Electric Patents (Class 180/60)
-
Patent number: 11878737Abstract: A fastening assembly for fastening an axle support on a vehicle body. The axle support is screwed onto the vehicle body on multiple attachment points. On at least one of the attachment points, a bearing bracket for mounting a unit for the axle drive is arranged between the axle support and the vehicle body and also screwed on. A method for installing and fastening an axle support on a vehicle body in the mass production of motor vehicles is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignees: AUDI AG, DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AGInventors: Gilbert Schantl, Thomas Artner, Hans-Peter Frensch, Marek Bujak, Thomas Wittenschläger, Stefan Rugies, Thomas Achleitner
-
Patent number: 11292311Abstract: A front upper suspension connection for a space frame comprises a bottom surface fixedly attachable to a front lower suspension connection; a top rear mounting surface fixedly attachable to a front upper frame connection; a top front mounting surface fixedly attachable to a first elongate support member; a front strut attachment point located below the top rear mounting surface and the top front mounting surface to pivotably attach a front strut; and a lower rear mounting surface located below the top rear mounting surface fixedly attachable to a second elongate support member. The front strut attachment point can include a hole passing through the top rear mounting surface, a coaxial hole passing through the top front mounting surface, and a front strut attachment pin configured to pass through the top rear mounting surface, the top front mounting surface, and a top mounting hole integral to the front strut.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Tad W. Miller
-
Patent number: 11135910Abstract: An electric kart has a frame, a seat, four wheels, an electric motor operatively connected to two of the wheels, and at least one battery operatively connected to the electric motor. The at least one battery has a support structure mounted to the frame of the electric kart, and battery cells positioned on the support structure such that there is at least one air passage defined between the battery cells. Air passes through the at least one air passage when the electric kart is in motion to cool at least some of the battery cells. A battery for an electric kart is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignees: BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO. KG, SOLAREDGE e-MOBILITY S.P.A.Inventors: Dominik Kronsteiner, Heinz Kusel, Stefan Gruber, Giuliano Tironzelli, Emilio Stopponi
-
Patent number: 10980173Abstract: A lawn mower comprising a frame supported on rotatable wheels for movement over a ground surface; an operator support coupled to the frame and configured to support the entire weight of an operator of the lawn mower during use thereof; a blade assembly comprising one or more blades that are configured to cut grass on the ground surface; a steering system configured to manipulate the steering direction of the wheels; a motor assembly configured to: drive the wheels so as to move the frame along the ground surface; and a first rechargeable battery module removably coupled to the frame and configured to power the motor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: Paul Becke, Matthew Stanton, Andrew Seman, Matthew Velderman, Daniel White
-
Patent number: 10910614Abstract: This disclosure details electrified vehicles that are equipped with secondary battery packs for increasing the electric range of the vehicles. An exemplary electrified vehicle includes a cargo space, such as a truck bed, and a secondary battery pack positioned within the cargo space. The secondary battery pack is adapted to selectively supply power for propelling one or more vehicle drive wheels. In some embodiments, the secondary battery pack is shaped like, and therefore disguised as, a toolbox.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Thomas J. Coupar, Kenneth James Miller
-
Patent number: 10703198Abstract: A drive assembly for a kart, and a kart including the assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an electric motor including an output shaft; an assembly housing surrounding the motor, the housing defining an aperture; an intermediate shaft rotatably disposed within the assembly housing; a driving gear removably disposed on the output shaft within the housing; a reduction gear removably disposed on the intermediate shaft within the housing; and a panel removably connected to the housing for selectively covering the aperture, the driving gear and the reduction gear being removable from the motor and the housing via the aperture when the panel is removed from the housing, the panel, the driving gear, and the reduction gear being disposed above a maximum level of transmission oil contained within the housing when the motor is not operating. A method of changing a kart transmission ratio is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Dominik Kronsteiner, Heinz Kusel, Stefan Gruber
-
Patent number: 10625784Abstract: A vehicle comprising: at least one electric motor configured for driving the vehicle; a battery pack configured to supply the electric motor with electric power for driving the vehicle; a vehicle body frame structure configured to form a main supporting structure of the vehicle; and a collision energy absorbing system configured to absorb collision energy in the event of an accident. The collision energy absorbing system comprises a first absorbing structure that is positioned between the battery pack and a front of the vehicle, wherein the first absorbing structure is configured to, in case the vehicle is subject to a head-on collision with an object, act against the object and absorb all or most of a collision energy of the battery pack without transferring the battery pack collision energy to the vehicle body frame structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventor: Lars Stenvall
-
Patent number: 9803658Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic control device for a rotating electrical machine and associated gear mechanism. Oil passages are configured with relief valves such that a first relief valve discharges oil in a first oil passage when an oil pressure in the first oil passage located downstream of a throttle portion becomes higher than a predetermined first set oil pressure, and a second relief valve allows a part of the second oil passage which is located upstream of the second relief valve to communicate with a part of the second oil passage which is located downstream of the second relief valve when an oil pressure in the second oil passage located upstream of the second relief valve becomes higher than a predetermined second set oil pressure set higher than the first set oil pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Junji Matsushita, Hironari Toyoda
-
Patent number: 9656540Abstract: A battery reserve system for open-air carts and a method for its use are taught. The system contains a reserve battery bank and custom designed brackets, compatible with and attachable to small, low-speed car frameworks currently structured to hold only a single battery bank, to support the reserve batteries while maintaining the cart's balance and stability and for use with newly built enlarged carts. The reserve battery system increases the currently available cart's travel distance to minimally twice the distance provided by the cart's single battery bank without requiring battery charging. One currently available electrically powered golf cart is a Yamaha DRIVE®. The reserve bank of batteries can be a 48-Volt bank of any desired configuration. A battery disconnect switch for connecting or disconnecting the reserve battery bank with the initial battery bank of the electrically powered golf-cart is provided. Space for golf bags and other accessories is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Inventor: Michael P. Held
-
Publication number: 20150090505Abstract: A structural electric tandem axle module (13) for propelling a vehicle such as a large vocational vehicle without applying torque to the chassis frame of the vehicle as the module operates.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Leo P. Oriet
-
Patent number: 8991530Abstract: An electrically driven axle of a two-track vehicle is provided having drive shafts which are assigned to the wheels and an axle carrier with a plurality of wheel-guiding steering arms which are attached thereto. At least one electric motor is attached to the axle carrier, and furthermore a housing containing elements for making available electrical energy for the electric motor is attached to the axle carrier or forms a component of the axle carrier in the form of a base body. At least one of the wheel-guiding steering arms is connected to the base body or housing, and arms extend from the base body of the axle carrier, on the end regions of which arms the vehicle body is supported via rubber bearings. The underfloor of the base body or housing facing the roadway is preferably essentially planar.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Juergen Langer, Tobias Lorenz
-
Patent number: 8985255Abstract: A three wheel electric vehicle platform with two wheels in front and one wheel at the rear, a full safety roll cage, a propulsion and steering system operating through the two front wheels, and operator's and passenger's seats mounted in-line along the vehicle centerline. The propulsion system is an electric motor powered by an energy storage device driving a speed reduction and differential with dual outputs suitable for two wheel front drive. The operator's seat is narrower in parts than a conventional automotive seat such that the rear seat passenger's knees can comfortably straddle the operator seat to allow the distance between the two occupants to be less than a typical automobile. The driver's and passenger's heels comfortably fit into recessed wells within the energy storage device, thus allowing the driver's and passenger's center of gravity to be lower, while still maintaining a comfortable sitting position.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Arcimoto, Inc.Inventors: Mark Douglas Frohnmayer, Thomas Hynes Mohler, Christopher George Angot, James K. Jordan, Landon Chappell, Ames Jacoby, Larry William Milligan
-
Publication number: 20150027795Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a body that includes a body frame; a driving module that includes a sub-frame detachable from the body frame, driving wheels, a driving device provided with a motor mounted on the sub-frame and applying driving force to the driving wheels to start or accelerate the electric vehicle, a driving-wheel suspension device attached to the sub-frame, a driving-wheel brake device stopping or decelerating the electric vehicle, and some other components; a connection unit that maintains the relative position relationship between the body and driving module upon attachment of the sub-frame to the body frame and connects the body to the driving module with signal lines; and a control unit that controls the driving module under an input signal input from the body side through the signal lines connected with the connection unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Isao Hirai, Tetsuya Yamamoto, Wataru Yamada
-
Patent number: 8798876Abstract: In a hybrid working machine, a control unit corrects an output upper limit value of an engine based on a deviation between a target revolution speed of the engine and an actual revolution speed of the engine, and output values of a motor generator, a hydraulically driven unit and an electrically driven unit are determined based on the corrected output upper limit value of the engine, or the control unit corrects an output lower limit value of the motor generator based on a deviation between the target revolution speed of the engine and the actual revolution speed of the engine, and the output values of the motor generator, the hydraulically driven unit and the electrically driven unit are determined based on the corrected output lower limit value of the motor generator.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sumitomo(S.H.I.) Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Makoto Yanagisawa
-
Patent number: 8783393Abstract: The present invention provides an interface for aligning a power-producing device and a power-transferring device in a vehicle. The interface includes an axle tube housing and a flange integrally coupled at one end of the axle tube housing. The flange has a rear surface. The interface also includes a motor housing and a drive housing. The motor housing is configured to contain the power-producing device and the drive housing is configured to contain the power-transferring device. A plate is removably coupled to one end of the motor housing. The plate is coupled to the axle tube housing and has an outer diameter. The interface further includes a spindle coupled to the drive housing. The spindle has a front surface and an inner diameter. The outer diameter of the plate contacts the inner diameter of the spindle when the spindle is coupled to the flange.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Mark J. Besler, Carolyn Lambka Drum, Chris Ruden, Kinte Allen, Jeffrey S. Turner
-
Patent number: 8733478Abstract: A mobile base for a camera crane includes a front left drive motor assembly, a front right drive motor assembly, a rear left drive motor assembly, and a rear right drive motor assembly, attached to a chassis. Each drive motor assembly may include an electric motor linked to an axle via a gear reduction and at least one wheel on the axle. A middle left drive motor assembly and a middle right drive motor assembly may each also include an electric motor linked to an axle via a gear reduction, at least one wheel on the axle, and a spring suspension assembly attached to the chassis and supporting the axle. An electrical power supply on the chassis may be linked to each of the electric motors.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
-
Patent number: 8689919Abstract: A structure for a vehicle body lower portion according to the present invention includes: a side sill (3) located on each side in a vehicle width direction and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a side member (13) joined to a lower face (1b) of a floor panel (1) and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at a position above the side sill (3) and inside the side sill (3) in the vehicle width direction; a brace member (39) connecting a lower part of the side member (13) to an upper side of the side sill (3); and an outer cross member (37) connecting the lower part of the side member (13) to a lower side of the side sill (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomokazu Maeda, Takeshi Onodera
-
Patent number: 8668037Abstract: In an electrically-operated vehicle including rear wheels on right and left sides of a rear portion of a vehicle body, the electrically-operated vehicle includes a motor that drives the rear wheels, a battery 51 that is arranged above the motor, and a lower battery that is placed between the right and left rear wheels. The lower battery and the motor are arranged in a distributed manner over an axle of the rear wheels between a vehicle front side of the axle of the rear wheels and a vehicle rear side of the axle of the rear wheels. An upper end portion of a rear cushion is supported on a vehicle body frame, and the battery and the motor are supported on a lower end of the rear cushion.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Shinde, Nobuo Nakai, Masahiko Takenaka
-
Patent number: 8627906Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connection system for a motor vehicle with electric drive so as to make it possible to electrically connect means of electrical energy storage of the vehicle to an electrical source with a view to their charging, characterized in that it comprises: at least one electrically conducting bar extending in such a way as to be accessible from beneath the vehicle between front and rear regions thereof, each electrically conducting bar comprising an electrically conducting active surface connected electrically to the means of electrical energy storage of the vehicle, the active surface being intended to come into contact with complementary means of the electrical source, protection means for protecting the active surface of the electrically conducting bar, the bar and the protection means being able to move relative to one another between a so-called charging position where the active surface of the bar is disengaged from the protection means and a so-called off-charge positionType: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Delachaux S.A.Inventor: Gilles Lacour
-
Publication number: 20130284528Abstract: In an electric vehicle, a bearing supporting portion supporting another end of a motor shaft is provided in a reducer case and protrudes to a recessed portion while extending at a lateral side of the knuckle. The reducer case being part of a drive unit is partially housed in the recessed portion of a wheel. The drive unit can be located closer to a rear wheel by an amount corresponding to the housed portion. Accordingly, it is possible to dispose part of the drive unit inside the wheel and thereby suppress protruding of the drive unit to a small degree.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
-
Publication number: 20130048394Abstract: A driving system for electric vehicle is disclosed to use a clutch switching unit for controlling a motor rotor-driven bushing to rotate a wheel hub via a direct-drive active clutch or via a set of planet gears and a reducing clutch. At the initial state after startup of the motor, the direct-drive active clutch runs idle, enabling the wheel hub to provide a low-speed high-torque output, saving power consumption. When the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined level, a control circuit drives a clutch motor to move the clutch switching unit in releasing the reducing clutch to idle the planet gears, enabling the direct-drive active clutch to be switched on so that the rotor of the motor can rotate the wheel hub directly to accelerate the vehicle speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: TA-YU SU, KUO-HSIN SU
-
Patent number: 8324858Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Proterra Inc.Inventors: Dale Hill, Michael Walker, Joshua Goldman, John Horth
-
Publication number: 20120285754Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis (11) and at least one axle (12, 13) suspended from the chassis for vertical and roll movement relative to the chassis. The axle is mounted on the chassis via a first pivotal mounting means in the form of an upper pair of arms (12a, 13a) which is pivoted on the chassis for vertical pivoting movement relative thereto and which carry an axle support (15, 16) on which the axle (12, 13) is free to pivot in the roll mode. A first damping means (19) acts between the chassis (11) and the first pivotal mounting means (12a, 13a) to control vertical movement of the axle relative to the chassis, and a second damping means acts between the first pivotal mounting means (12a, 13a) and the axle (12, 13) to provide independent control of the roll movement of the axle relative to the chassis. A second lower pair of pivoting arms (12b, 13b) also connect the axle (12, 13) to the chassis to control fore and aft movement of the axle relative to the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: AGCO SAInventors: Geoffroy Husson, Frederic Ducroquet
-
Patent number: 8261867Abstract: The wheeled vehicle drive apparatus attaches to an existing wheeled vehicle, such as a wheelchair or shopping cart and uses the existing wheels of the vehicle for drive. The circular drive case provides efficient space utilization in typically cramped confines in and around a wheeled vehicle. The two-piece case allows easy service and parts replacement. Two levers are provided for attachment to existing vehicle handles, with one providing throttle speed control and one providing breaking. Braking is provided internal to the drive case, thereby negating the need for an external brake on the vehicle. Positive engagement with vehicle wheels is assured by the adapters with adapter lugs.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Della R. Gainer
-
Publication number: 20120152630Abstract: A mobile base for a camera crane includes a front left drive motor assembly, a front right drive motor assembly, a rear left drive motor assembly, and a rear right drive motor assembly, attached to a chassis. Each drive motor assembly may include an electric motor linked to an axle via a gear reduction and at least one wheel on the axle. A middle left drive motor assembly and a middle right drive motor assembly may each also include an electric motor linked to an axle via a gear reduction, at least one wheel on the axle, and a spring suspension assembly attached to the chassis and supporting the axle. An electrical power supply on the chassis may be linked to each of the electric motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT, INC.Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
-
Publication number: 20120026467Abstract: A camera crane mobile base has a drive motor assembly at each corner of a chassis. The drive motor assemblies may have an electric motor linked to an axle via gearing, and one or more wheels attached to the axle. The electric motors may be separately controlled to propel and steer the mobile base. A column is pivotally attached to the chassis and pivotal in lateral and longitudinal directions via actuators. The drive motor assemblies may be removed from the chassis for storage or transport. With the drive motor assemblies installed, the mobile base is highly stable and maneuverable. With the drive motor assemblies removed, the chassis is narrow enough to fit through a typical doorway. Steering systems may be linked to the drive motor assemblies at the front and/or rear of the chassis, to allow steering control of the mobile base in corrective, crab and/or round steering modes. The chassis may optionally have an upward curvature from either end towards the center location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
-
Patent number: 8080970Abstract: A system and apparatus that allows the use of a 3-phase AC motor in a vehicle by associating a series capacitor with each phase winding. The capacitor can be charged through the motor winding and then switched to discharge through the winding in a resonant oscillatory mode. The capacitor values can be chosen so that the winding and capacitor in series resonates at approximately 60 Hz. Oscillations in each phase can be staggered by around 120 degrees. The charging and discharging is controlled by electronic SPDT switches that switch around 300 VAC/500 VDC at around 15 amps for each phase. With an average DC current of 20 amps from a 48 volt battery pack (four 12 volt batteries connected in series) and 75% discharge of the capacitors, the present invention can run a 7.5 HP, 3-phase, 240 VAC motor for approximately 3.5 hours or longer. A simple oscillator circuit can drive the switches at the resonant frequency.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Inventor: Larry Seever
-
Publication number: 20110132672Abstract: An attachment structure of an electromotor, which is connected to rear wheels, of a vehicle, includes: a sub frame provided at a rear portion of the hybrid vehicle, and including at least two first members which extend in a first direction that is a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at least two second members which extend in a second direction that is a width direction of the vehicle and which include a front member and a rear member, the sub frame having a substantially rectangular shape in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the sub frame to which the electromotor is assembled, a receptacle being provided at a front side of the sub frame; a rear motor mount provided at a rear side of the rear member, a position of the rear motor mount being substantially the same as a position of the electromotor in the third direction, the electromotor being provided at an upper side of the rear member; and a connection member provided at a lower side of the front membeType: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Yuzo NIINA
-
Publication number: 20100314182Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.Inventors: Stephen G. Crain, Russ G. Olsen, Joel M. Notaro, Richard R. Maki, Josh J. Leonard
-
Publication number: 20100307844Abstract: An electric utility vehicle with a frame, at least one drive motor mounted to the frame through a suspension assembly, a wheel mounted to the motor, and a steering assembly for steering the vehicle, wherein the steering assembly may be interchangeably reconfigured into a side driver configuration and a center driver configuration. The drive motor may be mounted at any one of four wheel positions. The suspension assembly may be interchangeably reconfigured as an independent A-arm suspension assembly and a trailing arm suspension assembly. The vehicle may include a controller coupled to the motor for independently supplying electrical power to each of two drive motors, such that during a turn an outside motor is supplied with more power than an inside motor. The controller may supply electrical power the drive motor according to a selected acceleration profile of at least two acceleration profiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: William F. Peters
-
Patent number: 7592900Abstract: An audio alarm for a transporter having an electric motor. The alarm has a signal generator for generating a signal within the audible frequency range and a modulator for modulating a current that is applied to the electric motor in accordance with the signal generated by the signal generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Burl Amsbury, Richard W. Arling, J. Douglas Field, Jeffrey Finkelstein, John David Heinzmann, Christopher Langenfeld, Philip LeMay, John B. Morrell, Jason M. Sachs
-
Patent number: 7537071Abstract: A vehicle wheel driving apparatus arranging structure has a road wheel 27, a road wheel supporting member 71 connected to a vehicle body via a suspension 31 to support the road wheel 27, and a motor 72 rotating a road wheel side of the road wheel supporting member 71. A center of gravity of the motor 72 is disposed higher than a center C of the road wheel 27, a plurality of arms 32 to 36 which make up the suspension 31 are disposed to support the road wheel supporting member 71, at least one of the arms 32 to 36 is disposed higher than the center of the road wheel 27, and one end of the arm 32 which is disposed higher than the center C of the road wheel 27 is connected to a motor housing 93 of the motor 72.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toru Kamiya
-
Publication number: 20090023056Abstract: A battery pack thermal management system for use in an electric car. The battery pack thermal management system includes a plurality of thermistors connected to a plurality of cells of a battery pack. A battery monitor board is connected to the thermistors. The system also includes a manifold and a plurality of cooling tubes connected to the manifold. A tube seal plug is arranged over an end of the cooling tube and an end fitting is arranged on an end of the cooling tube. The thermal management system will cool the battery pack to predetermined temperatures to increase the longevity of the battery pack within the electric vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Daniel T. Adams, Gene Berdichevsky, Thomas Everett Colson, Arthur Hebert, Scott Kohn, David Lyons, Noel Jason Mendez, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Dorian West, Andrew Simpson
-
Patent number: 7328763Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Gouda, Mitsuhiro Nishina, Yuji Suzuki
-
Patent number: 7285896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventor: Eugene R. Mallory
-
Patent number: 7174093Abstract: A control system for a powered wheel chair drive modulates a pulse power delivery signal such that power is delivered gradually at throttle positions corresponding to a low speed, and power is delivered more rapidly at throttle positions corresponding to a higher speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Midamerica Electronics CorporationInventors: William W. Kidd, John P. Jenkins
-
Patent number: 6891279Abstract: A control system for a vehicle, having drive sections (104, 107, 109), a power supply section (101, 103, 107, 109) including an electric power storage unit to supply power to the drive section, includes a demanded power calculating section (1) calculating a demanded drive power required for driving the vehicle, an allowable drive electric power output calculating section (2) calculating allowable drive electric power output of the electric power storage unit necessary for compensating a delayed response of the power supply section with respect to a variation in the demanded power, an available electric power output calculating section (3) calculating available electric power output of the electric power storage unit on the basis of a stage of charge of the electric power storage unit, and a target power calculating unit (4, 7, 9) calculating target power to be produced by the power supply section on the basis of the demanded drive power, allowable drive electric power output and available electric power outpuType: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Isamu Kazama
-
Publication number: 20030135313Abstract: The invention relates to a configuration and to a method for disconnecting at least one fixed electric device such as a fixed electric consumer or a fixed electric generator in a motor vehicle. Fixed electric generators, in particular, require fuel. The invention enables the operator of a motor vehicle to be protected against an unpleasant surprise caused by a running fixed electric device that empties the tank. A device for disconnecting fixed electric devices is connected to a measuring device for determining the contents of the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Rolf Bruck, Joachim Grosse, Jorg-Roman Konieczny, Meike Reizig
-
Patent number: 6593671Abstract: Process for electrically energizing a motor vehicle wiring circuit which has a battery, at least one electric consuming device and a fuel cell unit connected therein. The fuel cell unit is activated when the battery voltage falls below a preadjustable battery voltage limit, and when the wiring load exceeds a preadjustable vehicle wiring load; and is deactivated when the battery voltage exceeds a preadjustable battery voltage limit.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Andreas Schell
-
Publication number: 20030059654Abstract: A power supply system for enhancing the economic viability of different modes of transportation that incorporate fuel cells to generate electricity. For example, the power supply system of the present invention provides for the off-board use of the electric power generated by an on-board power plant, such as a fuel cell, of a mobile vehicle power system, such as an electric car. Off-board use, or use remote from the vehicle, of the electrical power includes the delivery of power to a remote site. Off-board stations are provided for delivery of fuel to the vehicle and/or for receiving the electrical power generated by the fuel cell. The off-board station and the vehicle are appropriately equipped for quick and easy interconnection such that electrical power is drawn from the fuel cell for off-board use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 1999Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: MICHAEL S. HSU, ROBIN Y. P. ONG
-
Publication number: 20020093202Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft motion in a hybrid electric drive system having an internal combustion engine and a motor-generator operatively connected to a crankshaft of the engine is disclosed. The steps include monitoring the crankshaft position, forecasting a crankshaft stall position; comparing the forecast stall position with a target range; and if the forecast crankshaft stall position is outside the target range, operating the motor-generator to modify the forecast stall position to be within the target range. These steps properly position the crankshaft for re-initiating engine start-up. The method further includes the steps of calculating an effective lube interval time once the crankshaft speed is zero; comparing the effective lube interval time to a critical time; and if the effective lube interval time is greater than the critical time, pulsing the motor-generator to rock the crankshaft for a pulse time to redistribute a lubricant film.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Robert Charles Downs, Goro Tamai, Tony T. Hoang, Dennis T. Richey
-
Publication number: 20010023785Abstract: A drive system, in particular for a vehicle, includes an electric machine, by means of which a shaft can be driven to rotate and/or electrical energy can be obtained when the shaft rotates. The electric machine includes a stator arrangement with a stator interaction region and a rotor arrangement with a rotor interaction region. The rotor interaction region is coupled or can be coupled to the shaft for common rotation by means of a carrier arrangement. A torsional-vibration damper arrangement includes which is formed at least in part by said carrier arrangement, a primary side and a secondary side which can rotate, counter to the action of a damper element arrangement, about an axis of rotation (A) with respect to the primary side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventors: Martin Geiger, Bernhard Schierling
-
Publication number: 20010019210Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle driving apparatus capable of being mounted easily even in a narrow space such as under-floor of the vehicle. The vehicle driving apparatus comprises a first and a second generators driven by an engine for driving front wheels, and a motor driven by receiving a power supply from the second generator to drive rear wheels, the first and second generators being installed in the vicinity of an engine within an engine room, the motor being arranged in the vicinity of a differential gear with which a reduction mechanism is integrated and is positioned substantially in a central part of the rear wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Fukasaku, Tatsuyuki Yamamoto, Yuuji Maeda, Keiichi Mashino, Susumu Tajima, Hisaya Shimizu, Keisuke Nishidate, Toshiyuki Innami
-
Patent number: 5960901Abstract: A three-wheeled, battery-powered personal vehicle has a single rear wheel at the end of a swing arm pivotally supported on the vehicle chassis. A motor, also pivotally supported on the chassis, pivots about the same axis as the swing arm, pivots and powers the rear wheel through a endless drive member. The chassis is provided by a lightweight, synthetic resin tub with substantial structural rigidity. The upper body is a separate synthetic resin tub which can be nested within the chassis for shipment and readily assembled thereto at the point of sale. The assembled chassis and upper body define a generally ovoidal configuration. Batteries are carried in a front compartment and provide crash protection for frontal impacts and other batteries are located beneath the vehicle seat to provide a low center of gravity. Transversely extending chassis members provide structural stiffness as well as support elements for the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Corbin Pacific, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Hanagan
-
Patent number: 5821650Abstract: The present invention is an a rotor. The rotor includes a rim portion, divided into a first rim section and a second rim section. The first rim section includes a soft magnet positioned on it. The second rim section includes a mass positioned on it with similar density to the magnet to generate equivalent centrifugal forces along a spin axis. A carbon fiber overwrap encloses the rim.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Clifford Gunsallus, Ronald F. Holsinger, Gary M. Colello
-
Patent number: 5718302Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for an electric car drive train including a motor, a torque transmission device for transmitting the output torque of the motor to drive wheels, an oil pump for feeding the oil from an oil reservoir, a drive device for rotationally driving the oil pump and a discharge circuit for receiving oil discharged from the oil pump. A lubrication circuit connects to the discharge circuit, through a first throttle, to the torque transmission device. A cooling circuit connects to the discharge circuit through a second throttle and guides the flow of oil to the motor. A valve arranged between the discharge circuit, upstream of the first throttle, and the cooling circuit feeds the oil from the discharge circuit to the cooling circuit when the oil pressure of the discharge circuit exceeds a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Hasebe, Yoshio Kinto, Masayuki Takenaka
-
Patent number: 5624004Abstract: A wheel support apparatus for a carriage, a carriage having the wheel support apparatus and an article transport system having the carriage. The wheel support apparatus comprises wheel support frames for supporting a pair of wheels and motors for driving the pair of wheels. The wheel support frames are attached to body frames through a bearing to be pivotable about a vertical axis located in an intermediate position between the pair of wheels. The bearing includes an inner race having a dimension such that part of the pair of wheels enter a space surrounded by the inner race. The wheel support frames support the wheels with part of the wheels entering the space.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Haruhiro Watanabe
-
Patent number: 5558174Abstract: A drive train assembly for motorized vehicles, for example lift trucks. The rotational movement of the output shaft of a motor, for example an electrical motor, is transmitted to a drive wheel by a single drive shaft having at one end a gear interface assembly consisting of a gear on the end of the output shaft and a gear on an end of the drive shaft, and at the other end of the drive shaft by a second gear interface assembly consisting of a gear on the drive shaft and a gear fixedly mounted on the inside of the rim of the drive wheel. The drive train assembly allows for strong, reliable transfer of rotational torque to the drive wheel in a compact, non-complex arrangement with a minimum number of drive parts, bearings and gears. The drive wheel is independently rotatably supported on a spindle mounted to the chassis of the vehicle and bears a majority of the external load and stresses, relieving the drive train assembly of a substantial amount of such load and stresses.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Schaeff, IncorporatedInventors: Isaac Avitan, Robert C. Weihe
-
Patent number: 5419406Abstract: A drive system for an electric vehicle includes a plurality of motors and reduction gearing, including planetary gearing, for power transmission from the motors to the wheels of the electric vehicle. The motors and the reduction gearing are coaxially arranged so that they can be mounted in axial alignment with and between the right-hand and left-hand wheels of the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1992Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mutsumi Kawamoto, Masahiro Hasebe, Yoshinori Miyaishi
-
Patent number: 5193879Abstract: A chassis for a child's electric car formed as one unit comprising a front portion, a middle portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a rectangular plate extending to the front and provided with chambers for lodging a battery to power a motor and a musical IC chip and a control plate behind the rectangular plate provided with a hole for fixing a steering wheel unit and a lateral groove in the bottom for placing a front wheel shaft, the middle portion having a foot plate to support two legs of a driver and the rear porton having four compartments, a lateral elongate groove for placing a rear wheel shaft, a lengthwise groove for laying electric wires and an extra compartment for lodging a motor to drive the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Inventor: Yea R. Chen