초록 ▼

A gearless transmission providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to torque motors for driving a vehicle. A hydraulic pump is driven by a turbine engine shaft to provide fluid to accumulators and then to the transmission device. Fluid is selectively admitted into the transmission by the vehicle accelera

A gearless transmission providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to torque motors for driving a vehicle. A hydraulic pump is driven by a turbine engine shaft to provide fluid to accumulators and then to the transmission device. Fluid is selectively admitted into the transmission by the vehicle accelerator pedal. Thereafter the fluid flow may be restricted through fluid circuitry having orifices which provide variable torque output. The circuitry is controlled by a shifter selector with pilot lines to actuate fluid control valves between two control positions. Especially important for turbine-powered vehicles, the transmission provides a braking function when the accelerator pedal is released in either the low or second control range of operation. Means for providing a reverse mode of operation is also disclosed. A hydraulic differential is also provided and is controlled by the steering mechanism to restrict flow to one of the torque motors during a turn, while increasing the flow to the other wheel a corresponding amount. A hydraulic positive traction device is also provided and substantially reduces flow to a torque motor when a wheel is spinning such as in snow or loose gravel. A hydraulic pilot line valve is also provided to direct pressurized fluid for movement of spool valves in a hydraulic circuit line.

대표청구항 ▼

In a vehicle having a right wheel driven by a right torque motor, a left wheel driven by a left torque motor, a steering wheel operatively connected to said driven wheels, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a pump drawing fluid from said reservoir and being driven by the engine of the vehicle, and circ

In a vehicle having a right wheel driven by a right torque motor, a left wheel driven by a left torque motor, a steering wheel operatively connected to said driven wheels, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a pump drawing fluid from said reservoir and being driven by the engine of the vehicle, and circuit means delivering fluid under pressure to the torque motors and returning the fluid to the reservoir, a hydraulic differential device comprising: means for sensing turning of the steering wheel; and means disposed in said circuit means for increasing the flow of fluid to one of said torque motors and simultaneously decreasing the flow of fluid to the other of said torque motors by a corresponding amount, said flow directing means being controlled by said turn sensing means such that a right turn applies increased torque to the left wheel and a left turn applies increased torque to the right wheel.