Patent ID: 8393431
Filing Date: 2013-03-12
Classification: B60K,B60S,B62D,E04H,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An omnidirectional drive and steering unit comprising: a drive assembly that engages a drive gear assembly; a wheel assembly driven by the drive gear assembly and including a drive wheel having a central axis, a wheel drive shaft and a wheel drive shaft gear attached to said wheel drive shaft; the drive gear assembly being coaxial with the central axis; and a steering gear assembly attached to the wheel assembly and being coaxial with the central axis, wherein the drive assembly further comprises a worm and a worm shaft; wherein the drive gear assembly further comprises a worm gear attached to a bevel gear, the worm gear meshing with the worm; and wherein the wheel drive shaft gear meshes with the bevel gear whereby when said worm shaft is rotated, said worm rotates and translates movement to said worm gear and bevel gear, which translates movement to said wheel drive shaft gear and wheel drive shaft, rotating said wheel drive shaft and driving said wheel; and wherein said drive wheel is driven in the forward or reverse direction depending on the rotation of the worm shaft.