Off-road vehicle

Abstract

This provides an off-road vehicle that can suppress abnormalities in sensors that monitor the condition inside the housing. [Solution] The utility vehicle 100 includes a belt transmission mechanism 27 having a CVT input shaft 22, a drive pulley 24 provided on the CVT input shaft 22, a CVT output shaft 23, a driven pulley 25 provided on the CVT output shaft 23, and a belt transmission body 26 wrapped around the drive pulley 24 and the driven pulley 25, the driving force input to the CVT input shaft 22 is shifted and output from the CVT output shaft 23, a housing body 211 that houses the belt transmission mechanism 27, and a temperature sensor 50 located inside the housing body 211 in the vehicle width direction and below the upper end portion 211c of the housing body 211, which detects the temperature inside the housing body 211.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an off-road vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a utility vehicle. In Patent Document 1, a temperature sensor is provided to measure the temperature of the space inside the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an abnormality occurs in a sensor that monitors the state inside the housing, it may affect the driving operation by the driver or the control by the control device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an off-road vehicle capable of suppressing an abnormality in a sensor that monitors the state inside the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure provides a belt transmission mechanism having an input shaft, a drive pulley provided on the input shaft, an output shaft, a driven pulley provided on the output shaft, and a belt transmission body wound around the drive pulley and the driven pulley, wherein the driving force input to the input shaft is shifted and output from the output shaft; a housing main body that houses the belt transmission mechanism; a temperature sensor that is located inside the vehicle width direction and below the upper end portion of the housing main body, and detects the temperature inside the housing main body We offer a utility vehicle equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the utility vehicle described herein, a housing is positioned on the outside of the temperature sensor in the vehicle width direction. That is, at least a portion of the temperature sensor is covered by the housing from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the temperature sensor is protected from collisions with foreign objects from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing. By enhancing the protective effect against foreign objects from the outside of the sensor in this way, it is possible to prevent the sensor from malfunctioning due to collisions with foreign objects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A rear left side view of a utility vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A plan view showing the area around the engine of the utility vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a side view of the area around the engine, seen from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a rear view of the area around the prime mover, seen from the rear. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The vehicle according to this embodiment is an off-road vehicle capable of traveling on rough terrain. In this embodiment, the off-road vehicle is realized as a utility vehicle 100. Note that the utility vehicle 100 is just one example of an off-road vehicle, and the off-road vehicle may also be realized as, for example, an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), an SRV (Sport Recreational Vehicle), an RUV (Recreational Utility Vehicle), a vehicle for driving on rough terrain, a saddle-type vehicle, or a motorcycle. Furthermore, the utility vehicle may be a work vehicle capable of carrying cargo and traveling on rough terrain, and may, for example, be equipped with a cargo bed, a ROPS (Roll-over Protective Structure) surrounding the passenger space, low-air pressure tires for driving on rough roads, and may also have a side-by-side structure in which the driver and passenger can ride side by side. In the following explanation, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions as seen from the driver's perspective will be referred to as the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions of the utility vehicle 100 and its individual components.

[0010] Figure 1 is a left side view of the rear area of ​​the utility vehicle 100. As shown in Figure 1, the utility vehicle 100 has a body 1 and a power unit 2 mounted on the body 1. In Figure 1, the body 1 is shown by a dashed line and the power unit 2 is shown by a solid line. A pair of rear wheels 3 are located on both sides of the rear of the body 1. The power unit 2 is located at the rear of the body 1.

[0011] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the area around the power unit 2, with the vehicle body 1 omitted. As shown in Figure 2, the power unit 2 includes an engine 10, a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) 20, and a rear-end transmission 30. In the utility vehicle 100, the driving force output from the engine 10 is shifted by the CVT 20 and rear-end transmission 30 and transmitted to the rear wheels 3. In other words, the rear wheels 3 are the drive wheels.

[0012] The engine 10 has a crankshaft 11 that outputs rotational torque. In this embodiment, the engine 10 is a four-stroke in-line engine in which the crankshaft 11 extends in the vehicle width direction. The utility vehicle 100 may have an electric motor instead of the engine 10.

[0013] Figure 3 is a side view of the area around the prime mover unit 2 shown in Figure 2, viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 3, the engine 10 has a crankcase 12, a cylinder 13, a cylinder head 14, and a cylinder head cover 15 in that order from bottom to top. The crankcase 12 rotatably supports the crankshaft 11. The cylinder 13 is coupled to the upper surface of the crankcase 12. The cylinder head 14 is coupled to the upper surface of the cylinder 13. The cylinder head cover 15 is fixed to the upper surface of the cylinder head 14.

[0014] An exhaust system 40 extending to the rear is connected to the rear surface of the cylinder head 14. The exhaust system 40 includes an exhaust manifold 41. Exhaust gases are discharged from the engine 10 through the exhaust manifold 41. Referring also to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the exhaust manifold 41 consists of four independent exhaust pipes 42, each connected to an exhaust port 14a of the cylinder head 14, which converge into one at an outlet flange 43.

[0015] Figure 4 is a rear view of the area around the prime mover unit 2 shown in Figure 2, viewed from the rear. Referring to Figure 4 as well, the exhaust manifold 41 is located above the rear transmission 30 and extends rearward at approximately the same vertical height as the cylinder head 14 and cylinder head cover 15.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the CVT 20 is arranged adjacent to the left side of the engine 10. The CVT 20 has a CVT housing 21 that forms an outer shell, and a belt transmission mechanism 27 housed inside the CVT housing 21. The belt transmission mechanism 27 includes a CVT input shaft 22, a CVT output shaft 23, a drive pulley 24, a driven pulley 25, and a belt transmission body 26.

[0017] The CVT input shaft 22 extends in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the crankshaft 11 so as to be able to transmit power. As shown in FIG. 1, the CVT output shaft 23 extends in the vehicle width direction behind and above the CVT input shaft 22. The CVT housing 21 extends in a direction inclined upward toward the rear in a side view.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the drive pulley 24 is arranged on the CVT input shaft 22 so as to rotate integrally. The driven pulley 25 is arranged on the CVT output shaft 23 so as to rotate integrally. The belt transmission body 26 is wound around between the drive pulley 24 and the driven pulley 25. In the CVT 20, the driving rotation input from the crankshaft 11 is transmitted to the CVT input shaft 22, is shifted through the drive pulley 24, the belt transmission body 26, and the driven pulley 25, and is output from the CVT output shaft 23 to the subsequent-stage transmission 30.

[0019] The CVT housing 21 has a housing main body 211 that opens to the outside in the vehicle width direction, a housing cover 212 that covers the housing main body 211 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and a CVT intake port 213 and a CVT exhaust port 214 that are integrally formed with the housing main body 211. Through the CVT intake port 213, external air is taken into the inside of the CVT housing 21. Through the CVT exhaust port 214, the air inside the CVT housing 21 is discharged to the outside. Thus, by replacing the air inside the CVT housing 21 through the CVT intake port 213 and the CVT exhaust port 214, the temperature rise of the belt transmission body 26 is suppressed.

[0020] The CVT housing 21 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle and is arranged so as to face the left rear wheel 3 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The CVT housing 21 is arranged around the rear wheel 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, in a side view of the vehicle, at least a part of the CVT housing 21 overlaps the rear wheel 3. More specifically, the rear end of the CVT housing 21 is located in front of the rear end of the rear wheel 3 and above the upper end of the rear wheel 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in a top view, the CVT housing 21 is arranged at a distance from the rear wheel 3 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the CVT housing 21 is arranged at a position where foreign matters such as sand, stones, and mud scooped up from the road surface by the rear wheel 3 may interfere.

[0021] The CVT housing 21 is coupled in the vehicle width direction such that the housing body 211 and the housing cover 212 close each other's opening portions, preventing the intrusion of air and foreign matters other than from the CVT intake port 213 and the CVT exhaust port 214. The housing body 211 has an upper end portion 211c at the outer end in the vehicle width direction. In the upper surface of the housing body 211, the portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction from the coupling portion coupled to the housing cover 212 is located below the upper end portion 211c of the housing body 211.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the CVT intake port 213 discharges in a direction inclined upward from the front toward the front in approximately the first half of the upper wall 211a of the housing body 211. The base end portion 213a of the CVT intake port 213 generally faces the CVT input shaft 22 and the drive pulley 24. The CVT intake port 213 has a CVT intake opening 213b at the tip portion. The CVT intake opening 213b is elongated in the front-rear direction and opens in a direction inclined upward toward the front. A CVT intake duct 28 is connected to the CVT intake opening 213b.

[0023] The CVT intake duct 28 is divided into two parts: a first intake duct 281 connected to the CVT intake opening 213b, and a second intake duct 282 connected to the tip of the first intake duct 281. The cross-sectional shape of the first intake duct 281 changes from an elongated end in the front-rear direction to a cylindrical tip. The second intake duct 282 is a cylindrical pipe member that extends upward. An air cleaner may be provided at the tip of the second intake duct 282 to remove foreign matter from the air taken into the CVT housing. The upper end of the CVT intake duct 28 is located above the CVT housing 21.

[0024] The CVT exhaust port 214 is located at the upper rear of the housing body 211, protruding inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner side wall 211b (see Figure 4) and extending upward. The base end 214a of the CVT exhaust port 214 is generally facing the rear of the CVT output shaft 23 and the driven pulley 25. The CVT exhaust port 214 has a CVT exhaust opening 214b at its tip. The CVT exhaust opening 214b is elongated in the front-rear direction and opens upward. A CVT exhaust duct 29 is connected to the CVT exhaust opening 214b.

[0025] Viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction, the CVT exhaust port 214 extends clockwise along the rotational direction of the CVT output shaft 23 and the driven pulley 25 from a position in the housing body 211 corresponding to the rear of the CVT output shaft 23. The upper end 214c of the CVT exhaust port 214 widens in the front-rear direction below the upper end 211c of the housing body 211, and the rear end 214d protrudes rearward from the housing body 211.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the CVT exhaust duct 29 extends upward and curves to the right, with its tip sloping downward toward the right. The CVT exhaust duct 29 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to its extending direction that is elongated in the front-rear direction, and a flat front surface 29a extending parallel to the vertical and vehicle width directions at its front end. The CVT exhaust duct 29 is located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the housing body 211. The upper end of the CVT exhaust duct 29 is located above the CVT housing 21. The inner end of the CVT exhaust duct 29 in the vehicle width direction is located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the inner end of the CVT housing 21 in the vehicle width direction. Since the CVT exhaust duct 29 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the CVT exhaust port 214 in an inverted U shape, the inner end of the CVT exhaust duct 29 in the vehicle width direction is spaced inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the CVT housing 21. The lower end of the CVT exhaust duct 29 is located below the upper end of the CVT housing 21.

[0027] The belt transmission body 26 may be made of a non-metallic material, such as resin. The temperature of the belt transmission body 26 may rise due to frictional heat during power transmission between the drive pulley 24 and the passive pulley 25. The temperature of the belt transmission body 26 is particularly prone to rising under high load and high rotational speed power transmission conditions. If the belt transmission body 26 is made of resin, continued power transmission at high temperatures may shorten its service life or reduce its belt strength.

[0028] The CVT20 is capable of switching to a gear ratio that increases the transmitted load. Furthermore, in the case of the utility vehicle 100, which travels on rough terrain, the power transmission in the CVT20 can become under higher load conditions as the load on the cargo bed and the number of passengers increase. Moreover, especially when the utility vehicle 100 travels on rough terrain, it may experience continuous and repeated high-load power transmission conditions when overcoming obstacles or climbing slopes. Thus, the utility vehicle 100 is more prone to high-load driving conditions compared to vehicles that travel on paved roads. Consequently, the temperature of the belt transmission element 26 is more likely to rise.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the CVT exhaust duct 29 is located towards the rear of the housing body 211. Specifically, the CVT exhaust duct 29 is located behind the CVT output shaft 23. This arrangement makes it easier to secure a wide area in front of the CVT exhaust duct 29 that is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211.

[0030] The CVT 20 is an air-cooled type that draws air into the CVT housing 21 from the CVT intake opening 213b via the CVT intake duct 28, and cools the inside of the CVT housing 21, i.e., the belt transmission mechanism 27, with the drawn-in air. The air that has cooled the inside of the CVT housing 21 is then discharged to the outside of the CVT housing 21 via the CVT exhaust duct 29 from the CVT exhaust opening 214b. For example, a centrifugal fan may be configured by providing fins on the back of the drive pulley 24, and the fins may be configured to draw air in from the CVT intake opening 213b as the drive pulley 24 rotates.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the rear transmission 30 is located behind the engine 10 and adjacent to the right side of the CVT 20. The rear transmission 30 has a transmission housing 31 that forms the outer shell, and a transmission input shaft 32, a transmission output shaft 33 (see Figure 3), and a gear train (not shown) housed inside the transmission housing 31.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the transmission input shaft 32 extends in the vehicle width direction at the front upper part of the transmission housing 31 and is connected to the CVT output shaft 23 so as to be able to transmit power. That is, the transmission input shaft 32 is located above and behind the crankshaft 11. The transmission output shaft 33 extends in the vehicle width direction at the rear lower part of the transmission housing 31. That is, the transmission output shaft 33 is located below and behind the transmission input shaft 32. The rear transmission 30 receives the drive rotation input from the CVT output shaft 23, which is transmitted to the transmission input shaft 32, shifted via a gear train (not shown), and output from the transmission output shaft 33.

[0033] A drive shaft 4 for driving the rear wheel 3 is connected to the transmission output shaft 33. The transmission housing 31 is inclined downwards towards the rear at its top.

[0034] In the utility vehicle 100 according to this disclosure, the CVT 20 is equipped with a condition monitoring sensor that detects or monitors the condition inside the CVT housing 21. As described above, the belt transmission body 26 may have a shortened service life if it becomes hot, for example, due to frictional heat during power transmission between the drive pulley 24 and the passive pulley 25. For this reason, in this embodiment, the CVT 20 has a temperature sensor 50 as a condition monitoring sensor that detects the temperature inside the CVT housing 21. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 50 is mounted on the front side surface 29a of the CVT exhaust duct 29. As shown in Figure 1, in a side view of the vehicle, the temperature sensor 50 is positioned above the rear wheel 3, and in this embodiment, above the upper end of the rear wheel 3.

[0035] The temperature sensor 50 has a sensor body portion 51 that extends in the front-rear direction, and a sensor harness portion 52 that is connected to the front end (base end) of the sensor body portion 51 and extends forward.

[0036] The sensor body 51 extends in the front-rear direction and penetrates the front side surface 29a of the CVT exhaust duct 29 in the front-rear direction. Because the sensor body 51 extends in the front-rear direction, it aligns with the direction in which the sensor harness 52 extends, thus suppressing excessive bending of the sensor harness 52. Furthermore, because the sensor body 51 aligns with the front-rear direction in which the CVT housing 21 extends, even if the amount of protrusion from the front side surface 29a of the CVT exhaust duct 29 is large, it suppresses the need to enlarge the CVT housing 21 to cover the temperature sensor 50. In addition, because the sensor body 51 extends in the front-rear direction, it is easier to configure the CVT to be compact in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The sensor body 51 has a first sensor body portion 51a located inside the CVT exhaust duct 29, i.e., the space to be detected, and a second sensor body portion 51b located outside the space to be detected. The first sensor body portion 51a has a detection portion 53 at its rear end (front end). The second sensor body portion 51b is located between the CVT intake duct 28 and the CVT exhaust duct 29 in the front-rear direction.

[0038] The detection unit 53 is located inside the CVT exhaust duct 29 and detects the temperature of the space inside the CVT exhaust duct 29. In this embodiment, since the detection unit 53 is located inside the CVT exhaust duct 29, it is easy to detect the temperature of the exhaust gas, which has been heated by cooling various parts inside the CVT housing 21. Therefore, it is easy to estimate the temperature of the belt transmission body 26 based on the temperature detected by the detection unit 53.

[0039] The sensor harness 52 extends forward from the sensor body 51, is clamped to the right side of the CVT intake duct 28, extends further forward, is located in front of the sensor body 51, and is electrically connected to the ECU 60 for controlling the operation of the engine 10, CVT 20, and rear-end transmission 30.

[0040] The ECU 60 may control the operation of the engine 10 based on the detection results from the temperature sensor 50. For example, if the ECU 60 determines, based on the detection results from the temperature sensor 50, that the temperature inside the CVT housing 21, i.e., the temperature of the belt transmission element 26, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the ECU 60 may reduce the output of the engine 10 or reduce the engine speed to reduce the driving force transmitted to the CVT 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the belt transmission element 26 from becoming excessively high. This can prevent damage to the belt transmission element 26.

[0041] Furthermore, the ECU 60 may display a warning on the meter unit that displays speed, etc., if the temperature inside the CVT housing 21 exceeds a predetermined threshold. This warning makes it easier for the driver to take driving actions that reduce the temperature of the belt transmission 26. For example, when the driver sees the warning display, they can suppress engine output or reduce engine speed.

[0042] Furthermore, the ECU 60 may receive signals from the temperature sensor 50 along with the operating status of the engine 10 to estimate the replacement time for the belt drive 26. When the ECU 60 determines that the belt drive 26 has reached the replacement time, it may display information on the meter unit prompting the replacement of the belt drive 26. For example, the ECU 60 may calculate that the replacement time for the belt drive 26 should be accelerated the longer the operating state continues in a state of accelerated deterioration where the temperature inside the CVT housing 21 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this way, the detection results of the temperature sensor 50 have been transmitted to the driver or the ECU 60, but other methods of use besides those described above may also be employed.

[0043] The specific placement of the temperature sensor 50 will now be described. As shown in Figure 4, the temperature sensor 50 is located inside the CVT housing 21, specifically the upper end 211c of the housing body 211, in the vehicle width direction, and below the upper end 211c of the housing body 211. As shown in Figure 3, in a vehicle side view, the second part 51b of the sensor body of the temperature sensor 50 is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211 of the CVT 20. In other words, in a vehicle side view, the second part 52b of the sensor body overlaps with the housing body 211. Furthermore, the part of the sensor harness 52 connected to the second part 52b of the sensor body also overlaps with the housing body 211 in a vehicle side view. Therefore, not only the second part 52b of the sensor body, but also the part of the sensor harness 52 connected to the second part 52b of the sensor body is protected from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the temperature sensor 50 is located on the left side of the housing body 211, opposite the rear wheel 3. The temperature sensor 50 is located above the rear transmission 30. Specifically, in a plan view of the vehicle, the temperature sensor 50 overlaps with the transmission housing 31 in at least part.

[0045] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 50 is covered from the inside in the vehicle width direction by the exhaust system 40, which in this embodiment is the exhaust manifold 41. In other words, the exhaust system 40 is located on the opposite side of the CVT 20 housing body 211 in the vehicle width direction from the temperature sensor 50, and overlaps with the temperature sensor 50 in the vehicle side view shown in Figure 3. Instead of the exhaust manifold 41, the temperature sensor 50 may be covered from the inside in the vehicle width direction by other components included in the exhaust system 40, or by a cover that covers the exhaust system.

[0046] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 50 is attached to the CVT exhaust duct 29, but it may also be attached to the CVT intake duct 28 as long as it is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 50 may be attached to the CVT intake port 213 or the CVT exhaust port 214 so as to be covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211.

[0047] The utility vehicle 100 described herein provides the following effects:

[0048] (1) Utility Vehicle 100 is, A belt transmission mechanism 27 comprises a CVT input shaft 22, a drive pulley 24 provided on the CVT input shaft 22, a CVT output shaft 23, a driven pulley 25 provided on the CVT output shaft 23, and a belt transmission body 26 wrapped around the drive pulley 24 and the driven pulley 25, wherein the driving force input to the CVT input shaft 22 is shifted and output from the CVT output shaft 23. The housing body 211, which houses the belt shift mechanism 27, A temperature sensor 50 is located inside the upper end 211c of the housing body 211 in the vehicle width direction, and below the upper end 211c of the housing body 211, and detects the temperature inside the housing body 211. It is equipped with. In this configuration, the housing body 211 is positioned on the outside of the temperature sensor 50 in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of the temperature sensor 50 is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211. The housing body 211 prevents foreign objects from colliding with the temperature sensor 50 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions of the temperature sensor 50 caused by collisions with foreign objects. Furthermore, since this can be achieved by using the CVT housing 21 without providing a dedicated cover or the like to cover the temperature sensor 50 in order to prevent malfunctions of the temperature sensor 50, cost increases can be suppressed.

[0049] The temperature sensor 50 may be attached to the housing body 211 or the CVT exhaust duct 29. With this configuration, when removing the housing cover 212 from the housing body 211 in order to replace the belt transmission 26, it is not necessary to remove the temperature sensor 50 compared to the case where the temperature sensor 50 is attached to the housing cover 212, thus simplifying the replacement work of the belt transmission 26.

[0050] (2) The temperature sensor 50 has a sensor body 51 and a sensor harness 52 connected to the sensor body 51. The sensor body 51 has a first sensor body portion 51a located in the space to be detected, and a second sensor body portion 51b located outside the space to be detected, to which the sensor harness portion 52 is connected. In a side view of the vehicle, the second part 51b of the sensor body overlaps with the housing body 211. In other words, the second part 51b of the sensor body is located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the housing cover 212. With this configuration, the outer portion of the housing body 211 in the vehicle width direction and the housing cover 212 are located outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the second portion 51b of the sensor body, thus preventing collisions with obstacles or workers with the second portion 51b of the sensor body. In this way, the second portion 51b of the sensor body, which protrudes from the CVT housing 21 and is easily damaged, can be protected, making it easier to prevent sensor malfunctions.

[0051] (3) The housing body 211 has a CVT intake opening 213b and a CVT exhaust opening 214b that communicate the inside and outside, The utility vehicle 100 further comprises a CVT intake duct 28 and a CVT exhaust duct 29 attached to the CVT intake opening 213b and the CVT exhaust opening 214b, respectively. The temperature sensor 50 is attached to the CVT exhaust duct 29 or the CVT intake duct 28. This configuration makes it easier to position the temperature sensor 50 on the inside in the vehicle width direction compared to when it is attached to the housing body 211. Furthermore, it makes it easier to form a fixing structure for securing the temperature sensor 50 when the CVT intake duct 28 or CVT exhaust duct 29 is smaller than the housing body 211.

[0052] (4) The temperature sensor 50 is attached to the front side surface 29a of the CVT exhaust duct 29. In this configuration, the temperature sensor 50 is protected on its outer side in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211 and on its rear side by the CVT exhaust duct 29. This prevents foreign objects moving in the front-rear direction from colliding with the temperature sensor 50. Furthermore, by positioning the CVT housing 21 forward of the rear side of the duct provided on the CVT housing 21, specifically the rear side of the CVT exhaust duct 29, the CVT housing 21 can be protected by the rear surface of the CVT exhaust duct 29. Also, by positioning the CVT housing 21 rearward of the front of the duct provided on the CVT housing 21, specifically the front side of the CVT intake duct 28, the CVT housing 21 can be protected by the front side of the CVT intake duct 29.

[0053] (5) Further equipped with rear wheels 3, The temperature sensor 50 is located on the opposite side of the housing body 211 from the rear wheel 3. In this configuration, the housing body 211 is positioned between the temperature sensor 50 and the rear wheel 3. The housing body 211 prevents foreign objects kicked up by the rear wheel 3 from colliding with the temperature sensor 50.

[0054] (6) The CVT exhaust duct 29 has a front side surface 29a which is a flat surface to which the temperature sensor 50 is fixed, at least in part. With this configuration, the temperature sensor 50 is easier to fix to the flat front surface 29a compared to when it is fixed to a spherical surface.

[0055] (7) The CVT exhaust opening 214b is an opening through which air inside the housing body 211 is discharged to the outside, The CVT exhaust duct 29 is attached to the CVT exhaust opening 214b. With this configuration, the temperature of the exhaust gas, which may become hotter after being cooled inside the housing body 211 and discharged from the housing body 211, can be detected, making it easier to estimate the temperature inside the housing body 211.

[0056] (8) The CVT exhaust opening 214b is located below the upper end portion 211c of the housing body 211. With this configuration, the base end of the CVT exhaust duct 29 is positioned below the housing body 211, making it easier to protect the temperature sensor 50 from the CVT exhaust duct 29 and the housing body 211.

[0057] (9) In a side view of the vehicle, the CVT exhaust opening 214b overlaps with the housing body 211 in at least part.

[0058] (10) A CVT intake duct 28 is attached to the housing body 211 and supplies outside air to the inside of the housing body 211, A CVT exhaust duct 29 is attached to the housing body 211 and discharges the internal air to the outside of the housing body 211. It also has the following features: The temperature sensor 50 is located between the CVT exhaust duct 29 and the CVT intake duct 28 in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the CVT intake duct 28 and the CVT exhaust duct 29 prevent foreign objects flying in from the front or rear from colliding with the temperature sensor 50.

[0059] (11) The crankshaft 11 or transmission input shaft 32 connected to the CVT input shaft 22 or CVT output shaft 23, The crankcase 12 or transmission housing 31 houses the crankshaft 11 or transmission input shaft 32 and is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the housing body 211. Furthermore, The temperature sensor 50 is located above the crankcase 12 or the transmission housing 31, and overlaps with the crankcase 12 or the transmission housing 31 when viewed from above the vehicle. With this configuration, the crankcase 12 or the transmission housing 31 prevents foreign objects flying in from below from colliding with the temperature sensor 50.

[0060] (12) The transmission input shaft 32 connected to the CVT output shaft 23, The transmission housing 31 houses the transmission input shaft 32 and is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the housing body 211. Furthermore, The temperature sensor 50 is located above the transmission housing 31 and overlaps with the transmission housing 31 when viewed from above the vehicle. The utility vehicle according to claim 1. In this configuration, the transmission housing 31 to which the CVT output shaft 23 is connected prevents foreign objects flying in from below from colliding with the temperature sensor 50.

[0061] (13) The shielding member is located on the opposite side of the housing body 211 in the vehicle width direction from the temperature sensor 50, overlaps with the temperature sensor 50 in a vehicle side view, and covers the temperature sensor 50 from the opposite side. With this configuration, the shielding member prevents foreign objects flying in from the opposite side of the housing body 211 in the vehicle width direction from colliding with the temperature sensor 50.

[0062] (14) Engine 10 and Exhaust system 40 from which exhaust gas is discharged from engine 10 and Furthermore, In a top view of the vehicle, the temperature sensor 50 is located between the housing body 211 and the exhaust system 40 in the vehicle width direction. In this configuration, the housing body 211 and the exhaust system 40 prevent foreign objects flying in from the vehicle width direction from colliding with the temperature sensor 50.

[0063] The utility vehicle 100 relating to this disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible.

[0064] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 50 is provided as a sensor to monitor the state inside the CVT housing 21, but any other sensor may be provided, such as a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the driven pulley 25. Even in this case, by configuring the housing body 211 to cover the sensor from the vehicle width direction, it is possible to prevent external foreign objects from colliding with the sensor.

[0065] In addition, other sensors may be used, for example, to detect the degree of damage to the belt transmission 26. The condition monitoring sensor may be a sensor that detects the temperature of the belt transmission 26, or a sensor that detects the temperature of the housing body 211 or housing cover 212 itself, and the temperature of the rotating body inside the CVT housing 21. It may also be a sensor that detects the pressure inside the CVT housing 21, the flow rate and velocity of the air passing through the CVT intake port 213 and CVT exhaust port 214. Furthermore, the condition monitoring sensor may be a sensor that acquires the position of the belt transmission 26, a condition image of the belt transmission 26, the driving sound of the belt transmission 26, etc. The condition monitoring sensor may also be a sensor that detects foreign matter such as dust or rainwater that has entered the CVT housing 21. Moreover, the condition monitoring sensor is not limited to a sensor that detects the degree of damage to the belt transmission 26, but may be a sensor used for other purposes. For example, it may detect the rotational speed of the rotating body inside the CVT housing 21, or it may detect the axial position of a component inside the CVT housing 21.

[0066] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 50 is provided above the transmission housing 31, but it may be provided above other components. For example, the temperature sensor 50 may be provided above the engine 10. Even in this case, the engine 10 can prevent foreign objects from below from colliding with the temperature sensor 50.

[0067] In other words, the utility vehicle 100 relating to this disclosure further A belt transmission body 26 that transmits the driving force from the engine 10, A housing body 211 that houses the belt transmission body 26, A condition monitoring sensor detects the state inside the housing body 211, and in a side view of the vehicle, at least a part of it is covered by the housing body 211. It is equipped with. In this configuration, the housing body 211 is positioned on the outside of the condition monitoring sensor in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of the condition monitoring sensor is covered by the housing body 211 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The housing body 211 prevents the condition monitoring sensor from being struck by foreign objects from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 50 is provided inside the housing body 211 of the CVT 20, but it may also be provided inside the housing cover 212. In this case, the housing cover 212 should be configured so that the temperature sensor 50 or the status monitoring sensor is covered by the housing cover 212 from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0069] In other words, the utility vehicle 100 relating to this disclosure is A belt transmission body 26 that transmits the driving force from the engine 10, Housing body 211, A housing cover 212 is attached to the housing body 211 and, in cooperation with the housing body 211, defines a belt chamber for housing the belt transmission body 26. A condition monitoring sensor, located inside the housing body 211 and positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction than the housing cover 212, detects the state inside the housing body 211. It may be provided. In this configuration, a housing cover 212 is positioned on the outside of the condition monitoring sensor in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of the condition monitoring sensor is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing cover 212. The condition monitoring sensor is protected from collisions with foreign objects from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing cover 212.

[0070] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 50 is mounted on the front side surface 29a of the CVT exhaust duct 29. However, if the CVT exhaust duct 29 is located in front of the CVT output shaft 23, and a wide area can be secured behind the CVT exhaust duct 29 that is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the CVT housing 21, the temperature sensor may be mounted on the rear side surface 29b of the CVT exhaust duct 29. In this case as well, the temperature sensor 50 can be easily covered and protected from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the housing body 211. Furthermore, the front side of the temperature sensor 50 is protected by the CVT exhaust duct 29. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 50 may also be mounted on the front or rear side of the CVT intake duct 28. In this case, the rear or front side of the temperature sensor 50 is protected by the CVT intake duct 28, and if it is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the CVT housing 21, it is protected from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the CVT housing 21.

[0071] Furthermore, the following are possible examples of placement for status monitoring sensors.

[0072] As an example of another possible arrangement of the sensor 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 50A may be fixed to the housing body 211 and mounted on an upper surface position extending in the vehicle width direction, located inward from the upper end 211c in the vehicle width direction and one level below the upper end 211c. In this case, the sensor 50A is located between the CVT exhaust duct 29 and the housing cover 212.

[0073] As an example of yet another possible arrangement of the sensor 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 50B may be fixed to the housing body 211 and mounted on a side position that extends vertically, located inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end 211c and one level below the upper end 211c.

[0074] As an example of yet another possible arrangement of the sensor 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 50C may be fixed to the housing body 211 and mounted on an upper surface position extending in the longitudinal direction, located inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end 211c and one level below the upper end 211c. In this case, the sensor 50C is located in front of the CVT exhaust duct 29.

[0075] As an example of yet another possible arrangement of the sensor 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 50D may be fixed to the housing body 211 and mounted on a lateral position that extends vertically and is located on the inside of the housing body 211 in the vehicle width direction.

[0076] As an example of yet another possible arrangement of the sensor 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 50E may be fixed to the CVT exhaust duct 29 and mounted on a lateral position that extends vertically and is located on the inside of the CVT exhaust duct 29 in the vehicle width direction.

[0077] The Utility Vehicle 100 has no limit on the number of passengers and may have either a single row of seats or two rows of seats (front and back). Furthermore, the off-road vehicles to which this embodiment applies are not limited to side-by-side vehicles, but can also be three-wheeled or four-wheeled buggy vehicles of the saddle-type with a belt transmission mechanism.

[0078] The positions of the CVT intake duct 28 and the CVT exhaust duct 29 may be swapped. Even in this case, it is preferable that the sensor 50 is positioned closer to the CVT exhaust duct 29 than to the CVT intake duct 28.

[0079] In addition to the engine 10, an electric motor may also be provided as a drive source. The rear transmission 30 may be omitted. This invention may be applied to other vehicles as long as they are equipped with a housing that accommodates the belt transmission 26. The structure according to this disclosure is more preferably applied to a CVT in which the gear ratio is variable. The belt transmission 26 housed in the housing may be a power transmission belt in which the gear ratio is fixed to one.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the case in which the CVT housing 21 is provided with one CVT intake duct 28 and one CVT exhaust duct 29 was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. The present disclosure can also be applied when the CVT housing 21 is provided with a plurality of, for example, two CVT intake ducts 28 and a plurality of, for example, two CVT exhaust ducts 29. In this case, the temperature sensor 50 may be attached to at least one of the plurality of CVT intake ducts 28 and the plurality of CVT exhaust ducts 29. Furthermore, even in this case, it is preferable that the temperature sensor 50 be attached between any of the ducts arranged in the front-rear direction among the plurality of CVT intake ducts 28 and the plurality of CVT exhaust ducts 29. When the temperature sensor 50 is attached to a plurality of CVT exhaust ducts 29, the temperature sensor 50 may be attached to any one of the CVT exhaust ducts 29, or the temperature sensor 50 may be attached to two or more of the plurality of CVT exhaust ducts 29.

[0081] [Note] The off-road vehicle relating to this disclosure provides the following aspects.

[0082] [Aspect 1] A belt transmission mechanism comprising an input shaft, a drive pulley provided on the input shaft, an output shaft, a driven pulley provided on the output shaft, and a belt transmission body wrapped around the drive pulley and the driven pulley, wherein the driving force input to the input shaft is shifted and output from the output shaft, The aforementioned belt shift mechanism is housed in a housing body, A temperature sensor is located inside the upper end of the housing body in the vehicle width direction and below the upper end of the housing body, and detects the temperature inside the housing body. An off-road vehicle equipped with [features / equipment].

[0083] [Aspect 2] The temperature sensor comprises a sensor body and a sensor harness connected to the sensor body. The sensor body comprises a first sensor body portion located in the space to be detected, and a second sensor body portion located outside the space to be detected, to which the sensor harness portion is connected. In a side view of the vehicle, the second part of the sensor body overlaps with the housing body. The off-road vehicle described in Embodiment 1.

[0084] [Aspect 3] The housing body has an opening that connects the inside and outside, The utility vehicle further comprises a duct attached to the opening, The temperature sensor is attached to the duct. A utility vehicle according to embodiment 1 or 2.

[0085] [Aspect 4] The temperature sensor is attached to one side of the duct in the front-to-back direction. The off-road vehicle described in Embodiment 3.

[0086] [Aspect 5] The duct has, at least in part, a flat surface on which the temperature sensor is fixed. An off-road vehicle according to embodiment 3 or 4.

[0087] [Aspect 6] The opening is an exhaust port through which air inside the housing body is discharged to the outside, The duct is an exhaust duct attached to the exhaust port. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of embodiments 3 to 5.

[0088] [Aspect 7] The opening is located below the upper end of the housing body. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of embodiments 3 to 6.

[0089] [Aspect 8] In a side view of the vehicle, the opening overlaps with the housing body in at least a portion of it. The off-road vehicle described in aspect 7.

[0090] [Aspect 9] Equipped with additional wheels, The temperature sensor is located on the opposite side of the housing body from the wheel. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8. [Aspect 10] An intake duct is attached to the housing body and supplies outside air to the inside of the housing body, An exhaust duct is attached to the housing body and discharges the internal air to the outside of the housing body. It also has the following features: The temperature sensor is located between the exhaust duct and the intake duct in the front-rear direction. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of the embodiments 1 to 9.

[0091] [Aspect 11] A transmission member connected to the input shaft or the output shaft, A transmission member case and a housing for the transmission member, which are located inward in the vehicle width direction from the housing body. Furthermore, The temperature sensor is located above the transmission member case and, when viewed from above the vehicle, overlaps with the transmission member case. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of the embodiments 1 to 10.

[0092] [Aspect 12] A transmission member connected to the output shaft, A transmission member case and a housing for the transmission member, which are located inward in the vehicle width direction from the housing body. Furthermore, The temperature sensor is located above the transmission member case and, when viewed from above the vehicle, overlaps with the transmission member case. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of the embodiments 1 to 11.

[0093] [Aspect 13] The system further comprises a shielding member located on the opposite side of the housing body in the vehicle width direction from the temperature sensor, overlapping with the temperature sensor in a vehicle side view, and covering the temperature sensor from the opposite side. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12.

[0094] [Aspect 14] Internal combustion engines and An exhaust system from which exhaust gas is discharged from the internal combustion engine and Furthermore, In a top view of the vehicle, the temperature sensor is located between the housing body and the exhaust system in the vehicle width direction. An off-road vehicle as described in any one of the embodiments 1 to 13.

[0095] [Aspect 15] A belt transmission body that transmits driving force from the drive source, A housing body that accommodates the belt transmission member, A condition monitoring sensor that detects the state inside the housing body and, in a side view of the vehicle, is at least partially covered by the housing body. An off-road vehicle equipped with [features / equipment]. Alternatively, the vehicle may be an off-road vehicle as described in Embodiment 15 or any one of Embodiments 2 to 14.

[0096] [Aspect 16] A belt transmission body that transmits driving force from the drive source, The housing body and A housing cover is attached to the housing body and, in cooperation with the housing body, defines a belt chamber for housing the belt transmission body. The condition inside the housing body is detected, and a condition monitoring sensor is located inside the vehicle width direction from the housing cover. An off-road vehicle equipped with [features / equipment]. Alternatively, the vehicle may be an off-road vehicle as described in Embodiment 16 or any one of Embodiments 2 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 2. Power Unit 3 Rear wheels 10 Engines 11 Crank axle 12 Crankcase 20 CVT 21 CVT Housing 211 Housing body 211c Upper end of the housing body 212 Housing Cover 213b CVT intake opening 214b CVT Exhaust Opening 22 CVT input shaft 23 CVT output shaft 24 Drive pulley 25 Driven pulley 26 Belt transmission 27 Belt transmission mechanism 28 CVT Intake Duct 29 CVT Exhaust Duct 29a Front side of CVT exhaust duct 30-speed transmission 31. Transmission housing 32 Transmission input shaft 40 Exhaust System 41 Exhaust Manifold 50 Temperature Sensors 51 Sensor body 51a Sensor body, first part 51b Sensor body, second part 52 Sensor Harness Section 53 Detection unit 100 Utility Vehicles

Claims

1. A belt transmission mechanism comprising an input shaft, a drive pulley provided on the input shaft, an output shaft, a driven pulley provided on the output shaft, and a belt transmission body wrapped around the drive pulley and the driven pulley, wherein the driving force input to the input shaft is shifted and output from the output shaft, The aforementioned belt shift mechanism is housed in a housing body, A temperature sensor is located inside the upper end of the housing body in the vehicle width direction and below the upper end of the housing body, and detects the temperature inside the housing body. An off-road vehicle equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The temperature sensor comprises a sensor body and a sensor harness connected to the sensor body. The sensor body comprises a first sensor body portion located in the space to be detected, and a second sensor body portion located outside the space to be detected, to which the sensor harness portion is connected. In a side view of the vehicle, the second part of the sensor body overlaps with the housing body. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The housing body has an opening that connects the inside and outside, The utility vehicle further comprises a duct attached to the opening, The temperature sensor is attached to the duct. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The temperature sensor is attached to one side of the duct in the front-to-back direction. The off-road vehicle according to claim 3.

5. The duct has, at least in part, a flat surface on which the temperature sensor is fixed. The off-road vehicle according to claim 3.

6. The opening is an exhaust port through which air inside the housing body is discharged to the outside, The duct is an exhaust duct attached to the exhaust port. The off-road vehicle according to claim 3.

7. The opening is located below the upper end of the housing body. The off-road vehicle according to claim 3.

8. In a side view of the vehicle, the opening overlaps with the housing body in at least a portion of it. The off-road vehicle according to claim 7.

9. Equipped with additional wheels, The temperature sensor is located on the opposite side of the housing body from the wheel. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

10. An intake duct is attached to the housing body and supplies outside air to the inside of the housing body, An exhaust duct is attached to the housing body and discharges the internal air to the outside of the housing body. It also has the following features: The temperature sensor is located between the exhaust duct and the intake duct in the front-rear direction. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A transmission member connected to the input shaft or the output shaft, A transmission member case and a housing for the transmission member, which are located inward in the vehicle width direction from the housing body. Furthermore, The temperature sensor is located above the transmission member case and, when viewed from above the vehicle, overlaps with the transmission member case. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A transmission member connected to the output shaft, A transmission member case and a housing for the transmission member, which are located inward in the vehicle width direction from the housing body. Furthermore, The temperature sensor is located above the transmission member case and, when viewed from above the vehicle, overlaps with the transmission member case. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The system further comprises a shielding member located on the opposite side of the housing body in the vehicle width direction from the temperature sensor, overlapping with the temperature sensor in a vehicle side view, and covering the temperature sensor from the opposite side. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

14. Internal combustion engines and An exhaust system from which exhaust gas is discharged from the internal combustion engine and Furthermore, In a top view of the vehicle, the temperature sensor is located between the housing body and the exhaust system in the vehicle width direction. The off-road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

15. A belt transmission body that transmits driving force from the drive source, A housing body that accommodates the belt transmission member, A condition monitoring sensor that detects the state inside the housing body and, in a side view of the vehicle, is at least partially covered by the housing body. An off-road vehicle equipped with [features / equipment].

16. A belt transmission body that transmits driving force from the drive source, The housing body and A housing cover is attached to the housing body and, in cooperation with the housing body, defines a belt chamber for housing the belt transmission body. The condition inside the housing body is detected, and a condition monitoring sensor is located inside the vehicle width direction from the housing cover. An off-road vehicle equipped with [features / equipment].

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