Cover mounting structure and off-road vehicles

Abstract

This provides a cover mounting structure that prevents deformation of the cover at a position away from the handlebar. [Solution] The cover mounting structure 200 comprises a hand bar 23 positioned behind the seat and extending in the vehicle width direction, a retractor 4 attached to the hand bar 23 for winding up the seat belt, a cover 5 that covers the retractor 4 from at least the rear, and a bracket 6 attached to the hand bar 23 for fixing the cover 5 at a position away from the hand bar 23 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the hand bar 23 extends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a cover attachment structure and an off-road vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0297627 discloses a vehicle having a retractor for a front seat.

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 side view showing the vehicle body frame and the seat as seen from the left side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the vehicle body frame and the front seat as seen from the rear. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the left front seat as seen from the front. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the left cover attachment structure as seen from the rear. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the left cover attachment structure as seen from the front. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state where the left cover in FIG. 5 is removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the left cover attachment structure as seen from the rear. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the cover attachment structure according to Modification 1 as seen from the rear. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the cover attachment structure according to Modification 2 as seen from the rear. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the cover attachment structure according to Modification 3 as seen from the rear. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cover attachment structure according to Modification 4 as seen from the rear. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the cover mounting structure according to Modification 5, viewed from the rear. [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, and a seat 17 in which an occupant sits. 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 horizontally and two rear seats 17b arranged horizontally. When the front seats 17a and rear seats 17b are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "seat 17".

[0008] Figure 2 is a side view showing the vehicle frame 2 and seat 17 as seen from the left side. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the vehicle frame 2 and front seat 17a as seen from the rear.

[0009] Vehicle 100 further includes seat belts 3, retractors 4, and a cover 5. The seat belts 3 are positioned at each seat 17 and restrain the occupants to each seat 17. The retractors 4 retract the seat belts 3 so that they can be pulled out. The cover 5 covers the retractors 4 from at least the rear. The vehicle frame 2 includes a main frame 21, pillars 22, and handlebars 23. The main frame 21 is positioned below the seat 17. The main frame 21 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0010] The pillar 22 is attached to the main frame 21. The pillar 22 extends in the vertical direction. The pillar 22 is located on both the left and right sides. More specifically, the pillar 22 is located on both sides in the vehicle width direction relative to the front seat 17a.

[0011] The handbar 23 is attached to the pillar 22. More specifically, the handbar 23 spans the left and right pillars 22, which are located in front of the rear seat 17b. The handbar 23 extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The handbar 23 is located behind the front seat 17a. The handbar 23 is positioned higher than the seat surface of the seat 17. In this embodiment, the handbar 23 is positioned opposite the shoulder portion of the seat 17. The shoulder portion of the seat 17 is positioned below and adjacent to the headrest of the seat 17, supporting the occupant's shoulders from behind. The handbar 23 is positioned in front of the rear seat 17b, allowing an occupant seated in the rear seat 17b to grasp the handbar 23.

[0012] The retractors 4 for the front seats are attached to the handbars 23. Hereafter, the retractors for the front seats will be simply referred to as retractors 4. Retractors 4 include a winding shaft for winding up the seat belts 3 and a support structure for supporting the winding shaft. The winding shaft of retractors 4 extends parallel to the vehicle width direction and is attached to the handbars 23. More specifically, the winding shaft of retractors 4 is mounted above the handbars 23, away from the handbars 23. Retractors 4 include a first retractor 4a and a second retractor 4b, which are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. The first retractor 4a is located on the left side, and the second retractor 4b is located on the right side. The first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b are located behind the left and right front seats 17a, respectively. When the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "retractor 4".

[0013] The cover 5 is positioned behind the backrests of the left and right front seats 17a. The left cover 5 covers the left first retractor 4a and the left second retractor 4b from at least the rear. The right cover 5 covers the right first retractor 4a and the right second retractor 4b from at least the rear. Specifically, the cover 5 has a portion that covers the rear surface of the retractor 4, a portion that covers the sides of the retractor 4 in the vehicle width direction, and a portion that covers the top surface of the retractor 4. The cover 5 prevents occupants from coming into contact with the retractor 4.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the left front seat 17a as seen from the front. The seat 17 includes a seat cushion 171 and a seat frame 172 that supports the seat cushion 171. The seat cushion 171 has a back portion 171a that supports the occupant's back and a seat portion 171b that supports the occupant's buttocks. The back portion 171a corresponds to the occupant's backrest. The upper surface of the seat portion 171b corresponds to the seat surface. Two through-holes 175 that penetrate from front to back are provided at the top of the back portion 171a. The two through-holes 175 are arranged on the left and right sides. A partition wall is provided between the two through-holes 175.

[0015] In this embodiment, the seat belt 3 is a four-point seat belt. Specifically, the seat belt 3 has two side belts 31 corresponding to the occupant's sides, two shoulder belts 32 corresponding to the occupant's shoulders, and a buckle 33 connecting the side belts 31 and the shoulder belts 32. The buckle 33 has a female part that connects to the first end of the left side belt 31 and the first end of the left shoulder belt 32, and a male part that connects to the first end of the right side belt 31 and the first end of the right shoulder belt 32. The male part is inserted into the female part and locked in place. The female part is provided with a push button, and when the push button is pressed, the male part can be detached from the female part.

[0016] The side belt 31 is attached to the seat frame 172. The side belt 31 includes a belt portion 34 and a mounting portion 35 connected to the end of the belt portion 34. The mounting portion 35 is, for example, a mounting bracket. The mounting portion 35 is tied to the end of the belt portion 34. The mounting portion 35 is attached to the seat frame 172 by a screw member.

[0017] The shoulder belt 32 is inserted into the through-hole portion 175 at the upper part of the back 171a, and the second end of the shoulder belt 32 is connected to the retractor 4. The retractor 4 winds up the shoulder belt 32 so that it can be pulled out. The retractor 4 fixes the shoulder belt 32 so that the shoulder belt 32 is not pulled out during a collision. The left shoulder belt 32 passes through the left through-hole portion 175 and is connected to the first retractor 4a, and the right shoulder belt 32 passes through the right through-hole portion 175 and is connected to the second retractor 4b. The first retractor 4a is behind and opposite the left through-hole portion 175. The second retractor 4b is behind and opposite the right through-hole portion 175.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the left cover mounting structure 200 seen from the rear. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the left cover mounting structure 200 seen from the front. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state where the left cover 5 of Figure 5 is removed. Figure 8 is a rear view of the left cover mounting structure 200 seen from the rear. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along IX-IX of Figure 8.

[0019] The vehicle 100 includes a cover mounting structure 200. The cover mounting structures 200 are arranged on the left and right respectively. In Figures 5 to 9, the left cover mounting structure 200 is shown, but the same applies to the right cover mounting structure 200.

[0020] The cover mounting structure 200 includes a handlebar 23, a retractor 4, a cover 5, and a bracket 6. The cover mounting structure 200 further includes a grip 7.

[0021] The retractor 4 is supported by a support plate 40. The support plate 40 is attached to the handlebar 23. The support plate 40 is fixed to the handlebar 23, for example, by welding. The retractor 4 is attached to the support plate 40 via a screw member 83. The support plate 40 is attached to the upper part of the handlebar 23. The support plate 40 is arranged at the same vehicle width direction position as the through-hole portion 175 of the seat 17 in the handlebar 23. The support plates 40 of the left and right retractors 4 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] Bracket 6 is attached to the handbar 23. Bracket 6 is fixed to the handbar 23, for example, by welding. Bracket 6 is located between the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b. Bracket 6 extends upward from the handbar 23.

[0023] The bracket 6 secures the cover 5 at a position away from the handbar 23 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the handbar 23. In other words, the bracket 6 secures the cover 5 at a position away from the handbar 23 in the radial direction of the handbar 23. Specifically, the bracket 6 secures the cover 5 at a position away from the handbar 23 in an upward direction.

[0024] Bracket 6 includes a bracket-side fixing portion 65, an accessory mounting portion 66, and a stopper portion 67. The bracket-side fixing portion 65 fixes the cover 5 on the opposite side of the hand bar 23, straddling the center of the retractor 4. The center of the retractor 4 is the point where the center planes of the retractor 4 in each of its three dimensions intersect. The bracket-side fixing portion 65 is a hole into which a screw member 81 (see Figure 9) is inserted. The screw member 81 penetrates the cover 5 and is inserted into the bracket-side fixing portion 65, fixing the cover 5 to the bracket-side fixing portion 65. In Figure 9, the screw member 81 is depicted by a dashed line. Note that the bracket-side fixing portion 65 may also be a projection, and the projection may be designed to engage with a hole provided in the cover 5.

[0025] The accessory mounting section 66 is used to attach an accessory different from the cover 5. In this example, the accessory is a grip 7, but the accessory may be, for example, a luggage compartment, a cup holder, a smartphone holder, a tablet holder, etc. The accessory mounting section 66 is a hole into which a screw member 82 (see Figure 9) is inserted. The screw member 82 passes through the accessory and is inserted into the accessory mounting section 66 to fix the accessory to the accessory mounting section 66. In Figure 7, the screw member 82 is omitted, and in Figure 9, the screw member 82 is depicted by a dashed line. The accessory mounting section 66 may also be a projection, and the projection may be designed to engage with a hole provided in the accessory.

[0026] The stopper portion 67 contacts the seat 17 and restricts the seat 17 from moving backward. Specifically, the stopper portion 67 faces the rear surface of the front seat 17a. The stopper portion 67 contacts the rear surface of the front seat 17a and restricts the front seat 17a from moving backward.

[0027] Bracket 6 includes a first plate portion 61, a second plate portion 62, a third plate portion 63, and a fourth plate portion 64. The first plate portion 61 extends upward from the hand bar 23. The second plate portion 62 is positioned in front of the first plate portion 61 at a distance and extends upward from the hand bar 23. The third plate portion 63 is positioned above and connected to the first plate portion 61 and the second plate portion 62. The third plate portion 63 is positioned to face forward and upward. The fourth plate portion 64 is positioned on both the left and right sides and connected to the first plate portion 61 and the second plate portion 62.

[0028] The bracket-side fixing portion 65 is provided on the first plate portion 61. The accessory mounting portion 66 is provided on the second plate portion 62. The stopper portion 67 is provided on the third plate portion 63. The first plate portion 61 is provided with a through hole 61a at a position opposite to the accessory mounting portion 66. The accessory mounting portion 66 is exposed through the through hole 61a. The worker can reach the accessory mounting portion 66 through the through hole 61a.

[0029] The handbar 23 includes a bar-side fixing portion 231. The bar-side fixing portion 231 fixes the cover 5 on the opposite side of the bracket-side fixing portion 65, with the center of the retractor 4 in between. The bar-side fixing portion 231 fixes the cover 5 to the bracket-side fixing portion 65 at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the bar-side fixing portion 231 fixes the cover 5 to the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] The bar-side fixing portion 231 is a hole into which a screw member is inserted. The screw member passes through the cover 5 and is inserted into the bar-side fixing portion 231 to fix the cover 5 to the bar-side fixing portion 231. The bar-side fixing portion 231 may also be a projection, and the projection may be designed to engage with a hole provided in the cover 5.

[0031] The cover 5 has a contact portion 51 that abuts the handbar 23 from the rear. The contact portion 51 is provided on both the left and right sides of the cover 5. The contact portion 51 includes a hole 51a. The contact portion 51 faces the bar-side fixing portion 231. Specifically, the hole 51a overlaps the bar-side fixing portion 231. A screw member 84 is inserted into the hole 51a and the bar-side fixing portion 231, and the cover 5 is fixed to the handbar 23 via the screw member 84. The handbar 23 may be provided with a nut portion for which the screw member 84 is connected to the handbar 23. The cover 5 includes a cover-side fixing portion 52 that is fixed to the bracket 6. The cover-side fixing portion 52 faces the bracket-side fixing portion 65. The cover-side fixing portion 52 is a hole into which a screw member 81 is inserted. The screw member 81 is inserted into the cover-side fixing portion 52 and the bracket-side fixing portion 65, and the cover 5 is fixed to the bracket 6 via the screw member 81. The cover-side fixing portion 52 may also be a projection, and the projection may be configured to engage with the bracket-side fixing portion 65.

[0032] Thus, the cover 5 is fixed to the handlebar 23 at two points, which are at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and to the bracket 6 at one point, which is located above the handlebar 23. In other words, the cover 5 is fixed at three points corresponding to the vertices of a triangle. Even if the cover 5 is subjected to a load from the rear, it is supported by the handlebar 23 and bracket 6, which are located in front of the cover 5, preventing it from being displaced or deformed.

[0033] The cover 5 covers the retractor 4 from the rear and opens the retractor 4 forward. Specifically, the cover 5 is bowl-shaped with an opening at the front. The front of the retractor 4 is exposed forward through the opening in the cover 5. In other words, the cover 5 has at least an opening for the seat belt 3 to be inserted into and removed from the retractor 4.

[0034] The cover 5 covers at least a portion of the bracket 6. Specifically, the cover 5 covers the rear surface of the bracket 6. More specifically, the cover 5 covers the rear surface of the first plate portion 61 of the bracket 6.

[0035] The cover 5 opens up the area around the bracket 6. The area around the bracket 6 is the region around the bracket 6 in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the cover 5 opens up the front, left and right sides, and top of the bracket 6. More specifically, the cover 5 opens up the second plate portion 62, the third plate portion 63, and the left and right fourth plate portions 64 of the bracket 6.

[0036] Grip 7 is located behind seat 17, specifically behind the front seat 17a. Grip 7 is positioned in front of the rear seat 17b, allowing an occupant seated in the rear seat 17b to grasp grip 7.

[0037] The grip 7 is attached to the bracket 6. Specifically, the grip 7 includes a grip-side mounting portion 70 that is fixed to the bracket 6. The grip-side mounting portion 70 faces the accessory mounting portion 66. The grip-side mounting portion 70 is a hole into which a screw member 82 is inserted. The screw member 82 is inserted into the grip-side mounting portion 70 and the accessory mounting portion 66, and the grip 7 is fixed to the bracket 6 via the screw member 82. The grip-side mounting portion 70 may also be a projection, and the projection may be configured to engage with the accessory mounting portion 66.

[0038] The grip 7 includes a vertical portion 71 extending vertically and a horizontal portion 72 extending in the vehicle width direction. The first end of the vertical portion 71 is attached to the accessory mounting portion 66 of the bracket 6. In other words, the grip-side mounting portion 70 is provided on the vertical portion 71. The second end of the vertical portion 71 is attached to the middle portion of the vertical portion 71. Thus, the grip 7 is T-shaped.

[0039] The first end of the vertical section 71 is located above, and the second end of the vertical section 71 is located below. The horizontal section 72 is located below the hand bar 23.

[0040] The vertical position of the grip portion of grip 7 differs from the vertical position of the handbar 23. Specifically, the left and right sides of the horizontal portion 72 constitute the grip portion of grip 7. The position of the grip portion of grip 7 is lower than that of the handbar 23.

[0041] Furthermore, the first end of the vertical portion 71 may be located downwards, and the second end of the vertical portion 71 may be located upwards. In other words, the horizontal portion 72 may be located above the hand bar 23, and the position of the grip portion of the grip 7 may be higher than the position of the hand bar 23.

[0042] According to the aforementioned cover mounting structure 200 and vehicle 100, the cover 5 is fixed to the bracket 6 at a position away from the hand bar 23 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the hand bar 23, so deformation of the cover 5 can be prevented at a position away from the hand bar 23. For example, even if an occupant comes into contact with the cover 5, deformation of the cover 5 can be prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, since the retractor 4 and bracket 6 are each attached to the handbar 23, the retractor 4 and bracket 6 are not directly connected. As a result, when the cover 5 is attached to the bracket 6, and for example, when an occupant comes into contact with the cover 5 and an external force is applied to the cover 5, the external force is transmitted to the bracket 6 but not to the retractor 4. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the cover 5, the retractor 4 is less affected by the external force.

[0044] Furthermore, the bracket-side fixing portion 65 of the bracket 6 fixes the cover 5 on the opposite side of the hand bar 23, straddling the center of the retractor 4. This allows the cover 5 to cover the retractor 4 and be fixed at a position away from the hand bar 23, making it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0045] Furthermore, since the contact portion 51 of the cover 5 contacts the handlebar 23 from the rear, if the rear surface of the cover 5 is pushed forward, the contact portion 51 of the cover 5 will contact the handlebar 23, allowing the handlebar 23 to support the cover 5.

[0046] Furthermore, the bar-side fixing portion 231 of the handbar 23 fixes the cover 5 on the opposite side of the bracket-side fixing portion 65, with the center of the retractor 4 in between. This arrangement of the retractor 4 between the bar-side fixing portion 231 and the bracket-side fixing portion 65 makes it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0047] Furthermore, the bar-side fixing portion 231 of the handbar 23 fixes the cover 5 at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction relative to the bracket-side fixing portion 65. As a result, the cover 5 is fixed by both the bracket-side fixing portion 65 of the bracket 6 and the two bar-side fixing portions 231 of the handbar 23, making it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0048] Furthermore, since the bracket 6 is located between the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b, both sides of the bracket 6 can be covered by the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b, thereby reducing the exposure of the bracket 6.

[0049] Furthermore, the bar-side fixing portion 231 of the hand bar 23 fixes the cover 5 to the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the cover 5 is fixed by the two bar-side fixing portions 231 of the hand bar 23, making it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0050] Furthermore, since the cover 5 covers at least a portion of the bracket 6, the cover 5 serves as both the part that covers the retractor 4 and the part that covers the bracket 6.

[0051] Furthermore, since the front of the retractor 4 is exposed forward through the opening in the cover 5, interference between the seat 17 and the cover 5 can be prevented. For example, it is easier to position the retractor 4 and the hand bar 23 close to the seat 17. Also, if the seat 17 is slidable in the front-rear direction, it is easier to increase the amount of rearward sliding of the seat 17.

[0052] Furthermore, since the cover 5 is open around the bracket 6, it is easy to attach accessories or other components to the bracket 6 by passing them through the open area of ​​the bracket 6 while the cover 5 is attached.

[0053] Furthermore, since the bracket 6 has a stopper portion 67, it can restrict the rearward movement of the seat 17. For example, if the seat 17 is reclinable in the front-rear direction, the stopper portion 67 can restrict the seat 17 from reclining rearward. Alternatively, if an excessive pressing force in the rearward direction is applied to the seat 17, the stopper portion 67 can restrict the seat 17 from tilting rearward before the seat 17 is damaged by the pressing force. Alternatively, if the seat 17 is slidable in the front-rear direction, the stopper portion 67 can restrict the seat 17 from sliding rearward.

[0054] Furthermore, since the bracket 6 has an accessory mounting portion 66, accessories can be attached to the bracket 6.

[0055] Furthermore, since the grip 7 is attached to the bracket 6, the bracket 6 can be fitted with the grip 7 in addition to the cover 5, and the bracket 6 serves as both a component for supporting the cover 5 and a component for supporting the grip 7.

[0056] Furthermore, since the grip 7 is attached to the bracket 6, when two occupants are seated behind the handbar 23 and grip 7, one occupant can grasp the grip 7 and the other occupant can grasp the handbar 23.

[0057] Furthermore, since grip 7 is T-shaped, the crew can grasp the horizontal portion of grip 7.

[0058] Furthermore, since the vertical position of the grip portion of the grip 7 is different from the vertical position of the handbar 23, when one crew member grips the grip portion of the grip 7 and the other crew member grips the handbar 23, the height positions of the two crew members' arms will be different. This reduces interference between the two crew members' arms.

[0059] 《Example 1》 Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cover mounting structure 200A according to Modification 1, viewed from the rear. Figure 10 shows the cover mounting structure 200A on the left, but the same applies to the cover mounting structure 200A on the right.

[0060] In the cover mounting structure 200A according to Modification 1, the grip 7A is different from that of the cover mounting 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.

[0061] In the cover mounting structure 200A according to Modification 1, the grip 7A includes a vertical portion 71 that extends in the vertical direction. The first end of the vertical portion 71 is attached to the accessory mounting portion 66 of the bracket 6 (see Figure 9). Thus, the grip 7A is I-shaped.

[0062] The first end of the vertical section 71 is located upward, and the second end of the vertical section 71 is located downward. The second end of the vertical section 71 is the gripping portion of the grip 7A. The position of the gripping portion of the grip 7A is lower than the position of the hand bar 23.

[0063] Furthermore, the first end of the vertical portion 71 may be located downwards, and the second end of the vertical portion 71 may be located upwards. In other words, the position of the gripping portion of the grip 7A may be higher than the position of the hand bar 23.

[0064] According to the cover mounting structure 200A described above, since the grip 7A is I-shaped, the occupant can grasp the vertical portion of the grip 7A.

[0065] Although the other configurations, functions, and effects will not be described here, the description of the cover mounting structure 200 according to the embodiment can be used in the description of the cover mounting structure 200A according to Modification 1.

[0066] 《Modified Example 2》 Figure 11 is a perspective view of the cover mounting structure 200B according to Modification 2, viewed from the rear. In Figure 11, the cover 5 is omitted. In the cover mounting structure 200B according to Modification 2, the grip 7B and other components differ from those of the cover mounting structure 200 according to the embodiment. In Modification 2, the same reference numerals as in the embodiment have the same configuration as in the embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0067] The cover mounting structure 200B according to the modified example 2 includes left and right brackets 6 arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and a grip 7B that extends in the vehicle width direction and spans across the left and right brackets 6. The grip 7B spans across the respective accessory mounting portions 66 (see Figure 9) of the left and right brackets 6.

[0068] The grip 7B includes end portions 73 located at each end in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle width direction, and an intermediate portion 74 located between the end portions 73 and extending in the vehicle width direction. The left end portion 73 is fixed to the accessory mounting portion 66 of the left bracket 6. The right end portion 73 is fixed to the accessory mounting portion 66 of the right bracket 6. The vertical position of the intermediate portion 74 is higher than the vertical position of the end portions 73. The position of the grip 7B is higher than the position of the handbar 23.

[0069] According to the aforementioned cover mounting structure 200B, the grip 7B is spanned across the left and right brackets 6, thus ensuring the length of the grip 7B in the vehicle width direction. This allows for a wider range of gripping the grip 7B when an occupant is seated behind the grip 7B.

[0070] Furthermore, since the vertical position of the middle section 74 of grip 7B is higher than the vertical position of the end section 73 of grip 7B, when one crew member grasps the middle section 74 and the other crew member grasps the end section 73, the height positions of the two crew members' arms will be different. This reduces interference between the two crew members' arms.

[0071] Furthermore, since the position of grip 7B is higher than the position of handbar 23, if one crew member grips the grip portion of grip 7B and the other crew member grips the handbar 23, the height positions of the two crew members' arms will be different. This reduces interference between the two crew members' arms.

[0072] Although the other configurations, functions, and effects will not be described here, the description of the cover mounting structure 200 according to the embodiment can be used in the description of the cover mounting structure 200B according to the modified example 2.

[0073] Variation 3 Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cover mounting structure 200C according to Modification 3, viewed from the rear. In the cover mounting structure 200C according to Modification 3, the grip 7C is different from that of the cover mounting structure 200B according to Modification 2. In Modification 3, the same reference numerals as in Modification 2 indicate the same configuration as in Modification 2, so their explanation is omitted.

[0074] In the cover mounting structure 200C according to modified example 3, the grip 7C includes end portions 73 located at each end in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle width direction, and an intermediate portion 74 located between the end portions 73 and extending in the vehicle width direction. The grip 7C further includes a mounting portion 75 extending downward from the end portions 73. The mounting portion 75 is fixed to the accessory mounting portion 66 of the bracket 6 (see Figure 9).

[0075] The vertical position of the middle section 74 is lower than the vertical position of the end section 73. The position of the grip 7C is higher than the position of the handbar 23.

[0076] According to the cover mounting structure 200C described above, the vertical position of the middle portion 74 of the grip 7C is lower than the vertical position of the end portion 73 of the grip 7C. Therefore, when one occupant grasps the middle portion 74 and the other occupant grasps the end portion 73, the height positions of the two occupants' arms are different. This reduces interference between the arms of the two occupants.

[0077] Further explanation of other configurations, functions, and effects is omitted, however, the explanation of the cover mounting structure 200B according to Modification 2 can be used in the explanation of the cover mounting structure 200C according to Modification 3.

[0078] 《Modification 4》 Figure 13 is a perspective view of the cover mounting structure 200D according to Modification 4, viewed from the rear. In Figure 13, the left cover 5 is omitted. In the cover mounting structure 200D according to Modification 4, the grip 7D and other components differ from those of the cover mounting structure 200 according to the embodiment. In Modification 4, the same reference numerals as in the embodiment have the same configuration as in the embodiment, so their explanation is omitted.

[0079] The cover mounting structure 200D according to modified example 4 includes left and right brackets 6 arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, left and right mounting plates 90 arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and a grip 7D that extends in the vehicle width direction and spans the left and right mounting plates 90. The right mounting plate 90 is covered by the cover 5, but is the same as the left mounting plate 90.

[0080] The mounting plate 90 is attached to the hand bar 23. The mounting plate 90 is fixed to the hand bar 23, for example, by welding. The mounting plate 90 supports the retractor 4. Specifically, the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b are attached to the mounting plate 90 via screw members.

[0081] The grip 7D includes end portions 73 located at each end in the vehicle width direction and extending downward, and an intermediate portion 74 located between the end portions 73 and extending in the vehicle width direction. The left end portion 73 is fixed to the left mounting plate 90. The right end portion 73 is fixed to the right mounting plate 90. The longitudinal position of the intermediate portion 74 is located behind the longitudinal position of the end portions 73. The longitudinal position of the intermediate portion 74 is located behind the longitudinal position of the handbar 23. The position of the grip 7D is lower than the position of the handbar 23.

[0082] According to the aforementioned cover mounting structure 200D, the grip 7D is spanned across the left and right mounting plates 90, thus ensuring the length of the grip 7D in the vehicle width direction. This allows for a wider range of gripping the grip 7D when an occupant is seated behind the grip 7D.

[0083] Furthermore, since the mounting plate 90 supports the retractor 4, the mounting plate 90 serves as both a component for supporting the retractor 4 and a component for supporting the grip 7D.

[0084] Furthermore, since the anterior-posterior position of the intermediate section 74 is located further back than the anterior-posterior position of the end section 73, when one crew member grasps the intermediate section 74 and the other crew member grasps the end section 73, the anterior-posterior positions of the two crew members' arms will be different. Therefore, interference between the two crew members' arms can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, since the intermediate section 74 is located further back than the hand bar 23, when one crew member grips the intermediate section 74 and the other crew member grips the hand bar 23, the anterior-posterior positions of the two crew members' arms are different. Therefore, interference between the two crew members' arms can be reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, since the position of grip 7D is lower than the position of handbar 23, when one crew member holds grip 7D and the other holds handbar 23, the height positions of the two crew members' arms will be different. This reduces interference between the two crew members' arms.

[0087] Although the other configurations, functions, and effects will not be described here, the description of the cover mounting structure 200 according to the embodiment can be used in the description of the cover mounting structure 200D according to the modified example 4.

[0088] 《Modified Version 5》 Figure 14 is a perspective view of the cover mounting structure 200E according to Modification 5, viewed from the rear. In the cover mounting structure 200E according to Modification 5, the grip 7E is different from that of the cover mounting structure 200D according to Modification 4. In Modification 5, the same reference numerals as in Modification 4 indicate the same configuration as in Modification 4, so their explanation is omitted.

[0089] In the cover mounting structure 200E according to Modification 5, the grip 7E includes end portions 73 located at each end in the vehicle width direction and extending downward, and an intermediate portion 74 located between the end portions 73 and extending in the vehicle width direction. The longitudinal position of the intermediate portion 74 is located forward of the longitudinal position of the end portions 73. The position of the grip 7E is lower than the position of the handbar 23.

[0090] According to the cover mounting structure 200E described above, the front-to-rear position of the intermediate portion 74 is located further forward than the front-to-rear position of the end portion 73. Therefore, when one occupant grasps the intermediate portion 74 and the other occupant grasps the end portion 73, the front-to-rear positions of the two occupants' arms are different. Consequently, interference between the arms of the two occupants can be reduced.

[0091] Further explanation of other configurations, functions, and effects is omitted, however, the explanation of the cover mounting structure 200D according to Modification 4 can be used in the explanation of the cover mounting structure 200E according to Modification 5.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The quantities of the retractors 4, covers 5, and brackets 6 are not limited, and their quantities can be freely increased or decreased. For example, the retractors 4 do not need to be provided in pairs on the left and right sides; at least one is sufficient.

[0094] The cover mounting structure 200 is located on both the left and right sides, but the cover mounting structure 200 may be located on either the left or right side.

[0095] Bracket 6 extends upward from the handlebar 23, but bracket 6 may extend downward, forward, or backward.

[0096] Bracket 6 secures the cover 5 at a position above the handbar 23, but bracket 6 may also secure the cover 5 at a position below the handbar 23. Alternatively, bracket 6 may secure the cover 5 at a position forward or backward from the handbar 23.

[0097] The retractor 4 is mounted on the top of the handbar 23, but may also be mounted on the bottom of the handbar 23.

[0098] The retractor 4 is attached to the handlebar 23, but may also be attached to the bracket 6.

[0099] The cover 5 covers the retractor 4 from the rear, but the cover 5 may also cover the retractor 4 from above and from the rear, or the cover 5 may also cover the retractor 4 from below and from the rear.

[0100] The bracket 6 includes a bracket-side fixing portion 65, an accessory mounting portion 66, and a stopper portion 67, but at least one of the accessory mounting portion 66 and the stopper portion 67 may be omitted.

[0101] The cover 5 is fixed to the hand bar 23, but the cover 5 does not need to be fixed to the hand bar 23; it is sufficient that it is in contact with the hand bar 23, and that the displacement of the cover 5 is restricted by the hand bar 23.

[0102] The cover 5 and the hand bar 23 may be fixed by a fixing structure other than a screw. For example, they may be fixed by a rivet, or a locking structure such as a claw may be used in part. The cover 5 is preferably configured to be removable from the hand bar 23 for maintenance of the retractor 4.

[0103] The handbar 23 only needs to be positioned higher than the seat surface of the seat 17. For example, the handbar 23 may be positioned offset vertically from the shoulder portion of the seat 17.

[0104] The seat 17 may be a bucket seat or a bench seat. The seat belt 3 may be a 3-point seat belt instead of a 4-point seat belt. In this case, one retractor 4 is provided corresponding to one seat 17.

[0105] The support plate 40 or bracket 6 may be fixed to the hand bar 23 by means other than welding, for example, by fastening members such as screw members. Alternatively, the support plate 40 or bracket 6 may be omitted, and the retractor 4 or cover 5 may be directly attached to the hand bar 23.

[0106] In modified versions 2 and 3, the anterior-posterior position of the intermediate portion 74 may be located further back than the anterior-posterior position of the end portion 73. This ensures that when one occupant grasps the intermediate portion 74 and the other occupant grasps the end portion 73, the anterior-posterior positions of the two occupants' arms are different. Consequently, interference between the arms of the two occupants can be reduced.

[0107] In modified versions 2 and 3, the anterior-posterior position of the intermediate portion 74 may be located forward of the anterior-posterior position of the end portion 73. This ensures that when one occupant grasps the intermediate portion 74 and the other occupant grasps the end portion 73, the anterior-posterior positions of the two occupants' arms are different. Consequently, interference between the arms of the two occupants can be reduced.

[0108] In Modification 2, the grip 7B may be attached to the bracket 6 such that the position of the grip 7B is lower than the position of the handlebar 23. In Modification 3, the grip 7C may be attached to the bracket 6 such that the position of the grip 7C is lower than the position of the handlebar 23.

[0109] In Modification 4, the grip 7D may be mounted on the mounting plate 90 such that the position of the grip 7D is higher than the position of the handbar 23. In Modification 5, the grip 7E may be mounted on the bracket 6 such that the position of the grip 7E is higher than the position of the handbar 23.

[0110] The technologies disclosed herein may be applied to off-road vehicles other than the Utility Vehicle 100.

[0111] [Pattern] The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0112] (Aspect 1) The cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E include a hand bar 23 positioned behind the seat 17 and extending in the vehicle width direction, a retractor 4 attached to the hand bar 23 for winding up the seat belt 3, a cover 5 covering the retractor 4 from at least the rear, and a bracket 6 attached to the hand bar 23 for fixing the cover 5 at a position away from the hand bar 23 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hand bar 23.

[0113] This configuration prevents deformation of the cover 5 at a position away from the handle bar 23.

[0114] (Aspect 2) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in Embodiment 1, the bracket 6 has a bracket-side fixing portion 65 that fixes the cover 5 on the side opposite to the hand bar 23, with the center of the retractor 4 in between.

[0115] With this configuration, the cover 5 can cover the retractor 4 and be fixed in a position away from the hand bar 23, making it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0116] (Aspect 3) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the cover 5 has a contact portion 51 that contacts the hand bar 23 from the rear.

[0117] With this configuration, when the rear surface of the cover 5 is pushed forward, the contact portion 51 of the cover 5 comes into contact with the hand bar 23, allowing the hand bar 23 to support the cover 5.

[0118] (Aspect 4) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, the hand bar 23 has a bar-side fixing portion 231 that fixes the cover 5 on the opposite side of the bracket-side fixing portion 65, with the center of the retractor 4 in between.

[0119] With this configuration, the retractor 4 is positioned between the bar-side fixing part 231 and the bracket-side fixing part 65, which makes it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0120] (Appendix 5) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, the hand bar 23 has bar-side fixing portions 231 that fix the cover 5 at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction relative to the bracket-side fixing portion 65.

[0121] With this configuration, the cover 5 is secured by the bracket-side fixing portion 65 of the bracket 6 and the two bar-side fixing portions 231 of the handbar 23, making it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0122] (Aspect 6) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, the retractor 4 includes a first retractor 4a and a second retractor 4b arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and the bracket 6 is located between the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b.

[0123] With this configuration, the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b can cover both sides of the bracket 6, thereby reducing the exposure of the bracket 6.

[0124] (Aspect 7) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, the hand bar 23 has bar-side fixing portions 231 that fix the cover 5 at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction relative to the first retractor 4a and the second retractor 4b.

[0125] With this configuration, the cover 5 is secured by the two bar-side fixing parts 231 of the hand bar 23, making it easier to prevent deformation of the cover 5.

[0126] (Pattern 8) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 7, the cover 5 covers at least a portion of the bracket 6.

[0127] In this configuration, the cover 5 serves as both the component that covers the retractor 4 and the component that covers the bracket 6.

[0128] (Aspect 9) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, the cover 5 opens forward to cover the retractor 4 from the rear, and the front surface of the retractor 4 is exposed forward through the opening in the cover 5.

[0129] This configuration prevents interference between the seat 17 and the cover 5.

[0130] (Aspect 10) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 9, the cover 5 leaves the area around the bracket 6 open.

[0131] With this configuration, even with the cover 5 attached, it is easy to pass other components such as accessories through the open area of ​​the bracket 6 and attach them to the bracket 6.

[0132] (Aspect 11) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 10, the bracket 6 has a stopper portion 67 that abuts against the seat 17 and restricts the rearward movement of the seat 17.

[0133] This configuration allows for restricting the rearward movement of seat 17.

[0134] (Aspect 12) In the cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 11, the bracket 6 has an accessory mounting portion 66 for attaching an accessory different from the cover 5.

[0135] With this configuration, accessories can be attached to bracket 6.

[0136] (Aspect 13) In the cover mounting structure 200, 200A to 200E described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, the structure further comprises grips 7, 7A to 7E attached to the accessory mounting portion 66 of the bracket 6.

[0137] In this configuration, the bracket 6 can be fitted with grips 7, 7A-7E in addition to the cover 5, and the bracket 6 serves as both a component for supporting the cover 5 and a component for supporting grips 7, 7A-7E.

[0138] (Aspect 14) The cover mounting structures 200, 200A to 200E include a hand bar 23 positioned behind the seat 17 and extending in the vehicle width direction, a retractor 4 attached to the upper part of the hand bar 23 for winding up the seat belt 3, a bowl-shaped cover 5 that covers the retractor 4 from the rear and opens the retractor 4 forward, and a bracket 6 attached to the hand bar 23 for fixing the cover 5 at a position above and away from the hand bar 23.

[0139] This configuration prevents deformation of the cover 5 at a position away from the handle bar 23.

[0140] (Aspect 15) The utility vehicle 100 (off-road vehicle) comprises a seat 17, a seat belt 3, a hand bar 23 positioned behind the seat 17 and extending in the width direction of the vehicle, a retractor 4 attached to the hand bar 23 for winding up the seat belt 3, a cover 5 covering the retractor 4 from at least the rear, and a bracket 6 attached to the hand bar 23 for fixing the cover 5 at a position away from the hand bar 23 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the hand bar 23 extends.

[0141] This configuration prevents deformation of the cover 5 at a position away from the handle bar 23. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 3. Seat belts 4 Retractors 4a First retractor 4b Second retractor 5 Cover 6 brackets 7, 7A~7E Grip 17 seats 23 Handbars 231 Bar-side fixing part 51 Contact part 65 Bracket side fixing part 66 Accessory mounting section 67 Stopper part 100 Utility Vehicles (Off-Road Vehicles) 200, 200A~200E Cover Mounting Structure

Claims

1. A handbar positioned behind the seat and extending in the width direction of the vehicle, A retractor attached to the aforementioned handbar for retracting the seat belt, A cover that covers the retractor from at least the rear, A cover mounting structure comprising a bracket attached to the handbar and fixing the cover at a position away from the handbar in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the handbar.

2. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The bracket is a cover mounting structure having a bracket-side fixing portion that secures the cover on the side opposite the handbar, with the center of the retractor in between.

3. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The cover has a cover mounting structure having a contact portion that contacts the handbar from the rear.

4. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 2, The hand bar has a cover mounting structure that has a bracket-side fixing portion on the opposite side of the center of the retractor, and a bar-side fixing portion that fixes the cover.

5. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 2, The handbar has a cover mounting structure having bar-side fixing parts that fix the cover at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction relative to the bracket-side fixing part.

6. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The retractor includes a first retractor and a second retractor arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. The bracket is a cover mounting structure located between the first retractor and the second retractor.

7. In the cover mounting structure according to claim 6, The hand bar has a cover mounting structure having bar-side fixing portions that fix the cover at positions spaced apart on both sides in the vehicle width direction relative to the first retractor and the second retractor.

8. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The cover is a cover mounting structure that covers at least a portion of the bracket.

9. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The cover has an opening at the front and covers the retractor from the rear. The front of the retractor is a cover mounting structure that is exposed forward through the opening of the cover.

10. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The cover has a cover mounting structure that leaves the area around the bracket open.

11. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The bracket is a cover mounting structure having a stopper portion that contacts the seat and restricts the seat's movement backward.

12. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 1, The bracket is a cover mounting structure having an accessory mounting portion for attaching an accessory different from the cover.

13. In the cover mounting structure described in claim 12, A cover mounting structure further comprising a grip that is attached to the accessory mounting portion of the bracket.

14. A handbar positioned behind the seat and extending in the width direction of the vehicle, A retractor for winding up the seat belt is attached to the top of the aforementioned handbar, A bowl-shaped cover that covers the retractor from the rear and opens the retractor forward, A cover mounting structure comprising a bracket attached to the handbar and fixing the cover at a position above the handbar.

15. The seat and Seat belts and, A handbar positioned behind the aforementioned seat and extending in the width direction of the vehicle, A retractor attached to the aforementioned handbar for retracting the seat belt, A cover that covers the retractor from at least the rear, An off-road vehicle comprising a bracket attached to the handbar and fixing the cover at a position away from the handbar in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the handbar.

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