Hub drive and method of using same

US7726426B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lockheed Martin Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael S. Beck · Königsee, DE
• Jon T. Stinchcomb · Arlington, US
• Wendell H. Chun · Littleton, US
• David Allen Clemens · Orange, US
• John C. Dunne, Jr. · Brooks Road, US
• Dean Banks · Brooks Road, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 12, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 1, 2010
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60W2530/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hub drive includes an in-hub motor and a shifting in-hub transmission coupled with the motor. A hub drive wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel. A vehicle includes a chassis, a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel for rotating the wheel with respect to the chassis. A method includes providing a shifting transmission and a motor coupled with the transmission in a hub of a wheel, providing electrical power to the motor, and rotating the motor with the electrical power. The method further includes rotating the transmission with the motor and rotating the wheel with the transmission.