# US 12,214,664 B2 · Powertrain for a utility vehicle > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,214,664 B2 - Document ID: US12214664B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/147,937 - Filed: 2021-01-13 - Published: 2021-07-15 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2020-01-15 - Assignees: Polaris Industries Inc. - Applicants: Polaris Industries Inc. - Inventors: Anthony J. Ripley; Andrew C. Schleif; Alex R. Scheuerell - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12214664B2 ## CPC - B60K 5/02: with the engine main axis, e.g. crankshaft axis, substantially in or parallel to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle - B60K 5/1208: {Resilient supports (B60K5/1241 - B60K5/1291 take precedence)} - B60K 17/02: characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of clutch - B60K 17/08: of mechanical type - B60K 17/165: {provided between independent half axles (B60K17/18, B60K17/20 take precedence)} - B60K 17/22: characterised by arrangement, location, or type of main drive shafting, e.g. cardan shaft - B60K 17/344: having a transfer gear - B62D 21/10: in which the main member is plate-like - B62D 21/183: {specially adapted for sports vehicles, e.g. race, dune buggies, go-karts (tubular skeleton B62D23/005)} - B60K 17/354: having separate mechanical assemblies for transmitting drive to the front or to the rear wheels or set of wheels - B60K 2005/003: {the internal combustion or jet propulsion unit is arranged between the front and the rear axle} - B60Y 2200/20: Off-Road Vehicles - B62D 23/005: {with integrated chassis in the whole shell, e.g. meshwork, tubes, or the like (B62D33/044 takes precedence)} - B60K: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) - B60Y: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ## Abstract An off-road vehicle includes a powertrain assembly having an engine and a steel belt continuously variable transmission. Portions of the powertrain assembly are supported at a rear portion of the vehicle and are positioned relative to other components of the vehicle also supported at the rear portion of the vehicle. The vehicle also is configured for various operating modes. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A utility vehicle, comprising: a plurality of ground-engaging members; a frame assembly supported on the plurality of ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis; and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame assembly and comprising an engine and a transmission, the engine being mechanically coupled to and rearward of the transmission and longitudinally aligned with a portion of the transmission in a fore/aft direction of the utility vehicle, wherein: an output of the engine is positioned to a first side of a vertical plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis; and an output of the transmission is positioned to a second side of the vertical plane; and the transmission is a continuously variable transmission comprising a steel belt, the steel belt including a plurality of steel blocks with steel bands extending along both sides of the steel blocks, wherein a disconnect is positioned between the output of the transmission and the plurality of ground-engaging members, wherein the disconnect is configured to decouple the ground-engaging members from power at the output of the transmission, the disconnect including having a shaft, a seal, a first bearing, a second bearing, and a collar. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the powertrain assembly further comprises a prop shaft and the prop shaft is positioned to the second side of the vertical plane. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The utility vehicle of claim 2, wherein a vertical angle of the prop shaft is up to 20° relative to horizontal and a lateral angle of the prop shaft is up to 20° relative to the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein a rearward extent of the transmission is coupled to a forward extent of the engine. ### Claim 5 A utility vehicle, comprising: a plurality of ground-engaging members; a frame assembly supported on the plurality of ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis; a cargo area supported on the frame assembly; and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame assembly and comprising an engine, a transmission, and a prop shaft operably coupled to the transmission and the plurality of ground-engaging members, the engine comprising a crankcase and a cylinder body positioned above the crankcase, and the cylinder body being angled relative to vertical toward a side of the utility vehicle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and positioned below a portion of the cargo area and over a portion of the prop shaft. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The utility vehicle of claim 5, wherein the prop shaft is angled vertically up to 20° relative to horizontal. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The utility vehicle of claim 5, wherein the crankcase is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the cylinder body is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The utility vehicle of claim 7, wherein the prop shaft is positioned on the second side of the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 9 (depends on 5) The utility vehicle of claim 5, wherein the transmission is mechanically coupled to the engine and is positioned directly forward of the engine. ### Claim 10 (depends on 5) The utility vehicle of claim 5, wherein the powertrain assembly is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The utility vehicle of claim 10, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes at least four operating modes. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The utility vehicle of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of operating modes includes a cruise mode configured to maintain a speed of the engine. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The utility vehicle of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of operating modes includes a fuel economy mode configured to increase a fuel range of the engine. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The utility vehicle of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of operating modes includes a plow mode configured to transfer power to an accessory operably coupled to the vehicle. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The utility vehicle of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of operating modes includes a tow mode configured to maintain a speed of the transmission and vary a speed of the engine. ### Claim 16 A utility vehicle, comprising: a plurality of ground-engaging members; a frame assembly supported on the plurality of ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis; and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame assembly and comprising an engine, a transmission operably coupled to the engine, and a prop shaft operably coupled to the transmission, wherein, from a rear view of the utility vehicle, an output of the engine is positioned to a first side of the longitudinal axis, an output of the transmission is positioned to a second side of the longitudinal axis, and the prop shaft is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction for forward movement of the utility vehicle, wherein the transmission is a continuously variable transmission comprising a steel belt, the steel belt including a plurality of steel blocks with steel bands extending along both sides of the steel blocks, a disconnect positioned between the output of the driven pulley of the transmission and the plurality of ground-engaging members, wherein the disconnect is configured to decouple the ground-engaging members from power at the output of the transmission, the disconnect including having a shaft, a seal, a first bearing, a second bearing, and a collar. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The utility vehicle of claim 16, wherein the prop shaft is a rear prop shaft extending between the transmission and a rear differential operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground-engaging members. ### Claim 18 A utility vehicle, comprising: a plurality of front ground-engaging members; a plurality of rear ground-engaging members; a frame assembly supported on the plurality of front and rear ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis; and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame assembly and comprising an engine, a steel belt continuously variable transmission operably coupled to the engine and comprising a drive pulley and a driven pulley, a prop shaft operably coupled to the transmission, and a disconnect positioned between an output of the driven pulley of the transmission and the plurality of rear ground-engaging members, wherein: the disconnect is configured to decouple the rear ground-engaging members from power at the output of the transmission, the disconnect including having a shaft, a seal, a first bearing, a second bearing, and a collar; an output of the engine is positioned to a first side of a vertical plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis; and an output of the transmission is positioned to a second side of the vertical plane. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The utility vehicle of claim 18, wherein the disconnect is positioned at the output of the transmission. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The utility vehicle of claim 18, wherein the powertrain assembly further comprises a rear differential operably coupled to the plurality of rear ground-engaging members, and the disconnect is positioned on at least one of the prop shaft and the rear differential. ### Claim 21 (depends on 19) The utility vehicle of claim 19, wherein the output of the engine is substantially parallel to the output of the transmission. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) The utility vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a prop shaft operably coupled to the transmission, wherein the prop shaft is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction for forward movement of the utility vehicle. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vertical plane extends through the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 24 (depends on 1) The utility vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a rear suspension assembly, the rear suspension assembly including upper arms operably coupled to at least a portion of the plurality of the ground engaging members, lower arms operably coupled to the portion of the plurality of ground engaging members, and trailing arms operably coupled to the frame assembly and the portion of the plurality of ground engaging members. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The utility vehicle of claim 24, further comprising an open-air cargo area. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The utility vehicle of claim 25, wherein the cargo area is positioned over the trailing arms, the upper arms, and the lower arms of the rear suspension assembly. ### Claim 27 (depends on 25) The utility vehicle of claim 25, further comprising an open-air operator area supported by the frame assembly and includes at least one seat comprising a seat back and a seat bottom. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The utility vehicle of claim 27, wherein the cargo area includes a cargo platform configured to support cargo thereon, and the cargo platform extends along a horizontal plane that intersects the seat back and is spaced apart from the seat bottom. ### Claim 29 (depends on 27) The utility vehicle of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the engine is positioned rearward of the at least one seat. ### Claim 30 (depends on 29) The utility vehicle of claim 29, wherein the portion of the plurality of ground engaging members defines rear ground engaging members, and an envelope is defined between the open-air operator area and the rear ground engaging members, and the engine is positioned within the envelope. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The utility vehicle of claim 30, wherein the envelope extends from the cargo platform to an axis of rotation of the rear ground engaging members. ### Claim 32 (depends on 1) The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the transmission includes a housing and the engine is directly supported on the housing. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The utility vehicle of claim 32, wherein the powertrain assembly includes a front differential operably coupled to the transmission and a rear differential operably coupled to the transmission, and at least a portion of the engine is positioned below a portion of the rear differential. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The utility vehicle of claim 33, wherein the engine is positioned a first longitudinal distance from the front differential and a second longitudinal distance from the rear differential, and the second longitudinal distance is less than the first longitudinal distance. ### Claim 35 (depends on 1) The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending frame members including a driver side lower longitudinally extending frame member, a passenger side lower longitudinally extending frame member, a driver side upper longitudinally extending frame member, a passenger side upper longitudinally extending frame member; a first plurality of upstanding frame members connecting the driver side lower longitudinally extending frame member and the driver side upper longitudinally extending frame member; a second plurality of upstanding frame members connecting the passenger side lower longitudinally extending frame member and the passenger side upper longitudinally extending frame member, the engine and the transmission being positioned in a space defined by the driver side lower longitudinally extending frame member, the passenger side lower longitudinally extending frame member, the driver side upper longitudinally extending frame member, and the passenger side upper longitudinally extending frame member; and the vehicle further comprising: a rear suspension assembly, the rear suspension assembly including upper arms operably coupled to at least a portion of the plurality of the ground engaging members, lower arms operably coupled to the portion of the plurality of ground engaging members independent of the upper arms, and trailing arms operably coupled to the frame assembly and the portion of the plurality of ground engaging members independent of each of the upper arms and the lower arms; an open-air cargo area positioned over the rear suspension assembly, the driver side upper longitudinally extending frame member, and the passenger side upper longitudinally extending frame member; an open-air operator area supported by the frame assembly and includes at least one seat comprising a seat back and a seat bottom, the at least one seat being completely forward of the driver side upper longitudinally extending frame member and the passenger side upper longitudinally extending frame member.