Vehicle regenerative deceleration actuator and indicator system and method

摘要

An indicator system for regenerative slowing of a hybrid or electric vehicle includes at least one regenerative-only deceleration indicator positioned on the rear of a vehicle in addition to the conventional vehicle brake lights, a vehicle deceleration monitor configured to monitor deceleration of the vehicle and produce a control output signal if deceleration exceeds a predetermined level, a vehicle braking module configured to detect application of the conventional vehicle brakes, and an indicator control module configured to actuate the regen-only deceleration indicator when a vehicle deceleration output signal exceeding the predetermined level is received and the conventional vehicle brakes are not applied. An independent driver-operated regen mode switch may provide for driver-initiated regen slowing independent of the conventional vehicle brakes or gears, with the regen-only deceleration indicator being on when regen mode is initiated by the driver without application of the friction brakes, and the predetermined deceleration level is exceeded.

主权项

1. A driver-operated vehicle regenerative (regen) deceleration actuator system for an electric or hybrid vehicle, the system comprising:
driver-operated regeneration mode actuator switch configured for mounting in an electric or hybrid vehicle at a location accessible by the driver, the driver-operated regeneration mode actuator switch having at least one output lead configured for connection to an electronic control unit (ECU) of the electric or hybrid vehicle to initiate regenerative slowing of the electric or hybrid vehicle; and an indicator control module connected to the driver-operated regeneration mode actuator switch, and being configured to turn ON a vehicle braking indicator mounted on the rear of the electric or hybrid vehicle on detection of predetermined regen-only conditions, the predetermined regen-only conditions comprising at least detection of driver initiation of a regeneration mode using the driver-operated regeneration mode actuator switch.