System for mounting a step to a vehicle

Abstract

System (1) for mounting a step (5) to a vehicle, in particular a caravan, comprising: (a) a first connecting element (3) arranged on the vehicle, in particular on an underside, such as on the underbody (2) of the vehicle or on the underside of an existing step, which is elongated; (b) a step (5) which is held by a retaining device (6) which has two receiving sections (7a, 7b) for receiving the lateral end areas (8a, 8b) of the step (5) and two height-adjustable foot elements (9a, 9b) coupled to the receiving sections (7a, 7b), wherein the step (5) or the retaining device (6) has a second connecting element (14); (c) a first coupling element (19) for detachable connection with the first connecting element (3); (d) a second coupling element (25) for detachable connection with the first coupling element (19) and the connecting element (14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for mounting a step on a vehicle, in particular on a caravan.

[0002] State-of-the-art caravans often don't have a step for entering or exiting the caravan. Since the floor of a caravan is often relatively high above the ground, the height to be overcome when entering is often quite high, making it difficult to get into the caravan. Some caravans do have a step, but it is often also positioned relatively high.

[0003] The present invention is based on the object of overcoming the problems of the prior art described above. The present invention is particularly based on the object of making entry into a vehicle, in particular a caravan, easier and as safe as possible for a person entering or exiting.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a system having the features of claim 1.

[0005] With the help of the first connecting element, which is usually located on the underside of a caravan or on the underside of an existing step, the system according to the invention allows for the quick and easy installation of an additional step via two coupling elements. The fact that the first connecting element is elongated also allows for easy and straightforward height adjustment of the step to be installed.

[0006] Due to the multi-part design of the system according to the invention, the step and the two coupling elements can be quickly and easily detached from each other and stowed away in the caravan when not in use. The first connecting element usually remains permanently attached to the underside of the caravan or to the underside of an existing step. This greatly simplifies assembly and disassembly of the system according to the invention. Since the first connecting element is usually arranged vertically on the underside of the caravan or the step, the first connecting element is not intrusive in any way, as it takes up no additional space.

[0007] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the first connecting element forms a substantially right angle with the underbody of the vehicle or with the tread of the existing step, wherein the first connecting element is preferably connected, in particular welded, to a fastening bracket which is fastened, in particular screwed, to the underbody of the vehicle or to the underside of the existing step. Due to the vertical arrangement of the first connecting element, it is positioned in an optimally space-saving manner and can be ideally coupled to the step via the coupling elements. The said fastening bracket can, for example, comprise one or two rails which are screwed to the underbody of the caravan and welded to the first connecting element.

[0008] Advantageously, the first connecting element is a male connecting element in the form of a plug-in pin or a female connecting element in the form of a receiving sleeve. The first coupling element preferably comprises a first connecting section for detachable connection to the first connecting element, wherein the first connecting section of the first coupling element is a female connecting section in the form of a receiving sleeve or a male connecting section in the form of a plug-in pin, wherein the first connecting element and the first connecting section of the first coupling element can be detachably connected to one another at different points. This embodiment enables a simple and quick connection between the first coupling element and the first connecting element, wherein height can be adjusted in order to adapt the system to different distances between the ground and a vehicle floor orbetween the ground and an existing step.

[0009] Advantageously, the first connecting element and the first connecting section of the first coupling element have recesses for jointly receiving a connecting means, such as a plug pin, wherein the first connecting element and / or the first connecting section of the first coupling element have a plurality of recesses arranged one above the other. The term "one above the other" refers to a pre-assembled system with a vertically arranged first connecting element. With the aid of such recesses arranged one above the other, the first connecting element and the first coupling element can be connected to one another at different locations, so that the first coupling element can be arranged at different heights or at different distances from the ground.

[0010] The first coupling element advantageously comprises a second connecting section, preferably enclosing a right angle with its first connecting section, for connection to the second coupling element, wherein the second connecting section of the first coupling element is preferably designed as a plug-in pin. This makes it possible in a simple manner to establish a connection to the vertically arranged first connecting element and, at the same time, a horizontal connection to the second coupling element, such that the first connecting element can be connected to the second coupling element via the first coupling element. If the second connecting section of the first coupling element is designed as a plug-in pin, a connection to the second coupling element at different points is again possible.

[0011] Advantageously, the second coupling element has a first connecting portion for detachable connection to the first coupling element, in particular to the second connecting portion of the first coupling element, and a second connecting portion for detachable connection to the second connecting element, wherein the first connecting portion of the second coupling element is preferably designed as a female connecting portion in the form of a receiving sleeve and the second connecting portion of the second coupling element is preferably designed as a male connecting portion in the form of a plug-in pin.

[0012] Typically, the second coupling element is substantially L-shaped. With such an L-shaped configuration, the second connecting portion of the second coupling element can, for example, be connected perpendicularly to the first connecting portion, at the end of which the actual receiving portion, for example, a receiving sleeve, can be integrally formed.

[0013] The receiving sections of the support device are preferably designed as profiles, in particular as U-profiles. With such a U-profile design of the receiving sections, the end regions of the step to be installed can be optimally supported on the side flaps of the U-profiles. At the same time, the end regions of the step are held optimally stable in such receiving sections. In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the receiving sections of the support device are connected via a connecting cross member, wherein the foot elements are preferably also connected via the connecting cross member, wherein the second connecting element is preferably also connected to the connecting cross member and forms a substantially right angle with it. In this preferred embodiment, a particularly stable and secure positioning of the step is achieved.To accommodate different step widths, the connecting crossbar can also be adjustable in length. The foot elements can also be equipped with compensating elements, such as shims, to further optimize the system's adaptation to different terrain conditions. These elements can have recesses adapted to the shape and / or size of the foot elements to accommodate the free ends of the foot elements.

[0014] Due to the fact that the system according to the invention has two coupling elements, with the aid of which the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be connected to each other, the length of the first connecting element, which is intended to be permanently installed on the vehicle, can be reduced. Furthermore, the system according to the invention allows for optimal height adjustment and optimal adjustment of the distance between the additional step and the caravan.

[0015] Advantageously, the foot elements are continuously adjustable in height and preferably each have a threaded spindle with an external thread and a corresponding counter-thread, wherein the threads are preferably trapezoidal threads, wherein the foot elements preferably each comprise a foot tube with an internal thread for receiving an external thread of a threaded spindle, wherein the foot tubes are each guided in a casing tube, wherein the casing tubes are preferably each connected to the connecting cross member, in particular non-detachably, preferably in one piece.

[0016] Advantageously, the second connecting portion of the second coupling element and the second connecting element have recesses for jointly receiving a connecting means, wherein the second connecting element and / or the second connecting portion of the second coupling element have a plurality of recesses arranged adjacent to one another. This embodiment optimally contributes to the adjustability of the distance between the step and the caravan.

[0017] The present invention further relates to a caravan comprising a system according to the invention.

[0018] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings and the subclaims. The individual features may be implemented individually or in combination with one another.

[0019] The drawings show: Fig. 1: a perspective view of a system according to the invention in the not yet assembled state; Fig. 2: the system according to Fig. 1 in the assembled state; Fig. 3: a perspective view of a part of the system according to the invention according to Fig. 1 looking at the underside of the step (without first coupling element and first connecting element); Fig. 4: a side view of the second coupling element of the system according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5: a top view of the coupling element of the system of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 and Fig. 7: the first coupling element of the system according to Fig. 1 with compression springs.

[0020] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent elements are marked with the same reference numbers.

[0021] The Fig. 1 to 3 show different representations of a system 1 according to the invention. The system 1 comprises a first connecting element arranged on the underbody 2 of a caravan in the form of a plug pin 3 with a square cross-section. The plug pin 3 is fixed to the underbody 2 by means of a mounting bracket (not shown here) that is screwed to the underbody 2. The plug pin 3 forms a right angle with the underbody 2 and extends vertically from the underbody 2 toward the ground 4.

[0022] The system 1 further comprises a step 5, which is held by a holding device 6. The holding device 6 comprises two receiving sections 7a, 7b for receiving the lateral end regions 8a, 8b of the step 5. The holding device 6 further comprises two height-adjustable foot elements 9a, 9b. The foot elements 9a, 9b each have a foot tube 10 with a square cross-section, which has a narrowed zone (not shown here) with an internal thread at an upper end. The foot elements further each comprise a threaded spindle (not shown here) with an external thread 14. The foot tube 10 is guided in a casing tube 11, which also has a square cross-section. An actuating element in the form of a star grip 12 is arranged at the upper end of the threaded spindle.By turning the star grip 12 and thus by turning the threaded spindle, the foot tube 10 can be moved in or out of the casing tube 11 - depending on the direction of rotation - and thus achieves continuous height adjustment. The casing tubes 11 of the foot elements 9a, 9b are permanently connected to one another via a connecting cross member 13. The receiving sections 7a, 7b are also connected to one another via the connecting cross member. Furthermore, a second connecting element in the form of a receiving sleeve 14 is formed onto the connecting cross member 13 and forms a right angle with the connecting cross member 13. The receiving sleeve 14 is thus arranged transversely to the long sides 15 of the step 5. This is shown in the . Fig. 3 is particularly easy to recognize.

[0023] The receiving sections 7a, 7b are designed as U-profiles with a lower side flap 16, an upper side flap 17, and a connecting strip 18. The end regions 8a, 8b of the step 5 rest on the lower side flaps 16 of the receiving sections 7a, 7b and are encompassed by the U-shaped receiving sections 7a, 7b to securely hold the step 5.

[0024] The system 1 further comprises a first coupling element 19 for detachable connection to the plug pin 3. The first coupling element is L-shaped and has a first connecting section in the form of a receiving sleeve 20 with a square cross-section and a plug pin 21 with a square cross-section, which forms a right angle with the receiving sleeve 20, as the second connecting section. The plug pin 3 has several recesses 22 arranged one above the other. The receiving sleeve 20 also has a recess 23. To connect the first coupling element 19 to the plug pin 3, the receiving sleeve 20 of the coupling element 19 is pushed onto the plug pin 3 until the desired position and thus height is reached. A connecting pin 24 is then passed through the recess 23 in the receiving sleeve 20 and one of the recesses 22 in the plug pin 3.

[0025] The system 1 further comprises a second coupling element 24 for detachable connection to the first coupling element 19 and the receiving sleeve 14. The second coupling element 25 has a first connecting section in the form of a receiving sleeve 26 for receiving the plug-in pin 21 of the first coupling element 19. The second coupling element 25 further comprises a second connecting section in the form of a plug-in pin 27 for insertion into the receiving sleeve 14. The receiving sleeve 26 and the plug-in pin 27 are permanently connected to one another via a connecting rod 28. To connect the plug-in pin 27 to the receiving sleeve 14, the plug-in pin is inserted into the receiving sleeve 14 according to the desired distance between the caravan and the step 5. The connection between the plug-in pin 27 and the receiving sleeve 14 is secured via locking bolts 29.The distance between the caravan and the step 5 can also be adjusted by the connection between the plug pin 21 and the receiving sleeve 26. A fixing screw 30 is provided to secure this connection.

[0026] The system 1 according to the invention is assigned support blocks 31, which are positioned on the ground 4 and onto which the foot elements 9a, 9b are placed. In the present embodiment, two support blocks 31 are stacked on top of each other on each side to ensure optimal adaptation to the uneven ground 4. The support blocks 31 have recesses 32 into which the foot tubes 10 are inserted. These recesses 32 ensure optimal support for the foot tubes 10 on the support blocks 31.

[0027] With the aid of the system according to the invention, a step can be ideally coupled to the caravan, adjusting the optimal height and distance from the caravan. The interaction of the plug pin 3 and the receiving sleeve 20, in conjunction with the height-adjustable foot elements 9a and 9b, allows for an optimal height adjustment and thus an optimal distance between the step 5 and both the ground 4 and the floor 2 of the caravan. The support blocks 31 further optimize this adjustment, achieving even better adaptation to different terrain conditions.

[0028] Due to the detachable connection between the plug pin 21 of the first coupling element 19 and the receiving sleeve 26 of the second coupling element 25 as well as due to the detachable connection between the plug pin 27 of the second coupling element 25 and the receiving sleeve 14 and the respective possibility of making the connections between the said elements at different locations, an optimal distance between the step 5 and the underbody 2 of the caravan can also be set.

Claims

[1] System (1) for mounting a step (5) on a vehicle, in particular on a caravan, comprising: (a) a first connecting element (3) arranged on the vehicle, in particular on an underside, such as on the underbody (2) of the vehicle or on the underside of an existing step, which is of elongated design; (b) a step (5) which is held by a holding device (6) which has two receiving sections (7a, 7b) for receiving the lateral end regions (8a, 8b) of the step (5) and two height-adjustable foot elements (9a, 9b) coupled to the receiving sections (7a, 7b), wherein the step (5) or the holding device (6) has a second connecting element (14); (c) a first coupling element (19) for detachable connection to the first connecting element (3); (d) a second coupling element (25) for detachable connection to the first coupling element (19) and the connecting element (14). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the first connecting element (3) forms a substantially right angle with the underbody (2) of the vehicle or with the tread of the existing step, wherein the first connecting element (3) is preferably connected, in particular welded, to a fastening bracket which is fastened, in particular screwed, to the underbody (2) of the vehicle or to the underside of the existing step. [3] System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized byin that the first connecting element is a male connecting element in the form of a plug-in pin (3) or a female connecting element in the form of a receiving sleeve, and the first coupling element (19) comprises a first connecting section for detachable connection to the first connecting element (3), wherein the first connecting section of the first coupling element (19) is a female connecting section in the form of a receiving sleeve (20) or a male connecting section in the form of a plug-in pin, wherein the first connecting element (3) and the first connecting section (20) of the first coupling element (19) can be detachably connected to one another at different locations. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the first connecting element (3) and the first connecting section (20) of the first coupling element (19) have recesses (22) and (23) respectively for jointly receiving a connecting means (24), wherein the first connecting element (3) and / or the first connecting section (20) of the first coupling element (19) have a plurality of recesses (22) arranged one above the other. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first coupling element (19) comprises a second connecting section (21), which preferably forms a right angle with the first connecting section (20), for connection to the second coupling element (25), wherein the second connecting section (21) of the first coupling element (19) is preferably designed as a plug-in pin. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the second coupling element (25) has a first connecting section (26) for detachable connection to the first coupling element (19), in particular to the second connecting section (21) of the first coupling element (19), and a second connecting section (27) for detachable connection to the second connecting element (14), wherein the first connecting section (26) of the second coupling element (25) is preferably designed as a female connecting section in the form of a receiving sleeve and the second connecting section (27) of the second coupling element (25) is preferably designed as a male connecting section in the form of a plug-in pin. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second coupling element (25) is substantially L-shaped. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the receiving sections (7a, 7b) of the holding device (6) are designed as profiles, in particular as U-profiles. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving sections (7a, 7b) of the holding device (6) are connected via a connecting cross member (13), wherein preferably the foot elements (9a, 9b) are also connected via the connecting cross member (13), wherein the second connecting element (14) is preferably also connected to the connecting cross member (13) and forms a substantially right angle therewith. [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 9, characterized byin that the two foot elements (9a, 9b) are continuously height-adjustable and preferably each have a threaded spindle with an external thread and a corresponding counter-thread, the threads preferably being trapezoidal threads, the foot elements (9a, 9b) each comprising a foot tube (10) with an internal thread for receiving an external thread of a threaded spindle, the foot tubes (10) each being guided in a casing tube (11), the casing tubes (11) preferably being connected to one another via the connecting cross member (13). [11] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the second connecting section (27) of the second coupling element (25) and the second connecting element (14) have recesses for jointly receiving a connecting means, wherein the second connecting element (14) and / or the second connecting section (27) of the second coupling element (25) have a plurality of recesses arranged next to one another for the passage of a common connecting means. [12] Caravan comprising a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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