Platform for a vehicle with integrated step unit

Abstract

Platform (30) for one vehicle (10), comprising: a basic element (40), including a first marginal section (42), a second marginal section (43), a first side marginal section (45) and an opposite second side marginal section (46); a first cross threshold (60) extending over the basic element (40) between the first side edge section (45) and the second side edge section (46); a second cross sill (62) extending over the base element (40) between the first side edge section (45) and the second side edge section (46), wherein the second cross sill (62) is spaced apart from the first cross sill (60); a side wall element (82) that is coupled to the base element (40) along the first side edge section (45) and has an inner surface facing the second side edge section (46) and an outer surface facing away from the second side edge section (46); and a step device (100, 180, 190), including a first step support (184, 194) coupled to the first cross threshold (60), a second step support (182) coupled to the second cross threshold (62) and at least one step element (186) extending between and coupled to the first step support (184) and the second step support (182), wherein the step element (186) is decoupled from the side wall element (82); characterized by the fact that the side wall element (82) includes an opening (90) at which the step element (186) is arranged in the side wall element (82); wherein the opening (90) has an upper edge section (92), a first side edge section (93) and a second side edge section (94); wherein the first step beam (184) is formed from stamped steel; and wherein the step element (186) is formed from stamped steel and comprises a horizontal tread section and a vertical riser section, the tread section extending through the opening (90), and the riser section being located on a side of the side wall element (82) adjacent to its inner surface; and wherein the first step support (184) and the step element (186) are integrally formed from stamped steel.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a flatbed truck with an integrated step for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, as is essentially known from US 2008 / 0231 076 A1. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a flatbed truck.

[0002] Further truck platforms with integrated step devices are also described, for example, in the publications US 7 118 150 B2, US 7 234 750 B1, DE 10 2008 058 387 A1 and US 9 126 535 B1. BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicles, such as light commercial vehicles, may include a flatbed used to transport various goods, tools, materials, and the like. Access to the front section of the flatbed can be difficult. To provide access to the front of the flatbed, many users or vendors install step stools, which take the form of a wheel-to-wheel running board or a frame-mounted folding running board. Options such as running boards and folding running boards are not available for all models and are typically positioned low to the ground, providing only limited access to the flatbed.

[0004] Other solutions for providing access include integrated steps or side-step trucks. Specifically, steps were integrated into the outer body panels of the truck bed. Integrated steps were typically supported in or partially by struts extending from the bed's cross sills. Side-step trucks require a specific shape and material for the truck bed, which was not desired by all consumers. Furthermore, side-step trucks provide only limited access to the front sections of the truck bed.

[0005] Accordingly, the invention is based on the objective of providing a truck bed with a step and a vehicle with such a truck bed, wherein the step does not affect the body types and is nevertheless positioned in such a way as to provide extended access to the front sections of the truck bed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This problem is solved with a flatbed for a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and with a vehicle characterized by the features of claim 6.

[0007] The features and advantages mentioned above, as well as further features and advantages of the disclosure, are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other features, advantages and details appear, only by way of example, in the following detailed description of the embodiments and the detailed description which refers to the following drawings: Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle, depicted as a small truck, including a flatbed with an integrated step device, according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 2A shows a partially disassembled view of the wagon platform. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 2B shows a partially disassembled view of a wagon platform; Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of the wagon platform made of Fig. 1; Fig. 4. shows a top view of the integrated step device; Fig. 5 shows the footrest. Fig. 4, according to a non-inventive embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 shows an integrated step device according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. Figure 7 shows an integrated step device, according to a further embodiment not in accordance with the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] The following description is for illustrative purposes only. It should be noted that in all drawings the same reference numbers refer to the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is generally equipped with 10 in Fig. 1 is shown. Vehicle 10 is depicted in the form of a light truck 12. Light truck 12 includes a chassis 16 with a passenger cabin 18. The chassis 16 can support the first and second front wheels 20 and 21 as well as the first and second rear wheels 23 and 24. Light truck 12 is also depicted with a flatbed 30.

[0011] With reference to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 3 and further reference to Fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, a wagon platform 30 comprises a basic element 40 with a first edge section 42, a second edge section 43, a first side edge section 45 and a second side edge section 46, as shown in the figures Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 3 shows the following. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second side edge section 46 is arranged opposite the first side edge section 45, with the first edge section 42 defining a front or forward-facing end (not separately numbered) of the platform 30. A wall element 50 is coupled to a first edge section 42. The wall element 50 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base element 40 and defines a front or forward-facing wall 54 of the platform 30.

[0012] In further agreement with an exemplary design that is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, a wagon platform 30 includes a first crossbeam 60 and a second crossbeam 62. The first and second crossbeams 60 and 62 extend over the base element 40 between the first and second side edge sections 45 and 46. The first crossbeam 60 is located directly adjacent to the first edge section 42. It should be noted that the number and relative size of the openings can vary. The first crossbeam 60 includes a first end section 64 and an opposing second end section (not shown). Similarly, the second crossbeam 62 includes a first end section 65 and an opposing second end section (also not shown). The first crossbeam 60 is secured to the chassis 16 via a first frame bracket 67, and the second crossbeam 62 is secured to the chassis 16 via a second frame bracket 68.The first frame bracket 67 couples the first end section 64 of the first cross sleeper 60 to the chassis 16, while the second frame bracket 68 couples the first end section 65 of the second cross sleeper 62 to the chassis 16. Additional frame brackets (not shown) can be used to connect the respective second end sections of the first and second cross sleepers 60 and 62 to the chassis 16.

[0013] In further agreement with an exemplary embodiment, the platform 30 includes a first side wall element 80 and a second side wall element 82. Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, in the description of the second side wall element 82, is understood to mean that the first side wall element 80 may be formed in a substantially similar manner. The second side wall element 82 comprises an inner wall element 87, which defines an inner surface (not separately numbered) of the wagon platform 30, and an outer wall element 88. The outer wall element 88 comprises an upper edge section (not separately numbered) and a lower or bottom edge section 89.

[0014] In further agreement with an exemplary embodiment, the second side wall element 82 includes an opening 90 formed in the outer wall element 88. It should be noted that the opening 90 can also extend through the inner wall element 87. Furthermore, it should be noted that a corresponding opening (not shown) can be provided in the first side wall element 80. The opening 90 includes an upper edge section 92, a first side edge section 93, and a second side edge section 94. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the opening 90 does not have a bottom edge section. However, it should be noted that a bottom edge section, such as that shown in 96, is possible. Fig. 2B shows that, depending on the body design, options and the like, it may be provided for vehicle 10.

[0015] In further agreement with an exemplary embodiment, the wagon platform 30 includes an integrated step device 100, which is coupled to the first and second cross sleepers 60 and 62. The step device 100 includes a first step beam 114, which is coupled to the first cross sleeper 60, and a second step beam 115, which is coupled to the second cross sleeper 62. As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, contrary to the invention, the first step support 114 can have the shape of a first steel tube element 117 and the second step support 115 the shape of a second steel tube element 118. The first step support 114 can include a first brace 120 to provide any additional structural stability required. The second step support 115 can include a second brace 121 to provide any additional structural stability required. The first and second step supports 114 and 115 can include corresponding mounting brackets 122 and 123, which interface with the corresponding first and second cross sleepers 60 and 62. A step element 124 extends between and is connected to the first and second step supports 114 and 115. The step element 124 can be made of stamped steel 126.

[0016] According to one embodiment of an exemplary design, the step element 124 with opening 90 is shown or connected to the second side wall element 82 and is visible and accessible through it. In this way, a user can use the step element 124 to gain access to the front sections (not separately numbered) of the truck bed 30. Furthermore, the step element 124 can be easily integrated into various types of truck beds without requiring additional contours, recesses, reliefs, or any other significant modification of the shape of the outer wall element 88. Additionally, it should be noted that the step element 124 is decoupled from the second side wall element 82. Decoupling the step element 124 from the second side wall element 82 eliminates unwanted deformations and / or additional reinforcement of the outer wall element 88.It should be noted that the opening 90 and the step element can be different types of trim elements that conceal gaps between components and provide a more finished appearance. It should also be noted that trim elements above the opening 90 can be decoupled from trim elements associated with the step element 124 to protect against independent causes of movement due to bending that may occur during normal operation. Furthermore, it should be noted that a step device can be provided on one or both sides of the platform 30.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 6 It should be noted that a step device 180 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a step support 182 formed from steel tubing and a second step support 184 formed from stamped steel, which support an integrated step element 186. Alternatively, as in Fig.As illustrated in Figure 7, a step device 190 may, contrary to the invention, include a first and a second step support 192 and 194, which are made of stamped steel and which support a step element 196.

Claims

[1] Platform (30) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a basic element (40), including a first marginal section (42), a second marginal section (43), a first side marginal section (45) and an opposite second side marginal section (46); a first cross threshold (60) extending over the basic element (40) between the first side edge section (45) and the second side edge section (46); a second cross sill (62) extending over the base element (40) between the first side edge section (45) and the second side edge section (46), wherein the second cross sill (62) is spaced apart from the first cross sill (60); a side wall element (82) that is coupled to the base element (40) along the first side edge section (45) and has an inner surface facing the second side edge section (46) and an outer surface facing away from the second side edge section (46); and a step device (100, 180, 190), including a first step support (184, 194) coupled to the first cross threshold (60), a second step support (182) coupled to the second cross threshold (62) and at least one step element (186) extending between and coupled to the first step support (184) and the second step support (182), wherein the step element (186) is decoupled from the side wall element (82); characterized by , that the side wall element (82) includes an opening (90) at which the step element (186) is arranged in the side wall element (82); wherein the opening (90) has an upper edge section (92), a first side edge section (93) and a second side edge section (94); wherein the first step beam (184) is formed from stamped steel; and wherein the step element (186) is formed from stamped steel and comprises a horizontal tread section and a vertical riser section, the tread section extending through the opening (90), and the riser section being located on a side of the side wall element (82) adjacent to its inner surface; and wherein the first step support (184) and the step element (186) are integrally formed from stamped steel. [2] Platform wagon (30) according to claim 1, wherein the side wall element (82) includes a floor edge section (89), wherein the step element (124, 186, 196) is arranged inside the floor edge section (89). [3] Wagon platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein the first cross sill (60) is substantially arranged at the first edge section (42) of the base element (40). [4] Platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (90) is formed in an outer surface of the side wall element (82). [5] Platform (30) according to claim 4, wherein the opening (90) does not include a bottom edge section (89). [6] Vehicle (10), comprising: a chassis (16) that defines a frame of the vehicle (10); a passenger cabin (18) coupled to the chassis (16); first and second front wheels (20, 21) which are supported by the chassis (16); first and second rear wheels (23, 24) which are supported by the chassis (16); and a platform (30) according to claim 1, which is supported by the chassis (16) towards the rear of the passenger cabin (18). [7] Vehicle (10) according to claim 6, wherein the side wall element (82) includes a floor edge section (89), wherein the step element (124, 186, 196) is arranged inside the floor edge section (89). [8] Vehicle (10) according to claim 6, wherein the first cross threshold (60) is substantially arranged at the first edge section (42) of the base element (40). [9] Vehicle (10) according to claim 6, wherein the opening (90) is formed in an outer surface of the side wall element (82). [10] Vehicle (10) according to claim 9, wherein the opening (90) does not include a bottom edge section (89).

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