Spare tire attaching device

Abstract

To facilitate the task of attaching / detaching a spare tire.SOLUTION: A first component 22 of a carrier 21 is supported by a first shaft 25 at a support end part 23 so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction with respect to a base portion 50. A second structure 31 of the carrier 21 has a placing portion 36 and a turning end part 32 and is turnably supported on the first structure 22 by a second shaft 42, and a hook 15 is releasably locked. In a state where the hook 15 locked to the second structure 31 of the carrier 21 located at a storage position is lowered or in a state where the hook 15 is detached, the base portion 50 restricts rotation of the second structure 31 about the second shaft 42 until the rotation of the first structure 22 is restricted. With this restriction, the base portion 50 allows the second structure 31 to rotate about the first shaft 25 integrally with the first structure 22. In a state where the rotation of the first structure 22 is restricted, the base portion 50 releases the restriction of the rotation of the second structure 31 about the second shaft 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spare tire mounting device for mounting a spare tire under the floor of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] As a spare tire mounting device, a device for mounting a spare tire under the floor of a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 6, this spare tire mounting device 80 includes a carrier 81 having a mounting portion 82 on which a spare tire 75 is placed in a lying posture. Further, the carrier 81 has a support end portion 83 and a rotation end portion 84 around the mounting portion 82 in the circumferential direction of the spare tire 75. The carrier 81 is rotatably supported on a vehicle body or the like at the support end portion 83 by a shaft 85 extending along the floor 72 of the vehicle 71.

[0003] As shown by the solid line in FIG. 6, when the carrier 81 is located at the storage position for storing the spare tire 75, a hook (not shown) that is vertically movable under the floor 73 is locked to the rotation end portion 84 of the carrier 81. The carrier 81 is in a state of being suspended at the support end portion 83 (shaft 85) and the rotation end portion 84. The rotation of the carrier 81 about the shaft 85 is restricted, and the carrier 81 is held at the storage position.

[0004] When the spare tire 75 is taken out from under the floor 73, the hook locked to the carrier 81 at the rotation end portion 84 is lowered, so that the carrier 81 is rotated downward about the shaft 85. Alternatively, the carrier 81 from which the hook has been removed is rotated downward about the shaft 85 manually or the like. In FIG. 6, as shown by the two-dot chain line, the carrier 81 is inclined so as to become lower as it moves away from the support end portion 83 with the spare tire 75, and approaches the road surface 76. The distance between the floor 72 and the rotation end portion 84 increases, and the mounting portion 82 and the spare tire 75 are inclined more greatly than when the carrier 81 is located at the storage position, so that the spare tire 75 can be easily attached and detached from the spare tire mounting device 80.

[0005] In addition, when the spare tire 75 is attached to the underfloor 73, the spare tire attachment device 80 operates in the reverse manner to the above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, various devices, members, parts, etc. that make up an underfloor structure are arranged on the underfloor 73. Examples of the underfloor structure include a motor 86, a cross member 87, etc. as shown in FIG. 6. When the above underfloor structure is arranged in the rotation region of the carrier 81, it interferes with the carrier 81. The rotation region of the carrier 81 is narrowed by the underfloor structure. Since the rotation end portion 84 is located at a high position and the degree of inclination of the mounting portion 82 and the spare tire 75 becomes small, it becomes difficult to attach and detach the spare tire 75. Even when an underfloor structure is arranged in the rotation region of the carrier 81, a spare tire attachment device that facilitates the attachment and detachment of the spare tire 75 is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Each aspect of the spare tire attachment device for solving the above problems will be described. [Aspect 1] A spare tire mounting device installed under the floor of a vehicle and for attaching a spare tire under the floor, the device having a mounting portion on which the spare tire is placed in a lying posture, and a carrier having a support end portion and a pivot end portion around the mounting portion in the circumferential direction of the spare tire, the carrier being pivotally supported along an axis extending along the floor of the vehicle at least at the support end portion, and in a storage position for storing the spare tire, the carrier being held in the storage position by a hook, which is arranged to be movable up and down under the floor, being locked to the carrier, the carrier comprising a first component having the support end portion, and a second component having the mounting portion and the pivot end portion, and to which the hook is releasably locked, and a base portion for controlling the movement of each of the first component and the second component is provided, the axis comprising a first axis for pivotally supporting the first component relative to the base portion in the vertical direction at the support end portion, and a second axis for pivotally supporting the second component relative to the first component in the vertical direction between the support end portion and the pivot end portion, the base portion restricting the pivoting of each of the first component and the second component in cooperation with the hook when the carrier is in the storage position, and the base portion allowing the second component to pivot integrally with the first component about the first axis by restricting the pivoting of the second component about the second axis until the pivoting of the first component is restricted in a state where the hook locked to the second component of the carrier in the storage position is lowered or the hook is removed from the second component, and releasing the restriction on the pivoting of the second component about the second axis in a state where the pivoting of the first component is restricted.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the carrier is in the storage position, the base portion restricts the pivoting of each of the first component and the second component in cooperation with the hook. By the above restriction, the carrier is held in the storage position. The spare tire placed in a lying posture on the mounting portion of the second component is sandwiched between the floor and the second component. The spare tire is in a state of being stored under the floor and is held in that state.

[0010] When the spare tire is taken out from under the bed, the hook locked to the second structure is lowered. Or, the hook is removed from the second structure. The base portion restricts the rotation of the second structure about the second axis until the rotation of the first structure is restricted. By the above restriction, the base portion allows the second structure to rotate integrally with the first structure about the first axis. Due to the above rotation of the first structure and the second structure, the carrier is in an inclined state where the rotation end side is lower than when the carrier is in the storage position. The spare tire is in a similar state.

[0011] In a state where the rotation of the first structure is restricted, the base portion releases the restriction on the rotation of the second structure about the second axis. By this release, the portion of the second structure on the rotation end side of the second axis can rotate downward with the spare tire. Even after the rotation of the first structure about the first axis is restricted, the rotation of the second structure about the second axis widens the distance between the floor and the rotation end. Also, the degree of inclination of the mounting portion of the second structure and the spare tire increases. Therefore, it becomes easier to attach and detach the spare tire to and from the spare tire mounting device.

[0012] Further, when an underfloor structure composed of devices, members, parts, etc. under the vehicle is arranged in the rotation region of the first structure about the first axis, the rotation restriction of the first structure is set to be performed at a position where it does not interfere with the underfloor structure, so that the above actions and effects can be obtained.

[0013] When the spare tire is attached under the bed, the spare tire mounting device is operated in the opposite direction to the above. Aspect 2: The second component includes an engaging and disengaging portion on the side opposite to the rotating end portion with respect to the second axis. On the base portion, when the supporting end portion comes into contact, a stopper surface that restricts the downward rotation of the first component and an engaged surface with which the engaging and disengaging portion is detachably engaged are formed. When the carrier is in the storage position, the base portion restricts the rotation of the second component by engaging the engaging and disengaging portion of the second component with the hook locked to a specific portion of the engaged surface. Until the rotation of the first component is restricted by the stopper surface, the base portion allows the position where the engaging and disengaging portion is engaged on the engaged surface to change as the first component rotates, thereby allowing the second component to rotate integrally with the first component about the first axis. In a state where the rotation of the first component is restricted by the stopper surface, the base portion allows the engaging and disengaging portion to disengage from the engaged surface, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the second component about the second axis. The spare tire mounting device according to [Aspect 1].

[0014] According to the above configuration, when the carrier is in the storage position, the engaging and disengaging portion of the second component with the hook locked is engaged with a specific portion of the engaged surface. By this engagement, the rotation of the second component is restricted. Accordingly, the rotation of the first component supported by the second axis with respect to the second component about the first axis is also restricted. In this way, the base portion restricts the rotation of each of the first component and the second component in cooperation with the hook.

[0015] Until the stopper surface restricts the rotation of the first component by contact with the supporting end portion, the base portion allows the position where the engaging and disengaging portion is engaged on the engaged surface to change as the first component rotates. By the change in the engagement position of the engaging and disengaging portion with respect to the engaged surface, the second component rotates integrally with the first component about the first axis.

[0016] When the base portion allows the engagement / detachment portion to disengage from the engaged surface in a state where the stopper surface restricts the rotation of the first component by contact with the support end portion, the rotation restriction of the second component by the engaged surface is released when the engagement / detachment portion disengages from the engaged surface, enabling the second component to rotate about the second axis. That is, a portion of the second component on the rotation end side of the second axis can rotate downward.

[0017] [Aspect 3] The base portion includes a first wall portion extending in the vertical direction. The support end portion includes a first horizontal rib portion extending along the second axis and a first vertical rib portion extending in a direction intersecting the first horizontal rib portion. The first axis is constituted by at least a part of the first horizontal rib portion. The first axis is disposed at a location adjacent to the wall surface of the first wall portion on the rotation end side and is rotatably supported by the base portion. The stopper surface is the wall surface of the first wall portion on the rotation end side and is formed below the first axis. When the carrier is in the storage position, the first vertical rib portion is spaced apart from the stopper surface toward the rotation end side. The base portion allows the first component to rotate downward about the first axis until the first vertical rib portion contacts the stopper surface. When the first vertical rib portion contacts the stopper surface, the base portion restricts the downward rotation of the first component about the first axis. The spare tire mounting device according to [Aspect 2].

[0018] According to the above configuration, the first vertical rib portion at the support end portion is spaced apart from the stopper surface toward the rotation end side when the carrier is in the storage position. The downward rotation of the first component about the first axis at the support end portion is allowed until the first vertical rib portion contacts the stopper surface.

[0019] Then, when the first component rotates downward about the first axis and the first vertical rib portion contacts the stopper surface, the downward rotation of the first component is restricted from rotating further downward. [Aspect 4] The base portion includes a second wall portion at a location spaced apart from the first wall portion toward the rotation end portion side, the engaging and disengaging portion is provided at an end portion of the second component on the side opposite to the rotation end portion with the second axis interposed therebetween, the engaged surface is formed on the wall surface of the second wall portion on the first wall portion side, and in a state where the rotation of the first component is restricted by the stopper surface, the base portion allows the engaging and disengaging portion to disengage downward from the engaged surface, the spare tire mounting device according to [Aspect 3].

[0020] According to the above configuration, when the carrier is in the storage position, the engaging and disengaging portion in the second component with the hook locked is engaged with a specific location of the engaged surface formed on the wall surface of the second wall portion on the first wall portion side. By this engagement, the rotation of the second component is restricted.

[0021] Until the stopper surface restricts the rotation of the first component due to contact with the support end portion, the position on the engaged surface where the engaging and disengaging portion is engaged changes downward as the first component rotates. Due to the downward change in the engagement position, the second component rotates downward integrally with the first component about the first axis.

[0022] In a state where the stopper surface restricts the downward rotation of the first component due to contact with the support end portion, the engaging and disengaging portion is allowed to disengage downward from the engaged surface. When the engaging and disengaging portion disengages downward from the engaged surface, the restriction on the rotation of the second component about the second axis is released. A portion of the second component on the rotation end portion side of the second axis is allowed to rotate downward. This rotation is achieved by the engaging and disengaging portion moving downward via the second wall portion and then moving to the rotation end portion side of the second wall portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the attachment and detachment work of the spare tire.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the spare tire mounting device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Regarding the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle 10 will be described as the front, and the reverse direction will be described as the rear. Also, the vertical direction means the vertical direction of the vehicle 10, and the left-right direction is the vehicle width direction and coincides with the left-right direction when the vehicle 10 is moving forward.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, a spare tire 13 is mounted on the underfloor 12 which is one aspect of the outside of the vehicle body. Here, the underfloor 12 is a space adjacent to the lower side of the floor panel constituting the floor 11 of the vehicle 10, or in other words, a space between the floor 11 and the road surface 9 below it.

[0027] <Spare tire 13> The spare tire 13 is a tire for emergently replacing a punctured tire when the tire mounted on the vehicle 10 for normal driving has a puncture or the like. The spare tire 13 may be the same type of tire as the tire mounted for normal driving, or may be a temporary tire, a space saver tire, or the like.

[0028] The spare tire mounting device 20 is a device used when mounting the spare tire 13 under the floor 12. The spare tire mounting device 20 is installed above the underfloor structure composed of devices, members, parts, etc. installed at the rear part of the underfloor 12 of the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, as the corresponding underfloor structure, the motor 16 and the cross member 17 are arranged at the rear part of the underfloor 12. The cross member 17 extends in the left - right direction at a position farther rearward from the motor 16. The upper surface of the cross member 17 is located at a position lower than the top of the motor 16.

[0029] <Spare tire mounting device 20> The spare tire mounting device 20 includes a carrier 21 and a base portion 50. The spare tire mounting device 20 holds the carrier 21 in the storage position by cooperating with the lock member 14 installed on the underfloor 12. The storage position is a position where the spare tire 13 arranged on the underfloor 12 in a lying posture is held on the underfloor 12 while being supported at least from below and its movement is restricted, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0030] <Lock member 14> The lock member 14 is arranged at a position farther rearward from the cross member 17. The upper end portion (not shown) of the lock member 14 is attached to the floor 11. The lock member 14 includes a hook 15 whose side view is J - shaped. The lock member 14 has a mechanism for raising and lowering the hook 15. In other words, the hook 15 is configured to be movable up and down in the lock member 14.

[0031] <Schematic configuration of the carrier 21> The carrier 21 has a mounting portion 36 on which the spare tire 13 is placed in a lying posture. Further, the carrier 21 has a support end portion 23 and a rotation end portion 32 around the mounting portion 36 in the circumferential direction of the spare tire 13. The support end portion 23 and the rotation end portion 32 may be arranged at positions sandwiching the mounting portion 36 from both sides in the radial direction of the spare tire 13. In the present embodiment, the support end portion 23 is arranged on the front side of the mounting portion 36, and the rotation end portion 32 is arranged on the rear side of the mounting portion 36. When the direction in which the support end portion 23 and the rotation end portion 32 are arranged is defined as the "arrangement direction", in the present embodiment, the arrangement direction coincides with the front-rear direction.

[0032] The carrier 21 is supported by the vehicle body at least at the support end portion 23 by a shaft extending along the floor 11 and in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction. In the present embodiment, the shaft extends in the left-right direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction (front-rear direction). When the direction intersecting the arrangement direction along the floor 11 is defined as the "intersecting direction", in the present embodiment, the intersecting direction coincides with the left-right direction.

[0033] The carrier 21 is rotatable in the vertical direction about the shaft in a predetermined rotation region including the storage position. The shaft includes a first shaft 25 and a pair of second shafts 42, which will be described later. When the carrier 21 rotates to the upper end of the rotation region, it is in the storage position. In the storage position, the hook 15 of the lock member 14 is locked to the carrier 21, so that the carrier 21 is held in the storage position.

[0034] <Base portion 50> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the base portion 50 is for controlling the operation of the carrier 21. The base portion 50 is arranged above the motor 16 and fixed to the vehicle body. The base portion 50 includes a base portion 5, a first wall portion 52, a second wall portion 54, and a first bearing portion 56.

[0035] [Base portion 51] The base portion 51 is composed of a plate-like body. In the present embodiment, the base portion 51 extends in the left-right direction in an inclined state such that it is higher on the rear side, which is the side closer to the pivoting end portion 32.

[0036] [First wall portion 52] The first wall portion 52 is formed at the front end portion, which is the end portion farther from the pivoting end portion 32 in the front-rear direction, of the base portion 51. The first wall portion 52 is formed to be longer in the left-right direction than the base portion 51. Both side portions of the first wall portion 52 in the left-right direction protrude outward from the base portion 51 in the same direction. Here, the outer side in the left-right direction means the side where one side portion moves away from the other side portion in the same direction.

[0037] The first wall portion 52 extends in the vertical direction and the left-right direction. The rear wall surface, which is the wall surface on the pivoting end portion 32 side of the first wall portion 52, has a stopper surface 53. The stopper surface 53 is formed at a location spaced downward from the base portion 51 on the above-mentioned wall surface. In the present embodiment, the stopper surface 53 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that it moves away from the pivoting end portion 32 in the front-rear direction, that is, it is located more forward, toward the lower side. This stopper surface 53 is located on the movement path of the support end portion 23 and has a function of being contacted by the support end portion 23 in a separable manner. The stopper surface 53 has a function of restricting the downward rotation of the first component body 22, which is the portion having the support end portion 23 in the carrier 21, by contact with the support end portion 23.

[0038] [Second wall portion 54] The second wall portion 54 is provided at a location on the base portion 51 that is spaced apart from the first wall portion 52 toward the rotation end portion 32 side. More specifically, the second wall portion 54 is provided at the rear end portion, which is the end portion on the rotation end portion 32 side in the front-rear direction, of the base portion 51. The second wall portion 54 has the same length as the base portion 51 in the left-right direction. Unlike the first wall portion 52, the second wall portion 54 does not protrude outward in the left-right direction from the base portion 51. The second wall portion 54 extends in the left-right direction in a state of protruding obliquely rearward and downward from the base portion 51. The second wall portion 54 has an engaged surface 55 on the front wall surface, which is the wall surface on the first wall portion 52 side. The engaged surface 55 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that it approaches the rotation end portion 32 in the front-rear direction, that is, is located more rearward, toward the lower side. This engaged surface 55 has a function of detachably engaging with a locking and disengaging portion 44 described later.

[0039] [First bearing portion 56] The first bearing portion 56 extends in the left-right direction and has a circular tubular shape with both ends open. The first bearing portion 56 is disposed at a location adjacent to the rear wall surface, which is the second wall portion 54 side of the first wall portion 52, in the front-rear direction. The first bearing portion 56 is disposed between the base portion 51 and the stopper surface 53 in the vertical direction. The first bearing portion 56 is fixed to either one or both of the base portion 51 and the first wall portion 52.

[0040] <Detailed configuration of the carrier 21> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier 21 includes a first structure 22 supported by the base portion 50 and a second structure 31 connected to the first structure 22.

[0041] [First structure 22] The first structure 22 includes a support end portion 23, a pair of arm portions 27, and a pair of second bearing portions 28, and is disposed above the motor 16 and the cross member 17. The movement of the first structure 22 is controlled by the base portion 50.

[0042] The support end portion 23 is located at the front end portion of the first structure 22. The support end portion 23 is disposed below the base portion 51 in the base portion 50 and behind the first wall portion 52. The support end portion 23 includes a first horizontal rib portion 24 extending in the left - right direction and a pair of first vertical rib portions 26 connected to the first horizontal rib portion 24. The first horizontal rib portion 24 is disposed at a location adjacent to the rear wall surface of the first wall portion 52.

[0043] Each first vertical rib portion 26 extends from each of both ends of the first horizontal rib portion 24 in the left - right direction in a direction intersecting with the first horizontal rib portion 24, in this embodiment, in a direction perpendicular to it. The both arm portions 27 are spaced apart from each other in parallel in the left - right direction. Each arm portion 27 extends from the end portion of each first vertical rib portion 26 on the side where the first horizontal rib portion 24 is not connected, in a direction intersecting with the first vertical rib portion 26. In this embodiment, each arm portion 27 extends rearward among the directions perpendicular to the first vertical rib portion 26.

[0044] The support end portion 23 and the both arm portions 27 in the first structure 22 are formed by bending a round bar made of metal, a hollow pipe - shaped member made of metal, etc. Each second bearing portion 28 has a circular - tubular shape extending in the left - right direction. Each second bearing portion 28 is fixed to the rear end portion which is the end portion of the corresponding arm portion 27 on the side where the first vertical rib portion 26 is not connected.

[0045] In the first structure 22 having the above - described configuration, at least a part of the first horizontal rib portion 24 constitutes the first shaft 25. The first shaft 25 constitutes a part of the shaft described above and is inserted into the first bearing portion 56 of the base portion 50. The first structure 22 is supported by the first bearing portion 56 with respect to the first shaft 25 so as to be rotatable in the up - down direction. In this way, the first shaft 25 is disposed at a location adjacent to the rear wall surface of the first wall portion 52 and is rotatably supported by the base portion 50.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each first vertical rib portion 26 is spaced rearward from the stopper surface 53 toward the second wall portion 54 when the carrier 21 is in the storage position. The downward rotation of the first structure 22 about the first axis 25 is allowed until the first vertical rib portion 26 contacts the stopper surface 53. The downward rotation of the first structure 22 about the first axis 25 is restricted by the contact of the first vertical rib portion 26 of the support end portion 23 with the stopper surface 53, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0047] In this embodiment, the rotation restriction of the first structure 22 is set to be performed at a position where it does not interfere with the motor 16 and the cross member 17. [Second Structure 31] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second structure 31 includes a rotation end portion 32, a placement portion 36, a pair of column rib portions 43, and a locking and unlocking portion 44, and its movement is controlled by the base portion 50.

[0048] The rotation end portion 32 includes a second horizontal rib portion 33 and a pair of second vertical rib portions 34. The second horizontal rib portion 33 extends in the left - right direction, which is the direction along the first axis 25. At an intermediate portion of the second horizontal rib portion 33 in the left - right direction, for example, at the central portion, a locked portion 35 for releasably locking the hook 15 is formed. The locked portion 35 is formed by bending a part (central portion) of the second horizontal rib portion 33 to protrude rearward more than other portions. The locked portion 35 may be constituted by a separate member from the rotation end portion 32 and the placement rib portion 37. In this case, the locked portion 35 may be fixed to either the rotation end portion 32 or the placement rib portion 37 by joining or the like.

[0049] Each second vertical rib portion 34 extends from each of both ends of the second horizontal rib portion 33 in the left - right direction in a direction intersecting the second horizontal rib portion 33, which is a perpendicular direction in this embodiment. The placement portion 36 is a location in the second structure 31 where the spare tire 13 is placed in a lying posture. The placement portion 36 includes a pair of placement rib portions 37 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and a pair of second shafts 42 fixed to each placement rib portion 37. The pair of second shafts 42, together with the first shaft 25, constitute the above-described shafts. The interval between both placement rib portions 37 in the left-right direction is set to be narrower than the interval between both arm portions 27 in the same direction. Both placement rib portions 37 are arranged between both arm portions 27 in the same direction.

[0050] Each placement rib portion 37 includes a main placement rib portion 38, a sub-placement rib portion 39, and a connecting rib portion 41 provided between them. The main placement rib portion 38 for each placement rib portion 37 is located on the rear side of the corresponding arm portion 27 in the front-rear direction. When the carrier 21 is in the storage position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main placement rib portion 38 for each placement rib portion 37 is located at approximately the same height as the corresponding arm portion 27 in the up-down direction. The main placement rib portion 38 for each placement rib portion 37 extends from the end of the corresponding second vertical rib portion 34 where the second horizontal rib portion 33 is not connected, in a direction intersecting the second vertical rib portion 34. In the present embodiment, each main placement rib portion 38 extends forward in the direction orthogonal to the second vertical rib portion 34 from the lower end portion of the second vertical rib portion 34.

[0051] The sub-placement rib portion 39 for each placement rib portion 37 is located on the front side, which is on the opposite side of the second vertical rib portion 34 with the main placement rib portion 38 interposed therebetween, in the front-rear direction. When the carrier 21 is in the storage position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each sub-placement rib portion 39 is located at a position slightly higher than the main placement rib portion 38 in the up-down direction.

[0052] The connecting rib portion 41 for each placement rib portion 37 connects the front end portion of the main placement rib portion 38 and the rear end portion of the sub-placement rib portion 39. Each second shaft 42 is cylindrical, extends in the left - right direction between the support end portion 23 and the rotation end portion 32, and is below the first shaft 25 and the base portion 50. The central axis of one second shaft 42 and the central axis of the other second shaft 42 are located on the same line. Each second shaft 42 is fixed to the mounting rib portion 37 at the connecting rib portion 41. A part of each second shaft 42 protrudes outward in the left - right direction from the connecting rib portion 41, that is, toward the adjacent arm portion 27 side.

[0053] The second structure 31 is provided with a pair of column ribs 43 at the front end, which is the end on the side opposite to the rotation end 32 with the connecting rib 41 interposed therebetween. Each column rib 43 extends upward, in a direction intersecting the sub - mounting rib 39, from the front end, which is the end on the side where the connecting rib 41 is not connected, at the sub - mounting rib 39. In this embodiment, each column rib 43 is bent at an intermediate portion in the length direction.

[0054] The engaging and disengaging portion 44 is located at the front end of the second structure 3, which is the end on the side opposite to the rotation end 32 with the mounting rib 37 and the second shaft 42 interposed therebetween. The engaging and disengaging portion 44 extends in the left - right direction above the upper end of each column rib 43, which is the end on the side where the sub - mounting rib 39 is not connected. The extending direction of the engaging and disengaging portion 44 is the same as the extending direction of the first shaft 25 and the second shaft 42. The engaging and disengaging portion 44 is fixed to the upper end of each column rib 43.

[0055] Most of the second structure 31 configured as described above, more specifically, the rotation end 32, both mounting ribs 37, both column ribs 43, etc. are formed by bending a metal round bar, a metal hollow pipe - shaped member, etc.

[0056] In the second structure 31 having the above configuration, each second shaft 42 is inserted into the corresponding second bearing portion 28 of the first structure 22. The second structure 31 is supported by both second shaft 42 so as to be rotatable in the up - down direction with respect to both second bearing portions 28 of the first structure 22. In other words, the second structure 31 is connected to the first structure 22 by the second shaft 42.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the rotation of the second component 31 about the second axis 42 is set to be performed at a position where it does not interfere with the motor 16 and the cross member 17. <Operation of the present embodiment> [Storage state of the spare tire 13] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the carrier 21 is located at the storage position, the first longitudinal rib portion 26 at the support end portion 23 is separated rearward from the stopper surface 53.

[0058] At this time, the base portion 50 cooperates with the hook 15 to restrict the rotation of each of the first component 22 and the second component 31. That is, at the storage position, the engaging and disengaging portion 44 of the second component 31 with the hook 15 engaged is engaged with a specific portion of the engaged surface 55. By this engagement, the rotation of the second component 31 is restricted. Along with this, the first component 22 connected to the second component 31 by the second axis 42 is restricted from rotating about the first axis 25. In this way, the base portion 50 cooperates with the hook 15 to restrict the rotation of each of the first component 22 and the second component 31. By these restrictions, the carrier 21 is held at the storage position. The spare tire 13 placed in a lying posture on the placement portion 36 of the second component 31 is sandwiched between the floor 11 and the second component 31. The spare tire 13 is in a state of being stored under the floor 12 and is held in that state. At this time, the rotating end portion 32 of the second component 31 is located at a position far above the road surface 9. The placement portion 36 and the spare tire 13 are held in a gently inclined state so as to be lower toward the rear side.

[0059] [When the spare tire 13 is taken out] When the spare tire 13 is taken out from the vehicle 10, the hook 15 locked to the second component 31 is lowered. Or, the hook 15 is removed from the second component 31.

[0060] Until the first longitudinal rib portion 26 contacts the stopper surface 53, the downward rotation of the first component 22 about the first axis 25 is allowed. The base portion 50 restricts the rotation of the second component 31 about the second axis 42 until the rotation of the first component 22 is restricted. That is, until the stopper surface 53 restricts the rotation of the first component 22 due to contact with the support end portion 23, the base portion 50 allows the position where the engaging and disengaging portion 44 is engaged on the engaged surface 55 to change downward as the first component 22 rotates.

[0061] When the engagement position changes, the rotation of the second component 31 about the second axis 42 is restricted. When the second component 31 rotates integrally with the first component 22 about the first axis 25, the carrier 21 is in an inclined state such that it becomes lower toward the rotation end portion 32 side with the spare tire 13. The rotation end portion 32 descends and approaches the road surface 9 compared to when the carrier 21 is in the storage position.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, when the first component 22 rotates downward about the first axis 25 and the first longitudinal rib portion 26 contacts the stopper surface 53, the further downward rotation of the first component 22 is restricted. By this restriction, the contact (interference) between the first component 22 and the motor 16 is restricted.

[0063] The base portion 50 allows the engaging and disengaging portion 44 to disengage from the engaged surface 55 in a state where the stopper surface 53 restricts the rotation of the first component 22 due to contact with the support end portion 23. When the engaging and disengaging portion 44 disengages from the engaged surface 55, the restriction on the rotation of the second component 31 about the second axis 42 by the engaged surface 55 is released. By this release, the rotation of the second component 31 about the second axis 42 becomes possible. As shown in FIG. 5, the rear portion of the second component 31 on the rotation end portion 32 side with respect to the second axis 42 can rotate downward with the spare tire 13 placed on the placement portion 36. This rotation is achieved by the engaging and disengaging portion 44 moving downward via the lower side of the second wall portion 54 and then moving to the rear side on the rotation end portion 32 side with respect to the second wall portion 54.

[0064] Even after the rotation of the first structure 22 about the first axis 25 is restricted, the second structure 31 rotates about the second axis 42, causing the rotating end 32 to approach the road surface 9 even more, and increasing the distance between the floor 11 and the rotating end 32. Also, the degree of inclination of the mounting portion 36 and the spare tire 13 increases. The mounting portion 36 and the spare tire 13 are inclined even more so that they are lower towards the rear side. Note that, in the second structure 31, the rear portion on the rotating end 32 side with respect to the second axis 42 does not contact either the motor 16 or the cross member 17 even when it rotates downward as described above. It is unlikely that the rotation of the second structure 31 will be restricted due to interference with underfloor structures such as the motor 16 and the cross member 17.

[0065] [When the spare tire 13 is attached] When a newly mounted spare tire 13 is attached to the mounting portion 36 of the second structure 31 under the floor 12, the spare tire mounting device 20 operates in the reverse manner to the above.

[0066] That is, with the rotation of the first structure 22 restricted by the base portion 50, the second structure 31 is rotated about the second axis 42. At this time, the rear portion of the second structure 31 on the rotating end 32 side with respect to the second axis 42 is rotated upward about the second axis 42. This rotation may be achieved by raising the hook 15 locked to the locked portion 35 of the second structure 31, or by applying an upward external force manually or otherwise to the second structure 31 to which the hook 15 is not locked. In the latter case, the hook 15 is locked to the locked portion 35 during the rotation of the second structure 31.

[0067] During the rotation of the second structure 31, the engaging and disengaging portion 44 engages with the engaged surface 55. Due to this engagement, the rotation of the second structure 31 about the second axis 42 with respect to the first structure 22 is restricted. The second structure 31 rotates upward integrally with the first structure 22 about the first axis 25. Along with this rotation, the first vertical rib portion 26 moves away from the stopper surface 53 rearward. The above rotation is performed until the carrier 21 reaches the storage position. When the carrier 21 is rotated to the storage position, the spare tire 13 is sandwiched between the floor 11 and the carrier 21 and is attached to the underfloor 12.

[0068] <Advantages of the present embodiment> (1) The first structure 22 having the support end portion 23 is supported by the first axis 25 at the support end portion 23 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the base portion 50. The second structure 31 having the placement portion 36 and the rotation end portion 32 is rotatably supported by the first structure 22 by the second axis 42, and the hook 15 is releasably locked. The base portion 50 restricts the rotation of each of the first structure 22 and the second structure 31 in cooperation with the hook 15 when the carrier 21 is located at the storage position. The base portion 50 restricts the rotation of the second structure 31 about the second axis 42 until it restricts the rotation of the first structure 22 in a state where the hook 15 locked to the second structure 31 of the carrier 21 located at the storage position is lowered or the hook 15 is removed. Due to this restriction, the base portion 50 allows the second structure 31 to rotate integrally with the first structure 22 about the first axis 25. The base portion 50 releases the restriction on the rotation of the second structure 31 about the second axis 42 in a state where the rotation of the first structure 22 is restricted. [[ID=X]] [[ID=Y]]

[0069] [[ID=Z]] Therefore, even after the rotation of the first structure 22 is restricted, the rear portion of the second structure 31 on the rotation end portion 32 side with respect to the second axis 42 can continue to rotate downward with the spare tire 13 placed on the placement portion 36. The rotation end portion 32 can be positioned at a lower location than in the prior art. The placement portion 36 and the spare tire 13 can be made to be in a more inclined state so that they become lower toward the rear side. As a result, the attachment and detachment operation of the spare tire 13 to the spare tire mounting device 20 becomes easier.

[0070] Even when floor structures such as the motor 16 and the cross member 17 are arranged in the rotation region of the first component 22 centered on the first axis 25, such an effect can be obtained because the rotation regulation of the first component 22 is set to be performed at a position where it does not interfere with the floor structures.

[0071] (2) On the base portion 50, a stopper surface 53 that restricts the downward rotation of the first component 22 when the support end portion 23 comes into contact therewith, and an engaged surface 55 with which the engaging and disengaging portion 44 of the second component 31 is detachably engaged are formed.

[0072] Therefore, when the carrier 21 is in the storage position, the rotation of the second component 31 can be restricted by engaging the engaging and disengaging portion 44 with a specific portion of the engaged surface 55. By this restriction, the rotation of the first component 22 supported by the second axis 42 with respect to the second component 31 about the first axis 25 can be restricted.

[0073] Until the rotation of the first component 22 is restricted by the stopper surface 53, the position where the engaging and disengaging portion 44 is engaged among the engaged surface 55 can be changed as the first component 22 rotates. The second component 31 can be rotated integrally with the first component 22 about the first axis 25.

[0074] In a state where the rotation of the first component 22 is restricted by the stopper surface 53, the restriction on the rotation of the second component 31 about the second axis 42 can be released by disengaging the engaging and disengaging portion 44 from the engaged surface 55.

[0075] Therefore, even after the rotation of the first component 22 is restricted, the portion of the second component 31 on the side of the rotation end portion 32 with respect to the second axis 42 can continue to rotate downward together with the spare tire 13.

[0076] (3) The base portion 50 includes a first wall portion 52 extending in the vertical direction. The support end portion 23 includes a first horizontal rib portion 24 extending along the second axis 42 and a first vertical rib portion 26 extending in a direction intersecting the first horizontal rib portion 24. The first axis 25 in the first horizontal rib portion 24 is disposed at a location adjacent to the rear wall surface on the rotation end portion 32 side of the first wall portion 52 and is rotatably supported by the base portion 50. The stopper surface 53 is formed on the wall surface of the first wall portion 52 and below the first axis 25.

[0077] Therefore, when the carrier 21 is located at the storage position, the first vertical rib portion 26 can be separated from the stopper surface 53 to the rear side, which is the rotation end portion 32 side. Until the first vertical rib portion 26 comes into contact with the stopper surface 53, the first component 22 can be rotated downward about the first axis 25. By bringing the first vertical rib portion 26 into contact with the stopper surface 53, the downward rotation of the first component 22 about the first axis 25 can be restricted.

[0078] (4) The base portion 50 includes a second wall portion 54 at a location spaced apart from the first wall portion 52 to the rear side, which is the rotation end portion 32 side. The engaging and disengaging portion 44 is provided at the front end portion, which is the end portion of the second component 31 on the side opposite to the rotation end portion 32 with the second axis 42 interposed therebetween. The engaged surface 55 is formed on the front wall surface of the second wall portion 54 on the first wall portion 52 side.

[0079] Therefore, in a state where the rotation of the first component 22 is restricted by the stopper surface 53, by disengaging the engaging and disengaging portion 44 downward from the engaged surface 55, the restriction on the rotation of the second component 31 about the second axis 42 can be released. By moving the engaging and disengaging portion 44 via the lower side of the second wall portion 54 to the side (rear side) closer to the rotation end portion 32 than the second wall portion 54, the portion of the second component 31 on the side (rear side) closer to the rotation end portion 32 than the second axis 42 can be rotated downward.

[0080] <Modification Example> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0081] [Matters related to Carrier 21] · Carrier 21 may be provided with auxiliary carriers. The auxiliary carriers may be formed of, for example, a metal round bar or a metal hollow pipe member, similar to the first component 22 and the second component 31. The auxiliary carriers extend in the above intersection direction, for example, the left - right direction, below the placement portion 36 of the second component 31 and are fixed to the placement rib portion 37. Both ends of the auxiliary carriers in the left - right direction are bent upward. The auxiliary carriers regulate the movement of the spare tire 13 in the intersection direction by this bent portion.

[0082] · On the condition that the extending directions of the first shaft 25 and the second shaft 42 are along the floor 11, they may be changed to a direction different from the left - right direction. For example, the above direction may be a direction inclined with respect to the left - right direction or a direction perpendicular thereto.

[0083] · The locked portion 35 to which the hook 15 is releasably locked may be formed at a location different from the above - mentioned embodiment (central portion) in the second horizontal rib portion 33. Also, the locked portion 35 may be formed at a location different from the second horizontal rib portion 33, for example, in the second vertical rib portion 34, among the rotation end portions 32.

[0084] · The engaging / disengaging portion 44 may be provided at a location different from the end portion in the second component 31 on the side opposite to the rotation end portion 32 with the second shaft 42 interposed therebetween. · The first vertical rib portion 26 at the support end portion 23 may extend in a direction different from the perpendicular direction on the condition that it intersects with the first horizontal rib portion 24. Similarly, the second vertical rib portion 34 at the rotation end portion 32 may extend in a direction different from the perpendicular direction on the condition that it intersects with the second horizontal rib portion 33.

[0085] · The support end portion 23 and the rotation end portion 32 may be arranged at a location different from the location that sandwiches the placement portion 36 from both sides in the radial direction of the spare tire 13 on the condition that they are around the placement portion 36 in the circumferential direction of the spare tire 13.

[0086] · The first shaft 25 may be constituted by a part of the first transverse rib portion 24 or may be constituted by all of it. · The first shaft 25 may be arranged at a position in contact with the wall surface on the condition that it is arranged at a position adjacent to the wall surface on the rotating end portion 32 side of the first wall portion 52, or may be arranged at a position away from the wall surface.

[0087] · The first shaft 25 may be provided on the base portion 50, and the first bearing portion 56 may be provided on the first component 22. And the first component 22 may be rotatably supported by the first shaft 25 of the base portion 50 at the first bearing portion 56.

[0088] · The second shaft 42 may be provided on the first component 22, and the second bearing portion 28 may be provided on the second component 31. And the second component 31 may be rotatably supported by the second shaft � of the first component 22 at the second bearing portion 28.

[0089] [Matters regarding the base portion 50] · The second wall portion 54 may be provided at a position different from the end portion on the rotating end portion 32 side on the condition that it is a position on the base portion 51 that is separated from the first wall portion 52 toward the rotating end portion 32 side.

[0090] · The first wall portion 52 in the base portion 50 may be provided at a position different from the end portion on the side far from the rotating end portion 32 among the base portion 51. [Other matters] · When a temporary tire, a space saver tire, etc. is used as the spare tire 13, a spacer may be used when attaching it to the underfloor 12.

[0091] · The spare tire mounting device 20 may be for specifically mounting a temporary tire, a space saver tire, etc.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0092] 10…Vehicle 11…Floor 12…Underfloor 13…Spare tire 15…Hook 20…Spare tire mounting device 21…Carrier 22…First structure 23…Support end 24…First horizontal rib 25…First shaft 26…First vertical rib 31…Second structure 32…Rotating end 36…Placing part 42…Second shaft 44…Engaging and disengaging part 50…Base part 52…First wall 53…Stopper surface 54…Second wall 55…Engaged surface

Claims

1. An apparatus installed under the floor of a vehicle and for attaching a spare tire to the underside of the floor, comprising a carrier having a placement portion on which the spare tire is placed in a lying posture, and having a support end portion and a pivot end portion around the placement portion in the circumferential direction of the spare tire, and the carrier is pivotally supported along an axis extending along the floor of the vehicle at least at the support end portion, wherein in a storage position for storing the spare tire, a hook that is vertically movable under the floor is locked to the carrier, and the carrier is held in the storage position, and the spare tire mounting device, wherein the carrier includes a first component having the support end portion, and a second component having the placement portion and the pivot end portion, and the hook is releasably locked thereto, a base portion for controlling the movement of each of the first component and the second component is provided, the axis includes a first axis that pivotally supports the first component in the vertical direction with respect to the base portion at the support end portion, and a second axis that pivotally supports the second component in the vertical direction with respect to the first component between the support end portion and the pivot end portion, the base portion restricts the rotation of each of the first component and the second component in cooperation with the hook when the carrier is in the storage position, the base portion allows the second component to rotate integrally with the first component about the first axis by restricting the rotation of the second component about the second axis until restricting the rotation of the first component in a state where the hook locked to the second component of the carrier in the storage position is lowered or the hook is removed from the second component, and releases the restriction on the rotation of the second component about the second axis in a state where the rotation of the first component is restricted, and the spare tire mounting device.

2. the second component includes an engaging and disengaging portion on the side opposite to the pivot end portion across the second axis, the base portion is formed with a stopper surface for restricting the downward rotation of the first component by contact with the support end portion, and an engaged surface with which the engaging and disengaging portion is detachably engaged, the base portion restricts the rotation of the second component by engaging the engaging and disengaging portion of the second component to which the hook is locked with a specific portion of the engaged surface when the carrier is in the storage position, Until the rotation of the first component is restricted by the stopper surface, the base portion allows the position on the engaged surface where the engaging and disengaging portion engages to change as the first component rotates, thereby allowing the second component to rotate integrally with the first component about the first axis. The base portion releases the restriction on the rotation of the second component about the second axis by allowing the engaging and disengaging portion to disengage from the engaged surface in a state where the rotation of the first component is restricted by the stopper surface. The spare tire mounting device according to claim 1.

3. The base portion includes a first wall portion extending in the vertical direction. The support end portion includes a first horizontal rib portion extending along the second axis and a first vertical rib portion extending in a direction intersecting the first horizontal rib portion. The first axis is constituted by at least a part of the first horizontal rib portion. The first axis is disposed at a location adjacent to the wall surface on the rotation end side of the first wall portion and is rotatably supported by the base portion. The stopper surface is the wall surface on the rotation end side of the first wall portion and is formed below the first axis. When the carrier is in the storage position, the first vertical rib portion is spaced apart from the stopper surface toward the rotation end side. Until the first vertical rib portion contacts the stopper surface, the base portion allows the first component to rotate downward about the first axis. The base portion restricts the downward rotation of the first component about the first axis when the first vertical rib portion contacts the stopper surface. The spare tire mounting device according to claim 2.

4. The base portion includes a second wall portion at a location spaced apart from the first wall portion toward the rotation end side. The engaging and disengaging portion is provided at an end of the second component on the side opposite to the rotation end with the second axis interposed therebetween. The engaged surface is formed on the wall surface of the second wall portion on the side of the first wall portion. The base portion allows the engaging and disengaging portion to disengage downward from the engaged surface in a state where the rotation of the first component is restricted by the stopper surface. The spare tire mounting device according to claim 3.

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