Drive system for a vehicle
US4572310A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2048/205
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive system for a tractor. The output from a hydrostatic transmission is connected to the rotatable input member of a differential, while the output shafts of the differential are each connected to a drive wheel of the tractor. A clutch interconnects one output shaft of the differential with the input member, and when the clutch is engaged, the output shafts will rotate at the same speed, acting as a solid axle. The steering column of the tractor is connected to a steerable wheel, and when the steering column is rotated through a predetermined arc of about 15.degree., a linkage interconnecting the steering column and the clutch act to disengage the clutch, so that the drive wheels are permitted to rotate at different speeds. Rotation of the steering column through a greater arc of about 80.degree. will automatically operate a brake associated with the inside wheel in the turn. At higher speeds, rotation of the steering column through a given arc will also automatically reduce the speed of the hydrostatic transmission to eliminate possible instability in a tight turn.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.