Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed

A pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed, including a front seat, a rear seat, a stationary bottom plate serving as a bottom face of the cargo bed, an expansion bottom plate for expanding the bottom face of the cargo bed, and a shared linkage mechanism for holding the rear seat at a use position where the rear seat is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate and a shunting position where the rear seat is shunted into a rear leg room provided in front of and below the stationary bottom plate. The shared linkage mechanism also holds the expansion bottom plate at a storage position where the expansion bottom plate is above the stationary bottom plate and an expansion position where the expansion bottom plate is positioned over the leg room.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pick-up style utility vehicle with a cargo bed which is expandable forward for making the most of space for the cargo bed and a ride space according to needs of a user.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a pick-up style utility vehicle is provided with a relatively large cargo bed in a rear section of a seat in comparison to a handlebar style utility vehicle belonging to an all terrain vehicle. Therefore, the pick-up style utility vehicle is used in wider practical fields of uses such as transport in golf links, maintenance of the golf links, hunting and conveyance of wood materials in comparison to the handlebar style utility vehicle.

The applicant previously filed applications for the inventions relating to a pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed, and those applications were registered. For example, the inventions include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,905,159, 6,994,388, and 7,249,798.

FIG. 27shows a pick-up style utility vehicle901as shown in the patent literatures described above. The pick-up style utility vehicle901is provided with a front seat902, a rear seat903, a cargo bed CN, and a chassis906. The cargo bed CN includes a stationary bottom plate907and a plate portion904arranged on the stationary bottom plate907. A front leg room R2is provided on the front lower side of the front seat902, and a rear leg room R3is provided on the front lower side of the rear seat903. The pick-up style utility vehicle901is switchable between a normal state in which the vehicle is used as a four-seater vehicle and an expanded state in which the vehicle is used as a two-seater vehicle with an expanded cargo bed. A screen905is arranged on the stationary bottom plate907between the plate portion904and the rear seat903.

FIG. 28is a side view showing the pick-up style utility vehicle901in the normal state. In the normal state, passengers can sit in both the front seat902and the rear seat903. The rear seat903is supported pivotably on a horizontal shaft935provided in a front end of the rear seat903. FIG.28shows the rear seat903at a use position P1and the cargo bed CN in the normal state. The “rear seat903at the use position P1” indicates the seat903placed on the rear stationary bottom plate907.

FIG. 19is a side view showing the pick-up style utility vehicle901in the expanded state. In the expanded state, the rear seat903is at a shunting position P2. The rear seat903at the shunting position P2stands up on the front side of the stationary bottom plate907. Therefore, the passengers cannot sit in the rear seat903at the shunting position P2. Meanwhile, since the rear seat903is shunted to the front side of the stationary bottom plate907, the entire face of the stationary bottom plate907is cleared. Therefore, a cargo bed CE in the expanded state is extended more than the cargo bed CN in the normal state.

The normal state is changed to the expanded state as follows. Firstly, the rear seat903pivotable on the horizontal shaft935is folded down forward from the use position P1to the shunting position P2. Then, in accordance with the positional change of the rear seat903, a position of the screen905is changed to the front side. As a result, a front part of the stationary bottom plate907is also cleared. Therefore, the entire face of the stationary bottom plate907is usable as a bottom face of the cargo bed. Expansion side plates943accommodated in the plate portion904are developed to the front side. In such a way, the cargo bed CE in the expanded state is formed.

The rear seat903at the shunting position P2is placed on the front side of the cargo bed CE in the expanded state. Therefore, space where the cargo bed is expandable is limited by the rear seat903at the shunting position P2. Thus, more expansion space is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is achieved in consideration with the problem above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pick-up style utility vehicle with a more-expandable cargo bed.

The present invention is a pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed including a front seat, a rear seat, a stationary bottom plate serving as a bottom face of the cargo bed, and a seat holding mechanism for holding the rear seat at a use position where the rear seat is positioned on the front side of the stationary bottom plate or on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate and a shunting position where the rear seat is shunted to the front lower side or the lower side of the stationary bottom plate.

Preferably, the rear seat is shunted into a rear leg room provided on the front lower side of the stationary bottom plate at the shunting position.

According to the present invention, the rear seat can be shunted to the front lower side or the lower side of the stationary bottom plate. Therefore, space where the cargo bed is expandable forward is not limited by the rear seat3at the shunting position P2. Thus, the cargo bed is further expandable forward.

Configurations (1) to (10) may be preferably adapted for the pick-up style utility vehicle of the present invention.

In configuration (1), the pick-up style utility vehicle further includes an expansion bottom plate for expanding the bottom face of the cargo bed, and an expansion bottom plate holding mechanism for holding the expansion bottom plate at a storage position where the expansion bottom plate is placed out of the upper side of the leg room and an expansion position where the expansion bottom plate is positioned on the upper side of the leg room.

According to the configuration (1), the bottom face of the expanded cargo bed can be surely supported.

In configuration (2), the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism are formed by an identical shared linkage mechanism, and the shared linkage mechanism connects the rear seat and the expansion bottom plate so that the expansion bottom plate is at the expansion position when the rear seat is at the shunting position.

In configuration (3), the expansion bottom plate is fixed to the rear seat, and the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism are formed by an identical mechanism provided with a first rotary support mechanism for supporting the rear seat pivotably on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction, and a first guide mechanism for supporting the rear seat shunted to the front side of the stationary bottom plate slidably in the vertical direction.

In configuration (4), the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism is formed by a second guide mechanism for supporting the expansion bottom plate slidably in the back and forth direction.

In configuration (5), the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism is formed by a second rotary support mechanism for supporting the expansion bottom plate pivotably on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction relative to the stationary bottom plate.

In configuration (6), the pick-up style utility vehicle further includes a screen for partitioning the rear seat and the cargo bed. The screen is formed by the expansion bottom plate on the lower side and an upper screen on the upper side, the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism is formed by a third rotary support mechanism for supporting the expansion bottom plate pivotably on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction relative to the stationary bottom plate, and the upper screen is supported pivotably on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction relative to the expansion bottom plate.

In configuration (7), the pick-up style utility vehicle further includes a screen for partitioning the rear seat and the cargo bed. The screen is stretchable and supported pivotably on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction on the rear seat.

In configuration (8), the rear seat includes a plurality of seat divisions divided in the right and left direction, and the seat holding mechanism serves as an engagement part for engaging the seat divisions and the stationary bottom plate at the use position and the shunting position, respectively.

In configuration (9), the seat holding mechanism is formed by a fourth rotary support mechanism for supporting the rear seat pivotably on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction and a third guide mechanism for supporting the rotary support mechanism movably in the back and forth direction.

In configuration (10), the seat holding mechanism is formed by a second linkage mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A pick-up style utility vehicle1is switchable between a normal state in which the vehicle is used as a four-seater vehicle (FIGS. 1 and 2) and an expanded state in which the vehicle is used as a two-seater vehicle with an expanded cargo bed (FIGS. 3 and 4). Hereinafter, a configuration of this pick-up style utility vehicle will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1is a side view showing the pick-up style utility vehicle1in the normal state. The pick-up style utility vehicle1includes a chassis6provided with a pair of right and left front wheels11and a pair of right and left rear wheels12. A hood13, a front support stand14, and a rear support stand16are arranged on the chassis6in this order from the front to the rear of the vehicle. A dashboard (an operation portion)15provided with a steering wheel15aand the like is arranged in a rear part of the hood13. A front seat2is arranged on the front support stand14. A stationary bottom plate7is arranged on the rear support stand16. A rear seat3, a screen5and a plate portion4are arranged on the stationary bottom plate7in this order from the front side to the rear side. A cabin frame8is arranged so as to surround the dashboard15, the front seat2, and the rear seat3. The cabin frame8is fixed to the chassis6. A cabin is formed in the interior surrounded by the chassis6and the cabin frame8. It should be noted that description of positional relationships (such as a front end and the upper side) in a first embodiment is based on the posture in the normal state (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The cabin frame8includes a first U shape member81, a second U shape member82, two connection members83,83, two L shape members84,84, and a connection member85. The two connection members83,83, the second U shape member82, and the two L shape members84,84are arranged in this order after the first U shape member81. The first U shape member81and the second U shape member82are formed in an upside down U shape opening downward in a front view. On the right and left sides, the two connection members83,83connect the first U shape member81on the front side and the second U shape member82on the rear side. The two L shape members84,84are formed in a symmetrically opposite L shape in a side view. The two L shape members84,84are arranged so as to extend rearward from the second U shape member82. The connection member85connects the two L shape members84,84to each other.

The front seat2and the rear seat3are seats formed in a bench shape elongated in the right and left direction. In the present embodiment, two passengers can sit side by side in both the front seat2and the rear seat3. A front leg room R2for the passengers in the front seat2is provided between the hood13and the front support stand14. A rear leg room R3for the passengers seated on the rear seat3is provided between the front support stand14and the rear support stand16. The rear leg room R3is positioned forward and below the level of the lower side of the stationary bottom plate7.

InFIG. 1, the front seat2is provided with a main seat21and a front backrest22. The front backrest22is provided with a front backrest back plate22a, and a front backrest cushion22bfixed to the front backrest back plate22a. The main seat21is fixed to the front support stand14. The front backrest back plate22ais fixed to the second U shape member82so as to bridge both legs82a,82aof the second U shape member82.

InFIG. 1, the rear seat3is provided with a main seat31, a backrest32, and a horizontal shaft36. The main seat31is provided with a seat back plate31a, and a seat cushion31bfixed to the seat back plate31a. The backrest32is provided with a backrest back plate32a, and a backrest cushion32bfixed to the backrest back plate32a. A lower end of the backrest back plate32ais supported on the seat back plate31apivotably on the horizontal shaft36. The horizontal shaft36is a shaft in the right and left direction.

When the backrest32is pivoted relative to the main seat31, the seat cushion31band the backrest cushion32bface each other. Hereinafter, a state in which the seat cushion31band the backrest cushion32bface each other is called as a facing state.

InFIG. 1, a cargo bed CN in the normal state is formed. The cargo bed CN in the normal state includes the stationary bottom plate7, and the plate portion4arranged on the stationary bottom plate7. The plate portion4includes two stationary side plates41,41arranged in right and left ends in a rear part of the stationary bottom plate7, and a rear plate42arranged in a rear end of the stationary bottom plate7. Here, the rear part of the stationary bottom plate7serves as a bottom face of the cargo bed CN. Expansion side plates43are supported on the inside of the stationary side plates41slidably in the back and forth direction. In the normal state, the expansion side plates43are stored on the front side of the stationary side plates41.

The screen5is detachably supported on the chassis6. The screen5can be fixed to the chassis6at two different points in the back and forth direction so as to correspond to the normal state and the expanded state, respectively. Specifically, a shaft portion51projecting downward is provided in a lower end of the screen5. An engagement hole71to be engaged with the shaft portion51is provided in the stationary bottom plate7, and an engagement hole171to be engaged with the shaft portion51is provided in an expansion bottom plate17described later.

In the first embodiment, the pick-up style utility vehicle1is provided with the expansion bottom plate17and a shared linkage mechanism100in order to realize an expandable cargo bed. The expansion bottom plate17expands the bottom face of the cargo bed CN. The shared linkage mechanism100can movably hold the rear seat3and the expansion bottom plate17.

FIG. 2is a side view showing posture of the shared linkage mechanism100in the normal state. InFIG. 2, the rear seat3is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate7. A position of the rear seat3at this time is a use position P1. When the rear seat3is at the use position P1, the passengers can sit on the rear seat3. The expansion bottom plate17is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate7. A position of the expansion bottom plate17at this time is a storage position Q1. InFIG. 2, the rear seat3at the use position P1is supported on the stationary bottom plate7via the expansion bottom plate17.

InFIG. 2, the shared linkage mechanism100is provided with a first link101, the expansion bottom plate (a second link)17, a third link103, a first shaft111, a second shaft112, a third shaft113, and a fourth shaft114. The shafts111,112,113, and114are horizontal shafts in the right and left direction. The constituent elements of the shared linkage mechanism100are connected as follows. The first shaft111is provided in a front end of the stationary bottom plate7in the right and left direction. The second shaft112is provided in the front end of the stationary bottom plate7in the right and left direction. The first shaft111and the second shaft112are respectively provided in both ends of the first link101. The third shaft113is provided in the rear part of the stationary bottom plate7in the right and left direction. The fourth shaft114is provided in a rear end of the seat back plate31a. The third shaft113and the fourth shaft114are respectively provided in both ends of the third link103.

When the rear seat3is at the use position P1, the expansion bottom plate17is at the storage position Q1. Specifically, the expansion bottom plate17is disposed on the stationary bottom plate7, and the rear seat3is disposed on the expansion bottom plate17. Therefore, the expansion bottom plate17is stored between the stationary bottom plate7and the rear seat3.

FIG. 3is a side view showing the posture of the shared linkage mechanism100in the expanded state. InFIG. 3, the rear seat3is shunted into the rear leg room R3. A position of the rear seat3at this time is a shunting position P2. The expansion bottom plate17is positioned above the rear leg room R3. A position of the expansion bottom plate17at this time is an expansion position Q2.

At this time, the expansion bottom plate17and the stationary bottom plate7are placed side by side in the horizontal direction, and the expansion bottom plate17projects from a front end of the stationary bottom plate7. As shown inFIG. 3, the rear seat3hangs down from the lower side of the expansion bottom plate17. The main seat31and the backrest32of the rear seat3face each other in the in the expanded state. At this time, the entire rear seat3is stored in the rear leg room R3.

FIG. 4is a side view showing the pick-up style utility vehicle1in the expanded state. InFIG. 4, a cargo bed CE in the expanded state is formed. The cargo bed CE in the expanded state includes the stationary bottom plate7, the expansion bottom plate17, the two stationary side plates41,41, the two expansion side plates43,43, and the rear plate42. In the expanded state, the expansion side plates43project from the front ends of the stationary side plates41. The screen5is arranged at the front ends of the expansion side plates43.

In the first embodiment, the shared linkage mechanism100serves as a seat holding mechanism and an expansion bottom plate holding mechanism. The shared linkage mechanism100serving as the seat holding mechanism can hold the rear seat3movably between the use position P1(FIGS. 1 and 2) and the shunting position P2(FIGS. 3 and 4). The shared linkage mechanism100serving as the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism can hold the expansion bottom plate17movably between the storage position Q1in which the expansion bottom plate17is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate7and the expansion position Q2in which the expansion bottom plate17is positioned on the upper side of the rear leg room R3.

Since the pick-up style utility vehicle1in the first embodiment is provided with the seat holding mechanism (the shared linkage mechanism100), the rear seat3can be shunted into the rear leg room R3below the level of the lower side of the stationary bottom plate7. Therefore, the space, into which the cargo bed is expandable forward, is not limited by the rear seat3when in the shunting position P2.

Since the pick-up style utility vehicle1in the first embodiment is further provided with the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism (the shared linkage mechanism100), the bottom face of the expanded cargo bed can be surely supported.

FIGS. 5 to 9show a structure of a cargo bed expansion part of the pick-up style utility vehicle1in a second embodiment. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except configurations of the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism. In the second embodiment, parts which are common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals. Description of positional relationships in the second embodiment is based on posture in the normal state (FIG. 7).

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the rear seat3and the expansion bottom plate17seen from the rear side. The expansion bottom plate17is fixed to a rear face of the seat back plate31aof the rear seat3. The backrest32is omitted inFIG. 5.

In the second embodiment, the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism are formed by an identical mechanism provided with a first rotary support mechanism210and a first guide mechanism410.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of the rear seat3and the expansion bottom plate17seen from the front lower side. InFIG. 6, the first rotary support mechanism210is provided with two horizontal shafts211,211, and two rotary guides212,212. The two horizontal shafts211,211are respectively provided in a front end of the rear back plate31aon the right and left sides. The two rotary guides212,212are respectively provided in the rear seat3on the right and left sides. The rotary guides212are formed in an upside down U shape opening downward. The horizontal shafts211are rotatably supported in the rotary guides212. It should be noted that the backrest32is omitted inFIG. 6.

InFIG. 6, the first guide mechanism410is provided with two seat rails411,411, and two support rails412,412. The two seat rails411,411are arranged side by side in the right and left direction, and fixed to a lower face of the seat back plate31a. The seat rails411extend in the back and forth direction. The two support rails412,412are also placed side by side in the right and left direction, and fixed to a front face of the rear support stand16. The support rails412extend in the vertical direction. Both the seat rails411and the support rails412have an L shape section so as to be engaged with each other. When the seat rails411and the support rails412are engaged with each other, the rear seat3is supported on the stationary bottom plate7slidably in the vertical direction.

FIGS. 7 to 9show three stages from the normal state to the expanded state.FIGS. 7,8and9show a first stage (the normal state), a second stage, and a third stage (the expanded state), respectively.

In the first stage (the normal state) ofFIG. 7, the rear seat3is at the use position P1, and the expansion bottom plate17is at the storage position Q1. The rear seat3at the use position P1is disposed on the stationary bottom plate7. The expansion bottom plate17at the storage position Q1is placed along a vertical plane. When the rear seat3is at the use position P1, the seat rails411and the support rails412cannot be engaged with each other. Here, the passengers pivot the backrest32before moving the rear seat3to the shunting position P2, so that the backrest32faces the main seat31.

In the second stage ofFIG. 8, the rear seat3is pivoted forward by 90 degrees, so that the rear seat3is shunted to the front side of the stationary bottom plate7. At this time, the expansion bottom plate17is placed along a horizontal plane. When the seat rails411are parallel to the support rails412with the rear seat3at posture after pivoting, the seat rails411can be engaged with the support rails412.

In the third stage (the expanded state) ofFIG. 9, the rear seat3is moved to the lower side of the position in the second stage, so that the rear seat3is at the shunting position P2. A position of the expansion bottom plate17at this time is the expansion position Q2. When the expansion bottom plate17is at the expansion position Q2, upper faces of the stationary bottom plate7and the expansion bottom plate17form an identical horizontal plane. Therefore, the stationary bottom plate7and the expansion bottom plate17can be utilized as a bottom face of the cargo bed CE in the expanded state.

FIGS. 10 to 12show the pick-up style utility vehicle1in a third embodiment. The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except configurations of the rear seat3, the seat holding mechanism, and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism. In the third embodiment, parts which are common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals. Description of positional relationships in the third embodiment is based on the posture in the normal state (FIG. 10).

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the rear seat3and the expansion bottom plate17in the normal state seen from the front side. InFIG. 10, the rear seat3is at the use position P1. The rear seat3in the third embodiment includes a main seat331and a backrest332. The backrest332is supported by the screen5. The main seat331includes a plurality of (three) seat divisions331L,331M, and331R divided in the right and left direction. The seat division331L is positioned on the left side, the seat division331M is positioned on the center, and the seat division331R is positioned on the right side. The seat divisions are respectively provided with seat back plates331aand seat cushions331b.

In the third embodiment, the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism is formed by a second guide mechanism420.

InFIG. 10, the second guide mechanism420is provided with two U shape guides421,421arranged on the right and left sides. The U shape guides421,421are arranged on the lower side of the stationary bottom plate7, and extend along the back and forth direction. Ends of the expansion bottom plate17in the right and left direction are stored inside the U shape guides421. The expansion bottom plate17is supported by the second guide mechanism420slidably in the back and forth direction.

In the third embodiment, the seat holding mechanism is formed by engagement mechanisms130.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of the rear seat3and the expansion bottom plate17during a transition process from the normal state to the expanded state. InFIG. 11, the engagement mechanisms130are respectively provided with shaft portions131, hole portions132for the use position P1, and hole portions133for the shunting position P2. The shaft portions131projecting downward are fixed to lower faces of the seat back plates331aof the seat divisions331R,331M and331L. The hole portions132for the use position are holes formed on an upper face of the stationary bottom plate7opening upward. The hole portions133for the shunting position are holes formed on a front face of the rear support stand16. The shaft portions131can be engaged with both the hole portions132and the hole portions133. The seat divisions331R,331M, and331L are respectively provided with the engagement mechanisms130. That is, the three shaft portions131, the three hole portions132, and the three hole portions133are provided in the pick-up style utility vehicle1.

InFIG. 10, the rear seat3is at the use position P1, and the expansion bottom plate17is at the storage position Q1. At this time, the rear seat3is disposed on the stationary bottom plate7. The three shaft portions131of the seat divisions331R,331M, and331L are respectively engaged with the three hole portions132for the use position P1. The expansion plate17at the storage position Q1is positioned on the rear side of the front end of the stationary bottom plate7.

In the third embodiment, the passengers themselves carry the rear seat3between the use position P1and the shunting position P2. That is, the passengers lift up one of the seat divisions331R,331M, and331L at the use position P1, and then attach the seat division to the shunting position P2. The passengers move all the seat divisions331R,331M, and331L.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of the rear seat and the expansion bottom plate in the expanded state seen from the front side. InFIG. 12, the rear seat3is at the shunting position P2, and the expansion bottom plate17is at the expansion position Q2. The rear seat3at the shunting position P2is pivoted forward by 90 degrees from the posture in the normal state. At this time, the three shaft portions131of the seat divisions331R,331M, and331L are engaged with the three hole portions133for the shunting position P2. The expansion bottom plate17at the expansion position Q2projects to the front side of the front end of the stationary bottom plate7, and is positioned on the upper side of the rear leg room R3.

FIGS. 13 to 16show the pick-up style utility vehicle1in a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except configurations of the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism. In the fourth embodiment, parts which are common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals. Description of positional relationships in the fourth embodiment is based on the posture in the normal state (FIGS. 13 and 15).

FIG. 13is a perspective view of the expansion bottom plate17in the normal state and at the storage position Q1seen from the front side. InFIG. 13, the rear seat3is at the shunting position P2, and the expansion bottom plate17is at the storage position Q1.

In the fourth embodiment, the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism is formed by a second rotary support mechanism220.

InFIG. 13, the second rotary support mechanism220includes a first horizontal shaft221, a second horizontal shaft222, and two brackets223,223. The first horizontal shaft221and the second horizontal shaft222are horizontal shafts in the right and left direction. The brackets223rotatably support the first horizontal shaft221and the second horizontal shaft222. The first horizontal shaft221is provided in an edge of the expansion bottom plate17(a front end inFIG. 15). The two brackets223,223are respectively provided in the front end of the stationary bottom plate7on the right and left sides.

FIG. 14is a perspective view of the expansion bottom plate seen from the front side. InFIG. 14, the rear seat3is at the shunting position P2, and the expansion bottom plate17is between the storage position Q1and the expansion position Q2. As shown inFIG. 14, the expansion bottom plate17is pivotable on the first horizontal shaft221and the second horizontal shaft222relative to the stationary bottom plate7.

FIG. 15is a side view showing the rear seat3in the normal state and at the use position P1. The rear seat3at the use position P1is disposed on the expansion bottom plate17at the storage position Q1. That is, the rear seat3is supported on the stationary bottom plate7and the expansion bottom plate17.

In the fourth embodiment, the seat holding mechanism is formed by a fourth rotary support mechanism240, and a third guide mechanism430.

InFIG. 15, the rotary support mechanism240is provided with two guide rollers241,241. The two guide rollers241,241are provided in a rear end of the seat back plate31aof the rear seat3on the right and left sides. The guide rollers241are rotatable on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction relative to the seat back plate31a.

InFIG. 15, the third guide mechanism430is provided with two guide rails431,431. The two guide rails431,431are fixed to the chassis6on both the right and left sides of the rear seat3. The guide rails431are straight rails extending in the back and forth direction. The guide rails431support the guide rollers241movably in the back and forth direction. The guide rails431respectively have front end portions431aand rear end portions431b. The front end portions431aare arranged on the front side of the front end of the stationary bottom plate7.

FIG. 16is a front view showing an end of the rear seat3in the right and left direction. A section of the guide rail431in a front view is formed in a C shape. The guide roller241is arranged inside the guide rail431so as not to drop out.

InFIG. 15, the passengers pull the rear seat3at the use position P1to the front side, so that the rear seat3is moved forward. A movable range of the guide rollers241is from the rear end portions431bto the front end portions431a. Before the guide rollers241reach the front end portions431a, the rear seat3is placed on the stationary bottom plate7. At this time, the rear seat3cannot be pivoted forward due to the stationary bottom plate7. Meanwhile, when the guide rollers241already reach the front end portions431a, the rear seat3is placed on the front side of the stationary bottom plate7. At this time, the rear seat3can be pivoted forward. The rear seat3is pivoted forward by 90 degrees, so that the rear seat3reaches the shunting position P2. A double chain line inFIG. 15shows the rear seat3at the shunting position P2.

FIGS. 17 and 18are views of a screen500in the pick-up style utility vehicle1in a fifth embodiment seen from the side. The fifth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment except a configuration of the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism. That is, the fourth rotary support mechanism240and the third guide mechanism430are applied as the seat holding mechanism in the fifth embodiment as well as the fourth embodiment (FIGS. 14 to 16). In the fifth embodiment, parts which are common to the first and fourth embodiments will be given the same reference numerals. Description of positional relationships in the fifth embodiment is based on the posture in the normal state (FIG. 17).

FIG. 17is a side view showing a peripheral part of the screen500in the normal state. In the fifth embodiment, the screen500includes an upper screen501and the expansion bottom plate17arranged on the lower side of the upper screen501. InFIG. 17, the expansion bottom plate17is at the storage position Q1. The rear seat3at the use position P1is arranged on the front side of the screen500. In the fifth embodiment, the rear seat3at the use position P1is disposed on the rear support stand16. The rear seat3at the use position P1is placed on the front side of the stationary bottom plate7in the back and forth direction and at the same height as the stationary bottom plate7in the vertical direction. Here, the “same height” indicates that at least part of the rear seat3is placed between the upper face and a lower face of the stationary bottom plate7.

In the fifth embodiment, the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism is formed by a third rotary support mechanism230.

InFIG. 17, the third rotary support mechanism230includes two horizontal shafts231,231, and two brackets232,232. The horizontal shafts231are horizontal shafts in the right and left direction. The brackets232rotatably support the horizontal shafts231. The horizontal shafts231are respectively provided in the edge of the expansion bottom plate17(a lower end inFIG. 17) on the right and left sides. The two brackets232,232are respectively provided in the front end of the stationary bottom plate7on the right and left sides.

The screen500is provided with a hinge502for supporting the upper screen501pivotably on a horizontal shaft503in the right and left direction relative to the expansion bottom plate17. The hinge502connects the front end (an upper end) of the expansion bottom plate17and an edge (a lower end) of the upper screen.

FIG. 18is a side view showing the peripheral part of the screen500in the expanded state. InFIG. 18, the expansion bottom plate17is at the expansion position Q2. Here, the passengers pivot the expansion bottom plate17forward by90degrees and pivot the upper screen501rearward by 90 degrees in order to change the normal state to the expanded state . As a result, the expansion bottom plate17is moved from the storage position Q1to the expansion position Q2. The upper screen501is moved to the front side.

When the expansion bottom plate17is at the expansion position Q2, the expansion bottom plate17projects to the front side of a front end of the rear support stand16. Positions of the horizontal shafts231and length h of the expansion bottom plate17are set so that the length h from the horizontal shafts231to the front end of the expansion bottom plate17is longer than distance d from the horizontal shafts231to the front end of the rear support stand16. Therefore, the expansion bottom plate17at the expanded state Q2is positioned on the upper side of the rear leg room R3.

FIGS. 19 to 22are side views showing a rear part of the pick-up style utility vehicle1in a sixth embodiment. The expansion bottom plate17and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism are not provided in the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the fourth rotary support mechanism240and the third guide mechanism430are applied as the seat holding mechanism as well as the fourth embodiment (FIGS. 14 to 16). In the sixth embodiment, a stretchable screen510is applied instead of the screen5. The sixth embodiment is the same as the first and fourth embodiments with regard to the other configurations. In the sixth embodiment, parts which are common to the first and fourth embodiments will be given the same reference numerals. Description of positional relationships in the sixth embodiment is based on the posture in the normal state (FIG. 19).

In the sixth embodiment, the screen510is formed by a stretchable accordion member.

InFIG. 19, the pick-up style utility vehicle1is provided with a screen510, and a storage case520. The storage case520can store the screen510and supports the screen510. The storage case520is fixed to a lower end of the backrest back plate32aof the rear seat3. A fitting portion511is provided in an upper end (a front end) of the screen510. The fitting portion511may be a hook, for example. Therefore, the fitting portion511can be suspended on the L shape members84of the cabin frame8.

FIGS. 19 to 22show four stages from the normal state to the expanded state.FIG. 19shows a first stage (the normal state),FIG. 20shows a second stage,FIG. 21shows a third stage, andFIG. 22shows a fourth stage (the expanded state).

InFIG. 19, the rear seat3is at the use position P1. The fitting portion511is fitted with the L shape members84right above the backrest32of the rear seat3at the use position P1. As a result, the screen510is developed between the storage case520and the fitting portion511in a rear end of the rear seat3at the use position P1. The screen510at this time indicates the screen in the normal state.

InFIG. 20, the screen510is stored in the storage case520. The backrest32is pivoted forward, so that the backrest32faces the main seat31.

InFIG. 21, the rear seat3is at the shunting position P2.

InFIG. 22, the fitting portion511is fitted with the L shape members84right above the backrest32of the rear seat3at the shunting position P2. As a result, the screen510is developed between the storage case520and the fitting portion511in a front part of the rear seat3at the shunting position P2. The screen51at this time forms a screen in the expanded state.

A plate member which is stretchable by sliding may be used as the screen510instead of the accordion member. In this case, the plate member is provided in the rear seat3pivotably on a horizontal shaft in the right and left direction so as to be pivoted between the use position P1and the shunting position P2.

FIG. 23is a side view of the rear seat3in the pick-up style utility vehicle1in a seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except configurations of the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism. In the seventh embodiment, parts which are common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals. Description of positional relationships in the seventh embodiment is based on the posture in the normal state (FIG. 23).

In the seventh embodiment, only the seat holding mechanism will be described. The expansion bottom plate holding mechanism described in the third or fourth embodiment maybe applied as the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 23is a side view showing the rear seat3in the normal state and at the use position P1. The rear seat3at the use position P1is supported by the stationary bottom plate7.

In the seventh embodiment, the seat holding mechanism is formed by a second linkage mechanism600.

InFIG. 23, the second linkage mechanism600is provided with two first shafts601, two second shafts602, and two link arms603. Two sets of the first shafts601, the second shaft602, and the link arms603are respectively arranged in the rear seat3on the right and left sides. The first shafts601and the second shafts602are horizontal shafts in the right and left direction. The first shafts601are supported on the rear support stand16. The second shafts602are supported on the front end of the seat back plate31aof the rear seat3. The second shafts602at the use position P1are positioned on the front side of the front ends of the stationary bottom plate7and the rear support stand16. The first shafts601and the second shafts602are rotatably supported by both ends of the link arms603, respectively.

Upon a change from the use position P1to the shunting position P2, the passengers firstly make the backrest32face the main seat31. Then, the passengers make the rear seat3stand up forward on the second shafts602. When the rear seat3stands up, the rear seat3can be pivoted on the first shafts601. Therefore, the passengers next move the rear seat3downward to the shunting position P2by pivoting the rear seat3downward. A double chain line inFIG. 23shows the rear seat3at the shunting position P2. A change from the shunting position P2to the use position P1is performed by reverse procedure. That is, the passengers firstly lift the rear seat3upward, so that the rear seat3is moved to the use position P1. Then, the passengers make the backrest32standup relative to the main seat31.

FIG. 24is a side view of a rear seat700in the pick-up style utility vehicle1in an eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment is the same as the seventh embodiment except a configuration of the rear seat700. In the eighth embodiment, parts which are common to the seventh embodiment will be given the same reference numerals. Description of positional relationships in the eighth embodiment is based on the posture in the normal state (FIG. 24).

FIG. 24is a side view showing the rear seat700at the use position P1. InFIG. 24, the rear seat700is provided with the main seat31, the backrest32, a first shaft701, a second shaft702, and a link703. The main seat31is provided with the seat back plate31a, and the seat cushion31bfixed to the seat back plate31a. The backrest32is provided with the backrest back plate32a, and the backrest cushion32bfixed to the backrest back plate32a. The first shaft701is provided in the seat back plate31a. The second shaft702is provided in the backrest back plate32a. The first shaft701and the second shaft702are respectively rotatably provided in both ends of the link703. The first shaft701and the second shaft702are horizontal shafts in the right and left direction. Therefore, the backrest32is pivotable relative to the main seat31.

In the eighth embodiment, the seat holding mechanism is formed by the second linkage mechanism600as well as the seventh embodiment. Therefore, a position of the rear seat700is changed similarly to the seventh embodiment. A double chain line inFIG. 24shows the rear seat3at the shunting position P2.

Upon the change from the use position P1to the shunting position P2, the passengers make the main seat31stand up forward on the second shafts602while making the backrest32face the main seat31. Then, the passengers pivot the rear seat700downward, so that the rear seat700is moved to the shunting position P2. Here, when the rear seat700is at the shunting position P2, the backrest32is positioned on the rear side of the main seat31. Therefore, the rear seat3can be stored in the rear leg room R3at a position which is closer to the rear support stand16.

In a case where the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism are formed independently from each other, a combination of the seat holding mechanism and the expansion bottom plate holding mechanism in one pick-up style utility vehicle1can be arbitrarily changed. For example, in the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, the seat holding mechanism (the engagement mechanisms130) used in the third embodiment can be applied to the fourth embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the structures of the embodiments above but includes various modifications not departing from a scope of the claims.

EXAMPLES

Examples of the pick-up style utility vehicle1will be described with regard to a storage mechanism of the expansion side plates.

FIG. 25is a perspective view of the cargo bed CE in the expanded state seen from the rear side (a first example). In the first example, the two expansion side plates43,43are openably provided in a seat back plate831aof a rear seat800. Here, the rear seat800has the same configuration as the rear seat3except the seat back plate831acapable of storing the expansion side plates43. The seat holding mechanism of the rear seat800is formed by a horizontal shaft35in the right and left direction as well as a conventional example (FIG. 28). Therefore, the rear seat800at the shunting position P2is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate7.

With the configuration above, the two expansion side plates43,43can be stored in the rear seat800at the use position. The side plates of the expanded cargo bed CE may be formed by the two expansion side plates43,43opened from the rear seat800at the shunting position P2.

FIG. 26is a perspective view of a screen550seen from the rear side (a second example) . In the second example, the expansion side plates43,43are openably provided in the screen550. The screen550has the same configuration as the screen5except for having the expansion side plates43,43.

With the configuration above, the expansion side plates43,43are closed in the normal state, so that the expansion side plates43,43can be stored in the screen550. The expansion side plates43,43are opened in the expanded state, so that the side plates of the expanded cargo bed CE can be formed by the two opened expansion side plates43,43.