Power Driven At Endless Flexible Drive Member, E.g., Chain(ipc) Patents (Class 180/206.7)
  • Patent number: 12065216
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting arrangement for the drive train of a muscle-power-operated vehicle with auxiliary motor includes an output shaft, a first input shaft for the transmission of a torque generated by muscle power to the output shaft, a second input shaft for the transmission of a torque generated by the auxiliary motor to the output shaft, and a freewheel function, which prevents a user from having to concomitantly rotate the auxiliary motor when the auxiliary motor is inactive. A mechanical clutch transmits a torque from the second input shaft to the output shaft if, at the first input shaft, a torque prevails which acts in a drive direction of rotation on the output shaft, and transmits no torque from the second input shaft to the output shaft if, at the first input shaft, a torque prevails which acts on the output shaft counter to the drive direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: MAXON INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventor: Ernst Von Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11511827
    Abstract: An electric bicycle includes: a sleeve to which power for driving the electric bicycle is input; a rear wheel; and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power input to the sleeve to the rear wheel. The electric bicycle determines an abnormality of the power transmission mechanism or prevents or prohibits driving performed by using the power transmission mechanism based on a reference composite gear ratio of the power transmission mechanism acquired at a first time and current composite gear ratio of the power transmission mechanism acquired at a second time subsequent to the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Nomura, Makoto Hattori, Hirotaka Onuki, Masayuki Sunamoto
  • Patent number: 11492073
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, provided is a power assisted driving system comprising: a measurement part for measuring an operation state of a crank; a control part for determining a voltage or current necessary for power assistance on the basis of the measured value of the measurement part; a motor part, to which the voltage or current is applied, for providing driving power; and a power supply part for providing electric power to components other than itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignees: CHUNG-ANG UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND BUSINESS, SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jung Yup Kim, Dong Jun Shin
  • Patent number: 9802674
    Abstract: A power unit includes a drive unit and a power sprocket for engaging the transmission band of a bicycle. The power unit includes a first free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a first side of the power sprocket and a second free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a second side of the power sprocket. The power sprocket receives the transmission band from the first free-wheeling sprocket on the first side and passes the transmission band to the second free-wheeling sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul James Bachman, Dustin Robert Williams
  • Patent number: 9688334
    Abstract: The present application describes a chain guard system lock nut comprising an electric motor (7) wherein the sprocket rotates at an angular speed different from the crank speed (2). The present application discloses a bike chain guard system lock nut designed to protect the clothing of the user from fouling or being caught between the chain and the sprocket, thereby avoiding accidents, but also, and by means of the chain guard (4), avoiding the chain from releasing from the sprocket in the bottom bracket (8). This lock nut is assembled together with the sprocket directly on the bottom bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MIRANDA & IRMAO, LDA.
    Inventor: João Filipe Tavares Miranda
  • Patent number: 9669895
    Abstract: A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Patent number: 9434445
    Abstract: Provided herein is a power assisted motorized vehicle which can be operated in either a manual mode or a motorized mode or in a combination of manual and motorized modes. The vehicle includes, inter alia, a frame connected to at least one fork capable of supporting a wheel having a first driven sprocket assembly and a second driven sprocket assembly, a rechargeable electrical power supply attached to the frame, a motor controller attached to the frame, an electric motor supported by the frame and attached to a first driving sprocket which is coupled to the first driven sprocket assembly and a manual pedal assembly supported by the frame and comprising a pedal crank shaft with two pedals and a second driving sprocket which is coupled to the second driven sprocket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Nathan Jauvtis Engineering
    Inventor: Nathan Jauvtis
  • Patent number: 9266583
    Abstract: A drive device for an electric bicycle, contains a drive housing in which a hollow shaft is mounted, which is connected to a chain wheel of a chain transmission of an electric bicycle, a pedal crank shaft which is arranged coaxially with respect to the hollow shaft and is connected at both ends to pedal cranks, a first clutch which is shifted depending on the rotation direction and which is arranged between the hollow shaft and the pedal crank shaft, and an electric motor whose output is connected to the hollow shaft via a second clutch which is shifted depending on the rotation direction. The hollow shaft can be coupled to the pedal crank shaft in both rotation directions of the pedal crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Udo Getta, Ullrich Noack, Karl-Heinz Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 9254769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structural element (100) of a motor vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle seat, wherein the structural element (100) comprises a first component (101) and a second component (102). In an overlap region (103), the first component (101) and the second component (102) have a formed-closed connection, or a form-closed and form-closed connection, wherein the connection in the overlap region (103) can be produced by an electromagnetic pulse shaping method, wherein the first component comprises at least one form-closed molding (600), wherein the second component can be molded into the at least one form-closed molding (600).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Gross, Christian Hubsch, Joshua Hesterberg, Dirk Angermann, Dirk Eckenroth, Stefan Funk, Andreas Dannheisig, Hans-Georg Werner, Wolfgang Pellenz, Robin Ndagijimana, Vikas Wayal, Praveen Koparde, Yaniv Oren, Martin Zynda, Vedat Nuyan
  • Patent number: 9085342
    Abstract: Provided herein is a power assisted motorized vehicle which can be operated in a manual mode or a motorized mode or in a combination of manual and motorized modes. The vehicle includes, inter alia, a frame connected to at least one fork capable of supporting a wheel having a first driven sprocket assembly and a second driven sprocket assembly, a rechargeable electrical power supply attached to the frame, a motor controller attached to the frame, an electric motor supported by the frame and attached to a first driving sprocket which is coupled to the first driven sprocket assembly and a manual pedal assembly supported by the frame and comprising a pedal crank shaft with two pedals and a second driving sprocket which is coupled to the second driven sprocket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Nathan Jauvtis Engineering
    Inventor: Nathan Jauvtis
  • Patent number: 8965610
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling an electric motor providing assistance to a bicycle rider based on measuring the mechanical power generated by the rider. The power generated by the rider is measured by measuring tension in a bicycle chain (or belt) and RPM. A chain (or belt) roller is carried at the free end of a cantilevered beam and the chain (or belt) rides over the roller. The resulting deflection of the cantilevered beam provides a measurement of chain tension. A control signal for the electric motor is generated based on a smoother version of the power generated by the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Boyle
  • Patent number: 8882130
    Abstract: A bicycle drive assembly includes a rear hub and a cover. The rear hub includes a rear hub axle, a hub shell, a first rear sprocket and a disc brake rotor. The hub shell is rotatably mounted on the rear hub axle. The first rear sprocket is rotatably mounted on a first side of the rear hub axle. The disc brake rotor is rotatably mounted on the first side of the rear hub axle. The cover is disposed around the rear hub axle and axially between the first rear sprocket and the disc brake rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Michihiro Kodama
  • Patent number: 8684122
    Abstract: A center motor power-assisted bicycle includes an internal transmission and has a regenerative function. A transmission comprises, in a drive wheel hub, a planetary gear, a one-way clutch for reverse input, a clutch switching device, and, a sun gear and transmits driving force from a sprocket to the drive wheel. A transmission control mechanism selectively rotationally fixes the sun gear to the axle to change speed when driving force is applied. The clutch is disposed between the sun gear and the axle, and selectively rotationally fixes the sun gear to the axle by the operation of the clutch switching device when reverse input is applied. While the bicycle is driven, the clutch switching device moves the clutch to the rotatable state, to transmit driving force. While the bicycle is traveling without being driven, the clutch is locked, so that reverse input is transmitted to the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Maeno, Kiyohiro Ito
  • Patent number: 8602148
    Abstract: A portable removable apparatus for powering a bicycle driven by a chain is disclosed. The apparatus includes a portable and removable drive unit for propelling the bicycle. The drive unit includes an electric motor and a shaft rotatable by the motor, with a sprocket coaxially affixed to the shaft and adapted to engage to a portion of the chain. The apparatus also includes a bracket adapted to be fixed to a frame of the bicycle and to be in bearing contact with the shaft for supporting the shaft. The apparatus further includes at least one additional support for supporting the drive unit on the bicycle frame so that lateral torque on the drive unit when engaged with the chain and operating is substantially eliminated. Another embodiment is disclosed in which the drive unit includes a flexible belt looped around a drive pulley connected to the motor and an idler pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Shaul Shwartz
  • Patent number: 8573347
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle with a crank drive and an electric drive, comprising: a) a frame which serves to suspend a front wheel and a rear wheel and comprises a seat tube, an upper rear wheel stay and a lower rear wheel stay which together at least substantially form a frame triangle for suspending the rear wheel; b) a crank for converting muscular strength into torque; c) a crank coupling for transferring the torque of the crank onto the rear wheel; d) an electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor; e) and a motor coupling for transferring a torque of the electric motor onto the rear wheel; f) wherein the crank and the electric motor output onto the same side of the rear wheel, and g) the electric motor is supported on the frame triangle h) and arranged within the frame triangle as seen in a lateral view onto the wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Philippe Kohlbrenner
  • Patent number: 8550199
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a pedal cycle (10) having a rear hub-mounted electro-mechanical transmission arrangement in which a chain-driven rear sprocket (80), an input electrical machine (120) and the hub (100) are each coupled to a respective branch of a three-branch epicyclic gear set (140). Allowing for natural variations in input torque by a cyclist over a cycle of the crank arms (50), a substantially constant current is caused to exist in the input electrical machine (120) such that a change in torque applied by the cyclist results in a change in transmission ratio between the rear sprocket (80) and the hub (100), thereby providing a form of automatic and continuously variable transmission for the pedal cycle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nexxtdrive Limited
    Inventors: Frank Moeller, Martin Weber
  • Publication number: 20130153321
    Abstract: A mounting set for mounting an electric motor to a cycle includes an adapter for attaching the electric motor. The adapter is configured to be attached to at least one side of a bottom bracket tube and at least one point on a down tube. The adapter includes mounting holes configured to attach the adapter to at least one side of the bottom bracket tube using an attachment device and bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Preining, Matthias Eitschberger
  • Publication number: 20120097467
    Abstract: A power-assisted bicycle of the center motor type is proposed which includes an internally mounted transmission and has a regenerative function with the least complexity of the structure. The bicycle includes a transmission (5) comprising a planetary gear, a one-way clutch (2) for reverse input, and a clutch switching device (9), which are all mounted in a hub (1) of the drive wheel. The transmission (3) includes at least one sun gear and transmits driving force from a sprocket (7) to the drive wheel. The bicycle further includes a transmission control mechanism (10) for selectively rotationally fixing the sun gear to the axle (5) to change speed when driving force is applied. The one-way clutch (2) for reverse input is disposed between the at least one sun gear (5a) and the axle (11), and selectively rotationally fix the sun gear to the axle (11) by the operation of the clutch switching device (9) when reverse input is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Eiji Maeno, Kiyohiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20110247888
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle with a crank drive and an electric drive, comprising: a) a frame which serves to suspend a front wheel and a rear wheel and comprises a seat tube, an upper rear wheel stay and a lower rear wheel stay which together at least substantially form a frame triangle for suspending the rear wheel; b) a crank for converting muscular strength into torque; c) a crank coupling for transferring the torque of the crank onto the rear wheel; d) an electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor; e) and a motor coupling for transferring a torque of the electric motor onto the rear wheel; f) wherein the crank and the electric motor output onto the same side of the rear wheel, and g) the electric motor is supported on the frame triangle h) and arranged within the frame triangle as seen in a lateral view onto the wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Philippe Kohlbrenner