Eaton Corporation

Harold R Ward

Edward J Bojas

Jerry D Woods

Roger A Williams

A master clutch control system/method for controlling engagement and disengagement of a vehicular master clutch, preferably a multiple disc wet clutch (14) is provided. Below a reference vehicle speed (OS&lt;REF.sub.OS) and/or a reference engine speed (ES&lt;REF.sub.ES), the clutch is automatically controlled as a function of throttle displacement (THL) while above the reference vehicle speed (OS&gt;REF.sub.OS) and/or reference engine speed (ES&gt;REF.sub.ES) the clutch is controlled as a function of the position of a manual engage/disengage switch (50) biased to the engage selection position thereof.

Clutch control

An improved lubrication system for a vehicular mechanical transmission (10) is provided. The transmission gearing (22-34) rotates in a dry sump (11) in the housing (12) and a reservoir (40) provides a sump of lubricant (42) below the level of the gearing. A pump (44) pumps lubricant from the reservoir through a filter (48) and into a distribution manifold (50) for filtered lubrication of the bearings (20) and/or other transmission elements.

Dry sump mechanical transmission

An improved drive system includes a pair of hydrostatic transmissions which are driven by a common engine or prime mover and are drivingly connected with different tracks of a vehicle. The input to output speed ratios of the hydrostatic transmissions are simultaneously varied by operating a single speed control valve to port control fluid pressure to pressure responsive secondary or control motors in pump and motor actuators of the hydrostatic transmissions. A pair of charge pumps are provided to charge the hydrostatic transmissions and provide control fluid. If the fluid pressure output of either of the charge pumps falls below a predetermined level, a control arrangement reduces the control fluid pressure transmitted to the pump and motor actuators by the speed control valve to deswash or destroke both of the transmissions. The control arrangement also short circuits the hydrostatic loops interconnecting the pump and motor units. In addition, the brakes of the vehicle are engaged to stop the vehicle. When the vehicle is to be stopped during normal operation, actuation of the brakes causes the control arrangement to effect a deswashing of the pump and motor units and a short circuiting of the hydrostatic loops.

Growing community of inventors

Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

Harold R Ward