Foldable portable and stowable boarding ladder and transport platform

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of vehicle refitting, and specifically relates to a foldable boarding ladder and transport platform capable of being moved and hidden and stored. The boarding ladder comprises a framework, a first pivot combination, a pedal, a second pivot combination, a linkage rod, a limiting block and an antiskid pad. The framework of the boarding ladder comprises a hook, a right side beam, a left side beam, an upper cross beam, a middle cross beam and a lower cross beam. The right side beam and the left side beam are connected by the upper cross beam, the middle cross beam and the lower cross beam. The hook is arranged on both sides of the upper cross beam. Multiple pedals are arranged inside the right side beam and the left side beam. The pedals are connected to the right side beam and the left side beam through the first pivot combination. The multiple pedals are connected together through the linkage rod. The linkage rod is connected to the pedals through the second pivot combination. The limiting block is arranged on the rear side of the pedals. The right side beam and the left side beam of the boarding ladder are provided with the antiskid pad at the bottom. The tail of the sliding groove is provided with an adjustable limiting plate. The sliding groove is provided with spring bolts at both ends of the entrance. The inner surfaces of both sides of the bottom of the sliding groove are provided with polytetrafluoroethylene sliding strips. The utility model provides a safe and reliable boarding auxiliary supporting facility for refitted vehicles with multiple boarding requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle modification, and specifically to a movable and concealable folding boarding ladder and transport platform. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike urban transport vehicles that integrate doors and ladders, modified vehicles with work compartments (or carriages) typically have a separate, readily accessible, and multi-location access ladder on each vehicle to facilitate personnel boarding and alighting or equipment maintenance during operations. The method of retrieving and storing this access ladder becomes a crucial ergonomic consideration for designers. For modified vehicles with specific time constraints for task deployment and dismantling / reassembly, all operational procedures are detailed during the design phase. Specifically regarding the access ladder, the general principle is that it should be stored near the work or maintenance door, ensuring safe and quick retrieval.

[0003] Currently, there are two common methods for storing boarding ladders: the first is surface mounting, where the ladder is suspended on the outer wall of the vehicle near the work door or maintenance door; the second is concealed mounting, where a horizontal chute is installed under the transport platform below the work compartment, and the ladder is hidden within the chute during travel, only being unlocked and pulled out when parked. Each method has its advantages. The first method offers the advantages of clear visibility, convenient access, and minimal added weight beyond the ladder's own weight. The second method offers advantages such as reduced theft risk, a more compact overall vehicle layout, and the freed-up space on the vehicle's outer wall for mounting other auxiliary equipment. In actual loading practice, the choice of storage method is influenced by various factors. Generally, if there is usable space under the container (or vehicle compartment), concealed mounting is preferred to achieve a more compact overall vehicle structure.

[0004] As an auxiliary facility for personnel boarding and alighting, the relevant standards for boarding stairs lack quantitative indicators for the span of each step, the width and depth of the step surface, etc., only providing general requirements from an ergonomic perspective. In terms of the difficulty of meeting these requirements, concealed ladders are clearly subject to more constraints than exposed ladders. When modifying vehicles based on Class II chassis, the chassis model and the external dimensions of the work compartment are usually determined during the engineering design phase. From the perspective of meeting railway transport requirements, the usable space left for the transport platform in the height direction of the entire vehicle is already limited, generally not exceeding 250mm. Within this limited height difference, if a hidden space is to be provided for a ladder without compromising the overall strength of the chassis subframe (or the transport platform), then the only options are to work on the ladder's design structure or placement.

[0005] Currently, there are roughly three presentation methods for concealed-installation boarding ladders in the industry: The first type is entirely movable. Each step on the ladder is connected and fixed to the side beams by riveting (or welding), so the azimuth angle of each step cannot be changed. The second type is entirely immovable. The ladder can only be used in its original installation position. When the ladder is pulled out from its installation position until the feet touch the ground, each step can unfold automatically, so the azimuth angle of each step changes within a limited range. The third type is still entirely movable, but the azimuth angle of each step is not completely fixed. When the ladder is ready to be stored in the slide, each step is manually flipped to fold it. When the ladder is moved to the designated boarding position for use, each step must be manually flipped to unfold it. Compared to the other two methods, the first and third methods offer the greatest flexibility, as the ladders are movable, accommodating access from multiple directions around the vehicle. However, the first method occupies the most space within the transport platform. Improper handling (e.g., breaking the main longitudinal beams of the transport platform to make room for the laterally positioned ladder) can significantly impact the overall strength of the platform. Therefore, this method is typically only suitable for concealing the ladder at the rear of the vehicle, with the cabin (or cargo box) door opening from the rear – the most common configuration in modified vehicles. While the third method occupies less space and doesn't affect the platform's strength, each step requires manual folding or unfolding, resulting in the longest time for the ladder to reach operational status. Furthermore, with a thinner folded ladder, steel is often used to maintain stability under a 115kg load, making it the heaviest of the three methods. Compared to the first two methods, the second method is simpler to operate and takes up roughly the same amount of space as the third method. However, since the ladder cannot be moved around, it cannot achieve the effect of using one ladder for multiple purposes. Therefore, it is only suitable for specific situations where there is only one door and one ladder.

[0006] In summary, for modified vehicles with working cabins (or carriages) and where the design requires multi-point access, if the available space under the cabin (or carriage) is very limited, existing concealed access ladder designs do not meet the vehicle's ultimate maintainability expectations. Therefore, a new type of access ladder needs to be developed that is movable, concealable, quick-folding, lightweight, and does not significantly occupy space. Currently, this new access ladder has been put into use on a small batch of production vehicles and has received positive feedback from users after repeated verification. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a movable and retractable foldable boarding ladder and transport platform. The boarding ladder of this utility model includes a frame, a first rotating shaft assembly, pedals, a second rotating shaft assembly, a linkage rod, a limiting block, and anti-slip pads. The frame of the boarding ladder includes hooks, a right side beam, a left side beam, an upper crossbeam, a middle crossbeam, and a lower crossbeam. The right side beam and left side beam are connected by the upper, middle, and lower crossbeams, respectively. Hooks are located on both sides of the upper crossbeam. Multiple pedals are installed inside the right side beam and left side beam. The pedals are connected to the right side beam and left side beam via the first rotating shaft assembly. The multiple pedals are connected together by a linkage rod, which is connected to the pedals via the second rotating shaft assembly. A limiting block is located on the rear side of each pedal. Anti-slip pads are installed at the bottom of the right side beam and left side beam of the boarding ladder. An adjustable limiting plate is provided at the tail of the slide, and spring pins are provided at both ends of the slide entrance. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) slide strips are installed on the inner surfaces of both sides of the bottom of the slide. This utility model relates to a movable boarding ladder that can be installed in a limited space, is close to the work door, allows for convenient and quick access, and does not affect the overall strength of the transport platform.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to achieve its purpose is as follows: a movable and retractable foldable boarding ladder and transport platform, including a boarding ladder and a transport platform, with hook bases arranged around the transport platform. The boarding ladder is hung on the container transport platform via the hook bases or stored in a slide. The boarding ladder is characterized by: a frame, a first rotating shaft assembly, a step, a second rotating shaft assembly, a linkage rod, a limiting block, and an anti-slip mat; the frame of the boarding ladder includes hooks, a right side beam, a left side beam, an upper crossbeam, a middle crossbeam, a lower crossbeam, and a right side beam, a left side beam, a right ... The side beams are connected by an upper crossbeam, a middle crossbeam, and a lower crossbeam, with hooks on both sides of the upper crossbeam. Multiple pedals are installed inside the right and left beams, and the pedals are connected to the right and left beams via a first rotating shaft assembly. The multiple pedals are connected together by a linkage rod, which is connected to the pedals via a second rotating shaft assembly. Limiting blocks are installed on the rear side of the pedals. Anti-slip pads are installed at the bottom of the right and left beams of the boarding ladder. An adjustable limiting plate is provided at the tail of the chute, and spring pins are provided at both ends of the chute entrance. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sliding strips are installed on the inner surfaces of both sides of the bottom of the chute.

[0009] According to the above-described movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, the feature is that: the upper step is close to the upper crossbeam, and after being stored, the upper step is placed on the upper crossbeam.

[0010] According to the above-described movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, the characteristic feature is that the boarding ladder is made of 1.5mm thick Q235 thin steel plate.

[0011] According to the above-described movable and concealable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, the feature is that the right beam and the left beam are made of irregularly shaped tubular components.

[0012] According to the above-described movable and concealable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, the feature is that the lower ends of the right beam and the left beam of the boarding ladder are provided with pin holes.

[0013] According to the above-described movable and concealable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, the feature is that: the right beam, left beam, upper crossbeam, middle crossbeam, and lower crossbeam have weight-reducing holes.

[0014] According to the above-described movable and concealable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, the feature is that: the pedal is connected and fixed to the left and right side beams and left and right linkage rods of the frame by screw connection; the first rotating shaft assembly is used to screw the bottom holes on both sides of the pedal to the right side beam and the left side beam respectively; and the second rotating shaft assembly is used to screw the linkage holes on both sides of the pedal to a linkage rod provided on each side.

[0015] According to the above-described movable and concealable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, the characteristic is that the external structure of the hook base matches the hook shape and opening size of the boarding ladder.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: (1) It provides safe and reliable boarding auxiliary facilities for modified vehicles with multiple boarding points; (2) It occupies little space. When this boarding ladder is concealed in the container transport platform with limited height, it is basically not restricted by the placement position; (3) It is convenient and quick to pick up and put down. It can be operated and moved independently by a single person standing under the vehicle; (4) The folding and unfolding of all the steps of the boarding ladder are completed in a coordinated manner, which reduces the time for disassembly and unfolding; (5) It has a strong load-bearing capacity. After the hook base is set at the vehicle perimeter, the single ladder can bear a maximum weight of about 115kg; (6) The position of the boarding ladder in the storage state is locked by using spring pins and adjustable baffles to ensure the safety of vehicle transportation; (7) After using the sliding strip, there is no longer any concern about the paint on the surface of the boarding ladder being damaged. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the boarding stairs (front view).

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the boarding ladder (top view).

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the boarding stairs (top view).

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the boarding ladder (view from the bottom).

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the working status of the boarding ladder (top view of position 6).

[0022] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the working state of the boarding ladder.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the boarding ramp in its stowed-in state (perspective view).

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the boarding ramp in its deployed state (perspective view).

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the skeleton of the boarding ladder (front view).

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram (top view) of the skeleton of the boarding ladder.

[0027] Figure 11 This diagram shows the connection relationship between the boarding ladder steps, the left and right side beams, and the linkage rods.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the boarding ladder chute (front view).

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram (top view) of the boarding ladder chute.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram (side view) of the boarding ladder chute.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the boarding ladder being fixed within the slide.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram (front view) of the boarding ladder transport status.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram (side view) of the boarding ladder transport status.

[0034] Figure 18 Schematic diagram (front view) of a hook base adapted for the boarding ladder.

[0035] Figure 19 A schematic diagram (top view) of a hook base adapted for the boarding ladder.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the pin position scheme 1.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the second option for the pin position.

[0038] The markings in the attached diagram are as follows: boarding ladder A, slide rail B, spring pin C, slide bar D, adjustable limit plate E, hook base F, frame A1, first pivot assembly A2, pedal A3, second pivot assembly A4, linkage rod A5, limit block A6, anti-slip pad A7, hook A11, right beam A12, left beam A13, upper crossbeam A14, middle crossbeam A15, lower crossbeam A16. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] This utility model discloses a movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, comprising a boarding ladder A and a transport platform. The boarding ladder A can be hung on the container transport platform via a hook base F, or the boarding ladder A can be stored in a slide rail B. Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, a movable and retractable folding boarding ladder A includes a frame A1, a first rotating shaft assembly A2, a step A3, a second rotating shaft assembly A4, a linkage rod A5, a limiting block A6, and an anti-slip pad A7. Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the frame A1 of the boarding ladder includes hooks A11, a right side beam A12, a left side beam A13, an upper crossbeam A14, a middle crossbeam A15, and a lower crossbeam A16. Weight-reducing holes are provided on the left and right side beams and the middle crossbeam. The right side beam A12 and the left side beam A13 are connected by the upper crossbeam A14, the middle crossbeam A15, and the lower crossbeam A16, respectively. Hooks A11 are located on both sides of the upper crossbeam A14. Multiple pedals A3 are installed inside the right side beam A12 and the left side beam A13. The pedals A3 are connected to the right side beam A12 and the left side beam A13 via a first rotating shaft assembly A2, allowing the pedals A3 to rotate. The multiple pedals A3 are connected together by a linkage rod A5, which is connected to the pedals A3 via a second rotating shaft assembly A4, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the multiple pedals A3. This invention can provide a limiting block A6 on the rear side of one or more pedals A3, so that the limiting block A6 is used to limit the outward unfolding angle of the pedals A3. The upper step A3 is close to the upper crossbeam A14. After being stowed, the upper step A3 rests on the upper crossbeam A14. In this way, the upper crossbeam A14 not only enhances the strength of the ladder but also limits the inward stowage angle of the step A3. The linkage rod A5 enables all steps to move synchronously.

[0041] The boarding ladder A of this utility model is made of 1.5mm thick Q235 steel plate. The right beam A12 and left beam A13 are made of special-shaped tubing, which can be drawn profiles (for large-volume orders) or bent steel plates and intermittently welded (for small-volume orders). Since boarding ladder A is longer than 1.7 meters, an additional crossbeam can be placed between the upper and lower crossbeams to improve the overall stability of the frame under load. The lower ends of the right beam A12 and left beam A13 of boarding ladder A are provided with pin holes for locking the ladder with spring pins during vehicle transport. Anti-slip pads A7 are installed at the bottom of the right beam A12 and left beam A13 of boarding ladder A to enhance the friction of the ladder feet on smooth surfaces. Weight-reducing holes are made in the right beam A12, left beam A13, upper crossbeam A14, middle crossbeam A15, and lower crossbeam A16. The total weight of the entire ladder does not exceed 8kg, and its thickness when folded is about 50mm.

[0042] like Figure 11 As shown, all the steps A3 on the boarding ladder are connected and fixed to the left and right side beams and left and right linkage rods A5 of the frame A1 by screwing. The first rotating shaft assembly A2 is used to screw the bottom holes on both sides of the step A3 to the right side beam A12 and the left side beam A13 respectively. The second rotating shaft assembly A4 is used to screw the linkage holes on both sides of the step A3 to a linkage rod A5 on each side, so as to ensure that all the steps rotate in a synchronized manner.

[0043] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the slide rail B used in conjunction with the boarding ladder A has the following structural features: a) An adjustable limiting plate E is provided at the tail of the slide rail B to facilitate quick positioning of the ladder in the depth direction after it is stored in the slide rail (see...). Figure 15 b) At the entrance of chute B, spring pins C are installed at both ends to lock the boarding ladder A during vehicle transport to ensure driving safety (see...). Figure 16 , Figure 17 c) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sliding strips D are installed on both sides of the bottom inner surface of the slide B to ensure that the paint on the surface of the boarding ladder A will not be damaged when it slides in and out of the slide B.

[0044] like Figure 16 , 17 As shown, according to the location of the boarding ladder, the slide B is installed and fixed in the narrow space of the transport platform (mainly by welding). When the vehicle is in motion, the boarding ladder A is stored in the slide B; when the vehicle is parked, the boarding ladder can only be unlocked and taken out for use.

[0045] like Figure 5 , 6As shown, the hook base F can be deployed at multiple points around the container carrying transport platform. The shape and structure of the hook base F should preferably match the hook shape and opening size of the boarding ladder A to ensure that the ladder is safely and stably attached. Figure 18 , 19 This is for reference only.

[0046] like Figure 20 , 21 As shown, the boarding ladder is locked within the slide using a pin mechanism. Depending on the available operating space around the ladder, there are two design options. When there is sufficient operating space on both sides of the slide, the recommended design is... Figure 20 As shown; when the operating space on both sides of the slide is very limited, the latch can be moved to the bottom crossbeam of the boarding ladder frame for installation and fixation (see...). Figure 21 ).

[0047] The installation process of this utility model is as follows: First, the frame A1 of the boarding ladder is formed. Then, all the steps A3 are installed on the left and right side beams of the frame A1 through the first pivot assembly A2. Next, all the steps A3 are connected to the linkage rod A5 through the second pivot assembly A4. After checking and confirming the tightness of the first pivot assembly A2 and the second pivot assembly A4, finally, the anti-slip pad A7 and the locking pin C are installed at the bottom of the frame A1 (for applications using...). Figure 21 The scheme shown.

[0048] While the vehicle is in motion, the boarding ladder is positioned in a groove on the transport platform below the work door and locked with a latch. At this time, the steps on the boarding ladder are folded down. When the boarding ladder needs to be used while the vehicle is parked, first unlock the latch and remove the ladder. Then, manually move it to the area around the vehicle where boarding is required, ensuring the bottom of the ladder touches the ground and the top is raised. Adjust the position of the top hook so that it fully engages with the hook base on the transport platform. Finally, flip up any step; driven by the linkage rod, all steps on the ladder unfold at once, thus bringing the boarding ladder to normal operating status (see...). Figure 6 ).

Claims

1. A movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform, comprising a boarding ladder and a transport platform, wherein hook bases are arranged around the transport platform, and the boarding ladder is hung on the container transport platform via the hook bases or stored in a slide groove, characterized in that: The boarding ladder includes a frame, a first rotating shaft assembly, steps, a second rotating shaft assembly, a linkage rod, a limit block, and anti-slip pads. The frame of the boarding ladder includes hooks, a right side beam, a left side beam, an upper crossbeam, a middle crossbeam, and a lower crossbeam. The right side beam and the left side beam are connected by the upper crossbeam, the middle crossbeam, and the lower crossbeam, respectively. Hooks are located on both sides of the upper crossbeam. Multiple steps are installed inside the right side beam and the left side beam. The steps are connected to the right side beam and the left side beam through the first rotating shaft assembly. The multiple steps are connected together by a linkage rod, which is connected to the steps through the second rotating shaft assembly. Limit blocks are installed on the rear side of the steps. Anti-slip pads are installed at the bottom of the right side beam and the left side beam of the boarding ladder. An adjustable limit plate is provided at the tail of the chute. Spring pins are provided at both ends of the chute entrance. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) slide strips are installed on the inner surfaces of both sides of the bottom of the chute.

2. The movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper pedal is close to the upper crossbeam, and after being stored, the upper pedal is placed on the upper crossbeam.

3. The movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boarding ladder is made of 1.5mm thick Q235 thin steel plate.

4. The movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right and left beams use irregularly shaped pipe fittings.

5. A movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower ends of the right and left beams of the boarding ladder are equipped with pin holes.

6. The movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: Weight reduction holes are made in the right beam, left beam, upper crossbeam, middle crossbeam, and lower crossbeam.

7. A movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pedal is connected and fixed to the left and right side beams and left and right linkage rods of the frame by screwing. The first rotating shaft assembly is used to screw the bottom holes on both sides of the pedal to the right side beam and the left side beam respectively. The second rotating shaft assembly is used to screw the linkage holes on both sides of the pedal to a linkage rod provided on each side respectively.

8. The movable and retractable folding boarding ladder and transport platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape and structure of the hook base are matched with the hook shape and opening size of the boarding ladder.

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