Vehicle step device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle step device that allows an occupant to get on / get off.SOLUTION: A vehicle step device is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle step device comprises a step 11 that is movably provided with respect to the vehicle, a step-side contact portion 40 provided on the step 11, and a vehicle-side contact portion 50 provided on the vehicle so as to be contactable with the step-side contact portion 40. When the step 11 moves from the vehicle to a deployed position, at least a part of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 is located under the step-side contact portion 40 so that, in plan view, the step-side contact portion 40 and the vehicle-side contact portion 50 overlap each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a step device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle step device provided on a vehicle is known. The vehicle step device described in Patent Document 1 includes a step and a support mechanism that supports the step on the vehicle body. The step plate moves from a stored position to an extended position (called a use position in the document) by the operation of the support mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-82916 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the step may tilt around the part supported by the support mechanism as a fulcrum. For example, if a load is applied to the outer edge of the step in the width direction of the vehicle, the step will tilt around a line along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle as a central axis. If the step tilts significantly, the footing becomes unstable, making it difficult to get on and off the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A vehicle step device that solves the above problem is a vehicle step device that is attached to a vehicle and includes a step that is movably arranged relative to the vehicle, a step-side contact portion that is arranged on the step, and a vehicle-side contact portion that is arranged on the vehicle and is configured to be able to come into contact with the step-side contact portion, and when the step moves from the vehicle to a deployed position, the step-side contact portion and the vehicle-side contact portion overlap in a planar view so that at least a portion of the vehicle-side contact portion is positioned below the step-side contact portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The vehicle step device makes it easy to get on and off the vehicle because the steps are less likely to become unstable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle step device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle step device with the step positioned at the storage position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle step device with the step positioned in the extended position. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of an arm and a frame of the vehicle step device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view of the bracket of the vehicle step device of FIG. 1 as viewed from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the arm and the step of the vehicle step device of FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a plan view of a step-side contact portion and a vehicle-side contact portion of the vehicle step device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of a step-side contact portion and a vehicle-side contact portion of the vehicle step device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the step-side contact portion and the vehicle-side contact portion taken along line 9-9 in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a step, a step-side contact portion, and a vehicle-side contact portion in a first modified example of the vehicle step device of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a step-side contact portion and a vehicle-side contact portion in a second modified example of the vehicle step device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a step-side contact portion and a vehicle-side contact portion in a third modified example of the vehicle step device of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a step-side contact portion and a vehicle-side contact portion in a third modified example of the vehicle step device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The vehicle step device 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the state in which the vehicle step device 10 is attached to the vehicle 1 is referred to as the "attached state of the vehicle step device 10." The directions of the vehicle step device 10 are defined by the attached state of the vehicle step device 10. Specifically, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle step device 10 coincides with the vehicle front-to-rear direction DY of the vehicle 1 when the vehicle step device 10 is attached. The width direction of the vehicle step device 10 coincides with the vehicle width direction DX when the vehicle step device 10 is attached. The up-to-down direction of the vehicle step device 10 coincides with the vehicle up-to-down direction DZ when the vehicle step device 10 is attached. In this embodiment, when the configuration of the vehicle step device 10 is described using directions, it will be described in terms of the vehicle front-to-rear direction DY, the vehicle width direction DX, and the vehicle up-to-down direction DZ. Furthermore, in the following description, the inside of the vehicle width direction DX means being closer to the center of the vehicle than an object in the vehicle width direction DX.

[0009] In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 does not include a vehicle step device 10. The vehicle 1 includes at least a vehicle body. The vehicle body has at least a rocker. The rocker forms part of the side framework at the bottom of the vehicle 1.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle step device 10 is attached to a vehicle 1. The vehicle step device 10 assists in getting in and out of the vehicle 1. The vehicle step device 10 is provided below an opening 3 of the vehicle 1 that is closed by a vehicle door 2 for getting in and out of the vehicle. A step 11 of the vehicle step device 10 may be used as an auxiliary platform on which to place one's feet when loading or unloading luggage into or from the vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle step device 10 may be provided below the opening 3 of the vehicle 1 that is closed by a tailgate.

[0011] <Configuration of vehicle step device 10> The vehicle step device 10 includes a step 11, a step-side contact portion 40, and a vehicle-side contact portion 50. The vehicle step device 10 includes a bracket 12 fixed to the vehicle 1. The bracket 12 is fixed to a rocker of the vehicle 1. The vehicle step device 10 includes a plurality of arms 13 that support the step 11. In this embodiment, the vehicle step device 10 has two arms 13.

[0012] 2 and 3, in the vehicle step device 10, the step 11 moves. The step 11 moves relative to the vehicle 1. The step 11 moves between a stored position (see FIG. 2 and described later) and an extended position (see FIG. 3 and described later).

[0013] <Arm 13> One of the two arms 13 supports the front portion of the step 11. The other of the two arms 13 supports the rear portion of the step 11. The two arms 13 are arranged at an interval in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction DY. The two arms 13 are arranged parallel to each other in a plan view.

[0014] The arm 13 is connected to the vehicle 1 and the step 11. The arm 13 has a base 16, an extension 17 extending from the base 16, and a tip 18 provided at the tip of the extension 17. The base 16 of the arm 13 is attached to the bracket 12 so that the arm 13 can rotate relative to the bracket 12 about a first rotation axis C1 passing through the base 16. In one example, the base 16 of the arm 13 is attached to the bracket 12 via a first shaft member 16A. The base 16 of the arm 13 is disposed on the bottom surface of the bracket 12.

[0015] The tip 18 of the arm 13 is attached to the step 11 so that the arm 13 can rotate relative to the step 11 about a second rotation axis C2 that passes through the tip 18. In one example, the tip 18 of the arm 13 is attached to the step 11 via a second shaft member 18A. The tip 18 of the arm 13 is disposed on the upper surface of the step 11.

[0016] The arm 13 moves the step 11 toward the deployed position in the vehicle width direction DX relative to the vehicle 1 in a plan view. The arm 13 moves the step 11 from the stored position to the deployed position in the vehicle width direction DX relative to the vehicle 1 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the step 11 moves in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction DY relative to the vehicle 1 while moving in the vehicle width direction DX relative to the vehicle 1 due to the rotation of the arm 13.

[0017] When the step 11 is in the storage position (see FIG. 2), in a plan view, at least half of the step 11 facing the vehicle is hidden by the vehicle 1. When the step 11 is in the storage position, at least the middle portion 11A of the step 11 in the vehicle width direction DX is positioned below the bracket 12.

[0018] When the step 11 is in the deployed position (see FIG. 3), it is located outwardly away from the storage position (see FIG. 1) relative to the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction DX. When the step 11 is in the deployed position, an intermediate portion 11A of the step 11 in the vehicle width direction DX is exposed from the vehicle 1 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the deployed position is located rearward of the storage position. In another example, the deployed position may be located forward of the storage position.

[0019] When the step 11 is in the storage position, the tip of the arm 13 is located, in a plan view, under the vehicle 1 or near the side of the vehicle 1. When the step 11 is in the deployed position, the tip of the arm 13 is located, in a plan view, away from the side of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction DX.

[0020] <Step 11> The step 11 includes a frame 20 and a cover board 30 placed on the frame 20. The frame 20 is made of a metal square pipe. The frame 20 prevents the step 11 from bending.

[0021] 4, the frame 20 includes a first vertical frame member 21 extending in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction DY, a second vertical frame member 22 arranged closer to the vehicle in the vehicle width direction DX than the first vertical frame member 21, and a horizontal frame member 23 connecting the first vertical frame member 21 and the second vertical frame member 22. In this embodiment, the frame 20 includes two second vertical frame members 22 arranged in a straight line in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction DY. The two second vertical frame members 22 are arranged parallel to the first vertical frame member 21. When distinguishing between the two second vertical frame members 22, the one located at the front will be referred to as the front second vertical frame member 22, and the one located at the rear will be referred to as the rear second vertical frame member 22.

[0022] A contact frame portion 25 is provided on the frame 20. The contact frame portion 25 forms the framework of the step-side contact portion 40. The contact frame portion 25 is provided on the second vertical frame member 22 so as to protrude from the second vertical frame member 22 towards the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction DX. The contact frame portion 25 includes a first frame member 26 that is perpendicular to the second vertical frame member 22, a second frame member 27 that is arranged in front of the first frame member 26, a third frame member 28 that is arranged behind the first frame member 26, and a fourth frame member 29 that extends in the vehicle up-down direction DZ.

[0023] The second frame member 27 extends rearward from the front second vertical frame member 22 toward the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction DX, and is connected to the front second vertical frame member 22 and the first frame member 26.

[0024] The third frame member 28 extends forward from the rear second vertical frame member 22 toward the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction DX, and is connected to the rear second vertical frame member 22 and the first frame member 26.

[0025] The fourth frame member 29 is provided at the vehicle-side end of the first frame member 26. The fourth frame member 29 extends upward so as to be perpendicular to the first frame member 26. The cover board 30 is formed to cover the frame 20 and the contact frame portion 25. The cover board 30 includes a rectangular board main body portion 31 that covers the frame 20, and a board protrusion portion 32 that covers the contact frame portion 25. The cover board 30 is made of resin or metal.

[0026] The step 11 has two step support portions 34. The step support portions 34 are portions of the step 11 that are supported by the arms 13. The step support portions 34 are fixed to the frame 20. In this embodiment, the step support portions 34 are configured as portions that support the second shaft member 18A. The step support portions 34 have holes through which the second shaft member 18A is inserted. The second shaft member 18A is provided on the step support portions 34 in a state where it is inserted through the holes.

[0027] Each of the two step support portions 34 is located on the step 11 farther from the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction DX than the step-side contact portion 40. One of the two step support portions 34 is located in front of the step-side contact portion 40 on the step 11. The other of the two step support portions 34 is located behind the step-side contact portion 40 on the step 11. Each of the two step support portions 34 is provided at a position equidistant from the step-side contact portion 40.

[0028] 6, in this embodiment, the two step support portions 34 are disposed at positions on the step 11 farther from the vehicle 1 than the midline ML in the vehicle width direction DX. One of the two step support portions 34 is provided at a corner of the outer front end of the step 11. The other of the two step support portions 34 is provided at a corner of the outer rear end of the step 11.

[0029] <Bracket 12> 5, the bracket 12 has a structure corresponding to the bottom structure of the rocker. A vehicle-side contact portion 50 is provided on the lower surface of the bracket 12.

[0030] <Step-side contact portion 40> The step-side contact portion 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. The step-side contact portion 40 is provided on the step 11. When the step 11 is in the deployed position, the step-side contact portion 40 overlaps with the vehicle-side contact portion 50 in a plan view. A specific example will be described below.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the step-side contact portion 40 is provided on the vehicle side of the step 11 in the vehicle width direction DX. The step-side contact portion 40 is provided at a position on the step 11 between the two step support portions 34 in the vehicle front-rear direction DY. In this embodiment, the step-side contact portion 40 is disposed at an intermediate position on the step 11 in the vehicle front-rear direction DY. The step-side contact portion 40 is provided at a position equidistant from each of the two step support portions 34.

[0032] 7 and 8, the step-side contact portion 40 is configured so that at least a portion of the step-side contact portion 40 is positioned above the vehicle-side contact portion 50 when the step 11 is in the extended position. The step-side contact portion 40 has a first contactable portion 43 with which the vehicle-side contact portion 50 comes into contact when the step 11 is in the extended position. The first contactable portion 43 is configured as a part of the step engagement portion 41, which will be described later.

[0033] 8 and 9, the step-side contact portion 40 includes a contact frame portion 25 (see above) provided on the frame 20, and a step engagement portion 41. The step engagement portion 41 is fixed to the fourth frame member 29 of the contact frame portion 25. The step engagement portion 41 includes a fixed portion 42 fixed to the fourth frame member 29, and a first contactable portion 43. The first contactable portion 43 is located above the cover board 30 of the step 11. The first contactable portion 43 extends rearward from the fixed portion 42 in a plan view.

[0034] 8, a taper 45 is provided at the rear portion on the vehicle side of the first contactable portion 43. The taper 45 prevents interference between the first contactable portion 43 and the vehicle engagement portion 52 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 when the step 11 moves.

[0035] The step engagement portion 41 is configured so that the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41 is located above the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52 when the step 11 is positioned in the extended position. When the step 11 is positioned in the extended position, the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41 may be in contact with the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52, or may be located with a gap S between it and the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52. When the gap S is provided between the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41 and the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52, the size of the gap S is smaller than the movement distance of the first contactable portion 43 when the step 11 is tilted to the greatest extent in the absence of the vehicle engagement portion 52.

[0036] <Vehicle-side contact portion 50> 6 to 9, the vehicle-side contact portion 50 will be described. The vehicle-side contact portion 50 is provided on the vehicle 1. The vehicle-side contact portion 50 is configured to be able to come into contact with the step-side contact portion 40. When the step 11 is in the deployed position, the vehicle-side contact portion 50 overlaps with the step-side contact portion 40 in a plan view.

[0037] 7 and 8, the vehicle-side contact portion 50 is configured so that at least a portion of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 is located below the step-side contact portion 40 when the step 11 is located in the extended position. Specifically, the vehicle-side contact portion 50 has a first contact portion 53. The first contact portion 53 is configured to be located below the first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 when the step 11 is located in the extended position. The first contact portion 53 is configured as a part of the vehicle engagement portion 52, which will be described later.

[0038] 8 and 9, the vehicle-side contact portion 50 includes a fixed portion 51 provided on the bracket 12, and a vehicle engagement portion 52. The fixed portion 51 extends downward from the bottom of the bracket 12. The vehicle engagement portion 52 is fixed to the lower end of the fixed portion 51. In a plan view, the vehicle engagement portion 52 extends from the lower end of the fixed portion 51 in a direction away from the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction DX. A first contact portion 53 is provided on the vehicle engagement portion 52.

[0039] The vehicle engagement portion 52 is configured such that, when the step 11 is placed in the deployed position, the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52 is located below the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41. At this time, the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52 may be in contact with the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41, or may be located with a gap S between it and the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the step 11 moves from the stored position to the deployed position, the step engagement portion 41, which is located in front of the vehicle engagement portion 52 and on the inside in the vehicle width direction DX, moves toward the vehicle engagement portion 52. In plan view, the step engagement portion 41 enters the vehicle engagement portion 52 from the front and on the inside in the vehicle width direction DX, and is positioned so as to overlap the vehicle engagement portion 52. For this reason, a first space S1 (see FIG. 6) through which the step engagement portion 41 passes is provided in front of the vehicle engagement portion 52. In addition, a second space S2 (see FIG. 9) into which the step engagement portion 41 can enter is provided above the vehicle engagement portion 52.

[0041] The portion of the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52 that comes into contact with the step engagement portion 41 is made of metal, resin, or rubber. If the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41 is made of metal, the portion of the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52 that comes into contact with the step engagement portion 41 is made of an elastic material, for example, resin or rubber. If the portion of the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41 that comes into contact with the vehicle engagement portion 52 is made of an elastic material, the portion of the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52 that comes into contact with the step engagement portion 41 is made of metal, resin, or rubber. With this configuration, when the first contactable portion 43 of the step engagement portion 41 comes into contact with the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle engagement portion 52, it is possible to reduce the noise caused by the contact.

[0042] <Operation> When the step 11 is located in the storage position, the tip 18 of the arm 13 is located close to the base 16 of the arm 13 in the vehicle width direction DX. When the arm 13 is rotated by power, the tip 18 of the arm 13 moves away from the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction DX, causing the step 11 to move. The step 11 may also be moved by power. In this case, the arm 13 rotates as the step 11 moves. When the step 11 is located in the deployed position, the step engagement portion 41 of the step 11 engages with the vehicle engagement portion 52.

[0043] Specifically, by moving the step 11 from the stored position to the deployed position, the step-side contact portion 40 and the vehicle-side contact portion 50 overlap in a plan view so that at least a portion of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 is positioned below the step-side contact portion 40. Furthermore, when the step 11 is positioned in the deployed position, the step-side contact portion 40 and the vehicle-side contact portion 50 overlap in a plan view at a position between the two step support portions 34 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction DY.

[0044] <Operation of this embodiment> When the step 11 is in the deployed position, the step 11 is supported by the arm 13 at the two step support portions 34, and can also be supported by the vehicle 1 via the vehicle-side contact portion 50. When a load is applied to the step 11 due to a person or animal getting on or off, the force is applied via the step 11 to three locations: the two step support portions 34 and the vehicle-side contact portion 50. Because the step 11 is supported at three locations that are spaced apart from one another, it is possible to prevent the step 11 from tilting significantly due to the load being applied to the step 11. This improves ease of getting on and off the vehicle.

[0045] Furthermore, when the step 11 is in the deployed position, the step-side contact portion 40 and the vehicle-side contact portion 50 overlap in a plan view. In other words, while the step 11 is moving, the step-side contact portion 40 is separated from the vehicle-side contact portion 50. This allows the step 11 to move smoothly.

[0046] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The vehicle step device 10 includes a step-side contact portion 40 provided on the step 11 and a vehicle-side contact portion 50 configured to be able to come into contact with the step-side contact portion 40. When the step 11 moves from the vehicle 1 to the deployed position, the step-side contact portion 40 and the vehicle-side contact portion 50 overlap in a plan view so that at least a portion of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 is positioned below the step-side contact portion 40.

[0047] According to this configuration, when a load is applied to the step 11 that has moved to the deployed position and the step 11 tilts, the step 11 is supported by the vehicle-side contact portion 50. This prevents the step 11 from tilting too much. Therefore, the step 11 that has moved to the deployed position can be stabilized. In this way, the step 11 is less likely to become unstable, making it easier for passengers to get on and off.

[0048] (2) In the vehicle step device 10, the step-side contact portion 40 may be provided on the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX of the step 11. This configuration can prevent the portion of the step 11 on the vehicle side from sinking downward.

[0049] (3) In the vehicle step device 10, the step-side contact portion 40 is provided at a position on the step 11 between the two step support portions 34 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction DY. When the step 11 is positioned in the extended position, the step-side contact portion 40 and the vehicle-side contact portion 50 overlap in a plan view at a position between the two step support portions 34 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction DY.

[0050] According to this configuration, the step 11 can be supported at three locations: the two step support portions 34 and a portion located between the two step support portions 34 in the vehicle longitudinal direction DY. Because the step 11 can be supported at three locations in this way, deflection of the step 11 can be suppressed compared to when the step 11 is supported at two locations.

[0051] (4) In the vehicle step device 10, the step-side contact portion 40 may be provided on the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX of the step 11. Each of the two step support portions 34 may be provided at a position on the step 11 farther from the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction DX than the step-side contact portion 40 and at an equal distance from the step-side contact portion 40.

[0052] With this configuration, the step 11 can be supported at three locations: the two step support portions 34 and a portion located between the two step support portions 34 in the vehicle longitudinal direction DY. These three locations are arranged so as to be positioned at the vertices of a triangle T (two-dot chain line in FIG. 6), which improves the stability of the step 11 when it is moved to the deployed position.

[0053] (5) In the vehicle step device 10, the step 11 has a frame 20. The two step support portions 34 and the step-side contact portion 40 are provided on the frame 20. With this configuration, the frame 20 increases the rigidity of the step 11, so that when a load is applied locally to the step 11, the step 11 is less likely to bend. This makes it easier to get on and off the vehicle 1 when using the step 11.

[0054] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0055] The step 11 may be moved manually. That is, the step 11 may be manually stored from the deployed position to the stored position, or may be manually moved from the stored position to the deployed position.

[0056] The step 11 may be moved by the operation of a drive device. A first example of the drive device moves the step 11 by rotating the arm 13 with the rotational power of a motor. A second example of the drive device moves the step 11 by a motor-driven telescopic actuator. A third example of the drive device moves the step 11 by rotating the arm 13 by a motor-driven telescopic actuator. A fourth example of the drive device operates the vehicle door 2, and links the opening and closing of the vehicle door 2 with the opening and closing of the step 11.

[0057] 10, the vehicle step device 10 may include two or more sets of step-side contact portions 40 and vehicle-side contact portions 50. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the two step-side contact portions 40 of the step 11 are disposed between the two step support portions 34 in the vehicle longitudinal direction DY. With this configuration, when the step 11 is positioned in the extended position, the step 11 is supported by the arms 13 at the two step support portions 34 and is also supported at two locations by the vehicle-side contact portions 50, improving the stability of the step 11.

[0058] 11, the vehicle-side contact portion 50 may have a portion disposed above and a portion disposed below the first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 when the step 11 is in the deployed position. An example of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 will be described below.

[0059] The vehicle-side contact portion 50 has a first contact portion 53 that is located below the first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 when the step 11 is located in the extended position. The vehicle-side contact portion 50 further has a second contact portion 58 that is located above the first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 when the step 11 is located in the extended position.

[0060] When a relatively large load is applied to the vehicle-side portion of the step 11 in the vehicle width direction DX, the step 11 tilts so that the step-side contact portion 40 lowers. In this case, the first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 comes into contact with the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50.

[0061] When a relatively large load is applied to the portion of the step 11 opposite the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX, the step 11 tilts so that the step-side contact portion 40 rises. In this case, the first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 comes into contact with the second contact portion 58 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50.

[0062] In this way, in either case, it is possible to suppress the inclination of the step 11. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the step 11 in the deployed position. In the above-described embodiment, the step 11 has the step-side contact portion 40 on the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX, and the two step support portions 34 are provided on the opposite side of the step 11 from the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX. In such a case, the step 11 rarely tilts so that the step-side contact portion 40 is raised. For this reason, the second contact portion 58 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 may be omitted as in this embodiment.

[0063] 12, the step-side contact portion 40 may have a portion disposed above and a portion disposed below the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 when the step 11 is in the deployed position. An example of the step-side contact portion 40 will be described below.

[0064] In the vehicle step device 10, the step-side contact portion 40 has a first contactable portion 43. The first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 is located above the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 when the step 11 is located in the extended position. The step-side contact portion 40 further has a second contactable portion 48 that is located below the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50 when the step 11 is located in the extended position.

[0065] When a relatively large load is applied to the vehicle-side portion of the step 11 in the vehicle width direction DX, the step 11 tilts so that the step-side contact portion 40 lowers. In this case, the first contactable portion 43 of the step-side contact portion 40 comes into contact with the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50.

[0066] When a relatively large load is applied to the portion of the step 11 opposite the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX, the step 11 tilts so that the step-side contact portion 40 rises. In this case, the second contactable portion 48 of the step-side contact portion 40 comes into contact with the first contact portion 53 of the vehicle-side contact portion 50, or is pressed by the first contact portion 53.

[0067] In this way, in either case, it is possible to suppress the inclination of the step 11. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the step 11 in the state where it has moved to the deployed position. In the above-described embodiment, the step 11 has the step-side contact portion 40 on the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX, and the two step support portions 34 are provided on the opposite side of the step 11 from the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction DX. In such a case, the step 11 rarely tilts so that the step-side contact portion 40 is raised. For this reason, the second contactable portion 48 of the step-side contact portion 40 may be omitted as in this embodiment.

[0068] 13 , in the vehicle step device 10, the first contactable portion 43 of the step engaging portion 41 of the step-side contact portion 40 may be positioned below the step 11. For example, when the step 11 is supported from below by the arm 13, the step engaging portion 41 of the step-side contact portion 40 may be positioned below the step 11.

[0069] <Summary of this embodiment> The vehicle step device is attached to a vehicle. The vehicle step device includes a step that is movably provided relative to the vehicle, a step-side contact portion provided on the step, and a vehicle-side contact portion that is provided on the vehicle and configured to be able to come into contact with the step-side contact portion. When the step moves from the vehicle to a deployed position, the step-side contact portion and the vehicle-side contact portion overlap in a plan view so that at least a portion of the vehicle-side contact portion is positioned below the step-side contact portion.

[0070] With this configuration, when a load is applied to the step that has moved to the deployed position and the step tilts, the step is supported by the vehicle-side contact portion. This prevents the step 11 from tilting too much. Therefore, the step can be stabilized when moved to the deployed position. In this way, the step is less likely to become unstable, making it easier for passengers to get on and off.

[0071] In the vehicle step device, the step-side contact portion may be provided on the vehicle side of the step in the vehicle width direction. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the portion of the step on the vehicle side from sinking downward.

[0072] The vehicle step device includes two arms. Each of the two arms is connected to the vehicle and the step, and moves the step in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle in a plan view. The step has two step support portions supported by the arms. The step-side contact portion may be provided on the step at a position between the two step support portions in the vehicle longitudinal direction. When the step is in the extended position, the step-side contact portion and the vehicle-side contact portion overlap in a plan view at a position between the two step support portions in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0073] With this configuration, the step can be supported at three locations: the two step support portions and the portion located between the two step support portions in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Because the step can be supported at three locations in this way, bending of the step can be suppressed compared to when the step is supported at two locations.

[0074] In the vehicle step device, the step-side contact portion may be provided on the step on a side closer to the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. Each of the two step support portions may be provided on the step farther from the vehicle in the vehicle width direction than the step-side contact portion and at equal distances from the step-side contact portion.

[0075] With this configuration, the step can be supported at three points: two step support parts and a part located between the two step support parts in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. These three points are arranged at the vertices of a triangle, which improves the stability of the step when it is moved to the deployed position.

[0076] In the vehicle step device, the step-side contact portion has a first contactable portion with which the vehicle-side contact portion comes into contact when the step is in the extended position. The vehicle-side contact portion has a first contact portion located below the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion when the step is in the extended position. The vehicle-side contact portion has a second contact portion located above the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion when the step is in the extended position.

[0077] With this configuration, when the step-side contact portion tilts downward, the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion contacts the first contact portion of the vehicle-side contact portion or is pressed down by the first contact portion. When the step-side contact portion tilts upward, the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion contacts the second contact portion of the vehicle-side contact portion or is pressed down by the second contact portion. In either case, tilting of the step can be suppressed. Therefore, the step can be stabilized when moved to the deployed position.

[0078] In the vehicle step device, the step-side contact portion has a first contactable portion with which the vehicle-side contact portion comes into contact when the step is in the deployed position. The vehicle-side contact portion has a first contact portion located below the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion when the step is in the deployed position. The step-side contact portion has a second contactable portion located below the first contact portion of the vehicle-side contact portion when the step is in the deployed position. With this configuration, when the step-side contact portion tilts downward, the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion comes into contact with the first contact portion of the vehicle-side contact portion or is pressed down by the first contact portion. When the step-side contact portion tilts upward, the second contactable portion of the step-side contact portion comes into contact with the first contact portion of the vehicle-side contact portion or is pressed down by the first contact portion. In this way, in either case, tilting of the step can be suppressed. Therefore, the step can be stabilized when moved to the deployed position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] DX...vehicle width direction, DY...vehicle fore-and-aft direction, 1...vehicle, 10...vehicle step device, 11...step, 13...arm, 34...step support portion, 40...step side contact portion, 43...first contactable portion, 48...second contactable portion, 50...vehicle side contact portion, 53...first contact portion, 58...second contact portion.

Claims

1. A vehicle step device attached to a vehicle, a step that is movable relative to the vehicle; a step-side contact portion provided on the step; a vehicle-side contact portion provided on the vehicle and configured to be able to come into contact with the step-side contact portion, When the step moves from the vehicle to the deployed position, the step-side contact portion and the vehicle-side contact portion overlap in a plan view so that at least a portion of the vehicle-side contact portion is positioned below the step-side contact portion. A step device for a vehicle.

2. The step-side contact portion is provided on the vehicle side of the step in the vehicle width direction.

2. The vehicle step device according to claim 1.

3. Two arms are connected to the vehicle and the step, and move the step in a vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle in a plan view, the step has two step supports supported by the arm; the step-side contact portion is provided at a position on the step between the two step support portions in the vehicle front-rear direction, When the step is positioned in the deployed position, the step-side contact portion and the vehicle-side contact portion overlap in a plan view at a position between the two step support portions in the vehicle front-rear direction.

2. The vehicle step device according to claim 1.

4. the step-side contact portion is provided on the step on a vehicle side in the vehicle width direction, The two step support portions are provided at positions on the step farther from the vehicle in the vehicle width direction than the step-side contact portion and at equal distances from the step-side contact portion.

4. The vehicle step device according to claim 3.

5. the step-side contact portion has a first contactable portion with which the vehicle-side contact portion comes into contact when the step is in the deployed position, the vehicle-side contact portion has a first contact portion that is located below the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion when the step is in the deployed position, moreover, The vehicle-side contact portion has a second contact portion that is located above the first contactable portion of the step-side contact portion when the step is in the deployed position, or The step-side contact portion has a second contactable portion that is located below the first contact portion of the vehicle-side contact portion when the step is in the deployed position.

2. The vehicle step device according to claim 1.

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