Variable speed transmission and transaxle
US5971881A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Y2200/223
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable speed, reversible transmission that utilizes two gerotor pumps for variable controlling the speed of the output shaft or axle. A rotatable input member connectable to a drive source drives first and second epicyclic gear trains, which drive the two pumps. As the fluid flow through each pump is variably restricted, the epicyclic gears associated therewith revolve about the input member, causing a worm gear intermediate the input member and the output member to variably rotate in a forward or reverse direction. The worm gear transmits rotational power from the input member to the output member in response to the fluid flow restriction through each pump. The present invention also provides for the two pumps comprising a modular pump unit and a system of transmissions employing a common modular pump assembly. Further, the present invention provides engine/transaxle modules in which the engine is mounted on the transaxle housing, and a self-propelled lawn and garden implement having a drive source which includes a variable speed transmission or transaxle which utilizes a pump for variable controlling the speed of its output shaft or axle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.