JP7820223B2 - Loading platform lifting device and vehicle - Google Patents

Description

This application relates to a loading platform lifting device and a vehicle.

Conventionally, for example, a loading platform lifting device includes a loading platform with a loading surface, a base attached to the vehicle body, a link connecting the loading platform and the base, and a hoisting section that can be raised and lowered relative to the loading surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As the loading platform is raised, the hoisting section moves from an upright position protruding from the loading surface to a reclined position along the loading surface.

In the loading platform lifting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a protrusion or the like on the vehicle body (e.g., a cargo box) hits the undulating section, the undulating section moves from the upright position to the folded position. Therefore, a protrusion or the like is required on the vehicle. However, there is a demand for the loading platform lifting device to have its own mechanism to move the undulating section from the upright position to the folded position.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-320892

The challenge, therefore, is to provide a platform lifting device and vehicle that can move the hoisting section from the upright position to the folded position using its own mechanism.

The receiving platform lifting device includes a receiving platform having a receiving surface, a base portion attached to the vehicle body, link portions rotatably connected to the receiving platform and the base portion, a hoisting portion rotatably connected to the base end of the receiving platform and having a transfer surface for transferring the receiving surface and the vehicle body, the hoisting portion having a transfer surface for transferring the receiving surface and the vehicle body, and the transfer surface being movable between an upright position where the transfer surface protrudes from the receiving surface and a collapsed position where the transfer surface is along the receiving surface, an elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the hoisting portion toward the upright position, and an elevation drive portion that rotates the link portion so that the receiving platform rises and falls between a lower end position and an upper end position. The hoisting portion is movable toward the collapsed position when an external force toward the collapsed position is applied to it. The receiving platform lifting device further includes a transmission portion that transmits the rotational force of the link portion to the hoisting portion as a rotational force toward the collapsed position as the receiving platform rises.

The vehicle includes the loading platform lifting device and a vehicle body to which the loading platform lifting device is attached.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a main part of a vehicle according to an embodiment, showing a state in which the loading platform is located in a storage position; FIG. 10 is a side view of the loading platform lifting device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the loading platform is located at a lower end position. FIG. 10 is a side view of the loading platform lifting device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the loading platform is located at the upper end position; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of the loading platform lifting/lowering device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the lifting/lowering unit is in an upright position; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of the loading platform lifting device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the loading platform is located at the upper end position and the hoisting unit is located at the lowered position. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the main part of the loading platform lifting device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the lifting unit is in the upright position. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the main part of the loading platform lifting/lowering device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the hoisting unit is in a lowered position. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which an external force is applied to the undulating portion from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view of a main part of a transmission unit according to the embodiment; 9 is a diagram in which the position of the first transmission contact portion relative to the transmission shaft portion is changed from the position in FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a main part of a loading platform lifting device according to another embodiment, showing a state in which the lifting unit is in a standing position. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the main part of the loading platform lifting/lowering device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the hoisting unit is in a lowered position. FIG. 12 shows a state in which an external force is applied to the undulating portion from the state shown in FIG. 11 . 10 is a side view of a main part of a vehicle according to still another embodiment;

In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to their actual dimensions, for example, to make them easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. In each drawing, for example, to make them easier to understand, some of the components may be omitted.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. Furthermore, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

In the following description, the first horizontal direction D1 is also referred to as the front-to-back direction, and the direction of the arrow in each figure of the first horizontal direction D1 is the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow in each figure is the rearward direction. The second horizontal direction D2 is also referred to as the left-to-right direction, and the direction of the arrow in each figure of the second horizontal direction D2 is the leftward direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow in each figure is the rightward direction.

In other words, each direction is as seen by the person (driver) sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle. Note that the terms front, back, left, and right are used for convenience of explanation, and in reality, the front and back may be reversed, left and right may be reversed, or the front, back, left, and right may be swapped (rotated 90 degrees). Furthermore, the third direction D3 is the up-down direction D3.

One embodiment of a vehicle and platform lifting device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the vehicle and platform lifting device, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the vehicle and platform lifting device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes, for example, a vehicle body 2 and a loading platform lifting device 3 attached to the vehicle body 2. The vehicle 1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cargo handling vehicle, as in this embodiment. That is, the vehicle body 2 may include, for example, a body frame 2a and a cargo box 2b located at the rear end of the vehicle body 2 and on top of the body frame 2a, as in this embodiment.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiving platform lifting device 3 may include, for example, a receiving platform 4 having a receiving surface 4a, a base portion 5 attached to the vehicle body frame 2a, a movement mechanism 6 that moves the receiving platform 4 and the base portion 5 in the forward/backward direction D1, and a lifting mechanism 7 that raises and lowers the receiving platform 4 (moves it in the up/down direction D3).

The receiving platform 4 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a first receiving section 4b and a second receiving section 4c that is positioned rearward of the first receiving section 4b and has a front end (base end) rotatably connected to the rear end (tip end) of the first receiving section 4b. As a result, when the receiving platform 4 is not in use, the second receiving section 4c is folded up so as to overlap the first receiving section 4b, as shown in Figure 1.

On the other hand, when the receiving platform 4 is used, as shown in Figure 2, the second receiving section 4c is deployed so that the receiving surface 4a of the first receiving section 4b and the receiving surface 4a of the second receiving section 4c are flush with each other. The number of receiving sections 4b, 4c is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, two as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, three or more, or may be, for example, only one.

For example, as in this embodiment, the movement mechanism 6 may include a guide unit 6a that guides the base unit 5 in the front-to-rear direction D1, and a front-to-rear drive unit (lateral drive unit) (not shown) that moves the base unit 5 in the front-to-rear direction D1. The front-to-rear drive unit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cylinder or motor that can extend and retract in the front-to-rear direction D1. This causes the base unit 5 to move in the front-to-rear direction D1.

Therefore, when the receiving platform 4 is not in use, as shown in Figure 1, the receiving platform 4 and base 5 are located in the storage position, which is the front end position. In this way, the receiving platform 4 is compacted and stored under the cargo box 2b or the vehicle frame 2a. On the other hand, when the receiving platform 4 is in use, as shown in Figure 2, the receiving platform 4 and base 5 are located in the receiving position, which is the rear end position.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lifting mechanism 7 may include, for example, first and second link units 8 and 9 connected to the receiving platform 4 and the base unit 5, and a lifting drive unit 10 that raises and lowers the receiving platform 4. This allows the receiving platform 4 to be raised and lowered from the lower end position shown in Figure 2 to the upper end position shown in Figure 3.

The lifting drive unit 10 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a motor, or, as in this embodiment, may be an extendable cylinder 10a. As in this embodiment, the cylinder 10a may include, for example, a first cylinder shaft 10b rotatably connected to the first link unit 8 and a second cylinder shaft 10c rotatably connected to the base unit 5.

The first link portion 8 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a first load receiving shaft portion 8a rotatably connected to the load receiving platform 4 (specifically, the front end portion of the first load receiving portion 4b), and a first base shaft portion 8b rotatably connected to the base portion 5. For example, as in this embodiment, when viewed in the left-right direction D2, the first load receiving shaft portion 8a may be arranged at the first end portion of the first link portion 8, and the first base shaft portion 8b may be arranged at the second end portion of the first link portion 8.

Furthermore, the second link portion 9 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a second load receiving shaft portion 9a rotatably connected to the load receiving platform 4 (specifically, the front end portion of the first load receiving portion 4b), and a second base shaft portion 9b rotatably connected to the base portion 5. For example, as in this embodiment, when viewed in the left-right direction D2, the second load receiving shaft portion 9a may be arranged at the first end portion of the second link portion 9, and the second base shaft portion 9b may be arranged at the second end portion of the second link portion 9.

As a result, the first link portion 8 and the second link portion 9 form a parallel link mechanism. Therefore, when the receiving platform 4 is raised or lowered by the first and second link portions 8, 9 rotating about the base shaft portions 8b, 9b, respectively, the receiving surface 4a is maintained in a horizontal position. Note that when the receiving platform 4 is positioned at the upper end position, the height of the receiving surface 4a of the receiving platform 4 may be adjusted to the height of the floor surface 2c of the cargo box 2b, for example.

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the loading platform lifting device 3 may be configured to include, for example, a hoisting unit 11 rotatably connected to the loading platform 4. The hoisting unit 11 has a transfer surface 11b for transferring the loading surface 4a of the loading platform 4 and the vehicle body 2. The hoisting unit 11 is movable (foldable) between an upright position in which the transfer surface 11b protrudes upward from the loading surface 4a, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, and a folded position in which the transfer surface 11b is aligned with the loading surface 4a, as shown in Figures 3 and 5.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, when the loading platform 4 is in the uppermost position, the hoisting section 11 is in the lowered position, so that part of the transfer surface 11b overlaps with the floor surface 2c of the cargo box 2b when viewed in the vertical direction D3. Note that when the loading platform 4 is in the uppermost position and the hoisting section 11 is in the lowered position, for example, the transfer surface 11b may be separated from the vehicle body 2 (e.g., the floor surface 2c of the cargo box 2b) when viewed in the vertical direction D3, i.e., there may be a gap between the transfer surface 11b and the vehicle body 2.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4-5, the second cargo receiving section 4c may include, for example, a protective section 4d that comes into contact with the undulating section 11 when folded. For example, the hardness of the protective section 4d may be less than that of the undulating section 11, thereby preventing damage to the undulating section 11. Although not particularly limited, for example, the undulating section 11 may be made of metal and the protective section 4d may be made of resin.

As shown in Figure 6, the hoisting section 11 may include, for example, a hoisting shaft 11a rotatably connected to the receiving platform 4. For example, as in this embodiment, the hoisting shaft 11a may be connected to the front end (base end) of the receiving platform 4, specifically the front end (base end) of the first receiving section 4b. Note that in Figure 6 (as well as Figures 7-8 and 10-13), the member of the receiving platform 4 to which the hoisting shaft 11a is connected (for example, a bracket) is not shown.

The loading platform lifting device 3 may include, for example, an elastic section 12 that applies an elastic restoring force to the undulating section 11, and a transmission section 13 that transmits the rotational force of the first link section 8 to the undulating section 11. As a result, the elastic restoring force of the elastic section 12 applies an elastic restoring force to the undulating section 11 that moves it toward the upright position, so that when no external force is applied to the undulating section 11, the undulating section 11 is in the upright position.

The elastic portion 12 is not particularly limited, but may, for example, be equipped with a torsion spring 12a, as in this embodiment. As a result, the elastic portion 12 applies an elastic restoring force to the undulating portion 11 in the direction around the axis of the undulating shaft portion 11a (clockwise in Figure 6). Although not particularly limited, the elastic portion 12 may, for example, be equipped with a force changing means (e.g., a screw member) that can change the elastic restoring force applied to the undulating portion 11.

The transmission unit 13 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a transmission shaft 13a rotatably connected to the receiving platform 4, and a rotating unit 13b that rotates around the transmission shaft 13a. For example, as in this embodiment, the transmission shaft 13a may be connected to the front end (base end) of the receiving platform 4, specifically the front end (base end) of the first receiving section 4b. Note that in Figure 6 (as well as Figures 7 to 8 and 10), the member of the receiving platform 4 to which the transmission shaft 13a is connected (for example, a bracket) is not shown.

For example, as in this embodiment, the transmission unit 13 may have a first transmission contact portion 13c that contacts the first link unit 8 and a second transmission contact portion 13d that contacts the undulating portion 11, the first link unit 8 may have a link contact portion 8c that contacts the first transmission contact portion 13c, and the undulating portion 11 may have an undulating contact portion 11c that contacts the second transmission contact portion 13d.

The configuration of the first transmission contact portion 13c is not particularly limited. For example, as in this embodiment, the rotating portion 13b may have a first protruding piece 13e protruding from the transmission shaft portion 13a, the transmission portion 13 may have a fixed portion 13f fixed to the first protruding piece 13e, and the first transmission contact portion 13c may be configured as the fixed portion 13f.

The configuration of the second transmission contact portion 13d is not particularly limited. For example, as in this embodiment, the rotating portion 13b may be provided with a second protruding piece 13g that protrudes from the transmission shaft portion 13a in a direction different from that of the first protruding piece 13e, and the second transmission contact portion 13d may be configured with the second protruding piece 13g.

The configuration of the link contact portion 8c is not particularly limited. For example, as in this embodiment, the first link portion 8 may include a pair of link bodies 8d, 8d (only one is shown in Figures 7-8 and 10) spaced apart in the left-right direction D2, and a first connector 8e extending in the left-right direction D2 and connecting the pair of link bodies 8d, 8d, and the link contact portion 8c may be configured as the first connector 8e.

The configuration of the undulating contact portion 11c is not particularly limited. For example, as in this embodiment, the undulating portion 11 may include a pair of plate bodies 11d, 11d (only one is shown in Figures 7-8 and 10) spaced apart in the left-right direction D2, and a second connector 11e extending in the left-right direction D2 and connecting the pair of plate bodies 11d, 11d, and the undulating contact portion 11c may be configured as the second connector 11e.

The operation of the undulating unit 11 according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Note that the operation of the undulating unit 11 is not limited to the following.

For example, when the loading platform 4 is positioned at the lowest end position (see Figure 2), although not shown, the first transmission contact portion 13c is separated from the link contact portion 8c. Then, the link portions 8, 9 rotate around the base shaft portions 8b, 9b (see Figure 3), causing the loading platform 4 to rise.

After that, when the load receiving platform 4 reaches an intermediate position between the lower and upper end positions, as shown in Figure 6, the first transmission contact portion 13c comes into contact with the link contact portion 8c. As the load receiving platform 4 rises further, the first link portion 8 rotates in the first rotational direction (counterclockwise in Figures 6 to 8 and 10) around the first load receiving shaft portion 8a, and the first transmission contact portion 13c is pushed in the first rotational direction by the link contact portion 8c.

As a result, the rotating portion 13b of the transmission portion 13 rotates in the first rotation direction against the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion 12, and the second transmission contact portion 13d comes into contact with the hoisting contact portion 11c, pushing the hoisting portion 11 toward the collapsed position (i.e., in the first rotation direction). In this way, when the loading platform 4 rises and reaches the intermediate position, the second transmission contact portion 13d begins pushing against the hoisting portion 11.

Therefore, the hoisting section 11 can be positioned in the upright position until the loading platform 4 is raised to the intermediate position. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the wheels of a cart on the loading platform 4 from falling off the loading platform 4.

Furthermore, for example, when a cart is transferred from a floor that is lower than the intermediate position (for example, a position higher than the bottom end position) onto the loading platform 4, the undulating portion 11 will be positioned in the upright position. This allows the undulating portion 11 to function as a stopper to stop the cart on the loading platform 4 when the cart is transferred from the floor onto the loading platform 4.

The intermediate position is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, a position above the vertical center position between the upper end position and the lower end position. Furthermore, the intermediate position is preferably, for example, a position within 300 mm downward from the upper end position, and more preferably, a position within 200 mm downward from the upper end position.

Then, as the loading platform 4 further rises and moves to its uppermost position (see Figures 3 and 5), the hoisting section 11 further rotates in the first rotation direction and moves to its collapsed position, as shown in Figure 7. Therefore, for example, carts can be easily transferred between the loading platform 4 and the cargo box 2b.

In this way, as the loading platform 4 rises, the transmission unit 13 transmits the rotational force in the first rotation direction about the first loading shaft 8a of the first link unit 8 to the derricking unit 11 as a rotational force in the first rotation direction toward the lowered position. This allows the transmission unit 13, which is the loading platform lifting/lowering device 3's own mechanism, to move the derricking unit 11 from the upright position toward the lowered position.

On the other hand, when the loading platform 4 is lowered from the upper end position, the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion 12 causes the rotating portion 13b to rotate in a second rotation direction (clockwise in Figures 6 to 8 and 10) opposite to the first rotation direction, until the first transmission contact portion 13c abuts against the link contact portion 8c. As a result, the undulating portion 11 moves toward the upright position until the undulating contact portion 11c abuts against the second transmission contact portion 13d.

When the loading platform 4 descends to the intermediate position, the hoisting section 11 moves to the upright position. This allows the hoisting section 11 to be positioned in the upright position when the loading platform 4 descends from the intermediate position to the bottom end position, for example, and allows the hoisting section 11 to function as a stopper to stop a cart on the loading platform 4.

Note that if, from the state shown in Figure 6, for example, a cart collides with the undulating portion 11 and an external force in the first rotation direction greater than the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion 12 is applied to the undulating portion 11, the undulating contact portion 11c will separate from the second transmission contact portion 13d, as shown in Figure 8. As a result, the rotation of the undulating portion 11 in the first rotation direction is not hindered by the transmission portion 13, and the undulating portion 11 can move toward the collapsed position. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the undulating portion 11, for example, damage to the transmission portion 13 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the loading platform 4 may be provided with a restricting portion 4e that stops the hoisting portion 11 in the collapsed position, as in this embodiment. As a result, when an external force is applied to the hoisting portion 11, the restricting portion 4e stops the hoisting portion 11 in the collapsed position, thereby restricting the hoisting portion 11 from rotating further in the first rotation direction from the collapsed position.

Therefore, for example, when transferring a cart between the cargo receiving platform 4 and the cargo box 2b, even if the cart rests on the hoisting section 11, the hoisting section 11 will not move from its collapsed position. As a result, the occurrence of a step between the cargo receiving platform 4 and the cargo box 2b can be prevented, making it easy to transfer the cart between the cargo receiving platform 4 and the cargo box 2b.

Incidentally, for example, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the distance between the second transmission contact portion 13d and the transmission shaft portion 13a be longer than the distance between the first transmission contact portion 13c and the transmission shaft portion 13a. This allows the amount of movement of the second transmission contact portion 13d to be greater than the amount of movement of the first transmission contact portion 13c.

Therefore, for example, the amount of movement of the hoisting section 11 can be made larger relative to the amount of movement of the first link section 8, so the hoisting section 11 can be positioned in the upright position until the loading platform 4 is positioned near its upper end position. As a result, for example, the hoisting section 11 can function as a stopper to stop a cart on the loading platform 4 until the loading platform 4 is positioned near its upper end position.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the transmission unit 13 may be equipped with, for example, a position change means 13h that can change the position of the first transmission contact part 13c relative to the transmission shaft part 13a. This makes it possible to change the height position of the loading platform 4 when the hoisting unit 11 is in the lowered position. Therefore, even if the upper end position of the loading platform 4 differs depending on the vehicle body 2, for example, by adjusting the position of the first transmission contact part 13c using the position change means 13h, the hoisting unit 11 can be positioned in the lowered position when the loading platform 4 is in the upper end position.

The configuration of the position changing means 13h is not particularly limited. For example, as in this embodiment, the transmission unit 13 may be configured to include an attachment portion 13i that is detachable from the rotating unit 13b so that the attachment position relative to the rotating unit 13b can be changed, and the fixing portion 13f may be configured as a screw member that is fixed to the attachment portion 13i.

As a result, since the first transmission contact portion 13c is composed of the fixed portion 13f, the position of the first transmission contact portion 13c relative to the transmission shaft portion 13a can be changed by changing the length of the fixed portion 13f protruding from the mounting portion 13i. Therefore, the position change means 13h is composed of the fixed portion 13f.

Furthermore, for example, as in this embodiment, the rotating portion 13b may have multiple through holes, and although not shown, the mounting portion 13i may also have multiple through holes, and the through holes through which the bolts of the fastening means 13j are inserted may be changed. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, by changing the mounting position of the mounting portion 13i relative to the rotating portion 13b, the position of the first transmission contact portion 13c relative to the transmission shaft portion 13a can be changed.

This allows the position of the first transmission contact portion 13c on the fixed portion 13f to be changed, and the position of the link contact portion 8c on the first connecting body 8e to be changed, thereby making it possible to stabilize the contact between the first transmission contact portion 13c and the link contact portion 8c, for example. In this way, the position change means 13h is also composed of the attachment portion 13i and the fastening means 13j.

As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises the loading platform lifting device 3 and the vehicle body 2 to which the loading platform lifting device 3 is attached.

Also, as in this embodiment, the loading platform lifting device 3 has a loading platform 4 having a loading surface 4a, a base portion 5 attached to the vehicle body 2, link portions 8, 9 rotatably connected to the loading platform 4 and the base portion 5, respectively, and a transfer surface 11b for transferring the loading surface 4a and the vehicle body 2, and a hoisting portion 11 rotatably connected to the base end of the loading platform 4 so that the transfer surface 11b can move between an upright position where the transfer surface 11b protrudes from the loading platform 4a and a laid-down position where the transfer surface 11b is aligned with the loading platform 4a, and a lifting portion 11 for lifting the loading platform 4 to the upright position. a lifting drive unit 10 that rotates the link units 8, 9 so that the loading platform 4 moves up and down between the lower end position and the upper end position, and the hoisting unit 11 is capable of moving toward the lowered position when an external force toward the lowered position is applied, and the loading platform lifting device 3 preferably further includes a transmission unit 13 that transmits the rotational force of the link unit 8 (first link unit in this embodiment) to the hoisting unit 11 as a rotational force toward the lowered position as the loading platform 4 moves up.

With this configuration, as the loading platform 4 rises, the transmission unit 13 transmits the rotational force of the link unit (in this embodiment, the first link unit) 8 to the derricking unit 11 as a rotational force toward the lowered position. This allows the loading platform lifting/lowering device 3's own mechanism to move the derricking unit 11 from the upright position toward the lowered position.

Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the receiving platform lifting device 3, the transmission unit 13 is preferably configured to include a transmission shaft unit 13a rotatably connected to the receiving platform 4, a first transmission contact unit 13c that is pushed in a first rotational direction by the link unit (in this embodiment, the first link unit) 8 as the receiving platform 4 rises, and a second transmission contact unit 13d that pushes the undulating unit 11 toward the collapsed position as the receiving platform 4 rotates in the first rotational direction.

With this configuration, as the loading platform 4 rises, the first transmission contact portion 13c is pushed in the first rotational direction by the link portion (first link portion in this embodiment) 8. As a result, the transmission portion 13 rotates in the first rotational direction, and the second transmission contact portion 13d pushes the undulating portion 11 toward the collapsed position against the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion 12. Therefore, the transmission portion 13 transmits the rotational force of the link portion 8 to the undulating portion 11 as a rotational force toward the collapsed position.

Furthermore, in the loading platform lifting device 3 as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the second transmission contact portion 13d begins pushing against the elevation portion 11 when the loading platform 4 is raised to an intermediate position between the lower end position and the upper end position.

With this configuration, when the loading platform 4 is raised to the intermediate position, the second transmission contact portion 13d begins to push the hoisting portion 11. This allows the hoisting portion 11 to remain in the upright position until the loading platform 4 is in the intermediate position.

Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the loading platform lifting device 3, it is preferable that the distance between the second transmission contact portion 13d and the transmission shaft portion 13a is longer than the distance between the first transmission contact portion 13c and the transmission shaft portion 13a.

With this configuration, the distance between the second transmission contact portion 13d and the transmission shaft portion 13a is longer than the distance between the first transmission contact portion 13c and the transmission shaft portion 13a, so the amount of movement of the second transmission contact portion 13d can be made greater than the amount of movement of the first transmission contact portion 13c.

Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the loading platform lifting device 3, it is preferable that the transmission unit 13 is configured to include a position change means 13h that can change the position of at least one of the first transmission contact unit 13c and the second transmission contact unit 13d (in this embodiment, the first transmission contact unit 13c) relative to the transmission shaft unit 13a.

With this configuration, the position change means 13h changes the position of at least one of the first transmission contact portion 13c and the second transmission contact portion 13d (in this embodiment, the first transmission contact portion 13c) relative to the transmission shaft portion 13a, thereby changing the height position of the load receiving platform 4 when the hoisting portion 11 is in the lowered position.

The vehicle 1 and platform lifting device 3 are not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor are they limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the vehicle 1 and platform lifting device 3 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is possible to select one or more of the configurations and methods of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiment.

(1) In the loading platform lifting device 3 according to the above embodiment, the transmission unit 13 is configured to be rotatably connected to the loading platform 4 via the transmission shaft unit 13a. However, the loading platform lifting device 3 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the transmission unit may be configured to be connected to the first link unit 8 and the elevation unit 11, respectively.

As one example, the transmission unit may include a deformable string (e.g., a wire rope) whose ends are connected to the first link unit 8 and the undulating unit 11, respectively. As another example, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, the transmission unit 14 may include transmission link units 14a connected to the first link unit 8 and the undulating unit 11, respectively.

The loading platform lifting device 3 shown in Figures 11 to 13 is described below.

As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the transmission unit 14 may include a link shaft portion 14b that rotatably connects the transmission link portion 14a to the elevation unit 11, and a connection portion 14c that is fixed to the first link portion 8 and connected to the transmission link portion 14a. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the transmission link portion 14a may include, for example, a guide hole portion 14d that guides the connection portion 14c by positioning it therein, and the guide hole portion 14d may include, for example, an abutment portion 14e that abuts and stops the connection portion 14c.

For example, when the loading platform 4 is positioned at the lowest end position (see Figure 2), the abutment stop portion 14e is separated from the connection portion 14c (not shown). When the loading platform 4 is raised to the intermediate position, the abutment stop portion 14e comes into contact with the connection portion 14c, as shown in Figure 11.

As the load-receiving platform 4 rises further, the first link portion 8 rotates in the first rotation direction (counterclockwise in Figures 11 to 13) around the first load-receiving shaft portion 8a, and the rotational force of the first link portion 8 is transmitted from the transmission link portion 14a to the undulating portion 11. As a result, the undulating portion 11 rotates in the first rotation direction against the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion 12 so that the distance between the link shaft portion 14b and the connection portion 14c remains constant.

Then, as the loading platform 4 further rises and moves to the upper end position (see Figures 3 and 5), the hoisting section 11 further rotates in the first rotation direction and moves to the lying position, as shown in Figure 12. This allows the transmission section 14, which is a mechanism of the loading platform lifting device 3 itself, to move the hoisting section 11 from the upright position to the lying position.

Furthermore, for example, if an external force in the first rotation direction is applied to the undulating portion 11 from the state shown in Figure 11, the connection portion 14c will move away from the abutment portion 14e and be guided into the guide hole portion 14d, as shown in Figure 13. As a result, the rotation of the undulating portion 11 in the first rotation direction is not hindered by the transmission portion 14, and the undulating portion 11 can move toward the collapsed position.

(2) Furthermore, in the loading platform lifting device 3 according to the above embodiment, the loading platform 4 is configured to be stored under the cargo box 2b or the vehicle frame 2a when positioned in the storage position. However, the loading platform lifting device 3 is not limited to this configuration.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the loading platform 4 may be configured to be located in a storage position at the rear of the vehicle body 2 (specifically, the cargo box 2b) when not in use. In such a configuration, the loading platform 4 may also serve as a door for the cargo box 2b. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the loading platform lifting device 3 may be configured to include a rotation drive unit 15 that rotates the loading platform 4 around the first loading axis 8a in order to move the loading platform 4 between the upper end position and the storage position.

(3) Furthermore, in the loading platform lifting device 3 according to the above embodiment, the second transmission contact part 13d is configured to start pushing against the undulating part 11 when the loading platform 4 is raised to the intermediate position. However, the loading platform lifting device 3 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second transmission contact part 13d may be configured to start pushing against the undulating part 11 when the loading platform 4 is raised from the lower end position.

(4) Furthermore, in the loading platform lifting device 3 according to the above embodiment, the distance between the second transmission contact portion 13d and the transmission shaft portion 13a is longer than the distance between the first transmission contact portion 13c and the transmission shaft portion 13a. However, the loading platform lifting device 3 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the distance between the second transmission contact portion 13d and the transmission shaft portion 13a may be shorter than the distance between the first transmission contact portion 13c and the transmission shaft portion 13a.

(5) Furthermore, in the loading platform lifting device 3 according to the above embodiment, the position changing means 13h is configured to be able to change the position of the first transmission contact portion 13c relative to the transmission shaft portion 13a. However, the loading platform lifting device 3 is not limited to this configuration.

For example, the position changing means 13h may be configured to be able to change the position of the second transmission contact portion 13d relative to the transmission shaft portion 13a. Also, for example, the position changing means 13h may be configured to be able to change the positions of both the first and second transmission contact portions 13c and 13d relative to the transmission shaft portion 13a.

1...vehicle, 2...vehicle body, 2a...vehicle frame, 2b...packing box, 2c...floor surface, 3...load receiving platform lifting device, 4...load receiving platform, 4a...load receiving surface, 4b...first load receiving section, 4c...second load receiving section, 4d...protective section, 4e...regulating section, 5...base section, 6...moving mechanism, 6a...guide section, 7...lifting mechanism, 8...first link section, 8a...first load receiving shaft section, 8b...first base shaft section, 8c...link contact section, 8d...link body, 8e...first connecting body, 9...second link section, 9a...second load receiving shaft section, 9b...second base shaft section, 10...lifting drive section, 10a...cylinder, 10b...first cylinder shaft section, 10c...second cylinder shaft section, 11...lifting section, 11a...lifting shaft section, 1 1b...transfer surface, 11c...undulating contact portion, 11d...plate body, 11e...second connecting member, 12...elastic portion, 12a...torsion spring, 13...transmission portion, 13a...transmission shaft portion, 13b...rotating portion, 13c...first transmission contact portion, 13d...second transmission contact portion, 13e...first protruding piece, 13f...fixing portion, 13g...second protruding piece, 13h...position changing means, 13i...mounting portion, 13j...fastening means, 14...transmission portion, 14a...transmission link portion, 14b...link shaft portion, 14c...connecting portion, 14d...guide hole portion, 14e...stop portion, 15...rotation drive portion, D1...first lateral direction (front-to-back direction), D2...second lateral direction (left-to-right direction), D3...up-down direction

Claims (5)

a loading platform having a loading surface;
a base portion attached to the vehicle body;
a link portion rotatably connected to the loading platform and the base portion, respectively;
a lifting unit that has a transfer surface for transferring the vehicle body to the receiving surface, the lifting unit being rotatably connected to the base end of the receiving platform so that the transfer surface can move between an upright position where the transfer surface protrudes from the receiving surface and a laid-down position where the transfer surface is aligned with the receiving surface;
an elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the undulating portion toward the upright position;
a lifting/lowering drive unit that rotates the link unit so that the loading platform is lifted and lowered between a lower end position and an upper end position,
The loading platform lifting device is configured such that the undulating section is movable toward the lowered position when an external force toward the lowered position is applied thereto,
a transmission unit that transmits the rotational force of the link unit to the elevation unit as a rotational force toward the lowered position as the loading platform rises ,
The transmission unit is
a transmission shaft portion rotatably connected to the loading platform;
a first transmission contact portion that is pushed in a first rotation direction by the link portion as the loading platform rises;
a second transmission contact portion that pushes the undulating portion toward the collapsed position as the loading platform rotates in the first rotation direction . 2. The loading platform lifting device according to claim 1 , wherein the second transmission contact portion starts pushing against the elevation portion when the loading platform is raised to an intermediate position between the lower end position and the upper end position. The platform lifting device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a distance between the second transmission contact portion and the transmission shaft portion is longer than a distance between the first transmission contact portion and the transmission shaft portion. 3. The loading platform lifting device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission section includes a position changing means that changes the position of at least one of the first transmission contact section and the second transmission contact section relative to the transmission shaft section. The loading platform lifting device according to claim 1 or 2 ;
a vehicle body to which the loading platform lifting device is attached.