Abstract: A hybrid motor vehicle (10) has a four wheel drive arrangement in which the front wheels (12 and 13) are driven by the engine (11) in two wheel drive mode and all four wheels (12-15) in four wheel drive mode. The engine is connected to the rear wheels (14 and 15) through an auxiliary driveline which includes a first clutch (22) to connect to the engine (11), a propshaft (23) and a differential (25). An electric motor (28) is connected to the propshaft (23) for the purpose of driving the vehicle either with or without the assistance of the engine (11). A second clutch (27) is located between the propshaft (23) and the differential (25). When the vehicle is in two wheel drive mode, the propshaft (23) is disconnected from both the engine (11) and the rear wheels (14 and 15) and on switching to four wheel drive mode when the vehicle is moving the propshaft (23) is firstly spun up to a speed matching that of the engine (11) and rear wheels (14, 15) by the action of the electric motor (28).

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydraulic pump (11), a variable displacement hydraulic motor (5) for traveling driven by pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11), a motor displacement control means (17, 18) for adjusting a displacement of the hydraulic motor (5) in correspondence to a drive pressure at the hydraulic motor (5), an operating member (22) through which a forward travel command and a backward travel command for the vehicle are issued, a control means (12) to be driven in response to an operation of the operating member (22), for controlling a flow of pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (11) to the hydraulic motor (5), a reverse operation detection means (41A, 41B) for detecting a reverse operation of the operating member (22) performed to a reverse side opposite from a direction along which the vehicle is advancing, and a cavitation preventing means (25A,25B) engaged in operation so as to prevent occurrence of cavitation at the hydraulic motor (5) when the reverse operation at the operating mem

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle is provided for a vehicle having a first axle and a second axle. The hydrostatic transaxle comprises: a hydraulic pump; a first hydraulic motor drivingly connected to the first axle; a closed circuit fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump to the first hydraulic motor; and a fluid-supply switching device shifted between a supply position for supplying fluid from the closed fluid circuit to a second hydraulic motor, which is disposed on the outside of the hydraulic transaxle and is drivingly connected to the second axle, and a supply-stop position for stopping the supply of fluid from the closed fluid circuit to the second hydraulic motor. The first hydraulic motor is variable in displacement, and the hydrostatic transaxle further comprises a linkage system for associating the switching of the fluid-supply switching device between the supply position and the supply-stop position with an operation for changing the displacement of the first hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A drive train for a work vehicle comprises: an engine mounted to a vehicle body such that an output shaft of the engine extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle body; a hydrostatic transmission having a pump shaft, a motor shaft, and a housing, the hydrostatic transmission being mounted to the vehicle body such that the pump shaft and the motor shaft extend in the lateral direction; a mechanical transmission having a plurality of transmission shafts each of which extends in the lateral direction. A pump side portion of the housing of the hydrostatic transmission is connected to an end plate of the engine and a motor side portion of the housing is connected to a casing of the mechanical transmission so that the housing extends from the engine to the mechanical transmission.

Abstract: A right-and-left-wheel differential torque generator makes a deceleration acted on a vehicle body to be corrected in small even when a rotating electric machine for generating a right-and-left-wheel differential torque is operated to generate a yaw moment of the vehicle, for this purpose, a correcting throttle opening is added to a throttle operation by a driver to correct a torque amount of an engine brake causing a power supply, two power generators A, B coupled independently to each of the left and right wheels and a rotating electric machine C for generating a torsional torque are provided, the power generator A absorbs (brake) the torque from one wheel to generate a power, and this power is supplied so that a torsional torque is generated by the rotating electric machine C in a direction toward which the other wheel (coupled with the power generator B) is accelerated.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a bonnet, a prime mover, a hydraulic transaxle, a seat, a reservoir tank, and a cooling fan and a cooling duct. The bonnet is supported on one of front and rear portions of the vehicle frame, and provided therein with a first space. The prime mover is disposed in the first space. The hydraulic transaxle is driven by the prime mover. The seat is supported on the other of the front and rear portions of the vehicle frame, and is provided therebelow with a second space. The reservoir tank is fluidly connected to the hydraulic transaxle. The cooling fan is driven by the prime mover. The cooling duct is disposed in the second space. The cooling fan and the reservoir tank are disposed in the cooling duct so that the cooling fan cools the reservoir tank. A hydraulic pump for driving the hydraulic transaxle is disposed in the cooling duct so as to be cooled by the cooling fan.

Abstract: The invention describes vehicles where the steering effect of the driver-selected wheel angles is made identical to the steering effect of positively and independently driving the driven wheels. A method of compensating for the linear portions of the slip angles of all wheels and the linear portions of the longitudinal slip of the driven wheels is described where the slip angles and longitudinal slips are deduced from the forces acting on the wheels. Methods of measuring the slip angles and longitudinal slips of all wheels by means of two dummy castors are also described. Vehicles where the steering effect of the driver-selected wheel angles is made identical to the steering effect of positively and independently braking all wheels are also described. Means of applying the above principles to vehicles with either hydrostatic or mechanical drives are also described, including simplified vehicles with only two steerable wheels.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle includes a motor, an internal combustion engine, a generator, a power distribution mechanism distributing a driving force of the internal combustion engine to driving wheels and the generator, an electronic control unit controlling the motor and the internal combustion engine, and rotation members connected to first driving wheels constituted by one of front wheels and rear wheels and including an output element of the power distribution mechanism, wherein the internal combustion engine driving the first driving wheels via the power distribution mechanism, the motor driving second driving wheels not driven by the internal combustion engine, the rotation members are driven by the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A transaxle apparatus comprises: a housing; a hydrostatic transmission disposed in the housing, the hydrostatic transmission including a hydraulic pump receiving power from a prime mover, a first hydraulic motor driven in response to fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump, and a center section including an inner fluid passage for fluidly connecting the first hydraulic motor to the hydraulic pump; a first axle disposed in the housing and driven by the first hydraulic motor; a hydraulic actuator disposed outside the housing so as to drive a second axle disposed outside the housing; a port opened outside the housing so as to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator; and a block interposed between the center section and the port in the housing, wherein a fluid passage is disposed in the block so as to connect the port to the inner fluid passage in the center section.

Abstract: A vehicle drive unit, for quickly recovering a grip even if a wheel slips, in which in a slip state or at a time when the slip state is going to be generated, by pulsating a torque applied to the wheel, an angular velocity W of the wheel is changed so as to change the slip ratio S close to a slip ratio at which a friction coefficient becomes maximum, and thus, an average of a friction coefficient ? is enlarged and an average of a vehicle driving force F generated by a wheel is enlarged. Since the vehicle driving force is enlarged, the vehicle is accelerated and is easily gripped. Further, in a grip state or at a time of traveling at a high velocity, a vibration and an undesired sound are suppressed by doing away with the torque pulsation or making the fluctuation band of the torque pulsation small.

Abstract: A steering transaxle comprises: left and right drive shafts drivingly connected to respective steerable wheels; a differential gear unit differentially connecting the drive shafts to each other; a transaxle casing having an opening, the transaxle casing incorporating the differential gear unit and the drive shafts; a cover for covering the opening of the transaxle casing; a variable hydraulic motor having a movable swash plate, the hydraulic motor being provided on the inside of the cover; a motor control mechanism for controlling the movable swash plate, the motor control mechanism being provided on the outside of the cover; and a hydraulic oil port for oil supply and delivery to and from the hydraulic motor, the hydraulic oil port being provided on the outside of the cover.

Abstract: In a hydraulic four-wheel drive vehicle, a rear transaxle incorporates a hydraulic motor for driving rear wheels, a front transaxle incorporates a hydraulic motor for driving front wheels, and hydraulic pressure fluid pipes interposed between the front and rear transaxles are extended along at least one of left and right side plates of a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus and method for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine driving main drive wheels, an electric motor driving auxiliary drive wheels, and a clutch disposed between the electric motor and the auxiliary drive wheels. The drive control apparatus includes a drag motion detection section configured to detect that the electric motor undergoes a drag motion due to idle torque of the clutch, and a reverse torque control section configured to control torque of the electric motor in a direction reverse to a direction of the drag motion of the electric motor when the drag motion of the electric motor is detected by the drag motion detection section.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for storing and releasing hydraulic fluid includes a high pressure storage device, a low pressure storage device, and a pump-motor operating at a range of pump-motor speeds for converting between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy. The pump-motor is disposed between the high pressure device and the low pressure device. In normal operation, the hydraulic drive system enters a motoring mode where hydraulic energy is released from the high pressure storage device and converted to mechanical energy using the pump-motor. It also enters a pumping mode where mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy. A neutral state exists where hydraulic energy is neither stored nor released from the high pressure storage device. An approach for compensating for temperature changes using varying pressure limits helps to maintain the hydraulic drive system in normal operation, thereby promoting efficiency within the hydraulic drive system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system for vehicles with at least two drivable vehicle axles (V, H), in particular for utility vehicles and farm tractors. The drive system has an infinitely variable transmission with no intermediate axle differential comprising at least a first (11) and a second (12) motor. The first motor (11) in this case is propulsively connected to a first vehicle axle (H) and the second motor (12) is propulsively connected to a second vehicle axle (V). Furthermore the drive system has a clutch (20), by which a propulsive connection can be made between at least the first (H) and the second (V) vehicle axle, wherein the position of the clutch is adjustable (20) in a range between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a control unit (30), which actuates the clutch (20) in such a manner that its torque transmission capacity is adjusted as a function of a driving state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A variable steering rack system in one embodiment includes a pair of stop rings and a stopper moveable between the rings. The stopper may be rotatable in one embodiment during translational movement between the rings by a motor. Preferably, the stopper may stop due to a frictional engagement between the stopper and the stop rings. Noise may be reduced, and because the motor may rotate at a high speed, motor performance may not be degraded under low temperature circumstances.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a bonnet, a prime mover, a hydraulic transaxle, a seat, a reservoir tank, and a cooling fan and a cooling duct. The bonnet is supported on one of front and rear portions of the vehicle frame, and provided therein with a first space. The prime mover is disposed in the first space. The hydraulic transaxle is driven by the prime mover. The seat is supported on the other of the front and rear portions of the vehicle frame, and is provided therebelow with a second space. The reservoir tank is fluidly connected to the hydraulic transaxle. The cooling fan is driven by the prime mover. The cooling duct is disposed in the second space. The cooling fan and the reservoir tank are disposed in the cooling duct so that the cooling fan cools the reservoir tank. A hydraulic pump for driving the hydraulic transaxle is disposed in the cooling duct so as to be cooled by the cooling fan.

Abstract: A hydraulic transaxle comprises a transaxle casing for supporting left and right axles, a pair of hydraulic motors disposed in the transaxle casing so as to drive the respective left and right axles, hydraulic ports provided in the transaxle casing so as to fluidly connect the pair of hydraulic motors in parallel to a common hydraulic pump, and a system for restricting or canceling differential rotation of the pair of hydraulic motors.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shaft receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a flexible port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected via piping to a directionally adjustable connection portion of the flexible port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second frames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit including a first motor set, and a second motor set for driving vehicle-moving means situated one behind the other. The circuit has first, second, third, and fourth main ducts for feeding the motor sets in parallel. The device includes a selector suitable for taking up a first stable position making the feeding in parallel possible by interconnecting in pairs the feed and discharge main ducts, and for taking up a second stable position in which one of the motor sets is inactive because one of the main ducts is connected to one of main ducts of the other set. Between the stable positions, the selector can take up a temporary position, in which all four main ducts are interconnected. At least while the selector is moving in one direction between its two stable positions, the temporary position is sustained in an intermediate stage during which at least one of the interconnections between the main ducts of the first and second motor sets is constricted.

Abstract: A transaxle comprises: a pair of left and right steerable wheels; a hydraulic pressure source; a pair of left and right variable displacement hydraulic motors, serving as first and second hydraulic motors for driving the respective steerable wheels, wherein the first and second hydraulic motors are fluidly connected in parallel to the hydraulic pressure source, and wherein the first and second hydraulic motors are provided with respective movable swash plates; and a motor control linkage for simultaneously moving both the swash plates of the first and second hydraulic motors according to a turning angle of one of the steerable wheels.

Abstract: A self-propelled wheelchair with independently driven wheels and dual support frames connected in an articulating relationship. A front frame supports a seat and a rearward extended pivot connector. A pair of front wheels and left and right front drive units are connected to the front frame. A rear frame includes a forwardly extended pivot joint, a rear support platform having a power source thereon, and a pair of rear wheels and left and right rear drive units connected thereto. An articulating junction is formed by the front frame pivot connector attached to the rear frame pivot joint and providing articulation between the front frame and rear frame. A manually operable control unit includes computer circuitry in connection with each wheel drive unit, wherein manipulation of the control unit actuates each drive unit for control of rotational speed and direction of rotation for each wheel.

Abstract: A working machine includes a steerable, power driven ground engaging structure and a hydraulic actuator operated working part for performing working operations, and a control apparatus which includes a mounting, a steering device for providing steering to the ground engaging structure, and a manually operable control device for controlling operation of a hydraulic control valve which in use selectively provides pressurised hydraulic fluid to the at least one actuator to operate the working part, the steering device including a steering wheel which includes an outer rim part which is rotatable relative to the mounting, within an envelope of rotation, about an axis, to turn a steering column which is coaxial or substantially co-axial with the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, the steering column being operatively connected to the ground engaging structure to effect steering of the machine when turned, and the control apparatus further including a hub structure which is located within or substantially with

Abstract: A hydraulic four-wheel driving articulated vehicle comprises: a first frame, on which first axles and a first hydraulic motor driving the first axles are mounted; a second frame, on which second axles and a second hydraulic motor driving the second axles are mounted, wherein the first and second frames are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable centering on a vertical axis by a steering operation; a hydraulic pump; a hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting the first and second hydraulic motors in series to the hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a passage interposed between the first and second hydraulic motors; and pressure control means for releasing oil from the passage between the first and second hydraulic motors when the first and second frames are relatively rotated by the steering operation of the stationary vehicle and backpressure oil discharged from the first and second hydraulic motors is excessively accumulated in the passage between the first and second hydrauli

Abstract: A differential limiting control apparatus for a vehicle has: clutch unit interposed between one rotational shaft and the other rotational shaft for variably transmitting a driving force between the one rotational shaft and the other rotational shaft; target differential speed setting unit for setting a target differential speed between the one rotational shaft and the other rotational shaft, actual differential speed detecting unit for detecting an actual differential speed between the one rotational shaft and the other rotational shaft, and clutch torque computing unit for computing an engagement force of the clutch unit by obtaining a deviation between the target differential speed and the actual differential speed, configuring a switching function by using at least a polarity related to an integral term of the deviation, and applying a sliding mode control.

Abstract: A driving mode switching apparatus for a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which switches driving modes of the four-wheel drive vehicle, includes a motor, a reduction mechanism being transmitted with a rotational force of the motor, an output rod connected to the reduction mechanism and switching the driving modes by being displaced, a housing housing the motor and the reduction mechanism, a temperature sensor arranged at a position away from the motor within the housing and detecting ambient temperature in the housing, and a controller varying an output property of the motor in response to a detected temperature by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shaft receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a flexible port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected via piping to a directionally adjustable connection portion of the flexible port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second frames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.

Abstract: An agricultural combine has a variable displacement pump connected to four drive motors that drive four wheels. An electronic controller monitors the speed of each wheel and reduces the torque of the motor that drives the wheel when the wheel slips. The controller reduces the torque by reducing the specific displacement of the slipping motor. Once the wheel has ceased slipping, the controller increases the specific displacement of the motor back to its original displacement.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for a vehicle having an electric motor for driving the wheels of the vehicle, an electric power source for energizing the electric motor, a motor torque target value calculation unit for controlling the electric power source, and a field current target value calculation unit, the motor field current is momentarily decreased when the difference between the actual motor armature current and the motor armature current target value exceeds a predetermined value or when the wheels are deemed to slip, and the motor field current is increased as the actual armature current of the motor substantially follows the motor armature current target value.

Abstract: A torque distribution system for a vehicle permits the transfer of torque between vehicle wheels using a selectively engagable clutch that is hydraulically engaged using hydraulic pressure provided by a hydraulic transmission pump driven by the engine, allowing for enhanced system functionality and reduced part content in comparison with known torque distribution systems. The system may include an “active-on-demand” clutch that is selectively engagable to transfer torque between a front differential and a rear differential (thereby transferring torque from the front wheels to the rear wheels) as well as an electronically-limited slip differential clutch selectively engagable to transfer torque from one front wheel to the other front wheel through the front differential. Utilization of the transmission hydraulic pump allows pressure to be provided to engage the clutch even when the wheels are stationary, i.e., to launch the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides an oil-hydraulic vehicle whose driving force can be adjusted finely and which can be run smoothly and comfortably. The oil-hydraulic vehicle comprises a wheel-driving means 40 for driving a wheel 31, which includes an oil-hydraulic motor 45 to drive the wheel 31 and a means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45. The oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes an output shaft 45s on which the wheel 31 is mounted and a plurality of oil chambers 45a-45e. Each oil chamber contains (i) a driving cogwheel 46 which is mounted on, and drives, the output shaft 45s and (ii) a driven cogwheel 47 which engages with the driving cogwheel 46. The means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes a housing 42 with a circular rotor chamber 42h in it and a rotor 43 fitted in the circular rotor chamber 42h for free rotation.

Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for a vehicle comprises a combustion engine (1), a transmission (2), a first clutch (3) disposed between the engine (1) and the transmission (2), a rotating electric machine (4) which serves as a motor as well as a generator, a second clutch (30) disposed between the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2), and a storage device (9). When the second clutch (30) is commanded to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2), a control unit (10) controls the rotating electric machine (4) so as to decrease the difference between the rotation speeds of the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2) (S2) and cause the second clutch (30) to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2) only after the difference decreases to a allowable value (S3, S4).

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a fixed displacement pump operable to produce a high pressure flow and a fixed displacement motor. A fluid flow path is disposed between the pump and the motor. The fluid flow path is integrated into a housing containing at least one of the pump and the motor. A single control valve controls the direction and the speed of the motor.

Abstract: An electric drive axle includes a pair of center mounted electric motors that independently drive a pair of laterally spaced wheels. The electric drive axle includes an axle housing assembly that extends between the pair of laterally spaced wheels. Both center mounted electric motors preferably do not include connections to a chassis and are solely supported by the axle housing assembly near a vehicle centerline.

Abstract: A hydraulic driving vehicle comprises front and rear transaxles incorporating respective hydraulic motors, and a pump unit separated from the front and rear transaxles. The pump unit incorporates a hydraulic pump having a pump shaft. A hydraulic circuit is formed by piping between the pump unit and the front and rear transaxles so as to circulate hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motors. A reservoir tank of the hydraulic fluid is connected to the hydraulic circuit by piping. A first cooling fan blowing air away from the pump unit and a second cooling fan blowing air toward the pump unit are disposed oppositely to each other with respect to the pump unit and drivingly connected to the pump shaft. At least a pipe for the piping of the hydraulic circuit and the reservoir tank passes an area blown by each of the first and second cooling fans.

Abstract: A power control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle (1), the hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine (11), a front motor-generator (12), and a transmission (13) which are connected to front wheels (Wf), and a rear motor-generator (14) which is connected to rear wheels (Wr) via a rear differential gear box (DR). A calculated value, which is obtained by subtracting a front output power F_POWER and an accessory output power DV_POWER from a battery output power limit B_LimPow is set as an rear output power limit R_LimPow. The smaller of a rear drive command R_PowCmd (which is set depending on the running state of the vehicle) and a rear output power limit R_LimPow is set as a new rear drive command R_PowCmd. Accordingly, a demanded motor output power can be obtained without increasing the size of the main battery (15).

Abstract: A vehicle drive speed control system is provided for a vehicle having driven rear wheels, driven steerable front wheels, a powertrain for driving the front and rear wheels at controllable speeds. A control unit controls the powertain so that a front/rear wheel speed ratio is a non-linear trigonometric function of a sensed steering angle signal. The front/rear wheel speed ratio increases as the steering angle increases. The relationship of the front/rear wheel speed ratio to the steering angle is represented by a curve which is concave in a direction of an axis of increasing speed ratio. With a mode select switch, an operator can selectively cause the control unit to control the front/rear speed ratio according to a first normal or a second more aggressive predefined relationship.

Abstract: In a vehicle drive system, a pair of rear wheels is driven by first and second motors. The first motor is designed to specifications suited to delivering torque at low rotational speeds and the second motor is designed to specifications suited to delivering torque at high rotational speeds. The motor used to drive the rear wheels is selected based on the vehicle speed. The change in the operations of the first and second motors is synchronized with a shifting of a transmission disposed between an engine and a pair of front wheels. Thus, the vehicle drive system is configured and arranged to accommodate speeds ranging from low speeds to high speeds in a sufficient manner without requiring the drive source to become large.

Abstract: An HST propel system includes first and second pumps having displacements variable in response to movement of first (31) and second (33) control shafts, respectively; and a linkage arrangement for moving the control shafts in unison in response to movement of an operator input (37). The linkage arrangement comprises a crank arm (35) rotatable about its axis in response to movement of the input device, first (41) and second (51) input arms fixed relative to the crank arm, and first (45) and second (55) elongated control rods pivotally connected to the input arms. The system includes a swivel connector (43) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.1), fixed relative to the axis of the crank arm, and a swivel connector (53) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.2), moveable relative to the axis of the crank arm for straight tracking adjustment.

Abstract: A battery load power detecting system includes a generator current sensor which detects a current supplied from a generator to at least one of a battery and a load group including a steering device, and first and second load current sensors which detect a current supplied from at least one of the generator and the battery to the load group. A battery state monitor calculates a load power of the battery by multiplying a difference between both the currents by a voltage at a terminal of the battery detected by a voltage sensor. Therefore, the load state of the battery can be appropriately confirmed to avoid a situation where the steering device, e.g., a steering-by-wire type steering device, falls into an inoperable state due to power deficiency.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is capable of performing regenerative operations of generator-motors disposed adjacently to front wheels and/or rear wheels of the vehicle so as to achieve efficient conversion of kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy as much as possible when the vehicle slows down, thereby permitting higher use efficiency of energy. When the vehicle decelerates, a target deceleration force or a target deceleration torque of the vehicle is set, and a permissible maximum value of the braking torque to be imparted to rear wheels from a second generator-motor is set, and the permissible maximum value and the target deceleration torque of the vehicle, whichever is smaller, is set as a target braking torque to be imparted from the second generator-motor to the rear wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus is configured to provide a vehicle drive force control apparatus that can expand the operating region within which an electric motor can be driven in a stable manner. The output of an engine is delivered to the main drive wheels through a transmission and also to an electric generator. The output voltage of the electric generator is supplied to the electric motor and the output of the electric motor drives the subordinate drive wheels. When it is determined that the generator output voltage will not be sufficient to meet the requirement of the electric motor, the amount of acceleration slippage allowed at the left and front wheels is increased.

Abstract: An agricultural combine has a variable displacement pump connected to four drive motors that drive four wheels. An electronic controller monitors the speed of each wheel and reduces the torque of the motor that drives the wheel when the wheel slips. The controller reduces the torque by reducing the specific displacement of the slipping motor. Once the wheel has ceased slipping, the controller increases the specific displacement of the motor back to its original displacement.

Abstract: A hub drive includes an in-hub motor and a shifting in-hub transmission coupled with the motor. A hub drive wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel. A vehicle includes a chassis, a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel for rotating the wheel with respect to the chassis. A method includes providing a shifting transmission and a motor coupled with the transmission in a hub of a wheel, providing electrical power to the motor, and rotating the motor with the electrical power. The method further includes rotating the transmission with the motor and rotating the wheel with the transmission.

Abstract: A running power transmission mechanism for a vehicle for transmitting drive power from a driving source to a pair of steering wheels and a pair of non-steering wheels. A main-HST outputs synchronized drive power to the steering and non-steering wheels. The non-steering wheels are driven differentially by the main-HST through a gear mechanism. A sub-HST changes the speed of the drive power inputted via a steering-wheel drive output shaft and outputs the drive power to the steering wheels. The steering wheels are driven differentially by the sub-HST through a gear mechanism.

Abstract: An agricultural combine has a variable displacement pump connected to four drive motors that drive four wheels. An electronic controller monitors the speed of each wheel and reduces the torque of the motor that drives the wheel when the wheel slips. The controller reduces the torque by reducing the specific displacement of the slipping motor. Once the wheel has ceased slipping, the controller increases the specific displacement of the motor back to its original displacement.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shaft receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected to the port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second frames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.

Abstract: An articulate vehicle comprises a first frame disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle and a second frame disposed at the other of front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus supporting a first axle. The second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus supporting a second axle. Proximal ends of the frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other through a coupling part so that the first and second frames are rotatable relative to each other around a vertical axis according to steering operation. An engine is mounted on the first frame. A first hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the first transaxle apparatus so as to drive the first axle. A working vehicle is equipped at a distal side of the second frame with respect to the vehicle. A second hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the second transaxle apparatus so as to drive the second axle.

Abstract: A drive assembly for vehicles with front wheels and rear wheels, especially for tractors, agricultural machinery, construction machinery or for self-driving machines, has an engine (1), a first drive (15) to drive the rear wheels, a second drive (27) to drive the front wheels, an adjustable hydraulic pump (5) driven by the engine (1), and an adjustable first hydraulic motor (9). The first hydraulic motor (9), with respect to drive, is connected to the first drive (15) to drive the rear wheels. Also, the first hydraulic motor, with respect to drive, may be connected to the second drive (27), to drive the front wheels. A second hydraulic motor (10), with respect to drive, can be connected to the second drive (27) to drive the front wheels. The first hydraulic motor (9) has a high coefficient of efficiency within a first driving speed range of the vehicle. The second hydraulic motor (10) has a high coefficient of efficiency within a second driving speed range of the vehicle.