Off-road vehicles and side sill structures

Abstract

To provide off-road vehicles with good accessibility, where the path of movement for the legs is shortened, making it easier to get on and off. [Solution] The utility vehicle comprises a seat, a floor wall 4 located in front of the seat, a frame bar 25 which extends in the front-rear direction and is positioned at least partially on the outside of the floor wall 4 in the vehicle width direction, and an inner wall 5 which covers the frame bar 25 from the inside in the vehicle width direction. The inner wall 5 has an inclined portion 50 that rises upward from the floor wall 4, and the inclined portion 50 includes a lower part 50a and an upper part 50b which is adjacent to the lower part 50a and extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower part 50a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to off-road vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0288686 discloses a vehicle having a side sill located below a door portion in a closed state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a utility vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the interior of the vehicle on the left front seat side as viewed from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the side sill structure of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the floor wall and the inner wall as viewed from the side of the frame bar. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of a foot in the side sill structure of the comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the movement path of a foot in the side sill structure of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the side sill structure according to Modification 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0004] The following describes exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a left side view of the utility vehicle 100. The utility vehicle 100 is capable of driving off-road. The utility vehicle 100 is an example of an off-road vehicle. Hereinafter, the utility vehicle 100 will also be simply referred to as "vehicle 100". A utility vehicle is, for example, one that has a cargo bed, a roll-over protective structure (ROPS), or low-pressure tires. A utility vehicle is, for example, a side-by-side vehicle.

[0005] In this disclosure, each component of the vehicle 100 is described using the direction of the vehicle 100. Specifically, "front" means the front of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and "rear" means the rear of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. "Left" means the left side when the vehicle 100 is facing forward, and "right" means the right side when the vehicle 100 is facing forward. "Vehicle width direction" means the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 100, or in other words, the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and may also be referred to as "left-right direction". "Inside in the vehicle width direction" means the passenger compartment side in the vehicle width direction, and "outside in the vehicle width direction" means the outside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

[0006] Vehicle 100 comprises a body 1, a vehicle frame 2, wheels 11, a seat 17 in which an occupant sits, and doors 18. The wheels 11 include left and right front wheels 11a and left and right rear wheels 11b. In other words, vehicle 100 is a four-wheeled automobile. When the front wheels 11a and rear wheels 11b are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "wheels 11".

[0007] The seat 17 includes a front seat 17a and a rear seat 17b located behind the front seat 17a. In this example, the seat 17 includes two front seats 17a arranged in the left-right direction and two rear seats 17b arranged in the left-right direction. When the front seats 17a and rear seats 17b are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "seat 17". In front of the seat 17, a floor surface is formed where the occupant's feet are placed. The floor surface is lower than the seat surface of the seat 17.

[0008] Door 18 includes a front door 18a and a rear door 18b located behind the front door 18a. In this example, door 18 includes two front doors 18a positioned on the left and right sides, and two rear doors 18b positioned on the left and right sides. When the front door 18a and rear door 18b are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "door 18".

[0009] Vehicle 100 may travel on unpaved, uneven terrain. When traveling on uneven terrain, Vehicle 100 may stop with rocks or other obstacles over it, or on a slope to the left or right. When passengers get in or out of the vehicle, the interior floor may be sloped or positioned higher than the ground surface outside the vehicle. In this case, passengers will need to lift their legs higher than when the vehicle is stopped on a level surface.

[0010] Vehicle 100 is designed with a high ground clearance to increase the area on which it can travel on rough terrain and to prevent contact between obstacles protruding from the ground and the underside of the vehicle. For this reason, frames located outside the seat 17 in the vehicle width direction may be positioned higher than the floor surface inside the vehicle. Also, to increase the area on which it can travel on rough terrain, Vehicle 100 may be designed with a relatively small width dimension to prevent contact between obstacles on both sides of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction and the sides of the vehicle. For this reason, frames located outside the seat 17 in the vehicle width direction may be positioned close to the floor surface inside the vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] The vehicle frame 2 includes a front frame 2a and a rear frame 2b. The front seat 17a is positioned on the front frame 2a. The rear seat 17b is positioned on the rear frame 2b. Specifically, the vehicle frame 2 includes a bottom frame 21, side frames 22, and frame bars 25.

[0012] The bottom frame 21 is located at the bottom of the vehicle body frame 2. The bottom frame 21 is frame-shaped and extends in the longitudinal and vehicle width directions. The bottom frame 21 is located below the floor surface. The bottom frame 21 supports the floor surface.

[0013] The side frames 22 are located on the left and right sides of the body frame 2. The side frames 22 are connected to the bottom frame 21 and extend upward from the bottom frame 21. The side frames 22 extend outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the bottom frame 21. The front end of the side frame 22 is located behind the front end of the front seat 17a. The side frames 22 support the side body of the vehicle. The side frames 22 are also connected to the frame bars 25.

[0014] The frame bars 25 are located on the left and right sides of the vehicle frame 2. The frame bars 25 are located on the front frame 2a and the rear frame 2b. The frame bars 25 are located above the bottom frame 21 and further outward in the vehicle width direction than the bottom frame 21. The frame bars 25 extend in the front-rear direction. The frame bars 25 are connected to the side frames 22 and the bottom frame 21.

[0015] The frame bar 25 is located above the floor surface and below the seat surface of the seat 17. The frame bar 25 is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the seat 17.

[0016] The frame bar 25 is covered from above by the side sill structure 200, which acts as a cover member. The lower part of the door 18 contacts the side sill structure 200, which prevents a gap from forming between the lower part of the door 18 and the vehicle body.

[0017] When getting in, the occupant raises their feet above the frame bar 25, then lowers their feet to make contact with the floor surface. Alternatively, when getting in, the occupant places their feet on the side sill structure 200 that covers the frame bar 25 from above, then lowers their feet to make contact with the floor surface.

[0018] By positioning the frame bar 25 higher than the floor surface, the underside of the vehicle below the frame bar 25 can be positioned at a relatively high position. This makes it easier to prevent contact with obstacles below the frame bar 25.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle on the left front seat 17a side, viewed from above. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the area around the side sill structure 200 in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 at IV-IV. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 at VV. Note that the front seat 17a is omitted in Figure 2.

[0020] Vehicle 100 further comprises a floor wall 4 and a side sill structure 200 positioned on the outside of the floor wall 4 in the vehicle width direction. The side sill structure 200 is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the seat 17. The side sill structure 200 has an inner wall 5 rising upward from the floor wall 4 on the outside of the floor wall 4 in the vehicle width direction, an upper wall 6 extending outward from the inner wall 5 in the vehicle width direction, and an outer wall 7 extending downward from the upper wall 6 on the outside of the upper wall 6 in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] The floor wall 4 is located in front of the seat 17. The floor wall 4 is the portion where the soles of the passengers riding on the seat 17 contact. The floor wall 4 is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the frame bar 25. The upper surface of the floor wall 4 is located below the upper end of the frame bar 25. The upper surface of the floor wall 4 includes the floor surface. The floor wall 4 extends in the vehicle width direction from the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the seat 17 to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the seat 17. For example, the floor wall 4 may extend horizontally or may be partially inclined from the horizontal plane. In FIG. 2, the floor wall 4 is located in front of the front seat 17a. The floor wall 4 is supported by the bottom frame 21. The floor wall 4 includes a plurality of protrusions 41. The protrusions 41 suppress the slipping of the soles of the passengers. The protrusions 41 extend in the vehicle width direction to suppress the slipping in the front-rear direction between the soles and the floor wall 4.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the side sill structure 200 is disposed below the closed door 18. Specifically, the side sill structure 200 is disposed below the left and right front doors 18a and below the left and right rear doors 18b. The side sill structure 200 covers the frame bar 25.

[0023] The inner wall 5 covers the frame bar 25 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. At least a part of the frame bar 25 is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the floor wall 4.

[0024] The inner wall 5 has an inclined portion 50 that rises upward from the floor wall 4. The inclined portion 50 faces outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward. The inclined portion 50 is connected to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the floor wall 4. The inclined portion 50 includes a lower portion 50a and an upper portion 50b. The lower portion 50a is connected to the floor wall 4. The upper portion 50b is adjacent above the lower portion 50a. The lower portion 50a and the upper portion 50b are not perpendicular to the horizontal plane respectively and are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The upper portion 50b extends outward in the vehicle width direction more as it goes upward compared to the lower portion 50a. That is, the inclination of the upper portion 50b with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the inclination of the lower portion 50a with respect to the horizontal plane. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle θ2 formed by the vertical plane and the inner side surface in the vehicle width direction of the upper portion 50b is formed larger than the angle θ1 formed by the vertical plane and the inner side surface in the vehicle width direction of the lower portion 50a.

[0025] A portion of the lower part 50a and the upper part 50b overlap the frame bar 25 in the vehicle width direction, respectively. The upper part 50b overlaps the frame bar 25 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the upper part 50b is located in the region from the upper end position to the vertical middle position of the cylindrically formed frame bar 25. The lower part 50a is located below the vertical middle position of the frame bar 25.

[0026] The lower part 50a and the upper part 50b are flat. However, at least one of the lower part 50a and the upper part 50b may have a curved shape on its inner surface in the vehicle width direction, concave toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. In other words, at least one of the lower part 50a and the upper part 50b may have a convex shape toward the frame bar 25 side. Alternatively, at least one of the lower part 50a and the upper part 50b may have a convex shape toward the frame bar 25 side.

[0027] The inclined portion 50 includes inclined side projections 51 that have an uneven shape in at least part of it. In this example, the inclined portion 50 includes a plurality of inclined side projections 51 that protrude upward compared to the remaining surface. The inclined side projections 51 are located on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50. The upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50 is the surface located on the opposite side of the frame bar 25, that is, the surface facing inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] Multiple inclined projections 51 are arranged with gaps between them in the front-to-back direction. Multiple inclined projections 51 are arranged with gaps between them in the left-to-right direction. Adjacent inclined projections 51 in the left-to-right direction are positioned offset in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the inclined projections 51 are arranged in a staggered (seven-legged) pattern.

[0029] In this embodiment, the shape of the inclined projection 51 is approximately hemispherical. For example, multiple inclined projections 51 are arranged with intervals between them in an area of ​​50 mm in the front-to-back direction and 50 mm in the left-to-right direction. This makes it easy for the sole of the foot in contact with the inclined portion 50 to come into contact with multiple inclined projections 51. The shape of the inclined projection 51 may also be other shapes such as a cone, pyramid, or rectangular parallelepiped.

[0030] The upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 includes an uneven region 50b1 and a flat region 50b2. The uneven region 50b1 is located on the upper part of the upper surface 50c. The uneven region 50b1 has an uneven shape. The flat region 50b2 is located on the lower part of the upper surface 50c. The flat region 50b2 has a flatter shape compared to the uneven region 50b1. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the flat region 50b2 does not have the inclined side projection 51 formed on it, and is formed in a planar shape along the inclination. Specifically, the uneven region 50b1 includes the inclined side projection 51. The flat region 50b2 does not include the inclined side projection 51.

[0031] The surface of the inclined portion 50 is a textured surface. A textured surface is a surface that has been roughened and finished with irregularities by chemical treatment. Chemical treatment is, for example, etching. A "texture surface" is also called a "satin finished surface." The component including the inclined portion 50 is made of a synthetic resin containing a coloring material.

[0032] The inner wall 5 includes a recess 52 that slopes downward from the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50. In other words, the recess 52 protrudes downward from the lower surface 50d of the inclined portion 50. The lower surface 50d of the inclined portion 50 is the surface located on the frame bar 25 side. Downward is the direction toward the frame bar 25, that is, the surface facing outward in the vehicle width direction. The recess 52 is located on the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50. More specifically, the recess 52 is located in the uneven region 50b1.

[0033] A fastening part 3 is positioned within the recess 52. The fastening part 3 fastens the inner wall 5 to the frame bar 25. The fastening part 3 is, for example, a screw member. With the lower surface 50d of the recess 52 of the inclined portion 50 in contact with the frame bar 25, the fastening part 3 penetrates both the inner wall 5 and the frame bar 25, fastening the inner wall 5 to the frame bar 25.

[0034] The recess 52 is retracted downward compared to the remaining portion of the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50. In other words, the fastening portion 3 located in the recess 52 protrudes less upward from the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50 compared to when it is located outside the recess 52. In this embodiment, the amount of retraction of the recess 52 is formed to be greater than the height of the fastening portion 3. As a result, the upper end of the fastening portion 3 is located below the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50. The fastening portion 3 is located in the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50. More specifically, the fastening portion 3 is located in the uneven region 50b1.

[0035] The vertical and horizontal dimensions of at least the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 are greater than the thickness dimension of the member constituting the inner wall 5. At least one of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of at least the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 is greater than the radius dimension of the frame bar 25. The vertical dimension of at least the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 is greater than the vertical dimension of the recess 52.

[0036] The upper wall 6 is adjacent to the outer side of the inclined portion 50 in the vehicle width direction. The upper wall 6 has a smaller incline than the inclined portion 50. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the upper wall 6 extends horizontally. More specifically, the upper wall 6 has a smaller incline than the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the upper wall 6 extends horizontally outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the inclined portion 50 in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The upper wall 6 includes a first portion 61 and a second portion 62. The first portion 61 and the second portion 62 extend horizontally. The second portion 62 overlaps the first portion 61. The second portion 62 partially covers the upper surface of the first portion 61. The first portion 61 is connected to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the inclined portion 50. In other words, the first portion 61 is formed as a component integral with the inner wall 5. The second portion 62 is formed as a component integral with the outer wall 7. The outer wall 7 is colored by being painted with paint. The first portion 61 and the second portion 62 may be fastened together when the second portion 62 is connected to the vehicle body frame 2. A flange portion 64 is connected to the first portion 61. The flange portion 64 is connected to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the first portion 61. The flange portion 64 extends downward from the first portion 61.

[0038] The inner portion of the first part 61 in the vehicle width direction protrudes upward compared to the remaining portion of the first part 61. The second part 62 overlaps the first part 61 from above, on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, compared to the inner portion of the first part 61 in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] The portion of the first portion 61 that overlaps with the second portion 62 extends downward in a recessed manner compared to the inner portion of the first portion 61 in the vehicle width direction. This reduces the vertical step between the first portion 61 and the second portion 62. For example, by forming the portion of the first portion 61 that overlaps with the second portion 62 in a recessed manner by the thickness of the second portion 62, the step between the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 can be eliminated.

[0040] The upper wall 6 includes upper wall-side projections 63 that have an uneven shape in at least part of their surface. In this example, the upper wall 6 includes a plurality of upper wall-side projections 63. The upper wall-side projections 63 are located on the upper surface of the upper wall 6. More specifically, the upper wall-side projections 63 are located on the upper surface of the second portion 62. Also, the upper wall-side projections 63 are located on the upper surface of the first portion 61 that does not overlap with the second portion 62. The plurality of upper wall-side projections 63 are arranged in a line in the front-to-back direction.

[0041] The upper wall projection 63 has a different shape from the inclined projection 51. Specifically, the upper wall projection 63 formed on the second portion 62 has a larger front-to-back dimension than the inclined projection 51. The shape of the upper wall projection 63 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The longitudinal direction of the upper wall projection 63 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back and left-to-right directions in a plan view. The shape of the upper wall projection 63 may also be a hemisphere, cone, or pyramidal shape.

[0042] The upper wall projection 63 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is formed to be larger in the left-right direction than the inclined side projection 51 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. This reduces resistance when the sole of the foot comes into contact with the upper wall projection 63, making it easier to slide the foot while keeping the sole of the foot in contact with the upper wall projection 63. In addition, the upper wall projection 63 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is formed to be larger in the front-rear direction than the inclined side projection 51 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. As a result, compared to when the upper wall projection 63 is small, even if a vertical gap occurs between the upper wall projection 63 and the door 18, the upper wall projection 63 is better able to prevent foreign objects from entering the vehicle.

[0043] The outer wall 7 covers the frame bar 25 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The outer wall 7 includes a stepped portion 71, an overhanging portion 72, and a cover portion 73.

[0044] The stepped portion 71 extends downward from the upper wall 6 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall 6. The stepped portion 71 extends vertically. Specifically, the stepped portion 71 is connected to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the second portion 62. The stepped portion 71 is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the frame bar 25. The stepped portion 71 faces the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the flange portion 64.

[0045] The overhang portion 72 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the stepped portion 71. The overhang portion 72 extends horizontally. More specifically, the overhang portion 72 is connected to the lower end of the stepped portion 71.

[0046] The cover portion 73 extends downward from the protruding portion 72 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the protruding portion 72. More specifically, the cover portion 73 is connected to the outer end of the protruding portion 72 in the vehicle width direction. The cover portion 73 extends inward in the vehicle width direction as it goes downward. The cover portion 73 extends down to the bottom of the floor wall 4.

[0047] The stepped portion 71 includes a sealing surface 71a. The sealing surface 71a makes sealing contact with the door 18 when the door 18 is closed. The sealing surface 71a faces outward in the vehicle width direction. The sealing surface 71a is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the frame bar 25.

[0048] Specifically, the door 18 has a sealing member 19 at its lower end. The sealing member 19 is positioned in the space partitioned by the stepped portion 71 and the protruding portion 72 when the door 18 is closed. At this time, the sealing member 19 is in contact with the sealing surface 71a.

[0049] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the floor wall 4 and the interior wall 5 as seen from the frame bar 25 side. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the inclined portion 50 includes first ribs 53 and second ribs 54 extending downward on the lower surface 50d. Specifically, the inclined portion 50 includes a plurality of first ribs 53 and one second rib 54.

[0050] The first rib 53 extends in the vehicle width direction. Multiple first ribs 53 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. The first rib 53 faces the frame bar 25 and is connected to the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 and the first portion 61 and flange portion 64 of the upper wall 6.

[0051] The second rib 54 extends in the front-rear direction. The second rib 54 intersects with multiple first ribs 53. The second rib 54 faces the frame bar 25 and is connected to the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50.

[0052] The inclined portion 50 includes a reinforcing portion that contacts the frame bar 25 from above. In this example, the reinforcing portion is the first rib 53 and the second rib 54. Specifically, the first rib 53 contacts the frame bar 25 at the intersection of the first rib 53 and the second rib 54. The second rib 54 contacts the frame bar 25 in the front-rear direction.

[0053] The surface of the inner wall 5 is made of a material that is less slippery than the surface of the outer wall 7. Specifically, the material of the surface of the inner wall 5 is, for example, polypropylene (PP). Polypropylene is a less slippery material than the polyethylene that makes up the outer wall 7. As a result, even if an occupant places the soles of their feet on the inner wall 5, their feet will not easily slip.

[0054] The surface material of the outer wall 7 is, for example, polyethylene (PE), preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polyethylene is a material that is more slippery and deformable than polypropylene, which constitutes the inner wall 5. Because polyethylene is slippery, even if an obstacle such as a rock comes into contact with the outer wall 7 while a vehicle is in motion, the outer wall 7 is less susceptible to frictional force from the obstacle and is less likely to be damaged. Also, because polyethylene is easily deformable, even if an obstacle comes into contact with the outer wall 7, the outer wall 7 absorbs the impact force from the obstacle and is less likely to be damaged.

[0055] More specifically, the floor wall 4, the inner wall 5, the first part 61 of the upper wall 6, and the flange 64 are integrated to form an inner panel. The outer wall 7 and the second part 62 of the upper wall 6 are integrated to form an outer panel. The surface of the inner panel is less slippery than the surface of the outer panel. The surface material of the inner wall 5 is, for example, polypropylene, and the surface material of the outer wall 7 is, for example, polyethylene.

[0056] According to the aforementioned vehicle 100 and side sill structure 200, the inclined portion 50 of the inner wall 5 includes a lower portion 50a and an upper portion 50b that extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower portion 50a. As a result, when an occupant in the vehicle gets out of the vehicle, the amount of lifting of the feet can be reduced compared to when the inclined portion 50 is not formed, when the occupant moves their feet over the inner wall 5. Therefore, the path of movement of the feet is shortened, and the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle is improved.

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the foot movement path in the comparative example side sill structure 300. When the inclined portion of this disclosure is not formed, more specifically when there is a vertical portion 301 rising upward from the floor wall 4, when an occupant tries to get out of the vehicle by moving their feet over the side sill structure 300, their feet will come into contact with the vertical portion if they try to move a short distance. As a result, as shown by the dashed arrow A0, the foot movement path becomes longer. In this way, raising the feet high and lengthening the movement path makes it difficult to get out of the vehicle.

[0058] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the foot movement path in the side sill structure 200 of the embodiment. In this disclosure, the inclined portion 50 of the inner wall 5 includes a lower part 50a and an upper part 50b that extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower part 50a. When an occupant moves their foot over the side sill structure 200 to get out of the vehicle, contact with the inner wall 5 can be prevented even if the foot is moved over a short distance. That is, as shown by the dashed arrow A1, the foot movement path is shorter compared to the case shown by the dashed arrow A0 as a comparative example. As a result, the foot movement path is shorter, making it easier to get out of the vehicle.

[0059] Similarly, when an occupant is on board, the path of their feet can be shortened, making it easier to get in and out. Off-road vehicles are located on uneven terrain, so the vehicle's stopping position relative to the ground for getting in and out can vary. For this reason, ease of getting in and out is desirable in off-road vehicles. For example, depending on the vehicle's stopping position, such as when the vehicle is placed on sloping ground, the distance of the feet from the ground to the floor surface may be long. Even in such cases, the inclined portion 50 of this disclosure described above shortens the path of the feet, making it easier to get in and out.

[0060] Furthermore, since the inclined portion 50 of the interior wall 5 includes a lower portion 50a and an upper portion 50b that extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower portion 50a, the interior space at foot level is wider compared to the case where the interior wall 5 includes a vertical portion that rises upward from the floor wall 4.

[0061] Furthermore, since the inclined portion 50 includes the inclined side projection 51, when an occupant places the inner part of the sole of their foot in the vehicle width direction on the inclined portion 50 when disembarking, it is possible to prevent the sole of the foot from sliding downward on the inclined portion 50.

[0062] Furthermore, since the vehicle 100 is further equipped with an upper wall 6, the soles of the feet can rest on the upper wall 6, which helps to prevent the soles of the feet from sliding downward on the inclined section 50. Specifically, even when getting in, even if the inner part of the sole of the foot in the vehicle width direction rests on the inclined section 50, the rest of the sole of the foot rests on the flat upper wall 6, making it easier for the flat upper wall 6 to support the weight of the occupant and preventing the occupant's feet from sliding.

[0063] Furthermore, since the upper wall 6 includes the upper wall side projection 63, when an occupant places the sole of their foot on the inclined portion 50, a portion of the sole of the foot rests on the upper wall 6, which helps to prevent the sole of the foot from sliding downward on the inclined portion 50.

[0064] Furthermore, since the shape of the upper wall-side projection 63 differs from the shape of the inclined-side projection 51, it is easy to design the inclined-side projection 51 and the upper wall-side projection 63 to have shapes that are suitable for each. For example, it is easy to design them to be less slippery depending on the angle of inclination of the wall, or to make them different considering the aesthetics.

[0065] Specifically, by making the inclined side projection 51 smaller than the upper wall side projection 63, the frictional force of the inclined side projection 51 becomes greater than the frictional force of the upper wall side projection 63. By making the upper wall side projection 63 larger than the inclined side projection 51, the load on the upper wall side projection 63 is distributed and deformation is easily prevented. Preferably, the upper wall side projection 63 is formed to be long in the front-rear direction so that the load can be easily received at multiple points on the frame bar 25.

[0066] Furthermore, since the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 includes a flat area 50b2 below the upper surface 50c, the upper part of the occupant's foot, which is above their shoes when riding, will come into contact with the flat area 50b2 and will be less likely to come into contact with the uneven area 50b1. In other words, by omitting the inclined side projection 51 on the lower side of the inner wall 5, even if the occupant moves their feet toward the inner wall 5 side of the floor wall 4 to support their weight while riding, it is possible to prevent their feet from coming into contact with the inclined side projection 51.

[0067] Furthermore, since the surface of the inclined section 50 is pear-shaped, when an occupant places the soles of their feet on the inclined section 50, their feet are less likely to slip.

[0068] Furthermore, since the fastening portion 3 is positioned within the recess 52 and retracted downwards compared to the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50, contact with the fastening portion 3 is avoided when the occupant gets in or out of the vehicle.

[0069] Furthermore, since the fastening portion 3 is located at the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50, it is difficult for the upper part of the occupant's feet to come into contact with the fastening portion 3 while they are seated.

[0070] Furthermore, since the inclined portion 50 includes ribs 53 and 54 on its lower surface 50d, the strength of the inclined portion 50 is improved. As a result, even if an occupant places the soles of their feet on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50, deformation of the inclined portion 50 is reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, since the inclined portion 50 includes ribs 53 and 54 (an example of reinforcing parts) that contact the frame bar 25, even if an occupant places the soles of their feet on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50, the inclined portion 50 is supported by the frame bar 25 via the ribs 53 and 54, and deformation of the inclined portion 50 is reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, since the surface of the inner wall 5 is less slippery than the surface of the outer wall 7, when an occupant places the soles of their feet on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50 of the inner wall 5, their feet are less likely to slip.

[0073] Furthermore, by positioning the sealing surface 71a of the exterior wall 7 further outward in the vehicle width direction than the frame bar 25, the interior space below the door 18 can be made wider.

[0074] More specifically, if the sealing surface 71a overlaps with the frame bar 25 in the vertical direction, or is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the frame bar 25, the lower part of the door 18 is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction, and the interior space below the door 18 becomes narrower. In this disclosure, since the sealing surface 71a is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the frame bar 25, the lower part of the door 18 is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction, and the interior space below the door 18 becomes wider. In this case, the size of the side sill structure 200 in the vehicle width direction also becomes larger, making it more difficult for the feet to pass over the side sill structure 200 when getting in and out of the vehicle. However, since the side sill structure 200 has an inclined portion 50, the path of the feet is shortened, and the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle is improved.

[0075] Furthermore, since the frame bar 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape, interference between the upper part of the frame bar 25 and the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 is prevented, making it easier to form the inclination of the upper part 50b.

[0076] Furthermore, by having both the lower part 50a and the upper part 50b of the inner wall 5 inclined, it becomes even easier for passengers to get on and off compared to when only the upper part 50b is inclined.

[0077] 《Example 1》 Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a side sill structure 200A according to Modification 1. In the side sill structure 200A according to Modification 1, the upper wall 6A is different from that of the side sill structure 200 according to the embodiment. In Modification 1, the same reference numerals as in the embodiment have the same configuration as in the embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0078] In the side sill structure 200A according to Modification 1, the upper wall 6A includes a projection 55 having the same shape as the inclined side projection 51. Specifically, the upper wall 6A includes a first portion 61 and a second portion 62. The second portion 62 overlaps the first portion 61. A portion of the upper surface of the first portion 61 is exposed from the second portion 62. The projection 55 is provided on the exposed surface of the upper surface of the first portion 61. The shape of the projection 55 is the same as the shape of the inclined side projection 51.

[0079] According to the aforementioned side sill structure 200A, the upper wall 6A includes a projection 55 that has the same shape as the inclined side projection 51, so that a part of the sole of the foot rests on the upper wall 6A, which helps to prevent the sole of the foot from sliding downward on the inclined portion 50.

[0080] Furthermore, since a portion of the upper surface of the first part 61 is exposed from the second part 62, if the surface material of the first part 61 is a non-slip material, it is possible to suppress the slippage of the soles of the feet on the upper wall 6A.

[0081] Although the other configurations, functions, and effects will not be described here, the description of the side sill structure 200 according to the embodiment can be used in the description of the side sill structure 200A according to Modification 1.

[0082] Other embodiments As described above, the embodiments described herein have been presented as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the embodiments above to create new embodiments. In addition, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology. Therefore, the mere presence of such non-essential components in the attached drawings and detailed description should not be immediately assumed to mean that those non-essential components are essential.

[0083] The side sill structures 200 and 200A are located below each door 18, but the configuration of the side sill structures 200 and 200A corresponding to each door 18 may be the same or different.

[0084] The inclined portion 50 includes an inclined side projection 51, but it does not have to include the inclined side projection 51. The shape of the inclined side projection 51 can be changed.

[0085] The upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 includes an uneven region 50b1 and a flat region 50b2, but may include only one of the uneven region 50b1 and the flat region 50b2.

[0086] The lower 50a and upper 50b of the inclined portion 50 are each composed of one portion with a constant incline, but they may also be composed of multiple portions with different inclines.

[0087] The surface of the inclined portion 50 is a textured surface, but it may also be a smooth surface instead of a textured surface.

[0088] The inner wall 5 includes a recess 52 in which the fastening portion 3 is positioned, but it does not have to include a recess 52. In this case, the fastening portion 3 may be positioned on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50.

[0089] The side sill structure 200 has an upper wall 6, but it does not have to have an upper wall 6. In this case, the inclined portion 50 may extend to the position of the upper wall 6.

[0090] The upper wall 6 includes a first portion 61 and a second portion 62, but may include only one of the first portion 61 and the second portion 62. If the upper wall 6 includes only the first portion 61, the upper wall side projection 63 is provided on the first portion 61.

[0091] The second part 62 overlaps the first part 61, but the first part 61 may also overlap the second part 62.

[0092] The upper wall 6 includes an upper wall-side projection 63, but it does not have to include the upper wall-side projection 63. The shape of the upper wall-side projection 63 can be changed.

[0093] The shape of the upper wall-side projection 63 is different from the shape of the inclined-side projection 51, but the shape of the upper wall-side projection 63 may be the same as the shape of the inclined-side projection 51.

[0094] The sealing surface 71a of the outer wall 7 is located outside the frame bar 25 in the vehicle width direction, but the sealing surface 71a may overlap the frame bar 25 in the vertical direction, or it may be located inside the frame bar 25 in the vehicle width direction.

[0095] The inclined portion 50 includes a first rib 53 and a second rib 54 extending downward from the lower surface 50d, but may include only one of the first rib 53 and the second rib 54. Alternatively, the inclined portion 50 may not include the ribs 53 and 54.

[0096] The reinforcing portions are the first rib 53 and the second rib 54, but portions other than the first rib 53 and the second rib 54 may also be provided as reinforcing portions.

[0097] The surface of the inner wall 5 is less slippery than the surface of the outer wall 7, but the material of the surface of the inner wall 5 may be the same as the material of the surface of the outer wall 7.

[0098] The floor wall 4, the inner wall 5, the first part 61 of the upper wall 6, and the flange part 64 are all integrated to form an inner panel, but the individual parts may be separated.

[0099] The outer wall 7 and the second part 62 of the upper wall 6 are integrated to form an outer panel, but the parts may be separated.

[0100] The side sill structures 200, 200A of this disclosure may be applied to vehicles that do not have doors 18. The seats 17 are arranged in two rows, but may be arranged in one row.

[0101] The side sill structures 200 and 200A are formed for each seat 17, specifically on the left and right sides and on the front and rear sides for each seat 17, but are not limited to this. For example, the side sill structures 200 and 200A may be formed on either the left or right side, or on either the front or rear side.

[0102] The frame bar 25 is a cylindrical pipe, but it may also be a rectangular pipe. Preferably, the upper inner portion of the frame bar 25 in the vehicle width direction is formed to be recessed toward the center of the frame bar 25.

[0103] The inner wall 5 only needs to have an inclined upper portion 50b, and the lower portion 50a does not need to be inclined. That is, the upper portion 50b of the inner wall 5 may inclin outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward, and the lower portion 50a may extend vertically upward.

[0104] The inclination of the upper 50b with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the inclination of the lower 50a with respect to the horizontal plane, but it may be the same as the inclination of the lower 50a with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0105] Although the step between the first part 61 and the second part 62 is eliminated in the upper wall 6, a step may be formed between the first part 61 and the second part 62.

[0106] The inner wall 5 and the upper wall 6 are made of synthetic resin material, but they may also be made of metal material. Forming them of metal material may help prevent wear of the protrusions and make it easier to maintain the anti-slip effect.

[0107] The technologies disclosed herein may be applied to off-road vehicles other than the Utility Vehicle 100.

[0108] [Aspect] The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0109] (Aspect 1) The utility vehicle 100 (off-road vehicle) comprises a seat 17, a floor wall 4 located in front of the seat 17, a frame bar 25 which extends in the front-rear direction and is positioned at least partially on the outside of the floor wall 4 in the vehicle width direction, and an inner wall 5 which covers the frame bar 25 from the inside in the vehicle width direction. The inner wall 5 has an inclined portion 50 that rises upward from the floor wall 4, and the inclined portion 50 includes a lower part 50a and an upper part 50b which is adjacent to the lower part 50a and extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower part 50a.

[0110] With this configuration, when an occupant moves their feet to cross the inner wall 5 when getting in or out of the vehicle, the amount of lifting of the feet can be reduced compared to when the inclined portion 50 is not formed. As a result, the path of movement of the feet is shortened, improving the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0111] (Aspect 2) In the utility vehicle 100 described in Embodiment 1, the inclined portion 50 includes an inclined side projection 51 which has an uneven shape in at least a part of it.

[0112] With this configuration, when an occupant places the soles of their feet on the inclined portion 50, it is possible to suppress the downward sliding of the soles of their feet on the inclined portion 50.

[0113] (Aspect 3) In the utility vehicle 100 according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the vehicle further comprises upper walls 6, 6A adjacent to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the inclined portion 50, and extending horizontally with a smaller incline than the inclined portion 50.

[0114] With this configuration, the soles of the feet rest on the upper walls 6,6A, which helps to prevent the soles of the feet from sliding downwards on the inclined section 50.

[0115] (Aspect 4) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, the upper walls 6, 6A include upper wall-side projections 63 that have an uneven shape in at least part of them.

[0116] With this configuration, when an occupant places the sole of their foot on the inclined section 50, a portion of the sole of the foot rests on the upper walls 6, 6A, which prevents the sole of the foot from sliding downward on the inclined section 50.

[0117] (Aspect 5) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, the vehicle further comprises upper walls 6, 6A adjacent to the outer side of the inclined portion 50 in the vehicle width direction and extending horizontally with a smaller incline than the inclined portion 50, wherein the inclined portion 50 includes an inclined side projection 51 which has an uneven shape in at least a part of it, and the upper walls 6, 6A include an upper wall side projection 63 which has an uneven shape in at least a part of it.

[0118] This configuration makes it possible to suppress downward slippage of the sole of the foot on the inclined section 50.

[0119] (Aspect 6) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, the shape of the upper wall side projection 63 is different from the shape of the inclined side projection 51.

[0120] This configuration makes it easy to create shapes suitable for the inclined side projection 51 and the upper wall side projection 63.

[0121] (Aspect 7) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, the upper part 50b of the inclined portion 50 includes an uneven region 50b1 having an uneven shape located above the upper surface 50c, and a flat region 50b2 located below the upper surface 50c that is flatter than the uneven region 50b1.

[0122] With this configuration, the upper part of the occupant's foot, which is above their shoes when they are seated, comes into contact with the flat area 50b2 and is less likely to come into contact with the uneven area 50b1.

[0123] (Pattern 8) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 7, the surface of the inclined portion 50 is a textured surface.

[0124] With this configuration, when an occupant places the soles of their feet on the inclined section 50, their feet are less likely to slip.

[0125] (Aspect 9) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, the interior wall 5 is further provided with a fastening portion 3 for fastening to the frame bar 25, the interior wall 5 includes a recess 52 that is recessed downward from the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50, and the fastening portion 3 is positioned in the recess 52 and is retracted downward compared to the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50.

[0126] With this configuration, occupants can avoid contact with the fastening part 3 when getting in or out of the vehicle.

[0127] (Aspect 10) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 9, the inclined portion 50 includes ribs 53, 54 extending downward on the lower surface 50d.

[0128] This configuration improves the strength of the inclined portion 50. As a result, deformation of the inclined portion 50 is reduced even when the occupant places the soles of their feet on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50.

[0129] (Aspect 11) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 10, the inclined portion 50 includes ribs 53, 54 (an example of reinforcing portion) that contact the frame bar 25 from above.

[0130] With this configuration, even if the occupant places the soles of their feet on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50, the deformation of the inclined portion 50 is reduced.

[0131] (Aspect 12) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 11, the vehicle further comprises an outer wall 7 that covers the frame bar 25 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, wherein the surface of the inner wall 5 is less slippery than the surface of the outer wall 7.

[0132] With this configuration, when an occupant places the soles of their feet on the upper surface 50c of the inclined portion 50 of the inner wall 5, their feet are less likely to slip.

[0133] (Aspect 13) In the utility vehicle 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, the vehicle further comprises a door 18 located on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the inner wall 5, and an outer wall 7 covering the frame bar 25 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, wherein the outer wall 7 has a sealing surface 71a that makes sealing contact with the door 18 when the door 18 is closed, and the sealing surface 71a is located on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the frame bar 25.

[0134] This configuration allows for increased interior space below the door 18.

[0135] (Aspect 14) The side sill structures 200 and 200A are side sill structures that cover a frame bar 25 which is positioned at least in part on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the floor wall 4 and extends in the front-rear direction, and include an inner wall 5 that covers the frame bar 25 from the inside in the vehicle width direction, the inner wall 5 having an inclined portion 50 that rises upward from the floor wall 4, the inclined portion 50 including a lower part 50a and an upper part 50b which is adjacent to the lower part 50a and extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower part 50a.

[0136] With this configuration, when an occupant moves their feet to cross the inner wall 5 when getting in or out of the vehicle, the amount of lifting of the feet can be reduced compared to when the inclined portion 50 is not formed. As a result, the path of movement of the feet is shortened, improving the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 3. Fastening section 4 Floor and Wall 5 Inner wall 6,6A upper wall 7. Exterior walls 17 seats 18 doors 25 Frame Bar 50 Slope section 50a Lower part 50b Upper 50b1 Uneven area 50b2 flat area 50c top surface 50d bottom side 51 Inclined side protrusion 52 recess 53. First rib (reinforcement section) 54. Second rib (reinforcement section) 63 Upper wall protrusion 71a Sealing surface 100 Utility Vehicles (Off-Road Vehicles) 200, 200A Side Sill Structure

Claims

1. The seat and The floor wall located in front of the aforementioned sheet, A frame bar is positioned on the outer side of the floor wall in the vehicle width direction, with at least a portion of it extending in the front-rear direction, The frame bar is provided with an inner wall that covers it from the inside in the vehicle width direction, The inner wall has an inclined portion that rises upward from the floor wall, The inclined portion of the off-road vehicle includes a lower part and an upper part adjacent to the lower part and extending outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower part.

2. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned inclined portion includes an inclined side projection that has an uneven shape in at least part of it, making it an off-road vehicle.

3. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, An off-road vehicle further comprising an upper wall adjacent to the outer side of the aforementioned inclined portion in the vehicle width direction, and having a smaller incline than the aforementioned inclined portion and extending horizontally.

4. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 3, The aforementioned upper wall includes an upper wall-side projection that has an uneven shape in at least part of it, making it an off-road vehicle.

5. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The above-mentioned inclined portion is adjacent to the outer side in the vehicle width direction and further comprises an upper wall that extends horizontally with a smaller incline than the aforementioned inclined portion, The inclined portion includes inclined side protrusions that have an uneven shape in at least part of it. The aforementioned upper wall includes an upper wall-side projection that has an uneven shape in at least part of it, making it an off-road vehicle.

6. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 5, An off-road vehicle in which the shape of the upper wall-side projection differs from the shape of the inclined side projection.

7. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The upper part of the inclined portion of the off-road vehicle includes an uneven region with an uneven shape located on the upper part of the upper surface, and a flat region located on the lower part of the upper surface that is flatter than the uneven region.

8. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The surface of the aforementioned inclined portion is a textured surface for off-road vehicles.

9. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The inner wall is further provided with fastening parts for fastening to the frame bar, The inner wall includes a recess that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the inclined portion. The fastening portion is positioned within the recess and retracts downward compared to the upper surface of the inclined portion of the off-road vehicle.

10. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned inclined portion is an off-road vehicle that includes ribs extending downward on its underside.

11. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned inclined portion includes a reinforcing portion that contacts the frame bar from above in an off-road vehicle.

12. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned frame bar is further provided with an outer wall that covers it from the outside in the vehicle width direction, The surface of the inner wall is less slippery than the surface of the outer wall of the off-road vehicle.

13. In the off-road vehicle described in claim 1, The door located on the outer side of the inner wall in the vehicle width direction, The frame bar is further provided with an outer wall that covers it from the outside in the vehicle width direction, The outer wall has a sealing surface that makes sealing contact with the door when the door is closed, and the sealing surface is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the frame bar.

14. A side sill structure that covers a frame bar that extends in the longitudinal direction and is positioned at least partially on the outer side of the floor wall in the vehicle width direction, The frame bar is provided with an inner wall that covers it from the inside in the vehicle width direction, The inner wall has an inclined portion that rises upward from the floor wall, The inclined portion is a side sill structure that includes a lower part and an upper part adjacent to the lower part and extending outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward compared to the lower part.

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