Step device for vehicle door

Abstract

To provide a step device that can be taken out and housed in conjunction with opening and closing actions of a door, can be used in an area large enough to place both feet thereon and can be compactly housed, thus solving the problem that a boarding step of a cab-over vehicle is narrow and thereby forces an occupant to take a tight posture.SOLUTION: First to third step plates 11-13 are deployed in conjunction with a door opening action and stowed onto a fourth step plate 14 in conjunction with a closing action. A first guide pin 21 of the first step plate 11 is always inserted into a first guide groove 17 of the second step plate 12. A second guide pin 22 of the second step plate 12 is always inserted into a second guide groove 18 of the third step plate 13. A third guide pin 23 of the third step plate 13 is always inserted into a third guide groove 19 of the fourth step plate 14. Each of the guide pins is guided to each of the guide grooves, and thereby the first to third step plates 11-13 are deployed and stowed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a step device provided at a door opening of, for example, a cab-over vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a step device in which an opening formed in a link arm for a vehicle's sliding door is blocked by multiple step plates in conjunction with the opening movement of the sliding door. This step device blocks the opening of the link arm, improving the ease with which passengers can get in and out. Patent Document 2 discloses a step device in which multiple step plates are pulled out from the bottom of the door opening in conjunction with the horizontal opening movement of the door. This step device provides a relatively large area for a step when the door is opened, allowing passengers to get in and out in a more comfortable position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-101350 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2023-117382 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional step devices, there is a risk that the engagement between multiple step plates may come loose due to vibrations during removal or storage, or while the vehicle is running. In the present invention, the engagement between the step plates is reliably maintained, so that the step plates can be removed and stored reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In the first invention, for example, a step device is mounted between a door opening of a vehicle and a lower part of a door that rotates horizontally via a hinge to open and close the door opening. For example, the step device has a plurality of step plates that are displaced into an expanded state in which they are expanded horizontally in conjunction with the opening operation of the door, and into a contracted state in which they overlap in the plate thickness direction in conjunction with the closing operation of the door. For example, one of the step plates facing each other in the plate thickness direction has an engagement member, and the other step plate has a guide groove. For example, the engagement member is always inserted into the guide groove in a state in which it can be relatively displaced within a certain range.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the invention, the step plates are deployed horizontally when the door is opened, ensuring a sufficient area, and are contracted horizontally and stored compactly when the door is closed. The engagement members of each step plate are inserted into the guide grooves of the opposing step plates so as to be able to move relatively within a certain range, ensuring the deployment and contraction of the step plates. The engagement members are constantly inserted into the guide grooves, preventing the mutual engagement between the step plates facing each other in the thickness direction from being released due to vibrations, etc.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, for example, a support shaft for rotatably supporting the plurality of step plates is provided near the hinge center of the hinge. For example, the guide groove has an arc groove shape that follows an arc concentric with the support shaft.

[0008] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the step plates rotate smoothly horizontally around the pivot in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door. Because the guide groove is provided close to the pivot, the engaging member is less likely to come off the guide groove due to vibration, etc., compared to a configuration in which the guide groove is provided at a location far away.

[0009] A third invention is the first or second invention, for example, in which a first engagement member is provided as an engagement member on one of a first step plate and a second step plate of the multiple step plates, and a first guide groove is provided as a guide groove on the other. For example, a second engagement member is provided as an engagement member on one of a second step plate and a third step plate of the multiple step plates, and a second guide groove is provided as a guide groove on the other. For example, a third engagement member is provided as an engagement member on one of a third step plate and a fourth step plate of the multiple step plates, and a third guide groove is provided as a guide groove on the other. For example, when the step plates are in a contracted state, the first engagement member, the second engagement member, and the third engagement member are spaced apart from each other in a plan view.

[0010] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first to third step plates are supported closer to each other in the plate thickness direction, which makes it possible to make the step device more compact in the plate thickness direction.

[0011] A fourth invention is the first or second invention, in which a friction member is interposed, for example, between the plurality of step plates to provide frictional resistance to horizontal displacement of the step plates.

[0012] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the sudden movement of the multiple step plates is suppressed, and the deployment and contraction movement can be ensured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a right door opening of a vehicle, showing the door open and the step device deployed. [Diagram 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a door opening, showing a state in which the door is closed and the step device is stored. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the step device in a stored state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the step device in an expanded state. [Diagram 5] 5 is a side view of the step device in an expanded state as viewed from the direction of arrow V in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Fig. 1 shows the front part of a so-called cab-over type vehicle 1. Fig. 1 shows the right side of the front part of the vehicle 1. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the right door 2 is open and the door opening 3 is open. The door 2 is supported on the front part (front pillar 3a) of the door opening 3 via a hinge part (not visible in the figure). The door 2 is rotated horizontally via the hinge part to open and close the door opening 3.

[0015] In a cab-over type vehicle 1, the height (hip point) of a vehicle floor 8 is relatively high, so that upper and lower two-stage steps 4, 5 are provided below the door opening 3 to facilitate getting in and out. When the door opening 3 is closed by the door 2, the upper and lower two-stage steps 4, 5 are covered by the door 2. A wheel house 7 that covers a left front wheel 6 is provided behind the upper and lower two-stage steps 4, 5.

[0016] An anti-slip resin plate 4a is attached to the upper step portion 4. A vehicle floor 8 extends behind the upper step portion 4.

[0017] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a step device 10 according to this embodiment is provided on the step section 5 on the lower stage side. The step device 10 is mounted between the step section 5 and the lower part of the door 2. The step device 10 is taken out in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 2 (unfolded state) and is stored in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 2 (reduced state). The step device 10 has four step plates 11 to 14. In Fig. 2, from the top, the first step plate 11, the second step plate 12, the third step plate 13, and the fourth step plate 14 are supported so as to overlap each other via a support shaft 15. The fourth step plate 14 is fixed to the step section 5 as a base that supports the first to third step plates 13. The first to fourth step plates 11 to 14 are each made of hard resin and have a flat plate shape with an area sufficient for one foot to be placed on.

[0018] The first step plate 11, the second step plate 12, and the third step plate 13 are supported so as to be rotatable independently in a planar direction (horizontal direction) via a common support shaft 15 inserted through the front parts. As shown in Fig. 6, the support shaft 15 is inserted through the support hole 11a of the first step plate 11, the support hole 12a of the second step plate 12, and the support hole 13a of the third step plate 13 so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The lower part of the support shaft 15 is inserted into the support hole 14d of the fourth step plate 14. The lower part of the support shaft 15 is joined to the support hole 14d of the fourth step plate 14 by, for example, welding so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the axis of the support shaft 15 is perpendicular to the surface direction of the step portion 5. Therefore, the first to third step plates 11 to 13 rotate parallel to the surface direction of the step portion 5. The support shaft 15 is disposed approximately coaxially with the rotation axis (hinge center H) of the door 2. Therefore, the rotation center of the first to third step plates 11 to 13 approximately coincides with the hinge center H of the door 2.

[0020] The topmost first step plate 11 is connected to the door 2. One end of a fastening member 16 is connected to the right edge of the first step plate 11. A belt member having flexibility and high tensile strength is used for the fastening member 16. The other end of the fastening member 16 is connected to the lower part of the door 2. When pulled by the fastening member 16, the first to third steps 11 to 13 are deployed horizontally in conjunction with the opening movement of the door 2.

[0021] When the weight of a passenger is applied to the step device 10, causing the first step plate 11 to bend downward, the bending is absorbed by the play of the fastening member 16 and the displacement of the door 2. This prevents the weight of the passenger from being directly applied to the door 2, thereby preventing overload on the hinge portion of the door 2. The deployed first to third step plates 11 to 13 are pushed by the door 2 moving in the closing direction and rotate in the contracting direction.

[0022] 6, one first guide pin 21 (engagement member) is provided on the first step plate 11. The first guide pin 21 is provided adjacent to the support shaft 15. The first guide pin 21 protrudes downward (towards the second step plate 12) from the lower surface of the first step plate 11.

[0023] One first guide groove 17 (guide groove) is provided in the second step plate 12. The first guide groove 17 is provided adjacent to the support shaft 15. The first guide groove 17 has an arc groove shape that follows an arc concentric with the support shaft 15. The first guide groove 17 is provided penetrating the second step plate 12 in the plate thickness direction. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a first guide pin 21 is inserted into the first guide groove 17.

[0024] The first guide pin 21 is always inserted in a state in which it can be displaced relative to the first guide groove 17. When the first guide pin 21 abuts against one end or the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first guide groove 17, the range of relative rotation of the first step plate 11 in the removal direction and the storage direction with respect to the second step plate 12 is restricted. The first guide pin 21 functions as a stopper that restricts the range of relative rotation of the first step plate 11 with respect to the second step plate 12.

[0025] 8, the first guide pin 21 abuts against one end or the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first guide groove 17, thereby coordinating the rotational movements of the first step plate 11 in the removal direction and the storage direction relative to the second step plate 12. The first guide pin 21 functions as a coordinating member for rotating the first step plate 11 and the second step plate 12 together.

[0026] One second guide pin 22 (engagement member) is provided on the second step plate 12. The second guide pin 22 is provided adjacent to the support shaft 15. The second guide pin 22 protrudes downward (towards the third step plate 13) from the lower surface of the second step plate 12.

[0027] One second guide groove 18 (guide groove) is provided in the third step plate 13. The second guide groove 18 is provided adjacent to the support shaft 15. The second guide groove 18 has an arc groove shape that follows an arc concentric with the support shaft 15. The second guide groove 18 is provided penetrating the third step plate 13 in the plate thickness direction. A second guide pin 22 is inserted into the second guide groove 18.

[0028] The second guide pin 22 is always inserted in a state in which it can be displaced relative to the second guide groove 18. When the second guide pin 22 abuts against one end or the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second guide groove 18, the range of relative rotation of the second step plate 12 with respect to the third step plate 13 in the removal direction and the storage direction is restricted. The second guide pin 22 functions as a stopper that restricts the range of relative rotation of the second step plate 12 with respect to the third step plate 13.

[0029] The second guide pin 22 abuts against one end or the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second guide groove 18, thereby coordinating the rotational movements of the second step plate 12 in the removal direction and the storage direction relative to the third step plate 13. The second guide pin 22 functions as a coordinating member for rotating the second step plate 12 and the third step plate 13 together.

[0030] One third guide pin 23 (engagement member) is provided on the third step plate 13. The third guide pin 23 is provided adjacent to the support shaft 15. The third guide pin 23 protrudes downward (towards the fourth step plate 14) from the lower surface of the third step plate 13.

[0031] One third guide groove 19 (guide groove) is provided in the fourth step plate 14. The third guide groove 19 is provided adjacent to the support shaft 15. The third guide groove 19 has an arc groove shape that follows an arc concentric with the support shaft 15. The third guide groove 19 is provided penetrating the fourth step plate 14 in the plate thickness direction. A third guide pin 23 is inserted into the third guide groove 19.

[0032] The third guide pin 23 is always inserted in a state in which it can be displaced relatively to the third guide groove 19. The third guide pin 23 comes into contact with one end or the other end in the longitudinal direction of the third guide groove 19, thereby restricting the range of rotation of the third step plate 13 in the removal direction and the storage direction. The third guide pin 23 functions as a stopper that restricts the range of rotation of the third step plate 13.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, two legs 14a are provided on the underside of the fourth step plate 14. The legs 14a are screwed to the lower step portion 5 with screws 14b. This allows the fourth step plate 14 to be fixed along the step portion 5. Circular working holes 14c are provided above the two legs 14a. The screws 14b can be tightened from above through the working holes 14c.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 4, 6 and 7, anti-slip members 31-34 are attached to the upper surfaces of the first to fourth step plates 11-14, respectively. The anti-slip members 31-33 attached to the upper surfaces of the first to third step plates 11-13 each have a comb shape with four widthwise extending portions connected by one longitudinal extending portion. The anti-slip member 34 on the fourth step plate 14 has a comb shape with two widthwise extending portions connected by one longitudinal extending portion. The widthwise extending portions of each of the anti-slip members 31-34 each have an arc shape that follows an arc centered on the support shaft 15.

[0035] Two friction members 35 are attached to the upper surface of the anti-slip member 32 of the second step plate 12. The two friction members 35 are attached along the upper surfaces of the two widthwise extending portions of the anti-slip member 32. The two friction members 35 are attached to the upper surfaces of the second and fourth extending portions from the support shaft 15 side among the four widthwise extending portions. The two friction members 35 abut against the lower surface of the first step plate 11. This provides frictional resistance to the relative rotational movement of the first step plate 11 with respect to the second step plate 12.

[0036] Two friction members 36 are also attached to the upper surface of the anti-slip member 33 of the third step plate 13. The two friction members 36 are attached along the upper surfaces of the two widthwise extending portions of the anti-slip member 33. As with the friction member 35 on the second step plate 12 side, the two friction members 36 are attached to the upper surfaces of the second and fourth extending portions from the support shaft 15 side among the four widthwise extending portions.

[0037] The friction member 35 of the second step plate 12 is in contact with the lower surface of the first step plate 11. By being supported from the lower surface side, rattling of the first step plate 11 in the plate thickness direction is suppressed, and the rotational movement of the first step plate 11 relative to the second step plate 12 is stabilized.

[0038] The friction member 36 of the third step plate 13 is in contact with the lower surface of the second step plate 12. By being supported from the lower surface side, rattling of the second step plate 12 in the plate thickness direction is suppressed, and the rotational movement of the second step plate 12 relative to the third step plate 13 is stabilized.

[0039] 2 and 3, when the door 2 is opened from the stored state shown in FIG. 2, the first step plate 11 is first rotated rightward about the support shaft 15 in conjunction with the opening movement of the door 2. As a result, the first step plate 11 is removed relative to the second step plate 12. In the middle of the first step plate 11 being rotated rightward to a certain angle relative to the second step plate 12, the first guide pin 21 comes into contact with the right end of the first guide groove 17. As a result, the second step plate 12 is integrated with the first step plate 11.

[0040] When the door 2 is opened further with the first step plate 11 and the second step plate 12 integrated, the first step plate 11 and the second step plate 12 are integrally removed to the right relative to the third step plate 13. When the second step plate 12 is rotated to the left by a certain angle relative to the third step plate 13, the second guide pin 22 comes into contact with the right end of the second guide groove 18. This causes the third step plate 13 to be integrated with the first step plate 11 and the second step plate 12. Therefore, in conjunction with the opening movement of the door 2, the first step plate 11, the second step plate 12, and the third step plate 13 rotate integrally about the support shaft 15 in the removal direction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the fourth step plate 14 is fixed along the lower step section 5 with two screws 14b. The fourth step plate 14 functions as a base that rotatably supports the first to third step plates 11 to 13 via the support shaft 15. Furthermore, since the support shaft 15 is provided on the fourth step plate 14, there is no need to provide a separate support shaft on the step section 5. This makes it easy to later attach the step device 10 to the step section 5.

[0042] When the door 2 is fully opened, the first to third step plates 11-13 are taken out in a fan-shaped state between the bottom of the door 2 and the step section 5 on the lower level. By widely spreading the step device 10 in a fan shape, passengers can use the first to fourth step plates 11-14 as a large stepping stool with a large area sufficient for them to place both feet on. Because passengers can place both feet on the first to fourth step plates 11-14, they are no longer forced into an uncomfortable position such as straddling the wheel house 7 with one foot as in the past, and can get on and off in a comfortable position.

[0043] When the door 2 is closed, the first step plate 11 is pushed by the door 2 and rotates to the left (storage direction). In the middle of the rotation, the first guide pin 21 abuts against the left end (storage side end) of the first guide groove 17, causing the first step plate 11 and the second step plate 12 to rotate together in the storage direction. In the middle of the rotation, the second guide pin 22 abuts against the left end of the second guide groove 18, causing the first step plate 11, the second step plate 12 and the third step plate 13 to rotate together in the storage direction.

[0044] During the middle of the closing operation of the door 2, the third guide pin 23 comes into contact with the left end of the third guide groove 19. As a result, the first to third step plates 11 to 13 are stored above the fourth step plate 14. At this stage, the door 2 is fully closed. When the door 2 is fully closed, the first to fourth step plates 11 to 14 are compressed in an overlapping manner and stored above the step portion 5 as shown in FIGS.

[0045] According to the step device 10 illustrated above, an area sufficient for placing both feet, for example, is secured by deploying it horizontally in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 2. This allows passengers to get on and off in a comfortable position without having to take an uncomfortable position such as straddling the wheel house 7.

[0046] According to the step device 10 illustrated, the first to third guide pins 21-23 of the first to third step plates 11-13 are inserted into the first to third guide grooves 17-19 of the opposing second to fourth step plates 12-14 so as to be relatively displaceable within a certain range. This ensures that the first to third step plates 11-13 can be deployed and contracted reliably. The first to third guide pins 21-23 are constantly inserted into the first to third guide grooves 17-19, which prevents the step plates facing each other in the plate thickness direction from coming out of engagement with each other due to vibrations or the like.

[0047] The step device 10 illustrated has a support shaft 15 that rotatably supports a plurality of first to third step plates 11 to 13 near the hinge center H of the door 2. The first to third guide grooves 17 to 19 have an arc groove shape that follows an arc concentric with the support shaft 15. This allows the first to third step plates 11 to 13 to smoothly rotate horizontally around the support shaft 15 in conjunction with the opening and closing operations of the door 2. Since the first to third guide grooves 17 to 19 are provided close to the support shaft 15, the first to third guide pins 21 to 23 are less likely to come off the first to third guide grooves 17 to 19 due to vibration, etc., compared to a configuration in which the guide pins are provided at positions far apart.

[0048] According to the illustrated step device 10, in the stored state of the first to third step plates 11 to 13, the first guide pin 21, the second guide pin 22, and the third guide pin 23 are spaced apart from one another in a plan view. This allows the first to third step plates 11 to 13 to be supported closer to one another in the plate thickness direction, thereby making the step device 10 more compact in the plate thickness direction.

[0049] According to the step device 10 illustrated, friction members 35, 36 are attached to the upper surface of the second step plate 12 and the upper surface of the third step plate 13. The friction member 35 applies friction resistance to the horizontal displacement of the first step plate 11. The friction member 35 applies friction resistance to the horizontal displacement of the second step plate 12. This suppresses the sudden rotational movement of the first step plate 11 and the second step plate 12, ensuring the deployment and contraction movement. In addition, the friction member 35 abuts against the lower surface of the first step plate 11 and the friction member 36 abuts against the lower surface of the second step plate 12, suppressing rattling of the first step plate 11 and the second step plate 12.

[0050] Various modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiment. For example, although the configuration in which the three step plates 11 to 13 are expanded and contracted in the horizontal direction is illustrated, the number of step plates may be changed to two, four, or five or more.

[0051] For example, a friction member can also be attached to the upper surface of the fourth step plate 14. By bringing the friction member into contact with the lower surface of the third step plate 13, the third step plate 13 can rotate stably and rattle can be suppressed.

[0052] Although a configuration has been illustrated in which the common support axis 15 of the first to third step panels 11 to 13 coincides with the hinge center H of the door 2, in addition to a configuration in which precise alignment is achieved, slight misalignment can be tolerated by providing an appropriate deflection to the fastening member 16.

[0053] The first to fourth step plates 11 to 14 are not limited to being made of hard resin as exemplified above, but may be made of steel plate or wood, or may be made of a combination of these materials.

[0054] Although a belt is exemplified as the fastening member 16, the first step plate may be connected to the door 2 by other means such as a chain or a link arm instead.

[0055] The step device 10 can be similarly applied to the upper step portion 4. The illustrated step device 10 can also be applied to the door opening on the left side of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the illustrated step device 10 can be applied not only to the cab-over type vehicle 1 but also to the door opening of a sedan type passenger car. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Vehicle 2. Door H…Hinge center 3…Door opening 3a…Front pillar 4...Step section (upper side) 4a…Resin plate 5...Step section (lower section) 6...Left front wheel 7…Wheelhouse 8…Vehicle floor 10...Step device 11...First step board 11a...Support hole 12...Second step board 12a...Support hole 13…Third step board 13a...Support hole 14…4th step board 14a...leg, 14b...screw, 14c...work hole, 14d...support hole 15...Spindle 16... Fastening member 17…First guide groove 18...Second guide groove 19…Third guide groove 21…First guide pin 22…Second guide pin 23…Third guide pin 31~34: Anti-slip material 35, 36...Friction members

Claims

1. A step device that is mounted between a door opening of a vehicle and a lower part of a door that rotates horizontally via a hinge to open and close the door opening, The door has a plurality of step plates that are displaced to an expanded state in the horizontal direction in conjunction with the opening operation of the door and to a contracted state in which they overlap in the plate thickness direction in conjunction with the closing operation of the door, One of the step plates facing each other in the plate thickness direction has an engagement member, and the other step plate has a guide groove, A step device in which the engaging member is always inserted into the guide groove in a state in which the engaging member is relatively displaceable within a certain range.

2. 2. The step device of claim 1, A step device having a support shaft that rotatably supports the multiple step plates near the hinge center of the hinge, and the guide groove has an arc groove shape that follows an arc concentric with the support shaft.

3. 3. The step device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first engaging member is provided as the engaging member on one of the first step plate and the second step plate of the plurality of step plates, and a first guide groove is provided as the guide groove on the other of the first step plate and the second step plate, A second engaging member is provided as the engaging member on one of the second step plate and the third step plate of the plurality of step plates, and a second guide groove is provided as the guide groove on the other of the second step plate and the third step plate. a third engaging member as the engaging member is provided on one of the third step plate and the fourth step plate of the plurality of step plates, and a third guide groove as the guide groove is provided on the other of the third step plate and the fourth step plate; A step device in which, in the contracted state of the step plate, the first engagement member, the second engagement member, and the third engagement member are spaced apart from each other in a plan view.

4. 3. The step device according to claim 1, further comprising: A step device in which friction members are interposed between the plurality of step plates for providing frictional resistance to horizontal displacement of the step plates.

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