Planetary gear transmission systems or components – Input from independent power sources – Including electric motor input
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-17
2001-10-23
Estremsky, Sherry (Department: 3681)
Planetary gear transmission systems or components
Input from independent power sources
Including electric motor input
C475S002000, C477S002000, C180S065100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06306056
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to hybrid automotive vehicles, and more particularly to a dual engine hybrid electric vehicle.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Hybrid vehicles employing internal combustion engines and electric motors to drive the vehicle are well known in the art. Previous hybrid electric vehicle designs have utilized an internal combustion engine which is strategically operated in combination with an electric motor in order to provide driving torque to the wheels of the vehicle.
Some of the existing hybrid electric vehicle designs have suffered from the deficiency that the internal combustion engine and motor often have to be designed with a larger capacity than is most often required for optimal efficiency.
The dual engine hybrid electric vehicle of the present invention overcomes these deficiencies by providing a hybrid electric power train system which includes dual engines, or alternatively, a dual crankshaft system independently operable for providing driving torque to a transmission. An electric motor/generator is also utilized for providing driving torque to the wheels of the vehicle. For purposes of this application, the term “electric motor/generator” is also intended to include a motor/alternator. Operation of the first and second engines such that during normal driving at constant speeds and typical driving load, a single engine is utilized for providing driving torque to the wheels of the vehicle. During periods of operation where increased levels of torque are required, such as during acceleration, pulling a heavy load, or climbing a hill, the electric motor is operated temporarily while the second engine is started and brought up to speed to assist the first engine in providing driving torque to the driving wheels of the vehicle.
The hybrid electric powertrain system of the present invention includes a first heat engine, a second heat engine, a torque transmission device operatively engagable with the first and second heat engines and adapted to selectively transfer torque from the first and second heat engines to a pair of driving wheels of the vehicle. An electric motor/generator is provided for delivering driving torque to at least one pair of driving wheels of the motor vehicle. A first clutch element is provided for transmitting torque from the first engine to a transmission gear train and a second clutch is provided for delivering torque from the second engine to the transmission geartrain.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood however that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4392393 (1983-07-01), Montgomery
patent: 4533011 (1985-08-01), Heidemeyer et al.
patent: 4829850 (1989-05-01), Soloy
patent: 5398508 (1995-03-01), Brown
patent: 5492189 (1996-02-01), Kriegler et al.
patent: 5495912 (1996-03-01), Gray, Jr. et al.
patent: 5845731 (1998-12-01), Buglione et al.
patent: 5908077 (1999-06-01), Moore
patent: 08019113 (1996-01-01), None
patent: 411311137 (1999-11-01), None
Calcaterra Mark P
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Estremsky Sherry
Lewis Tisha D.
LandOfFree
Dual engine 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 Dual engine hybrid electric vehicle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dual engine hybrid electric vehicle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2606360