Backlash elimination in the drivetrain of an electric vehicle
US5821720A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60W2710/083
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method for substantially eliminating backlash in drivetrain gears of a vehicle propelled by an electric motor. The method includes detecting whether brakes of the vehicle are applied. The method further comprises only if the brakes are applied, applying a torque from the electric motor to move at least some teeth of the gears into contact with one another. The present invention further provides a system for substantially eliminating backlash in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of wheels and a drivetrain coupled to at least one of said wheels and comprising engaging gears. The embodiment also includes brakes proximate to at least one of the wheels and adapted to selectively apply braking torque to the at least one of the wheels to which the brakes are proximate. Additionally, the embodiment comprises an electric motor coupled to the drivetrain for applying a torque only while the brakes are applied to move at least the teeth of the gears into contact with one another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.