Vehicle ramp device

Abstract

To reduce sliding resistance.SOLUTION: A slope device 11 comprises: a slope plate 10 which is deployed at a lower end of a door opening; and guide rails 20 which extend in deployment and storage directions of the slope plate 10. In addition, the slope device 11 comprises: movable bodies 21 which move along an extending direction of the guide rail 20; and support arms 22 which are turnably connected to a rear end part 10r of the slope plate 10 and also turnably connected to the movable bodies 21, respectively. Furthermore, the slope device 11 comprises a lift mechanism which lifts the rear end part 10r of the slope plate 10 by turning the support arms 22 in a state that the slope plate 10 is deployed. And the support arm 22 is provided with a roller 57 which maintains a movement attitude of the slope plate 10 by bringing into slide contact with the guide rail 20 in a state that the slope plate 10 moves integrally with the movable body 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a slope device for a vehicle that deploys a slope plate at the lower end of a door opening. For example, the slope device described in Patent Document 1 includes a guide rail extending in the deployment and storage direction of the slope plate, and a moving body that moves along the extension direction of the guide rail. The slope device also includes a support arm that is rotatably connected to the rear end of the slope plate and to the drive shoe, and a lift mechanism that rotates the support arm. Furthermore, the slope device is configured such that the rear end of the slope plate deployed at the lower end of the door opening is lifted upward by the support arm rotating based on the operation of the lift mechanism. As a result, the slope plate forms a ramp in a manner that brings the rear end closer to the vehicle floor.

[0003] In addition, in this conventional slope device, the support arm is in sliding contact with the guide rail when the slope plate moves together with the moving body, and the rotation of the support arm is restricted, thereby stably maintaining the moving posture of the slope plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-164142 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional configuration has a problem in that the support arm comes into sliding contact with the guide rail, resulting in increased sliding resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle slope device that solves the above problem comprises a slope plate that is deployed at the bottom end of a door opening, a guide rail that extends in the direction in which the slope plate is deployed and stored, a movable body that moves along the extension direction of the guide rail, a support arm that is rotatably connected to the rear end of the slope plate and to the movable body, and a lift mechanism that lifts the rear end of the slope plate by rotating the support arm when the slope plate is in the deployed state, and the support arm is provided with a roller that maintains the moving position of the slope plate by sliding against the guide rail when the slope plate moves together with the movable body.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the moving posture of the slope plate can be stably maintained while suppressing an increase in sliding resistance, thereby ensuring smooth operation and high reliability.

[0008] The vehicle ramp device that solves the above problem preferably includes a roller cover that covers the upper part of the roller when the rear end of the slope plate is raised by the rotation of the support arm.

[0009] That is, the support arm rotates while exposed to the outside of the guide rail, thereby moving the rear end of the slope plate up and down. Therefore, the roller provided on the support arm is also located in a position where it is likely to be subjected to external forces, for example, if a user of the slope plate accidentally steps on it. However, with the above configuration, the roller can be protected by the roller cover, and high reliability can be ensured.

[0010] In the vehicle ramp device that solves the above problem, it is preferable that the roller cover is provided on the support arm and rotates integrally with the support arm to be positioned in a position that covers above the roller.

[0011] That is, by providing the roller cover on the support arm, the roller cover can be stored integrally with the support arm. This allows for a simplified and compact configuration. Furthermore, by rotating the roller cover integrally with the support arm, the direction in which the roller cover covers the roller can be changed. This allows for an area in which the roller slides against the guide rail when the support arm moves in the unfolding and moving directions.

[0012] In the vehicle slope device that solves the above-mentioned problems, the lift mechanism includes a driven member that has a connecting shaft to the support arm and moves together with the support arm in the extension direction of the guide rail, and a deployment stopper that abuts against the driven member toward the deployment direction to restrict the movement of the driven member, and when the moving body moves in the deployment direction with the movement of the driven member toward the deployment direction restricted, the support arm rotates around the connecting shaft with the driven member to lift the rear end of the slope plate upward, and when the driven member abuts against the deployment stopper, the driven member and when the driven member moves to a position where it abuts against the deployment stopper, the engagement lever is pressed by the driven member and rotates in a first direction, thereby allowing the driven member to move in the deployment direction, and when the driven member moves to a position where it abuts against the deployment stopper, the engagement lever is pressed by a pressing portion provided integrally with the moving body which moves in the deployment direction while abutting against the deployment stopper, and rotates in a second direction, thereby engaging with the driven member, and the rotation in the first direction is preferably restricted by the pressing portion located in the first direction.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the support arm rotates in conjunction with the moving body moving in the deployment and storage directions along the guide rail, thereby allowing the rear end of the slope plate connected to the support arm to move up and down.

[0014] Furthermore, in the lifted-up state where the rear end of the slope plate is lifted upward, the moving position of the driven member can be fixed. This makes it possible to stably maintain the lifted-up state. Furthermore, the engaging lever can be engaged and disengaged with the driven member in conjunction with the moving body moving in the deployment and storage directions. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration.

[0015] In a vehicle ramp device that solves the above problems, it is preferable that the driven member is provided with an engagement piece that abuts against the deployment stopper and engages with the engagement lever in a state where it is sandwiched between the deployment stopper and the engagement lever.

[0016] According to the above-described configuration, the movement of the driven member can be stably restricted in both the deployment and storage directions with a simple configuration. In the vehicle slope device that solves the above problems, it is preferable that the driven member has a bent plate shape with a first upright portion and a second upright portion that are arranged at positions offset from each other in the width direction of the guide rail.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to form a driven member that moves in the deployment and storage directions together with the movable body and the support arm with a simple configuration, easily and in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, based on the folded plate shape, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the driven member. This makes it possible to ensure stable operation.

[0018] A vehicle slope device that solves the above problems comprises an anti-fall-off member rotatably connected to the slope plate, a biasing member that biases the anti-fall-off member to stand up at the side end of the slope plate, and a pressing member that contacts the anti-fall-off member which moves downward together with the slope plate as the support arm rotates to pull down the rear end of the slope plate that has been lifted upward, and presses the anti-fall-off member, thereby tilting the anti-fall-off member onto the upper surface of the slope plate against the biasing force of the biasing member, wherein the pressing member is provided on the driven member and is inserted into a slit formed at the side end of the slope plate to be positioned in contact with the anti-fall-off member, and preferably has a flexible abutment piece that curves in the width direction of the slope plate and abuts against the side wall surface of the slit.

[0019] That is, the driven member is fixed in its moving position when the support arm connected to the rear end of the slope plate rotates. Therefore, by providing a pressing member on the driven member, the anti-fall-off member can be stably raised at the side end of the slope plate and tilted onto the upper surface of the slope plate in conjunction with the up and down movement of the slope plate caused by the rotation of the support arm. Furthermore, the abutment piece of the pressing member abuts against the side wall surface of the slit, so that the pressing member can be positioned relative to the anti-fall-off member facing the slit. The elastic force based on the flexibility imparted to the abutment piece can suppress positional deviation caused by the widthwise displacement of the slope plate.

[0020] A vehicle slope device that solves the above problem comprises a connecting member that is connected to the moving body while being fixed to a drive cable, and moves integrally with the moving body based on the driving force transmitted through the drive cable, the moving body having a bent plate shape having a horizontal plate portion to which the connecting member is connected and a vertical wall portion to which the support arm is connected, and it is preferable that the connecting member is connected to the moving body by having a vertical plate-shaped portion that constitutes the pressing portion for the engagement lever, and an engaging portion that is provided at the lower end of the vertical plate-shaped portion and has a plurality of engaging pieces that clamp the horizontal plate portion in the vertical direction.

[0021] That is, by providing a pressing portion for the engaging lever on the connecting member that moves integrally with the movable body, it is possible to precisely control the engagement and disengagement of the engaging lever with the driven member in conjunction with the movable body that moves in the deployment and storage directions, thereby ensuring stable operation.

[0022] In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the connecting member is connected to the moving body by fitting, the assembly work can be simplified. Furthermore, by vertically sandwiching the horizontal plate portion of the moving body with a plurality of fitting pieces, the tilting of the vertical plate portion provided on the connecting member can be suppressed. This makes it possible to avoid an increase in sliding resistance caused by a change in the moving posture of the connecting member and the moving body.

[0023] A vehicle slope device that solves the above problem is provided with a storage stopper that restricts the movement of the moving body toward the storage direction beyond a predetermined storage position by abutting against the moving body moving in the storage direction, and it is preferable that the storage stopper is positioned in a position where it abuts against the moving body with the storage stopper and the fitting portion of the connecting member aligned in the deployment and storage directions.

[0024] That is, the movable body moves together with the connecting member based on the driving force transmitted through the drive cable. Therefore, by adopting the above-mentioned configuration, the load of the movable body can be efficiently received by the storage stopper. This allows the posture of the movable body abutting against the storage stopper to be stably maintained. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for an excessive strength margin and reduce the weight of the movable body. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, the sliding resistance can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a slope device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a slope device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slope device provided below a door opening. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slope device provided below a door opening. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a slope device. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slope device near the lift mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slope device near the lift mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slope device near the lift mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slope device near the lift mechanism. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a side plate that constitutes a widthwise end of a slope plate, a link member that constitutes a support arm, a movable body, a roller, and a roller cover. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a side plate, a link member, a moving body, a roller, and a roller cover. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a side view of a side plate, a link member, a moving body, a roller, and a roller cover. [Diagram 23]FIG. 4 is a side view of the side plate, the link member, the moving body, the roller and the roller cover, and the guide rail. [Figure 24] 13 is a side view of the roller and the roller cover in a lifted-up state in which the rear end of the slope plate is lifted. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the roller, the roller cover, and the vicinity thereof in a lifted-up state. [Figure 26] 4A and 4B are side views of a link member, a roller, and a roller cover. [Figure 27] 13 is a perspective view of a slope plate in an unfolded state and a fall prevention member in an upright state. FIG. [Figure 28] 13 is a perspective view of a slope plate in a stored state and a fall prevention member in a tilted state. FIG. [Figure 29] 13 is a rear view of the slope plate with the anti-fall-off member in an upright position. FIG. [Diagram 30] 13 is a rear view of the slope plate when the anti-fall-off member is tilted. FIG. [Diagram 31] 13 is a perspective view of a hinge portion provided on the slope plate and a torsion coil spring that biases a fall prevention member connected to a side end portion of the slope plate via the hinge portion. FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the slope device near the rear end of the slope plate. [Diagram 33] FIG. [Diagram 34] 1 is a plan view of the slope device in the vicinity of a slit provided at the rear end of the slope plate. FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. [Figure 39] 13 is a plan view of the movable body, the connecting member, and the storage stopper that have been moved to the vicinity of the storage position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle ramp device will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a vehicle body 2 that is substantially rectangular and box-shaped and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. A door opening 3 through which passengers can get in and out is provided on a side surface 2s of the vehicle body 2. A pair of sliding doors 4f, 4r that open and close in opposite directions in the vehicle front-rear direction are provided in the door opening 3.

[0028] That is, the sliding door 4f on the front side of the vehicle is opened by moving toward the front side of the vehicle, and is closed by moving toward the rear side of the vehicle. On the other hand, the sliding door 4r on the rear side of the vehicle is opened by moving toward the rear side of the vehicle, and is closed by moving toward the front side of the vehicle. Furthermore, each of these sliding doors 4f, 4r has a configuration as a power sliding door device that opens and closes based on the driving force of an actuator (not shown). And, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the door opening 3 is opened and closed by each of these sliding doors 4f, 4r working together.

[0029] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a slope device 11 that deploys a slope plate 10 at the lower end of the door opening 3 when the door opening 3 is in an open state. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment allows passengers to easily get on and off through the door opening 3 by using the ramp 12 formed by the slope plate 10, even if they are carrying, for example, a wheelchair, a stroller, or a carry case.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the slope device 11 is installed in a storage box 13 serving as a storage section provided in the vehicle body 2 below the door opening 3. Specifically, the storage box 13 has an opening 13a facing the same direction as the door opening 3. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to deploy the slope plate 10 stored in the storage box 13 to the outside of the vehicle through this opening 13a, and then store the deployed slope plate 10 back into the storage box 13.

[0031] In detail, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of guide rails 20, 20 which extend in the deployment and storage direction of the slope plate 10 which is deployed from the storage box 13 to the lower end of the door opening 3, that is, in the depth direction within the storage box 13.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the guide rails 20, 20 are arranged substantially parallel to each other in such a manner that the slope plate 10 in the storage box 13 is sandwiched from both sides in the width direction. The slope device 11 of this embodiment also includes a pair of moving bodies 21, 21 that are slidably provided along the extending direction of the guide rails 20, 20 engaged with the guide rails 20. The slope device 11 also includes a pair of support arms 22, 22 that are rotatably connected to the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 and to the moving bodies 21. That is, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the slope plate 10 and the moving bodies 21, 21 are connected via the support arms 22, 22. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the slope plate 10 moves in the unfolding and storing directions in conjunction with the moving bodies 21, 21.

[0033] The slope device 11 of this embodiment also includes an actuator 25 that applies a driving force to the slope plate 10 using a motor 24 as a driving source. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the actuator 25 is disposed in the storage box 13 on the rear side of the rear end 20r of each guide rail 20. Furthermore, the slope device 11 of this embodiment also includes a pair of drive cables 26, 26 that are routed along the extension direction of the guide rails 20, 20. In addition, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the drive cables 26, 26 are routed from the actuator 25 to the rear end 20r of each guide rail 20, 20 by being inserted into the casing pipes 26x, 26x. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the moving bodies 21, 21 move along the extension direction of each guide rail 20, 20 based on the driving force of the actuator 25 transmitted via the drive cables 26, 26.

[0034] Specifically, the actuator 25 of this embodiment has a drive gear 27 that rotates based on the drive force generated by the motor 24. The actuator 25 is configured such that the drive cables 26, 26 mesh with the drive gear 27 at two positions that sandwich the drive gear 27 in the radial direction. That is, the actuator 25 of this embodiment slides the drive cables 26, 26 along the extension direction of the guide rails 20, 20 as the drive gear 27 rotates. Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the movable bodies 21, 21 are connected to the ends of the drive cables 26, 26. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the movable bodies 21, 21 slide in the deployment and storage direction of the slope plate 10 together with the drive cables 26, 26 while being guided by the guide rails 20, 20.

[0035] 6 and 7, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the slope plate 10 is stored in the storage box 13 with a substantially horizontal posture maintained based on the engagement force of the movable body 21 and the support arm 22 with the guide rail 20. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the slope plate 10 moves in the deployment and storage directions together with the movable body 21 and the support arm 22 along the extension direction of the guide rail 20 while maintaining this substantially horizontal posture.

[0036] 8, the slope device 11 of this embodiment deploys the slope plate 10 outside the vehicle in such a manner that it extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the side edge 1s of the vehicle 1 where the storage box 13 is provided. Furthermore, in this state, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the support arm 22 interposed between the moving body 21 and the slope plate 10 rotates, thereby lifting the rear end portion 10r of the slope plate 10. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the slope plate 10 forms a ramp 12 in such a manner that the rear end portion 10r approaches the vehicle floor 28.

[0037] In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, a floor engagement portion 29 is provided at the rear end portion 10r of the slope plate 10. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the load of the slope plate 10 is supported by the vehicle floor 28 as a result of the floor engagement portion 29 engaging with the edge portion 28e of the vehicle floor 28.

[0038] (Lift mechanism) Next, a connection structure between the slope plate 10 and the moving body 21 and a lift mechanism in the slope device 11 of this embodiment will be described.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 14, the movable body 21 of this embodiment includes a horizontal plate portion 30 having a substantially flat plate shape, and a vertical wall portion 31 erected at one end of the horizontal plate portion 30. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the movable body 21 is formed by plastic processing a metal plate. Thus, the movable body 21 of this embodiment has a substantially L-shaped bent plate shape.

[0040] In the movable body 21 of this embodiment, a support shaft 33 is provided at the front end portion 31f of the vertical wall portion 31. The slope device 11 of this embodiment includes a link member 34 rotatably supported by the support shaft 33.

[0041] In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the link member 34 has a substantially flat plate-like outer shape. The slope device 11 of this embodiment also includes a long, substantially flat side plate 35 that is rotatably connected to the link member 34 at a position spaced apart from the connection position to the support shaft 33. Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the side plate 35 is fixed integrally to the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the link member 34 is rotatably connected to the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 and functions as a support arm 22 that is rotatably connected to the moving body 21.

[0042] Specifically, the slope plate 10 of this embodiment includes a panel member 36 that constitutes the slope surface 12s of the slope path 12 that the slope plate 10 forms at the lower end of the door opening 3. The slope plate 10 also includes a pair of side frames 37, 37 that extend in the front-rear direction of the slope plate 10 while sandwiching both sides of the width direction of the panel member 36. Furthermore, the side plate 35 is fixed to the side end surface of the side frame 37 with its long flat plate shape extending in the extension direction of the side frame 37. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the side plate 35 and the side frame 37 form the width direction end of the slope plate 10 at its rear end 10r.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 and 15 to 18, the slope device 11 of the present embodiment includes a driven member 40 that moves together with the link member 34 along the extending direction of the guide rail 20. As shown in FIG.

[0044] More specifically, the driven member 40 has a long bent plate shape with a first standing plate portion 40f and a second standing plate portion 40r that are arranged at positions offset from each other in the width direction of the guide rail 20. The width direction of the guide rail 20 can also be said to be the width direction of the slope plate 10. In addition, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the driven member 40 is arranged on the side of the moving body 21 in a state along the vertical wall portion 31. Furthermore, the driven member 40 has a connecting shaft 38 for the link member 34 provided on the first standing plate portion 40f. That is, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the driving force applied to the moving body 21 is transmitted to the driven member 40 via the link member 34 and the connecting shaft 38. The driven member 40 of this embodiment is configured to move together with the link member 34 along the extension direction of the guide rail 20.

[0045] More specifically, the driven member 40 of this embodiment has an elongated hole 41 provided in the first upright portion 40f and an elongated hole 42 provided in the second upright portion 40r. Specifically, each of these elongated holes 41, 42 is extended in the longitudinal direction of the driven member 40 arranged along the vertical wall portion 31 of the moving body 21. The moving body 21 of this embodiment also has an engagement shaft 43 protruding near the rear end portion 31r of the vertical wall portion 31. The driven member 40 of this embodiment is arranged to the side of the moving body 21 with the engagement shaft 43 inserted into the elongated hole 42 of the second upright portion 40r and the support shaft 33 provided at the front end portion 31f of the vertical wall portion 31 inserted into the elongated hole 41 of the first upright portion 40f.

[0046] Moreover, the link member 34 of this embodiment has one longitudinal end rotatably connected to a support shaft 44 provided on the side plate 35, and the other longitudinal end rotatably connected to a support shaft 33 provided on the vertical wall portion 31 of the moving body 21. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that a first rotation connection point X1 between the slope plate 10 and the support arm 22, and a second rotation connection point X2 between the support arm 22 and the moving body 21 are formed.

[0047] Furthermore, the link member 34 of this embodiment has a long hole 45 extending in the longitudinal direction at a position between the first rotation connection point X1 and the second rotation connection point X2. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the connecting shaft 38 provided on the first standing plate portion 40f of the driven member 40 is inserted into the long hole 45.

[0048] Each of the support shafts 33, 44, the connecting shaft 38, and the engagement shaft 43 has a flange shape at both axial ends thereof, so that in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the vertical wall portion 31 of the moving body 21, the link member 34, the side plate 35, and the driven member 40 are stably connected to each other.

[0049] 11 and 12, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is provided with a deployment stopper 46 that restricts movement of the driven member 40 by abutting against the driven member 40 moving in the deployment direction together with the link member 34 constituting the support arm 22. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the deployment stopper 46 is provided in the vicinity of the front end 20f of the guide rail 20 (see Figs. 3 to 8). Thus, in a state in which the slope plate 10 is deployed at the lower end of the door opening 3, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the deployment direction, that is, the movement position of the driven member 40 from the rear end 20r to the front end 20f of the guide rail 20, is fixed.

[0050] 9 to 12 and 18, the driven member 40 of this embodiment has a generally flat engagement piece 47 that extends above the movable body 21 from the upper end portion of the second standing plate portion 40r in a state facing the horizontal plate portion 30. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the engagement piece 47 comes into contact with the deployment stopper 46 as the driven member 40 moves to the front end portion 20f of the guide rail 20 in the deployment direction of the slope plate 10.

[0051] As shown in Figs. 15 to 17, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, from a state in which the movement of the driven member 40 in the unfolding direction is restricted, the moving body 21 further moves in the unfolding direction.

[0052] That is, the movable body 21 of this embodiment is allowed to move relative to the driven member 40 along the extension direction of the guide rail 20 by the support shaft 33 and the engagement shaft 43 inserted into the long holes 41, 42 of the driven member 40 moving within these long holes 41, 42. Also, the relative movement of the movable body 21 with respect to the driven member 40 changes the arrangement of the connecting shaft 38 inserted into the long hole 45 of the link member 34. Specifically, the position of the connecting shaft 38 arranged in the long hole 45 moves in the apparent longitudinal direction of the long hole 45 from the first pivot connection point X1 side to the second pivot connection point X2 side (from left to right in Figs. 15 to 17). In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the link member 34 constituting the support arm 22 thereby rotates around the connecting shaft 38 of the driven member 40, thereby forming a lift mechanism 50 that lifts the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 upward.

[0053] Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the support shaft 33 of the link member 34 constituting the second rotation connection point X2 provided on the moving body 21 moves in the deployment direction beyond the connection shaft 38 of the driven member 40 whose movement in the deployment direction is restricted by the deployment stopper 46. At this time, the position of the connection shaft 38 arranged in the long hole 45 appears to move again in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 45, from the second rotation connection point X2 side to the first rotation connection point X1 side. This ensures a large amount of rotation for the link member 34, so that the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 lifted upward by the rotation of the link member 34 can be brought closer to the edge 28e of the vehicle floor 28.

[0054] 11 and 12, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is provided with an engagement lever 51 that engages with the engagement piece 47 of the driven member 40 when the engagement piece 47 abuts against the deployment stopper 46. Specifically, the engagement lever 51 engages with the engagement piece 47 in a manner that pinches the engagement piece 47 between the deployment stopper 46 and the engagement lever 51. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the movement of the driven member 40 in the retracting direction is restricted by the engagement lever 51.

[0055] As shown in Figs. 11, 12, and 18, the engaging lever 51 of this embodiment is pivotally supported at its base end by a support shaft 52 erected on the front end 20f of the guide rail 20 together with the deployment stopper 46. The engaging lever 51 is disposed with its tip portion facing the rear end 20r of the guide rail 20, i.e., the storage direction of the slope plate 10 (right side in Fig. 18). Furthermore, the engaging lever 51 has a hook-shaped engaging portion 53 at its tip portion that protrudes in the width direction of the guide rail 20, in the direction in which the driven member 40 is located (upward in Fig. 18). The engaging lever 51 of this embodiment is thus configured to be able to pinch the engaging piece 47 of the driven member 40 between the engaging portion 53 and the deployment stopper 46 by rotating around the support shaft 52.

[0056] More specifically, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the engagement piece 47 of the driven member 40 moving in the deployment direction comes into contact with the engagement portion 53 of the engagement lever 51. Specifically, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the engagement portion 53 of the engagement lever 51 is provided with a first tapered surface 53a facing in the width direction of the guide rail 20 (the vertical direction in each figure), that is, in the direction in which the driven member 40 is located. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the tip 47a of the engagement piece 47 protruding from the second upright portion 40r of the driven member 40 above the moving body 21 comes into contact with the first tapered surface 53a provided on the engagement portion 53 of the engagement lever 51.

[0057] Furthermore, due to this contact, the engaging lever 51 of this embodiment rotates in the clockwise direction in each figure in such a manner that the engaging portion 53 is pushed aside by the tip 47a of the engaging piece 47. That is, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the direction in which the engaging lever 51 is pressed by the engaging piece 47 of the driven member 40 and rotates at this time is the first direction. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to allow the driven member 40 to move in the deployment direction, so that the engaging piece 47 is positioned to abut against the deployment stopper 46.

[0058] As shown in Figs. 9 to 12, 18 and 19, the slope device 11 of this embodiment includes a connecting member 54 that is connected to the moving body 21 while being fixed to the drive cable 26. That is, the connecting member 54 moves integrally with the moving body 21 based on the driving force transmitted through the drive cable 26. The connecting member 54 is fitted to the horizontal plate portion 30 of the moving body 21 at an end portion opposite to the position where the vertical wall portion 31 is erected. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the connecting member 54 is formed using resin. Furthermore, the connecting member 54 includes a substantially flat upright plate-shaped portion 55 that is erected in a state facing the vertical wall portion 31 of the moving body 21 by being fitted to the horizontal plate portion 30. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, as the movable body 21 and the connecting member 54 move toward the deployment direction, this upright plate-shaped portion 55 comes into contact with the engaging portion 53 of the engaging lever 51, which has been rotated in the first direction due to contact with the engaging piece 47 of the driven member 40.

[0059] 20 and 21, the engaging lever 51 of this embodiment has a second tapered surface 53b on its engaging portion 53, the second tapered surface 53b facing the opposite side (lower side in each drawing) from the first tapered surface 53a in the width direction of the guide rail 20. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the upright plate-shaped portion 55 of the connecting member 54, which moves in the deployment direction, comes into contact with the second tapered surface 53b.

[0060] Specifically, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that after the engagement piece 47 of the driven member 40 moving in the deployment direction has passed, the tip 55f of the standing plate-shaped portion 55 comes into contact with the second tapered surface 53b provided on the engagement portion 53 of the engagement lever 51. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the tip 55f of the standing plate-shaped portion 55 is also set with a tapered shape corresponding to the second tapered surface 53b. Then, the engagement lever 51 of this embodiment rotates in the counterclockwise direction in each drawing in such a manner that the engagement portion 53 is pushed aside by the standing plate-shaped portion 55 of the connecting member 54 due to this contact.

[0061] That is, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the upright plate-shaped portion 55 of the connecting member 54 constitutes a pressing portion 56 that moves integrally with the movable body 21. Furthermore, at this time, the direction in which the engaging lever 51 is pressed by the upright plate-shaped portion 55 of the connecting member 54 and rotates is the second direction. As a result, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the engaging portion 53 of the engaging lever 51 sandwiches the engaging piece 47 of the driven member 40 between itself and the deployment stopper 46 in the deployment and storage directions of the slope plate 10.

[0062] Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, as a result of the movable body 21 and the connecting member 54 moving in the deployment direction from this state, the upright plate-shaped portion 55 of the connecting member 54 is positioned on the first direction side of the engaging lever 51 (the lower side in each figure). Furthermore, based on the positioning of this upright plate-shaped portion 55, the rotation of the engaging lever 51 in the first direction is restricted. Thus, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the engaging piece 47 of the driven member 40 is held in a state where it is sandwiched between the deployment stopper 46 and the engaging portion 53 of the engaging lever 51.

[0063] That is, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, when the slope plate 10 is deployed at the lower end of the door opening 3, the driven member 40 cannot move in either the deployment direction or the storage direction, in other words, the movement position is fixed. This makes it possible for the slope device 11 of this embodiment to stably maintain the position of the slope plate 10 with the rear end portion 10r lifted upward based on the operation of the lift mechanism 50.

[0064] 19, when the slope plate 10 is stored, the movable body 21 and the connecting member 54 move in the storage direction, thereby allowing the engaging lever 51 to rotate in the first direction again. As a result, the following member 40 moves in the storage direction together with the link member 34 connected to the movable body 21, with the engaging piece 47 pushing aside the engaging portion 53 of the engaging lever 51.

[0065] (Movement posture maintenance structure for slope plate) Next, a structure for maintaining the moving posture of the slope plate 10 in the slope device 11 of this embodiment will be described.

[0066] As shown in Figures 9, 10, 22 and 23, the slope device 11 of this embodiment includes a roller 57 provided on the link member 34 constituting the support arm 22. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the roller 57 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 58 fixed to the link member 34. Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, when the slope plate 10 is deployed or retracted, the roller 57 abuts against the upper wall surface 59 of the guide rail 20 from below. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that, with the roller 57 sliding on the upper wall surface 59 of the guide rail 20, the slope plate 10 moves in the deployment and retraction directions together with the moving body 21 and the link member 34.

[0067] That is, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the moving body 21 moving in the deployment direction along the extension direction of the guide rail 20 pushes the slope plate 10 connected via the link member 34 out of the storage box 13, thereby deploying it outside the vehicle. Then, the moving body 21 moving in the storage direction along the extension direction of the guide rail 20 pulls back the slope plate 10 connected via the link member 34 to store it in the storage box 13.

[0068] 15, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the connecting shaft 38 of the driven member 40 disposed in the long hole 45 of the link member 34 is disposed at the longitudinal front end portion of the long hole 45. In this manner, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the rotation of the link member 34 is restricted in the direction in which the rear end portion 10r of the slope plate 10 is pulled down.

[0069] 22 and 23, the rollers 57 provided on the link member 34 come into contact with the upper wall surface 59 of the guide rail 20, thereby restricting the rotation of the link member 34 in the direction in which the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is raised. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to stably maintain the approximately horizontal moving posture of the slope plate 10, and to reduce the sliding resistance during the deployment and storage operations by the rotation of the rollers 57.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 to 14, 24 and 25, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is provided with a roller cover 60 that covers the upper part of the roller 57 when the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is lifted by rotation of the link member 34.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 24, Fig. 25, and Fig. 26(a) and (b), the roller cover 60 of this embodiment includes a substantially flat plate-shaped fixing portion 60a fixed to the support shaft 58 of the roller 57 at a position where the roller 57 is sandwiched between the roller cover 60 and the link member 34. The roller cover 60 also includes a curved plate-shaped cover portion 60b that is extended in the axial direction of the support shaft 58 from one end of the fixing portion 60a that covers the axial end of the roller 57, and is positioned to partially cover the radial outside of the roller 57. The roller cover 60 of this embodiment is thus configured to rotate integrally with the link member 34 when the link member 34 rotates, without rotating around the support shaft 58 of the roller 57.

[0072] That is, as shown in Figures 9 to 14 and 22 to 26, before the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is lifted, that is, before the slope plate 10 is lifted up, the roller cover 60 of this embodiment is disposed in a position where its cover portion 60b covers the deployment direction side of the roller 57. Furthermore, by the rotation of the link member 34 that lifts the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10, the roller cover 60 is disposed in a position where its cover portion 60b covers the upper part of the roller 57. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to protect the roller 57, which is disposed in a position exposed to the outside of the guide rail 20, together with the link member 34 that constitutes the support arm 22, when the slope plate 10 is deployed.

[0073] 9 to 12, the slope device 11 of this embodiment further includes a plurality of rollers 61 provided on the moving body 21. That is, each of these rollers 61 also comes into sliding contact with the wall surface formed by the guide rail 20. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to reduce the sliding resistance of the moving body 21 moving along the extension direction of the guide rail 20.

[0074] 11, 12, 24, and 25, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is provided with a protection plate 63 that is fixed to the vehicle body 2 in a state where it extends in the width direction of the slope plate 10 at a position corresponding to the front end 20f of the guide rail 20. Furthermore, this protection plate 63 is provided with a plurality of rollers 64 that come into sliding contact with the underside of the slope plate 10 that is deployed at the lower end of the door opening 3 in a manner that extends from the storage box 13 to the outside of the vehicle. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to ensure smooth deployment and storage operations of the slope plate 10.

[0075] (Fall prevention parts) Next, the fall-off prevention members provided on the slope plate 10 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 27 to 30, the slope device 11 of this embodiment includes a pair of left and right fall prevention members 70, 70 provided on the side frames 37, 37 that constitute the side ends of the slope plate .

[0076] Specifically, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, these fall prevention members 70, 70 have a generally flat plate-like outer shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the slope plate 10. The slope device 11 of this embodiment also has a plurality of hinge portions 71 provided on the side frames 37, 37 constituting the side ends of the slope plate 10. Each of the side frames 37, 37 of this embodiment has a pair of hinge portions 71, 71 provided at two locations spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The fall prevention members 70, 70 of this embodiment are rotatably connected to the side ends of the slope plate 10 via the respective hinge portions 71.

[0077] That is, the slope device 11 of this embodiment erects these fall prevention members 70, 70 when the slope plate 10 deployed at the lower end of the door opening 3 is in a state where it forms a ramp 12. When the slope plate 10 is in a stored state or moves in the deployment and storage directions, these fall prevention members 70, 70 can be tilted.

[0078] More specifically, as shown in Figs. 31 and 32, the hinge portion 71 of this embodiment includes a fixing member 72 for the side frame 37 and a fixing member 73 for the fall prevention member 70. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the height of the fall prevention member 70 near the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is set low (see Figs. 27 and 28). The hinge portion 71 also includes a connecting shaft 74 that rotatably connects these fixing members 72, 73. Thus, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the fall prevention member 70 connected to the side frame 37 constituting the side end of the slope plate 10 rotates around the rotation axis L formed by the connecting shaft 74 of each hinge portion 71.

[0079] Furthermore, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is provided with a torsion coil spring 75 that is fitted onto the connecting shaft 74 of the hinge portion 71. The anti-fall-off member 70 of this embodiment is configured to stand up on the side end of the slope plate 10 by being biased by the torsion coil spring 75.

[0080] 29 and 30, the slope device 11 of this embodiment includes a check block 76 provided at the base end 70b of the fall prevention member 70 and a pressing member 77 that presses the check block 76 during the storage operation of the slope plate 10. Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the fall prevention member 70 rotates clockwise in Figs. 29 and 30 around the connecting shaft 74 of the hinge part 71 that constitutes the rotation shaft L of the fall prevention member 70 based on the pressing force of the pressing member 77. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the fall prevention member 70 tilts toward the upper surface 10s of the slope plate 10 against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 75.

[0081] The check block 76 of the present embodiment has a tapered surface 76s at a position where it is pressed by the pressing member 77. The slope device 11 of the present embodiment is thus configured so that the fall-prevention member 70 can rotate smoothly in the tilting direction.

[0082] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the pressing member 77 is fixed to the front end portion of the first standing plate portion 40f of the driven member 40. Furthermore, in the slope plate 10 of this embodiment, the side plate 35 forming the first rotation connection point X1 between the slope plate 10 and the support arm 22 forms a slit 78 between the side frame 37 and the rear end portion 10r of the slope plate 10. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the pressing member 77 provided on the driven member 40 presses the check block 76 of the fall-off prevention member 70 through this slit 78.

[0083] That is, when the slope plate 10 is stored, the rotation of the support arm 22 that pulls down the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 causes the fall prevention member 70 to move downward together with the slope plate 10. Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, a pressing member 77 provided on the driven member 40 is disposed below the check block 76 provided on the base end 70b of the fall prevention member 70 at this time. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the fall prevention member 70 tilts toward the upper surface 10s of the slope plate 10 based on the storage operation of the slope plate 10.

[0084] Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, when the slope plate 10 moves, the driven member 40 on which the pressing member 77 is provided also moves together with the slope plate 10. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the pressing member 77 continues to press the check block 76 of the fall-off prevention member 70, thereby maintaining the inclined state of the fall-off prevention member 70.

[0085] 29 and 30, when the slope plate 10 is deployed, the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is lifted by the rotation of the support arm 22, and the pressing force of the pressing member 77 in the direction of pushing the check block 76 upward is weakened. As a result, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the anti-fall-off member 70 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in Figs. 29 and 30 based on the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 75, and the anti-fall-off member 70 stands up on the side end of the slope plate 10.

[0086] 33 and 34, the pressing member 77 of this embodiment has a contact piece 79 that curves in the width direction of the slope plate 10 and contacts the side plate 35 that constitutes the side wall surface 78s of the slit 78. Specifically, in the pressing member 77 of this embodiment, the contact piece 79 is integrally formed of resin with the push-up part 80 that presses the check block 76 of the fall-off prevention member 70 as described above. Thus, in the pressing member 77 of this embodiment, the contact piece 79 has flexibility.

[0087] 29 and 30, the pressing member 77 of this embodiment maintains a state in which the abutting piece 79 abuts against the side wall surface 78s of the slit 78 even when the rear end portion 10r of the slope plate 10 is lifted upward. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to position the pressing member 77 with respect to the check block 76 of the fall-off prevention member 70 facing the slit 78.

[0088] (Fitting structure of connecting member) Next, a fitting structure of the connecting member 54 to the movable body 21 in the slope device 11 of this embodiment will be described.

[0089] As shown in Figures 13, 14, and 35 to 38, the movable body 21 of this embodiment has a fitting recess 81 provided by cutting out one end of the horizontal plate portion 30. Specifically, in the movable body 21 of this embodiment, this fitting recess 81 is provided at the end of the horizontal plate portion 30 opposite to the position where the vertical wall portion 31 is erected. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the connecting member 54 of the drive cable 26 is fitted into this fitting recess 81.

[0090] 35 to 38, the connecting member 54 of this embodiment has an upright plate-shaped portion 55 that functions as a pressing portion 56 for the engagement piece 47 of the driven member 40 as described above. Furthermore, the connecting member 54 has a fitting portion 82 provided at the lower end of the upright plate-shaped portion 55. The connecting member 54 of this embodiment is configured so that the fitting portion 82 fits into the fitting recess 81, whereby the upright plate-shaped portion 55 is connected to the horizontal plate portion 30 of the moving body 21 in an upright state facing the vertical wall portion 31 of the moving body 21.

[0091] More specifically, the fitting portion 82 of this embodiment is provided with a fitting portion main body 83 that is disposed inside the fitting recess 81, thereby restricting the relative movement with respect to the horizontal plate portion 30 of the moving body 21 in the extension direction of the guide rail 20 (left and right direction in each drawing). Specifically, the fitting portion main body 83 is fitted into the fitting recess 81, thereby being sandwiched between a front engagement piece 84f and a rear engagement piece 84r that the fitting recess 81 forms on the horizontal plate portion 30 on both sides in the extension direction of the guide rail 20. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured such that the connecting member 54 and the moving body 21 move together along the extension direction of the guide rail 20 based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable 26.

[0092] The fitting portion 82 of this embodiment has a plurality of fitting pieces 85 that sandwich the horizontal plate portion 30 of the moving body 21 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the fitting portion 82 of this embodiment has a pair of fitting pieces 85a, 85b having a substantially flat plate-like outer shape that abuts against the lower surface 30b of the horizontal plate portion 30 at two positions spaced apart in the extension direction of the guide rail 20. Furthermore, at a position between these two fitting pieces 85a, 85b, a fitting piece 85c having a substantially flat plate-like outer shape that abuts against the upper surface 30a of the horizontal plate portion 30 is provided. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to ensure a stable fitting state between the connecting member 54 and the moving body 21 and suppress the tilting of the vertical plate-shaped portion 55.

[0093] (Storage stopper structure) Next, a storage stopper structure in the slope device 11 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 39, the slope device 11 of this embodiment includes a storage stopper 86 fixed to the rear end 20r of the guide rail 20. That is, the storage stopper 86 restricts the movement of the moving body 21 moving in the storage direction (right side in FIG. 39) beyond the predetermined storage position P0 toward the storage direction by abutting against the moving body 21. The slope device 11 of this embodiment includes a confirmation switch 87 that detects that the moving body 21 has reached the storage position P0 by contacting the rear end 31r of the vertical wall portion 31. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the storage stopper 86 is disposed at a position where it abuts against the moving body 21 with the storage stopper 86 and the fitting portion 82 of the connecting member 54 for the moving body 21 aligned in the moving direction of the moving body 21.

[0094] Specifically, the storage stopper 86 of this embodiment is disposed at a position where, when the movable body 21 abuts against the storage stopper 86, the rear engagement piece 84r provided on the horizontal plate portion 30 of the movable body 21 is sandwiched between the fitting portion 82 of the connecting member 54. That is, the movable body 21 moves together with the connecting member 54 based on the driving force transmitted through the drive cable 26. Therefore, as described above, by arranging the fitting portion 82 of the connecting member 54 for the movable body 21 and the storage stopper 86 side by side in the moving direction of the movable body 21, the storage stopper 86 can efficiently receive the load of the movable body 21. Thus, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to stably hold the posture of the movable body 21 abutting against the storage stopper 86.

[0095] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, when the slope plate 10 is deployed or retracted, the roller 57 provided on the link member 34 constituting the support arm 22 abuts against the upper wall surface 59 of the guide rail 20 from below. This restricts the rotation of the link member 34 in the direction in which the rear end portion 10r of the slope plate 10 is lifted, thereby stably maintaining the moving posture of the slope plate 10.

[0096] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The slope device 11 includes a slope plate 10 that is deployed at the lower end of the door opening 3, and a guide rail 20 that extends in the deployment and storage direction of the slope plate 10. The slope device 11 also includes a moving body 21 that moves along the extension direction of the guide rail 20, and a support arm 22 that is rotatably connected to the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 and to the moving body 21. The slope device 11 also includes a lift mechanism 50 that lifts the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 by rotating the support arm 22 when the slope plate 10 is deployed. The support arm 22 is provided with a roller 57 that slides against the guide rail 20 to maintain the moving position of the slope plate 10 when the slope plate 10 moves together with the moving body 21.

[0097] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to stably maintain the moving posture of the slope plate 10 while suppressing an increase in sliding resistance, thereby ensuring smooth operation and high reliability.

[0098] (2) The slope device 11 includes a roller cover 60 that covers the upper part of the roller 57 when the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is raised by the rotation of the support arm 22. That is, the support arm 22 moves the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 up and down by rotating while exposed to the outside of the guide rail 20. For this reason, the roller 57 provided on the support arm 22 is also disposed in a position where it is likely to be subjected to an external force, for example, to be accidentally stepped on by a user of the slope plate 10. However, with the above-mentioned configuration, the roller 57 can be protected by the roller cover 60. This ensures high reliability.

[0099] (3) The roller cover 60 is provided on the support arm 22. The roller cover 60 rotates integrally with the support arm 22 to be positioned so as to cover the upper part of the roller 57. That is, by providing the roller cover 60 to the support arm 22, the roller cover 60 can be stored integrally with the support arm 22. This allows for a simplified and compact configuration. Furthermore, by rotating the roller cover 60 integrally with the support arm 22, the direction in which the roller cover 60 covers the roller 57 can be changed. This ensures an area in which the roller 57 slides against the guide rail 20 when the support arm 22 moves in the unfolding and moving direction.

[0100] (4) The lift mechanism 50 includes a driven member 40 that has a connecting shaft 38 for a link member 34 that constitutes the support arm 22 and moves together with the link member 34 in the extending direction of the guide rail 20. The lift mechanism 50 further includes a deployment stopper 46 that comes into contact with the driven member 40 in the deployment direction to restrict the movement of the driven member 40. When the moving body 21 moves in the deployment direction with the movement of the driven member 40 in the deployment direction restricted, the link member 34 rotates around the connecting shaft 38 with the driven member 40, thereby lifting the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 upward. The lift mechanism 50 further includes an engagement lever 51 that engages with the driven member 40 in a state in which the driven member 40 comes into contact with the deployment stopper 46 to restrict the movement of the driven member 40 in the storage direction. When the driven member 40 moves to a position where it abuts against the deployment stopper 46, the engagement lever 51 is pressed by the driven member 40 and rotates in the first direction, thereby allowing the movement of the driven member 40 in the deployment direction. The engagement lever 51 is pressed by a pressing portion 56 provided integrally with the moving body 21 that moves in the deployment direction with the driven member 40 abutting against the deployment stopper 46, and rotates in the second direction, thereby engaging with the driven member 40. In this state, the rotation of the engagement lever 51 in the first direction is restricted by the pressing portion 56 located in the first direction.

[0101] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the link member 34 constituting the support arm 22 rotates in conjunction with the moving body 21 moving in the unfolding and retracting directions along the guide rail 20. This allows the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 connected to the link member 34 to move up and down.

[0102] Furthermore, in the lifted-up state where the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is lifted upward, the moving position of the driven member 40 can be fixed. This makes it possible to stably maintain the lifted-up state. Furthermore, the engaging lever 51 can be engaged with and disengaged from the driven member 40 in conjunction with the moving body 21 moving in the deployment and storage directions. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration.

[0103] (5) The driven member 40 abuts against the deployment stopper 46 and includes an engagement piece 47 that engages with the engagement lever 51 in a state where the engagement piece 47 is sandwiched between the deployment stopper 46 and the engagement lever 51. This makes it possible to stably restrict the movement of the driven member 40 in both the deployment and storage directions with a simple configuration.

[0104] (6) The driven member 40 has a bent plate shape including the first upright portion 40f and the second upright portion 40r that are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the width direction of the guide rail 20. According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily form the driven member 40 that moves in the deployment and storage directions together with the moving body 21 and the support arm 22 with a simple configuration and in a small space. Furthermore, the bent plate shape can suppress the tilting of the driven member 40. This ensures stable operation.

[0105] (7) The slope device 11 includes a drop prevention member 70 rotatably connected to the slope plate 10, and a torsion coil spring 75 as a biasing member that biases the drop prevention member 70 to stand on the side end of the slope plate 10. The slope device 11 also includes a pressing member 77 that presses the drop prevention member 70 to tilt the drop prevention member 70 against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 75 toward the upper surface 10s of the slope plate 10. The pressing member 77 is inserted into a slit 78 formed in the slope plate 10 by the rotation of the support arm 22 that pulls down the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10, thereby pressing the drop prevention member 70 that moves downward together with the slope plate 10. Furthermore, the pressing member 77 is provided on the driven member 40, and is therefore located at a position where it can come into contact with and press the drop prevention member 70. The pressing member 77 includes a flexible abutment piece 79 that is curved in the width direction of the slope plate 10 and abuts against a side wall surface 78s of the slit 78.

[0106] That is, the movement of the driven member 40 is restricted when the support arm 22 connected to the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 rotates. Therefore, by providing the pressing member 77 to the driven member 40, the fall prevention member 70 can be stably raised at the side end of the slope plate 10 and tilted to the upper surface 10s of the slope plate 10 in conjunction with the up and down movement of the slope plate 10 due to the rotation of the support arm 22. Furthermore, the abutting piece 79 of the pressing member 77 abuts against the side wall surface 78s of the slit 78, so that the pressing member 77 can be positioned relative to the fall prevention member 70 facing the slit 78. Then, the elastic force based on the flexibility imparted to the abutting piece 79 can suppress the positional deviation caused by the widthwise displacement of the slope plate 10.

[0107] (8) The slope device 11 includes a connecting member 54 that is connected to the moving body 21 while being fixed to the drive cable 26, and moves integrally with the moving body 21 based on the drive force transmitted via the drive cable 26. The moving body 21 has a bent plate shape including a horizontal plate portion 30 to which the connecting member 54 is connected, and a vertical wall portion 31 to which the support arm 22 is connected. The connecting member 54 further includes an upright plate-shaped portion 55 that constitutes a pressing portion 56 for the engagement lever 51, and a fitting portion 82 for fitting to the horizontal plate portion 30 of the moving body 21 at the lower end of the upright plate-shaped portion 55. The fitting portion 82 includes a plurality of fitting pieces 85 that vertically sandwich the horizontal plate portion 30 of the moving body 21.

[0108] That is, by providing a pressing portion 56 for the engaging lever 51 on the connecting member 54 that moves integrally with the movable body 21, it is possible to precisely control the engagement and disengagement of the engaging lever 51 with respect to the driven member 40 in conjunction with the movable body 21 that moves in the deploying and retracting directions. This makes it possible to ensure stable operation.

[0109] Also, by adopting a configuration in which the connecting member 54 is connected to the movable body 21 by fitting, the assembly work can be facilitated. Furthermore, by sandwiching the horizontal plate portion 30 of the movable body 21 in the vertical direction with the multiple fitting pieces 85, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the vertical plate-shaped portion 55 provided on the connecting member 54. This makes it possible to avoid an increase in sliding resistance caused by a change in the moving posture of the connecting member 54 and the movable body 21.

[0110] (9) The slope device 11 includes a storage stopper 86 that restricts the movement of the movable body 21 in the storage direction beyond a predetermined storage position P0 by coming into contact with the movable body 21 moving in the storage direction. The storage stopper 86 is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the movable body 21 with the storage stopper 86 and the fitting portion 82 of the connecting member 54 aligned in the deployment and storage directions.

[0111] That is, the movable body 21 moves integrally with the connecting member 54 based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable 26. Therefore, by adopting the above-mentioned configuration, the load of the movable body 21 can be efficiently received by the storage stopper 86. This allows the posture of the movable body 21 abutting against the storage stopper 86 to be stably maintained. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for an excessive strength margin and reduce the weight of the movable body 21.

[0112] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the roller cover 60 is fixed to the support shaft 58 of the roller 57, but the fixing position of the roller cover 60 with respect to the support arm 22 may be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, the shape of the roller cover 60 may also be changed arbitrarily.

[0114] Furthermore, as long as it is possible to cover the rollers 57 from above when the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 is raised by the rotation of the support arm 22, the roller cover 60 may be disposed at a location other than the support arm 22. For example, the roller cover 60 may be provided so as to extend from the front end 20f of the guide rail 20. The roller cover 60 may be movable.

[0115] The shape, material, support structure, etc. of the deployment stopper 46 may be changed as desired. Similarly, the configuration of the storage stopper 86 may be changed as desired. The shapes and materials of the engaging piece 47 and the engaging lever 51 may also be changed as desired. Furthermore, the shape of the driven member 40 may also be changed as desired. For example, the abutment position with respect to the deployment stopper 46 and the engagement position of the engaging lever 51 do not necessarily have to be the engaging piece 47. And the configuration of the pressing portion 56 with respect to the engaging lever 51 provided on the movable body 21 may also be changed as desired.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the fall-off prevention member 70 is biased based on the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 75. However, this is not limited to this, and the configuration of the biasing member may be changed as desired, for example, a compression spring, a leaf spring, or other elastic members may be used.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the side plate 35 and the side frame 37 form the width direction end of the slope plate 10 at the rear end 10r, that is, the side end. The side plate 35 forms the slit 78 between itself and the side frame 37, and also forms the side wall surface 78s. However, this is not limited to this, and the side end of the slope plate 10 may have any configuration. Furthermore, the components of the slit 78 and the side wall surface 78s may also be changed arbitrarily. The direction in which the contact piece 79 of the pressing member 77 contacts the side wall surface 78s of the slit 78 may also be changed arbitrarily.

[0118] The configuration of the lift mechanism 50 may be changed as desired. For example, it does not necessarily have to be linked to the moving body 21 moving in the unfolding and retracting directions, and may have an independent driving source. The slope plate 10 may be moved in the unfolding and retracting directions by a driving source other than the motor 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 3…Door opening 10...Slope board 10r…Rear end 11...Slope device 20…Guide rail 21...Mobile 22…Support arm 50…Lift mechanism 57…Roller

Claims

1. A slope plate deployed at the bottom end of the door opening; A guide rail extending in the direction in which the slope plate is deployed and stored; A moving body that moves along an extension direction of the guide rail; a support arm rotatably connected to a rear end of the slope plate and to the movable body; a lift mechanism for lifting the rear end of the slope plate by rotating the support arm when the slope plate is deployed; A vehicle ramp device in which the support arm is provided with rollers that maintain the moving position of the ramp plate by sliding against the guide rail when the ramp plate moves integrally with the moving body.

2. 2. The vehicle ramp device according to claim 1, A vehicle ramp device comprising: a roller cover that covers the upper part of the roller when the rear end of the ramp plate is raised by rotation of the support arm.

3. 3. The vehicle slope device according to claim 2, the roller cover is provided on the support arm and rotates integrally with the support arm to be disposed in a position covering an upper portion of the roller; A vehicle ramp device comprising:

4. The vehicle slope device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The lift mechanism includes: a driven member having a connecting shaft for the support arm and moving together with the support arm in the extending direction of the guide rail; a deployment stopper that comes into contact with the driven member moving in the deployment direction to restrict movement of the driven member, When the movable body moves in the deployment direction while the movement of the driven member in the deployment direction is restricted, the support arm rotates around the connection shaft with the driven member to lift the rear end of the slope plate upward, an engagement lever that restricts movement of the driven member in the storage direction by engaging with the driven member in a state in which the driven member abuts against the deployment stopper, The engagement lever is When the driven member moves to a position where it abuts against the deployment stopper, the driven member is pressed by the driven member to rotate in a first direction, thereby allowing the driven member to move in the deployment direction, a pressing portion provided integrally with the movable body that moves in the deployment direction while abutting against the deployment stopper, causing the driven member to rotate in a second direction and engage with the driven member, and the rotation in the first direction is restricted by the pressing portion located in the first direction.

5. 5. The vehicle ramp device according to claim 4, the driven member includes an engagement piece that abuts against the deployment stopper and is engaged by the engagement lever in a state of being sandwiched between the deployment stopper and the engagement lever; A vehicle ramp device comprising:

6. The vehicle slope device according to claim 4 or 5, the driven member has a bent plate shape including a first upright portion and a second upright portion that are arranged at positions shifted from each other in a width direction of the guide rail; A vehicle ramp device comprising:

7. The vehicle slope device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, A fall prevention member rotatably connected to the slope plate; a biasing member for biasing the fall-prevention member to stand on the side end of the slope plate; a pressing member that contacts the fall prevention member, which moves downward together with the slope plate due to the rotation of the support arm that pulls down the rear end of the slope plate that has been lifted upward, and presses the fall prevention member, thereby tilting the fall prevention member onto the upper surface of the slope plate against the biasing force of the biasing member; The pressing member is provided on the driven member, and is inserted into a slit formed in the side end of the slope plate, so as to be disposed at a position where it abuts against the falling-off prevention member, A vehicle ramp device comprising: a flexible abutment piece that is curved in the width direction of the slope plate and abuts against the side wall surface of the slit.

8. The vehicle slope device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, a connecting member that is connected to the movable body in a state where it is fixed to a drive cable and moves integrally with the movable body based on a drive force transmitted through the drive cable, The movable body has a bent plate shape having a horizontal plate portion to which the connecting member is connected and a vertical wall portion to which the support arm is connected, The connecting member is connected to the moving body by having a vertical plate-shaped portion that constitutes the pressing portion for the engagement lever, and an engaging portion having a plurality of engaging pieces provided at the lower end of the vertical plate-shaped portion that clamp the horizontal plate portion in the vertical direction.

9. 9. The vehicle slope device according to claim 8, a storage stopper that restricts the movement of the movable body in the storage direction beyond a predetermined storage position by contacting the movable body moving in the storage direction; the storage stopper is disposed at a position where it abuts against the movable body with the storage stopper and the fitting portion of the connecting member aligned in the deployment and storage directions; A vehicle ramp device comprising:

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