Vehicle steps

Abstract

To prevent water from below a vehicle step from overflowing above the vehicle step.SOLUTION: A vehicle step includes: a support member fixed to a vehicle body of a vehicle; and a cover member that includes a footstep disposed above the support member and a cover part extending downward from the footstep to cover the support member and that is fixed by the support member. A groove part communication with the outer side below the support member and the cover member is disposed between the support member and the cover member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle step provided on the lower side of a vehicle door is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of vehicle step formed by a combination of a plurality of members, water from under the vehicle may enter between the plurality of members and overflow to the upper surface side or the like of the vehicle step.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to suppress overflow of water from the lower side of the vehicle step to the upper side of the vehicle step.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A vehicle step according to the present invention is a vehicle step provided on a lower side of a vehicle door, comprising: a support member fixed to a vehicle body of the vehicle; and a cover member supported by the support member, the cover member having a step portion provided on an upper side of the support member, and a covering portion extending downward from the step portion and covering the support member, wherein a groove that communicates with the outside on a lower side of the support member and the cover member is provided between the support member and the cover member The bottom wall of the groove is provided with a hole that penetrates the bottom wall and leads to the outside on the lower side of the support member and the cover member, and the groove is provided in the support member, and the hole has an insertion part into which a connecting member that connects the cover member to the support member is inserted, and a drainage part adjacent to the insertion part that can discharge water from the groove. .

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent water from flowing from the lower side of the vehicle step overflowing onto the upper side of the vehicle step. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a vehicle, including a side step, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a side step according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a side step according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the side step according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a side step according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a side step according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a side step according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the side step according to an embodiment that includes a groove. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a portion of the side step according to an embodiment that includes a groove. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a bottom view showing the portion of the side step according to the embodiment that includes the holes in the groove. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment is described below. Note that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and proportions of each element may differ from reality. Furthermore, there may be differences in dimensional relationships and proportions between drawings. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used solely to distinguish parts, components, locations, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a vehicle 100 including a side step 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the side step 1 is provided on the side of the vehicle 100 below the door 102. In other words, the side step 1 is provided below the door opening 103 in the body 101 of the vehicle 100. The door opening 103 is an opening for people to get in and out of the vehicle, which is opened and closed (opened and closed) by the door 102. The side step 1 is stepped on by people getting in and out of the vehicle 100. The side step 1 is an example of a vehicle step.

[0011] Each drawing shows a three-dimensional coordinate system. In this three-dimensional coordinate system, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100 and side step 1 is the X-axis direction, the width direction (left-right direction) is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction (height direction) is the Z-axis direction. The positive direction of the X-axis is forward in the front-rear direction, and the negative direction of the X-axis is backward in the front-rear direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis is to the right, and the negative direction of the Y-axis is to the left. The positive direction of the Z-axis is upward, and the negative direction of the Z-axis is downward. Hereafter, the positive direction of the X-axis will also be referred to as the +X direction, the negative direction of the X-axis as the -X direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis as the +Y direction, the negative direction of the Y-axis as the -Y direction, the positive direction of the Z-axis as the +Z direction, and the negative direction of the Z-axis as the -Z direction. The negative direction of the Y-axis is to the left. The positive direction of the Z-axis is upward, and the negative direction of the Z-axis is downward. Furthermore, the +X and -X directions are collectively referred to as the X direction, the +Y and -Y directions are collectively referred to as the Y direction, and the +Z and -Z directions are collectively referred to as the Z direction.

[0012] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the longitudinal direction refers to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 and the side step 1, the width direction refers to the width direction of the vehicle 100 and the side step 1, and the vertical direction refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle 100 and the side step 1. In addition, in the width direction, longitudinal direction, and vertical direction, the direction toward the inside (center) of the vehicle 100 is referred to as the inward direction of the vehicle, and the direction toward the outside of the vehicle 100 is referred to as the outward direction of the vehicle.

[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the side step 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the side step 1 according to the embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the side step 1 includes a support member 2, a cover member 3, a plurality of brackets 4, and an accessory member 5. The support member 2, the cover member 3, the plurality of brackets 4, and the accessory member 5 are coupled to each other and integrated. The cover member 3, the plurality of brackets 4, and the accessory member 5 are fixed to the support member 2. The side step 1 is fixed to the vehicle body 101 by fixing the plurality of brackets 4 to the vehicle body 101. The support member 2 supports the cover member 3. Note that, in a portion where the support member 2 and the cover member 3 overlap, a cushioning material such as non-woven fabric may be provided between them.

[0015] Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the support member 2 includes two fixing walls 2a, 2b, two standing walls 2c, 2d, a support wall 2e, and a protruding wall 2f. The support member 2 is made of a metal material such as aluminum. The support member 2 is also referred to as an aluminum plate.

[0017] The two fixing walls 2a, 2b are provided at intervals in the width direction (Y direction). The two fixing walls 2a, 2b are coupled (fixed) to the bracket 4 by a coupling member 11.

[0018] The two standing walls 2c, 2d are provided at intervals in the width direction (Y direction), and extend upward (in the +Z direction) from the ends on the vehicle outer side (+Y direction side) in the width direction of the two fixing walls 2a, 2b.

[0019] The support wall 2e is provided across the upper ends of the two standing walls 2c, 2d, and extends along the X-Y plane. The cover member 3 is overlapped on the support wall 29e, and the support wall 29e supports the cover member 3.

[0020] The protruding wall 2f projects from the vertical wall 2d in the opposite direction (+Y direction) from the vehicle body 101.

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the side step 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the side step 1 is provided with a groove 2g and a plurality of holes 2h, 2i. Details of the groove 2g and other parts will be described later.

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing side step 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing side step 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing side step 1 according to an embodiment. Figures 3, 5 to 7 are cross-sectional views in the YZ plane, but their positions in the X direction are different.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3, 5 to 7, the cover member 3 has a step portion 3a, a covering portion 3b, and a vertical wall portion 3c, and is supported (fixed) to the support member 2.

[0024] The step portion 3a is provided on the upper side of the support member 2. The cover portion 3b extends downward from the vehicle-outward end (+Y direction end), front end (-X direction end), and rear end (+X direction end) of the step portion 3a in the width direction. The cover portion 3b covers at least the vehicle-outward end (+Y direction end), front end (-X direction end), and rear end (+X direction end) of the support member 2 in the width direction. The vertical wall portion 3c extends upward (+Z direction) from the vehicle body 101 side (-Y direction side) end of the step portion 3a. The cover member 3 is made of synthetic resin material.

[0025] A tread surface 3aa is formed on the upper surface of the step portion 3a. The tread surface 3aa is the surface that is stepped on by a person. The tread surface 3aa is, for example, a decorative surface with an uneven shape. The tread surface 3aa is also called the stepping surface.

[0026] The covering portion 3b has a first portion 3ba and a second portion 3bc. The first portion 3ba extends downward from the step portion 3a. The second portion 3bc extends downward from the lower end of the first portion 3ba. The second portion 3bc is formed in a curved shape and, as it extends downward, it is directed toward the vehicle body 101 side (-Y direction side).

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cover member 3 is composed of a combination of multiple members. For example, the cover member 3 has a first cover member 6, a second cover member 7, and a third cover member 8. The first cover member 6, the second cover member 7, and the third cover member 8 are integrated with each other. The first cover member 6, the second cover member 7, and the third cover member 8 are each made of synthetic resin material. For example, the first cover member 6, the second cover member 7, and the third cover member 8 are different in color from each other.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the first cover member 6 includes a tread surface 3aa and a part of the step portion 3a. The first cover member 6 has a component 6a that constitutes the tread surface 3aa and a part of the step portion 3a.

[0029] The second cover member 7 includes a part of the step portion 3a and a part of the covering portion 3b. More specifically, the second cover member 7 has a component 7a that constitutes a part of the step portion 3a, a component 7b that constitutes the first portion 3ba of the covering portion 3b, and a component 7c that constitutes the second portion 3bc of the covering portion 3b. Component 7b is located below component 6a of the first cover member 6.

[0030] The third cover member 8 includes a vertical wall portion 3c, a part of the step portion 3a, and a part of the covering portion 3b. More specifically, the third cover member 8 has a component 8a that constitutes the vertical wall portion 3c, a component 8b that constitutes a part of the step portion 3a, and a component 8c that constitutes the covering portion 3b. Component 8b is located below component 6a of the first cover member 6, spaced apart from component 7a of the second cover member 7 towards the vehicle body 101 (-Y direction). Component 8c is located towards the vehicle body 101 (-Y direction) relative to components 7b and 7c of the second cover member 7, and protrudes downward from component 7c of the second cover member 7.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, a connector 14 is integrally formed on the first cover member 6, and this connector 14 connects (fixes) the first cover member 6 and the second cover member 7. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the second cover member 7 and the third cover member 8 are connected (fixed) by a connector 13. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first cover member 6 is connected (fixed) to the support member 2 by connectors 12 and 16. Connector 12 is inserted into the hole 2i.

[0032] Next, the drainage structure of the side step 1 will be described. The drainage structure includes, for example, a groove 2g and a plurality of holes 2h, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The groove 2g is formed between the support member 2 and the cover member 3. Specifically, the groove 2g is formed in the support member 2.

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the side step 1 according to the embodiment that includes the groove 2g. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a portion of the side step 1 according to the embodiment that includes the groove 2g. Figure 10 is a bottom view showing a portion of the side step 1 according to the embodiment that includes the hole 2h of the groove 2g.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the groove 2g extends across the vertical wall 2d and the protruding wall 2f of the support member 2. That is, the groove 2g is located on the vehicle-outward side in the width direction relative to the gap between the second cover member 7 and the third cover member 8 in the cover member 3. The groove 2g extends in the front-rear direction. The groove 2g is formed in a concave shape that opens upward. The front end 2gb and rear end 2ga of the groove 2g are open. The front end 2gb and rear end 2ga of the groove 2g are connected to the outside below the support member 2 and the cover member 3.

[0035] The vertical wall 2d and the protruding wall 2f that form the groove 2g will be described in detail with reference to Figure 8. The vertical wall 2d has a lower wall 2da below the connection with the protruding wall 2f and an upper wall 2db above the connection with the protruding wall 2f. The protruding wall 2f has a first wall 2fa, a second wall 2fb, and a flange portion 2fc. The first wall 2fa extends outward in the width direction from the vertical wall 2d. The second wall 2fb extends from the first wall 2fa to the opposite side of the vehicle body 101, that is, outward and upward in the width direction of the vehicle. In other words, the second wall 2fb is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that it goes upward as it goes outward in the width direction of the vehicle. The flange portion 2fc extends outward in the width direction of the vehicle from the second wall 2fb.

[0036] The groove 2g is formed by the upper wall 2db of the vertical wall 2d, the first wall 2fa of the protruding wall 2f, and the second wall 2fb of the protruding wall 2f. The upper wall 2db and the second wall 2fb are a pair of side walls of the groove 2g, and the first wall 2fa is the bottom wall of the groove 2g. The upper wall 2db, the first wall 2fa, and the second wall 2fb are examples of walls.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the step portion 3a of the cover member 3 rests on the flange portion 2fc. The flange portion 2fc functions as a support portion for the step portion 3a. The flange portion 2fc also serves as a reference part for an acceleration sensor mounted on the vehicle body 101, and receives a load during a collision (side impact) of the vehicle 100, transmitting that load to the acceleration sensor. Therefore, in this embodiment, the thickness t1 of the flange portion 2fc is greater than the thicknesses t2 to t4 of the upper wall 2db, the first wall 2fa, and the second wall 2fb, respectively. For example, the thickness t1 of the flange portion 2fc is 3 mm, and the thicknesses t2 to t4 of the upper wall 2db, the first wall 2fa, and the second wall 2fb, respectively, are 2 mm. Note that the thickness of each part is not limited to the above. This improves the rigidity of the flange portion 2fc. The upper wall 2db, the first wall 2fa, and the second wall 2fb are also referred to as the general portion in relation to the flange portion 2fc. Furthermore, the flange portion 2fc is thicker than the thickness of all other walls in the support member 2.

[0038] Furthermore, multiple holes 2h are provided in the first wall 2fa, which is the bottom wall of the groove 2g. The multiple holes 2h are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The holes 2h penetrate the first wall 2fa and are provided to the outside on the lower side of the support member 2 and cover member 3.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the hole 2h has an insertion portion 2ha and a drainage portion 2hb. A connecting member 17 (Figure 10) for connecting the cover member 3 to the support member 2 is inserted into the insertion portion 2ha. Two drainage portions 2hb are provided adjacent to each other in front of and behind the insertion portion 2ha, and are capable of draining water from the groove portion 2g. In this embodiment, the hole 2h for connecting the cover member 3 to the support member 2 is widened in the front and back directions to form the drainage portions 2hb.

[0040] In the side step 1 with the above configuration, water may enter the interior of the side step 1 from below, for example, when the vehicle 100 is in motion. In Figure 3, the water intrusion path is indicated by arrow F1. As shown in Figure 3, for example, water from below enters the side step 1 from between the upper surface (matting surface) of the flange portion 2fc of the support member 2 and the lower surface (matting surface) of the step portion 3a of the cover member 3, proceeding inward in the vehicle width direction and entering the groove portion 2g. As shown in Figure 9, the water that enters the groove portion 2g is guided in the front-rear direction by the groove portion 2g and falls out from the front end portion 2gb, the rear end portion 2ga, and the drainage portion 2hb of the hole 2h, and is discharged to the outside on the lower side of the support member 2 and the cover member 3. In Figure 9, an example of the direction of water flow toward the rear end portion 2ga in the groove portion 2g is indicated by arrow F2. Also in Figure 9, the falling water 200 is schematically shown.

[0041] As described above, the side step 1 (vehicle step) 1 of this embodiment is provided on the lower side of the door 102 of the vehicle 100. The side step 1 comprises a support member 2 and a cover member 3. The support member 2 is fixed to the vehicle body 101 of the vehicle 100. The cover member 3 has a step portion 3a provided on the upper side of the support member 2 and a covering portion 3b that extends downward from the step portion 3a and covers the support member 2, and is supported by the support member 2. A groove portion 2g is provided between the support member 2 and the cover member 3, which is open to the outside on the lower side of the support member 2 and the cover member 3.

[0042] With this configuration, water entering from below the side step 1 enters the groove 2g between the support member 2 and the cover member 3, and is then discharged from the groove 2g to the outside below the support member 2 and the cover member 3. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent water from entering from below the side step 1 from overflowing onto the upper side (tread surface 3aa side) of the side step 1. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the side step 1 from being deteriorated by water. In addition, it is possible to prevent water from entering from below the side step 1 from accumulating inside the side step 1.

[0043] Furthermore, the groove 2g is provided in the support member 2.

[0044] With this configuration, the groove portion 2g can be formed relatively easily.

[0045] Furthermore, the support member 2 has an upper wall 2db, a first wall 2fa, and a second wall 2fb (wall) that form a groove 2g, and a flange portion 2fc extending from the second wall 2fb in the direction opposite to the vehicle body 101. The thickness t1 of the flange portion 2fc is greater than the thicknesses t2 to t4 of the upper wall 2db, the first wall 2fa, and the second wall 2fb, respectively.

[0046] With this configuration, the flange portion 2fc is less prone to deformation. Therefore, for example, the load applied to the flange portion 2fc is easily transmitted to the acceleration sensor installed on the vehicle body 101.

[0047] Furthermore, the first wall 2fa of the groove 2g is provided with a hole 2h that penetrates the first wall 2fa and leads to the outside on the lower side of the support member 2 and the cover member 3.

[0048] With this configuration, water that enters the groove 2g can be discharged from the hole 2h to the outside on the lower side of the support member 2 and the cover member 3.

[0049] Furthermore, the groove 2g is provided in the support member 2. The hole 2h has an insertion portion 2ha into which a connecting member 17 for connecting the cover member 3 to the support member 2 is inserted, and a drainage portion 2hb adjacent to the insertion portion 2ha that can discharge water from the groove 2g.

[0050] With this configuration, the hole 2h has both the function of attaching the cover member 3 and the function of drainage, so the configuration of the side step 1 can be simplified compared to when these functions are realized in separate holes 2h.

[0051] In the above embodiment, a side step 1 was shown as an example of a vehicle step, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle step may be a back step provided below the back door of the vehicle 100.

[0052] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the groove 2g is provided on the support member 2, the invention is not limited to this. For example, a separate member may be provided between the support member 2 and the cover member 3, and the groove 2g may be provided on this separate member.

[0053] While embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1…Side steps (vehicle steps) 2…Support member 2db…Upper wall (wall) 2fa...First wall (wall, bottom wall) 2fb…Second wall (wall) 2fc...flange section 2g…Groove 2h…hole 2ha… Insertion part 2hb…Drainage section 3…Cover component 3a...Step section 3b…covered part 100...vehicles 101... Vehicle body 102... Door t1~t4...thickness

Claims

1. A vehicle step provided on the lower side of the vehicle door, A support member fixed to the vehicle body, A cover member supported by the support member has a step portion provided on the upper side of the support member, and a covering portion extending downward from the step portion and covering the support member, Equipped with, A groove is provided between the support member and the cover member, which is connected to the outside on the lower side of the support member and the cover member. A hole is provided in the bottom wall of the groove, which penetrates the bottom wall and leads to the outside on the lower side between the support member and the cover member. The groove portion is provided in the support member, The hole has an insertion portion into which a connecting member for connecting the cover member to the support member is inserted, and a drainage portion adjacent to the insertion portion that can discharge water from the groove. Steps for vehicles.

2. The aforementioned support member is The wall forming the groove, It has a flange portion extending from the wall in the direction opposite to the vehicle body, The thickness of the flange portion is greater than the thickness of the wall. A vehicle step according to claim 1.

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