Vehicle step device

Abstract

This vehicle step device (10) comprises: a base (11) that is attached to a vehicle body (1); an arm (12) that is attached to the base (11); a step (13) that is assembled onto the arm (12); and a protective member (15) that is disposed further to the inward width direction (DXA) in comparison to the position of the step (13) in a stored state, and is provided so as to face at least a portion of the base (11), the arm (12), and the step (13).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle step device. The vehicle step device has a step and a drive unit. In the vehicle width direction, the outside of the drive unit is connected to the lower part of the side sill. Also, in the vehicle width direction, the upper part of the drive unit is attached to the floor member via a bracket.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle step device with another structure. The vehicle step device has a four-bar link mechanism. The four-bar link mechanism is attached to a bracket provided so as to straddle a flange protruding downward from the vehicle body. Each part on both sides of the bracket straddling the flange is fixed to the vehicle body with bolts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the present disclosure, there are two independent main problems. The first problem is as follows. According to the technology of Patent Document 1, when a vehicle receives a collision load from the side, the drive unit rotates in such a way that it is pulled upward. Due to this rotation, the drive unit moves inward in the width direction while the lower part inside the width direction moves downward. However, when the vehicle receives a collision load from the side, the direction of the force applied to the drive unit of the vehicle step device varies depending on the situation. There is room for improvement in the technology for protecting the part inside the vehicle step device in a side collision of the vehicle.

[0006] The second problem is as follows. The vehicle step device is attached to the vehicle body. There is room for improvement in the number of man-hours for attaching the vehicle step device to the vehicle body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Hereinafter, the means for solving the above first problem will be described. The vehicle step device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a base attached to the vehicle body, an arm attached to the base, a step assembled to the arm, and a protection member disposed inward in the width direction from the position of the step in the stored state and provided so as to face at least a part of the base, the arm, and the step.

[0008] According to this configuration, since the protection member is provided so as to face at least a part of the base, the arm, and the step, when the vehicle receives a collision load and the base, the arm, or the step moves inward in the width direction of the vehicle, it is possible to limit the movement of the base, the arm, or the step inward in the width direction more than the protection member. As a result, it is possible to protect the device located inward in the width direction from the vehicle step device.

[0009] Hereinafter, the means for solving the above second problem will be described. The vehicle step device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle step device provided on a vehicle body, and includes a base attached to the vehicle body, an arm attached to the base, and a step attached to the arm. The arm has a base portion and an arm portion extending from the base portion. The base has a fastening portion fastened to the vehicle body, a contact portion applied to the lower surface of the vehicle body, and a shaft support portion that supports a shaft member of the arm. The contact portion is located at the shaft support portion or closer to the vehicle body center than the shaft support portion.

[0010] Hereinafter, other means for solving the above second problem will be described. The vehicle step device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle step device provided on a vehicle body, and includes an arm attached to a vehicle body structure including the vehicle body, and a step attached to the arm. The arm has a base portion having a through hole and an arm portion extending from the base portion, and is rotatably attached to the vehicle body structure by a support member and a shaft member. The support member is provided directly or indirectly on the vehicle body. The shaft member has a shaft main body portion attached to the support member through the through hole of the arm, and a head portion provided at an end of the shaft main body portion. The head portion and the support member sandwich the base portion of the arm. According to this configuration, the arm can be easily attached to the support member.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] In a first aspect, according to the vehicle step device, a device located inward in the width direction than the vehicle step device can be protected. In a second aspect, according to the vehicle step device, the number of steps for attaching to the vehicle body can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] <First Embodiment> In the first embodiment, a technique related to the first problem is disclosed. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a vehicle step device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0014] The vehicle step device 10 is attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle body 1. As an example of indirect attachment, the vehicle step device 10 is attached to the vehicle body 1 via a reinforcing member that reinforces the vehicle body 1. In the following description, the state in which the vehicle step device 10 is attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle body 1 is referred to as the "attachment state of the vehicle step device 10".

[0015] The front-rear direction DY of the vehicle step device 10 coincides with the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 1 in the attachment state of the vehicle step device 10. The width direction DX of the vehicle step device 10 coincides with the width direction of the vehicle body 1 in the attachment state of the vehicle step device 10. The inner width direction DXA indicates the direction toward the vehicle center axis in the attachment state of the vehicle step device 10. The vertical direction DZ of the vehicle step device 10 coincides with the vertical direction of the vehicle body 1 in the attachment state of the vehicle step device 10.

[0016] <Vehicle Step Device> The vehicle step device 10 is attached near the vehicle entrance / exit that is closed by a door in the vehicle. The step 13 of the vehicle step device 10 is used as an auxiliary step for getting on and off. For this reason, the step 13 is disposed below the lower end of the vehicle entrance / exit. In one example, the step 13 moves by the power of a motor. The step 13 moves from a storage position accommodated under the bottom plate of the vehicle body 1 to a deployed position according to a predetermined operation command during getting on and off. The deployed position (see FIG. 1) is a position outwardly separated from the storage position (see FIG. 2) with respect to the vehicle body 1 in the width direction DX. When the step 13 moves to the deployed position, at least a part of the step 13 is exposed from the vehicle body 1 in plan view.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle step device 10 includes a base 11 attached to the vehicle body 1, an arm 12 attached to the base 11, a step 13 assembled to the arm 12, and a protection member 15 (see FIG. 5). The vehicle step device 10 may include a drive unit 14. The vehicle step device 10 may include a plurality of arms 12. In the present embodiment, the vehicle step device 10 includes two arms 12.

[0018] <Base> The base 11 supports the arm 12. In the present embodiment, the vehicle step device 10 includes two bases 11. The two bases 11 are attached to the rocker 4 of the vehicle body 1 at intervals in the front-rear direction DY. The two bases 11 are connected by a connecting bar 16. The connecting bar 16 is made of a steel material or an aluminum steel material.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the base 11 includes a fixing portion 21 fixed to the rocker 4 of the vehicle body 1, an arm support portion 22 that supports the arm 12, and a connecting portion 23 that connects the fixing portion 21 and the arm support portion 22. The fixing portion 21 is fastened to the rocker 4 with bolts. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 21 has a first fixing portion 21A fixed to the outer member 4A of the rocker 4 and a second fixing portion 21B fixed to the inner member 4B of the rocker 4.

[0020] The connecting portion 23 is configured to extend inward in the width direction DXA in a state where the base 11 is fixed to the locker 4 (see FIG. 5). A fixing portion 21 is attached to the upper portion 23A at the outer end of the connecting portion 23. An arm support portion 22 is attached to the lower end portion 23B of a portion inside the connecting portion 23 than the upper portion 23A at the outer end. The connecting portion 23 includes a first connecting portion 24 and a second connecting portion 25.

[0021] The base 11 has an outer end portion 11C. The outer end portion 11C includes a portion located most outward in the width direction DX. The base 11 has an outer inclined surface 37. The outer inclined surface 37 inclines downward from the outer end portion 11C toward the inner side in the width direction DXA.

[0022] In one example, the outer end portion 11C is provided on the first connecting portion 24. The outer end portion 11C is located near the upper surface of the base 11 in the vertical direction DZ. Specifically, it is located above an intermediate position between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first connecting portion 24 in the vertical direction DZ. In another example, the outer end portion 11C is located above the center of gravity of the first connecting portion 24. Further, in another example, the outer end portion 11C is located above the inner end portion 11A in the vertical direction DZ.

[0023] The outer end portion 11C is configured as a corner or a protrusion. The corner is configured such that the apex of the corner is located most outward in the width direction DX on the base 11. The protrusion is configured to protrude outward in the width direction DXB. When the outer end portion 11C is configured by a corner, the outer inclined surface 37 inclines downward from the apex of the corner toward the inner side in the width direction DXA. When the outer end portion 11C is configured by a protrusion, the outer inclined surface 37 inclines downward from the base of the protrusion toward the inner side in the width direction DXA.

[0024] The second connecting portion 25 has the same structure as the first connecting portion 24. The second connecting portion 25 is arranged behind the first connecting portion 24 with a space therebetween. The fixing portion 21 is supported by the first connecting portion 24 and the second connecting portion 25.

[0025] The arm support portion 22 is configured to be connected to the first connecting portion 24 and the second connecting portion 25. The arm support portion 22 is disposed between the first connecting portion 24 and the second connecting portion 25. The arm support portion 22 is constituted by a plate-like member. The arm support portion 22 has a shaft support portion 22X that receives the first shaft 31. The shaft support portion 22X includes a through hole 22Y that receives the first shaft 31 of the arm 12. The shaft support portion 22X is disposed closer to the vehicle body center than the fixing portion 21.

[0026] <Arm> The arm 12 supports the step 13. The step 13 is attached to the tip portion 12A of the arm 12. The front arm 12 of the two arms 12 supports the front portion of the step 13. The rear arm 12 supports the rear portion of the step 13.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the base portion 12B of the arm 12 is rotatably attached to the base 11. The base portion 12B of the arm 12 is attached to the arm support portion 22 via the first shaft 31. In the attached state of the vehicle step device 10, the central axis C1 of the first shaft 31 inclines downward toward the inner side DXA in the width direction. The arm 12 rotates about the central axis C1 of the first shaft 31. In the rotation of the arm 12, the tip portion 12A of the arm 12 moves from the first position when the step 13 is in the deployed position to the second position when the step 13 is in the stored position. The second position is located in front of and inward of the width direction DXA from the first position.

[0028] <Step> The step 13 is supported by the two arms 12. The step 13 moves between the deployed position and the stored position by the rotation of the arm 12. In the stored position, all or part of the step 13 is disposed below the vehicle body 1. In the deployed position, all or part of the step 13 is exposed from the vehicle body 1. In the plan view of the step 13, the area of the portion exposed from the vehicle body 1 in the deployed position is larger than the area of the portion exposed from the vehicle body 1 in the stored position.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, step 13 includes a step main body portion 41 and an arm attachment portion 42 to which the arm 12 is attached. The step main body portion 41 is configured such that its upper surface is horizontal in the mounted state of the vehicle step device 10. The arm attachment portion 42 is provided on the lower surface of the step main body portion 41. The tip portion 12A of the arm 12 is coupled to the arm attachment portion 42. The tip portion 12A of the arm 12 is rotatably attached to the arm attachment portion 42. The tip portion 12A of the arm 12 is attached to the arm attachment portion 42 via the second shaft 32. In one example, the arm attachment portion 42 is configured as a bracket.

[0030] <Drive unit> The drive unit 14 moves the step 13 with respect to the base 11. In one example, the drive unit 14 moves the step 13 by rotating the arm 12. For example, the drive unit 14 has a telescopic unit 51. The telescopic unit 51 includes a main body portion 52 and a moving portion 53 that moves with respect to the main body portion 52. The main body portion 52 is directly or indirectly connected to the vehicle body 1. For example, the rear end portion of the main body portion 52 is connected to the connecting bar 16 via a universal joint. The moving portion 53 is connected to the arm 12. For example, the front end portion of the moving portion 53 is connected to the inner end portion of the arm 12 via a universal joint.

[0031] The main body portion 52 has a motor and a spindle that rotates by the motor. The moving portion 53 has a nut that engages with the spindle. The moving portion 53 moves along the axial direction of the spindle together with the nut by the rotation of the spindle. In this way, the telescopic unit 51 expands and contracts. The expansion and contraction of the telescopic unit 51 causes the arm 12 to rotate, and the step 13 moves as the arm 12 rotates.

[0032] <Protective member> The protective member 15 is provided to limit the movement of the vehicle step device 10 inward in the width direction DXA.

[0033] In one example, a device 5 such as a fuel tank 6 or a fuel cell is provided under the vehicle body 1. The vehicle step device 10 may be disposed adjacent to the fuel tank 6 or the fuel cell in the width direction DX. In a side view of the vehicle, the vehicle step device 10 may partially overlap the fuel tank 6 or the fuel cell.

[0034] When the vehicle collides with an object 80, or when the object 80 collides with the vehicle, the vehicle step device 10 moves due to the collision. When the object 80 collides with the side of the vehicle, the vehicle step device 10 may shift inward in the width direction DXA, and the vehicle step device 10 may come into contact with the fuel tank 6 or the fuel cell. In order to prevent or suppress such contact, a protection member 15 is provided on the vehicle body 1. Examples of the object 80 include utility poles, walls, buildings, guardrails, cliffs, automobiles, motorcycles, etc.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the protection member 15 is disposed inward in the width direction DXA from the position of the step 13 in the retracted state. The protection member 15 is provided so as to face at least a part of the base 11, the arm 12, and the step 13. In a side view of the vehicle, the protection member 15 may be disposed so as to partially overlap the base 11. In a side view of the vehicle, the protection member 15 may be disposed so as to partially overlap the arm 12. In a side view of the vehicle, the protection member 15 may be disposed so as to partially overlap the step 13. In one example, the protection member 15 is disposed between the step 13 and the fuel tank 6 or the fuel cell.

[0036] Alternatively, the protection member 15 may be disposed inward in the width direction DXA from the position of the base 11. The protection member 15 is provided so as to face the base 11. In one example, in a side view of the vehicle, the protection member 15 is disposed so as to overlap the entire base 11. In one example, the protection member 15 is disposed between the base 11 and the fuel tank 6 or the fuel cell.

[0037] The protection member 15 is fixed to the skeletal member 2 of the vehicle body 1. For example, the protection member 15 is fixed to the skeletal member 2 by bolts or rivets. The skeletal member 2 is, for example, the side member 3. Thus, the protection member 15 is attached to a portion of the vehicle body 1 where the rigidity is high.

[0038] In a state where the protection member 15 is attached to the vehicle body 1, the upper end 15A of the protection member 15 is configured to be located above the base 11. In a state where the protection member 15 is attached to the vehicle body 1, the lower end 15B of the protection member 15 is configured to be located below the upper surface of the step 13 in the stored state (see FIG. 5).

[0039] The protection member 15 has an inclined portion 61. The inclined portion 61 inclines downward toward the inner side DXA in the width direction in a state where the protection member 15 is fixed to the vehicle body 1. The protection member 15 has a flat portion 62. The flat portion 62 is located outside the inclined portion 61 in the width direction DX. The flat portion 62 extends inward in the width direction DXA and is connected to the inclined portion 61. The flat portion 62 extends horizontally in a state where the protection member 15 is fixed to the vehicle body 1. The lower surface of the flat portion 62 is configured to be horizontal. The boundary 63 between the flat portion 62 and the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15 is located inward in the width direction DXA from the inner end 11B of the base 11 that contacts the flat portion 62 (see FIG. 5).

[0040] The protection member 15 is configured to contact the base 11. Specifically, the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15 contacts the upper surface of the inner end portion 11A of the base 11. In the present embodiment, the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 is a portion including the upper surface at the inner end 11B of the connecting portion 23 (the first connecting portion 24 and the second connecting portion 25) of the base 11 (see FIG. 3). In one example, the upper surface at the inner end 11B of the connecting portion 23 of the base 11 is configured to be horizontal in a state where the base 11 is fixed to the skeletal member 2.

[0041] For example, the protective member 15 is formed by pressing an iron plate. The protective member 15 may be formed by processing an iron pipe. The protective member 15 may be configured to overlap the entire vehicle step device 10 in the retracted state in a side view. The protective member 15 may be provided only between the fuel tank 6 or the fuel cell and the vehicle step device 10.

[0042] <Function> The function of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in a vehicle collision, when an object 80 hits the step 13, the step 13 moves inward in the width direction DXA. Even when the object 80 collides with the front part of the vehicle, the step 13 and the base 11 may move inward in the width direction DXA due to the deformation of the vehicle body 1. In such a case, the movement of the step 13 or the base 11 may damage the device 5 disposed inward in the width direction DXA from the step 13 and the base 11.

[0043] In this embodiment, an outer end portion 11C is provided on the base 11. As a result, the following function is achieved. During a vehicle collision, after the object 80 hits the step 13, it contacts the outer end portion 11C of the base 11. Since the outer end portion 11C is configured as a corner or a protrusion, when the object 80 contacts the outer end portion 11C of the base 11, the base 11 rotates about the outer end portion 11C. Further, since an outer inclined surface 37 is provided on the base 11, the base 11 rotates such that the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 faces downward. Furthermore, since the outer end portion 11C of the base 11 is disposed near the upper surface, it is easy for the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 to rotate downward. In this way, during a vehicle collision, the vehicle step device 10 rotates while the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 faces downward and moves inward in the width direction DXA. As a result, the horizontal movement of the vehicle step device 10 inward in the width direction DXA is suppressed.

[0044] In this embodiment, the protective member 15 is disposed inward in the width direction DXA from the position of step 13 in the stored state. And the protective member 15 is provided so as to face step 13. Also, the protective member 15 is disposed inward in the width direction DXA from the position of the base 11. And the protective member 15 is provided so as to face the base 11. Therefore, when step 13 or the base 11 moves inward in the width direction DXA, the protective member 15 restricts the movement. Thereby, the device 5 located inward in the width direction DXA from the vehicle step device 10 can be protected.

[0045] The base 11 is fixed to the locker 4. In contrast, the protective member 15 is fixed to the skeletal member 2. Therefore, the force at the time of collision is transmitted in the order of step 13, arm 12, base 11, and locker 4, deforming these members. Thereby, the force at the time of collision is absorbed by the vehicle step device 10 and the vehicle body 1. As a result, the magnitude of the force applied to the protective member 15 is reduced. Also, since the protective member 15 is fixed to the skeletal member 2, even if step 13 or the base 11 contacts the protective member 15, the collision force is received by the protective member 15 and the skeletal member 2. In this way, the movement of step 13 or the base 11 beyond the protective member 15 inward in the width direction DXA is restricted.

[0046] Furthermore, the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15 is configured to contact the upper surface of the inner end portion 11A of the base 11. And the boundary 63 between the flat portion 62 and the inclined portion 61 is located inward in the width direction DXA from the inner end 11B of the base 11 that contacts the flat portion 62. And in the protection member 15, the inclined portion 61 is provided inward in the width direction DXA from the boundary 63. Therefore, when the base 11 moves inward in the width direction DXA due to a collision, the base 11 is guided by the protection member 15. Specifically, at the time of a collision, the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 moves along the flat portion 62 without being obstructed by the inclined portion 61. During the period until the base 11 contacts the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15, part of the collision energy is absorbed by the vehicle step device 10 and the vehicle body 1. Therefore, it is suppressed that a strong force at the time of a collision is directly applied to the protection member 15. And when the inner end 11B of the base 11 reaches the inclined portion 61, the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 moves along the inclined portion 61. As a result, the vehicle step device 10 is guided downward as a whole. By such guidance, it is restricted that the vehicle step device 10 moves inward in the width direction DXA more than the protection member 15. Thereby, the device 5 inward in the width direction DXA more than the protection member 15 is protected.

[0047] <Effect> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The vehicle step device 10 includes a protection member 15. The protection member 15 is arranged inward in the width direction DXA from the position of the step 13 in the stored state, and is provided so as to face at least a part of the base 11, the arm 12, and the step 13.

[0048] According to this configuration, the protective member 15 is provided so as to face at least a part of the base 11, the arm 12, and the step 13. Therefore, when the vehicle receives a collision load and the base 11, the arm 12, or the step 13 moves inward in the vehicle width direction DXA, it is possible to limit the movement of the base 11, the arm 12, or the step 13 inward in the width direction DXA compared to the protective member 15. Thereby, the device 5 located inward in the width direction DXA than the vehicle step device 10 can be protected. In particular, the device 5 inward in the width direction DXA than the protective member 15 can be protected.

[0049] (2) The base 11 has an outer end portion 11C including a portion located most outward in the width direction DX. The outer end portion 11C is configured as a corner or a protrusion. According to this configuration, when an object 80 collides with the vehicle or when the vehicle collides with the object 80, when the object 80 hits the base 11, the base 11 can be rotated about the outer end portion 11C as a center point. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the horizontal parallel movement of the base 11 inward in the width direction DXA.

[0050] (3) The base 11 has an outer inclined surface 37 that inclines downward from the outer end portion 11C toward the inside in the width direction DXA. According to this configuration, when an object 80 collides with the vehicle or when the vehicle collides with the object 80, when a rotational force about the outer end portion 11C is applied to the base 11 by the object 80 hitting the base 11, the base 11 can be rotated until the outer inclined surface 37 contacts the object 80. Thereby, compared with the case where the outer inclined surface 37 is not provided on the base 11, the base 11 can be rotated promptly at the time of collision.

[0051] (4) The protection member 15 is disposed inward in the width direction DXA from the position of the base 11. The protection member 15 is provided so as to face the base 11. According to this configuration, since the protection member 15 is provided so as to face the base 11, when the base 11 moves inward in the width direction DXA of the vehicle due to the vehicle receiving a collision load, it is possible to limit the base 11 from moving inward in the width direction DXA more than the protection member 15. Thereby, the device 5 located inward in the width direction DXA from the vehicle step device 10 can be protected. In particular, the device 5 inward in the width direction DXA from the protection member 15 can be protected.

[0052] (5) The protection member 15 is fixed to the skeleton member 2 of the vehicle body 1. Since the protection member 15 is provided on the skeleton member 2, it is less likely to move during a collision compared to the base 11 or the step 13 provided on the vehicle body 1. For this reason, the base 11 or the step 13 that moves due to the collision can be received by the protection member 15.

[0053] (6) The protection member 15 is configured to contact the base 11. When the base 11 is not in contact with the protection member 15, the degree of freedom of movement of the base 11 at the initial stage of a collision is higher compared to when the base 11 is in contact with the protection member 15, and the base 11 is likely to move in an unexpected direction. In this regard, according to the above configuration, when the base 11 moves during a collision, the base 11 is easily guided by the protection member 15. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of the base 11 from deviating from the movement of the base 11 assumed during a collision.

[0054] (7) The upper end 15A of the protection member 15 is located above the base 11. The lower end 15B of the protection member 15 is located below the upper surface of the step 13 in the stored state (see FIG. 5). According to this configuration, during a collision, the base 11 can be received by the protection member 15.

[0055] (8) The protection member 15 has an inclined portion 61 that inclines downward toward the inner side DXA in the width direction while being fixed to the vehicle body 1. According to this configuration, at the time of a collision, when the step 13 or the base 11 is received by the protection member 15, the step 13 or the base 11 can be guided downward. Since the protection member 15 is configured to change the moving direction of the step 13 or the base 11 in this way, it becomes possible to set the strength of the protection member 15 low. Thereby, the weight reduction of the protection member 15 can be achieved.

[0056] (9) The protection member 15 has a flat portion 62 located outside the inclined portion 61 in the width direction DX. The flat portion 62 extends horizontally while the protection member 15 is fixed to the vehicle body 1, and the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15 contacts the upper surface of the inner end portion 11A of the base 11. When a load is applied to the step 13 while the step 13 is deployed, the load is applied to the base 11 via the arm 12. At this time, the base 11 inclines and the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 moves upward. According to the above configuration, since the upper surface of the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 contacts the protection member 15, the upward movement of the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 is suppressed. Thereby, the position of the step 13 when a load is applied can be stabilized.

[0057] (10) The boundary 63 between the flat portion 62 and the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15 is located inward in the width direction DXA from the inner end 11B of the base 11 that contacts the flat portion 62. When the step 13 or the base 11 contacts the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15 immediately after a collision, a large collision force is applied to the protection member 15, so the protection member 15 is likely to deform. In this regard, according to the above configuration, at the time of a collision, the movement of the base 11 is not restricted by the protection member 15. Therefore, during the period until the base 11 contacts the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15 after the collision, a part of the collision energy is absorbed by the vehicle body 1. Thereby, the force applied to the protection member 15 can be reduced.

[0058] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, a technique related to the first problem is disclosed. The vehicle step device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration common to the first embodiment in the vehicle step device 10 of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The vehicle step device 10 of this embodiment has a different base 11 structure from that of the vehicle step device 10 of the first embodiment. This will be described below.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the base 11 includes a fixing portion 21 fixed to the rocker 4 of the vehicle body 1, an arm support portion 22 that supports the arm 12, and a connecting portion 23 that connects the fixing portion 21 and the arm support portion 22.

[0060] The connecting portion 23 is configured to extend inward in the width direction DXA in a state where the base 11 is fixed to the rocker 4. The fixing portion 21 is attached to the upper portion 23A of the outer end of the connecting portion 23. The arm support portion 22 is attached to the lower end portion 23B of the portion inside the connecting portion 23 than the upper portion 23A of the outer end. The connecting portion 23 includes a first connecting portion 24 and a second connecting portion 25.

[0061] The base 11 has an inner end portion 11A and an outer end portion 11C. The inner end portion 11A includes a portion located most inward in the width direction DXA. The outer end portion 11C includes a portion located most outward in the width direction DXB. The base 11 has an outer inclined surface 37. The outer inclined surface 37 inclines downward from the outer end portion 11C toward the width direction inward DXA.

[0062] Furthermore, the base 11 has an inner inclined surface 38. The inner inclined surface 38 is partially configured to face the protection member 15 in the width direction DX. The inner inclined surface 38 is configured to incline downward toward the width direction inward DXA.

[0063] The inner end portion 11A and the outer end portion 11C are provided in the first connecting portion 24 and the second connecting portion 25, respectively. The second connecting portion 25 has the same structure as the first connecting portion 24. Hereinafter, the first connecting portion 24 will be described.

[0064] In the first connecting portion 24, the inner end portion 11A is located between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first connecting portion 24 in the vertical direction DZ. The inner end portion 11A is located inward in the width direction DXA from the fixing portion 21.

[0065] In the first connecting portion 24, the outer end portion 11C is located near the upper surface of the base 11 in the vertical direction DZ. Specifically, the outer end portion 11C is located above the inner lower end 38A of the inner inclined surface 38 in the vertical direction DZ. In other examples, it is located above the intermediate position between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first connecting portion 24 in the vertical direction DZ. In other examples, the outer end portion 11C is located above the center of gravity of the first connecting portion 24. Further, in other examples, the outer end portion 11C is located above the inner end portion 11A in the vertical direction DZ.

[0066] The inner inclined surface 38 is located above the inner end portion 11A in the vertical direction DZ. The inner inclined surface 38 is located outward in the width direction DX from the inner end portion 11A. The inner lower end 38A of the inner inclined surface 38 is at a position lower than the outer end portion 11C of the base 11. A flat portion 39 extending horizontally is provided between the inner inclined surface 38 and the inner end portion 11A. The length of the flat portion 39 is longer than the length of the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15. Thus, when the vehicle step device 10 moves horizontally due to a vehicle collision, the inner end 11B of the base 11 reaches the boundary 63 of the protection member 15 in a state of contacting the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15. In this way, the horizontal movement of the vehicle step device 10 is allowed over a predetermined distance. By this allowance, it is suppressed that a strong force at the initial stage of the collision is directly transmitted to the protection member 15. When the vehicle step device 10 moves over a predetermined distance due to the collision, the inner inclined surface 38 of the base 11 contacts the outer end 62A of the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15.

[0067] <Function> With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the function of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle collides, after hitting the step 13, the object 80 contacts the outer end portion 11C of the base 11. Since the outer end portion 11C is configured as a corner or a protrusion, when the object 80 contacts the outer end portion 11C of the base 11, the base 11 rotates about the outer end portion 11C. Further, since the outer inclined surface 37 is provided on the base 11, the base 11 rotates such that the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 faces downward. Furthermore, since the outer end portion 11C of the base 11 is disposed near the upper surface, it is easy for the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 to rotate downward.

[0068] At the initial stage of the collision, the vehicle step device 10 moves horizontally. The flat portion 62 of the protection member 15 is configured to contact the upper surface of the inner end portion 11A of the base 11. And the boundary 63 between the flat portion 62 and the inclined portion 61 is located inward in the width direction DXA from the inner end 11B of the base 11 that contacts the flat portion 62. For this reason, the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 moves along the flat portion 62 without being obstructed by the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15. During the period until the base 11 contacts the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15, a part of the collision energy is absorbed by the vehicle step device 10 and the vehicle body 1. For this reason, it is suppressed that a strong force at the time of collision is directly applied to the protection member 15.

[0069] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the inner end 11B of the base 11 reaches the inclined portion 61, the inner end portion 11A of the base 11 moves along the inclined portion 61. As a result, the vehicle step device 10 is guided downward as a whole.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, further, when the vehicle step device 10 moves inward in the width direction DXA, the inner inclined surface 38 of the base 11 contacts the outer end 62A of the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15. By this contact, the base 11 comes to be guided downward.

[0071] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11, due to the momentum and its own weight, the vehicle step device 10 moves downward. In this way, it is suppressed that the vehicle step device 10 moves inward in the width direction DXA more than the protection member 15.

[0072] As described above, during and after a collision, a downward moving force or a rotational force that causes the inner end portion 11A to drop acts on the base 11. The first force is the torque acting on the base 11 when the object 80 contacts the outer end portion 11C of the base 11. The second force is the downward force acting on the base 11 when the inner end 11B of the base 11 contacts the inclined portion 61 of the protection member 15. The third force is the downward force acting on the base 11 when the inner inclined surface 38 of the base 11 contacts the outer end 62A of the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15. Since these three forces act on the base 11 during and after a collision, the vehicle step device 10 can be guided downward in various situations.

[0073] <Effect> The effect of this embodiment will be described. In the vehicle step device 10, the base 11 has an inner inclined surface 38 facing the protection member 15 in the width direction DX. The inner inclined surface 38 inclines downward toward the inner side DXA in the width direction. According to this configuration, when an object 80 collides with the vehicle or the vehicle collides with an object 80, when the vehicle step device 10 moves inward in the width direction DXA, the inner inclined surface 38 of the base 11 contacts the outer end 62A of the flat portion 62 of the protection member 15, whereby the base 11 is guided downward. Thereby, the movement of the base 11 inward in the width direction DXA with respect to the protection member 15 is suppressed.

[0074] <Modification Example> The above embodiments (the first embodiment and the second embodiment) are not limited to the examples of the above configurations. The above embodiments can be modified as follows. In the following modification examples, for configurations that are substantially the same as those of the above embodiments, the same reference numerals as those of the above embodiments will be used for description.

[0075] ·In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the protection member 15 has an inclined portion 61. The shape of the inclined portion 61 may be constituted by a curved surface. The inclined portion 61 may be constituted by a plurality of planes. The inclined portion 61 may be constituted by a combination of a curved surface and a plane.

[0076] · In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the protection member 15 is fixed to the side member 3. In contrast, the protection member 15 may be fixed to the cross member. The protection member 15 may be configured to extend across the front and rear cross members.

[0077] · In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the drive unit 14 moves the step 13 with respect to the base 11. In contrast, the drive unit 14 may be configured to move the step 13 with respect to the vehicle body 1. For example, the drive unit 14 includes a telescopic unit 51. In this case, one of the main body portion 52 and the moving portion 53 of the telescopic unit 51 is connected to the step 13. The other of the main body portion 52 and the moving portion 53 of the telescopic unit 51 is connected to the vehicle body 1.

[0078] · In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the drive unit 14 has a telescopic unit 51. The configuration of the drive unit 14 is not limited to this. The drive unit 14 may have a structure that rotates the arm 12 via a gear. The drive unit 14 may have a structure that rotates the arm 12 by a rack and pinion. The drive unit 14 may be omitted. In this case, the step 13 of the vehicle step device 10 is moved manually.

[0079] · In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the lower end 15B of the protection member 15 may extend further downward. Specifically, the lower end 15B of the protection member 15 may be located below the lower surface of the step 13 in the stored state.

[0080] · In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the base 11 has an outer inclined surface 37. The shape of the outer inclined surface 37 is not limited. For example, the outer inclined surface 37 may be configured by a curved surface. The outer inclined surface 37 may be configured by a plurality of planes. The outer inclined surface 37 may be configured by a combination of a curved surface and a plane.

[0081] · In the first and second embodiments, the base 11 has an inner inclined surface 38. The shape of the inner inclined surface 38 is not limited. For example, the inner inclined surface 38 may be constituted by a curved surface. The inner inclined surface 38 may be constituted by a plurality of flat surfaces. The inner inclined surface 38 may be constituted by a combination of a curved surface and a flat surface.

[0082] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, a technique related to the second problem is disclosed. With reference to FIGS. 12 to 23, the vehicle step device 101 will be described. The vehicle step device 101 is directly or indirectly attached to the vehicle body 102. In the following description, the state in which the vehicle step device 101 is directly or indirectly attached to the vehicle body 102 is referred to as the "mounting state of the vehicle step device 101".

[0083] In the front-rear direction DY of the vehicle step device 101, in the mounting state of the vehicle step device 101, it coincides with the front-rear direction DYS of the vehicle body 102. In the width direction DX of the vehicle step device 101, in the mounting state of the vehicle step device 101, it coincides with the width direction DXS of the vehicle body 102. In the vertical direction DZ of the vehicle step device 101, in the mounting state of the vehicle step device 101, it coincides with the vertical direction DZS of the vehicle body 102.

[0084] <Vehicle> As shown in FIG. 12, the vehicle step device 101 is provided on the vehicle body 102. The vehicle step device 101 may be directly attached to the vehicle body 102. The vehicle step device 101 may be attached to the vehicle body 102 via the base 103. The vehicle step device 101 may be attached to the vehicle body 102 via the support member 109.

[0085] The vehicle step device 101 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate of the vehicle body 102. The vehicle step device 101 is attached to the bottom plate of the vehicle body 102 near the vehicle entrance / exit that is closed by a door. The step 105 of the vehicle step device 101 is used as an auxiliary step for getting on and off. Therefore, the step 105 of the vehicle step device 101 is disposed below the lower end of the vehicle entrance / exit. The step 105 of the vehicle step device 101 moves by the power of the motor 153. The step 105 of the vehicle step device 101 moves from the storage position accommodated under the bottom plate of the vehicle body 102 to the deployment position according to a predetermined operation command during getting on and off. The deployment position (see FIG. 22) is a position outwardly separated from the storage position (see FIG. 23) with respect to the vehicle body 102 in the width direction DX. When the step 105 moves to the deployment position, the step 105 is arranged such that at least a part of the step 105 is exposed from the vehicle body 102 in plan view.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle step device 101 includes an arm 104, a step 105 attached to the arm 104, and a drive unit 106 that drives the arm 104. In the present embodiment, the vehicle step device 101 includes three arms 104. In the vehicle step device 101, the three arms 104 are referred to as a first arm 121, a second arm 122, and a third arm 123 in order from the front. When not distinguishing the first arm 121 to the third arm 123, it is simply referred to as the arm 104.

[0087] The arm 104 is attached to a vehicle body structure 102X including the vehicle body 102. The vehicle body structure 102X may be only the vehicle body 102. The vehicle body structure 102X may include the vehicle body 102 and a support member 109 that supports the arm 104. The vehicle body structure 102X may include the vehicle body 102, a base 103 attached to the vehicle body 102, and a support member 109.

[0088] For example, the arm 104 is directly attached to the vehicle body 102. The arm 104 may be attached to the vehicle body 102 via the base 103. The arm 104 may be attached to a support member 109 fixed to the base 103. In the present embodiment, the arm 104 is attached to the vehicle body 102 via the base 103 and the support member 109.

[0089] <Base> As shown in FIG. 14, the base 103 includes a first base 111 and a second base 112. The first base 111 is disposed in front of the second base 112 on the vehicle body 102. The first base 111 supports the base portion 125 of the first arm 121. The second base 112 supports the base portions 125 of the second arm 122 and the third arm 123.

[0090] The first base 111 includes a first fastening portion 111A, a second fastening portion 111B disposed inward in the width direction DX from the first fastening portion 111A, and a first intermediate portion 111C between the first fastening portion 111A and the second fastening portion 111B.

[0091] The second fastening portion 111B is provided at a position higher than the first intermediate portion 111C in the vertical direction DZ. The second fastening portion 111B is connected to the first intermediate portion 111C via the first stepped portion 111D. The first fastening portion 111A and the second fastening portion 111B are fastened to the vehicle body 102 with screws or rivets. The first intermediate portion 111C of the first base 111 includes a shaft support portion 111X that supports the shaft member 110 of the first arm 121. A plate-shaped first support member 109A is fixed to the shaft support portion 111X of the first intermediate portion 111C of the first base 111. The first arm 121 is attached to the first support member 109A.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15, the first base 111 further has a telescopic unit support portion 111E. The telescopic unit support portion 111E is provided so as to project rearward from the first intermediate portion 111C. The telescopic unit support portion 111E supports the main body portion 151 of the telescopic unit 150.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 14, the second base 112 includes a third fastening portion 112A, a fourth fastening portion 112B, a second intermediate portion 112C, and a rear portion 112E extending rearward from the second intermediate portion 112C. The fourth fastening portion 112B is a portion disposed closer to the vehicle body center in the width direction DX than the third fastening portion 112A. The second intermediate portion 112C is a portion between the third fastening portion 112A and the fourth fastening portion 112B.

[0094] The fourth fastening portion 112B is provided at a position higher than the second intermediate portion 112C in the vertical direction DZ. The fourth fastening portion 112B is connected to the second intermediate portion 112C via the second step portion 112D. The third fastening portion 112A and the fourth fastening portion 112B are fastened to the vehicle body 102 with screws or rivets. The third fastening portion 112A and the fourth fastening portion 112B may be attached to the vehicle body 102 by welding or the like.

[0095] The fourth fastening portion 112B of the second base 112 is fastened to the vehicle body 102 with screws arranged in a row. The second intermediate portion 112C of the second base 112 includes a shaft support portion 112X that supports the shaft member 110 of the second arm 122. A plate-shaped second support member 109B is fixed to the shaft support portion 112X of the second intermediate portion 112C of the second base 112. The second arm 122 is attached to the second support member 109B. Further, the rear portion 112E of the second base 112 includes a shaft support portion 112Y that supports the shaft member 110 of the third arm 123. A plate-shaped third support member 109C is fixed to the shaft support portion 112Y of the rear portion 112E of the second base 112. The third arm 123 is attached to the third support member 109C.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 15, a switch 114 is provided on the second base 112. The switch 114 outputs a signal for stopping the operation of the drive unit 106 by turning on the switch 114. The switch 114 is disposed at a position where the extension portion 130 of the second arm 122 can come into contact. Specifically, the switch 114 is disposed such that the extension portion 130 of the second arm 122 contacts the lever of the switch 114 in the arrangement of the second arm 122 when the step 105 is disposed at the storage position.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second base 112 has a contact portion 115 that abuts against the lower surface of the vehicle body 102. The contact portion 115 is disposed closer to the vehicle body center than the third fastening portion 112A in the width direction DX. The contact portion 115 is provided at least on the front side or the rear side of the second base 112.

[0098] The contact portion 115 is provided on the extension corresponding portion 103A in the base 103. The extension corresponding portion 103A is a portion where the virtual extension portion 123X and the second base 112 overlap in the base 103. The virtual extension portion 123X indicates an extension portion when the third arm 123 is extended in a direction opposite to the direction in which the arm portion 126 extends with respect to the base 125 of the third arm 123 when the arm 104 is disposed at the deployment position in the mounted state of the vehicle step device 101.

[0099] Furthermore, the contact portion 115 may be provided on the extension corresponding portion 103A and also on the screw extension portion 103B. The screw extension portion 103B indicates an extension portion when the fourth fastening portion 112B is extended in the direction DS along the screw row of the fourth fastening portion 112B in the base 103.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 16, the vehicle step device 101 may include a buffer 116. The buffer material 116 is provided between the contact portion 115 and the contact portion 102A on the vehicle body 102 where the contact portion 115 is applied. The buffer material 116 is configured in a sheet shape. The buffer material 116 may be adhered to the contact portion 102A of the vehicle body 102. The buffer material 116 may be provided on the contact portion 115. The buffer material 116 is provided to suppress the peeling of the paint on the vehicle body 102 caused by the direct contact between the contact portion 115 and the vehicle body 102, or to suppress the vibration noise caused by the direct contact between the contact portion 115 and the vehicle body 102. The buffer material 116 is composed of a rubber sheet or a resin sheet. The buffer material 116 may be provided on both the contact portion 102A of the vehicle body 102 and the contact portion 115.

[0101] <Support member> The support member 109 is provided directly or indirectly on the vehicle body 102. In one example, the support member 109 is attached to the base 103. The support member 109 is composed of metal. The support member 109 is configured as a plate member having a predetermined thickness. The thickness of the support member 109 is greater than the thickness of the base 103. The support member 109 is fixed to the base 103 by welding. The support member 109 includes a first support member 109A to a third support member 109C.

[0102] At least one of the first support member 109A to the third support member 109C may have the following configuration. In the attached state of the vehicle step device 101, the first width DW1 of the support member 109 along the width direction DX is larger than the second width DW2 of the support member 109 along the direction orthogonal to the width direction DX (see FIG. 14).

[0103] Also, at least one of the first support member 109A to the third support member 109C may have the following configuration. In the attached state of the vehicle step device 101, both end portions of the support member 109 in the width direction DX are more firmly fixed to the vehicle body 102 or the base 103 fixed to the vehicle body 102 than both end portions in the direction intersecting the width direction DX.

[0104] <Arm> Each arm 104 includes a base portion 125 and an arm portion 126. The arm portion 126 extends from the base portion 125 toward the step 105. The base portion 125 of each arm 104 is rotatably attached to the base 103. The rotation axes of the base portions 125 of each arm 104 are parallel to each other. The base portion 125 has a through hole 125A through which the shaft member 110 is inserted. The shaft member 110 is inserted through the through hole 125A.

[0105] The base portion 125 is supported by the vehicle body 102 or the base 103 via the support member 109. Specifically, the arm 104 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body structure 102X by the support member 109 and the shaft member 110. The tip portion 128 of the arm 104 has a through hole 128A through which the step shaft member 141 is inserted (see FIG. 19).

[0106] The arm portion 126 of the third arm 123 has a joint portion 129 (see FIG. 14). The arm portion 126 of the third arm 123 bends and extends about a shaft provided in the joint portion 129. Since the third arm 123 has the joint portion 129, the step 105 moves smoothly.

[0107] The second arm 122 includes a base portion 125, an arm portion 126, and an extension portion 130 (see FIG. 15). The extension portion 130 may be configured as a separate member from the base portion 125 and the arm portion 126. The extension portion 130 extends in a direction opposite to the arm portion 126 at the base portion 125. The extension portion 130 has a first portion 130A provided with a ball portion 161 of the ball joint 160 and a second portion 130B extending from the first portion 130A (see FIG. 21). The second portion 130B is provided on the first portion 130A so as to contact the switch 114 when the second arm 122 is disposed at the arm storage position. The arm storage position is the position of the second arm 122 when the step 105 is disposed at the storage position.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 18, the support structure of the arm 104 will be described. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion 125 of the second arm 122. In FIG. 18, the description of the second base 112 is omitted.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 18, the shaft member 110 is attached to the support member 109. The shaft member 110 has a shaft main body portion 110A that is attached to the support member 109 through the through hole 125A of the arm 104, and a head portion 110B provided at the end of the shaft main body portion 110A. The base portion 125 of the arm 104 is sandwiched between the head portion 110B and the support member 109.

[0110] The end of the shaft member 110 is coupled to the support member 109 with the shaft main body portion 110A inserted through the through hole 125A of the arm 104. A bush 132 is disposed between the through hole 125A and the shaft member 110. The head portion 110B of the shaft member 110 supports the lower surface of the base portion 125 of the arm 104. A washer 133 is disposed between the head portion 110B of the shaft member 110 and the base portion 125 of the arm 104. A washer 133 is disposed between the support member 109 and the base portion 125 of the arm 104.

[0111] The tip portion 128 of the arm 104 is rotatably attached to the step 105. The tip portion 128 of each arm 104 is attached to the vehicle body side portion of the step 105 in the width direction DX. The rotation axes of the tip portions 128 of each arm 104 are parallel to each other.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 19, a through hole 128A is provided in the tip portion 128 of the arm 104. A step shaft member 141 is inserted through the through hole 128A. The upper end portion of the step shaft member 141 is coupled to the upper surface portion 105A of the step 105 with the step shaft member 141 inserted through the through hole 128A of the arm 104. The lower end portion of the step shaft member 141 is coupled to the lower surface portion 105B of the step 105 with the step shaft member 141 inserted through the through hole 128A of the arm 104. A bush 134 is disposed between the through hole 128A and the step shaft member 141.

[0113] <Step> Step 105 is supported by the first arm 121, the second arm 122, and the third arm 123. Step 105 is supported by the first arm 121 to the third arm 123 so as to move with respect to the vehicle body 102. Step 105 has a step main body portion 140. For example, the step main body portion 140 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The step main body portion 140 is formed by extrusion or drawing.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 19, the step main body portion 140 has a first side surface 140A and a second side surface 140B disposed closer to the vehicle body than the first side surface 140A in the width direction DX. A groove portion 142 recessed toward the first side surface 140A is provided in the second side surface 140B. The groove portion 142 opens toward the vehicle body 102 in the mounted state of the vehicle step device 101. The groove portion 142 is configured to accommodate the tip end portion 128 of the arm 104.

[0115] <Drive unit> The drive unit 106 has a telescopic unit 150. The telescopic unit 150 includes a main body portion 151 and a moving portion 152 that moves with respect to the main body portion 151. The main body portion 151 is directly or indirectly connected to the vehicle body 102. The moving portion 152 is connected to the arm 104.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 20, the main body portion 151 has a spindle 155 that rotates by a motor 153, a nut 156 that engages with the spindle 155, and an outer cylinder 157. The outer cylinder 157 guides the nut 156 so that the nut 156 moves along the spindle 155 by the rotation of the spindle 155.

[0117] In one example, the main body 151 includes a motor 153. The motor 153 is attached to the end of the outer cylinder 157. The spindle 155 and the nut 156 are installed inside the outer cylinder 157. The moving part 152 has a cylindrical part 152A. The cylindrical part 152A of the moving part 152 is inserted through the outer cylinder 157. The nut 156 is attached to the end of the cylindrical part 152A of the moving part 152. When the spindle 155 rotates, the moving part 152 moves along the spindle 155 together with the nut 156.

[0118] The main body 151 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body 102 or the base 103. For example, the main body 151 is attached to the vehicle body 102 or the base 103 via a ball joint 160. The ball joint 160 includes a ball part 161 and a ball receiving part 162 that receives the ball part 161. The ball part 161 is directly or indirectly attached to the vehicle body 102. The ball receiving part 162 is provided at the end of the main body 151.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 21, the main body 151 is removably attached to the vehicle body 102 or the base 103 by screws. Specifically, the ball part 161 of the ball joint 160 is fixed to the mounting member 163. The mounting member 163 is attached to the telescopic unit support part 111E of the first base 111 by screws (see FIG. 15). The mounting member 163 is attached so that it can be removed from the telescopic unit support part 111E of the first base 111 by loosening the screws.

[0120] The tip of the moving part 152 is rotatably attached to the extension part 130 of the second arm 122 (see FIG. 15). Specifically, the tip of the spindle 155 is attached to the extension part 130 of the second arm 122 via a ball joint 160. The ball joint 160 includes a ball part 161 and a ball receiving part 162 that receives the ball part 161. The ball part 161 is attached to the extension part 130 of the second arm 122. The ball receiving part 162 is provided at the tip of the moving part 152.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in the attached state where the vehicle step device 101 is attached to the vehicle body 102 or the base 103, the spindle 155 is arranged along the longitudinal direction DYS of the vehicle body 102. Further, in the state where the vehicle step device 101 is attached to the vehicle body 102, the moving part 152 is connected to the arm 104 so that the telescopic unit 150 expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction DYS of the vehicle body 102.

[0122] The vehicle step device 101 may further include a receiving member 165. The receiving member 165 receives the telescopic unit 150. The receiving member 165 is provided to prevent the telescopic unit 150 from falling to the ground. The receiving member 165 is disposed below the telescopic unit 150 in the state where the vehicle step device 101 is attached to the vehicle body 102 or the base 103. The receiving member 165 is fixed to the base 103 via a hanging member.

[0123] The step 105 operates as follows by the drive unit 106. When the step 105 is disposed at the retracted position, the arm 104 is arranged along the longitudinal direction DY. At this time, the moving part 152 of the telescopic unit 150 is disposed at a position separated from the main body part 151 by a predetermined distance (see FIG. 23). When the moving part 152 moves closer to the main body part 151 by driving the motor 153, the extension part 130 of the second arm 122 is pulled toward the first base 111 by the telescopic unit 150. In conjunction with the rotation of the second arm 122, the first arm 121 and the third arm 123 move, and the step 105 moves toward the deployed position (see FIG. 22).

[0124] The operation of this embodiment will be described. The second base 112 supports the second arm 122 and the third arm 123. A second intermediate portion 112C that supports the base 125 of the second arm 122 in the second base 112 is provided between the third fastening portion 112A and the fourth fastening portion 112B in the width direction DX. The fastening portion is omitted near the rear portion 112E that supports the base 125 of the third arm 123 in the second base 112. In the second base 112, a contact portion 115 is provided at an extension corresponding portion 103A corresponding to the virtual extension 123X of the third arm 123. The contact portion 115 is configured to contact the lower surface of the vehicle body 102. When a load is applied to the tip of the third arm 123 when the third arm 123 is arranged along the width direction DX, the contact portion 115 is pressed against the vehicle body 102. Specifically, when the step 105 is arranged at the deployment position and a force is applied near the third arm 123, the contact portion 115 is pressed against the lower surface of the vehicle body 102. Thus, since a part of the force applied to the step 105 is transmitted to the vehicle body 102 via the contact portion 115, the force applied to the shaft member 110 that supports the third arm 123 can be reduced. The contact portion 115 is not fixed to the vehicle body 102 by screws or rivets or the like. Therefore, compared with the case where the contact portion 115 is fastened with screws or rivets or the like, the man-hours of the mounting work when the vehicle step device 101 is attached to the vehicle body 102 can be reduced.

[0125] The vehicle step device 101 of the present embodiment has the following effects. (1) In the vehicle step device 101, the second base 112 has a third fastening portion 112A and a fourth fastening portion 112B fastened to the vehicle body 102, a contact portion 115 applied to the lower surface of the vehicle body 102, and a shaft support portion 112Y that supports the shaft member 110 of the third arm 123. The contact portion 115 is closer to the vehicle body center than the shaft support portion 112Y. Note that the contact portion 115 may be provided on the shaft support portion.

[0126] According to this configuration, since the contact portion 115 is not fastened to the vehicle body 102, the mounting man-hours of the vehicle step device 101 can be reduced compared with a vehicle step device having a structure in which the contact portion 115 is fastened.

[0127] (2) In the vehicle step device 101, the second base 112 has a third fastening portion 112A fastened to the vehicle body 102 and a contact portion 115 applied to the lower surface of the vehicle body 102. The contact portion 115 is provided at the extension corresponding portion 103A when the third arm 123 is disposed at the deployment position in the mounted state of the vehicle step device 101. The contact portion 115 is disposed closer to the vehicle body center than the third fastening portion 112A in the width direction DX along the vehicle body width direction DXS, and is provided at least on the front side or the rear side of the second base 112. The extension corresponding portion 103A is a portion where the virtual extension 123X in the direction opposite to the direction in which the arm portion 126 extends with respect to the base 125 of the arm 104 overlaps with the second base 112.

[0128] According to this configuration, the second base 112 has the third fastening portion 112A and the contact portion 115. Since the contact portion 115 is not fastened to the vehicle body 102, the installation man-hour of the vehicle step device 101 can be reduced as compared with the vehicle step device 101 having a structure in which the contact portion 115 is fastened. Further, since a structure for fastening the contact portion 115 to the vehicle body 102 is unnecessary, the second base 112 can be made particularly compact in the vehicle body width direction DX.

[0129] (3) The contact portion 115 is provided at the extension corresponding portion 103A and at a screw extension portion 103B along the row of screws of the fourth fastening portion 112B of the second base 112. When the contact portion 115 is provided so as to be separated from the fourth fastening portion 112B, the contact portion 115 may vibrate during the running of the vehicle, and the contact portion 115 may rub against the vehicle body 102. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the contact portion 115 is provided near the fourth fastening portion 112B, the vibration of the contact portion 115 is suppressed.

[0130] (4) The vehicle step device 101 may include a buffer material 116. The buffer material 116 is provided between the contact portion 115 and the contact portion 102A on the vehicle body 102 where the contact portion 115 contacts. According to this configuration, since the contact portion 115 does not directly contact the vehicle body 102, the contact portion 115 does not rub against the vehicle body 102. As a result, the formation of scratches on the vehicle body 102 caused by the rubbing of the contact portion 115 against the vehicle body 102 can be suppressed.

[0131] (5) The vehicle step device 101 further includes a support member 109 that supports the arm 104 and a shaft member 110 attached to the support member 109. The support member 109 is attached to the base 103. The shaft member 110 has a shaft main body portion 110A attached to the support member 109 through the through hole 125A of the arm 104 and a head portion 110B provided at the end of the shaft main body portion 110A. The base portion 125 of the arm 104 is sandwiched between the head portion 110B and the support member 109. According to this configuration, the strength of the support structure of the portion that supports the arm 104 can be improved compared to the case where the support member 109 is not provided. In addition, since the support member 109 can ensure the rigidity of the structure including the base 103 and the support member 109, the degree of freedom of the base structure increases, and it is also possible to make the base 103 compact.

[0132] (6) The vehicle step device 101 includes an arm 104 and a step 105 attached to the arm 104. The arm 104 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body structure 102X by the support member 109 and the shaft member 110. The support member 109 is provided directly or indirectly on the vehicle body 102. The shaft member 110 has a shaft main body portion 110A attached to the support member 109 through the through hole 125A of the arm 104 and a head portion 110B provided at the end of the shaft main body portion 110A. The head portion 110B and the support member 109 sandwich the base portion 125 of the arm 104. According to this configuration, the arm 104 can be easily attached to the support member 109.

[0133] (7) The arm 104 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body structure 102X. The vehicle body structure 102X may include a vehicle body 102 and a support member 109. According to this configuration, the arm 104 can be attached to the vehicle body 102 via the support member 109.

[0134] (8) The arm 104 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body structure 102X. The vehicle body structure 102X may include a vehicle body 102, a base 103, and a support member 109. According to this configuration, the arm 104 can be attached to the vehicle body 102 via the base 103 and the support member 109.

[0135] (9) In the mounted state of the vehicle step device 101, both end portions of the support member 109 in the width direction DX are more firmly fixed to the vehicle body 102 or the base 103 fixed to the vehicle body 102 than both end portions in the direction intersecting the width direction DX.

[0136] According to this configuration, in the support member 109, the strength against the load in the rotational direction centered on the line along the front-rear direction DY can be improved. For example, peeling of the support member 109 from the vehicle body 102 is suppressed against an increase in the load in the rotational direction centered on the line along the front-rear direction DY.

[0137] (10) In the mounted state of the vehicle step device 101, the first width DW1 of the support member 109 along the width direction DX is larger than the second width DW2 of the support member 109 along the direction orthogonal to the width direction DX.

[0138] According to this configuration, in the support member 109, the strength against the load in the rotational direction centered on the line along the front-rear direction DY can be improved. For example, peeling of the support member 109 from the vehicle body 102 is suppressed against an increase in the load in the rotational direction centered on the line along the front-rear direction DY.

[0139] <Other modification examples> The third embodiment is not limited to the example of the above configuration. The third embodiment can be modified as follows. In the following modification examples, components that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment and will be described accordingly.

[0140] (1) As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the base 103 may be provided for each arm 104. The base 103 is individually fastened to the vehicle body 102. In this example, the main body 151 of the telescopic unit 150 is attached to the base 103 that supports the first arm 121. The moving part 152 of the telescopic unit 150 is attached to the extension part 130 of the second arm 122.

[0141] (2) As shown in FIG. 25, the support member 109 may be provided corresponding to some of the plurality of arms 104. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the support member 109 is provided for each of the first arm 121 and the second arm 122. The third arm 123 is attached to the base 103 without passing through the support member 109. Note that the description of the telescopic unit 150 is omitted in FIG. 25.

[0142] (3) As other examples of the telescopic unit 150, a hydraulic actuator and a pneumatic actuator can be mentioned. The drive unit 106 may have a structure different from that of the telescopic unit 150. The drive unit 106 may rotate the arm 104 by a gear.

[0143] (4) In the third embodiment, the second fastening portion 111B of the first base 111 may be omitted. In this case, instead of the second fastening portion 111B, an abutting portion 115 is provided at the same position as the second fastening portion 111B. The fourth fastening portion 112B of the second base 112 may be omitted. In this case, instead of the fourth fastening portion 112B, an abutting portion 115 is provided at the same position as the fourth fastening portion 112B. By doing so, the fastening portions fastened to the vehicle body 102 in the base 103 are only the first fastening portion 111A and the third fastening portion 112A arranged outside the vehicle body 102 in the width direction DX, and the inner portion of the vehicle body 102 in the width direction DX is not fastened. For this reason, the degree of freedom of the vehicle body structure to which the vehicle step device 101 is attached increases, and the vehicle step device 101 can be mounted on various vehicle types. Since the vehicle step device 101 itself does not have a fastening structure in the inner portion in the width direction DX, the vehicle step device 101 can be made compact.

[0144] (5) The technology according to the third embodiment is also applied to the vehicle step device 10 shown in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Specifically, the technology regarding the abutting portion 115 of the third embodiment is disclosed in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the technology regarding the abutting portion 23X in the first embodiment will be described.

[0145] The base 11 has a fastening portion (fixing portion 21) fastened to the vehicle body 1, an abutting portion 23X abutted against the lower surface of the vehicle body 1, and a shaft support portion 22X. Here, the lower surface of the vehicle body 1 includes the lower surface of the protection member 15.

[0146] The shaft support portion 22X is closer to the vehicle body center than the fastening portion (fixing portion 21) and supports the shaft member (first shaft 31) of the arm 12. And the abutting portion 23X is provided on the shaft support portion 22X. Or the abutting portion 23X may be closer to the vehicle body center than the shaft support portion 22X.

[0147] In the first embodiment, the contact portion 23X is provided on the upper surface of the flange portion 23Z. The flange portion 23Z extends upward from both ends in the front-rear direction DY of the arm support portion 22. In the first embodiment, the flange portion 23Z is configured as a part of the connecting portion 23. The contact portion 23X is applied to the protective member 15. The lower surface of the protective member 15 structurally constitutes the lower surface of the vehicle body 1. Thereby, the following operation is obtained.

[0148] The contact portion 23X is applied to the lower surface of the vehicle body 1. When a load is applied to the tip of the arm 12 when the arm 12 is arranged along the width direction DX, the contact portion 23X is pressed against the vehicle body 1. Specifically, when the step 13 is arranged at the deployment position and a force is applied near the arm 12, the contact portion 23X is pressed against the lower surface of the vehicle body 1 (that is, the lower surface of the protective member 15). In this way, since a part of the force applied to the step 13 is transmitted to the vehicle body 1 via the contact portion 23X, the force applied to the shaft member (first shaft 31) that supports the arm 12 can be reduced. The contact portion 23X is not fixed to the vehicle body 1 by screws or rivets or the like. Therefore, the man-hours for the mounting work when attaching the vehicle step device 10 to the vehicle body 1 can be reduced as compared with the case where the contact portion 23X is fastened with screws or rivets or the like.

[0149] Hereinafter, the effect of the contact portion 23X in the first embodiment will be described. The base 11 has a fastening portion (fixing portion 21) fastened to the vehicle body 1, a contact portion 23X applied to the lower surface of the vehicle body 1, and a shaft support portion 22X. The contact portion 23X is provided on the shaft support portion 22X. Or the contact portion 23X may be closer to the vehicle body center than the shaft support portion 22X.

[0150] In this way, the base 11 has a fastening portion (fixing portion 21), a contact portion 23X, and a shaft support portion 22X. Since the contact portion 23X is not fastened to the vehicle body 1, the mounting man-hours of the vehicle step device 10 can be reduced as compared with a vehicle step device having a structure in which the contact portion 23X is fastened.

[0151] In the first embodiment, the shaft support portion 22X is closer to the vehicle body center than the fastening portion (fixed portion 21). And the contact portion 23X is provided at the shaft support portion 22X. According to this configuration, in the vehicle step device 10 where the shaft support portion 22X is closer to the vehicle body center than the fastening portion (fixed portion 21), the dimension in the width direction of the vehicle step device 10 can be shortened.

[0152] Also, in the first embodiment, a flange portion 23Z extending upward is provided at the shaft support portion 22X. According to this configuration, the contact portion 23X can be provided at the flange portion 23Z. In the first embodiment, the contact portion 23X is provided on the upper surface of the flange portion 23Z. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the shaft support portion 22X from contacting the protection member 15.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0153] DX…Width direction, DXA…Inner side in the width direction, 1…Vehicle body, 2…Skeletal member, 10…Vehicle step device, 11…Base, 11A…Inner end portion, 11B…Inner end, 11C…Outer end portion, 12…Arm, 13…Step, 15…Protection member, 15A…Upper end, 15B…Lower end, 37…Outer inclined surface, 38…Inner inclined surface, 39…Flat portion, 61…Inclined portion, 62…Flat portion, 63…Boundary, 101…Vehicle step device, 102…Vehicle body, 102A…Contact portion, 102X…Vehicle body structure, 103…Base, 103A…Extension corresponding portion, 103B…Thread extension portion, 104…Arm, 105…Step, 109…Support member, 110…Shaft member, 110A…Shaft main body portion, 110B…Head portion, 115…Contact portion, 116…Buffer material, 123X…Virtual extension portion, 125…Base portion, 125A…Through hole, 126…Arm portion, 128A…Through hole.

Claims

1. A vehicle step device, comprising: a base attached to a vehicle body; an arm attached to the base; a step assembled to the arm; a protection member disposed inward in the width direction from the position of the step in the stored state and provided to face at least a part of the base, the arm, and the step; the base has an outer end portion including a portion located most outward in the width direction; the outer end portion is configured as a corner or a protrusion; the base has an outer inclined surface that slopes downward from the outer end portion inward in the width direction; A vehicle step device.

2. The protection member is disposed inward in the width direction from the position of the base and provided to face the base. The vehicle step device according to claim 1.

3. The protection member is fixed to a skeletal member of the vehicle body. The vehicle step device according to claim 1.

4. The protection member is configured to contact the base. The vehicle step device according to claim 1.

5. A vehicle step device, comprising: a base attached to a vehicle body; an arm attached to the base; a step assembled to the arm; a protection member disposed inward in the width direction from the position of the step in the stored state and provided to face at least a part of the base, the arm, and the step; an upper end of the protection member is located above the base; a lower end of the protection member is located below an upper surface of the step in the stored state; the protection member has an inclined portion that slopes downward inward in the width direction in a state of being fixed to the vehicle body. A vehicle step device.

6. The protection member has a flat portion located outward in the width direction from the inclined portion and connected to the inclined portion; the flat portion extends horizontally in a state where the protection member is fixed to the vehicle body; the flat portion of the protection member contacts an upper surface of an inner end portion of the base. The vehicle step device according to claim 5.

7. A boundary between the flat portion and the inclined portion of the protection member is located inward in the width direction from an inner end of the base that contacts the flat portion. The vehicle step device according to claim 6.

8. The base has an inner inclined surface that faces the protection member in the width direction; the inner inclined surface slopes downward inward in the width direction. The vehicle step device according to claim 6.

9. A vehicle step device provided on a vehicle body, a base attached to the vehicle body, an arm attached to the base, and a step attached to the arm, and the arm has a base portion and an arm portion extending from the base portion, the base has a fastening portion fastened to the vehicle body, a contact portion applied to the lower surface of the vehicle body, and a shaft support portion that supports a shaft member of the arm, the contact portion is at the shaft support portion or closer to the center of the vehicle body than the shaft support portion, the contact portion is provided at an extension corresponding portion where a virtual extension in a direction opposite to the direction in which the arm portion extends with respect to the base portion overlaps the base when the arm is disposed at the deployment position in a mounted state where the vehicle step device is mounted on the vehicle body, is disposed closer to the center of the vehicle body than the fastening portion in a direction along the width direction of the vehicle body, and is provided at least on the front side or the rear side of the base, and further includes a buffer material, the buffer material is provided between the contact portion and a contact portion on the vehicle body where the contact portion is applied, A vehicle step device.

10. the base has the fastening portion fastened to the vehicle body by screws arranged in a row, the contact portion is provided at the extension corresponding portion and at a screw extension in a direction along the row of the screws, The vehicle step device according to claim 9.

11. further includes a support member that supports the arm and a shaft member attached to the support member, the base portion of the arm has a through hole through which the shaft member passes, the support member is attached to the base, the shaft member has a shaft main body portion attached to the support member through the through hole of the arm and a head provided at an end of the shaft main body portion, the base portion of the arm is sandwiched between the head and the support member, The vehicle step device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. A vehicle step device provided on a vehicle body, a base attached to the vehicle body, an arm attached to the base, and a step attached to the arm, and the arm has a base portion and an arm portion extending from the base portion, the base has a fastening portion fastened to the vehicle body, a contact portion applied to the lower surface of the vehicle body, and a shaft support portion that supports a shaft member of the arm, ​ The contact portion is located at the shaft support portion or closer to the vehicle body center than the shaft support portion. The shaft support portion is closer to the vehicle body center than the fastening portion. The contact portion is located at the shaft support portion. Vehicle step device.

13. The shaft support portion is provided with a flange portion extending upward. The vehicle step device according to claim 12.

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