Storage type side step and elevation method

Abstract

To provide a storage type side step which enables safe elevation to a load-carrying platform of a large automobile such as a truck and so on.SOLUTION: A storage type side step, which is used for elevation to a load-carrying platform part of a large automobile having the load-carrying platform part and a side bumper positioned below the load-carrying platform part and having a plurality of rod parts provided along a cross direction of a vehicle body, comprises: a footstool part having a tread; a fitting rod part which is fitted to a lack part formed in at least one of the plurality of rod parts; and a connection part which is so supported as to be rotatable with respect to the side bumper with the cross direction of the vehicle body as a rotation axial direction. The side step is so configured as to perform switching between a usage state that the tread is projected outward from the side bumper and a storage state that the fitting rod part is fitted to the lack part by rotational operation of the connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable side step that enables safe entry and exit into the loading platform of a large vehicle, including a truck, and a method of entry and exit using such a retractable side step. [Background technology]

[0002] The loading platform of a large vehicle, including a truck (hereinafter referred to as a large vehicle), is a storage space for cargo, etc. Workers who load and unload such cargo must climb onto the loading platform from above ground to perform their work, and must climb onto and off the platform.

[0003] Here, with large vehicles, the distance to climb onto the loading platform is long. Specifically, for example, the height from the ground to the loading platform of a large vehicle is approximately 1,400 mm, which is not a height that a single worker can easily climb up to.

[0004] Therefore, there is a known technology that can ensure safe access for workers to the loading platform of a large vehicle by providing separate dedicated steps or retractable steps on the side panels of the vehicle (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6231232 [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-24701 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, such separate steps are not convenient because they are not easy to install on large vehicles, the step structure is complex and expensive, or the installation procedure on large vehicles is time-consuming.

[0007] In some cases, workers climb onto the loading platform using the side bumper of a large vehicle without any special climbing equipment. In such cases, from the ground, the worker places one foot on the top step of the side bumper and the other foot on the loading platform. In this case, the worker must climb up the side panel of the large vehicle at a height of approximately 700 mm, which is physically demanding and poses safety issues.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a safe retractable step that allows access to the cargo bed of a large vehicle via the side bumper of the large vehicle and the step portion of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention is a retractable side step used when climbing up and down the loading platform of a large vehicle having a loading platform and a side bumper located below the loading platform and having a plurality of rod portions arranged along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body, the retractable side step comprising: a step having a tread; an engaging rod portion that fits into a notch formed in at least one of the plurality of rod portions; and a connecting portion that is supported rotatably relative to the side bumper with the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body as the rotation axis direction and connects the step and the engaging rod portion to each other, and is configured so that by rotating the connecting portion, the retractable side step can be switched between a usage state in which the tread protrudes outward from the side bumper and a stored state in which the engaging rod portion is engaged into the notch.

[0010] The present invention also provides a retractable side step according to claim 1, further comprising a retention mechanism that retains the side step in the use state and the retracted state.

[0011] The present invention also provides a retractable side step as described in claim 2, characterized in that the retaining mechanism maintains the use state and the stored state by fitting the latch bolt of a latch switch into the holes of a first latch hole and a second latch hole drilled in the step portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] By implementing the present invention, workers can safely climb onto and off the bed of a large vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a retractable side step according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is disposed in a side bumper portion of a large automobile. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a retractable side step according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a retracted state when the retractable side step is disposed in a side bumper portion of a large automobile. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a retractable side step according to an embodiment of the present invention, in use when disposed on a side bumper portion of a large automobile. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a retractable side step provided on a side bumper of a large vehicle according to the present invention, seen from inside the vehicle body. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a retractable side step provided on a side bumper of a large vehicle according to the present invention, taken from the inside of the vehicle body, obliquely from above, excluding the plate portion. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a retractable side step provided on a side bumper of a large vehicle according to the present invention, taken from inside the vehicle body, showing only the side bumper, side bumper stay, and plate portion from diagonally above. [Figure 7] 1 is a side view of a retractable side step according to the present invention, which is disposed on a side bumper portion of a large vehicle, in a retracted state, with the stay shown at the front. [Figure 8]1 is a side view of a retractable side step in a retracted state, the side step being disposed on a side bumper of a large vehicle according to the present invention, with the platform portion, the connecting portion, and the engaging rod portion being displayed in the forefront. [Figure 9] 1 is a side view of a retractable side step according to the present invention, which is disposed on a side bumper of a large vehicle, in use, with the platform portion, connecting portion, and engaging rod portion shown in the forefront. [Figure 10] 1 is a front view showing a specific method for an operator to ascend and descend using a retractable side step according to an embodiment of the present invention, the side step being disposed under a large vehicle in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a retractable side step used when climbing up and down the loading platform of a large vehicle having a loading platform and a side bumper located below the loading platform and having a plurality of rod portions arranged along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body, the retractable side step comprising: a step having a tread; an engaging rod portion that fits into a notch formed in at least one of the plurality of rod portions; and a connecting portion that is supported rotatably relative to the side bumper with the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body as the rotation axis direction and connects the step and the engaging rod portion to each other, and is configured so that by rotating the connecting portion, the retractable side step can be switched between a usage state in which the tread protrudes outward from the side bumper and a stored state in which the engaging rod portion is engaged into the notch.

[0015] In this embodiment, the inside of the large vehicle 1 is defined as the inside of the vehicle, the outside of the large vehicle 1 as the outside of the vehicle, the direction of travel as the front side, and the side opposite to the direction of travel as the rear side.

[0016] [1. Retractable side step according to one embodiment of the present invention] First, the installation form of a retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed by connecting it to a side bumper 3 below the loading platform 8 of a large vehicle 1 via a side bumper stay 34.

[0017] Next, the detailed structure of the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. In Figures 2 and 3, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the retractable side step 2 in a retracted state, as seen from the front side of the retractable side step 2 (the vehicle exterior side when the retractable side step 2 is installed on a large vehicle 1). Figure 3 is a perspective view of the retractable side step 2 in a used state, as seen from the front side of the retractable side step 2.

[0018] 4 to 6 are perspective views of the retractable side step 2 taken from inside the vehicle body. Fig. 4 shows the retractable side step 2 connected to the side bumper 3 via the side bumper stay 34, Fig. 5 shows the retractable side step 2 alone, and Fig. 6 shows the plate 86 fixed to the side bumper 3 and the side bumper stay 34.

[0019] 2 and other figures, the retractable side step 2 is an assembly made up of multiple metal components joined together, each with a different function. The material of this assembly is a metal such as stainless steel, but any material can be used as long as it is durable and inexpensive.

[0020] The retractable side step 2 is configured as follows: first, it has a roughly rectangular step section 10 at the top (Fig. 2). This step section 10 has a rectangular step main body 13 that is roughly 300 mm in the longitudinal direction and roughly 100 mm in the lateral direction. However, since this step main body 13 is designed to be storable in a vehicle and to ensure a certain area for foot placement, its length in the longitudinal and lateral directions can be designed in a variety of ways.

[0021] The step body 13 has a first latch hole 14 approximately in the center of the step body 13, and a second latch hole 15 on an extension line parallel to the short direction of the first latch hole 14, near the longitudinal end of the step on the inside of the vehicle of the first latch hole 14. The first latch hole 14 and the second latch hole 15 are parts into which the latch bolt 93 fits when the latch switch 40 locks the step body 13 of the retractable side step 2 in a fixed position, and thus function to fix the position of the retractable side step 2.

[0022] The step body 13 also has three connection holes 17 located at approximately equal intervals parallel to the longitudinal direction on the vehicle exterior side of the first latch hole 14. The connection holes 17 are located approximately midway between a line that passes through the first latch hole 14 and is parallel to the longitudinal end of the step body 13 and the longitudinal end of the step on the vehicle exterior side. Of the three connection holes 17, the middle connection hole 17 is located approximately near an extension of the line that connects the first latch hole 14 and the second latch hole 15.

[0023] Bolts or the like are fitted into the connection holes 17, and the step body 13 is connected to the connection part 18 disposed at the bottom of the step body 13 by the fastening action of the bolts, nuts, or the like. In one embodiment, the three connection holes 17 are disposed approximately midway between the longitudinal end of the step and a line passing through the first latch hole 14 and parallel to the longitudinal end of the step. However, it is also possible to provide more connection holes 17 or to enlarge the hole size of the connection holes 17 for screws. Furthermore, as long as they are connectable to the connection parts 18, the hole positions of the connection holes 17 can be freely designed.

[0024] Furthermore, the platform 10 has protrusions formed at its four sides, each bent vertically downward at an angle of approximately 90°. These protrusions on the four sides are the exterior platform end protrusion 70, the interior platform end protrusion 71, the front platform end protrusion 72, and the rear platform end protrusion 73 (FIGS. 2 and 5). These protrusions on the four sides act as ribs when weight (load) is applied to the platform main body 13, maintaining the strength of the platform main body 13 and preventing deformation. Furthermore, the exterior platform end protrusion 70 and the interior platform end protrusion 71 are designed to interfere with the connecting portion 18, which will be described later. This structure functions as a safety mechanism that restricts the range of movement of the platform 10 if the latch switch 40 stops functioning due to a malfunction or other reason.

[0025] Furthermore, the protrusions on the four sides mentioned above function to prevent an operator from getting injured when climbing up or down and striking their legs against the exposed metal parts of the platform 10. The length of each of the protrusions on the four sides in the vertical downward direction is approximately 30 to 50 mm.

[0026] Here, the inboard step end protrusion 71, the front step end protrusion 72, and the rear step end protrusion 73 are formed by bending a metal plate that is integral with the step main body 13 of the step unit 10. On the other hand, the outboard step end protrusion 70 is formed by welding another approximately rectangular metal plate. Any gaps that occur between adjacent protrusions in each of the above protrusions may be filled by welding, thereby increasing the strength of the step unit 10.

[0027] In addition, the outer step end protrusion 70, the inner step end protrusion 71, the front step end protrusion 72, and the rear step end protrusion 73 may be formed by bending a single metal plate that is integral with the step main body 13 of the step portion 10, and the four protrusions may be given the function of ribs.

[0028] Next, we will describe the connection part 18, which is a component of the retractable side step 2. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the connection part 18 is a member that functions to connect the platform part 10, which is disposed above the connection part 18, with the mating rod part 12, which is disposed below the connection part 18. In one embodiment, the connection part 18 is composed of a substantially square-shaped connection part upper body part 25 and a connection part lower body part 26 that connects to the connection part upper body part 25.

[0029] Next, the components of the connection part 18 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5. First, the connection part upper main body part 25. The connection part upper main body part 25 has a substantially square structure with each side measuring approximately 300 mm square (Figure 2).

[0030] Furthermore, near the center of the upper connecting portion body 25 is a cavity 19 that is approximately circular and has a diameter of approximately 150 mm. This cavity 19 is a space through which a hand can be passed to operate the latch switch 40 that is disposed on the vehicle interior side of the retractable side step 2. Therefore, the shape of the cavity 19 is not important as long as it allows the latch switch 40 to be operated. In other words, the cavity 19 may be, for example, elliptical or rectangular.

[0031] The left and right sides of the upper connection portion body 25 have bent portions where the connection portion 18 is bent vertically downward by approximately 90 degrees. These bent portions are the front connection portion bent portion 96 and the rear connection portion bent portion 97 (FIGS. 5 and 9). Each of these bent portions has a width of approximately 30 to 50 mm. The front connection portion bent portion 96 and the rear connection portion bent portion 97 function as rib structures that support the weight (load) applied to the platform 10, while also preventing the risk of injury from a worker striking their leg on the exposed metal portion of the connection portion 18 when ascending or descending. The upper connection portion bent portion 95 has three holes, and is connected to the connection hole 17 of the platform 10 via these holes using fasteners such as bolts and nuts. That is, the three holes of the upper connection portion bent portion 95 are located directly below the connection hole 17. However, since the step portion 10 of the connection portion 18 is configured to be connectable and fixed, the configuration of such hole portion can be flexible in terms of the position, number, size, etc. of the hole portion in accordance with the shape of the connection hole portion 17.

[0032] Here, the upper connection portion bent portion 95 may be fixed in various ways. Specifically, for example, the vicinity of the upper end of the connection portion 18 may be bent to form the upper connection portion bent portion 95, thereby forming a structure integrated with the connection portion 18. Alternatively, a metal piece such as stainless steel that functions as the approximately rectangular upper connection portion bent portion 95 may be prepared and connected to the end of the connection portion 18 by welding or the like to function as the upper connection portion bent portion 95.

[0033] Furthermore, the connection between the connection part 18 and the platform part 10 at the upper connection part bend part 95 can be made in a variety of forms, and the type of fastener is not limited to bolts and nuts, etc. As an example, as mentioned above, it may be fixed to the platform part 10 at three connection holes 17, or it may be made such that the connection part 18 and the platform part 10 are directly welded together, integrating them, without providing the upper connection part bend part 95.

[0034] Regardless of the connection style between the connecting part 18 and the platform part 10, the cross section of the connecting part between the connecting part 18 and the platform part 10 is roughly U-shaped. Therefore, even if the worker 7 places his / her foot on the platform part 10 and a greater load is applied to the top of the platform part 10, the retractable side step 2 has a structure strong enough to withstand it.

[0035] Furthermore, the front connection portion bent portion 96 and the rear connection portion bent portion 97 may also be formed in a shape similar to that of the upper connection portion bent portion 95. That is, a substantially rectangular metal piece that functions as the front connection portion bent portion 96 or the rear connection portion bent portion 97 may be prepared and connected by welding to the vicinity of the front and rear ends of the connection portion 18, or the front connection portion bent portion 96 and the rear connection portion bent portion 97 may be formed by bending a single metal plate.

[0036] In addition, the front connection portion bend portion 96 and the rear connection portion bend portion 97 function as the aforementioned rib structure, and are arranged over the entire area at the front and rear ends of the connection portion upper main body portion 25 of the connection portion 18, from near the upper step portion 10 to near the lower hinge 27.

[0037] Next, the connection portion lower body portion 26 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The connection portion lower body portion 26, which is connected to the connection portion upper body portion 25, is a substantially square metal plate structure with sides of approximately 150 mm. The upper edge of this connection portion lower body portion 26 is integrally connected to the lower edge of the connection portion upper body portion 25. The connection portion lower body portion 26 also has three holes 80 in the area near its lower end. Fixing devices such as bolts are disposed in these holes 80, and the holes 80 communicate with the fitting rod portion 12 via bolts, nuts, etc.

[0038] The lower main body portion 26 of the connection portion must have a height width of approximately 150 mm, but the height width of the lower main body portion 26 of the connection portion may be flexibly changed in accordance with the rod width of the side bumper 3 on which the retractable side step 2 is to be mounted.

[0039] Furthermore, a hinge 27 is provided on each of the front and rear sides of the lower edge of the connection portion upper main body portion 25, which is not connected to the connection portion lower main body portion 26 (FIGS. 2 and 5). These hinges 27 function to connect the connection portion upper main body portion 25 to the uppermost part of the side bumper third rod portion 6, and when the retractable side step 2 rotates around the side bumper third rod portion 6, the hinges 27 connected to the rod portions open and close, allowing the retractable side step 2 to rotate.

[0040] Here, since the step part 10 and the fitting rod part 12 can be connected and fixed, and the connecting part 18 is rotatably disposed on the side bumper third rod part 6 of the side bumper 3, various configurations may be used for the connecting part upper main body part 25 and the connecting part lower main body part 26 of the connecting part 18. Specifically, for example, the connecting part upper main body part 25 may be trapezoidal, or may be rod-shaped.

[0041] Next, the fitting rod portion 12 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. The fitting rod portion 12 has a configuration similar to the side bumper second rod portion 5, which is one of the rods of the side bumper 3 of the large vehicle 1 on which the retractable side step 2 is installed. One example of this similar configuration is a hollow interior formed by folding an aluminum plate so that the cross section is roughly rectangular, like a typical aluminum side bumper, and having a groove-like space on one side facing the inside of the vehicle body.

[0042] Specifically, the fitting rod portion 12 is made up of a rod outer surface portion 30, a rod inner surface portion 31, a rod upper surface portion 32, and a rod lower surface portion 33. The side portions of the fitting rod portion 12 are hollow. The fitting rod portion 12 has a structure similar to that of the surrounding side bumper 3, and has a substantially rectangular structure.

[0043] Moreover, unlike the rod outer surface portion 30, rod upper surface portion 32, and rod lower surface portion 33 described above, the rod inner surface portion 31 has two groove-like spaces 81 that are bent inward of the fitting rod portion 12 (FIG. 5). Of the two groove-like spaces 81, a spacer 82 is disposed so as to cover the upper groove-like space 81. The spacer 82 is a member that connects the connecting portion 18 and the fitting rod portion 12, and is a substantially rectangular metal plate.

[0044] The spacer 82 has three perforated portions 99 at equal intervals near the center of the spacer 82. Fixing devices such as bolts and nuts are fitted into the perforated portions 99, and the fitting rod portion 12, spacer 82, and connecting portion 18 are arranged and fixed in this order from the outside of the vehicle body via the bolts, nuts, etc.

[0045] Additionally, rubber stoppers 85 are disposed near both the front and rear ends of the spacer 82. These rubber stoppers 85 can prevent the fitting rod portion 12 of the retractable side step 2 from colliding with mounted objects, such as a fuel tank, that are pre-installed on the vehicle interior side of the retractable side step 2.

[0046] In another embodiment, the aforementioned fitting rod portion 12 and the connecting portion 18 may be connected to form an integrated structure. By integrating the fitting rod portion 12 and the connecting portion 18 in this manner, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs. In the case of a retractable side step 2 in which the fitting rod portion 12 and the connecting portion 18 are connected to each other, the fitting rod portion 12 may be formed by bending a metal plate.

[0047] Furthermore, in the retractable side step 2 in which the fitting rod portion 12 and the connecting portion 18 are integrated, the joint portion between the connecting portion 18 and the fitting rod portion 12 has a substantially rectangular structure, the fitting rod portion 12 fills the cutout portion 92 of the side bumper 3, and the joint portion between the fitting rod portion 12 and the connecting portion 18 fills the gap above the fitting rod portion 12 (between the fitting rod portion 12 and the side bumper third rod portion 6 in a front view). The presence of this joint portion filling the fitting rod portion 12 and the connecting portion 18 prevents the worker 7 from accidentally inserting their toes between the connecting portion 18 and the fitting rod portion 12 when descending a step using the retractable side step 2.

[0048] [2. Usage of the retractable side step according to one embodiment of the present invention] Next, a description will be given of a usage mode of the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, a description will be given of a mode of installation of the retractable side step 2 on a large vehicle 1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the retractable side step 2 is arranged so as to be attached to the side bumper 3 of a large vehicle 1. Two side bumper stays 34 are connected to the lower part of the loading platform of the large vehicle 1, and the retractable side step 2 is arranged between these side bumper stays 34 so as to be surrounded by them.

[0050] 2 and 4, when the retractable side step 2 is disposed on the side bumper 3, it is first connected to the side bumper third rod portion 6 via two hinges 27 disposed on the upper connection portion main body portion 25 of the connection portion 18. Here, the two hinges 27 each have two perforated portions, and are disposed on the vehicle interior side of the side bumper third rod portion 6 via these perforated portions with bolts and nuts (FIG. 4). The fixing method for this portion is to fix it to a groove-shaped space portion 81 at the upper part of the side bumper third rod portion 6.

[0051] Because of this fixed configuration, the retractable side step 2 is rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body, with the side bumper third rod portion 6 as the rotation axis. As for the rotational changes of the retractable side step 2, FIG. 2 shows the retractable side step 2 held in a stored state (the state in which the retractable side step 2 is stored under the truck bed is referred to as the stored state hereinafter). By pulling the retractable side step 2 outward from the vehicle body and fixing it, the retractable side step 2 can be held in an in-use state as shown in FIG. 3 (the state in which the platform portion 10 of the retractable side step 2 protrudes outside the truck and is fixed is referred to as the in-use state hereinafter). The retention mechanism that holds the platform portion 10 in a fixed position is achieved by fitting a latch bolt 93 into the first latch hole portion 14 or the second latch hole portion 15 of the platform portion 10.

[0052] The fitting rod portion 12 of the retractable side step 2 is positioned exactly at the side bumper second rod portion 5 of the side bumper 3 of the large vehicle 1 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Therefore, the side bumper second rod portion 5 of the large vehicle 1 is previously removed where the fitting rod portion 12 is positioned in the retracted state. Therefore, when the retractable side step 2 is in the retracted state, the side bumper second rod portion 5 of the side bumper 3 of the large vehicle 1 and the fitting rod portion 12 of the retractable side step 2 appear to be an integrated structure that is almost connected together as a single rod-like structure (FIG. 2).

[0053] In the above arrangement of the retractable side step 2, the side bumper 3 is shown as having three rods, which is the mainstream type, but other arrangements are also possible, such as a side bumper with four rods. In the case of a side bumper with four side bumper rods, for example, one embodiment could be such that the retractable side step 2 is rotatably disposed on the topmost side bumper rod using a hinge or the like, and a portion of the second-highest side bumper rod is removed and the fitting rod portion 12 is disposed in that position.

[0054] In addition, the retractable side step 2 is anchored to the side bumper stays 34 via side bumper stays 34 arranged in front and behind the retractable side step 2 and a plate 86 that connects the front and rear side bumper stays 34 in a bridging manner (Figures 4 and 6).

[0055] The plate 86 has a substantially rectangular gap 94 near its center, through which the rod-shaped switch portion of the latch switch 40 passes. The latch switch 40 body is disposed on the vehicle interior side at the upper center of the plate 86 (above the gap 94). The latch switch 40 is fixed via the plate 86 with four sets of bolt and nut fasteners. A latch bolt 93, which functions as a mooring portion, is disposed above the latch switch 40, and the latch bolt 93 fits into the first latch hole 14 or the second latch hole 15 of the aforementioned step body 13, thereby fixing the position of the step 10 (FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0056] Furthermore, the connecting portion 18 and the interior step end protrusion 71 also serve to limit the range of movement of the step portion 10 by coming into contact with the plate 86. In other words, the connecting portion 18 and the entire plate 86, or the interior step end protrusion 71 and the vicinity of the upper end of the plate 86, function as stoppers for each other, thereby limiting the range of movement of the step portion 10.

[0057] Specifically, even if the latch switch 40 fails to properly engage with the first latch hole 14 and the second latch hole 15, when the step 10 moves from the outside to the inside of the vehicle, the connecting portion 18 comes into contact with the entire plate 86, preventing excessive movement of the step 10 toward the inside of the vehicle. Conversely, when the step 10 moves from the inside to the outside of the vehicle, the inside step end protrusion 71 comes into contact with the vicinity of the upper end of the plate 86, preventing excessive movement of the step 10 toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0058] In addition, the side bumper stay 34 is fixed to the bed floor 48 under the bed 8 of the large vehicle 1, the side bumper first rod portion 4, the side bumper second rod portion 5, and the side bumper third rod portion 6, etc., via fasteners such as bolts and nuts (Figures 6 and 7).

[0059] Next, we will discuss the usage of the retractable side step 2. The retractable side step 2 can be switched between a stored state and a used state. This switching is performed by pulling out and pushing in the platform portion 10 toward the inside and outside of the vehicle of the retractable side step 2. In the stored state and the used state, the platform portion 10 is fixed in each position by fixing it via the latch bolt 93 (see Figures 2 and 3, etc.).

[0060] In the stored state, the retractable side step 2 is fixed and stationary with the latch bolt 93 engaged in the first latch hole 14 (FIG. 2). On the other hand, in the use state where the footrest 10 protrudes toward the vehicle body, the latch bolt 93 is engaged in the second latch hole 15, and the retractable side step 2 is fixed and stationary (FIG. 3).

[0061] The stored and used states of the retractable side step 2 will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9. First, in the stored state, the connection part 18 stands upright in the vertical direction, and the platform part 10 is tilted at an angle of approximately 20°, with the exterior side of the vehicle facing slightly upward and the interior side facing slightly downward (Figure 8). In the stored state, as described above, the latch bolt 93 of the latch switch 40 fits into the first latch hole 14 of the platform main body 13 and is fixed in place.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, in the stored state, a structure 47 such as a fuel tank is disposed on the inside of the retractable side step 2, but in the stored state, the retractable side step 2 is not in contact with the structure 47 such as a fuel tank, and is neatly stored in the narrow area under the loading platform 8 of the large vehicle 1.

[0063] Then, when the step 10 is in the tilted stored state, the latch switch 40 is operated to lower the latch bolt 93, thereby releasing the lock on the step 10 and making it movable. Then, the step 10 can be pulled out from the stored state to the outside of the vehicle, and the worker grasps the step 10 and pulls it out. Then, the retractable side step 2 starts from the side bumper third rod portion 6 to which it is engaged, and together with the connection portion 18, it protrudes outward from the vehicle body.

[0064] Then, when the platform part 10 is being pulled out, the platform part 10 is in a state where it is just perpendicular to the plate board 86.

[0065] When the platform 10 is pulled out to a certain extent outside the vehicle, the latch bolt 93 automatically fits into the second latch hole 15 of the platform body 13, locking it into a usable state (FIG. 9). Because the latch bolt 93 serves as the locking mechanism, once the bolt is locked into place, it is securely fastened in place. In this usable state, the platform 10 intersects with the plate 86 at an acute angle in a side view (FIG. 9). The platform 10 is held in a state roughly parallel to the horizontal plane, providing a stable platform 10 with a tread surface on which a foot can be placed. The tread surface is the platform body 10 described above, but it may be rectangular or elliptical as long as it has an area large enough to stably place one foot.

[0066] As the retractable side step 2 changes from the stored state to the used state as described above, the engaging rod portion 12 connected to the lower portion of the retractable side step 2 exhibits an opposite behavior as the platform portion 10 protrudes toward the exterior of the vehicle. That is, in the stored state, the engaging rod portion 12 appears to be connected to the side bumper second rod portion 5, filling the missing portion 92 that was previously removed from the side bumper second rod portion 5 ( FIG. 2 ). Then, as the platform portion 10 is extended from the stored state, the engaging rod portion 12 rotates toward the interior of the vehicle around the upper side bumper third rod portion 6 as a pivot axis, approaching a structure 47 such as a fuel tank ( FIG. 9 ). However, because the retractable side step 2 is disposed around the side bumper third rod portion 6 as a pivot axis, the movement distance of the engaging rod portion 12 is shorter than the movement distance of the upper platform portion 10. Therefore, even if the footrest 10 is pulled out far toward the vehicle body, there is little risk of the mating rod 12 hitting the fuel tank or other structure 47 (Fig. 9). Also, in consideration of the unlikely event that the mating rod 12 hits the fuel tank or other structure 47, two rubber stoppers 85 are provided on the spacer 82 connected to the mating rod 12 on the inside of the vehicle.

[0067] [3. Method of Ascending and Descending Using a Retractable Side Step According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention] Next, a method for ascending and descending using the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a front view of the side of the large vehicle 1 under the loading platform of the large vehicle 1. First, a method for ascending and descending using the retractable side step 2 will be described.

[0068] In this ascending process, first, the latch switch 40 of the retractable side step 2, which is in the stored state, is released, and the platform portion 10 is pulled out toward the outside of the vehicle, placing the retractable side step 2 in the usable state. In this usable state, the fitting rod portion 12 of the retractable side step 2 moves toward the inside of the vehicle, creating a space in the notch 92 of the side bumper second rod portion 5.

[0069] Next, worker 7 stands on the side of the large vehicle, facing forward on the retractable side step 2. Worker 7's feet are in pre-climb step position 56. Then, worker 7 places his / her right foot on the side bumper first rod section lifting / lowering part 90 at the bottom of the retractable side step 2 and ascends (first ascending step 50). Here, because the fitting rod section 12 above the side bumper first rod section lifting / lowering part 90 has been moved toward the interior of the vehicle, a large space is formed above the side bumper first rod section lifting / lowering part 90. Therefore, when the worker places his / her foot on the side bumper first rod section lifting / lowering part 90 at the first ascending step 50, he / she can easily see the foothold, and there are no obstacles when placing his / her foot, allowing him / her to place his / her foot safely.

[0070] Next, as the second ascending step 51, the worker places his / her left foot on the side bumper third rod portion ascending / lowering portion 91 (a portion where the retractable side step 2 is not provided). In the case of such a second ascending step 51, if the side bumper 3 does not have three rod portions 9, the worker may place his / her left foot on the uppermost rod portion 9. Furthermore, because there are no other rod portions 9 above the side bumper third rod portion ascending / lowering portion 91, the worker can easily see the foothold when placing his / her foot on the side bumper third rod portion ascending / lowering portion 91, and there are no obstacles when placing his / her foot, allowing him / her to place his / her foot safely.

[0071] Next, the worker places his / her right foot on the platform 10 of the retractable side step 2 as the third ascending step 52. In this third ascending step 52, the platform 10 protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle, i.e., toward the worker. This allows the worker to easily see the foothold and safely place his / her right foot on it.

[0072] Next, the worker places his / her left foot on the loading platform floor 48 of the loading platform 8 as the fourth ascending step 53. Since the worker can place his / her foot anywhere on the loading platform floor 48 at the fourth ascending step 53, the worker can easily select a place to place his / her foot. Furthermore, since there is sufficient space on the loading platform floor 48, the worker can safely place his / her left foot.

[0073] Finally, to reach the fifth step, the worker places his / her right foot on the cargo bed floor 48. On this fifth step, the worker can place his / her foot anywhere on the cargo bed floor 48, allowing him / her to easily select a place to place his / her foot. Furthermore, there is sufficient space on the cargo bed floor 48, allowing the worker to place his / her right foot safely.

[0074] While the above describes a mode in which the right foot is used first to ascend, the procedure is essentially the same when the left foot is used first. That is, in this case, the steps consist of the first step 50, which is used to ascend with the left foot to the side bumper first rod section ascending / lowering part 90, the second step 51, which is used to ascend with the right foot to the side bumper third rod section ascending / lowering part 91, the third step 52, which is used to ascend with the left foot to the platform part 10 of the retractable side step 2, the fourth step 53, which is used to ascend with the right foot to the cargo bed floor part 48, and the fifth step, which is used to ascend with the right foot to the cargo bed floor part 48.

[0075] Furthermore, when performing this method of ascent and descent, it is possible to provide a lifting aid such as a handrail on part of the loading platform, and climb up and down by placing your hands on this lifting aid, thereby making the ascent and descent safer.

[0076] Furthermore, by using this method of ascent and descent, the step width per step can be made relatively small. Specifically, in a typical large vehicle, this method of ascent and descent requires a step width of approximately 280 mm to approximately 450 mm. This makes ascent and descent safer than conventional methods of ascent and descent possible.

[0077] [4. Effects of the retractable side step according to one embodiment of the present invention] Next, the effects of the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0078] The retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be placed in a usable state simply by the worker 7 pulling out the platform portion 10. This makes it easy to set the side step in a usable state, and is highly convenient.

[0079] Furthermore, the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be arranged in advance in a retracted state under the cargo bed 8 of the large vehicle 1. This eliminates the need to prepare additional storage space for the side step, making it highly convenient.

[0080] Furthermore, the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention has sufficient space above the footrest when placing a foot when ascending at all steps. Therefore, by using this retractable side step 2, it is possible to ascend and descend more safely than with conventional devices.

[0081] Furthermore, the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention uses the side bumper first rod lifting section 90 as the lifting section. This means that the lifting step width is not large and the worker can move up and down in the same lifting step width, allowing the worker to move up and down safely.

[0082] Furthermore, the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged under the cargo bed, which is a narrow space that would normally remain empty. This allows for effective use of the empty space, making it highly convenient.

[0083] Furthermore, the retractable side step according to one embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure with a small number of parts, and can be manufactured inexpensively, which gives it a competitive advantage in the market compared to conventional lifting devices.

[0084] Furthermore, the retractable side step according to one embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure with a small number of parts, making it easy to assemble. This makes it easy for consumers to handle, and in this respect it also has a competitive advantage in the market.

[0085] Furthermore, the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is locked by the latch bolt 93 at the first latch hole 14 and the second latch hole 15. This limits the range of movement of the platform 10, reducing the risk of the platform 10 moving excessively. In this respect, the retractable side step 2 is excellent in safety.

[0086] Furthermore, the retractable side step 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention complies with recent revisions to the guidelines for safety management for transportation businesses. Specifically, it satisfies the following requirements: a single step height is 500 mm or less, the tread width is wide enough for both feet to be placed, and at least one tread step is provided between the ground and the loading platform so that at least half the length of the sole of the foot is visible when viewed from the loading platform. In this respect, the retractable side step 2 is highly convenient.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above description, the retractable side step of the present invention is arranged on the left side bumper of the large vehicle 1, but it is also possible to arrange the retractable side step of the present invention on the right side bumper of the large vehicle.

[0088] The above-described content is not limited to this one embodiment. Regardless of the mode of implementation, it goes without saying that as long as it is considered to fall within the same technical scope, it is a technology of the same quality as the invention described in this patent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Large vehicles 2 retractable side steps 3 Side Bumper 4 Side bumper first rod part 5 Side bumper second rod part 6 Side bumper third rod part 7. Workers 8 Cargo bed 9 Rod section 10 Stepping Stone 12. Mating rod part 13 Stepping board body 14 First latch hole 15 Second latch hole 16 Latch 17 Connection hole 18 Connection 19 Cavity 27 Hinge 34 Side bumper stay 40 Latching switch 47 Fuel tanks and other structures 48 Cargo floor 56 Step position before lifting 57 Ground 60 Latch 80 Hole 81 Groove-shaped space 82 Connection reinforcement 85 Rubber Stopper 86 Plate 87 Rubber stopper 90 Side bumper first rod lifting part 91 Side bumper third rod lifting part 92 Missing part 93 Latch bolt 94 Gap 95 Upper connection bend 96 Front connection bend 97 Rear connection bend 99 Perforation part

Claims

1. A retractable side step used when climbing up and down the loading platform of a large vehicle, the side step having a loading platform and a side bumper positioned below the loading platform and having a plurality of rod portions provided along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, a step portion having a tread surface; a fitting rod portion that fits into a notch formed in at least one of the plurality of rod portions; a connecting portion that is supported on the side bumper so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis that is in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body, and that connects the platform portion and the fitting rod portion to each other, The pivoting movement of the connecting portion switches between a use state in which the tread protrudes outward from the side bumper and a storage state in which the fitting rod portion is fitted into the notch. A retractable side step.

2. a holding mechanism for holding the use state and the storage state; 2. The retractable side step according to claim 1.

3. The holding mechanism includes: The first latch hole and the second latch hole are formed in the platform portion, When the latch bolt of the latch switch engages, The use state and the storage state are maintained.

3. The retractable side step according to claim 2.

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