Patent ID: 7159677
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: B60K,B60L

Abstract:
1. A compact drive mechanism for an electrically powered vehicle comprising: a frame; a gearmotor secured to said frame; said gearmotor including a motor, a gearbox, and a gearbox shaft extending from said gearbox; a brake within said motor, said brake including a brake applied state and a brake released state; a spring biasing said brake to said brake applied state; an electromagnet for placing said brake in said brake released state; a drive wheel secured to said shaft; a wheel hub extending from said drive wheel and surrounding said shaft; said gearbox of said gearmotor disposed substantially within said wheel hub; a controller for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of said gearmotor; and said controller including a first and a second state; whereby placing said controller in said first state activates said electromagnet thereby releasing said brake and allowing rotation of said drive wheel and placing said controller in said second state deactivates said electromagnet thereby applying said brake to stop rotation of said drive wheel.