Hybrid lawn mower drive system

US8863485B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Briggs & Stratton, LLC · US

Inventors

• Michael Pitcel · Waukesha, US
• William Latus · Menomonee Falls, US
• Robert Koenen · Pewaukee, US
• David W. Procknow · Elm Grove, US
• Jeffrey Berger · Des Moines, US
• Jason D. Elvers · Horicon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 4, 2013
• Grant date: Oct 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 22, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S903/903
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A lawn mower includes an engine, an energy storage device, a motor/generator including an output shaft, an engine coupling, wherein, with the engine coupling disengaged, the motor/generator drives the output shaft, and with the engine coupling engaged, the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine drive the output shaft, a mower blade, a power take-off clutch, and a control unit configured to implement a first operating condition in which the engine coupling is disengaged, the engine is off, and the output shaft is driven by the motor/generator, and configured to implement a second operating condition in which the engine coupling is engaged, the engine is on, the output shaft is driven by the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine.