Hybrid module for watercraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid module for installation between an internal combustion engine ( 6 ) and the transmission ( 4 ) of a watercraft, the flywheel being located in a conventional way in the housing of the internal combustion engine ( 6 ). It is characterized in that the hybrid module ( 7 ) is external to the housing of the internal combustion engine ( 6 ) and comprises a housing ( 8 ), a generator/motor ( 11 ) within the housing, and suitable shifting elements ( 10 ) for optionally coupling the transmission ( 4 ) with the internal combustion engine ( 6 ) and/or the generator/motor ( 11 ).

1 . A hybrid module for installation between an internal combustion engine and a transmission of a watercraft, a flywheel being located in a conventional way in a housing of the internal combustion engine, the hybrid module comprising: a housing, a generator/motor within the housing, and suitable shifting elements for selectively coupling the transmission to the internal combustion engine and/or the generator/motor, wherein said hybrid module is external to the housing of the internal combustion engine. 
   
   
       2 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , said hybrid module is configured so as to be installed in the watercraft as a separate part in the form of a sandwich. 
   
   
       3 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured as an extension of a transom panel or of a transom housing of the transmission. 
   
   
       4 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein electrically changing a sense of rotation of the generator/motor in an electric motor mode of propulsion produces backward motion of the watercraft. 
   
   
       5 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the shifting element is a freewheel. 
   
   
       6 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the shifting element is a positive locking coupling with one, two or three positive locking clutches. 
   
   
       7 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the shifting element is a frictional coupling having one, two or three friction clutches. 
   
   
       8 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the generator/motor is annular and disposed concentric with a main shaft and the shifting element. 
   
   
       9 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the generator/motor is compact and disposed parallel to a main shaft, and drives the shaft using a spur gear set, a chain drive, or a belt drive. 
   
   
       10 . A hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the generator/motor is compact and disposed at an angle to the main shaft, and drives the shaft using conical gears, crown gears, or a worm gear. 
   
   
       11 . An application of a hybrid module according to  claim 1 , wherein the hybrid module is used as a sandwich part with suitably configured housing mounting flanges for diverse internal combustion engines and diverse drive systems. 
   
   
       12 . A hybrid according to  claim 6 , wherein the positive locking clutch or clutches of the positive locking coupling are dog clutches or synchronizing means. 
   
   
       13 . A hybrid according to  claim 7 , wherein the friction clutch or clutches of the frictional coupling are wet multiple disk clutches or dry clutches.