Multipurpose vehicle

Abstract

To provide a multipurpose vehicle that enables an engine hood to be firmly fixed with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A multipurpose vehicle is equipped with a driving part 3, an engine hood 2, and a lock part 20. A passenger boards the driving part 3. The engine hood 2 is configured so that a position can be changed between a closed position that closes a storage space in front of the driving part 3 and an open position that opens the storage space. The lock part 20 is configured to be able to hold the engine hood 2 in the closed position. The lock part 20 is entirely made of an elastic body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a utility vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the multipurpose vehicle (referred to in the document as a "work vehicle") disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a locking portion (referred to in the document as a "hook" and an "engagement rod") for keeping the hood closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-260755 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such multi-purpose vehicles are often driven off-road, such as on farms, gravel, mountainous areas, and forested areas, where the locking mechanism is more susceptible to vibration than vehicles driven on paved roads. The impact resistance of the locking mechanism must also be considered. Therefore, the key issue is how to ensure that the locking mechanism can firmly hold the hood closed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose vehicle in which the hood can be securely fixed with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multipurpose vehicle of the present invention is equipped with a driver's section in which passengers sit, a bonnet that can be moved between a closed position that blocks the storage space in front of the driver's section and an open position that opens the storage space, and a locking section that can hold the bonnet in the closed position, and the locking section is characterized in that it is made entirely of an elastic material.

[0007] According to the present invention, the entire locking portion is made of an elastic material, which makes it easier to hold the hood in the closed position by the elastic force of the locking portion. Furthermore, because the entire locking portion is made of an elastic material, the impact resistance of the entire locking portion is improved. This allows for a multipurpose vehicle that can securely fasten the hood with a simple structure.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that a support body is provided that supports the bonnet, a first hole portion is formed in the bonnet through which the locking portion is inserted, a second hole portion is formed in the support body that allows the locking portion to be inserted, the first hole portion is located more inward than the edge of the second hole portion in a plan view when the bonnet is in the closed position, and the locking portion is configured to be able to change its state between a holding state in which the bonnet is held in the closed position by being inserted through the first hole portion and the second hole portion and abutting against a back surface portion of the support body that is opposite to the front surface portion facing the bonnet, and a release state in which the bonnet is allowed to be changed to the open position without abutting against the back surface portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, the locking portion penetrates the first hole and the second hole and abuts against the back surface, thereby holding the hood in the closed position. Furthermore, since the first hole is positioned inside the edge of the second hole in a plan view when the hood is in the closed position, it is easy to configure the locking portion to engage only with the hood and not with the support body. This makes it possible to change the state of the locking portion between the held state and the released state with a simple configuration.

[0010] In the present invention, the second hole portion is an elongated hole, and a fitting body is provided at the lower part of the locking portion, the length of which in the longitudinal direction is longer than the width of the second hole portion in the lateral direction and the length of which in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the width of the second hole portion in the lateral direction, and it is preferable that the fitting body extends along the lateral direction of the second hole portion when the locking portion is in the retained state, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the second hole portion when the locking portion is in the released state.

[0011] With this configuration, the fitting body, which is extended longer than the width of the second hole in the short direction, extends along the short direction of the second hole, thereby realizing the retained state of the locking portion. Also, the fitting body, which is extended shorter than the width of the second hole in the long direction, extends along the long direction of the second hole, thereby realizing the released state of the locking portion.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the support body is formed with a bulge portion that is adjacent to the second hole portion in the longitudinal center portion of the second hole portion and bulges out on the side opposite to the side on which the surface portion is located, and that the fitting body is provided with an abutment portion that abuts against the bulge portion.

[0013] With this configuration, a bulge is formed adjacent to the second hole, and the abutment portion abuts against the bulge. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a bulge is not formed, the abutment portion abuts against the back surface portion more firmly, and the locking portion is more firmly held in place.

[0014] In the present invention, the abutment portion is preferably formed in a triangular shape that narrows toward the top when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the fitting body, and the bulge portion is formed with two triangular portions that protrude on the side opposite to the side on which the surface portion is located, and the abutment portion is preferably located between the two triangular portions when the locking portion is in the retained state, and is not located between the two triangular portions when the locking portion is in the released state.

[0015] With this configuration, the abutment portion is located between the two triangular portions, so when the locking portion changes from the retained state to the released state, the abutment portion must overcome the triangular portion, which reduces the risk of the abutment portion unintentionally coming off the bulge portion and more securely maintains the retained state of the locking portion.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that the two bulge portions are adjacent to the left and right of the second hole portion along the short direction of the second hole portion, and that the two triangular portions are formed on at least one of the two bulge portions.

[0017] This configuration allows the locking portion to be held more securely. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall side view of a multipurpose vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view of the locking portion as seen from the left and right sides relative to the viewpoint shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3, showing a locking portion in a plan view. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the holding state of the locking portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the unlocked state of the locking portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing the holding state of the locking portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing the holding state of the locking portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing the unlocked state of the locking portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of arrow F in the drawings will be referred to as "front," the direction of arrow B as "rear," the direction of arrow L as "left," and the direction of arrow R as "right." Furthermore, the direction of arrow U in the drawings will be referred to as "up," and the direction of arrow D as "down."

[0020] [Overall configuration of multipurpose vehicle] The multipurpose vehicle of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the multipurpose vehicle is equipped with a traveling body 1, a hood 2, a driver's section 3 where a passenger sits, and a dump-type cargo bed 4. The traveling body 1 is equipped with a body frame 5 and a traveling device 6. Although not shown, the multipurpose vehicle is equipped with a water-cooled engine and a transmission, and the power of the engine is changed in speed by the transmission and transmitted to the traveling device 6. Note that the multipurpose vehicle may also be an electric multipurpose vehicle equipped with an electric motor for traveling.

[0021] The traveling device 6 includes steerable and drivable left and right front wheels 6F and non-steerable and drivable left and right rear wheels 6B. The traveling device 6 is configured to be switchable between a two-wheel drive state in which only the left and right rear wheels 6B are driven, and a four-wheel drive state in which the left and right front wheels 6F and the left and right rear wheels 6B are driven.

[0022] The driver's section 3 includes a control panel 7, a driver's seat 10, an auxiliary seat 11, a safety rope 13 for passenger protection, and left and right boarding / alighting doors 14. The cargo bed 4 is disposed behind the driver's section 3. The boarding / alighting doors 14 open and close the boarding / alighting entrance to the driver's section 3.

[0023] The control unit 7 is equipped with various operating tools such as a steering handle for steering the left and right front wheels 6F, an accelerator pedal for adjusting the driving speed, a brake pedal for braking, and a gear shift lever for changing gears.

[0024] A driver sits in the driver's seat 10. The auxiliary seat 11 is adjacent to and arranged side by side with the driver's seat 10. The driver's seat 10 is provided on the left side in the left-right direction of the aircraft body, and the auxiliary seat 11 is provided on the right side in the left-right direction of the aircraft body.

[0025] [Bonnet configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a hood 2 is provided in front of the driver's section 3. Although not described in detail, below the hood 2, accessories such as a radiator, steering and suspension mechanisms for the left and right front wheels 6F, harnesses for headlights 15, etc. are housed. The area below the hood 2 may also be configured as a front trunk. Side cowls 16 are provided on the left and right sides of the hood 2. The left and right side cowls 16 are supports that support the hood 2. Headlights 15 are attached to each of the left and right side cowls 16. The side cowls 16 have a front surface 16F that faces the hood 2 and a back surface 16B opposite the front surface 16F.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 , the front end of the hood 2 is pivotally supported by the left and right side cowls 16. Therefore, the hood 2 is configured to be able to pivot up and down about an axis at the front end that is oriented laterally toward the vehicle body. When the hood 2 pivots upward, it opens. The hood 2 is configured to be able to pivot between a closed position in which it is in close proximity to the surface portion 16F of the side cowls 16 across the front and rear, and an open position in which it is swung upward from the closed position. In other words, the hood 2 is configured to be able to change its position between a closed position that closes the storage space in front of the driver's section 3, and an open position that opens the storage space. For example, a worker can perform maintenance on equipment arranged below the hood 2 with the hood 2 in the open position.

[0027] The bonnet 2 and the side cowls 16 are each made of resin, such as polyvinyl chloride or fiber reinforced plastic.

[0028] In this embodiment, the locking portion 20 is attached to the right and left rear portions of the bonnet 2. A first hole portion 2h is drilled in each of the right and left rear portions of the bonnet 2, and the insertion portion 23 of the locking portion 20 passes through the first hole portion 2h. The first hole portion 2h is an elongated hole. The entire locking portion 20 is made of an elastic body such as rubber. The entire locking portion 20 is a single piece.

[0029] The locking unit 20 is configured to be able to hold the hood 2 in the closed position. When an operator rotates the locking unit 20 around an axis facing up or down, the locking unit 20 is configured to be able to change its state between a holding state in which the hood 2 is held in the closed position and a release state in which the hood 2 is allowed to swing to the open position.

[0030] 3 to 5, the locking part 20 has an operating part 21, an insertion part 23, a snap fit 24, and a fitting body 25. The operating part 21 is a part that an operator or the like uses by hand to swing the locking part 20.

[0031] The insertion portion 23 is a portion that passes through the first hole portion 2h. A bulging locking portion 22 is formed in the insertion portion 23. The bulging locking portion 22 is a portion that is formed to be wider within the insertion portion 23, and is formed to have a width that is wider than the width of the first hole portion 2h in the short direction.

[0032] The diameter of the snap fit 24 is larger than the width of the first hole 2h in the short direction. The snap fit 24 is located below the first hole 2h.

[0033] The snap fit 24 is formed so that its diameter increases toward the top. Therefore, when the locking portion 20 is inserted into the first hole 2h during the assembly process, the snap fit 24 passes through the first hole 2h while elastically deforming. Then, when the entire snap fit 24 is displaced downward in the first hole 2h, the shape of the snap fit 24 is restored by the elastic force, and it is locked to the underside of the bonnet 2.

[0034] The bulging engaging portion 22 and the insertion portion 23 are located between the operating portion 21 and the snap fit 24, and are formed with a diameter smaller than the diameters of the operating portion 21 and the snap fit 24. Therefore, even if the locking portion 20 is pulled upward, the snap fit 24 abuts against the bonnet 2 from below, and the locking portion 20 is held so as not to come out of the first hole portion 2h.

[0035] The fitting body 25 is formed to extend in the left-right direction below the snap fit 24. The length of the fitting body 25 in the longitudinal direction is formed to be shorter than the length of the first hole 2h in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the assembly process, the locking portion 20 can be inserted into the first hole 2h without the fitting body 25 getting caught in the first hole 2h.

[0036] Two abutment portions 26 are formed on the left and right sides of the insertion portion 23 and the snap fit 24 at the top of the fitting body 25. The two abutment portions 26 are formed in a mountain shape (triangular shape) that narrows toward the top when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the fitting body 25. The two abutment portions 26 are configured to be able to abut against the back surface portion 16B of the side cowl 16.

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, second holes 16h are drilled in the rear portions of each of the left and right side cowls 16. The second holes 16h are elongated holes. When the hood 2 is in the closed position, the first holes 2h are located more inward than the edges of the second holes 16h in a plan view. In other words, when the hood 2 is in the closed position, the areas of the first holes 2h and the second holes 16h overlap in a plan view. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the first holes 2h and the longitudinal direction of the second holes 16h are the same or approximately the same direction.

[0038] The width of the second hole portion 16h in the short side direction is formed to be wider than the diameter of the snap fit 24. Therefore, the entire snap fit 24 can pass through the second hole portion 16h without getting caught on the back surface portion 16B outside the second hole portion 16h.

[0039] The longitudinal direction of the fitting body 25 is longer than the width of the second hole portion 16h in the lateral direction, but shorter than the width of the second hole portion 16h in the lateral direction. The locking portion 20 is configured to be rotatable around an axis extending vertically. The fitting body 25 extends along the lateral direction of the second hole portion 16h when the locking portion 20 is in the retained state, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the second hole portion 16h when the locking portion 20 is in the released state. Therefore, when the locking portion 20 is in the retained state, the fitting body 25 is caught on the back surface portion 16B outside the edge of the second hole portion 16h and cannot be released. This keeps the hood 2 in the closed position.

[0040] When the locking portion 20 is in the released state, the fitting body 25 is positioned inside the edge of the second hole portion 16h. Therefore, when the hood 2 swings upward (toward the open position), the fitting body 25 comes out of the second hole portion 16h without getting caught on the back surface portion 16B, as shown in FIG.

[0041] In this way, when the locking portion 20 is inserted into the first hole portion 2h and the second hole portion 16h, it is configured to be able to change its state between a holding state in which the bonnet 2 is held in the closed position by abutting against the back surface portion 16B of the side cowl 16, and a release state in which the bonnet 2 is allowed to be repositioned to the open position without abutting against the back surface portion 16B.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, in this embodiment, two bulging portions 16a, 16b are formed on the back surface portion 16B. The bulging portions 16a, 16b are adjacent to each other on the left and right sides of the longitudinal center portion of the second hole portion 16h. The bulging portions 16a, 16b bulge outward from the side opposite the surface portion 16F. When the locking portion 20 is in the retaining state, the two contact portions 26 contact the bulging portions 16a, 16b. At this time, the upper ends of the two contact portions 26 are elastically deformed by contact with the bulging portions 16a, 16b.

[0043] In this embodiment, two triangular portions 16c are formed on the bulging portion 16b. The two triangular portions 16c protrude further from the flat surface portion of the bulging portion 16b toward the opposite side from the side where the surface portion 16F is located.

[0044] When the locking portion 20 is changed from the released state to the retained state, the entire locking portion 20 rotates about an axis extending vertically along the center of the insertion portion 23 and the snap fit 24, and one of the left and right abutting portions 26 abuts against one of the triangular portions 16c from the side opposite the side where the other triangular portion 16c is located. When the entire locking portion 20 is further rotated in the same direction, the upper end of one of the left and right abutting portions 26 elastically deforms and overcomes the one of the triangular portions 16c. Then, as the shape of one of the left and right abutting portions 26 returns to its original shape due to elastic force, one of the left and right abutting portions 26 abuts against the flat surface of the bulge portion 16b between the two triangular portions 16c. Furthermore, the other of the left and right abutting portions 26 abuts against the flat surface of the bulge portion 16a.

[0045] When the locking part 20 is in the retaining state, the bulging engaging part 22 of the insertion part 23 is pressed against both edges of the first hole 2h in the short direction, and a frictional force acts between the bulging engaging part 22 and the first hole 2h. This makes it difficult for the locking part 20 to rotate, reducing the risk of the locking part 20 rotating unexpectedly due to factors such as vibration.

[0046] When the locking unit 20 is in the retained state, one of the left and right contact portions 26 is located between the two triangular portions 16c. Therefore, in order for one of the left and right contact portions 26 to escape from between the two triangular portions 16c, the one of the left and right contact portions 26 must overcome one of the triangular portions 16c while elastically deforming. Furthermore, by abutting against the bulges 16a and 16b, both the left and right contact portions 26 are subjected to frictional force, making them less likely to rotate. This prevents the locking unit 20 from unintentionally changing from the retained state to the released state due to factors such as vehicle vibration.

[0047] When the locking portion 20 is changed from the retained state to the released state, the entire locking portion 20 rotates about an axis extending vertically along the center of the insertion portion 23 and the snap fit 24, and one of the left and right contact portions 26 moves from between the two triangular portions 16c to contact one of the triangular portions 16c. When the entire locking portion 20 is further rotated in the same direction, the upper end of one of the left and right contact portions 26 elastically deforms and moves over the one of the triangular portions 16c. Then, the shape of one of the left and right contact portions 26 is restored by elastic force, and the entire fitting body 25, including the contact portion 26, is positioned inside the edge of the second hole portion 16h. This changes the locking portion 20 from the retained state to the released state, allowing the hood 2 to swing from the closed position to the open position.

[0048] In this way, the abutment portion 26 is located between the two triangular portions 16c when the lock portion 20 is in the retained state, and is not located between the two triangular portions 16c when the lock portion 20 is in the released state.

[0049] Furthermore, the two triangular portions 16c are not formed in the bulging portion 16a but are formed in the bulging portion 16b. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which two triangular portions 16c are formed in the bulging portion 16a and two triangular portions 16c are formed in the bulging portion 16b, only one of the two abutting portions 26 needs to climb over the triangular portion 16c, making it easier for the operator to rotate the locking portion 20 without exerting excessive muscle force.

[0050] [Another embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the configurations exemplified in the above-described embodiments, and other representative embodiments of the present invention will be exemplified below.

[0051] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the two triangular portions 16c are not formed in the bulging portion 16a but are formed in the bulging portion 16b. This embodiment is not limited to this, and a configuration in which two triangular portions 16c are formed in the bulging portion 16a and two triangular portions 16c are formed in the bulging portion 16b may also be used. In other words, the two triangular portions 16c may be formed in at least one of the two bulging portions 16a, 16b.

[0052] (2) The bulging portions 16a and 16b do not necessarily have to be positioned in the center of the second hole portion 16h, but may be biased toward either one end or the other end of the second hole portion 16h.

[0053] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the front end of the hood 2 is swingably supported by the left and right side cowls 16. Therefore, the hood 2 is configured to be swingable up and down about an axis at the front end that faces the side of the aircraft. This is not limiting, and the hood 2 may be configured to be swingably supported by the left and right side cowls 16 about an axis at the rear end that faces the side of the aircraft. Alternatively, the hood 2 may be configured to slide back and forth or left and right.

[0054] (4) In the above embodiment, the locking portion 20 is configured as a single unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the locking portion 20 may be configured as a plurality of elastic bodies.

[0055] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the two locking portions 20 are allocated to both the left and right ends of the hood 2. This is not limiting, and the configuration may include only one locking portion 20, or may include three or more locking portions 20.

[0056] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0057] The present invention is applicable to utility vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 2: Bonnet 2h: First hole 3: Transportation Department 16:Surface (Support) 16a: bulge 16b: bulge 16B: Inner face 16c: Triangle 16F: Surface 16h: Second hole 20:Robot 25: Chimera 26: When the connection

Claims

1. A driver's section in which passengers board; a hood that is changeable between a closed position that closes an accommodation space in front of the driver's section and an open position that opens the accommodation space; a locking portion capable of holding the hood in the closed position, The locking portion of the multipurpose vehicle is entirely made of an elastic material.

2. A support is provided to support the bonnet, a first hole portion through which the lock portion is inserted is formed in the bonnet; a second hole portion that allows insertion of the lock portion is formed in the support body; When the bonnet is in the closed position, the first hole portion is located inside an edge of the second hole portion in a plan view, 2. The multipurpose vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is configured to be changeable between a holding state in which the locking portion holds the hood in the closed position by being inserted through the first hole portion and the second hole portion and abutting against a back surface portion of the support body opposite to a front surface portion facing the hood, and a release state in which the locking portion does not abut against the back surface portion and allows the hood to be changed to the open position.

3. The second hole portion is a slot, a fitting body is provided at a lower portion of the locking portion, the fitting body having a length in a longitudinal direction that is longer than a width in a lateral direction of the second hole portion and a length in the longitudinal direction that is shorter than the width in the longitudinal direction of the second hole portion; 3. The multipurpose vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the fitting body extends along the short direction of the second hole portion when the locking portion is in the retained state, and extends along the long direction of the second hole portion when the locking portion is in the released state.

4. a bulging portion is formed on the support body, the bulging portion being adjacent to a longitudinal center portion of the second hole portion and bulging on a side opposite to a side on which the surface portion is located, 4. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the fitting body is provided with an abutment portion that abuts against the bulge portion.

5. the abutment portion is formed in a triangular shape that narrows toward an upper side when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the fitting body, The bulging portion has two triangular portions protruding on the side opposite to the side where the surface portion is located, 5. The multipurpose vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the abutment portion is located between the two triangular portions when the locking portion is in the retained state, and is not located between the two triangular portions when the locking portion is in the released state.

6. the two bulging portions are adjacent to the second hole portion on the left and right sides along the short-side direction of the second hole portion, 6. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the two triangular portions are formed on at least one of the two bulging portions.

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