97results about "Snowmobiles" patented technology

In a snowmobile track suspension, the slide frame is supported upon downwardly and rearwardly angled front and rear suspension arm assemblies. The suspension arm assemblies are of similar construction, length, and orientation, having upper ends connected to fixed pivots in the snowmobile chassis and lower ends pivoted to the slide frame. The lower end of the rear suspension arm assembly has a pivot mount that is movable longitudinally of the slide frame. Movement in the forwards direction being blocked by an abutment which ensures that during suspension travel the front end of the slide frame cannot move higher than the rear end thereof.

An integrated heat exchanger and engine mount for a snowmobile that reinforces the snowmobile chassis is disclosed. The heat exchanger is formed with an internal passage through which a vehicle fluid may be circulated and cooled. The heat exchanger is also formed with increased rigidity to strengthen the chassis and support an engine mount.

A body leaning control system includes a support mechanism arranged to support at least a pair of traveling members that contact a traveling surface and are provided at opposite sides of the vehicle body to be movable up and down relative to the vehicle body, a resistance applying mechanism arranged to apply to the support mechanism a resistance to up-and-down motions of the pair of wheels, a lean information detecting device arranged to detect information on a lean amount of the vehicle body, and a controller arranged to perform control, based on detection results received from the lean information detecting device, to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is increasing, and to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a second resistance smaller than the first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is decreasing.

A snowmobile has a four-stroke engine mounted in an engine cradle and an exhaust system connected to the engine. The exhaust system includes a generally U-shaped exhaust pipe extending forwardly from the engine to a first point disposed forwardly of the engine cradle, and of suspension assemblies of the skis, and extending rearwardly from the first point to a second point disposed rearwardly of a front of the engine cradle.

An engine-driven generator G is concurrently used as a starter motor for an engine E that drives a working machine. A motor 25 for motive-power use is a driving source for the working machine to travel. The driving circuit 10 is commonly used between the starter motor G and the motor 25 for travel use. In a starting mode, with switches 35 and 36, the driving circuit 10 is connected to the starter motor G side to start the engine. After complete explosion of the engine, with the switches 35 and 36, the generator G is connected to a regulator 31, while the driving circuit 10 is connected to the motor 25 for travel use. As a result of this, while a battery 14 is electrically charged, the motor 25 for travel use is driven with the battery 14.

An engine mount for a vehicle, such as a snowmobile, that can be used when space for the engine within a chassis is limited and which is easily accessed from the side of the chassis for assembly and repair. The engine mount can be attached to the bottom of an engine that is positioned within a chassis. The engine mount can include four hollow, cylindrical portions. Each cylindrical portion having an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the snowmobile chassis and receiving a damping mount. Fasteners can be inserted through the chassis to couple with the damping mounts and cylindrical portions in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chassis. The configuration of the damping mounts permits effective damping especially in a direction transverse to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle.

A snowmobile is disclosed having improved drive train including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a drive belt looped around a driving pulley and a driven pulley, and a transversely arranged jackshaft wherein the driven pulley is connected directly onto the outer surface of one end of the jackshaft. The transverse jackshaft is preferably made from a thin-walled hollow tube and the driven pulley is preferably press fitted thereon. A method of assembling a snowmobile drive train is also disclosed.

A snowmobile suspension system connected between a skid frame positioned below a chassis of a snowmobile. A limiter strap adjustment mechanism is connected between the chassis and the at least one limiter strap and selectively adjusts the length of the at least one limiter strap. A coupling arm adjustment mechanism is connected between the chassis and at least one coupling arm and selectively adjusts the length of the at least one coupling arm. A linear force device adjustment mechanism is connected between the chassis and the linear force device for adjusting the length and angle of the linear force device relative to the at least one rear arm resulting in control of the force displacement characteristics of the at least one rear arm.

A system method for detecting taillight signals of a vehicle using a convolutional neural network is disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: receiving a plurality of images from one or more image-generating devices; generating a frame for each of the plurality of images; generating a ground truth, wherein the ground truth includes a labeled image with one of the following taillight status conditions for a right or left taillight signal of the vehicle: (1) an invisible right or left taillight signal, (2) a visible but not illuminated right or left taillight signal, and (3) a visible and illuminated right or left taillight signal; creating a first dataset including the labeled images corresponding to the plurality of images, the labeled images including one or more of the taillight status conditions of the right or left taillight signal; and creating a second dataset including at least one pair of portions of the plurality of images, wherein the at least one pair of portions of the plurality of the images are in temporal succession.

In a snowmobile or other vehicle, ventilation of ambient air to the engine compartment is necessary. However, from time to time when encountering deep snow or extremely cold temperatures, it may be necessary to restrict the inflow of ambient air into the engine compartment. An adjustable air vent having a sliding ventilation grill adjusts the air flow. The air vent has actuators for adjusting the air flow that are simple and easily manually operable by an operator even when wearing gloves or mittens without the need of any tools.

A snowmobile suspension system connected between a skid frame positioned below a chassis of a snowmobile. A limiter strap adjustment mechanism is connected between the chassis and the at least one limiter strap and selectively adjusts the length of the at least one limiter strap. A coupling arm adjustment mechanism is connected between the chassis and at least one coupling arm and selectively adjusts the length of the at least one coupling arm. A linear force device adjustment mechanism is connected between the chassis and the linear force device for adjusting the length and angle of the linear force device relative to the at least one rear arm resulting in control of the force displacement characteristics of the at least one rear arm.

A snowmobile is disclosed having improved drive train including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a drive belt looped around a driving pulley and a driven pulley, and a transversely arranged jackshaft wherein the driven pulley is connected directly onto the outer surface of one end of the jackshaft. The transverse jackshaft is preferably made from a thin-walled hollow tube and thedriven pulley is preferably press fitted thereon. A method of assembling a snowmobile drive train is also disclosed.

A snowmobile having improved drive stability of the vehicle body during steering includes a pair of left and right skis on a front side of the vehicle body, a steering shaft disposed on a front of a saddle type seat for steering the skis, an engine mounted in a cowling that covers the front side of the vehicle body, and a crawler disposed on a rear side of the vehicle body for driving the snowmobile. The engine is mounted by inclining a cylinder axis thereof forward, and the steering shaft is disposed on the front of a cylinder head of the engine.

A snowmobile is disclosed having improved drive train including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a drive belt looped around a driving pulley and a driven pulley, and a transversely arranged jackshaft wherein the driven pulley is connected directly onto the outer surface of one end of the jackshaft. The transverse jackshaft is preferably made from a thin-walled hollow tube and the driven pulley is preferably press fitted thereon. A method of assembling a snowmobile drive train is also disclosed.

A vehicle includes an engine that powers a wheel through a drive train. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and toothed gearing disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A release clutch is also disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A controller controls the release clutch so as to disengage the clutch when the engine is not running and engage the clutch when the engine is running. The controller includes a hydraulic cylinder that fluidly connects to the engine's oil system so that engine-generated oil pressure engages the release clutch. Disengagement of the release clutch makes it easier to push the vehicle when the engine is not running, for example, when the engine breaks down.

The present invention provides a leaning vehicle comprising a leaning frame (1), a front suspension assembly (2), an undercarriage element (3), a rear suspension assembly (4) and a motor (10), wherein the leaning frame (1) comprises a straddle seat (5) and a hand steering element (6), the hand steering element operatively connected to the front suspension assembly (2); the undercarriage element comprises a front section (7) and a rear section (8), and is connected to a suspension connecting element (9); the front suspension assembly (2) comprises two ground engaging members (13) and at least one shock absorber (20), and is connected to the leaning frame (1) and the suspension connecting element, such that the ground engaging members (13) of the front suspension assembly will tilt in the same direction as the leaning frame; the rear suspension assembly (4) comprises at least one rear ground engaging member (23) and is connected to the rear section (8) of the undercarriage element; wherein the leaning frame (1) is pivotally connected to the undercarriage element (3), such that the leaning frame and the two ground engaging members may tilt in a sideways direction relative to the undercarriage element, the rear ground engaging member and the rear suspension assembly.

A side panel for a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile is disclosed. The side panel extends from the windshield portion of the snowmobile to the pan portion. The side panel is hingedly attached at a front edge to the snowmobile so that the side panel opens outwardly along vertically oriented hinges. The side panel includes a windshield to protect the operator's legs. The side panel also includes an airbox which provides an air charge to the engine for combustion. In addition, an airbox, divisible into two parts is also disclosed. The airbox includes a portion adapted to be attached to the interior of the side panel or to a belt guard. A second portion of the air box can be disposed within the engine compartment.

An engine-driven generator G is concurrently used as a starter motor for an engine E that drives a working machine. A motor 25 for motive-power use is a driving source for the working machine to travel. The driving circuit 10 is commonly used between the starter motor G and the motor 25 for travel use. In a starting mode, with switches 35 and 36, the driving circuit 10 is connected to the starter motor G side to start the engine. After complete explosion of the engine, with the switches 35 and 36, the generator G is connected to a regulator 31, while the driving circuit 10 is connected to the motor 25 for travel use. As a result of this, while a battery 14 is electrically charged, the motor 25 for travel use is driven with the battery 14.

A track assembly for a vehicle has an endless track having a belt disposed on an inner side thereof, a frame member, a first axle connected to the frame member and disposed at least in part inside the track, a first pulley disposed inside the endless track and mounted to the first axle, the first pulley being rotatable relative to the frame member, the belt being received in part inside the first pulley, a second axle connected to the frame member and disposed at least in part inside the track, a second pulley disposed inside the endless track and mounted to the second axle, the belt being received in part inside the second pulley, and a brake assembly operatively connected to one of the first and second pulleys. A snowmobile having the track assembly is also disclosed.

A front suspension arm is formed such that it is less likely to collide with obstacles exposed above the surface over which the associated vehicle is operated. The arm also has a greater strength against impact forces from the front. In one configuration, the front suspension arm has a relatively straight portion that is positioned on a body side and the front suspension arm has a bent portion that is formed on the ground contacting element side. The front suspension arm can have two arms having an oblong or oval shape in cross section.

A snowmobile includes a side panel that is mounted to the snowmobile's frame about a generally vertically extending side panel axis. In a closed position, the side panel protects and encloses a lateral side of the snowmobile's engine. In an open position, the side panel facilitates easy access to the engine. The side panel includes a lower leg support that includes a knee rest, a lower front leg support, and an inner leg support. The lower leg support improves the rider's comfort and ability to actively position himself on the snowmobile. The snowmobile also includes a rewind starter operatively connected to the engine. The rewind starter is accessible through a hole formed in the side panel.

An oil channel that connects, a right damper and a left damper includes a switching valve arranged between a right oil channel ER and a left oil channel EL. The switching valve includes a valve main body in which a first switching channel is formed for connecting the right oil channel ER and the left oil channel EL. The valve main body is rotatable to a first position where the first switching channel connects the right oil channel ER and the left oil channel EL to each other and to a second position different from the first position. According to this damping system, it is possible to adjust oil flow in the oil channel by performing a simple operation for the switching valve.

A vehicle includes a transmission including an input shaft linked to a crankshaft of an engine so that power is transmitted therebetween, and an output shaft which is able to rotate at a rotational speed lower than a rotational speed of the input shaft. The snowmobile includes a driving device linked to the output shaft so that power is transmitted therebetween to generate a driving power, a supercharger including a rotation shaft linked to the output shaft so that power is transmitted therebetween, and a centrifugal clutch located between the crankshaft and the input shaft or between the output shaft and the rotation shaft.

Various embodiments of a snowmobile are disclosed. The lower arm is arranged below the upper arm. The lower arm includes proximal portions and connected to the ski support frame. The lower arm extends outwardly from the proximal portions and in the vehicle width direction and connects the ski support frame and the ski. The proximal portions and of the lower arm are positioned higher than the lower end of the engine. At least a portion of the lower arm is positioned higher than the rotational center of the crank shaft. This structure can prevent the center of gravity of the vehicle body from becoming high and reduce running resistance when the vehicle traveling in deep snow.

A front suspension arm is formed such that it is less likely to collide with obstacles exposed above the surface over which the associated vehicle is operated. The arm also has a greater strength against impact forces from the front. In one configuration, the front suspension arm has a relatively straight portion that is positioned on a body side and the front suspension arm has a bent portion that is formed on the ground contacting element side. The front suspension arm can have two arms having an oblong or oval shape in cross section.

A side panel for a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile is disclosed. The side panel extends from the windshield portion of the snowmobile to the pan portion. The side panel is hingedly attached at a front edge to the snowmobile so that the side panel opens outwardly along vertically oriented hinges. The side panel includes a windshield to protect the operator's legs. The side panel also includes an airbox which provides an air charge to the engine for combustion. In addition, an airbox, divisible into two parts is also disclosed. The airbox includes a portion adapted to be attached to the interior of the side panel or to a belt guard. A second portion of the air box can be disposed within the engine compartment.