Engine and generator orientation within a hybrid vehicle
First Claim
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1. A hybrid vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle chassis;
an operator compartment supported at a forward portion of the vehicle chassis, the operator compartment having a front end that defines an opening;
a drive system comprising the combination of an engine coupled inline with a generator, the drive system being positioned substantially under the operator compartment, the generator being 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; and
a control panel housing a circuit protection system coupled to the generator, the control panel being coupled to the generator at an end opposite the engine, the control panel being accessible to a user through the opening in the operator compartment.
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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.
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Citations
40 Claims
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1. A hybrid vehicle comprising:
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a vehicle chassis; an operator compartment supported at a forward portion of the vehicle chassis, the operator compartment having a front end that defines an opening; a drive system comprising the combination of an engine coupled inline with a generator, the drive system being positioned substantially under the operator compartment, the generator being 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; and a control panel housing a circuit protection system coupled to the generator, the control panel being coupled to the generator at an end opposite the engine, the control panel being accessible to a user through the opening in the operator compartment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A refuse vehicle comprising:
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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, the generator being positioned in front of the engine and coupled to at least one electric drive motor powering a wheel of the refuse vehicle; an operator compartment at least partially supported over the drive system, the operator compartment having a front end that defines an opening; and a control panel housing a circuit protection system coupled to the generator, the control panel being coupled to the generator at an end opposite the engine, the control panel being accessible to a user through the opening in the operator compartment. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A hybrid drive system for use in a vehicle, the system comprising:
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an engine coupled inline with a generator, the combination of the engine and generator configured to be supported by a vehicle chassis at least partially under an operator compartment of the vehicle; and a control panel housing a circuit protection system coupled directly to the generator at an end opposite the engine. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method of manufacturing a hybrid vehicle, the method comprising:
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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, the operator compartment having a front end that defines an opening; and coupling a control panel housing a circuit protection system to the generator, the control panel being coupled directly to the generator at an end opposite the engine, the control panel being accessible to a user through the opening in the operator compartment; and coupling the generator to at least one electric drive motor powering a wheel of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (40)
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Specification