Side step for vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle side step that is easy to assemble is disclosed. A vehicle side step according to an embodiment comprises: a footrest including a first guide groove formed longitudinally on the lower surface, a second guide groove formed in communication along the upper portion of the first guide groove and having a wider width than the first guide groove, and an insertion groove formed near the first guide groove on the lower surface and communicating with the second guide groove; a fixing member configured such that a body portion can move along the first guide groove while the upper portion is received in the second guide groove, and is fixed to the footrest when the upper portion is lowered and inserted into the insertion groove; and a hinge bracket having a coupling plate formed at one end in which the body portion of the fixing member is coupled, and the other end coupled to the vehicle.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a side step for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, high-bodied SUVs, campervans, or trucks are equipped with side steps on the lower side of the vehicle to facilitate passenger entry and exit.

[0003] Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0425588 discloses a bracket assembly for a vehicle side step.

[0004] A bracket assembly for a vehicle side step disclosed in the same publication is a bracket assembly for a vehicle side step that is mounted on a lower frame of a vehicle body having a flange provided longitudinally along the lower surface and is configured to securely seat a side step footrest on the lower side of the vehicle body; wherein the bracket assembly comprises: a main bracket integrally formed with a frame fixing part mounted on the side of the lower frame of the vehicle body via a mounting bolt, a footrest seating part extending outward from the lower end of the frame fixing part and on which the side step footrest is secured, and a corner part bent from the lower end of the frame fixing part to form the footrest seating part; a sub-bracket integrally formed with a mounting part that is bent at an acute angle at the lower end and mounted on the upper surface of the corner part of the main bracket, and a fixing plate that is bolted to the sub-bracket while having its upper end in contact with one side of the flange and prevents sagging of the corner part of the main bracket.

[0005] The aforementioned bracket assembly for a vehicle side step has a problem in that the mounting hole of the bracket is not visible during the process of attaching the footrest to the bracket, requiring the assembler to work while lying on the floor. Additionally, since it always protrudes from the side of the vehicle, damage frequently occurs, and there is an aesthetic issue. Prior art literature

[0007] (Patent Document 0001) KR 10-2019-0111449 B1 (Published Oct. 02, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0008] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a vehicle side step that is easy to assemble. means of solving the problem

[0009] A vehicle side step according to an embodiment comprises: a footrest including a first guide groove formed longitudinally on the lower surface, a second guide groove formed longitudinally inside and communicating with the upper portion of the first guide groove and having a wider width than the first guide groove, and an insertion groove formed near the first guide groove on the lower surface and communicating with the second guide groove; a fixing member configured such that a body portion can move along the first guide groove while the upper portion is received in the second guide groove, and is fixed to the footrest when the upper portion is lowered and inserted into the insertion groove; and a hinge bracket having a coupling plate formed at one end in which the body portion of the fixing member is coupled, and the other end coupled to the vehicle.

[0010] In addition, the fixing member of the vehicle side step according to the embodiment comprises a body having a box shape with an open top and coupled to a coupling groove, a support plate covering the top of the body, a rod configured to move up and down while penetrating the body and the support plate and with its top exposed, and a fixing rake coupled to the top of the rod with its end facing downward, wherein the end of the fixing rake is inserted into an insertion groove when lowered while being received in a second guide groove.

[0011] In addition, the fixing member of the vehicle side step according to the embodiment may further include an elastic body provided on the outer surface of the rod to elastically support the rod.

[0012] In addition, the body of the vehicle side step according to the embodiment may further include a locking projection provided on the outer surface of the body, and is characterized by being engaged with a coupling plate by the locking projection.

[0013] In addition, the coupling plate of the vehicle side step according to the embodiment may further include a fixing groove formed near the coupling groove and into which the end of the fixing rake is inserted. Effects of the invention

[0015] In the vehicle side step according to the embodiment, the fixing rake of the fixing member moves along the second guide groove of the footrest and is automatically lowered by an elastic body to be coupled to the insertion groove of the footrest. As a result, the worker does not need to separately locate the bolt hole for coupling the footrest, thus eliminating the need to work while lying on the floor, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0016] In addition, the vehicle side step according to the embodiment has a fixing groove formed in a connecting plate to which a fixing member is attached, into which the end of a fixing rake is inserted. As a result, the footrest is more securely connected to the bracket.

[0017] In addition, the vehicle side step according to the embodiment has a locking projection formed on the outer surface of the body that engages with a coupling plate. As a result, the fixing rake and the locking projection engage with the coupling plate, so the fixing rake does not detach from the coupling plate during the process of connecting the fixing member and the footrest.

[0018] In addition, the vehicle side step according to the embodiment may have a plurality of insertion grooves formed along the footrest, into which the fixing rake of the fixing member is inserted. As a result, the connection position of the footrest is easily adjusted. Furthermore, it is not affected by the gap between brackets connected to the vehicle. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle side step according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are exploded views of a vehicle side step according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fixed member. FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate the process of assembling a vehicle side step according to an embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them will become clear when referring to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be implemented in various other forms. The embodiments are merely provided to complete the present disclosure and fully inform those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains of the scope of the invention, and the present disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of a vehicle side step (100) according to an embodiment [hereinafter referred to as "vehicle side step (100)"], and FIGS. 2 and 3, which are exploded views of the vehicle side step (100), the vehicle side step (100) includes a footrest (110), a fixing member (120) and a bracket (130).

[0024] The footrest (110) has a predetermined length and is made of a material capable of supporting the weight of a person. The footrest (110) includes a first guide groove (111), a second guide groove (112) and an insertion groove (113).

[0025] The first guide groove (111) is formed on a lower surface of the footrest (110) in the length direction. In one example, the first guide groove (111) may be formed on one side of the footrest (110) in the width direction along the length direction of the footrest (110).

[0026] The second guide groove (112) is formed inside the footrest (110) in the length direction, is in communication with an upper portion of the first guide groove (111), and has a wider width than the first guide groove (111). That is, the second guide groove (112) is located inside the footrest (110), and when viewed from one end of the footrest (110) in the length direction, the first guide groove (111) and the second guide groove (112) are formed in an inverted "convex" shape.

[0027] The insertion groove (113) is formed near the first guide groove (111) on the lower surface of the footrest (110) and is connected to the second guide groove (112). Additionally, a plurality of insertion grooves (113) may be provided and configured to correspond to the spacing of the bracket (130) coupled to the vehicle.

[0028] Additionally, the footrest (110) may further include an input port (114).

[0029] The input port (114) may be formed on the lower surface of the footrest (110) with a length greater than the length of the fixing member (120) to be described later. The input port (114) is connected to the first guide groove (111) and the second guide groove (112) and functions as an entrance for inserting the upper part of the fixing member (120) into the second guide groove (112).

[0030] Additionally, an anti-slip pad (not shown in the drawing) for preventing slipping may be provided on the upper surface of the footrest (110), or a groove may be formed.

[0031] The fixed member (120) includes a body (121), a support plate (122), a rod (123), and a fixed rake (124).

[0032] The body (121) has a size that can be accommodated in the first guide groove (111) and has a box shape with an open top. As an example, the body (121) may have a slot-shaped box shape with an open top.

[0033] Additionally, the body (121) may have a locking projection (121a) formed thereon.

[0034] A plurality of catch projections (121a) may be provided along the outer surface of the body (121), so that the body (121) catches on the connecting plate (131) of the bracket (130) to be described later.

[0035] The support plate (122) is formed to cover the upper part of the body (121).

[0036] The rod (123) is configured to move up and down while penetrating the body (121) and the support plate (122) with its upper end exposed.

[0037] The fixed rake (124) is attached to the upper surface of the support plate (122) and formed so that its end extends outward and then faces downward. As an example, the fixed rake (124) may be formed so that its end extends outward on each side of the upper surface of the support plate (122) and then faces downward.

[0038] Additionally, the fixed member (120) may further include an elastic body (125).

[0039] An elastic body (125) is provided on the outer surface of the rod (123) to elastically support the rod (123). As an example, one end of the elastic body (125) may be supported on the lower surface of the support plate (122) and the other end may be supported on a flange (123a) protruding from the outer surface of the rod (123).

[0041] The operation of the fixed member (120) is explained with reference to FIG. 4, which is a perspective view of the fixed member (120).

[0042] Figure 4 (a) shows a state where no external force is applied to the fixed member (120).

[0043] In this state, the fixed rake (124) is supported on the upper surface of the support plate (122).

[0044] FIG. 4 (b) shows the state in which the rod (123) is pushed upward due to an external force acting upward on the fixed member (120).

[0045] In this state, the upper end of the rod (123) is raised by an external force acting upward, and the fixed rake (124) is positioned above the support plate (122) at a distance.

[0047] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the bracket (130) is provided with a connecting plate (131) at one end and the other end is connected to the lower side of the vehicle (not shown in the drawing). The bracket (130) can be hinged so that one end can protrude to the side of the vehicle or be located at the bottom of the vehicle.

[0048] The connecting plate (131) includes a connecting groove (131a) for connecting the fixing member (120).

[0049] The connecting groove (131a) is formed through the connecting plate (131) in a shape corresponding to the body (121) of the fixing member (120).

[0050] Additionally, the connecting plate (131) may include a fixing groove (131b).

[0051] The fixing groove (131b) is formed through the outer edge of the coupling groove (131a) in a shape corresponding to the end of the fixing rake (124).

[0052] In addition, a plurality of brackets (130) may be provided along the side of the vehicle.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, which show the process of assembling a vehicle side step (100), the process of assembling a vehicle side step (100) is explained.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the first guide groove (111) and the second guide groove (112) of the footrest (110) before the fixing member (120) is inserted, and FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the body (121) of the fixing member (120) is connected to the connecting plate (131) of the bracket (130), and the fixing rake (124) is raised from the body (121) by the rod (123). At this time, the body (121) is not detached from the connecting plate (131) by the locking projection (121a). Subsequently, the body (121) is inserted into the first guide groove (111) so that the end of the fixing rake (124) contacts the lower part of the second guide groove (112).

[0057] FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing the fixing rake (124) of the fixing member (120) being coupled to the insertion groove (113) of the footrest (110).

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the body (121) of the fixing member (120) is moved along the first guide groove (111) and positioned above the insertion groove (113) of the footrest (110). When the end of the fixing rake (124) and the position of the insertion groove (113) are accurately aligned, the fixing rake (124) is lowered by the elastic body (125) and inserted into the insertion groove (113). As a result, the fixing member (120) is coupled to the footrest (110). Additionally, the end of the fixing rake (124) is inserted into the fixing groove (131b) of the coupling plate (131), so that the footrest (110) and the fixing member (120) are firmly fixed to the bracket (130).

[0060] The expressions (terms, visualized images, etc.) used in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely selected for instrumental purposes to enhance understanding of the technology.

[0061] Furthermore, due to circumstances, the present disclosure has been described by a limited number of embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will be able to come up with new embodiments based on the described embodiments without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0062] Accordingly, the claims of the present disclosure should not be limited by some expressions appearing in the ‘description of the invention’ and ‘drawings,’ but should be broadly interpreted based on the fundamental technical concept inherent throughout the specification. Explanation of the symbols

[0063] 100... Vehicle side steps 110... stepping stone 111... Guide Home 1 112... 2nd Guide Home 113... Insertion slot 114... input port 120... fixed member 121... body 121a... stopper 122... support plate 123... Road 123a... flange 124... fixed rake 125... elastic body 130... bracket 131... connecting plate 131a... coupling groove 131b... fixed groove

Claims

Claim 1 A side step for a vehicle comprising: a first guide groove formed longitudinally on a lower surface; a second guide groove formed longitudinally inside and communicating with the upper portion of the first guide groove, having a wider width than the first guide groove; and an insertion groove formed near the first guide groove on the lower surface and communicating with the second guide groove; a fixing member configured such that a body portion can move along the first guide groove while the upper portion is received in the second guide groove, and is fixed to the footrest when the upper portion is lowered and inserted into the insertion groove; and a hinge bracket having a coupling plate formed at one end to which the body portion of the fixing member is coupled, and the other end coupled to a vehicle. Claim 2 A vehicle side step according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member comprises a body having a box shape with an open top and coupled to the coupling groove, a support plate covering the top of the body, a rod configured to move up and down while penetrating the body and the support plate and with its top exposed, and a fixing rake coupled to the top of the rod with its end facing downward, wherein the end of the fixing rake is inserted into the insertion groove when lowered while being received in the second guide groove. Claim 3 A vehicle side step according to paragraph 2, wherein the fixing member further comprises an elastic body provided on the outer surface of the rod to elastically support the rod. Claim 4 A vehicle side step according to paragraph 2, wherein the body further comprises a locking projection provided on the outer surface of the body, and is characterized by being engaged with the coupling plate by the locking projection. Claim 5 A vehicle side step according to paragraph 2, wherein the coupling plate further comprises a fixing groove formed near the coupling groove and into which the end of the fixing rake is inserted.

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