Connecting device

Abstract

To reduce the storage space required when a camper trailer is disconnected from a self-propelled vehicle and is not connected to the vehicle. [Solution] A coupling device 1 is provided on a camper trailer (towed vehicle) CA and couples the camper trailer CA to a self-propelled vehicle (towing vehicle) VE. The coupling device 1 includes a main body member 3 that can be switched between a coupled state in which the camper trailer CA is coupled to the self-propelled vehicle VE, and an uncoupled state in which the camper trailer CA is detached from the self-propelled vehicle VE. In the coupled state, the main body member 3 extends in the fore-and-aft direction X, but in the uncoupled state, it can be transformed into a storage state in which it extends in the up-and-down direction Z.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A coupling and towing device (coupling device) that couples a self-propelled vehicle and a camper trailer is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7438445 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the coupling and towing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, by coupling a camper trailer to a self-propelled vehicle, the camper trailer can be towed by the self-propelled vehicle.

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of the storage location of the coupling tow device (coupling device) when the camper trailer is in an uncoupled state where it is disconnected from the self-propelled vehicle.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a coupling device that can reduce the storage space required when a camper trailer is disconnected from a self-propelled vehicle and is not connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a coupling device that is provided on a towed vehicle and couples the towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The coupling device includes a main body member that can be switched between a coupled state in which the towed vehicle is coupled to the towing vehicle and an uncoupled state in which the towed vehicle is uncoupled from the towing vehicle. In the coupled state, the main body member extends in the front-to-rear direction, but in the uncoupled state, the main body member can be transformed into a storage state in which it extends in the up-down direction. The coupling device further includes a fixing member for attaching the main body member of the coupling device to the towed vehicle, and a hooking member for hooking the main body member in the stored state to the towed vehicle. The main body member is attached to the fixing member, and the hooking member is positioned at a position spaced apart from the fixing member in the up-down direction. The main body member comprises a first portion that extends in a straight line from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction in the connected state, a second portion that extends in a straight line from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction in the connected state and is then connected to the first portion, and a third portion that extends in a straight line from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction in the connected state and is then connected to the first portion. The fixing member includes a fixing member body. The fixing member includes a plurality of protruding portions that protrude forward in the front-rear direction from the fixing member main body. The plurality of protruding portions are configured with a first protruding portion located in the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the vertical direction, a second protruding portion located on one side of the left-right direction relative to the first protruding portion when viewed from the vertical direction, and a third protruding portion located on the other side of the left-right direction relative to the first protruding portion when viewed from the vertical direction. A first damper is provided between the second protruding portion and the second portion, and a second damper is provided between the third protruding portion and the third portion. The first damper and the second damper prevent the main body member from descending too quickly when returning the main body member from the stored state to the connected state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The coupling device according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, and therefore can reduce the storage space required when the towed vehicle is disconnected from the towing vehicle and in an uncoupled state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention according to the present disclosure, including essential features of the invention as well as alternative and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of the coupling device according to the first embodiment coupling a self-propelled vehicle (towing vehicle) and a camper trailer (towed vehicle), and Fig. 1(b) is a side view of Fig. 1(a). [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling device shown in Figure 1(a), and Figure 2(b) is a side view of Figure 2(a). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a further enlarged perspective view of the coupling device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the connected state shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the coupling device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the operation of changing from the connected state shown in FIG. 1 to the unconnected state. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view showing the operation of changing from the uncoupled state shown in Fig. 6 to the stored state, and Fig. 7(b) is a side view of Fig. 1A. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connected state of the connecting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a storage state of the coupling device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment] The details of the coupling device (coupled towing device) according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments include not only essential features of the present invention but also features that can be selectively adopted and features that can be combined as appropriate.

[0011] [First embodiment] The configuration of the coupling device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of the coupling device 1 according to the first embodiment, in which a self-propelled vehicle (towing vehicle) VE and a camper trailer (towed vehicle) CA are coupled together. Fig. 1(b) is a side view of Fig. 1(a). Fig. 2(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling device 1 shown in Fig. 1(a). Fig. 2(b) is a side view of Fig. 2(a). Fig. 3 is a further enlarged perspective view of the coupling device 1 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a side view of the coupled state shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the coupling device 1 shown in Fig. 3.

[0012] The coupling device 1 is what is called a hitch member, and is provided on the camper trailer CA to couple the camper trailer CA to a self-propelled vehicle VE. The camper trailer CA is an example of a towed vehicle, and the self-propelled vehicle VE is an example of a towing vehicle. The camper trailer CA cannot move on its own, but can be towed by being coupled to the self-propelled vehicle VE. In other words, the camper trailer CA can be moved by the self-propelled vehicle VE.

[0013] The camper trailer CA has, for example, a living space formed inside, and it is possible to sleep in the interior space when the trailer is parked.

[0014] The camper trailer CA is provided with a door DO for getting on and off the camper trailer CA, and is also provided with, for example, a kitchen, bed, toilet, etc. (not shown) inside. The camper trailer CA is also provided with a pair of tires TI.

[0015] The self-propelled vehicle VE may be, for example, a gasoline vehicle, an electric vehicle, a diesel vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle, and can be self-propelled using fuel such as gasoline or electricity, etc. The self-propelled vehicle VE is positioned in front F of the camper trailer CA when in a coupled state with the coupling device 1, which will be described later.

[0016] 1 and 2, a connecting device 1 according to the present invention has a front-rear direction X, a left-right direction Y, and an up-down direction Z.

[0017] The front-rear direction X is the direction in which the self-propelled vehicle VE and the camper trailer CA are aligned. The left-right direction Y is perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z. In other words, the front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y, and the up-down direction Z are all perpendicular to each other.

[0018] The longitudinal direction X includes a forward direction F from the camper trailer CA toward the self-propelled vehicle VE, and a backward direction B from the self-propelled vehicle VE toward the camper trailer CA. The left-right direction Y includes one direction (e.g., leftward) L and the other direction (e.g., rightward) R. The vertical direction Z includes an upward direction U and a downward direction D.

[0019] The coupling device 1 is provided on the camper trailer CA, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. More specifically, the coupling device 1 is provided at the front F in the fore-and-aft direction X of the camper trailer CA. The coupling device 1 couples the camper trailer CA to the self-propelled vehicle VE.

[0020] The coupling device 1 has, for example, one fixing member 2, one main body member 3, multiple shaft members 4, and one hook member 5. The fixing member 2 has a fixing member main body 21 that fixes the coupling device 1 to the camper trailer CA, and multiple protruding portions 22 that protrude forward F in the fore-and-aft direction X from the fixing member main body 21. In other words, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the camper trailer CA by the fixing member main body 21.

[0021] The plurality of protruding portions 22 according to this embodiment are constituted by a first protruding portion 22a, a second protruding portion 22b, and a third protruding portion 22c. That is, the connecting device 1 according to this embodiment has three protruding portions 22.

[0022] When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the first protruding portion 22a is located at the center in the left-right direction Y. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the second protruding portion 22b is located on one side in the left-right direction Y with respect to the first protruding portion 22a. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the third protruding portion 22c is located on the other side in the left-right direction Y with respect to the first protruding portion 22a. A first stopper 31ST is provided on such first protruding portion 22a. The first stopper 31ST will be described later.

[0023] The first protruding portion 22a extends in the front-rear direction X and has a front end portion 221a at an end portion at the front F in the front-rear direction X. A pair of first opposing portions facing each other in the left-right direction Y is formed on the front end portion 221a, and a first through-hole 221aH is formed in each of the pair of first opposing portions, penetrating the first opposing portion in the left-right direction Y. The first protruding portion also has a pair of second opposing portions facing each other in the left-right direction Y, and a second through-hole 22aH is formed in each of the pair of second opposing portions, penetrating the second opposing portion in the left-right direction Y. A second stopper 32ST is provided on such second protruding portion 22b. The second stopper 32ST will be described later.

[0024] The second protruding portion 22b extends in the front-rear direction X and has a front end portion 221b at its end on the front F in the front-rear direction X. A pair of first opposing portions facing each other in the left-right direction Y is formed on the front end portion 221b, and a first through-hole 221bH is formed in each of the pair of first opposing portions, penetrating the first opposing portion in the left-right direction Y. The second protruding portion is further formed with a pair of second opposing portions facing each other in the left-right direction Y, and a second through-hole 22bH is formed in each of the pair of second opposing portions, penetrating the second opposing portion in the left-right direction Y. A third stopper 33ST is provided on this third protruding portion 22c. The third stopper 33ST will be described later.

[0025] The third protruding portion 22c extends in the front-rear direction X and has a front end portion 221c at an end portion at the front F in the front-rear direction X. A pair of first opposing portions facing each other in the left-right direction Y is formed in the front end portion 221c, and a first through hole 221cH penetrating the first opposing portion in the left-right direction Y is formed in each of the pair of first opposing portions. In addition, a pair of second opposing portions facing each other in the left-right direction Y is formed in the first protruding portion, and a third through hole 22cH penetrating the second opposing portion in the left-right direction Y is formed in each of the pair of second opposing portions.

[0026] The main body member 3 can be switched between a connected state (see Figure 1) in which the camper trailer CA is connected to the self-propelled vehicle VE, and an unconnected state (see Figure 7(a)) in which the camper trailer CA is disconnected from the self-propelled vehicle VE. In the connected state shown in Figure 1, the main body member 3 extends in the front-to-rear direction X, but in the unconnected state shown in Figure 7(a), it can be transformed into a storage state in which it extends in the up-down direction Z.

[0027] The body member 3 includes a first portion 31 , a second portion 32 , and a third portion 33 .

[0028] The first portion 31 extends linearly from the camper trailer CA to the motor vehicle VE in the front-rear direction X in the connected state.

[0029] The second portion 32 extends linearly from the camper trailer CA to the motor vehicle VE in the front-rear direction X in the connected state, and is then connected to the first portion 31.

[0030] The third portion 33 extends linearly from the camper trailer CA to the motor vehicle VE in the front-rear direction X in the connected state, and is then connected to the first portion 31.

[0031] The first portion 31 has a rear end portion 31a at its end on the rear side B in the front-rear direction X. A third through-hole 31aH is formed in the rear end portion 31a, penetrating the rear end portion 31a in the left-right direction Y. The first portion 31 also has a first locking portion 31b for locking the first portion 31 to the first protruding portion 22a. The first locking portion 31b has a pair of third opposing portions that face each other in the left-right direction Y, and each of the pair of third opposing portions has a fourth through-hole 31bH that penetrates the third opposing portion in the left-right direction Y.

[0032] A fixing member 311 that is fixed to the self-propelled vehicle is provided at the front end of the first portion 31 in the front-rear direction X (see FIG. 7(a)). The fixing member 311 is formed, for example, in a plate shape, and has a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates the fixing member 311 in the up-down direction Z when the coupling device 1 is in a coupled state. A fixing plate (not shown) for coupling the coupling device 1 is also provided on the self-propelled vehicle VE, and has a through-hole that penetrates the fixing plate in the up-down direction Z. Then, shanks of bolts that constitute fastening members are inserted into the through-holes of the fixing member 311 and the through-holes of the fixing plate, and a nut that constitutes the fastening member is fastened to the shanks of the bolts, thereby fixing the coupling device 1 to the self-propelled vehicle VE.

[0033] In the coupling device 1 according to this embodiment, a state in which the self-propelled vehicle VE and the camper trailer CA are coupled via the coupling device 1 is called a coupled state. The state in which the self-propelled vehicle VE and the camper trailer CA are not connected is called the unconnected state. In the unconnected state, the main body member 3 can be transformed into a connected state in which it extends in the front-rear direction X, and a stored state in which it extends in the up-down direction Z.

[0034] The second portion 32 has a rear end portion 32a at its end on the rear side B in the front-rear direction X. A third through-hole 32aH is formed in the rear end portion 32a, penetrating the rear end portion 32a in the left-right direction Y. The second portion 32 also has a second locking portion 32b for locking the second portion 32 to the second protruding portion 22b. The second locking portion 32b has a pair of third opposing portions that face each other in the left-right direction Y, and each of the pair of third opposing portions has a fourth through-hole 32bH that penetrates the third opposing portion in the left-right direction Y.

[0035] The third portion 33 has a rear end portion 33a at its end on the rear B side in the front-rear direction X. A third through-hole 33aH is formed in the rear end portion 33a, penetrating the rear end portion 33a in the left-right direction Y. The third portion 33 also has a third locking portion 33b formed therein for locking the third portion 33 to the third protruding portion 22c. The third locking portion 33b has a pair of third opposing portions that face each other in the left-right direction Y, and each of the pair of third opposing portions has a fourth through-hole 33bH formed therein, penetrating the third opposing portion in the left-right direction Y.

[0036] The plurality of shaft members 4 are constituted by a first shaft member 41, a second shaft member 42, and a third shaft member 43.

[0037] The first shaft member 41 connects the first portion 31 and the first protruding portion 22a. More specifically, the first shaft member 41 has a head and a shaft portion, and the shaft portion is inserted into the first through-hole 221aH and also into the third through-hole 31aH, thereby connecting the first portion 31 and the first protruding portion 22a.

[0038] The second shaft member 42 connects the second portion 32 and the second protruding portion 22b. More specifically, the second shaft member 42 has a head and a shaft portion, and the shaft portion is inserted into the first through-hole 221bH and also into the third through-hole 32aH, thereby connecting the second portion 32 and the second protruding portion 22b.

[0039] The third shaft member 43 connects the third portion 33 and the third protruding portion 22c. More specifically, the third shaft member 43 has a head and a shaft portion, and the shaft portion is inserted into the first through hole 221cH and also into the third through hole 33aH, thereby connecting the third portion 33 and the third protruding portion 22c.

[0040] The first stopper 31ST has a head and a shaft, and the shaft is inserted into the second through hole 22aH and also into the fourth through hole 31bH, thereby maintaining the connection between the first part 31 and the first protruding part 22a.

[0041] The second stopper 32ST has a head and a shaft, and the shaft is inserted into the second through hole 22bH and also into the fourth through hole 32bH, thereby maintaining the connection between the second part 32 and the second protruding part 22b.

[0042] The third stopper 33ST has a head and a shaft, and the shaft is inserted into the second through hole 22cH and also into the fourth through hole 33bH, thereby maintaining the connection between the third part 33 and the third protruding part 22c.

[0043] A first damper DA1 is provided between the second protruding portion 22b and the second portion 32. The first damper DA1 is an appropriate type of damper, such as a hydraulic damper, and includes a cylindrical cylinder portion CY and a columnar rod portion RO that is partially inserted into the cylinder portion CY. A fluid with appropriate viscosity is sealed in the cylinder portion CY, and the first damper DA1 prevents the speed of the second portion 32 from becoming excessively high relative to the second protruding portion 22b.

[0044] A second damper DA2 is provided between the third protruding portion 22c and the third portion 33. The configuration of the second damper DA2 is the same as the configuration of the first damper DA1. Therefore, the second damper DA2 prevents the speed of the third portion 33 from becoming excessively high relative to the third protruding portion 22c.

[0045] The hooking member 5 hooks the main body member 3 in the stored state to the camper trailer CA. The hooking member 5 includes a plate-shaped portion 51, an extending portion 52, a pair of opposing portions 53, and a hooking stopper .

[0046] The plate-shaped portion 51 is fixed to the camper trailer CA and is formed in a plate shape. The extending portion 52 protrudes forward F from the plate-shaped portion 51 and extends in the front-rear direction X. The pair of opposing portions 53 protrude forward F from the front end of the extending portion 52 and face each other in the left-right direction Y. Each of the pair of opposing portions 53 has a through-hole 5H formed therethrough in the left-right direction Y. The latching stopper 54 has a head and a shaft.

[0047] Then, with the first part 31 of the main body member 3 in the storage state placed between the pair of opposing portions 53, the hanging member 5 hangs the main body member 3 in the storage state to the camper trailer CA by inserting the shaft portion of the hanging stopper 54 into each of the through holes 5H of the pair of opposing portions 53.

[0048] Next, a case where the camper trailer CA is switched from being coupled to the self-propelled vehicle VE to an uncoupled state will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the operation when changing from the connected state shown in Fig. 1 to the unconnected state. Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view showing the operation when changing from the unconnected state shown in Fig. 6 to the stored state. Fig. 7(b) is a side view of Fig. 7(a). Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 7. In Fig. 7(a), the main body member 3 in the stored state is shown by a solid line, and the main body member 3 in the connected state is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the user of the camper trailer CA first removes the shaft portion of the first stopper 31ST from the second through-hole 22aH and the fourth through-hole 31bH to release the connection between the first portion 31 and the first protruding portion 22a.

[0051] Next, the user removes the shaft portion of the second stopper 32ST from the second through-hole 22bH and the fourth through-hole 32bH to release the connection between the second portion 32 and the second protruding portion 22b.

[0052] Next, the user removes the shaft portion of the third stopper 33ST from the third through-hole 22cH and the fourth through-hole 33bH, thereby releasing the connection between the third portion 33 and the third protruding portion 22c.

[0053] Next, the user rotates the main body member 3, which extends in the front-to-back direction X, in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 7(a) around the axis 41Y of the first axis member 41, the axis 42Y of the second axis member 42, and the axis 43Y of the third axis member 43, thereby transforming the main body member 3 into a storage state in which it extends in the up-down direction Z.

[0054] Next, the user places the first part 31 of the main body member 3 in the storage state between the pair of opposing portions 53, and then inserts the shaft portion of the hooking stopper 54 into each of the through holes 5H of the pair of opposing portions 53, thereby hooking the main body member 3 in the storage state to the camper trailer CA and completing the work.

[0055] When the main body member 3 in the stored state is to be transformed into the extended state, the above-mentioned operations are carried out in reverse.

[0056] As explained above, the coupling device 1 according to this embodiment is provided on the camper trailer CA and couples the camper trailer CA to the self-propelled vehicle VE. The coupling device 1 includes a main body member 3 that can be switched between a coupled state in which the camper trailer CA is coupled to the self-propelled vehicle VE, and an uncoupled state in which the camper trailer CA is detached from the self-propelled vehicle VE. The main body member 3 extends in the front-to-rear direction X in the coupled state, but can be transformed into a storage configuration in which it extends in the up-down direction Z in the uncoupled state. As a result, the coupling device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the storage space required when the camper trailer CA is detached from the self-propelled vehicle VE.

[0057] Furthermore, in the coupling device 1 according to this embodiment, the main body member 3 comprises a first portion 31 that extends in a straight line from the camper trailer CA to the self-propelled vehicle VE in the longitudinal direction X in the coupled state, a second portion 32 that extends in a straight line from the camper trailer CA to the self-propelled vehicle VE in the longitudinal direction X in the coupled state and is then coupled to the first portion 31, and a third portion 33 that extends in a straight line from the camper trailer CA to the self-propelled vehicle VE in the longitudinal direction X in the coupled state and is then coupled to the first portion 31.

[0058] The coupling device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a fixing member 2 fixed to the camper trailer CA. The fixing member 2 includes a plurality of protruding portions 22 that protrude forward F in the fore-and-aft direction X from a fixing member main body 21.

[0059] Furthermore, in the connecting device 1 according to this embodiment, the multiple protruding portions 22 are configured to include a first protruding portion 22a located in the center in the left-right direction Y when viewed from the up-down direction Z, a second protruding portion 22b located on one side in the left-right direction Y with respect to the first protruding portion 22a when viewed from the up-down direction Z, and a third protruding portion 22c located on the other side in the left-right direction Y with respect to the first protruding portion 22a when viewed from the up-down direction Z. The first protruding portion 22a is connected to the first portion 31 via a first shaft member 41, the second protruding portion 22b is connected to the second portion 32 via a second shaft member 42, and the third protruding portion 22c is connected to the third portion 33 via a third shaft member 43.

[0060] Furthermore, in the connecting device 1 according to this embodiment, a first damper DA1 is provided between the second protruding portion 22b and the second portion 32, and a second damper DA2 is provided between the third protruding portion 22c and the third portion 33. Therefore, in the connecting device 1 according to this embodiment, when returning the main body member 3 from the stored state to the connected state, even if the user releases their hands from the main body member 3, for example, the first damper DA1 and the second damper DA2 can prevent the main body member 3 from descending too quickly, thereby preventing damage to the main body member 3.

[0061] [Second embodiment] Next, a connecting device 1A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the connecting state (connecting mode) of the connecting device 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the stored mode of the connecting device 1 shown in Fig. 9. Note that in the configuration of the connecting device 1A according to the second embodiment, parts that are similar to the configuration of the connecting device 1 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the first locking portion 31bA of the connecting device 1A is further formed with a fifth through-hole 31bH2 that penetrates the first locking portion 31bA in the left-right direction Y.

[0063] Furthermore, the second locking portion 32bA of the connecting device 1A is further formed with a fifth through-hole 32bH2 that penetrates the second locking portion 32bA in the left-right direction Y.

[0064] Furthermore, a fifth through-hole 33bH2 that penetrates the third locking portion 33bA in the left-right direction Y is formed in the third locking portion 33bA of the connecting device 1A.

[0065] In the connection mode of the connecting device 1A according to this embodiment, the shaft portion of the first stopper 31ST is inserted through the second through-hole 22aH and also through the fourth through-hole 31bH, thereby maintaining the connection mode in which the first portion 31 extends along the front-rear direction X and is connected to the first protruding portion 22a. In other words, the connection mode of the connecting device 1A is the same as the connection mode of the connecting device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] Furthermore, in the connection mode of the connecting device 1A according to the present embodiment, the shaft portion of the second stopper 32ST is inserted through the second through-hole 22bH and also through the fourth through-hole 32bH, thereby maintaining the connection mode in which the second portion 32 extends along the front-rear direction X and is connected to the second protruding portion 22b. In other words, the connection mode of the connecting device 1A is the same as the connection mode of the connecting device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0067] Furthermore, in the connection mode of the connecting device 1A according to this embodiment, the shaft portion of the third stopper 33ST is inserted through the second through-hole 22cH and also through the fourth through-hole 33bH, thereby maintaining the connection mode in which the third portion 33 extends along the front-rear direction X and is connected to the third protruding portion 22c. In other words, the connection mode of the connecting device 1A is the same as the connection mode of the connecting device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the storage state of the connecting device 1A is different from that of the connecting device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0069] The shaft portion of the first stopper 31ST is inserted through the second through-hole 22aH and also through the fifth through-hole 31bH2, thereby maintaining the first portion 31 in a housed state extending along the up-down direction Z.

[0070] The shaft portion of the second stopper 32ST is inserted through the second through-hole 22bH and also through the fifth through-hole 32bH2, thereby maintaining the second portion 32 in a housed state extending along the up-down direction Z.

[0071] The shaft portion of the third stopper 33ST is inserted through the second through-hole 22cH and also through the fifth through-hole 33bH2, thereby maintaining the third portion 33 in a housed state extending along the up-down direction Z.

[0072] As described above, the first locking portion 31bA of the connecting device 1A according to this embodiment is formed with the fourth through hole 31bH and the fifth through hole 31bH2. The second locking portion 32bA of the connecting device 1A is formed with the fourth through hole 32bH and the fifth through hole 32bH2. The third locking portion 33bA of the connecting device 1A is formed with the fourth through hole 33bH and the fifth through hole 33bH2. When the main body member 3 is in the storage mode, the shaft of the first stopper 31ST is inserted through the second through hole 22aH and the fifth through hole 31bH2, respectively, the shaft of the second stopper 32ST is inserted through the second through hole 22bH and the fifth through hole 32bH2, respectively, and the shaft of the third stopper 33ST is inserted through the second through hole 22cH and the fifth through hole 33bH2, respectively. Therefore, in the storage mode of the main body member 3, the first stopper 31ST, the second stopper 32ST, and the third stopper 33ST can reliably maintain the posture of the main body member 3 in the storage mode. Furthermore, in the connecting device 1A according to this embodiment, the first stopper 31ST, the second stopper 32ST, and the third stopper 33ST are used to maintain the posture of the main body member 33, so that the first stopper 31ST, the second stopper 32ST, and the third stopper 33ST can be prevented from being lost.

[0073] The coupling device 1 according to the above embodiment has been described as being used with a camper trailer CA as the towed vehicle. However, the coupling device 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the coupling device 1 can also be used with other trailers, such as a cargo trailer for carrying cargo or a kitchen trailer, as the towed vehicle.

[0074] The above has been described based on the embodiments of the coupling devices 1 and 1A according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention also includes configurations in which some of the components of the above-described embodiments are appropriately combined. Such modifications within the scope of the present invention are also included within the technical scope of the present invention, and this is clear to those skilled in the art from the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1, 1A coupling device 2 Fixing member 21 Fixing member body 22 Protruding part 22a 1st protruding part 22b 2nd protruding part 22c 3rd protruding part 3 Main body parts 31 Part 1 32 Part 2 33 Part 3 4 Shaft member 41 First shaft member 42 2nd shaft member 43 Third shaft member CA camper trailer (towed vehicle) DA1 First damper DA2 Second damper VE Self-propelled vehicle (tow vehicle) X Anteroposterior direction Y left / right direction Z vertical direction

Claims

1. A coupling device provided on a towed vehicle to couple the towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, The coupling device is a coupled state in which the towed vehicle is coupled to the towing vehicle; a main body member that can be switched between a connected state in which the towed vehicle is disconnected from the towing vehicle and a disconnected state in which the towed vehicle is disconnected from the towing vehicle, The main body member extends in a front-rear direction in the connected state, and is deformable into a storage state in which it extends in a vertical direction in the unconnected state, The coupling device further includes a fixing member for attaching the main body member of the coupling device to the towed vehicle, and a hooking member for hooking the main body member in a stored state to the towed vehicle, the body member is attached to the fixing member; the hooking member is disposed at a position spaced apart from the fixing member in the up-down direction, The body member includes: a first portion extending linearly from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle in the front-rear direction in the connected state; a second portion that extends linearly from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle in the longitudinal direction in the connected state and is then connected to the first portion; a third portion that extends linearly from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle in the longitudinal direction in the connected state and is then connected to the first portion; Equipped with the fixing member includes a fixing member body; the fixing member includes a plurality of protruding portions that protrude forward in the front-rear direction from the fixing member main body, The plurality of protruding portions a first protruding portion located at the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction; a second protruding portion located on one side of the first protruding portion in the left-right direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction; a third protruding portion located on the other side of the first protruding portion in the left-right direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction; It is composed of a first damper is provided between the second protruding portion and the second portion; a second damper is provided between the third protruding portion and the third portion; A coupling device characterized in that the first damper and the second damper prevent the main body member from descending at an excessively high speed when returning the main body member from a storage state to a coupled state.

2. the first protruding portion is connected to the first portion via a first shaft member; the second protruding portion is connected to the second portion via a second shaft member, the third protruding portion is connected to the third portion via a third shaft member; The coupling device of claim 1 .

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