Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16H—GEARING
  • F16H47/00—Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing
  • F16H47/02—Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type
  • F16H47/04—Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type the mechanical gearing being of the type with members having orbital motion
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D11/00—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like
  • B62D11/02—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides
  • B62D11/06—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source
  • B62D11/10—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source using gearings with differential power outputs on opposite sides, e.g. twin-differential or epicyclic gears
  • B62D11/14—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source using gearings with differential power outputs on opposite sides, e.g. twin-differential or epicyclic gears differential power outputs being effected by additional power supply to one side, e.g. power originating from secondary power source
  • B62D11/18—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source using gearings with differential power outputs on opposite sides, e.g. twin-differential or epicyclic gears differential power outputs being effected by additional power supply to one side, e.g. power originating from secondary power source the additional power supply being supplied hydraulically
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D11/00—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like
  • B62D11/02—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides
  • B62D11/06—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source
  • B62D11/10—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source using gearings with differential power outputs on opposite sides, e.g. twin-differential or epicyclic gears
  • B62D11/14—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source using gearings with differential power outputs on opposite sides, e.g. twin-differential or epicyclic gears differential power outputs being effected by additional power supply to one side, e.g. power originating from secondary power source
  • B62D11/18—Steering non-deflectable wheels; Steering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides by means of a single main power source using gearings with differential power outputs on opposite sides, e.g. twin-differential or epicyclic gears differential power outputs being effected by additional power supply to one side, e.g. power originating from secondary power source the additional power supply being supplied hydraulically
  • B62D11/183—Control systems therefor
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16H—GEARING
  • F16H47/00—Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing
  • F16H47/02—Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type
  • F16H47/04—Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type the mechanical gearing being of the type with members having orbital motion
  • F16H2047/045—Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type the mechanical gearing being of the type with members having orbital motion the fluid gearing comprising a plurality of pumps or motors

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a transmission for driving left and right axles of a vehicle comprising a pair of hydrostatic transmissions (to be referred to as HSTs), each of which is a fluid combination of a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, wherein one of the HSTs is provided for speed change in advancing and reversing and the other is for steering.
• HSTs hydrostatic transmissions
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,650 describes a vehicle provided with a pair of HSTs disposed in a lateral row and connected with each other, with left and right axles projecting laterally outward from its respective HST. Driving wheels are fixed onto utmost ends of the axles. The left and right axles are driven by changing the angles of slant of movable swash plates provided for the its respective left or right HST.
• the left and right axles are driven at the same speed by the pair of HSTs when the vehicle is advancing or reversing in a straight line. They are driven at different speeds when turning.
• the above mentioned conventional vehicle can advance or reverse straight only when the output rotational speeds of the pair of the HSTs are equal.
• equalization of the output speed of each of the HSTs is required. This equalization takes a long time during operation of the vehicle.
• accuracy is required when manufacturing and assembling the components of each HST. If there is any difference in volume of the hydraulic pumps or motors between the HSTs, the feeling in turning left and right are different from each other, thereby making the vehicle difficult to control.
• a speed changing operating tool such as a speed change pedal, is connected to both output speed changing members, such as a movable swash plates, of the pair of HSTs.
• a steering operating tool such as a steering wheel, is also connected to both members. This arrangement requires complicated linkages interposed between the speed changing operating tool and the both speed changing members and between the steering operating tool and both speed changing members, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of the linkages and the space for disposal thereof in the vehicle.
• each of the operating tools for speed changing and steering need only be connected with one output speed changing member of either of the HSTs, thereby simplifying the linkages between the operating tools and the speed changing members and reducing the manufacturing cost and the space required for disposal thereof.
• the transmission for speed changing and steering must be capable of turning along a small radius if it is employed by a working vehicle like a mower tractor required to travel among trees. It also must be compact if it is provided for a small vehicle.
• the transmission's activity in turning corresponds to the traveling speed to improve the sensitivity of the steering operation.
• the vehicle provided with the transmission turns along a small radius when traveling slowly and turns along a large radius when traveling fast.
• a transmission for steering and speed changing of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention comprises a first HST including a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor for speed changing for advancing and reversing and a second HST including a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor for steering.
• the first HST including a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor for speed changing for advancing and reversing
• a second HST including a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor for steering.
• HST is driven by a prime mover. Output power of the first HST is transmitted into a pair of axles through a differential and is also transmitted into the second HST.
• the pair of HSTs can be driven by the single prime mover, so that only one input means, for example, an input shaft, of the first HST is needed to receive the output power of the prime mover.
• speed changing is provided only by the single first HST, and steering is provided by only the single second HST, the oil circuits thereof can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
• the transmission does not need complicated equalization of output power between the two HSTs when advancing or reversing in a straight line as in conventional dual HST arrangements.
• the wheels connected to the axles are used for both traveling and steering, the vehicle can employ simple follower wheels such as casters, thereby having a small turning radius and reducing the manufacturing cost.
• a brake device can be provided on any rotational member in the transmitting system for speed changing in traveling between an input side of the first HST and the axles. This provides flexibility in choosing the optimal position for placement of the brake device in order to provide a compact transmission.
• An output speed changing member of the first HST is connected with a speed changing operating tool provided on a vehicle, so that the rotary speed of the motor of the first HST is steplessly changeable by operation of the tool, whereby the traveling speed of the vehicle can be steplessly controlled. Also, the connection between the speed changing operating tool and the output speed changing means is simpler in comparison with the conventional connection between a steering operating tool and a pair of output speed changing members of two HSTs.
• the second HST driven by the first HST has a pair of output means, which rotate in opposite directions by output of the motor of the second HST. The pair of output means are drivingly connected with the pair of axles.
• An output speed changing member of the second HST is connected with a steering operating tool provided on the vehicle, so that the rotary speed of the motor of the second HST is steplessly changeable by operation of the steering operating tool.
• the connection between the steering operating tool and the output speed changing means is simpler in comparison with the conventional connection between a steering operating tool and a pair of output speed changing members of two HSTs.
• the motor of the second HST is driven so as to rotate the output means of the second HST in opposite directions. Accordingly, one of the axles is accelerated and the other is decelerated, so that the vehicle turns to the side of the decelerated axle.
• the turning direction of the vehicle can coincide with the same direction of operation of the steering operating tool in both cases of advancing and reversing.
• This arrangement therefore does not require a mechanism for coinciding the turning direction of the vehicle with the operational direction of the steering operating tool when in reverse.
• the vehicle employing the transmission can be steered as easily as a passenger car.
• the rotary speed of the pump of the second HST is increased in proportion to that of the motor of the first HST, the replication of turning to the steering operation can be more sensitive in proportion to traveling speed.
• the vehicle can be nicely steered because it is prevented from delay in turning in relation to the steering operation.
• the pump of the second HST for steering is stopped when the vehicle is stopped because the second HST is driven by output power of the first HST for speed changing.
• the vehicle is safe from unexpected start even if an operator touches the steering operating tool on the stopped vehicle.
• the differential connected with the axles may constitute a pair of planetary gears.
• the output means of the second HST is drivingly connected with the pair of planetary gears. Due to this construction, the pair of planetary of gears as the differential can be narrowed and made more compact because of omission of a differential casing.
• the steering operating tool With regard to the connection between the steering operating tool and the output speed changing member of the second HST, it may be constructed such that the member is moved at a small rate of speed relative to an operational degree of the tool when the member is in vicinity of its neutral position. This construction allows the vehicle to travel straight even if the steering operating tool is slightly moved from its straight traveling position, and it turns gradually on steering of the steering operation for turning.
• the transmission For the purpose of providing a changeable turning circle in correspondence to traveling speed, the transmission employs either of the following two constructions.
• a first linkage which has a pair of fixed pivotal points and an intermediate movable pivotal point between the fixed pivotal points, is interposed between the steering operating tool and the output speed changing member of the second HST.
• a second linkage is interposed between the speed changing operating tool and the movable pivotal point.
• the first linkage is bendable at the movable pivotal point thereof in correspondence to the steering operation.
• the second linkage moves the movable pivotal point in correspondence to the speed changing operation so as to change a ratio of a distance between one fixed pivotal point and the movable pivotal point to that between the other fixed pivotal point and the movable pivotal point, whereby the output rotational speed of the second HST is reduced in inverse proportion to the traveling speed.
• the pump of the first HST is of variable capacity type and the motor thereof is of fixed capacity type and both of the pump and the motor of the second HST are of variably capacity types.
• a first capacity changing means of the pump of the first HST is connected with a second capacity changing means of the motor of the second HST, so that the rotary speed of the motor is reduced in inverse proportion to that of the pump.
• the turning radius of the vehicle is large when traveling fast and is small when traveling slowly.
• the vehicle is safe from sudden turning when traveling fast, and it can turn rapidly by small steering operation when traveling slowly.
• the HSTs may be provided outside the housing, thereby enabling the HSTs to be easily attached and removed or assembled and disassembled independently of the settled housing.
• the first and second HST may be contained within the housing, thereby providing a more compact, lighter transmission with reduced manufacturing cost in comparison with that provided with other housings for the HSTs.
• a third option is to provide either of the HSTs outside the housing and the other within the housing, whereby the transmission can be constructed easily and cheaply by using a common axle driving apparatus comprising an HST, a differential and axles contained in a housing and using another common HST for the externally provided HST.
• FIG. 1 is a side view showing a mower tractor as a whole provided with a transmission for steering and speed changing in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transmission in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, provided on the mower tractor when a housing is removed.
• FIG. 3 is a side view of the same transmission.
• FIG. 4 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of the same transmission.
• FIG. 5 is a diagram of the same system wherein differentials are modified in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a linkage interposed between a steering wheel and a control arm connected to a movable swash plate of a hydraulic pump for steering.
• FIG. 7 is a plan view of the same.
• FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between a position of a slide link and a steering angle of the steering wheel in the same linkage.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a linkage interposed between movable swash plates of a hydraulic pump for speed changing and of a hydraulic motor for steering.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the same in advancing.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the same in reversing.
• FIG. 12 is a view of a linkage having a bendable point interposed between the steering wheel and the movable swash plate of the hydraulic pump for steering, wherein the bendable point is moved according to motion of another linkage connected to the speed change pedal.
• FIG. 13 is a sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows X- X in FIG. 12.
• FIG. 14 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of a transmission in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 15 is a diagram of the same wherein a construction for driving a charge pump is modified.
• FIG. 16 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of a transmission in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of a transmission in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of a transmission in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 19 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of a transmission in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 20 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of a transmission in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 21 is a diagram of a power transmitting system of a transmission in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
• a front column 13 is provided upright on a front portion of a vehicle chassis 12.
• a steering wheel 14 as a steering operating tool projects upwardly from column 13.
• a speed change pedal 15 as a speed changing operating tool and brake pedals (not shown) are disposed beside column 13.
• One or more caster wheels as follower front wheels 16 are disposed on the front lower portion of chassis 12.
• a seat 17 is mounted on a center portion of chassis 12.
• a mower 9 is disposed below chassis 12.
• Mower 9 comprises a casing 19 with at least one rotary blade provided therein, which is driven by power of an engine 11 through pulleys, belts and the like. Mower 9 is suspended at front and rear portions of its casing 19 by linkages and is vertically moveable.
• Engine 11 is mounted on a rear portion of chassis 12 and is covered with a bonnet.
• Engine 11 has a vertically axial crankshaft provided with a vertically downward projecting output shaft 11a.
• An output pulley 20 is fixed onto a lower end of output shaft 11
• Transmission 2 of the present invention is disposed on the lower rear portion of chassis 12.
• a housing 25 contains therein transmission 2, which comprises a first HST 21 for speed changing in advancing and reversing, a second HST 22 for steering, a first differential 24 for speed changing in traveling and a second differential 23 for steering.
• Housing 25 is fixed to chassis 12.
• HSTs 21 and 22 is an assembly of a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected with each other.
• An input shaft 26 projects outward from a substantial center of an upper surface of housing 25, so as to be fixedly provided thereon with an input pulley
• a belt is interposed between input pulley 27 and output pulley 20 of engine 1 1 and a tension pulley (not shown) is pressed against the belt, thereby transmitting the power of engine 1 1 from pulley 20 to the pulley 27.
• a pulley 31 is also fixed onto input shaft 26.
• chassis 12 At a longitudinally intermediate portion of chassis 12 is erected a support boss 32.
• a belt 36 is interposed between pulleys 34 and 31 , and a belt 37 is interposed between pulley 35 and a pulley 38 fixed onto an input shaft of mower 9.
• a tension pulley as a belt tension clutch may be also disposed between pulleys 35 and 38, so as to switch on and off mower 9.
• First HST 21 for speed change in traveling is a well-known combination of a variable capacity type hydraulic pump 52 and a fixed capacity type hydraulic motor 53.
• a pump shaft of hydraulic pump 52 constitutes input shaft 26 vertically supported in housing 25.
• Hydraulic pump 52 is fitted onto a horizontal portion of a center section 51 fixed to the interior of housing 25.
• Hydraulic motor 53 is fitted to a vertical portion of center section 51 behind the horizontal portion thereof.
• a motor shaft 54 of hydraulic motor 53 is laterally axially disposed. Hydraulic pump 52 and hydraulic motor 53 are fluidly connected with each other through a closed circuit in center section 51.
• Hydraulic pump 52 is provided with a movable swash plate 57 as an output speed changing means of first HST 21 or as a capacity changing means of hydraulic pump 52, thereby changing the discharge direction and volume of pressure oil from hydraulic pump 52.
• a control shaft 59 is connected to the swash plate 57.
• a neutral biasing spring is wound around control shaft 59 in housing 25, thereby biasing shaft 59 toward its neutral position. The neutral position thereof is movable and adjustable.
• control shaft 59 is connected to a speed changing operating tool like a lever or a pedal (in this embodiment, a speed change pedal 15) through an arm 41 , a link 42 and the like.
• Pedal 15 is pivoted at its center, thereby looking like a seesaw.
• Hydraulic motor 53 is rotated in one direction for advancing of a vehicle by treading on a front portion of pedal 15 and is rotated in the opposite direction for reversing of the vehicle by treading on a rear portion thereof. Whichever portion is trod, the rotary speed of hydraulic motor 53 is increased in proportion to the depth pedal 15 is trod. As a result, swash plate 57 is slantingly operated by treading on pedal 15, so that the pressure oil discharged from hydraulic pump 52 is adjusted in direction and volume and is supplied into hydraulic motor 53 through the closed circuit within center section 51.
• Speed change pedal 15 may also be divided into two pedals for advancing and reversing.
• the construction of the speed changing operating tool is not restricted to such a pedal 15.
• a traveling drive gear 55 and a steering drive gear 54 are fixedly provided onto one side of motor shaft 54 and a brake 66 is provided onto the other side of motor shaft 54.
• Brake 66 is applied by operation of the above said brake pedal or the like, thereby braking axles to a stop. Its position is not limited to the position described above. It can be disposed on any rotary member in the traveling drive system between input shaft 26 of first HST 21 and the axles.
• first differential output shafts 40 left and right first differential output shafts 40L and 40R.
• Shafts 40 constitute left and right axles in this embodiment.
• Shaft 44 is disposed so as to have the same axis with shafts 40.
• a center gear 60 is fixed onto shaft 44 so as to engage with drive gear 55.
• a pair of sun gears 61 are fixed respectively onto both end portions of shaft 44 with center gear 60 between them.
• a pair of carriers 62 are fixed respectively onto inner sides of shafts 40.
• a plurality of planet gears 63 are pivoted on each carrier 62 so as to engage with the periphery of each sun gear 61.
• a pair of large diametric gears 65 (left and right large diametric gears 65L and 65R) centering sun gears 61 are disposed at both sides of center gear 60.
• Each gear 65 integrally forms a ring gear 64 on its inner periphery.
• Each ring gear 64 peripherally engages with every planet gear 63 surrounding each sun gear 61.
• left and right driving axles are individually driven by the pair of HSTs, whereby the both outputs of the HSTs are necessarily equalized exactly for straight traveling.
• a vehicle employing the transmission of the present invention has differential output shafts 40L and 40R differentially connected with each other through first differential 24 as left and right axles, thereby requiring no equalization of output between two HSTs.
• the shaft 70 is laterally axially disposed in parallel to shafts 40.
• Both hydraulic pump 71 and a hydraulic motor 72 of HST 22 are variable capacity types. They are fluidly connected with each other through a closed circuit within a center section 69.
• Hydraulic pump 71 is provided with a movable swash plate 76 as an output speed changing member of HST 22 or as a capacity changing means of hydraulic pump 71. It is connected with steering wheel 14 through a linkage or the like, so as to be rotated in correspondence to rotating operation of steering wheel 14.
• FIGs. 6 and 7 there is shown one embodiment of a linkage between steering wheel 14 and swash plate 76. This is so constructed as to reduce the sensitivity of replication of swash plate 76 to the steering operation when steering wheel 14 is in vicinity of its straight traveling position, thereby providing a more stable operation of the vehicle when steering wheel 14 is slightly rotated for turning.
• a cam plate 144 centering a stem 14a of steering wheel 14 is provided with a cam groove 144a.
• Cam groove 144a is curved such that one end thereof is close to stem 14a and the other is far from it.
• a cam follower 145a stuck to a slide link 145 is movably inserted into the groove 144a.
• the link 145 passes slidably through a slide guide 146, thereby being slidable in a direction approximately coinciding with a rotational range of a control arm 139, which is integrally extended from swash plate 76.
• a connecting rod 147 is interposed between link 145 and arm 139, so as to be rotatable according to rotation of arm
• cam groove 144a is so designed in shape that link 145 slides at a small rate to a unit rotational angle of steering wheel 14 when steering wheel 14 (cam plate 144) is in vicinity of its straight traveling position.
• the straight traveling position of cam follower 145a is designated as 0.
• the position of cam follower 145a moves from 0 to +3 through + 1 and +2 in proportion to the leftward rotational angle of steering wheel 14. Also, it moves from 0 to -3 through -1 and -2 in proportion to the rightward rotational angle of steering wheel 14.
• the increase of the leftward or rightward rotational angle of steering wheel 14 is ⁇ 1.
• a motor shaft 73 of hydraulic motor 72 is vertically supported so as to project downward from center section 69.
• a bevel gear 74 is fixed onto the lower end of shaft 73.
• gear 75 (left and right side gears 75L and 75R) engage respectively with both sides of gear 74 for the purpose of forming two power transmitting courses. Accordingly, pair of side gears 75 tend to rotate in opposite directions with respect to each other by rotation of shaft 73.
• Each gear 75 is fixed onto each of a pair of second differential output shafts 77 (left and right second differential output shafts 77L and 77R).
• a pair of small diametric gears 78 are fixed onto outer ends of shafts 77.
• a pair of double gears 86 each of which consists of a large diametric gear 86a and a small diametric gear 86b, are rotatably provided on shaft 54. Gear 86a engages with small diametric gear 78 and gear 86b engages with large diametric gear 65.
• a movable swash plate 79 of motor 72 of second HST 22 is connected with swash plate 57 of hydraulic pump 52 of first HST 21 through a linkage for the purpose of corresponding the turning radius of the vehicle to the traveling speed.
• This linkage is best shown in FIG. 9.
• a rhomb control arm 80 is fixed at its center onto control shaft 59.
• Control links 81 and 82 are pivoted at their one ends onto side ends of control arm 80.
• the other ends of control links 81 and 82 are movably anchored to a fan-shaped control plate 83 for rotation of swash plate 79.
• control plate 83 is fitted at a projection on an apex thereof to the plate 79 and is fixed at the center thereof onto control shaft 84. It is provided at the portion near the arcuate edge thereof with a pair of arcuate holes 83a and 83b.
• the above said other ends of links 81 and 82 are slidably inserted respectively into holes 83a and 83b.
• a coiling spring 85 is wound around shaft 84 with one end thereof fitted to plate 83, whereby the swash plate 79 is biased toward its neutral position or the slanting angle thereof tends to a minimum.
• swash plate 76 of hydraulic pump 71 is rotated so as to drive hydraulic motor 72.
• motor shaft 73 of hydraulic motor 72 is regularly rotated, thereby rotating left side gear 75L regularly and right side gear 75R reversely through bevel gear 74.
• the regular rotation of gear 75L accelerates left large diametric gear 65L of the left planetary gear, which rotates together with left differential output shaft 40L in advancing rotation through planet gears 63.
• the reverse rotation of gear 75R decelerates the right planetary gear regularly rotating together with right differential output shaft 40R.
• the vehicle turns right.
• 40L is decelerated and that of 40R is accelerated, whereby the vehicle turns left.
• the reversing vehicle can also turn to a side in coincidence with a rotational direction of steering wheel 14, so that it can be steered as easily as a passenger car.
• control link 81 is freely slidable in arcuate hole 83a, so that plate 83 stays, swash plate 79 is slant at the smallest angle and the strokes of the pistons of motor 72 are kept to a minimum.
• hydraulic motor 72 for steering is a fixed capacity type, and two links are interposed between steering wheel 14 and swash plate 76 of hydraulic pump 71 , wherein a ratio of one link to the other is changeable in length corresponding to the depth of trod pedal 15.
• the base of stem 14a integral with steering wheel 14 interlocks with a Pitman 130.
• An utmost end of Pitman 130 is pivotally connected with a rotary link 132 through a connecting rod 131.
• Link 132 is pivoted at its intermediate portion around a pivotal shaft 133.
• the portion of link 132 opposite to the utmost end of Pitman 130 with respect to shaft 133 is bored by a longitudinally long hole 132a.
• a pivotal pin 134 slidably passes through hole 132a.
• Pin 134 also slidably passes through a long hole 135a longitudinally bored in a portion of a control link 135 close to its one end.
• the other end of link 135 is fixed onto a control shaft 137 rotatably supported by housing 25.
• Control arm 139 projects from shaft 137 and engages with one end of swash plate 76.
• a first linkage consisting of links 132 and 135 has shaft 133 as a first fixed pivotal point, pin 134 as an intermediate movable pivotal point and shaft 137 as a second fixed pivotal point.
• the first linkage is bendable at the movable pivotal point thereof in accordance with the steering operation of steering wheel 14.
• Pin 134 still also slidably passes through a long hole 136a bored in a ratio changing link 136.
• Link 136 is fixed at its one end onto a slide rod 140 axially slidably supported by a guide 141 , so that link 136 does not rotate around pin 134 but slides according to motion of pin 134 within hole 136a.
• An utmost end of rod 140 is pivotally connected to one end of a bell crank 143 through a connecting rod 142.
• Bell crank 143 is connected at its to pedal 15 through a link or the like.
• a second linkage comprising link 136 is extended from pedal 15 to the movable pivotal point as pin 134.
• cam plate 144, link 145, guide 146 and rod 147 are interposed between stem 14a and the utmost end of link 132 instead of link 130 and rod 131.
• first and second linkages comprising links 132, 135 and 136 shown in
• FIGs. 12 and 13 are interposed between rod 147 and arm 139 shown in FIG. 6.
• transmission 2 in accordance with a second embodiment including a first differential 24' and a second differential 23' both comprising differential gear units.
• motor shaft 54 of first HST 21 is directly axially connected with an input shaft of second HST 22.
• Second differential 23' is provided with a pair of second differential output shafts 96 (left and right second differential output shafts 96L and 96R).
• Gears 97L and 97R are fixed respectively onto shafts 96L and 96R, and gears 99L and 99R are fixed respectively onto shafts 40L and 40R.
• Gears 97L and 99L engage with each other through a reversing gear 98, so that they tend in the same rotational direction.
• Gears 97R and 99R engage with each other directly, so that they rotated in opposite directions.
• Gear 98 may be also interposed between gears 97R and 99R. In this case, gears 97L and 99L engage with each other directly.
• FIGs. 6 and 7 can be adapted to transmission 2 of this second embodiment.
• Transmission 2 can obtain replication of turning in correspondence to the steering angle by adaptation thereof.
• the linkage shown in FIG. 9 can be adapted to transmission 2 of the same embodiment.
• Transmission 2 can obtain a changeable turning radius corresponding to the traveling speed by adaptation thereof.
• hydraulic motor 72 of variable capacity type and the linkage shown in FIG. 9 transmission 2 of the second embodiment may also employ hydraulic motor 72 of a fixed capacity type and the linkage shown in FIGs. 12 and 13.
• FIGs. 14 through 21 show various embodiments of transmissions 2 comprising a pair of HSTs and a pair of differentials. Explanation will be now given to transmissions 2 of the various embodiments.
• a third embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is a modified first embodiment.
• each of first HST 21 and second HST 22 is so constructed that its hydraulic pump 52 or 71 and a hydraulic motor 53 or 72 are juxtaposed on its center section 51 or 69.
• Power from motor shaft 54 of hydraulic motor 53 of first HST 21 is transmitted into shafts 40 through first differential 24 for driving driving wheels 43 (rear wheels) similar to the first embodiment.
• a transmitting gear 103 and a bevel gear 100 are fixedly provided on a transmitting shaft 102.
• Steering drive gear 56 fixed on an end of shaft 54 engages with gear 103.
• a bevel gear 101 is fixed onto input shaft 70 of hydraulic pump 71 of second HST 22 instead of input gear 67 so as to engage with gear 100.
• power from shaft 54 is transmitted into shaft 70 through gears 56 and 103 and gears 100 and 101.
• the transmitting system between second HST 22 and second differential 23 is similar with that of the first embodiment.
• first and second differentials 24 and 23 are contained in housing 25 and first and second HSTs 21 and 22 are disposed on an exterior of housing 25.
• a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is also modification of the first embodiment.
• power from motor shaft 54 is transmitted into first differential 24 for driving wheels 43 through gears 55 and 60 similar to the first embodiment and is also transmitted into a transmitting gear 104 relatively rotatably provided on one of shafts 77 of second differential 23 through the same gears 55 and 60.
• Each of gears 78 fixed on each of shafts 77 of the fourth embodiment engages directly, whereas that of the first embodiment engages through double gear 86, with each of the gears 65 of first differential 24 involving the pair of planetary gears.
• wheels 43 of the fourth embodiment are attached respectively to a pair of axles 107, each of which engages with each of shafts 40 through speed reduction gears 105 and 106, whereas each of wheels 43 of the first embodiment is directly attached to its respective shaft 40.
• first and second HSTs 21 and 22 are supplied with pressure oil in common by a charge pump 124 which is driven by engine 1 1.
• Reference numeral 123 designates a relief valve for setting a charging pressure of pump 124.
• Pump 124 may be also driven by an additional electric motor 125, as shown in FIG. 16.
• FIGs. 17 through 21 show modifications to the second embodiment, described above with respect to FIG. 5.
• a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 17 details the disposal of first and second HSTs 21 and 22 of the second embodiment, wherein the oil circuit and the gear train are similar to those of the second embodiment.
• HSTs 21 and 22 are laterally separately disposed with respect to traveling drive gear 55.
• Center sections 51 and 69 are disposed at utmost outsides of transmission 2, so that hydraulic motor 53 of first HST 21 and hydraulic pump 71 of second HST 22 face each other.
• Motor shaft 54 is disposed in common or along the same axis with the input shaft of hydraulic pump 71 of second HST. This arrangement allows a more compact transmission 2.
• center sections 51 and 69 face each other.
• Motor shaft 54 which is in common with the input shaft of hydraulic pump 71 of second HST 22, passes through center section 51. Traveling drive gear 55 fixed on shaft 54 directly engages with differential ring gear 92 of first differential 24'.
• Small diametric speed reduction gear 105 fixed on the outside portion of each first differential output shaft 40 engages with large diametric speed reduction gear 106 fixed on each axle 107.
• Motor shaft 73 of second HST 22 passes through center section 69 so as to project into the space between center sections 51 and 69.
• Plain gear 93 fixed on shaft 73 directly engages with differential ring gear 95 of second differential
• gears 97 fixed on second differential output shafts 96 directly engages with gear 106 on one of axles 107 and the other gear 97 engages with gear 106 on the other axle 107 through a reversing gear 98.
• Transmission 2 of this embodiment is compact as a whole because the speed reduction mechanism is simplified, gears 55 and 93 are disposed between the center sections 51 and 69 and first and second HSTs 21 and 22 are disposed so as to be surrounded by the pairs of shafts 40 and 96 and the pairs of gears 105 and 106.
• transmission 2 is compact and mechanically simplified.
• the hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors of both of first and second HSTs 21 and 22 are fitted onto a common center section 109.
• the hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor of the same HST are disposed respectively on both surfaces of the center section 109 opposite to each other.
• on one surface of the center section 109 are fitted hydraulic pump 52 of first HST 21 and hydraulic motor 72 of second
• Transmission 2 in accordance with an eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, is similar to that of the seventh embodiment in that first and second HSTs 21 and 22 are fitted to common center section 109 and are surrounded by shafts 40 and 96 and gears 105 and 106.
• hydraulic pump 52 and hydraulic motor 53 of first HST 21 are fitted on one surface of center section 109 and hydraulic pump 71 and hydraulic motor 72 of second HST 22 are fitted on the opposite surface of center section 109.
• Motor shaft 54 is in common with the pump (input) shaft of second HST 22, thereby omitting gears 56 and 67.
• First differential 24' between shaft 54 and shafts 40, second differential 23' between shaft 73 and shafts 96 and the speed reduction gears between shafts 96 and shafts 40 are similar to those of the seventh embodiment.
• first HST 21 and first differential 24' for speed changing are contained in housing 25.
• Second HST 22 and second differential 23' for steering are disposed outside housing 25 or are attached to an exterior thereof.
• Sprockets and chains instead of gears are used for the power transmitting mechanism from HSTs 21 and 22 to differentials 24' and 23'.
• traveling drive gear 55 fixed on motor shaft 54 of first HST 21 engages with differential ring gear 92 of differential 24' through gears 90 and
• a chain 111 is interposed between a sprocket 110 fixed on shaft 54 projecting from housing 25 and a sprocket 1 12 fixed on input shaft 71 projecting therefrom, whereby power is transmitted from first HST 21 to second HST 22.
• motor shaft 73 of second HST 22 is drivingly connected with a decelerator 1 13.
• a sprocket 1 15 is fixed onto an output shaft
• a sprocket 117 is fixed onto a differential casing of differential 23'.
• a chain 116 is interposed between sprockets 115 and 117, thereby transmitting power from second HST 22 to differential 23'.
• a pair of sprockets 1 19L and 1 19R are fixed onto outside portions of second differential output shafts 96L and 96R of differential 23', and a pair of sprockets 120L and 12OR are fixed onto outside portions of first differential output shafts 40L and 40R.
• a chain 12IR is interposed between sprockets 1 19R and 120R, so as to rotate both of them in the same direction.
• a sprocket 122 is rotatably disposed outside either sprocket 1 19L or sprocket 120L. If sprocket 122 is disposed outside sprocket 1 19L, for example, sprocket 1 19L is positioned between sprockets 120L and 122.
• a chain 12 IL is interposed between sprocket 122 and the outside sprocket 119L or 120L.
• the other intermediate sprocket 120L or 119L engages with an intermediate portion of chain 121L.
• sprockets 119L and 120L are rotated in opposite directions, whereby shaft 40L is rotated in the opposite direction of shaft 96L.
• Sprocket 122 may engage with the chain 12IR instead of the chain 121 L. In this case, left shafts 96L and 40L are rotated in the same direction and right shafts 96R and 40R are rotated in opposite directions.
• transmission 2 of the a embodiment using the sprockets and chains has the same effect as using gear trains.
• FIGs. 2, 11 and 18, there are respectively shown three types arrangements of first and second HSTs 21 and 22 and first and second differentials 24 and 23 (24' and 23') in relation to housing 25.
• HSTs 21 and 22 first and second differentials 24 and 23 (24' and 23') in relation to housing 25.
• HSTs first and second differentials 24 and 23
• HSTs 21 and 22 and differentials 24 and 23 are contained in housing 25.
• HSTs 21 and 22 are disposed outside housing 25 and differentials 24 and 23 (24' and 23') are contained in housing 25.
• HST 21 and differential 24' (24) for speed changing are contained in housing 25 and HST 22 and differential 23' (23) for steering are disposed outside housing 25.
• Each of transmissions 2 described above in the first through the ninth embodiments may employ any of the three arrangements described.
• transmission 2 may be constructed such that HSTs 21 and 22 are contained in housing 25 and differentials 24 and 23 (24' and 23') are disposed outside.
• HST 21 and differential 24' (24) for speed changing may be disposed outside housing 25 and HST 22 and differential 23' (23) for steering may be contained in housing 25.
• only one of HSTs 21 and 22 may be disposed outside the housing 25, wherein the other of HSTs 21 or 22 and differentials 24 and 23 (24' and 23') are contained therein.
• each of transmissions 2 between the third and the ninth embodiments shown in FIGs. 14 through 21 can employ the linkage shown in FIG. 6 and 7, so as to make the sensitivity of replication of turning correspond to the steering angle. It will be also recognized that each of them can employ the linkage shown in FIG. 9 or that shown in FIG.
• the transmission of the present invention can be adapted to a working vehicle like a small mower tractor which needs to be compact, requires a small turning radius and needs to be operated for speed changing and steering as easily as a passenger car.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
• Non-Deflectable Wheels, Steering Of Trailers, Or Other Steering (AREA)
• Motor Power Transmission Devices (AREA)
• Arrangement And Driving Of Transmission Devices (AREA)
• Retarders (AREA)

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• 1998
  • 1998-09-25 JP JP2000572597A patent/JP4327362B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-09-25 EP EP98949534A patent/EP1129310A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1998-09-25 WO PCT/US1998/020166 patent/WO2000019127A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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