FR3043032A1 - RETRACTABLE FOOTBOARD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding step (10) comprises: - a frame (1) fixed relative to the door frame (27), - a support device (2) supporting a support plate (20) pivotally mounted relative to the fixed frame , so that it can be tilted and then raised around an axis of rotation (4) of the step, the support plate (20) being mounted to slide in translation relative to the support device (2), a connecting system (22) connecting the fixed frame (1) and the support device (2), configured to successively advance and then back the plate (20) relative to the support device (2), together with the inclination of the plate. The support plate (20) is mounted to slide in translation relative to the support device.

Description

RETRACTABLE FOOTBOARD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE. The invention relates to the retractable steps, and more particularly the retractable footboards for motor vehicles. To facilitate the ascent and descent of a passenger vehicle, foot support zones are sometimes provided in the lower zone of the frame of a door of the vehicle. These areas integrated into the vehicle body are generally narrow and slippery; they are therefore often insufficient, sometimes dangerous to use as a step. When fixed support zones are wider arranged in the frame of the door, the width and size of the vehicle is increased, which penalizes the handling of the vehicle on the traffic lanes or for the vehicle. parking. Also known are vehicles equipped with movable step, for example steps running around a horizontal axis of rotation, as in the Korean patent application KR20100104294 or in the Canadian patent application CA2630092. These steps can be deployed, either by a voluntary action of a vehicle occupant, or by an electric motor, for example automatically by means of sensors detecting the opening of a vehicle door associated with the step, as for example in Canadian Patent Application CA2756153. In order to improve the compactness of the folded step in the lateral direction of the vehicle, step deployment systems using pantograph-type lever systems propose to tilt the plate of the step while advancing towards the user. as in patent application EP1445151 (A1). Such systems, in which a footboard is held cantilevered by the levers forming the pantograph, however, are bulky and complex, and can become labile as soon as wear games appear at the joints of the many levers as and when the step is used. The object of the invention is to propose a step system with tilting support plate, which is more robust and more compact. To this end, it is proposed a foldable step able to be assembled under a door frame of a motor vehicle, the step comprising: - a frame fixed relative to the door frame, - a support device supporting a support plate , pivotally mounted relative to the fixed frame, so as to be inclined and then raised around a fixed axis of rotation of the step, between a position of the support device where the plate is in a substantially vertical position and a position of the support device where the plate is in substantially horizontal position, - a connection system configured to successively advance towards the outside of the vehicle, then back towards the vehicle, the plate relative to the fixed axis of rotation of the step, together with the inclination of the plate.

The support plate is mounted to slide in translation relative to the support device, parallel to itself and in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the step. The connection system kinematically connects the fixed frame and the support device. The axis of rotation of the step is a geometric axis defined by the axis of rotation of the support device relative to the frame. In the vehicle-mounted position, the axis of rotation of the step is preferably horizontal. It is preferably fixed relative to the door frame.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises a fixed toothed element, the plate is provided with a rack, and the linkage system comprises a gear system kinematically connecting the rack and the fixed tooth element of the frame, so as to to bind the advance, respectively the recoil of the support plate, to the inclination towards the horizontal of the plate, respectively to the folding of the plate towards the vertical position. Advantageously, the rack is secured to the support plate. The axis of the rack is preferably perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the step.

Fixed tooth element of the frame means a toothed element fixed in rotation and in translation relative to the frame, and therefore fixed relative to the door frame. Advantageously, the toothed element may comprise a series of teeth arranged in an arc or a circle, the circle being centered on the axis of rotation of the step.

Advantageously, the gear system may comprise at least one toothed wheel with a movable axis meshing with the fixed toothed element. By gear wheel with movable axis is meant a wheel whose axis of rotation moves parallel to itself around the axis of rotation of the step when the support plate tilts and then rises. The axis of the toothed wheel with movable axis advantageously remains substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the step.

The moving axis gear wheel is preferably an external gear wheel. The fixed toothed element may comprise a toothed crown portion with internal teeth, said internal toothing meshing with the toothed wheel of movable axis. Advantageously, the step comprises at least a first toothed wheel with a movable axis and a first fixed toothed element at a first lateral edge of the step, and comprises at least one second gear wheel with a movable axis and a second fixed gear element. at a second lateral edge of the step.

According to another embodiment, the stationary toothed element comprises a fixed wheel with external teeth, meshing with the toothed wheel of movable axis. The stationary gear, centered on the axis of rotation of the step, must then both be fixed relative to the frame and allow the rotation of the support device around the axis of rotation of the step.

Advantageously, the support device may be articulated with respect to the frame, about a fixed axis corresponding to the axis of rotation of the step, the toothed wheel of movable axis being mounted on a movable axis integral with the support device, said movable axis rotating around the axis of rotation of the step.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the gear system comprises at least one intermediate wheel interposed between the rack and the moving-axis toothed wheel. The axis of the intermediate wheel is also movable - and the center of the intermediate wheel is movable - around the axis of rotation of the step. The axis of the intermediate wheel is preferably parallel to the axis of rotation of the step. The intermediate wheel is a toothed wheel ensuring a transmission of movement between the rack and the moving axis gear wheel, with a suitable reduction ratio.

According to one embodiment, the support device comprises a housing portion comprising at least two parallel vertical walls, a first vertical wall bearing - at the axis of rotation of the step - a first axis portion articulating the housing portion relative to the frame - the first vertical wall may for example be traversed by the first portion of axis-, and a second vertical wall carrying a second axis portion supporting the gear wheel with movable axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the two vertical walls face each other, enclose at least one toothed wheel with a movable axis and also enclose the fixed toothed element between said walls. The one or more movable axis toothed wheels and the fixed toothed element may protrude radially from the housing portion. The two vertical walls may jointly carry the first axis portion and / or the second axis portion. According to an alternative embodiment, the first axis portion can axially pass through a recess of the moving axis gear wheel. This supports the housing by an axis passing through two walls of the housing, while respecting the angular movements required for the housing and for the path of the axis of the moving toothed wheel.

According to another embodiment, the two parallel faces may be the two opposite faces of the same portion of sheet. For example, in this last embodiment, the step may comprise a set of two portions of symmetrical parallel plates, the assembly being sandwiched between two frame portions, and carried at each of the frame portions by a portion of axis at the axis of rotation of the step. Each portion of sheet metal may carry, on its side facing the center of the step, a toothed wheel with movable axis. Each frame portion may carry-for example by a circumferentially surrounding portion of the trajectory of the moving-axis toothed wheel-a fixed toothed element meshing with one of said moving-axis gear wheels.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stationary toothed element and the moving axis gear wheel are, axially speaking, between the two vertical walls of the housing. The axial direction here means parallel to the axis of rotation of the step. Advantageously, the second vertical wall further carries a third axis portion supporting an intermediate wheel. It is considered that a wall carries an axis if an axis allowing the rotation of a step member emerges outwardly of this wall. The axis can be integral with a sheet forming the wall, or be fixed through this sheet

The second vertical wall can be traversed by an axis portion connecting two coaxial intermediate wheels and integral in rotation with one another, located on either side of the vertical wall, one of the intermediate wheels meshing with the wheel toothed axis movable, the other intermediate wheel meshing with the rack.

Preferably, the moving-axis toothed wheel meshes with the fixed toothed element over a first portion of its axial width, and meshes with one of the two coaxial intermediate wheels on a second portion of its axial width distinct from the first width portion. axial. By distinct, here means that the two axial width portions do not have a band of common width.

According to an advantageous embodiment, in the unfolded position of the step, the rack is above the element of the gear system with which it is engaged. In this way, the self weight of the plate ensures a good meshing of the rack.

The support device may comprise a base frame, assembled to two lateral supports, each lateral support being pivotable - around the axis of rotation of the step - with respect to a fixed frame integral with the door frame. The base pivots together with the two lateral supports. The base frame may optionally be integral with the two lateral supports.

A slider system may connect the base frame and the backing plate, so as to allow movement of the backing plate - in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the step-relative to the frame basic, under the action of the rack. The base frame may comprise a base plate substantially parallel to the support plate.

Each lateral support may carry an axis of rotation portion of at least one movable axis gear wheel. Each lateral support may further carry an axle portion of an intermediate wheel meshing with a rack of the support plate.

Typically, the step can comprise two frames, two lateral supports and two fixed toothed elements, each frame comprising an assembly portion configured to be assembled on the vehicle body, a pivot portion carrying a first portion of axis of rotation of a lateral support, and a reference portion adapted to maintain a fixed tooth element, stationary relative to the assembly portion of the frame. The fixed toothed element can be integral with the frame or be assembled on the frame.

It is also proposed a vehicle equipped with at least one step as described above. The step can be operated by linearly moving actuating means.

The linear displacement actuating means can be, for example, a cable, a jack, a linear motor. Other linear actuation means are also conceivable. According to another embodiment, the step can be actuated by a rotary actuating means such as a motor.

Some aims, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended figures: in which: FIGS. 1 and 2 are simplified views in perspective of a step according to the invention, respectively in the folded position and in the deployed position; Figures 3 and 4 are side cutaway views to see certain components of a step according to the invention, respectively in the folded position and in the deployed position; Figures 5 and 6 are broken views in perspective to better understand the space requirement of the components of Figures 3 and 4, respectively in the folded position and deployed position;

Figure 7 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of a step according to the invention in the deployed position.

All these figures illustrate the same embodiment, and the same element is represented by the same references in the different figures.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2, a step 10 is assembled to the lower part of a door frame 27 of a motor vehicle. The door frame is considered as immobile with respect to the structure of the vehicle. The door leaf is not shown in the figure, it may be a sliding door or a swing door. The door frame comprises a structure surrounding an opening 28 corresponding to the opening of the door. The step 10 comprises a frame 1 fixed relative to the frame 27 of the door, and by means of which it is assembled to the frame of the door. This frame 1 can be typically welded, or assembled by other known means, for example by screwing or riveting. This frame 1 is traversed geometrically by an axis 4 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle - here oriented from front to rear of the vehicle-. The Z axis designates the vertical relative to the door frame in the assembled position, this axis is here directed upwards. The Y axis completes the X Z axes in an orthonormal frame, and extends transversely to the vehicle in the assembled position of the step. The axis 4 is here designated as "the axis of rotation of the running board". It represents a particular axis of the step: it is fixed at times with respect to the vehicle-once the step is assembled and constitutes an axis of rotation of certain elements of the step relative to the frame 1. It is substantially horizontal once the step is assembled. on a vehicle itself on horizontal ground.

The step 10 comprises a support device 2 configured to pivot about the axis 4 relative to the frame 1. The support device is pivotally mounted around the frame 1 by at least a first axis portion 14 connecting the support device 2 and the frame 1.

The support device 2 comprises in particular a base armature 12 extending, in the deployed position of the step, substantially in a plane YZ and pivoting with the support device 2, so that this base armature 12 can move from a corresponding vertical position a folded configuration of the step, to a horizontal position adopted during an extended configuration of the step. The step 10 further comprises a support plate 20 on which the passenger can come to put the foot to hoist on board the vehicle, and which pivots jointly with the base frame 12. The support plate 20 is connected to the base armature 12 by a rail system 19, so as to be able to move in translation relative to the base armature 12, in a geometric direction which is perpendicular to the geometric direction of the axis of rotation 4. Thus in the deployed position of the step, the support plate 20 can be moved away from the vehicle by sliding along the rail 19, in order to be better accessible to the user. Rail means here any linear guide system, to impose a rectilinear translation direction. The rail system can provide linear sliding guidance or using a rolling system.

When returning to the folded position of the step, when the base armature 12 is returned to the vertical position, the support plate 20 slides towards the axis of rotation of the step, moving down and towards the vehicle, so as to limit the vertical footprint of the step in folded position, and the overall size of the vehicle in its transverse direction. The base armature 12 is held by two portions of the fixed frame 1 located on either side of the two side edges of the base frame.

The relative displacement of the support plate 20 with respect to the base armature 12 is obtained by means of toothed wheels actuating at least one rack 3. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, a first rack 3 and a second symmetrical rack are arranged on the two lateral edges of the support plate 20. On each of the lateral edges, a linkage system 22 of geared-tooth gear type makes it possible to actuate each of the racks by creating a kinematic connection between the fixed frame and the rack.

The gear system 22 comprises toothed elements meshing with each other, and creating a kinematic chain between a first toothed element 7 which is fixed relative to the frame 1, and the rack 3. The gear system 22 comprises less a toothed wheel 5 whose axis 15 is movable and able to move in translation about the axis 4. The geometric axis of the toothed wheel 5 moves around the axis 4, parallel thereto, for example following a path in an arc around the axis 4.

According to the variant embodiments, the gear system 22 may comprise one or more intermediate wheels 6, 6 'of which at least one meshes with the rack 3. The toothed element 7 is masked in FIGS. 1 and 2 but is visible on Figures 3,4,5,6.

The step 10 may comprise a linear actuator 30, for example of the jack type or of the cable actuator type, the actuator 30 being placed so as to be able to exert a moment of rotation on the support device, and to rotate it around of the axis of rotation 4. The axis 15 of the toothed wheel 5, is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 4 of the step, and the fixed toothed element 7 has a toothing arranged in a circle or arc trajectory of a circle, so as to be traversed by the cogwheel 5, allowing a circular path of the axis 15 about the axis of rotation 4 of the step-preferably keeping the axis 15 parallel to axis 4-,

Typically, the fixed toothed element 7 may be integral with the fixed frame 1, and the support device 2 may carry a movable axis portion 15 supporting the toothed wheel 5 of movable axis. Thus, when the support device 2 is tilted about the axis 4, the toothed wheel 5 is forced through the toothing of the fixed toothed element 7. In doing so, rotation is induced around the portion of axis 15, of the toothed wheel 5 with respect to the support device 2.

According to a first variant embodiment - not shown - the cogwheel meshing with the fixed toothed element, or a toothed wheel coaxial thereto, could mesh directly with a rack of a footboard support plate , especially if the stationary toothed element comprises a toothed wheel or a toothed gear portion with external teeth.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, the stationary toothed element 7 is a toothed ring gear with internal teeth and is traversed internally by the toothed wheel 5.

The toothed wheel 5, carried by the support device 2 at an axis portion 15, meshes here with at least one intermediate wheel 6, which is a toothed wheel carried by a third axis portion also integral with the support device 2. The intermediate wheel 6 is itself connected by meshing with the rack 3, so as to move forward and backward thereof as the tilting, in one direction and then in the other, the support device 2 around of the axis 4. Here, the intermediate wheel 6 meshing with the toothed wheel of movable axis 5 rotates a second intermediate wheel 6 ', coaxial with the intermediate wheel 6, and meshing in turn with the rack 3. The number of teeth of the intermediate wheels 6 and 6 'may be identical, or may be different.

In Figures 1 to 7, the intermediate wheels 6 and 6 'are placed on either side of a vertical wall of a cover 21 of the support device, the vertical wall of the cover 21 supporting both the portion axis 15 supporting the toothed wheel with movable axis, and the third portion of axis 16 common to the intermediate wheels 6 and 6 '. This portion 21 of the hood is rotatable relative to the frame together with the support device 2, so that the rotation of the hood portion 21 makes it possible to impose a rotational movement of the axes of the toothed wheels 5, 6 and 6 'around of the axis 4. On one axial side of the vertical wall of the cover 21, towards the center of the step thus close to the support plate 20, is the intermediate wheel 6 ', which allows this wheel of 'mesh with the rack 3.

On the other side of the vertical wall of the cover 21, are the wheels 5 and 6, which allows the wheel 5 to move along the toothing of the stationary gear 7.

In FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the fixed frame 1 has a geometry defining another masking hood portion, by the axially external side of the step, the toothed wheels 5 and 6, thus completing the protection of the hood portion 21 and avoiding trapping foreign bodies in the teeth of the connecting system elements 22.

In FIGS. 3 to 6, the fixed frame 1 is not shown, only the first axis portion 14 carried by this fixed frame and rotatingly connecting the fixed frame and the support device 2 are represented.

The support device 2 and the fixed frame 1 are connected in rotation by the axis portion 14 which in particular passes through the support device 2 at a bracket 29 of the support device. The bracket 29 comprises a flat portion of sheet 8 perpendicular to the axis 4 and rotatably assembled by the axis portion 14. The sheet portion 8 is thus able to pivot in its plane. It is disposed in contact or immediate vicinity of a face which is parallel to the fixed frame 1. Said parallel face contributes to hide vis-à-vis the outside, at least partially, the gear wheels of the gear system 22 In certain embodiments, it may furthermore carry the fixed toothed element. The bracket 29 connects the vertical wall 8 to the base frame 12. The rail system 19 along which the plate 20 slides can be fixed on the bracket and / or on the base frame 12.

The frame 1 and the bracket 29 are visible only in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7. To facilitate the visibility of the connection system 22, they do not appear in FIGS. 3 to 6, which however illustrate the same embodiment of FIG. production.

In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the vertical wall 8 of the bracket 29, and the vertical wall of the cover 21 together form a movable housing portion axially enclosing a portion of the toothed elements of the connecting system 22. At least one However, the wheel of the connection system 22 remains external to this housing, in order to be able to mesh with the rack 3: this is the intermediate wheel 6.

The movable housing portion thus defined is complemented from the functional point of view by a fixed fixed housing portion defined by the walls of the fixed frame 1. The toothed elements of the connecting system 22 are thus largely protected from the intrusion of foreign elements. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and can be declined in many variants.

The step can be assembled at the rear of a vehicle, in which case the axis of rotation 4 of the step is parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle.

In the figures, a linear actuator 30 is configured to exert a pressure or a pull - perpendicular to the axis of rotation 4 of the step - on a bearing point of the support device 2, so as to exert a moment of rotation on the support device 2 relative to the frame 1, and to deploy or fold the step. The actuator may be a cylinder for deploying and folding the step. Rotary type actuators of rotary motor type are also conceivable.

According to other embodiments, the step can be folded by the action of a cable, and deploy under the effect of the weight of the support device and the support plate.

The toothed wheel meshing with the fixed toothed element could be coaxial with another toothed wheel from which it would be separated by a portion of sheet bearing their common axis, the other toothed wheel being on the central side of the step axially overlapped with the rack and meshing directly - for example if the fixed toothed element is externally toothed - or indirectly with the rack.

The weight of the person placing a foot on the support plate 20 is supported step by step by the support plate, the rail device 19, and the base armature 12, the rail system being insensitive to vertical games. Similarly, a wear of the rotational connection allowing the support device 2 to pivot about the axis 4 has little impact on the stability of the plate 20 under the effect of a vertical support. And the wear of the system that may appear at the elements of the connecting system 22 have little impact on the functional play that may exist between the support plate 20 and the frame 1. The wear of the system therefore has little effect on the stability felt by the user when placing a foot on the running board. The step according to the invention is compact, provides the user with a bearing surface presented at a suitable distance from the door frame, and is insensitive to wear.

Claims (10)

claims Folding step (10) suitable for being assembled under a door frame (27) of a motor vehicle, the step comprising: - a fixed frame (1) with respect to the door frame, - a support device (2) supporting a support plate (20), pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed frame (1), so that it can be tilted and then raised around a fixed axis of rotation of the step (4), between a position of the support device (2) where the plate (20) is in a substantially vertical position and a position of the support device where the plate is in a substantially horizontal position, a linkage system (22) configured to successively advance towards the outside of the vehicle, then back towards the vehicle, the plate (20) relative to the fixed axis (4) of rotation of the step, together with the inclination of the plate (20), characterized in that the support plate (20) is mounted to slide in translation relative to the support device (2), parallel ent to itself and in a direction (Y) perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation of the step (4). 2. Step according to claim 1, wherein the frame (1) comprises a fixed toothed element (7), the plate (20) is provided with a rack (3), and the connecting system comprises a gear system. (22) kinematically connecting the rack (3) and the stationary toothed element (7) of the frame, so as to link the advance, respectively the recoil of the support plate (20), to the inclination towards the horizontal plate (20), respectively to the folding of the plate (20) to the vertical position. 3. Step according to claim 2, wherein the gear system (22) comprises at least one toothed wheel (5) of axis (15) movable, the center of the wheel (5) being movable relative to the axis of rotation (4) of the step, and the wheel (5) meshing with the fixed toothed element (7). 4. Step according to claim 3, wherein the fixed toothed element (7) comprises a ring gear portion with internal teeth, said internal toothing meshing with the toothed wheel (5) of movable axis. 5. Step according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the gear system (22) comprises at least one intermediate wheel (6,6 ') interposed between the rack (3) and the toothed wheel (5) d moving axis. 6. Step according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the support device (2) comprises a housing portion comprising at least two parallel vertical walls (8, 9), a first vertical wall (8) carrying at least a first axis portion (14) articulating the housing portion relative to the frame (1), and a second vertical wall (9) carrying at least a second axis portion (15) supporting the toothed wheel (5) of moving shaft (15). 7. Step according to claim 6, wherein the fixed toothed element (7) and the movable axis toothed wheel (5) are, axially speaking, between the two vertical walls (8,9) of the housing. 8. Step according to claim 7, wherein the second vertical wall (9) carries two intermediate wheels (6, 6 ') coaxial and rotatably secured to one another, located on either side of the wall vertical (9), one of the intermediate wheels (6) meshing with the moving-axis toothed wheel, the other intermediate wheel (6 ') meshing with the rack (3). 9. Step according to claim 8, wherein the movable axis gear (5) meshes with the fixed toothed element (7) on a first portion of its axial width, and meshes with one (6) of the two intermediate wheels. coaxial (6, 6 ') on a second portion of its axial width distinct from the first portion of axial width. 10. Vehicle equipped with a step according to any one of the preceding claims, the step being actuated by an actuating means (30) linear displacement.