US5222572A — Electric motor driven vehicle and power unit ther…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 76 words

A drive system for an electric motor driven vehicle comprising: an electric motor; a driving wheel; a speed change transmission for transmitting the rotation of said electric motor to said driving wheel to run the vehicle, said speed change transmission maintaining motor speed within a range preselected to be within a desired percentage of maximum motor efficiency; and an automatic clutch, disposed between said electric motor and said driving wheel, for functioning as a starting clutch.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 76 words

A drive system for an electric motor driven vehicle comprising: an electric motor; a driving wheel; a speed change transmission for transmitting the rotation of said electric motor to said driving wheel to run the vehicle, said speed change transmission maintaining motor speed within a range preselected to be within a desired percentage of maximum motor efficiency; and an automatic clutch, disposed between said electric motor and said driving wheel, for functioning as a starting clutch.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 51 words

The drive system of claim 1, wherein said speed change transmission varies between two ratios, a maximum ratio and a minimum ratio, which maintains a proper rational speed of said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at substantially maximum efficiency of a 100% duty factor between said two ratios.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 61 words

The drive system of claim 1, wherein said speed change transmission varies between two ratios, a maximum ratio and a minimum ratio, and a duty factor during normal transmission is established at a predetermined value less than 100% so as to be obtained within an excessive output corresponding to at least an incremental amount of running resistance at said maximum ratio.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 30 words

The drive system of claim 1, wherein the drive system is contained entirely in a unitary housing within a recess formed on an external side surface of said driving wheel.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 52 words

The drive system of claim 1 further comprising: a final reducing gear operatively coupled between said driving wheel of the electric motor driven vehicle and said speed change transmission for rotating said driving wheel; and a single unitary housing containing said electric motor, said final reducing gear, and said speed change transmission.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 140 words

The drive system of claim 5, wherein a rotary shaft of said electric motor drives said speed change transmission, said said stepless speed change transmission including a driving pulley comprising: a first movable face slidably supported in an axial direction upon said rotary shaft; a first fixed face formed on an end of said rotary shaft away from said electric motor; a ramp plate fixed to said rotary shaft at a position between said electric motor and said first movable face; and centrifugal force weight, in slidable contact directly between said first movable face and said ramp plate, movable in a radial direction towards and away from said rotary shaft to vary a distance said first movable face is supported along said rotary shaft from said first fixed face to respectively decrease and increase a torque of said electric motor.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 121 words

The drive system of claim 6, said speed change transmission further comprising: an input shaft, operatively coupled to and rotating said final reducing gear, in response to rotation of said rotary shaft; a driven pulley comprising a second movable face slidably supported in axial direction upon said input shaft, and a second fixed face rotatably supported to said input shaft intermediate said final reducing gear and said second movable face; and an automatic force clutch, operating as a braking clutch, operatively connected to said input shaft at a first established rotational speed, said automatic clutch coupling a power of said driving pulley to said input shaft at a second established rotational speed, which is greater than said first established rotational speed.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 79 words

The drive system of claim 6, said speed change transmission further comprising: an input shaft operatively coupled to and rotating said final reducing gear in response to rotation of said rotary shaft; and a driven pulley comprising a second fixed face rotatably supported to an end of said input shaft away from said final reducing gear, and a second movable face slidably supported in an axial direction upon said input intermediate said electric motor and said second fixed face.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 81 words

The drive system of claim 8, said speed change transmission further comprising: an automatic force clutch, operating as a braking clutch, operatively coupled to said input shaft and said driven pulley at a first established rotational speed, said automatic clutch coupling a power of said driving pulley to said input shaft at a second established rotational speed, which is greater than said first established rotational speed, said automatic clutch and said automatic force clutch operatively coupled to said second movable face.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 20 words

The drive system of claim 5, wherein said desired percentage is 80% of operational maximum efficiency of said electric motor.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 16 words

The drive system of claim 5, wherein the electric motor driven vehicle is an electric bicycle.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 22 words

The drive system of claim 5, wherein said electric motor operates at 60% duty factor to ensure excessive output against running resistance.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 32 words

The drive system of claim 1, further including, means for operating said speed change transmission in a high revolution zone of said electric motor than a peak output revolution of said motor.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 165 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions extending along a longitudinal axis of said vehicle body and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion substantially planar to said longitudinal axis; an electric motor, fixably mounted to said rear frame portion along a first side of said longitudinal axis and coupled to an external control means and battery supply, for driving a rotary shaft; and drive means, contained in a single unitary housing pivotally connected to said rear frame portion along a second side of said longitudinal axis opposite that of said first side and operatively connected to said drive wheel, for driving said drive wheel, said drive means comprising a final reducing gear, operatively coupled to said drive wheel, for rotating said drive wheel, and a belt type stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to said final reducing gear, for rotatably driving said final reducing gear.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 165 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions extending along a longitudinal axis of said vehicle body and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion substantially planar to said longitudinal axis; an electric motor, fixably mounted to said rear frame portion along a first side of said longitudinal axis and coupled to an external control means and battery supply, for driving a rotary shaft; and drive means, contained in a single unitary housing pivotally connected to said rear frame portion along a second side of said longitudinal axis opposite that of said first side and operatively connected to said drive wheel, for driving said drive wheel, said drive means comprising a final reducing gear, operatively coupled to said drive wheel, for rotating said drive wheel, and a belt type stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to said final reducing gear, for rotatably driving said final reducing gear.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 29 words

The electric motor driven bicycle of claim 14, said electric motor fixably mounted to said rear frame portion so as to be mounted stationary above said drive wheel axis.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 29 words

The electric motor driven bicycle of claim 14, said electric motor fixably mounted to said rear frame portion so as to be mounted stationary above said drive wheel axis.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 184 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion; and a drive system contained in a single unitary housing coupled to said central frame portion by a plate connector, said rear frame portion by a spring member, and said drive wheel, said drive system comprising an electric motor, coupled to external control means and battery supply, driving a rotary shaft, a final reducing gear operatively coupled to and rotating a drive wheel of the electric motor driven bicycle, and a stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to and driving said final reducing gear, said drive means implemented so that said electric motor is positioned above said drive wheel axis, and said battery supply being housed within a battery housing space located under a step floor of said central frame portion to lower the center of gravity of the electric motor driven bicycle, said battery supply accessible through said step floor which is a lid of said battery housing space.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 184 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion; and a drive system contained in a single unitary housing coupled to said central frame portion by a plate connector, said rear frame portion by a spring member, and said drive wheel, said drive system comprising an electric motor, coupled to external control means and battery supply, driving a rotary shaft, a final reducing gear operatively coupled to and rotating a drive wheel of the electric motor driven bicycle, and a stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to and driving said final reducing gear, said drive means implemented so that said electric motor is positioned above said drive wheel axis, and said battery supply being housed within a battery housing space located under a step floor of said central frame portion to lower the center of gravity of the electric motor driven bicycle, said battery supply accessible through said step floor which is a lid of said battery housing space.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 45 words

The electric motor driven bicycle of claim 17, said battery housing space is a box which is coupled to said central frame portion substantially planar to a longitudinal axis of said central frame portion and at a height substantially equal to said drive wheel axis.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 21 words

The electric motor driven bicycle of claim 18, further comprising control means housing under a seat above said rear frame portion.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 114 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion; a drive system contained in a single unitary housing, coupled to said central frame portion and said drive wheel, comprising an electric motor, coupled to an external control means and battery supply, driving a rotary shaft, a final reducing gear operatively coupled to and rotating a drive wheel of the electric motor driven bicycle, and a belt type stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to and driving said final reducing gear; and a magnetically shielded user utilizable vehicle storage compartment.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 114 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion; a drive system contained in a single unitary housing, coupled to said central frame portion and said drive wheel, comprising an electric motor, coupled to an external control means and battery supply, driving a rotary shaft, a final reducing gear operatively coupled to and rotating a drive wheel of the electric motor driven bicycle, and a belt type stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to and driving said final reducing gear; and a magnetically shielded user utilizable vehicle storage compartment.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electric motor driven bicycle of claim 20, said magnetically shielded user utilizable vehicle storage compartment is located beneath a seat above said rear frame portion.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 41 words

The electric motor driven bicycle of claim 21, further comprising a battery housing connected to said central frame portion substantially planar to a longitudinal axis of said central frame portion and at a height substantially equal to said drive wheel axis.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 216 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions extending along a longitudinal axis of said vehicle body and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion substantially planar to said longitudinal axis; an electric motor, fixably mounted to said rear frame portion along a first side of said longitudinal axis and coupled to an external control means and battery supply, for driving a rotary shaft; and drive means, contained in a single unitary housing pivotally connected to said rear frame portion along a second side of said longitudinal axis opposite that of said first side and operatively connected to said drive wheel, for driving said drive wheel, said drive means comprising a final reducing gear, operatively coupled to said drive wheel, for rotating said drive wheel, and a stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to said final reducing gear, for rotatably driving said final reducing gear, said rear frame being pivotally coupled to said single unitary housing through a pair of supporting swing arms along said second side and being coupled to a support plate of said electric motor along said first side, said pair of supporting swing arms being pivotable along a central axis of said rotary shaft.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 216 words

An electric motor driven bicycle comprising: a vehicle body including front, central, and rear frame portions extending along a longitudinal axis of said vehicle body and a drive wheel, having a drive wheel axis, coupled to said rear frame portion substantially planar to said longitudinal axis; an electric motor, fixably mounted to said rear frame portion along a first side of said longitudinal axis and coupled to an external control means and battery supply, for driving a rotary shaft; and drive means, contained in a single unitary housing pivotally connected to said rear frame portion along a second side of said longitudinal axis opposite that of said first side and operatively connected to said drive wheel, for driving said drive wheel, said drive means comprising a final reducing gear, operatively coupled to said drive wheel, for rotating said drive wheel, and a stepless speed change transmission, operatively coupling said rotary shaft to said final reducing gear, for rotatably driving said final reducing gear, said rear frame being pivotally coupled to said single unitary housing through a pair of supporting swing arms along said second side and being coupled to a support plate of said electric motor along said first side, said pair of supporting swing arms being pivotable along a central axis of said rotary shaft.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 85 words

A drive system for an electric motor vehicle comprising: an electric motor; a driving wheel; a speed change transmission for an electric motor vehicle comprising: an electric motor; a driving wheel; a speed change transmission for transmitting the rotation of said electric motor to said driving wheel to run the vehicle, said speed change transmission maintaining motor speed within a range preselected to be within a desired percentage of maximum motor efficiency; and a centrifugal clutch located between said electric motor and speed change transmission.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 85 words

A drive system for an electric motor vehicle comprising: an electric motor; a driving wheel; a speed change transmission for an electric motor vehicle comprising: an electric motor; a driving wheel; a speed change transmission for transmitting the rotation of said electric motor to said driving wheel to run the vehicle, said speed change transmission maintaining motor speed within a range preselected to be within a desired percentage of maximum motor efficiency; and a centrifugal clutch located between said electric motor and speed change transmission.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 64 words

The drive system of claim 24, further comprising: a transmission, which transmits power of the electric motor to the driving wheel; said centrifugal clutch, directly fixed to said rotary shaft of the electric motor, being engaged when the rotational speed of the electric motor reaches an established rotating speed in the lower speed, thereby transmitting the driving power of the motor to the transmission.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

The drive system of claim 25, wherein said transmission is a stepless transmission which reduces the rotation speed.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1996-06-28	1996-12-28	1997-06-29	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2000-06-28	2000-12-28	2001-06-29	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2004-06-28	2004-12-28	2005-06-29	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Electric motor driven vehicle and power unit thereof

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