Integral hydrostatic transaxle apparatus for driving and steering
US6312354A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D11/18
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transaxle apparatus is constructed so that left and right axles, two hydrostatic transmissions (HSTs), one for driving a vehicle and the other for steering it, and a differential unit for differentially connecting said axles with each other are together contained in a housing. The driving HST is disposed so that its hydraulic pump and motor are aligned along either a left or right side of the housing. The steering HST is disposed so that its hydraulic pump and motor are aligned along either a front or rear side of the housing. The differential unit is laterally opposite to the driving HST. Either the left or right axle crosses the driving HST between its hydraulic pump and motor. The two HSTs are provided with one or two flat center sections disposed in the housing. The cylinder blocks of the hydraulic pumps and motors of the two HSTs are mounted on either a top or bottom surface of the center section or sections. Power transmission mechanisms for transmitting output power from the hydraulic motors of the two HSTs into the differential unit are disposed on an opposite side of the center section(s) as the cylinder blocks. A charge pump may be attached onto the center section, and …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.