초록 ▼

Presented is a hybrid vehicle selectively driven by either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine acting independently of the other, or by both electric motor and internal combustion engine acting in unison. The vehicle is initially propelled by the electric motor working through a four

Presented is a hybrid vehicle selectively driven by either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine acting independently of the other, or by both electric motor and internal combustion engine acting in unison. The vehicle is initially propelled by the electric motor working through a four speed transmission to drive a first set of wheels, and speed control is achieved by shifting of the transmission, either manually or automatically, while in electric drive alone. When the vehicle achieves a predetermined cruising speed while being propelled by the electric motor, a speed sensor activates the application of a less than maximum voltage to a magnetically actuated variable torque converter interposed between the second set of wheels, which are rotating on the roadway, and the internal combustion engine. The momentum of the vehicle, acting through the second set of wheels, actuates the variable torque converter to “crank”the internal combustion engine to start it. As soon as the internal combustion engine starts and is running at constant speed, the electric motor is deenergized as a driving Unit. The electric motor may be re-established as a driving unit to assist the internal combustion engine in propelling the vehicle.

대표청구항 ▼

A hybrid vehicle, comprising: (a) a first set of wheels; (b) a multi-speed transmission; (c) electric motor means for driving said first set of wheels through said transmission; (d) an internal combusion engine having a 12 volt alternator and an ignition circuit; (e) a second set of wheels; (f) a co

A hybrid vehicle, comprising: (a) a first set of wheels; (b) a multi-speed transmission; (c) electric motor means for driving said first set of wheels through said transmission; (d) an internal combusion engine having a 12 volt alternator and an ignition circuit; (e) a second set of wheels; (f) a continuously variable magnetic torque converter means operatively interposed between said internal combustion engine and said second set of wheels for directly driving said second set of wheels by said internal combustion engine; (g) control circuit means connected to said electric motor means and to said torque converter, said control circuit means including speed sensor means for energizing said torque converter means at reduced voltage when a preset speed is reached to activate said internal combustion engine, said torque converter locking up only when said 12 volt alternator builds its output voltage to its normal 14 volts value; (h) means in said control circuit means responsive to the normal value of said output voltage of said alternator to deactivate said electric motor means; (i) an accelerator pedal connected to said control circuit means; (j) override means including a microswitch responsive to said accelerator operable when said vehicle is traveling at said preset speed and being driven by said internal combustion engine to reactivate said electric motor, whereby said electric motor and said internal combustion engine both drive said vehicle; (k) a brake pedal for braking said vehicle; and (l) a brake micro-switch connected to said control circuit and operated by pressure to said brake pedal to switch the vehicle back to electric drive, operation of said brake micro-switch automatically shutting down said internal combustion engine by opening said engine ignition and said torque converter circuits.