BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to an electric planetary reduction drive incorporating an electric motor having a gear drive. Such a drive may be used for applications such as a ground drive for a scissors lift, boom lift or the like, although other applications are possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A compact planetary gear drive for an electric motor is disclosed herein. This design provides for a compound planetary gear assembly providing a summative reduction of the rotational speed of the electric motor output to an output hub. One benefit of the disclosed design is a reduced overall size and length of the drive. By way of example only, the planetary gear assembly is disposed entirely in the output hub to reduce envelope size. A further benefit of the drive disclosed herein is a limit on the amount of rollback in a vehicle in which the drive is used as a ground drive, which may be accomplished by limiting backlash in the drive. Various improvements for accomplishing these objectives are disclosed herein. Further benefits and features of the disclosure are set forth herein.

A better understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

