Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Electric vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-26
2001-11-20
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Electric vehicle
C180S065230, C180S165000, C477S002000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321143
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a control system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle and more particularly to a system and method for controlling the switching between operating modes in a hybrid electric vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A hybrid electric vehicle has a propulsion system that consists of at least one electric motor that is utilized in some form with another power source. Most often the other power source is a gasoline or diesel engine.
Typically, the two power sources are configured in one of two ways, series and parallel. In a series hybrid the traction force to the vehicle's wheels is provided strictly by the electric motor. Electric energy is stored in a battery and is used to power the motor whenever demanded by the driver. The other power source, i.e. an engine, is used to maintain the level of energy stored in the battery at a level that is adequate to supply power to the electric motor as needed. In a series hybrid the engine is not used to provide direct motive force to the wheels based on driver demand. All of the energy from the engine is stored in the battery, where it is used by the electric motor to propel the vehicle.
In a parallel hybrid, both the engine and the motor can be directly coupled to the vehicle's wheels, so that both power sources can, independently, provide motive force for the vehicle. It should be noted that in a parallel hybrid, the engine is sometimes used to recharge the battery that supplies the motor, just as in a series hybrid.
In a specific configuration of a parallel hybrid, the motor only provides positive torque when it is used to boost the torque from the engine. This configuration requires far less energy from the battery and is often referred to as a Low Storage Requirement (LSR) architecture.
In the past, a vehicle system control algorithm has not existed for a hybrid electric vehicle. The system control algorithm is an important element used to coordinate the control of the power train components thereby managing energy in the vehicle and avoiding driveline disturbances.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to implement fundamental functions of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle system control algorithm for implementing the functions of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a logical state machine and a set of rules for transitions between operating modes of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a set of output commands to the vehicle's subsystem controllers in order to achieve desired vehicle functionality within the states and to insure smooth transitions between operating modes.
In carrying out the above objects and other objects and features of the present invention, a vehicle system control algorithm (VSC) is provided to implement the fundamental functions for a LSR hybrid electric vehicle. Three of the most fundamental functions are the transfer of the power generated in the motor and the engine to the vehicle's wheels based on driver demand, the efficient management of the energy in the battery and the fuel in the vehicle, and the management of system faults.
The VSC of the present invention has two primary components, a logical state machine and a set of output commands. The logical state machine describes a state for each one of six predefined operating modes of the vehicle as well as a set of rules for transitions between operating modes. The set of output commands is provided to the vehicle's subsystem controllers (i.e. the engine, transmission, etc.) for each state in the logical state machine.
The transitions between states are uniquely defined within the state machine. The state machine will execute an allowed transition between states when the required transition conditions are satisfied. The states are prioritized based on driver demand, energy management and system faults.
Where there has been an absence of a vehicle level system controller for LSR hybrid electric vehicles, the present invention advantageously provides dynamic command outputs from a vehicle system controller that handles all of the operations within and switching between predefined operating modes for a LSR hybrid electric vehicle.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5856709 (1999-01-01), Ibaraki et al.
patent: 6196344 (2001-03-01), Tamor
patent: 6242873 (2001-06-01), Drozdz et al.
patent: 6249723 (2001-06-01), Lutz
Bailey Kathleen Ellen
Blankenship John Richard
Jankovic Miroslava
Phillips Anthony Mark
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Donnelly Arthur D.
Ford Motor Company
Vick Karl
LandOfFree
Control system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Control system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Control system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2615894