With Change-speed Means Between Motor And Driven Wheel Patents (Class 180/230)
  • Patent number: 11932319
    Abstract: A system, method and a device for balancing a vehicle is provided. In one embodiment the system comprises of a control moment gyroscope. In another embodiment two or more control moment gyroscope may be provided. Further, in an embodiment a mechanism to provide stopping of a precession shaft that links the control moment gyroscope to the vehicle is provided. Furthermore, a user operable switch may be provided in an embodiment to stop precession shaft of the control moment gyroscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventors: Vikas Poddar, Ashutosh Upadhyay
  • Patent number: 11926391
    Abstract: A motor is to be mounted on a vehicle as a drive source. The motor includes a motor shaft extending in an axial direction, a drive gear provided on the motor shaft, a gear shaft extending in the axial direction, a driven gear provided on the gear shaft and coupled to the drive gear, a rotating member, an inner bearing that supports the gear shaft, and an outer bearing that supports the gear shaft. The rotating member is provided on the gear shaft and is configured to be coupled to a power transmission member that transmits power to a wheel of the vehicle. The rotating member is located between the inner bearing and the outer bearing in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Nishiyabu, Takuya Noami
  • Patent number: 11906022
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) operatively connected to the CVT, the DCT includes a clutch input member operatively connected to a driven pulley of the CVT to be driven thereby; a first clutch; a second clutch; a first shaft operatively connected to the first clutch, the first clutch being selectively actuated to couple the first shaft to the clutch input member; a second shaft operatively connected to the second clutch, the second clutch being selectively actuated to couple the second shaft to the clutch input member; at least one first driving member mounted to the first shaft; at least one second driving member mounted to the second shaft; and an output shaft operatively connecting the at least one first driving member and the at least one second driving member to at least one ground-engaging member of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Pard, Louis Lepitre
  • Patent number: 11884159
    Abstract: An electric vehicle (10) comprising: a frame (11); an electric battery module (24) comprising at least one battery connected to the frame; an electric motor (20) receiving power from the battery module (24); a transmission system (80) provided with a transmission casing (208B); said electric motor (20) is closely coupled to the transmission system (80) and is mounted on the transmission casing (208B); and a rear wheel (84) receiving power from the electric motor (20) through the transmission system (80) and said rear wheel (84) is connected to the frame using a rear suspension system; wherein the rear wheel (84) is connected to the frame (11) using said casing (208B) forming a part of the rear suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Bajaj Auto Limited
    Inventors: Ashish Mohaniraj Joshi, Avijit Gupta
  • Patent number: 11840947
    Abstract: There is provided a straddle-type vehicle. An exhaust pipe includes a first portion extending downward from an exhaust port through a region in front of an engine and on one lateral side of a down frame in the left-right direction, a second portion extending upward through a region in front of the engine and on the other lateral side of the down frame in the left-right direction after extending from a downstream side end portion of the first portion to the other lateral side of the down frame in the left-right direction through a region in front of or to the lower front of the down frame. The catalyst device is disposed in a portion of the second portion of the exhaust pipe that is located in front of the engine and on the other lateral side of the down frame in the left-right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11703093
    Abstract: During movement of a mass of a centrifugal clutch a radially inner position to a radially outer position and a resulting increase in torque transmitted from an input gear to an output shaft, a power transmission apparatus includes a first torque region where the apparatus restricts operation of a pressing assist cam and a second torque region where the apparatus allows operation of the pressing assist cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ozawa, Han Hiong Chen, Katsu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 11674594
    Abstract: A transmission structure of electric clutchless motorcycle includes an electric motor, a variable speed gear set, a variable speed gear box and a gear position sensing unit. The arrangement of the gear position sensing unit is so configured that the transmission structure of electric clutchless motorcycle mechanism not only maintains the inertial energy recharge of the electric motor to increase the endurance of the vehicle, but also allows the driver to accurately control the speed control knob when switching gears, and furthermore can increase the automatic gear shift function of the electric gear shift design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsin Su, Ta-Yu Su
  • Patent number: 11673625
    Abstract: There is provided a shift device for a straddle-type vehicle that is configured to cause a transmission device to perform a shift change in accordance with rotation of a shift shaft. The shift device includes: a shift lever provided with an operation portion that is configured to receive a shift operation; a shift sensor provided on the shift shaft so as to be integrally rotatable with the shift shaft; and a shift rod that couples the shift lever and the shift sensor. The shift sensor is configured to detect the shift operation on the shift lever in accordance with a movement of the shift rod. The operation portion and the shift sensor are positioned at the same side in a manner of sandwiching the shift rod in a vehicle side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Kato, Takatoshi Maemori, Tatsushi Uchiyama, Hiroyasu Inohara
  • Patent number: 11465496
    Abstract: A power unit of a utility vehicle includes: a power source for travel of the utility vehicle; a continuously variable transmission; a reduced-speed shaft disposed parallel to a drive shaft of the power source and coaxially with a CVT input shaft of the continuously variable transmission; speed-reduction gears that transmit rotational power of the drive shaft to the reduced-speed shaft; and an electricity generator mounted on a shaft assembly including the CVT input shaft and the reduced-speed shaft. The drive shaft, the shaft assembly, the CVT input shaft, and the CVT output shaft extend in a first direction. The electricity generator is aligned with the power source in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the location of the electricity generator in the first direction overlaps with the location of the power source in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shouji Ozawa, Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11421757
    Abstract: A synchronous transmission (1) for a motorcycle comprises a primary shaft (51) of mechanical gearbox, and a pair of secondary shafts (52, 53) equipped with one or more secondary gearwheels for transmitting the motion to a hub shaft (75), wherein a desmodromic drum (70) actuates a pair of coupling forks (67, 68) selectively defining the position of respective sliding couplings (65, 66) between primary (51) and secondary shafts (52, 53) to select all speeds of the transmission, the desmodromic drum (70) being in phase with a device (80) for actuating the gearwheels, and wherein the coupling forks (67, 68) are equipped with a cam follower end (69) maneuvered by said desmodromic drum (70) having a cylindrical surface (79) whereon a single desmodromic track (19) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Walter Mariotti, Luca Nuti
  • Patent number: 11305840
    Abstract: An electric drive motorcycle (100) allows a suitable and effective cooling of the battery unit when the electric motor is operated, and comprises: a front portion comprising one or more front wheels (103) and a handlebar (104); a rear portion comprising a saddle (101), a shell body (107) arranged below said saddle (101), and a rear wheel (105) arranged below said shell body (107); an intermediate portion extending as a connection between said front portion and said rear portion; an electric drive unit (8) connected to said rear wheel (105); and a hybrid supply unit supplying said electric drive unit (8), comprising at least a battery unit (115) and a combustion engine (116) actuating an electric generator (120) apt to feed said battery unit (115) and/or said electric drive unit (8), wherein the combustion engine (116) drives a cooling fan (121) arranged so that, when this is drawing a flow of cooling air through an inlet mouth (122), such flow wets the battery unit (115), before being drawn, wherein the combu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Piaggio & C. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Carmignani, Paolo Capozzella, Jury Cantini, Walter Mariotti
  • Patent number: 11242106
    Abstract: An electric bike having an improved effect of heat dissipation has a body, a driving device, and a battery. The body has a frame, a rear wheel, and a front wheel, wherein the rear wheel and the front wheel are mounted to the frame. The driving device is mounted to the body and has a motor and a shell. The motor is connected with the frame and has a front end near the front wheel and a rear end near the rear wheel. The shell covers the motor and has multiple inlets and multiple outlets disposed therethrough. The multiple inlets are located near the front end of the motor. The multiple outlets are located near the rear end of the motor. The battery is electrically connected to the motor. The front wheel, the battery, the motor, and the rear wheel are serially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: TECHWAY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong-Fang Chen, Wei-Ting Chen, Wei-Lin Hsu, Ju-Sheng Cheng, Teng-Mao Hong
  • Patent number: 10774921
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes: a primary pulley; a secondary pulley; a power transmission member; a case; and a shield member. The shield member is disposed between an inner surface of the case and a first pulley that is one of the primary pulley and the secondary pulley, at a position on an opposite side of the first pulley from a second pulley that is another one of the primary pulley and the secondary pulley. The shield member includes a plate part that is configured to cover a part of an outer circumference of the first pulley, where the power transmission member is wound, such that the plate part intersects with a minimum width extension line and a maximum width extension line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Ijichi, Keisuke Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 10550939
    Abstract: Provided is a saddle-ride type vehicle, which does not reduce cooling efficiency of an engine, is hardly affected by heat from the engine, and can increase a degree of freedom of configuration such as the orientation at the time of arrangement, size and shape of a shift actuator. The saddle-ride type vehicle (100) includes the engine (120), and the engine (120) has a cylinder block (120a), a cylinder head (120b) and a head cover (120c) and has a crankcase (123) below the cylinder block (120a). The saddle-ride type vehicle (100) also includes a shift drum drive unit (140) for rotating a shift drum (136) which changes a gear train (133) in a transmission (132). The shift drum drive unit (140) includes a shift actuator (141) formed of an electric motor, and a decelerator (142). The shift drum drive unit (140) is attached to a front surface of the crankcase (123) below the cylinder block (120a) via a unit case (146) housing the decelerator (142).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Miyachi, Shouji Makita, Ryouhei Chiba, Kaoru Iida
  • Patent number: 10294827
    Abstract: A variable valve mechanism includes a camshaft and a cam unit. Internal spline teeth provided at an inner periphery of a sleeve of the cam unit are in mesh with external spline teeth provided at an outer periphery of the camshaft. An engaging portion is provided at one of the inner periphery of the sleeve and the outer periphery of the camshaft, and is configured to retractably project toward the other one of the inner periphery of the sleeve and the outer periphery of the camshaft. A latching portion is provided at the other one of the inner periphery of the sleeve and the outer periphery of the camshaft. The sleeve has a through-hole that is provided at the same position in a circumferential direction as the engaging portion to supply the inner periphery of the sleeve with lubricating oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yu Yokoyama, Atsuhisa Tamano, Toshiyuki Yano, Soichiro Suga, Yuta Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10145421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion engine which includes at least one crankshaft rotating about a first rotation shaft; at least one output shaft outputting an engine torque, said output shaft rotating about a second rotation shaft separate from said first rotation shaft; at least one transmission assembly rotating about said first rotation shaft and being rotated by said crankshaft in order to transmit said engine torque to said output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS P.C.
    Inventors: Christian Mercier, Pierre-Julien Hubert, Pierre Gavanier, Yann Balastrier
  • Patent number: 9932039
    Abstract: A control device is configured to: (i) control rotation speed of internal combustion engine such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is increased with an increase in a traveling speed of a vehicle, (ii) execute a pseudo gear shift to control the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is decreased to a first rotation speed, (iii) execute a mechanical gear shift to change a second gear ratio according to a gear shift line determined by the traveling speed and a value according to the acceleration request, and (iv) execute adjustment control to adjust the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine in advance in a period before executing the mechanical gear shift such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine matches the pseudo gear shift threshold value when the mechanical gear shift is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Iketomi, Shinichi Sasade, Munehiro Katsumata, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tooru Matsubara, Takeshi Kitahata, Kenta Kumazaki
  • Patent number: 9676440
    Abstract: In a switch case of a handle switch of a vehicle, first to fourth operation elements are disposed on a case below an axial line of a handlebar of the vehicle. The first to third operation elements overlap with each other, when viewed in rear view, and are each disposed in such an accessible range as to be operable by a rider with a thumb in a state in which the rider puts a left hand on a handle grip attached to the handlebar. The fourth operation element is provided on the center side of the vehicle body in the direction along the axial line. Such vehicle handle switch allows improvement in the operability for a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Ichikawa, Kota Nakahira, Tomohiro Hoshi, Hiroshi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9644736
    Abstract: A gear changer of a power transmitting device includes an input shaft to which a rotational force is inputted from an engine, an output shaft for outputting the rotational force to a rear wheel, and a plurality of speed change gear pairs for transmitting the rotational force from the input shaft to the output shaft. A slider member for selecting one of the speed change gear pairs to transmit the rotational force from the input shaft to the output shaft is supported by the output shaft. Selection of one of the speed change gear pairs is accomplished by moving the slider member in an axial direction by means of a shifter mechanism. A pump rotary shaft, to which the rotation is transmitted from the input shaft, is disposed at a location between the input shaft and the shifter mechanism in a circumferential direction of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Senda, Yoshinobu Tanaka, Yoshiharu Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8944228
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch control device of a vehicle power unit in which the oil pressure control valve is prevented from being exposed above the oil level even when a vehicle body inclines frontward or rearward. A housing chamber housing an actuator is formed in a housing chamber forming body attached to an engine main body and an oil pressure control valve partially facing the housing chamber is supported by the housing chamber forming body. An oil return hole used to return excess hydraulic oil from the housing chamber into the engine main body is provided in the housing chamber forming body to communicate with an upper portion of the housing chamber at an end portion of the housing chamber on a side close to the oil pressure control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Fukaya, Masahiko Tsuchiya, Masazumi Naito, Toshimasa Mitsubori
  • Patent number: 8857285
    Abstract: A saddle type vehicle having mounted thereon a power unit is provided with a twin clutch type transmission including a pair of main shafts and a pair of clutches along different axes, to enable a compact layout of axes and a reduction in size of the unit and its surroundings. The axis center (first main axis) of a first main shaft is disposed rearwardly of the axis center (crank axis) of a crankshaft and forwardly of the axis center (counter axis) of a counter shaft, whereas the axis center (second main axis) of a second main shaft is disposed rearwardly of the axis center (counter axis) of the counter shaft and forwardly of the axis center (pivot axis) of a pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Fujimoto, Kinya Mizuno, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Mitsuo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8850915
    Abstract: To achieve downsizing of a power unit and the vicinity thereof by permitting compact axial arrangement in a straddle-ride type vehicle on which the power unit having a twin-clutch type transmission is mounted. The transmission has a pair of main shafts with respective different axes and corresponding clutches. One of respective axial centers of the main shafts is disposed on one (above) of the sides with respect to a line and the other is disposed on the other side (below), the line connecting an axial center of the counter shaft with an axial center of a pivot shaft, as viewed in side elevation from the axial direction of the main shafts and counter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Fujimoto, Kinya Mizuno, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Mitsuo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8794091
    Abstract: In a twin clutch transmission, a first main shaft transfers rotation power of a crankshaft that is provided in parallel, input via a first clutch, to a drive shaft via an odd-numbered transmission gear mechanism. A second main shaft transfers rotation power of the crankshaft that is provided in parallel, input via a second clutch, to the drive shaft via an even-numbered transmission gear mechanism. In a first power transfer path running from the crankshaft to the drive shaft via the first clutch and a second power transfer path running from the crankshaft to the drive shaft via the second clutch, back torque limiters are provided that, when reverse torque operates in a direction opposite the direction for acceleration of a rear wheel, limits transfer of the reverse torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsushi Saitoh
  • Patent number: 8763486
    Abstract: In a stepwise automatic transmission, a mass is concentrated in a longitudinal direction thereof. The stepwise automatic transmission includes an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch which is connected and disconnected in accordance with a rotation speed of the input shaft, first and second power transmission mechanisms, and a second clutch which is connected and disconnected in accordance with rotation speed of the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is disposed rearward of the input shaft. When the first clutch is connected, the first power transmission mechanism transmits rotation of the input shaft to the intermediate shaft. The second clutch is provided on the intermediate shaft. When the second clutch is connected, the second power transmission mechanism transmits rotation of the intermediate shaft to the output shaft. A front end of the second clutch is located forward of a rear end of the first clutch as viewed from an axial direction of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Oishi, Shinichiro Hata, Takuji Murayama
  • Patent number: 8720632
    Abstract: A motorcycle having high durability and a large space below a seat includes an internal space at least a portion of which is located between an engine unit and a seat provided in a cover member. The engine unit is pivotally suspended on a body frame. A center axis of a cylinder extends obliquely upward from a crankcase and forwardly. Oil reservoirs and provided in a bottom of a crank chamber and a bottom of a portion of a transmission chamber located in a front portion of a transmission case, respectively. The oil reservoirs are communicated with each other by a communication path. A bottom surface of the transmission chamber in the portion in which portion the oil reservoir is provided is located downward of the bottom surface of the portion rearward of the oil reservoir of the transmission chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Oishi, Shinichiro Hata, Takuji Murayama
  • Patent number: 8725596
    Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Patent number: 8707814
    Abstract: A shift mechanism that provides a shift mechanism for enabling smooth gear shifting by a transmission, and a vehicle equipped therewith. With this mechanism, a shift drum, to which shift forks are connected via grooves on an outer periphery, is held every predetermined rotation angle. When differences are produced in the degree of rotation between a third rotating member that rotates by motor rotation and a second rotating member that rotates in accordance with the third rotating member, bias is accumulated in a torsion spring. Bias that is accumulated is released when the rotation angle of the third rotating member equals or exceeds a predetermined angle of rotation, rotating a first rotating member via a second rotating member, and rotating the shift drum quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsushi Saitoh
  • Patent number: 8678125
    Abstract: A speed change controller is provided on a saddle-ride type vehicle and is suited to manipulation by a foot. The speed change controller for saddle-ride type vehicles comprises a detection mechanism that detects operation by a driver for speed change, and a speed change mechanism that performs speed change on the basis of speed change operation detected by the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism provided by the invention comprises an operation part manipulated by a foot for speed change and including a moving part, which moves relative to the vehicle on the basis of manipulation by a foot, and a detection unit that detects that the moving part moves a predetermined amount or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Michiya Hayashi, Toshimasa Nakagawa, Masaichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8662233
    Abstract: In an engine unit, a drive unit case includes a crank shaft disposed in a left-right direction of a vehicle, a drive shaft and a second main shaft. A transmission shaft is parallel or substantially parallel to the drive shaft and transmits rotational power, which has been transmitted via a middle gear, to a propeller shaft. A second clutch, which transmits rotational power from the crank shaft to the second main shaft, is freely detachably connected to an end of one side of the second main shaft which protrudes from a drive unit case more than the end of one side of the drive shaft, at a position that overlaps with at least one section of the middle gear on the side of the shaft direction of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsushi Saitoh, Yumiko Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20140034404
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compensator assembly for use in a motorcycle. The compensator assembly includes an input member, and an output member driven by the input member through a torque-buffering interface. The compensator assembly also includes one or more lubrication passageways formed therein extending between a distal end and one or more interfaces to provide lubricant thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Rick A. Schmidt, Karl W. Monis, Alfredo Cartes, JR.
  • Patent number: 8490734
    Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft for transmitting rotational drive power to a drive wheel, a clutch mechanism for connecting or disconnecting the transmission of rotational drive power of the crankshaft, and clutch actuators. The crankshaft, clutch mechanism, and clutch actuators are accommodated in an engine case. The clutch actuators control the clutch mechanism and are positioned outside the clutch mechanism, viewed from the crankshaft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Atsushi Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8494728
    Abstract: A transmission 20 includes an input shaft 12, an output shaft 13, a primary sheave 23 that rotates together with the input shaft 12, a secondary sheave 24 that rotates together with the output shaft 13, and a belt 25 wound around both the primary sheave 23 and the secondary sheave 24. The transmission 20 includes a motor 22 that shifts a transmission ratio by driving a movable sheave 23a of the primary sheave 23. A control device (ECU 5) of the transmission 20 includes a secondary sheave rotation speed sensor 28 that detects rotation of the belt 25, and a control portion 55 of the ECU 5 performs a sheave position control (normal control of the transmission ratio) after rotation of the belt 25 is detected after starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Unno
  • Patent number: 8474566
    Abstract: A shaft drive type motorcycle includes a drive shaft for permitting a reduction in the vehicle weight. The shaft drive type motorcycle includes a gear box provided at a rear part of a swing arm with a bearing provided between the gear box and a rear wheel axle. The bearing includes an outer race and balls and an inner race operative provided to rotatably support the rear wheel axle. A presser flange is provided between the rear wheel axle and a rear wheel that includes a hollow cylindrical part pressing the inner race in the axial direction of the rear wheel axle. A flange part is provided as part of the presser flange to which a brake disc is mounted. A labyrinth structure is provided for making it difficult for oil from leaking out of the gear box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taisuke Nimura, Hidetoshi Toyoda, Yusaku Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8413755
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a rear fork with a first and the second extending portions, and a cross portion, the cross section linking the first and the second extending portions together. The first extending portion extends toward a first side of a rear wheel, the second extending portion extends toward a second side of the rear wheel. The first extending portion, which has an open cross sectional structure and through which a drive shaft is passed, is made to have larger outer diameter than the second extending portion, which has a closed cross sectional structure. Nonetheless, the rigidity of the first extending portion and the second extending portion are approximately the same. The drive shaft extends rearwardly and passes through the opening on the inside of the first extending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ito, Toshiyuki Iwai
  • Publication number: 20130075181
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame having a head pipe axially supporting a steering shaft and a main frame extending rearwardly and downwardly therefrom. A down tube extends downwardly. An internal combustion engine is supported by the vehicle body frame with a cylinder extending upward from a crankcase. A fuel tank is arranged on the upper side of the main frame. An air-intake apparatus is configured to supply air to the internal combustion engine wherein an evaporable fuel storage container is configured to store evaporating fuel generated in the fuel tank and supply the evaporating fuel to an air-intake apparatus when the internal combustion engine is in operation is arranged in a space on the rear side of an upper portion of the down tube, the lower side of the fuel tank, and on the front side or on the upper side of the cylinder of the internal engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Naohiro ASHIDA
  • Patent number: 8403093
    Abstract: A speed change controller is provided on a saddle-ride type vehicle and is suited to manipulation by a foot. The speed change controller for saddle-ride type vehicles comprises a detection mechanism that detects operation by a driver for speed change, and a speed change mechanism that performs speed change on the basis of speed change operation detected by the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism provided by the invention comprises an operation part manipulated by a foot for speed change and including a moving part, which moves relative to the vehicle on the basis of manipulation by a foot, and a detection unit that detects that the moving part moves a predetermined amount or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Michiya Hayashi, Toshimasa Nakagawa, Masaichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20130068551
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame which extends in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, an engine unit that generates power that drives the motorcycle, a seat on which the rider sits, a storage box disposed below the seat, a fuel tank that stores fuel needed by the engine unit, and an air filter disposed above the engine unit to filter the air needed by the engine unit and includes an air intake hose to introduce air. The fuel tank is disposed below the seat and is located in front of the storage box. Moreover, the fuel tank is mounted on the vehicle body frame, and the air intake hose extends from the air filter toward an area between the fuel tank and the storage box such that a air inlet thereof is located in a space between the fuel tank and the storage box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Chinglong SU, Chingho LEE
  • Publication number: 20130062135
    Abstract: In an engine unit, a drive unit case includes a crank shaft disposed in a left-right direction of a vehicle, a drive shaft and a second main shaft. A transmission shaft is parallel or substantially parallel to the drive shaft and transmits rotational power, which has been transmitted via a middle gear, to a propeller shaft. A second clutch, which transmits rotational power from the crank shaft to the second main shaft, is freely detachably connected to an end of one side of the second main shaft which protrudes from a drive unit case more than the end of one side of the drive shaft, at a position that overlaps with at least one section of the middle gear on the side of the shaft direction of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsushi Saitoh, Yumiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8371412
    Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle includes a sensor that generates a signal, a moving member that moves a movable portion of the sensor and a coupling member that couples the moving member to a change pedal. The change pedal, the coupling member, the moving member and the sensor are arranged sequentially alongside one another along a sub-frame. The sub-frame is an existing member constituting a part of a vehicle body frame. Thus, base plates dedicated to the moving member, the sensor and the like can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyasu Sato
  • Patent number: 8365856
    Abstract: A shifting system for a motorcycle includes a shift link mechanism for transmitting operational force during a gear shifting operation. The shift link mechanism is arranged between a shift spindle and a change pedal operated by a shifting movement. A motion capture mechanism is provided on the shift link mechanism so as to transmit the operational force from the change pedal to the shift spindle via an resilient member including a compressive coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Kashiwai, Kanau Iwashita, Yoshihisa Ieda, Hisashi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8360190
    Abstract: A two-wheeled motor vehicle prevents a belt from slipping in a continuously variable transmission even when support by a center stand is released and a rear wheel thus lands while spinning. The two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a hydraulic continuously variable transmission that transmits torque via a belt, and a control device includes a stand position obtaining unit that obtains position information about the center stand, and an add-at-support-position unit that increases oil pressure generated in a primary oil chamber and a secondary oil chamber by a predetermined amount when the center stand is at the support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Watase
  • Patent number: 8286523
    Abstract: In a transmission for a vehicle including a shift drum rotatably supported by an engine case for selectively establishing multiple gear trains of respective speed steps in accordance with the rotational position of the shift drum, a shift-position changing-driving member is interlocked with and connected to an end portion of the shift drum so as to drive the shift drum to rotate. A shift-position sensor detects which of the multiple gear trains is established. The maintainability of the shift-position sensor is achieved by a transmitting mechanism that transmits the amount of rotational movement of a shift drum. The shift-position sensor is interlocked with and connected to an end portion of the shift drum. A shift-position sensor is disposed at and fixed to the outside of an engine case so as to detect the acting amount that is transmitted by the transmitting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koshi Hayakawa, Yoshihisa Ieda, Akihiko Tomoda
  • Patent number: 8267214
    Abstract: A motorcycle is provided that includes a drivetrain. The drivetrain includes a transmission having a transmission output shaft and also includes a gearcase coupled with the transmission output shaft. The gearcase has a gearcase output shaft. The transmission output shaft is rotatable in a first direction and the gearcase output shaft is rotatable in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: David W. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8235160
    Abstract: A power unit for a small type vehicle wherein a speed change mechanism is disposed on a lateral side of a crankcase on the side of one end of a crankshaft. A valve operation controller for controlling the operations of valve operation mode change mechanisms and a speed change controller for controlling a speed change operation of a speed change mechanism are attached to an engine body, to lay out the valve operation controller and the speed change controller in good balance of center of gravity so as to prevent the center of gravity of the power unit from being deviated to one side. The valve operation controller and the speed change controller being attached to the engine body on the opposite side of the clutch device with respect to a vehicle body center line in a direction along the axis of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ogasawara, Hayato Maehara, Toshiyuki Sato, Yasushi Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20120152636
    Abstract: A motorcycle is provided that includes a drivetrain. The drivetrain includes a transmission having a transmission output shaft and also includes a gearcase coupled with the transmission output shaft. The gearcase having has a gearcase output shaft. The transmission output shaft is rotatable in a first direction and the gearcase output shaft is rotatable in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: David W. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8187127
    Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) with reduced vibration at high engine speeds. A secondary sheave includes a fixed sheave member, a moving sheave member, a compression coil spring, and an outside spring guide. The compression coil spring urges the moving sheave member toward the fixed sheave member. The outside spring guide prevents the compression coil spring from buckling during compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ishida
  • Publication number: 20120043151
    Abstract: A two-wheeled motor vehicle prevents a belt from slipping in a continuously variable transmission even when support by a center stand is released and a rear wheel thus lands while spinning. The two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a hydraulic continuously variable transmission that transmits torque via a belt, and a control device includes a stand position obtaining unit that obtains position information about the center stand, and an add-at-support-position unit that increases oil pressure generated in a primary oil sac and a secondary oil sac by a predetermined amount when the center stand is at the support position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Watase
  • Patent number: 8104562
    Abstract: There is provided a saddle-riding type small vehicle where a power unit is mounted on a vehicle body frame. The power unit includes a valve control device that controls the operation of valve-operation mode changing mechanisms capable of changing operation modes of engine valves, and a clutch control device that controls the operation of a clutch unit provided between a crankshaft and a shift mechanism so as to shift the connection/disconnection of power transmission. In the vehicle, the valve control device and the clutch control device are disposed to balance the center of gravity, so as to make a power unit compact. A valve control device and a clutch control device are disposed on left and right sides of a center line CB of a vehicle in a width direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Maehara, Yasushi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8002062
    Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor and a power distributing device. The engine drives the generator to generate electric power. The electric motor is driven by the electric power generated by the generator and rotates a drive wheel. The power distributing device distributes the drive power generated by the engine between the generator and the drive wheel. A crankshaft of the engine can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The generator, the motor and the power distributing device are disposed on a shaft, which is different from the crankshaft and extends substantially parallel to the crankshaft. The power of the engine and the drive force of the motor are output from a portion of the shaft through the power distributing device and the rotor of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsushi Saitou
  • Patent number: 7980348
    Abstract: A motorcycle including a belt type continuously variable transmission (CVT) and having a reduced width. An engine unit includes an engine having a crank shaft, the belt type CVT, a clutch, an output shaft and a generator. The CVT has a primary sheave, a secondary sheave shaft and a secondary sheave. The primary sheave is on one side of the crank shaft and the clutch is on another side with respect to the secondary sheave on the secondary sheave shaft. The output shaft is on a side opposite to the clutch on the secondary sheave shaft. The generator is on the other side of the crank shaft. A center axis of rotation of the secondary sheave shaft is higher than a center axis of rotation of the crank shaft. Right and left footsteps are located behind a rear end of the rotation motor and under a lower end of the secondary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Oishi, Yousuke Ishida