초록 ▼

A fully integrated hydrostatic transaxle formed of three housing members, a hydrostatic transmission and axle housing member joined to a differential housing member along a vertical plane and joined to a hydrostatic transmission mounting plate and cover member along a horizontal plane. A hydrostatic

A fully integrated hydrostatic transaxle formed of three housing members, a hydrostatic transmission and axle housing member joined to a differential housing member along a vertical plane and joined to a hydrostatic transmission mounting plate and cover member along a horizontal plane. A hydrostatic transmission is connected to and suspended from the mounting plate and cover member. In a second embodiment, a hydrostatic transmission is mounted to a hydrostatic transmission and axle housing member, which in turn is fastened to a center housing member. The center housing member is in turn connected to an axle and differential housing member. The interfaces defined by where the housing members are joined together define substantially parallel vertical planes. Means for effectively unlocking the transmission and the differential is provided so that the operator can push the vehicle without encountering the resistance of back driving the hydrostatic transmission. A neutral position adjustment mechanism provides a tactile indication of the neutral position, and the mechanism can be readjusted to define the correct neutral position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [18.] A hydrostatic transaxle, comprising:an external casing;a pair of axles and a differential disposed in said casing;a hydrostatic transmission disposed in said casing and comprising an input shaft driving a pump, said input shaft having an input shaft axis, a hydraulic mot

[ What is claimed is:] [18.] A hydrostatic transaxle, comprising:an external casing;a pair of axles and a differential disposed in said casing;a hydrostatic transmission disposed in said casing and comprising an input shaft driving a pump, said input shaft having an input shaft axis, a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to said pump, said motor having a rotatable output member, said rotatable outlet member having an outlet member axis, said input shaft axis being substantially orthogonal to said outlet member axis;an epicyclic gear mechanism drivingly connected between said output member and said differential, said epicyclic gear mechanism includes a sun gear driven by said rotatable output member, a plurality of planet gears driven by said sun gear and a normally fixed internally toothed ring gear meshed with said planet gears, said planet gears supported on a carrier connected to said output member, said ring gear is selectively unlocked to thereby permit said ring gear to rotate and effectively rotationally disconnect said hydrostatic transmission and said differential; anda means for selectively unlocking said ring gear comprising:a plurality of slots disposed on said ring gear; anda slidable pin disposed to selectively engage any one of said slots,whereby disengagement of said pin from said one slot unlocks said ring.