Electrical-type Motor Patents (Class 180/220)
  • Patent number: 7798269
    Abstract: The motorcycle is provided with a pipeline 84 for supplying at least hydrogen and oxygen. A fuel cell 12 is disposed below a seat 22 on which a driver sits. A connection port 80 between the fuel cell 12 and the pipe line 84 is disposed rearward of a foot step 82 on which the driver can set his foot. Accordingly, a space A necessary and sufficient for the foot step 82 is guaranteed, thereby improving a foot setting property at the time of traveling and a foot setting property at the time of stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohei Makuta, Yoshiyuki Horii, Kuniaki Ikui
  • Publication number: 20100206652
    Abstract: A dual-posture Electric Assist Bicycle (EAB) permits a rider to assume a rider-upright position while peddling or a rider-recumbent position while coasting with the electric assist propulsion system engaged. The rider can alternate between positions safely and while in motion. The dual-posture EAB comprises: a seat assembly, a footrest assembly and an extended handlebar assembly. The EAB's seat assembly includes an inclined backrest that is typically affixed to the EAB's seat post. Left and right footrests are affixed near the EAB's headtube. The extended handlebar typically includes means for quickly repositioning the controls while under way to optimize ergonomics for whichever seating posture is being used. In another example of the invention the frame of the bicycle is foldable into a dolly configuration for easy moving and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Kielland
  • Patent number: 7778028
    Abstract: Electrical units are effectively cooled, even if the longitudinal length of the cover member in which the electrical units to be cooled are accommodated is short, by easily guiding a flow of air during operation toward the electrical units. A second cover member which constitutes at least a part of a body cover together with a first cover member is positioned ahead of the first cover member which accommodates an electrical unit to be cooled. Inlets which let a flow of air during operation into the second cover member are disposed in the second cover member. An outlet for discharging a flow of air during operation out of the first cover member is provided in the first cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gen Tanabe, Ryohei Kitamura, Yasuyuki Kadowaki, Takashi Arai
  • Patent number: 7766360
    Abstract: A motorcycle that reduces air resistance without a cowling includes a steering handle, a headlight unit disposed in front of a handle base disposed at a substantial center of the steering handle, a meter unit disposed above the handle base, and a fuel tank disposed behind the handle base. In a side view of the motorcycle, the headlight top surface, the meter top surface and the fuel tank top surface are smoothly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsurou Saitou, Shigeto Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 7749121
    Abstract: An improved structure of a transmission structure for an electrically operated bicycle, structured to include an electric mechanism and a pedal coaxially disposed on a pedal shaft of a bicycle. The present invention is characterized in that: a rotating shaft of the electric mechanism is a hollow tube that passes through two sides of the electric mechanism; the pedal shaft of the pedal mechanism penetrates and is disposed within the rotating shaft and is able to rotate therein; and the driving chain wheel is pivotal disposed on an outer side of the rotating shaft. One side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to the rotating shaft of the electric mechanism by means of a clutch, and the other side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to a pedal crank of the pedal mechanism by means of a unilateral bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Te-Yu Perng
  • Publication number: 20100089682
    Abstract: Herein described is a hybrid propulsion and transmission system for a motorcycle of the type comprising at least an internal combustion engine (10) and at least one driving wheel (22). The system comprises a first electric machine (14), provided with first mechanical connection means (12) to the internal combustion engine (10), and a second electric machine (18), coupled with first electric machine (14) through electric and/or electronic connection means (16) and/or through second mechanical connection means (20), and coupled with the driving wheel (22) through second mechanical connection means (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Piaggio & C.S.P.A.
    Inventors: Federico Martini, Alessandro Caleo, Luca Carmignani, Paolo Capozzella
  • Patent number: 7691162
    Abstract: An elongate spike configuration of air filter for an automotive vehicle includes a cowl arranged to extend parallel to the ram air flow about the vehicle and resulting from movement of the vehicle at speed. The cowl is rotational and is power driven in rotation during operation of the vehicle such as to smooth ram air flow, reducing turbulence and excessive ram air pressure so as to improve running smoothness of the vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Bill McCahill, Steve Campbell, Antonio Miguel Llerandi
  • Publication number: 20100078251
    Abstract: An electric motorcycle is provided that can air-cool a power drive unit without the provision of a plurality of cooling fans. In an electric vehicle in which a battery box housing batteries is disposed below a foot rest space and electricity supplied from the batteries is supplied to a running-purpose power-generating motor via a power drive unit, the power drive unit is attached to a swing arm turning around a pivot shaft and the battery box is formed with an air introduction port and an air discharge port used to cool the batteries. A cooling fan is provided which sucks air in the battery box from the air discharge port and sends the air toward the power drive unit. The cooling fan is disposed rearward of the air discharge port of the battery box and close to the pivot shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Hisao NISHIURA, Yoshihisa Kanno, Toshiaki Takamura
  • Publication number: 20100078247
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type electric vehicle includes an electric motor for generates power for rotationally driving a rear wheel. Foot rests are provided for an occupant seated on an occupant seat. A battery is disposed in a space S surrounded by a down frame which is coupled to a head pipe or to a front end of a main frame and which extends downwardly, pivot frames, and the main frame. Steps disposed to both sides of the battery in planar view are provided to front ends of a pair of left and right step frames coupled to lower portion of the pivot frames, the step frames extending forward and overlapping a rear portion of the battery in planar view. The battery is wider in an area adjacent to the head pipe as compared to the width of the battery in an area adjacent to the steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Taiki SASAGE, Masahiko Takenaka
  • Publication number: 20100078248
    Abstract: An electric motorcycle in which the disposition space of a motor is downsized, the number of components is reduced, and the power transmission efficiency is improved. In an electric motorcycle, a swing arm is swingably supported by a vehicle body frame and supports a power generating motor. A driving shaft of the power generating motor and a rear wheel axle of a rear wheel are coupled together. A driving force of the power generating motor is transmitted to the rear wheel. In the electric motorcycle, the driving shaft of the power generating motor is disposed generally in parallel to the rear wheel axle of the rear wheel. A driving gear is provided on the driving shaft. A driving gear is in meshing engagement with a reduction gear provided on the rear wheel axle. The driving gear has a smaller diameter than that of the reduction gear. A driving force of the power generating motor is transmitted to the rear wheel axle through a reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshihisa KANNO, Hiroyuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20100078246
    Abstract: In a saddle-ride electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor generating power for rotatively driving a rear wheel, a main battery supplying electric power to the electric motor is disposed in a first space S1 that is surrounded by a down frame connected to a head pipe or a front end portion of a main frame and extending downward, a pivot frame connected to the rear end portion of the main frame and extending downward, and the main frame, and a sub-battery that can supply electric power to the electric motor instead of the main battery is disposed in a second space S2 surrounded by seat rails connected to the rear portion of the main frame to support an occupant seat and the main frame. The electric motor is disposed at a position different from the first and second spaces S1 and S2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Taiki SASAGE, Masahiko Takenaka
  • Publication number: 20100078249
    Abstract: The weight balance of an electric motorcycle including a battery, a power drive unit, and a driving power generating motor, in the left-and-right direction or in the frontward-and-rearward direction is easily secured. An electric motorcycle includes a power drive unit and a driving power generating motor which are mounted to a swing arm swinging about a pivot shaft in an upward-and-downward direction. A rear wheel WR is driven by the power generating motor. The electric motorcycle includes a battery to supply electric power to the power generating motor. A center of gravity (BC) of the battery is located at the side opposite to the power drive unit and the power generating motor about a central line CX of a motorcycle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Hisao Nishiura, Shinji Furuta, Makoto Hasegawa, Takato Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100018784
    Abstract: A vehicle operated by an electric motor (16) comprises an energy generating unit (11, 12, 16) for generating electric energy for the electric motor (16) and an energy storage device (8, 9) for storing electric energy, wherein the energy storage device (8, 9) is connected to the electric motor (16) for supplying the electric motor (16) with electric energy in addition to the energy supplied by the energy generating unit (11, 12, 16). The maximum power which can be provided by the energy generating unit (11, 12, 16) is higher, but by no more then 15%, than an average motor power in the operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: CLEAN MOBILE AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Hoebel
  • Publication number: 20090308678
    Abstract: An electric bicycle is formed by user-manipulatively mounting a power driving assembly to a regular bicycle. The power driving assembly includes a driving gear, a flat motor, a battery set, an operation knob, and a transmission gear train. The driving gear is mounted to spokes of a bicycle wheel and is concentric with respect to an axle of the wheel. The flat motor is mounted to a frame of the wheel. The battery set is received in a casing, which is mounted to a frame of the bicycle and the operation knob is mounted on a handlebar of the bicycle or other suitable locations to control a switch of the flat motor, which transmits the power generated by the flat motor through the transmission gear train to drive the driving gear and thus controlling forwarding and stopping of the bicycle wheel, thereby realizing the operation and function of the electric bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: CHUAN-SHENG CHEN
  • Patent number: 7610987
    Abstract: A power unit in a saddle-ride type vehicle in which an arrangement space of an engine constituent part is ensured in an upper space of an engine body. In the power unit, an engine body having a crankshaft and a transmission casing accommodating therein a V-belt type transmission are joined. An oil reservoir portion is formed on a bottom of the engine body to project downward from a lower edge of the transmission casing, and a starter motor is arranged adjacent to a rear wall of the oil reservoir portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Aoyama
  • Patent number: 7604079
    Abstract: An auxiliary power drive system is incorporated into a bicycle either as a retrofit or in initial construction. The power for the drive system is derived either from an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The power developed by said motor or engine is delivered to the rear wheel of the bicycle by a flexible drive shaft which either drives a friction wheel operating on the tire of the rear wheel or to worm gear affixed to the rear wheel. The flexible drive shaft includes a friction clutch which discontinues the power of the drive shaft from driving the rear wheel when normal pedaling is resumed. The flexible drive shaft also includes a telescoping coupling to compensate any change in lengths of the drive shaft due to impacts on the rear wheel caused by the terrain the bicycle is riding on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Jack Ray Pittman
  • Patent number: 7604078
    Abstract: An electric bicycle includes at least two internal storage compartments accessible by moving a seat to an open position. The storage compartments are arrange side-by-side and separated by a dead space (e.g., a wall). The electric bicycle includes a lock mechanism disposed in the dead space for selectively locking the seat in a closed position. As so arranged, the lock mechanism does not reduce the size of the two internal storage compartments and is less likely to be tampered with in comparison to lock mechanisms that are located around the perimeter of the storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ikuo Okamoto, Toshiki Hirata
  • Patent number: 7594558
    Abstract: A motorcycle with an increased rigidity portion for supporting a storage box. A body frame includes a main frame extending rearward and obliquely downward from a head pipe. Left and right seat rails are connected to the rear portion of the main frame and extend rearward and obliquely upward. Left and right backstays extend between and are connected to the left and right seat rails and the rear end of the main frame. A storage box is disposed such that its bottom is positioned above a connection part of the main frame and the backstays, and the storage box has front and rear attachment parts secured to the seat rails. The front and rear attachment parts are separately disposed, respectively, forward and rearward of a vertical line that passes through the connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Isayama
  • Patent number: 7584974
    Abstract: A folding means for a foldable apparatus, the folding means comprising a first member (2) having a locking end (4) and a second member (5) having an opening (16) through which the locking end (4) of the first member (2) is located, the locking end (4) being pivotally attached to the second member (5) via a pivot means and the locking end (4) comprising at least one catch (26), and wherein a locking means that is adapted to engage with the catch (26) and the second member (5) to lock the apparatus in a particular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Flexibility Concepts Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas Richard Jackman, Jayson Leslie Puklowski
  • Publication number: 20090218154
    Abstract: The invention is directed at a power assist module for a bicycle comprising a power source; a motor, connected to the power source; an output drive gear, controlled by motor through gear reduction; a multi-geared hub, mounted on a wheel of the bicycle; and a motor drive system connecting the output drive gear with the multi-geared hub; wherein rotation of the output drive gear by the motor, causes the drive chain to rotate the hub, thereby rotating the wheel of the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond YEE
  • Patent number: 7568714
    Abstract: A power assist module includes a battery powered motor mounted on a manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle. The power assist module is fixedly mounted on the bicycle and can be easily removed without the need for tools, so that the bicycle can be manually operated in a conventional manner when so desired without carrying the extra weight of the power assist module. The power assist module includes a motor assembly which is operated through a gear reduction assembly to drive a crank drive gear mounted in conjunction with a crank arm of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Marque International Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Sasnowski, Fabio Venier
  • Patent number: 7530411
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles. The ride-on, or ride-on vehicle, includes a frame having a seat adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a biasing assembly that is connected to the frame and adapted to bias the seat away from the vehicle's driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed operation of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, Jr., William R. Howell, Karl D. Lerch, Brian L. Bienz
  • Publication number: 20090115167
    Abstract: An improved electric motor scooter includes: a front frame; a front wheel assembly coupled to the front frame and residing on a surface; a back frame; a back wheel assembly coupled to the back frame and residing on the surface; and a center pivot mechanism coupled to the front frame and the back frame. The center pivot mechanism includes a pivot and a folding axis around which the pivot rotates. The folding axis is not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the scooter and is tilted from the longitudinal axis at an angle. A rotation of the pivot in a direction folds the scooter vertically from the surface and moves the back wheel assembly toward the front wheel assembly according to the angle. During the folding, the front wheel assembly and the back wheel assembly each remains on the surface as the pivot rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: RYAN C. CHIN, RAUL-DAVID POBLANO, MICHAEL CHIA_LIANG LIN, ARTHUR JOSEPH PETRON
  • Patent number: 7520358
    Abstract: A device for generating a haptic signal in a vehicle is provided, in which a driver's command can be given via a rotary gas handle. A servo unit is formed in such a manner that, as a function of at least one detected operational condition for driving, a theoretical speed of the vehicle can be generated. Based on the theoretical speed of the vehicle, a servo signal for actuation of a servo element of the vehicle is generated, where the servo element is formed such that a restoring force for the rotary gas handle or the torque required for moving the rotary gas handle is adjusted thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dirk Ehmanns, Robert Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7506708
    Abstract: A protective guard member is provided in order to protect a high-voltage wire connected to a control unit in an electric vehicle, in which the control unit, for controlling a drive motor of the vehicle, is mounted to a rear swing arm thereof. The high-voltage wire protecting guard member may be provided as a guard arm of a main vehicle support stand, arranged to shield the external side of the high-voltage wire, when the support stand is in a stored position thereof. The guard arm may be configured to protectively shield a water supply pipe and a water discharge pipe for a cooling plate associated with the control unit, as well as protecting the high-voltage wire, when the support stand is in the stored position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanau Iwashita
  • Patent number: 7484581
    Abstract: As a framework member 50 of a vehicle deforms, a bracket attached to the framework member 50 also deforms. An inverter 20 which is attached to the framework member 50 via a bracket 60 also deforms. Thus, following the deformation of the framework member 50 of the vehicle, the bracket 60 and the inverter 20 deform accordingly to result in a rather small amount of relative deformation among the framework member 50, the bracket 60, and the inverter 20. In addition, a high voltage line 40 attached to the bracket 60 also deforms following the deformation of the bracket 60. Therefore, even in the event of an accident, the high voltage line 40 can be secured in a space reserved between framework member 50 and inverter 20, which significantly reduces the possibility of disconnection of the high voltage line 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Yamafuji
  • Patent number: 7484582
    Abstract: To provide a suspension system that can efficiently lay out a shock absorber and various accessories in a fuel cell electric vehicle where a fuel cell is mounted in the vicinity of a floor portion of the body. In a suspension system of a fuel cell electric vehicle provided with a fuel cell mounted in the vicinity of a floor portion of the body, a motor is provided for generating a driving force of a vehicle based upon electric power supplied from the fuel cell. A motor unit is supported by a body frame so that the motor unit can be rocked for housing the motor and a shock absorber provided between the motor unit and the body frame. The shock absorber is arranged under the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kanau Iwashita, Shinji Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7478698
    Abstract: An arrangement of intake and exhaust system components in a fuel cell powered vehicle makes it easier to install those components on a vehicle body. The arrangement also improves power generating efficiency, and eases maintenance. The arrangement, which includes a fuel cell, intake system components such as an air cleaner, compressor, intercooler, and humidifier, and exhaust system components including an exhaust pipe which exhausts emission gas from the fuel cell through an exhaust port, is such that the intake system components and the exhaust system components are both located on one side of the fuel cell, for example behind the fuel cell. The air cleaner, compressor, intercooler, humidifier and fuel cell may be substantially linearly sequentially arranged, to reduce air flow resistance. The pipes between the air cleaner and the compressor, and between the intercooler and the humidifier are short.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Shimizu, Yoshiyuki Horii, Junya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7461714
    Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes a frame mounted motor connected to pedals and to a rear driven wheel through an intermediate jackshaft. The motor is connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt. The pedals are connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt and a jackshaft-pedal freewheel which allows the pedals to drive the jackshaft, but prevents the jackshaft from driving the pedal. The jackshaft is connected to the driven wheel through another chain or belt, and a second freewheel allows the jackshaft to drive the driven wheel but prevents the driven wheel from driving the jackshaft using the same chain or belt. Another chain or belt may additionally connect the driven wheel to the jackshaft through a third freewheel to recharge batteries during braking or while coasting downhill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald Holland
  • Publication number: 20080271938
    Abstract: There is provided a motorized cycle comprising a frame, a seat mounted upon the frame, a plurality of suspensions mounted to the frame, a plurality of wheels each coupled to a suspension wherein the operation of the motorized cycle is based on the physical position and movements of the rider. Also provided is a suspension system for a motorized cycle comprising a plurality of suspensions each coupled to the frame of the motorized cycle, and a plurality of wheels each coupled to a suspension such that each wheel is able to move relative to the other wheels and the frame. According to another aspect, there is provided a rider positioning system for a motorized cycle comprising handle bars and a seat wherein the movement of the handle bars affects the movement of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Benjamin Gulak
  • Patent number: 7441621
    Abstract: The invention concerns a member for fixing (1) a bicycle wheel friction drive device comprising a first part (2) linked to said driving device (3), so as to be pivotable about a first pivot pin (4), and a second part (5) attached to the first part (2), so as to enable mutual pivoting between them about a second pivot pin (6), said second part (5) including a fastener (7) located at a predetermined distance from said second pivot pin (6), said fixing member (1) further comprising adjusting means designed to fix in an adjustable angular position the first part (2) relative to the second part (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Gilles Jacques Abel Marie Motte Dit Falisse
  • Patent number: 7431112
    Abstract: A hybrid motorcycle capable of mounting thereon a hybrid-type drive unit, which does not project in a vehicle width direction and can be mounted even on a motorcycle having a limited vehicle width, includes a power distributing device positioned between a generator and a motor, and a reduction device arranged rearwardly of the power distributing device. A front end of a drive-wheel transmission device is journaled on a rear end of a central storage casing so that a rear end side of the drive-wheel transmission device is vertically swingable, and a rear wheel is journaled on the rear end of the drive-wheel transmission device. The power distributing device includes a sun gear, planetary gears, a planetary carrier, and a ring gear. Further, a carrier shaft projects from a rotor shaft and rotation of a crank shaft is transmitted through a intermediate gear portion to the projecting end of the carrier shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Masuda, Toshinori Fukudome, Shinji Sasamoto
  • Publication number: 20080236924
    Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle includes radiators disposed on left and right sides on the skew rear side of a front wheel in relation to the vehicle body front-rear direction. A secondary battery is disposed between the left and right radiators. A thin plate-shaped inner cowl is disposed between the secondary battery and the front wheel. Duct mechanisms surrounding the radiators are provided on the left and right sides of the inner cowl and inside a cowling. Each duct mechanism includes introduction ports for a running airflow, and a discharge port that is fitted with variable-type louvers. A voltage converter unit is accommodated in a straddled part of the vehicle. Radiating fins of the voltage converter include plate-like members erected in the vehicle body front-rear direction that are directed toward the upper side of the vehicle body and are exposed to the exterior of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki HORII, Masamoto ITO, Yohei MAKUTA, Jun MORIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20080236914
    Abstract: A saddle ride vehicle includes a fuel cell formed in a rectangular, parallelepiped shape disposed below a vehicle seat. The fuel cell is inclined toward a vehicle rear. A pivot shaft is disposed in a range X defined forwardly of a vertex P of a side-view rectangle of the fuel cell, and defined rearwardly of a vertex Q of the side-view rectangle, and is disposed in a range Y defined below the vertex P and defined above the vertex Q. Foot rest parts are disposed between a steering handle and the seat. The fuel cell is disposed on the side of the foot rest parts, so that the center of gravity G1 of the fuel cell is located on the vehicle body front side relative to the seating part center G2 in the front-rear direction of the center of gravity of the driver at the time of riding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horii, Yohei Makuta, Keisuke Koitabashi, Masamoto Ito
  • Patent number: 7426973
    Abstract: A first reduction section of a hybrid power unit reduces an output of a motor when a transmission is shifted. A charge determining section determines whether charging of a battery is permitted. If the charge determining section determines that charging of the battery is not permitted in a period where the first reduction section reduces the output of the motor, a second reduction section reduces a power generation amount of a generator. Therefore, a shift shock is reliably prevented without generating response delay in an output rotation in the hybrid power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hiroatsu Endo
  • Publication number: 20080217087
    Abstract: A layout for an exhaust pipe which also serves as a drainage pipe which prevents splashing of water generated in a fuel cell toward a passenger or splashing toward a tire. Humid excessive gas supplied from a fuel cell is diluted in a dilution box by off-gas discharged from the fuel cell and is used for humidifying air in the humidifier. An exhaust pipe is connected to the dilution box, and diluted hydrogen gas is discharged via the exhaust pipe. Vapor mixed in hydrogen gas is condensed in the exhaust pipe and turned into water, which is drained through the exhaust pipe that extends rearwardly of a vehicle body through the interior of a power unit. A discharge port of the exhaust pipe (which is also a drainage port for water generated in the fuel cell) is positioned at the widthwise center of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Masamoto ITO, Hiroyuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20080185205
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit includes a crank case with a crank shaft operatively disposed therein and an attached axial gap type rotating machine. The crank shaft is driven via internal combustion to rotate about a center axis. The axial gap type rotating machine includes a rotor fixed to an end of the crank shaft that extends outside of the crank case and a stator fixed to the crank case and facing the rotor. The stator includes a first stator that has first teeth that form the magnetic flux generating area and a second stator that has second teeth. A gap between the first teeth and the second teeth can be varied to vary magnetic resistance by rotating the second stator relative to the first stator. Preferably, a drive mechanism is provided to rotate the second stator relative to the first stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kaminokado
  • Patent number: 7401670
    Abstract: To provide a drainage structure for a fuel cell electric vehicle wherein gas exhausted from a fuel cell is exhausted into the air via a muffler and generated water from the fuel cell can be moderately exhausted. In a drainage structure is provided for a fuel cell electric vehicle that includes a fuel cell for generating electric power by reacting hydrogen and oxygen, a hydrogen cylinder for supplying gaseous hydrogen to the fuel cell, a dilution box for storing gas exhausted from the fuel cell and generated water, a drainage pipe for directing water to the dilution box and a scupper provided on the drainage pipe and open toward the side of the body. A control valve that is opened or closed at predetermined times is arranged in connection with the drainage pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horii, Junya Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080156564
    Abstract: The Electric Horses a battery powered electric motor bicycle drive train that in its entirety is new to the art of electric two-wheel vehicle design. The following statements briefly explain interdependent claims of components, to which the claim of the entire unit depends upon. Adapting a drive mechanism to mount on bicycle industry standard hub hardware designed for caliper breaking machinery is claimed to be original. The bevel/pinion housing unit is claimed to be a new design. The shaft connecting the bevel/pinion gear set to the transmission is claimed to be original. The transmission(s) are claimed to be new to the art in gear ratio, size and design. The transmission shifting mechanism being controlled by a stepper motor is claimed original. The modifications to the motor controller are said to be original. The combination, controller, charger, battery pack, luggage rack is claimed to be original.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Leroy Driessen
  • Patent number: 7392870
    Abstract: To provide a power module driving control apparatus and a hybrid vehicle capable of obtaining sufficient accelerator response despite adoption of a speed sensing type clutch for connection and disconnection of a power drive between an engine side and a driving wheel side. When a rotational speed on an input side of a centrifugal clutch falls short of a set value, at which the clutch can be connected, and an acceleration request is made by a rider, a control unit controls a motor generator so as to bring the rotational speed on the input side of the clutch near to the set value. When the motor generator is made to function as a motor, rotation on the input side of the clutch is assisted. When the motor generator functions as a generator, an amount of electricity generated is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Takashi Ozeki, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Hiroaki Uchisasai
  • Patent number: 7369035
    Abstract: In an electronic key system for a motorcycle including the control unit mounted on a specific vehicle and a mobile transmitter-receiver carried by a user, the specific vehicle includeing an openable and closable seat on which the user sits, and is provided with a start switch used for starting the control unit in the seat. More specifically, the start switch is installed on, for example, the left side surface inside the user's seat at the position corresponding to the portion which the user may touch when opening the seat. An operating element of the start switch opposes the back surface of the superficial skin on the left side of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Akira Komaki
  • Patent number: 7363999
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided which has a CVT drive unit. A housing for the drive unit provides an enclosure for the CVT drive components and defines an air flow path. An inlet port associated with the CVT housing includes a fan assembly which provides a source for filtered ambient air flow into the CVT housing. An outlet port associated with the CVT housing provides an exit for the air flow path and equalizes pressure within the enclosure. The interior of the housing is pressurized with ambient air in order to cool the CVT components therein. The pressurized air also creates an air curtain which prevents moisture and debris from intruding into the housing. Preferably the fan is powered separately from the engine of the utility vehicle to ensure positive air flow into the CVT housing even when the engine is in idle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Bush Hog, LLC
    Inventor: Dawson W. Hastings
  • Patent number: 7353903
    Abstract: An air cleaner is prevented from sucking mud etc., while a relatively large space is ensured in front of a seat, in an under bone type straddle type vehicle which has an area recessed downward in front of the seat. An air cleaner is disposed in the rear of a cylinder block of an engine. The air cleaner includes a cleaner case that is taller than it is broad and a lid that covers a top of the cleaner case. An intake pipe is positioned at a rear side of the lid. The intake pipe is disposed within a space surrounded by the seat and a forward descending portion of a seat front cover, and opens obliquely upward rearward. A labyrinth structure is formed above the intake pipe for preventing drops of water from entering the intake pipe from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimasa Miyabe, Masahiro Noda, Gen Ohzono
  • Publication number: 20080066985
    Abstract: A periodical driving system includes a circular wheel having a plurality of radial recesses defined in an outer periphery of the wheel and each recess is defined by two inner sides and each inner side includes an inward curved section so as to form a convergent opening in the outer periphery of the wheel. A driving disk has two driving pins extending therefrom and each driving pin has a cylindrical base portion extending from the disk and a protrusion extends axially from a distal end of each base portion. The driving pins enter into the recesses via the openings so as to push the inner sides of each recess. The two protrusions are in contact with the two curved sections of the two recesses when the wheel is in stationary status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: SUN, Ho-Wei
    Inventor: Tai-Jung Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080053731
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission configured to reduce response delay and hunting due to overshooting. The continuously variable transmission is electronically controlled by a control unit. The control unit is connected to an actuator for moving a moving flange of a primary sheave and controls the output of the actuator in such a manner as to vary between upshift and downshift of the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicants: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryousuke ASAOKA
  • Patent number: 7338059
    Abstract: A bicycle drive unit is disclosed that includes a case frame, crank shaft, front sprocket, rear hub shaft and rear sprocket. The crank shaft includes first and second support portions that are spaced apart from one another and are supported on opposite lateral sides of a forward portion of the case frame. The first and second support portions are engaged with bearings supported on opposite sides of the interior of the case frame. The front sprocket is installed on the crank shaft within the case frame and between the first and second support portions. The rear hub shaft includes a third and fourth supporting portions that are spaced apart from one another with the rear sprocket installed on the rear hub shaft therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masanori Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7328763
    Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for a vehicle comprises a combustion engine (1), a transmission (2), a first clutch (3) disposed between the engine (1) and the transmission (2), a rotating electric machine (4) which serves as a motor as well as a generator, a second clutch (30) disposed between the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2), and a storage device (9). When the second clutch (30) is commanded to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2), a control unit (10) controls the rotating electric machine (4) so as to decrease the difference between the rotation speeds of the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2) (S2) and cause the second clutch (30) to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2) only after the difference decreases to a allowable value (S3, S4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Gouda, Mitsuhiro Nishina, Yuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7314109
    Abstract: An electrically powered bicycle includes a hub motor, which is mounted to the bicycle frame by its axle. A drive sprocket mounted to the outer case of motor is engaged by a chain to the sprocket on a multi-speed hub on the rear wheel, so that when the motor turns, it drives the wheel. A freewheel, also mounted to the outer case of motor, is engaged by a chain to the large sprocket on the pedal crank, such that when the motor is operating, it does not turn the pedal sprocket. When the pedals and the motor are both operating and the sprocket on the freewheel is rotated as fast as the motor, the pedals can drive the motor, and consequently, the bicycle. An additional driven sprocket is mounted to the motor case and an additional freewheel is mounted to the multi-speed hub, and both are connected by a third chain so that when the bicycle is coasting (i.e., the motor is not driving the rear wheel), the rear wheel will drive the motor to provide downhill, regenerative braking capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald A. Holland
  • Patent number: 7299115
    Abstract: To provide an electrically-driven vehicle which does not impede the usual traveling even when a push-walk function is used. A motor is provided for driving a drive wheel with a battery supplying electric power to the motor. A throttle is provided for adjusting a vehicle speed and a battery control unit controls the motor based on an output of the throttle. The electrically-driven vehicle further includes a push-walk switch operated by a rider for selecting the push-walk traveling and, at the same time, the battery control unit also performs the detection of a vehicle state. The battery control unit performs the control of the push-walk traveling when the battery control unit receives the instruction of the push-walk switch via a rider and a vehicle state satisfies a preset condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Honda
  • Patent number: 7285896
    Abstract: The device includes a housing and an outer shell including tightly wound wire coils fitted within the housing. Rotatable armatures including associated commutators are disposed at outer end portions thereof. The armatures further include spring loaded brushes and a plurality of wire coils wrapped intermediately spaced adjacent to the commutators. The device further includes a drive shaft having bearings selectively spaced therealong that defines a fulcrum axis for the armature coils and output shafts connected to the drive shaft. A power supply source is electrically coupled to an A.C. or D.C. motor and disposed external of the housing. The armatures define an epicyclical train for connecting the drive shaft in a linear path so that a driving force can be equally divided between the vehicle wheels to thereby permit one vehicle wheel to revolve faster than another vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Eugene R. Mallory