntrepid”, (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 (1997).
`
`and Hybrid Vehicle Design Studies”, SAE
`“Electric
`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’1 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).
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Page 6 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 6 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`F/6. 1’
`
`(PRIOR ART)
`
`CONSUMPT \ON
`
`65o
`
`
`
`
`
`3o
`
`POWERONTHEENEANES¥<U\FT,(HP) T55
`
`1 ,000
`
`1,000
`
`‘
`
`4,000
`3,000
`euexue SPEED (RPM)
`
`/476. 2
`
`
`
`MASUMUM ENC-a\NE
`‘POWER
`
`mama
`so opemmue
`POW er: \
`
`'20
`
`
`
`POWERONweenemaSHN’-T,(HP)
`
`3,000
`1,000
`Eueme SPEED, (RPM)
`
`4.000
`
`Page 7 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 7 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`me
`
`
`
`m.fixux
`
`Page 8 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 8 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`abuzz45.054507rauwrgm
`
`
`
`5&5rum?/_m
`
`aiwvwzewi
`
`owwomdoV05owwmmm2,0zw
`
`zoE§5wd,4
`
`\
`
`
`
`@005mmawa
`
`
`
`Z0,..r,4dwJ.wumo0014$28
`
`
`
`20,Umdaaoidmao
`
`u:.\+.Hwd.
`.-.wfioE802H
`we.do»A1man
`
`Emwm
`
`
`
`
`
`-___.._
`
`_
`
`u-—-i|.|u—-ul
`I4
`IUIIIIIIll!III-IIUIII!I>IlIVllIKIlIAUI|l1IH1 I.
`
`
`Z 1I
`
`IdwfizzuI\uwEw>z,
`
`
`>EF4m§wEw>z_V.W\U\
`
`
`
`~55:
`
`2956:.me
`
`Z.
`
`xz4m5923
`
`.2.Q
`
`am
`
`\
`
`92\m.9~55:ow_mozfimdrm0
`
`13
`
`u:
`
`Page 9 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 9 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`M330
`
`uobqumzao
`
`‘.02m:330,
`
`E338
`
`rEd,3o¢
`
`Page 10 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 10 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`/-76' 6
`
`Rom LOAD 05% 09
`
`ENGANE Er esmerw
`opetmxou
`
`enema TORQUE
`
`
`
`EMERGENCY ouur
`operzmou
`
`ENG\NE ONLY
`
`OPERAUON
`
`\
`
`
`
`
`BmER?/ uumx uxseuekeeo
`
`ENC:\NE. RUNN\NC-1,
`
`
`
`
`
`PK RL 3 30°/o OF
`ENC:\\~\E MTG
`
`gxpgfi: 0;.
`C\-VXRC-1E
`
`T0 O-\NlG:E BKYTETLY
`
`
`
`
`
` .0
`
`
`
`‘ C
`
`RPM
`
`Page 11 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 11 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`4|.ne4|.aP«MU
`
`0
`
`mS
`
`U
`
`2B7434,0
`
`M
`
`M,3:;.31.5&8wagerMmzazw
`.123.\.£95.,29.
`
`GK6%
`
`
`>dm.5.4wmwin6%
`fiummvU.....§45..6ma5.mxz/5
`
`H,533
`S333mzazu
`
`DRwmx
`
`Page 12 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 12 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`S”U
`
`4|.n64|.a
`
`Mmn,m
`
`H
`
`SU
`
`2B743,
`
`P.
`
`
`
`sEuS§E8.
`
`GKfix
`
`____
`
`mm.7unnu-.7
`
`.ERSK
`
`3m9<\§\3x
`
`7,CK.w\\
`
`W.Emszmzoux
`
`Page 13 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 13 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 8 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`MODE 1
`
`ELEC.TR\C (Mi
`0 MODE EX,
`EMERGENCY)
`
`'58
`
`MODE [1
`
`LOW spear:
`OPERKHON ¢
`BATTERY
`'cm>.Reme
`
`MODE W
`H \C:\-KW AY
`
`CRU\S\NG
`
`Mooev
`ACC.F;L'\':Rl-\T\0N,
`PP\SS\N.G ,
`\\\\.\. £\.\v\B\ NE
`
`
`
`38
`
`Page 14 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 14 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 9 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`FM. 9
`
`ST ART
`
`
`
`CLUTCH
`
`D\SENC:A(:ED
`7
`
`
` DISENG AGE.
`
`
`C1-\ FREE
`EIXTTERY
`
`
`
`30)B"3Q)
`40 ‘la
`
`N
`5109
`
`ENTER
`“'°
`
`amen ’M
`
`L, W J
`
`RETURN
`
`N
`
`meme STMZTKNG
`SUBROUTINE.
`
`130
`
`190
`
`N
`
`-
`
`Y-.NCa.STM1‘\’
`SOB .
`
` RETURN
`
`
`
`.
`RD 3°/°
`M30
`
`'I.\'::
`
`140
`
`s1\u1
`Y eueme
`OFF
`
`N
`
`TO \DO
`
`T0180
`
`T50
`
`.
`
`Y
`
`POWER TRIXCHON, OPT\0Nk\.\_‘\’,
`$TMlT\NC': MOTOR (53
`
`Page 15 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`
`
`30 > 121.7
`
`100"/., M10
`
`
`
`Page 15 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`/'76. 9(0)
`ENGINE STARUNG
`
`'5UBROU'\' \NE
`
`‘M
`
`F/6. 9/b)
`
`51km‘
`
`
`
`=50"/. 4 RL 4 50°/.
`F012’. > 30 sec.
`
`
`RL 4 307, mo
`02
`
`
`
`‘ so
`
`10 V60
`
`
`
`PREHEM
`CATALYST
`
`cmxwsr
`TEMP. > 350° C.
`
`?
`
`Y
`
`SP\N E\~\G\N
`E.
`D
`CHECK SPEE
`
`160
`
` smu EN(:\\~1E
`an suPP\:( ox:
`
`ma, ss>m\<s
`
`
`
`Page 16 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 16 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 11 of 17
`
`2B74
`
`
`
`-/9.3.491/.~.—xO94/W,..,z4w>u.B.Ew5
`
`
`M,\\\\\\p\§\\\§v
`
`04..1m1
`
`2.m\u\
`
`Page 17 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 17 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`S.U
`
`Mmn,mS
`
`S
`
`U.m2
`
`m
`
`
`
`
`D1OwdfiwuwZ<.uZ..wm0\..£
`m3o<m..n.uo$am.339,2wzazm:,-zoiuwao
`.2393a
`
`
`.m5925033.292Z54moose»..S.m\n\
`
`
`
`mzoc./awaom520bzwnbmzw
`
`556
`
`
`wzazuS\aNU»z...Swo,3z.w
`ozizoumM925M,ybmE,.,m.555ornomi57..wzazm
`
`
`Page 18 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 18 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`
`

`
`4|.n64|.aPS”U
`
`Mm
`
`mS
`
`7
`
`2B7434,01,
`
`nEwE~:a£
`
`
`
`a.5.255553.8&#45mmzazw5X22929..
`
`G5.%\Ux
`
`3wpfimZmwfiwm.3mxwt
`mM925.5
`
`
`
`722E58uwoadxuW-om~5§,wzszm
`
`CE.3
`
`Page 19 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 19 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 14 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`
`
`i_____.j9.
`
`.2
`
`.
`5
`
`\\1\Du\MN.%\\
`n.a§E2§
`
`tam.42
`
`IHamss
`
`\\«.\uxQ.wb\.,fi~\.u\ JQ15:‘.mi;r.\V\\\
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 20 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 20 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`__
`
`¢noxzéw>~..._F§mIme...EAU_.9.
`.._9_:w.,,-13
`
`5.?11/70.0—|
`
`Page 21 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 21 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 12,2006
`
`Sheet 16 of 17
`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`.5.
`
`.
`
`
`
`
`
`—§h“.::."C‘.‘umI:“.‘u..plH
`
`wlli
`l\|IIII!|I|II\\Il\\\|§W|\\Ilitl%.,.,_
`I|III~II%fi.&
`allMv//Hi...m
`
`owe
`
`Page 22 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 22 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`
`

`
`QMU
`
`me
`
`2HWS
`
`71
`
`7
`
`2BM
`
`;nIa.X249Prdwfizm
`
`
`
`
`
`\. 0.\I707u.Huwmh1SWM6u070\.
`
`3:1249M.ruwtzw
`
`
`19.25OSUNIP.
`
`W1/01m
`
`SWku/aw?Uiuvmrm
`
`flu45JO0U
`
`Page 23 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`Page 23 of 54
`
`FORD 1461
`
`
`

`
`US 7,104,347 B2
`
`1
`HYBRID VEHICLES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a divsional of Application Ser. No.
`09/822,866, filed Apr. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,088
`which is 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 claims priority from provisional appli-
`cation Ser. No. 60/100,095, filed Sep. 14, 1998, and is also
`a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/392,743, filed Sep. 9,
`1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,391, which in turn claims
`priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/122,296,
`filed Mar. 1, 1999.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This application relates to improvements in hybrid
`vehicles, that is, vehicles in which both an internal combus-
`tion engine and one or more electric motors are provided to
`supply torque to the driving wheels of the vehicle. More
`particularly, this invention relates to a hybrid electric vehicle
`that
`is
`fully competitive with presently conventional
`vehicles as regards performance, operating convenience,
`and cost, while achieving substantially improved fuel
`economy and reduced pollutant emissions.
`
`DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
`
`For many years great attention has been given to the
`problem of reduction of fuel consumption of automobiles
`and other highway vehicles. Concomitantly very substantial
`attention has been paid to reduction of pollutants emitted by
`automobiles and other vehicles. To a degree, efforts to solve
`these problems conflict with one another. For example,
`increased thermodynamic efiiciency and thus reduced fuel
`consumption can be realized if an engine is operated at
`higher temperatures. Thus there has been substantial interest
`in engines built of ceramic materials withstanding higher
`combustion temperatures than those now in use. However,
`higher combustion temperatures in gasoline-fueled engines
`lead to increase in certain undesirable pollutants, typically
`NOX.
`Another possibility for reducing emissions is to burn
`mixtures of gasoline and ethanol (“gasohol”), or straight
`ethanol. However, to date ethanol has not become economi-
`cally competitive with gasoline, and consumers have not
`accepted ethanol to any great degree. Moreover, to make an
`alternate fuel such as ethanol available to the extent neces-
`
`sary to achieve appreciable improvements in nationwide air
`quality and fuel conservation would require immense costs
`for infrastructure improvements; not only the entire nation’s
`motor fuel production and delivery system, but also the
`vehicle manufacture, distribution, and repair system, would
`have to be extensively revised or substantially duplicated.
`One proposal for reducing pollution in cities is to limit the
`use of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and
`instead employ electric vehicles powered by rechargeable
`batteries. To date, all such “straight electric” cars have had
`very limited range, typically no more than 150 miles, have
`insufficient power for acceleration and hill climbing except
`when the batteries are substantially fully charged, and
`require substantial time for battery recharging. Thus, while
`there are many circumstances in which the limited range and
`extended recharging time of the batteries would not be an
`inconvenience, such cars are not suitable for all the travel
`requirements of most individuals. Accordingly, an electric
`
`5
`
`I0
`
`20
`
`30
`
`40
`
`u: u:
`
`60
`
`2
`car would have to be an additional vehicle for most users,
`posing a substantial economic deterrent. Moreover, it will be
`appreciated that
`in the United States most electricity is
`generated in coal-fired power plants, so that using electric
`vehicles merely moves the source of the pollution, but does
`not eliminate it. Furthermore, comparing the respective net
`costs per mile of driving, electric vehicles are not competi-
`tive with ethanol-fueled vehicles, much less with conven-
`tional gasoline-fueled vehicles. See, generally, Simanaitis,
`“Electric Vehicles”, R0aa'& Track, May 1992, pp. 126—136;
`Reynolds, “AC Propulsion CRX”, Road & Track, October
`1992, pp. 126-129.
`Brooks et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,192 shows such an
`electric vehicle;
`the invention appears to be directed to
`incorporation of antilock braking and traction control tech-
`nologies into an otherwise conventional electric vehicle.
`Much attention has also been paid over the years to
`development of electric vehicles including internal combus-
`tion engines powering generators,
`thus eliminating the
`defect of limited range exhibited by simple electric vehicles.
`The simplest such vehicles operate on the same general
`principle as diesel-electric locomotives used by most rail-
`roads. In such systems, an internal combustion engine drives
`a generator providing electric power to traction motors
`connected directly to the wheels of the vehicle. This system
`has the advantage that no variable gear ratio transmission is
`required between the engine and the wheels of the vehicle.
`More particularly, an internal combustion engine pro-
`duces zero torque at zero engine speed (RPM) and reaches
`its torque peak somewhere in the middle of its operating
`range. Accordingly, all vehicles driven directly