Patent · US Expired

Hydrostatic transaxle having axial piston motor and method for manufacturing transaxles

US6817960B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
47References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 2, 2002
Grant dateNov 16, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 2, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/2186
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular hydrostatic transaxle includes an axle module removably connected to a hydrostatic transmission module. The axle module includes a differential connected to a reduction gear train and disposed in an axle casing. A pair of axles are connected to the differential and supported within the axle casing. The hydrostatic transmission module comprises a transmission casing separate from the axle casing. The hydraulic motor output connection includes a shaft piloted to an input drive of the reduction gear train, which constitutes the alignment mechanism of the transmission and axle modules. A portion of the pump and motor block forms an inclined surface which supports a face of a thrust bearing. At least one homogeneous low friction bearing strip is confined between the swash plate and the interior portion of the casing. A disconnect mechanism includes a spring that urges a sleeve to engage the output and input shafts.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.