Power Driven At Endless Flexible Drive Member, E.g., Chain(ipc) Patents (Class 180/206.7)
-
Patent number: 12065216Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: MAXON INTERNATIONAL AGInventor: Ernst Von Lehmann
-
Patent number: 11511827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Nomura, Makoto Hattori, Hirotaka Onuki, Masayuki Sunamoto
-
Patent number: 11492073Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignees: CHUNG-ANG UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND BUSINESS, SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Jung Yup Kim, Dong Jun Shin
-
Patent number: 9802674Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Paul James Bachman, Dustin Robert Williams
-
Patent number: 9688334Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: MIRANDA & IRMAO, LDA.Inventor: João Filipe Tavares Miranda
-
Patent number: 9669895Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
-
Patent number: 9434445Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Dr. Nathan Jauvtis EngineeringInventor: Nathan Jauvtis
-
Patent number: 9266583Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Udo Getta, Ullrich Noack, Karl-Heinz Fleischmann
-
Patent number: 9254769Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: 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: 9085342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Dr. Nathan Jauvtis EngineeringInventor: Nathan Jauvtis
-
Patent number: 8965610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: Thomas Boyle
-
Patent number: 8882130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Michihiro Kodama
-
Patent number: 8684122Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Eiji Maeno, Kiyohiro Ito
-
Patent number: 8602148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventor: Shaul Shwartz
-
Patent number: 8573347Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Philippe Kohlbrenner
-
Patent number: 8550199Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Nexxtdrive LimitedInventors: Frank Moeller, Martin Weber
-
Publication number: 20130153321Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Daniel Preining, Matthias Eitschberger
-
Publication number: 20120097467Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Eiji Maeno, Kiyohiro Ito
-
Publication number: 20110247888Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: Philippe Kohlbrenner