Patent ID: 8312948
Filing Date: 2012-11-20
Classification: B60T

Abstract:
1. An actuator assembly for use with a transmission drive system having a first transaxle and a second transaxle, the first transaxle having a first electric motor, a first brake mechanism disposed in a first brake housing, and a first release pin extending from the first brake housing, and the second transaxle having a second electric motor, a second brake mechanism disposed in a second brake housing, and a second release pin extending from the first brake housing, wherein the first release pin and the second release pin are both moveable from a first, engaged position to a second, released position in which each of the first and second release pins extends farther out from its respective brake housing, and wherein the first release pin and the second release pin extend in opposite directions along generally parallel axes, the actuator assembly comprising: a support bracket having a first end fastened to the first transaxle and a second end fastened to the second transaxle; a sleeve attached to the support bracket between the first end and the second end thereof, wherein the sleeve is disposed generally parallel to the axes of the first and second release pins; a rod moveably disposed within the sleeve and extending from each end thereof; a first lever engaged to the first release pin and further engaged to the rod adjacent a first terminus thereof; a second lever engaged to the second release pin and further engaged to the rod adjacent a second terminus thereof, opposite the first terminus; a fulcrum attached to the support bracket; an actuator arm engaged to the rod adjacent the first terminus thereof and pivotable about the fulcrum to longitudinally move the rod within the sleeve, wherein the actuator arm is moveable between a first position in which each of the first and second release pins is in the first, engaged position and a second position in which each of the first and second release pins is in the second, released position.