Rear windscreen, vehicle transporter equipped with rear windscreen

Abstract

To provide a rear flapping device and a vehicle carrier having the rear flapping device that facilitate performing work for turning an attitude of rear flapping from a horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude.SOLUTION: A rear flapping device 1 provided on a vehicle carrier includes: rear flapping 2 capable of changing an attitude of the vehicle carrier relative to a loading space 102 between a vertical attitude and a horizontal attitude; a first auxiliary force applying mechanism (a rod unit 30) for applying auxiliary force to the rear flapping 2 in a direction of changing from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude; and a lock mechanism (a first pedal unit 10, a second pedal unit 20, a hook unit 40) for, when the attitude of the rear flapping 2 is the vertical attitude, placing the attitude into a locked state, which is a state in which the rear flapping 2 is fixed. The lock mechanism places the rear flapping 2 of the vertical attitude in the locked state by stopping operation of the first auxiliary force applying mechanism.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 horizontal position to a vertical position, the worker must manually raise the rear gate, which is in a fallen state and touching the ground. Therefore, depending on the weight of the rear gate and the physique and physical strength of the worker, it can be difficult to change the position of the rear gate from a horizontal position to a vertical position. 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 horizontal position to a vertical position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A rear gate device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rear gate, a first auxiliary force imparting mechanism, and a locking mechanism. 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 reclined position. The first auxiliary force imparting mechanism imparts an auxiliary force to the rear gate in a direction that changes the position from the horizontal position to the vertical position. The locking mechanism fixes the rear gate in a locked state when the position of the rear gate is in a vertical position. In addition, the locking mechanism locks the rear gate in a vertical position by stopping the operation of the first auxiliary force imparting mechanism.

[0006] In addition, a vehicle transporter according to one aspect of the present invention is equipped with a rear gate device that has the function of applying an auxiliary force to the rear gate in a direction to change it from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and the function of locking the rear gate in a fixed state when the position of the rear gate is in a vertical position. [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 horizontal position to a vertical 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] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power assist 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] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rear tilt device. 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, a hook unit 40, and a power assist device 80. 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, the hook unit 40, and the power assist device 80.

[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, two rear flap-side second connecting portions 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 four 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 two of the four rear gate side first connecting portions 2a by welding or the like. The rear gate side first connecting portion 2a to which the rear gate side second connecting portion 2b is fixed is the two of the four rear gate side first connecting portions 2a that are closest to the center of the cargo bed 102. The rear gate side second connecting portion 2b is attached to a gate connecting member 38 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, using a pin or the like. Note that in FIG. 4, for the sake of explanation, 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] <Power auxiliary device> As shown in Fig. 16, the power assist device 80 includes a rod portion 81, a bracket portion 82, a receiving plate portion 83, and a power assist spring 84. Fig. 16(b) is a view taken along the line B in Fig. 16(a).

[0078] The rod portion 81 is formed into a rod shape using a metal material or the like, and includes a medium diameter portion 81a, a small diameter portion 81b, and a large diameter portion 81c.

[0079] The medium diameter portion 81a is a portion of the rod portion 81 that has an outer diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 81c and larger than that of the small diameter portion 81b. The small diameter portion 81b has an outer diameter smaller than that of the medium diameter portion 81a, and is disposed at a position in the rod portion 81 farthest from the rear gate 2, forming the tip end of the rod portion 81.

[0080] The large diameter portion 81c is the portion with the largest outer diameter. The large diameter portion 81c is located at a position of the rod portion 81 closest to the rear flap 2, and forms the rear end portion of the rod portion 81. A rod portion through-hole 81d is formed in the large diameter portion 81c, passing through the center axis of the large diameter portion 81c in a direction along the radial direction of the large diameter portion 81c. The rear flap 2 is rotatably connected to the rod portion through-hole 81d with respect to the large diameter portion 81c. The large diameter portion 81c may be formed in a prismatic shape.

[0081] The bracket portion 82 is formed by bending two portions of a plate material at right angles, and is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the top and bottom. The bracket portion 82 is attached to the underside of the floor plate 106 by welding or the like. Furthermore, a circular through-hole is formed in the surface of the bracket portion 82 that is farthest from the rear flap 2. A medium diameter portion 81a is disposed in the through-hole formed in the surface of the bracket portion 82 that is farthest from the rear flap 2.

[0082] The receiving plate portion 83 is formed using a plate material and is disposed between the bracket portion 82 and the large diameter portion 81c with its thickness direction oriented parallel to the forward or backward movement direction of the vehicle transporter 100. The receiving plate portion 83 is also attached to the medium diameter portion 81a by welding or the like.

[0083] Furthermore, a circular through-hole is formed in the receiving plate portion 83. In the through-hole formed in the receiving plate portion 83, the medium diameter portion 81a is disposed.

[0084] The power assist spring 84 is formed using, for example, a coil spring. The medium diameter portion 81a is disposed inside the power assist spring 84. That is, the power assist spring 84 surrounds the medium diameter portion 81a.

[0085] One end of the power assist spring 84 contacts the surface of the bracket portion 82 that is farthest from the rear gate 2. The other end of the power assist spring 84 contacts the receiving plate portion 83. The force with which the power assist spring 84 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. Furthermore, the force with which the power assist spring 84 extends is set so that the resultant force with which the rod spring 35 extends is smaller than the force required to change the rear tilt 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0086] <Operation> Next, the operation of the rear fanning device 1 will be described using FIGS. 17 to 21 while also referring to FIGS. 1 to 16. 17 to 21 are side views seen from the left side, similar to FIG. 8.

[0087] First, with the rear windshield 2 in a vertical position, the loading platform 102 is placed on the ground as shown in Fig. 1(b). Next, with the rear windshield 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. 17, 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.

[0088] 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. 18, and the gate connecting member 38 moves forward in conjunction with the rotation of the rear gate 2. Figs. 18 to 21 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.

[0089] Furthermore, when the rear gate 2 is rotated from the vertical position in a direction that tilts it toward the horizontal position, the rotation of the rear gate 2 causes the rod portion 81 to move forward. When the rod portion 81 moves forward, the receiving plate portion 83 moves forward, and the power assist spring 84 contracts between the receiving plate portion 83 and the bracket portion 82.

[0090] Then, as shown in Figure 19, 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. 19. When the rear gate 2 changes from the position shown in Fig. 18 to the horizontal position shown in Fig. 19, the axial direction of the rod pin 37 becomes parallel to the ground G.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 tilting it toward a vertical position as shown in Figure 20, 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.

[0093] 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 a first assist force applying mechanism that applies an assist force to the rear gate 2 in a direction to change 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 operator in manually changing the attitude of the rear gate 2 from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude.

[0094] Furthermore, when the rear gate 2 is rotated from a horizontal position in a direction inclining it toward a vertical position by manual work by an operator, the rod portion 81 moves rearward in accordance with the rotation of the rear gate 2. When the rod portion 81 moves rearward, the receiving plate portion 83 moves backward, and the power assist spring 84, which had been contracted between the receiving plate portion 83 and the bracket portion 82, expands, causing the rod portion 81 (large diameter portion 81c) to move rearward. Note that the power assist spring 84 in its contracted state is always applying a force to the rod portion 81 via the receiving plate portion 83, moving it rearward.

[0095] When a force is applied to the rod portion 81 to move it rearward, a force is applied to the large diameter portion 81c to move it rearward. The force applied to the large diameter portion 81c is then transmitted to the rear tilt-side second connecting portion 2b. Therefore, the power assist device 80, together with the rod unit 30, functions as a second assist force applying mechanism that applies an assist force to the rear gate 2 in a direction that changes the attitude of the rear gate 2 from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude when the attitude of the rear gate 2 is changed from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude. In other words, the power assist device 80, together with the rod unit 30, assists the operator in manually changing the attitude of the rear gate 2 from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude when the attitude of the rear gate 2 is changed from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 21.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 18 to 21, 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.

[0100] 18 to 21, 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. 18 to 21, 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.

[0101] <Correspondence to claims> The rod unit 30 corresponds to a first assist force applying mechanism that applies an assist force to the rear gate 2 in a direction that changes the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position. 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. In addition, the first pedal unit 10, the second pedal unit 20, and the hook unit 40 correspond to a locking mechanism that locks the rear gate 2 in a vertical position by stopping the operation of the first auxiliary force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30). Furthermore, the rod unit 30 corresponds to a first assist force imparting mechanism that is disposed below the upper surface of the loading platform 102 .

[0102] The push rod 31 corresponds to a first push rod that is displaced in accordance with changes in the attitude of the rear gate 2. The rod spring 35 corresponds to a first rod spring that contracts when the attitude of the rear gate 2 changes from a vertical attitude to a horizontal attitude and expands when the attitude of the rear gate 2 changes from a horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude. The hook 41 corresponds to a hook that catches a part of the first push rod (push rod 31) when the rear gate 2 is in the vertical position, and that separates from the first push rod when the locked state of the rear gate 2 is released.

[0103] The auxiliary force (the force with which the rod spring 35 extends) applied by the first auxiliary force application mechanism (rod unit 30) is smaller than the force required to change the rear gate 2 from the horizontal position to the vertical position. The power assist device 80 corresponds to a second assist force applying mechanism that applies an assist force to the rear gate 2 in a direction that changes the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position, together with the first assist force applying mechanism (rod unit 30).

[0104] Furthermore, the power assist device 80 corresponds to a second assist force providing mechanism that is disposed below the upper surface of the loading platform 102 at a position different from the first assist force providing mechanism (rod unit 30). The rod portion 81 corresponds to a second push rod that is displaced in accordance with changes in the attitude of the rear gate 2. The power assist spring 84 corresponds to a second rod spring that contracts when the attitude of the rear gate 2 changes from a vertical attitude to a horizontal attitude and expands when the attitude of the rear gate 2 changes from a horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude. The resultant force of the auxiliary force applied by the first auxiliary force applying mechanism (rod unit 30) and the auxiliary force applied by the second auxiliary force applying mechanism (power assist device 80) (the force by which the power assist spring 84 extends) is smaller than the force required to change the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0105] <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 first assist force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30) that imparts an assist force to the rear gate 2 in a direction that changes the position from the horizontal position to the vertical position. Furthermore, the vehicle transporter 100 is provided with a locking mechanism (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20, hook unit 40) that fixes the rear gate 2 in a locked state when the position of the rear gate 2 is in a vertical position. The locking mechanism (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20, hook unit 40) stops the operation of the first assist force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30) to lock the rear gate 2 in the vertical position. Therefore, when the position of the rear gate 2 is changed from a horizontal position to a vertical position with the loading platform 102 on the ground, the first auxiliary force imparting mechanism can assist the worker in manually raising the rear gate 2 that has fallen and is in contact with the ground. As a result, the first auxiliary force imparting mechanism can assist the worker in raising the rear tilt 2, making it possible to provide a rear tilt device 1 that can easily change the position of the rear tilt 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0106] (2) The first assist force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30) is 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.

[0107] (3) The first assist force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30) includes a first push rod (push rod 31) that displaces in accordance with changes in the attitude of the rear swing arm 2. In addition, the first rod spring (rod spring 35) is provided that contracts when the attitude of the rear swing arm 2 changes from a vertical attitude to a horizontal attitude and that expands when the attitude of the rear swing arm 2 changes from a horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude. Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes a hook (hook 41) that captures a part of the first push rod (push rod 31) when the attitude of the rear swing arm 2 is in a vertical attitude and that separates from the first push rod when the locked state of the rear swing arm 2 is released. As a result, the first assist force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30) can assist the worker in raising the rear tilt 2 without using a configuration that requires power, such as an actuator.

[0108] (4) The auxiliary force (the force with which the rod spring 35 extends) applied by the first auxiliary force application mechanism (rod unit 30) is smaller than the force required to change the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position. As a result, the auxiliary force applied by the first auxiliary force application mechanism can prevent the rear tilt 2 from changing from a horizontal position to a vertical position regardless of the intention of the worker or the like.

[0109] (5) A second auxiliary force imparting mechanism (power assist device 80) is further provided, which, together with the first auxiliary force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30), imparts an auxiliary force in a direction that changes the attitude of the rear gate 2 from a horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude. Therefore, for example, even if the configuration of the rear gate 2 is changed to a heavier configuration, the second auxiliary force imparting mechanism (power assist device 80) in addition to the first auxiliary force imparting mechanism (rod unit 30) can assist the worker in raising the rear gate 2. As a result, it is possible to provide a rear tilt device 1 that can accommodate the configuration of the rear tilt 2.

[0110] (6) The second assist force providing mechanism (power assist device 80) is disposed below the upper surface of the platform 102 at a position different from that of the first assist force providing mechanism (rod unit 30). As a result, the entire surface on which the vehicles V to be transported are loaded can be used for loading the vehicles V to be transported.

[0111] (7) The second assist force imparting mechanism (power assist device 80) includes a second push rod (rod portion 81) that is displaced relative to the bed 102 in response to changes in the attitude of the rear gate 2. In addition, the second push rod includes a second rod spring (power assist spring 84) that contracts when the attitude of the rear gate 2 changes from a vertical attitude to a horizontal attitude and expands when the attitude of the rear gate 2 changes from a horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude. As a result, the second assist force imparting mechanism (power assist device 80) can assist the worker in raising the rear tilt 2 without using a configuration that requires power, such as an actuator.

[0112] (8) The resultant force of the auxiliary force applied by the first auxiliary force applying mechanism (rod unit 30) and the auxiliary force applied by the second auxiliary force applying mechanism (power assist device 80) (the force by which the power assist spring 84 extends) is smaller than the force required to change the rear gate 2 from a horizontal position to a vertical position. As a result, the auxiliary forces applied by the first auxiliary force applying mechanism and the second auxiliary force applying mechanism make it possible to prevent the rear tilt 2, which is in a horizontal position, from changing to a vertical position regardless of the intention of the worker, etc.

[0113] Furthermore, the vehicle transporter 100 of the embodiment can achieve the following actions and effects. (9) 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 horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0114] <Modification> (1) In the embodiment, the rear tilt device 1 is configured to include one power assist device 80, but this is not limited to this, and the rear tilt device 1 may be configured to include multiple power assist devices 80.

[0115] (2) In the embodiment, the release operation units (first pedal unit 10, second pedal unit 20) are configured to be located on both side surfaces of the cargo bed 102, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the release operation units may be configured to be located on at least one of the both side surfaces of the cargo bed 102. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 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 Power auxiliary equipment 81 Rod part 81a Medium diameter part 81a 81b Small diameter part 81b 81c Large diameter part 81c 81d Rod portion through hole 81d 82 Bracket part 83 Receiving plate 84 Power auxiliary 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 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 first assist force applying mechanism that applies an assist force to the rear gate in a direction that changes the rear gate from the horizontal position to the vertical position; a locking mechanism that fixes the rear gate in a locked state when the rear gate is in the vertical position, the first assist force application mechanism includes a first push rod that is displaced in accordance with a change in the attitude of the rear swingarm, and a first rod spring that contracts when the attitude of the rear swingarm changes from the vertical attitude to the horizontal attitude and expands when the attitude of the rear swingarm changes from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude, The locking mechanism is a hook that catches a part of the first push rod when the attitude of the rear gate is the vertical attitude and that moves away from the first push rod when the locked state of the rear gate is released, The hook, which operates in conjunction with the change in the attitude of the rear swingarm from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude, captures a part of the first push rod when the attitude of the rear swingarm changes from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude, thereby stopping the movement of the rear swingarm to change from the vertical attitude to the horizontal attitude, thereby locking the rear swingarm in the vertical attitude.

2. The rear windshield tilt device according to claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary force applying mechanism is disposed below an upper surface of the loading platform.

3. 3. The rear windscreen according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is disposed below an upper surface of the loading platform.

4. 4. A rear tilt device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary force applied by the first auxiliary force application mechanism is smaller than the force required to change the rear tilt from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

5. A rear tilt device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second auxiliary force imparting mechanism that, together with the first auxiliary force imparting mechanism, imparts an auxiliary force to the rear tilt in a direction that changes the rear tilt from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

6. The rear windshield tilt device according to claim 5, wherein the second auxiliary force application mechanism is disposed below the upper surface of the cargo bed at a position different from that of the first auxiliary force application mechanism.

7. The rear tilt device described in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the second auxiliary force imparting mechanism comprises: a second push rod that displaces in accordance with a change in the attitude of the rear tilt; and a second rod spring that contracts when the attitude of the rear tilt changes from the vertical attitude to the horizontal attitude and expands when the attitude of the rear tilt changes from the horizontal attitude to the vertical attitude.

8. A rear tilt device described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the resultant force of the auxiliary force applied by the first auxiliary force applying mechanism and the auxiliary force applied by the second auxiliary force applying mechanism is smaller than the force required to change the rear tilt from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

9. A vehicle transporter equipped with the rear tailgate device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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