Ramp device for a vehicle

Abstract

A ramp device for a vehicle is disclosed. In an embodiment, the ramp device includes a housing having an opening at one side, a platform having a drive roller and being movable between a storage position within the housing and a deployment position outside the housing, a pair of guide rails extending within the housing in a direction of movement of the platform and configured to guide movement of the drive roller, a drive portion installed within the housing and configured to generate a driving force to move the platform, and a drive cable interposed between the drive portion and the platform and configured to transmit the driving force of the drive portion to the platform, wherein the drive cable is partially accommodated in the guide rails and is movable along the guide rails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ramp device for a vehicle, wherein the platform can be extended from the vehicle body to the ground and retracted back into the vehicle body. Background Technology

[0002] Public vehicles or wheelchair-only vehicles for people with disabilities may include ramp devices to assist wheelchair access. The ramp device is equipped with a platform that is stored on the floor of the vehicle and is automatically or manually deployed from the vehicle to the ground, such that the deployed platform is configured to tilt at an angle relative to the ground.

[0003] On the other hand, in vehicles that use an electric motor as a drive source, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, a high-voltage battery or similar device is used as the energy source for the drive motor, and a battery module comprising multiple battery cells is mounted on the bottom of the vehicle body. In this case, if a ramp for wheelchairs is installed on the vehicle, the ramp would interfere with the layout of the battery module, as it is primarily mounted on the bottom of the vehicle and cannot be used.

[0004] To address this issue, placing the ramp on the vehicle floor would increase the step height, making it inconvenient for passengers to get on and off. Furthermore, since the ramp may be relatively high off the ground, the platform's inclination may not meet the specified inclination (e.g., 7.1°), and there may be an excessive difference in step height between the platform and the interior floor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The implementation plan provides a ramp device for vehicles that, without increasing the height of the steps, maintains and / or improves the convenience of passengers getting on and off the vehicle by ensuring that the platform's inclination meets a specified inclination.

[0006] A further embodiment provides a ramp device for a vehicle, wherein the height of the ramp device itself is significantly reduced, and the step difference between the platform and the internal floor can be eliminated when the platform is deployed and raised.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, the ramp device includes: a housing having an opening on one side; a platform having a drive roller and movable between a storage position inside the housing and an unfolded position outside the housing; a pair of guide rails extending inside the housing in the direction of movement of the platform and guiding the movement of the drive roller; a drive unit mounted inside the housing and generating a driving force to move the platform; and a drive cable located between the drive unit and the platform, transmitting the driving force of the drive unit to the platform. The drive cable is partially housed in the guide rails and moves along the guide rails.

[0008] The housing may include at least one roller member mounted on a lower inner surface around the opening, and the roller member supports the movement of the platform.

[0009] The platform may include: a pedal; a movable frame having drive rollers on both sides and one end of a drive cable connected to the movable frame; and a hinge plate that is connected to the pedal and the movable frame respectively via hinges.

[0010] The hinge plate may include at least one cam-shaped portion on its lower surface, positioned corresponding to the roller member.

[0011] The cam-shaped part can have a surface that incorporates a cycloid curve.

[0012] The height of the cam-shaped section can be the same as the diameter of the roller component.

[0013] As the cam-shaped portion rotates, the hinge plate can rotate toward the moving frame and one end of the pedal can be raised. The hinge plate can rotate more than 90 degrees from the horizontal plane.

[0014] The housing may include an inclined plate mounted on the upper outer surface around the opening and supporting a rotating hinged plate.

[0015] The guide rail may include: a first guide groove that accommodates and guides the drive roller; and a second guide groove that accommodates and guides the drive cable. One side wall of the first guide groove may be cut so that the rotation axis of the drive roller can pass through it.

[0016] The drive roller may have a groove arranged in the circumferential direction, the groove having a cross-sectional shape of one of V, U, and W. Protrusions may be provided on the upper and lower inner surfaces of the first guide groove, the protrusions having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the groove of the drive roller.

[0017] The guide track can be formed from extruded material.

[0018] The drive unit may include a motor and gears. The drive cable may have gear teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface and meshing with the gears, and may be moved by the driving force of the motor.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the ramp device includes: a housing having an opening on one side; a platform having drive rollers and movable between a storage position inside the housing and an unfolded position outside the housing; and a protective rod mounted on the platform and capable of unfolding in the height direction according to the movement of the platform.

[0020] The platform may include: a pedal; a movable frame having drive rollers on both sides; and a hinge plate that is connected to the pedal and the movable frame respectively via hinges.

[0021] The housing may include at least one roller member mounted on the lower inner surface and supporting the movement of the platform around the opening. The hinge plate may include at least one cam-shaped portion formed on the lower surface at a position corresponding to the roller member.

[0022] The protective rod may include: a rod member; a drive link, one end of which is rotatably hinged to a hinge plate; a connecting link, one end of which is rotatably hinged to the rod member, the other end of which is rotatably hinged to the other end of the drive link, and rotatably connected to the pedal via a rotating pin; and at least one sub-link, one end of which is rotatably hinged to the rod member, and the other end of which is rotatably hinged to the pedal.

[0023] As the hinge plate rotates toward the moving frame in accordance with the rotation of the cam-shaped portion, the drive link can push the other end of the connecting link. The connecting link can rotate about the pivot pin, causing one end of the connecting link to rise. The rod member can rise together with the sub-link from the upper surface of the pedal.

[0024] The ramp device may further include: a drive unit installed within the housing and generating driving force to move the platform; and a drive cable located between the drive unit and the platform and transmitting the driving force of the drive unit to the platform.

[0025] The drive unit may include a motor and gears. The drive cable may have one end connected to the platform, may have gear teeth formed on its outer surface, may mesh with the gears, and may be moved by the driving force of the motor.

[0026] The ramp device may further include a plurality of reinforcing guide rails engaged with the upper surface of the housing. The reinforcing guide rails may have ends protruding from the housing on both sides, and the ends on both sides may engage with crossbeams of the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of a vehicle to which the ramp device according to the implementation scheme is applied;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the ramp device according to the implementation plan, viewed from above;

[0030] Figure 3It is viewed from below. Figure 2 A perspective view of the ramp device shown in the image;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view showing the separation of the upper shell;

[0032] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the ramp device according to the implementation plan;

[0033] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the platform;

[0034] Figure 8 It is viewed from below. Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the platform shown in the image;

[0035] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the platform in its unfolded position;

[0036] Figure 10 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the guide rail;

[0037] Figure 11 It is a bottom view showing the drive unit and drive cable;

[0038] Figure 12 These are views showing the operation of the ramp device according to the implementation plan; and

[0039] Figure 13 This is an operational status diagram of the ramp device according to the implementation plan. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the parts in the various drawings, it should be noted that the same parts are given the same reference numerals as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0041] In this specification, a vehicle refers to any vehicle that moves a transported object, such as a person, animal, or other object, from a starting point to a destination. Such vehicles are not limited to those that travel on roads or tracks.

[0042] In this specification, for ease of explanation, vehicles having an electric motor that receives power from a battery, such as hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles, are used as examples to describe the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0043] In this specification, the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by the terms first, second, etc. in terms of order, size, position or importance, and are named only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of a vehicle to which the ramp device according to the implementation scheme is applied. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the ramp device according to the implementation plan, viewed from above. Figure 3 It is viewed from below. Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the ramp device. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view showing the separation of the upper shell.

[0045] First, the vehicle may include a body, and the body may be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. The frame structure of the body may consist of a pair of side beams 20 and a plurality of cross beams 40, the pair of side beams 20 extending along the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle and forming the side surface of the body, and the plurality of cross beams 40 extending along the width direction (Y) of the vehicle and joining the two side beams.

[0046] A pair of side beams 20 can be located on the lower left and right sides of the vehicle body, and the pair of side beams can be spaced apart from each other along the width direction (Y) of the vehicle. These side beams, while forming the appearance of the side of the vehicle, can perform the function of protecting the passenger space in the event of a side collision.

[0047] At least one of the pair of side beams 20 may have an upper surface formed as a recess 21 that is lower than the surrounding area in the middle portion. The recess may be located below a vehicle door (not shown). The space created by the recess can be used for entry and movement of the platform 12 of the ramp device 10.

[0048] Multiple crossbeams 40 can be connected to the side beams at intervals from the front end to the rear end of the vehicle body. When the vehicle is hit from the side, the collision load transmitted to the crossbeams can be transferred to the side beams 20 mechanically connected to the crossbeams and distributed along the side beams in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle.

[0049] Optionally, the battery module 60 can be located at the center in the longitudinal direction (X) and the lower part in the vertical direction (Z) of the vehicle. For this purpose, a battery space can be provided in the vehicle body for installing the battery module.

[0050] The floor 30 can be installed above the battery space. Specifically, the battery module 60 can be installed on a pair of side beams 20 to be positioned below the floor.

[0051] The floor 30 can be installed between a pair of side beams 20. The floor can separate the passenger space for passengers to board the vehicle.

[0052] In detail, the floor 30 can be attached to the side beams 20 by, for example, welding the left and right edges of the floor to them. Alternatively, the floor can be placed on the crossbeam 40 and attached to the crossbeam by bolts or the like.

[0053] The floor 30 may include a recessed portion 35 formed by downward indentation. The recessed portion may have an approximately U-shaped cross-section. Through this recessed portion, the floor can be formed in a stepped manner along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0054] Optionally, the vehicle may further include at least one reinforcing crossbeam (not shown) disposed on the floor 30, extending along the width direction (Y) of the vehicle, and joined at both ends to the side beams 20. By arranging the reinforcing crossbeam in this way, the rigidity of the side beams, whose cross-sectional dimensions in the vertical direction are reduced due to the recess 21, can be enhanced.

[0055] According to the embodiment, the ramp device 10 can be stably installed in the recess 35 of the floor 30 and fixedly engaged with the floor. In the ramp device, when the driving force of the drive unit 14 is transmitted to the platform 12, the platform can be pulled out from the housing 11 and positioned in the unfolded position, with one end in contact with the ground.

[0056] Because the ramp device 10 is positioned within the recess 35 and is positioned lower than before, the inclination of the platform 12 can meet the specified inclination without increasing the step height. Therefore, the ramp device according to the embodiment can maintain and / or improve the convenience of passengers getting on and off the vehicle.

[0057] The housing 11 can accommodate components of the ramp device, such as the platform 12, the drive unit 14, etc. For this purpose, the housing can be equipped with an upper housing 111 and a lower housing 112.

[0058] The housing 11 may include a plurality of reinforcing guide rails 17 that engage with the upper surface of the upper housing 111, and a plurality of connecting guide rails 18 that engage with the upper surface of the upper housing on both sides of each reinforcing guide rail.

[0059] To attach the reinforcing guide rail 17 to the vehicle body, for example, a crossbeam 40 and a mounting bracket 19 having a cross-sectional shape bent into an inverted L and bolt holes formed therein can be welded to the two side walls of the upper housing 111. Alternatively, bolt holes can be formed at both ends of the reinforcing guide rail in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle).

[0060] Multiple reinforced guide rails 17 connect the load paths between the front side member 53 and the rear side member 54, which are disconnected due to the recess 35 of the floor 30 and the ramp device 10, thereby dispersing and transferring the collision load and reducing the deformation of the vehicle body when the vehicle collides.

[0061] Optionally, above the housing 11 of the ramp device 10, for example on the upper surface of the upper housing 111, a plurality of seat rails 50 and a plurality of reinforcing rails 17 for mounting vehicle seats may be configured to extend across the housing of the ramp device along the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle.

[0062] When the ramp device 10 is placed in the recess 35 of the floor 30, the plurality of seat rails 50 can be positioned in the space between the connecting rails 18 on the upper surface of the upper housing 111, or positioned parallel to the reinforcing rail 17 with the connecting rails located therebetween. Each seat rail can be bolted to the upper surface of the upper housing via a connecting bracket 51.

[0063] Multiple seat rails 50, together with multiple reinforcing rails 17 and multiple connecting rails 18, are arranged in a grid pattern on the upper surface of the upper housing 111 of the housing 11 forming the ramp device 10. Therefore, the ramp device can be securely fixed to the floor 30 and complements the durability and rigidity of the vehicle body, which is disadvantageous due to the downward arrangement of the ramp device, allowing collision loads to be dispersed during side impacts and minimizing vehicle body deformation.

[0064] Additionally, the outer casing 11 may include at least one channel portion 113 formed on the lower surface of the lower casing 112 to accommodate a reinforcing beam.

[0065] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the ramp device according to the implementation plan.

[0066] The ramp device 10 according to the implementation scheme may include a housing 11; a platform 12; a guide rail 13; a drive unit 14; and a drive cable 15.

[0067] As described above, the outer casing 11 may include an upper casing 111 and a lower casing 112.

[0068] The upper housing 111 may include an upper surface and a pair of sidewalls extending downward from two side edges of the upper surface. The upper housing may be formed to cover the lower housing 112.

[0069] The mounting bracket 19, which has a cross-sectional shape bent into an inverted L and has bolt holes formed therein, can be welded to the two side walls of the upper housing 111.

[0070] The lower housing 112 may include a lower surface and a pair of sidewalls extending upward from two side edges of the lower surface. The lower housing may movably support the platform 12 and the drive cable 15, and the guide rail 13, drive unit 14, etc. may be fixedly mounted therein.

[0071] The side walls of the upper housing 111 and the lower housing 112 can be bolted together with the guide rail 13 to the mounting bracket 19. Therefore, the upper housing and the lower housing can form an outer shell 11, and the outer shell can have an internal space separated by the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0072] The housing 11 may have an opening on one side between the sidewalls and may open toward the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the platform 12 can enter and exit the housing through the opening.

[0073] The drive frame 114 can be disposed on the opposite side between the side walls of the housing 11, and the opposite side of the opening can be closed by the drive frame. The drive frame can be fixedly mounted to at least the lower housing 112, and the drive unit 14 can be mounted on the drive frame.

[0074] Optionally, at least one roller member 115 may be mounted on the lower surface of the lower housing 112, for example on the inner surface, as an opening adjacent to the outer housing 11 to support the movement of the platform 12.

[0075] The platform can slide smoothly inside the housing via the roller component 115, thus allowing the platform to smoothly enter and exit the housing through the opening.

[0076] Additionally, the roller component 115 can be associated with the cam-shaped portion 126, which will be described later, to rotate the hinge plate 125 of the platform 12 and raise one end of the pedal 121.

[0077] A door 120 can be provided at an opening in the housing 11, through which the platform 12 enters and exits. For example, hinges 116 can be provided on two side walls of the lower housing 112, or on two lateral sides of the lower surface, and the door can be rotatably connected to each hinge via a hinge shaft. Additionally, a torsion spring (not shown) can be positioned between the hinge and the hinge shaft. Therefore, the door can open or automatically close the opening depending on the entry and exit of the platform.

[0078] Alternatively, the door 120 may further include a contact roller 117 disposed at an edge opposite to the hinge axis of the door to reduce friction by being able to roll into contact with the surface of the platform 12 when the platform is removed.

[0079] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the platform. Figure 8 It is viewed from below. Figure 6 The image shows a 3D view of the platform. Figure 9 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the platform in its unfolded position.

[0080] Platform 12 can be configured to move between a storage position and an unfolded position. In the storage position, the platform is stored in the internal space of the housing 11, and in the unfolded position, the platform extends outward from the housing.

[0081] For example, platform 12 may include pedal 121, movable frame 123 having drive rollers 122 on both sides, and hinge plate 125 located between pedal and movable frame and connected to pedal and movable frame by hinges.

[0082] The pedal 121 is a flat-shaped component. Inside the housing 11, one side of the pedal 121 can be supported by the moving frame 123 via the hinge plate 125, and the other side can be supported by the roller component 115.

[0083] One end of the pedal 121 can be hinged to the hinge plate 125. Therefore, as the pedal is pulled out of the housing 11, it can rotate downwards under the influence of gravity. When the platform 12 is pulled out, the other end of the pedal can push and open the door 120.

[0084] In the extended position, the other end of the pedal 121 can be supported by contacting the ground, and one end of the pedal can be fully pulled out from the housing 11 while being connected to the hinge plate 125, and can be positioned above the housing.

[0085] Therefore, one end of the pedal 121 is connected to the interior floor 55 of the vehicle, allowing passengers, wheelchairs, strollers, etc., to move safely on the pedal.

[0086] In addition, as the pedal 121 is introduced into the housing 11, the pedal 121 can rotate from the inclined state back to the approximately horizontal state with the roller member 115 as the support point, and the platform 12 can smoothly enter and leave the housing while being kept horizontal by the moving frame 123 and the roller member.

[0087] The movable frame 123 is a component with a substantially flat shape and can be provided with drive rollers 122 on both sides. In addition, one end of the movable frame can be hinged to the hinge plate 125.

[0088] The drive roller 122 can be guided to move within the housing 11 via the guide rail 13. The drive roller can be a roller with a groove formed in the circumferential direction, wherein the groove has a cross-sectional shape of one of V, U, and W shapes. Therefore, the moving frame 123 and the platform 12 are restricted to left-right movement and can only move in the take-out or take-in direction.

[0089] Additionally, the movable frame 123 may include at least one sub-roller 124 mounted on its lower surface. The sub-roller can rotate freely according to the movement of the movable frame and can movably support the movable frame within the lower housing 112 of the housing 11.

[0090] In this way, the moving frame 123 can slide smoothly within the housing 11 via the drive roller 122 and the sub-roller 124. When the platform 12 is removed, the moving frame can be positioned within the housing without completely exiting it.

[0091] The hinge plate 125 may be a flat-shaped component, with one side connected to the pedal 121 by a hinge and the other side connected to the movable frame 123 by a hinge.

[0092] The hinge plate 125 may include at least one cam-shaped portion 126 on its lower surface, the cam-shaped portion being formed in the longitudinal direction of the hinge plate 125 (e.g., the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle) at a position corresponding to the roller member 115 of the housing 11.

[0093] The cam-shaped portion 126 may have a surface, for example, with a cycloidal curve applied. The height (h) of the cam-shaped portion, for example, the height of the surface obtained by subtracting the thickness (t) of the hinge plate from the total length in the height direction (Z) of the hinge plate 125, may have a dimension equal to the diameter of the roller member 115.

[0094] When platform 12 is removed and the cam-shaped portion 126 of hinge plate 125 encounters roller member 115, the cam-shaped portion can rotate about the hinge axis connected to hinge plate and moving frame 123 as much as the pedal 121 unfolds, while maintaining contact between the curved surface and roller member. Due to the rotation of the cam-shaped portion, hinge plate rotates towards moving frame, thus raising one end of the pedal connected to hinge plate.

[0095] For example, the hinge plate 125 can be proportional to the unfolding stroke of the pedal 121, rotating at least 100 degrees from the horizontal plane and more than 90 degrees, allowing one end of the pedal to rise approximately 40 to 50 mm from its horizontal position.

[0096] Therefore, since one end of the pedal 121, which is fully extended from the housing 11, can be connected to the upper surface of the inner floor 55, the step difference between the platform 12 and the inner floor can be eliminated by simply applying the cam-shaped portion 126 without increasing the height of the ramp device 10, especially the housing.

[0097] Optionally, the inclined plate 118 for supporting the rotation of the hinge plate 125 can be mounted on the upper surface of the upper housing 111, for example, on the outer surface, adjacent to the opening of the housing 11. The inclined plate and the hinge plate can together perform the function of supporting the raised pedal 121.

[0098] The ramp device 10 according to the implementation scheme may further include a guard bar 16, which is mounted on the platform 12 and can be deployed in the height direction according to the movement of the platform.

[0099] For mounting the protective bar 16, when the two ends of the pedal in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the width direction (Y) of the vehicle) parallel to the platform's direction of movement are referred to as front and rear, the pedal 121 of the platform 12 may be formed with receiving grooves 127 adjacent to the left and right edges of the pedal. These receiving grooves 127 are recessed toward the upper surface of the pedal and extend along the longitudinal direction of the pedal. The receiving grooves may be open at both longitudinal ends, and through holes 128 may be formed in the bottom of the receiving grooves near the ends of the hinge plate 125.

[0100] The protective rod 16 may include a rod member 161, a drive link 162, a connecting link 163, and at least one sub-link 164.

[0101] The rod member 161 can be formed as a member having an approximately inverted U-shaped cross section. This rod member can be inserted into the receiving groove 127, which simultaneously accommodates the connecting rod 163 and at least one sub-connecting rod 164. The length of the rod member can be shorter than the longitudinal length of the pedal 121.

[0102] One end of the drive link 162 is rotatably hinged to the hinge plate 125, and the other end is rotatably hinged to the connecting link 163. The drive link can push or pull the connecting link according to the rotation of the hinge plate.

[0103] One end of the connecting rod 163 is rotatably hinged to the rod member 161, and the other end is rotatably hinged to the drive rod 162. The connecting rod 163 can be rotatably connected to the two sidewalls of the through hole via a rotating pin 165 to pass through the through hole 128 or be partially received in the receiving groove 127. Therefore, when a force is applied from the drive rod to the other end of the connecting rod, the connecting rod can rotate to pass through the through hole or be received in the receiving groove.

[0104] At least one of the sub-links 164 is rotatably hinged at one end to the link member 161, and the other end is rotatably hinged within the receiving groove 127 to the two side walls of the receiving groove 127.

[0105] In the protective bar 16 configured in this way, when the hinge plate 125 rotates and the other end of the pedal 121 is lowered due to its own weight, the hinge plate and the pedal fold, and as the distance between the hinge point of the drive link 162 on the hinge plate and the hinge point of the connecting link 163 in the through hole 128 on the pedal (e.g., the rotating pin 165) becomes closer, the drive link can push against the hinge point at the other end of the connecting link.

[0106] In this way, by applying a force from the drive link 162 to the other end of the connecting link 163, the connecting link rotates about the rotating pin 165 in the through hole 128, and one end of the connecting link can be raised from the receiving groove 127 of the pedal 121. As one end of the connecting link is raised, the rod member 161 can be raised from the upper surface of the pedal together with the sub-link 164 to a predetermined height.

[0107] According to the implementation plan, the ramp device 10 includes a safety bar 16 that can be extended to a height that meets specified standards (e.g., 51 mm or more), thereby achieving the effect of preventing wheelchairs from falling when the safety bar is fully extended without increasing the height of the ramp device.

[0108] Figure 10 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the guide rail. Figure 11 It is a bottom view showing the drive unit and drive cable.

[0109] Refer to together Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The guide rails 13 can be arranged in pairs. These guide rails can be installed to extend along the length of the pedal 121, inside the housing 11 adjacent to the left and right edges of the pedal 121, to guide the movement of the platform 12, and specifically, the movement of the moving frame 123. The guide rails can be formed by extrusion, for example, using aluminum or an aluminum alloy as the material.

[0110] The guide rail 13 may include a first guide groove 131 that accommodates and guides the movement of the drive roller 122 and a second guide groove 132 that accommodates and guides the movement of the drive cable 15.

[0111] In this case, the groove wall on one side of the first guide groove 131 can be cut so that the rotation shaft of the drive roller 122 can pass through it, and protrusions having a cross-sectional shape of one of V, U and W can be formed on the upper and lower inner surfaces of the first guide groove, respectively.

[0112] In this way, since the functions of the guide drive roller 122 and the guide drive cable 15 are integrated into the guide rail 13, it is possible to configure the ramp device 10 as slim without increasing the height of the housing 11.

[0113] Optionally, the guide rail 13 may be bolted together with the side wall of the upper housing 111 and the side wall of the lower housing 112 of the housing 11 that constitutes the ramp device 10 to the mounting bracket 19, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] These guide rails 13 not only guide the movement of the platform 12, but also enhance the rigidity of the ramp device 10, and absorb collision loads by deforming together with the shell when a vehicle collides.

[0115] The driving force that allows the platform 12 to be guided by the guide rail 13 to enter and exit the housing 11 can be generated from the drive unit 14, which includes a motor 141 and a gear 142 (e.g., a helical gear). A motor capable of rotating in both forward and reverse directions can be used, and the direction of rotation, speed, etc., are determined according to control signals from a control unit (not shown). This drive unit can be mounted on the drive frame 114 on the other side of the enclosed housing.

[0116] At least one drive cable 15 has helical gear teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface and can move forward or backward by the driving force of the motor 141 while meshing with the gear 142 of the drive unit 14. The drive cable is flexible and has bending characteristics.

[0117] One end of the drive cable 15 can be fixedly connected to the moving frame 123 via, for example, a double-injected connector 153, but is not limited thereto, and can be connected to the moving frame without a connector.

[0118] The other end of the drive cable 15 is inserted into one of a pair of second guide slots 132 of the guide rail 13 and can move along the second guide slot.

[0119] A drive cable 15, with one end connected to the moving frame 123 on either the left or right side of the pedal 121, can extend such that the other end is inserted into a second guide groove 132 of the guide rail 13 adjacent to the other side of the pedal by passing through the drive frame 114 and the drive section 14.

[0120] For example, the drive cables 15 can be arranged in pairs and can mesh with the gears 142 of the individual drive units 14 inserted therebetween on both sides of the gear 142. When the gears rotate in one direction via the motor 141, the paired drive cables can move in opposite directions.

[0121] In this configuration, one of the paired drive cables 15 can be inserted into one of the pair of second guide slots 132 of the guide rail 13 and moved, while the other drive cable can be inserted into the other second guide slot of the guide rail and moved.

[0122] As the drive cable 15 is guided and moved by the guide rail 13, the movable frame 123 connected to one end of the drive cable can move within the housing 11.

[0123] For example, in Figure 11 In the middle, when gear 142 rotates counterclockwise through motor 141, right drive cable 15 moves upward and left drive cable 15 moves downward, causing moving frame 123 to move toward opening of housing 11, and pedal 121 can be pulled out of housing.

[0124] Conversely, when gear 142 rotates clockwise, drive cable 15 moves in the opposite direction, so that moving frame 123 moves toward drive frame 114 of housing 11, allowing pedal 121 to be introduced into housing.

[0125] Figure 12 These are views showing the operation process of the ramp device according to the implementation plan. Figure 13 This is an operational status diagram of the ramp device according to the implementation plan.

[0126] Describe the process of platform 12 being pulled out of housing 11 from its storage position inside housing 11 and reaching the unfolded position.

[0127] When the motor 141 of the drive unit 14 rotates under the control of the control unit, the gear 142 rotates in one direction, and the paired drive cables 15 move in opposite directions, thereby transmitting the driving force to the moving frame 123, causing the moving frame to move toward the opening of the housing 11.

[0128] The drive roller 122 of the moving frame 123 can move along the guide rail 13, and the moving frame can push the hinge plate 125 hinged to one end thereto and the pedal 121 hinged to the hinge plate. At this time, the pedal can be supported by at least one roller member 115 applied to the inner surface of the lower housing 112, while sliding with minimal friction.

[0129] The door 120 closes the opening of the housing 11 via a torsion spring, and as the pedal 121 moves, the opening can be opened by rotating the force pushing the door. The contact roller 117 of the door can roll into contact with the lower surface of the pedal to significantly reduce friction.

[0130] As the pedal 121 of platform 12 is pulled out of housing 11, the pedal 121 gradually sags due to its own weight. When the hinge axis connecting the pedal and hinge plate 125 reaches the roller member 115 of lower housing 112, the other end of the pedal can be supported by contacting the ground.

[0131] Then, the cam-shaped portion 126 of the hinge plate 125 and the roller member 115 begin to contact, and while the contact between the cycloidal curved surface of the cam-shaped portion 126 and the roller member is maintained, the cam-shaped portion and the hinge plate can rotate about the hinge axis connected to the hinge plate and the moving frame 123 at the same speed as the unfolding stroke of the pedal 121.

[0132] The hinge plate 125 rotates toward the movable frame 123, so that one end of the pedal 121 hinged to the hinge plate can be raised.

[0133] When the hinge plate 125 rotates and the other end of the pedal 121 lowers due to its own weight, the hinge plate and the pedal fold, and as the distance between the hinge point of the drive link 162 in the hinge plate and the hinge point of the connecting link 163 in the through hole 128 in the pedal (e.g., rotating pin 165) becomes closer, the drive link can push against the hinge point at the other end of the connecting link.

[0134] Therefore, the connecting rod 163 can rotate around the rotating pin 165 in the through hole 128, so that one end of the connecting rod can be raised from the receiving groove 127 of the pedal 121. As one end of the connecting rod is raised, the rod member 161 and the sub-connecting rod 164 are raised from the upper surface of the pedal to a predetermined height, so that the protective rod 16 can be automatically deployed in the height direction.

[0135] When the hinge plate 125 is fully rotated via the cam-shaped portion 126 and one end of the pedal 121 rises to its maximum and then slightly lowers, the inclined plate 118 of the upper housing 111 can support the hinge plate. Additionally, the inclined plate and the hinge plate can together support the raised pedal. In this way, even if a load of weight, such as that of a wheelchair, is applied to the pedal, further rotation of the hinge plate can be prevented.

[0136] As described above, according to the implementation scheme, by setting the ramp device downwards together with the floor and making the ramp device slender, the inclination of the platform can meet the specified inclination without increasing the step height, and has the effect of maintaining and / or improving the convenience of passengers getting on and off the vehicle.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the implementation plan, the step difference between the platform and the internal floor was eliminated while realizing the platform's unfolding and raising.

[0138] Although exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ramp device, comprising: The outer casing has an opening on one side; A platform having drive rollers and being movable between a storage position inside the housing and an unfolded position outside the housing; A pair of guide rails extend within the housing along the direction of movement of the platform and are configured to guide the movement of the drive rollers; A drive unit, which is installed inside the housing and configured to generate driving force to move the platform; as well as A drive cable, which is located between the drive unit and the platform, and configured to transmit the driving force of the drive unit to the platform. The drive cable is partially housed in the guide rail and is able to move along the guide rail.

2. The ramp device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes at least one roller member mounted on the lower inner surface at the opening, the roller member being configured to support the movement of the platform.

3. The ramp device according to claim 2, wherein, The platform includes: pedal; A movable frame, comprising drive rollers on both sides, and one end of a drive cable connected to the movable frame; and A hinge plate is connected to the pedal and the moving frame respectively via hinges.

4. The ramp device according to claim 3, wherein, The hinge plate includes at least one cam-shaped portion located on the lower surface and positioned corresponding to the roller member.

5. The ramp device according to claim 4, wherein, The cam-shaped portion has a surface that includes a cycloid curve.

6. The ramp device according to claim 4, wherein, The height of the cam-shaped portion is the same as the diameter of the roller component.

7. The ramp device according to claim 4, wherein, The hinge plate is configured to rotate toward the moving frame and raise one end of the pedal in response to the rolling of the cam-shaped portion along the roller member, and the hinge plate is capable of rotating more than 90 degrees from the horizontal plane.

8. The ramp device according to claim 3, wherein, The housing includes an inclined plate located on the upper outer surface at the opening and supporting the hinge plate.

9. The ramp device according to claim 1, wherein, The guide rails include: A first guide groove, which accommodates and guides the drive roller; and The second guide slot accommodates and guides the drive cable. In this design, one side wall of the first guide groove is cut so that the rotation shaft of the drive roller can pass through it.

10. The ramp device according to claim 9, wherein: The drive roller has a groove in the circumferential direction. The groove has a cross-sectional shape of one of V, U, or W. The first guide groove has protrusions on its upper and lower inner surfaces. The protrusions each have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the groove of the drive roller.

11. The ramp device according to claim 1, wherein, The guide track comprises extruded material.

12. The ramp device according to claim 1, wherein: The drive unit includes a motor and gears. The drive cable has gear teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface. The gear teeth are capable of meshing with the gear. The drive cable can be moved by the driving force of the motor.

13. A ramp device, comprising: The outer casing has an opening on one side; A platform having drive rollers and being movable between a storage position inside the housing and an unfolded position outside the housing; as well as A protective rod is mounted on the platform and can be extended in the height direction as the platform moves.

14. The ramp device according to claim 13, wherein, The platform includes: pedal; A movable frame having drive rollers on both sides; and A hinge plate is connected to the pedal and the moving frame respectively via hinges.

15. The ramp device according to claim 14, wherein: The housing includes at least one roller member mounted on the lower inner surface at the opening and supporting the movement of the platform. The hinge plate includes at least one cam-shaped portion positioned on its lower surface corresponding to the roller member.

16. The ramp device according to claim 15, wherein, The protective rod includes: Rod components; A drive link, one end of which is rotatably hinged to the hinge plate; A connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably hinged to the rod member, and the other end of which is rotatably hinged to the other end of the drive connecting rod, and rotatably connected to the pedal via a rotating pin; and At least one sub-link, one end of which is rotatably hinged to the rod member, and the other end of which is rotatably hinged to the pedal.

17. The ramp device according to claim 16, wherein, The drive link is configured to push the other end of the connecting link in response to the hinge plate rotating toward the moving frame according to the rotation of the cam-shaped portion. The connecting rod is configured to rotate about the rotating pin, causing one end of the connecting rod to rise. The rod member is configured to rise from the upper surface of the pedal together with the sub-link.

18. The ramp device according to claim 13, further comprising: A drive unit, which is installed inside the housing and configured to generate driving force to move the platform; as well as A drive cable is provided between the drive unit and the platform and is configured to transmit the driving force of the drive unit to the platform.

19. The ramp device according to claim 18, wherein: The drive unit includes a motor and gears. One end of the drive cable is connected to the platform. The drive cable has gear teeth formed on its outer surface. The gear teeth are capable of meshing with the gear. The drive cable can be moved by the driving force of the motor.

20. The ramp device according to claim 1 or 13, further comprising a plurality of reinforcing guide rails engaged with the upper surface of the housing. in, The reinforced guide rail has ends that protrude from the housing on both sides. The ends on both sides are joined to the crossbeams of the vehicle body.

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