Hydrostatic drive and steering system for a utility vehicle
US6305486A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/356
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydrostatic drive for a utility vehicle includes a prime mover (engine) which drives a variable rate hydrostatic pump. In a two-wheel drive system, the hydraulic fluid flow from the pump is split evenly and directed to the rear wheel motors. This flow turns the rear wheel motors and then exits the wheel motors where it is directed back to the pump. In a four-wheel drive system the flow from the pump is split evenly between the front wheel motors. The flow exiting the front motors is directed to the rear wheel motors on the opposite sides of the vehicles. This flow turns the rear motors and then is directed back to the pump. Direction and speed of the vehicle is regulated by an operator-controlled actuator which controls the direction and displacement of the hydrostatic pump. A neutral valve is interconnected between the pump and the motors. The neutral valve is movable between a first position at which fluid flow output from the pump bypasses the motors and is redirected to the pump, and a second position at which the output flow from the pump is directed to the hydraulic motors. The neutral valve allows the pump to be disengaged from the motors so the vehicle can be easily pushe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.