Patent ID: 6418899
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: F02N

Abstract:
An electric drive system for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle having an electric starter for the internal combustion engine, an electric generator in drive connection with the internal combustion and a battery for supplying voltage, said system comprising:a semiconductor circuit connected to said battery and said generator; and an electronic control device controlling said semiconductor circuit, said electronic control device having a first input for receiving a vehicle start signal, a second input for receiving at least one temperature sensor signal and at least one output for providing a control signal to said electric starter and said semiconductor circuit; wherein said electronic control device output signal controls on and off operation of said electric starter and controls said semiconductor circuit to effect operation of said generator in either a motor mode or a generator mode; whereby starting of said internal combustion engine is performed as a function of said generator operating as a motor either alone or together with said electric starter, wherein said electronic control device includes means for switching the generator to operate as a motor, after the internal combustion engine is switched off and the fuel supply is switched off in order to maintain the rotation of the internal combustion engine during a post-operative phase until all residues still contained in the internal combustion engine or in a catalytic converter have been substantially removed.