Transaxle

Abstract: An aluminum transmission or transaxle case contains a steel shaft which is supported in the case on two directly mounted tapered roller bearings, so that the two bearings confine the shaft both radially and axially. To compensate for the differences in expansion and contraction between the aluminum case and the steel shaft as the transmission or transaxle experiences variations in temperature, a race of at least one of the bearings is fitted with a compensating ring having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the case or shaft. As a consequence, the bearings operate at a generally uniform setting over a wide range of temperature variations.

Abstract: A transaxle comprised of a hydrostatic transmission mounted in a transmission housing and having a pair of hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors operatively connected together through a center section mounted in the housing. First and second axle housings are mounted on opposite ends of the transmission housing, with output axles mounted in the axle housings and connected to the respective hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic piston transmission located within an axle housing is provided that includes reduction gearing and a mechanical differential for the purpose of compactness and simplicity of manufacture. The axle housing comprises two main elements which, when attached together, form internal cavities, one cavity expressly used for the hydraulic transmission which comprises a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor mounted on either side of a partition member, and where the partition member divides the cavity into an upper and lower chamber for location of the hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor, respectively. The remaining cavities contain the reduction gearing and mechanical differential, and where the cavity containing the hydraulic transmission is purposely segregated from the remaining cavities in order to prevent material worn from the gears from entering the oil chambers of the hydraulic transmission.

Abstract: A transaxle with a hydrostatic transmission which is compact, reliable and economical to manufacture, including a novel means for hydraulically reducing the speed of the input to the transaxle; an improved differential which is stronger and less complicated than prior art designs; a longer lasting, more effective means of preventing oil leakage from the axle shafts in the transaxle housing; a center section for the hydrostatic transmission supporting the output drive shaft, eliminating the need for additional bearing support; an improved means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission and a unique check valve arrangement for maintaining oil pressure within the hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission also includes a pump and a motor whose orientation to one another may be varied according to the space requirements dictated by the size and configuration of the vehicle through the use of a helical gear.