Hydrostatic transaxle and locking differential and brake therefor
US4696164A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1985 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19116
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydrostatic transaxle assembly T is disclosed including a pump (11), a manifold portion (13), and right and left motor axle assemblies (15 and 17). Each of the motor axle assemblies includes a radial ball motor (41), the output of which is the input to a gear reduction section (53). Each gear reduction section (53) includes primary and secondary planetary gear sets (55) and (57) including a planet carrier (79) driving the respective axle shaft. The transaxle assembly T includes a locking differential and parking brake mechanism (87) which comprises an engagement mechanism (89) and an actuation mechanism (91). When the engagement mechanism (89) is disengaged, the motor assemblies (15) and (17) are free to operate at different speeds for normal differentiation. The actuation mechanism (91) can be actuated to either a locking differential mode (FIG. 8) or a parking brake mode (FIG. 9). In the locking differential mode, both of the planet carriers (79) are free to turn, but must turn at the same speed of rotation. In the parking brake mode, both of the planet carriers (79) are prevented from rotating by the lock gears (93) and (101).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.