Entry level for vehicles

Abstract

Entry level (1) for vehicles, which includes the following: - a fixed part (2) that can be permanently attached to the vehicle, - at least one movable tread surface (3), - Devices (4) for connecting and moving the movable tread (3) with the fixed part (2) and for moving the tread (3) between a retracted position in which the movable tread (3) is received near the fixed part (2) and an extended position in which the movable tread (3) projects beyond the fixed part (2), - a motor (5) for driving these connecting and moving devices (4), - a battery (6) for powering the motor (5), wherein the battery (6) is arranged within an installation space defined by the said entry stage (1); - Devices (7) for converting renewable energy, wherein the devices (7) are connected to the said supply battery (6) and supply it with electrical energy, wherein the devices (7) for converting renewable energy are arranged on a visible surface of the said entry step (1), wherein the visible surface defines a surface area of ​​a part of the said entry step (1) which protrudes from a space defined by the vehicle both when the movable step surface (3) is in the extended position and when the movable step surface (3) is in the retracted position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an entry-level step for vehicles.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to an entry step which can be attached to an access door of a vehicle, e.g. a recreational vehicle, and which can assume a retracted resting position and an extended support position for a user who wishes to enter or exit such a vehicle.

[0003] Nowadays, various types of vehicle levels already exist.

[0004] Among the previously known entry steps is a tread that can automatically switch from a retracted to an extended position.

[0005] Such a tread surface of the designs known so far is usually driven by a motor and guided by a mechanism of arms and bolts.

[0006] The motor of the previously known entry-level models is powered via a cable from a service battery of the vehicle.

[0007] The steps known so far are a good solution to make it easier for the user to get in and out of a particular vehicle, however, this solution is not without disadvantages.

[0008] A significant disadvantage of conventional steps is that they are not always practical. Another drawback is that they do not always offer compact dimensions, for example, due to the wiring required for battery supply, which often proves to be an obstruction in the vehicle interior.

[0009] Another disadvantage of conventional entry steps is that they are not always easy to install and not always inexpensive to manufacture.

[0010] Some known entry levels are known from the previously published documents US 2023 / 294608 and CN 113386810.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an entry-level vehicle stage that is suitable for overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the current state of the art.

[0012] A first objective of the entry-level vehicle stage according to the invention is to ensure compact dimensions.

[0013] Another objective of the entry-level vehicle system according to the invention is to enable a solution that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, as well as practical installation.

[0014] Another objective of the entry stage for vehicles according to the invention is to provide a solution that is as independent as possible and ensures operation that does not require any external components separate from the entry stage.

[0015] Another objective of the entry step for vehicles according to the invention is to provide a solution that is suitable for optimizing the support provided to a user when entering and exiting the vehicle.

[0016] According to the invention, these and other tasks are achieved with an entry-level vehicle that includes the technical features described in the attached patent claims.

[0017] The technical features of the invention within the scope of this problem are described in more detail in the attached patent claims, and its advantages become clearer from the detailed description below with reference to the attached drawings, which represent a purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the invention as follows: - Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective top view of an entry step for vehicles according to a first embodiment of the invention; - Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective top view of the in Fig. 1 entry level shown, where some internal components of the same are made visible; - Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective top view of a second embodiment of the entry stage relating to the invention; - Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective top view of a third embodiment of the entry stage relating to the invention.

[0018] With reference to the attached figures, reference numeral 1 designates an entry stage for vehicles according to the invention, which is hereinafter also referred to as entry stage 1.

[0019] In this context, a vehicle is understood to be any means of transport on which an entry step can be installed to facilitate the entry and exit of a user.

[0020] In particular, the present solution relates to recreational vehicles, that is, vehicles suitable for leisure purposes and which include a living space, such as vans, minivans, motorhomes, panel vans, trailers, caravans or the like.

[0021] With this type of recreational vehicle, the need to optimize the installation dimensions is particularly pronounced due to the available living space.

[0022] The entry stage 1, which is the subject of the present invention, comprises a fixed part 2 that can be permanently connected to the vehicle.

[0023] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-3, the entry step 1 comprises a movable tread surface 3.

[0024] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the entry step 1 comprises two movable tread surfaces 3 which, in the extended position, enable convenient and practical entry into and exit from the vehicle.

[0025] According to further embodiments not shown, the entry step 1 consists of three or more movable tread surfaces 3.

[0026] As can be seen from the attached Figs. 2-4, the entry step 1 includes connecting and moving devices 4 to connect the movable tread surface 3 to the fixed part 2.

[0027] These connecting and moving devices 4 also make it possible to move the movable tread surface 3 between a retracted and an extended position.

[0028] A retracted position is understood to be a position in which the movable footplate 3 is positioned close to the fixed part 2.

[0029] In this retracted position, the movable tread surface is essentially contained within a construction space defined by the fixed part 2.

[0030] An extended position is understood to be a position in which the movable footplate 3 protrudes outwards relative to the fixed part 2.

[0031] In this extended position, the movable step surface 3 projects beyond the installation space defined by the fixed part 2 and beyond the vehicle itself, forming a stable support point for a user entering and exiting the vehicle.

[0032] Advantageously, the connecting devices 4 comprise a mechanism with bolts 42 and arms 41.

[0033] Advantageously, the aforementioned connecting and moving devices 4 comprise at least two arms 41 and associated connecting bolts 42, wherein the bolts 42 define respective axes of rotation of the arms 41.

[0034] The entry stage 1, which is the subject of the present invention, comprises a motor 5 for driving the connecting and moving devices 4.

[0035] The entry stage 1 according to the invention further comprises a battery 6 for supplying the motor 5. The battery 6 is arranged within a construction space of the entry stage 1.

[0036] Essentially, the battery 6 is located near the motor 5 to minimize wiring and, in particular, to avoid external wiring located outside of entry stage 1. In other words, arranging the battery 6 within entry stage 1 and near the motor 5 allows the operation of entry stage 1 to be independent of any external power source, such as the vehicle's auxiliary battery.

[0037] This allows for optimization of the installation dimensions within the vehicle's living space and increases its comfort.

[0038] The ability to decouple the entry stage 1 from cable connections to external power supplies or batteries makes it possible to forego the creation of through-holes in the vehicle that would otherwise be required for routing the cables.

[0039] This facilitates the installation of the entry stage 1 on the vehicle and allows the vehicle structure to remain unchanged.

[0040] Entry level 1 also includes devices 7 for converting renewable energy.

[0041] These devices 7 are connected to the supply battery 6 and supply it with electrical energy.

[0042] Advantageously, the devices 7 for converting renewable energy include a photovoltaic cell.

[0043] Essentially, the devices 7 for converting renewable energy according to this embodiment convert solar energy into electrical energy to ensure the supply of the battery 6.

[0044] According to further embodiments, the devices 7 for converting renewable energy incorporate any technology suitable for utilizing any renewable energy sources.

[0045] For example, according to another embodiment not shown, the devices 7 include a mini wind turbine suitable for converting wind energy into electrical energy.

[0046] Advantageously, the devices 7 for converting renewable energy are arranged on a visible surface of entry stage 1.

[0047] A visible surface is understood to be a surface area of ​​a part of the entry step 1 that protrudes from the vehicle's installation space both when the entry step 1 (and the movable tread surface 3) is extended and when it is retracted.

[0048] The arrangement of the aforementioned devices 7 for converting renewable energy on a constantly visible surface makes it possible to maximize the absorption capacity for renewable energy over the entire life and use cycle of the entry stage and the vehicle.

[0049] This ensures optimized reliability and effective energy self-sufficiency for entry-level stage 1. The visible surface can be provided on both the movable tread surface 3 and the fixed part 2.

[0050] Essentially, according to this embodiment, the photovoltaic cell is arranged on a visible surface, so that it is always exposed to light, regardless of the usage configuration of entry level 1, provided light is present.

[0051] The presence of the aforementioned devices 7 for converting renewable energy makes it possible to make the entry stage 1 independent of further components, such as chargers, which would otherwise require excessive space.

[0052] Furthermore, this further optimizes the degree of independence of entry stage 1 from external components.

[0053] Advantageously, the entry-level step 1 of the invention comprises control devices configured to control the movement of the movable footplate 3 from the retracted position to the extended position and vice versa.

[0054] Advantageously, the aforementioned control devices are designed to be wireless.

[0055] This makes it possible to further reduce the amount of wiring inside the vehicle.

[0056] However, it is intended that these control devices may also include corresponding wiring according to further embodiments.

[0057] Advantageously, the fixed part 2 has an internal cavity 21 configured to at least partially accommodate the movable tread surface 3 when it is in the retracted position.

[0058] Advantageously, the motor 5 and the battery 6 are arranged inside the inner cavity 21 of the fixed part 2.

[0059] This allows for further optimization of the spaces. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movable tread surface 3 can be moved between the aforementioned extended position and the retracted position by translation along a plane P1.

[0060] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the movable tread surface 3 can be moved by a rototranslation between a first plane P2, in which the movable tread surface is in the retracted position, and a second plane P3, in which the movable tread surface 3 is in the extended position.

[0061] A similar type of movement is also found in the Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment, in which two movable footplates 3 are provided.

[0062] The entry stage that is the subject of the invention eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art and achieves significant advantages.

[0063] A first advantage of the entry stage that is the subject of the invention is that it provides a reliable and practically usable solution.

[0064] Another advantage of the entry stage according to the invention is that it provides a solution that is essentially independent of physical connections to external components.

[0065] This allows for optimization of the installation dimensions as well as the operation of the entry-level step itself.

[0066] Reducing the amount of cabling also allows for an optimization of the vehicle's living space quality and increases user comfort.

[0067] Another advantage of the entry stage according to the invention is that it ensures an optimized visual impression.

[0068] A further advantage of the entry step according to the invention is that it provides a solution with simple and practical installation. In fact, due to the absence of external cable connections, the entry step according to the invention does not require the creation of through-holes in the vehicle structure, which are usually provided for such cables in current state of the art. This optimizes the installation of the entry step and ensures that the vehicle structure remains in optimal condition.Entry step (1) for vehicles comprising a fixed part (2) designed to be permanently connected to the vehicle, at least one movable tread (3) which is movable between a retracted position in which the movable tread (3) is received near the fixed part (2) and an extended position in which the aforementioned movable tread (3) protrudes outwards in relation to the fixed part (2), a motor (5) for driving the connecting and moving device (4), a battery (6) for supplying the motor (5) and a source (7) of renewable energy connected to the battery (6). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2023 / 294608

[0010] CN 113386810

[0010]

Claims

[1] Entry level (1) for vehicles, which includes the following: - a fixed part (2) that can be permanently attached to the vehicle, - at least one movable tread surface (3), - Devices (4) for connecting and moving the movable tread (3) with the fixed part (2) and for moving the tread (3) between a retracted position in which the movable tread (3) is received near the fixed part (2) and an extended position in which the movable tread (3) projects beyond the fixed part (2), - a motor (5) for driving these connecting and moving devices (4), - a battery (6) for powering the motor (5), wherein the battery (6) is arranged within an installation space defined by the said entry stage (1); - Devices (7) for converting renewable energy, wherein the devices (7) are connected to the said supply battery (6) and supply it with electrical energy, wherein the devices (7) for converting renewable energy are arranged on a visible surface of the said entry step (1), wherein the visible surface defines a surface area of ​​a part of the said entry step (1) which protrudes from a space defined by the vehicle both when the movable step surface (3) is in the extended position and when the movable step surface (3) is in the retracted position. [2] Entry stage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that the devices (7) for converting renewable energy comprise a photovoltaic cell. [3] Entry stage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that it includes control devices configured to control the movement of the movable footplate (3) from the retracted position to the extended position and vice versa. [4] Entry level (1) according to the preceding claim, which characterized by The key feature is that the control devices are designed to be wireless. [5] Entry stage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that the connecting and moving devices (4) comprise a mechanism with bolts (42) and arms (41). [6] Entry stage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which characterized byis that the fixed part (2) has an internal cavity (21) configured to at least partially accommodate the movable tread surface (3) when the movable tread surface (3) is in the retracted position. [7] Entry stage (1) according to the preceding claim, which characterized by is that the motor (5) and the battery (6) are arranged within the aforementioned inner cavity (21) of the solid part (2). [8] Entry stage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which characterized by is that the movable footplate (3) can be moved between the extended position and the retracted position by translation along a plane (P1). [9] Entry stage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, which characterized byis that the movable tread surface (3) is movable by rototranslation between a first level (P2), in which the movable tread surface (3) is in the retracted position, and a second level (P3), in which the movable tread surface (3) is in the extended position.

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