Hybrid vehicle motor alignment

Details Hybrid vehicle motor alignment Hybrid vehicle motor alignment

1999-03-03

2001-07-03

Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)

Metal working

Means to assemble or disassemble

Means comprising hand manipulatable tool

C029S460000, C029S724000, 30

Reexamination Certificate

active

06253437

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hybrid electric vehicle and more particularly to an apparatus and method for aligning and supporting an electric motor from the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine of a hybrid motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hybrid electric vehicles include an internal combustion engine drivably connected to an electric motor. The electric motor is connected to the crankshaft of the motor, an example of which is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,009 ('009 patent). As shown in the '009 patent, the rotor 30 of the motor 24 is connected to the crankshaft 40 through a reduction gearset 42. The rotor is supported on both sides through a journalled connection as indicated at 35 and 70. The end of the crankshaft 40 is rotatably supported by a bearing held by the engine block 38.
While this arrangement provides support for the rotor, it is unlikely that the bearings 70 and 35 will be arranged coaxially and therefore the rotor 30 will not rotate as desired on the axis of the crankshaft 40. One reason for this is that bearing 35 is supported by the housing 26. Housing 26 is attached to the engine in a manner not shown, but typically this is achieved through a bolted and/or pinned connection to the engine block. If not done properly, at least one end of the rotor 30 will be misaligned. Furthermore, the flanges of housing 26 must be square to the axis of the crankshaft and must mate with a similarly square surface on the engine block. Due to manufacturing tolerances, it is likely that the housing 26 will not be perfectly coaxial with the crankshaft, and further misalignment of bearing 35 is likely. Finally, this arrangement requires a relatively large amount of axial package space, reducing the ability to fit this arrangement in a hybrid motor vehicle.
It would be desirable to provide a compact method for aligning a rotor to a stator in a hybrid motor vehicle providing adequate support for the rotor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for aligning an electric motor in a hybrid motor vehicle to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine of the hybrid vehicle. The alignment is provided within minimal package space and provides improved alignment of the electric motor.
Accordingly, a rotor of an electric motor is aligned to an axis of rotation for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A locator is provided on the crankshaft, a piloting tool is located radially by the first locator to the crankshaft. A stator of the electric motor is aligned to a second locator provided on the piloting tool. The stator is secured to the engine block. The rotor is aligned to the crankshaft and secured thereto.
An advantage of the present invention is that alignment is provided in minimal package space.
Another, more specific, advantage of the present invention is that the electric motor is supported without causing undue stress on the crankshaft.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated by the reader of this specification.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3394276 (1968-07-01), Cafici
patent: 4172310 (1979-10-01), Mincuzzi
patent: 4212098 (1980-07-01), Sand
patent: 4295276 (1981-10-01), Ellington
patent: 4554472 (1985-11-01), Kumatani
patent: 4841187 (1989-06-01), Hauke et al.
patent: 4862009 (1989-08-01), King
patent: 4955944 (1990-09-01), Aso et al.
patent: 5001412 (1991-03-01), Carter et al.
patent: 5047677 (1991-09-01), Mineta et al.
patent: 5163528 (1992-11-01), Kawamoto et al.
patent: 5581136 (1996-12-01), Li
patent: 5713427 (1998-02-01), Lutz et al.
patent: 5751084 (1998-05-01), Park
patent: 5884390 (1999-03-01), Gunsallus et al.
patent: 5893423 (1999-04-01), Selfors
patent: 5962941 (1999-10-01), Serdar
patent: 6166498 (2000-12-01), Yamaguchi et al.
patent: 4-168961 (1992-06-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Hybrid vehicle motor alignment does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Hybrid vehicle motor alignment, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hybrid vehicle motor alignment will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2434824