Hydraulic system for transmitting power from an internal combustion engine to the wheels of a motor vehicle
US4215545A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 1979 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/62
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A motor vehicle engine is arranged to drive the vehicle wheels through a mechanical transmission, an hydraulic system including a variable-output, reversible, hydraulic pump, a variable-output hydraulic motor usable reversibly as a pump and a two-speed gear box. The outlet and inlet of the pump are reversibly connected by delivery and return conduits respectively, through a distributor, to the inlet and outlet of the motor and an hydraulic accumulator is connected through a closable valve to the delivery conduit, the operation of the system being controlled by a microcomputer so that when the vehicle decelerates at a rate greater than that due to natural resistance, kinetic energy which is normally lost in the engine is stored in the accumulator and can subsequently be reused to drive the vehicle wheels, the engine being cut out or maintained at minimum power. Excess power from the engine may also be stored in the accumulator and the engine is connected to drive the wheels through a direct mechanical transmission at high speeds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.