Power plants – Pressure fluid source and motor – With control means for structure storing work driving energy
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-15
2001-11-06
Ryznic, John E. (Department: 3745)
Power plants
Pressure fluid source and motor
With control means for structure storing work driving energy
C060S483000, C415S202000, C180S305000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311487
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
An electromechanical hydraulic drive system for a vehicle is disclosed and, more particularly, an electromechanical hydraulic drive system which utilizes electrical energy as the source of fuel or power, and then transforms that electrical energy into mechanical energy through a hydraulic motor. Means are disclosed for regenerating the electrical power source.
BACKGROUND ART
A number of prior art devices exist which may provide means of powering a vehicle, other than the standard combustion engine. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,047 to Gilbert. This reference discloses a hydraulic drive system wherein a power wheel or turbine is supplied with motive fluid from a hydraulic pump driven by an appropriate prime mover. The power wheel has oppositely disposed valve plates which alternately register with cavities disposed around the periphery of the wheel to define isolated pressure chambers. A drive shaft transversely extends from the wheel and is adapted to be coupled to the driving wheels of the vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,591 discloses a power device utilizing a housing and rotor assembly receiving pressurized, non-compressible liquid from a pump for driving an output shaft which may be employed for many purposes. The housing communicates with and is positioned on top of the tank or sump for the liquid, and the pump includes an intake associated with the tank for circulating the liquid which may be in the form of an oil, such as transmission fluid or the like. A DC electric motor drives the pump. The electric motor is associated with an electric power system for providing electrical energy to the pump motor which includes an alternator or equivalent charging device, battery assembly and an inverter and converter. These supply sufficient electrical energy to the pump motor for driving the pump.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,828,880 discloses a power system for propelling a vehicle which includes a source of electrical energy connected to a motor which powers a liquid pump. The pump forces liquid from a central source through at least one nozzle which directs the pressurized liquid against concave fins of a first turbine wheel. A generator for recharging the source of electrical energy includes a second turbine wheel with concave fins located adjacent the concave fins of the first turbine wheel to receive the pressurized liquid forced through the first turbine wheel fins. A sump pump returns the liquid to the central source.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,283 discloses a hydraulic drive system for a vehicle, which utilizes a small engine and pump. The engine drives the pump which pumps hydraulic fluid into a motor coupled to the rear wheels and pumps excessive fluid into an accumulator for later use. The motor can be altered to operate as a pump during braking so that it breaks the vehicle by pumping fluid into the accumulator.
While the foregoing prior art may be adequate for its intended purposes, the invention herein has certain advantages, which will be apparent in review of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, an electromechanical hydraulic drive system for a vehicle is provided. In the preferred embodiment, a source of energy is provided in the form of electrolytic batteries. The batteries are electrically coupled to a DC motor which drives an alternator. A frequency determining device such as a tank circuit electrically communicates with the alternator to produce an alternating current of desired frequency. A step-up transformer is connected to the output of the frequency determining device to adjust the voltage as desired. A surge protection device may also be electrically coupled to the transformer to regulate voltage spikes or other irregularities An AC motor electrically communicates with the step-up transformer from the secondary windings. The secondary windings of the transformer can also be used to power other electrical systems in the invention, as further explained below. The AC motor provides power to a main hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump pumps fluid to a hydraulic motor which is used to transfer mechanical energy to the differential of a vehicle. An accumulator may be placed downstream of the pump in order to provide storage capacity for pressurized fluid. Pressurized fluid is transferred to the hydraulic motor by a plurality of manifolds and valves/flow dividers. In the preferred embodiment, a forward manifold is provided for allowing fluid to flow to the portion of the hydraulic motor which causes the vehicle to be propelled in a forward direction. Similarly, there is a reverse manifold which allows fluid to flow to the portion of the hydraulic motor which causes the vehicle to be propelled in a reverse direction. There is also a brake manifold which allows fluid to flow to the hydraulic motor in order to slow down or stop the hydraulic motor from propelling the vehicle.
The hydraulic motor has a central shaft with a plurality of sets of varying shaped impellers or vanes welded thereto. Particular sets of impellers or vanes are provided in separated chambers within a casing of the hydraulic motor. A plurality of strategically placed nozzles deliver flow of pressurized fluid into the chambers and against the vanes/impellers to cause central shaft rotation. Some of these vanes may be configured to provide optimum rotation of the central shaft in one direction, while other vanes or impellers within other chambers are configured to provide optimum rotation in an opposite direction. Yet other vanes or impellers may be configured to place a braking force on the central shaft. By configuring the hydraulic motor with the desired number of chambers, impeller/vane configurations, and nozzle placements, the hydraulic motor may achieve turning of the central shaft at the desired torque, speed, and direction.
A plurality of flow nozzles are spaced around each chamber of the hydraulic motor to provide fluid flow which more precisely controls the spin imparted on the central shaft. For example, flow nozzles may be placed at two or more locations around each chamber which compliment the vane configuration to impart a spin on the central shaft at the desired force and in the desired direction. Each nozzle is provided fluid through its own hydraulic line connected to the corresponding manifold.
Furthermore, a variable speed drive may communicate with an output shaft of the hydraulic motor in order to further control the torque and speed of the mechanical force transferred to the vehicle differential.
The batteries providing the electrical source of power may be recharged as with a standard vehicle, or may be recharged with the system herein described. This system includes the provision of a small AC motor powered by a tap from the secondary windings of the transformer. This AC motor has an output shaft and a driving fan secured thereto which spins and produces a flow of air. This driving fan propels or pushes the flow of air onto a driven fan, which in turn connects to a belt and pulley system driving a generator. This generator electrically connects to the batteries for recharging purposes. The driven fan may be positioned on the front end of the vehicle such that it is powered not only by the driving fan, but also by the force of air striking the vehicle as it is propelled.
The variable speed drive is controlled by operation of the throttle pedal. The variable speed drive acts as a transmission to more precisely control the force transferred to the vehicle differential. Mechanical linkage can interconnect the variable speed drive to the throttle pedal, or pressure or electrical switches can provide the interconnection. Additionally, a PLC or other control circuitry could be used to influence the variable speed drive based on inputs from the throttle. Similarly, the brake pedal communicates with the braking elements of the hydraulic motor as by an electrical switch, pressure switch, or mechanical linkage.
In order to enhance the braking capability of a vehicle which incorporates the drive s
Ryznic John E.
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
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