B62D11/10

Infinitely variable transmission for differentially steered vehicles
10232877 · 2019-03-19 ·

An infinitely variable transmission system for differentially steered vehicles comprises two planetary gearboxes, each coupled to drive, as output, a driving component, such as track or wheel, on either side of a vehicle. The planetary gearboxes are drivingly coupled to a power source, such as an engine or motor, via fixed gear ratio driver and via belt drive system of two or more variable ratio belt drive pulleys. Each of the two outputs of the transmission can independently and simultaneously be controlled to revolve in forward, neutral (stop), and reverse directions in a manner of continuously and infinitesimally variable speed and torque.

TANK STEER SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE

A vehicle configured to perform a tank steer operation includes a differential having a differential case, first and second half shafts operably coupled to the differential, a drive unit configured to drive the vehicle, and a gearbox assembly coupled to the drive unit. The vehicle is selectively operable in a tank steer mode that rotates one or more wheels on a first side of the vehicle in a first direction, and rotates one or more wheels on an opposite second side of the vehicle in a second direction opposite the first direction to rotate the vehicle. The vehicle operates in the tank steer mode by selectively grounding the differential case and connecting an output of the gearbox assembly to the first half shaft, such that the drive unit rotates the first half shaft in the first direction and, via the differential, rotates the second half shaft in the second direction.

TANK STEER SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE

A vehicle configured to perform a tank steer operation includes a differential having a differential case, first and second half shafts operably coupled to the differential, a drive unit configured to drive the vehicle, and a gearbox assembly coupled to the drive unit. The vehicle is selectively operable in a tank steer mode that rotates one or more wheels on a first side of the vehicle in a first direction, and rotates one or more wheels on an opposite second side of the vehicle in a second direction opposite the first direction to rotate the vehicle. The vehicle operates in the tank steer mode by selectively grounding the differential case and connecting an output of the gearbox assembly to the first half shaft, such that the drive unit rotates the first half shaft in the first direction and, via the differential, rotates the second half shaft in the second direction.

Trailer tracking control

A tow configuration may include a tow vehicle and first and second trailers. The intermediate trailer hitch angle with the tow vehicle is controlled with one objective being to improve the off-tracking performance of the other trailer. The hitch angle may be controlled through steerable wheels at the intermediate trailer or through wheel differential steering at the intermediate trailer.

Trailer tracking control

A tow configuration may include a tow vehicle and first and second trailers. The intermediate trailer hitch angle with the tow vehicle is controlled with one objective being to improve the off-tracking performance of the other trailer. The hitch angle may be controlled through steerable wheels at the intermediate trailer or through wheel differential steering at the intermediate trailer.

Electric transaxle with integral power generating device

A vehicle drive and control system includes an input shaft driven by a prime mover and extending into a housing to drive a generator. An electric motor powered by the generator drives an output axle, which may be a single axle extending out one side of the housing, or a through shaft extending through the electric motor and out both sides of the housing. The input shaft may be parallel to the axle. A generator controller is configured to back-drive the generator when certain predetermined conditions are met. A motor controller may control an output of the motor based on input received via an operator control device, and the motor controller is configured to operate the motor as a generator under certain operating conditions. The transaxle includes a common housing in which the power generator, the motor, and controllers for the generator and electric motor are disposed.

Electric transaxle with integral power generating device

A vehicle drive and control system includes an input shaft driven by a prime mover and extending into a housing to drive a generator. An electric motor powered by the generator drives an output axle, which may be a single axle extending out one side of the housing, or a through shaft extending through the electric motor and out both sides of the housing. The input shaft may be parallel to the axle. A generator controller is configured to back-drive the generator when certain predetermined conditions are met. A motor controller may control an output of the motor based on input received via an operator control device, and the motor controller is configured to operate the motor as a generator under certain operating conditions. The transaxle includes a common housing in which the power generator, the motor, and controllers for the generator and electric motor are disposed.

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

The disclosure relates to a steering system useful for providing stable control during rear axle steering of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The steering system utilizes left and right-hand side drive motors, and allows for hydraulic fluid to flow between the left and right-hand side drive motors through crossover lines to regulate a speed differential between wheels when the steering system is actuated into a rear axle steering operation mode.

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

The disclosure relates to a steering system useful for providing stable control during rear axle steering of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The steering system utilizes left and right-hand side drive motors, and allows for hydraulic fluid to flow between the left and right-hand side drive motors through crossover lines to regulate a speed differential between wheels when the steering system is actuated into a rear axle steering operation mode.

Two-wheel actuator steering system and method for pool cleaner

Embodiments provide a pool cleaner with a housing, a first drive wheel positioned along a first side of the housing, and a second drive wheel positioned along a second side of the housing. The pool cleaner also includes a steering system engaged with the first drive wheel and the second drive wheel. The steering system includes a rotating cam with a first cam profile and a second cam profile different from the first cam profile. The steering system drives the housing in a cycle of forward and turn movements by rotating the first drive wheel based on the first cam profile and rotating the second drive wheel based on the second cam profile.