Work vehicle

A utility vehicle provided with an engine in a rear portion of a vehicle body is disclosed. The engine is provided with a cylinder head, and has an exhaust gas outlet port formed to be open in a front surface of the engine. An exhaust pipe extends forward from the exhaust gas outlet port, then curves, and extends rearward. A cover that covers a front portion of the exhaust pipe includes: a front-side portion that covers a front side of the front portion of the exhaust pipe; an upper-side portion that extends rearward from an upper end portion of the front-side portion and covers an upper side of the front portion of the exhaust pipe; and an extension portion that extends rearward from a rear end portion of the upper-side portion and covers an upper side of a front portion of the cylinder head.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2015-133950 and 2015-240949, filed Jul. 2, 2015 and Dec. 10, 2015, respectively, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to work vehicles such as utility vehicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

(1) First Related Art

JP 2012-051505 A discloses a work vehicle (more specifically, a utility vehicle) provided with an engine that is located in a rear portion of a vehicle body. An exhaust gas outlet port is open in a front surface of the engine. An exhaust pipe extends forward from the exhaust gas outlet port, then curves, and extends rearward. A seat is located forward of, and diagonally upward of, a front portion of the exhaust pipe.

In this utility vehicle, there is an open space between the exhaust pipe and the seat. Therefore, heat from the exhaust pipe is likely to reach the seat. Also, since there is an open space above a cylinder head of the engine, dust such as particles from straw is likely to accumulate on the engine. Furthermore, since there is an open space around the exhaust pipe, there is the risk of the temperature of exhaust pipe unnecessarily decreasing.

In light of the above situation, there is a demand for providing a utility vehicle that can prevent heat from the exhaust pipe from reaching the seat, prevent dust from accumulating on the engine, and prevent the temperature of the exhaust pipe from unnecessarily decreasing.

(2) Second Related Art

In a work vehicle disclosed in JP 2012-051505 A, an intake device that introduces air into an engine and an exhaust device that discharges exhaust gas from the engine are located on the same side of the engine in the right-left direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, the space around the engine includes an empty space on the side of the engine where the intake device and the exhaust device are not located, and is not effectively used for the layout of the intake/exhaust structure.

In light of the above problem, there is a demand for providing a work vehicle in which the space around the engine is effectively used for the layout of the intake/exhaust structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(1) In view of “First Related Art”, the following utility vehicle is provided.

A utility vehicle comprising:

an engine located in a rear portion of a vehicle body, the engine being provided with a cylinder head, and having an exhaust gas outlet port that is open in a front surface of the engine;

an exhaust pipe that extends forward from the exhaust gas outlet port, then curves, and extends rearward;

a seat that is located forward of, and diagonally upward of, a front portion of the exhaust pipe; and

a cover that covers the front portion of the exhaust pipe, the cover including:a front-side portion that covers a front side of the front portion of the exhaust pipe;an upper-side portion that extends rearward from an upper end portion of the front-side portion and covers an upper side of the front portion of the exhaust pipe; andan extension portion that extends rearward from a rear end portion of the upper-side portion and covers an upper side of a front portion of the cylinder head.

With this configuration, the front side and the upper side of the front portion of the exhaust pipe is covered by the front-side portion and the upper-side portion of the cover. Therefore, radiant heat from the exhaust pipe is prevented from reaching the seat located forward of, and diagonally upward of, the exhaust pipe. Also, the upper side of the front portion of the cylinder head of the engine is covered by the extension portion of the cover. Therefore, dust such as particles from straw is prevented from accumulating on the engine. Furthermore, the front portion of the exhaust pipe is covered by the front-side portion and the upper-side portion of the cover. Therefore, heat from the exhaust pipe is more unlikely to escape compared to the case in which the area around the exhaust pipe is open, for example, and it is possible to prevent the temperature of the exhaust pipe from unnecessarily decreasing.

Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a utility vehicle that can prevent heat from the exhaust pipe from reaching the seat, prevent dust from accumulating on the engine, and prevent the temperature of the exhaust pipe from unnecessarily decreasing.

In one preferable embodiment, an upper surface of the cylinder head is inclined downward in a diagonally rearward direction, and a rear end portion of the cover extends to a position near a central position of the cylinder head in a front-rear direction, and is inclined downward in a diagonally rearward direction.

With this configuration, even if dust such as particles from straw falls down from above the cylinder head of the engine, the dust is likely to slip downward in a diagonally rearward direction along the contour of the cover. Furthermore, the dust is led from the cover to the cylinder head, and the dust is likely to slip downward in a diagonally rearward direction along the contour of the cylinder head. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent dust from accumulating on the engine.

In one preferable embodiment, a clearance is provided between a rear end portion of the extension portion and the front portion of the cylinder head, and the cover is provided with a resin member that is heat resistant and elastic, and that fills the clearance.

With this configuration, a clearance for preventing vibrations of the cylinder head from being transmitted to the cover is provided in a gap between the rear end portion of the extension portion of the cover and the front portion of the cylinder head, and this clearance is filled with the resin member. Due to the presence of the resin member, dust is unlikely to fall onto the engine from the clearance. This resin member is heat resistant, and has high durability with which the resin member is unlikely to be deformed by heat from the engine. Furthermore, the resin member is elastic, and prevents vibrations of the cylinder head from being transmitted to the cover. Therefore, it is unlikely that a problem will arise in which the cover becomes loose due to vibrations of the cylinder head, for example.

In one preferable embodiment, the utility vehicle further comprises a load carrying platform configured to be mounted with luggage, and a gap extending in a front-rear direction is provided between the load carrying platform and the seat, and the cover is located below the gap.

With this configuration, even if dust falls toward the engine from a gap between the seat and the load carrying platform, the dust falling from the gap is received by the cover, and it is possible to prevent the dust from falling onto the engine.

In one preferable embodiment, the cover is formed to be wider than the exhaust pipe in a right-left direction of the vehicle body.

With this configuration, the cover covers the entire width of the exhaust pipe in the right-left direction, and prevents dust from falling onto the exhaust pipe.

In one preferable embodiment, the utility vehicle further comprises a framework that surrounds the engine, and the cover is fixed to the framework.

With this configuration, the vibration system of the framework differs from the vibration system of the engine, and usually vibrations of the framework are smaller than vibrations of the engine. Since the cover is fixed to the framework, it is unlikely that a problem will arise in which the cover becomes loose for example, compared to the case in which the cover is fixed to the engine itself, for example.(2) In view of “Second Related Art”, the following are provided.

A work vehicle comprising:

an engine located in a rear portion of a vehicle body;

an intake device configured to introduce air into the engine;

an exhaust device configured to discharge exhaust gas from the engine, wherein the intake device and the exhaust device are separately located on right and left sides of the engine.

With this configuration, the intake device that introduces air into the engine and the exhaust device that discharges exhaust gas from the engine are separately located on right and left sides of the engine. Thus, it is possible to appropriately arrange the intake device and the exhaust device by effectively using the left side space and the right side space with respect to the engine, out of the space around the engine.

Therefore, one aspect of the present invention realizes an intake/exhaust structure that is laid out by effectively using the space around the engine.

In one preferable embodiment, an exhaust gas outlet port that is connected to the exhaust device is formed in a front portion of the engine, and an intake air inlet port that is connected to the intake device is formed in a rear portion of the engine.

With this configuration, the exhaust gas outlet port connected to the exhaust device is formed in the front portion of the engine. Therefore, for example, when exhaust gas is discharged by the exhaust device from the rear part side of the travelling vehicle body, a long exhaust gas channel can be provided for the exhaust device and the efficiency of cooling exhaust gas can be improved in the exhaust device. Also, since the intake air inlet port connected to the intake device is formed in the rear portion of the engine, the intake device can be located at an appropriate position where the intake device does not interfere with the exhaust device.

In one preferable embodiment, the exhaust device is provided with a muffler configured to reduce exhaust sound, and the muffler is located rearward of the engine such that a longitudinal direction of the muffler extends along a front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

With this configuration, the muffler of the exhaust device is located rearward of the engine such that the longitudinal direction of the muffler extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, it is possible to compactly arrange the muffler such that a smaller amount of space is occupied by the muffler in the right-left direction of the vehicle body.

In one preferable embodiment, the exhaust device is provided with an exhaust pipe through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine passes through, and the exhaust pipe extends forward of the vehicle body from the engine, then curves, passes along a side of the engine to avoid the engine, and extends rearward of the vehicle body.

With this configuration, the exhaust pipe is located so as to extend forward of the vehicle body from the engine, then curve, pass along a side of the engine to avoid the engine, and extend rearward of the vehicle body. Therefore, the height of the exhaust pipe can be reduced, the length of the exhaust pipe can be increased, and the ability to cool exhaust gas can be improved.

In one preferable embodiment, the work vehicle further comprises a belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism to which power from the engine is input, wherein the exhaust pipe passes above the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism.

With this configuration, the exhaust pipe is located so as to pass above the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism, and therefore the space above the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism can be effectively used as a space for the exhaust pipe.

In one preferable embodiment, the work vehicle further comprises:

a driving section provided forward of the engine in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and

a first heat insulation member that separates the driving section and the exhaust pipe from each other.

With this configuration, heat from the exhaust pipe is blocked by the first heat insulation member and heat from the exhaust pipe is prevented from reaching the driving section. Also, the first heat insulation member prevents heat from the exhaust pipe from being excessively discharged. Therefore, for example, when the exhaust pipe is provided with a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas, the first heat insulation member prevents the temperature of exhaust gas from decreasing to be lower than an activating temperature at which the catalyst can appropriately function.

In one preferable embodiment, the work vehicle further comprises:

a load carrying platform provided upward of the engine; and

a second heat insulation member that separates the load carrying platform and the exhaust pipe from each other.

With this configuration, the second heat insulation member prevents heat from the exhaust pipe from reaching the load carrying platform, and it is possible to prevent the load carrying platform from deteriorating due to heat from the exhaust pipe. Also, the second heat insulation member prevents heat from the exhaust pipe from being excessively discharged. Therefore, for example, when the exhaust pipe is provided with a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas, the second heat insulation member prevents the temperature of exhaust gas from decreasing to be lower than an activating temperature of the catalyst.

In one preferable embodiment, the intake device is provided with an air cleaner configured to remove dust from air, and

the air cleaner is located rearward of the engine such that a longitudinal direction of the air cleaner extends along a front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

With this configuration, the air cleaner is located rearward of the engine such that the longitudinal direction of the air cleaner extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, it is possible to compactly arrange the air cleaner such that a smaller amount of space is occupied by the air cleaner in the right-left direction of the vehicle body.

In one preferable embodiment, the air cleaner is provided with a lid for element replacement, and

the lid is formed on a rear end portion of the air cleaner.

With this configuration, the lid used when replacing an element of the air cleaner is formed in the rear end portion of the air cleaner. Therefore, it is possible to open and close the lid from the rear side of the vehicle body, and it is easy to perform maintenance to replace an element of the air cleaner.

In one preferable embodiment, the intake device is provided with an intake pipe through which air to be introduced to the engine passes,

a front portion of the vehicle body is provided with a front hood,

the intake pipe is provided with an external air intake port from which external air is introduced, and

the external air intake port is located within an isolation space formed within the front hood.

With this configuration, the external air intake port of the intake pipe of the intake device is located within the isolation space formed within the front hood. Therefore, clean air in the isolation space, which is relatively less contaminated with dust or the like, can be introduced into the intake device.

In one preferable embodiment, the work vehicle further comprises:

a third heat insulation member that is located rearward of the engine and separates the intake device and the exhaust device from each other.

With this configuration, the third heat insulation member prevents heat from the exhaust device from reaching the intake device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intake device from deteriorating due to heat from the exhaust device.

In one preferable embodiment, the engine is provided in a horizontal orientation so that a crank shaft extends along a right-left direction of the vehicle body, and a cylinder head is inclined upward in a diagonally rearward direction.

With this configuration, the engine is provided in a horizontal orientation so that the crank shaft extends along the right-left direction of the vehicle body, and the cylinder head is inclined upward in a diagonally rearward direction. Therefore, the height of the engine can be reduced, and an empty space can be provided forward of the cylinder head.

In one preferable embodiment, the work vehicle further comprises:

a transmission case that is joined to a rear portion of the engine, the transmission case being provided with an oil feeding member for feeding hydraulic oil to the transmission case, wherein an upper end portion of the oil feeding member is located upward of the intake air inlet port.

With this configuration, the upper end portion of the oil feeding member for feeding hydraulic oil to the transmission case is located upward of the intake air inlet port. Therefore, it is easy to access the oil feeding member without being hindered by the intake device and so on, and it is easy to perform oil feeding work to feed hydraulic oil to the transmission case.

In one preferable embodiment, the work vehicle further comprises:

a transmission case that is joined to the rear portion of the engine; and

an oil inspection stick used for inspecting a condition of hydraulic oil within the transmission case, the oil inspection stick having a grip that is located upward of the intake air inlet port.

With this configuration, a grip of the oil inspection stick used for inspecting the condition of hydraulic oil within the transmission case is located upward of the intake air inlet port. Therefore, it is easy to access the grip of the oil inspection stick without being hindered by the intake device and so on, and it is easy to perform inspection work to inspect hydraulic oil within the transmission case.

Other features, and advantageous effects achieved thereby will become apparent from reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of a utility vehicle (an example of the “work vehicle”) will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 10.

Overall Configuration

A utility vehicle shown inFIGS. 1 and 2is a vehicle used for many purposes such as transportation of luggage and recreation. The utility vehicle is provided with: a pair of right and left front wheels11that are steerable and are able to be driven; and a pair of right and left rear wheels12that are able to be driven; and a travelling vehicle body that is able to travel using the right and left front wheels11and the right and left rear wheels12. A driving section13is provided in a central portion of the travelling vehicle body in a front-rear direction. In the travelling vehicle body, a load carrying platform14that is able to be mounted with luggage is provided rearward of the driving section13. An engine room R is formed below the load carrying platform14.

The driving section13is provided forward of an engine21in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The driving section13is provided with: for example, a driver's seat15(an example of the “seat”) on which an operator can be seated; an auxiliary seat16(an example of the “seat”) that is located adjacent to the driver's seat15and on which an occupant can be seated; a steering wheel17used for a steering operation; a shift lever19for a speed change operation; and so on. The steering wheel17and the shift lever19are located on a driving panel20that is located forward of the driver's seat15.

The load carrying platform14is configured to be switchable to a mounting state in which the load carrying platform14can carry luggage placed thereon, and to a dumping state in which the load carrying platform14can discharge luggage. The load carrying platform14swings about a lateral axis, raises a front end portion thereof, and thus enters the dumping state in which the load carrying platform14can discharge luggage from a rear end portion side thereof. The state of the load carrying platform14changes due to being driven by a hydraulic actuator, for example.

In the engine room R shown inFIGS. 1 to 6, 9 and 10: a water-cooling type gasoline engine21(simply referred to as “engine21” hereinafter); a belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23housed in a housing22; a gear type transmission mechanism24housed in a transmission case18; and so on are provided. The engine21is located in a rear portion of the travelling vehicle body. As shown inFIGS. 4, 5and so on, the load carrying platform14is located upward of the engine21, the housing22, and the transmission case18.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a front lid or a front hood25that is able to be opened and closed is provided in a front portion of the travelling vehicle body, forward of the driving section13. A radiator26for cooling the engine21and so on are located in an isolation space S formed within the front hood25and the driving panel20.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the engine21is provided in a horizontal orientation so that a crank shaft extends along the right-left direction of the vehicle body, and the cylinder head27is inclined upward in a diagonally rearward direction. Specifically, an upper surface27A of the cylinder head27of the engine21is inclined downward in a diagonally rearward direction. The engine21is of a two-cylinder type.

As shown inFIG. 2and so on, the housing22, which houses the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23, is joined to and supported on the lateral side of the engine21and the transmission case18. The transmission case18is joined to and supported by a rear portion of the engine21.

The transmission case18is provided such that the longitudinal direction of the transmission case18extends along a front-rear direction of the vehicle body. More specifically, the transmission case18is designed to be elongated in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body and to have a shape with a small overall height.

Frames

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2and so on, the travelling vehicle body is provided with vehicle body frames28. The vehicle body frames28include: mounting frames29(corresponding to “framework”) that are mounted with and support the engine21and so on; protection frames30that surround and protect the driving section13; and so on.

The mounting frames29, which are shown inFIGS. 3 to 6and so on, surround the engine21. The mounting frames29include: right and left supporting frames31that extend along a front-rear direction; a lower horizontal frame32that extends in a right-left direction and joins the respective rear end portions of the right and left supporting frames31to each other; rear vertical frames33that respectively stand on rear end portions of the right and left supporting frames31and extend in a vertical direction; and an intermediate horizontal frame35that extends in a horizontal direction to join the right and left rear vertical frames33to each other via first brackets34. The mounting frames29further include: front vertical frames36that are located forward of the rear vertical frames33and respectively stand on the supporting frames31; upper front-rear frames38that are respectively joined to upper end portions of the rear vertical frames33via second brackets37; and an upper intermediate horizontal frame41that joins intermediate portions, in a front-rear direction, of the right and left upper front-rear frames38to each other. The mounting frames29further include: front support post frames49that stand on a front end portion of the lower horizontal frame32, extend in a vertical direction, and joined to front end portions of the upper front-rear frames38. The mounting frames29further include: joint members39that are respectively joined to front end portions of the right and left upper front-rear frames38; and support brackets40that are joined to rear end portions of the upper front-rear frames38and extend toward the lateral outer side of the vehicle body.

As shown inFIG. 6and so on, the right and left supporting frames31are each configured with a rectangular pipe. The right and left supporting frames31each have a bent shape, in which a rear section extends along a front-rear direction, an intermediate section in the front-rear direction diagonally extends to the outer side of the vehicle body from the rear section to a front section, and the front section extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 9, pairs of suspension frames42of a double wishbone type are provided such that each pair of suspension frames42spans the corresponding rear vertical frame33and the corresponding front vertical frame36. Thus, the rear wheels12are supported by the pairs of suspension frames42. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, suspension cylinders43are each provided between the corresponding support bracket40and the corresponding pair of suspension frames42. Rear wheel fenders44that cover the upper side of the rear wheels12are supported by rear portions of the upper front-rear frames38.

As shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 10, rear vibration absorption mounts46are respectively supported by the right and left rear vertical frames33with third brackets45therebetween. A supporting member47that extends in the right-left direction is provided between the right and left rear vibration absorption mounts46. A rear end portion of the transmission case18is supported by the supporting member47. A front lower portion of the engine21is supported by the right and left supporting frames31with a pair of right and left front vibration absorption mounts48therebetween.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2and so on, the protection frames30include: pair of right and left upper frames50that are each invert U-shaped in side view; and a pair of right and left lower frames51that are each U-shaped in side view. The upper frames50and the lower frames51are each configured with a pipe frame. The protection frames30also include: a front upper frame52that extends in a right-left direction and is provided between front upper portions of the right and left upper frames50; a rear upper frame53that extends in a right-left direction and is provided between rear upper portions of the right and left upper frames50; front joint members54that joins front lower end portions of the upper frames50and front upper end portions of the lower frames51to each other; rear joint members55that joins rear lower end portions of the upper frames50and rear upper end portions of the lower frames51to each other; and so on. A window member56that extends in a vertical direction and has front and rear surfaces; and protection panels57that each extend in a vertical direction and each have front and rear surfaces are provided between the right and left upper frames50located rearward of the driver's seat15. A lateral frame58that is configured with a pipe frame extending in a right-left direction is provided between lower end portions of the right and left rear joint members55. Handrail frames90that an occupant can grip when boarding or exiting the travelling vehicle body are respectively joined to the rear joint members55.

As can be seen fromFIG. 2, power from the engine21is input to the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23, and is subjected to stepless speed change according to the rotation speed of the engine21. Power from the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23is then output to the gear type transmission mechanism24. In response to an operation using the shift lever19, the gear type transmission mechanism24realizes: forward travelling states (a forward first-gear state and a forward second-gear state) in which the gear type transmission mechanism converts power input from the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23to forward travelling power and outputs the forward travelling power; a rearward travelling state in which the gear type transmission mechanism24converts power input from the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23to rearward travelling power and outputs the rearward travelling power; and a neutral state in which the gear type transmission mechanism24does not transmit power input from the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23. Power from the gear type transmission mechanism24is transmitted to a rear axle59, and is transmitted from the rear axle59to the right and left rear wheels12. Power from the gear type transmission mechanism24is transmitted to a front axle62via a power take-off shaft60, a propeller shaft61and so on, and is transmitted from the front axle62to the right and left front wheels11. The power take-off shaft60is located below the engine21. When a clutch mechanism (not shown in the drawings) provided for the gear type transmission mechanism24is brought into an off state, a two-wheel drive state is realized, in which the gear type transmission mechanism24transmits power to only the right and left rear wheels12, and does not transmit power to the right and left front wheels11. When the clutch mechanism (not shown in the drawings) is brought into an on state, a four-wheel drive state is realized, in which the gear type transmission mechanism24transmits power to the right and left rear wheels12and the right and left front wheels11.

Intake Device and Exhaust Device

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 6, the travelling vehicle body is provided with: an intake device63that introduces external air to the engine21; and an exhaust device64that discharges exhaust gas from the engine21. The intake device63is connected to an intake air inlet port65that is formed in the rear portion of the engine21. The exhaust device64is connected to exhaust gas outlet ports66that are open in a front surface of the engine. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the intake device63and the exhaust device64are separately located on right and left sides of the engine21.

As shown inFIG. 2and so on, the intake device63is provided with: an intake pipe69thorough which air that is to be introduced to the engine21passes; an air cleaner70that removes dust from the air; and an intake air divider71.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the intake pipe69is provided with an external air intake port72through which external air is introduced. One end portion of the intake pipe69is connected to a lower portion of the air cleaner70. The intake pipe69is extended along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and passes below the driving section13. The other end portion of the intake pipe69is extended to an area below the front hood25. The intake pipe69is located so as to pass through one side of the engine21that is opposite to the side where the exhaust device64is located. The external air intake port72formed in the other end portion of the intake pipe69is located within the isolation space S that is formed within the front hood25and the driving panel20.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 6and so on, the air cleaner70is located rearward of the engine21such that the longitudinal direction of the air cleaner70extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The air cleaner70is provided with a lid73for element replacement. The lid73is formed on a rear end portion of the air cleaner70. The lid73is fastened to a main body portion of the air cleaner70using a buckle-shaped fastening member (not shown in the drawings), and is configured to allow an operator to open and close the main body portion of the air cleaner70by operating the fastening member.

The intake air divider71divides air supplied from the air cleaner70, from which dust has been removed, and supplies the divided portions of air to the combustion chambers of the engine21. The transmission case18is located downward of the air cleaner70and the intake air divider71.

Exhaust Device

As shown inFIG. 2and so on, the exhaust device64is provided with: exhaust pipes75through which exhaust gas from the engine21passes through; and a muffler76that is able to reduce exhaust sound.

As shown inFIG. 2and so on, the exhaust pipes75extend forward of the vehicle body from the exhaust gas outlet ports66of the engine21, then curve, pass along a side of the engine21to avoid the engine21, and extend rearward of the vehicle body. The exhaust pipes75are located so as to pass above the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23. Two exhaust pipes75are extend from a rear end portion of the engine21, and the two exhaust pipes75are joined to each other at a front end portion of the muffler76.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 6, 9and so on, the muffler76is located rearward of the engine21such that the longitudinal direction of the muffler76extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. A catalyst (not shown in the drawing) for purifying exhaust gas from the engine21is provided inside the muffler76. The catalyst appropriately fulfils the function of purifying exhaust gas in a predetermined high-temperature environment. The muffler76is located upward of the housing22that houses the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23. The muffler76is supported by the transmission case18with a supporting stay77therebetween.

As shown inFIGS. 3, 6, 10and so on, the air cleaner70and the muffler76are located within a space surrounded by the upper intermediate horizontal frame41, the intermediate horizontal frame35, the right and left rear vertical frames33, and the upper front-rear frames38. More specifically, the air cleaner70and the muffler76are located between the right and left rear vertical frames33. An exhaust gas outlet portion78of the muffler76is located rearward of the mounting frames29. The lid73of the air cleaner70is located rearward of the mounting frames29.

Heat Insulation Members

As shown inFIG. 4, the driver's seat15and the auxiliary seat16are located forward of, and diagonally upward of, front portions of the exhaust pipes75. As shown inFIGS. 3 to 8, a first heat insulation member79(corresponding to “cover”) is provided to separate the driving section13and the exhaust pipes75of the exhaust device64from each other. The first heat insulation member79covers the front portions of the exhaust pipes75. As shown inFIG. 3, the first heat insulation member79is formed to have a right-left width that is sufficient to cover the entire right-left width of the exhaust pipes75. In other words, the first heat insulation member79is wider than the exhaust pipes75in the right-left direction.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 8, the first heat insulation member79includes: a front-side portion80that covers the front side of the front portions of the exhaust pipes75; an upper-side portion81that extends rearward from an upper end portion80A of the front-side portion80and covers the upper side of the front portions of the exhaust pipes75; and an extension portion81A that extends rearward from a rear end portion of the upper-side portion81and covers the upper side of a front portion of the cylinder head27of the engine21. The front-side portion80, the upper-side portion81, and the extension portion81A of the first heat insulation member79are integrally formed by bending a metal plate. A rear end portion79A of the first heat insulation member79extends to a position near a central position of the cylinder head27in the front-rear direction, and is inclined downward in a diagonally rearward direction. As shown inFIG. 4, the upper-side portion81extends to a position immediately below the front end portion of the load carrying platform14. The first heat insulation member79separates the exhaust pipes75of the exhaust device64and the driving section13from each other, and also separates the load carrying platform14and the exhaust pipes75from each other.

As shown inFIGS. 6, 7and so on, the first heat insulation member79is fixed to the mounting frames29. Two end portions, namely right and left end portions, of the front-side portion80of the first heat insulation member79are respectively joined to first stays91using bolts. The first stays91each have an L-shaped cross section, and respectively extend inward from the upper front-rear frames38in a lateral direction. The right and left end portions of the front-side portion80are thus supported by the upper front-rear frames38. Two portions of the upper-side portion81of the first heat insulation member79, which are located inward of the first stays91in a lateral direction, are respectively joined to second stays92, using bolts. The second stays92each have an L-shaped cross section, and respectively extend inward from joint members39in a lateral direction. The two portions of the upper-side portion81are thus supported by the joint members39.

As shown inFIGS. 4, 5 and 8, a clearance C is provided between a rear end portion of the extension portion81A and the upper surface27A of the front portion of the cylinder head27. As shown inFIGS. 3 to 8, the first heat insulation member79includes a resin member93that is heat resistant and elastic, and that fills the clearance C. As shown inFIG. 3and so on, the resin member93has a laterally elongated shape and covers a substantially entire area of the upper surface27A of the cylinder head27of the engine21.

As shown inFIG. 4, a gap V extending in a front-rear direction is provided between: the driver's seat15and auxiliary seat16; and the load carrying platform14. The first heat insulation member79is located below the gap V.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 6and so on, a front-side second heat insulation member82(an example of the “second heat insulation member”) is provided between the load carrying platform14and the exhaust pipes75of the exhaust device64. The front-side second heat insulation member82separates the load carrying platform14and the exhaust pipes75from each other. The extension portion81A and the resin member93of the first heat insulation member79extend in a right-left direction so as to cover the front portion of the cylinder head27of the engine21and a portion of the front-side second heat insulation member82. Arear-side second heat insulation member83(an example of the “second heat insulation member”) is provided between the load carrying platform14and the muffler76of the exhaust device64. The rear-side second heat insulation member83separates the load carrying platform14and the muffler76from each other. As shown inFIGS. 6, 7and so on, the front-side second heat insulation member82is supported by the upper front-rear frames38at a position that is forward of the upper intermediate horizontal frame41, by being joined to the upper front-rear frames38using bolts. The rear-side second heat insulation member83is supported by the upper front-rear frames38at a position that is rearward of the upper intermediate horizontal frame41, by being joined to the upper front-rear frames38using bolts.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 7, a third heat insulation member84is provided rearward of the engine21to separate the air cleaner70of the intake device63and the muffler76of the exhaust device64from each other. The air cleaner70of the intake device63is supported by the engine21with the third heat insulation member84therebetween. In other words, the third heat insulation member84also serves as a member for supporting the air cleaner70.

Oil Feeding Member

As shown inFIGS. 4 to 8, the transmission case18is provided with an oil feeding member85for feeding hydraulic oil to the transmission case18. The oil feeding member85is a cylindrical member that is located such that the longitudinal direction thereof extends in a top-bottom direction. An oil feeding port86is formed in an upper end portion of the oil feeding member85. The oil feeding member85is located so as to overlap the air cleaner70in rear view. It is possible to refill the transmission case18with hydraulic oil by pouring refill hydraulic oil from the oil feeding port86. The oil feeding member85is located between the intake air divider71of the intake device63and the muffler76of the exhaust device64. The oil feeding port86formed in the upper end portion of the oil feeding member85is located upward of the intake air inlet port65.

Oil Inspection Stick

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 6 to 8, an oil inspection stick87used for inspecting the condition of hydraulic oil within the transmission case18is provided for the transmission case18. The oil inspection stick87is located opposite the muffler76of the exhaust device64with respect to the intake air divider71of the intake device63. A grip88of the oil inspection stick87is located upward of the intake air inlet port65.

Other Embodiments

The following describes other embodiments according to the present invention. The embodiment above and the other embodiments below may be combined as appropriate unless a contradiction occurs. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(1) An armrest100as shown inFIG. 11may be provided on a lateral side of the driver's seat15and the auxiliary seat16according to the embodiment above. The armrest100includes: a pair of front and rear supporting posts101that are supported by the vehicle body frames28; an armrest part103having leg parts102respectively corresponding to the supporting posts101; and an adjustment part104that can adjust the height of the armrest part103. The adjustment part104is configured to allow an operator to select appropriate holes105from among a plurality of holes105arranged along a height direction in each leg part102, and to fasten fastening members106such as bolts to the supporting posts101. The supporting posts101are joined to and supported by the handrail frame90in the vicinity of the driver's seat15or the auxiliary seat16. The height of the armrest part103is adjustable to be higher than the handrail frame90. Note that such an armrest100may be provided only on the driver's seat15side or only on the auxiliary seat16side.

Such an armrest100allows an occupant seated on the driver's seat15or the auxiliary seat16to place his/her arm on the armrest part103and easily maintain the seating position while the travelling vehicle body is travelling. Also, since the armrest100is provided with the adjustment part104with which the height of the armrest part103can be adjusted, the height of the armrest part103can be appropriately adjusted to fit to the occupant's physical constitution.

(2) In the embodiment above, the driver's seat15and the auxiliary seat16are described as examples of the “seat”. However, “seat” is not limited to them. For example, “seat” of another type, such as a laterally elongated seat on which a plurality of people can be seated, may be adopted.

(3) In the embodiment above, the engine21in which the cylinder head27is inclined downward in a diagonally rearward direction is described as an example. However, the engine21is not limited to such a configuration. For example, an engine in which the cylinder head is not inclined and is substantially vertically standing up may be adopted.

(4) In the embodiment above, the first heat insulation member79including the resin member93that fills the clearance C between the rear end portion of the extension portion81A and the upper surface27A of the front portion of the cylinder head27is described as an example of the “cover”. However, the first heat insulation member79is not limited to such a configuration, and it is acceptable that such a resin member93is not provided.

(5) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the first heat insulation member79serving as the “cover” is wider than the exhaust pipes75in the right-left direction. However, the first heat insulation member79is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first heat insulation member79may be narrower than the exhaust pipes75in the right-left direction.

(6) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the first heat insulation member79serving as the “cover” is fixed to the mounting frames29serving as the “frame”. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first heat insulation member79may be fixed to the protection frames30serving as the “frame”. Alternatively, the first heat insulation member79may be fixed to both the mounting frames29and the protection frames30serving as the “frame”.

(7) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the exhaust gas outlet port66connected to the exhaust device64is formed in the front portion of the engine21, and the intake air inlet port65connected to the intake device63is formed in the rear portion of the engine21. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the exhaust gas outlet port66may be formed in the rear portion of the engine21, and the intake air inlet port65may be formed in the front portion of the engine21. Alternatively, the exhaust gas outlet port66and the intake air inlet port65may be formed close to each other in the front portion or the rear portion of the engine21.

(8) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the muffler76is located such that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The muffler76may be located such that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the right-left direction of the vehicle body.

(9) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the air cleaner70is located such that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The air cleaner70may be located such that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the right-left direction of the vehicle body.

(10) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the exhaust pipes75pass along a side of the engine21to avoid the engine21. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the exhaust pipes75may be located so as to pass above the engine21to avoid the engine21.

(11) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the exhaust pipes75are located so as to pass above the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the exhaust pipes75may be located so as to pass along a lateral outer side of the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23.

(12) In the embodiment above, an example has been given of an example in which the lid73of the air cleaner70is formed on the rear end portion of the air cleaner70. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the lid73of the air cleaner70may be formed on another portion such as a lower portion of the air cleaner70.

(13) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example in which the external air intake port72of the intake pipe69is located in the isolation space S formed within the front hood25. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the external air intake port72of the intake pipe69may be located at a position where air that is relatively less contaminated with dust is present, such as a position that is rearward of the driver's seat15of the driving section13.

(14) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example that is provided with the first heat insulation member79, the front-side second heat insulation member82, the rear side second heat insulation member83, and the third heat insulation member84. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first heat insulation member79, the front-side second heat insulation member82, the rear-side second heat insulation member83, or the third heat insulation member84may be omitted.

(15) In the embodiment above, the engine21, which is a gasoline engine, has been described as an example. However, the engine21is not limited to a gasoline engine. For example, another type of engine such as a diesel engine may be adopted.

(16) In the embodiment above, a description has been given of an example provided with the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a hydraulic static continuously variable transmission device may be provided instead of the belt type continuously variable transmission mechanism23.

(17) The present invention is applicable to various types of work vehicles such as tractors and combines, in addition to the utility vehicle described above.