Power Plant for a Motor Vehicle
AssigneeHofer Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH Co KG
InventorsHeinz Aitzetmueller, Dieter Stoeckl, Reinhard Flachs, Johann Paul Hofer, Markus Hofer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An engine suitable for a motor vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, and a related transmission is provided. The transmission is provided with a hydrostatic device and a planetary transmission leading to a driven shaft. In order to optimize the engine with regard to construction and function the hydrostatic device of the transmission cooperating with the internal combustion engine is in an effective connection to the planetary transmission.
Claims20
An engine for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- an internal combustion engine;
- and
- a transmission provided with a hydrostatic device which leads to a drive shaft,
- wherein the hydrostatic device of the transmission cooperates with the internal combustion engine to transfer torque from the engine to the drive shaft to drive the motorcycle.
A method to operate an engine in a motorcycle having an internal combustion engine and a transmission provided with a hydrostatic device which leads to a drive shaft, the hydrostatic device comprising a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, a power transmission unit arranged to transfer torque between the internal combustion engine and the hydrostatic device wherein the power transmission unit is a spur gearing, a second toothed wheel of the spur gearing engages a first toothed wheel and the second toothed wheel cooperates with the hydraulic pump via a first connection shaft, the hydraulic motor drives a sun wheel of the planetary transmission via a second connection shaft, and a clutch provided between the hollow shaft and the planetary transmission, comprising the steps of:
- using the internal combustion engine to rotate the hollow shaft and thereby rotate and drive the hydraulic pump;
- operating the clutch such that
- when starting the motorcycle the clutch is open, with the hydraulic motor and the sun wheel rotating opposite a direction of rotation of the hollow shaft when a adjustment ring of the hydraulic pump is adjusted to drive the hydraulic pump, and
- when the clutch is closed, the hollow shaft is connected to the hollow wheel and power is transmitted to the drive shaft to drive the motorcycle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.