Reducing losses in an idled vehicle drive unit
US12117074B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2024 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60L2260/28
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle includes first and second drive units, such as drive units that each include an electric motor and a gear train coupling the electric motor to one or more wheels. A first drive unit may be idled while the second drive unit continues to induce movement of the vehicle. Losses within the first drive unit while idled may be reduced by heating the first drive unit, such as with heat generated by the second drive unit. A cooling system is present and may be used to heat the first drive unit by directing fluid exiting the second drive unit into the first drive unit before entering the cooling system or bypassing the cooling system entirely. Oil circulation within the first drive unit may facilitate heating of the gear train by bypassing a heat exchanger receiving the oil and the fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.