摘要 |
A stepless transmission and steering system is provided for a vehicle having at least two propelling elements such as wheels, tracks, propellers and the like driven by two output shafts. A housing contains a pair of planetary transmission gear sets, both driven by a common input shaft. Each gear set powers one of the output shafts. A separate variator is connected to each gear set. Each variator controls the speed and direction of rotation of its associated output shaft in a continuous, stepless fashion with a single control member. A neutral-seeking servo mechanism is provided. By turning both output shafts at the same speed and direction, the vehicle runs in a straight line. When one shaft is turned faster, the vehicle runs in a curved line. When each shaft is turned in opposite directions, the vehicle turns within its own length. The variators may include variable diameter pulleys coupled with endless belts.
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