Power Driven At Crank Shaft(ipc) Patents (Class 180/206.4)
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Patent number: 12126371Abstract: A bicycle component system includes an electric assist unit, an electric shift device, an operation device and a battery. The electric assist unit is configured to assist in rotation of a crank. The electric shift device is configured to move a bicycle chain between sprockets. The operation device is configured to perform wireless communication with the electric shift device. The operation device includes an inner cavity and a communication device located in the inner cavity. The battery is configured to supply power to a bicycle component.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2021Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Takaya Masuda, Takafumi Suzuki
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Patent number: 11794855Abstract: The center axis of a rotational output member of an electric power assist device and the center axis of a crankshaft can be adjusted to be in parallel to each other without complicating the structure. The electric power assist device comprises a housing 52, an electric motor 58 supported by the housing, and an annular rotational output member 64 configured to be connected to a crankshaft 24 or a crankarm 26 attached to the crankshaft so as to be rotatively driven by the electric motor coaxially with respect to the crankshaft, wherein the housing is supported on the frame structure 18 via a support part 90 provided with an adjustment mechanism 120 to allow a position of the housing along an axial direction of the crankshaft to be varied.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kenji Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 11697471Abstract: To allow a wide range of existing bicycles to be easily converted into electric power assisted bicycles, a retrofit electric machine for a bicycle includes: a housing (52) configured to be attached to a frame (18) of a bicycle (10), an electric motor (54) attached to the housing (52); an annular rotating plate (84) mounted on the housing (52) in a rotatable manner and connected to the electric motor (54) in a torque transmitting relationship; a pair of rotatable claw members (96) mounted on the rotating member (84) and having parts configured to abut against either rotational side of a crankarm (26) for a pedal of the bicycle (10); and a connecting member (40, 92) configured to connect the rotatable claw members (96) with a rotationally central part of the crankarm (26) such that the rotating plate (84) is concentric to a rotational center line of the crankarm (26).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kenji Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 11661135Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control unit where a degree of freedom in connection to a bicycle is improved is provided. A braking system including such a hydraulic pressure control unit is also provided. A bicycle including such a braking system is also provided. A hydraulic pressure control unit (110) of a braking system mounted on a bicycle and capable of executing an antilock braking control includes a base body (120), a coil casing (136) in which an inlet valve and an outlet valve are accommodated, and a fixing member (139). The fixing member (139) is joined to the coil casing (136) or the base body (120) in a state where a columnar space (155) with both ends opened is formed between a partial region of an outer surface of the coil casing (136) or the base body (120) and a partial region of an outer surface of the fixing member (139).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hiroaki Atsushi, Kazuki Chiba
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Patent number: 11498642Abstract: To allow a wide range of existing bicycles to be easily converted into electric power assisted bicycles, a retrofit electric machine for a bicycle includes: a housing (52) configured to be attached to a frame (18) of a bicycle (10), an electric motor (54) attached to the housing (52); an annular rotating plate (84) mounted on the housing (52) in a rotatable manner to be centered around a rotational center line of a crankshaft (24) for a pedal of the bicycle (10), and connected to the electric motor (54) in a torque transmitting relationship; and a connecting member (90) including a first connecting portion (92) connected to the crankshaft (24) with a shape fit so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft (24), and a connecting pin (98) secured to the rotating plate (84).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kenji Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 11390358Abstract: A wide range of existing bicycles can be converted into electric power assisted bicycles with ease. The bicycle electric power assist device comprises a housing (52) configured to be attached to a frame (18) of a bicycle (10), an electric motor (54) attached to the housing (52), a battery (102) configured to be mounted to the frame and serves as a power source for the electric motor, an annular rotational output member (81) rotationally driven by the electric motor (54), the rotational output member being rotatably mounted on the housing and positioned around a crank axis line which is a rotational center line A of a crankshaft (24) and a crank arm (26) for a pedal of the bicycle, and a connecting member (90) connecting the rotational output member (81) to the crankshaft (24) or the crank arm (26) in a torque transmitting relationship.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Tsukamoto, Yoshihiro Namiki, Satoshi Honda, Hiroyuki Kikuchi
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Patent number: 11345434Abstract: A bicycle apparatus is basically provided with an assist motor, an ABS unit, an assist selection switch and a control device. The assist motor is configured to add an assisting force to a manual drive force inputted from a crankshaft of a bicycle. The ABS unit is configured to control a braking force that is applied to a bicycle wheel of the bicycle. The assist selection switch is configured to switch the assist motor between an assist ON mode and an assist OFF mode. The control device is configured to control the ABS unit. The control of the ABS unit by the control device is dependent on an operation of the assist selection switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Makoto Shimoda, Shinichiro Noda
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Patent number: 11325677Abstract: A bicycle propulsion system including a concentric rotor assembly and a chassis assembly. The concentric rotor assembly: defines an outer drive surface; defines an inner retention surface; includes a set of sprocket brackets arranged about the inner retention surface of the concentric rotor assembly and configured to engage with teeth of a bicycle sprocket; and is configured to engage around the bicycle sprocket, wherein a center axis of the outer drive surface is concentric with a rotational axis of the bicycle sprocket. The chassis assembly: is configured to secure to a stay of the bicycle; includes a retention subassembly configured to translationally constrain the concentric rotor assembly relative to the chassis assembly; includes a drive subassembly configured to engage the outer drive surface of the concentric rotor assembly; and includes a motor configured to rotate the concentric rotor assembly via the drive subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Inventor: Aram Novikov
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Patent number: 11167817Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a housing, a crankshaft and a propulsion assist motor. The housing is configured to be coupled to a frame of a bicycle. The housing includes first and second portions. The crankshaft is provided to the first portion of the housing. The propulsion assist motor is provided to the second portion of the housing. The propulsion assist has a rotational axis extending in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the crankshaft extends. A maximum dimension of the first portion in the direction in which the crankshaft extends is less than or equal to 100 mm. A maximum output torque of the propulsion assist motor is greater than or equal to 10 Nm and less than or equal to 80 Nm.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Yoshinori Iino, Takuya Edamura, Kento Mitsuyasu, Takaaki Fujiwara
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Patent number: 11148516Abstract: Provided are: a battery case structure for electric-powered vehicles wherein restrictions on the size or the like of a battery mountable on electric-powered vehicles are alleviated, and the attaching/detaching operability is improved; and an electric-powered vehicle. A battery case structure is equipped with: a cover member which is disposed below the center in the longitudinal direction of a main frame and rocks in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and a lower frame which is connected to the main frame, and is disposed in such a manner as to go around the bottom of the cover member. A battery is detachably inserted into the cover member through the detachable opening separated from the main frame. When the detachable opening is brought close to the main frame, the battery housed in the cover member is supported on the lower frame and housed between the lower frame and the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoto Ogawa, Yusuke Mutoh
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Patent number: 11142283Abstract: A method for mounting a bicycle drive unit to a frame of a bicycle, in which the bicycle drive unit includes a housing, a crankshaft and a propulsion assist motor. The housing has a first portion and a second portion. The crankshaft is provided to the first portion. The propulsion assist motor is provided to the second portion and includes a rotational axis extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the crankshaft extends. The method includes a first step of arranging the first portion at a position for mounting the first portion on the frame, and a second step of rotating the housing about an axis parallel to a rotational axis of the crankshaft and inserting the second portion into an opening of the frame after the first step.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Yoshinori Iino, Takuya Edamura, Kento Mitsuyasu, Takaaki Fujiwara
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Patent number: 11117640Abstract: An electrically assisted bicycle assist force calculation method includes obtaining from a pedaling force sensor an instant pedaling force applied to a pedal, obtaining a crank advance angle of a crankshaft from an advance angle sensor having a resolution of less than 90°, and determining an assist force based on at least the instant pedaling force and the crank advance angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuki Kimpara, Yusuke Nakabayashi
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Patent number: 11077914Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a housing, crankshaft and a propulsion assist motor. The housing is configured to be mounted on a frame of a bicycle. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The crankshaft is provided to the first portion of the housing. The propulsion assist motor is provided to the second portion of the housing and configured to assist propulsion of the bicycle. The propulsion assist motor includes a rotational axis extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the crankshaft extends. The second portion has a maximum dimension of smaller than or equal to 75 mm in a direction orthogonal to the rotational axis of the propulsion assist motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinichiro Noda, Yoshinori Iino, Takuya Edamura, Kento Mitsuyasu, Takaaki Fujiwara
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Patent number: 11052961Abstract: A pawls-type one-way clutch selectably connects and disconnects an electric motor and drive system with the front sprocket of a bicycle. Laterally-extending pivotable pawls on a first rotatable member engage cam surfaces on a frictionally rotatable plate and cause the pawls to either engage with or disengage from corresponding teeth in a ratchet wheel attached to a second rotatable member. Sensors and a controller determine whether a rider is pedaling the bicycle and applying rotational power in the first rotational direction, and if so, the motor applies power in the forward rotational direction, causing the clutch to engage and power to be transmitted to the front sprocket. Otherwise, the motor applies power in the rearward rotational direction, causing the clutch to disengage the front sprocket from the electric motor, which allows the bicycle to be rolled backwards freely without attempting to back-drive the electric motor and drive system in reverse.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventor: Matthew Hendey
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Patent number: 10919599Abstract: An electric drive for a bicycle is disclosed. The drive includes an electric motor including an drive shaft, a driven shaft connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a driving gear for coupling to a wheel drive, and a transmission structured and arranged to drivingly connect the drive shaft to the driven shaft. The transmission includes a driven wheel, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the driven shaft in a rotational drive direction, and at least two output gears. The at least two output gears includes a first output gear and a second output gear that each engage with the driven gear offset to one another in a circumferential direction to drive the driven wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Inventors: Enrico Doeppner, David Moczko, Amir Oploh, Sebastian Stoll, Christian Wirth
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Patent number: 10906383Abstract: An alignment and locking system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be located onboard of an electric vehicle powered by a battery pack disposed in the battery assembly. The system includes a set of receiving members fixed to the chassis. The battery assembly includes a cage with mounting bars. When the mounting bars are received in the receiving members they may be locked into place against the chassis. The system can also include a set of v-blocks that engage vertically oriented bars in the cage to help with horizontal alignment of the battery assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: ARTISAN VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Brian R. Huff, Kyle Hickey
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Patent number: 10889351Abstract: A bicycle controller is provided that performs control in accordance with a riding condition of a bicycle. The bicycle controller includes an electronic control unit that controls a motor. The motor assists human power that is inputted to a bicycle. Upon determining a gear changer that changes a gear ratio of the bicycle is operated, the electronic control unit switches a control state of the motor from a first control state to a second control state based on a rotation phase of a crank of the bicycle and changes a timing at which the control state of the motor is switched from the first control state to the second control state based on an inclination of the bicycle in a front-rear direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro Tsuchizawa, Hiroshi Matsuda, Tomohiro Kondo
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Patent number: 10800256Abstract: An electric go-kart includes a frame and a crossbar. The crossbar is fixed to the frame and extends transversely to a left and right side of the frame. An accommodation box is rotationally coupled to each of the left and right side of the crossbar by a connector. A wheel is installed on an outer end of each accommodation box. A steering rod includes a one end fixed to the connector. A support rod is located at a front end of the frame. A stabilizing wheel is pivotably coupled to a front end of the support rod. A seat is fixed on a top side of the frame. A battery is located within the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Shenzhen Zhouwu Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Xing-Rui Li
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Patent number: 10703435Abstract: A control system and method for a powertrain unit of a pedal assisted electrical bicycle, the powertrain unit including an electrical motor, a DC/AC converter to supply the motor from a battery wherein the following steps are taken: starting the electrical machine in order to rotate the rotor; estimating a back electromotive force produced by the electrical machine; estimating the angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator winding starting from the estimation of the back electromotive force; controlling the DC/AC converter based on said estimated angular position in order to make it supply the stator winding so that said electrical machine delivers a torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.Inventor: Paolo Capozzella
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Patent number: 10604210Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device is configured to reduce electric power needed to drive a motor. The human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller and a memory. The electronic controller is configured to control a motor that assists in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle in accordance with human driving force and a memory. The electronic controller drives the motor in a case where the human driving force is greater than or equal to a first value. The memory electronic changeably store the first value.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Tadashi Ichida
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Patent number: 10583893Abstract: An electric bicycle having an electric motor mounted to a frame of the bicycle and which includes a motor output shaft defining an output end engaging a drive chain of the bicycles drive train to transmit the drive of the electric motor thereto. A torque sensor includes a base mounted in fixed relation to the frame and/or the electric motor. The torque sensor has a flexible arm extending from the base and a sensing member mounted to an extremity of the flexible arm that is displaceable relative to the base. The sensing member engages the drive chain along a segment thereof and is displaceable thereby. The segment of the drive chain extends from the output end of the motor output shaft to the pedal crank of the drive train.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignees: INDUSTRIES RAD INC., PROPULSION POWERCYCLE INC.Inventors: D'Arcy O'Connor, Benoit Cloutier
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Patent number: 10486770Abstract: A bicycle tensioner apparatus comprises a first base member, a second base member, and a tensioner. The second base member is movably coupled to the first base member. The tensioner is configured to contact a driving-force transmitting member to apply tension to the driving-force transmitting member. The tensioner is coupled to both the first base member and the second base member. The tensioner is movable relative to at least one of the first base member and the second base member in response to a relative movement between the first base member and the second base member.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Sota Yamaguchi, Kohei Obuchi, Kento Mitsuyasu
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Patent number: 10343746Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive assembly (10) for a manually driven vehicle (80), in particular a bicycle or a pedelec, with an electric auxiliary drive (24), wherein the drive assembly (10) has a first drive shaft (12) for a manual drive and a rotor (20) of the electric auxiliary drive (24), and wherein the first drive shaft (12) and the rotor (20) of the electric auxiliary drive (24) are coupled to a common drive element (29), wherein the first drive shaft (12) and the rotor (20) of the electric auxiliary drive (24) are coupled to the drive element (29) by means of a harmonic drive (25), wherein the harmonic drive (25) has an outer sleeve (28) with an internal toothing system (62) and a deformable inner sleeve (26) with an external toothing system (64) and a shaft generator (27), wherein the shaft generator (27) is at least indirectly connected fixedly to the rotor (20) of the electric auxiliary drive (24) so as to rotate with it, wherein the deformable inner sleeve (26) is at least indirectly connType: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Unicorn Energy GmbHInventor: Johannes Doerndorfer
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Patent number: 10232907Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle (100) having a frame structure (200) that comprises a swingarm structure (225) including a first substantially U-shaped sheet metal part for holding a wheel (103), the frame structure further comprising a frame bridge (219) consisting of a second substantially U-shaped sheet metal part. The first U-shaped sheet metal part is bent substantially in a first bending plane (P) to form a first U-shape, and the second U-shaped sheet metal part is bent in a second bending plane (Q) to form substantially a second U-shape. The first bending plane extends substantially perpendicular to the second bending plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: SWISSFLEET SERVICES GMBHInventors: Philip Douglas, Tobias Wülser, Patrik Stieger, Frank Loacker
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Patent number: 10183725Abstract: A power-driving motor for power-driving bike is provided, of which the length is obviously larger than its width. A rotor of the power-driving motor is provided at the outside of the stator so as to make the distance from the rotor to the motor spindle increase; namely, a torque increases and then an arm increases, thereby, making the motor spindle supply a higher output torque to the connected driving unit when the rotor rotates. The motor, based on the length of a conventional power-driving motor, may supply a higher output torque to solve the defect of a conventional motor implemented with an inner rotor of which the output torque is insufficient.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: X'POLE PRECISION TOOLS INC.Inventor: Bach Pangho Chen
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Patent number: 10183591Abstract: An electric bicycle and a battery lift mechanism and a battery carrying device thereof are disclosed. The battery lift mechanism includes a bracket, a carrier for carrying a battery, an upward-force device coupling with the carrier, and a locking device selectively in an unlocked state or a locked state. The carrier is movable relative to the bracket along an up-down path; the upward-force device is capable of applying an upward force to the carrier. When the locking device is in the locked state, the locking device interferes with the battery to limit the relative movement between the battery and the bracket. When the locking device is in the unlocked state, the interference between the locking device and the battery is removed, so that the upward-force device drives the carrier carrying the battery to move upward relative to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignees: DARFON ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD., DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventor: Yu-Chang Shieh
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Patent number: 10167049Abstract: A treading torque detection device includes a pre-set trading torque and a motor. The torque from the pre-set trading torque and the torque from the motor are respectively connected to a hollow tube mounted to an axle via a first one-way transmission device and a second one-way transmission device. The two respective powers are transmitted to a chainwheel by the hollow tube. A torque detection unit us connected to the hollow tube and located between the first and second one-way transmission devices. The power from the motor and the treading torques from the two ends of the axle do not affect to each other. When the torque detection unit detects a torque that is higher than the pre-set trading torque, the motor is activated to provide power, and the detected torque is reduced to the pre-set torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: National Cheng Kung UniversityInventors: Sen-Yung Lee, Shueei-Muh Lin, Xue-Yi Tian, Wan-You Cai, Bo-Syun Zeng
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Patent number: 10036465Abstract: A bicycle component is provided that is capable of suppressing rattling against a frame. The bicycle component includes a housing, a first attaching part and an adjustment member. The housing is configured to rotatably support a crankshaft. The first attaching part is provided to the housing and configured to be attached to a frame. The adjustment member has at least a portion which is configured to be disposed in a gap that is formed between the first attaching part and the frame while in a state in which the first attaching part is attached to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Yusuke Nishikawa, Shinichiro Noda
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Patent number: 9994284Abstract: A bicycle assist unit is basically provided with a transmission and an assist motor. The transmission is configured to receive rotation of a crankshaft. The transmission includes a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes an output unit, a plurality of ring gears and a rotation restricting mechanism that selectively restricts rotation of the ring gears. The assist motor is configured to output a second drive force that is added to a first drive force that is outputted from the transmission on a power transmission path between the output unit and a front sprocket that is attached to the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Hioryuki Urabe, Tetsuya Hino, Takashi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9981715Abstract: A power-assisted bicycle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a body frame, a bracket that mounts a power unit, and a power unit fixed to the bracket by a bolt. The power unit includes a pedal crank shaft and a motor that produces auxiliary power, and outputs each of human power applied to the pedal crank shaft and a driving force of the motor, or a resultant force of the human power and the driving force of the motor. The bracket includes a front mounting seat and rear mounting seat pointing downward. The power unit includes first and second front mounts and first and second rear mounts which overlap the front mounting seat and rear mounting seat from below. The bolt extends in a direction in which the front mounting seat and rear mounting seat and the mounts overlap each other, and fastens the mounts to the front mounting seat and the rear mounting seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shuuji Moriyama
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Patent number: 9941768Abstract: An electric drive, particularly for vehicles, includes at least one first and at least one second electric machine. The electric machines are arranged relative to one another in a manner comparable to the cylinders of a conventional opposed-cylinder internal-combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbHInventors: Thomas Bock, Karl-Heinz Gaubatz
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Patent number: 9758213Abstract: Provided is an electric assist bicycle that can apply a sufficient auxiliary driving force with a satisfactory gear change, preclude problems caused by interference between a mount or a battery and a front derailleur, and prevent a reduction in torque transmission efficiency. A cylindrical human-power transmission member that receives a transmitted human driving force is disposed on the outer periphery of a crank shaft, and a combined-force transmission member that receives the combined force of a human driving force and an auxiliary driving force from a motor is disposed on the outer periphery of the crank shaft. The electric assist bicycle includes a speed reduction mechanism that has pairs of reduction gears and a selection clutch engageable with the reduction gears, combines the human driving force and the auxiliary driving force, and changes gears for the combined force of the human driving force and the auxiliary driving force.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Masafumi Kawakami
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Patent number: 9758206Abstract: A mobile power pack fixed in a steering pipe of a bicycle includes a housing, a quick lock device, a fixing assembly, a mobile power source and a cover. The quick lock device is mounted on the connecting portion of the housing. The fixing assembly has a first fixing member inserted through the second receiving chamber and exposed out of the connecting portion to lock with the quick lock device, and first fixing member is screwed in the second fixing member. The quick release blocks of the quick lock device are pushed outward by the first fixing member to press against an inner surface of the steering pipe, so that the mobile power pack can be fixed in or released from a first receiving chamber of the steering pipe by the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Neco Technology Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ching-Hui Chen
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Patent number: 9656722Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided with a manual drive force detecting device, a rotation state detection device and a controller. The manual drive force detecting device detects a manual drive force. The rotation state detection device detects a parameter relating to crankshaft rotation of a crankshaft. The controller is programmed to control at least one of a driving unit that generates an auxiliary drive force and an electric transmission unit so that the manual drive force and the parameter relating to the crankshaft rotation will be within a prescribed range.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Mitsuru Tauchi, Takashi Toyoshima, Jun Gao
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Patent number: 9616966Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle comprising a motor mounted to a motor mount of the bicycle frame. The motor mount includes a down tube mount coupled to a down tube, a chainstay mount coupled to a chainstay, and a side brace secured to the down tube mount and wrapping around one side of the motor to the chainstay mount. Preferably, when viewed from the side, the side brace extends directly from the down tube mount to the chainstay mount. Preferably, the motor mount further comprises a lower support secured to the down tube mount and wrapped around a bottom of the motor to the chainstay mount. The motor mount can further include an upper support connecting the seat tube mount to the down tube mount. This upper support can include an upper flange secured to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Sonderegger, Marc Pallure, Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, Daniel Lentz, Jamie Stafford
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Patent number: 9608495Abstract: One variation may include a product comprising: an integrated electric bicycle motor comprising: an inrunner ring motor, a rotor mount coupled to the inside of the inrunner ring motor, and at least one battery assembly coupled to the rotor mount.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jussi A. Timonen
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Patent number: 9568309Abstract: A pedal assembly for a velocipede is provided. The pedal assembly includes an axle, pedal body, a first drive pin and a first actuator. The axle includes a distal end and a proximal end. The axle defines a first cam groove. The proximal end is configured for releasable attachment to a crankshaft. The pedal body is rotatably coupled with the axle and is rotatable with respect to the axle about an axis. The axis resides in an imaginary plane. The first drive pin is movably coupled with the pedal and is movable between an inserted position and a withdrawn position. The first actuator is movably attached to the pedal body and is associated with the first drive pin. The first actuator is movable between a first position and a second position. An apparatus for determining a pedal configuration for a user is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Inventors: Nikola Stevovich, David Pierson
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Patent number: 9570724Abstract: The object is providing an energy storage device that can be attached to the frame of the bicycle without the need for using tools. This device is, on the one hand, not in the way while the rider is operating the bicycle, and on the other hand, a suitable solution for easy retrofitting action of conventional bicycles. The energy storage device includes a housing that has disposed therein at least one electrical connection is available on the housing that is accessible from the outside. This connection serves, on the one hand, for connecting an electrical consumer, particularly an electrical drive, to the electrical energy storage element; on the other hand, this connection can preferably also serve for recharging the electrical energy storage element. The at least one electrical energy storage element is preferably a rechargeable accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Inventor: Gunter Lang
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Patent number: 9434447Abstract: A bicycle comprising a front wheel and a rear wheel supporting a frame. A bottom bracket of the frame defines a first axis, a second axis and a third axis. A pedal crank assembly is supported for rotation about the first axis and includes a first driven gear and a first drive gear. A second gear is supported for rotation about the second axis. A third driven gear and a third drive gear are supported for rotation about the third axis. An electric motor drives the first driven gear and the first drive gear rotates in response to rotation of the first driven gear. The first drive gear engages and rotates the second gear, which drives the third driven gear. The third drive gear rotates in response to rotation of the third driven gear. The third drive gear is rotationally coupled to the rear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: 3G BIKES, LLCInventor: Gary Silva
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Patent number: 9381972Abstract: A power-assisted bicycle is provided to satisfactorily keep torque detection capability while reducing the pedal force of a pedal during pedaling if a battery has run out. A cylindrical human-power transmission member 28 having a magneto-striction generation portion 31b of a torque sensor 31 is disposed on the outer periphery of a crankshaft 7a. A combined force member 29 for combining a human driving force and an auxiliary driving force is disposed on the outer periphery of the crankshaft 7a. An auxiliary-driving-force transmission path from a motor 21 to the combined force member 29 has a deceleration mechanism 25 that includes a plurality of reduction gears 36c and 36d and reduction gear support shafts 36a and 36b. A one-way clutch 37 for interrupting a human driving force is disposed between the reduction gears 36c and 36d and the reduction gear support shafts 36a and 36b.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Masafumi Kawakami, Munehiro Date
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Patent number: 9376163Abstract: A battery-assisted bicycle includes a driving unit that increases an assist ratio and provides a smooth assist control that does not make a rider feel uncomfortable. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a crank rotation detector that detects rotation of the crankshaft, and an assist control stopping unit programmed to stop an assist control in response to the rotation of the crankshaft detected by the crank rotation detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Nobuyasu Arimune, Satoshi Kamiya, Masanori Negoro
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Patent number: 9327801Abstract: A battery-assisted bicycle includes a driving unit that accurately detects a failure in each of a torque detector, a crank rotation detector, and a motor rotation detector. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a motor rotation detector that detects rotation of an electric motor, a torque detector that detects a torque generated at the crankshaft, a crank rotation detector that detects rotation of the crankshaft, and a sensor failure detector that detects a failure in at least one of the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector based on detection results from the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nobuyasu Arimune
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Patent number: 9315231Abstract: A transmission for a muscle-powered vehicle having an auxiliary motor, in particular for a pedelec, including a housing which can be fitted on the vehicle, a first drive shaft mounted in the housing for feeding in muscle power, said first drive shaft being coupled to an approximately coaxial output shaft for driving the vehicle, and further including, approximately at a right angle to said first drive shaft, a second drive shaft for connecting the auxiliary motor, which second drive shaft acts on the output shaft via an angular gear. The angular gear is formed by a crown gear on the output shaft and a sprocket on the second drive shaft, which sprocket engages in the crown gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Bionx Europe GmbHInventors: Manfred Gingl, Sandor Palvolgyi
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Patent number: 9302734Abstract: A drive device for an electric bicycle with a drive housing in which a hollow shaft is mounted which is connected to a chain wheel of a chain drive of the electric bicycle, a pedal crankshaft arranged coaxial to the hollow shaft and is couplable thereto, which crankshaft is connected to pedal cranks on each of its two ends and an electric motor the output of which can be coupled to the hollow shaft via a traction mechanism drive which drive means comprises a belt drive with a flexible traction mechanism in the form of a toothed belt, a flat belt, or a V-belt, or said drive means comprises a chain drive with a flexible traction mechanism in the form of a single or double roller chain.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommandtigesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Udo Getta, Ullrich Noack, Karl-Heinz Fleischmann
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Patent number: 9260157Abstract: A frame includes a frame body, a control unit, a first connector, a battery module and a second connector. The frame body has a receiving space formed therein, a first tube and a second tube. The first tube is combined with the second tube at a conjunction. An installed space is defined between the first tube and the second tube. An opening is formed on the conjunction, and the receiving space communicates with the installed space through the opening. The control unit is disposed within the receiving space. The first connector is disposed in the opening and coupled to the control unit. The battery module is detachably installed in the installed space. The second connector is disposed on the battery module and for engaging with the first connector when the battery module is installed in the installed space.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignees: DARFON ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD., DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Wen-Sung Chu, An-Yi Ma
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Patent number: 9227694Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a crank axle, a motor, an output member and a torque combining mechanism. The crank axle is rotatable about a first rotational axis. The motor has an output shaft rotatable about a second rotational axis. The output member is rotatable about the first rotational axis in a first rotational direction as the crank axle rotates about the first rotational axis in the first rotational direction. The torque combining mechanism operatively couples the output shaft of the motor to the output member to transmit rotation of the output shaft of the motor to the output member. The torque combining mechanism operatively separates the output shaft of the motor from the output member for preventing rotation of the crank axle from being transmitted to the output shaft of the motor as the crank axle rotates about the first rotational axis in a second rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tetsuya Hino, Shinichiro Noda
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Patent number: 9199630Abstract: A transmission control system is provided for used in a bicycle having a crank, a front sprocket that is rotatable independent of the crank, a rear wheel, a rear sprocket that is rotatable independent of the rear wheel, a chain that engages with the front sprocket and the rear sprocket, and at least one external transmission mechanism. The transmission control system is basically provided with a driving force output device, a detection device and at least one controller. The detection device is one of a rotational state detection device, a manual drive force detecting device and a speed detection device. The at least one controller is programmed to control the driving force output device to drive the chain and to control a gear shifting action of the at least one external transmission mechanism to shift gears, based on a comparison of the detection results by the detection device and a prescribed state or a prescribed value.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Jun Gao
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Patent number: 9199693Abstract: A driving unit and a battery-assisted bicycle include a stopping assist control without making a rider feel uncomfortable. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a torque detector that detects a torque generated at the crankshaft, and an assist control stopping unit that stops an assist control based on an amplitude of a torque detected by the torque detector while the crankshaft rotates in a prescribed rotation angle range.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Nobuyasu Arimune, Satoshi Kamiya, Masanori Negoro
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Patent number: 9120531Abstract: This motor driving control apparatus includes: a smoothing processing unit that executes smoothing processing using values of pedal input torque at plural points to calculate a first smoothed torque value; an insufficiency output unit that obtains a rate of points at which input of the pedal input torque is insufficient among the plural points; an assist torque calculating unit that performs calculation processing of mixing the first torque value calculated by the smoothing processing unit and the pedal input torque in accordance with output of the insufficient output unit to calculate assist torque; and a driving processing unit that performs processing to drive a motor using the assist torque calculated by the assist torque calculating unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignees: MICROSPACE CORPORATION, TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.Inventors: Masato Tanaka, Kazuo Asanuma, Yasuo Hosaka
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Patent number: 9102317Abstract: It is described an electronic system (50) to drive an electric device (5) of a bicycle assisted electrically (1) by means of a rechargeable battery (6). In case of detecting that the calculated human power is greater than or equal to the bicycle estimated friction power and in case of detecting that the state of charge of the battery (6) is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the processor is such to generate a driving current value for driving the electric device (5) operating as an electric motor (5) supplied from the battery (6). In case of detecting that the calculated human power is smaller than the estimated bicycle friction power, the processor is such to convert at least part of the human power into electric power by means of the electric device (5) operating as an electric generator (5), and generate therefrom another driving current value for charging the battery (6) from the electric device operating as electric generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignees: POLITECNICO DI MILANO, SEMS S.r.l., FNM S.p.A.Inventors: Cristiano Spelta, Giovanni Alli, Pierfrancesco Spagnol, Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Massimo Vanzulli, Giuseppe Biesuz