VEHICLE

This vehicle includes a roll bar (15) assembled to an upper portion of a vehicle body (11) and configured to separate off a passenger space (12C), the roll bar (15) includes a pair of left and right front roll bars (31) and a cross member (16) configured to connect the pair of left and right front roll bars (31), the front roll bars (31) include windshield bars (42) extending on both sides of a front portion of the roll bar (15) in an upward/downward direction, respectively, and the cross member (16) has a front panel portion (52) along a reference surface that bridges between center axes of the pair of left and right windshield bars (42), a groove portion (56) recessed rearward from a flat portion along the reference surface and extending in a vehicle width direction is formed in the front panel portion (52), and the groove portion (56) is located lower in an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction than in a center portion in the vehicle width direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-094475, filed Jun. 10, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle.

Description of Related Art

In the related art, for example, in a vehicle for traveling on uneven ground, a roll bar is assembled to an upper portion of a vehicle body, a passenger space of a cabin upper portion is separated off by the roll bar, and further, a roof is attached to an upper portion of the roll bar. The roll bar includes a panel-shaped cross member disposed between upper portions of left and right front roll bars and connecting them, and an upper portion of a windshield is attached to the cross member (for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 9,994,088).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the vehicle, during washing or the like of a vehicle, water easily enters and accumulates between a panel-shaped cross member and a windshield.

An aspect of the present invention is directed to efficiently draining water entering between a cross member of a front upper portion of a roll bar and a windshield in a vehicle including the roll bar that forms a cabin upper portion.

In order to accomplish the above-mentioned purposes, a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention employs the following configurations.

(1) An aspect of the present invention includes a roll bar assembled to an upper portion of a vehicle body and configured to separate off a passenger space, the roll bar includes a pair of left and right front roll bars and a cross member configured to connect the pair of left and right front roll bars, the front roll bars include windshield bars extending on both sides of a front portion of the roll bar in an upward/downward direction, respectively, and the cross member has a front panel portion along a reference surface that bridges between center axes of the pair of left and right windshield bars, a groove portion recessed rearward from a flat portion along the reference surface and extending in a vehicle width direction is formed in the front panel portion, and the groove portion is located lower in an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction than in a center portion in the vehicle width direction.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (1), the cross member of the front upper portion of the roll bar has the front panel portion along the reference surface that bridges between the pair of left and right windshield bars, and the groove portion oriented in the vehicle width direction is formed in the front panel portion. Accordingly, when the windshield is attached to the front portion of the roll bar, the gap extending in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter, may be referred to as a gap for drainage) is formed between the groove portion of the front panel portion and the windshield. For this reason, water that enters between the front panel portion and the windshield during washing or the like of the vehicle is guided and drained to the outside of the cross member in the vehicle width direction through the groove portion (i.e., the gap for drainage). In this way, the water that enters between the cross member of the front upper portion of the roll bar and the windshield can be efficiently drained away.

(2) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (1), the roll bar may include a front upper cross roll bar configured to connect the pair of left and right front roll bars, and the cross member may be a reinforcement member overlapping the front upper cross roll bar in the upward/downward direction when the vehicle is seen in a front view and reinforcing the front upper cross roll bar.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (2), since the cross member that connects the pair of left and right front roll bars also functions as the reinforcement member of the front upper cross roll bar of the front upper portion of the roll bar, the front upper portion of the roll bar is effectively reinforced to easily maintain a passenger space. As a result, water that enters between the reinforcement member (i.e., cross member) of the front upper portion of the roll bar and the windshield can be efficiently drained.

(3) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (1), the cross member may have one end portion and the other end portion connected to the pair of left and right front roll bar, respectively, and the groove portion may be formed continuously to bridge between the one end portion and the other end portion.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (3), the groove portion is formed continuously from one end portion of the cross member to the other end portion. Accordingly, water that enters between the cross member and the windshield can be guided to the groove portion (the gap for drainage), and the water guided to the gap for drainage can be smoothly guided to one end portion and the other end portion outward in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the water that enters between the cross member and the windshield can be reliably drained to the outer side in the vehicle width direction through the gap for drainage.

(4) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (3), the groove portion may be inclined to be located further downward as it goes outward in the vehicle width direction.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (4), since the groove portion is inclined to be located downward outward in the vehicle width direction, water guided to the groove portion can be more smoothly guided outward in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the water that enters between the cross member and the windshield can be more reliably drained to the outside in the vehicle width direction through the groove portion.

(5) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (3), the cross member may have a width of the front panel portion in the upward/downward direction, which is greater in the one end portion and the other end portion than in a center portion between the one end portion and the other end portion in the vehicle width direction.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (5), the width of the front panel portion in the upward/downward direction is greater in the one end portion and the other end portion than in the center portion of the cross member. The one end portion and the other end portion of the cross member desirably increase the width of the front panel portion in the upward/downward direction in order to be connected to the pair of left and right front roll bars or fix the windshield or the like. For this reason, since the up-to-down width of the front panel portion is increased in both end portions of the cross member, both end portions of the cross member can be strongly connected to the pair of left and right front roll bars, and the windshield or the like can be easily fixed. In addition, in comparison with the case in which the up-to-down width of the entire front panel portion is increased, reduction in weight of the cross member can be achieved. Further, a field of view as seen forward and upward from a passenger space can be widened. In addition, the outer end portion of the groove portion can be located lower down.

(6) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (5), each of a lower end of the front panel portion and the groove portion may be formed in an arc shape protruding upward when the vehicle is seen in a front view.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (6), since the lower end of the front panel portion of the cross member is formed in an arc shape, in comparison with the case in which the lower end of the front panel portion is formed in a linear shape, the up-to-down width of the front panel portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction can be easily increased. That is, the up-to-down width of the front panel portion can be formed to become larger from the center portion of the cross member toward the one end portion and the other end portion. In addition, since the lower end of the front panel portion is formed in a smooth arc shape, in comparison with the case in which the lower end of the front panel portion is formed in a bent shape, a step difference shape, or the like, it is possible to suppress stress concentration in the lower end of the front panel portion and increase strength of the front panel portion and the cross member.

In addition, since the lower end of the groove portion is formed in an arc shape along the lower end of the front panel portion, the lower end of the groove portion can be efficiently formed according to the shape of the lower end of the front panel portion. Further, water that enters between the cross member and the windshield can be smoothly guided to the outer side in the vehicle width direction along the lower end of the groove portion.

(7) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (6), a windshield fixing portion configured to attach a windshield may be provided on the front panel portion in the one end portion and the other end portion of the cross member.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (7), since the windshield fixing portion is provided on the front panel portion with the increased up-to-down width in the one end portion and the other end portion of the cross member, a degree of attachment freedom of the windshield can be increased using the front panel portion with the increased up-to-down width.

(8) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (3), the cross member may include an upper panel portion extending rearward from an upper end of the front panel portion, the cross member may have a width of the upper panel portion in a forward/rearward direction, which is greater in the one end portion and the other end portion than in a center portion between the one end portion and the other end portion in the vehicle width direction, and a roof fixing portion configured to attach a roof may be provided on the upper panel portion in the one end portion and the other end portion of the cross member.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (8), since the roof fixing portion is provided on the upper panel portion with the increased front-to-rear width in the one end portion and the other end portion of the cross member, a degree of attachment freedom of the roof can be increased using the upper panel portion with the increased front-to-rear width.

(9) In the aspect of the above-mentioned (8), the groove portion may be disposed to overlap an eaves portion of the roof when the vehicle is seen in a front view.

According to the aspect of the above-mentioned (9), since the groove portion is disposed to overlap the eaves portion of the roof when the vehicle is seen in a front view, appearance characteristics of the vehicle can be enhanced by hiding the groove portion with the eaves portion of the roof and making the groove portion less visible from outside of the vehicle.

According to the aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle including the roll bar that forms the cabin upper portion, water that enters between the cross member of the front upper portion of the roll bar and the windshield can be efficiently drained.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, directions of forward, rearward, leftward, rightward, and so on, in the following description are the same as directions in a vehicle described below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, in appropriate places in the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicates a forward direction with respect to a vehicle, an arrow LH indicates a leftward direction with respect to the vehicle, an arrow UP indicates an upward direction with respect to the vehicle, and a line CL indicates a lateral center of the vehicle.

FIG.1is a side view showing a vehicle10of an embodiment.FIG.2is a front view of an upper portion of a cabin12of the vehicle10of the embodiment when the vehicle is seen from a forward side.FIG.3is a plan view of a vehicle body front portion of the vehicle10of the embodiment when the vehicle is seen from above.

As shown inFIG.1toFIG.3, the vehicle10is a four-wheeled vehicle in which, for example, three people can ride side by side. The vehicle10is, for example, a so-called side-by-side type multi utility vehicle (MUV) mainly intended for traveling on uneven ground or the like. Further, the vehicle10is not limited to the MUV.

The vehicle10includes a vehicle body11on which the cabin12or the like in which occupants ride is provided. The vehicle body11includes a front body13provided in front of the cabin12, a rear body14provided behind the cabin12, and a lower body12L provided below the cabin12. The vehicle body11constitutes a vehicle body frame (not shown) that bridges between the front body13, the lower body12L and the rear body14.

A hood13aconfigured to cover a driving source is disposed above the front body13. A cargo stand14ais disposed above the rear body14. The lower body12L constitutes a frame of a lower portion of the cabin12. A frame of an upper portion of the cabin12is constituted by a roll bar assembly (hereinafter, simply referred to as a roll bar)15.

In the upper portion of the cabin12, a passenger space12C is separated off by the roll bar15assembled in a frame shape.

FIG.4is an exploded schematic perspective view of the upper portion of the cabin12of the vehicle10of the embodiment.

As shown inFIG.1andFIG.4, the upper portion of the cabin12includes the roll bar15, a windshield17, and a roof18.

As shown inFIG.1andFIG.4, the roll bar15is assembled above the vehicle body11(the lower body12L) of the vehicle10and defines the passenger space12C. The roll bar15is a frame member with high rigidity that constitutes a frame of the cabin12. InFIG.4, a state in which a reinforcement member16is removed, which will be described below, is shown.

FIG.5is a perspective view showing the roll bar15included in the cabin12according to the embodiment.

As shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, the roll bar15includes a pair of left and right front roll bars31, a front upper cross roll bar32, a rear upper cross roll bar33, a pair of left and right rear roll bars34, a first rear center cross roll bar35, a second rear center cross roll bar36, a pair of left and right rear under roll bars37, and a rear under cross roll bar38.

The pair of left and right front roll bars31, the pair of left and right rear roll bars34, and the pair of left and right rear under roll bars37are designated by the same reference signs because they have a substantially symmetrical configuration. Hereinafter, the pair of left and right front roll bars31may be simply referred to as the front roll bars31.

The left front roll bar31has a left windshield bar42, a left curved portion43, and a left roof bar44. Similarly, the right front roll bar31has a right windshield bar42, a right curved portion43, and a right roof bar44. The left and right front roll bars31are each integrally formed by bending a single steel pipe, or the like.

The pair of left and right windshield bars42, the pair of left and right curved portions43, and the pair of left and right roof bars44are designated by the same reference sign because they have a substantially symmetrical configuration. Hereinafter, the pair of left and right windshield bars42may be simply referred to as the windshield bars42, the pair of left and right curved portions43may be simply referred to as the curved portions43, and the pair of left and right roof bars44may be simply referred to as the roof bars44.

In the pair of left and right windshield bars42, lower end portions42aare connected to a frame portion such as a vehicle body frame or the like (not shown) on both sides of an upper rear portion of the front body13of the vehicle body11in a vehicle width direction. The windshield bars42extend linearly in the upward/downward direction on both sides of a front portion of the roll bar15, respectively. Specifically, each of the windshield bars42extends upward from the lower end portion42aand is inclined to be disposed further rearward as it goes upward when seen in a side view. Each of the windshield bars42extends in the upward/downward direction when seen in a front view. An upper end portion42bof each of the windshield bars42is continuous integrally with a lower portion of the curved portion43on the same side.

The curved portions43are curved in an arc shape from the upper end portions42bof the windshield bars42toward the rear of the vehicle when seen in a side view. Hereinafter, an area (lower portion) of the windshield bar42of the curved portion43on the side of the upper end portion42bmay be referred to as “the first curved portion43a.” A front end portion44aof the roof bar44on the same side is continuous integrally with a rear end portion43bof the curved portion43.

The roof bars44extend from the rear end portions43bof the curved portions43toward the rear of the vehicle. Hereinafter, an area of the curved portion43on the side of the front end portion44aof the roof bar44(i.e., an area of the curved portion43on the side of the rear end portion43b, a rear portion) may be referred to as “the second curved portion43c.” In the roof bar44, a front roof bar44band a rear roof bar44care integrally connected by a connecting member46.

The front roll bars31form integrally with the windshield bars42, the curved portions43, and the front roof bars44b. The rear roof bar44cis continuous integrally with an upper end portion of the rear roll bar34via a rear curved portion45. The rear roll bar34is split vertically via a rear connecting member47. The rear under roll bars37are continuous integrally with lower end portions of the rear roll bars34.

In the pair of left and right front roll bars31, the pair of left and right curved portions43are connected by the front upper cross roll bar32. In the front upper cross roll bar32, both side portions in the vehicle width direction are curved rearward when seen in a plan view, and both end portions in the vehicle width direction are coupled to the vicinities of the rear end portions43bof the curved portions43, respectively. The front upper cross roll bar32is reinforced by the panel-shaped reinforcement member (cross member)16. The reinforcement member16is a member configured to connect the pair of left and right front roll bars31.

The curved portions43are formed in upper front portions of the front roll bars31to be curved in an arc shape when seen in a side view. The upper front portions of the pair of left and right front roll bars31are connected by connection of the left and right curved portions43. The front upper cross roll bar32extends in the vehicle width direction to bridge between the left curved portion43and the right curved portion43. Reinforcement gusset48that bridges between the upper end portions42bof the windshield bars42, the curved portions43and the front end portions44aof the roof bars44are coupled to inner circumferential sides of the curved portions43when seen in a side view.

In the pair of left and right front roll bars31, the rear end portions of the pair of left and right roof bars44are connected by the rear upper cross roll bar33. The rear upper cross roll bar33extends in the vehicle width direction to bridge between a rear end portion of the left roof bar44and a rear end portion of the right roof bar44.

The pair of left and right rear roll bars34are continuous integrally with the rear end portions of the pair of left and right roof bars44via the rear curved portions45, respectively. The pair of left and right rear roll bars34extend downward from the lower end portions of the pair of left and right rear curved portions45. Each of the pair of left and right rear roll bars34is vertically split. Upper split bodies of the rear roll bars34are connected by the first rear center cross roll bar35, lower split bodies of the rear roll bars34are connected by the second rear center cross roll bar36, and the first rear center cross roll bar35and the second rear center cross roll bar36are also connected to each other at a center portion in the vehicle width direction.

The pair of left and right rear under roll bars37extend downward from lower end portions34aof the pair of left and right rear roll bars34. In the pair of left and right rear under roll bars37, lower end portions37aare connected to a frame portion such as a vehicle body frame or the like (not shown) at both sides of the upper front portion of the rear body14of the vehicle body11in the vehicle width direction, respectively. The pair of left and right rear under roll bars37are connected by the rear under cross roll bar38.

FIG.6is a perspective view showing peripheries of the reinforcement member16of the roll bar15of the embodiment.FIG.7is a perspective view including a cross section along line VII-VII inFIG.6.

As shown inFIG.4,FIG.6andFIG.7, the roll bar15includes the reinforcement member16that connects the front upper portions of the pair of left and right front roll bars31. Similarly, the reinforcement member16reinforces the front upper cross roll bar32that connects the front upper portions of the pair of left and right front roll bars31.

The reinforcement member16has a V-shaped cross-sectional shape at a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcement member16integrally has a windshield reinforcement member (front panel portion)52and a roof reinforcement member (upper panel portion)54. In the reinforcement member16, the windshield reinforcement member52and the roof reinforcement member54are formed integrally by folding a steel plate extending in the vehicle width direction in a V-shaped cross section. Both end portions of the reinforcement member16in the vehicle width direction (lengthwise direction) are referred to as a left end portion (one end portion)16aand a right end portion (the other end portion)16b, respectively. The reinforcement member16includes a center portion16cprovided between the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bin the vehicle width direction. The center portion16cis an area located at a lateral center CL of the vehicle.

The one end portion16aand the other end portion16baccording to the embodiment include a range of a prescribed width from a tip of the reinforcement member16to an inner side in the vehicle width direction. This range is exemplified as, for example, a range outside an origin A (seeFIG.2) where a change such as bending or the like occurs in a vehicle width direction in both side portions of an upper edge portion74aextending linearly in the vehicle width direction in a frame portion of the windshield17(a windshield frame body74, which will be described below), a range outside an origin B (seeFIG.5) where a change such as bending or the like occurs in the vehicle width direction both side portions of the front upper cross roll bar32extending linearly in the vehicle width direction, or the like.

The windshield reinforcement member52is formed in a panel shape along a virtual plane that connects linear center axes in the pair of left and right windshield bars42(a reference surface that bridges between the pair of left and right windshield bars42).

The roof reinforcement member54is formed in a panel shape along a virtual plane that connects linear center axes in the pair of left and right roof bars44(a reference surface that bridges between the pair of left and right roof bars44).

In the reinforcement member16, the windshield reinforcement member52and the roof reinforcement member54, which are separate members, may be configured by being integrally coupled to each other through welding or the like, or further, the windshield reinforcement member52and the roof reinforcement member54may be separately provided without being coupled to each other.

Both end portions of the windshield reinforcement member52in the vehicle width direction (lengthwise direction) are referred to as a left end portion (one end portion)52aand a right end portion (the other end portion)52b, respectively. Both end portions of the roof reinforcement member54in the vehicle width direction (lengthwise direction) are referred to as a left end portion (one end portion)54aand a right end portion (the other end portion)54b, respectively. The left end portion16aof the reinforcement member16is formed by the left end portions52aand54aof the windshield reinforcement member52and the roof reinforcement member54. The right end portion16bof the reinforcement member16is formed by the right end portions52band54bof the windshield reinforcement member52and the roof reinforcement member54. The center portion16cof the reinforcement member16is formed by center portions52cand54cof the windshield reinforcement member52and the roof reinforcement member54.

Both the end portions52aand52bof the windshield reinforcement member52in the vehicle width direction are disposed to overlap the front roll bars31from the front of the vehicle in a range from the first curved portion43a(the lower portions of the curved portions43) to the upper end portions42bof the windshield bars42.

In both the end portions16aand16bof the reinforcement member16in the vehicle width direction, the arc-shaped portion16dis formed in a range overlapping the front roll bars31in the vehicle width direction along outer circumferential portions of the curved portions43when seen in a side view. The arc-shaped portion16dis formed to chamfer a V-shaped cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement member16. A tip of the arc-shaped portion16don the outer side in the vehicle width direction abuts the outer circumferential portion of the curved portion43when seen in a side view, and they are integrally coupled by welding or the like. In addition, a tip of the windshield reinforcement member52on the outer side in the vehicle width direction abuts an outer surface of the upper end portion42bof the windshield bar42, and they are integrally coupled by welding or the like. In addition, a tip of the roof reinforcement member54on the outer side in the vehicle width direction abuts the outer surface of the front end portion44aof the roof bar44, and they are integrally coupled by welding or the like.

The roof reinforcement member54causes a lower surface to abut an upper end portion of the front upper cross roll bar32. A coupling flange54dextending to be bent downward obliquely and abutting the outer surface of the front upper cross roll bar32is formed on a rear edge portion of the roof reinforcement member54. The rear edge portion of the roof reinforcement member54is integrally coupled to an outer surface of the front upper cross roll bar32via the coupling flange54dby welding or the like. For example, while the windshield reinforcement member52is disposed such that the rear surface is separated forward from the outer surface of the front upper cross roll bar32, it may abut the front upper cross roll bar32and be integrally coupled thereto through welding or the like.

The left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52is provided in a range of a lateral width of the left end portion16aof the reinforcement member16and forms a lower portion of the left end portion16a. The left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52abuts the left front roll bar31from the front of the vehicle (specifically, the left first curved portion43aand the upper end portion42bof the left windshield bar42) and is integrally coupled thereto through welding or the like. A windshield fixing hole (windshield fixing portion)58is provided in the left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52.

The right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52is provided in a range of a lateral width of the right end portion16bof the reinforcement member16and forms a lower portion of the right end portion16b. The right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52abuts the right front roll bar31from the front of the vehicle (specifically, the right first curved portion43aand the upper end portion42bof the right windshield bar42) and is integrally coupled thereto through welding or the like. A windshield fixing hole (windshield fixing portion)58is provided in the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52.

The windshield reinforcement member52includes a center portion52cbetween the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bin the vehicle width direction. The center portion52cis an area located at the lateral center CL of the vehicle. The windshield reinforcement member52is formed in an arc shape such that a lower end52dprotrudes upward when the vehicle is seen in a front view. The windshield reinforcement member52is formed such that an upper end52ehas a horizontally linear shape when the vehicle is seen in a front view. Accordingly, the windshield reinforcement member52is formed such that the center portion52creduces a width in the upward/downward direction smaller than the left end portion52aand the right end portion52b. In other words, the windshield reinforcement member52is formed to increase the width in the upward/downward direction from the center portion52ctoward the left end portion52aand the right end portion52b.

A groove portion56is formed in an up-to-down intermediate portion of the windshield reinforcement member52. The groove portion56has an aspect recessed from the panel main body portion (flat portion) along a reference surface that bridges between the left and right windshield bars42in the windshield reinforcement member52toward the rear of the vehicle. The groove portion56extends to be oriented in the vehicle width direction and is formed continuously from the left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52to the right end portion52b.

The groove portion56has a lower end56afacing an upper side of the vehicle and an upper end56bfacing a lower side of the vehicle with respect to the flat portion. The groove portion56functions as a reinforcement bead of the panel-shaped windshield reinforcement member52. While the groove portion56ends in the middle of the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52, it may extend to the tip of the windshield reinforcement member52and be coupled to the front roll bars31.

At least the lower end56aof the groove portion56is formed in an arc shape that protrudes upward along the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52when the vehicle is seen in a front view. The upper end56bof the groove portion56is formed in an arc shape similar to the lower end56awhen the vehicle is seen in a front view. That is, the groove portion56extends with a constant up-to-down width in the vehicle width direction and extends to be inclined and disposed downward outward in the vehicle width direction. The “inclination” of the groove portion56includes the curve like the embodiment, a stepped shape as long as it is entirely inclined, and an aspect that displaces in a step difference shape, in addition to a linear inclination.

In addition, the groove portion56is disposed at a position overlapping an eaves portion94of the roof18when the vehicle is seen in a front view (seeFIG.9).

While the groove portion56is entirely inclined (curved) from the center portion52cof the windshield reinforcement member52to the left and right end portions52aand52bin the embodiment, there is no limitation to the configuration. For example, a center region including the center portion52cin the groove portion56is formed in a horizontally linear shape, and the groove portion56may be inclined downward in left and right side portions outside the center region. In addition, it is not limited to the configuration in which the groove portion56extends with a constant up-to-down width. For example, the upper end56bof the groove portion56may have a curved shape having a curvature smaller than that of the lower end56aor a linear shape, and the up-to-down width of the groove portion56may be increased outward in the vehicle width direction. In addition, for example, the upper end56bof the groove portion56may have a curved shape having a curvature greater than that of the lower end56a, and the up-to-down width of the groove portion56may be reduced outward in the vehicle width direction.

FIG.8is a plan view showing peripheries of the reinforcement member16of the roll bar15of the embodiment and the removed roof18.

As shown inFIG.6toFIG.8, the roof reinforcement member54extends from the upper end52eof the windshield reinforcement member52toward the rear of the vehicle. The roof reinforcement member54includes a center portion54cbetween the left end portion54aand the right end portion54bin the vehicle width direction. The center portion54cis an area located at the lateral center CL of the vehicle. The center region including the center portion54cof the roof reinforcement member54has a rear edge portion that linearly extends in the vehicle width direction.

The left end portion54aand the right end portion54bof the roof reinforcement member54are inclined such that rear edge portions are located rearward outward in the vehicle width direction. The front edge portion of the roof reinforcement member54(the upper end52eof the windshield reinforcement member52, the bent portion of the reinforcement member52) extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the roof reinforcement member54is formed such that the center region including the center portion54chas a width in the forward/rearward direction smaller than the left end portion54aand the right end portion54b. In other words, the roof reinforcement member54is formed such that the width in the forward/rearward direction is increased from the center portion Mc toward the left end portion Ma and the right end portion54b.

The left end portion Ma of the roof reinforcement member54abuts the left front roll bar31(specifically, the left second curved portion43cand the front end portion44aof the left roof bar44) from an upper side of the vehicle and is integrally coupled thereto through welding or the like. The right end portion54bof the roof reinforcement member54abuts the right front roll bar31(specifically, the right second curved portion43cand the front end portion44aof the right roof bar44) from an upper side of the vehicle and is integrally coupled thereto through welding or the like. A roof fixing hole (roof fixing portion)62is provided in the left end portion54aof the roof reinforcement member54. A roof fixing hole (roof fixing portion)62is provided in the right end portion54bof the roof reinforcement member54.

The left end portion16aof the reinforcement member16is formed by the left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52and the left end portion54aof the roof reinforcement member54. The right end portion16aof the reinforcement member16is formed by the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52and the right end portion54bof the roof reinforcement member54. Accordingly, the left end portion16aof the reinforcement member16is coupled to the upper end portion42bof the left windshield bar42, the left first curved portion43a, the left second curved portion43c, and the front end portion44aof the left roof bar44. In addition, the right end portion16bof the reinforcement member16is coupled to the upper end portion42bof the right windshield bar42, the right first curved portion43a, the right second curved portion43c, and the front end portion44aof the right roof bar44. The upper end portion42bof the windshield bars42, the first curved portion43a, the second curved portion43c, and the front end portion44aof the left roof bar44form a front upper portion reinforced by the reinforcement member16in the roll bar15.

In addition, the reinforcement member16is provided along the front upper cross roll bar32. Accordingly, the reinforcement member16also functions as a reinforcement member that reinforces the front upper cross roll bar32. The front upper cross roll bar32connects the upper portions of the pair of left and right front roll bars31. Accordingly, the upper portions of the pair of left and right front roll bars31are strongly connected by the front upper cross roll bar32and the reinforcement member16.

FIG.9is a perspective view including a cross section along line IX-IX inFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.4andFIG.9, the windshield17is detachably attached to a front portion of the roll bar15(a forward side of the vehicle). When the vehicle is seen in a front view, the windshield17is formed in a rectangular appearance having left and right end portion extending along the pair of left and right windshield bars42, an upper end portion extending along the front upper cross roll bar32, and a lower end portion extending along a rear upper portion of the front body13. The windshield17has an upper end portion extending in the vehicle width direction and attached to the windshield reinforcement member52of the reinforcement member16.

The windshield17includes a windshield glass (front glass)72and the windshield frame body74.

The windshield frame body74is formed in a frame shape along an outer circumferential portion of a rectangular windshield glass72when seen in a front view. The windshield frame body74has a first frame body75and a second frame body76, which overlap each other in the forward/rearward direction.

The first frame body75is formed as a rectangular frame body so as to cover the outer circumference of the windshield glass72from the forward side of the vehicle. An upper portion75aextending in the vehicle width direction of the first frame body75extends above the upper portion extending in the vehicle width direction like in the second frame body76. In the upper portion75aof the first frame body75, attachment holes78are provided in the left and right end portions16aand16bof the reinforcement member16and the areas (the left end portion and the right end portion) overlapping each other in the vehicle width direction.

The second frame body76is formed as a rectangular frame body so as to cover the outer circumference of the windshield glass72from a rearward side of the vehicle (the side of the passenger space12C). The first frame body75and the second frame body76are integrally connected while sandwiching the outer circumference of the windshield glass72in the vehicle forward/rearward direction.

The first frame body75and the second frame body76form inner circumferential shapes, which are identical to each other when the vehicle is seen in a front view. The inner circumferential shape of the first frame body75and the second frame body76corresponds to an opening shape of the windshield frame body74. In the opening-shaped upper edge portion74aof the windshield frame body74, a center region in the vehicle width direction extends linearly in the vehicle width direction, and both side portions in the vehicle width direction extend to be bent downward.

The first frame body75is fixed to the windshield reinforcement member52. The upper portion75aof the first frame body75is fixed to the windshield reinforcement member52while overlapping it from a forward side of the vehicle. Specifically, a bolt82is inserted into the attachment hole78of the left end portion of the first frame body75and the left windshield fixing hole58from a forward side of the vehicle, and the bolt82is screwed and coupled to a nut (not shown) provided on a side of the rear surface of the windshield reinforcement member52. Accordingly, the left end portion of the upper portion75aof the first frame body75is attached to the left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52.

In addition, the bolt82is inserted into the attachment hole78of the right end portion of the first frame body75and the right windshield fixing hole58from a forward side of the vehicle, and the bolt82is screwed and coupled to a nut (not shown) provided on a side of the rear surface of the windshield reinforcement member52. Accordingly, the right end portion of the upper portion75aof the first frame body75is attached to the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52.

The left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52forms the lower portion of the left end portion16aof the reinforcement member16, and the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52forms the lower portion of the right end portion16bof the reinforcement member16. That is, the first frame body75is detachably attached to the lower portions of the left and right end portions16aand16bof the reinforcement member16using the windshield fixing hole58, the bolt82and the nut (not shown).

Further, for example, a lower portion75bextending in the vehicle width direction of the first frame body75is detachably attached to a rear upper portion of the front body13(seeFIG.1) using the bolt and the nut in the left and right end portions, like the upper portion75a. In this state, the windshield17is provided on a forward side of the roll bar15and the passenger space12C in the vehicle.

A seal member77is sandwiched between the upper portion75aof the first frame body75and the windshield reinforcement member52. The seal member77is located below the groove portion56. A flat portion of the windshield reinforcement member52below the groove portion56forms a seal surface to which the seal member77is closely attached. A forward side of the flat portion of the windshield reinforcement member52in the vehicle is covered with the upper portion75aof the first frame body75with a gap about a thickness of the seal member77. Water that enters this gap is less likely to be drained without the groove portion56. In the embodiment, a relatively large gap84(hereinafter, may be referred to as a gap84for drainage) is formed between the groove portion56and the upper portion75aof the first frame body75by forming the groove portion56recessed in the windshield reinforcement member52toward the rear of the vehicle.

The upper portion of the groove portion56is located above the upper portion75aof the first frame body75, for example, in the center region in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, in the gap84for drainage formed by the groove portion56and the upper portion75aof the first frame body75, an upper portion opens on a forward side of the first frame body75in the vehicle. The gap84for drainage is formed from the left end portion52aof the windshield reinforcement member52to the right end portion52b, like the groove portion56. The gap84for drainage is formed in an arc shape protruding upward when the vehicle is seen in a front view, like the groove portion56.

That is, the gap84for drainage is formed to be inclined and located downward as it is widened outward in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the gap84for drainage extends further outward in the vehicle width direction than the outer side end of the first frame body75and the windshield17in the vehicle width direction. The left and right end portions of the gap84for drainage extend to a position that avoids the windshield17when seen in a front view, and is opened on an outer side of the first frame body75in the vehicle width direction on a forward side of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the left end portion of the gap84for drainage may be referred to as a left opening end portion (opening end portion), and the right end portion may be referred to as a right opening end portion (opening end portion).

As shown inFIG.4,FIG.8andFIG.9, the roof18is attached to the upper portion of the roll bar15from an upper side of the vehicle. The upper portion of the roll bar15corresponds to a substantially rectangular upper portion frame body formed by the front upper cross roll bar32, left and the right roof bar44, and the rear upper cross roll bar33in a plan view seen from above the vehicle. The roof18is a member that covers an upper side of the passenger space12C by being placed and fixed on the upper portion of the roll bar15from above, reducing rain and sunlight hitting the occupant.

The roof18integrally has a roof main body92and the eaves portion94.

The roof main body92is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when seen in a plan view to be placed on the upper portion of the roll bar15from above. The roof main body92has attachment holes95provided in a left end portion92band a right end portion92cof a front portion92a, respectively. The front portion92aof the roof main body92is placed with respect to the roof reinforcement member54extending along the front upper cross roll bar32via a seal member93. In this state, the attachment holes95of the left and right end portions92band92cof the front portion92aof the roof main body92are disposed to overlap the roof fixing holes62of the left and right end portions54aand54bof the roof reinforcement member54, respectively.

Bolts96are inserted into the attachment holes95of the left and right end portions92band92cof the front portion92aof the roof main body92and the roof fixing holes62of the left and right end portions54aand54bof the roof reinforcement member54from an upper side of the vehicle, and the bolts96are screwed and coupled to nuts (not shown) provided on the side of the lower surface of the roof reinforcement member54.

The left end portion54aof the roof reinforcement member54forms the upper portion of the left end portion16aof the reinforcement member16, and the right end portion54bof the roof reinforcement member54forms the upper portion of the right end portion16bof the reinforcement member16. That is, the front portion92aof the roof main body92is detachably attached to the upper portions of the left and right end portions16aand16bof the reinforcement member16using the roof fixing holes62, the bolts96and the nuts (not shown).

Further, in the roof main body92, left and right end portions of an intermediate portion92d(seeFIG.1) in the vehicle forward/rearward direction and left and right end portion of a rear portion92e(seeFIG.1) in the vehicle forward/rearward direction are detachably attached using bolts and nuts, for example, like the front portion92a. In this state, the roof main body92and the roof18are provided above the roll bar15and the passenger space12C of the vehicle.

The eaves portion94is provided on a peripheral portion of the roof main body92when seen in a plan view (in the embodiment, a front side portion92fand left and right side portions92hand92i). The eaves portion94has, for example, a first eaves portion94aand a second eaves portion94b. The first eaves portion94ais provided on the front side portion92fof the roof main body92. The first eaves portion94aextends downward from a front tip92gof the front side portion92fto be inclined and located forward as it goes downward. The first eaves portion94ahangs down to, for example, a height overlapping the upper portion75aof the first frame body75in the upward/downward direction, and disposes a lower tip94cin front of the upper portion of the first frame body75.

The first eaves portion94ahangs down to a height overlapping the groove portion56of the reinforcement member16in the upward/downward direction. While an upper part of the first eaves portion94apartially overlaps the upper portion75aof the first frame body75in the upward/downward direction (i.e., overlaps when seen in the forward/rearward direction), it is provided to overlap substantially entirely the groove portion56in the upward/downward direction (overlaps when seen in the forward/rearward direction). The groove portion56can be hidden from view by the first eaves portion94a(the roof18) when the upper portion of the roll bar15is seen from the front of the vehicle as long as the first eaves portion94ais disposed to overlap the entirety of the groove portion56in the upward/downward direction.

As described above, the vehicle10according to the embodiment includes the roll bar15assembled to the upper portion of the vehicle body11and separates off the passenger space12C. The roll bar15includes the pair of left and right front roll bars31, and the reinforcement member16configured to connect the pair of left and right front roll bars31. The front roll bars31include the windshield bars42extending on both sides of the front portion of the roll bar15in the upward/downward direction, respectively. The reinforcement member16has the windshield reinforcement member52along the reference surface that bridges between center axes of the pair of left and right windshield bars42. The groove portion56recessed rearward from the flat portion along the reference surface and extending in the vehicle width direction is formed in the windshield reinforcement member52, and the groove portion56is located lower in the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction than in the center portion in the vehicle width direction.

According to the configuration, the reinforcement member16of the front upper portion of the roll bar15has the windshield reinforcement member52along the reference surface that bridges between the pair of left and right windshield bars42, and forms the groove portion56facing the windshield reinforcement member52in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, when the windshield17is attached to the front portion of the roll bar15, the gap84(the gap84for drainage) extending in the vehicle width direction is formed between the groove portion56of the windshield reinforcement member52and the first frame body75(specifically, the upper portion75a) of the windshield17. For this reason, water that enters between the windshield reinforcement member52and the first frame body75during washing or the like of the vehicle10is guided and drained to the outside of the windshield reinforcement member52in the vehicle width direction through the groove portion56(i.e., the gap84for drainage). In this way, the water that enters between the windshield reinforcement member52of the front upper portion of the roll bar15and the upper portion75aof the first frame body75can be efficiently drained.

In addition, in the vehicle10, the roll bar15includes the front upper cross roll bar32configured to connect the pair of left and right front roll bars31. The reinforcement member16is a reinforcement member that overlaps the front upper cross roll bar32in the upward/downward direction when the vehicle is seen in a front view and reinforces the front upper cross roll bar32.

According to the configuration, the reinforcement member16that connects the pair of left and right front roll bars31, which functions as the reinforcement member of the front upper cross roll bar32of the front upper portion of the roll bar15, effectively reinforces the front upper portion of the roll bar15and easily maintains the passenger space12C. As a result, water that enters between the reinforcement member16of the front upper portion of the roll bar15and the windshield17can be efficiently drained.

In addition, in the vehicle10, the reinforcement member16has the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bconnected to the pair of left and right front roll bars31. The groove portion56is formed continuously to bridge between the lower portion of the left end portion16aand the lower portion of the right end portion16b. In other words, the groove portion56is formed to bridge between the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52to be continuous with the windshield reinforcement member52.

According to the configuration, the groove portion56is formed continuously to bridge between the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52. Accordingly, the water that enters between the windshield reinforcement member52and the upper portion75aof the first frame body75can be guided to the groove portion56(the gap84for drainage), and the water guided to the gap84for drainage can be smoothly guided to the left opening end portion and the right opening end portion outward in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the water that enters between the windshield reinforcement member52and the upper portion75aof the first frame body75can be reliably drained outward in the vehicle width direction through the gap84for drainage.

In addition, in the vehicle10, the groove portion56is inclined to be located downward as it goes outward in the vehicle width direction.

According to the configuration, the water guided to the groove portion56(the gap84for drainage) can be more smoothly guided toward an outer side in the vehicle width direction by inclining the groove portion56to be located downward as it goes outward in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the water that enters between the windshield reinforcement member52and the upper portion75aof the first frame body can be more reliably drained to the outer side in the vehicle width direction through the gap84for drainage.

In addition, in the vehicle10, the reinforcement member16has the center portion16cbetween the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bin the vehicle width direction. In the reinforcement member16, the width of the windshield reinforcement member52in the upward/downward direction is greater in the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bthan in the center portion16cbetween the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bin the vehicle width direction.

In other words, the windshield reinforcement member52of the reinforcement member16has the center portion52cbetween the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bin the vehicle width direction. In the windshield reinforcement member52, the width in the upward/downward direction is greater in the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bthan in the center portion52c.

According to the configuration, the width in the upward/downward direction is greater in the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bthan in the center portion52cof the windshield reinforcement member52. In the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52, in order to connect the pair of left and right windshield bars42or fix the windshield17, it is desirable to increase the width in the upward/downward direction. For this reason, by increasing the up-to-down width of the left and right end portions52aand52bof the windshield reinforcement member52, the left and right end portions52aand52bof the windshield reinforcement member52can be strongly connected to the pair of left and right windshield bars42and the windshield17can be easily fixed. In addition, in comparison with the case in which the up-to-down width of the entire windshield reinforcement member52is increased, reduction in weight of the windshield reinforcement member52and the reinforcement member16can be achieved. Further, a field of view when a front upper side is seen from the passenger space12C can be widened. In addition, the outer end portion of the groove portion56can be positioned lower.

In addition, in the vehicle10, each of the lower end52dof the reinforcement member16(the windshield reinforcement member52) and the lower end56aof the groove portion56is formed in an arc shape protruding upward when the vehicle is seen in a front view.

According to the configuration, by forming the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52in an arc shape, in comparison with the case in which the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52is formed in a linear shape, the up-to-down width of the windshield reinforcement member52on the outer side in the vehicle width direction can be easily increased. That is, the up-to-down width of the windshield reinforcement member52can be increased from the center portion52cof the windshield reinforcement member52toward the left and right end portions52aand52b. In addition, by forming the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52in a smooth arc shape, in comparison with the case in which the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52is formed in a bent shape, a step difference shape, or the like, it is possible to suppress stress concentration in the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52and increase strength of the windshield reinforcement member52and the reinforcement member16.

In addition, by forming the lower end56aof the groove portion56in an arc shape along the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52, the lower end56aof the groove portion56can be efficiently formed according to the shape of the lower end52dof the windshield reinforcement member52. Further, water that enters between the reinforcement member16and the upper portion75aof the first frame body75can be smoothly guided to an outer side in the vehicle width direction along the lower end56aof the groove portion56.

In addition, in the vehicle10, the windshield fixing holes58configured to attach the first frame body75of the windshield17is provided on the windshield reinforcement member52in the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bof the reinforcement member16. That is, the windshield fixing holes58are provided in the left end portion52aand the right end portion52bof the windshield reinforcement member52.

According to the configuration, in the left and right end portions16aand16bof the reinforcement member16, since the windshield fixing holes58are provided in the left and right end portions52aand52bwith the increased up-to-down width in the windshield reinforcement member52, a degree of attachment freedom of the windshield17can be increased using the windshield reinforcement member52with the increased up-to-down width.

In addition, in the vehicle10, the reinforcement member16includes the roof reinforcement member54extending rearward from the upper end52eof the windshield reinforcement member52. In the reinforcement member16, the width of the roof reinforcement member54in the forward/rearward direction is greater in the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bthan in the center portion16cbetween the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bin the vehicle width direction. The roof fixing holes62configured to attach the roof18is provided on the roof reinforcement member54in the left end portion16aand the right end portion16bof the reinforcement member16.

In other words, the roof reinforcement member54of the reinforcement member16has the center portion54cbetween the left end portion54aand the right end portion54bin the vehicle width direction. The width of the roof reinforcement member54in the forward/rearward direction is greater in the left end portion54aand the right end portion54bthan in the center portion54c. The roof fixing holes62to which the roof18is attached are provided in the left end portion54aand the right end portion54bof the roof reinforcement member54.

According to the configuration, since the width in the forward/rearward direction is greater in the left and right end portions54aand54bthan in the center portion54cof the roof reinforcement member54and the roof fixing holes62are provided in the left and right end portions54aand54b, a degree of attachment freedom of the roof18can be increased using the roof reinforcement member54with the increased front-to-rear width.

In addition, in the vehicle10, the groove portion56is disposed to overlap the first eaves portion94aof the roof18when the vehicle is seen in a front view.

According to the configuration, since the groove portion56is disposed to overlap the first eaves portion94aof the roof18when the vehicle is seen in a front view, the groove portion56is hidden by the first eaves portion94aof the roof18to make it difficult to see the groove portion56from the outside of the vehicle10, thereby enhancing appearance characteristics of the vehicle10.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and for example, it may be applied to various types of vehicles such as two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles as well as the above-mentioned four-wheeled vehicles.

The form of securing the gap for drainage between the cross member and the windshield is not limited to the groove portion. For example, any configuration that displaces the flat portion along the reference surface that bridges between the left and right windshield bars in the front panel portion to the rear of the vehicle to form a gap between the flat portion and the windshield, and that forms an upward surface that receives water like the lower end56aof the groove portion56may be provided.

In addition, while the example in which the windshield17and the roof18are attached (fixed) to the reinforcement member16by the bolts and nuts has been described in the embodiment, there is no limitation thereto. As another example, the windshield17and the roof18may be fixed to the reinforcement member16using another fixing means such as a rivet, welding, or the like.

Then, the configuration according to the above-mentioned embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with known components.