Inventors:
Karl R. Smith - Pompano Beach FL
International Classification:
B60K 100
Abstract:
A battery charging apparatus for a vehicle having a vehicle propulsion mechanism, vehicle accelerator mechanism, a vehicle drive train mechanism and a vehicle electrical system includes a vehicle battery, including an electric generator having a generator output shaft drivably connected to the vehicle drive train mechanism, a generator disengagement switch, a generator circuit electrically connecting the generator to the generator disengagement switch and to the vehicle battery, a mechanism for connecting the generator disengagement switch to the vehicle accelerator mechanism so that the disengagement switch opens the generator circuit during operation of the vehicle accelerator mechanism, and so that the disengagement switch closes the generator circuit during non-operation of the vehicle accelerator mechanism to prevent loss of vehicle kinetic energy to the generator during vehicle deceleration. Where the vehicle drive train mechanism includes a vehicle drive shaft, the apparatus includes an armature assembled onto and a field structure built around the vehicle drive shaft. The apparatus additionally includes a generator support structure fastened to the frame of the vehicle.