CA2496716C - A snowmobile engine arrangement having an improved heat exchanger configuration - Google Patents
A snowmobile engine arrangement having an improved heat exchanger configuration Download PDFInfo
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- CA2496716C CA2496716C CA002496716A CA2496716A CA2496716C CA 2496716 C CA2496716 C CA 2496716C CA 002496716 A CA002496716 A CA 002496716A CA 2496716 A CA2496716 A CA 2496716A CA 2496716 C CA2496716 C CA 2496716C
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- snowmobile
- oil
- cooling
- heat exchanger
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- Y02T10/146—
Abstract
A snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement, includes: a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head at its top, arranged in the engine compartment and inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with an intake path provided on the upper portion of the engine body. An intercooler for cooling the intake air is arranged in a tunnel created inside the body frame for accommodating a track belt.
Description
A SNOWMOBILE ENGINE ARRANGEMENT HAVING AN IMPROVED HEAT
EXCHANGER CONFIGURATION
This application is a division of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,356,599, filed September 5, 2001.
In view of division enforced by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office the claims of this application are directed to a snowmobile engine arrangement having an improved heat exchanger configuration. However, for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of all objects and features of the development which are inextricably bound-up in ane and the same inventive concept as taught and claimed in the parent application, the objects and teachings of those features claimed in the parent Canadian Application Serial No. 2,356,599 are retained herein.
Accordingly, in view of enforced division required by the Examiner in the prosecution of the aforesaid parent application, object clauses and features have been retained for the purposes of facilitating and understanding of the overall development. However, the retention of any clauses or features which may be more particularly related to the parent application or a separate divisional thereof should not be regarded as rendering the teachings and claiming ambiguous or inconsistent with the subject matter defined in the claims of the divisional application presented herein when seeking to interpret the scope thereof and the basis in this disclosure for the claims recited herein.
la BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an engine arrangement, and in particular relates to an arrangement of a four-cycle engine mounted on a snowmobile.
EXCHANGER CONFIGURATION
This application is a division of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,356,599, filed September 5, 2001.
In view of division enforced by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office the claims of this application are directed to a snowmobile engine arrangement having an improved heat exchanger configuration. However, for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of all objects and features of the development which are inextricably bound-up in ane and the same inventive concept as taught and claimed in the parent application, the objects and teachings of those features claimed in the parent Canadian Application Serial No. 2,356,599 are retained herein.
Accordingly, in view of enforced division required by the Examiner in the prosecution of the aforesaid parent application, object clauses and features have been retained for the purposes of facilitating and understanding of the overall development. However, the retention of any clauses or features which may be more particularly related to the parent application or a separate divisional thereof should not be regarded as rendering the teachings and claiming ambiguous or inconsistent with the subject matter defined in the claims of the divisional application presented herein when seeking to interpret the scope thereof and the basis in this disclosure for the claims recited herein.
la BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an engine arrangement, and in particular relates to an arrangement of a four-cycle engine mounted on a snowmobile.
(2) Description of the Prior Art Conventionally, small snow vehicles such as snowmobiles have mainly used two-cycle engines. A two-cycle engine is characterized by a relatively simple engine configuration having the advantages of being lightweight and compact and still providing high power. However, two-cycle engines have drawbacks, when compared with four-cycle engines, of emitting a greater amount of exhaust and louder noise with greater vibrations.
The recent worldwide trend demands a silent, clean and environment-conscious engine. Snow vehicle engines are no exception and clean and silent engines have been desired.
To fulfill this demand, development of engines for snowmobile into a four-cycle configuration has been studied.
Brief Description of Prior Art Drawings 1 & 2 Figure 1 is a conventional snowmobile with a normal engine arrangement; and Figure 2 is a snowmobile with an engine inclined forwardly.
As shown in Fig. l, a typical conventional snowmobile 200 has a body frame 210 in a monocoque frame configuration, wherein an engine 202 is mounted in a space formed between a track housing 211c and a front suspension housing 211b -in the front frame ( engine mounting frame ) 211. For a two-cycle engine, engine 202 is mounted upright in an engine compartment 206.
If a four-cycle engine is attempted to be put into use for a snowmobile in the same manner as above, the upright mounting has been difficult because a four-cycle engine has a greater full height compared to a two cycle engine due to its bulky cylinder head and the necessity of an oil pan.
Further, since a four-cycle engine needs additional parts unique to it such as an alternator, supercharger, intercooler, oil filter and the like, it has been very difficult to lay out all these parts in a limited engine compartment space.
To overcome the above space difficulty, there has been a layout proposal as shown in Fig.2 in that an engine 202 to be mounted on a snowmobile 201 is set inclined forwards in an engine compartment 206 so as to reduce the full height of engine 202 while the aforementioned components are laid out in the space created by the inclined arrangement of the engine.
On the other hand, in order to enhance the power of a four-cycle engine which is relatively low in power compared .
The recent worldwide trend demands a silent, clean and environment-conscious engine. Snow vehicle engines are no exception and clean and silent engines have been desired.
To fulfill this demand, development of engines for snowmobile into a four-cycle configuration has been studied.
Brief Description of Prior Art Drawings 1 & 2 Figure 1 is a conventional snowmobile with a normal engine arrangement; and Figure 2 is a snowmobile with an engine inclined forwardly.
As shown in Fig. l, a typical conventional snowmobile 200 has a body frame 210 in a monocoque frame configuration, wherein an engine 202 is mounted in a space formed between a track housing 211c and a front suspension housing 211b -in the front frame ( engine mounting frame ) 211. For a two-cycle engine, engine 202 is mounted upright in an engine compartment 206.
If a four-cycle engine is attempted to be put into use for a snowmobile in the same manner as above, the upright mounting has been difficult because a four-cycle engine has a greater full height compared to a two cycle engine due to its bulky cylinder head and the necessity of an oil pan.
Further, since a four-cycle engine needs additional parts unique to it such as an alternator, supercharger, intercooler, oil filter and the like, it has been very difficult to lay out all these parts in a limited engine compartment space.
To overcome the above space difficulty, there has been a layout proposal as shown in Fig.2 in that an engine 202 to be mounted on a snowmobile 201 is set inclined forwards in an engine compartment 206 so as to reduce the full height of engine 202 while the aforementioned components are laid out in the space created by the inclined arrangement of the engine.
On the other hand, in order to enhance the power of a four-cycle engine which is relatively low in power compared .
to a two-cycle engine, it is generally known that a supercharger(so-called turbocharger) is provided on the intake side of the engine so as to increase the amounts of air and fuel to be supplied to the combustion chamber, to thereby enhance the engine power.
When the engine has a supercharger, provision of an intercooler in the intake line is effective in improving the intake efficiency. However, the position at which the intercooler is attached needs careful thought as to the cooling efficiency of the engine and is affected by the attached position of the supercharger, so that it has been very difficult to design the layout and allot mounting spaces for these components in the engine compartment.
For example, when the intercooler is arranged on the top of the engine, the full height of the engine becomes high so that the center of gravity as well as the body height of the snowmobile becomes high, hence the result is not preferable .
On the other hand, when the intercooler is arranged in front of the engine, the heavy part is located away from the center of gravity, so that the maneuverability lowers.
Further, there is another drawback in that if the snowmobile is collided, the front part of the engine compartment will crush so that damage to the engine will become serious.
For a four-cycle engine, the oil pan, designated at 238, needs to be positioned at the engine bottom. If the engine is of a wet sump type, a large oil pan 238 is needed, which will cause difficulty of interference with the steering shaft , designated at 224, as shown in Fig.2.
Further, for a snowmobile, the underside of the engine compartment serves as a sled sliding over snow, hence needs to be closed, which makes maintenance work such as changing oil difficult.
Moreover, when a four-cycle engine with a V-belt type automatic transmission is used for a snowmobile, the engine is used at higher speeds compared to that of a four-wheel vehicle. Therefore, the engine oil increases in temperature due to increased amount of heat from the engine, whereby oil film starvation may occur, leading to damage to the engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been devised in view of the above conventional difficulties, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement with which space saving in the engine compartment is achieved and the workability of maintenance is improved. It is another object of the present invention to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement with which cooling performance of the air and engine oil supplied to the engine is improved and space saving is achieved without any loss of maneuverability.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows:
When the engine has a supercharger, provision of an intercooler in the intake line is effective in improving the intake efficiency. However, the position at which the intercooler is attached needs careful thought as to the cooling efficiency of the engine and is affected by the attached position of the supercharger, so that it has been very difficult to design the layout and allot mounting spaces for these components in the engine compartment.
For example, when the intercooler is arranged on the top of the engine, the full height of the engine becomes high so that the center of gravity as well as the body height of the snowmobile becomes high, hence the result is not preferable .
On the other hand, when the intercooler is arranged in front of the engine, the heavy part is located away from the center of gravity, so that the maneuverability lowers.
Further, there is another drawback in that if the snowmobile is collided, the front part of the engine compartment will crush so that damage to the engine will become serious.
For a four-cycle engine, the oil pan, designated at 238, needs to be positioned at the engine bottom. If the engine is of a wet sump type, a large oil pan 238 is needed, which will cause difficulty of interference with the steering shaft , designated at 224, as shown in Fig.2.
Further, for a snowmobile, the underside of the engine compartment serves as a sled sliding over snow, hence needs to be closed, which makes maintenance work such as changing oil difficult.
Moreover, when a four-cycle engine with a V-belt type automatic transmission is used for a snowmobile, the engine is used at higher speeds compared to that of a four-wheel vehicle. Therefore, the engine oil increases in temperature due to increased amount of heat from the engine, whereby oil film starvation may occur, leading to damage to the engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been devised in view of the above conventional difficulties, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement with which space saving in the engine compartment is achieved and the workability of maintenance is improved. It is another object of the present invention to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement with which cooling performance of the air and engine oil supplied to the engine is improved and space saving is achieved without any loss of maneuverability.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows:
5 In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement includes : a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head on the top thereof and arranged in an engine compartment formed in the front body of a snowmobile with its crankshaft laid substantially parallel to the body width and its engine body inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel; and an intake path on the upper face of the engine body, and is characterized in that a heat exchanger for cooling the engine cooling water, engine oil or air to be supplied to the engine is arranged in the tunnel created inside the body frame for accommodating a track for driving In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above first feature is characterized in that the heat exchanger is disposed in front of the track, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, inside the tunnel.
In accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above first feature is characterized in that an intercooler for cooling the air to be supplied to the engine is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above first feature is characterized in that an intercooler for cooling the air to be supplied to the engine is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above second feature is characterized in that an intercooler for cooling the air to be supplied to the engine is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above first feature is characterized in that an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the sixth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above second feature is characterized in that an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the seventh aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above first feature is characterized in that a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the eighth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above second feature is characterized in that a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as a heat exchanger.
In accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement 6a having the above first feature is characterized in that an integrated configuration comprised of an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the tenth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above second feature is characterized in that an integrated configuration comprised of an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above fifth feature is characterized in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
In accordance with the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above sixth feature is characterized in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
In accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above ninth feature is characterized in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
In accordance with the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above tenth feature is characterized 6b in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
According to the present invention, since the heat exchanger for cooling the engine cooling water, engine oil or air to be supplied to the engine is arranged in the tunnel created inside the body frame for accomodating a track for driving, it is possible to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement in which the heat exchanger will not receive any thermal influence from the engine compartment and can be cooled markedly efficiently by snow powder stirred up during running. Further, provision of the heat exchanger outside the engine compartment makes it possible to reduce the engine height so realize deployment of a four-cycle engine. Further, this configuration enhances space saving in the engine compartment and is markedly effective in reducing the body height so avoid any loss of maneuverability.
Since the heat exchanger is disposed in front of the track, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, in the tunnel, it is possible to arrange it close to, and approximately below, the engine. Therefore, the connections such as pipes, etc. , can be shortened, thus making it possible to simplify the communication paths so reduce the cost.
Since the intercooler for cooling the air to be supplied to the engine is put into use as the heat exchanger, it is possible to efficiently cool the air which has been compressed and sent from the supercharger and hence is high in temperature to thereby improve the engine power.
Since the oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the heat exchanger, it is possible to efficiently cool the engine oil which is high in temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent oil film starvation hence prevent damage to the engine to thereby maintain the engine in a good running state.
Since the radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger, it is possible to ef ficiently cool the cooling water which is high in temperature .
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine from overheating so keep the engine in a good running state.
In accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above first feature is characterized in that an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the sixth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above second feature is characterized in that an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the seventh aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above first feature is characterized in that a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the eighth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above second feature is characterized in that a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as a heat exchanger.
In accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement 6a having the above first feature is characterized in that an integrated configuration comprised of an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the tenth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above second feature is characterized in that an integrated configuration comprised of an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
In accordance with the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above fifth feature is characterized in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
In accordance with the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above sixth feature is characterized in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
In accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above ninth feature is characterized in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
In accordance with the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement having the above tenth feature is characterized 6b in that a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
According to the present invention, since the heat exchanger for cooling the engine cooling water, engine oil or air to be supplied to the engine is arranged in the tunnel created inside the body frame for accomodating a track for driving, it is possible to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement in which the heat exchanger will not receive any thermal influence from the engine compartment and can be cooled markedly efficiently by snow powder stirred up during running. Further, provision of the heat exchanger outside the engine compartment makes it possible to reduce the engine height so realize deployment of a four-cycle engine. Further, this configuration enhances space saving in the engine compartment and is markedly effective in reducing the body height so avoid any loss of maneuverability.
Since the heat exchanger is disposed in front of the track, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, in the tunnel, it is possible to arrange it close to, and approximately below, the engine. Therefore, the connections such as pipes, etc. , can be shortened, thus making it possible to simplify the communication paths so reduce the cost.
Since the intercooler for cooling the air to be supplied to the engine is put into use as the heat exchanger, it is possible to efficiently cool the air which has been compressed and sent from the supercharger and hence is high in temperature to thereby improve the engine power.
Since the oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the heat exchanger, it is possible to efficiently cool the engine oil which is high in temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent oil film starvation hence prevent damage to the engine to thereby maintain the engine in a good running state.
Since the radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger, it is possible to ef ficiently cool the cooling water which is high in temperature .
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine from overheating so keep the engine in a good running state.
Since the oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and the radiator for cooling the engine cooling water are integrated as the heat exchanger, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of providing an oil cooler and radiator separately hence achieve space saving and reduce the number of parts.
Since a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler, the engine oil can be kept at a proper temperature .
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine oil from being excessively cooled, hence keep the engine in a good running state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig.l is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile having a conventional four-cycle engine mounted thereon;
Fig.2 is an illustrative view showing an overall configuration of a conventional snowmobile four-cycle engine:
Fig.3 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile employing a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement in accordance with the present invention;
Fig.4 is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile of a first variational example of the present invention;
Fig.5 is a sectional side view showing the bottom arrangement of an engine compartment of a second variational example of the present invention;
Fig.6 is a bottom view showing the bottom arrangement of the engine compartment;
Fig.7 is a sectional side view showing the bottom arrangement of an engine compartment of a third variational example of the present invention;
Fig.8 is a bottom view showing the bottom arrangement of the engine compartment;
Fig.9 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig.lO is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the first embodiment;
Fig.ll is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the second embodiment; and Fig.l2 is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig.3 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile employing a snowmobile 5 four-cycle engine arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
A snowmobile four-cycle engine according to the invention is arranged as shown in Fig. 3. That is, a four-cycle engine 2 having a cylinder head 3 at the top thereof 10 is arranged in an engine compartment 6 enclosed by a front cover 4 on the front body side of a snowmobile 1 and is inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with its crankshaft(not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and an intake path 5 on the top thereof .
Engine 2 employs a dry sump oil supplying system therein.
Now, the configuration of snowmobile 1 will be explained in detail.
Snowmobile 1 has a body frame 10 extending front to rear as shown in Figs.3 and 4 with a pair of steerable, ski-type runners 13 arranged on the left and right under the front frame, designated at il, so as to be turned to the left and right . Arranged under the rear frame, designated at 12 , is a tractive crawler 16 including a circulating continuous track belt 15. This crawler 16 comprises a drive wheel 17 arranged at the front end of rear frame 12, an idle wheel 18 arranged at the rear end and a multiple number of middle wheels 19, a suspension mechanism 20 and the track belt 15 wound around these wheels and driven circulatively.
Body frame 10 has a monocoque frame configuration . The front frame ( engine mount frame ) 11 on which engine 2 is mounted is comprised of a main part lla as a middle part, a front suspension housing llb projectively formed upward in front of the main part for accommodating the upper part of front suspension 13a for supporting steerable ski-type runners 13, and a track housing llc raised upwards and rearwards from the main part lla for accommodating the upper part of drive wheel 17 of crawler 16 . This track housing llc is continuously and integrally formed with rear frame 12.
The rear frame 12 is extended to the rear with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel and also functions as the cover for accommodating the whole crawler 16 under it .
A saddle type seat 22 is arranged on the top of rear frame 12 with steps 23 disposed below on both sides of seat 22.
A steering shaft 24 is provided extending upward substantially in the center of the body between seat 22 and front cover 4 while handlebars 26 extending horizontal to the left and right and inclined rearwards are attached at the top of steering shaft 24.
Disposed upright in front of handlebars 26 is awindshield 28, from the base of which front cover 4 is formed in a substantially streamline shape, or in a substantially hull-bottom shape gradually lowering to the front.
Steerable ski-like runners 13 are adapted to be steered via steering shaft 24 by handlebars 26.
Next, the configuration of engine 2 will be described in detail.
As shown in Fig. 3 , engine 2 is a four-cycle engine and is arranged at the approximate center of engine compartment 6 inside front cover 4 with its crankshaft(not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and its cylinder head 3 inclined at a large angle forwards in the vehicle's direction of travel.
An intake path 5 including a carburetor and throttle body is arranged on the upper side of the engine 2 body, an alternator 31 and air cleaner 32 being arranged to the rear, downstream of the intake path.
A flywheel (not shown) is disposed afi one end (on the lef t side with respect to the vehicle' s direction of travel ) of the crankshaft and a V-belt type stepless transmission(not shown ) incorporating a centrifugal clutch is arranged on the outer side of this flywheel. This stepless transmission is configured so as to transmit drive power to track belt 15 via gears etc., on the receiving side. A brake(not shown) is fitted at the other end of the receiving shaft of the stepless 13 ' transmission.
Arranged at the other end of the crankshaf t ( on the right side with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel) is a pulley 34 functioning as a transmission for driving auxiliary equipment so as to drive alternator 31 and a water pump 35.
A starter motor(not shown) is arranged in proximity to the flywheel on the top of the engine 2 body and under intake path 5 such as carburetor, throttle body etc. Disposed on the top of the engine 2 body is an intake manifold 37 which ~ branches the intake path 5 from carburetor 36 into the intake ports of the individual cylinders. The intake system of carburetor 36 and air cleaner 32 from intake manifold 37 is coupled and arranged above the top position of cylinder head 3 and extended to the rear.
This intake system is located under front cover 4 behind the base of windshield 28 from where it extends upward. The top part of cylinder head 3 is accommodated, without interference with other components , in the front inner side o:E front cover 4 where it gradually lowers toward the front .
As the exhaust system, an unillustrated exhaust manifold is extended from the cylinder case , designated at 39 , to the front of engine 2 and is connected to a supercharger 7. An exhaust path is created rearwards along the engine 2 body from this supercharger 7 located at the engine 2 front . That is, supercharger 7 is connected by way of the exhaust path to an unillustrated muffler arranged on one side in the rear of the engine.
As shown in Fig. 3, engine 2 is inclined forwards in engine compartment 6 and mounted on, and along, front frame 11 with an oil pan 38 arranged adjacent to inclined track housing llc and cylinder case 39 arranged adjacent to front suspension housing llb.
An oil tank 40 is arranged on the top of front suspension housing llb in front of and separately from, engine 2.
The engine oil distributed to parts of the engine returns into oil pan 38 and goes to the oil tank 40 via an oil strainer 41 and is re-supplied appropriately to the parts of the engine.
In main part lla constituting part of engine compartment bottom 6a, an opening port 50 for maintenance which establishes communication between engine compartment 6 and the external space and a lid element 51 for opening and closing the opening port 50 are provided at a position opposing the bottom of o:Ll pan 38 of engine 2.
Thisopening port 50 is approximately rectangular-shaped and has a size which allows for maintenance of oil pan 38 from the underside of engine compartment 6.
The one side of lid element 51 is engaged at one side of opening port 50 with a connecting means 52 such as a hinge etc . , so that the lid element will be able to pivotally open .
A .lock mechanism 53 is provided on the other side of lid element 51 so that lid element 51 can be positively fixed to engine compartment bottom 6a when opening 50 is closed.
Thus, since engine 2 of a dry sump type is arranged inclined forwards with the oil pan 38 at the bottom of 5 engine 2 close to main part lla, it becomes possible to arrange engine 2 in engine compartment 6 in a compact manner.
Since oil tank 40 is arranged in front of cylinder head 3 of engine 2, on the upper surface of front suspension housing 10 lib, which is projected into engine compartment 6, it is possible to provide a space saving engine arrangement by making the best use of the front space of engine 2. Further, this arrangement allows the oil tank to receive little thermal influence from the engine and makes it possible to cool the 15 engine oil effectively from the air flow during travel.
Further, since opening port 50 for maintenance is formed at a position opposing oil pan 38 of engine compartment 6a so as to allow maintenance work such as changing oil etc., to be performed outside engine compartment 6, the maintenance performance can be markedly improved.
Provision of opening port 50 in an openable and closable configuration has the advantage of not affecting the travel performance of the snowmobile.
Though the invention shows engine 2 arranged inclined forwards inside engine compartment 6, the present invention should not be limited to this. For example, as a first variational example, an engine 102 may be mounted substantially upright in engine compartment 6 as shown information Fig.4 with an oil tank 141 arranged on the top surface of front suspension housing llb located in front of the engine. It is understood that this arrangement is a simple extension of the present invention.
Further, oil tank 40 is arranged on the top surface of front suspension housing llb in front of engine 2.
However, the present invention should not be limited to this. For example, an oil tank 140 may be arranged on the top face of track housing llc behind engine 2 as is indicated by a broken line in Figs. 3 and 4. In this case, it is possible to provide a space saving arrangement by making effective use of the space over track housing llc behind engine 2. Further, since the oil tank is located apart from the heat source of the engine and can be cooled by snow powder stirred up during running, the engine oil can be cooled efficiently.
Though, hinged lid element 51 is provided so as to open and close the opening port 50 formed at engine compartment bottom 6a, the present invention should not be limited to this. For example, as a second variational example, a lid element 151 having an approximately congruent shape with an opening port 150 formed at the engine compartment bottom 6a can be provided separately.
Since a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler, the engine oil can be kept at a proper temperature .
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine oil from being excessively cooled, hence keep the engine in a good running state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig.l is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile having a conventional four-cycle engine mounted thereon;
Fig.2 is an illustrative view showing an overall configuration of a conventional snowmobile four-cycle engine:
Fig.3 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile employing a snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement in accordance with the present invention;
Fig.4 is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile of a first variational example of the present invention;
Fig.5 is a sectional side view showing the bottom arrangement of an engine compartment of a second variational example of the present invention;
Fig.6 is a bottom view showing the bottom arrangement of the engine compartment;
Fig.7 is a sectional side view showing the bottom arrangement of an engine compartment of a third variational example of the present invention;
Fig.8 is a bottom view showing the bottom arrangement of the engine compartment;
Fig.9 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig.lO is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the first embodiment;
Fig.ll is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the second embodiment; and Fig.l2 is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig.3 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile employing a snowmobile 5 four-cycle engine arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
A snowmobile four-cycle engine according to the invention is arranged as shown in Fig. 3. That is, a four-cycle engine 2 having a cylinder head 3 at the top thereof 10 is arranged in an engine compartment 6 enclosed by a front cover 4 on the front body side of a snowmobile 1 and is inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with its crankshaft(not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and an intake path 5 on the top thereof .
Engine 2 employs a dry sump oil supplying system therein.
Now, the configuration of snowmobile 1 will be explained in detail.
Snowmobile 1 has a body frame 10 extending front to rear as shown in Figs.3 and 4 with a pair of steerable, ski-type runners 13 arranged on the left and right under the front frame, designated at il, so as to be turned to the left and right . Arranged under the rear frame, designated at 12 , is a tractive crawler 16 including a circulating continuous track belt 15. This crawler 16 comprises a drive wheel 17 arranged at the front end of rear frame 12, an idle wheel 18 arranged at the rear end and a multiple number of middle wheels 19, a suspension mechanism 20 and the track belt 15 wound around these wheels and driven circulatively.
Body frame 10 has a monocoque frame configuration . The front frame ( engine mount frame ) 11 on which engine 2 is mounted is comprised of a main part lla as a middle part, a front suspension housing llb projectively formed upward in front of the main part for accommodating the upper part of front suspension 13a for supporting steerable ski-type runners 13, and a track housing llc raised upwards and rearwards from the main part lla for accommodating the upper part of drive wheel 17 of crawler 16 . This track housing llc is continuously and integrally formed with rear frame 12.
The rear frame 12 is extended to the rear with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel and also functions as the cover for accommodating the whole crawler 16 under it .
A saddle type seat 22 is arranged on the top of rear frame 12 with steps 23 disposed below on both sides of seat 22.
A steering shaft 24 is provided extending upward substantially in the center of the body between seat 22 and front cover 4 while handlebars 26 extending horizontal to the left and right and inclined rearwards are attached at the top of steering shaft 24.
Disposed upright in front of handlebars 26 is awindshield 28, from the base of which front cover 4 is formed in a substantially streamline shape, or in a substantially hull-bottom shape gradually lowering to the front.
Steerable ski-like runners 13 are adapted to be steered via steering shaft 24 by handlebars 26.
Next, the configuration of engine 2 will be described in detail.
As shown in Fig. 3 , engine 2 is a four-cycle engine and is arranged at the approximate center of engine compartment 6 inside front cover 4 with its crankshaft(not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and its cylinder head 3 inclined at a large angle forwards in the vehicle's direction of travel.
An intake path 5 including a carburetor and throttle body is arranged on the upper side of the engine 2 body, an alternator 31 and air cleaner 32 being arranged to the rear, downstream of the intake path.
A flywheel (not shown) is disposed afi one end (on the lef t side with respect to the vehicle' s direction of travel ) of the crankshaft and a V-belt type stepless transmission(not shown ) incorporating a centrifugal clutch is arranged on the outer side of this flywheel. This stepless transmission is configured so as to transmit drive power to track belt 15 via gears etc., on the receiving side. A brake(not shown) is fitted at the other end of the receiving shaft of the stepless 13 ' transmission.
Arranged at the other end of the crankshaf t ( on the right side with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel) is a pulley 34 functioning as a transmission for driving auxiliary equipment so as to drive alternator 31 and a water pump 35.
A starter motor(not shown) is arranged in proximity to the flywheel on the top of the engine 2 body and under intake path 5 such as carburetor, throttle body etc. Disposed on the top of the engine 2 body is an intake manifold 37 which ~ branches the intake path 5 from carburetor 36 into the intake ports of the individual cylinders. The intake system of carburetor 36 and air cleaner 32 from intake manifold 37 is coupled and arranged above the top position of cylinder head 3 and extended to the rear.
This intake system is located under front cover 4 behind the base of windshield 28 from where it extends upward. The top part of cylinder head 3 is accommodated, without interference with other components , in the front inner side o:E front cover 4 where it gradually lowers toward the front .
As the exhaust system, an unillustrated exhaust manifold is extended from the cylinder case , designated at 39 , to the front of engine 2 and is connected to a supercharger 7. An exhaust path is created rearwards along the engine 2 body from this supercharger 7 located at the engine 2 front . That is, supercharger 7 is connected by way of the exhaust path to an unillustrated muffler arranged on one side in the rear of the engine.
As shown in Fig. 3, engine 2 is inclined forwards in engine compartment 6 and mounted on, and along, front frame 11 with an oil pan 38 arranged adjacent to inclined track housing llc and cylinder case 39 arranged adjacent to front suspension housing llb.
An oil tank 40 is arranged on the top of front suspension housing llb in front of and separately from, engine 2.
The engine oil distributed to parts of the engine returns into oil pan 38 and goes to the oil tank 40 via an oil strainer 41 and is re-supplied appropriately to the parts of the engine.
In main part lla constituting part of engine compartment bottom 6a, an opening port 50 for maintenance which establishes communication between engine compartment 6 and the external space and a lid element 51 for opening and closing the opening port 50 are provided at a position opposing the bottom of o:Ll pan 38 of engine 2.
Thisopening port 50 is approximately rectangular-shaped and has a size which allows for maintenance of oil pan 38 from the underside of engine compartment 6.
The one side of lid element 51 is engaged at one side of opening port 50 with a connecting means 52 such as a hinge etc . , so that the lid element will be able to pivotally open .
A .lock mechanism 53 is provided on the other side of lid element 51 so that lid element 51 can be positively fixed to engine compartment bottom 6a when opening 50 is closed.
Thus, since engine 2 of a dry sump type is arranged inclined forwards with the oil pan 38 at the bottom of 5 engine 2 close to main part lla, it becomes possible to arrange engine 2 in engine compartment 6 in a compact manner.
Since oil tank 40 is arranged in front of cylinder head 3 of engine 2, on the upper surface of front suspension housing 10 lib, which is projected into engine compartment 6, it is possible to provide a space saving engine arrangement by making the best use of the front space of engine 2. Further, this arrangement allows the oil tank to receive little thermal influence from the engine and makes it possible to cool the 15 engine oil effectively from the air flow during travel.
Further, since opening port 50 for maintenance is formed at a position opposing oil pan 38 of engine compartment 6a so as to allow maintenance work such as changing oil etc., to be performed outside engine compartment 6, the maintenance performance can be markedly improved.
Provision of opening port 50 in an openable and closable configuration has the advantage of not affecting the travel performance of the snowmobile.
Though the invention shows engine 2 arranged inclined forwards inside engine compartment 6, the present invention should not be limited to this. For example, as a first variational example, an engine 102 may be mounted substantially upright in engine compartment 6 as shown information Fig.4 with an oil tank 141 arranged on the top surface of front suspension housing llb located in front of the engine. It is understood that this arrangement is a simple extension of the present invention.
Further, oil tank 40 is arranged on the top surface of front suspension housing llb in front of engine 2.
However, the present invention should not be limited to this. For example, an oil tank 140 may be arranged on the top face of track housing llc behind engine 2 as is indicated by a broken line in Figs. 3 and 4. In this case, it is possible to provide a space saving arrangement by making effective use of the space over track housing llc behind engine 2. Further, since the oil tank is located apart from the heat source of the engine and can be cooled by snow powder stirred up during running, the engine oil can be cooled efficiently.
Though, hinged lid element 51 is provided so as to open and close the opening port 50 formed at engine compartment bottom 6a, the present invention should not be limited to this. For example, as a second variational example, a lid element 151 having an approximately congruent shape with an opening port 150 formed at the engine compartment bottom 6a can be provided separately.
That is, the lid element my be fitted to the opening port 150 and integrally fixed to engine compartment bottom 6a with fasteners 152 such as fastening bolts or the like.
In the drawing, reference numeral 153 denotes a threaded hole to secure screw fastener 152.
In this case, opening port 150 may be depressedly formed into the engine compartment 6 by a height approximately equal to the thickness of lid element 151. This makes it possible to arrange the lid element 151 substantially flush with the engine compartment bottom 6a, providing a refined appearance as well as reducing air drag during travel.
As a third variational example, as shown in Figs . 7 and 8, an opening port 250 with its inner periphery formed with a thread 250a may be formed on engine compartment bottom 6a so as to be pro jected into engine compartment 6 while a lid element 251 with a thread 251a, mating the thread 250a, formed on. its outer periphery may be provided separately. In this case, since no other fastener is needed when lid element 251 is attached to opening port 250, it is possible to improve work performance as well as to use fewer components so reduce the cost.
Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Fig.9 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. LO is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of the same snowmobile four-cycle engine.
A snowmobile four-cycle engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. That is, similar to what is previously described, a four-cycle engine 2 (to be referred to herein-below as engine) having a cylinder head 3 at the top thereof is arranged in an engine compartment 6 enclosed by a front cover 4 on the front body side of a snowmobile 1 and inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with its crankshaft (not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and an intake path 5 on the top of the inclined engine 2 body. A supercharger (turbocharger) 7 is arranged separately from the engine 2 body while an intercooler 8 for cooling intake air sent from this supercharger 7 to the engine 2 body is arranged at the front side, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, inside the tunnel that is formed on the inner side of a body frame 10 in which an aftermentioned drive track belt 15 is accommodated.
Here, the configuration of snowmobile 1 is generally the same as previously described except that the rear frame, designated at 12, has a tunnel-like configuration from the body front to the rear, i.e., with the inner side depressed upwards from the bottom, so as to function as a cover accommodating the whole track belt 15 under it.
Next, the configuration of engine 2 will be described in detail.
As shown in Figs.9 and 10, engine 2 is a four-cycle three-cylinder engine having its cylinder head 3 on top and is arranged at the approximate center of engine compartment 6 inside front cover 4 with its crankshaft(not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and its cylinder head 3 inclined at a large angle ( a . g. , more than 45 degrees forwards) in the vehicle's direction of travel. Other arrangement is the same as ;previously described.
Next, the intake system will be described.
In the arrangement of the intake system, the parts to be disposed on the upper side of engine 2 are positioned under front cover 4 behind the base of windshield 28 from where it extends upward while the parts to be disposed in front of cylinder head 3 are accommodated, so as not to interfere with other components, on the front inner side of front cover 4 where it gradually lowers toward the front.
Disposed on the top of engine 2 is an intake manifold 3? which branches the intake path 5 from carburetor 36 .into the intake ports of the individual cylinders.
A supercharger 7 is arranged in front the engine 2 and an air cleaner 32 is disposed at the frontmost space in engine compartment 6.
An intercooler 8 is arranged in proximity to engine 2 at its rear bottom, but outside engine compartment 6 and on the inner side of body frame 10.
One end of supercharger 7 is connected to an intake passage 5 7a extended forwards so that the supercharger is connected to air cleaner 32 via this intake air passage 7a.
The other end of supercharger.? is connected to intercooler 8 via an intake air passage 7b which starts from the front side of engine 2 and is bent along the side face 10 of engine 2, in an L-shape as viewed from the top, extended to the rear and bent downwards, in a sectional view, near the engine crankshaft.
An intake air passage 8a is connected to the outlet side .
of the intercooler 8. This intake air passage 8a extends 15 upwards approximately vertically from the engine Z bottom and is connected to carburetor 36 arranged over the engine 2.
For air supply to engine 2, air is introduced from the body front via air cleaner 32 into supercharger 7 , where the 20 air is compressed and sent to intercooler 8. In the intercooler 8, the air which has become high in temperature through supercharger 7 is cooled and sent to carburetor 36 , from where air is supplied to individual cylinders in engine 2 via intake manifold 37.
On the other hand, the exhaust path starts from cylinder case 39 toward the front side of engine 2 and is connected to the inlet side of supercharger 7 via an exhaust manifold 41. The outlet side of supercharger 7 is connected to an exhaust passage 42, which is extended from the front side of the engine 2 body to the rear along the engine 2 body and connected to a muffler 43 arranged at one side behind the engine.
Next, mounting of engine 2 will be described.
As shown in Fig . 9 , engine 2 is inclined forwards in engine compartment 6 and mounted on, and along, front frame 11 with an oil pan 38 arranged adjacent to inclined track housing llc and cylinder case 39 arranged adjacent to suspension housing llb.
The engine 2 is attached to track housing llc by a pair of oil-pan side brackets 45 on the rear side and to suspension housing llb by a pair of cylinder-case side brackets 46 on the front side. Both the oil-pan side brackets 45 and cylinder-case side brackets 46 are angled fittings and arranged left and right . Shock absorbers 47 such as cushion rubber are interposed at the fastening sites to front frame 11 so that the engine is supported floatingly on front frame 11.
According to the first embodiment as above, since intake path 5 is arranged on the upper side of engine 2 , supercharger 7 and air cleaner 32 are disposed in front of the engine in engine compartment 6 while intercooler 8 is placed outside engine compartment 6 and inside body frame 10, it is possible to realize a compact engine layout and markedly improve the cooling performance of intercooler 8 by eliminating any thermal effect from engine 2 and cooling it by snow powder stirred up during running, to thereby enhance the charging efficiency of intake air.
By arranging the intake path and exhaust path from the front side toward the rear of engine 2 along its body side, it is possible to improve the cooling effect on the intake and exhaust path by air flow during travel.
Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 11 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of the snowmobile four-cycle engine. Here, the parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment are allotted with the same reference numerals without description.
A snowmobile four-cycle engine according to the second embodiment is arranged as shown in Figs. il and 12. That is, a four-cycle engine 102 (to be referred to hereinbelow as engine) having a cylinder head 3 at the top thereof is arranged in an engine compartment 6 enclosed by a front cover 4 on the front body aide of a snowmobile 100 and with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with its crankshaft (not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and an intake path 5 on the top of the inclined engine 2 body.
An oil cooler 108 is arranged at the front side, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, in the tunnel that is formed on the inner side of a body frame 10. This oil cooler 108 has a thermostat valve(not shown) between its inlet and outlet oil paths.
An intake path 5 including a carburetor and throttle body is arranged on the upper side of the engine 102 body, an alternator 31 and air cleaner 132 being arranged to the rear, downstream of the intake path.
According to the second embodiment as above, since intake path 5 and air cleaner 132 are arranged on the upper side of engine 102, oil cooler 108 is placed outside engine compartment 6 and in the front inner side of body frame 10, it is possible to realize a compact engine layout. Further, since oil cooler 108 is arranged at the front side, with respect to the vehicle's direction to travel, in the tunnel that is formed on the inner side of body frame 10 so that it will not receive any thermal influence from engine 102, it is possible to efficiently cool the engine oil which is high in temperature by snow powder stirred up during travel.
In the drawing, reference numeral 153 denotes a threaded hole to secure screw fastener 152.
In this case, opening port 150 may be depressedly formed into the engine compartment 6 by a height approximately equal to the thickness of lid element 151. This makes it possible to arrange the lid element 151 substantially flush with the engine compartment bottom 6a, providing a refined appearance as well as reducing air drag during travel.
As a third variational example, as shown in Figs . 7 and 8, an opening port 250 with its inner periphery formed with a thread 250a may be formed on engine compartment bottom 6a so as to be pro jected into engine compartment 6 while a lid element 251 with a thread 251a, mating the thread 250a, formed on. its outer periphery may be provided separately. In this case, since no other fastener is needed when lid element 251 is attached to opening port 250, it is possible to improve work performance as well as to use fewer components so reduce the cost.
Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Fig.9 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. LO is a partially sectional plan view showing an overall configuration of the same snowmobile four-cycle engine.
A snowmobile four-cycle engine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. That is, similar to what is previously described, a four-cycle engine 2 (to be referred to herein-below as engine) having a cylinder head 3 at the top thereof is arranged in an engine compartment 6 enclosed by a front cover 4 on the front body side of a snowmobile 1 and inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with its crankshaft (not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and an intake path 5 on the top of the inclined engine 2 body. A supercharger (turbocharger) 7 is arranged separately from the engine 2 body while an intercooler 8 for cooling intake air sent from this supercharger 7 to the engine 2 body is arranged at the front side, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, inside the tunnel that is formed on the inner side of a body frame 10 in which an aftermentioned drive track belt 15 is accommodated.
Here, the configuration of snowmobile 1 is generally the same as previously described except that the rear frame, designated at 12, has a tunnel-like configuration from the body front to the rear, i.e., with the inner side depressed upwards from the bottom, so as to function as a cover accommodating the whole track belt 15 under it.
Next, the configuration of engine 2 will be described in detail.
As shown in Figs.9 and 10, engine 2 is a four-cycle three-cylinder engine having its cylinder head 3 on top and is arranged at the approximate center of engine compartment 6 inside front cover 4 with its crankshaft(not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and its cylinder head 3 inclined at a large angle ( a . g. , more than 45 degrees forwards) in the vehicle's direction of travel. Other arrangement is the same as ;previously described.
Next, the intake system will be described.
In the arrangement of the intake system, the parts to be disposed on the upper side of engine 2 are positioned under front cover 4 behind the base of windshield 28 from where it extends upward while the parts to be disposed in front of cylinder head 3 are accommodated, so as not to interfere with other components, on the front inner side of front cover 4 where it gradually lowers toward the front.
Disposed on the top of engine 2 is an intake manifold 3? which branches the intake path 5 from carburetor 36 .into the intake ports of the individual cylinders.
A supercharger 7 is arranged in front the engine 2 and an air cleaner 32 is disposed at the frontmost space in engine compartment 6.
An intercooler 8 is arranged in proximity to engine 2 at its rear bottom, but outside engine compartment 6 and on the inner side of body frame 10.
One end of supercharger 7 is connected to an intake passage 5 7a extended forwards so that the supercharger is connected to air cleaner 32 via this intake air passage 7a.
The other end of supercharger.? is connected to intercooler 8 via an intake air passage 7b which starts from the front side of engine 2 and is bent along the side face 10 of engine 2, in an L-shape as viewed from the top, extended to the rear and bent downwards, in a sectional view, near the engine crankshaft.
An intake air passage 8a is connected to the outlet side .
of the intercooler 8. This intake air passage 8a extends 15 upwards approximately vertically from the engine Z bottom and is connected to carburetor 36 arranged over the engine 2.
For air supply to engine 2, air is introduced from the body front via air cleaner 32 into supercharger 7 , where the 20 air is compressed and sent to intercooler 8. In the intercooler 8, the air which has become high in temperature through supercharger 7 is cooled and sent to carburetor 36 , from where air is supplied to individual cylinders in engine 2 via intake manifold 37.
On the other hand, the exhaust path starts from cylinder case 39 toward the front side of engine 2 and is connected to the inlet side of supercharger 7 via an exhaust manifold 41. The outlet side of supercharger 7 is connected to an exhaust passage 42, which is extended from the front side of the engine 2 body to the rear along the engine 2 body and connected to a muffler 43 arranged at one side behind the engine.
Next, mounting of engine 2 will be described.
As shown in Fig . 9 , engine 2 is inclined forwards in engine compartment 6 and mounted on, and along, front frame 11 with an oil pan 38 arranged adjacent to inclined track housing llc and cylinder case 39 arranged adjacent to suspension housing llb.
The engine 2 is attached to track housing llc by a pair of oil-pan side brackets 45 on the rear side and to suspension housing llb by a pair of cylinder-case side brackets 46 on the front side. Both the oil-pan side brackets 45 and cylinder-case side brackets 46 are angled fittings and arranged left and right . Shock absorbers 47 such as cushion rubber are interposed at the fastening sites to front frame 11 so that the engine is supported floatingly on front frame 11.
According to the first embodiment as above, since intake path 5 is arranged on the upper side of engine 2 , supercharger 7 and air cleaner 32 are disposed in front of the engine in engine compartment 6 while intercooler 8 is placed outside engine compartment 6 and inside body frame 10, it is possible to realize a compact engine layout and markedly improve the cooling performance of intercooler 8 by eliminating any thermal effect from engine 2 and cooling it by snow powder stirred up during running, to thereby enhance the charging efficiency of intake air.
By arranging the intake path and exhaust path from the front side toward the rear of engine 2 along its body side, it is possible to improve the cooling effect on the intake and exhaust path by air flow during travel.
Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 11 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of a snowmobile four-cycle engine of the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a partially sectional side view showing an overall configuration of the snowmobile four-cycle engine. Here, the parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment are allotted with the same reference numerals without description.
A snowmobile four-cycle engine according to the second embodiment is arranged as shown in Figs. il and 12. That is, a four-cycle engine 102 (to be referred to hereinbelow as engine) having a cylinder head 3 at the top thereof is arranged in an engine compartment 6 enclosed by a front cover 4 on the front body aide of a snowmobile 100 and with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with its crankshaft (not shown) laid substantially parallel to the body width and an intake path 5 on the top of the inclined engine 2 body.
An oil cooler 108 is arranged at the front side, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, in the tunnel that is formed on the inner side of a body frame 10. This oil cooler 108 has a thermostat valve(not shown) between its inlet and outlet oil paths.
An intake path 5 including a carburetor and throttle body is arranged on the upper side of the engine 102 body, an alternator 31 and air cleaner 132 being arranged to the rear, downstream of the intake path.
According to the second embodiment as above, since intake path 5 and air cleaner 132 are arranged on the upper side of engine 102, oil cooler 108 is placed outside engine compartment 6 and in the front inner side of body frame 10, it is possible to realize a compact engine layout. Further, since oil cooler 108 is arranged at the front side, with respect to the vehicle's direction to travel, in the tunnel that is formed on the inner side of body frame 10 so that it will not receive any thermal influence from engine 102, it is possible to efficiently cool the engine oil which is high in temperature by snow powder stirred up during travel.
Therefore, it is passible to prevent oil film starvation hence prevent damage to the engine to thereby maintain the engine in a good running state.
Further, since a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler 108, it is possible to prevent the engine oil from being excessively cooled so keep the engine in a good running state.
In the above embodiments, intercooler 8 or oil cooler 108 is put into use as a heat exchanger and arranged inside the tunnel-like hollow inside body frame 10. However, the present invention should not be limited to this arrangement .
Far example, the radiator may be arranged inside body frame 10. In this case, the engine cooling water can be efficiently cooled so that the engine can be prevented from overheating, thus making it possible to keep the engine in a good running state.
Further, in the present invention, the oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and the radiator for cooling the engine cooling water may be configured integrally and is put into use as the heat exchanger. In this case, it is possible to provide a space saving arrangement and reduce the number of parts because of being needless of providing an oil cooler and radiator separately.
As has been described heretofore, according to the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement of the present invention, since the oil tank is arranged in the engine compartment, separately from the engine, it is possible to make the use of a four-cycle engine feasible as well as realizing space saving by making efficient use of the space inside the 5 engine compartment.
Further, since an openable/closable maintenance opening is provided at the bottom of the engine compartment, this arrangement is markedly effective in improving the workability of maintenance when changing oil and the like.
10 Since a heat exchanger for cooling the engine cooling water, engine oil or air to be supplied to the engine is disposed inside the tunnel that is formed inside the body frame, instead of arranging it inside the engine compartment, it is possible to achieve space saving inside the engine compartment and 15 reduce the engine height, whereby it is possible to realize deployment of a four-cycle engine, which is environment-conscious.
Finally, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine which is 20 markedly improved in its cooling performance by snow powder stirred up during running.
Further, since a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler 108, it is possible to prevent the engine oil from being excessively cooled so keep the engine in a good running state.
In the above embodiments, intercooler 8 or oil cooler 108 is put into use as a heat exchanger and arranged inside the tunnel-like hollow inside body frame 10. However, the present invention should not be limited to this arrangement .
Far example, the radiator may be arranged inside body frame 10. In this case, the engine cooling water can be efficiently cooled so that the engine can be prevented from overheating, thus making it possible to keep the engine in a good running state.
Further, in the present invention, the oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and the radiator for cooling the engine cooling water may be configured integrally and is put into use as the heat exchanger. In this case, it is possible to provide a space saving arrangement and reduce the number of parts because of being needless of providing an oil cooler and radiator separately.
As has been described heretofore, according to the snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement of the present invention, since the oil tank is arranged in the engine compartment, separately from the engine, it is possible to make the use of a four-cycle engine feasible as well as realizing space saving by making efficient use of the space inside the 5 engine compartment.
Further, since an openable/closable maintenance opening is provided at the bottom of the engine compartment, this arrangement is markedly effective in improving the workability of maintenance when changing oil and the like.
10 Since a heat exchanger for cooling the engine cooling water, engine oil or air to be supplied to the engine is disposed inside the tunnel that is formed inside the body frame, instead of arranging it inside the engine compartment, it is possible to achieve space saving inside the engine compartment and 15 reduce the engine height, whereby it is possible to realize deployment of a four-cycle engine, which is environment-conscious.
Finally, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a snowmobile four-cycle engine which is 20 markedly improved in its cooling performance by snow powder stirred up during running.
Claims (14)
1. A snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement, comprising:
a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head on the top thereof and arranged in an engine compartment formed in the front body of a snowmobile with its crankshaft laid substantially parallel to the body width and its engine body inclined forwards with respect to the snowmobile's direction of travel; and an intake path on the upper face of the engine body, characterized in that a heat exchanger for cooling the engine cooling water, engine oil or air to be supplied to the engine is arranged in the tunnel created inside a body frame for accommodating a track for driving.
a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head on the top thereof and arranged in an engine compartment formed in the front body of a snowmobile with its crankshaft laid substantially parallel to the body width and its engine body inclined forwards with respect to the snowmobile's direction of travel; and an intake path on the upper face of the engine body, characterized in that a heat exchanger for cooling the engine cooling water, engine oil or air to be supplied to the engine is arranged in the tunnel created inside a body frame for accommodating a track for driving.
2. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is disposed in front of the track, with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel, inside the tunnel.
3. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 1, wherein an intercooler for cooling the air to be supplied to the engine is put into use as the heat exchanger.
4. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 2, wherein an intercooler for cooling the air to be supplied to the engine is put into use as the heat exchanger.
5. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 1, wherein an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the heat exchanger.
6. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 2, wherein an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil is put into use as the hear exchanger.
7. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
8. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 2, wherein a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
9. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 1, wherein an integrated configuration comprised of an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
10. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 2, wherein an integrated configuration comprised of an oil cooler for cooling the engine oil and a radiator for cooling the engine cooling water is put into use as the heat exchanger.
11. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 5, wherein a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
12. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 6, wherein a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
13. The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 9, wherein a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
14 The snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement according to claim 10, wherein a thermostat is interposed in the oil path of the oil cooler.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000270363A JP3890868B2 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2000-09-06 | Structure of 4-cycle engine for snowmobile |
| JP2000-270363 | 2000-09-06 | ||
| JP2000285417A JP4069579B2 (en) | 2000-09-20 | 2000-09-20 | Structure of 4-cycle engine for snowmobile |
| JP2000-285417 | 2000-09-20 | ||
| CA002356599A CA2356599C (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2001-09-05 | Snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002356599A Division CA2356599C (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2001-09-05 | Snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2496716A1 CA2496716A1 (en) | 2002-03-06 |
| CA2496716C true CA2496716C (en) | 2007-05-01 |
Family
ID=34426444
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002496716A Expired - Fee Related CA2496716C (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2001-09-05 | A snowmobile engine arrangement having an improved heat exchanger configuration |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2496716C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10865700B2 (en) | 2017-07-10 | 2020-12-15 | Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. | Air intake and exhaust systems for a snowmobile engine |
| US11598250B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2023-03-07 | Brp-Rotax Gmbh & Co. Kg | Exhaust system for an engine |
-
2001
- 2001-09-05 CA CA002496716A patent/CA2496716C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10865700B2 (en) | 2017-07-10 | 2020-12-15 | Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. | Air intake and exhaust systems for a snowmobile engine |
| US11802506B2 (en) | 2017-07-10 | 2023-10-31 | Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. | Air intake and exhaust systems for a snowmobile engine |
| US11598250B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2023-03-07 | Brp-Rotax Gmbh & Co. Kg | Exhaust system for an engine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2496716A1 (en) | 2002-03-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |