With Brake Control Patents (Class 477/9)
  • Patent number: 12072010
    Abstract: A strain wave gear mechanism includes: a casing; an elliptical drive shaft; an outer ring arranged coaxially around the elliptical drive shaft and rotationally fixed to the casing, the outer ring having a toothed inner circumference; a flexible ring mounted around the elliptical drive shaft radially inwards of the outer ring, the flexible ring having a toothed outer circumference. Rotation of the elliptical drive shaft causes elliptical rotation of the flexible ring relative to the outer ring such that teeth of the flexible ring engage with teeth of the outer ring at points corresponding to the major axis of the ellipse of the drive shaft to cause movement of the flexible ring in a direction opposite to rotation of the drive shaft. The outer ring is rotationally fixed to the casing via a solenoid operated disconnect gear configured to selectively disconnect the outer ring from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventors: Karl Potier, Corentin Boitard
  • Patent number: 10583894
    Abstract: In a motor power transmission device (30), wherein rotational power of an electric motor (40) is input to a sun gear (51) of a planetary speed reducer (50), and then the rotation of the sun gear (51) is converted to rotation of a planetary carrier (55), and wherein the planetary carrier (55) rotatably supports planetary gears (61, 62) and converts revolving motion of the planetary gears (61, 62) into rotating motion, and the rotation of the planetary carrier (55) is then output to an output shaft (15), a torque limiter mechanism (57) is interposed between the planetary carrier (55) and the output shaft (15). Thus, even if excessive back torque is input to the output shaft, transmission of the back torque to the speed reducer is blocked to protect the speed reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kikuchi, Naoki Kamimura
  • Patent number: 9037331
    Abstract: A two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle includes: single-winding first and second motors respectively rotating one of two wheels; first and second control systems respectively supplying drive currents to the first and second motors; a sensor detecting a physical quantity that varies with a turn of the vehicle; a dynamic brake unit being able to switch between active and inactive states of dynamic brake being applied to the first motor; and a control unit, when the control unit has determined that the vehicle is turning about the second motor side on the basis of the physical quantity while supply of drive current from the first control system to the first motor is inhibited, activating dynamic brake in the dynamic brake unit. The first control system, when an abnormality has been detected in the first control system, inhibits supply of drive current from the first control system to the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Taira, Hiroshi Bitoh
  • Patent number: 9017219
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for aircraft braking and taxiing systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. In this regard, system comprising an electric motor coupled to a first transmission, a first clutch for selectively engaging the first transmission to a propulsion transmission and a brake clamping system, wherein, in response to engagement with the propulsion transmission, the electric motor drives an aircraft wheel, wherein, in response to engagement with the actuator ram, the electric motor drives the brake clamping system to apply force to an aircraft brake disk stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Cahill
  • Patent number: 8855841
    Abstract: A method for operating an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle having an electric motor and a brake device, and the electric motor and the brake device being capable of being influenced by a control device. When the electric vehicle is at a standstill, when there is an error of the control device, the brake device is actuated so that the electric vehicle cannot move, or at least can move only to a very limited extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Doerr, Roland Schleser, Holger Niemann, Markus Kretschmer, Oliver Kaefer, Daniel Damm, Dirk Gollub, Andreas Heyl
  • Publication number: 20140296028
    Abstract: An electric four wheel drive system of a dual clutch type includes dual clutches selectively preventing power from being transmitted to both driving wheels from a motor. A motor housing is mounted on the motor and a hydraulic valve assembly mounted on the motor housing providing operating hydraulic pressure to the dual clutches. The hydraulic valve assembly controls the dual clutches using the hydraulic pressure generated by a hydraulic pressure generator of a regenerative braking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Ji Yoel JOENG
  • Patent number: 8801568
    Abstract: Controlling a hybrid vehicle includes: reducing a rotation speed of a motor generator before a locking apparatus that locks the motor generator is switched from a disengaged condition to an engaged condition; starting to switch the locking apparatus to the engaged condition when the rotation speed decreases to a predetermined operation permission rotation speed; controlling the locking apparatus such that from the start of the switch to the engaged condition onward, the rotation speed decreases from the operation permission rotation speed to an engagement rotation speed with the motor generator in the engaged condition; and controlling the locking apparatus such that a decrease rate of the rotation speed when switching from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition in a low torque operation mode is higher than the decrease rate of the rotation speed when switching from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition in a high torque operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hori, Hiroatsu Endo, Isao Sato, Hiroki Kuwamoto, Akihiro Sato, Ryo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8777807
    Abstract: A method for releasing a tooth-on-tooth position of an interlocking shift element (6) of a transmission (5) or an interlocking shift element between two transmissions, such that the tooth-on-tooth position is released by using an actuator, in particular by using a transmission brake (8) or a drive clutch (7), and when a tooth-on-tooth position to be released is recognized, then depending on a drive-side or input-side rotational speed of the interlocking shift element (6), depending on a synchronous speed of the same and as a function of the actuators (3, 7, 8) available for releasing a tooth-on-tooth position, at least one actuator is selected, by using which the drive-side or input-side speed of the interlocking shift element (6) is approximated to its synchronous speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Florian Schneider, Mario Steinborn
  • Publication number: 20140135169
    Abstract: An electric drive module for use in electric vehicles includes an electric traction motor, a geared reduction unit driven by the electric motor, a differential unit interconnecting a pair of axleshafts to a pair of wheels, and a disconnect mechanism for selectively coupling and uncoupling the geared reduction unit and the differential unit. The disconnect mechanism is configured to normally couple the geared reduction unit to the differential unit. The disconnect mechanism uncouples the geared reduction unit from the differential unit to prevent peak torque transients and torque reversals between the electric motor and the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA E-CAR SYSTEMS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Michel Paul Rossey, Edward A. Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20140080665
    Abstract: A drive device 1A includes: electric motors 2A and 2B that outputs drive powers; and planetary gear reducers 12A and 12B disposed between axles 10A and 10B connected to cylindrical shafts 16A and 16B serving as the output shafts of the electric motors 2A and 2B and to rear wheels LWr and RWr. The drive device 1A further includes: a one-way power transmission device that transmits the one-way rotation power of the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B; and a two-way power transmission device that transmits the two-way rotation power of the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B. The one-way power transmission device and the two-way power transmission device are disposed on transmission passages from the electric motors 2A and 2B to the axles 10A and 10B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro KIRA, Keiichi Ooiso, Takeshi Hoshinoya, Hideki Morita, Koichi Ono
  • Patent number: 8663065
    Abstract: A drivetrain of a motor vehicle, with a hybrid drive, comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric machine and a semi-automatic group transmission. The semi-automatic group transmission comprises at least a main transmission and a downstream group in drive connection downstream with the main transmission. An input shaft of the semi-automatic group transmission is connected, via a controllable starting clutch, to the internal combustion engine of the hybrid drive and an output shaft of the semi-automatic group transmission is connected to an axle drive. Depending on the shift position of at least one shifting element, the electric machine can be coupled to the force flow or the torque flow of the drivetrain between the main transmission and the downstream group of countershaft design and/or between the downstream group of a countershaft design and the axle drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 8663064
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train of a motor vehicle which comprises a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric machine, a clutch connected between the combustion engine and the electric machine, a transmission connected between the electric machine and a drive output, and either a primary retarder connected between the electric machine and the transmission or a secondary retarder connected between the transmission and the drive output. In order to warm up hydraulic oil, when the clutch between the combustion engine and the electric machine is disengaged and a transmission gear is engaged, a braking torque is produced by either the primary or secondary retarder, in the drive-train, and the electric machine is operated in a torque-controlled manner such that it delivers a torque equal to the sum of a target torque determined in accordance with the driver's wish and the braking torque produced by either the primary or secondary retarder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Kai Borntrager
  • Patent number: 8606441
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: setting a creep torque reflection ratio; if brake is applied and the vehicle is currently stopped, updating the creep torque reflection ratio to 0; if brake is not applied and despite that the brake fluid's pressure is larger than a hydraulic pressure value, determining that brake hold control is currently exerted, and reducing the creep torque reflection ratio, as based on a map having the brake fluid's pressure as a parameter, to update the creep torque reflection ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoshiro Ueoka
  • Patent number: 8480538
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Gillingham, Joel M. Notaro, Amber P. Malone, Bradley R. Morisch, Joshua J. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8430789
    Abstract: A vehicle control device that includes an input member drive-coupled to an engine and a rotary electrical machine; an output member; and a transmission having a plurality of friction engagement elements, in which a plurality of shift speeds are switched by controlling engagement and release of the plurality of friction engagement elements, and a rotary driving force of the input member is shifted by a change gear ratio of one of the shift speeds and outputted to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Hase, Hiroya Ueno, Kohei Tsuda, Eiji Moriyama, Hiroshi Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8414450
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator is controlled to suppress frequent engagement/disengagement of the clutch in a case of a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A clutch control apparatus controls the clutch and selects any one of the following drive modes: 1) an EV drive mode where the vehicle travels by only driving force of the motor/generator with the clutch disengaged; 2) an HEV drive mode where the vehicle travels by driving force of the engine and/or the motor/generator with the clutch engaged; and 3) an engine brake drive mode in which the vehicle coasts or travels by the driving force of the motor/generator while dragging the engine where the clutch is engaged, and the fuel supply is stopped when a charge of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Muetoshi Ueno, Masakazu Saito
  • Patent number: 8403790
    Abstract: A motor transmission apparatus is provided between a transmission output shaft coupled to a drive wheel and a motor shaft coupled to a motor/generator. The motor transmission apparatus includes a first power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a high clutch having a clutch oil chamber, and a second power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a low brake having a brake oil chamber. Working oil discharged from an oil pump is guided to an oil passage switching valve via an output control valve. The working oil is distributed to one of the clutch oil chamber and the brake oil chamber by the oil passage switching valve, and therefore interlocking, in which the high clutch and the low brake are engaged simultaneously, can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takenori Hashimoto, Atsushi Namba
  • Patent number: 8332091
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle in particular. An internal combustion engine is connected to a generator via a force-conducting connection. In a learning mode, the generator is operated as a motor and drives the internal combustion engine. In this learning mode, a so-called zero quantity calibration is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Zeh, Holger Rapp, Thomas Pauer, Markus Rueckle, Werner Teschner
  • Patent number: 8296034
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle speed limiting system that is capable of executing a maximum speed limiting control without influencing a driving feeling of a vehicle. A vehicle speed limiting system includes: a three-dimensional map 46a and a throttle valve driving unit 47. A first maximum speed limiter opening degree is calculated by adding a first predetermined opening degree, a second predetermined opening degree, and a current throttle valve opening degree, the first predetermined opening degree being calculated by multiplying a speed difference of the vehicle by a preset P-term coefficient, the second predetermined opening degree being calculated by multiplying an acceleration of the vehicle by a preset D-term coefficient. Once the calculated first maximum speed limiter opening degree falls below the target throttle valve opening degree ?B, the throttle valve motor 30 is driven on a basis of the first maximum speed limiter opening degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Tetsuka, Kenichi Machida, Yukihiro Asada, Masanori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8280605
    Abstract: A braking force control apparatus for a vehicle is provided with a brake device that brakes a rotation of a drive wheel of a vehicle equipped with a continuously variable transmission and adjusts a magnitude of a braking force acting upon the drive wheel on the basis of a brake depression amount. The braking force control apparatus includes a controller that is configured to set an upper limit value of the braking force of the brake device when a restriction condition that is a condition, at which an excessively large torque input state occurs, has been estimated to be established, the excessively large torque input state being a state in which a reduced speed of the drive wheel based on the braking force is larger than an allowable limit speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8182393
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R Gillingham, Joel M Notaro, Amber Patricia Malone, Bradley R Morisch, Josh J Leonard
  • Patent number: 8092338
    Abstract: Method for recovering electrical energy in a vehicle with regenerative braking is used in a vehicle equipped for this purpose with an electrical capacitance device to store electrical energy supplied by a rotary electrical machine of the vehicle during regenerative braking operation. A choice is made, on the basis of the initial rotational speed of the rotary electrical machine to apply an energy recovery stratagem from at least the following two: —a first energy recovery strategy that favors high power supplied by the rotary electrical machine; and—a second energy recovery strategy that favors high efficiency of the rotary electrical machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Julien Masfaraud, Hugues Doffin
  • Patent number: 7983828
    Abstract: A stepwise brake control is automatically performed when TTC obtained according to a relative distance and a relative speed between a vehicle and an object is lower than a predetermined value. For example, a brake force or a brake reduction speed is gradually increased over a plurality of stages in time series. Moreover, the affect of speed change control to the automatic brake control is removed. Alternatively, automatic brake control is supported by the speed change control. Alternatively, the friction coefficient state is estimated, and the brake force or the brake speed reduction is adjusted according to the estimated result. Alternatively, an auto-cruse function is invalidated at least the final stage. Alternatively, when the brake force or the brake speed reduction generated by a brake operation by a driver is greater than the brake force or the brake speed reduction generated by the brake control means, the brake operation by the driver is handled with a higher priority than the stepwise brake control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hino Motors Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Ezoe, Shuji Narada, Naoshi Ichinose, Koichi Okamoto, Hirokazu Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20110165992
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator is controlled to suppress frequent engagement/disengagement of the clutch in a case of a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A clutch control apparatus controls the clutch and selects any one of the following drive modes: 1) an EV drive mode where the vehicle travels by only driving force of the motor/generator with the clutch disengaged; 2) an HEV drive mode where the vehicle travels by driving force of the engine and/or the motor/generator with the clutch engaged; and 3) an engine brake drive mode in which the vehicle coasts or travels by the driving force of the motor/generator while dragging the engine where the clutch is engaged, and the fuel supply is stopped when a charge of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Muetoshi Ueno, Masakazu Saito
  • Publication number: 20090112383
    Abstract: An operator selectable performance control system for an electric vehicle, is provided. In various embodiments, the system includes a motor structured and operable to provide motive power and regenerative braking forces to the vehicle and a mechanical brake assembly structured and operable to exert mechanical braking forces to the vehicle. The system additionally includes a controller operable to control the application of motive power and regenerative braking forces of the motor. The system further includes an operator selectable switch structured and operable to changeably select one of a plurality of vehicle performance routines executable by the controller for affecting maximum vehicle speed and an amount of regenerative braking implemented during vehicle operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Barry Lenart, Anthony Williams
  • Patent number: 7507181
    Abstract: A method and device for determining a driving torque correction factor for compensating the driving torques of a drive unit including a first drive device and a second drive device, both of which act with their driving torque on a common drive shaft. The method includes specifying and setting a desired driving torque for one of the two drive devices, adjusting a brake torque for the other of the two drive devices to a brake torque value, which is equivalent to the value of the actual driving torque (that occurs on the basis of the desired driving torque) of one of the two drive devices, and determining the correction value as a function of the specified desired driving torque of the one drive device and as a function of the brake torque value of the other drive device, the brake torque value being adjusted at the time of the compensation of the torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcel Fenkart, Juergen Gebert, Oliver Grohe, Stephan Peuckmann, Stefan Schinagl
  • Patent number: 7331899
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7291090
    Abstract: A motor torque control system for a vehicle equipped with a drive torque generating motor is comprised of a vehicle speed detector, an accelerator opening detector, a brake depression detector and a control unit. The control unit rapidly brings a motor torque to zero when a vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined speed, when an accelerator opening is substantially zero, and when a brake depression quantity is increasing, and generates the motor torque according to the brake depression quantity when the brake depression quantity is deceasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Munetoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 7261671
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 6801845
    Abstract: A method for control of an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle equipped with cruise control consists in that during cruise control of the transmission control changes to a separate driving program which is function of external influences, especially of the road inclination. This driving program is updated according to external influences. In the “set” state, change is made to the separate driving program and in the “restore” state the control can be adjusted so that the separate driving program be activated immediately or not until reaching the “set” control state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Henneken, Friedemann Jauch, Kai-Uwe Herbster, Franz-Josef Schuler, Thomas Mauz
  • Patent number: 5890555
    Abstract: An electric vehicle that includes a drive train system that propel the electric vehicle, an electrical system that powers the drive train system, and a steering system that steers the electric vehicle. The electrical system includes a battery charger that is at least one of an off board A.C. charger in which the battery pack is selectively plugged into a socket in the off board A.C. charger by a plug, and wheel generators in which the battery pack is in selective electrical communication therewith by a brake switch that is operatively connected to a brake system so as to only activate the battery charger when the brake system is applied. The wheel generators that are operatively connected to the rear wheels comprise stator portions that are fixedly mounted in the axle housing and rotor portions that are fixedly mounted on for rotation with the drive axle and which are in electrical communication with the associated stator portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: George W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5730676
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission has interconnected simple planetary gear sets having one member connected to each of a pair of motor/generators and another member connectible with an engine through a selectively operable torque transmitting device. Three additional selectively operable torque transmitting devices cooperate with the gear sets, engine and/or the motor/generators to provide three modes of electro-mechanical power transmissions. One of the motor/generators is stationary, at one speed point in each of two modes, thereby providing two high efficiency operating points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Roland Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5626055
    Abstract: An electrically-driven thrust generator is provided, which can contribute energy saving, and has properties (thrust controllability, swift action etc.) equivalent to hydraulic cylinders and contributes to solve problems (leakage etc.) associated with oil pipings. The electrically-driven thrust generator comprises a motor 3, a variable reduction ratio speed reducers 5, a rotary motion to linear motion converting mechanism 7, a thrust rod 121 linearly driven by this rotary motion to linear motion converting mechanism 7. The present invention is characterized in that the rotary motion to linear motion converting mechanism 7 comprises an oscillating crank plate driven rack mechanism, which provides a compact and powerful electrically-driven thrust generator equivalent to hydraulic thrust generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyozumi Fukui
  • Patent number: 5620077
    Abstract: The actuator uses an electric motor to drive a recirculating ball screw thread connection, to hold a brake-actuation spring at bay. After the spring has been compressed to the brakes-off position, the electric motor is de-energized. Then, the screw-thread connection is prevented from rotating and backing off, by virtue of the fact that the electric motor is connected to the screw thread via a high-reduction worm gear-box, which will not reverse-drive. An electric clutch is included between the screw-thread connection and the gear-box, the clutch being held, electrically, in the locked or drive condition while the brake is required to be held off. The brake is applied by releasing or de-energizing the clutch to the non-drive or free condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Electric Vehicle Controllers Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Richard
  • Patent number: 5529157
    Abstract: A brake and clutch assembly mounted on an electric motor's drive shaft comprises, in succession and outwardly from the motor, a brake pad, a drive disk, a clutch plate, a pulley, a compression spring and an end cap. The drive disk includes a sleeve with the clutch plate and the pulley being slidably mounted thereon. A pin extending diametrically through the shaft lies in a diametrical V-shaped recess defined in the drive disk. The spring biases the pulley, clutch plate and disk drive towards the brake pad thereby frictionally retaining the drive disk thereagainst when the motor is not operating and preventing the components from rotating. When the motor is started, the pin climbs out of the bottom of the recess by pushing the drive disk against the spring's force thereby axially displacing slightly the disk drive away from the brake pad such that the pin rotates the drive disk which frictionally drives the clutch plate and the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Manaras Auto Doors Inc.
    Inventor: Eddy Desrochers
  • Patent number: 5407400
    Abstract: A braking system for a powered rotary tool of the type in which a shaft is rotated about an axis by a motor includes a first brake element mounted for rotation with the shaft; a second brake element which is restrained from rotation; a biasing member normally urging the first brake element in an axial direction into braking contact with the second brake element and a brake release subsystem, the brake release subsystem to release the braking contact between the first and second brake elements upon start-up of the motor. On start-up of the motor, the shaft is free to rotate through a small angle of rotation before initiating rotation of the first brake element. The release subsystem includes at lease one pair of co-operating ramp surfaces, one of the ramp surfaces being arranged for rotation with the shaft and the other of the ramp surfaces being arranged for rotation with the first brake element. The braking system of the present invention is particularly suitable for use on a rotary-blade lawn mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: W. Roger Thomas, Melvin Temple