US20130032420A1 - Snowmobile - Google Patents
Snowmobile Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130032420A1 US20130032420A1 US13/564,227 US201213564227A US2013032420A1 US 20130032420 A1 US20130032420 A1 US 20130032420A1 US 201213564227 A US201213564227 A US 201213564227A US 2013032420 A1 US2013032420 A1 US 2013032420A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- snowmobile
- tunnel
- adhesive
- coupled
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M27/00—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
- B62M27/02—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/104—Suspension devices for wheels, rollers, bogies or frames
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K19/00—Cycle frames
- B62K19/18—Joints between frame members
- B62K19/22—Adhesive joints
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M27/00—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
- B62M27/02—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven
- B62M2027/026—Snow mobiles characterised by the suspension means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M27/00—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
- B62M27/02—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven
- B62M2027/028—Snow mobiles characterised by chassis or bodywork
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to snowmobiles and, more particularly, to snowmobiles for use in deep snow applications.
- snowmobiles are available for various applications such as deep snow, high performance, luxury touring, and trail riding, for example.
- certain structural components are common to many snowmobiles.
- snowmobiles typically include a frame, a track assembly, a power train, skis, and at least one suspension system, as are illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0139528, filed on Feb. 14, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-22547.03P-01), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0192667, filed on Feb. 4, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,898, issued on Apr.
- a frame includes a tunnel and a front chassis portion which retains the power train, and a front suspension that mounts skis to the frame.
- a drive shaft is typically mounted to the front chassis portion and includes drive sprockets for powering the belt.
- a chain case is also typically provided to transfer power from an engine or CVT to the drive shaft.
- one common characteristic is to provide an elongated endless belt to provide a longer footprint for the belt, and a lower pressure for the snowmobile for flotation in deep snow.
- An elongated tunnel is also provided to cover the extended belt.
- a front body typically surrounds at least the front frame portion to enclose the engine and other mechanical components.
- a snowmobile comprises a chassis with a tunnel, a power train unit that is supported by the chassis, and an endless track that is operably coupled to the power train unit.
- the snowmobile further comprises a first running board that is positioned to a first side of the tunnel, and a second running board that is positioned to a second side of the tunnel.
- the first and second running boards are removably coupled to the tunnel.
- a snowmobile comprises a chassis having a tunnel, the tunnel comprising a top wall and sidewalls; and a running board assembly coupled to each of the tunnel side walls for supporting the operator's feet, the running board assembly comprising a running board platform being discrete from the tunnel.
- FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a clutch side of an illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure
- FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of a belt drive side of the snowmobile of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a front frame portion of the illustrative snowmobile
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the front frame portion and front suspension assembly of the illustrative snowmobile
- FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of a power train unit of the snowmobile of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the portion of the power train unit of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an upper sprocket of the illustrative power train unit
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a lower sprocket of the illustrative power train unit
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the upper sprocket of FIG. 7 , taken along line 9 - 9 of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lower sprocket of FIG. 8 , taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a tool for assembling a belt drive shaft of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 12 is front perspective view of a drive shaft of the illustrative power train unit
- FIG. 13 is an end view of the drive shaft of FIG. 12 with an end cap removed;
- FIG. 14A is an exploded view of the illustrative drive shaft of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14B is a further exploded view of the illustrative drive shaft
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the illustrative drive shaft
- FIG. 16 is a side plan view of an endless track of the illustrative snowmobile supported on the drive shaft;
- FIG. 17 is a front view of the front frame portion of the snowmobile of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front suspension and a ski of the snowmobile
- FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of the front suspension of the snowmobile.
- FIG. 20A is an exploded view of the lower control arm of the front suspension of FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 20B is an exploded view of a shock absorber of the front suspension coupled to the lower control arm;
- FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of a bracket of the lower control arm of FIG. 20 ;
- FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the lower control arm of and the bracket of FIG. 21A ;
- FIG. 22 is bottom perspective view of the front frame portion of the snowmobile
- FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of an overstructure of the illustrative front frame portion of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the overstructure of FIG. 23 ;
- FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a portion of the overstructure of the present disclosure, including frame tubes and couplers;
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the frame tubes and couplers of FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of a steering assembly of the illustrative snowmobile.
- FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of the front frame portion of the snowmobile and including a brace tube;
- FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the front frame portion and the brace tube of the illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a steering rod of the illustrative steering assembly of FIG. 27 ;
- FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the illustrative steering rod of FIG. 30 ;
- FIG. 32A is a cross-sectional view of a drag arm of the illustrative steering assembly of FIG. 27 ;
- FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the illustrative drag arm of FIG. 27 ;
- FIG. 33A is a rear perspective view of the illustrative steering assembly showing an auxiliary power button
- FIG. 33B is a detailed side perspective view of the auxiliary power button of FIG. 33A ;
- FIG. 33C is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the steering assembly of FIG. 33A ;
- FIG. 34A is a bottom perspective view of a rear suspension and a tunnel of the illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure
- FIG. 34B is an exploded perspective view of a shock absorber of the rear suspension
- FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the tunnel of FIG. 34 ;
- FIG. 36 is a side perspective view of the tunnel of FIG. 35 ;
- FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the tunnel of the present disclosure including recessed channels
- FIG. 38 is a detailed view of the recessed channels of the tunnel of FIG. 37 ;
- FIG. 39A is an exploded view of a seat assembly of the illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 39B is a further exploded view of the seat assembly of FIG. 39A ;
- FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the seat assembly with the seat cover removed;
- FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view of the seat assembly along a longitudinal axis of the seat assembly
- FIG. 42 is a rear cross-sectional view of the seat assembly
- FIG. 43 is a side view of the running board assembly and a toe grip assembly of the illustrative snowmobile
- FIG. 44 is a side perspective view of a portion of the running board assembly of FIG. 43 ;
- FIG. 45A is an exploded view of a bracket and an elongate frame member of the running board assembly of FIG. 43 ;
- FIG. 45B is an exploded view of an elbow and the elongate member of the running board assembly of FIG. 43 ;
- FIG. 46A is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the bracket of FIG. 45A ;
- FIG. 46B is s cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the elbow of FIG. 45B ;
- FIG. 47A is a side perspective view of a front torque arm of the rear suspension
- FIG. 47B is an exploded view of a front torque arm of the rear suspension of FIG. 34 ;
- FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the front torque arm of FIG. 47A ;
- FIG. 49 is a bottom perspective view of a rail assembly and the drive shaft of the snowmobile of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 50A is a top perspective view of a mount for a regulator of the illustrative snowmobile
- FIG. 50B is a bottom perspective view of the mount of FIG. 50A ;
- FIG. 51A is a front perspective view of a mount for a solenoid and EV coils of the illustrative snowmobile
- FIG. 51B is a bottom perspective view of the mount of FIG. 51A ;
- FIG. 51C is cross-sectional view of the mount of FIG. 51A , taken along line 51 C- 51 C of FIG. 51A ;
- FIG. 52 is a portion of an endless track of the snowmobile
- FIG. 53 shows a side view of a current version snowmobile
- FIG. 54 shows a front left perspective view of the main portions of a deep snow snowmobile
- FIG. 55 shows a left side view of the snowmobile of FIG. 54 ;
- FIG. 56 shows an underside perspective view of the snowmobile front frame
- FIG. 57 shows a right hand side enlarged view of the snowmobile of FIG. 54 ;
- FIG. 58 shows an enlarged view of the front left ski and its attachment to the suspension system
- FIG. 59 shows an enlarged portion of the left front end of the snowmobile of FIG. 55 ;
- FIG. 60 shows a cross sectional view through lines 60 - 60 of FIG. 59 ;
- an illustrative embodiment of a snowmobile 10 includes a chassis or frame 12 including a front frame portion 12 a and a rear frame portion 12 b .
- Front frame portion 12 a is supported by front ground-engaging members, illustratively skis 14
- rear frame portion 12 b is supported by a rear ground-engaging member, illustratively an endless track 16 .
- Front skis 14 are operably coupled to a front suspension assembly 18
- endless track 16 cooperates with a rear suspension assembly 20 .
- Snowmobile 10 also includes a seat assembly 22 , a front outer body (not shown), and a steering assembly 26 .
- a power train unit 30 ( FIG. 5 ) is covered by an outer body panel (not shown) and provides power to endless track 16 to move snowmobile 10 .
- power train unit 30 is supported by front frame portion 12 a and includes an engine 28 ( FIG. 1A ), a clutch assembly 32 of the continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) type, a belt drive assembly 34 , a drive shaft 36 , and a jackshaft 38 .
- a brake assembly 84 may be positioned adjacent jackshaft 38 .
- frame 12 includes a bulkhead 186 coupled to tunnel 39 .
- Bulkhead 186 comprises a front casting having mirror image castings 188 and 190 ( FIG. 28 ). Bulkhead 186 extends along the right (denoted as 186 a ) and left side (denoted as 186 b ) of front frame portion 12 a .
- Bulkhead 186 further comprises an engine cradle 40 coupled to right and left castings 188 , 190 to support power train unit 30 .
- Engine cradle 40 includes a plurality of bushings to support engine 28 therein.
- Bulkhead member 186 a illustratively supports belt drive assembly 34 and bulkhead member 186 b illustratively supports clutch assembly 32 ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ).
- engine 28 is coupled to an exhaust assembly 86 which receives exhaust gases from engine 28 .
- Exhaust assembly 86 is in fluid communication with a resonator 87 to expel the exhaust gases from a fluid port (not shown) in resonator 87 .
- Resonator 87 is coupled to a resonator mount 88 supported by bulkhead 186 .
- resonator mount 88 is adjacent bulkhead member 186 a and spans engine cradle 40 .
- Resonator mount 88 has spring connections for coupling to resonator 87 .
- the construction and materials of resonator mount 88 may contribute to an overall weight reduction of snowmobile 10 relative to a conventional mounting apparatus (e.g., a saddle mount).
- engine 28 is operably coupled to clutch assembly 32 through the crankshaft (not shown) of engine 28 . More particularly, clutch assembly 32 couples engine 28 to drive shaft 36 . Clutch assembly also includes a housing 33 . While illustrative clutch assembly 32 includes a CVT, clutch assembly 32 may embody other types of clutches. As is known, a CVT includes a drive clutch (not shown), which is operably coupled to engine 28 , and a driven clutch 44 . Driven clutch 44 is illustratively supported by bulkhead member 186 b ( FIG. 6 ) and is coupled to the drive clutch through a drive belt (not shown).
- Belt drive assembly 34 includes a housing 46 , an upper sprocket 48 , a lower sprocket 50 , and a belt 52 .
- housing 46 is supported by bulkhead 186 , illustratively bulkhead member 186 a , and is coupled thereto with conventional fasteners.
- Upper sprocket 48 is operably coupled to lower sprocket 50 with belt 52 .
- Illustrative upper sprocket 48 has a smaller diameter than that of lower sprocket 50 , however, the size of upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 may change to accommodate different gearing ratios.
- upper sprocket 48 includes a hub 56 and a center portion 58 .
- Hub 56 includes outer teeth 54 that rotatably couple with belt 52 , and a guide flange 49 to retain belt 52 on upper sprocket 48 .
- Guide flange 49 extends from the outer side of upper sprocket 48 and is adjacent outer teeth 54 .
- Hub 56 is integrally formed around center portion 58 , and more particularly, is cast around center portion 58 .
- Center portion 58 includes an inner spline 60 which operably couples upper sprocket 48 to jackshaft 38 .
- Center portion 58 also includes a profiled outer surface.
- the profiled outer surface of center portion 58 includes extension members 62 , which may be teeth, projections, guides, cogs, ribs, or other members extending from center portion 58 .
- the profiled outer surface of center portion 58 may also be otherwise formed, such as with indentations, recesses, or grooves, for example.
- portions of hub 56 are cast between extension members 62 of center portion 58 .
- Lower sprocket 50 also includes a hub 66 and a center portion 68 .
- Hub 66 includes outer teeth 64 and a guide flange 70 .
- Outer teeth 64 rotatably couple belt 52 to lower sprocket 50 .
- Guide flange 70 extends outwardly from the inner surface of lower sprocket 50 and is adjacent to outer teeth 64 .
- Guide flange 70 of lower sprocket 50 cooperates with guide flange 49 of upper sprocket 48 to closely align the center of gravity of belt 52 with the center of gravity of upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 .
- hub 66 of lower sprocket 50 is integrally formed around center portion 68 , more particularly, is cast around center portion 68 .
- Center portion 68 includes an inner spline 72 which operably couples lower sprocket 50 to drive shaft 36 .
- Center portion 68 also includes a profiled outer surface.
- the profiled outer surface of center portion 68 includes extension members 74 , which may be teeth, projections, guides, cogs, ribs, or other members extending from center portion 68 .
- center portions 58 , 68 may be comprised of metal, for example a powdered metal, and formed through a conventional sintering process. Center portions 58 , 68 are formed prior to forming upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 .
- center portions 58 , 68 are formed and positioned within a cast or mold prior to casting upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 so as to be integrally formed in the center portion of upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 .
- upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 may be coated or plated.
- illustrative upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 are electroplated with a metal.
- the metal may be nickel or chrome, for example.
- center portions 58 , 68 may be covered, masked, or otherwise sealed to prevent damaging or undesirably altering center portions 58 , 68 .
- Upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 may also undergo further treatment processes, such as etching.
- belt 52 is a toothed belt drive and has an inner toothed surface 76 and an outer surface 78 forming a circle in cross-section.
- Belt 52 may be comprised of a polymeric material, for example rubber.
- Outer surface 78 is generally flat or smooth.
- Inner surface 76 includes teeth 80 which are sized to receive outer teeth 54 , 64 of upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 , respectively.
- Belt drive assembly 34 is a synchronous, perfect pitch assembly. More particularly, belt 52 is in perfect tension when assembled with upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 . To ensure that belt drive assembly 34 is in perfect tension, upper sprocket 48 and lower sprocket 50 are assembled with belt 52 before coupling with jackshaft 38 and drive shaft 36 , respectively. More particularly, upper sprocket 48 threadedly couples with teeth 82 of jackshaft 38 and lower sprocket 50 threadedly couples with teeth 112 of drive shaft, as further detailed hereinafter.
- a tool 500 may be used to assemble belt drive assembly 34 in perfect tension.
- Tool 500 includes pins 502 a , 502 b which may be used to simultaneously mount upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 and belt 52 to jackshaft 38 and drive shaft 36 .
- pins 502 include a first end portion 504 and a second end portion 506 .
- First end portions 504 of pins 502 are tapered or otherwise angled relative to second end portion 506 .
- the diameter of second end portion 506 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of inner splines 60 , 72 of upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 .
- the diameter of second end portion 506 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of teeth 82 of jackshaft 38 and teeth 112 of drive shaft 36 .
- pins 502 are coupled to the outermost surface of teeth 82 and 112 and extend outwardly therefrom.
- Belt 52 is assembled around upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 .
- Upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 simultaneously slide onto first end portion 504 and along second end portion 506 of pins 502 a , 502 b , respectively.
- upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 along with belt 52 , slide onto teeth 82 , 112 of jackshaft 38 and drive shaft 36 , respectively.
- pins 502 may be removed and fasteners are used to couple belt drive assembly with jackshaft 38 and drive shaft 36 .
- Belt 52 remains in perfect tension with upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 during assembly of belt drive assembly 34 .
- Belt drive assembly 34 may replace a traditional chain drive assembly because belt 52 , rather than a chain, is used with upper and lower sprockets 48 , 50 . Without a chain, belt drive assembly 34 does not require an oil pan or a sealed chain case. Furthermore, because belt drive assembly 34 does not include a chain and is in perfect tension, a tensioner also is not required. As such, the weight of illustrative belt drive assembly 34 may be less than that of a traditional chain drive assembly. By decreasing the weight of belt drive assembly 34 , the weight and inertia of power train assembly 30 also may be reduced, thereby reducing the weight of snowmobile 10 . Additionally, belt drive assembly 34 requires less maintenance than a chain drive assembly because belt drive assembly 34 does not experience traditional maintenance problems, such as oil leaks.
- Jackshaft 38 includes a first portion 38 a and a second portion 38 b . More particularly, jackshaft 38 may be gun drilled or formed through similar methods such that second portion 38 b is substantially hollow and may receive first portion 38 a therein. Illustrative first portion 38 a is coupled to driven clutch 44 with conventional fasteners (e.g., bolts, rivets). Illustrative second portion 38 b includes teeth 82 ( FIG. 11 ), that couple with inner spline 60 of upper sprocket 48 . It may be appreciated that the substantially hollow, two-piece construction of gun drilled jackshaft 38 also reduces the overall weight of snowmobile 10 .
- a speed sensor 492 may be positioned adjacent upper sprocket 48 and brake assembly 84 .
- Speed sensor 492 is in electronic communication with an engine control unit (“ECU”) (not shown) to determine the speed (e.g., in miles per hour during) operation of snowmobile 10 .
- Alternative embodiments of speed sensor 492 may determine the speed by recording a number of pulses per unit time.
- the ECU is programmed to receive a signal from speed sensor 492 indicative of a measurement per unit time and to output a speed in miles/hour on a display (not shown) that is visible to the rider.
- Speed sensor 492 may be calibrated in order to accommodate various gearing ratios of belt drive assembly 34 .
- a drive shaft assembly includes drive shaft 36 , which has an interior portion 90 and an external surface 92 extending between first and second ends 94 , 96 .
- the drive shaft assembly also includes a first end cap 108 and a second end cap 118 .
- external surface 92 of drive shaft 36 defines a hexagon in cross-section formed by six apexes 93 and six sides 95 .
- Certain illustrative embodiments of drive shaft 36 may define other shapes in cross-section (e.g., a circle).
- the hexagonal shape of drive shaft 36 may facilitate torque transfer when additional driving force is exerted on drive shaft 36 .
- Drive shaft 36 is comprised of an extrudable material, for example aluminum, and formed through conventional extrusion processes.
- Illustrative interior portion 90 of drive shaft 36 includes internal ribs 98 extending substantially along the length of drive shaft 36 . As shown in FIGS. 16-20 , internal ribs 98 are proximate first and second ends 94 , 96 but may not extend into first and second ends 94 , 96 .
- the illustrative embodiment of drive shaft 36 includes three internal ribs 98 , however, the number of internal ribs 98 may vary to accommodate specific materials, shapes of drive shaft 36 , applications of snowmobile 10 , and torque loads.
- Internal ribs 98 define three substantially hollow channels within interior portion 90 of drive shaft 36 . More particularly, internal ribs 98 intersect apexes 93 in an alternating pattern.
- illustrative internal ribs are spaced apart from each other by at least one apex 93 and at least two sides 95 .
- internal ribs 98 intersect each other along a longitudinal axis l of drive shaft 36 , as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B .
- drive shaft 36 defines a circle in cross-section and interior portion 90 does not include internal ribs 98 .
- external surface 92 may include external ribs 100 .
- external ribs 100 extend outwardly from external surface 92 and are positioned at alternating apexes 93 of drive shaft 36 .
- internal ribs 98 external ribs 100 are spaced apart from each other by at least an apex 93 and at least two sides 95 . More particularly, external ribs 100 are positioned at one apex 93 that is not intersected by internal ribs 98 . As such, external ribs 100 are positioned between internal ribs 98 .
- external ribs 100 By alternating the arrangement of external ribs 100 and internal ribs 98 , external ribs 100 provide rigidity and strength to the portions of drive shaft 36 that do not include internal ribs 98 . Furthermore, additional driving force may be exerted on drive shaft 36 because external ribs 100 facilitate torque transfer to endless track 16 as further described herein.
- First and second ends 94 , 96 of the drive shaft assembly each includes coupling portions 102 , 104 , respectively.
- Coupling portions 102 , 104 may be machined or otherwise formed in first and second ends 94 , 96 such that a lip 106 is formed between interior portion 90 and coupling portions 102 , 104 .
- Internal ribs 98 do not overlap coupling portions 102 , 104 , however, external ribs 100 may overlap coupling portions 102 , 104 .
- First end 94 of drive shaft 36 couples with first end cap 108 that is received within coupling portion 102 .
- First end cap 108 includes a complementary coupling portion 110 that supports teeth 112 .
- teeth 112 couples with splines 72 of lower sprocket 50 of belt drive assembly 34 .
- First end cap 108 may be comprised of forged steel, for example, or other similar materials.
- Second end 96 of drive shaft 36 couples with second end cap 118 that is received within coupling portion 104 .
- Second end cap 118 includes a complementary coupling portion 120 and a shaft member 122 .
- shaft member 122 couples with frame 12 , specifically bulkhead member 186 a , to support drive shaft 36 .
- Second end cap 118 may be comprised of cast aluminum, for example, or other similar materials.
- first and second end caps 108 , 118 are hexagonal in cross-section. First and second end caps 108 , 118 may be press fit within coupling portions 102 , 104 , respectively, in order to adhesively bond complementary coupling portions 110 , 120 and coupling portions 102 , 104 .
- Adhesive cavities 114 are axially bounded on one end by lip 106 .
- adhesive cavities 114 include two adhesive ports 116 , which increase the uniformity of the adhesive within adhesive cavity 114 .
- Alternative embodiments of adhesive cavities 114 may include one adhesive port 116 , or three or more adhesive ports 116 .
- mechanical fasteners (not shown) also are used to couple first and second end caps 108 , 118 to drive shaft 36 .
- the dimensions of adhesive cavities 114 correlates to the thickness of adhesive in adhesive cavities 114 , which determines the strength of the joint formed by the adhesive, as further detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0139528, filed on Feb. 14, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-22547.03P-01), the complete disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. If the thickness of the adhesive in adhesive cavities 114 is too thin, the resulting joints formed by coupling portions 102 , 104 and complementary coupling portions 110 , 120 may be weak. If the thickness of the adhesive is too great, the resulting joint may not properly transfer the load on drive shaft 36 .
- the surface of coupling portions 102 , 104 , and complementary coupling portions 110 , 120 are treated prior to bonding.
- Exemplary surface preparations or treatments include a dry rag wipe, a solvent degrease, a vapor degrease, a mechanical abrasion of the surface, plasma treatment, chemical etching, and anodizing.
- the adhesive may be an acrylic adhesive, for example. Exemplary acrylic adhesives are available from Lord Corporation.
- the adhesive is combined with an accelerator to promote the curing of the adhesive.
- the curing time of the adhesive may be accelerated by applying heat during the curing process (e.g., induction heat).
- the set time of the adhesive is approximately 20 minutes and the cure time of the adhesive within adhesive cavities 114 is approximately two hours at room temperature.
- the drive shaft assembly may be comprised of dissimilar materials.
- drive shaft 36 and second end cap 110 may be comprised of aluminum.
- First end cap 108 may be comprised of forged steel.
- Adhesive allows dissimilar materials to be joined, which also allows the use of materials which are best suited for the operation of the drive shaft assembly. Additionally, certain welding methods, such as spot welding, may not be used to weld dissimilar metals and, as such, may not be used to assemble drive shaft 36 . Further, adhesive distributes the load in coupling portions 102 , 104 over an area rather than concentrating it at a point or a line as is the case with rivets and welds. Localized stress concentrations formed by drilled holes and welds may adversely affect the material properties, such as fatigue strength. However, adhesive does not adversely affect the fatigue life or strength of the drive shaft assembly. Additionally, welding may cause an imbalance in the drive shaft assembly. However, by using adhesive, the drive shaft assembly may be balanced.
- the configuration and material composition of the drive shaft assembly contributes to an overall weight reduction of snowmobile 10 . More particularly, lightweight materials, such as aluminum and adhesive, reduce the weight and rotational inertia of the drive shaft assembly. Additionally, the substantially hollow configuration of drive shaft 36 further reduces the weight of the drive shaft assembly. Therefore, the weight of snowmobile 10 is reduced. By reducing the overall weight, snowmobile 10 may roll and tilt onto its side more easily, thereby requiring less effort from a rider to maneuver snowmobile 10 . For example, illustrative snowmobile 10 may weigh approximately 419 pounds. Furthermore, by assembling the drive shaft assembly with dissimilar metals and adhesive, torque transfer may improve and additional driving torque may be exerted on the drive shaft assembly. It is to be understood that other shafts or components of snowmobile 10 may be similarly constructed (e.g., jackshaft 38 ).
- the drive shaft assembly may support endless track 16 on drive sprockets 124 .
- Drive sprockets 124 slide onto external surface 92 of drive shaft 36 and are press fit to external ribs 100 .
- Endless track 16 rotates with drive shaft 36 on drive sprockets 124 in order to move snowmobile 10 .
- external ribs 100 are provided on drive shaft 36 . Ribs 100 engage within slots 125 on drive sprockets 124 to assist in torque transfer ( FIG. 5 ).
- front skis 14 facilitate the movement of snowmobile 10 . More particularly, front skis 14 include right ski 14 a and left ski 14 b , which are operably coupled to front suspension assembly 18 .
- Front suspension assembly 18 includes right suspension 18 a and left suspension 18 b , each of which includes a lower control arm 126 , an upper control arm 128 , a linear force element, illustratively a shock absorber 130 , and a spindle 132 .
- Front frame portion 12 a is coupled to skis 14 through front suspension assembly 18 .
- Lower and upper control arms 126 , 128 of both right and left suspensions 18 a , 18 b are operably coupled to spindles 132 through moveable joints 134 and 200 , respectively.
- Moveable joints 134 , 200 may be secured to spindles 132 with mechanical fasteners 136 , 198 , respectively.
- joints 134 , 200 are ball joints and mechanical fasteners 136 , 198 may be bolts ( FIG. 18 ), although other embodiments of moveable joints and mechanical fasteners may be used.
- Lower control arms 126 include coupling members 138 , which couple a first arm 140 and a second arm 142 to joints 134 and to each other, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B . Additionally, shock absorbers 130 may extend through upper control arms 128 and are pivotally coupled to lower control arms 126 via coupling members 138 . As best shown in FIG. 20B , shock absorber 130 includes coupling portion 131 , which may be threadedly coupled to coupling member 138 . In particular, coupling member 138 may be cast or otherwise formed to include extensions 137 a , 137 b .
- Extensions 137 a , 137 b receive a fastener, illustratively a bolt 141 , through openings 139 a , 139 b , respectively. Opening 139 b is internally threaded such that the threaded end of bolt 141 is received within and threadedly coupled to extension 137 b . As such, bolt 141 may be threadedly connected to front suspension 18 without the use of a nut or other fastening member.
- first arm 140 includes a first end 140 a and a second end 140 b
- second arm 142 includes a first end 142 a and a second end 142 b
- First ends 140 a , 142 a of respective first and second arms 140 , 142 are coupled to coupling member 138 while second ends 140 b , 142 b are coupled to bearing members 144 .
- Bearing members 144 couple first and second arms 140 , 142 to front frame portion 12 a , as further detailed hereinafter.
- First and second arms 140 , 142 are bonded to coupling member 138 and bearing members 144 with an adhesive material, such as those available from Lord Corporation and detailed herein.
- an adhesive material such as those available from Lord Corporation and detailed herein.
- mechanical fasteners also are used to couple first and second arms 140 , 142 to coupling member 138 and bearing members 144 .
- welding is not required to assemble lower control arms 126 .
- Coupling member 138 may include a recess 150 ( FIG. 21A ) that defines at least three boundary surfaces 150 a , 150 b , 150 c of adhesive cavity 146 .
- Coupling member 138 illustratively includes two adhesive ports 148 for uniformly applying the adhesive. More particularly, the adhesive is applied to adhesive cavity 146 in shear. Specifically, first and second arms 140 , 142 are slidably received within coupling member 138 when the adhesive is applied in order to bond and cure the adhesive in shear. Shear is the strongest loading mechanism and, therefore, sufficiently assembles lower control arm 126 for snowmobile applications.
- Adhesive cavity 146 may be treated or prepared before the adhesive is applied therein.
- Exemplary surface preparations include a dry rag wipe, a solvent degrease, a vapor degrease, a mechanical abrasion of the surface, plasma treatment, chemical etching, and anodizing.
- First and second arms 140 , 142 also may be adhesively bonded with bearing members 144 according to the same illustrative method. Additionally, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may adhesively bond upper control arms 128 according to the illustrative method.
- Lower control arms 136 may be comprised of dissimilar materials.
- first and second arms 140 , 142 are comprised of high-strength, thin wall materials, such as non-weldable aluminum, heat-treated steel, and/or carbon fiber materials.
- Coupling member 138 and bearing members 144 may be comprised of high-strength aluminum or plastic.
- adhesive may be used to join dissimilar materials.
- welding may cause portions of lower control arms 126 to be thicker than is required for front suspension assembly 18 and increase the weight of front suspension assembly 18 .
- welding may cause fatigue scatter, distortion, and variations in lower control arms 126 due to concentrated areas of stress formed during the welding process.
- front suspension assembly 18 is coupled to front frame portion 12 a via right and left castings 188 , 190 of bulkhead 186 .
- upper and lower control arms 128 , 126 are coupled to right and left castings 188 , 190 through bearing members 196 , 144 and conventional fasteners 193 , 192 , respectively.
- right and left castings 188 , 190 are positioned forward of bulkhead members 186 a , 186 b , and more particularly, forward of engine cradle 40 and are coupled thereto with a plurality of conventional fasteners, such as bolts.
- Right and left castings 188 , 190 also are coupled to each other through a plurality of conventional fasteners 194 .
- Right and left castings 188 , 190 may be formed through conventional casting processes and are generally mirror images of each other.
- Right and left castings 188 , 190 each may include a housing 195 to prevent snow and ice from entering front frame portion 12 a.
- an overstructure 202 of front frame portion 12 a is coupled to right and left castings 188 , 190 .
- Overstructure 202 includes a cast coupling or connector 152 that is configured to attach plural frame tubes, specifically front frame tubes 154 , 156 and rear frame tubes 158 , 160 , thereto.
- Overstructure 202 further comprises a lower frame tube 208 coupled to front frame tubes 154 , 156 , as detailed herein.
- connector 152 further includes two support webs 164 , 166 .
- Each support web 164 , 166 has threaded apertures 168 , 170 for coupling an upper steering post 172 of steering assembly 26 to support webs 164 , 166 .
- connector 152 further includes a first circular channel 174 ( FIG. 24 ) defined by portions 174 a , 174 b having threaded bosses 176 extending downwardly therethrough.
- a second circular channel 178 is defined by portions 178 a , 178 b having threaded bosses 180 extending downwardly.
- Circular channels 174 , 178 are intersected by respective first and second cylindrical members 182 and 184 . It should be appreciated that the upper portions of front frame tubes 154 , 156 are positioned across first and second circular channels 174 , 178 and secured with fasteners 162 extending through frame tubes 154 , 156 and into threaded bosses 176 , 180 .
- Adhesive may also be applied.
- the upper portions of rear frame tubes 158 , 160 are positioned in first and second cylindrical members 182 , 184 and may also be secured with fasteners 162 and adhesive. As shown in FIG. 7 , a lower portion of rear frame tubes 158 , 160 may be coupled to rear frame portion 12 b of snowmobile 10 .
- Front frame tubes 154 , 156 may include stiffening inserts 224 , 226 , respectively ( FIG. 24 ). Stiffening inserts 224 , 226 are received within the upper portion of front frame tubes 154 , 156 . Stiffening inserts 224 , 226 are coupled to front frame tubes 154 , 156 with fasteners 162 . Additionally, shaped spacers, illustratively washers 228 , 230 , also are coupled to front frame tubes 154 , 156 with fasteners 162 . Washers 228 , 230 are positioned intermediate front frame tubes 154 , 156 and fasteners 162 .
- Stiffening inserts 224 , 226 and washers 228 , 230 provide structural integrity and generally reinforce front frame tubes 154 , 156 when fasteners 162 are coupled with threaded bosses 176 , 180 .
- washers 228 , 230 and stiffening members 224 , 226 prevent deformation of the upper portions of front frame tubes 154 , 156 when fasteners 162 are coupled with threaded bosses 176 , 180 and tightened against front frame tubes 154 , 156 .
- a lower portion of front frame tubes 154 , 156 may be coupled to a plurality of couplers 204 , 206 , respectively. Illustrative couplers 204 , 206 also are coupled to lower frame tube 208 . Front frame tubes 154 , 156 may be angled relative to lower frame tube 208 , such that front frame tubes 154 , 156 and lower frame tube 208 illustratively form a triangle.
- overstructure 202 may be made by traditional mechanical couplings such as bolts, welds, rivets, screws, and other types of fasteners.
- at least a portion of the connections of overstructure 202 are made with a structural adhesive.
- front frame tubes 154 , 156 and lower frame tube 208 are bonded to couplers 204 , 206 with structural adhesive, as further detailed herein.
- front frame tube 154 and coupler 204 cooperate to define an adhesive cavity 212 .
- Adhesive cavity 212 is defined when front frame tube 154 slides into coupler 204 .
- Front frame tube 154 and coupler 204 may also be secured together by mechanical fasteners 218 which are received through openings 220 in coupler 204 .
- fasteners 218 are self piercing rivets which pierce through coupler 204 and secure the location of coupler 204 relative to front frame tube 154 .
- adhesive cavity 212 circumscribes front frame tube 154 .
- adhesive cavity 212 includes two ports 214 into which the adhesive may be introduced for more uniform filling of adhesive cavity 212 with the adhesive.
- a single adhesive port 214 is provided.
- three or more adhesive ports 214 are provided.
- the volume of adhesive cavity 212 is predetermined such that a predetermined amount of the adhesive is injected into adhesive cavity 212 .
- the thickness of the adhesive is proportional to the strength of the connection between front frame tube 154 and coupler 204 . If the thickness is too thin, the resulting connection may be undesirably weak. If the thickness is too great, the resulting connection may not properly transfer the load exerted on overstructure 202 .
- front frame tube 156 is bonded to coupler 206 according to the illustrative method.
- lower frame tube 208 is bonded to couplers 204 , 206 according to the illustrative method.
- the surfaces of front frame tubes 154 , 156 and lower frame tube 208 may be treated prior to assembly with couplers 204 , 206 .
- Exemplary surface preparations or treatments include a dry rag wipe, a solvent degrease, a vapor degrease, a mechanical abrasion or scuff of the surface, plasma treatment, chemical etching, and anodizing.
- the adhesive may be an acrylic adhesive, for example, such as those described herein and available from Lord Corporation.
- the adhesive is combined with an accelerator to promote the curing of the adhesive.
- the set time of the adhesive may be approximately 20 minutes and the cure time of the adhesive may be approximately two hours at room temperature.
- the cure time of the adhesive may be further accelerated by applying heat during the curing process (e.g., induction heat).
- overstructure 202 includes dissimilar materials.
- front frame tubes 154 , 156 are comprised of carbon fiber materials, although other high-strength, thin wall materials, such as high-strength, non-weldable aluminum and certain steels may also be used.
- lower frame tube 208 may be comprised of a carbon fiber material. The carbon fiber material may be coated with a plastic material to prevent a reaction with couplers 204 , 206 , which are formed of various metal materials, such as aluminum or steel.
- adhesive is able to bond dissimilar materials. Furthermore, welding may cause localized stress concentrations that affect material fatigue strength and fatigue life. However, adhesive distributes the load in overstructure 202 over an area, rather than concentrating it at a point or a line, and, therefore, does not adversely affect material properties. Additionally, compared to welds, the adhesive and carbon fiber of overstructure 202 reduces the weight of overstructure 202 , and therefore, the weight of snowmobile 10 , which allows a rider easier maneuvering of snowmobile 10 .
- connector 152 includes machined mounting surfaces 164 A and 166 A on the backside of support webs 164 , 166 , respectively, for mounting upper steering post 172 thereto, as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0192667, filed on Feb. 4, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- Steering assembly 26 further comprises a lower steering post 232 operably coupled to upper steering post 172 via respective links 234 , 236 . Links 234 , 236 are connected together by way of a drag arm 238 .
- Ball joints 235 are coupled to drag arm 238 and links 234 , 236 to provide pivot points between drag arm 238 and links 234 , 236 .
- Lower steering post 232 is connected to tie rods or steering rods 240 ( FIG. 3 ) by way of a follower arm 242 ( FIG. 27 ) in order to maneuver skis 14 .
- Moveable joints, illustratively ball joints 262 may be used to pivotally couple follower arm 242 to steering rods 240 .
- Steering rods 240 may be positioned through housings 195 of castings 188 , 190 .
- a support member 246 and a brace tube 248 may be coupled to right and left castings 188 , 190 to support steering assembly 26 . More particularly, support member 246 is coupled to right casting 188 and brace tube 248 to support follower arm 242 and steering rod 240 on the right side of snowmobile 10 .
- Illustrative brace tube 248 is coupled to both right and left castings 188 , 190 and extends therebetween. More particularly, brace tube 248 may be coupled to the inner surfaces of right and left castings 188 , 190 between bearing members 196 of upper control arms 128 .
- Brace tube 248 may be comprised of lightweight, high-strength materials, such as carbon fiber. As such, brace tube 248 may lower the weight of snowmobile 10 .
- steering rods 240 are operably coupled to spindles 132 and follower arm 242 through ball joints 262 .
- Steering rods 240 include an arm 266 coupled to brackets 268 . More particularly, and as best shown in FIG. 30 , brackets 268 are coupled to both a first end 276 of arm 266 and a second end 278 of arm 266 . Brackets 268 are illustratively coupled to arm 266 with adhesive. In one embodiment, mechanical fasteners (not shown) may also be used to couple brackets 268 to arm 266 .
- brackets 268 include a recess 272 that defines an adhesive cavity 274 when brackets 268 are coupled to arm 266 .
- adhesive cavity 274 is bounded on three sides by surfaces 272 a , 272 b , 272 c of recess 272 and is further defined by arm 266 .
- Arm 266 includes adhesive ports 280 for receiving adhesive into adhesive cavity 274 .
- adhesive is applied in a predetermined volume that corresponds to the volume of adhesive cavity 274 .
- the adhesive may be a structural adhesive available from Lord Corporation and may be used with an accelerator. The adhesive is applied in shear when brackets 268 are received within first and second ends 276 , 278 of arm 266 .
- drag arm 238 includes an arm member 237 and brackets 239 , as shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B . Brackets 239 slidingly receive ball joints 235 . Brackets 239 of drag arm 238 include a recess 264 that defines an adhesive cavity 265 when brackets 239 are received within arm member 237 . Drag arm 238 may be assembled with adhesive through adhesive ports 241 according to the illustrative method.
- the use of the adhesive to assemble drag arm 238 and steering rods 240 may replace other conventional joining methods (e.g., welding). Unlike welding, the adhesive does not form localized areas of stress at the connection points of drag arm 238 and steering rods 240 . Furthermore, the adhesive allows dissimilar metals to be joined, which may reduce the weight of snowmobile 10 . Additionally, by eliminating welds on drag arm 238 and steering rods 240 , the weight of steering assembly 26 is reduced.
- ball joints 235 include threaded posts 216 , which are received within threaded apertures of brackets 239 of drag arm 238 and secured thereto with a fastener, such as a nut 217 .
- ball joints 262 include a threaded post 267 , which is received within threaded apertures of brackets 268 and secured thereto with a fastener, such as nut 269 .
- Nuts 217 , 269 may be threadedly coupled to posts 216 , 267 to secure ball joints 235 , 262 , respectively.
- handlebars 250 of steering assembly 26 are attached to upper steering post 172 by way of a clamp 252 .
- handlebars 250 a , 250 b each include a bend 550 a , 550 b , respectively, and each extend therefrom in a generally horizontal direction and are generally perpendicular to upper steering post 172 .
- Handlebar 250 a includes an auxiliary power button 254 and a throttle handle 255 .
- Handlebar 250 b includes a brake lever 258 .
- Auxiliary power button 254 is coupled to handlebar 250 a through a base 256 and a clamp 260 .
- Auxiliary power button 254 may be snapped into base 256 , rather than secured thereto with a mechanical fastener.
- Clamp 260 illustratively extends around handlebar 250 a in a U-shape or C-shape configuration and may be secured with a mechanical fastener 261 (e.g., screw, bolt).
- a mechanical fastener 261 e.g., screw, bolt
- Other clamping or mounting mechanisms that do not require the use of a mechanical fastener also may be used to couple auxiliary power button 254 to handlebar 250 a.
- Auxiliary power button 254 is vertically oriented on handlebar 250 a . More particularly, the orientation of auxiliary power button 254 is generally parallel to upper steering post 172 and generally perpendicular to handlebars 250 . The vertical orientation of auxiliary power button 254 prevents the rider from accidentally bumping auxiliary power button 254 and unintentionally turning off engine 28 . Furthermore, auxiliary power button 254 is spaced apart from throttle handle 255 , which also prevents a rider from unintentionally depressing auxiliary power button 254 when adjusting throttle handle 255 . Illustratively, auxiliary power button 254 is positioned on bend 550 a.
- one embodiment of steering assembly 26 may include substantially horizontal handlebars 250 a ′ and 250 b ′, clamp 252 ′, and auxiliary power button 254 ′.
- Substantially horizontal handlebars 250 a ′, 250 b ′ are coupled to clamp 252 ′ and extend outwardly therefrom.
- clamp 252 ′ is intermediate substantially horizontal handlebars 250 a ′ and 250 b ′, and may be vertically and horizontally aligned therewith.
- substantially horizontal handlebars 250 ′ do not include bends 550 a , 550 b .
- substantially horizontal handlebar 250 b ′ includes brake lever 258 .
- auxiliary power button 254 ′ is coupled to substantially horizontal handlebar 250 a ′ and is adjacent throttle handle 255 . More particularly, auxiliary power button 254 ′ snaps onto, or is otherwise coupled to, handlebar 250 a ′ in a substantially vertical orientation via clamp 260 . Clamp 260 may be secured to substantially horizontal handlebar 250 a ′ with a fastener (not shown). Additionally, auxiliary power button 254 ′ may be coupled to substantially horizontal handlebar 250 a ′ without base 256 .
- front frame portion 12 a further include a torsion bar or sway bar 282 coupled to the front of right and left castings 188 , 190 .
- Sway bar 282 is supported by clamps 284 extending from right and left castings 188 , 190 .
- Rubber isolators or bushings 286 may be positioned within clamps 284 to allow sway bar 282 to pivot within clamps 284 .
- Sway bar 282 extends across the front of right and left castings 188 , 190 and bends rearwardly toward lower controls arms 126 .
- sway bar 282 is coupled to lower control arms 126 through a link arm 288 and a bracket 290 . More particularly, a first end 292 of link arm 288 includes an aperture 294 that receives sway bar 282 . A second end 296 of link arm 288 is coupled to bracket 290 with fasteners 298 .
- Bracket 290 includes an opening 300 and extensions 302 . Opening 300 is sized to receive arm 140 of lower control arm 126 . Extensions 302 are spaced apart such that second end 296 of link arm 288 is positioned therebetween. Fastener 298 is received through apertures (not shown) in extensions 302 and second end 296 of link arm 288 . Link arm 288 is configured to pivot about fastener 298 in response to movement of front suspension 18 .
- rear frame portion 12 b includes tunnel 39 , rear suspension assembly 20 , a running board assembly 304 , and endless track 16 .
- Tunnel 39 includes a top wall 308 , a front wall 312 , side walls 310 , and a rear end 350 .
- Front wall 312 extends between jackshaft 38 and drive shaft 36 such that drive shaft 36 is positioned within tunnel 39 and jackshaft 38 is positioned outside of tunnel 39 .
- side walls 310 are removably coupled to top wall 308 of tunnel 39 with fasteners 311 , which may embody rivets, bolts, adhesive, screws, or any combination thereof.
- Side walls 310 include a plurality of apertures 402 to reduce the weight of side walls 310 , thereby further reducing the overall weight of snowmobile 10 .
- tunnel 39 may include a plurality of apertures 403 , which also reduce the weight of snowmobile 10 .
- Side walls 310 extend from front wall 312 to rear end 350 , as shown in FIG. 50 .
- Side walls 310 may be comprised of lightweight, high-strength materials such as aluminum, steel, or other similar materials.
- Top wall 308 of tunnel 39 includes lateral portions 314 and a center portion 316 .
- Lateral portions 314 illustratively include recessed channels 318 ( FIG. 38 ) configured to receive fasteners 366 (e.g., bolts) for mounting accessories onto top wall 308 of tunnel 39 .
- fasteners 366 e.g., bolts
- fasteners may slide into recessed channels 318 in order to secure cargo or a cargo carrying unit to top wall 308 .
- an electrical cover 342 may be positioned along center portion 316 of top wall 308 and intermediate recessed channels 308 . Electrical cover 342 extends rearwardly from seat assembly 20 and toward rear end 350 of tunnel 39 . More particularly, electrical cover 342 is coupled to a socket 344 ( FIG. 35 ), which is configured to secure a brake light (not shown) or other illumination or electrical device to snowmobile 10 . Electrical cover 342 is coupled to top wall 308 and is configured to accommodate electrical wires (not shown) therein.
- adjacent socket 344 is a snow flap 346 and a rear bumper 348 .
- Snow flap 346 is hingedly mounted to the tunnel 39 along rear end 350 .
- Snow flap 346 includes a plurality of apertures 352 to reduce the weight of snow flap 346 , thereby further decreasing the overall weight of snowmobile 10 .
- Apertures 352 may be machined or molded in snow flap 346 .
- tunnel 39 may further include heat exchanger channels (not shown) positioned forward of electrical cover 342 , as more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,920, issued on Jan. 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- the heat exchanger channels may be positioned along the underside of tunnel 39 and below seat assembly 22 .
- Top wall 308 of tunnel 39 illustratively includes fluid ports 338 ( FIG. 43 ) that are fluidly coupled to heat exchanger channels and engine 28 .
- engine water may flow from engine 28 to a port 338 through a hose (not shown) and circulate through the heat exchanger channels in order to cool the engine water.
- Top wall 308 may include insulation panels 340 to isolate the heat exchanger channels from the rider and/or other components of snowmobile 10 ( FIG. 50 ). Illustratively, there are six insulation panels 340 . Insulation panels 340 may be comprised of foam or other insulation material.
- running board assembly 304 is coupled to side walls 310 of tunnel 39 and includes a foot tread assembly 384 and a toe grip assembly 400 .
- Foot tread assembly 384 includes running board plates 390 and a plurality of support members, illustratively a bracket 394 and an elbow 396 .
- Running board plates 390 include plate portion 408 and elongate member 388 .
- Foot tread assembly 384 is removably coupled to side walls 310 with fasteners 412 and 440 .
- foot tread assembly 384 is removably coupled to toe grip assembly 400 with fasteners 406 .
- Fasteners 406 , 412 , and 440 may be conventional fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, and screws to facilitate removal of food tread assembly 384 from snowmobile 10 .
- foot tread assembly 384 may be easily replaced, repaired, or otherwise serviced, without replacing or disassembling side walls 310 , tunnel 39 , or other portions of snowmobile 10 .
- plate portion 408 is comprised of a plurality of openings 418 that extend from elongate member 388 to a marginal edge 410 of running board plate 390 .
- openings 418 extend substantially across the width of running board plate 390 to provide a maximum open area on plate portion 408 for snow to fall through.
- the bottom surface of running board plates 390 is substantially smooth, which also facilitates snow removal from plate portion 408 .
- Gripping serrations 424 on plate portion 408 and elongate member 388 provide traction for a rider's foot.
- gripping serrations 424 border or outline openings 418 .
- Openings 418 may be embossed to rigidify plate portion 408 .
- Running board plate 390 may be extruded as a single piece, such that plate portion 408 , gripping serrations 424 , elongate member 388 , and marginal edge 410 are integrally formed. In one embodiment, openings 418 and marginal edge 410 are machined through conventional methods. Running board plates 390 may be extruded and machined from high-strength aluminum. As such, running board plates 390 are comprised of a lightweight material that may contribute to an overall weight reduction of snowmobile 10 .
- bracket 394 may be removable from elongate member 388 and is formed through conventional casting methods.
- Elongate member 388 extends in a generally parallel direction to longitudinal axis L of snowmobile 10 and includes an internal web 416 .
- bracket 394 includes a bracket body 398 having a first coupling portion 399 a extending into elongate member 388 and a second coupling portion 399 b for attachment to a flange 404 of toe grip assembly 400 .
- First coupling portion 399 a extends in the same direction as elongate member 388 .
- Second coupling portion 399 b is angled relative to first coupling portion 399 a and extends in at least a partially vertical direction.
- First coupling portion 399 a of bracket body 398 may be attached to elongate member 388 by way of fasteners 426 , such as bolts, screws, welds, rivets, adhesives, or a combination thereof. More particularly, relative to bracket body 398 , first coupling portion 399 a has a reduced cross section corresponding to the inner diameter of elongate member 388 for receipt therein. First coupling portions 399 a include slots 414 to receive internal web 416 of elongate member 388 .
- first coupling portion 399 a is coupled to elongate member 388 with adhesive and fasteners 426 .
- frame bracket 394 includes opposing adhesive cavities 395 and adhesive ports 397 that are separated by slots 414 and internal web 416 of elongate member 388 .
- the reduced cross-section of first coupling portion 399 a defines recesses 401 having surfaces 401 a , 401 b , 401 c that cooperate with internal web 416 to define adhesive cavities 395 .
- adhesive is injected through adhesive ports 397 into adhesive cavities 395 in a predetermined volume such that the thickness of the adhesive is known.
- the strength of the connection between frame bracket 394 and elongate member 388 corresponds to the thickness of the adhesive and is further increased when the adhesive is in shear. Surface treatments may be used to prepare adhesive cavities 395 , as detailed herein.
- flange 404 couples second coupling portion 399 b of frame bracket 394 to a toe grip assembly 400 .
- flange 404 and second coupling portion 399 b are positioned back-to-back and attached by way of fasteners 406 .
- Second coupling portion 399 b has a flattened cross-section which is similar to that of flange 404 .
- elbow 396 includes a first coupling portion 432 and a second coupling portion 434 .
- Elbow 396 extends upwardly in a generally diagonal direction to couple elongate member 388 to side wall 310 .
- Elbow 396 is positioned at the opposite end of elongate member 388 relative to bracket 394 and supports running board plate 390 near rear portion 350 of tunnel 39 .
- second coupling portion 434 of elbow 396 is opposite first coupling portion 432 and couples elbow 396 to side wall 310 with a fastener 440 .
- Second coupling portion 434 illustratively includes a plurality of apertures 439 , which may reduce the weight of elbow 396 and, therefore, reduce the weight of snowmobile 10 . Additionally, apertures 439 may facilitate snow removal from foot tread assembly 384 .
- first coupling portion 432 of elbow 396 has a reduced cross-section and includes slots 436 to receive internal web 416 of elongate member 388 .
- first coupling portion 432 is received within elongate member 388 and is coupled thereto with fasteners 438 .
- elbow 396 is bonded to elongate member 388 with adhesive.
- first coupling portion 432 includes adhesive cavities 433 and adhesive ports 435 to receive adhesive into adhesive cavities 433 .
- Adhesive cavities 433 and ports 435 are on opposing sides of first coupling portion 432 and are separated by slots 436 and internal web 416 of elongate member 388 .
- first coupling portion 432 defines recesses 437 .
- surfaces 437 a , 437 b , 437 c of recesses 437 cooperate with internal web 416 to define adhesive cavities 433 when first coupling portion 432 slides into elongate member 388 .
- Adhesive is injected through adhesive ports 435 into adhesive cavities 433 in a predetermined volume such that the thickness of the adhesive is known.
- the strength of the connection between elbow 396 and elongate member 388 correlates to the thickness of the adhesive and is further increased by applying the adhesive in shear. Surface treatments may be used to prepare adhesive cavities 433 , as detailed herein.
- bracket 394 and elbow 396 may be used to bond bracket 394 and elbow 396 to elongate member 388 .
- bracket 394 and elbow 396 may be comprised of different materials than elongate member 388 .
- welding may form areas of localized stress, which reduce the fatigue life and strength of the material.
- adhesive does not cause stress concentrations and does not adversely affect fatigue life and strength.
- adhesive may reduce the weight of elongate frame member 388 , thereby further reducing the weight of snowmobile 10 .
- Exemplary adhesives are available from Lord Corporation, as detailed herein. Induction heat and/or accelerators may be used to decrease curing time of the adhesive in adhesive cavities 395 , 433 .
- toe grip assembly 400 includes a shroud (not shown), a back wall 444 , a frame member 446 , and a toe clip 448 , as further detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0192667, filed on Feb. 4, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), the complete disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- Toe clip 448 is positioned rearward of back wall 444 to secure a rider's foot.
- the shroud generally covers back wall 444 and at least a portion of toe clip 448 .
- seat assembly 20 is coupled to top wall 308 and includes a seat mount 320 , a seat base 322 , a cushion 324 , a cover 326 , a bracket 328 , and fasteners 330 .
- Cover 326 may be comprised of a water-repellant fabric or polymeric material and wraps around cushion 324 .
- Seat base 322 and cushion 324 may be comprised of polymeric materials, for example, polyurethane.
- seat base 322 is comprised of rigid polyurethane
- cushion 324 is comprised of softer polyurethane foam.
- Cushion 324 and seat base 322 may be comprised of similar polymers such that cushion 324 may be molded to or otherwise bonded or coupled with seat base 322 .
- seat base 322 may be comprised of other lightweight materials, for example aluminum.
- the top surface 324 a of cushion 324 is generally flat and extends along a longitudinal axis L s of cushion 324 .
- the sides 324 b , 324 c , 324 d , 324 e , 324 f , 324 g extend downwardly from top surface 324 a and are generally slanted or angled. More particularly, sides 324 b , 324 c , 324 d are generally mirror images of sides 324 g , 324 f , 324 e , respectively, and are positioned on opposite sides of longitudinal axis L S .
- the height of cushion 324 may be reduced and the width of cushion 324 may be increased because sides 324 b , 324 c , 324 d , 324 e , 324 f , 324 g extend both outwardly and downwardly.
- cushion 324 also includes a plurality of voids 325 .
- Voids 325 may be arranged in rows extending across the width of cushion 324 , or otherwise distributed throughout cushion 324 .
- cushion 324 may include a plurality of rows having three voids 325 each.
- voids 325 are generally circular in cross-section but voids 325 may define other shapes in cross-section in other embodiments of seat assembly 22 .
- seat base 322 may include a plurality of apertures 323 . The position of apertures 323 may correspond to the general position of voids 325 , however, apertures 323 may positioned in other arrangements.
- apertures 323 have a generally polygonal shape, although apertures 323 may define other shapes (e.g., circle) in cross-section.
- the lightweight materials comprising seat base 322 and cushion 324 e.g., polymers
- voids 325 of cushion 324 and apertures 323 of seat base 322 also reduce the weight of seat assembly 22 . As such, the weight of snowmobile 10 is reduced, which increases the maneuverability of snowmobile 10 .
- seat base 322 is coupled to seat mount 320 through bracket 328 and fasteners 330 . More particularly, fasteners 330 extend through apertures 332 in seat base 322 and through apertures 334 in seat mount 320 to support cushion 324 on tunnel 39 .
- Fasteners 330 may be bolts, screws, rivets, or other couplers that extend through apertures 334 in seat mount 320 and couple with complementary fasteners 336 , such as nuts.
- endless track 16 may be supported by drive sprockets 124 and rear suspension 20 , as further detailed herein. More particularly, endless track 16 extends from rear portion 350 to front wall 312 of tunnel 39 . Additionally, endless track 16 extends at least partially into tunnel 39 and extends below tunnel 39 to contact the ground. The inner surface of endless track 16 is substantially flat and moves smoothly over drive sprockets 124 and portions of rear suspension 20 .
- the outer surface of endless track 16 includes a plurality of couplers 354 and a plurality of intermediate extensions 355 .
- Couplers 354 extend across a plurality of tread layers 357 such that couplers 354 extend substantially across the width of endless track 16 .
- endless track 16 includes four tread layers 357 extending in a circumferential direction.
- Intermediate extensions 355 are positioned in an alternating arrangement with couplers 354 and have a width less than the width of couplers 354 .
- Each intermediate extension 355 is supported by a tread member 359 that is perpendicular to tread layers 357 .
- tread layers 354 intersect tread members 359 to define a plurality of apertures 353 .
- Couplers 354 and intermediate extensions 355 project outwardly from tread layers 357 and tread members 359 , respectively, to contact the ground.
- the height of couplers 354 is approximately equal to the height of intermediate extensions 355 .
- the width and height of couplers 354 may provide improved travel over icy or frozen surfaces. For example, when snowmobile 10 is travelling over rutted snow or frozen terrain, couplers 354 may break through more of the surface ice and snow.
- endless track 16 extends around rear suspension assembly 20 , which is attached to the inner surfaces of side walls 310 .
- a frame 356 of rear suspension assembly 20 includes laterally spaced frame rails 358 , slide rails 360 attached to frame rails 358 , and idler rollers 372 , 374 .
- Rear suspension assembly 20 also includes linear force elements, illustratively two coil-over shocks 362 and 364 , providing dampening between tunnel 39 and frame 356 , front torque arms 376 , rear torque arms 378 , and a pull rod 380 .
- Rear torque arms 378 are positioned rearward of shocks 362 , 364 and are coupled to the inner surfaces of idler rollers 372 and frame rails 358 .
- Rear torque arms 378 also are operably coupled to pull rod 380 and shock 364 .
- Shock 362 is coupled to front torque arms 376 and frame rails 358 .
- front torque arms 376 are positioned intermediate shocks 362 , 364 and an upper end 454 of front torque arms 376 is coupled to the inner surface of side walls 310 and operably coupled to shock 362 .
- a lower end 456 of front torque arms 376 is coupled to frame rails 358 and operably coupled to shock 364 and pull rod 380 .
- upper end 454 of shock 364 is coupled to front torque arms 376 with isolator members, illustratively bushings 524 , sleeve members 526 and 528 , and a bearing member 530 .
- Bushings 524 are received within an aperture 532 of upper end 454 of shock 364 , and include openings 525 to receive sleeve members 526 , 528 and bearing member 530 .
- sleeve member 526 includes an opening 527 to receive sleeve member 528 .
- sleeve member 528 includes an opening 529 to receive bearing member 530 .
- sleeve member 528 is press fit around bearing member 530 to generally surround bearing member 530 .
- Sleeve member 528 and bearing member 530 are positioned within sleeve member 526 , which is press fit within bushings 524 , in order to couple shock 364 to front torque arms 376 of rear suspension 20 .
- Sleeve members 526 , 528 may be comprised of metal, for example, sleeve member 528 may be comprised of aluminum and sleeve member 526 may be comprised of steel.
- Bearing member 530 and bushings 524 may be comprised of a polymeric material (e.g., rubber). The lightweight materials of shock 364 may contribute to an overall weight reduction of snowmobile 10 .
- front torque arms 376 include couplers 458 , 460 , a shaft 462 , wear guides 464 , bushings 466 , and arm members 468 .
- couplers 458 receive shaft 462 and upper ends 454 of arm members 468 .
- Couplers 460 receive lower ends 456 of arm members 468 and bushings 466 .
- Exemplary bushings 466 are available from Igus® GmbH and/or Igus® Inc.
- Rear torque arms 378 also may include arm members, couplers, and bushings. Similar to front torque arms 376 , the couplers of rear torque arms 378 may receive bushings therethrough. Couplers 458 , 460 may be formed through conventional casting processes.
- Couplers 458 are coupled to upper ends 454 of arm members 468 , shaft 462 , and wear guides 464 with fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, screws, rivets, welds, adhesive, or a combination thereof.
- fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, welds, adhesive, or a combination thereof.
- upper ends 454 of arm members 468 are received within couplers 458 and are coupled thereto with adhesive.
- shaft 462 is received through couplers 458 and may be coupled thereto with adhesive.
- lower ends 456 of arm members 468 are received within couplers 460 and are coupled thereto with adhesive.
- couplers 458 , 460 include a recess 470 that defines an adhesive cavity 472 when arm members 468 slide into couplers 458 , 460 .
- Adhesive cavity 472 is bounded by surfaces 470 a , 470 b , 470 c of recess 470 and arm members 468 .
- couplers 458 , 460 include adhesive ports 474 through which the adhesive is injected into adhesive cavity 472 . The adhesive may be applied in shear for a strong connection between couplers 458 , 460 and arm members 468 .
- couplers 458 , 460 and arm members 468 are bonded in shear when arm members 468 slide into couplers 458 , 460 . It is to be understood that shaft 462 may be coupled to couplers 458 in the same manner detailed herein. Additionally, rear torque arm 378 may be similarly bonded.
- Exemplary adhesive materials are available from Lord Corporation. Accelerators may be used to decrease the cure time of the adhesive and also are available from Lord Corporation. Additionally, heat treatment, such as induction heating, may be used to further accelerate the cure time of the adhesive in adhesive cavity 472 . Couplers 458 , 460 and arm members 468 may be treated or prepared for the adhesive, as detailed herein. A predetermined volume of adhesive, corresponding to the volume of adhesive cavity 472 , may be injected therein to ensure that the thickness of the adhesive at the connection between couplers 458 , 460 and arm members 468 is sufficient for the required strength of the connection.
- front torque arms 376 may be comprised of dissimilar materials.
- arm members 468 and shaft 462 may be comprised of heat-treated steel, high-strength aluminum, carbon fiber, and other materials with similar properties.
- Couplers 458 and wear guides 464 may be comprised of high-strength aluminum, polymeric materials (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), and other materials with similar properties.
- adhesive does not adversely affect material fatigue life and strength, or cause stress concentrations.
- the adhesive in front torque arms 376 also reduces the weight of rear suspension assembly 20 and, therefore, the weight of snowmobile 10 .
- couplers 460 may be bonded in shear to lower ends 456 of arm members 468 according to the illustrative method described herein. Additionally, other components of rear suspension assembly 20 , such as rear torque arms 378 , wear guides 464 , and shaft 462 , may also be assembled with the adhesive material.
- idler rollers 372 are coupled to suspension pads 476 and the inner surface of side wall 310 . Additionally, suspension pads 476 are coupled to the bottom surface of running board plates 390 with fasteners. Suspension pads 476 include a first plate (not shown) and a second plate 480 . More particularly, the first plate and second plate 480 may be comprised of dissimilar materials, such as aluminum and steel. Suspension pads 476 reinforce side walls 310 at the location of idler rollers 372 .
- snowmobile 10 includes various electrical components supported by frame 12 .
- a regulator (not shown) is housed in a regulator cover 482 on a regulator mount 484 .
- the regulator may be configured for both AC and DC applications.
- Regulator cover 482 is positioned partially through an aperture 481 in regulator mount 484 and coupled to regulator mount 484 with fasteners.
- Regulator mount 484 is illustratively positioned above housing 33 of clutch assembly 32 . More particularly, regulator mount 484 is adjacent an opening 480 in housing 33 . Opening 481 of regulator mount 484 receives fins 488 of regulator cover 482 .
- fins 488 extend in a generally downward direction from regulator mount 484 and are directed toward opening 480 in housing 33 .
- air in housing 33 of clutch assembly 32 flows through the opening in housing 33 and toward fins 488 , which receive the air from housing 33 to cool the regulator.
- bulkhead 186 or other components of front frame portion 12 a may be used as a heat sink to cool the regulator.
- regulator mount 484 may be coupled to bulkhead 186 .
- Fins 488 also may be positioned to receive ambient air flowing through an opening (not shown) in the front outer body to cool the regulator.
- other electrical components of snowmobile 10 may include a solenoid 510 and EV coils 512 .
- EV coils 512 and solenoid 510 may be supported by overstructure 202 of front frame portion 12 a , and coupled to engine 28 and other components of snowmobile 10 .
- lower frame tube 208 may be coupled to a mounting member 490 that supports EV coils 512 and solenoid 510 near the front of snowmobile 10 .
- mounting member 490 may be comprised of a plastic material and bonded to lower frame tube 208 with adhesive. A mechanical scuff or other abrasion treatment may be used to prepare lower frame tube 208 prior to bonding with mounting member 490 .
- the bottom surface of mounting member 490 may include a plurality of ribs 514 ( FIG. 51B ), which provide a textured surface to facilitate the adhesive bond between lower frame tube 208 and mounting member 490 .
- the adhesive will be retained within the recessed portions 516 between ribs 514 .
- the adhesive may be applied through adhesive ports 518 of mounting member 490 in the same illustrative manner described herein. For example, a predetermined volume of adhesive may be applied to mounting member 490 such that the thickness and, therefore, the effectiveness, of the adhesive bond may be known and controlled.
- mounting member 490 includes a locating tab 520 that fits within locating aperture 209 of lower frame tube 208 .
- Locating tab 520 cooperates with locating aperture 209 to position mounting member 490 on lower frame tube 208 prior to applying the adhesive to bond mounting member 490 to lower frame tube 208 .
- mounting member 490 may be coupled to other components of front frame portion 12 a , for example front frame tubes 154 , 156 , according to the same illustrative method described herein.
- snowmobile 10 includes a display (not shown) to visually indicate the status of various operations and systems of snowmobile 10 to a rider.
- the display may be positioned below handlebars 250 and may include a speed output and a fuel gauge.
- the fuel gauge communicates with a fuel resistor (not shown) to indicate the amount and type of fuel being used by snowmobile 10 .
- snowmobile 10 is configured to receive various types of fuel (e.g., ethanol, non-ethanol).
- the fuel gauge and fuel resistor may be configured to change the type of fuel being used by snowmobile 10 without changing the fuel resistor. As such, the rider may be able to increase the fuel efficiency of snowmobile 10 .
- FIGS. 53-59 another embodiment of the snowmobile is shown.
- the components are substantially as disclosed in the snowmobile described above with respect to FIGS. 1-52 , with the exceptions as provided below.
- the change to the embodiment of FIGS. 54-59 is that the snowmobile has been modified to increase the clearance under the snowmobile for deep snow.
- the snowmobile as depicted in FIG. 53 is an existing snowmobile, and is Applicant's RMK model. As shown, the snowmobile has various components which dictate the clearance underneath the snowmobile. For example, and starting from the front of the snowmobile, distance 682 in the FIG. 53 embodiment is the length of the spindle S from a ski bolt hole to a lower ball joint of the A-arm. In this snowmobile, distance 682 is 4.91 inches (124.66 mm). Moving rearwardly, the next relevant distance is the distance is measured from a bottom of the engine cradle to a position to the bottom 676 of the ski. In this embodiment, the distance 678 is 7.433 inches (188.80 mm).
- the height of the snowmobile frame (and in particular, tunnel T) in relation to the ground is influenced by the rear suspension, and in particular the location of the point of rotation P of a front control arm C on the tunnel.
- the distance 684 is the distance from the bottom of the engine cradle to the pivot point P on the tunnel, and is 5.3391 inches (135.613 mm).
- Snowmobile 602 includes a frame 604 including a tunnel 606 and a frame front portion 608 .
- snowmobile includes rear suspension 610 including such items as slide rails 612 , carrier rollers 614 , front control arms 616 , rear control arms 618 and shock absorbers at 620 .
- Tunnel 606 may incorporate a cooling system for engine water as more fully described in our U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,920, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Snowmobile 602 would also include a front suspension system shown at 626 including lower control arms 628 , upper control arms 630 , a shock absorber 632 , and a spindle 634 attached to ski 636 .
- Snowmobile frame front portion 608 may be similar to our US Publication number 20110132679, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Snowmobile 602 also includes a drive mechanism at 640 and a steering mechanism at 642 .
- FIG. 56 a lower body panel 650 is shown which extends across the bottom of the snowmobile and defines the lowest front portion of the snowmobile relative to the ground (snow).
- FIG. 56 also shows the drive shaft 640 including drive sprockets 652 , where drive sprockets 652 are positioned forward of slide rails 612 and lower than body panel 650 , as more fully described herein. Given the above general description, the raised chassis portion of the snowmobile for deep snow 602 will now be described.
- lower control arm 628 is attached to bulkhead 608 at pivotal connections 660 whereas upper control arm 630 is attached to bulkhead 608 at pivotal connections 662 . Meanwhile, lower control arm 628 is attached to spindle 634 at ball joint 664 and upper control arm 630 is attached to spindle at ball joint 666 . Spindle 634 is attached to ski 636 about a fastener 668 .
- a distance 680 is shown which is the distance between the center of ball joint 664 (within spindle 634 ) to the center of the fastener 668 .
- distance 680 is 6.91 inches (175.41 mm) whereas the analogous distance 682 in the FIG. 53 embodiment is 4.91 inches (124.66 mm).
- the spindle has been raised by an additional two inches yet the suspension components, namely the lower control arm 628 and upper control arm 630 are positioned in the same manner relative to the bulkhead and the spindle 634 as before; the length of the spindle has only changed from a position downwardly from the connection point of the lower control arm 628 .
- the body panel 650 is positioned vertically adjacent to a center line 670 of the driveshaft 640 .
- the distance from the body panel 650 to centerline 670 is preferably less than one and a half inches and in the embodiment shown is 1.4 inches (31.64 mm).
- the bottom of the chassis 650 has been raised relative to a lower outer portion of the drive sprocket 652 .
- the bottom of the sprocket is essentially planar with the bottom of the chassis, such that distance 674 is approximately 0.1775′′.
- the distance 672 is approximately 2.1772 inches or approximately 2 inches greater.
- the center line 670 of the driveshaft has not been lowered relative to a ground plane 676 but rather the remaining portion of the chassis has been raised relative to the ground plane 676 .
- the body panel 650 has been raised by approximately two inches relative to the ground plane 676 .
- the distance 677 between the body panel 650 and the ground plane 676 is 9.12 inches (231.647 mm).
- the corresponding distance 678 is 7.261 inches (184.432 mm).
- the revised spindle 634 has been elongated which raises the location of the upper and lower control arms relative to the previous snowmobiles.
- the tunnel 606 is raised relative to the ground by moving the connection of the front control arm 616 relative to the tunnel 606 .
- the connection point between the two is shown at 690 in FIG. 55 .
- the distance from the bottom of the chassis at 650 to the connection point 690 is shown as distance 686 .
- the distance 686 is 3.34 inches (84.84 mm) and in the embodiment of FIG. 53 , the analogous distance 674 is 5.34 inches (135.64 mm).
- the corresponding distances have been slightly altered. Namely, in a second embodiment, the relevant distances are:
- driveshaft 640 Multiple other possibilities and embodiments now present themselves with the modified relative location of driveshaft 640 . These changes include lowering the height of the tunnel and the jackshaft, repositioning the location of the fuel tank, among others as described below.
- snowmobile 602 is shown in section through drive shaft 640 .
- the drive mechanism 640 is shown modified in the chassis of FIG. 1 , with the changes being the raised chassis and elongated spindles 634 .
- the space between the sprockets 652 /track has been increased relative to the bottom of the tunnel 606 , since the chassis has been raised relative to the drive mechanism 640 as discussed above. Therefore, the tunnel itself could be lowered relative to that shown in FIG. 55 .
- tunnel 606 could be lowered by approximately two inches such that the top of the tunnel is approximately at the dashed line 700 . Since the tunnel may be lowered, other components which are restricted by the height of the tunnel 606 may also be lowered. For example, the fuel tank (not shown) than runs longitudinally along the tunnel, may be more centralized towards the center of the vehicle, given the extra volume now available by the added two inches.
- a chain case 710 is shown having a sprocket 712 , which would drive the drive shaft 640 through sprocket 714 and chain 716 .
- a jackshaft (not shown) would extend between sprocket 712 and though sidewall 718 , where a bearing (not shown) would reside in opening 720 , and thereafter connect to the CVT pulley.
- the jackshaft would be driven by the engine/CVT.
- the jackshaft can be positioned above the tunnel, but lower and out of the intake track of the engine. This allows for horse power enhancement of the engine and potentially allows more space for a larger air box for performance gains of the engine.
- the tunnel typically has an integrated cooling system as described above. As the tunnel is lowered, so too is the cooling liquid within the tunnel and therefore the center of gravity (CG) of the tunnel is lowered. Also, by lowering the jackshaft, the clutch and brake (attached to jackshaft) are also lowered. Thus, even though the CG of the front chassis has been raised by raising the front chassis portion 608 as described above, at least some of the vehicle height increase has been offset by lowering the CG of the tunnel and other chassis parts.
- CG center of gravity
Abstract
A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly. The snowmobile further includes running boards along the side of the tunnel that are removal and replaceable.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/513,949 filed Aug. 1, 2011 (Attorney Docket Number PLR-01-24987.01P) and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/582,426 filed Jan. 2, 2012 (Attorney Docket Number PLR-01-25120.01P), the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to snowmobiles and, more particularly, to snowmobiles for use in deep snow applications.
- Generally, snowmobiles are available for various applications such as deep snow, high performance, luxury touring, and trail riding, for example. Regardless of the application, certain structural components are common to many snowmobiles. For example, snowmobiles typically include a frame, a track assembly, a power train, skis, and at least one suspension system, as are illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0139528, filed on Feb. 14, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-22547.03P-01), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0192667, filed on Feb. 4, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,898, issued on Apr. 8, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-763.01P), and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/513,949, filed on Aug. 1, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24987.01P), the complete disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- One common area for snowmobiles generally relates to the overall architecture, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front chassis portion which retains the power train, and a front suspension that mounts skis to the frame. A drive shaft is typically mounted to the front chassis portion and includes drive sprockets for powering the belt. A chain case is also typically provided to transfer power from an engine or CVT to the drive shaft. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,768 which shows a typical snowmobile drivetrain with a drive shaft and an upper jack shaft that drives the drive sprockets through the chain case, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- In the case of mountain or deep snow snowmobiles, one common characteristic is to provide an elongated endless belt to provide a longer footprint for the belt, and a lower pressure for the snowmobile for flotation in deep snow. An elongated tunnel is also provided to cover the extended belt. A front body typically surrounds at least the front frame portion to enclose the engine and other mechanical components. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,920 and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/021,586 (Docket PLR-01-24321.02P) both of which show deep snow snowmobiles, the subject matter of each being incorporated herein by reference. A present version of a snowmobile frame for deep snow is shown in
FIG. 1 . - According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a snowmobile comprises a chassis with a tunnel, a power train unit that is supported by the chassis, and an endless track that is operably coupled to the power train unit. The snowmobile further comprises a first running board that is positioned to a first side of the tunnel, and a second running board that is positioned to a second side of the tunnel. The first and second running boards are removably coupled to the tunnel.
- According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a snowmobile comprises a chassis having a tunnel, the tunnel comprising a top wall and sidewalls; and a running board assembly coupled to each of the tunnel side walls for supporting the operator's feet, the running board assembly comprising a running board platform being discrete from the tunnel.
- Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the intended advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a clutch side of an illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of a belt drive side of the snowmobile ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the snowmobile ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a front frame portion of the illustrative snowmobile; -
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the front frame portion and front suspension assembly of the illustrative snowmobile; -
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of a power train unit of the snowmobile of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the portion of the power train unit ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an upper sprocket of the illustrative power train unit; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a lower sprocket of the illustrative power train unit; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the upper sprocket ofFIG. 7 , taken along line 9-9 ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lower sprocket ofFIG. 8 , taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a tool for assembling a belt drive shaft of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 12 is front perspective view of a drive shaft of the illustrative power train unit; -
FIG. 13 is an end view of the drive shaft ofFIG. 12 with an end cap removed; -
FIG. 14A is an exploded view of the illustrative drive shaft ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14B is a further exploded view of the illustrative drive shaft; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the illustrative drive shaft; -
FIG. 16 is a side plan view of an endless track of the illustrative snowmobile supported on the drive shaft; -
FIG. 17 is a front view of the front frame portion of the snowmobile of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front suspension and a ski of the snowmobile; -
FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of the front suspension of the snowmobile; -
FIG. 20A is an exploded view of the lower control arm of the front suspension ofFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 20B is an exploded view of a shock absorber of the front suspension coupled to the lower control arm; -
FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of a bracket of the lower control arm ofFIG. 20 ; -
FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the lower control arm of and the bracket ofFIG. 21A ; -
FIG. 22 is bottom perspective view of the front frame portion of the snowmobile; -
FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of an overstructure of the illustrative front frame portion of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the overstructure ofFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a portion of the overstructure of the present disclosure, including frame tubes and couplers; -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the frame tubes and couplers ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of a steering assembly of the illustrative snowmobile; -
FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of the front frame portion of the snowmobile and including a brace tube; -
FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the front frame portion and the brace tube of the illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a steering rod of the illustrative steering assembly ofFIG. 27 ; -
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the illustrative steering rod ofFIG. 30 ; -
FIG. 32A is a cross-sectional view of a drag arm of the illustrative steering assembly ofFIG. 27 ; -
FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the illustrative drag arm ofFIG. 27 ; -
FIG. 33A is a rear perspective view of the illustrative steering assembly showing an auxiliary power button; -
FIG. 33B is a detailed side perspective view of the auxiliary power button ofFIG. 33A ; -
FIG. 33C is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the steering assembly ofFIG. 33A ; -
FIG. 34A is a bottom perspective view of a rear suspension and a tunnel of the illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 34B is an exploded perspective view of a shock absorber of the rear suspension; -
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the tunnel ofFIG. 34 ; -
FIG. 36 is a side perspective view of the tunnel ofFIG. 35 ; -
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the tunnel of the present disclosure including recessed channels; -
FIG. 38 is a detailed view of the recessed channels of the tunnel ofFIG. 37 ; -
FIG. 39A is an exploded view of a seat assembly of the illustrative snowmobile of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 39B is a further exploded view of the seat assembly ofFIG. 39A ; -
FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the seat assembly with the seat cover removed; -
FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view of the seat assembly along a longitudinal axis of the seat assembly; -
FIG. 42 is a rear cross-sectional view of the seat assembly; -
FIG. 43 is a side view of the running board assembly and a toe grip assembly of the illustrative snowmobile; -
FIG. 44 is a side perspective view of a portion of the running board assembly ofFIG. 43 ; -
FIG. 45A is an exploded view of a bracket and an elongate frame member of the running board assembly ofFIG. 43 ; -
FIG. 45B is an exploded view of an elbow and the elongate member of the running board assembly ofFIG. 43 ; -
FIG. 46A is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the bracket ofFIG. 45A ; -
FIG. 46B is s cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the elbow ofFIG. 45B ; -
FIG. 47A is a side perspective view of a front torque arm of the rear suspension; -
FIG. 47B is an exploded view of a front torque arm of the rear suspension ofFIG. 34 ; -
FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an adhesive cavity formed by the front torque arm ofFIG. 47A ; -
FIG. 49 is a bottom perspective view of a rail assembly and the drive shaft of the snowmobile of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 50A is a top perspective view of a mount for a regulator of the illustrative snowmobile; -
FIG. 50B is a bottom perspective view of the mount ofFIG. 50A ; -
FIG. 51A is a front perspective view of a mount for a solenoid and EV coils of the illustrative snowmobile; -
FIG. 51B is a bottom perspective view of the mount ofFIG. 51A ; -
FIG. 51C is cross-sectional view of the mount ofFIG. 51A , taken alongline 51C-51C ofFIG. 51A ; -
FIG. 52 is a portion of an endless track of the snowmobile; -
FIG. 53 shows a side view of a current version snowmobile; -
FIG. 54 shows a front left perspective view of the main portions of a deep snow snowmobile; -
FIG. 55 shows a left side view of the snowmobile ofFIG. 54 ; -
FIG. 56 shows an underside perspective view of the snowmobile front frame; -
FIG. 57 shows a right hand side enlarged view of the snowmobile ofFIG. 54 ; -
FIG. 58 shows an enlarged view of the front left ski and its attachment to the suspension system; -
FIG. 59 shows an enlarged portion of the left front end of the snowmobile ofFIG. 55 ; and -
FIG. 60 shows a cross sectional view through lines 60-60 ofFIG. 59 ; - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
- For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. For example, while the following description refers primarily to a snowmobile, it should be understood that the principles of the invention apply equally to other snow vehicles. While the present invention primarily involves a snowmobile, it should be understood, however, that the invention may have application to other types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles, scooters, and mopeds.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1A , 1B, and 2, an illustrative embodiment of asnowmobile 10 includes a chassis orframe 12 including afront frame portion 12 a and arear frame portion 12 b.Front frame portion 12 a is supported by front ground-engaging members, illustratively skis 14, andrear frame portion 12 b is supported by a rear ground-engaging member, illustratively anendless track 16. Front skis 14 are operably coupled to afront suspension assembly 18, andendless track 16 cooperates with arear suspension assembly 20.Snowmobile 10 also includes aseat assembly 22, a front outer body (not shown), and asteering assembly 26. - Referring to
FIGS. 5-16 , a power train unit 30 (FIG. 5 ) is covered by an outer body panel (not shown) and provides power toendless track 16 to movesnowmobile 10. As shown inFIG. 5 ,power train unit 30 is supported byfront frame portion 12 a and includes an engine 28 (FIG. 1A ), aclutch assembly 32 of the continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) type, abelt drive assembly 34, adrive shaft 36, and ajackshaft 38. Abrake assembly 84 may be positionedadjacent jackshaft 38. - With reference now to
FIGS. 1A-4 , and 28,frame 12 includes abulkhead 186 coupled totunnel 39.Bulkhead 186 comprises a front casting havingmirror image castings 188 and 190 (FIG. 28 ).Bulkhead 186 extends along the right (denoted as 186 a) and left side (denoted as 186 b) offront frame portion 12 a.Bulkhead 186 further comprises anengine cradle 40 coupled to right and leftcastings power train unit 30.Engine cradle 40 includes a plurality of bushings to supportengine 28 therein.Bulkhead member 186 a illustratively supportsbelt drive assembly 34 andbulkhead member 186 b illustratively supports clutch assembly 32 (FIGS. 1A and 1B ). - As best shown in
FIGS. 1B and 3 ,engine 28 is coupled to anexhaust assembly 86 which receives exhaust gases fromengine 28.Exhaust assembly 86 is in fluid communication with aresonator 87 to expel the exhaust gases from a fluid port (not shown) inresonator 87.Resonator 87 is coupled to aresonator mount 88 supported bybulkhead 186. In particular,resonator mount 88 isadjacent bulkhead member 186 a and spansengine cradle 40.Resonator mount 88 has spring connections for coupling toresonator 87. The construction and materials ofresonator mount 88 may contribute to an overall weight reduction ofsnowmobile 10 relative to a conventional mounting apparatus (e.g., a saddle mount). - Referring to
FIGS. 5-16 ,engine 28 is operably coupled toclutch assembly 32 through the crankshaft (not shown) ofengine 28. More particularly,clutch assembly 32couples engine 28 to driveshaft 36. Clutch assembly also includes ahousing 33. While illustrativeclutch assembly 32 includes a CVT,clutch assembly 32 may embody other types of clutches. As is known, a CVT includes a drive clutch (not shown), which is operably coupled toengine 28, and a drivenclutch 44. Driven clutch 44 is illustratively supported bybulkhead member 186 b (FIG. 6 ) and is coupled to the drive clutch through a drive belt (not shown). - Driven clutch 44 is operably coupled to drive
shaft 36 throughbelt drive assembly 34 andjackshaft 38, as further detailed hereinafter.Belt drive assembly 34 includes ahousing 46, anupper sprocket 48, alower sprocket 50, and abelt 52. As illustrated inFIG. 1B ,housing 46 is supported bybulkhead 186,illustratively bulkhead member 186 a, and is coupled thereto with conventional fasteners.Upper sprocket 48 is operably coupled tolower sprocket 50 withbelt 52. Illustrativeupper sprocket 48 has a smaller diameter than that oflower sprocket 50, however, the size of upper andlower sprockets - Referring to
FIGS. 5-11 ,upper sprocket 48 includes ahub 56 and acenter portion 58.Hub 56 includesouter teeth 54 that rotatably couple withbelt 52, and aguide flange 49 to retainbelt 52 onupper sprocket 48.Guide flange 49 extends from the outer side ofupper sprocket 48 and is adjacentouter teeth 54.Hub 56 is integrally formed aroundcenter portion 58, and more particularly, is cast aroundcenter portion 58.Center portion 58 includes aninner spline 60 which operably couplesupper sprocket 48 tojackshaft 38.Center portion 58 also includes a profiled outer surface. Illustratively, the profiled outer surface ofcenter portion 58 includesextension members 62, which may be teeth, projections, guides, cogs, ribs, or other members extending fromcenter portion 58. The profiled outer surface ofcenter portion 58 may also be otherwise formed, such as with indentations, recesses, or grooves, for example. Illustratively, portions ofhub 56 are cast betweenextension members 62 ofcenter portion 58. -
Lower sprocket 50 also includes ahub 66 and acenter portion 68.Hub 66 includesouter teeth 64 and aguide flange 70.Outer teeth 64rotatably couple belt 52 tolower sprocket 50.Guide flange 70 extends outwardly from the inner surface oflower sprocket 50 and is adjacent toouter teeth 64.Guide flange 70 oflower sprocket 50 cooperates withguide flange 49 ofupper sprocket 48 to closely align the center of gravity ofbelt 52 with the center of gravity of upper andlower sprockets - Similar to
upper sprocket 48,hub 66 oflower sprocket 50 is integrally formed aroundcenter portion 68, more particularly, is cast aroundcenter portion 68.Center portion 68 includes aninner spline 72 which operably coupleslower sprocket 50 to driveshaft 36.Center portion 68 also includes a profiled outer surface. Illustratively, the profiled outer surface ofcenter portion 68 includesextension members 74, which may be teeth, projections, guides, cogs, ribs, or other members extending fromcenter portion 68. - Referring to
FIGS. 7-10 ,center portions Center portions lower sprockets center portions lower sprockets lower sprockets - After casting, upper and
lower sprockets lower sprockets center portions center portions lower sprockets - Referring to
FIG. 11 ,belt 52 is a toothed belt drive and has an innertoothed surface 76 and anouter surface 78 forming a circle in cross-section.Belt 52 may be comprised of a polymeric material, for example rubber.Outer surface 78 is generally flat or smooth.Inner surface 76 includesteeth 80 which are sized to receiveouter teeth lower sprockets -
Belt drive assembly 34 is a synchronous, perfect pitch assembly. More particularly,belt 52 is in perfect tension when assembled with upper andlower sprockets belt drive assembly 34 is in perfect tension,upper sprocket 48 andlower sprocket 50 are assembled withbelt 52 before coupling withjackshaft 38 and driveshaft 36, respectively. More particularly,upper sprocket 48 threadedly couples withteeth 82 ofjackshaft 38 andlower sprocket 50 threadedly couples withteeth 112 of drive shaft, as further detailed hereinafter. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , atool 500, or other device, may be used to assemblebelt drive assembly 34 in perfect tension.Tool 500 includespins lower sprockets belt 52 to jackshaft 38 and driveshaft 36. Illustratively, pins 502 include afirst end portion 504 and asecond end portion 506.First end portions 504 of pins 502 are tapered or otherwise angled relative tosecond end portion 506. The diameter ofsecond end portion 506 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter ofinner splines lower sprockets second end portion 506 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter ofteeth 82 ofjackshaft 38 andteeth 112 ofdrive shaft 36. - During assembly of
belt drive assembly 34, pins 502 are coupled to the outermost surface ofteeth Belt 52 is assembled around upper andlower sprockets lower sprockets first end portion 504 and alongsecond end portion 506 ofpins lower sprockets belt 52, slide ontoteeth jackshaft 38 and driveshaft 36, respectively. After assembly ofbelt drive 34, pins 502 may be removed and fasteners are used to couple belt drive assembly withjackshaft 38 and driveshaft 36.Belt 52 remains in perfect tension with upper andlower sprockets belt drive assembly 34. -
Belt drive assembly 34 may replace a traditional chain drive assembly becausebelt 52, rather than a chain, is used with upper andlower sprockets belt drive assembly 34 does not require an oil pan or a sealed chain case. Furthermore, becausebelt drive assembly 34 does not include a chain and is in perfect tension, a tensioner also is not required. As such, the weight of illustrativebelt drive assembly 34 may be less than that of a traditional chain drive assembly. By decreasing the weight ofbelt drive assembly 34, the weight and inertia ofpower train assembly 30 also may be reduced, thereby reducing the weight ofsnowmobile 10. Additionally,belt drive assembly 34 requires less maintenance than a chain drive assembly becausebelt drive assembly 34 does not experience traditional maintenance problems, such as oil leaks. - As detailed above and shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 ,upper sprocket 48 ofbelt drive assembly 34 is coupled to drivenclutch 44 ofclutch assembly 32 viajackshaft 38.Jackshaft 38 includes afirst portion 38 a and asecond portion 38 b. More particularly, jackshaft 38 may be gun drilled or formed through similar methods such thatsecond portion 38 b is substantially hollow and may receivefirst portion 38 a therein. Illustrativefirst portion 38 a is coupled to driven clutch 44 with conventional fasteners (e.g., bolts, rivets). Illustrativesecond portion 38 b includes teeth 82 (FIG. 11 ), that couple withinner spline 60 ofupper sprocket 48. It may be appreciated that the substantially hollow, two-piece construction of gun drilledjackshaft 38 also reduces the overall weight ofsnowmobile 10. - In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a speed sensor 492 (
FIG. 6 ) may be positioned adjacentupper sprocket 48 andbrake assembly 84.Speed sensor 492 is in electronic communication with an engine control unit (“ECU”) (not shown) to determine the speed (e.g., in miles per hour during) operation ofsnowmobile 10. Alternative embodiments ofspeed sensor 492 may determine the speed by recording a number of pulses per unit time. The ECU is programmed to receive a signal fromspeed sensor 492 indicative of a measurement per unit time and to output a speed in miles/hour on a display (not shown) that is visible to the rider.Speed sensor 492 may be calibrated in order to accommodate various gearing ratios ofbelt drive assembly 34. - As previously detailed,
lower sprocket 50 is coupled to driveshaft 36. As illustrated inFIGS. 5 , 6, 11, and 35,drive shaft 36 is coupled to frame 12 belowjackshaft 38. Referring toFIGS. 12-15 , a drive shaft assembly includesdrive shaft 36, which has aninterior portion 90 and anexternal surface 92 extending between first and second ends 94, 96. The drive shaft assembly also includes afirst end cap 108 and asecond end cap 118. Illustratively,external surface 92 ofdrive shaft 36 defines a hexagon in cross-section formed by sixapexes 93 and sixsides 95. Certain illustrative embodiments ofdrive shaft 36 may define other shapes in cross-section (e.g., a circle). The hexagonal shape ofdrive shaft 36 may facilitate torque transfer when additional driving force is exerted ondrive shaft 36. Driveshaft 36 is comprised of an extrudable material, for example aluminum, and formed through conventional extrusion processes. - Illustrative
interior portion 90 ofdrive shaft 36 includesinternal ribs 98 extending substantially along the length ofdrive shaft 36. As shown inFIGS. 16-20 ,internal ribs 98 are proximate first and second ends 94, 96 but may not extend into first and second ends 94, 96. The illustrative embodiment ofdrive shaft 36 includes threeinternal ribs 98, however, the number ofinternal ribs 98 may vary to accommodate specific materials, shapes ofdrive shaft 36, applications ofsnowmobile 10, and torque loads.Internal ribs 98 define three substantially hollow channels withininterior portion 90 ofdrive shaft 36. More particularly,internal ribs 98 intersectapexes 93 in an alternating pattern. As such, illustrative internal ribs are spaced apart from each other by at least oneapex 93 and at least twosides 95. Additionally,internal ribs 98 intersect each other along a longitudinal axis l ofdrive shaft 36, as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B . In one embodiment, driveshaft 36 defines a circle in cross-section andinterior portion 90 does not includeinternal ribs 98. - As further shown in
FIGS. 12-16 ,external surface 92 may includeexternal ribs 100. Illustratively,external ribs 100 extend outwardly fromexternal surface 92 and are positioned at alternatingapexes 93 ofdrive shaft 36. As withinternal ribs 98,external ribs 100 are spaced apart from each other by at least an apex 93 and at least twosides 95. More particularly,external ribs 100 are positioned at oneapex 93 that is not intersected byinternal ribs 98. As such,external ribs 100 are positioned betweeninternal ribs 98. By alternating the arrangement ofexternal ribs 100 andinternal ribs 98,external ribs 100 provide rigidity and strength to the portions ofdrive shaft 36 that do not includeinternal ribs 98. Furthermore, additional driving force may be exerted ondrive shaft 36 becauseexternal ribs 100 facilitate torque transfer toendless track 16 as further described herein. - First and second ends 94, 96 of the drive shaft assembly each includes
coupling portions portions lip 106 is formed betweeninterior portion 90 andcoupling portions Internal ribs 98 do not overlapcoupling portions external ribs 100 may overlapcoupling portions - First end 94 of
drive shaft 36 couples withfirst end cap 108 that is received withincoupling portion 102.First end cap 108 includes acomplementary coupling portion 110 that supportsteeth 112. In particular,teeth 112 couples withsplines 72 oflower sprocket 50 ofbelt drive assembly 34. As such, the rotation oflower sprocket 50 rotates driveshaft 36 throughteeth 112.First end cap 108 may be comprised of forged steel, for example, or other similar materials. -
Second end 96 ofdrive shaft 36 couples withsecond end cap 118 that is received withincoupling portion 104.Second end cap 118 includes acomplementary coupling portion 120 and ashaft member 122. In particular,shaft member 122 couples withframe 12, specifically bulkheadmember 186 a, to supportdrive shaft 36.Second end cap 118 may be comprised of cast aluminum, for example, or other similar materials. - Similar to drive
shaft 36, first and second end caps 108, 118 are hexagonal in cross-section. First and second end caps 108, 118 may be press fit withincoupling portions complementary coupling portions coupling portions - Still referring to
FIG. 15 , the connections betweencomplementary coupling portions respective coupling portions adhesive cavities 114.Adhesive cavities 114 are axially bounded on one end bylip 106. Illustratively,adhesive cavities 114 include twoadhesive ports 116, which increase the uniformity of the adhesive withinadhesive cavity 114. Alternative embodiments ofadhesive cavities 114 may include oneadhesive port 116, or three or moreadhesive ports 116. In one embodiment, mechanical fasteners (not shown) also are used to couple first and second end caps 108, 118 to driveshaft 36. - The dimensions of
adhesive cavities 114 correlates to the thickness of adhesive inadhesive cavities 114, which determines the strength of the joint formed by the adhesive, as further detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0139528, filed on Feb. 14, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-22547.03P-01), the complete disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. If the thickness of the adhesive inadhesive cavities 114 is too thin, the resulting joints formed by couplingportions complementary coupling portions drive shaft 36. In one embodiment of the illustrative drive shaft assembly, the surface ofcoupling portions complementary coupling portions - The adhesive may be an acrylic adhesive, for example. Exemplary acrylic adhesives are available from Lord Corporation. In one embodiment, the adhesive is combined with an accelerator to promote the curing of the adhesive. The curing time of the adhesive may be accelerated by applying heat during the curing process (e.g., induction heat). In one embodiment, the set time of the adhesive is approximately 20 minutes and the cure time of the adhesive within
adhesive cavities 114 is approximately two hours at room temperature. - The drive shaft assembly may be comprised of dissimilar materials. For example, drive
shaft 36 andsecond end cap 110 may be comprised of aluminum.First end cap 108 may be comprised of forged steel. Adhesive allows dissimilar materials to be joined, which also allows the use of materials which are best suited for the operation of the drive shaft assembly. Additionally, certain welding methods, such as spot welding, may not be used to weld dissimilar metals and, as such, may not be used to assembledrive shaft 36. Further, adhesive distributes the load incoupling portions - It may be appreciated that the configuration and material composition of the drive shaft assembly contributes to an overall weight reduction of
snowmobile 10. More particularly, lightweight materials, such as aluminum and adhesive, reduce the weight and rotational inertia of the drive shaft assembly. Additionally, the substantially hollow configuration ofdrive shaft 36 further reduces the weight of the drive shaft assembly. Therefore, the weight ofsnowmobile 10 is reduced. By reducing the overall weight,snowmobile 10 may roll and tilt onto its side more easily, thereby requiring less effort from a rider to maneuversnowmobile 10. For example,illustrative snowmobile 10 may weigh approximately 419 pounds. Furthermore, by assembling the drive shaft assembly with dissimilar metals and adhesive, torque transfer may improve and additional driving torque may be exerted on the drive shaft assembly. It is to be understood that other shafts or components ofsnowmobile 10 may be similarly constructed (e.g., jackshaft 38). - Referring to
FIG. 16 , the drive shaft assembly may supportendless track 16 ondrive sprockets 124. Drivesprockets 124 slide ontoexternal surface 92 ofdrive shaft 36 and are press fit toexternal ribs 100.Endless track 16 rotates withdrive shaft 36 ondrive sprockets 124 in order to movesnowmobile 10. As mentioned above,external ribs 100 are provided ondrive shaft 36.Ribs 100 engage withinslots 125 ondrive sprockets 124 to assist in torque transfer (FIG. 5 ). - Referring to
FIGS. 17-19 , in addition toendless track 16, front skis 14 facilitate the movement ofsnowmobile 10. More particularly, front skis 14 includeright ski 14 a andleft ski 14 b, which are operably coupled tofront suspension assembly 18.Front suspension assembly 18 includesright suspension 18 a andleft suspension 18 b, each of which includes alower control arm 126, anupper control arm 128, a linear force element, illustratively ashock absorber 130, and aspindle 132.Front frame portion 12 a is coupled to skis 14 throughfront suspension assembly 18. - Lower and
upper control arms suspensions spindles 132 throughmoveable joints Moveable joints spindles 132 withmechanical fasteners mechanical fasteners FIG. 18 ), although other embodiments of moveable joints and mechanical fasteners may be used. -
Lower control arms 126 includecoupling members 138, which couple afirst arm 140 and asecond arm 142 tojoints 134 and to each other, as shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B . Additionally,shock absorbers 130 may extend throughupper control arms 128 and are pivotally coupled tolower control arms 126 viacoupling members 138. As best shown inFIG. 20B ,shock absorber 130 includescoupling portion 131, which may be threadedly coupled tocoupling member 138. In particular,coupling member 138 may be cast or otherwise formed to includeextensions Extensions bolt 141, throughopenings bolt 141 is received within and threadedly coupled toextension 137 b. As such,bolt 141 may be threadedly connected tofront suspension 18 without the use of a nut or other fastening member. - Referring to
FIG. 20A ,first arm 140 includes afirst end 140 a and asecond end 140 b, andsecond arm 142 includes a first end 142 a and asecond end 142 b. First ends 140 a, 142 a of respective first andsecond arms coupling member 138 while second ends 140 b, 142 b are coupled to bearingmembers 144.Bearing members 144 couple first andsecond arms front frame portion 12 a, as further detailed hereinafter. - First and
second arms coupling member 138 and bearingmembers 144 with an adhesive material, such as those available from Lord Corporation and detailed herein. In one embodiment, mechanical fasteners (not shown) also are used to couple first andsecond arms coupling member 138 and bearingmembers 144. By using adhesive, welding is not required to assemblelower control arms 126. - When first ends 140 a, 142 a are inserted into
coupling member 138, anadhesive cavity 146 is defined, as illustrated inFIG. 21B . Couplingmember 138 may include a recess 150 (FIG. 21A ) that defines at least threeboundary surfaces adhesive cavity 146. Couplingmember 138 illustratively includes twoadhesive ports 148 for uniformly applying the adhesive. More particularly, the adhesive is applied toadhesive cavity 146 in shear. Specifically, first andsecond arms coupling member 138 when the adhesive is applied in order to bond and cure the adhesive in shear. Shear is the strongest loading mechanism and, therefore, sufficiently assembleslower control arm 126 for snowmobile applications. -
Adhesive cavity 146 may be treated or prepared before the adhesive is applied therein. Exemplary surface preparations include a dry rag wipe, a solvent degrease, a vapor degrease, a mechanical abrasion of the surface, plasma treatment, chemical etching, and anodizing. First andsecond arms members 144 according to the same illustrative method. Additionally, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may adhesively bondupper control arms 128 according to the illustrative method. -
Lower control arms 136 may be comprised of dissimilar materials. For example, the illustrative embodiment of first andsecond arms member 138 and bearingmembers 144 may be comprised of high-strength aluminum or plastic. Unlike certain welding methods (e.g., spot welding, adhesive may be used to join dissimilar materials. Additionally, welding may cause portions oflower control arms 126 to be thicker than is required forfront suspension assembly 18 and increase the weight offront suspension assembly 18. Furthermore, welding may cause fatigue scatter, distortion, and variations inlower control arms 126 due to concentrated areas of stress formed during the welding process. As such, welding may affect the fatigue strength and life oflower control arm 26. Conversely, adhesive distributes the load inlower control arms 126 over an area rather than concentrating it at a point or a line as is the case with welds. As such, adhesive does not adversely affect the fatigue life and strength oflower control arms 126. - As shown in
FIGS. 17 , 19, and 22,front suspension assembly 18 is coupled tofront frame portion 12 a via right and leftcastings bulkhead 186. Specifically, upper andlower control arms castings members conventional fasteners FIG. 9 , right and leftcastings bulkhead members engine cradle 40 and are coupled thereto with a plurality of conventional fasteners, such as bolts. Right and leftcastings conventional fasteners 194. Right and leftcastings castings housing 195 to prevent snow and ice from enteringfront frame portion 12 a. - Referring to
FIGS. 23 and 24 , anoverstructure 202 offront frame portion 12 a is coupled to right and leftcastings Overstructure 202 includes a cast coupling orconnector 152 that is configured to attach plural frame tubes, specificallyfront frame tubes rear frame tubes Overstructure 202 further comprises alower frame tube 208 coupled tofront frame tubes - An upper portion of
frame tubes connector 152 by way offasteners 162, and/or may be adhesively fixed toconnector 152. As shown,connector 152 further includes twosupport webs support web apertures upper steering post 172 of steeringassembly 26 to supportwebs - With reference to
FIGS. 23 and 24 ,connector 152 further includes a first circular channel 174 (FIG. 24 ) defined byportions bosses 176 extending downwardly therethrough. A secondcircular channel 178 is defined byportions bosses 180 extending downwardly.Circular channels cylindrical members front frame tubes circular channels fasteners 162 extending throughframe tubes bosses rear frame tubes cylindrical members fasteners 162 and adhesive. As shown inFIG. 7 , a lower portion ofrear frame tubes rear frame portion 12 b ofsnowmobile 10. -
Front frame tubes inserts FIG. 24 ). Stiffening inserts 224, 226 are received within the upper portion offront frame tubes front frame tubes fasteners 162. Additionally, shaped spacers,illustratively washers front frame tubes fasteners 162.Washers front frame tubes fasteners 162. Stiffening inserts 224, 226 andwashers front frame tubes fasteners 162 are coupled with threadedbosses washers members front frame tubes fasteners 162 are coupled with threadedbosses front frame tubes - A lower portion of
front frame tubes couplers Illustrative couplers lower frame tube 208.Front frame tubes lower frame tube 208, such thatfront frame tubes lower frame tube 208 illustratively form a triangle. - The various connections within
overstructure 202 may be made by traditional mechanical couplings such as bolts, welds, rivets, screws, and other types of fasteners. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the connections ofoverstructure 202 are made with a structural adhesive. Illustratively,front frame tubes lower frame tube 208 are bonded tocouplers - Referring to
FIGS. 25 and 26 ,front frame tube 154 andcoupler 204 cooperate to define anadhesive cavity 212.Adhesive cavity 212 is defined whenfront frame tube 154 slides intocoupler 204.Front frame tube 154 andcoupler 204 may also be secured together bymechanical fasteners 218 which are received throughopenings 220 incoupler 204. In one embodiment,fasteners 218 are self piercing rivets which pierce throughcoupler 204 and secure the location ofcoupler 204 relative tofront frame tube 154. - In the illustrative embodiment,
adhesive cavity 212 circumscribesfront frame tube 154. As illustrated,adhesive cavity 212 includes twoports 214 into which the adhesive may be introduced for more uniform filling ofadhesive cavity 212 with the adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, a singleadhesive port 214 is provided. In other alternative embodiments, three or moreadhesive ports 214 are provided. The volume ofadhesive cavity 212 is predetermined such that a predetermined amount of the adhesive is injected intoadhesive cavity 212. The thickness of the adhesive is proportional to the strength of the connection betweenfront frame tube 154 andcoupler 204. If the thickness is too thin, the resulting connection may be undesirably weak. If the thickness is too great, the resulting connection may not properly transfer the load exerted onoverstructure 202. - While the illustrative embodiment has been described with reference to
front frame tube 154 andcoupler 204, it is to be understood thatfront frame tube 156 is bonded tocoupler 206 according to the illustrative method. Similarly,lower frame tube 208 is bonded tocouplers front frame tubes lower frame tube 208 may be treated prior to assembly withcouplers - The adhesive may be an acrylic adhesive, for example, such as those described herein and available from Lord Corporation. In one embodiment, the adhesive is combined with an accelerator to promote the curing of the adhesive. The set time of the adhesive may be approximately 20 minutes and the cure time of the adhesive may be approximately two hours at room temperature. The cure time of the adhesive may be further accelerated by applying heat during the curing process (e.g., induction heat).
- The illustrative embodiment of
overstructure 202, and in particular,front frame tubes lower frame tube 208, andcouplers front frame tubes lower frame tube 208 may be comprised of a carbon fiber material. The carbon fiber material may be coated with a plastic material to prevent a reaction withcouplers - Unlike welding, adhesive is able to bond dissimilar materials. Furthermore, welding may cause localized stress concentrations that affect material fatigue strength and fatigue life. However, adhesive distributes the load in
overstructure 202 over an area, rather than concentrating it at a point or a line, and, therefore, does not adversely affect material properties. Additionally, compared to welds, the adhesive and carbon fiber ofoverstructure 202 reduces the weight ofoverstructure 202, and therefore, the weight ofsnowmobile 10, which allows a rider easier maneuvering ofsnowmobile 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 23 and 24 ,connector 152 includes machined mounting surfaces 164A and 166A on the backside ofsupport webs upper steering post 172 thereto, as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0192667, filed on Feb. 4, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. Steeringassembly 26 further comprises alower steering post 232 operably coupled toupper steering post 172 viarespective links Links drag arm 238. Ball joints 235 are coupled to dragarm 238 andlinks drag arm 238 andlinks Lower steering post 232 is connected to tie rods or steering rods 240 (FIG. 3 ) by way of a follower arm 242 (FIG. 27 ) in order to maneuver skis 14. Moveable joints, illustratively ball joints 262, may be used to pivotally couplefollower arm 242 to steeringrods 240. Steeringrods 240 may be positioned throughhousings 195 ofcastings - With reference to
FIGS. 28 and 29 , asupport member 246 and abrace tube 248 may be coupled to right and leftcastings assembly 26. More particularly,support member 246 is coupled toright casting 188 andbrace tube 248 to supportfollower arm 242 andsteering rod 240 on the right side ofsnowmobile 10.Illustrative brace tube 248 is coupled to both right and leftcastings brace tube 248 may be coupled to the inner surfaces of right and leftcastings members 196 ofupper control arms 128.Brace tube 248 may be comprised of lightweight, high-strength materials, such as carbon fiber. As such,brace tube 248 may lower the weight ofsnowmobile 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 19 , 27, and 29-31, steeringrods 240 are operably coupled tospindles 132 andfollower arm 242 through ball joints 262. Steeringrods 240 include anarm 266 coupled tobrackets 268. More particularly, and as best shown inFIG. 30 ,brackets 268 are coupled to both afirst end 276 ofarm 266 and asecond end 278 ofarm 266.Brackets 268 are illustratively coupled toarm 266 with adhesive. In one embodiment, mechanical fasteners (not shown) may also be used to couplebrackets 268 toarm 266. - As shown in
FIGS. 30 and 31 ,brackets 268 include arecess 272 that defines an adhesive cavity 274 whenbrackets 268 are coupled toarm 266. In particular, adhesive cavity 274 is bounded on three sides bysurfaces recess 272 and is further defined byarm 266.Arm 266 includesadhesive ports 280 for receiving adhesive into adhesive cavity 274. As detailed above with respect to other components ofsnowmobile 10, adhesive is applied in a predetermined volume that corresponds to the volume of adhesive cavity 274. The adhesive may be a structural adhesive available from Lord Corporation and may be used with an accelerator. The adhesive is applied in shear whenbrackets 268 are received within first and second ends 276, 278 ofarm 266. - Additionally, in one embodiment of the present disclosure and shown in
FIG. 27 ,drag arm 238 includes anarm member 237 andbrackets 239, as shown inFIGS. 32A and 32B .Brackets 239 slidingly receive ball joints 235.Brackets 239 ofdrag arm 238 include arecess 264 that defines anadhesive cavity 265 whenbrackets 239 are received withinarm member 237.Drag arm 238 may be assembled with adhesive throughadhesive ports 241 according to the illustrative method. - The use of the adhesive to assemble
drag arm 238 and steeringrods 240, may replace other conventional joining methods (e.g., welding). Unlike welding, the adhesive does not form localized areas of stress at the connection points ofdrag arm 238 and steeringrods 240. Furthermore, the adhesive allows dissimilar metals to be joined, which may reduce the weight ofsnowmobile 10. Additionally, by eliminating welds ondrag arm 238 and steeringrods 240, the weight ofsteering assembly 26 is reduced. - Referring to
FIG. 32A , ball joints 235 include threadedposts 216, which are received within threaded apertures ofbrackets 239 ofdrag arm 238 and secured thereto with a fastener, such as anut 217. Similarly, ball joints 262 include a threadedpost 267, which is received within threaded apertures ofbrackets 268 and secured thereto with a fastener, such asnut 269.Nuts posts - As shown in
FIGS. 33A and 33B ,handlebars 250 of steeringassembly 26 are attached toupper steering post 172 by way of aclamp 252. Illustratively,handlebars bend upper steering post 172.Handlebar 250 a includes anauxiliary power button 254 and athrottle handle 255.Handlebar 250 b includes abrake lever 258.Auxiliary power button 254 is coupled to handlebar 250 a through abase 256 and aclamp 260.Auxiliary power button 254 may be snapped intobase 256, rather than secured thereto with a mechanical fastener. Clamp 260 illustratively extends aroundhandlebar 250 a in a U-shape or C-shape configuration and may be secured with a mechanical fastener 261 (e.g., screw, bolt). Other clamping or mounting mechanisms that do not require the use of a mechanical fastener also may be used to coupleauxiliary power button 254 to handlebar 250 a. -
Auxiliary power button 254 is vertically oriented onhandlebar 250 a. More particularly, the orientation ofauxiliary power button 254 is generally parallel toupper steering post 172 and generally perpendicular tohandlebars 250. The vertical orientation ofauxiliary power button 254 prevents the rider from accidentally bumpingauxiliary power button 254 and unintentionally turning offengine 28. Furthermore,auxiliary power button 254 is spaced apart fromthrottle handle 255, which also prevents a rider from unintentionally depressingauxiliary power button 254 when adjustingthrottle handle 255. Illustratively,auxiliary power button 254 is positioned onbend 550 a. - With reference to
FIG. 33C , one embodiment of steeringassembly 26 may include substantiallyhorizontal handlebars 250 a′ and 250 b′, clamp 252′, andauxiliary power button 254′. Substantiallyhorizontal handlebars 250 a′, 250 b′ are coupled to clamp 252′ and extend outwardly therefrom. As such, clamp 252′ is intermediate substantiallyhorizontal handlebars 250 a′ and 250 b′, and may be vertically and horizontally aligned therewith. Unlikehandlebars 250, substantiallyhorizontal handlebars 250′ do not includebends horizontal handlebar 250 b′ includesbrake lever 258. Illustratively,auxiliary power button 254′ is coupled to substantiallyhorizontal handlebar 250 a′ and isadjacent throttle handle 255. More particularly,auxiliary power button 254′ snaps onto, or is otherwise coupled to, handlebar 250 a′ in a substantially vertical orientation viaclamp 260.Clamp 260 may be secured to substantiallyhorizontal handlebar 250 a′ with a fastener (not shown). Additionally,auxiliary power button 254′ may be coupled to substantiallyhorizontal handlebar 250 a′ withoutbase 256. - Referring to
FIGS. 17 and 19 ,front frame portion 12 a further include a torsion bar orsway bar 282 coupled to the front of right and leftcastings Sway bar 282 is supported byclamps 284 extending from right and leftcastings bushings 286 may be positioned withinclamps 284 to allowsway bar 282 to pivot withinclamps 284.Sway bar 282 extends across the front of right and leftcastings lower controls arms 126. Illustratively,sway bar 282 is coupled tolower control arms 126 through alink arm 288 and abracket 290. More particularly, afirst end 292 oflink arm 288 includes anaperture 294 that receivessway bar 282. Asecond end 296 oflink arm 288 is coupled tobracket 290 withfasteners 298. -
Bracket 290 includes anopening 300 andextensions 302.Opening 300 is sized to receivearm 140 oflower control arm 126.Extensions 302 are spaced apart such thatsecond end 296 oflink arm 288 is positioned therebetween.Fastener 298 is received through apertures (not shown) inextensions 302 andsecond end 296 oflink arm 288.Link arm 288 is configured to pivot aboutfastener 298 in response to movement offront suspension 18. - Referring to
FIGS. 34-36 ,rear frame portion 12 b includestunnel 39,rear suspension assembly 20, a runningboard assembly 304, andendless track 16.Tunnel 39 includes atop wall 308, afront wall 312,side walls 310, and arear end 350.Front wall 312 extends betweenjackshaft 38 and driveshaft 36 such thatdrive shaft 36 is positioned withintunnel 39 andjackshaft 38 is positioned outside oftunnel 39. - As shown in
FIGS. 38 and 43 ,side walls 310 are removably coupled totop wall 308 oftunnel 39 withfasteners 311, which may embody rivets, bolts, adhesive, screws, or any combination thereof.Side walls 310 include a plurality ofapertures 402 to reduce the weight ofside walls 310, thereby further reducing the overall weight ofsnowmobile 10. Similarly,tunnel 39 may include a plurality ofapertures 403, which also reduce the weight ofsnowmobile 10.Side walls 310 extend fromfront wall 312 torear end 350, as shown inFIG. 50 .Side walls 310 may be comprised of lightweight, high-strength materials such as aluminum, steel, or other similar materials. -
Top wall 308 oftunnel 39 includeslateral portions 314 and acenter portion 316.Lateral portions 314 illustratively include recessed channels 318 (FIG. 38 ) configured to receive fasteners 366 (e.g., bolts) for mounting accessories ontotop wall 308 oftunnel 39. For example, fasteners may slide into recessedchannels 318 in order to secure cargo or a cargo carrying unit totop wall 308. - As shown in
FIG. 43 , anelectrical cover 342 may be positioned alongcenter portion 316 oftop wall 308 and intermediate recessedchannels 308.Electrical cover 342 extends rearwardly fromseat assembly 20 and towardrear end 350 oftunnel 39. More particularly,electrical cover 342 is coupled to a socket 344 (FIG. 35 ), which is configured to secure a brake light (not shown) or other illumination or electrical device tosnowmobile 10.Electrical cover 342 is coupled totop wall 308 and is configured to accommodate electrical wires (not shown) therein. - As shown in
FIGS. 35 and 36 ,adjacent socket 344 is asnow flap 346 and arear bumper 348.Snow flap 346 is hingedly mounted to thetunnel 39 alongrear end 350.Snow flap 346 includes a plurality ofapertures 352 to reduce the weight ofsnow flap 346, thereby further decreasing the overall weight ofsnowmobile 10.Apertures 352 may be machined or molded insnow flap 346. - Referring to
FIGS. 26 and 35 ,tunnel 39 may further include heat exchanger channels (not shown) positioned forward ofelectrical cover 342, as more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,920, issued on Jan. 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The heat exchanger channels may be positioned along the underside oftunnel 39 and belowseat assembly 22.Top wall 308 oftunnel 39 illustratively includes fluid ports 338 (FIG. 43 ) that are fluidly coupled to heat exchanger channels andengine 28. In operation, engine water may flow fromengine 28 to aport 338 through a hose (not shown) and circulate through the heat exchanger channels in order to cool the engine water. Cooled engine water exits through theother port 338 and flows towardengine 28 in a second hose (not shown). During operation ofsnowmobile 10, snow and ice are kicked up toward the heat exchanger channels, which cools the engine water.Top wall 308 may includeinsulation panels 340 to isolate the heat exchanger channels from the rider and/or other components of snowmobile 10 (FIG. 50 ). Illustratively, there are sixinsulation panels 340.Insulation panels 340 may be comprised of foam or other insulation material. - As shown in
FIGS. 35-38 and 43-46, runningboard assembly 304 is coupled toside walls 310 oftunnel 39 and includes afoot tread assembly 384 and atoe grip assembly 400.Foot tread assembly 384 includes runningboard plates 390 and a plurality of support members, illustratively abracket 394 and anelbow 396. Runningboard plates 390 includeplate portion 408 andelongate member 388.Foot tread assembly 384 is removably coupled toside walls 310 withfasteners foot tread assembly 384 is removably coupled totoe grip assembly 400 withfasteners 406.Fasteners food tread assembly 384 fromsnowmobile 10. As such,foot tread assembly 384 may be easily replaced, repaired, or otherwise serviced, without replacing or disassemblingside walls 310,tunnel 39, or other portions ofsnowmobile 10. - With respect to
FIG. 43 ,plate portion 408 is comprised of a plurality ofopenings 418 that extend fromelongate member 388 to amarginal edge 410 of runningboard plate 390. As such,openings 418 extend substantially across the width of runningboard plate 390 to provide a maximum open area onplate portion 408 for snow to fall through. The bottom surface of runningboard plates 390 is substantially smooth, which also facilitates snow removal fromplate portion 408. Grippingserrations 424 onplate portion 408 andelongate member 388 provide traction for a rider's foot. Illustratively, grippingserrations 424 border oroutline openings 418.Openings 418 may be embossed torigidify plate portion 408. - Running
board plate 390 may be extruded as a single piece, such thatplate portion 408, grippingserrations 424,elongate member 388, andmarginal edge 410 are integrally formed. In one embodiment,openings 418 andmarginal edge 410 are machined through conventional methods. Runningboard plates 390 may be extruded and machined from high-strength aluminum. As such, runningboard plates 390 are comprised of a lightweight material that may contribute to an overall weight reduction ofsnowmobile 10. - As shown in FIGS. 37 and 43-46,
bracket 394 may be removable fromelongate member 388 and is formed through conventional casting methods.Elongate member 388 extends in a generally parallel direction to longitudinal axis L ofsnowmobile 10 and includes aninternal web 416. With particular reference toFIGS. 45 and 46 ,bracket 394 includes abracket body 398 having afirst coupling portion 399 a extending intoelongate member 388 and asecond coupling portion 399 b for attachment to aflange 404 oftoe grip assembly 400.First coupling portion 399 a extends in the same direction aselongate member 388.Second coupling portion 399 b is angled relative tofirst coupling portion 399 a and extends in at least a partially vertical direction. -
First coupling portion 399 a ofbracket body 398 may be attached to elongatemember 388 by way offasteners 426, such as bolts, screws, welds, rivets, adhesives, or a combination thereof. More particularly, relative tobracket body 398,first coupling portion 399 a has a reduced cross section corresponding to the inner diameter ofelongate member 388 for receipt therein.First coupling portions 399 a includeslots 414 to receiveinternal web 416 ofelongate member 388. - Illustratively,
first coupling portion 399 a is coupled to elongatemember 388 with adhesive andfasteners 426. In particular, as shown inFIGS. 45 and 46 ,frame bracket 394 includes opposingadhesive cavities 395 andadhesive ports 397 that are separated byslots 414 andinternal web 416 ofelongate member 388. The reduced cross-section offirst coupling portion 399 a definesrecesses 401 havingsurfaces internal web 416 to defineadhesive cavities 395. Whenfirst coupling portion 399 a slides intoelongate member 388, adhesive is injected throughadhesive ports 397 intoadhesive cavities 395 in a predetermined volume such that the thickness of the adhesive is known. The strength of the connection betweenframe bracket 394 andelongate member 388 corresponds to the thickness of the adhesive and is further increased when the adhesive is in shear. Surface treatments may be used to prepareadhesive cavities 395, as detailed herein. - Referring to
FIGS. 36 and 43 ,flange 404 couplessecond coupling portion 399 b offrame bracket 394 to atoe grip assembly 400. Illustratively,flange 404 andsecond coupling portion 399 b are positioned back-to-back and attached by way offasteners 406.Second coupling portion 399 b has a flattened cross-section which is similar to that offlange 404. - Referring to
FIGS. 45A-46B ,elbow 396 includes afirst coupling portion 432 and asecond coupling portion 434. Elbow 396 extends upwardly in a generally diagonal direction to coupleelongate member 388 toside wall 310. Elbow 396 is positioned at the opposite end ofelongate member 388 relative tobracket 394 and supports runningboard plate 390 nearrear portion 350 oftunnel 39. More particularly,second coupling portion 434 ofelbow 396 is oppositefirst coupling portion 432 and couples elbow 396 toside wall 310 with afastener 440. Illustratively, onlyfastener 440 couples elbow 396 toside wall 310, however, other embodiments of the present disclosure may use more than one fastening member.Second coupling portion 434 illustratively includes a plurality ofapertures 439, which may reduce the weight ofelbow 396 and, therefore, reduce the weight ofsnowmobile 10. Additionally,apertures 439 may facilitate snow removal fromfoot tread assembly 384. - As shown in
FIGS. 45B and 46B ,first coupling portion 432 ofelbow 396 has a reduced cross-section and includesslots 436 to receiveinternal web 416 ofelongate member 388. As such,first coupling portion 432 is received withinelongate member 388 and is coupled thereto withfasteners 438. In one embodiment,elbow 396 is bonded to elongatemember 388 with adhesive. In particular,first coupling portion 432 includesadhesive cavities 433 andadhesive ports 435 to receive adhesive intoadhesive cavities 433.Adhesive cavities 433 andports 435 are on opposing sides offirst coupling portion 432 and are separated byslots 436 andinternal web 416 ofelongate member 388. The reduced cross-section offirst coupling portion 432 definesrecesses 437. In particular, surfaces 437 a, 437 b, 437 c ofrecesses 437 cooperate withinternal web 416 to defineadhesive cavities 433 whenfirst coupling portion 432 slides intoelongate member 388. Adhesive is injected throughadhesive ports 435 intoadhesive cavities 433 in a predetermined volume such that the thickness of the adhesive is known. The strength of the connection betweenelbow 396 andelongate member 388 correlates to the thickness of the adhesive and is further increased by applying the adhesive in shear. Surface treatments may be used to prepareadhesive cavities 433, as detailed herein. - Unlike welding, adhesive may be used to
bond bracket 394 andelbow 396 to elongatemember 388. As such,bracket 394 andelbow 396 may be comprised of different materials thanelongate member 388. Additionally, welding may form areas of localized stress, which reduce the fatigue life and strength of the material. However, adhesive does not cause stress concentrations and does not adversely affect fatigue life and strength. Additionally, adhesive may reduce the weight ofelongate frame member 388, thereby further reducing the weight ofsnowmobile 10. Exemplary adhesives are available from Lord Corporation, as detailed herein. Induction heat and/or accelerators may be used to decrease curing time of the adhesive inadhesive cavities - With reference now to
FIGS. 35 and 36 ,toe grip assembly 400 includes a shroud (not shown), aback wall 444, aframe member 446, and atoe clip 448, as further detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0192667, filed on Feb. 4, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. PLR-01-24321.03P-US), the complete disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Toe clip 448 is positioned rearward ofback wall 444 to secure a rider's foot. The shroud generally covers backwall 444 and at least a portion oftoe clip 448. - Referring to
FIGS. 39A-42 ,seat assembly 20 is coupled totop wall 308 and includes aseat mount 320, aseat base 322, acushion 324, acover 326, abracket 328, andfasteners 330. Cover 326 may be comprised of a water-repellant fabric or polymeric material and wraps aroundcushion 324.Seat base 322 and cushion 324 may be comprised of polymeric materials, for example, polyurethane. In one embodiment ofseat assembly 22,seat base 322 is comprised of rigid polyurethane, whereascushion 324 is comprised of softer polyurethane foam.Cushion 324 andseat base 322 may be comprised of similar polymers such thatcushion 324 may be molded to or otherwise bonded or coupled withseat base 322. Alternatively,seat base 322 may be comprised of other lightweight materials, for example aluminum. - As shown in
FIGS. 40 and 41 , thetop surface 324 a ofcushion 324 is generally flat and extends along a longitudinal axis Ls ofcushion 324. Thesides top surface 324 a and are generally slanted or angled. More particularly, sides 324 b, 324 c, 324 d are generally mirror images ofsides cushion 324 may be reduced and the width ofcushion 324 may be increased becausesides - Referring to
FIGS. 39B and 41 ,cushion 324 also includes a plurality ofvoids 325.Voids 325 may be arranged in rows extending across the width ofcushion 324, or otherwise distributed throughoutcushion 324. For example, cushion 324 may include a plurality of rows having threevoids 325 each. Illustratively, voids 325 are generally circular in cross-section but voids 325 may define other shapes in cross-section in other embodiments ofseat assembly 22. Similarly,seat base 322 may include a plurality ofapertures 323. The position ofapertures 323 may correspond to the general position ofvoids 325, however,apertures 323 may positioned in other arrangements. Illustratively,apertures 323 have a generally polygonal shape, althoughapertures 323 may define other shapes (e.g., circle) in cross-section. The lightweight materials comprisingseat base 322 and cushion 324 (e.g., polymers) reduce the weight ofseat assembly 22. Additionally, voids 325 ofcushion 324 andapertures 323 ofseat base 322 also reduce the weight ofseat assembly 22. As such, the weight ofsnowmobile 10 is reduced, which increases the maneuverability ofsnowmobile 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 41 and 42 ,seat base 322 is coupled toseat mount 320 throughbracket 328 andfasteners 330. More particularly,fasteners 330 extend throughapertures 332 inseat base 322 and throughapertures 334 inseat mount 320 to supportcushion 324 ontunnel 39.Fasteners 330 may be bolts, screws, rivets, or other couplers that extend throughapertures 334 inseat mount 320 and couple withcomplementary fasteners 336, such as nuts. - As shown in
FIGS. 1B and 16 ,endless track 16 may be supported bydrive sprockets 124 andrear suspension 20, as further detailed herein. More particularly,endless track 16 extends fromrear portion 350 tofront wall 312 oftunnel 39. Additionally,endless track 16 extends at least partially intotunnel 39 and extends belowtunnel 39 to contact the ground. The inner surface ofendless track 16 is substantially flat and moves smoothly overdrive sprockets 124 and portions ofrear suspension 20. - As best shown in
FIG. 52 , the outer surface ofendless track 16 includes a plurality ofcouplers 354 and a plurality ofintermediate extensions 355.Couplers 354 extend across a plurality of tread layers 357 such thatcouplers 354 extend substantially across the width ofendless track 16. Illustratively,endless track 16 includes fourtread layers 357 extending in a circumferential direction.Intermediate extensions 355 are positioned in an alternating arrangement withcouplers 354 and have a width less than the width ofcouplers 354. Eachintermediate extension 355 is supported by atread member 359 that is perpendicular to treadlayers 357. As shown inFIG. 52 , tread layers 354 intersecttread members 359 to define a plurality ofapertures 353.Couplers 354 andintermediate extensions 355 project outwardly fromtread layers 357 andtread members 359, respectively, to contact the ground. In one embodiment, the height ofcouplers 354 is approximately equal to the height ofintermediate extensions 355. The width and height ofcouplers 354 may provide improved travel over icy or frozen surfaces. For example, whensnowmobile 10 is travelling over rutted snow or frozen terrain,couplers 354 may break through more of the surface ice and snow. - Referring to
FIG. 34 ,endless track 16 extends aroundrear suspension assembly 20, which is attached to the inner surfaces ofside walls 310. Aframe 356 ofrear suspension assembly 20 includes laterally spaced frame rails 358, slide rails 360 attached to framerails 358, andidler rollers Rear suspension assembly 20 also includes linear force elements, illustratively two coil-overshocks tunnel 39 andframe 356,front torque arms 376,rear torque arms 378, and apull rod 380.Rear torque arms 378 are positioned rearward ofshocks idler rollers 372 and frame rails 358.Rear torque arms 378 also are operably coupled to pullrod 380 andshock 364.Shock 362 is coupled tofront torque arms 376 and frame rails 358. - Referring to
FIGS. 34A and 34B ,front torque arms 376 are positionedintermediate shocks upper end 454 offront torque arms 376 is coupled to the inner surface ofside walls 310 and operably coupled toshock 362. Alower end 456 offront torque arms 376 is coupled to framerails 358 and operably coupled toshock 364 and pullrod 380. - As best shown in
FIG. 34B ,upper end 454 ofshock 364 is coupled tofront torque arms 376 with isolator members,illustratively bushings 524,sleeve members member 530.Bushings 524 are received within anaperture 532 ofupper end 454 ofshock 364, and includeopenings 525 to receivesleeve members member 530. In particular,sleeve member 526 includes anopening 527 to receivesleeve member 528. Similarly,sleeve member 528 includes anopening 529 to receive bearingmember 530. As such,sleeve member 528 is press fit around bearingmember 530 to generally surround bearingmember 530.Sleeve member 528 and bearingmember 530 are positioned withinsleeve member 526, which is press fit withinbushings 524, in order to coupleshock 364 tofront torque arms 376 ofrear suspension 20.Sleeve members sleeve member 528 may be comprised of aluminum andsleeve member 526 may be comprised of steel.Bearing member 530 andbushings 524 may be comprised of a polymeric material (e.g., rubber). The lightweight materials ofshock 364 may contribute to an overall weight reduction ofsnowmobile 10. - As shown in
FIGS. 47A and 47B ,front torque arms 376 includecouplers shaft 462, wear guides 464,bushings 466, andarm members 468. In particular,couplers 458 receiveshaft 462 andupper ends 454 ofarm members 468.Couplers 460 receivelower ends 456 ofarm members 468 andbushings 466.Exemplary bushings 466 are available from Igus® GmbH and/or Igus® Inc.Rear torque arms 378 also may include arm members, couplers, and bushings. Similar tofront torque arms 376, the couplers ofrear torque arms 378 may receive bushings therethrough.Couplers -
Couplers 458 are coupled toupper ends 454 ofarm members 468,shaft 462, and wearguides 464 with fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, screws, rivets, welds, adhesive, or a combination thereof. In particular, upper ends 454 ofarm members 468 are received withincouplers 458 and are coupled thereto with adhesive. Similarly,shaft 462 is received throughcouplers 458 and may be coupled thereto with adhesive. Additionally, lower ends 456 ofarm members 468 are received withincouplers 460 and are coupled thereto with adhesive. - As shown in
FIGS. 47B and 48 ,couplers adhesive cavity 472 whenarm members 468 slide intocouplers Adhesive cavity 472 is bounded bysurfaces arm members 468. Additionally,couplers adhesive ports 474 through which the adhesive is injected intoadhesive cavity 472. The adhesive may be applied in shear for a strong connection betweencouplers arm members 468. For example,couplers arm members 468 are bonded in shear whenarm members 468 slide intocouplers shaft 462 may be coupled tocouplers 458 in the same manner detailed herein. Additionally,rear torque arm 378 may be similarly bonded. - Exemplary adhesive materials are available from Lord Corporation. Accelerators may be used to decrease the cure time of the adhesive and also are available from Lord Corporation. Additionally, heat treatment, such as induction heating, may be used to further accelerate the cure time of the adhesive in
adhesive cavity 472.Couplers arm members 468 may be treated or prepared for the adhesive, as detailed herein. A predetermined volume of adhesive, corresponding to the volume ofadhesive cavity 472, may be injected therein to ensure that the thickness of the adhesive at the connection betweencouplers arm members 468 is sufficient for the required strength of the connection. - By using the adhesive,
front torque arms 376 may be comprised of dissimilar materials. For example,arm members 468 andshaft 462 may be comprised of heat-treated steel, high-strength aluminum, carbon fiber, and other materials with similar properties.Couplers 458 and wearguides 464 may be comprised of high-strength aluminum, polymeric materials (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), and other materials with similar properties. Additionally, adhesive does not adversely affect material fatigue life and strength, or cause stress concentrations. The adhesive infront torque arms 376 also reduces the weight ofrear suspension assembly 20 and, therefore, the weight ofsnowmobile 10. It is to be appreciated thatcouplers 460 may be bonded in shear to lower ends 456 ofarm members 468 according to the illustrative method described herein. Additionally, other components ofrear suspension assembly 20, such asrear torque arms 378, wear guides 464, andshaft 462, may also be assembled with the adhesive material. - As shown in
FIG. 34 ,idler rollers 372 are coupled tosuspension pads 476 and the inner surface ofside wall 310. Additionally,suspension pads 476 are coupled to the bottom surface of runningboard plates 390 with fasteners.Suspension pads 476 include a first plate (not shown) and asecond plate 480. More particularly, the first plate andsecond plate 480 may be comprised of dissimilar materials, such as aluminum and steel.Suspension pads 476 reinforceside walls 310 at the location ofidler rollers 372. - Referring to
FIG. 49-51C ,snowmobile 10 includes various electrical components supported byframe 12. For example, as shown inFIGS. 49-50B , a regulator (not shown) is housed in aregulator cover 482 on aregulator mount 484. The regulator may be configured for both AC and DC applications.Regulator cover 482 is positioned partially through anaperture 481 inregulator mount 484 and coupled to regulator mount 484 with fasteners.Regulator mount 484 is illustratively positioned abovehousing 33 ofclutch assembly 32. More particularly,regulator mount 484 is adjacent anopening 480 inhousing 33. Opening 481 ofregulator mount 484 receivesfins 488 ofregulator cover 482. Illustratively,fins 488 extend in a generally downward direction fromregulator mount 484 and are directed towardopening 480 inhousing 33. In operation, air inhousing 33 ofclutch assembly 32 flows through the opening inhousing 33 and towardfins 488, which receive the air fromhousing 33 to cool the regulator. - In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,
bulkhead 186 or other components offront frame portion 12 a may be used as a heat sink to cool the regulator. As such,regulator mount 484 may be coupled tobulkhead 186.Fins 488 also may be positioned to receive ambient air flowing through an opening (not shown) in the front outer body to cool the regulator. - Referring to
FIGS. 51A-51C , other electrical components ofsnowmobile 10 may include asolenoid 510 and EV coils 512. EV coils 512 andsolenoid 510 may be supported byoverstructure 202 offront frame portion 12 a, and coupled toengine 28 and other components ofsnowmobile 10. Illustratively,lower frame tube 208 may be coupled to a mountingmember 490 that supports EV coils 512 andsolenoid 510 near the front ofsnowmobile 10. More particularly, mountingmember 490 may be comprised of a plastic material and bonded tolower frame tube 208 with adhesive. A mechanical scuff or other abrasion treatment may be used to preparelower frame tube 208 prior to bonding with mountingmember 490. - The bottom surface of mounting
member 490 may include a plurality of ribs 514 (FIG. 51B ), which provide a textured surface to facilitate the adhesive bond betweenlower frame tube 208 and mountingmember 490. In particular, the adhesive will be retained within the recessedportions 516 betweenribs 514. The adhesive may be applied throughadhesive ports 518 of mountingmember 490 in the same illustrative manner described herein. For example, a predetermined volume of adhesive may be applied to mountingmember 490 such that the thickness and, therefore, the effectiveness, of the adhesive bond may be known and controlled. Furthermore, as best shown inFIG. 51C , mountingmember 490 includes alocating tab 520 that fits within locatingaperture 209 oflower frame tube 208. Locatingtab 520 cooperates with locatingaperture 209 to position mountingmember 490 onlower frame tube 208 prior to applying the adhesive to bond mountingmember 490 tolower frame tube 208. It is to be understood that mountingmember 490 may be coupled to other components offront frame portion 12 a, for examplefront frame tubes - Additionally,
snowmobile 10 includes a display (not shown) to visually indicate the status of various operations and systems ofsnowmobile 10 to a rider. For example, the display may be positioned belowhandlebars 250 and may include a speed output and a fuel gauge. The fuel gauge communicates with a fuel resistor (not shown) to indicate the amount and type of fuel being used bysnowmobile 10. In one embodiment,snowmobile 10 is configured to receive various types of fuel (e.g., ethanol, non-ethanol). The fuel gauge and fuel resistor may be configured to change the type of fuel being used bysnowmobile 10 without changing the fuel resistor. As such, the rider may be able to increase the fuel efficiency ofsnowmobile 10. - With reference now to
FIGS. 53-59 , another embodiment of the snowmobile is shown. In the second embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 54-59 , the components are substantially as disclosed in the snowmobile described above with respect toFIGS. 1-52 , with the exceptions as provided below. The change to the embodiment ofFIGS. 54-59 is that the snowmobile has been modified to increase the clearance under the snowmobile for deep snow. Before describing the embodiment ofFIGS. 54-59 , an existing snowmobile, as depicted inFIG. 53 will be described. - The snowmobile as depicted in
FIG. 53 is an existing snowmobile, and is Applicant's RMK model. As shown, the snowmobile has various components which dictate the clearance underneath the snowmobile. For example, and starting from the front of the snowmobile,distance 682 in theFIG. 53 embodiment is the length of the spindle S from a ski bolt hole to a lower ball joint of the A-arm. In this snowmobile,distance 682 is 4.91 inches (124.66 mm). Moving rearwardly, the next relevant distance is the distance is measured from a bottom of the engine cradle to a position to thebottom 676 of the ski. In this embodiment, thedistance 678 is 7.433 inches (188.80 mm). Finally, the height of the snowmobile frame (and in particular, tunnel T) in relation to the ground is influenced by the rear suspension, and in particular the location of the point of rotation P of a front control arm C on the tunnel. In the embodiment ofFIG. 53 , thedistance 684 is the distance from the bottom of the engine cradle to the pivot point P on the tunnel, and is 5.3391 inches (135.613 mm). - With reference now to
FIGS. 54 and 55 , the main portions of the snowmobile are shown at 602.Snowmobile 602 includes aframe 604 including atunnel 606 and aframe front portion 608. It should also be appreciated that snowmobile includesrear suspension 610 including such items as slide rails 612,carrier rollers 614,front control arms 616,rear control arms 618 and shock absorbers at 620.Tunnel 606 may incorporate a cooling system for engine water as more fully described in our U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,920, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. -
Snowmobile 602 would also include a front suspension system shown at 626 includinglower control arms 628,upper control arms 630, ashock absorber 632, and aspindle 634 attached toski 636. Snowmobileframe front portion 608 may be similar to our US Publication number 20110132679, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.Snowmobile 602 also includes a drive mechanism at 640 and a steering mechanism at 642. - As shown in
FIG. 56 , alower body panel 650 is shown which extends across the bottom of the snowmobile and defines the lowest front portion of the snowmobile relative to the ground (snow).FIG. 56 also shows thedrive shaft 640 includingdrive sprockets 652, where drivesprockets 652 are positioned forward ofslide rails 612 and lower thanbody panel 650, as more fully described herein. Given the above general description, the raised chassis portion of the snowmobile fordeep snow 602 will now be described. - With reference to
FIGS. 57 and 58 , thefront suspension 626 will be described in greater detail as modified for the raised chassis. As shown best inFIG. 57 ,lower control arm 628 is attached to bulkhead 608 atpivotal connections 660 whereasupper control arm 630 is attached to bulkhead 608 atpivotal connections 662. Meanwhile,lower control arm 628 is attached to spindle 634 at ball joint 664 andupper control arm 630 is attached to spindle at ball joint 666.Spindle 634 is attached to ski 636 about afastener 668. - With reference still to
FIG. 57 , adistance 680 is shown which is the distance between the center of ball joint 664 (within spindle 634) to the center of thefastener 668. As shown, and in a first embodiment,distance 680 is 6.91 inches (175.41 mm) whereas theanalogous distance 682 in theFIG. 53 embodiment is 4.91 inches (124.66 mm). Thus, the spindle has been raised by an additional two inches yet the suspension components, namely thelower control arm 628 andupper control arm 630 are positioned in the same manner relative to the bulkhead and thespindle 634 as before; the length of the spindle has only changed from a position downwardly from the connection point of thelower control arm 628. - With respect to
FIG. 59 , thebody panel 650 is positioned vertically adjacent to acenter line 670 of thedriveshaft 640. In the embodiment shown, the distance from thebody panel 650 tocenterline 670 is preferably less than one and a half inches and in the embodiment shown is 1.4 inches (31.64 mm). Furthermore, the bottom of thechassis 650 has been raised relative to a lower outer portion of thedrive sprocket 652. In theFIG. 53 embodiment, the bottom of the sprocket is essentially planar with the bottom of the chassis, such thatdistance 674 is approximately 0.1775″. In theFIG. 59 embodiment, and in a first embodiment, thedistance 672 is approximately 2.1772 inches or approximately 2 inches greater. - It should also be noted that the
center line 670 of the driveshaft has not been lowered relative to aground plane 676 but rather the remaining portion of the chassis has been raised relative to theground plane 676. In the embodiment shown, thebody panel 650 has been raised by approximately two inches relative to theground plane 676. As shown, and in a first embodiment, thedistance 677 between thebody panel 650 and theground plane 676 is 9.12 inches (231.647 mm). In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 53 , thecorresponding distance 678 is 7.261 inches (184.432 mm). Thus, the end result of the design changes mentioned above has raised the ground clearance of thebody panel 650 relative to the ground plane, and relative to the top surface of the snow. - Specifically, this has been accomplished by providing a revised
bulkhead portion 608A (FIGS. 56 and 60 ), which is provided with asemi-circular portion 608B profiled to receive thedrive mechanism 640. In addition, and as mentioned above, the revisedspindle 634 has been elongated which raises the location of the upper and lower control arms relative to the previous snowmobiles. - Also, the
tunnel 606 is raised relative to the ground by moving the connection of thefront control arm 616 relative to thetunnel 606. Namely, the connection point between the two is shown at 690 inFIG. 55 . As shown inFIG. 59 , the distance from the bottom of the chassis at 650 to theconnection point 690 is shown asdistance 686. In the first embodiment, thedistance 686 is 3.34 inches (84.84 mm) and in the embodiment ofFIG. 53 , theanalogous distance 674 is 5.34 inches (135.64 mm). - In a second embodiment, the corresponding distances have been slightly altered. Namely, in a second embodiment, the relevant distances are:
- 672=1.5 inches (38.10 mm)
- 677=8.34 inches (211.84 mm)
- 680=6.2 inches (157.48 mm)
- 686=3.97 inches (100.84 mm)
- Thus as shown below, two embodiments have been described with the following dimensions:
-
Dimension Dimension Dimension Dimension 672 677 680 686 Embodiment 1 2.13 inches 9.30 inches 6.9 inches 3.34 inches (54.10 mm) (36.22 mm) (175.26 mm) (84.84 mm) Embodiment 2 1.5 inches 8.34 inches 6.2 inches 3.97 inches (38.10 mm) (211.84 mm) (157.48 mm) (100.84 mm) General Range 1.25-2.25 inches 8-10 inches 6-7 inches 3-4.25 inches (31.75-57.15 mm) (203-254 mm) (152.4-177.8 mm) (76.2-107.95 mm) - All measurements mentioned herein are taken at static condition in full rebound.
- Multiple other possibilities and embodiments now present themselves with the modified relative location of
driveshaft 640. These changes include lowering the height of the tunnel and the jackshaft, repositioning the location of the fuel tank, among others as described below. - With reference now to
FIG. 60 ,snowmobile 602 is shown in section throughdrive shaft 640. It should be appreciated that thedrive mechanism 640 is shown modified in the chassis ofFIG. 1 , with the changes being the raised chassis andelongated spindles 634. Thus, as installed in the tunnel of theFIG. 1 embodiment, the space between thesprockets 652/track has been increased relative to the bottom of thetunnel 606, since the chassis has been raised relative to thedrive mechanism 640 as discussed above. Therefore, the tunnel itself could be lowered relative to that shown inFIG. 55 . - With reference again to
FIG. 55 ,tunnel 606 could be lowered by approximately two inches such that the top of the tunnel is approximately at the dashedline 700. Since the tunnel may be lowered, other components which are restricted by the height of thetunnel 606 may also be lowered. For example, the fuel tank (not shown) than runs longitudinally along the tunnel, may be more centralized towards the center of the vehicle, given the extra volume now available by the added two inches. - Also with respect again to
FIG. 8 , achain case 710 is shown having asprocket 712, which would drive thedrive shaft 640 throughsprocket 714 andchain 716. A jackshaft (not shown) would extend betweensprocket 712 and thoughsidewall 718, where a bearing (not shown) would reside inopening 720, and thereafter connect to the CVT pulley. The jackshaft would be driven by the engine/CVT. Thus, as the chassis has been raised relative to the driveshaft, the jackshaft can be positioned above the tunnel, but lower and out of the intake track of the engine. This allows for horse power enhancement of the engine and potentially allows more space for a larger air box for performance gains of the engine. - In addition, the tunnel typically has an integrated cooling system as described above. As the tunnel is lowered, so too is the cooling liquid within the tunnel and therefore the center of gravity (CG) of the tunnel is lowered. Also, by lowering the jackshaft, the clutch and brake (attached to jackshaft) are also lowered. Thus, even though the CG of the front chassis has been raised by raising the
front chassis portion 608 as described above, at least some of the vehicle height increase has been offset by lowering the CG of the tunnel and other chassis parts. - While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
Claims (13)
1. A snowmobile comprising:
a chassis having a tunnel;
a power train unit supported by the chassis;
an endless track operably coupled to the power train unit;
a first running board positioned to a first side of the tunnel; and
a second running board positioned to a second side of the tunnel, the first and second running boards being removably coupled to the tunnel.
2. The snowmobile of claim 1 , further comprising a first side wall removably coupled to a first side of the tunnel, and a second side wall removably coupled to a second side of the tunnel.
3. The snowmobile of claim 2 , wherein the first running board is removably coupled to the first side wall, and the second running is removably coupled to the second side wall.
4. The snowmobile of claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second running boards includes a forward support member, a rearward support member, and a plate member intermediate the forward support member and the rearward support member, the forward support member and the rearward support member are coupled to the plate member with an adhesive material.
5. The snowmobile of claim 4 , further comprising a toe grip assembly, the forward support member of the first and second running boards is removably coupled to the toe grip assembly, and the rearward support member of the first and second running boards is removably coupled to the first and second side walls.
6. A snowmobile comprising:
a chassis having a front portion and a tunnel;
a plurality of ground-engaging members operably coupled to the chassis;
an engine supported by the chassis and configured to cooperate with the plurality of ground-engaging members to operate the snowmobile;
a clutch assembly operably coupled to the engine and including a CVT and a housing; and
a mounting bracket positioned within the front portion of the chassis and configured to support a regulator, the mounting bracket having a plurality of fins oriented in a direction of air flow to cool the regulator.
7. The snowmobile of claim 5 , wherein the housing of the clutch assembly includes an opening, the mounting bracket is coupled to the housing, and the plurality of fins is oriented in a generally downward direction to receive air from the opening.
8. The snowmobile of claim 6 , wherein the front portion of the chassis includes a bulkhead having an opening for receiving ambient air, the mounting bracket is coupled to the bulkhead, and the plurality of fins are oriented toward the opening in the bulkhead to receive the ambient air.
9. A snowmobile, comprising:
a chassis comprising a tunnel, the tunnel comprising a top wall and sidewalls; and
a running board assembly coupled to each of the tunnel side walls for supporting the operators feet, the running board assembly comprising a running board platform being discrete from the tunnel.
10. The snowmobile of claim 9 , further comprising front and rear brackets to couple the running board platform to the tunnel sidewall.
11. The snowmobile of claim 10 , wherein the running board platform comprises a support tube and a platform portion fixed to the support tube.
12. The snowmobile of claim 11 , wherein the running board platform is extruded along the longitudinal length of the support tube.
13. The snowmobile of claim 12 , wherein the support tube and the platform portion include extruded traction teeth.
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US13/563,958 Active US8944204B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2012-08-01 | Snowmobile |
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US14/285,971 Active US9352802B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2014-05-23 | Snowmobile having improved clearance for deep snow |
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US14/285,971 Active US9352802B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2014-05-23 | Snowmobile having improved clearance for deep snow |
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EP (2) | EP3159249B1 (en) |
CA (3) | CA3222697A1 (en) |
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WO (1) | WO2013019826A2 (en) |
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- 2012-08-01 RU RU2014107844/11A patent/RU2014107844A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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- 2012-08-01 CA CA3222697A patent/CA3222697A1/en active Pending
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Also Published As
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WO2013019826A3 (en) | 2013-07-04 |
US20130032417A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
CA3098848A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
CA3098848C (en) | 2024-01-09 |
US8944204B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 |
EP3159249A2 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
US9352802B2 (en) | 2016-05-31 |
WO2013019826A2 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
EP3159249B1 (en) | 2019-10-16 |
EP2739521B1 (en) | 2016-10-19 |
CA2842698C (en) | 2020-11-17 |
US20130032418A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
US20130032419A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
US8733773B2 (en) | 2014-05-27 |
US20140251707A1 (en) | 2014-09-11 |
RU2014107844A (en) | 2015-09-10 |
EP2739521A2 (en) | 2014-06-11 |
EP3159249A3 (en) | 2017-08-02 |
CA3222697A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
US8919477B2 (en) | 2014-12-30 |
CA2842698A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
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