Vehicle door step device

Abstract

To solve the problems that a step for getting on and off of a cab-over type vehicle is narrow, and accordingly a tight posture is forced, and a storage type step taken out interlocked with door opening / closing operation requires a large storage space, and to provide a step device that is taken out interlocked with door opening / closing operation and is stored which is available with a large area enough to allow both feet to get thereon, and can be compactly stored.SOLUTION: First to third rotation step plates 11 to 13 are developed interlocked with opening operation of a door 2. The first to third rotation step plates 11 to 13 are rotated interlocked with closing operation of the door 2, and are stored on a fixing step plate 14. A large area is secured by developing the three rotation step plates 11 to 13. Thereby, getting on / off property is enhanced. A step device 10 is compactly stored by reducing the three rotation step plates 11 to 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, at a door opening of a vehicle, a step device is provided for use as a footrest to facilitate the boarding and alighting operations of passengers. The step device includes a fixed type in which a horizontal flat portion with an area sufficient to place one foot is provided at the lower part of the door opening, and a movable type that is pulled out from the lower part of the door opening in conjunction with the horizontal opening movement of the door. In the former fixed step, since the area available as a footrest is limited, especially in the case of a cab-over type vehicle, it is necessary to place one foot on the step and straddle the wheelhouse with the other foot, which makes the boarding and alighting operations cramped.

[0003] The latter step device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this step device, a fan-shaped step plate is pulled out in conjunction with the opening movement of the door, so that a larger area can be used as a footrest compared to the former fixed step.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, according to the latter movable step device, it is necessary to set a space for accommodating a large-area fan-shaped step plate at the lower part of the door opening when the door is closed, and in this regard, the conventional step device needs to improve its storage performance. In the present invention, while ensuring a sufficient area of the step plate when the door is open, it is made possible to store it compactly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problems are solved by the following inventions. The first invention is a step device installed between the door opening of a vehicle and the lower part of the door that rotates horizontally via a hinge to open and close the door opening. The step device has a plurality of flat step plates that are extended horizontally by the opening of the door and retracted horizontally by the closing of the door. The plurality of step plates are displaced relative to each other in the planar direction by the opening and closing of the door, thereby being extended or retracted.

[0007] According to the first invention, the step device expands horizontally when the door opens, providing ample space, and shrinks horizontally when the door closes, allowing for compact storage. When the step device expands to a sufficient area, passengers can comfortably place both feet on it. Even when the door is half-open, the step device allows for easy entry and exit, ensuring good accessibility. The horizontal extension and retraction of the step device provides both ease of use when the door is open and compact storage when the door is closed. The extension and retraction of the step device occurs automatically in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door, without requiring any special operation. This ensures excellent usability of the step device.

[0008] According to the first invention, the step device is positioned in a location that is easily usable as a stepping stool.

[0009] According to the first invention, the extension and retraction operation of the step device can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0010] The second invention is that, in the first invention, multiple step plates are superimposed in the thickness direction at the bottom of the door opening to reduce its size. According to the second invention, when the door is closed, the step device is compactly stored at the bottom of the door opening.

[0011] In the first or second invention, for example, a configuration having three step plates can be used. With this configuration, the step device expands and contracts horizontally as the three step plates are displaced in the planar direction.

[0012] The third invention relates to the first or second invention, wherein the plurality of step plates include a plurality of rotating step plates that are rotatable horizontally around a common pivot axis. According to the third invention, the plurality of rotating step plates extend and retract horizontally by rotating around a common pivot axis.

[0013] The fourth invention is that, in the third invention, the pivot axis coincides with the hinge center of the door. According to the fourth invention, the extension and retraction of the step device is smoothly linked to the opening and closing of the door.

[0014] The fifth invention is the third invention, which has interlocking parts between a plurality of rotating step plates that engage and disengage in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door. According to the fifth invention, with a simple configuration, the plurality of rotating step plates are displaced in the planar direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door.

[0015] The sixth invention, in the third invention, includes a sliding step plate that slides radially between a plurality of rotating step plates due to the rotational movement of the rotating step plates. According to the sixth invention, the plurality of step plates can be deployed over a wider area, further improving the ease of boarding and alighting for passengers.

[0016] The seventh invention, in the sixth invention, includes a motion conversion unit between the rotating step plate and the sliding step plate that converts the rotational motion of the rotating step plate into the sliding motion of the sliding step plate. According to the seventh invention, the sliding step plate can be slid by utilizing the rotational motion of the rotating step plate. This makes it possible to create a step device in which multiple step plates can be deployed over a wider area without significantly compromising the compactness of the step device.

[0017] The eighth invention is that in the sixth invention, the plurality of step plates include three rotating step plates and two sliding step plates. According to the eighth invention, for example, a step device can be provided that is deployed to an area sufficient to place an adult's foot.

[0018] In any one of the first to eighth inventions, the step device can be configured to be connected to the door by using an existing drain hole provided at the lower part of the door. According to this configuration, the step device can be connected to the door side without newly installing a separate connecting portion. This facilitates the retrofitting of the step device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the door opening on the left side of the vehicle. This figure shows the state where the door is open and the step device according to the first embodiment is deployed. [Figure 2] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the door opening. This figure shows the state where the door is closed and the step device according to the first embodiment is stored. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of the stored state of the step device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the deployed state of the step device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the deployed state of the step device according to the first embodiment. This figure shows the state where it is removed from the step portion. [Figure 6] It is a side view of the deployed step device as viewed from the direction of arrow VI in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing that the hook portion of the first rotating step plate is engaged with the drain hole of the door. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of the deployed state of the step device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a plan view of the stored state of the step device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a side view of the stored state of the step device according to the second embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 shows the front part of a so-called cab-over type vehicle 1. In FIG. 1, the left side of the front part of the vehicle 1 is shown. FIG. 1 shows a state where the left door 2 is opened and the door opening 3 is open. The door 2 is supported by the front part (front pillar 3a) of the door opening 3 via a hinge part (not visible in the figure). The door 2 is rotated horizontally via the hinge part to open and close the door opening 3.

[0021] In the cab-over type vehicle 1, since the height (hip point) of the vehicle floor 8 is relatively high, upper and lower two-step parts 4 and 5 are provided at the lower part of the door opening 3 for the convenience of getting on and off. When the door opening 3 is closed by the door 2, the upper and lower two-step parts 4 and 5 are covered by the door 2. A wheelhouse 7 that covers the left front wheel 6 is provided behind the upper and lower two-step parts 4 and 5.

[0022] A resin plate 4a for anti-slip is attached to the upper-step part 4. The vehicle floor 8 extends to the back of the upper-step part 4.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a step device 10 according to this embodiment is provided on the lower-step part 5. The step device 10 is taken out in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 2 and stored in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 2. The step device 10 has three rotating step plates 11 to 13 and one fixed step plate 14. The rotating step plates 11 to 13 and the fixed step plate 14 are each made of hard resin and have a flat plate shape with an area sufficient to place one foot.

[0024] The step device 10 is stored above the lower step section 5. In the stored state, the three rotating step plates 11-13 and the one fixed step plate 14 are stacked vertically (in the thickness direction). Therefore, no additional space is required for storage as in conventional designs. Hereafter, the rotating step plates 11-13 will be distinguished from each other by being referred to as the first rotating step plate 11, the second rotating step plate 12, and the third rotating step plate 13, respectively, from top to bottom. The upper surfaces of the first to third rotating step plates 11-13 are provided with numerous anti-slip protrusions 11c, 12c, and 13c, respectively.

[0025] The upper first rotating step plate 11, second rotating step plate 12, and third rotating step plate 13 are each supported so as to be able to rotate independently in the planar direction (horizontal direction) via a common support shaft 15 inserted through their front ends. The support shaft 15 is provided at the front of the fixed step plate 14. The axis of the support shaft 15 is perpendicular to the planar direction of the step section 5. Therefore, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 rotate parallel to the planar direction of the step section 5. The support shaft 15 is positioned almost coaxially with the pivot axis (hinge center H) of the door 2. Therefore, the rotation centers of the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 almost coincide with the hinge center H of the door 2.

[0026] The uppermost first rotating step plate 11 in the thickness direction is connected to the door 2. A hook portion 16 is integrally provided near the left corner of the rear side of the first rotating step plate 11. The hook portion 16 is provided as far away as possible from the pivot shaft 15. The hook portion 16 is hooked onto an existing drain hole 2a provided at the bottom of the door 2. As a result, the first rotating step plate 11, and by extension the second rotating step plate 12 and the third rotating step plate 13, rotate horizontally in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 2.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, a first engagement recess 11a is provided on the lower surface of the first rotating step plate 11. The first engagement recess 11a is located near the right corner of the rear side of the first rotating step plate 11. The first engagement recess 11a is formed in a V-groove shape.

[0028] A second engaging projection 12a is provided on the upper surface of the second rotating step plate 12. The second engaging projection 12a is located near the left corner of the rear side of the second rotating step plate 12. The second engaging projection 12a has a triangular cross-section projection that can engage with and disengage from the V-groove-shaped first engaging recess 11a. When the second engaging projection 12a engages with the first engaging recess 11a, the first rotating step plate 11 and the second rotating step plate 12 rotate together in the removal direction and the storage direction.

[0029] A second engagement recess 12b is provided on the lower surface of the second rotating step plate 12. The second engagement recess 12b is located near the right corner of the rear side of the second rotating step plate 12. The second engagement recess 12b is formed in a V-groove shape.

[0030] A third engaging projection 13a is provided on the upper surface of the third rotating step plate 13. The third engaging projection 13a is located near the left corner of the rear side of the third rotating step plate 13. The third engaging projection 13a has a triangular cross-section projection that can engage with and disengage from the V-groove-shaped second engaging recess 12b. When the third engaging projection 13a engages with the second engaging recess 12b, the second rotating step plate 12 and the third rotating step plate 13 rotate together in the removal direction and the storage direction.

[0031] The first engaging recess 11a, the second engaging projection 12a, the second engaging recess 12b, and the third engaging projection 13a are arranged on concentric circles centered on the pivot shaft 15.

[0032] When the door 2 is opened from the stowed position shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first rotating step plate 11 is first rotated to the left in conjunction with the opening of the door 2. This brings the first rotating step plate 11 out relative to the second rotating step plate 12. When the first rotating step plate 11 is rotated to the left by a certain angle relative to the second rotating step plate 12, the second engaging projection 12a engages with the first engaging recess 11a. This integrates the second rotating step plate 12 with the first rotating step plate 11.

[0033] As the door 2 opens further with the first rotating step plate 11 and the second rotating step plate 12 integrated, the first rotating step plate 11 and the second rotating step plate 12 are pulled out to the left as a single unit relative to the third rotating step plate 13. When the second rotating step plate 12 is rotated to the left by a certain angle relative to the third rotating step plate 13, the third engaging projection 13a engages with the second engaging recess 12b. As a result, the third rotating step plate 13 is integrated with the first rotating step plate 11 and the second rotating step plate 12. Therefore, in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 2, the first rotating step plate 11, the second rotating step plate 12, and the third rotating step plate 13 rotate together in the pulling direction around the pivot shaft 15.

[0034] In this embodiment, the fixed step plate 14 is fixed along the lower step section 5 with two fixing screws 14a. The fixed step plate 14 functions as a base that rotatably supports the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 via a support shaft 15. Furthermore, by providing the support shaft 15 on the fixed step plate 14, there is no need to provide a separate support shaft on the step section 5. This makes it easy to retrofit the step device 10 to the step section 5.

[0035] When door 2 is fully opened, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 are deployed in a fan shape between the lower part of door 2 and the lower step section 5. Because the step device 10 is deployed in a wide fan shape, passengers can use it as a large stepping stool with enough surface area to place both feet on the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 and the fixed step plate 14. Since passengers can place both feet on the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 and the fixed step plate 14, they are no longer forced into the cramped posture of straddling the wheel well 7 with one foot, as in conventional designs, allowing for a more comfortable boarding and alighting experience.

[0036] When door 2 is closed, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 rotate to the right (storage direction) around the pivot shaft 15 in conjunction with the closing operation. As each rotating step plate 11 to 13 rotates in the storage direction, the engagement state of the second engaging projection 12a with the first engaging recess 11a and the engagement state of the third engaging projection 13a with the second engaging recess 12b are released. As a result, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 are returned to above the fixed step plate 14, overlapping in the thickness direction. When door 2 is fully closed, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 and the fixed step plate 14 are reduced in size in an overlapping manner as shown in Figures 2 and 3 and stored above the step section 5.

[0037] As illustrated above, the step device 10 extends horizontally in conjunction with the opening of the door 2, providing sufficient space for, for example, both feet. This allows passengers to get in and out of the vehicle in a comfortable posture without having to assume an awkward position such as straddling the wheel well 7.

[0038] The first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 unfold according to the opening angle of the door 2. This allows passengers to get in and out of the vehicle in a comfortable position using the step device 10, even when the door 2 is only partially open. The retractable step device 10 is particularly useful when it is difficult to fully open the door 2, such as in narrow parking spaces or during rainfall.

[0039] The step device 10 is retracted horizontally and compactly stored in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 2. The horizontal extension and retraction of the step device 10 ensures both ease of use when the door is open and compact storage when the door is closed. The extension and retraction operation of the step device 10 is linked to the opening and closing operation of the door 2, ensuring good operability of the step device 10.

[0040] According to the illustrated embodiment, the step device 10 is mounted between the lower part of the door opening 3 and the lower part of the door 2. This positions the step device 10 in a location that is easily usable as a stepping stool.

[0041] According to the illustrated embodiment, the step device 10 has three rotating step plates 11-13 and one fixed step plate 14. The opening and closing operation of the door 2 causes the first to third rotating step plates 11-13 to be displaced relative to each other in the planar direction, thereby expanding or contracting. This enables the extension and contraction of the step device 10 with a simple configuration.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 are rotatable horizontally via a common support shaft 15. This simplifies the support structure of the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot shaft 15 coincides with the hinge center H of the door 2. This allows the extension and retraction of the step device 10 to be smoothly linked to the opening and closing of the door 2.

[0044] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 have interlocking parts between them that engage and disengage in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 2. The interlocking parts consist of an interlocking part between a first engaging recess 11a and a second engaging projection 12a, and an interlocking part between a second engaging recess 12b and a third engaging projection 13a. With such interlocking parts, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 are displaced in the planar direction in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 2 with a simple configuration.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, the end of the step device 10 on the door 2 side engages with a drain hole 2a provided in the lower part of the door 2. By using the existing drain hole 2a to mount the step device 10, it becomes easy to retrofit the step device 10.

[0046] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 and the fixed step plate 14 are superimposed in the thickness direction at the bottom of the door opening 3 and reduced in size, so that the step device 10 is compactly stored at the bottom of the door opening 3 when the door 2 is closed.

[0047] Various modifications can be made to the embodiment described. For example, although the example shows a configuration in which three rotating step plates 11-13 are extended and retracted horizontally, the number of rotating step plates may be changed to two, four, or five or more. Not limited to the first to third rotating step plates 11-13, anti-slip protrusions may be provided on the upper surface of the fixed step plate 14.

[0048] Furthermore, although the example illustrates a configuration in which the fixed step plate 14 is fixed along the step section 5, the fixing with the fixing screw 14a may be omitted, and the fourth rotating step plate may be rotated horizontally via a support shaft provided on the step section. In this case, by deploying the four rotating step plates, the width of each rotating step plate can be made smaller, further enhancing the compactness of the stored state.

[0049] While an example was given in which the common pivot shaft 15 of the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 coincides with the hinge center H of the door 2, in addition to configurations that require precise alignment, slight misalignment can be tolerated, for example, by allowing displacement of the hooking position of the hook portion 16 with respect to the drain hole 2a.

[0050] The first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 and the fixed step plate 14 are not limited to being made of the exemplified hard resin, but may also be made of steel plate or wood.

[0051] Although an example was given in which the first rotating step plate 11 is connected to the door 2 using the existing drain hole 2a, the first rotating step plate may also be connected to the door 2 by screwing it in place. Alternatively, for example, a sliding rail section may be newly installed in the front-rear direction to connect the first rotating step plate. In this case, the sliding rail section allows for relative displacement of the first rotating step plate with respect to the door 2 in the front-rear direction, thus allowing for a misalignment of the rotation center of the rotating step plate with respect to the hinge center H of the door 2.

[0052] While the example illustrates a configuration in which flat rotating step plates 11-13 and a fixed step plate 14 are relatively displaced relative to each other in the planar direction to expand and contract, a configuration in which, for example, a single truss structure or bellows structure that expands and contracts horizontally is installed between the door and the step section may also be used.

[0053] Figures 8-10 show the stepping device 20 according to the second embodiment. The stepping device 20 according to the second embodiment includes three first to third rotating stepping plates 21-23 and one fixed stepping plate 24, just like the first embodiment. Components and configurations that do not require modification are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0054] The first to third rotating step plates 21 to 23 are supported independently of each other and rotatable horizontally via a common pivot shaft 25. The pivot shaft 25 is positioned almost coaxially with the hinge center H of the door 2. The uppermost first rotating step plate 21 is hooked into the drain hole 2a of the door 2 via a hook portion 16. Anti-slip protrusions 21c are provided on the upper surface of the first rotating step plate 21.

[0055] Similar to the first embodiment, a V-shaped first engagement recess 21a is provided on the lower surface of the first rotating step plate 21, and a V-shaped second engagement projection 22a is provided on the upper surface of the second rotating step plate 22. As the door 2 opens and closes, the second engagement projection 22a engages with the first engagement recess 21a, causing the first rotating step plate 21 and the second rotating step plate 22 to rotate together horizontally.

[0056] A V-shaped second engagement recess 22b is provided on the lower surface of the second rotating step plate 22, and a V-shaped third engagement projection 23a is provided on the upper surface of the third rotating step plate 23. As the door 2 opens and closes, the third engagement projection 23a engages with the second engagement recess 22b, causing the second rotating step plate 22 and the third rotating step plate 23 to rotate horizontally as a single unit.

[0057] The fixed step plate 24 is secured along the lower step section 5 with fixing screws 24a.

[0058] The second embodiment is characterized by having two rectangular sliding step plates 26 and 27 in addition to the three rotating step plates 21 to 23. The two sliding step plates 26 and 27 are displaced radially (radially with respect to the opening and closing direction of the door 2, and in the direction of approaching and moving away from the support shaft 25) in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the door 2.

[0059] A first sliding step plate 26 is positioned between the first rotating step plate 21 and the second rotating step plate 22. A pair of guide rails 22c are provided on the upper surface of the second rotating step plate 22. The pair of guide rails 22c support the first sliding step plate 26 so that it can slide in a direction that is generally closer to and further away from the support shaft 15.

[0060] A first guide groove 26a is provided on the upper surface of the first slide step plate 26. The first guide groove 26a is inclined with respect to the sliding direction of the second slide step plate 26 by the guide rail 22c. The first engaging portion 21d enters the first guide groove 26a. The first engaging portion 21d is provided on the lower surface of the first rotating step plate 21 in an axial shape that protrudes downward. Due to the rotational movement of the first rotating step plate 21 relative to the second rotating step plate 22, the first engaging portion 21d moves along an arc trajectory centered on the pivot shaft 15. As the first engaging portion 21d moves in an arc around the pivot shaft 15, it is displaced relatively within the first guide groove 26a. As a result, the first slide step plate 27 reciprocates radially outward and radially inward between the first rotating step plate 21 and the second rotating step plate 22.

[0061] The first engagement portion 21d and the first guide groove 26a constitute a first motion conversion portion 28 that converts the rotational movement of the first rotating step plate 21 relative to the second rotating step plate 22 into a radial sliding movement of the first sliding step plate 26.

[0062] When the door 2 opens, the first rotating step plate 21 rotates in the opening direction relative to the second rotating step plate 22, and the first motion conversion unit 28 displaces the first sliding step plate 26 radially outward (away from the pivot shaft 15) and removes it from between the first rotating step plate 21 and the second rotating step plate 22. When the door 2 closes, the first rotating step plate 21 rotates in the closing direction relative to the second rotating step plate 22, and the first motion conversion unit 28 displaces the first sliding step plate 26 radially inward (away from the pivot shaft 15) and stores it between the first rotating step plate 21 and the second rotating step plate 22.

[0063] A second sliding step plate 27 is positioned between the second rotating step plate 22 and the third rotating step plate 23. A pair of guide rails 23b are provided on the upper surface of the third rotating step plate 23. The pair of guide rails 23b support the second sliding step plate 27 so that it can slide in a direction that is generally closer to and further away from the support shaft 15.

[0064] A second guide groove 27a is provided on the upper surface of the second slide step plate 27. The second guide groove 27a is inclined with respect to the sliding direction of the second slide step plate 27 by the guide rail 23b. The second engaging portion 22d enters the second guide groove 27a. The second engaging portion 22d is provided on the lower surface of the second rotating step plate 22 in an axial shape that protrudes downward. Due to the rotational movement of the second rotating step plate 22 relative to the third rotating step plate 23, the second engaging portion 22d moves along an arc trajectory centered on the pivot shaft 15. As the second engaging portion 22d moves in an arc around the pivot shaft 15, it is displaced relative to the second guide groove 27a. As a result, the second slide step plate 27 reciprocates radially outward and radially inward between the second rotating step plate 22 and the third rotating step plate 23.

[0065] The second engagement portion 22d and the second guide groove 27a constitute a second motion conversion portion 29 that converts the rotational movement of the second rotating step plate 22 relative to the third rotating step plate 23 into a radial sliding movement of the second sliding step plate 27.

[0066] When the door 2 opens, the second rotating step plate 22 rotates in the outward direction relative to the third rotating step plate 23, and the second motion conversion unit 29 displaces the second sliding step plate 27 radially outward (away from the pivot shaft 15) and removes it from between the second rotating step plate 22 and the third rotating step plate 23. When the door 2 closes, the second rotating step plate 22 rotates in the closing direction relative to the third rotating step plate 23, and the second motion conversion unit 29 displaces the second sliding step plate 27 radially inward (away from the pivot shaft 15) and stores it between the second rotating step plate 22 and the third rotating step plate 23.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, when door 2 is opened, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 rotate horizontally and unfold, and the first and second sliding step plates 21 and 22 are removed radially outward by the first and second motion conversion units 28 and 29, respectively. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when door 2 is closed, the first to third rotating step plates 11 to 13 are stored so as to overlap on top of the fixed step plate 24. At the same time, the first and second sliding step plates 21 and 22 are slid radially inward by the first and second motion conversion units 28 and 29, respectively, and stored between the first rotating step plate 21 and the second rotating step plate 22, and between the second rotating step plate 22 and the third rotating step plate 23. Thus, the step device 20 is stored above the step section 5.

[0068] According to the second embodiment, the first to third rotating step plates 21 to 23 are deployed around the hinge center H of the door 2 in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 2, and the first and second sliding step plates 26 and 27 are extended radially outward. As a result, the step device 20 is deployed over a larger area, further improving ease of entry and exit.

[0069] According to the second embodiment, a first motion conversion unit 28 is provided between the first rotating step plate 21 and the first sliding step plate 26, and a second motion conversion unit 29 is provided between the second rotating step plate 22 and the second sliding step plate 27. This makes it possible to create a step device in which the sliding step plates 26 and 27 are taken out radially and stored using the unfolding and retracting motion of the rotating step plates 21 to 23, without significantly compromising the compactness of the step device 20.

[0070] Further modifications can be made to the second embodiment. For example, although two sliding step plates 26 and 27 are shown as an example, they may be changed to one sliding step plate. This will make the step device more compact and simplify its configuration.

[0071] Conversely, although not shown in the diagram, a third sliding step plate and a third motion conversion unit can be added between the third rotating step plate 23 and the fixed step plate 24, for example. This allows for the provision of a step device that can be deployed over an even wider area.

[0072] For example, the engagement portions 21d, 22d and guide grooves 26a, 27a of the first and second motion conversion units 28, 29 may be swapped in their arrangement.

[0073] For example, the motion conversion unit is not limited to a configuration in which the engaging part enters the guide groove; it may also be configured to use a linear motion mechanism having a rail and a rolling roller body.

[0074] The step devices 10 and 20 according to the first and second embodiments can also be applied to the upper step section 4. Furthermore, the illustrated step devices 10 and 20 can also be applied to the right-side door opening of the vehicle 1. Moreover, the illustrated step devices 10 and 20 can be applied not only to the cab-over type vehicle 1 but also to the door opening of a sedan-type passenger car. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1…Vehicle 2...door 2a…Drainage hole H...Hinge center 3…Door opening 3a... Front pillar 4…Step section (upper side) 4a... Resin plate 5…Step section (lower side) 6...Left front wheel 7... Wheelhouse 8... Vehicle floor 10…Step device (first embodiment) 11…First rotation step board 11a...First engagement recess, 11c...Protrusion 12…Second rotation step board 12a...Second engaging projection, 12b...Second engaging recess, 12c...Protrusion 13…Third rotation step board 13a...Third engagement convex portion, 13c...Protrusion 14…Fixed step plate 14a... Fixing screw 15...Spindle 16... Hook part 20…Stepping device (second embodiment) 21…First rotation step board 21a...First engaging recess, 21c...Protrusion, 21d...First engaging portion 22... Second rotating step board 22a...Second engaging projection, 22b...Second engaging recess, 22c...Guide rail, 22d...Second engaging portion 23…Third rotation step board 23a...Third engagement convex part 24…Fixed step plate 24a... Fixing screw 25…Spindle 26…First sliding step plate 26a...First guide groove 27…Second sliding step plate 27a...Second guide groove 28...First motion conversion unit 29...Second motion conversion unit

Claims

1. A step device mounted between the door opening of a vehicle and the lower part of the door that rotates horizontally via a hinge to open and close the door opening, The door has a plurality of flat step plates that are extended horizontally by the opening motion of the door and retracted horizontally by the closing motion of the door, and the plurality of step plates are displaced relative to each other in the planar direction by the opening and closing motion of the door, thereby being extended or retracted. The step device includes a plurality of rotating step plates that are rotatable in the horizontal direction via a common support shaft.

2. A stepping device according to claim 1, The step device is reduced in size by having the plurality of step plates overlap in the thickness direction at the lower part of the door opening.

3. A stepping device according to claim 1 or 2, A stepping device in which the pivot shaft coincides with the hinge center of the door.

4. A stepping device according to claim 1 or 2, A step device having interlocking parts between the plurality of rotating step plates that engage and disengage by the opening and closing operation of the door.

5. A stepping device according to claim 1 or 2, A step device having a sliding step plate between a plurality of the rotating step plates, which slides radially due to the rotational movement of the rotating step plates.

6. A stepping apparatus according to claim 5, A step device having a motion conversion unit between the rotating step plate and the sliding step plate that converts the rotational motion of the rotating step plate into the sliding motion of the sliding step plate.

7. A stepping apparatus according to claim 5, The plurality of step plates include a step device comprising three rotating step plates and two sliding step plates.

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