Engine and generator orientation within a hybrid vehicle
AssigneeOshkosh Truck Corporation
InventorsJon Morrow, Gary Schmiedel, David Steinberger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle powered by a hybrid drive system configured to improve ergonomics within an operator compartment, minimize engine noise within the operator compartment, and/or reduce the transmission of heat associated with the drive system into the operator compartment is disclosed. The operator compartment is carried and/or supported on a chassis relative to the hybrid drive system. The hybrid drive system is coupled to the chassis and comprises an engine coupled to a generator portion. When coupled to the chassis, the generator is positioned in front of the engine. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a refuse vehicle.
Claims40
A hybrid vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle chassis;
- an operator compartment supported at a forward portion of the vehicle chassis;
- and
- a drive system comprising the combination of an engine coupled inline with a generator, wherein the drive system is positioned substantially under the operator compartment,
- wherein the generator is positioned in front of the engine relative to the vehicle chassis and coupled to at least one electric drive motor powering a wheel of the vehicle.
A refuse vehicle comprising:
- a chassis configured to support a refuse container;
- a drive system comprising the combination of an engine coupled to a generator, and supported at a front portion of the chassis;
- and
- an operator compartment at least partially supported over the drive system,
- wherein the generator is positioned in front of the engine and coupled to at least one electric drive motor powering a wheel of the refuse vehicle.
A hybrid drive system for use in a vehicle, the system comprising:
- an engine coupled inline with a generator;
- wherein the combination of the engine and generator is configured to be supported by a vehicle chassis at least partially under an operator compartment of the vehicle;
- wherein the generator is configured to be positioned in front of the engine relative to the vehicle chassis.
A method of manufacturing a hybrid vehicle, the method comprising:
- providing a chassis configured to movably support a plurality of wheels;
- providing a drive system comprising an engine coupled to a generator;
- coupling the drive system to the chassis at an orientation that positions the generator in front of the engine;
- supporting an operator compartment at a forward position along the chassis, wherein the operator compartment is substantially disposed over the generator;
- and
- coupling the generator to at least one electric drive motor powering a wheel of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.