Gearless differential in an integrated hydrostatic transmission

摘要

An improved differential unit (101) for an integrated hydrostatic transmission (IHT) is provided. The differential unit comprises an input gear (200), a cross-shaft (202) disposed within a central opening of the input gear, and a pair of clutch members (204L,204R) disposed coaxial with the input gear. One of each clutch member is disposed on opposite sides of the cross-shaft. A first plurality of friction members (208) extend from each clutch member. The differential unit also comprises a pair of side couplings (210L,210R), each coaxially disposed within one of the clutch members, and a second plurality of friction members (212) extending from each side coupling. Each clutch member includes a cam surface (206) that comes in contact with the cross-shaft when the differential unit is under normal operating conditions. Alternative embodiments are also described herein.