Drive mechanism for skidloader

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10829906-B2
Application number	US-201815967236-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Apr 30, 2018
Priority date	Apr 30, 2018
Publication date	Nov 10, 2020
Grant date	Nov 10, 2020

Abstract

A drive mechanism for a skidloader including multiple clutch packs, where each clutch pack selectively connects a drive motor to a corresponding wheel assembly via a unique drive path. More specifically, each drive path produces a unique drive ratio between the drive motor and the corresponding wheel assembly such that the drive mechanism is adjustable between a first drive configuration, in which the motor and wheel assembly are in operable communication via first drive path, a second drive configuration, in which the motor and wheel assembly are in operable communication via a second drive path, and a park configuration, in which the motor and the wheel assembly are in operable communication via both the first drive path and the second drive path.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A drive mechanism comprising:
a frame;
a motor coupled to the frame and having an output shaft rotatable about a motor axis;
a drive axle mounted to the frame for rotation about an axle axis;
a first drive path in operable communication with and establishing a first gear ratio between the output shaft and the drive axle;
a second drive path in operable communication with and establishing a second gear ratio between the output shaft and the drive axle, the second gear ratio being different than the first gear ratio;
a first clutch assembly adjustable between an engaged configuration, in which force is transmitted between the motor and the drive axle via the first drive path, and a disengaged configuration, in which force is not transmitted between the motor and the drive axle via the first drive path; and
a second clutch assembly adjustable between an engaged configuration, in which force is transmitted between the motor and the drive axle via the second drive path, and a disengaged configuration, in which force is not transmitted between the motor and the drive axle via the second drive path.

2. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is operable in a first operating condition in which the first clutch is in the engaged configuration and the second clutch is in the disengaged configuration.

3. The drive mechanism of claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism is operable in a second operating condition in which the first clutch is in the disengaged configuration and the second clutch is in the engaged configuration.

4. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is operable in a neutral operating configuration in which the first clutch and the second clutch are in the disengaged configurations.

5. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is operable in a park operating configuration in which the first clutch is in the engaged configuration and the second clutch are in the engaged configuration.

6. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the first clutch is biased toward the engaged configuration.

7. The drive mechanism of claim 6 , wherein the second clutch is biased toward the engaged configuration.

8. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the first drive path includes an input gear rotatable together with the output shaft of the motor, a first shaft driven by the input gear at a first speed, and an output gear in operable communication with the drive axle, and wherein the first clutch assembly is configured to selectively transfer force between the first shaft and the output gear.

9. The drive mechanism of claim 8 , wherein the output gear is a lantern gear.

10. The drive mechanism of claim 8 , wherein the second drive path includes a second shaft driven by the input gear at a second speed different than the first speed, and wherein the second clutch assembly is configured to selectively transfer force between the second shaft and the output gear.

11. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein motor axis and the axle axis are aligned.

12. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein motor and the drive axle are axially aligned.

13. A drive mechanism comprising:
a frame;
a motor having a housing fixedly coupled to the frame and an output shaft rotatable with respect to the housing about a motor axis;
a drive axle mounted to the frame for rotation with respect thereto about a drive axis, wherein the drive axis is aligned with the motor axis, and wherein the output shaft and the drive axle rotate at different speeds;
a first drive path in operable communication with and establishing a first gear ratio between the output shaft and the drive axle; and
a first clutch assembly adjustable between an engaged configuration, in which force is transmitted between the output shaft and the drive axle via the first drive path, and a disengaged configuration, in which force is not transmitted between the output shaft and the drive axle via the first gear set.

14. The drive mechanism of claim 13 , wherein the drive axle includes a first end and a second end axially spaced from the first end, and wherein at least a portion of the motor is positioned axially between the first end and the second end of the drive axle.

15. The drive mechanism of claim 13 , wherein the drive axle at least partially defines an axle volume therein, and wherein at least a portion of the motor is positioned within the axle volume.

16. The drive mechanism of claim 15 , wherein the drive axle includes a shaft portion and a drum portion extending axially from the shaft portion, and wherein the drum portion at least partially defines the axle volume.

17. The drive mechanism of claim 13 , further comprising:
a second drive path in operable communication with and establishing a second gear ratio between the output shaft and the drive axle, and wherein the second gear ratio is different than the first gear ratio; and
a second clutch assembly adjustable between an engaged configuration, in which force is transmitted between the output shaft and the drive axle via the second drive path, and a disengaged configuration, in which force is not transmitted between the output shaft and the drive axle via the second drive path.

Assignees

• Deere & Co

Inventors

• Whiteman Steve R

Classifications

• F16D13/52

  Clutches with multiple lamellae {; Clutches in which three or more axially moveable members are fixed alternately to the shafts to be coupled and are pressed from one side towards an axially-located member (F16D13/385 takes precedence)} · CPC title

• F16D21/00

  Systems comprising a plurality of actuated clutches (for synchronisation F16D23/04) · CPC title

• B60K17/342

  having a longitudinal, endless element, e.g. belt or chain, for transmitting drive to wheels · CPC title

• F16D21/02

  for interconnecting three or more shafts or other transmission members in different ways (in endless-track vehicles B62D) · CPC title

• B60K17/02

  characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of clutch · CPC title