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Hydraulically driven working vehicle and hydraulic transaxle Number:7,415,823 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

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Title: Hydraulically driven working vehicle and hydraulic transaxle

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.

Patent Number: 7,415,823 Issued on 08/26/2008 to Iwaki,   et al.


Inventors: Iwaki; Koji (Hyogo, JP), Ueno; Shiro (Hyogo, JP), Ishii; Norihiro (Hyogo, JP), Okada; Hideaki (Hyogo, JP), Sugimoto; Hiroshi (Hyogo, JP), Hirose; Shinichi (Hyogo, JP), Sumomozawa; Hironori (Hyogo, JP), Ishino; Fumitoshi (Hyogo, JP)
Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd. (Hyogo, JP)
Appl. No.: 11/402,101
Filed: April 12, 2006


Foreign Application Priority Data

Apr 12, 2005 [JP] 2005-114412
Jun 29, 2005 [JP] 2005-190788

Current U.S. Class: 60/487 ; 180/307
Current International Class: B60K 17/10 (20060101); B60K 17/356 (20060101); F16H 37/06 (20060101)
Field of Search: 60/487,488 91/487 180/305,307


References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents
4552282 November 1985 Nishida
5069037 December 1991 Sakigawa et al.
5317936 June 1994 Shiba et al.
6732828 May 2004 Abend et al.
6845837 January 2005 Ohashi et al.
6889793 May 2005 Okada et al.
7082759 August 2006 Tsukamoto et al.
2004/0045288 March 2004 Takada et al.
2005/0070390 March 2005 Irikura et al.
Foreign Patent Documents
1 410 938 Apr., 2004 EP
1 584 510 Oct., 2005 EP
WO 2004/062956 Jul., 2004 WO
WO 2004/062956 Jul., 2004 WO

Other References

Partial European Search Report for European Application No. EP 06 00 7576, European Patent Office, mailed Sep. 25, 2007, 3 pgs. cited by other .
European Search Report for European Patent Application No. EP 06 00 7576, dated Jan. 15, 2008, 2 pgs. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Lazo; Thomas E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

Claims



What is claimed is:

1. A hydraulically driven working vehicle comprising: a frame including a pair of left and right side plates extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle; a first transaxle supported by one of front and rear portions of the frame, the first transaxle including a hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a first axle driven by the first hydraulic motor, and a first transaxle housing incorporating the hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor and the first axle, wherein the first transaxle housing is provided with a pair of outwardly opened first ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor, respectively; a second transaxle supported by the other rear or front portion of the frame, the second transaxle including a second hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a second axle driven by the second hydraulic motor, and a second transaxle housing swingably supported on the rear or front portion of the frame through a center pivot, and incorporating the second hydraulic motor and the second axle, wherein the second transaxle housing is provided with a pair of second ports fluidly connected to the second hydraulic motor; a prime mover supported by the frame between the fist and second transaxles; a traveling power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the first transaxle so as to drivingly connect the hydraulic pump to the prime mover; a working device disposed under the frame between the first and second transaxles; a working power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the working device so as to drivingly connect the working device to the prime mover; and a pair of axle-driving hydraulic pressure fluid pipes interposed between the pair of first ports and the pair of second ports so as to fluidly connect the second hydraulic motor to the hydraulic pump, wherein the pipes include respective fore-and-aft extended portions which are extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle between an inside surface of at least one of the left and right side plates of the frame and the traveling and working power transmission systems.

2. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fore-and-aft extended portions of both of the pipes are extended along the inside surface of one of the left and right side plate.

3. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fore-and-aft extended portion of one of the pipes is extended along the inside surface of one of the left and right side plates, and the fore-and-aft extended portion of the other pipe is extended along the inside surface of the other right or left side plate.

4. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 3, at least one of the pipes including: a first rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports; a second rigid pipe portion connected to one of the second ports; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the first and second rigid pipe portions, wherein the flexible hose is extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame.

5. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising: a stay supported on either the first transaxle housing or one of the left and right side plates of the frame so as to support the rigid pipe portion connected to the first port.

6. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the first transaxle housing includes a boss connected to the frame, and wherein the stay is mounted onto the boss.

7. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 4, the at least one of the pipes further including: a swivel joint disposed between the flexible pipe portion and at least one of the first and second rigid pipe portions.

8. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 1, at least one of the pipes including: a rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports and extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the rigid pipe portion and one of the second ports.

9. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising: a stay supported on either the first transaxle housing or one of the left and right side plates of the frame so as to support the rigid pipe portion.

10. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the first transaxle housing includes a boss connected to the frame, and wherein the stay is mounted onto the boss.

11. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 8, the at least one of the pipes further including: a swivel joint disposed between the flexible pipe portion and the rigid pipe portion.

12. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the pair of first ports are disposed at one of left and right sides of the vehicle, wherein the pair of second ports are disposed at the other right or left side of the vehicle, wherein the fore-and-aft extended portion of at least one of the pipes is extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame and connected to the second port, and wherein the at least one of the pipes further includes a laterally extended portion which is extended in the lateral direction of the vehicle between the first port and the fore-and-aft extended portion of the at least one of the pipe, further comprising: a stay fixed on the first transaxle housing so as to support the laterally extended portion of the at least one of the pipes.

13. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the first transaxle housing includes a boss connected to the frame, and wherein the stay is mounted onto the boss.

14. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 12, the at least one of the pipes including: a first rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports and serving as the laterally extended portion of the at least one of the pipes; a second rigid pipe portion connected to one of the second ports; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the first and second rigid pipe portions, wherein the flexible hose is extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame.

15. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 14, the at least one of the pipes further including: a swivel joint disposed between the flexible pipe portion and the first rigid pipe portion.

16. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the fore-and-aft extended portions of both of the pipes are extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame and connected to the respective second ports, wherein both of the pipes include the respective laterally extended portions interposed between the respective first ports and the respective fore-and-aft extended portions thereof, and wherein the stay supports the laterally extended portions of both of the pipes.

17. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 12, wherein a first pipe of the pipes is extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle from the corresponding first port along one of left and right side plates of the frame, and wherein a second pipe of the pipes includes the fore-and-aft extended portion extended along the other right or left side plate and connected to the corresponding second port, and includes the laterally extended portion connected to the corresponding first port and supported by the stay.

18. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 17, further comprising: a stay fixed onto the one of the left and right side plates so as to support the first pipe.

19. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 12, at least one of the pipes including: a rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports and extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame so as to serve as the fore-and-aft extended portion; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the rigid pipe portion and one of the second ports.

20. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 19, the at least one of the pipes further including: a swivel joint disposed between the flexible pipe portion and the rigid pipe portion.

21. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the fore-and-aft extended portions of both of the pipes are extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame and connected to the respective second ports, wherein both of the pipes include respective laterally extended portions interposed between the respective first ports and the respective fore-and-aft extended portions thereof, further comprising: a stay fixed onto the first transaxle housing so as to support the laterally extended portions of both of the pipes.

22. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 12, wherein a first pipe of the pipes is extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle from the corresponding first port along one of the left and right side plates of the frame, and wherein a second pipe of the pipes includes the fore-and-aft extended portion extended along the other right or left side plate and connected to the corresponding second port, and includes a laterally extended portion interposed between the corresponding first port and the fore-and-aft extended portion thereof, further comprising: a stay fixed onto the first transaxle housing so as to support the laterally extended portion of the second pipe.

23. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 22, further-comprising: a stay fixed onto the one of the left and right side plates so as to support the first pipe.

24. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 1, the first transaxle housing being provided with a pair of outwardly opened third ports, further comprising: a hydraulic power steering valve disposed on the frame between the first and second transaxles; and a pair of power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes interposed between the hydraulic power steering valve and the pair of third ports and extended along at least one of the axle-driving hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

25. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 24, wherein the pair of first ports and the pair of third ports are disposed on the same side surface of the first transaxle housing.

26. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 1, the first transaxle further including: a center section disposed in the first transaxle housing and interposed between the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor, the center section being provided with a pair of first and second pump ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a pair of first and second motor ports fluidly connected to the first hydraulic motor, and a passage interposed between the first pump port and the first motor port, wherein the pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the second pump port and the second motor port, respectively.

27. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 24, the first transaxle further including: a charge pump disposed in the first transaxle housing so as to be driven together with the hydraulic pump by the power from the prime mover through the traveling power transmission system, wherein one of the third ports is fluidly connected to the charge pump, and wherein the other third port is fluidly connected to a fluid-suction side of the hydraulic pump.

28. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 27, the first transaxle further including a charge pump casing incorporating the charge pump, the charge pump casing being disposed in the first transaxle housing and connected to the center section, wherein the charge pump casing is provided with a passage directly connected to the pair of third ports.

29. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 28, wherein the charge pump casing is provided with another passage directly connected to the pair of first ports so as to fluidly connect the passage in the center section to the pair of first ports.

30. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 28, further comprising: an adapter attached onto the center section and provided therein with a passage through which the pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the center section.

31. A hydraulically driven working vehicle comprising: a frame extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle; a first transaxle supported by one of front and rear portions of the frame, the first transaxle including a hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a first axle driven by the first hydraulic motor, and a first transaxle housing incorporating the hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor and the first axle, wherein the first transaxle is formed therein with a first fluid sump, and wherein the first transaxle housing is provided with a pair of outwardly opened first ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor, respectively; a second transaxle supported by the other rear or front portion of the frame, the second transaxle including a second hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a second axle driven by the second hydraulic motor, and a second transaxle housing incorporating the second hydraulic motor and the second axle, wherein the second transaxle is formed therein with a second fluid sump, and wherein the second transaxle housing is provided with a pair of second ports fluidly connected to the second hydraulic motor; a pair of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes interposed between the pair of first ports and the pair of second ports; a prime mover supported by the frame between the fist and second transaxles; a traveling power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the first transaxle so as to drivingly connect the hydraulic pump to the prime mover; a working device disposed under the frame between the first and second transaxles; a working power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the working device so as to drivingly connect the working device to the prime mover; and a reservoir tank fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the first and second hydraulic motors, wherein the reservoir tank is disposed so that a fluid level in the reservoir tank is higher than levels of the first and second fluid sumps.

32. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 31, wherein the reservoir tank is disposed just behind a rear end surface of the frame.

33. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 32, further comprising: a driver's seat; and a breather provided on a top of the reservoir tank disposed behind the seat, wherein the breather also serves as a fluid-supply opening of the reservoir tank.

34. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 31, further comprising: a fuel tank joined to the reservoir tank.

35. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 34, further comprising: a driver's seat disposed above the first transaxle, wherein the fuel tank and the reservoir tank are disposed between the seat and the first transaxle.

36. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 35, further comprising: a breather provided on a top of the reservoir tank disposed behind the seat, wherein the breather also serves as a fluid-supply opening of the reservoir tank.

37. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 31, further comprising: a first wheel provided onto the first axle; and a second wheel provided onto the second axle, wherein the reservoir tank is disposed between the first and second wheels.

38. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 37, further comprising: a bonnet incorporating the prime mover and the reservoir tank.

39. The hydraulically driven working vehicle according to claim 38, further comprising: a breather provided on a top of the reservoir tank disposed behind the seat, wherein the breather also serves as a fluid-supply opening of the reservoir tank; a dashboard provided with an opening facing the top of the breather; and a removable lid covering the opening of the dashboard.

40. A transaxle comprising: a transaxle housing supported by one of front and rear portions of a vehicle body frame; a hydraulic pump disposed in the transaxle housing so as to be driven by power from a prime mover through a traveling power transmission system; a charge pump disposed in the transaxle housing so as to be driven by the power from the prime mover through the traveling power transmission system; an axle disposed in the transaxle housing so as to be driven by the hydraulic motor; a pair of first ports provided on a side surface of the transaxle housing so as to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor respectively; and a pair of second ports provided on the same side surface of the transaxle housing with the first ports, wherein one of the second ports is fluidly connected to the charge pump, and the other second port is fluidly connected to a fluid-suction side of the hydraulic pump.

41. The transaxle according to claim 40, further comprising: a center section disposed in the transaxle housing and interposed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, the center section being provided with a pair of first and second pump ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a pair of first and second motor ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic motor, and a passage interposed between the first pump port and the first motor port, wherein the pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the second pump port and the second motor port, respectively.

42. The transaxle according to claim 40, further comprising: a charge pump casing incorporating the charge pump, the charge pump casing being disposed in the transaxle housing and connected to the center section, wherein the charge pump casing is provided with a passage directly connected to the pair of second ports.

43. The transaxle according to claim 42, wherein the charge pump casing is provided with another passage directly connected to the pair of first ports so as to fluidly connect the passage in the center section to the pair of first ports.

44. The transaxle according to claim 42, further comprising: an adapter attached onto the center section and provided therein with a passage through which the pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the center section.

45. The transaxle according to claim 40, further comprising: a pair of third ports for fluidly connecting the pair of first ports to a second hydraulic motor for driving another axle.
Description



BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a hydraulically driven working vehicle, especially, a four-wheel drive working vehicle, equipped with front wheels and rear wheels driven by respective hydraulic motors, and relates to a hydraulic transaxle including the hydraulic motor applicable to the vehicle. An example of the hydraulically driven working vehicle according to the invention is a lawn tractor equipped at the middle body portion thereof with a mower unit. The transaxle according to the invention can supply fluid to hydraulic equipments equipped on the hydraulically driven vehicle, e.g., a hydraulic power steering system, in addition to the hydraulic motor for driving an axle.

2. Related Art

Conventionally, there are well-known hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicles, each of which is equipped with front and rear hydraulic motors for driving front wheels and rear wheels. A hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle, as disclosed in International Publication No. 2004/062956, is provided with a rear transaxle including a hydraulic motor for driving left and right rear wheels, and with a front transaxle including a pair of left and right hydraulic motors for driving respective left and right front steerable wheels. This type hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle is equipped at a middle portion thereof between the front and rear transaxles with a traveling power transmission system for transmitting power from a prime mover to the rear transaxle, and with a working power transmission system for transmitting power from the prime mover to a working device. In this situation, the front and rear transaxles are fluidly connected to each other via pipes for driving the front and rear wheels (axles), and the axle-driving pipes have to be disposed at the middle portion without interfering with the traveling power transmission system and the working power transmission system.

To miniaturizing the hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle, the pipes are requested to be disposed within a space inside a vehicle body frame. However, the space is mainly occupied by the traveling power transmission system and the working power transmission system. Further, the vehicle may be equipped under the fore-and-aft middle portion of the vehicle body frame with a working device, such as a mower unit.

The axle-driving pipes have to be disposed in the space between the front and rear transaxles without interfering with the traveling power transmission system and the working power transmission system, and the working device at need. Further, to facilitate assembly works, the pipes are desirably disposed so as to require no device to be detached during the piping work of the pipes, and to require no pipe to be detached during attachment of other devices. On the other hand, in order to reduce internal pressure resistance in the pipes, the pipes are requested to have reduction of bent portions therein and to have rigid pipe portions as long as possible. Especially, the pipes have to be prevented at portions thereof adjacent to a center pivot of the front transaxle with being excessively twisted or bent, and prevented at portions thereof connected to ports from having oil leak or being damaged.

If the hydraulic four-wheel drive vehicle includes a hydraulic power steering system, hydraulic fluid pipes for the power steering system must be disposed so as to solve the same problems as the axle-driving pipes.

Further, if the vehicle is provided with a reservoir tank for supplying fluid to the hydraulic motors in the front and rear transaxles, it is requested that the reservoir tank is disposed so as to be prevented from interfering with the traveling power transmission system and the working power transmission system, to have easy oiling and maintenance, and to effectively supply fluid into the housings of the front and rear transaxles. Especially, when the front transaxle housing is swingably supported onto the vehicle body frame via a center pivot, the reservoir tank is requested to prevent fluid therein from being contaminated with air by tilt of the fluid level surface according to the swing of the front transaxle housing, and to prevent hydraulic pressure fluid pipes between the reservoir tank and the transaxles from being twisted by the swing of the front transaxle housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle with a simple hydraulic pressure piping structure solving the above problems.

To achieve the first object, in a first aspect of the invention, a hydraulically driven working vehicle comprises: a frame including a pair of left and right side plates extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle; a first transaxle supported by one of front and rear portions of the frame, the first transaxle including a hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a first axle driven by the first hydraulic motor, and a first transaxle housing incorporating the hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor and the first axle, wherein the first transaxle housing is provided with a pair of outwardly opened first ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor, respectively; a second transaxle supported by the other rear or front portion of the frame, the second transaxle including a second hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a second axle driven by the second hydraulic motor, and a second transaxle housing swingably supported on the rear or front portion of the frame through a center pivot, and incorporating the second hydraulic motor and the second axle, wherein the second transaxle housing is provided with a pair of second ports fluidly connected to the second hydraulic motor; a prime mover supported by the frame between the fist and second transaxles; a traveling power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the first transaxle so as to drivingly connect the hydraulic pump to the prime mover; a working device disposed under the frame between the first and second transaxles; a working power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the working device so as to drivingly connect the working device to the prime mover; and a pair of axle-driving hydraulic pressure fluid pipes interposed between the pair of first ports and the pair of second ports so as to fluidly connect the second hydraulic motor to the hydraulic pump. The pipes include respective fore-and-aft extended portions which are extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle between an inside surface of at least one of the left and right side plates of the frame and the traveling and working power transmission systems.

In the vehicle according to the first aspect, the axle-driving hydraulic pressure fluid pipes disposed so as not to be exposed sideward from the frame vehicle, thereby being portected from external obstacles. Consequently, the traveling performance of the vehicle can be safely maintained. Further, the vehicle has good appearance because of the hidden pipes.

In the vehicle according to the first aspect, preferably, the fore-and-aft extended portions of both of the pipes are extended along the inside surface of one of the left and right side plate. Due to the simple arrangement of the pipes in the narrow space along the inside surface of the side plate, the vehicle can be minimized while ensuring prevention of the pipes from interfering with the traveling and working power transmission systems and the working device. Further, the piping work for this arrangement of the pipes can be easy.

Alternatively, in the vehicle according to the first aspect, preferably, the fore-and-aft extended portion of one of the pipes is extended along the inside surface of one of the left and right side plates, and the fore-and-aft extended portion of the other pipe is extended along the inside surface of the other right or left side plate. Due to the simple arrangement of the pipes in the narrow spaces along the inside surfaces of the side plates, the vehicle can be minimized while ensuring prevention of the pipes from interfering with the traveling and working power transmission systems and the working device. Further, the piping work for this arrangement of the pipes can be easy.

Further preferably, at least one of the pipes includes: a first rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports; a second rigid pipe portion connected to one of the second ports; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the first and second rigid pipe portions. The flexible hose is extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame. Therefore, the flexible hose can be bent or curved so as to absorb stress on the pipe according to the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot. Consequently, the at least one pipe can be durable against the frequent swing of the second transaxle.

Alternatively, preferably, at least one of the pipes includes: a rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports and extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the rigid pipe portion and one of the second ports. Consequently, the main portion of the at least one pipe is the rigid pipe portion whose internal pressure resistance is small so as to ensure good fuel efficiency.

In either of the above two cases where the at least one pipe uses the rigid pipe portion, preferably, a stay is supported on either the first transaxle housing or one of the left and right side plates of the frame so as to support the rigid pipe portion connected to the first port. Therefore, the stay prevents warp of the pipe caused by the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot from being transmitted to the end of the pipe connected to the corresponding first port, thereby preventing the pipe end and the first port from having oil leak and from being damaged.

Further preferably, the first transaxle housing includes a boss connected to the frame, and the stay is mounted onto the boss. Consequently, due to the support by the stay on the first transaxle housing, the pipe end and the first port connected to each other are further surely prevented from moving relative to each other causing the oil leak and damage. The boss ordinarily formed on the first transaxle housing serves as a fixture portion onto which the stay is fixed, thereby requiring no additional fixture member and saving costs.

Further preferably, the at least one of the pipes further includes a swivel joint disposed between the flexible pipe portion and at least one of the first and second rigid pipe portions. The swivel joint absorbs twist of the pipe caused by the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot, thereby inexpensively providing the pipe having high durability against the swing of the second transaxle.

Alternatively, in the vehicle according to the first aspect, preferably, the pair of first ports are disposed at one of left and right sides of the vehicle, and the pair of second ports are disposed at the other right or left side of the vehicle. The fore-and-aft extended portion of at least one of the pipes is extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame and connected to the second port. The at least one of the pipes further includes a laterally extended portion which is extended in the lateral direction of the vehicle between the first port and the fore-and-aft extended portion of the at least one of the pipe. A stay is fixed on the first transaxle housing so as to support the laterally extended portion of the at least one of the pipes.

Therefore, in the case that the pair of first ports and the pair of second ports are opened laterally opposite to each other, the limited spaces along the left and right side plates are used for piping of the axle-driving pipes without interfering with another equipment, thereby miniaturizing the vehicle. Further, the stay prevents warp of the corresponding pipe caused by the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot from being transmitted to the end of the pipe connected to the corresponding first port, thereby preventing the pipe end and the first port from having oil leak and from being damaged.

Further preferably, the first transaxle housing includes a boss connected to the frame, and wherein the stay is mounted onto the boss. Consequently, due to the support by the stay on the first transaxle housing, the pipe end and the first port connected to each other are further surely prevented from moving relative to each other causing the oil leak and damage. The boss ordinarily formed on the first transaxle housing serves as a fixture portion onto which the stay is fixed, thereby requiring no additional fixture member and saving costs.

Further preferably, the at least one of the pipes includes: a first rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports and serving as the laterally extended portion of the at least one of the pipes; a second rigid pipe portion connected to one of the second ports; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the first and second rigid pipe portions, wherein the flexible hose is extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame. Therefore, the flexible hose can be bent or curved so as to absorb stress on the pipe according to the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot. Consequently, the at least one pipe can be durable against the frequent swing of the second transaxle.

Alternatively, further preferably, the at least one of the pipes includes: a rigid pipe portion connected to one of the first ports and extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame so as to serve as the fore-and-aft extended portion; and a flexible pipe portion interposed between the rigid pipe portion and one of the second ports. Consequently, the main portion of the at least one pipe is the rigid pipe portion whose internal pressure resistance is small so as to ensure good fuel efficiency.

In either of the above two cases where the at least one pipe includes the rigid pipe portion and the flexible pipe portion, the at least one of the pipes further includes a swivel joint disposed between the flexible pipe portion and the first rigid pipe portion. The swivel joint absorbs twist of the pipe caused by the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot, thereby inexpensively providing the pipe having high durability against the swing of the second transaxle.

In the pipe arrangement when the pair of first ports and the pair of second ports are laterally offset, preferably, the fore-and-aft extended portions of both of the pipes are extended along one of the left and right side plates of the frame and connected to the respective second ports. Both of the pipes include the respective laterally extended portions interposed between the respective first ports and the respective fore-and-aft extended portions thereof. The stay supports the laterally extended portions of both of the pipes. Therefore, both of the fore-and-aft extended portions of the pipes are juxtaposed in the limited space along the side plate so as to minimize the vehicle. Further, the stay prevents warp of both of the pipes caused by the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot from being transmitted to the ends of the pipes connected to the respective first ports, thereby preventing the pipe ends and the first ports from having oil leak and from being damaged.

In the pipe arrangement when the pair of first ports and the pair of second ports are laterally offset, alternatively, preferably, a first pipe of the pipes is extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle from the corresponding first port along one of left and right side plates of the frame, and a second pipe of the pipes includes the fore-and-aft extended portion extended along the other right or left side plate and connected to the corresponding second port, and includes the laterally extended portion connected to the corresponding first port and supported by the stay. Therefore, the fore-and-aft extended portions of the pipes are disposed in the limited spaces along the respective left and right side plates so as to minimize the vehicle. Further, the stay prevents warp of the second pipe caused by the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot from being transmitted to the end of the second pipe connected to the first port, thereby preventing the end of the second pipe and the first port from having oil leak and from being damaged.

Further preferably, a stay is fixed onto the one of the left and right side plates so as to support the first pipe. The stay on the side plate prevents warp of the first pipe, which is not supported by the stay on the first transaxle housing, caused by the swing of the second transaxle around the center pivot from being transmitted to the end of the first pipe connected to the first port, thereby preventing the end of the first pipe and the first port from having oil leak and from being damaged.

In the vehicle according to the first aspect, preferably, the first transaxle housing is provided with a pair of outwardly opened third ports, a hydraulic power steering valve is disposed on the frame between the first and second transaxles, and a pair of power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes are interposed between the hydraulic power steering valve and the pair of third ports and extended along at least one of the axle-driving hydraulic pressure fluid pipes. Therefore, the space required for piping the pair of axle-driving hydraulic pressure fluid pipes and the pair of power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes and the at least one axle-driving hydraulic pressure pipe is saved.

In the vehicle according to the first aspect, preferably, the pair of first ports and the pair of third ports are disposed on the same side surface of the first transaxle housing. Consequently, the pair of power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes and the at least one axle-driving hydraulic pressure fluid pipe are compactly collected in the vicinity of the first transaxle so as to be connected to the respective third ports and the corresponding first port.

In the vehicle according to the first aspect, the first transaxle further includes a center section disposed in the first transaxle housing and interposed between the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor. The center section is provided with a pair of first and second pump ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a pair of first and second motor ports fluidly connected to the first hydraulic motor, and a passage interposed between the first pump port and the first motor port. The pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the second pump port and the second motor port, respectively. Due to the center section, the component devices such as the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor and the passage for connection of the hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor and the first ports are compactly assembled together so as to minimize the first transaxle housing and expand the space for piping.

Further preferably, the first transaxle further includes a charge pump disposed in the first transaxle housing so as to be driven together with the hydraulic pump by the power from the prime mover through the traveling power transmission system. One of the third ports is fluidly connected to the charge pump, and the other third port is fluidly connected to a fluid-suction side of the hydraulic pump. Due to the charge pump, no additional device for supplying fluid to a hydraulic power steering actuator is required so as to expand an area in the limited space for piping the axle-driving and power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes, and save costs.

Further preferably, the first transaxle further includes a charge pump casing incorporating the charge pump. The charge pump casing is disposed in the first transaxle housing and connected to the center section. The charge pump casing is provided with a passage directly connected to the pair of third ports. Due to the charge pump casing, the charge pump and associated equipments are compactly collected so as to minimize the first transaxle housing, thereby expanding the space for piping the axle-driving and power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

Further preferably, the charge pump casing is provided with another passage directly connected to the pair of first ports so as to fluidly connect the passage in the center section to the pair of first ports. Therefore, the inside portion of the charge pump casing is used for forming the passage directly connected to the first ports disposed on the same side surface of the first transaxle housing with the third ports, so as to reduce a space in the first transaxle housing for a passage interposed between the third ports and the first ports, i.e., minimize the first transaxle housing, thereby expanding the space for piping the axle-driving and power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

Further preferably, an adapter is attached onto the center section and provided therein with a passage through which the pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the center section. Due to the easily removable adapter, the passage directly connected to the first ports disposed on the same side surface of the first transaxle housing with the third ports can be easily formed, and a space in the first transaxle housing for a passage interposed between the third ports and the first ports is reduced, that is, the first transaxle housing is minimized, thereby expanding the space for piping the axle-driving and power steering hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

A second object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle equipped with a reservoir tank which prevents fuel therein from being contaminated with air so as to solve the above problems.

To achieve the second object, in a second aspect of the invention, a hydraulically driven working vehicle comprises: a frame extended in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle; a first transaxle supported by one of front and rear portions of the frame, the first transaxle including a hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a first axle driven by the first hydraulic motor, and a first transaxle housing incorporating the hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor and the first axle, wherein the first transaxle is formed therein with a first fluid sump, and wherein the first transaxle housing is provided with a pair of outwardly opened first ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor, respectively; a second transaxle supported by the other rear or front portion of the frame, the second transaxle including a second hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a second axle driven by the second hydraulic motor, and a second transaxle housing incorporating the second hydraulic motor and the second axle, wherein the second transaxle is formed therein with a second fluid sump, and wherein the second transaxle housing is provided with a pair of second ports fluidly connected to the second hydraulic motor; a pair of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes interposed between the pair of first ports and the pair of second ports; a prime mover supported by the frame between the fist and second transaxles; a traveling power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the first transaxle so as to drivingly connect the hydraulic pump to the prime mover; a working device disposed under the frame between the first and second transaxles; a working power transmission system supported by the frame between the prime mover and the working device so as to drivingly connect the working device to the prime mover; and a reservoir tank fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the first and second hydraulic motors. The reservoir tank is disposed so that a fluid level in the reservoir tank is higher than levels of the first and second fluid sumps. Therefore, fluid flowing from the reservoir tank to the first or second transaxle housing is prevented from being contaminated with air.

In the vehicle according to the second aspect, preferably, the reservoir tank is disposed just behind a rear end surface of the frame. Therefore, the reservoir tank exposed on the frame can be easily attached or detached onto and from the frame, and easily subjected to maintenance. Further, the reservoir tank can be disposed behind rear wheel tires so that the rear wheel tires do not hinder the attachment, detachment and maintenance of the reservoir tank, and the damage of the reservoir tank by mud and stones stuck on the tire is reduced.

Alternatively, in the vehicle according to the second aspect, preferably, a breather provided on a top of the reservoir tank, which also serves as a fluid-supply opening of the reservoir tank, is disposed behind a driver's seat of the vehicle. Therefore, the top of the breather disposed outward of the vehicle facilitate fluid-supply to the reservoir tank.

In the vehicle according to the second aspect, preferably, a fuel tank is joined to the reservoir tank. Therefore, the number of required component parts is reduced so as to facilitate assembling work of the vehicle.

Further preferably, a driver's seat is disposed above the first transaxle, so that the fuel tank and the reservoir tank are disposed between the seat and the first transaxle. Therefore, the space between the first transaxle and the seat above the first transaxle is effectively used for arranging the reservoir tank so as to reduce a dead space, thereby minimizing the vehicle.

Further preferably, a breather provided on a top of the reservoir tank, which also serves as a fuel-support opening of the reservoir tank, is disposed behind the seat. Therefore, fuel can be easily supplied to the reservoir tank.

Alternatively, in the vehicle according to the second aspect, the reservoir tank is disposed between a first wheel provided onto the first axle and a second wheel provided onto the second axle. This arrangement of the heavy reservoir tank improves the weight balance of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction.

Further preferably, a bonnet incorporating the prime mover also incorporates the reservoir tank. Therefore, the inner space of the bonnet is effectively used for arranging the reservoir tank so as to minimize the vehicle. Further, the cooling wind for the prime mover in the bonnet can also cool the reservoir tank, thereby requiring no additional device for cooling the reservoir tank.

Further preferably, a breather provided on a top of the reservoir tank, which also serves as a fluid-supply opening of the reservoir tank, is disposed behind the seat. A dashboard of the vehicle is provided with an opening, which faces the top of the breather and is covered with a removable lid. Due to such a simple structure, fuel can be easily supplied through the dashboard into the reservoir tank.

A third object is to provide a hydraulic transaxle, which can serve as a main transaxle of a hydraulic four-wheel working vehicle, adapted to prevent pipes therearound from being complicated.

To achieve the third object, in a third aspect of the invention, a transaxle comprises: a transaxle housing supported by one of front and rear portions of a vehicle body frame; a hydraulic pump disposed in the transaxle housing so as to be driven by power from a prime mover through a traveling power transmission system; a charge pump disposed in the transaxle housing so as to be driven by the power from the prime mover through the traveling power transmission system; an axle disposed in the transaxle housing so as to be driven by the hydraulic motor; a pair of first ports provided on a side surface of the transaxle housing so as to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor respectively; and a pair of second ports provided on the same side surface of the transaxle housing with the first ports. One of the second ports is fluidly connected to the charge pump, and the other second port is fluidly connected to a fluid-suction side of the hydraulic pump.

Therefore, hydraulic pressure fluid pipes for driving an auxiliary device (such as a power steering actuator) connected to the second ports can be compactly collected together with hydraulic pressure fluid pipes for driving the axle of the first transaxle connected to the pair of first ports. Further, due to the charge pump, the auxiliary device (such as the power steering actuator) requires no additional fluid-supply device so as to save a space, i.e., to expand the space for the pipes, and to save the number of parts and costs.

In the transaxle according to the third aspect, preferably, a center section is disposed in the transaxle housing and interposed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. The center section is provided with a pair of first and second pump ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, a pair of first and second motor ports fluidly connected to the hydraulic motor, and a passage interposed between the first pump port and the first motor port. The pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the second pump port and the second motor port, respectively. Due to the center section, the component devices such as the hydraulic pump and the first hydraulic motor and the passage for connection of the hydraulic pump, the first hydraulic motor and the first ports are compactly assembled together so as to minimize the transaxle housing and expand the space for pipes connected to the first ports and the second ports.

In the transaxle according to the third aspect, preferably, a charge pump casing incorporating the charge pump is disposed in the transaxle housing and connected to the center section. The charge pump casing is provided with a passage directly connected to the pair of second ports. Due to the charge pump casing, the charge pump and associated equipments are compactly collected so as to minimize the transaxle housing, thereby expanding the space for pipes connected to the first ports and the second ports.

Further preferably, the charge pump casing is provided with another passage directly connected to the pair of first ports so as to fluidly connect the passage in the center section to the pair of first ports. Therefore, the inside portion of the charge pump casing is used for forming the passage directly connected to the first ports disposed on the same side surface of the transaxle housing with the second ports, so as to reduce a space in the transaxle housing for a passage interposed between the second ports and the first ports, i.e., minimize the transaxle housing, thereby expanding the space for pipes connected to the first ports and the second ports.

Alternatively, further preferably, an adapter is attached onto the center section and provided therein with a passage through which the pair of first ports are fluidly connected to the center section. Due to the easily removable adapter, the passage directly connected to the first ports disposed on the same side surface of the transaxle housing with the second ports can be easily formed, and a space in the transaxle housing for a passage interposed between the second ports and the first ports is reduced, that is, the transaxle housing is minimized, thereby expanding the space for pipes connected to the first ports and the second ports.

In the transaxle according to the third aspect, preferably, a pair of third ports is provided for fluidly connecting the pair of first ports to a second hydraulic motor for driving another axle. Due to this arrangement, a vehicle equipped with the transaxle can be provided with compactly collected hydraulic pressure fluid pipes, thereby being minimized.

These, further and other objects, features and advantages will appear more fully from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of the hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of the hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to the first embodiment, provided with an arrangement of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a pipe stay support portion.

FIG. 5 is a sectional plan view of a rear transaxle provided on a left side surface thereof with hydraulic fluid supply-and-delivery ports.

FIG. 6 is a sectional plan view of a rear transaxle provided on a right side surface thereof with hydraulic fluid supply-and-delivery ports facing forward.

FIG. 7 is-a sectional plan view of a rear transaxle provided on a left side surface thereof with hydraulic fluid supply-and-delivery ports facing forward.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a front transaxle.

FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view of the hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to the first embodiment, provided with another arrangement of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

FIG. 10 is a sectional plan view of a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention, provided with an arrangement of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view of the hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to the second embodiment, provided with another arrangement of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

FIG. 12 is a sectional plan view of a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to a third embodiment of the invention, provided with an arrangement of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

FIG. 13 is a sectional plan view of the hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to the third embodiment, provided with another arrangement of hydraulic pressure fluid pipes.

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, provided with an arrangement of a reservoir tank.

FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle according to a fifth embodiment, provided with another arrangement of a reservoir tank.

FIG. 16 is a right side view of a rear transaxle for the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a left side view of the rear transaxle according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a sectional right side view of the rear transaxle according to the first embodiment, showing a center section and a charge pump casing in a transaxle housing.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the rear transaxle taken along an A-A line of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the rear transaxle taken along a B-B line of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the rear transaxle taken along a C-C line of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the rear transaxle taken along a D-D line of FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the rear transaxle taken along an E-E line of FIG. 17.

FIG. 24(a) is a plan view of a bottom surface of the center section joined to the charge pump casing, and FIG. 24(b) is a plan view of a top surface of the charge pump casing joined to the center section.

FIG. 25 is another hydraulic circuit diagram of a rear transaxle separated from a pump housing.

FIG. 26 is a right side view of a rear transaxle according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a sectional plan view of the rear transaxle according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a sectional right side view of the rear transaxle according to the sixth embodiment, showing a center section and a charge pump casing in a transaxle housing.

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the rear transaxle taken along an A-A line of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the rear transaxle taken along a B-B line of FIG. 27.

FIG. 31(a) is a sectional plan view of the charge pump casing in the rear transaxle according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 31(b) is a sectional side view of the charge pump casing.

FIG. 32(a) is a plan view of a bottom surface of the center section joined to the charge pump casing, and FIG. 32(b) is a plan view of a top surface of the charge pump casing joined to the center section, wherein the center section and the charge pump casing are provided for the rear transaxle according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 33(a) is a sectional side view of a pipe connecter fitted in a transaxle housing, and FIG. 33(b) is a sectional side view of another pipe connecter fitted in a transaxle housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a hydraulic four-wheel drive working vehicle 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention will be described. Vehicle 100 is an Ackerman type steered lawn tractor, comprising: a frame 3; a rear transaxle 1; a front transaxle 2; an engine 10; a traveling power transmission system; a mower unit 20; and a mower driving power transmission system. Frame 3 includes parallel left and right side plates 3L and 3R extended in the fore-and-aft direction of vehicle 100.

Rear transaxle 1 is supported by a rear portion of frame 3. Rear transaxle 1 includes a rear transaxle housing 1H, incorporating a hydraulic pump P, a hydraulic motor M1 (serving as a first hydraulic motor) fluidly connected to hydraulic pump P, left and right rear wheel axles 6 (serving as a first axle), an


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