Patent ID: 6307277
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,F02D,F02N,F16H,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric motor generator connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine by a direct drive belt and wherein the electric motor is utilized to charge batteries during vehicle deceleration/coasting operation and during regular cruising if battery charge is low comprising the steps of:a) monitoring a vehicle speed;b) providing a brake pedal and a brake switch responsive to a brake pedal pressure and position for producing input signals;c) determining a gas pedal operation; if the gas pedal is depressed, maintain a fuel flow to the internal combustion engine; if the vehicle is stopped with the fuel flow off, releasing a brake to produce a brake position signal and operating the electric motor in accordance with the brake position signal to electrically turn the internal combustion engine to increase the vehicle speed to a predetermined creep speed; andd) providing the fuel flow and a spark to the internal combustion engine when a predetermined engine speed and a predetermined vehicle speed are reached.