Tail gate device, and vehicle carrier car having tail gate device

Abstract

To provide a tail gate device and a vehicle carrier car having the tail gate device which facilitate work of setting a tail gate attitude from a vertical attitude to a horizontal attitude.SOLUTION: A tail gate device 1 included in a vehicle carrier car includes: a tail gate 2 capable of changing an attitude of the vehicle carrier car relative to a load-carrying platform 102 to a vertical attitude and a horizontal attitude; a lock mechanism (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20 and hook unit 40) for setting the vertical attitude of the tail gate 2 to a lock state that is a state where the tail gate 2 is fixed; and a release operation part (first pedal unit 10 and second pedal unit 20) arranged in the load-carrying platform 102, and capable of releasing the lock state of the tail gate 2 by being operated downward from above.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rear tilt device and a vehicle transporter equipped with a rear tilt device. [Background technology]

[0002] The rear tailgates provided on the loading platform of a vehicle (such as a vehicle transporter) can be switched between a vertical position, which is the position when the vehicle is traveling, and a horizontal position, which is the position when loading an object onto the loading platform, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4255590 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when switching the position of the rear gate from a vertical position to a horizontal position, the loading platform is placed on the ground with the rear gate in a vertical position, and then the worker manually lifts a lever attached to the loading platform to release the locked state of the rear gate.Then, the rear gate is manually tilted backward to return to a horizontal position. However, when the bed is on the ground, the lever for when the rear gate is locked is located close to the ground, so the worker must bend down to manually lift the lever. Therefore, the worker who lifts the lever must bend down to tilt the rear gate backward, which can make it difficult to set the rear gate to a horizontal position depending on the worker's physique and the space in which the worker works. In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a rear gate device and a vehicle transporter equipped with a rear gate device that can easily change the rear gate position from a vertical position to a horizontal position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A rear gate device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rear gate, a locking mechanism, and a release operation unit. The rear gate can change its position relative to the vehicle bed between a vertical position, which is an upright position, and a horizontal position, which is a lying position. The locking mechanism places the rear gate in a locked state, in which it is fixed, when the rear gate is in the vertical position. The release operation unit is disposed on the bed, and can be operated from above to below to release the locked state of the rear gate. The release operation unit also includes a foot pedal that is operated from above to below. The pedal is disposed on the side of the bed.

[0006] In addition, a vehicle transporter according to one aspect of the present invention is equipped with a rear gate device that can release the locked state of the rear gate by operating an release operating unit located on the loading platform from above to below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the rear gate device and the vehicle transporter equipped with the rear gate device of the present invention, it is possible to easily change the position of the rear gate from a vertical position to a horizontal position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a vehicle transporter equipped with a rear tilt device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the area circled in circle II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line V in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the release pedal is operated from above to below. FIG. [Figure 8]10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the rod unit when the rear tilt position is in a vertical position. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a rod unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an X-ray view of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a push rod. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a load applied to a rod unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line XIII in FIG. 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view taken along the line XIV in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hook. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rear tilt device. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rear tilt device. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rear tilt device. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rear tilt device. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rear tilt device. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a snatch lock unit. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base portion. [Figure 26] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a lever portion. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a locking unit. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a modified example. [Figure 30] 29. FIG. [Figure 31]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of an extendable rod portion. [Figure 32] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of an extendable rod portion. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The rear fan device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic. Therefore, it should be noted that the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, ratios, etc. may differ from the actual relationship. The drawings may also include portions where the relationship between dimensions and ratios differ. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of devices and methods for embodying the technical concept of the present invention. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments in terms of the materials, shapes, structures, arrangements, etc. of the components.

[0010] (Embodiment) (composition) As shown in FIG. 1, the rear tailgate device 1 is a device provided on a vehicle transporter 100. The vehicle transporter 100 includes a vehicle body 101 .

[0011] In the embodiment, a case will be described in which the vehicle body 101 is a truck, as shown in Fig. 1. In the following description and drawings, the direction in which the vehicle transporter 100 moves forward (the direction in which the vehicle transporter moves with the shifter in the D range or the like) may be referred to as "forward." Similarly, in the following description and drawings, the direction in which the vehicle transporter 100 moves backward (the direction in which the vehicle transporter moves with the shifter in the R range) may be referred to as "rearward." In addition, in the following explanations and drawings, the left-hand side when the driver of the vehicle transporter 100 is sitting in the driver's seat will be referred to as the "left side," and the right-hand side when the driver is sitting in the driver's seat will be referred to as the "right side." Therefore, in the following explanations and drawings, the viewpoint when the vehicle transporter 100 is viewed from the left side will be referred to as the "left side view," and the viewpoint when the vehicle transporter 100 is viewed from the right side will be referred to as the "right side view." In addition, in the following explanations, the "left side view" and the "right side view" will sometimes be collectively referred to as the "side view."

[0012] The vehicle body 101 includes a loading platform 102 and a driver's cab 103 where the driver of the vehicle transporter 100 and others sit. A rear gate device 1 is installed on the loading platform 102, and a vehicle to be transported (vehicle to be transported) V is loaded on the loading platform 102. The loading platform 102 also includes side frames 104. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the loading platform 102 also includes a rear gate holding plate 105 and a floor plate 106.

[0013] The side frames 104 protrude upward from the upper surface of the floor board 106 and are disposed at both left and right ends of the floor board 106 .

[0014] The rear gate support plates 105 are formed in pairs and are fixed to the rear end of the loading platform 102 by welding or the like. In the embodiment, as an example, a configuration will be described in which four sets of rear gate support plates 105 are fixed to the loading platform 102 as shown in FIG. The pair of rear gate support plates 105 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0015] The floor board 106 is a board on which the vehicle V to be transported is loaded. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, insertion posts 107 are attached to the floor board 106. Note that, for the sake of explanation, the side frames 104 are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0016] The insertion support 107 can be inserted into or removed from an insertion support bracket 108 formed on the upper surface of the floor plate 106. The insertion support bracket 108 is a recess that opens into the upper surface of the floor plate 106. Therefore, the insertion support 107 can be removed from the upper surface of the floor plate 106, and can be attached to the floor plate 106 as needed, for example, when the vehicle transporter 100 is traveling with the vehicle V to be transported loaded thereon. The configuration of the vehicle transporter 100 is not limited to a configuration in which the insert-type support 107 is attached to the floor plate 106, and the vehicle transporter 100 may be configured without the insert-type support 107.

[0017] (rear tilt device) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear gate device 1 includes a rear gate 2, a first pedal unit 10, a second pedal unit 20, a rod unit 30, and a hook unit 40. For the sake of explanation, Fig. 3 shows only the outer frame of the loading platform 102 with respect to the configuration of the vehicle body 101. Also, for the sake of explanation, Fig. 3 shows with solid lines components that are located below the loading platform 102 and are not visible in a plan view. Furthermore, Fig. 3 omits the rear tailgate 2, and shows a simplified configuration of the first pedal unit 10, the second pedal unit 20, the rod unit 30, and the hook unit 40.

[0018] <Post-incitement> The rear gate 2 is a plate that also serves as a ramp when the vehicle V to be transported is loaded onto the loading platform 102. The rear gate 2 is attached to the rear end of the loading platform 102 in a state in which it can be rotated relative to the loading platform 102. Furthermore, by rotating the rear gate 2 relative to the loading platform 102, it is possible to change the posture of the rear gate 2 relative to the loading platform 102 between a vertical posture and a horizontal posture.

[0019] The vertical posture is an upright posture, specifically, a posture perpendicular to the direction in which the vehicle transporter 100 travels, as shown in FIG. 1(a), and is the posture of the rear gate 2 when the vehicle transporter 100 is traveling, etc. The horizontal position is a position in which the vehicle transporter 100 is lying down, specifically, a position that is horizontal with respect to the direction in which the vehicle transporter 100 travels, as shown in Fig. 1(b), and when a vehicle V to be transported is loaded onto the loading platform 102, the vehicle transporter 100 is inclined together with the loading platform 102 to form a slope between the vehicle V and the ground G. Note that Fig. 1(b) shows only a portion of the vehicle transporter 100 for the purpose of explanation.

[0020] The rear flap 2 also includes four rear flap-side first connecting portions 2a, one rear flap-side second connecting portion 2b, and two cushion members 2c.

[0021] The rear gate side first connecting portion 2a is disposed between a pair of rear gate support plates 105. The rear gate side first connecting portion 2a is attached to the pair of rear gate support plates 105 using a pin or the like. The three rear gate side first connecting portions 2a are disposed at intervals along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0022] The rear gate-side second connecting portion 2b is made up of a pair of plate-like members and is fixed to one of the four rear gate-side first connecting portions 2a by welding or the like. The rear gate-side second connecting portion 2b is attached to a gate connecting member 38 (see FIG. 8) described below by using a pin or the like. For the sake of explanation, in FIG. 4, the two plate-like members that make up the rear gate-side second connecting portion 2b are each designated by the reference symbol 2b.

[0023] The cushion member 2c is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is attached to the rear flap 2 at a position facing the insertion post 107 when the rear flap 2 is in the vertical position. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the cushion member 2c is in contact with the insertion post 107 when the rear flap 2 is in the vertical position.

[0024] <First pedal unit> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first pedal unit 10 is disposed on the underside of the floor panel 106 at the left end of the vehicle transporter 100. Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first pedal unit 10 includes a release pedal 11 and a pedal bracket 12.

[0025] The release pedal 11 includes a pair of pedal plates 110 , a rotation shaft pin 111 , a stopper pin 112 , and an operation pin 113 .

[0026] The pair of pedal plates 110 are formed in a plate shape, and when viewed from the thickness direction of the pedal plate 110, are formed in a fan shape having two straight sides that intersect at right angles and one arc-shaped side that connects the two straight sides. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle transporter 100, the pedal plate 110 has a shape in which one of the two straight sides is located inside the vehicle transporter 100 and the other of the two straight sides extends from the inside to the outside of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0027] The pair of pedal plates 110 are arranged in parallel with a gap between them along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle transporter 100, with their shapes matching when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle transporter 100. Furthermore, one end of a first pull cable 61 is fixed to the pedal plate 110 (the rear pedal plate 110) of the pair of pedal plates 110 that is positioned closer to the rear gate 2.

[0028] The first pull cable 61 is configured by an inner cable and an outer tube. The inner cable is formed using a wire or the like. The outer tube is formed using a resin member or the like and houses the inner cable therein. The other end of first pull cable 61 is connected to hook unit 40. Both ends of first pull cable 61 are attached to the underside of floorboard 106 using a plurality of cable clamps 70. In addition, first pull cable 61 is supported by first pedal side cable bracket 51 fixed to cargo bed 102.

[0029] The rotation shaft pin 111 is formed using, for example, a metal pipe, and is attached to the pair of pedal plates 110 in a state where the rotation shaft pin 111 penetrates a position near the portion where the two straight sides are connected (the lower end side). Both ends of the rotation shaft pin 111 each protrude outward (toward the front or rear of the vehicle transporter 100) beyond the pair of pedal plates 110. Furthermore, one of the both ends of the rotation shaft pin 111 is positioned below the position of the rear pedal plate 110 where the first pull cable 61 is fixed.

[0030] The stopper pin 112 is formed using, for example, a metal pipe. The stopper pin 112 is attached to the pair of pedal plates 110, located above the rotation shaft pin 111 and penetrating a position near the portion where one of the two straight sides and one of the arc-shaped sides join together. Both ends of the stopper pin 112 each protrude outward (toward the front or rear of the vehicle transporter 100) beyond the pair of pedal plates 110. In addition, one of the ends of the stopper pin 112 is positioned below the position on the rear pedal plate 110 where the first pull cable 61 is fixed.

[0031] The operation pin 113 is formed, for example, using a metal pipe, and is attached to the pair of pedal plates 110 in a state where the operation pin 113 penetrates a position (outside the vehicle transporter 100) near a portion where the other of the two straight sides and one of the arc-shaped sides are continuous. Both ends of the operating pin 113 protrude outward (toward the front or rear of the vehicle transporter 100) beyond the pair of pedal plates 110, respectively.

[0032] In addition, the operating pin 113 can be moved from an unloaded state (see Figure 6) to a state (see Figure 7) in which it is moved from up to down by a worker (who may also be the driver of the vehicle transporter 100) stepping on it with his or her foot. When the operating pin 113 is moved from above to below, the pair of pedal plates 110 and stopper pin 112 are displaced with the rotation axis pin 111 as the rotation axis, and the release pedal 11 is operated from above to below (see Figure 7).

[0033] In addition, in the no-load state (see FIG. 6), the release pedal 11 is pulled toward the inside of the vehicle transporter 100 by the pulling force transmitted from the hook unit 40 via the first pull cable 61. As a result, in the no-load state, the release pedal 11 is in the not-operated state (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, when the release pedal 11 is operated from above downwards, the release pedal 11 moves to the outside of the vehicle transporter 100, and the first pull cable 61 is pulled to the outside of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0034] The pedal bracket 12 includes a first side plate 121, a second side plate 122, a first mounting plate 123, and a back plate 124. The first side plate 121 is formed in a plate shape and is fixed to the first mounting plate 123 with its thickness direction oriented parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0035] The first side plate 121 is also formed with a first rotary bearing hole 121a and a first arc-shaped slit 121b. The first rotary bearing hole 121a is a hole that penetrates the first side plate 121, and one end of the rotary shaft pin 111 is inserted into the first rotary bearing hole 121a.

[0036] The first arc-shaped slit 121b is a slit that penetrates the first side plate 121 and is formed in a shape that follows one arc-shaped side of the pedal plate 110, and one end of the stopper pin 112 is inserted into the first arc-shaped slit 121b. The first arc-shaped slit 121b is located in the first side plate 121 above the first rotary bearing hole 121a.

[0037] The length of first arc-shaped slit 121b is the length that stopper pin 112 moves inside first arc-shaped slit 121b from a state in which release pedal 11 is not operated (see FIG. 6) to a state in which release pedal 11 is operated from above to below (see FIG. 7). Specifically, the length of first arc-shaped slit 121b is set to a length that allows one end of first pull cable 61 to overlap with first side plate 121 when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of vehicle transporter 100 with release pedal 11 operated from above to below.

[0038] The second side plate 122 is formed in a plate shape and is positioned farther from the rear gate 2 than the first side plate 121, and is fixed to the first mounting plate 123 with its thickness direction oriented parallel to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle transporter 100. The first side plate 121 and the second side plate 122 are arranged in parallel with a gap between them along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle transporter 100 so as to overlap when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0039] In addition, the second side plate 122 is formed with a second rotary bearing hole into which the other end of the rotary shaft pin 111 is inserted and a second arc-shaped slit into which the other end of the stopper pin 112 is inserted. The second rotary bearing hole has the same configuration as the first rotary bearing hole 121a, except that it is formed in the second side plate 122. The second arc-shaped slit has the same configuration as the first arc-shaped slit 121b, except that it is formed in the second side plate 122.

[0040] The first mounting plate 123 is formed in a plate shape, and one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 5) is attached to the lower surface of the floor board 106 using bolts or the like. Specifically, the first mounting plate 123 is disposed on the underside of the floor panel 106, to the right of the center of the loading platform 102 of the vehicle transporter 100. In addition, the first mounting plate 123 is attached at a position where the first side plate 121 and the second side plate 122 are disposed more inward than the side frame 104.

[0041] Furthermore, the first mounting plate 123 is attached to the lower surface of the floor board 106 at a position where the operation pin 113 is located closer to the side frame 104 than the rotation shaft pin 111 and the stopper pin 112 . The first side plate 121 and the second side plate 122 are fixed to the other surface (the lower surface in FIG. 5) of the first attachment plate 123 by welding or the like. The back plate 124 is formed in a plate shape, and connects the first side plate 121 and the second side plate 122 with its thickness direction oriented parallel to the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100. Therefore, the first side plate 121, the second side plate 122, and the back plate 124 are combined to form a U-shape with an opening facing outward from the vehicle transporter 100 in a plan view. In addition, the back plate 124 is formed with a back plate opening 124a. Back plate opening 124a is formed by removing a portion of back plate 124 that is continuous with first side plate 121, and first pull cable 61 is disposed therein.

[0042] <Second pedal unit> As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second pedal unit 20 is disposed on the lower surface of the floor panel 106 at the right end of the vehicle transporter 100. The configuration of the second pedal unit 20 is the same as that of the first pedal unit 10 except for the attachment position relative to the cargo bed 102, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] Specifically, the second pedal unit 20 is disposed on the underside of the floor panel 106 to the left of the center of the loading platform 102 of the vehicle transporter 100 . One end of a second pull cable 62 is attached to a second pedal side cable bracket fixed to the second pedal unit 20. The other end of the second pull cable 62 is connected to the hook unit 40.

[0044] With the above-described configuration, in the first pedal unit 10, when the release pedal 11 is not being operated, and the release pedal 11 is operated from above to below, the first pull cable 61 is pulled to the outside (left side) of the vehicle transporter 100. Similarly, in the second pedal unit 20, when the release pedal 11 is not being operated, and the release pedal 11 is operated from above to below, the second pull cable 62 is pulled to the outside (right side) of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0045] <Rod unit> As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the rod unit 30 includes a push rod 31, a rod bracket 32, a roller receiving plate 33, a spring receiving plate 34, a rod spring 35, a pair of rollers 36, and a rod pin 37. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the rod unit 30 and the hook unit 40 when the rear gate 2 is in the vertical position. Also, FIG. 8 is a side view seen from the left side.

[0046] The push rod 31 is made of a metal material or the like and is formed into a rod shape, and as shown in FIG. 11, includes a large diameter portion 31a, a small diameter portion 31b, and a medium diameter portion 31c.

[0047] The large diameter portion 31a is the portion with the largest outer diameter of the push rod 31. A rod-side through-hole 31d is formed in the large diameter portion 31a, penetrating the center axis of the large diameter portion 31a in a radial direction of the large diameter portion 31a. In the large diameter portion 31a, in the portion where the rod side through hole 31d is formed, an annular boss 31e is arranged so as to surround the rod side through hole 31d.

[0048] The small diameter portion 31b has an outer diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 31a, and is disposed at a position on the push rod 31 farthest from the rear gate 2, forming the tip of the push rod 31. The medium diameter portion 31c has an outer diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 31a and larger than that of the small diameter portion 31b. The medium diameter portion 31c is located at a position of the push rod 31 closest to the rear gate 2, and forms the rear end portion of the push rod 31.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a tilt connecting member 38 is attached to the medium diameter portion 31c. The gate connecting member 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The gate connecting member 38 is attached to the end of the medium diameter portion 31c opposite to the end portion that is continuous with the large diameter portion 31a, in a state where it is arranged coaxially with the medium diameter portion 31c, and is attached to the rear end portion of the push rod 31. The gate connecting member 38 may also be formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. Further, the gate connecting member 38 is formed with a rear end through-hole 38a that passes through the central axis of the gate connecting member 38 in a direction along the radial direction of the gate connecting member 38. The rear end through-hole 38a is rotatably connected to the gate connecting member 38 with the rear gate second connecting portion 2b.

[0050] The rod bracket 32 ​​includes a plate portion 32a and a rod support portion 32b. The plate portion 32a is formed in a plate shape, and one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 8) is attached to the lower surface of the floor board 106 using bolts or the like.

[0051] The rod support portion 32b is formed by combining four plates. One of the four plates forming rod support portion 32b is fixed to plate portion 32a with its thickness direction oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of vehicle transporter 100. A circular through-hole is formed in one of the four plates forming rod support portion 32b. Large diameter portion 31a is disposed in the through-hole formed in rod support portion 32b. The remaining three of the four plates that form the rod support portion 32b are fixed to one plate and the plate portion 32a in a state where they form a quadrangle together with the plate portion 32a when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0052] The roller receiving plate 33 is formed by bending two parts of a plate material at right angles, forming a U-shape when viewed from above. A circular through-hole is formed in the surface of the roller receiving plate 33 that is farthest from the rear flap 2. A large diameter portion 31a is disposed in the through-hole formed in the surface of the roller receiving plate 33 that is farthest from the rear flap 2. Further, in the roller receiving plate 33, two surfaces facing the large diameter portion 31a are each formed with a receiving plate-side through hole 33a.

[0053] The spring receiving plate 34 is formed using a plate material and is attached to the surface of the roller receiving plate 33 farthest from the rear gate 2 with its thickness direction parallel to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle transporter 100. A circular through-hole is formed in the spring receiving plate 34. In the through-hole formed in the spring receiving plate 34, the large diameter portion 31a is disposed.

[0054] The rod spring 35 is formed using, for example, a coil spring. The large diameter portion 31a is disposed inside the rod spring 35. That is, the rod spring 35 surrounds the large diameter portion 31a.

[0055] One end of the rod spring 35 is in contact with one of the four plates that form the rod support portion 32b, and the other end of the rod spring 35 is in contact with the spring receiving plate 34. The force with which the rod spring 35 extends is set to a value smaller than the force required to change the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The "force required to change the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position" is a value that depends on the weight, shape, etc. of the rear gate 2, for example.

[0056] The pair of rollers 36 are formed in a cylindrical shape and have roller-side through holes 36a formed therein. One of the pair of rollers 36 is disposed between the boss 31e and one of the two surfaces of the roller receiving plate 33 that face the large diameter portion 31a. The other of the pair of rollers 36 is disposed between the boss 31e and the other of the two surfaces of the roller receiving plate 33 that face the large diameter portion 31a.

[0057] The rod pin 37 is inserted into the receiving plate-side through-hole 33a, the gap of the boss 31e, the rod-side through-hole 31d, and the roller-side through-hole 36a. As a result, the pair of rollers 36 are each disposed between the push rod 31 (large diameter portion 31a) and the roller receiving plate 33 in a rotatable state.

[0058] With the above-described configuration, in the rod unit 30, a load is applied to the rod pin 37 in the direction shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 12. In addition, in the rod unit 30, a load is applied to the spring receiving plate 34 from the rod spring 35 in the direction shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 12. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pair of rollers 36 are rotatably supported by the rod pins 37 inserted into the gaps of the boss 31e and the rod-side through-holes 31d, it is possible to distribute the load acting on the rod pins 37. Note that a configuration in which the pair of rollers 36 are supported by the rod pins 37 inserted into the gaps of the boss 31e and the rod-side through-holes 31d is, for example, a configuration in which the roller backing plate 33 does not have the backing plate-side through-hole 33a formed therein.

[0059] In other words, in a configuration in which a pair of rollers 36 are supported by a rod pin 37 inserted into a gap portion of the boss 31e and the rod side through hole 31d, the load applied to the rod pin 37 is received at the point where the rod pin 37 contacts the large diameter portion 31a. In contrast, with the configuration of the embodiment, the load applied to the rod pin 37 can be received not only at the part where the rod pin 37 contacts the large diameter portion 31a, but also at the part where the rod pin 37 contacts the roller support plate 33.

[0060] <Hook unit> As shown in FIGS. 8, 13, and 14, the hook unit 40 includes a hook 41, a hook-side cable bracket 42, a hook holding plate 43, and a hook spring 44. 13 and 14, for the sake of explanation, some components that are different from the hook unit 40 are omitted from the illustration. Also, like FIG. 8, FIGS. 13 and 14 show a state in which the rear gate 2 is in a vertical position.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 15, the hook 41 includes a hook body 410 and a link portion 420. 15(b) is a view taken along line B in FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(c) is a view taken along line C in FIG. 15(b), and FIG. 15(d) is a view taken along line D in FIG. 15(b).

[0062] The hook body 410 includes a pair of roller supplemental portions 411 and a hook connecting member 412 . Each of the pair of roller supplemental portions 411 is bent downward in side view, forming a hook shape with a recess. The pair of roller supplemental portions 411 are also spaced apart along the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100. As a result, the pair of roller supplemental portions 411 are formed in a shape that allows them to supplement the pair of rollers 36 from above. In the state shown in FIGS. 8, 13, and 14, that is, when the rear tilter 2 is in the vertical position, the pair of roller supplementary portions 411 supplement the pair of rollers 36 from above.

[0063] The roller supplemental portion 411 is formed with a hook-side through-hole 411a, an upper inclined surface 411b, and a lower inclined surface 411c. The hook side through hole 411a is a hole that penetrates the roller supplementary portion 411 along the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100, and is formed in the roller supplementary portion 411 rearward of the center of the roller supplementary portion 411 in a side view.

[0064] The upper inclined surface 411b is formed on the upper surface of the roller supplement portion 411, forward of the center of the roller supplement portion 411, when viewed from the side, and is a surface that slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roller supplement portion 411. The lower inclined surface 411c is formed on the lower surface of the roller supplement portion 411, forward of the recess of the roller supplement portion 411, when viewed from the side, and is a surface that slopes upward as it moves away from the center of the roller supplement portion 411.

[0065] The hook connecting member 412 is formed in a plate shape, and connects the pair of roller supplementary portions 411 with the thickness direction facing the up-down direction. As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(d), the hook connecting member 412 overlaps with the roller supplementary portion 411 in a side view.

[0066] The link portion 420 includes a link main body portion 421 , a first cable connecting portion 422 , a second cable connecting portion 423 , and a spring connecting portion 424 . The link portion 420 may be molded integrally with the hook main body 410, or may be molded separately from the hook main body 410 and then joined.

[0067] The link main body 421 is formed in a U-shape with the opening facing forward when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and is connected to one of the pair of roller supplemental parts 411. Specifically, one of the two parallel sides of the link main body 421 forming the U-shape is connected to one of the pair of roller supplementary portions 411 at a position that does not overlap with the hook connecting member 412 when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0068] First cable connecting portion 422 is a plate-shaped member that forms the other of the two parallel sides of link main body 421. The other end of first pull cable 61 is connected to first cable connecting portion 422.

[0069] Second cable connecting portion 423 is a plate-shaped member that is disposed in the opening of link main body 421 and is arranged in parallel with two parallel sides of link main body 421. The other end of second pull cable 62 is connected to second cable connecting portion 423.

[0070] Spring connecting portion 424 is a plate-like member attached to one side connecting two parallel sides of link main body 421 that form a U-shape, on the surface opposite to the opening of link main body 421. Spring connecting portion 424 is also arranged parallel to the two parallel sides of link main body 421.

[0071] Hook-side cable bracket 42 is attached to the underside of floor plate 106 by welding or the like, and is disposed forward of link main body 421. Hook-side cable bracket 42 also supports first pull cable 61 and second pull cable 62.

[0072] The hook holding plate 43 is attached to the underside of the floor panel 106 by welding or the like, and is positioned so as to overlap the hook main body 410 in a side view. In addition, the hook holding plate 43 is formed with a through hole that passes through the hook holding plate 43 in the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0073] The through hole formed in the hook holding plate 43 overlaps with the hook-side through hole 411a in a side view. A hook connecting pin 45 is inserted into the through hole formed in the hook holding plate 43 and the hook-side through hole 411a. This allows the hook 41 to be rotatably attached to the hook holding plate 43.

[0074] The hook spring 44 is formed using, for example, a coil spring. One end of the hook spring 44 is attached to the spring connection portion 424. The other end of the hook spring 44 is attached to one of the two rear flap support plates 105 that form a set of rear flap support plates 105.

[0075] With the above-described configuration, when the release pedal 11 is operated from above to below and the first pull cable 61 or the second pull cable 62 is pulled toward the outside of the vehicle transporter 100, the hook 41 rotates in the direction in which the link portion 420 moves forward, with the hook connecting pin 45 as the rotation axis. When the hook 41 rotates in the direction in which the link portion 420 moves forward, the pair of roller capture portions 411 that have been capturing the pair of rollers 36 from above move upward, and the state in which they have been capturing the rollers 36 is released. In addition, when the hook 41 rotates in the direction in which the link portion 420 moves forward, the hook spring 44 expands.

[0076] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, when the release pedal 11, which has been operated downward, moves upward and is no longer being operated, the extended hook spring 44 contracts. Then, the hook 41 rotates around the hook connecting pin 45 as the rotation axis in the direction in which the link portion 420 moves rearward. When the hook 41 rotates in the direction in which the link portion 420 moves rearward, the pair of roller supplemental portions 411 move downward. When the hook 41 rotates in the direction in which the link portion 420 moves rearward, the first pull cable 61 or the second pull cable 62 is pulled toward the inside of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0077] <Operation> Next, the operation of the rear fanning device 1 will be described using FIGS. 16 to 20 while also referring to FIGS. 1 to 15. 16 to 20 are side views seen from the left side, similar to FIG.

[0078] First, with the rear windscreen 2 in a vertical position, the loading platform 102 is placed on the ground as shown in Fig. 1(b). Next, with the rear windscreen 2 in a vertical position as shown in Fig. 8, the operator steps on the unloaded operating pin 113 with his foot, moving it from above to below and operating the release pedal 11 from above to below. When the release pedal 11 is operated from above to below, the hook 41 moves upward as shown in Fig. 16, and the pair of roller capture portions 411 are released from capturing the rollers 36. Since the roller supplementary portion 411 is formed with an upper inclined surface 411b, the hook 41 is allowed to move upward until it moves upward and comes into contact with the loading platform 102.

[0079] After the pair of roller supplementary parts 411 release the state in which they have been supplementing the rollers 36, the worker rotates the rear gate 2 from the vertical position in a direction tilting it toward the horizontal position as shown in Fig. 17, and the gate connecting member 38 moves forward in conjunction with the rotation of the rear gate 2. Figs. 17 to 20 show a ground roller 109 that can rotate while in contact with the ground G. When the tilt connecting member 38 moves forward, the push rod 31, roller receiving plate 33, spring receiving plate 34, roller 36, and rod pin 37 move forward while tilting at an angle that increases upward as they move from the rear to the front. This causes the rod spring 35 to contract between the roller receiving plate 33 and the rod support portion 32b.

[0080] Then, as shown in Figure 18, when the rear gate 2 assumes a horizontal position and the worker stops operating the release pedal 11 (by removing his foot from the operating pin 113 that he was stepping on), the operating pin 113 becomes unloaded and the hook 41 moves downward. When the rear gate 2 is in a horizontal position and the operating pin 113 is in a no-load state, the pair of rollers 36 and the lower inclined surface 411c face each other in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle transporter 100, as shown in Fig. 18. When the rear gate 2 changes from the position shown in Fig. 17 to the horizontal position shown in Fig. 18, the axial direction of the rod pin 37 becomes parallel to the ground G.

[0081] After the rear gate 2 is set to a horizontal position, the vehicle V to be transported is driven to move from the rear gate 2 to the loading platform 102, and the vehicle V to be transported is loaded onto the loading platform 102. After the vehicle V to be transported is loaded onto the loading platform 102, the wheels of the vehicle V to be transported are secured to the loading platform 102.

[0082] After the wheels of the vehicle V to be transported, which is loaded on the loading platform 102, are secured to the loading platform 102, an operator manually rotates the rear gate 2, which is in a horizontal position, in a direction that tilts it toward a vertical position, as shown in Figure 19, and as the rear gate 2 rotates, the gate connecting member 38 moves rearward. When the tilt connecting member 38 moves rearward, the push rod 31, roller receiving plate 33, spring receiving plate 34, roller 36, and rod pin 37 move backward while tilting at an angle that increases upward as they move from rear to front. This causes the rod spring 35, which had been contracted between the roller receiving plate 33 and the rod support portion 32b, to expand, applying a force to the roller receiving plate 33 to move it rearward.

[0083] When a force is applied to the roller receiving plate 33 to move it rearward, a force to move it rearward is applied to the tilt connecting member 38 via the rod pin 37 and the push rod 31. Then, the force applied to the tilt connecting member 38 is transmitted to the rear tilt-side second connecting portion 2b. Therefore, when changing the attitude of the rear gate 2 from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude, the rod unit 30 functions as an assist force imparting mechanism that imparts an assist force to the rear gate 2 in a direction that changes the attitude from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude. In other words, when changing the attitude of the rear gate 2 from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude, the rod unit 30 assists the worker in manually changing the attitude of the rear gate 2 from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude.

[0084] Furthermore, as the tilt connecting member 38 moves rearward, the rod unit 30 moves rearward, and the roller receiving plate 33 overlaps with a pair of roller supplementary portions 411 in a side view, and the two surfaces facing the large diameter portion 31a sandwich the pair of roller supplementary portions 411. Therefore, the roller receiving plate 33 can prevent the hook 41 from moving away from the position where it can catch the roller 36.

[0085] Furthermore, when the rod unit 30 moves rearward as the tilt connecting member 38 moves rearward, the pair of rollers 36 that face the lower inclined surface 411c in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle transporter 100 move toward the lower inclined surface 411c and come into contact with the lower inclined surface 411c. When the pair of rollers 36 are in contact with the lower inclined surface 411c and the rod unit 30 moves further backward, the hook 41 is lifted by the pair of rollers 36 along the slope of the lower inclined surface 411c, as shown in Figure 20.

[0086] When the rod unit 30 further moves rearward while the hook 41 is lifted by the pair of rollers 36, the pair of rollers 36 move rearward beyond the lower inclined surface 411c as shown in FIG. When the pair of rollers 36 moves rearward beyond the lower inclined surface 411c, the hook spring 44 contracts, causing the pair of roller supplementary portions 411 to move downward and climb over the rollers 36. Then, when the rod unit 30 moves further rearward from the state where the pair of roller supplementary portions 411 have climbed over the rollers 36, the pair of roller supplementary portions 411 supplement the rollers 36, as shown in Figure 8, and the posture of the rear tilt 2 becomes vertical.

[0087] As described above, when the rod pin 37 advances and when the rod pin 37 retreats, the central axes of the roller 36 and the rod pin 37 move downward and then upward along a trajectory. Note that in Figures 17 to 20, the trajectories along which the central axes of the roller 36 and the rod pin 37 move when the rod pin 37 advances and when the rod pin 37 retreats are indicated by two-dot chain lines marked with the symbol T.

[0088] 17 to 20, the position where the roller 36 is disposed when the rear swing arm 2 is in the horizontal position is indicated by a dashed-dotted circle labeled P1. Similarly, in Fig. 17 to 20, the position where the roller 36 is disposed when the rear swing arm 2 is in the vertical position is indicated by a dashed-dotted circle labeled P2.

[0089] <Correspondence to claims> The first pedal unit 10, the second pedal unit 20, and the hook unit 40 correspond to a locking mechanism that sets the rear gate 2 in a locked state, in which the rear gate 2 is fixed, when the rear gate 2 is in a vertical position. The first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 are arranged on the loading platform 102 and correspond to a release operation unit that can release the locked state of the rear gate 2 by operating it from above downward.

[0090] The release pedal 11 corresponds to a foot pedal that is operated from above to below. The first pedal unit 10, the second pedal unit 20, the rod unit 30, and the hook unit 40 correspond to a locking mechanism and a release operation unit that are arranged below the upper surface of the loading platform 102.

[0091] The first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 correspond to two release operation units disposed on both sides of the cargo bed 102, respectively. Furthermore, the first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 correspond to a release operation portion that is disposed inside the loading platform 102 when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle (vehicle transporter 100). The hook spring 44 corresponds to a return force applying portion that applies a force to displace the release operation portion from below toward above.

[0092] <Actions and Effects of the Embodiment> The rear fanning device 1 according to the embodiment can achieve the following actions and effects. (1) The vehicle transporter 100 is provided with a rear gate 2 that can change its position relative to the loading platform 102 between a vertical position and a horizontal position. In addition, the vehicle transporter 100 is provided with a locking mechanism (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20, hook unit 40) that places the rear gate 2 in a locked state, in which the rear gate 2 is fixed, when the rear gate 2 is in a vertical position. Furthermore, the vehicle transporter 100 is provided with a release operation unit (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20) that is disposed on the loading platform 102 and can be operated from above to below to release the locked state of the rear gate 2. Therefore, with the loading platform 102 on the ground, the worker can release the locked state of the rear gate 2 by operating the release operation part from above downwards while standing rather than crouching. As a result, it becomes possible to provide a rear tilting device 1 that enables an operator to tilt the rear tilt 2 backward while standing, and that can easily change the position of the rear tilt 2 from a vertical position to a horizontal position. In addition, the locked state of the rear gate 2 can be released by operating the release operation part formed using a pedal, button, lever, etc. from above downward, so the operation to release the locked state of the rear gate 2 is an operation in a direction along the force of gravity. This makes it easier for the operator to transmit force to the release operating part, compared to a configuration in which the locked state of the rear gate 2 is released by operating the release operating part from below upward, for example, and therefore makes it possible to reduce the force required to operate the rear gate 2 to release its locked state.

[0093] (2) The release operation unit (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20) includes a foot pedal (release pedal 11) that is operated from above downward. As a result, with the loading platform 102 on the ground, an operator in a standing position can depress the release pedal 11 with his / her foot to release the locked state of the rear gate 2.

[0094] (3) The locking mechanism (rod unit 30, hook unit 40) and the release operation unit (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20) are disposed below the upper surface of the loading platform 102. As a result, there is no need to provide a component (such as a stay) that connects the rear gate 2 and the loading platform 102 to be placed on the upper surface of the loading platform 102, and the entire upper surface of the loading platform 102, i.e., the surface on which the vehicle V to be transported is loaded, can be used to load the vehicle V to be transported. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a component that connects the rear flap 2 and the loading platform 102 to be placed on the top surface of the loading platform 102, it is possible to improve the freedom of appearance compared to when a component that connects the rear flap 2 and the loading platform 102 is provided.

[0095] (4) Two release operation units (first pedal unit 10 and second pedal unit 20) are disposed on each side of the cargo bed 102. As a result, even if the vehicle transporter 100 is parked near a fence or the like, it is possible to unlock the rear gate 2 on either side of the loading platform 102, whichever side has more space for work.

[0096] (5) The release operation unit (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20) is disposed inside the loading platform 102 when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle transporter 100. As a result, since the release operation part does not protrude from the side of the vehicle transporter 100, it is possible to prevent the release operation part from coming into contact with workers, etc. when the rear windscreen device 1 is in use or when the vehicle transporter 100 is traveling.

[0097] (6) A return force imparting portion (hook spring 44) is provided that imparts a force that displaces the release operation portion (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20) from below toward above. Therefore, when the release operation part that was operated to release the locked state of the rear gate 2 is put into an unloaded state, the force applied by the return force application part makes it possible to displace the release operation part from below to above without the need for operation by the operator. As a result, the task of changing the position of the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position can be performed simply by manually operating the rear gate 2 until the rear gate 2 is locked, making it easy to change the position of the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0098] Furthermore, the vehicle transporter 100 of the embodiment can achieve the following actions and effects. (7) The vehicle transporter 100 is equipped with a rear tailgate device 1. As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle transporter 100 equipped with a rear gate device 1 that enables an operator to tilt the rear gate 2 backward while standing, and that can easily change the position of the rear gate 2 from a vertical position to a horizontal position.

[0099] <Modification> (1) In the embodiment, the foot pedal operated from above downward is formed by the release pedal 11, but this is not limited to this. That is, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the release operation unit may be configured to include an on-floor operation unit 80 in addition to the release pedal 11. Fig. 21(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 21(a). Similarly, Fig. 22(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 22(a).

[0100] The on-floor operating unit 80 is disposed on the upper surface of the loading platform 102, and operation from above toward below is linked to operation of the release pedal 11 from above toward below. Specifically, the on-floor operation unit 80 includes an on-floor pedal unit 81 and a link member 82 .

[0101] The floor pedal section 81 includes a floor pedal main body section 81a and an floor pedal support section 81b. A portion of the above-floor pedal body 81a is disposed on the upper surface of the floor board 106, and is formed in a shape that allows an operator to step on it with their foot. The remaining portion of the above-floor pedal body 81a is disposed on the lower surface of the floor board 106. The on-floor pedal support portion 81b is disposed on the underside of the floor board 106 and is connected to the remaining portion of the on-floor pedal main body 81a. The on-floor pedal support portion 81b is attached to the loading platform 102 in a state in which it can rotate about an axis extending in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0102] The link member 82 includes a link frame portion 82a and a pin holding portion 82b. The link frame portion 82a is formed by combining two rectangular plate members that are aligned in a side view. One end of the link frame portion 82a is disposed on the upper surface of the floorboard 106 and is connected to a part of the above-floor pedal main body 81a from below. The other end of the link frame portion 82a is disposed on the lower surface of the floorboard 106.

[0103] The pin holding portion 82b is formed by bending two portions of a plate material, and is formed in a U-shape that is open downward when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle transporter 100. Therefore, the pin holding portion 82b has one horizontal side and two opposing sides when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle transporter 100. The upwardly facing surface of one side of the pin holding portion 82b is fixed to the other end of the link frame portion 82a, and the downwardly facing surface of one side of the pin holding portion 82b contacts the operation pin 113 from above. Two sides of the pin holding portion 82b overlap with the operation pin 113 in a side view.

[0104] With the above-described configuration, when the floor pedal main body 81a is in an unloaded state, the surface of the floor pedal main body 81a facing the loading platform 102 is positioned away from the upper surface of the loading platform 102 due to the force received from the operating pin 113, as shown in FIG. 21. Furthermore, when the above-floor pedal main body 81a is operated from above downward by being stepped on by the worker's foot, the surface of the above-floor pedal main body 81a facing the loading platform 102 comes into contact with the loading platform 102, as shown in Figure 22. This applies a load to the operating pin 113 via the link member 82, making it possible to operate the operating pin 113 from above downward (see Figure 7).

[0105] If the configuration includes an on-floor operating unit 80 in addition to the release pedal 11, even if it is difficult to secure space on the side of the cargo bed 102 to operate the release pedal 11, it is possible to release the locked state of the rear gate 2 by operating the on-floor operating unit 80. Therefore, it is possible to load the vehicle V to be transported onto the vehicle transporter 100 on a narrow road such as a one-way road.

[0106] (2) In the embodiment, the release operation units (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20) are arranged on both side surfaces of the cargo bed 102, but this is not limitative. In other words, the release operation units may be arranged on at least one of the two side surfaces of the cargo bed 102.

[0107] (3) In the embodiment, the first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 are configured to operate independently, but this is not limiting. For example, the first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 may be connected via a rod-shaped or columnar member such as a round rod, and the first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 may operate in conjunction with each other.

[0108] (4) In the embodiment, the first pedal unit 10, the second pedal unit 20, and the hook unit 40 are configured to correspond to the locking mechanism, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 23, a snatch lock unit 90 may be provided instead of the hook unit 40. Fig. 23 shows the rod unit 30 and the snatch lock unit 90 in the locked state. As shown in Figure 24, the snatch lock unit 90 includes a base portion 91, a lever portion 92, a lock portion 93, and a lock spring 94. Figure 24 shows the snatch lock unit 90 in a locked state.

[0109] The base portion 91 is formed in a plate shape and is fixed to the underside of the loading platform 102 with its thickness direction parallel to the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100, and is positioned between the large diameter portion 31a and the roller receiving plate 33. As shown in FIG. 25, the base portion 91 includes a lever-side rotation shaft 91a, a lock-side rotation shaft 91b, and a roller accommodating portion 91c. The lever-side rotation shaft 91a is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the surface of the base portion 91 that faces the large-diameter portion 31a. In addition, the lever-side rotation shaft 91a is disposed above the roller accommodating portion 91c in a side view.

[0110] The lock-side rotation shaft 91b is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the surface of the base portion 91 that faces the large-diameter portion 31a. In addition, the lock-side rotation shaft 91b is disposed below the lever-side rotation shaft 91a and behind the roller accommodating portion 91c in a side view. The roller accommodating portion 91c is formed by a notch that opens forward and downward in a side view in the base portion 91. The roller accommodating portion 91c is formed in a shape that allows the roller 36 to be accommodated therein.

[0111] The lever portion 92 is formed in a plate shape and is disposed between the large diameter portion 31 a and the base portion 91 with its thickness direction oriented parallel to the vehicle width direction of the vehicle transporter 100 . As shown in FIG. 26, the lever portion 92 includes a lever-side shaft hole 92a, a cable connection portion 92b, a lever-side spring attachment portion 92c, and a lever-side protrusion portion 92d. The lever-side shaft hole 92a is a hole formed in a circular shape, and the lever-side rotation shaft 91a is inserted into the hole.

[0112] The cable connection portion 92b is a circular hole, and the other end of the first pull cable 61 and the other end of the second pull cable 62 are connected to the cable connection portion 92b. The cable connection portion 92b is located above the lever-side shaft hole 92a in a side view. Note that, of the first pull cable 61 and the second pull cable 62, only the first pull cable 61 is shown in FIG. 23 . The lever-side spring attachment portion 92c is a circular hole, and is connected to one end of the lock spring 94. In addition, the lever-side spring attachment portion 92c is disposed below the cable connection portion 92b and behind the lever-side shaft hole 92a in a side view. The lever-side protrusion 92d is disposed in the lever portion 92 between the lever-side spring attachment portion 92c and the lever-side shaft hole 92a in a side view, and is formed in a shape that protrudes downward.

[0113] The locking portion 93 is formed in a plate shape and is disposed between the large diameter portion 31a and the base portion 91 with its thickness direction oriented parallel to the vehicle width direction of the vehicle transporter 100. Furthermore, the locking portion 93 is disposed below the lever portion 92 in a side view. As shown in FIG. 27, the locking portion 93 includes a locking-side shaft hole 93a, a locking-side spring mounting portion 93b, a roller surrounding portion 93c, and a lever receiving portion 93d.

[0114] The lock-side shaft hole 93a is disposed near the center of the lock portion 93 and is a circular hole into which the lock-side rotation shaft 91b is inserted. The lock-side spring attachment portion 93b is a circular hole, and is connected to the other end of the lock spring 94. In addition, the lock-side spring attachment portion 93b is disposed rearward of the lock-side shaft hole 93a in a side view. The roller surrounding portion 93c is formed by a notch that opens forward and upward in a side view in the locking portion 93. The roller surrounding portion 93c is formed in a shape that can accommodate the roller 36.

[0115] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, in the locked state, the roller 36, which is housed in the roller accommodating section 91c, is housed in the roller enclosing section 93c, so that the roller 36 is supported by the roller accommodating section 91c and the roller enclosing section 93c. The lever receiving portion 93d is disposed above the lock-side shaft hole 93a in the locking portion 93 in a side view, and is formed in a shape that allows it to be combined with the lever-side protrusion 92d. The state in which the lever receiving portion 93d and the lever-side protrusion 92d are combined is the state shown in Figure 24, which is the state of the lever receiving portion 93d and the lever-side protrusion 92d in the locked state shown in Figure 23. The lock spring 94 is formed using, for example, a coil spring.

[0116] With the above-described configuration, when the release pedal 11 is operated from above to below and the first pull cable 61 or the second pull cable 62 is pulled toward the outside of the vehicle transporter 100, the cable connection portion 92b is pulled forward, as shown in Figure 28. Note that, of the first pull cable 61 and the second pull cable 62, only the first pull cable 61 is shown in Figure 28. When the cable connection portion 92b is pulled forward, the lever portion 92 rotates counterclockwise around the lever side rotation shaft 91a as the rotation axis, and the lever side protrusion portion 92d and the lever side spring attachment portion 92c move upward.

[0117] When the lever side protrusion 92d moves upward, the lever side protrusion 92d climbs over the lever receiving portion 93d, and the combined state of the lever receiving portion 93d and the lever side protrusion 92d is released. When the lever-side spring mounting portion 92c moves upward, one end of the lock spring 94 is pulled upward, and the tension force generated by the lock spring 94 causes the other end of the lock spring 94 to move the lock-side spring mounting portion 93b upward.

[0118] As described above, the combination of the lever receiving portion 93d and the lever side protrusion 92d is released, so when the lock side spring mounting portion 93b moves upward, the lock portion 93 rotates counterclockwise around the lock side rotation shaft 91b as the rotation axis. When the locking portion 93 rotates counterclockwise, the roller enclosing portion 93c moves downward, releasing the state in which it has been holding the roller 36. This releases the locked state of the rear tilt fan 2, making it possible to rotate the rear tilt fan 2 from the vertical position in a direction that tilts it toward the horizontal position, as shown in FIG.

[0119] With the configuration described above, the first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 are configured to be able to operate the snatch lock unit 90. In addition, the snatch lock unit 90 is configured to allow the rod unit 30 to move or to fix the rod unit 30. The configuration may be such that the locked state of the rear gate 2 by the snatch lock unit 90 can be released by operating at least one of the first pedal unit 10 and the second pedal unit 20 from above downward. Also, the configuration may be such that the snatch lock unit 90 can put the rear gate 2 into a locked state when the rear gate 2 is in a vertical position. That is, the first pedal unit 10, the second pedal unit 20, and the snatch lock unit 90 may constitute a locking mechanism that fixes the rear gate 2 in a locked state when the rear gate 2 is in a vertical position.

[0120] (5) In the embodiment, the rod unit 30 and the hook unit 40 are configured to form the locking mechanism and the release operation portion, but this is not limited to this. That is, instead of the rod unit 30, for example, a link mechanism 200 may be provided, as shown in Figures 29 to 37, and the link mechanism 200 and the hook unit 40 may form the locking mechanism and the release operation portion. The link mechanism 200 includes a link arm 210 , an extendable rod portion 220 , and a roller portion 230 .

[0121] The link arm 210 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular pillar, and is disposed below the floor board 106 with its length oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle transporter 100. The link arm 210 also includes an arm-side rotation shaft 211 and an arm-side shaft hole 212. The arm-side rotation shaft 211 is arranged at one end of the link arm 210, is a cylindrical shaft that extends along the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100, and is rotatably attached to the floor plate 106. For ease of explanation, the members that attach the arm-side rotation shaft 211 to the floor plate 106 are not shown in the drawings. The arm-side shaft hole 212 is a circular hole that passes through the other end of the link arm 210 in the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100.

[0122] The extendable rod portion 220 is formed in a rod shape and is disposed below the floor board 106 with its length direction oriented parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle transporter 100 . The telescopic rod portion 220 includes a front rod portion 221 , a rear rod portion 222 , an intermediate rod portion 223 , a front nut 224 , a rear nut 225 , and an intermediate nut 226 .

[0123] The front rod portion 221 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a rod-side shaft hole 221a formed at one end (front end). The rod-side shaft hole 221a is a circular hole that penetrates one end of the front rod portion 221 in the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100. The other end (rear end) of the front rod portion 221 opens toward the rear of the vehicle transporter 100. A left-handed screw groove (not shown) (a screw that advances when turned counterclockwise) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening formed at the other end of the front rod portion 221. The rear rod portion 222 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a rod-side through-hole 222a formed at one end (rear end). The rear tilt-side second connecting portion 2b is rotatably connected to the rear rod portion 222 through the rod-side through-hole 222a. The other end (front end) of the rear rod portion 222 opens toward the front of the vehicle transporter 100. A right-handed screw groove (not shown) (a screw that advances when turned clockwise) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening formed at the other end of the rear rod portion 222.

[0124] The intermediate rod portion 223 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a front screw groove 223a and a rear screw groove 223b are formed on the outer circumferential surface. One end (front end) of the intermediate rod portion 223 is inserted into the other end of the front rod portion 221. The other end (rear end) of the intermediate rod portion 223 is inserted into the other end of the rear rod portion 222. The front screw groove 223a is a left-handed screw groove and is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate rod portion 223, between the center of the intermediate rod portion 223 and one end of the intermediate rod portion 223. The front screw groove 223a also meshes with a left-handed screw groove formed in the front rod portion 221. The rear screw groove 223b is a right-handed screw groove and is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate rod portion 223, between the center of the intermediate rod portion 223 and the other end of the intermediate rod portion 223. The rear screw groove 223b also meshes with a right-handed screw groove formed in the rear rod portion 222. The front nut 224 is rotatably attached to the front screw groove 223a. When the front nut 224 is rotated and pressed against the front rod portion 221, the front nut 224 is tightened onto the front rod portion 221.

[0125] The rear nut 225 is rotatably attached to the rear screw groove 223b. When the rear nut 225 is rotated and pressed against the rear rod portion 222, the rear nut 225 is tightened onto the rear rod portion 222. The intermediate nut 226 is fixed to the center of the intermediate rod portion 223 on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate rod portion 223. Therefore, when the intermediate nut 226 is rotated, the intermediate rod portion 223 rotates in the same direction as the intermediate nut 226. When the intermediate nut 226 is rotated, the length of the portion of the intermediate rod portion 223 that is inserted into the front rod portion 221 and the length of the portion of the intermediate rod portion 223 that is inserted into the rear rod portion 222 can be changed. With the above-described configuration, when the intermediate nut 226 and the intermediate rod portion 223 are rotated clockwise as viewed from the front of the vehicle transporter 100, the front rod portion 221 and the rear rod portion 222 of the telescopic rod portion 220 move closer to each other, and the length of the telescopic rod portion 220 decreases. Furthermore, when the intermediate nut 226 and the intermediate rod portion 223 are rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the vehicle transporter 100, the front rod portion 221 and the rear rod portion 222 move farther apart, and the length of the telescopic rod portion 220 increases. 32 shows a state in which the length of the extendable rod portion 220 is reduced by rotating the intermediate nut 226 and the intermediate rod portion 223, compared to the state shown in FIG.

[0126] The roller portion 230 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed between the link arm 210 and the front rod portion 221 with its rotation axis oriented parallel to the width direction of the vehicle transporter 100. A roller portion through-hole (not shown) is also formed in the roller portion 230. A cylindrical roller pin 240 is inserted between both ends into the roller portion through-hole. One end of the roller pin 240 is inserted into the arm-side shaft hole 212. The other end of the roller pin 240 is inserted into the rod-side shaft hole 221a. As a result, the roller portion 230 is rotatably disposed between the link arm 210 and the front rod portion 221. Similarly to the roller 36 in the embodiment, the roller portion 230 is formed in a shape that allows it to be captured by the hook 41 (roller capture portion 411), and is disposed in a position that allows it to be captured by the roller capture portion 411. Note that, for the sake of explanation, only the roller capture portion 411 of the hook 41 is shown in FIGS. 29 to 30 and 33 to 37. For the sake of explanation, the hook holding plate 43 and the rear tilt holding plate 105 are not shown in FIGS. 29 to 30 and 33 to 37.

[0127] With the above-described configuration, as shown in Fig. 29, when the release pedal 11 is operated from above to below while the rear door tilt 2 is in a vertical position, the first pull cable 61 or the second pull cable 62 is pulled toward the outside of the vehicle transporter 100. When the first pull cable 61 or the second pull cable 62 is pulled toward the outside of the vehicle transporter 100, as shown in Fig. 33, the hook 41 moves upward, and the roller capture portion 411 is released from capturing the roller portion 230. After the pair of roller supplementary portions 411 release the state in which they are supplementing the roller portion 230, the operator rotates the rear tilter 2, which is in a vertical position, in a direction that tilts it toward a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 34, and as the rear tilter 2 rotates, the rear rod portion 222 moves forward.

[0128] When the rear rod portion 222 moves forward, the telescopic rod portion 220 moves forward while tilting at an angle that increases upward as it moves from the front to the rear, causing the link arm 210 to rotate clockwise around the arm-side rotation shaft 211 as the rotation axis. Then, as shown in FIG. 35, when the rear gate 2 assumes a horizontal position and the operator stops operating the release pedal 11, the operating pin 113 becomes unloaded and the hook 41 moves downward.

[0129] After the rear gate 2 is set to a horizontal position, the vehicle V to be transported is driven to move from the rear gate 2 to the loading platform 102, and the vehicle V to be transported is loaded onto the loading platform 102. After the vehicle V to be transported is loaded onto the loading platform 102, the wheels of the vehicle V to be transported are secured to the loading platform 102, and then an operator manually rotates the rear gate 2, which is in a horizontal position, in a direction that tilts it toward a vertical position, as shown in Figure 36. When the rear gate 2 is rotated in a direction that tilts it toward the vertical position, the telescopic rod portion 220 moves rearward as the rear gate 2 rotates. When the telescopic rod unit 220 moves rearward, the link arm 210 rotates counterclockwise around the arm-side rotation shaft 211 as the rotation axis, and the roller unit 230 moves backward while tilting at an angle that increases upward as it moves from rear to front. As a result, the roller unit 230, which faces the lower inclined surface 411c in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle transporter 100, moves toward the lower inclined surface 411c and comes into contact with the lower inclined surface 411c.

[0130] When the extensible rod unit 220 moves further rearward while the roller unit 230 is in contact with the lower inclined surface 411c, the hook 41 is lifted by the roller unit 230 along the slope of the lower inclined surface 411c, as shown in Fig. 36. When the extensible rod unit 220 moves further rearward while the hook 41 is lifted by the roller unit 230, the roller unit 230 moves rearward beyond the lower inclined surface 411c, as shown in Fig. 37. When the roller portion 230 moves rearward from the lower inclined surface 411c, the hook spring 44 contracts, causing the roller capture portion 411 to move downward and climb over the roller portion 230. Then, when the extendable rod portion 220 moves further rearward from the state in which the roller capture portion 411 has climbed over the roller portion 230, the roller capture portion 411 captures the roller portion 230, as shown in Fig. 29, and the posture of the rear tilt 2 becomes vertical.

[0131] Note that when the rear windshield 2 is in a vertical position, for example, if the position of the rear windshield 2 is actually tilted rearward from the vertical, the intermediate nut 226 and the intermediate rod portion 223 are rotated to change the length of the extendable rod portion 220. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the rear windshield 2 to, for example, a position perpendicular to the ground or a position in which the rear windshield 2 is in contact with the bed 102. Therefore, the telescopic rod portion 220 corresponds to a posture adjustment mechanism that can adjust the posture of the rear gate 2 relative to the cargo bed 102 in the locked state.

[0132] (6) In the embodiment, the release operation unit is formed by a foot pedal (release pedal 11) that is operated from above to below, but this is not limited to this. That is, the release operation unit may be formed by, for example, a button that is operated by pressing from above to below, or a lever that is operated from above to below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1 Rear tailgate 2. Post-hype 2a First connecting part on rear tailgate side 2b Second connecting part on rear tailgate side 2c Cushion material 10 First pedal unit 11 Release pedal 110 Pedal Plate 111 Rotating shaft pin 112 Stopper pin 113 Operation pin 12 Pedal bracket 121 First side plate 121a First rotary bearing hole 121b First circular arc slit 122 Second side plate 123 First mounting plate 124 Backplate 124a Backplate opening 20 Second pedal unit 30 Rod Unit 31 Push rod 31a Large diameter section 31b Small diameter section 31c Medium diameter part 31d Rod side through hole 31e Boss 32 Rod bracket 32a Plate section 32b Rod support part 33 Roller support plate 33a Receiving plate side through hole 34 Spring receiving plate 35 Rod spring 36 Laura 36a Roller side through hole 37 Rod pin 38 Gate connecting member 38a Rear end side through hole 40 Hook unit 41 Hook 410 Hook body 411 Roller Supplement 411a Hook side through hole 411b Upper slope 411c Lower slope 412 Hook connecting member 420 Link 421 Link body 422 First cable connection 423 Second cable connection 424 Spring connection part 42 Hook side cable bracket 43 Hook holding plate 44 Hook Spring 45 Hook connecting pin 51 First pedal side cable bracket 61 First Pull Cable 62 Second pull cable 70 Cable clamp 80 Floor control unit 81 Floor-mounted pedal section 81a Floor pedal body 81b Floor pedal support 82 Link member 82a Link frame section 82b Pin holder 90 Snatch Lock Unit 91 Base 91a Lever side rotation axis 91b Lock side rotation shaft 91c Roller housing 92 Lever part 92a Lever side shaft hole 92b Cable connection 92c Lever side spring mounting part 92d Lever side protrusion 93 Rock Club 93a Lock side shaft hole 93b Lock side spring mounting part 93c Roller enclosure 93d Lever receiving part 94 Rock Spring 100 Vehicle Transporter 101 Vehicle body 102 Cargo bed 103 Driver's cab 104 Side Frame 105 Rear gate retaining plate 106 Floorboards 107 Insertion Post 108 Insertion support bracket 109 Ground Roller 200 Link Mechanism 210 link arm 211 Arm side rotation axis 212 Arm side shaft hole 220 Telescopic rod section 221 Front rod part 221a Rod side shaft hole 222 Rear rod part 222a Rod side through hole 223 Intermediate rod section 223a Front thread groove 223b Rear thread groove 224 Front nut 225 Rear nut 226 Intermediate nut 230 Roller section 240 Roller pin V Vehicle to be transported G ground T: The locus of movement of the central axis of the roller and rod pin P1 Position where the roller is located when the rear tilt is in a horizontal position P2 Position where the roller is located when the rear tilt is in the vertical position

Claims

1. A rear tailgate that can change the vehicle's posture relative to the loading platform between a vertical posture, which is an upright posture, and a horizontal posture, which is a lying posture; a locking mechanism that fixes the rear tilt in a locked state when the rear tilt is in the vertical position; a release operation unit that is arranged on the loading platform and that can release the locked state of the rear gate by operating it from above downward, The release operation unit includes a foot pedal that is operated from above downwards, The pedal is a rear tilt device arranged on the side of the cargo bed.

2. 2. The rear gate device according to claim 1, wherein the pedal is disposed at a position where it can be stepped on by an operator holding the rear gate in the vertical position with his / her hand while the loading platform is in contact with the ground.

3. 3. The rear tailgate device according to claim 1, wherein when the platform is in contact with the ground and the pedal is operated from above downward to release the locked state of the rear tailgate, a gap is formed between the pedal and the ground.

4. A rear tailgate device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pedal can be operated by rotating around an axis having a rotation axis pin whose axial direction is parallel to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

5. a ground contact roller that is arranged below the upper surface of the loading platform and is capable of rotating while in contact with the ground, The locking mechanism is disposed below the top surface of the loading platform, 5. A rear winding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the loading platform is in a grounded state, a gap is formed between the locking mechanism and the ground, and the ground roller comes into contact with the ground.

6. A rear windscreen device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an on-floor operating unit arranged on the upper surface of the loading platform, the operation of which from above downward is linked to the operation of the foot pedal from above downward.

7. The rear windshield tilt device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking mechanism and the release operation unit are disposed below an upper surface of the loading platform.

8. two of the release operation units, 8. The rear windscreen device according to claim 1, wherein the two release operation units are disposed on both side surfaces of the cargo bed.

9. The rear tailgate device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the release operation unit is disposed inward of the cargo bed when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

10. The rear tilt device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a return force applying portion that applies a force to displace the release operating portion from below toward above.

11. The rear windshield device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an attitude adjustment mechanism that is capable of adjusting the attitude of the rear windshield with respect to the cargo bed in the locked state.

12. A vehicle transporter equipped with a rear tailgate device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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