Abstract: An apparatus having electric wheels comprises a pair of left and right wheels, rotary electric machines, i.e. motors, for individually driving these wheels, and a control unit for operating the motors. The motors each have a rotation axis offset from that of the wheel, drive the same one wheel of the pair, and are arranged at positions distanced in the radial direction of the axle by the same length, and on the same plane normal to the axial direction of the axle, being apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the axle with a predetermined angle therebetween. In a preferred mode, power is transmitted from the motors to a single wheel through a belt-type transmission mechanism incorporated in the wheel. Responsive and fine driving power control can be performed without sacrificing the cabin space, thereby providing a vehicle having excellent responsiveness, degree of freedom and reliability.

Abstract: An accessory device driving apparatus is disposed between an internal combustion engine and an accessory device of a vehicle. The driving apparatus is constructed as a coaxial dual rotor-type electric motor/generator that has two electromagnetically induction-coupled rotors to operate as a motor and a generator. One rotor is coupled with the engine to rotate at a speed higher than that of the engine, and the other rotor is coupled with the accessory device to rotate at a speed higher than that of the accessory device. The rotors are restricted from rotating in a reverse direction opposite a direction of forward rotation of the engine by one-way clutches, respectively.

Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine comprises a starter motor. A drive shaft extends in coaxial relation to an armature shaft of the starter motor and has a projection extending radially outwardly from an axial end of the drive shaft adjacent the armature shaft. A pinion is in spline engagement with an outer periphery of the drive shaft and in meshing engagement with a ring gear of the engine. The rotation of the armature shaft is reduced in speed and transmitted to the drive shaft through a planetary gear type speed reducing mechanism. A center bracket comprises a cylindrical portion rotatably supported by one of the drive shaft and the armature shaft, and a disc-shaped portion extending radially outwardly from an axial end of the cylindrical portion. A shock absorber unit comprises a rotary disc and a spring disposed around the cylindrical portion of the center bracket.