Vehicle step apparatus and vehicle

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle. The vehicle step apparatus includes a step, a retractable device, and a locking member. The step is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The retractable device is connected to the step and configured to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The locking member is configured to lock the step in the retracted position or to allow the step to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefits of Chinese Patent Applications Nos. 201920285654.1, 201910164946.4, 201910164953.4, 201920278420.4, 201910164950.0, 201910165448.1, 201910165449.6, 201910165436.9, 201920285655.6, 201910165450.9, 201910165451.3, 201920278416.8, 201920278413.4, 201910164949.8, 201920278524.5, 201920278322.0, 201920278332.4, 201920285701.2, 201920277492.7, and 201910164940.7, each filed with National Intellectual Property Administration of People's Republic of China (PRC) on Mar. 5, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle having the same.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle step is usually installed to a chassis below a vehicle door for people to get on and off the vehicle. The vehicle step is driven by a retractable mechanism to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and the retractable mechanism is connected with the chassis of the vehicle. In the related art, the vehicle step in the retracted position is supported by the retractable mechanism and has poor stability, and the retractable mechanism tends to be damaged when the step is subjected to an external force.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure aims to solve technical problems in the related art at least to some extent.

To this end, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle step apparatus whose step is locked and supported by a locking member when in a retracted position, thereby enhancing stability of the step, and reducing damage to a retractable device when the step is impacted by an external force.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a vehicle having the above vehicle step apparatus.

The vehicle step apparatus according to embodiments of a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a step movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a retractable device connected to the step and configured to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; and a locking member configured to lock the step in the retracted position or to allow the step to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In the vehicle step apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the step in the retracted position is locked in the retracted position by the locking member, thereby enhancing the stability of the step, and damage to the retractable device can be reduced when the step is impacted by an external force.

The vehicle according to embodiments of a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: a vehicle body; and a vehicle step apparatus. The vehicle step apparatus includes: a step movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a retractable device connected to the step and configured to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; and a locking member configured to lock the step in the retracted position or to allow the step to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail and examples of the embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative and used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure. In the specification, it is to be understood that terms such as “central,” “longitudinal,” “transverse,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” should be construed to refer to the orientation or position relationship as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are only for convenience of description and do not indicate or imply that in the present disclosure they have a particular orientation, or are constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Thus, these terms shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure.

A vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, a vehicle1000according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body200and a vehicle step apparatus100mounted to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200. In other words, the vehicle step apparatus100is mounted to a chassis of the vehicle body200.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle1000includes a vehicle door300, and the vehicle step apparatus100is disposed adjacent to the vehicle door300and located below the vehicle door300. In an example shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle1000has two vehicle doors300, and the vehicle doors300are lateral doors. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for instance, the vehicle1000may have four vehicle doors (lateral doors)300, and the vehicle body200is provided with two lateral doors300on each side and is provided with one vehicle step apparatus100on each side. Optionally, the vehicle1000may further have a tail door (not shown), and one vehicle step apparatus100adjacent to the tail door is provided at the tail of the vehicle body200.

The vehicle step apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the vehicle step apparatus100according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, and a locking member3, in which the step1is movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

The retractable device2includes a mounting bracket21, a step bracket22, and an arm assembly23. The step1is mounted on the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and the step bracket22, respectively, so as to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. In other words, one end of the arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21, and the other end of the arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the step bracket22. The arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position. Specifically, the mounting bracket21can be mounted to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200.

The locking member3can engage with one of the step1and the step bracket22and is separable from the one of the step1and the step bracket22. In the retracted position, the locking member3engages with one of the step1and the step bracket22to lock the step1in the retracted position. In an embodiment, the locking member3directly engages with the step1and separates from the step1. Specifically, when the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the step1to lock the step1in the retracted position, and the locking member3separates from the step1to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. In another embodiment, the step1is mounted on the step bracket22, and the locking member3engages with or separates from the step bracket22to realize the locking or release of the step1by the locking member3, in which the locking member3engages with the step bracket22to lock the step1in the retracted position, and the locking member3separates from the step bracket22to allow the step bracket22to move the step1from the retracted position to the extended position.

Herein, it is to be understood that the locking member3can release the step1or the step bracket22before the step1leaves the retracted position, or the locking member3can release the step1or the step bracket22while the step1is leaving the retracted position; that is, a process of separating the step1or the step bracket22from the locking member3can be performed simultaneously with a process of the step1leaving the retracted position.

In some embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body200. For example, the step1is oriented in a vertical direction and abuts against the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, whereby the step1covers the lower edge of the vehicle body200.

In other embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. In other words, the step1is disposed obliquely with respect to the lateral surface of the vehicle body200and abuts against the junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1can cover an outer edge of the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. Thus, by locking the step1in the retracted position through the locking member3, the step1can act as a bumper of the vehicle to play a protective role so as to protect the vehicle body and prevent the vehicle1000from being hit or scratched.

With the vehicle step apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the step1in the retracted position is locked in the retracted position by the locking member3, thereby enhancing the stability of the step1in the retracted position, and by locking and supporting the step1through the locking member3, damage to the retractable device can be avoided when the step1is impacted by an external force. Moreover, the step1in the retracted position can act as the bumper of the vehicle to play a protective role so as to prevent the vehicle from being hit or scratched.

In some embodiments, when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, one of the step1and the step bracket22separates from the locking member3against a locking force of the locking member3.

In some embodiments, one of the step1and the step bracket22has an engagement member4, and the locking member3can engage with or separate from the engagement member4. In other words, the step1has the engagement member4, or the step bracket22has the engagement member4. When the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the engagement member4to lock the step1in the retracted position. When the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the engagement member4; that is, the locking member3releases the step1so that the step1can move from the retracted position to the extended position.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, when the vehicle door300is opened, the locking member3separates from the engagement member4, and the retractable device2drives the step1to move to the extended position, such that people can get on the vehicle by the step1. As shown inFIG. 2, when the vehicle door300is closed, the retractable device2drives the step1to move to the retracted position, and when the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the engagement member4to lock the step1. It could be appreciated that, in some embodiments, after the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the engagement member4to lock the step1, and in some other embodiments, during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, the step1gradually enters a position where it is locked by the locking member3, and when the step1reaches the retracted position, the locking member3completes the locking of the step1.

The manner in which the engagement member4is connected with the step1or the step bracket22is not limited to the described embodiments. For example, the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, and the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1. When the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as separate members that are different from each other. When the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as a whole.

In some specific examples, as shown inFIGS. 4-8, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and the locking member3includes a locking seat31. The locking seat31has a locking groove312, and the engagement shaft41can engage in the locking groove312and separate from the locking groove312.

Specifically, the step1is locked in the retracted position by a clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312, and when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312.

In other words, when the step1moves to the retracted position, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, the engagement shaft41of the engagement member4engages in the locking groove312of the locking seat31, and the step1is locked in the retracted position through the clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312. When the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the locking force of the locking groove312to allow the step1to move from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby facilitating the movement of the step1to the extended position, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. It can be understood that during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, when the step1reaches a predetermined position, the engagement shaft41starts to enter the locking groove312; as the step1further moves towards the retracted position, the engagement shaft41gradually enters the locking groove312; when the step1reaches the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely enters the locking groove312; that is, the engagement shaft41fully engages in the locking groove312, so as to achieve the locking of the step1. In turn, when the step1gradually moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41gradually comes out of the locking groove312, and when the step1reaches the predetermined position from the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely leaves the locking groove312, so as to release the step1.

In some embodiments, the engagement member4further includes a first support lug42and a second support lug43that are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step1and spaced apart from each other. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step bracket22, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step bracket22and spaced apart from each other.

It should be understood herein that terms such as “first” and “second” are used for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance or the number of indicated technical features. Thus, the feature defined with “first” and “second” may comprise one or more of this feature explicitly or implicitly.

Specifically, a first end of the first support lug42and a first end of the second support lug43are disposed to the step1or the step bracket22, and the first support lug42and the second support lugs43are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41is connected between a second end of the first support lug42and a second end of the second support lug43. A first end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the second end of the first support lug42, and a second end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the second end of the second support lug42. The engagement shaft41can engage with or separate from the locking member3.

In some embodiments, the locking seat31is mounted to a bottom of the vehicle body200, the locking seat31has an extension arm portion311extending downwards, and the locking groove312is provided in an end surface of a free end3111of the extension arm portion311; that is, the locking groove312is provided in a free end surface of the extension arm portion311. As shown inFIG. 4, since the extension arm portion311extends downwards from a bottom of the locking seat31, the free end surface of the extension arm portion311is a lower end surface of the extension arm portion311; that is, the locking groove312is provided in the lower end surface of the extension arm portion311.

In some preferred embodiments, an outer peripheral contour of a cross section of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312so as to enable the engagement shaft41to be engaged in the locking groove312better. Specifically, the cross section of the engagement shaft41is non-circular, and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312is also non-circular, such as a quadrangle, a hexagon or other polygons.FIGS. 4-6show that the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312are regularly hexagonal.FIGS. 7-8show that the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312are trapezoid. It is to be understood that the cross section of the engagement shaft41is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the locking seat31is connected to the mounting bracket21. In other words, the locking seat31can be regarded as a different component from the mounting bracket21. In other embodiments, the locking seat31is integrally formed with the mounting bracket21. In other words, the locking seat31and the mounting bracket21can be considered as an integral component.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 4-6, the mounting bracket21and the locking seat31are sequentially connected in a left-right direction, and are disposed to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200. A lower end of the mounting bracket21is pivotally connected to an upper end of the arm assembly23, a lower end of the arm assembly23is pivotally connected to an upper end of the step bracket22, and the step1is arranged to a lower end of the step bracket22. The locking seat31has the extension arm portion311extending downwards, the end surface of the free end3111of the extension arm portion311is provided with the locking groove312, and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312is a regular hexagon.

The engagement member4includes the engagement shaft41, the first support lug42, and the second support lug43. The first support lug42and the second support lug43are spaced apart from each other and disposed to a side of the step1adjacent to the locking seat3. The first end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the first support lug42, and the second end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the second support lug43. The outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41is a regular hexagon. As shown inFIG. 6, the engagement shaft41engages in the locking groove312to lock the step1in the retracted position through the clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312. When the step1moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312, to allow the step1to move to the extended position, as shown inFIG. 5.

Optionally, as shown inFIGS. 7-8, the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312are both trapezoidal. As shown inFIG. 8, the engagement shaft41engages in the locking groove312to make the step1locked in the retracted position through the clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312. When the step1moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312, so as to allow the step1to move to the extended position, as shown inFIG. 7.

It can be understood that the engagement member4is not limited to the form of the engagement shaft. In some other optional embodiments, as shown inFIG. 9, the engagement member4may be configured as an engagement projection401that can engage in the locking groove312and can separate from the locking groove312. Specifically, in some embodiments, the engagement projection401is coupled to the step1or the step bracket22; yet, the manner in which the engagement projection401is connected to the step1or the step bracket22is not limited. For example, the engagement projection401is detachably mounted to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement projection401is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22.

The engagement projection401has an outer peripheral contour matched with the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312, such that when the step1moves to the retracted position, the engagement projection401can engage in the locking groove312to lock the step1in the retracted position. The engagement projection401can separate from the locking groove312to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, a plurality of retractable devices2, a plurality of locking members3, and a plurality of engagement members4are provided. The plurality of retractable devices2, the plurality of locking members3, and the plurality of engagement members4are in one-to-one correspondence, so as to further improve the stability of the step1when it is moving and/or stationary. In some embodiments, by providing the plurality of retractable devices2, the plurality of locking members3, and the plurality of engagement members4, the stability of the step1in the retracted position and the smoothness thereof during the movement are further enhanced. It should be understood herein that the term “a plurality of” means at least two, such as two or three, unless specified otherwise.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 3, each locking member3is located at an outer side of the corresponding retractable device2along a length direction of the step1(i.e., a left-right direction shown inFIG. 3). Optionally, the locking member3may also be provided at an inner side of the corresponding retractable device2.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, the vehicle step apparatus100for the vehicle1000includes two retractable devices2, two locking members3, and two engagement members4. The engagement members4are coupled to the step1, the locking members3are coupled to the bottom of the vehicle body200, and the retractable devices2connect the bottom of the vehicle body200with the step1. One of the engagement members4, one of the retractable devices2, the other one of the retractable devices2, and the other one of the engagement members4are sequentially arranged and spaced apart from one another along the length direction of the step1(the left-right direction shown inFIG. 3). The one engagement member4is adjacent to the one retractable device2, and the other engagement member4is adjacent to the other retractable device2.

One of the locking members3and the other one of the locking members3are coupled to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and spaced apart along the length direction of the step1. The one of the locking members3and the one of the engagement members4are both located on a left side of the one of the retractable devices2, and the one of the locking members3and the one of the engagement members4are arranged opposite each other. The other one of the locking members3and the other one of the engagement members4are both located on a right side of the other one of the retractable devices2, and the other one of the locking members3and the other one of the engagement members4are arranged opposite each other. In the retracted position, the two engagement members4are configured to engage with the two locking members3and separate from the two locking members3correspondingly.

A vehicle step apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

As shown inFIGS. 1-9, a vehicle step apparatus100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, and a locking member3, in which the step1is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The retractable device2is connected to the step1to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

The locking member3is used to lock the step1in the retracted position and allows the step1to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position. In other words, when the step1is in the retracted position, the locking member3can lock the step1in the retracted position to improve the stability of the step1. Moreover, in the retracted position, the step1is locked by the locking member3, and the locking member3also functions to support the step1, such that the retractable device2will not be damaged even if the step1is subjected to an external force, thereby prolonging the service life of the retractable device2. When the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3allows the retractable device2to drive the step1to move towards the extended position.

A vehicle step apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

As shown inFIGS. 1-9, a vehicle step apparatus100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, and a locking member3, in which the step1is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The retractable device2is connected to the step1to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

The locking member3is configured to engage with the step1to lock the step1in the retracted position, and also to disengage (e.g., detach or separate) from the step1to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. In other words, when the step1is in the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the step1to lock the step1in the retracted position, thereby enhancing the stability of the step1. Moreover, in the retracted position, the step1is locked by the locking member3, and the locking member3also functions to support the step1, such that the retractable device2will not be damaged even if the step1is subjected to an external force, thereby prolonging the service life of the retractable device2. When the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3can separate from the step1to allow the retractable device2to drive the step1to move towards the extended position.

Herein, it should be understood that the locking member3can separate from the step1before the step1leaves the retracted position, or can separate from the step1when the step1leaves the retracted position; that is, a process of separating the step1from the locking member3can be performed simultaneously with a process of the step1leaving the retracted position.

In some embodiments, when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the step1separates from the locking member3against the locking force of the locking member3.

A vehicle step apparatus according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

As shown inFIGS. 4-8, a vehicle step apparatus100according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a mounting bracket21, a step bracket22, a step1, an arm assembly23, an engagement shaft41, and a locking seat31. The step1is mounted to the step bracket22. The arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and the step bracket22, respectively, to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position. Specifically, the mounting bracket21can be mounted to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200.

The engagement shaft41is mounted to the step1or the step bracket22, the locking seat31has a locking groove312, and the engagement shaft41is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove312. In the retracted position, the engagement shaft41engages in the locking groove312to lock the step1in the retracted position. The engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position.

As shown inFIG. 1, when the vehicle door300is opened, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312, and the arm assembly23drives the step1to move to the extended position, such that people can get on the vehicle by means of the step1. As shown inFIG. 2, when the vehicle door300is closed, the arm assembly23drives the step1to move to the retracted position, and when the step1reaches the retracted position, the engagement shaft41engages with the locking groove312to lock the step1. It can be appreciated that, in some embodiments, after the step1moves to the retracted position, the engagement shaft41engages with the locking groove312to lock the step1, and in other embodiments, during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, the engagement shaft41gradually enters a position where it is locked by the locking groove312, and when the step1reaches the retracted position, the locking groove312and the engagement shaft41complete the locking of the step1.

Specifically, the step1is locked in the retracted position through a clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312. When the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312.

In other words, when the step1moves to the retracted position, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, the engagement shaft41of the engagement member4engages in the locking groove312of the locking seat31, and the step1is locked in the retracted position through the clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312. When the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the locking force of the locking groove312to allow the step1to move from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby facilitating the movement of the step1to the extended position, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. It can be understood that during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, when the step1reaches a predetermined position, the engagement shaft41starts to enter the locking groove312; as the step1further moves towards the retracted position, the engagement shaft41gradually enters the locking groove312; when the step1reaches the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely enters the locking groove312; that is, the engagement shaft41fully engages in the locking groove312, so as to achieve the locking of the step1. In turn, when the step1gradually moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41gradually comes out of the locking groove312, and when the step1reaches the predetermined position from the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely leaves the locking groove312, so as to release the step1.

In the vehicle step apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the step1in the retracted position is locked in the retracted position by the engagement shaft41and the locking groove312, thereby enhancing the stability of the step1in the retracted position, and the step1is locked and supported by the engagement shaft41and the locking groove312, thereby avoiding damage to the retractable device when the step1is impacted by the external force. Moreover, the step1in the retracted position can be used as a bumper to provide protection for the vehicle.

In some embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body200. For example, the step1is oriented in the vertical direction and abuts against the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, whereby the step1covers the lower edge of the vehicle body200.

In other embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. In other words, the step1is disposed obliquely with respect to the lateral surface of the vehicle body200and abuts against the junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1can cover an outer edge of the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. Thus, by locking the step1in the retracted position through the locking member3, the step1can act as a bumper of the vehicle to play a protective role, so as to protect the vehicle body and prevent the vehicle1000from being hit or scratched.

In some embodiments, the engagement shaft41has a non-circular cross section, and a contour of the cross section of the engagement shaft41is matched with that of the locking groove312so as to allow the engagement shaft41to engage in the locking groove312better. Specifically, an outer peripheral contour of the cross section of the engagement shaft41is non-circular, and an inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312is also non-circular, such as a quadrangle, a hexagon or other polygons.FIGS. 4-6show that the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312are regularly hexagonal.FIGS. 7-8show that the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312are trapezoid. It is to be understood that the cross section of the engagement shaft41is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the locking seat31has an extension arm portion311extending downwards, and the locking groove312is provided in an end surface of a free end3111of the extension arm portion311; that is, the locking groove312is provided in a free end surface of the extension arm portion311. As shown inFIG. 4, since the extension arm portion311extends downwards from a bottom of the locking seat31, the free end surface of the extension arm portion311is a lower end surface of the extension arm portion311; that is, the locking groove312is provided in the lower end surface of the extension arm portion311.

In some optional embodiments, the step is provided with a first support lug42and a second support lug43, and the first support lug42and the second support lug43are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 4, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to a side of the step1adjacent to the locking seat31and are spaced apart from each other along a length direction of the step1. The engagement shaft41is located between the first support lug42and the second support lug43. An axial direction of the engagement shaft41is substantially coincident with the length direction of the step1and is spaced apart therefrom. The first end of the engagement shaft41is connected to a side of the first support lug42adjacent to the second support lug43, and the second end of the engagement shaft41is connected to a side of the second support lug43adjacent to the first support lug42.

It can be understood that the engagement shaft41is not limited to being supported in the form of the support lugs. For example, in other optional embodiments, the engagement shaft41is threadedly arranged to the step bracket21so as to facilitate the mounting and dismounting of the engagement shaft41.

In some embodiments, the locking seat31is connected to the mounting bracket21. In other words, the locking seat31can be regarded as a different component from the mounting bracket21. In other embodiments, the locking seat31is integrally formed with the mounting bracket21. In other words, the locking seat31and the mounting bracket21can be considered as an integral component.

In some optional embodiments, as shown inFIG. 10, the arm assembly23has a first arm231and a second arm232. The first arm231has a first end2311pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and a second end2312pivotally connected to the step bracket22. The second arm232has a first end2321pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and a second end2322pivotally connected to the step bracket22.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 10, the arm assembly23further includes a first pin235, a second pin236, a third pin237, and a fourth pin238. The first arm231has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the first arm231is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21via the first pin235, and the lower end of the first arm231is pivotally connected to the step bracket22via the second pin236. An upper end of the second arm232is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21via the third pin237, and a lower end of the second arm232is pivotally connected to the step bracket22via the fourth pin238.

In other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 11, the arm assembly23includes a first arm231, a second arm232, and a third arm233. The first arm231has a first end2311pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and a second end2312pivotally connected to the step bracket22. The second arm232has a first end2321pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21. The third arm233has a first end2331pivotally connected to a second end2322of the second arm232, and a second end2332pivotally connected to the step bracket22.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 11, the arm assembly23further includes a first pin235, a second pin236, a third pin237, a fourth pin238, and a fifth pin239. The first arm231has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the first arm231is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21via the first pin235, and the lower end of the first arm231is pivotally connected to the step bracket22via the second pin236. The second arm232has an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end of the second arm232is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21via the third pin237. The third arm233has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the second arm232is pivotally connected to the upper end of the third arm233via the fifth pin239, and the lower end of the third arm233is pivotally connected to the step bracket22via the fourth pin238.

In still other specific embodiments, as shown inFIG. 12, the arm assembly23includes a first arm231, a second arm232, a third arm233, and a fourth arm234. The first arm231has a first end2311pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and a second end2312pivotally connected to the step bracket22. The second arm232has a first end2321pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21. The third arm233has a first end2331pivotally connected to a second end2322of the second arm232, and a second end2332pivotally connected to the step bracket22. The fourth arm234has a first end2341pivotally connected to the first arm231, and a second end2342pivotally connected to at least one of the second arm232and the third arm233.

It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the second end2342of the fourth arm234can be pivotally connected to the second arm232, or can be pivotally connected to the third arm233, or can also be connected to both the second arm232and the third arm233.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 12, the arm assembly23further includes a first pin235, a second pin236, a third pin237, a fourth pin238, a fifth pin239, and a sixth pin240. The first arm231has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the first arm231is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21via the first pin235, and the lower end of the first arm231is pivotally connected to the step bracket22via the second pin236. The second arm232has an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end of the second arm232is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21via the third pin237.

The third arm233has an upper end and a lower end, and the lower end of the third arm233is pivotally connected to the step bracket22via the fourth pin238. The fourth arm234has a first end and a second end. The first end of the fourth arm234is pivotally connected to the lower end of the second arm232and the upper end of the third arm233via the fifth pin239. The second end of the fourth arm234is pivotally connected to a middle portion of the first arm231via the sixth pin240.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 10-12, the step bracket22has a first side wall221and a second side wall222. The step bracket22has a U-shaped groove223. The first side wall221and the second side wall222each extend outwards from a side of a body of the step bracket22, and the first side wall221and the second side wall222are disposed opposite to and spaced apart from each other to define the U-shaped groove213therebetween.

In the arm assembly23shown inFIG. 10, the second end2312of the first arm231extends into the U-shaped groove213; that is, the second end2312of the first arm231is clamped between the first side wall221and the second side wall222, and the second pin236passes through one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222, the second end2312of the first arm231, and the other one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222sequentially, so as to pivotally connect the second end2312of the first arm231to the step bracket22. The second end2322of the second arm232extends into the U-shaped groove213; that is, the second end2322of the second arm232is clamped between the first side wall221and the second side wall222, and the fourth pin238passes through one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222, the second end2322of the second arm232, and the other one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222sequentially, so as to pivotally connect the second end2322of the second arm232to the step bracket22.

In the arm assembly23shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12, the second end2312of the first arm231extends into the U-shaped groove213; that is, the second end2312of the first arm231is clamped between the first side wall221and the second side wall222, and the second pin236passes through one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222, the second end2312of the first arm231, and the other one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222sequentially, so as to pivotally connect the second end2312of the first arm231to the step bracket22. The second end2332of the third arm233extends into the U-shaped groove213; that is, the second end2332of the third arm233is clamped between the first side wall221and the second side wall222, and the fourth pin238passes through one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222, the second end2332of the third arm233, and the other one of the first side wall221and the second side wall222sequentially, so as to pivotally connect the second end2332of the third arm233to the step bracket22.

A vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, a vehicle1000according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body200, a step1, a retractable device2, and a locking member3. The retractable device2includes a step bracket22and an arm assembly23, and the step1is mounted on the step bracket22.

The arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the vehicle body200and the step bracket22to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end pivotally connected to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position. It can be understood that in the embodiment, the vehicle step apparatus100does not include a mounting bracket21, and the first end of the arm assembly23is directly pivotally connected to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200.

The locking member3is mounted to the vehicle body200, and the locking member3is configured to engage with or disengage (e.g., detach or separate) from one of the step1and the step bracket22. In the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the one of the step1and the step bracket22to lock the step1in the retracted position. When the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the one of the step1and the step bracket22to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In other words, in an optional embodiment, the locking member3is configured to engage with or separate from the step1directly. Specifically, when the step1is in the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the step1to lock the step1in the retracted position; when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the step1. In another optional embodiment, the locking member3is configured to engage with or separate from the step bracket22to realize the locking or the release of the step1by means of the locking member3. Specifically, when the step1is in the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the step bracket22to lock the step1in the retracted position; and when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the step bracket22.

In some embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body200. For example, the step1is oriented in the vertical direction and abuts against the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, whereby the step1covers the lower edge of the vehicle body200.

In other embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. In other words, the step1is disposed obliquely with respect to the lateral surface of the vehicle body200and abuts against the junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1can cover an outer edge of the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. Thus, by locking the step1in the retracted position through the locking member3, the step1can act as a bumper of the vehicle to play a protective role, so as to protect the vehicle body and prevent the vehicle1000from being hit or scratched.

In some embodiments, when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, one of the step1and the step bracket separates from the locking member3against a locking force of the locking member3. Specifically, in a case where the step1is configured to engage with or separate from the locking member3directly, the step1separates from the locking member3against the locking force of the locking member3when moving from the retracted position towards the extended position; in a case where the step bracket22is configured to engage with or separate from the locking member3to realize the locking or the release of the step1, the step bracket22separates from the locking member3against the locking force of the locking member3when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, one of the step1and the step bracket22has an engagement member4, and the locking member3is configured to engage with or separate from the engagement member4. In other words, the step1has the engagement member4, or the step bracket22has the engagement member4. When the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the engagement member4to lock the step1in the retracted position. When the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the engagement member4; that is, the locking member3releases the step1to allow the step1to move from the retracted position to the extended position.

As shown inFIG. 1, when the vehicle door300is opened, the locking member3separates from the engagement member4, and the retractable device2drives the step1to move to the extended position, such that people can get on the vehicle by the step1. As shown inFIG. 2, when the vehicle door300is closed, the retractable device2drives the step1to move to the retracted position, and when the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the engagement member4to lock the step1. It can be appreciated that, in some embodiments, after the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the engagement member4to lock the step1; in some other embodiments, during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, the step1gradually enters a position where it is locked by the locking member3, and when the step1reaches the retracted position, the locking member3completes the locking of the step1.

The manner in which the engagement member4is connected with the step1or the step bracket22is not limited to the described embodiments. For example, the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, and the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1. When the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as separate members that are different from each other. When the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as a whole.

In some specific examples, as shown inFIGS. 4-8, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and the locking member3includes a locking seat31. The locking seat31has a locking groove312, and the engagement shaft41is configured engage in the locking groove312and separate from the locking groove312.

Specifically, the step1is locked in the retracted position by a clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312, and when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312.

In other words, when the step1moves to the retracted position, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, the engagement shaft41of the engagement member4engages in the locking groove312of the locking seat31, and the step1is locked in the retracted position by the clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312. When the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the locking force of the locking groove312to allow the step1to move from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby facilitating the movement of the step1to the extended position, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. It can be understood that during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, when the step1reaches a predetermined position, the engagement shaft41starts to enter the locking groove312; as the step1further moves towards the retracted position, the engagement shaft41gradually enters the locking groove312; when the step1reaches the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely enters the locking groove312; that is, the engagement shaft41fully engages in the locking groove312, so as to achieve the locking of the step1. In turn, when the step1gradually moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41gradually comes out of the locking groove312, and when the step1reaches the predetermined position from the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely leaves the locking groove312, so as to release the step1.

In some specific embodiments, an outer peripheral contour of a cross section of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312, such that the engagement shaft41can better engage in the locking groove312. Specifically, the cross section of the engagement shaft41is non-circular, and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312is also non-circular, such as a quadrangle, a hexagon or other polygons.FIGS. 4-6show that the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312are regularly hexagonal.FIGS. 7-8show that the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41and the inner peripheral contour of the locking groove312are trapezoid. It is to be understood that the cross section of the engagement shaft41is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the engagement member4further includes a first support lug42and a second support lug43that are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step1and spaced apart from each other. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step bracket22, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step bracket22and spaced apart from each other.

Specifically, a first end of the first support lug42and a first end of the second support lug43are disposed to the step1or the step bracket22, and the first support lug42and the second support lugs43are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41is connected between a second end of the first support lug42and a second end of the second support lug43. The first end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the second end of the first support lug42, and the second end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the second end of the second support lug43. The engagement shaft41is configured to engage with or separate from the locking member3.

It can be understood that the engagement member4is not limited to the form of the engagement shaft. In other optional embodiments, as shown inFIG. 9, the engagement member4may be configured as an engagement projection401. Specifically, the engagement projection401is coupled to the step1or the step bracket22, and the manner by which the engagement projection401is connected to the step1or the step bracket22is not limited. For example, the engagement projection401is detachably mounted to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement projection401is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22.

The locking seat31has the locking groove312, and the engagement projection401is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove312. Specifically, the step1is locked in the retracted position through a clamping force exerted on the engagement projection401by the locking groove312. When the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement projection401separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312.

A vehicle according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-9, a vehicle1000according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body200, a step1, an arm assembly23, and a locking member3. The arm assembly23is pivotally connected with the vehicle body200and the step bracket22, respectively, so as to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end pivotally connected to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position.

The locking member3is mounted to the vehicle body200, and the locking member3is configured to engage with the step1to lock the step1in the retracted position and to separate from the step to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

As shown inFIGS. 1-9, a vehicle1000according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, and a locking member3. The step1is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The retractable device2is used to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The locking member3is used to lock the step1in the retracted position and allow the step1to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

A vehicle step apparatus according to some specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, a vehicle step apparatus100according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, and a locking member3. The retractable device2includes a step bracket22and an arm assembly23, and the step1is mounted on the step bracket22. The arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the step bracket22and is adapted to be pivotally connected with a bottom surface of a vehicle body200of the vehicle1000to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end adapted to be pivotally connected with the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200of the vehicle1000and a second end pivotally connected with the step bracket22. The arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position.

The locking member3is mounted to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200, and the locking member3is configured to engage with or separate from one of the step1and the step bracket22. In the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the one of the step1and the step bracket22to lock the step1in the retracted position. When the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the one of the step1and the step bracket22.

In other words, in an optional embodiment, the locking member3is configured to engage with or separate from the step1directly. Specifically, when the step1is in the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the step1to lock the step1in the retracted position; when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the step1. In another optional embodiment, the locking member3is configured to engage with or separate from the step bracket22to realize the locking or the release of the step1by means of the locking member3. Specifically, when the step1is in the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the step bracket22to lock the step1in the retracted position; and when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the step bracket22.

In some embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body200. For example, the step1is oriented in the vertical direction and abuts against the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, whereby the step1covers the lower edge of the vehicle body200.

In some other embodiments, in the retracted position, the step1abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. In other words, the step1is disposed obliquely with respect to the lateral surface of the vehicle body200and abuts against the junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1can cover an outer edge of the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. Thus, by locking the step1in the retracted position through the locking member3, the step1can act as a bumper of the vehicle to play a protective role, so as to protect the vehicle body and prevent the vehicle1000from being hit or scratched.

In some embodiments, when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, one of the step1and the step bracket separates from the locking member3against a locking force of the locking member3. Specifically, in a case where the step1is configured to engage with or separate from the locking member3directly, the step1separates from the locking member3against the locking force of the locking member3when moving from the retracted position towards the extended position; in a case where the step bracket22is configured to engage with or separate from the locking member3to realize the locking or the release of the step1, the step bracket22separates from the locking member3against the locking force of the locking member3when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, one of the step1and the step bracket22has an engagement member4, and the locking member3is configured to engage with or separate from the engagement member4. In other words, the step1has the engagement member4, or the step bracket22has the engagement member4. When the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3can engage with the engagement member4to lock the step1in the retracted position. When the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member3separates from the engagement member4; that is, the locking member3releases the step1to allow the step1to move from the retracted position to the extended position.

As shown inFIG. 1, when the vehicle door300is opened, the locking member3separates from the engagement member4, and the retractable device2drives the step1to move to the extended position, such that people can get on the vehicle by the step1. As shown inFIG. 2, when the vehicle door300is closed, the retractable device2drives the step1to move towards the retracted position, and when the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the engagement member4to lock the step1. It can be appreciated that in some embodiments, after the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking member3engages with the engagement member4to lock the step1, and in some other embodiments, during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, the step1gradually enters a position where it is locked by the locking member3, and when the step1reaches the retracted position, the locking member3completes the locking of the step1.

The manner by which the engagement member4is connected with the step1or the step bracket22is not limited to the described embodiments. For example, the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, and the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1. When the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as separate members that are different from each other; when the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as a whole.

In some specific examples, as shown inFIGS. 4-8, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and the locking member3includes a locking seat31. The locking seat31has a locking groove312, and the engagement shaft41is configured to engage in the locking groove312and separate from the locking groove312.

Specifically, the step1is locked in the retracted position by a clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312, and when the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312.

In other words, when the step1moves to the retracted position, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, the engagement shaft41of the engagement member4engages in the locking groove312of the locking seat31, and the step1is locked in the retracted position by the clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft41by the locking groove312. When the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41separates from the locking groove312against the locking force of the locking groove312to allow the step1to move from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby facilitating the movement of the step1to the extended position, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. It can be understood that during the movement of the step1towards the retracted position, when the step1reaches a predetermined position, the engagement shaft41starts to enter the locking groove312; as the step1further moves towards the retracted position, the engagement shaft41gradually enters the locking groove312; when the step1reaches the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely enters the locking groove312; that is, the engagement shaft41fully engages in the locking groove312, so as to achieve the locking of the step1. In turn, when the step1gradually moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft41gradually comes out of the locking groove312, and when the step1reaches the predetermined position from the retracted position, the engagement shaft41completely leaves the locking groove312, so as to release the step1.

In some embodiments, the engagement member4further includes a first support lug42and a second support lug43that are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step1and spaced apart from each other. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step bracket22, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step bracket22and spaced apart from each other.

Specifically, a first end of the first support lug42and a first end of the second support lug43are disposed to the step1or the step bracket22, and the first support lug42and the second support lugs43are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41is connected between a second end of the first support lug42and a second end of the second support lug43. The first end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the second end of the first support lug42, and the second end of the engagement shaft41is connected to the second end of the second support lug42. The engagement shaft41is configured to engage with or separate from the locking member3.

It can be understood that the engagement member4is not limited to the form of the engagement shaft. In other optional embodiments, as shown inFIG. 9, the engagement member4may be configured as an engagement projection401. Specifically, the engagement projection401is coupled to the step1or the step bracket22, and the manner by which the engagement projection401is connected to the step1or the step bracket22is not limited. For example, the engagement projection401is detachably mounted to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement projection401is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22.

The locking seat31has the locking groove312, and the engagement projection401is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove312. Specifically, the step1is locked in the retracted position through a clamping force exerted on the engagement projection401by the locking groove312. When the step1moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement projection401separates from the locking groove312against the clamping force of the locking groove312.

A vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle according to some specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1-3 and 13-20.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, a vehicle1000according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body200and a vehicle step apparatus100, and the vehicle step apparatus100is mounted to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200. In other words, the vehicle step apparatus100is mounted to a chassis of the vehicle body200.

As shown inFIGS. 13-15, the vehicle step apparatus100according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, a locking seat31, and a locking swing arm32, in which the step1is movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

The retractable device2includes a mounting bracket21, a step bracket22, and an arm assembly23. The step1is mounted on the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and the step bracket22to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position. Specifically, the mounting bracket21can be mounted to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200.

The locking swing arm32is swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31lock the step1in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31release the step1to enable the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. In other words, before the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking swing arm32first rotates from the locking position to the release position to release the engagement member4, so that the arm assembly23drives the step1to move from the retracted position shown inFIG. 18to the extended position shown inFIG. 16.

In some embodiments, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 18, the step1is in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32is in the locking position, and the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement member4between the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31to lock the step1. As shown inFIG. 17, the locking swing arm32rotates rightwards from the locking position to the minimum release position, and the engagement member4separates from the clamping of the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31; that is, the engagement member4is released, and the step1moves to an intermediate position between the extended position and the retracted position. Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 16, the locking swing arm32continues rotating rightwards from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, and the step1moves from the intermediate position to the extended position.

The rotation of the locking swing arm32and the extension-and-retraction movement of the arm assembly23have a following relationship therebetween.

In some embodiments, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, and the step1is moving from the retracted position to the extended position while the locking swing arm is rotating from the minimum release position to the maximum release position.

In some embodiments, the step1further has the intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position. The locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. While the locking swing arm32rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. During the movement of the step1from the intermediate position to the extended position, the locking swing arm32keeps stationary in the maximum release position.

It can be understood that besides the movements of the locking swing arm32and the step1, the locking swing arm32may also first rotate from the locking position to the minimum release position.

Then, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position; that is, the locking swing arm32stays for a period of time after rotating to the minimum release position, and during this period of time, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. At the end of this period of time, the step1is in the intermediate position between the extended position and the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32is in the minimum release position between the maximum release position and the locking position, for example, as shown inFIG. 17.

Further, the step1moves from the intermediate position to the extended position, and the locking swing arm32rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position. During this process, the movement of the step1and the rotation of the locking swing arm32can occur simultaneously, or the step1moves first and then the locking swing arm32rotates, or the locking swing arm32rotates first and then the step1moves.

In some embodiments, the step1in the retracted position abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body200. For example, the step1is oriented in the vertical direction and abuts against the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1covers the lower edge of the vehicle body200. In other embodiments, the step1abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. In other words, the step1is disposed obliquely with respect to the lateral surface of the vehicle body200and abuts against the junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1can cover an outer edge of the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. Thus, by locking the step1in the retracted position through the locking member3, the step1can act as a bumper of the vehicle to play a protective role, so as to protect the vehicle body and prevent the vehicle1000from being hit or scratched.

In some embodiments, one of the step1and the step bracket22has an engagement member4, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement member4therebetween to lock the step1. In other words, the step1has the engagement member4or the step bracket22has the engagement member4, and when the step1moves to the retracted position, the engagement member4can be clamped by the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31, thereby realizing the locking of the step1.

The manner by which the engagement member4is connected with the step1or the step bracket22is not limited in the described embodiments. For example, the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22. For example, as shown inFIG. 13, the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, and the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1. When the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as separate members that are different from each other; when the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as a whole.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13-16, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement shaft41therebetween to lock the step1.

In some embodiments, the engagement member4further includes a first support lug42and a second support lug43that are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step1and spaced apart from each other. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step bracket22, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step bracket22and spaced apart from each other.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the locking seat31has a first snap groove313, and in the retracted position, the engagement member4is locked between the locking swing arm32and the first snap groove313.

In some specific embodiments, the locking swing arm32has a second snap groove321, and in the retracted position, the engagement member4is locked between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321to lock the step1in the retracted position. In other words, the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321form a locking groove, and the engagement member4is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove.

As shown inFIG. 18, when the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position, the engagement member4is clamped between the second snap groove321of the locking swing arm32and the first snap groove313of the locking seat31, and since the engagement member4is locked between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321, the step1is locked in the retracted position. In a specific example, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and when the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position, the engagement shaft41is clamped between the second snap groove321and the first snap groove313, whereby the step1is locked in the retracted position.

In some specific embodiments, the locking seat31has an extension arm portion311, and the first snap groove313is provided in a free end3111of the extension arm portion311(a lower end of the extension arm portion311as shown inFIG. 14). The locking swing arm32has a pivot end322(an upper end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15) and a free end323(a lower end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15). The pivot end of the locking swing arm32is pivotally connected with the locking seat31, and the second snap groove321is provided in the free end323of the locking swing arm32.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13-14, the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321are both generally V-shaped, but the shapes of the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321are not limited thereto as long as the engagement member4can be reliably clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321. In a specific example, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, a portion of an outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the second snap groove321, and another portion of the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the first snap groove313, such that the engagement shaft41can be better clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321.

In some embodiments, the engagement shaft41has a non-circular cross section, such as a quadrangle, a hexagon or other polygons.FIGS. 13 and 16-18illustrate that the cross section of the engagement shaft41is a regular hexagon. It is to be understood that the cross section of the engagement shaft41is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 15-18, the locking member3further includes a drive rod33and a connecting rod34. The connecting rod34has a first end341pivotally connected to the locking swing arm32, and a second end342pivotally connected to a first end331of the drive rod33. The drive rod33has a second end332pivotally connected to the locking seat31. In this embodiment, the drive rod33drives the connecting rod34to rotate, such that the connecting rod34drives the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the minimum release position, and/or swing between the minimum release position and the maximum release position.

In some specific embodiments, the first end331of the drive rod33is provided with a U-shaped recess335, and the second end342of the connecting rod34is fitted in the U-shaped recess335. Specifically, the drive rod33includes a first lug333and a second lug334, each of which extends outwards from a body of the drive rod33. The first lug333and the second lug334are arranged opposite to and spaced apart from each other to define the U-shaped recess335therebetween, and the second end342of the connecting rod34extends into the U-shaped recess335; that is, the second end342of the connecting rod34is clamped between the first lug333and the second lug334.

In some specific embodiments, a middle portion of the locking swing arm32is further provided with a through slot326, and the first end341of the connecting rod34is fitted in the through slot326.

In some specific embodiments, the locking member3further includes a first pivot shaft35, a second pivot shaft36, a third pivot shaft37, and a fourth pivot shaft38. The locking swing arm32is pivotally connected with the locking seat31through the first pivot shaft35. The drive rod33is pivotally connected with the locking seat31through the second pivot shaft36. The connecting rod34is pivotally connected with the drive rod33through the third pivot shaft37and is pivotally connected with the locking swing arm32through the fourth pivot shaft38.

Further, the locking swing arm32has a first swing arm hole324, and a second swing arm hole325in communication with the through slot326. The first pivot shaft35can pass through the first swing arm hole324and a hole in the locking seat31to pivotally connect the locking swing arm32with the locking seat31. The first end341of the connecting rod34extends into the through slot326, and the fourth pivot shaft38can pass through the second swing arm hole325and a hole in the connecting rod34to pivotally connect the locking swing arm32with the connecting rod34.

It can be understood that the engagement member4is not limited to the form of the engagement shaft41. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, the engagement member4is configured as an engagement projection401that can be clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321or can be released from the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321. In some embodiments, the engagement projection401can be coupled to the step1or can be coupled to the step bracket22. When the engagement projection401is coupled to the step1, the engagement projection401may be detachably connected to the step1or may be integrally formed with the step1. When the engagement projection401is coupled to the step bracket22, the engagement projection401may be detachably connected to the step bracket22or may be integrally formed with the step bracket22.

By the swinging of the locking swing arm32, the engagement projection401can be clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321and can also separate from the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321. Preferably, a portion of an outer peripheral contour of the engagement projection401is matched with the inner peripheral contour of the first snap groove313, and another portion of the outer peripheral contour of the engagement projection401is matched with the inner peripheral contour of the second snap groove321. When the step1moves to the retracted position, the locking swing arm32swings to the locking position to clamp the engagement projection401between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321, so as to lock the step1in the retracted position. When the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking swing arm32swings to the release position, so as to release the engagement projection401from the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321, thereby allowing the step1to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, the locking seat31is mounted to the mounting bracket21. In other words, the locking seat31can be mounted to the mounting bracket21, and the locking seat31can be regarded as a different component from the mounting bracket21. In other embodiments, the locking seat31is integrally formed with the mounting bracket21. In other words, the locking seat31and the mounting bracket21can be considered as an integral component.

As shown inFIGS. 13-20, a vehicle step apparatus100according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure includes a step1, an arm assembly23, a locking seat31, and a locking swing arm32. The arm assembly23is used to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

The locking swing arm32is swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31lock the step1in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31release the step1to enable the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 19-20, the arm assembly23is driven by an extension-and-retraction drive motor61to move the step1between the retracted position and the extended position; the locking swing arm32is driven by a swing drive motor62to swing between the locking position and the release position. In other words, in the vehicle step apparatus100, the extension-and-retraction movement of the arm assembly23and the swinging of the locking swing arm32are controlled by different motors. The extension-and-retraction movement of the arm assembly23is driven by a motor such as the extension-and-retraction drive motor61, and the swinging of the locking swing arm32is driven by another motor such as the swing drive motor62.

In some specific embodiments, the extension-and-retraction drive motor61and the arm assembly23are connected, such that the arm assembly23drives the step1to move between the retracted position and the extended position under the drive of the extension-and-retraction drive motor61. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the extension-and-retraction drive motor61is connected to at least one of the first arm231and the second arm232of the arm assembly23. In other words, the extension-and-retraction drive motor61can be connected to the first arm231alone, and the extension-and-retraction drive motor61drives the first arm231to pivot relative to the mounting bracket21, thereby driving the step bracket22to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The extension-and-retraction drive motor61can also be connected to the second arm232alone, and the extension-and-retraction drive motor61drives the second arm232to pivot relative to the mounting bracket21, thereby driving the step bracket22to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The extension-and-retraction drive motor61can also be connected to the first arm231and the second arm232at the same time, and the extension-and-retraction drive motor61drives the first arm231and the second arm232to pivot, thereby driving the step bracket22to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

In some specific embodiments, the swing drive motor62is connected to the drive rod33via the second pivot shaft36, and the swing drive motor62drives the drive rod33to pivot relative to the locking seat31, such that the locking swing arm32pivots relative to the locking seat31under the drive of the connecting rod34, so as to swing between the locking position and the release position.

It can be understood that the manner by which the extension-and-retraction movement of the arm assembly23and the swinging of the locking swing arm32are driven is not limited to the form of respective control by two motors. For example, in other optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 21-23, the arm assembly23and the locking swing arm32are driven by a single drive motor6, the single drive motor6is connected to the arm assembly23to drive the arm assembly23to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position, and the single drive motor6is connected to the locking swing arm32to drive the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position.

Specifically, the drive motor6is connected to both the locking swing arm32and the arm assembly23; that is, the arm assembly23and the locking swing arm32are driven by the single drive motor6. The single drive motor6drives the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position through the arm assembly23, and the single drive motor6drives the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position through the drive rod33and the connecting rod34. In some embodiments, the vehicle step apparatus100drives the extension-and-retraction movement of the retractable device2and the swinging of the locking swing arm32by a common motor, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

As shown inFIGS. 13-18, a vehicle1000according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body200, a step bracket22, a step1, an arm assembly23, an engagement shaft41, a locking seat31, and a locking swing arm32. The step1is mounted on the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is connected to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the step bracket22to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end connected to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200, and a second end connected to the step bracket22, so as to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

The engagement shaft41is coupled to the step1or the step bracket22. The locking seat31has a first snap groove313, and the locking seat31is mounted to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200. The locking swing arm32is swingable between a locking position and a release position. The locking swing arm32has a pivot end322and a free end323. The pivot end322of the locking swing arm32is pivotally connected with the locking seat31, and the free end323of the locking swing arm32has a second snap groove321. In the locking position, the engagement shaft41is clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321to lock the step1in the retracted position. In the release position, the engagement shaft41separates from the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

A vehicle step apparatus according to some specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 13-18 and 21-36.

As shown inFIG. 13, the vehicle step apparatus100according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a mounting bracket21, a step bracket22, a step1, an arm assembly23, an engagement shaft41, a locking seat31, and a locking swing arm32. The step1is mounted on the step bracket22and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

The arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and the step bracket22to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position. Specifically, the mounting bracket21may be mounted to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200.

The engagement shaft41is coupled to one of the step1and the step bracket22. The locking seat31has a first snap groove313, and the locking seat31is connected to the mounting bracket21, or the locking seat31is integrally formed with the mounting bracket21.

The locking swing arm32is swingable between a locking position and a release position, and has a pivot end322(an upper end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15) and a free end323(a lower end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15). The pivot end322of the locking swing arm32is pivotally connected to the locking seat31, and the free end323of the locking swing arm32has a second snap groove321. In the locking position, the engagement shaft41is clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321to lock the step1in the retracted position. In the release position, the engagement shaft41separates from the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, the engagement shaft41has a non-circular cross section, and a contour of the cross section of the engagement shaft41is matched with the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321. For example, the cross section of the engagement shaft41is in a shape of a quadrangle, a hexagon, or other polygons.FIGS. 13 and 16-18illustrate the cross section of the engagement shaft41is a regular hexagon. It can be understood that the cross section of the engagement shaft41is not limited thereto. A portion of an outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the second snap groove321, and another portion of the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the first snap groove313, so that the engagement shaft41can be better clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321.

In some embodiments, the step1is provided with a first support lug42and a second support lug43that are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to a side of the step1adjacent to the locking seat31and are spaced apart from each other along a length direction of the step1. The engagement shaft41is located between the first support lug42and the second support lug43, the first end of the engagement shaft41is connected to a side of the first support lug42adjacent to the second support lug43, and the second end of the engagement shaft41is connected to a side of the second support lug43adjacent to the first support lug42.

In some embodiments, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are detachably connected with or integrally formed with the step1. In other words, the first support lug42is connected to the step1and the first support lug42is detachable, and the second support lug43is connected to the step1and is detachable; or, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are integrally formed with the step1.

In some embodiments, the vehicle step apparatus100further includes a drive rod33and a connecting rod34. The connecting rod34has a first end341pivotally connected to the locking swing arm32, and a second end342pivotally connected to a first end331of the drive rod33. The drive rod33has a second end332pivotally connected to the locking seat31. In this embodiment, the drive rod33drives the connecting rod34to rotate, such that the connecting rod34drives the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the minimum release position, and/or swing between the minimum release position and the maximum release position.

In some specific embodiments, the first end331of the drive rod33is provided with a U-shaped recess335, and the second end342of the connecting rod34is fitted in the U-shaped recess335. Specifically, the drive rod33includes a first lug333and a second lug334, each of which extends outwards from a body of the drive rod33. The first lug333and the second lug334are arranged opposite to and spaced apart from each other to define the U-shaped recess335therebetween, and the second end342of the connecting rod34extends into the U-shaped recess335; that is, the second end342of the connecting rod34is clamped between the first lug333and the second lug334.

In some specific embodiments, a middle portion of the locking swing arm32is further provided with a through slot326, and the first end341of the connecting rod34is fitted in the through slot326.

In some specific embodiments, the locking member3further includes a first pivot shaft35, a second pivot shaft36, a third pivot shaft37, and a fourth pivot shaft38. The locking swing arm32is pivotally connected with the locking seat31through the first pivot shaft35. The drive rod33is pivotally connected with the locking seat31through the second pivot shaft36. The connecting rod34is pivotally connected with the drive rod33through the third pivot shaft37and is pivotally connected with the locking swing arm32through the fourth pivot shaft38.

Further, the locking swing arm32has a first swing arm hole324, and a second swing arm hole325in communication with the through slot326. The first pivot shaft35can pass through the first swing arm hole324and a hole in the locking seat31to pivotally connect the locking swing arm32with the locking seat31. The first end341of the connecting rod34extends into the through slot326, and the fourth pivot shaft38can pass through the second swing arm hole325and a hole in the connecting rod34to pivotally connect the locking swing arm32with the connecting rod34.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 21-23, the arm assembly23and the locking swing arm32are driven by a single drive motor6. The single drive motor6is connected to the arm assembly23to drive the arm assembly23to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position, and the single drive motor6is connected to the locking swing arm32to drive the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position. Specifically, the drive motor6is connected to both of the locking swing arm32and the arm assembly23; that is, the arm assembly23and the locking swing arm32are driven by the single drive motor6.

The single drive motor6drives the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position through the arm assembly23. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the drive motor6is connected with at least one of the first arm231and the second arm232of the arm assembly23. In other words, the drive motor6can be connected to the first arm231alone, and the drive motor6drives the first arm231to pivot relative to the mounting bracket21, thereby driving the step bracket22to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The drive motor6can also be connected to the second arm232alone, and the drive motor6drives the second arm232to pivot relative to the mounting bracket21, thereby driving the step bracket22to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The drive motor6can also be connected to both the first arm231and the second arm232at the same time, and the drive motor6drives the first arm231and the second arm232to pivot, thereby driving the step bracket22to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

Moreover, the single drive motor6drives the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position by the drive rod33and the connecting rod34. In some embodiments, the vehicle step apparatus100drives the extension-and-retraction movement of the retractable device2and the swinging of the locking swing arm32by a common motor, thereby improving the transmission efficiency.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 24-36, the vehicle step apparatus100further includes a transmission device5through which the single drive motor6can drive the drive rod33and the locking swing arm32separately. The transmission device5includes a driving gear51, a first driven gear52, and a second driven gear53, and the driving gear51has a toothed section511and a toothless section512.

The first driven gear52can be driven by the driving gear51and connected to the arm assembly23, and the second driven gear53can be driven by the driving gear51and connected to the locking swing arm32. The drive motor6drives the arm assembly23through the driving gear51and the first driven gear52, to enable the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The drive motor6drives the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position through the driving gear51and the second driven gear53. It can be understood that the second driven gear53drives the drive rod33to rotate to bring the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position.

In some optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 24-31, the toothed section511of the driving gear51alternately meshes with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53to alternately drive the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53to rotate. In other words, the toothed section511of the driving gear51does not mesh with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time, and instead, meshes with one driven gear only after disengaging from the other driven gear.

In some other optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 24-26 and 32, the driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIG. 32), a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIG. 32), and a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 32) between the first rotation position and the second rotation position. The driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, in which way the locking swing arm32is driven to move from the locking position towards the release position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, so as to start to drive the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the first driven gear52at the same time, thereby driving the locking swing arm32to move towards the release position while driving the step1to move towards the extended position.

In still other optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 24-26 and 33, the driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIG. 33), a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIG. 33), a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 33) between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, and a fourth rotation position (“D” position shown inFIG. 33) between the third rotation position and the second rotation position. The driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, in which way the locking swing arm32is driven to move from the locking position towards the release position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, so as to start to drive the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. Before the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the first driven gear52at the same time, thereby driving the locking swing arm32to move towards the release position while driving the step1to move towards the extended position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the second driven gear53, and the locking swing arm32rotates to the release position.

In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512and the driving gear51face the second driven gear53, to continue to drive the step1to move towards the extended position.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 34-36, the vehicle step apparatus100further includes a driving cam54, a driven cam55, and a stopping swing rod56. The driving cam54is connected to the driving gear51, and the driving cam54can rotate along with the driving gear51. The driven cam55is connected to the first driven gear52, and the driven cam55can rotate along with the first driven gear52. The stopping swing rod56has a first end561, a second end562, and a pivoting portion563. The pivoting portion563is located between the first end561of the stopping swing rod56and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56. The stopping swing rod56is swingable around the pivoting portion563.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and the driving cam54releases the driven cam55to allow the first driven gear52to rotate.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53to allow the second driven gear53to rotate, and the driving cam54stops the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating.

Further, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, as shown inFIGS. 35-36, the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against a distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and a distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55faces a proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54.

In other words, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, and the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55; that is, the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55, and the driven cam55can rotate together with the first driven gear52. At the same time, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56approaches the second driven gear53, and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56can engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54; that is, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54stops the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55, to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. The first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53.

In other words, the driving cam54has the proximal rest arc segment541and the distal rest arc segment542. The driven cam55has a proximal rest arc segment551and the distal rest arc segment552. When the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51, and the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the driven cam55to stop the driven cam55from rotating, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. At the same time, the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56moves away from the second driven gear53to separate from the second driven gear53.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51is integrally formed with the driving cam54, and the first driven gear52is integrally formed with the driven cam55. It can be understood that the driving gear51and the driving cam54may be two components independent of each other, and the first driven gear52and the driven cam55may be two components independent of each other.

In some specific embodiments, the transmission device5further includes a driving gear shaft57, a first driven gear shaft35, and a second driven gear shaft36. The driving gear shaft57is mounted to the locking seat31and connected with the drive motor6, and the driving gear51is mounted to the driving gear shaft57.

The first driven gear shaft35is configured as a first pivot shaft35connecting the locking swing arm32with the locking seat31. A first end of the first driven gear shaft35is connected to the arm assembly23, and the first driven gear52is mounted to a second end of the first driven gear shaft35. Thus, the first driven gear shaft35passes through the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31to be connected to the first arm231and/or the second arm232of the arm assembly23, such that the arm assembly23is driven by the first driven gear52to extend and retract.

The second driven gear shaft36is configured as a second pivot shaft36connecting the locking seat31with the drive rod33. A first end of the second driven gear shaft36is connected to the drive rod33, and the second driven gear53is mounted to a second end of the second driven gear shaft36. Thus, the second driven gear53is connected to the drive rod33through the second pivot shaft36, such that the second driven gear53drives the drive rod33to rotate, so as to drive the locking swing arm32to swing.

It can be appreciated that the manner by which the extension-and-retraction movement of the arm assembly23and the swinging of the locking swing arm32are driven is not limited to the form of being driven by the single drive motor6. For example, in other optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 19-20, the arm assembly23is driven by an extension-and-retraction drive motor61, and the locking swing arm32is driven by a swing drive motor62, in which the extension-and-retraction drive motor61drives the step1to move between the retracted position and the extended position through the arm assembly23, and the swing drive motor62drives the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position through the drive rod33and the connecting rod34.

A vehicle step apparatus according to some specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 13-18 and 21-36.

As shown inFIGS. 13-15 and 21-26, a vehicle step apparatus100according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, a locking seat31, a swing arm assembly, a transmission device5, and a single drive motor6. The step1is movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

As shown inFIGS. 13-15, the retractable device2includes a mounting bracket21, a step bracket22, and an arm assembly23. The step1is mounted on the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and the step bracket22, to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket21and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position. Specifically, the mounting bracket21can be mounted to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200.

The swing arm assembly includes a locking swing arm32, a connecting rod34, and a drive rod33. The connecting rod34has a first end341pivotally connected to the locking swing arm32, and a second end342pivotally connected to a first end331of the drive rod33. The drive rod33has a second end332pivotally connected to the locking seat31. The drive rod33drives, through the connecting rod34, the locking swing arm32to swing between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31lock the step1in the retracted position. In the release position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31release the step1to enable the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

As shown inFIGS. 24-26, the transmission device5includes a driving gear51, a first driven gear52, and a second driven gear53. The first driven gear52can be driven by the driving gear51and connected to the arm assembly23, to drive the arm assembly23to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The second driven gear53can be driven by the driving gear51and connected to the drive rod33, to drive, through the drive rod33, the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position.

As shown inFIGS. 21-23, the drive motor6is connected to the driving gear51to drive the arm assembly23through the driving gear51and the first driven gear52, and to drive the drive rod33through the driving gear51and the second driven gear53. In other words, by means of the transmission device5, the drive motor6can drive the arm assembly23to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position, and can also drive the drive rod33to enable the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position.

In some embodiments, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. In other words, before the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking swing arm32first rotates from the locking position to the release position to release the engagement member4, so that the arm assembly23drives the step1to move from the retracted position as shown inFIG. 18to the extended position as shown inFIG. 16.

In some embodiments, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 18, the step1is in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32is in the locking position, and the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement member4between the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31to lock the step1. As shown inFIG. 17, the locking swing arm32rotates rightwards from the locking position to the minimum release position, and the engagement member4separates from the clamping of the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31; that is, the engagement member4is released, and the step1moves to an intermediate position between the extended position and the retracted position. Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 16, the locking swing arm32continues rotating rightwards from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, and the step1moves from the intermediate position to the extended position.

The relationship between the rotation of the locking swing arm32and the extension-and-retraction movement of the arm assembly23is presented as follows.

In some embodiments, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, and the step1is moving from retracted position to the extended position while the locking swing arm is rotating from the minimum release position to the maximum release position.

In some embodiments, the step1further has the intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position. The locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. While the locking swing arm32rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. During the movement of the step1from the intermediate position to the extended position, the locking swing arm32keeps stationary in the maximum release position.

It can be understood that besides the movements of the locking swing arm32and the step1, the locking swing arm32may also first rotate from the locking position to the minimum release position.

Then, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position and stays for a period of time, and during this period of time, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. At the end of this period of time, the step1is in the intermediate position between the extended position and the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32is in the minimum release position between the maximum release position and the locking position, for example, as shown inFIG. 17.

Further, the step1moves from the intermediate position to the extended position, and the locking swing arm32rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position. During this process, the movement of the step1and the rotation of the locking swing arm32can occur simultaneously, or the step1can move first and then the locking swing arm32rotates, or the locking swing arm32can rotate first and then the step1moves.

As illustrated inFIGS. 13-15 and 21-26, a vehicle step apparatus100according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure includes a step1, an arm assembly23, a locking seat31, a locking swing arm32, a connecting rod34, a drive rod33, a transmission device5, and a single drive motor6. The arm assembly23is used to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

The locking swing arm32is swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31lock the step1in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31release the step1to enable the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

The connecting rod34has a first end341pivotally connected to the locking swing arm32. The drive rod33has a first end331pivotally connected to a second end342of the connecting rod34, and a second end332pivotally connected to the locking seat31. The drive rod33drives the locking swing arm32to swing by the connecting rod34.

As shown inFIGS. 24-26, the transmission device5includes a driving gear51, a first driven gear52, and a second driven gear53. The first driven gear52can be driven by the driving gear51and connected to the arm assembly23, to drive the arm assembly23to bring the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The second driven gear53can be driven by the driving gear51and connected to the drive rod33, to drive, through the drive rod33, the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position.

As shown inFIGS. 21-23, the drive motor6is connected to the driving gear51, so as to drive the arm assembly23through the driving gear51and the first driven gear52, and also to drive the drive rod33through the driving gear51and the second driven gear53. In other words, by means of the transmission device5, the drive motor6can drive the arm assembly23to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position, and can also drive the drive rod33to enable the locking swing arm32to swing between the locking position and the release position.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIG. 23, the transmission device5further includes a driving gear shaft57, a first driven gear shaft35, and a second driven gear shaft36. The driving gear shaft57is mounted to the locking seat31and connected with the drive motor6, and the driving gear51is mounted to the driving gear shaft57.

The first driven gear shaft35is configured as a first pivot shaft35connecting the locking swing arm32with the locking seat31. A first end of the first driven gear shaft35is connected to the arm assembly23, and the first driven gear52is mounted to a second end of the first driven gear shaft35. Thus, the first driven gear shaft35passes through the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31to be connected to the first arm231and/or the second arm232of the arm assembly23, such that the arm assembly23is driven by the first driven gear52to extend and retract.

The second driven gear shaft36is configured as a second pivot shaft36connecting the locking seat31with the drive rod33. A first end of the second driven gear shaft36is connected to the drive rod33, and the second driven gear53is mounted to a second end of the second driven gear shaft36. Thus, the second driven gear53is connected to the drive rod33through the second pivot shaft36, such that the second driven gear53drives the drive rod33to rotate, so as to drive the locking swing arm32to swing.

In some optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 24-31, the driving gear51includes a toothed section511and a toothless section512. The toothed section511of the driving gear51alternately meshes with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53to alternately drive the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53to rotate. In other words, the toothed section511of the driving gear51does not mesh with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time, and instead, meshes with one driven gear only after disengaging from the other driven gear.

When the step1is in the retracted position, as shown inFIG. 24, the second driven gear53meshes with the toothed section511of the driving gear51, and the first driven gear52faces the toothless section512of the driving gear51. When the step1is in the extended position, as shown inFIG. 26, the first driven gear52meshes with the toothed section511of the driving gear51, and the second driven gear53faces the toothless section512of the driving gear51.

In other words, the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53can be driven by the driving gear51having the toothless section512and the toothed section511. When the step1is in the retracted position, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, whereby the second swing gear53drives the locking swing arm32to swing so as to lock the step1in the retracted state or drives the locking swing arm32to swing so as to release the step1. Moreover, the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, so that the driving gear51does not drive the first driven gear52to rotate. When the step1is in the extended position, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and thus the first driven gear52drives the arm assembly23to extend or retract, so as to drive the step1to move. Moreover, the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53, so that the driving gear51does not drive the second driven gear53to rotate.

In some specific embodiments, the driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIGS. 30-31), and a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIGS. 30-31), and the driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position. In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 24-26andFIG. 30, the driving gear51further includes a third rotation position (a position as shown inFIG. 25and “C” position shown inFIG. 30) between the first rotation position and the second rotation position. As shown inFIGS. 24-26andFIG. 30, before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24-26), as shown inFIGS. 24 and 30, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, such that the driving gear51drives the locking swing arm32to rotate from the locking position towards the release position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, as shown inFIGS. 25 and 30, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the second driven gear53and starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, in which the locking swing arm32rotates to the release position, and the driving gear51starts to drive the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, as shown inFIGS. 26 and 30, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53, such that the driving gear51drives the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

Specifically,FIGS. 30(A)-30(C)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51from the first rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction. As shown inFIG. 30(A), the second arm232and the locking swing arm32are both in a vertical state, and the second arm232is in the retracted position while the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate rightwards until the locking swing arm32rotates rightwards by an angle α; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the release position. As shown inFIG. 30(B), the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53and starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, such that the driving gear51starts to drive the second arm232to rotate leftwards when the locking swing arm32is in the release position, and hence the second arm232starts to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, and the locking swing arm32is stationary. When the second arm232rotates leftwards by an angle β, as shown inFIG. 30(C), the second arm232moves to the extended position.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 27-29, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the third rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27-29), as shown inFIG. 27, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53, so that the driving gear51drives the step1to move from the extended position towards the retracted position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, as shown inFIG. 28, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52and starts to mesh with the second driven gear53, in which the step1moves to the retracted position, and the driving gear51starts to drive the locking swing arm32to move from the release position towards the locking position.

In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, as shown inFIG. 29, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, such that the driving gear51drives the locking swing arm32to move from the release position towards the locking position.

Specifically,FIGS. 30(D)-30(F)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51from the second rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction. As shown inFIG. 30(D), the second arm232is in the extended position and the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, to drive the second arm232to rotate rightwards, so as to enable the second arm232to move from the extended position towards the retracted position until the second arm232rotates rightwards by an angle β; that is, the second arm232returns to the original vertical state. As shown inFIG. 30(E), the second arm232moves to the retracted position, and then the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52and starts to mesh with the second driven gear53, such that the driving gear51drives the locking swing arm32to rotate leftwards when the second arm232stays in the retracted position; that is, the locking swing arm32is driven to rotate from the release position to the locking position. When the locking swing arm32rotates leftwards by an angle α, as shown inFIG. 30(F), the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position.

In the specific embodiment shown inFIGS. 24-26 and 31, the driving gear51also has a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 31) between the first rotation position (“A” position shown inFIG. 31) and the second rotation position (“B” position shown inFIG. 31), and a fourth rotation position (“D” position shown inFIG. 31) between the second rotation position and the third rotation position.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along the first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, such that the driving gear51drives the locking swing arm32to rotate from the locking position towards the release position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the second driven gear53, in which the locking swing arm32rotates to the release position. Before the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time; that is, the driving gear51meshes with neither of the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53, so as to keep the locking swing arm32stationary in the release position and keep the step1stationary in the retracted position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, to start to drive the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. In the process that the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53, such that the driving gear51drives the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

Specifically,FIGS. 31(A)-31(D)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51from the first rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction. As shown inFIG. 31(A), the second arm232and the locking swing arm32are both in a vertical state, and the second arm232is in the retracted position while the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate rightwards until the locking swing arm32rotates rightwards by an angle α; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the release position. As shown inFIG. 31(B), the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53. Between the third rotation position and the fourth rotation position, as shown inFIG. 31(C), the locking swing arm32stays in the release position and the second arm232stays in the retracted position; that is, the toothed section511of the driving gear51neither meshes with the second driven gear53, nor meshes with the first driven gear52. Starting from the fourth rotation position, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, to drive the second arm232to rotate leftwards so as to enable the second arm232to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. As shown inFIG. 31(D), the second arm232rotates leftwards by an angle β; that is, the second arm232moves to the extended position.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 27, 29 and 31, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the fourth rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53, so that the driving gear51drives the step1to move from the extended position towards the retracted position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52, and the step1moves to the retracted position. Before the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time; that is, both the step1and the locking swing arm32do not move.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the second driven gear53; that is, the locking swing arm32starts to rotate from the release position towards the locking position. In the process that the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, so as to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate towards the locking position.

Specifically,FIGS. 31(E)-30(H)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51from the second rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction. As shown inFIG. 31(E), the second arm232is in the extended position and the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52to drive the second arm232rotates rightwards, so as to enable the second arm232to move from the extended position towards the retracted position until the second arm232rotates rightwards by an angle β; that is, the second arm232returns to the original vertical state. As shown inFIG. 31(F), the second arm232moves to the retracted position, and then the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52. Between the fourth rotation position and the third rotation position, as shown inFIG. 31(G), the locking swing arm32stays in the release position and the second arm232stays in the retracted position; that is, the toothed section511of the driving gear51neither meshes with the second driven gear53, nor meshes with the first driven gear52. Starting from the third rotation position, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the second driven gear53, to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate leftwards; that is, the locking swing arm32is driven to rotate from the release position to the locking position. When the locking swing arm32rotates leftwards by an angle α, as shown inFIG. 31(H), the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position.

It can be understood that in the specific embodiment shown inFIGS. 30 and 31, the driving gear51alternately drives the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53to rotate, so that the extension-and-retraction movement of the second arm232and the swinging of the locking swing arm32alternately occur.

In still other optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 24-26 and 32, the driving gear51includes a toothed section511and a toothless section512. The driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIG. 32), a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIG. 32), and a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 32) between the first rotation position and the second rotation position. The driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, in which way the locking swing arm32is driven to move from the locking position towards the release position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, so as to start to drive the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. During the rotation of the driving gear51from the third rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the first driven gear52at the same time, thereby driving the locking swing arm32to move towards the release position while driving the step1to move towards the extended position.

Further, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position. For example, in the “C” position shown inFIG. 32, the locking swing arm32is in the minimum release position, and in the “B” position shown inFIG. 32, the locking swing arm32is in the maximum release position. Before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, for example, from the “A” position to the “C” position shown inFIG. 32, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position, and while the locking swing arm32is rotating from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, for example, from the “C” position to the “B” position shown inFIG. 32, the step1moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

Specifically,FIGS. 32(A)-32(C)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51from the first rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction. As shown inFIG. 32(A), the second arm232and the locking swing arm32are both in a vertical state, and the second arm232is in the retracted position while the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate rightwards until the locking swing arm32rotates rightwards by an angle α1; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position. As shown inFIG. 32(B), the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52while meshing with the second driven gear53, so as to simultaneously drive the second arm232to rotate leftwards, thereby enabling the locking swing arm32to rotate from the minimum release position to the maximum release position and enabling the second arm232to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. As shown inFIG. 32(C), the locking swing arm32continues rotating rightwards by an angle α2; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the maximum release position, and the second arm232rotates leftwards by an angle β; that is, the second arm232moves to the extended position.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 27, 29 and 32, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the third rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time, thereby driving the locking swing arm32to rotate from the maximum release position towards the minimum release position while driving the step1to move from the extended position towards the retracted position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52, the step1moves to the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position.

During the rotation of the driving gear51from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, so as to drive the locking swing arm32to move from the minimum release position towards the locking position, and to keep the step1in the retracted position.

Specifically,FIGS. 32(D)-32(F)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51from the second rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction. As shown inFIG. 32(D), the second arm232is in the extended position and the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time, to drive the second arm232to rotate rightwards while driving the locking swing arm32to rotate leftwards, thereby enabling the second arm232to move from the extended position towards the retracted position and enabling the locking swing arm32to move from the maximum release position towards the minimum release position, until the second arm232rotates rightwards by the angle β (that is, the second arm232returns to the original vertical state) and the locking swing arm32rotates leftwards by the angle α2. As shown inFIG. 32(E), the second arm232moves to the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position. Then, the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52; that is, the toothed section511only meshes with the second driven gear53, to drive the locking swing arm32to continue rotating leftwards when the second arm232stays in the retracted position. That is, the locking swing arm32is driven to rotate from the minimum release position towards the locking position. When the locking swing arm32rotates leftwards by the angle α, as shown inFIG. 30(F), the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position.

In still other optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 24-26 and 33, the driving gear51includes a toothed section511and a toothless section512. The driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIG. 33), a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIG. 33), a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 33) between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, and a fourth rotation position (“D” position shown inFIG. 33) between the third rotation position and the second rotation position. The driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, in which way the locking swing arm32is driven to move from the locking position towards the release position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, so as to start to drive the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. Before the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the first driven gear52at the same time, thereby driving the locking swing arm32to move towards the release position while driving the step1to move towards the extended position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the second driven gear53, and the locking swing arm32rotates to the release position.

In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512and the driving gear51face the second driven gear53, so as to continue driving the step1to move towards the extended position.

Further, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position. For example, in the “C” position shown inFIG. 33, the locking swing arm32is in the minimum release position, and in the “D” position shown inFIG. 33, the locking swing arm32is in the maximum release position. The step1also has an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position, such as the “D” position shown inFIG. 33.

Before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, for example, from the “A” position to the “C” position shown inFIG. 33, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position. While the locking swing arm32is rotating from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, for example, from the “C” position to the “D” position shown inFIG. 33, the step1is moving from the retracted position to the intermediate position. During the movement of the step1from the intermediate position to the extended position, for example, from the “D” position to the “B” position shown inFIG. 33, the locking swing arm32keeps stationary in the maximum release position.

Specifically,FIGS. 33(A)-33(D)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51from the first rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction. As shown inFIG. 33(A), the second arm232and the locking swing arm32are both in a vertical state, and the second arm232is in the retracted position while the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate rightwards until the locking swing arm32rotates rightwards by an angle α1; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position. As shown inFIG. 33(B), the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52while meshing with the second driven gear53, so as to simultaneously drive the second arm232to rotate leftwards, thereby enabling the locking swing arm32to rotate from the minimum release position to the maximum release position and also enabling the second arm232to move from the retracted position towards the intermediate position. As shown inFIG. 33(C), the locking swing arm32continues rotating rightwards by an angle α2; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the maximum release position, and the second arm232rotates leftwards by an angle β1; that is, the second arm232moves to the intermediate position. The toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53, and then the second arm232continues rotating leftwards by an angle β2, such that the second arm232moves from the intermediate position to the extended position, as shown inFIG. 33(D).

Further, as shown inFIGS. 27, 29 and 33, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the fourth rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53, thereby driving the step1to move from the extended position towards the retracted position.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the second driven gear53, so as to start to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate from the maximum release position towards the locking position, and also to drive the step1to move to the intermediate position.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear and the second driven gear at the same time, so as to drive the locking swing arm32to rotate and drive the step1to move at the same time. When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52, the step1moves to the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position.

During the rotation of the driving gear51from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, so as to drive the locking swing arm32to move from the minimum release position towards the locking position.

Specifically,FIGS. 33(E)-33(H)are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the locking swing arm32and the second arm232during the rotation of the driving gear51inFIG. 33from the second rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction. As shown inFIG. 33(E), the second arm232is in the extended position and the locking swing arm32is in the locking position. First, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52to drive the second arm232rotates rightwards, so as to enable the second arm232to move from the extended position towards the retracted position until the second arm232rotates rightwards by the angle β2; that is, the second arm232moves to the intermediate position. As shown inFIG. 33(F), the toothed section511of the driving gear51then starts to mesh with the second driven gear53; that is, the locking swing arm32is driven to rotate leftwards while the second arm232is driven to continue moving rightwards, so as to enable the second arm232to move from the intermediate position to the retracted position and enable the locking swing arm32to move from the maximum release position towards the minimum release position, until the second arm232rotates rightwards by the angle β1to return to the vertical state and the locking swing arm32rotates leftwards by the angle α2. As shown inFIG. 33(G), the second arm232moves to the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position. The toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52; that is, the toothed section511of the driving gear51only meshes with the second driven gear53, so as to drive the locking swing arm32to continue rotating leftwards when the second arm232stays in the vertical state, such that the locking swing arm32is driven to rotate from the minimum release position towards the locking position. When the locking swing arm32continues rotating leftwards by the angle α1, as shown inFIG. 33(H), the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position.

It can be understood that in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 32 and 33, the meshing between the toothed section511of the driving gear51and the first driven gear52and the meshing between the toothed section511of the driving gear51and the second driven gear53partially overlap; that is, in a certain period of time, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with both the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 34-36, the vehicle step apparatus100further includes a driving cam54, a driven cam55, and a stopping swing rod56. The driving cam54is connected to the driving gear51, and the driving cam54can rotate along with the driving gear51. The driven cam55is connected to the first driven gear52, and the driven cam55can rotate along with the first driven gear52. The stopping swing rod56has a first end561, a second end562, and a pivoting portion563. The pivoting portion563is located between the first end561of the stopping swing rod56and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56. The stopping swing rod56is swingable around the pivoting portion563.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and the driving cam54releases the driven cam55to allow the first driven gear52to rotate.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53to allow the second driven gear53to rotate, and the driving cam54stops the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating.

Further, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, as shown inFIGS. 35-36, the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against a distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and a distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55faces a proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54.

In other words, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, and the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55; that is, the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55, and the driven cam55can rotate together with the first driven gear52. At the same time, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56approaches the second driven gear53, and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56can engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54; that is, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54stops the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. The first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53.

In other words, the driving cam54has the proximal rest arc segment541and the distal rest arc segment542. The driven cam55has a proximal rest arc segment551and the distal rest arc segment552. When the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51, and the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the driven cam55to stop the driven cam55from rotating, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. At the same time, the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56goes away from the second driven gear53to separate from the second driven gear53.

A transmission device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 24-29,FIGS. 30-31andFIGS. 34-36.

As shown inFIGS. 24-29, a transmission device5according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a driving gear51, a first driven gear52, and a second driven gear53. The driving gear51includes a toothed section511and a toothless section512. The toothed section511of the driving gear51alternately meshes with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53to alternately drive the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53to rotate.

In other words, the toothed section511of the driving gear51does not mesh with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time, and instead, meshes with one driven gear only after disengaging from the other driven gear.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIGS. 30-31) and a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIGS. 30-31). The driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position. In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

In some optional embodiments, the driving gear51also has a third rotation position (a position shown inFIG. 25and “C” position shown inFIG. 30) between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, as shown inFIGS. 24-26 and 30. Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24-26), as shown inFIGS. 24 and 30, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52, such that the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53instead of the first driven gear52.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, as shown inFIGS. 25 and 30, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the second driven gear53and starts to mesh with the first driven gear52.

In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, as shown inFIGS. 26 and 30, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53, such that the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52instead of the second driven gear53.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 27-29, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the third rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27-29), as shown inFIG. 27, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, as shown inFIG. 28, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52and starts to mesh with the second driven gear53.

In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, as shown inFIG. 29, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52.

In some other optional embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 24, 26 and 31, the driving gear51also has a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 31) between the first rotation position (“A” position shown inFIG. 31) and the second rotation position (“B” position shown inFIG. 31), and a fourth rotation position (“D” position shown inFIG. 31) between the second rotation position and the third rotation position.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along the first direction (the counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the second driven gear53. Before the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time; that is, the driving gear51meshes with neither of the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52, so as to start to drive the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position. In the process that the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 27, 29 and 31, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the fourth rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52. Before the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the second driven gear53. In the process that the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 34-36, the transmission device5further includes a first stopping member501, and the first stopping member501stops the first driven gear52from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and releases the first driven gear52when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53.

In some specific embodiments, the transmission device5further includes a second stopping member56, and the second stopping member56stops the second driven gear53from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and releases the second driven gear53when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52.

In other words, the first stopping member501and the second stopping member56can realize that the rotation of the first driven gear52and the rotation of the second driven gear53do not occur simultaneously. When the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, the second stopping member56can stop the second driven gear53from rotating, so as to avoid the rotation of the second driven gear53due to factors such as inertia. When the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the first stopping member501can stop the first driven gear52from rotating, so as to avoid the rotation of the first driven gear52due to factors such as inertia.

In the position shown inFIG. 34, the first stopping member501stops the first driven gear52from rotating. In the position shown inFIG. 36and in the position shown inFIG. 35, the second stopping member56stops the second driven gear53from rotating.

In some embodiments, the transmission device5further includes a driving cam54, a driven cam55, and a stopping swing rod56. The driving cam54is connected to the driving gear51, and the driving cam54can rotate along with the driving gear51. The driven cam55is connected to the first driven gear52, and the driven cam55can rotate along with the first driven gear52.

The stopping swing rod56has a first end561, a second end562, and a pivoting portion563. The pivoting portion563is located between the first end561of the stopping swing rod56and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56. The stopping swing rod56is swingable around the pivoting portion563.

Further, when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and the driving cam54releases the driven cam55to allow the first driven gear52to rotate.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53so as to allow the second driven gear53to rotate, and the driving cam54stops the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating.

Specifically, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, as shown inFIGS. 35-36, the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against a distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and a distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55faces a proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54.

In other words, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, and the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55; that is, the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55, and the driven cam55can rotate together with the first driven gear52. At the same time, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56approaches the second driven gear53, and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56can engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

It can be understood that the stopping swing rod56serves as the second stopping member56, and can stop the second driven gear53from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52and also can release the second driven gear53when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52, so as to enable the driving gear51to drive the second driven gear53to rotate when the toothed segment511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53subsequently.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54; that is, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54stops the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. The first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53.

In other words, the driving cam54has the proximal rest arc segment541and the distal rest arc segment542. The driven cam55has a proximal rest arc segment551and the distal rest arc segment552. When the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51, and the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the driven cam55to stop the driven cam55from rotating, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. At the same time, the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56moves away from the second driven gear53to separate from the second driven gear53.

It can be understood that the driving cam54and the driven cam55together serve as the first stopping member501, and can stop the first driven gear52from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and also can release the first driven gear52when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53, so as to enable the driving gear51to drive the first driven gear52to rotate when the toothed segment511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52subsequently.

When the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position towards the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 34, the toothed section511of the driving gear51first drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53. Then, as shown inFIG. 35, the driving gear51rotates, such that the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53and meshes with the first driven gear52. Moreover, the driving cam54rotates along with the driving gear51, such that the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55. The first end of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51is arranged coaxially with the driving cam54, and the first driven gear52is arranged coaxially with the driven cam55.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51is integrally formed with the driving cam54, and the first driven gear52is integrally formed with the driven cam55. It can be understood that the driving gear51and the driving cam54may be two components independent of each other, and the first driven gear52and the driven cam55may be two components independent of each other.

A transmission device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 24-29,FIG. 32andFIGS. 34-36.

As shown inFIGS. 24-29, a transmission device5according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a driving gear51, a first driven gear52, and a second driven gear53. The driving gear51has a toothless section512and a toothed section511. The driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIG. 32), a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIG. 32), and a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 32) between the first rotation position (the “A” position shown inFIG. 32) and the second rotation position (the “B” position shown inFIG. 32). The driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52. During the rotation of the driving gear51from the third rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51simultaneously meshes with the second driven gear53and the first driven gear52.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 27, 29 and 32, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the third rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53at the same time.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52. During the rotation of the driving gear51from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52.

It can be understood that, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 33, the meshing between the toothed section511of the driving gear51and the first driven gear52and the meshing between the toothed section511of the driving gear51and the second driven gear53partially overlap; that is, in a certain period of time, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with both the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 34-36, the transmission device5further includes a first stopping member501, and the first stopping member501stops the first driven gear52from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and releases the first driven gear52when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53.

In some specific embodiments, the transmission device5further includes a second stopping member56, and the second stopping member56stops the second driven gear53from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and releases the second driven gear53when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52.

In other words, the first stopping member501and the second stopping member56can realize that the rotation of the first driven gear52and the rotation of the second driven gear53do not occur simultaneously. When the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, the second stopping member56can stop the second driven gear53from rotating, so as to avoid the rotation of the second driven gear53due to factors such as inertia. When the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate to drive the locking swing arm32to swing, the first stopping member501can stop the first driven gear52from rotating, so as to avoid the rotation of the first driven gear52due to factors such as inertia.

In the position shown inFIG. 34, the first stopping member501stops the first driven gear52from rotating. In the position shown inFIG. 36and in the position shown inFIG. 35, the second stopping member56stops the second driven gear53from rotating.

In some embodiments, the transmission device5further includes a driving cam54, a driven cam55, and a stopping swing rod56. The driving cam54is connected to the driving gear51, and the driving cam54can rotate along with the driving gear51. The driven cam55is connected to the first driven gear52, and the driven cam55can rotate along with the first driven gear52.

The stopping swing rod56has a first end561, a second end562, and a pivoting portion563. The pivoting portion563is located between the first end561of the stopping swing rod56and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56. The stopping swing rod56is swingable around the pivoting portion563.

Further, when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to engage with the second driven gear53so as to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and the driving cam54releases the driven cam55to allow the first driven gear52to rotate.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53to allow the second driven gear53to rotate, and the driving cam54stops the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating.

Specifically, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, as shown inFIGS. 35-36, the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against a distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and a distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55faces a proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54.

In other words, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, and the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55; that is, the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55, and the driven cam55can rotate together with the first driven gear52. At the same time, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56approaches the second driven gear53, and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56can engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

It can be understood that the stopping swing rod56serves as the second stopping member56, and can stop the second driven gear53from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52and also can release the second driven gear53when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52, so as to enable the driving gear51to drive the second driven gear53to rotate when the toothed segment511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53subsequently.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54; that is, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54stops the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. The first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53.

In other words, the driving cam54includes the proximal rest arc segment541and the distal rest arc segment542. The driven cam55includes a proximal rest arc segment551and the distal rest arc segment552. When the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51, and the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the driven cam55to stop the driven cam55from rotating, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. At the same time, the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56goes away from the second driven gear53to separate from the second driven gear53.

It can be understood that the driving cam54and the driven cam55together serve as the first stopping member501, and can stop the first driven gear52from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and also can release the first driven gear52when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53, so as to enable the driving gear51to drive the first driven gear52to rotate when the toothed segment511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52subsequently.

When the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position towards the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 34, the toothed section511of the driving gear51first drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53. Then, as shown inFIG. 35, the driving gear51rotates, such that the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53and meshes with the first driven gear52. Moreover, the driving cam54rotates along with the driving gear51, such that the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55. The first end of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51is arranged coaxially with the driving cam54, and the first driven gear52is arranged coaxially with the driven cam55.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51is integrally formed with the driving cam54, and the first driven gear52is integrally formed with the driven cam55. It can be understood that the driving gear51and the driving cam54may be two components independent of each other, and the first driven gear52and the driven cam55may be two components independent of each other.

A transmission device according to still other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 24-29,FIG. 33andFIGS. 34-36.

As shown inFIGS. 24-29, a transmission device5according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a driving gear51, a first driven gear52, and a second driven gear53. The driving gear51has a toothless section512and a toothed section511. The driving gear51has a first rotation position (a position of the driving gear51as shown inFIG. 24and “A” position shown inFIG. 33), a second rotation position (a position of the driving gear as shown inFIG. 26and “B” position shown inFIG. 33), a third rotation position (“C” position shown inFIG. 33) between the first rotation position (the “A” position shown inFIG. 33) and the second rotation position (the “B” position shown inFIG. 33), and a fourth rotation position (“D” position shown inFIG. 33) between the second rotation position and the third rotation position. The driving gear51is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

In the first rotation position, as shown inFIG. 24, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52. In the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 26, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction (a counterclockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 24 and 26), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52.

When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the first driven gear52. Before the driving gear51rotates from the third rotation position to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51simultaneously meshes with the second driven gear53and the first driven gear52.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the second driven gear53.

In a process where the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 27, 29 and 33, before the driving gear51rotates from the second rotation position to the fourth rotation position along a second direction opposite to the first direction (a clockwise direction as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29), the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and the toothless section512of the driving gear51faces the second driven gear53.

When the driving gear51rotates to the fourth rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to mesh with the second driven gear53.

Before the driving gear51rotates from the fourth rotation position to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear and the second driven gear at the same time, to simultaneously drive the locking swing arm32to rotate and drive the step1to move. When the driving gear51rotates to the third rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51starts to disengage from the first driven gear52.

During the rotation of the driving gear51from the third rotation position to the first rotation position along the second direction, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and the toothless section of the driving gear51faces the first driven gear52.

It can be understood that, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 33, the meshing between the toothed section511of the driving gear51and the first driven gear52and the meshing between the toothed section511of the driving gear51and the second driven gear53partially overlap; that is, in a certain period of time, the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with both the first driven gear52and the second driven gear53.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 34-36, the transmission device5further includes a first stopping member501, and the first stopping member501stops the first driven gear52from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, and releases the first driven gear52when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53.

In some specific embodiments, the transmission device5further includes a second stopping member56, and the second stopping member56stops the second driven gear53from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, and releases the second driven gear53when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52.

In other words, the first stopping member501and the second stopping member56can realize that the rotation of the first driven gear52and the rotation of the second driven gear53do not occur simultaneously. When the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, the second stopping member56can stop the second driven gear53from rotating, so as to avoid the rotation of the second driven gear53due to factors such as inertia. When the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the first stopping member501can stop the first driven gear52from rotating, so as to avoid the rotation of the first driven gear52due to factors such as inertia.

In the position shown inFIG. 34, the first stopping member501stops the first driven gear52from rotating. In the position shown inFIG. 36and in the position shown inFIG. 35, the second stopping member56stops the second driven gear53from rotating.

In some embodiments, the transmission device5further includes a driving cam54, a driven cam55, and a stopping swing rod56. The driving cam54is connected to the driving gear51, and the driving cam54can rotate along with the driving gear51. The driven cam55is connected to the first driven gear52, and the driven cam55can rotate along with the first driven gear52.

The stopping swing rod56has a first end561, a second end562, and a pivoting portion563. The pivoting portion563is located between the first end561of the stopping swing rod56and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56. The stopping swing rod56is swingable around the pivoting portion563.

Further, when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to engage with the second driven gear53so as to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and the driving cam54releases the driven cam55to allow the first driven gear52to rotate.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, the driving cam54drives the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53so as to allow the second driven gear53to rotate, and the driving cam54stops the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating.

Specifically, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, as shown inFIGS. 35-36, the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against a distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating, and a distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55faces a proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54.

In other words, when the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52, the driving gear51drives the first driven gear52to rotate, and the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55; that is, the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55, and the driven cam55can rotate together with the first driven gear52. At the same time, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56approaches the second driven gear53, and the second end562of the stopping swing rod56can engage with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

It can be understood that the stopping swing rod56serves as the second stopping member56, and can stop the second driven gear53from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52and also can release the second driven gear53when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the first driven gear52, so as to enable the driving gear51to drive the second driven gear53to rotate when the toothed segment511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53subsequently.

When the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54; that is, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54stops the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. The first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53.

In other words, the driving cam54includes the proximal rest arc segment541and the distal rest arc segment542. The driven cam55includes a proximal rest arc segment551and the distal rest arc segment552. When the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53, as shown inFIG. 34, the driving gear51drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the driving cam54rotates together with the driving gear51, and the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the driven cam55to stop the driven cam55from rotating, so as to stop the first driven gear52from rotating. At the same time, the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the first end561of the stopping swing rod56, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54. Since the stopping swing rod56can swing relative to the pivoting portion563, the second end562of the stopping swing rod56goes away from the second driven gear53to separate from the second driven gear53.

It can be understood that the driving cam54and the driven cam55together serve as the first stopping member501, and can stop the first driven gear52from rotating when the toothed section511of the driving gear51meshes with the second driven gear53and also can release the first driven gear52when the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53, so as to enable the driving gear51to drive the first driven gear52to rotate when the toothed segment511of the driving gear51meshes with the first driven gear52subsequently.

When the driving gear51rotates from the first rotation position towards the second rotation position, as shown inFIG. 34, the toothed section511of the driving gear51first drives the second driven gear53to rotate, the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54abuts against the distal rest arc segment552of the driven cam55to stop the first driven gear52from rotating, and the first end561of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54to enable the second end562of the stopping swing rod56to separate from the second driven gear53. Then, as shown inFIG. 35, the driving gear51rotates, such that the toothed section511of the driving gear51disengages from the second driven gear53and meshes with the first driven gear52. Moreover, the driving cam54rotates along with the driving gear51, such that the proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54faces the driven cam55and is spaced apart from the driven cam55. The proximal rest arc segment541of the driving cam54cannot restrain the movement of the driven cam55. The first end of the stopping swing rod56abuts against the distal rest arc segment542of the driving cam54, such that the second end562of the stopping swing rod56engages with the second driven gear53to stop the second driven gear53from rotating.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51is arranged coaxially with the driving cam54, and the first driven gear52is arranged coaxially with the driven cam55.

In some embodiments, the driving gear51is integrally formed with the driving cam54, and the first driven gear52is integrally formed with the driven cam55. It can be understood that the driving gear51and the driving cam54may be two components independent of each other, and the first driven gear52and the driven cam55may be two components independent of each other.

A vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1-3 and 13-20.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3 and 13, a vehicle1000according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body200, a step1, a retractable device2, a locking seat31, and a locking swing arm32.

The retractable device2includes a step bracket22and an arm assembly23. The step1is mounted on the step bracket22. The arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the vehicle body200and the step bracket22to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end pivotally connected to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket22, and the arm assembly23is driven by a driving device (such as a motor) to move the step1between the extended position and the retracted position.

It can be understood that in this embodiment, the vehicle step apparatus100does not include a mounting bracket21, and the first end of the arm assembly23is directly pivotally connected to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200.

The locking swing arm32is swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31lock the step1in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31release the step1to enable the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. In other words, before the step1needs to move from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking swing arm32first rotates from the locking position to the release position to release the engagement member4, so that the arm assembly23drives the step1to move from the retracted position shown inFIG. 18to the extended position shown inFIG. 16.

In some embodiments, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 18, the step1is in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32is in the locking position, and the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement member4between the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31to lock the step1. As shown inFIG. 17, the locking swing arm32rotates rightwards from the locking position to the minimum release position, and the engagement member4separates from the clamping of the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31; that is, the engagement member4is released, and the step1moves to an intermediate position between the extended position and the retracted position. Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 16, the locking swing arm32continues rotating rightwards from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, and the step1moves from the intermediate position to the extended position.

The relationship between the rotation of the locking swing arm32and the extension-and-retraction movement of the arm assembly23is presented as follows.

In some embodiments, the locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, and the step1is moving from retracted position to the extended position while the locking swing arm is rotating from the minimum release position to the maximum release position.

In some embodiments, the step1further has the intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position. The locking swing arm32rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step1moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. While the locking swing arm32rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. During the movement of the step1from the intermediate position to the extended position, the locking swing arm32keeps stationary in the maximum release position.

It can be understood that besides the movements of the locking swing arm32and the step1, the locking swing arm32may also first rotate from the locking position to the minimum release position.

Then, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position; that is, the locking swing arm32rotates to the minimum release position and stays for a period of time, and during this period of time, the step1moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. At the end of this period of time, the step1is in the intermediate position between the extended position and the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32is in the minimum release position between the maximum release position and the locking position, for example, as shown inFIG. 17.

Further, the step1moves from the intermediate position to the extended position, and the locking swing arm32rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position. During this process, the movement of the step1and the rotation of the locking swing arm32can occur simultaneously, or the step1can move first and then the locking swing arm32rotates, or the locking swing arm32can rotate first and then the step1moves.

In some embodiments, the step1in the retracted position abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body200. For example, the step1is oriented in the vertical direction and abuts against the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1covers the lower edge of the vehicle body200. In other embodiments, the step1abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. In other words, the step1is disposed obliquely with respect to the lateral surface of the vehicle body200and abuts against the junction between the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body200, such that the step1can cover an outer edge of the bottom surface201of the vehicle body and the lower edge of the lateral surface of the vehicle body200. Thus, by locking the step1in the retracted position through the locking member3, the step1can act as a bumper of the vehicle to play a protective role, so as to protect the vehicle body and prevent the vehicle1000from being hit or scratched.

In some embodiments, one of the step1and the step bracket22has an engagement member4, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement member4therebetween to lock the step1. In other words, the step1has the engagement member4or the step bracket22has the engagement member4, and when the step1moves to the retracted position, the engagement member4can be clamped by the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31, thereby realizing the locking of the step1.

The manner by which the engagement member4is connected with the step1or the step bracket22is not limited in the described embodiments. For example, the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1or the step bracket22, or the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1or the step bracket22. For example, as shown inFIG. 13, the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, and the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1. When the engagement member4is detachably connected to the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as separate members that are different from each other; when the engagement member4is integrally formed with the step1, the engagement member4and the step1can be regarded as a whole.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13-16, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement shaft41therebetween to lock the step1.

In some embodiments, the engagement member4further includes a first support lug42and a second support lug43that are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step1and spaced apart from each other. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step bracket22, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step bracket22and spaced apart from each other.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the locking seat31has a first snap groove313, and the locking swing arm32has a second snap groove321. In the retracted position, the engagement shaft41is locked between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321, thereby locking the step1in the retracted position. In other words, the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321form a locking groove, and the engagement member4is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove.

As shown inFIG. 18, when the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position, the engagement member4is clamped between the second snap groove321of the locking swing arm32and the first snap groove313of the locking seat31, and since the engagement member4is locked between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321, the step1is locked in the retracted position. In a specific example, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and when the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position, the engagement shaft41is clamped between the second snap groove321and the first snap groove313, whereby the step1is locked in the retracted position.

In some specific embodiments, the locking seat31has an extension arm portion311, and the first snap groove313is provided in a free end3111of the extension arm portion311(a lower end of the extension arm portion311as shown inFIG. 14). The locking swing arm32has a pivot end322(an upper end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15) and a free end323(a lower end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15). The pivot end322of the locking swing arm32is pivotally connected with the locking seat31, and the second snap groove321is provided in the free end323of the locking swing arm32.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3 and 13-20, a vehicle1000according to other embodiments of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body200, a step1, an arm assembly23, a locking seat31, and a locking swing arm32. The arm assembly23is connected to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200and the step bracket22, respectively, so as to drive the step1to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In other words, the arm assembly23has a first end connected to the bottom surface201of the vehicle body200, and a second end connected to the step bracket22, so as to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

The locking swing arm32is swingable between a locking position and a release position, to cooperate with the locking seat31to lock the step1in the retracted position. It can be understood that in the locking position, the locking swing arm32can cooperate with the locking seat31to lock the step1in the retracted position, and the locking swing arm32can also cooperate with the locking seat31to release the step1so as to allow the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

As shown inFIGS. 13-15, a vehicle step apparatus100according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a step1, a retractable device2, a locking seat31, and a locking swing arm32. The step1is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The retractable device2includes a step bracket22and an arm assembly23, and the step1is mounted on the step bracket22. The arm assembly23is pivotally connected to the step bracket22and is adapted to be pivotally connected to a bottom surface201of the vehicle body200of the vehicle1000, so as to drive the step1to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

The locking swing arm32is movable between a locking position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31lock the step1in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31release the step1to enable the step1to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some embodiments, one of the step1and the step bracket22has an engagement member4, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement member4therebetween to lock the step1. In other words, the step1has the engagement member4or the step bracket22has the engagement member4, and when the step1moves to the retracted position, the engagement member4can be clamped by the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31, thereby realizing the locking of the step1.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13-16, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm32and the locking seat31clamp the engagement shaft41therebetween to lock the step1.

In some embodiments, the engagement member4further includes a first support lug42and a second support lug43that are spaced apart from each other. The engagement shaft41has a first end connected with the first support lug42and a second end connected with the second support lug43. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step1, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step1and spaced apart from each other. When the engagement member4is coupled to the step bracket22, the first support lug42and the second support lug43are coupled to the step bracket22and spaced apart from each other.

In some specific embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the locking seat31has a first snap groove313, and the locking swing arm32has a second snap groove321. In the retracted position, the engagement shaft41is locked between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321, thereby locking the step1in the retracted position.

As shown inFIG. 18, when the locking swing arm32rotates to the locking position, the engagement shaft41is clamped between the second snap groove321of the locking swing arm32and the first snap groove313of the locking seat31, and since the engagement shaft41is locked between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321, the step1is locked in the retracted position.

In some specific embodiments, the locking seat31has an extension arm portion311, and the first snap groove313is provided in a free end3111of the extension arm portion311(a lower end of the extension arm portion311as shown inFIG. 14). The locking swing arm32has a pivot end322(an upper end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15) and a free end323(a lower end of the locking swing arm32as shown inFIG. 15). The pivot end of the locking swing arm32is pivotally connected with the locking seat31, and the second snap groove321is provided in the free end323of the locking swing arm32.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13-14, the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321are both substantially V-shaped, but the shapes of the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321are not limited thereto, as long as the engagement member4can be reliably clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321. In a specific example, the engagement member4includes an engagement shaft41, a portion of an outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the second snap groove321, and another portion of the outer peripheral contour of the engagement shaft41is matched with an inner peripheral contour of the first snap groove313, such that the engagement shaft41can be better clamped between the first snap groove313and the second snap groove321.

In some embodiments, the engagement shaft41has a non-circular cross section, such as a quadrangle, a hexagon or other polygons.FIGS. 13 and 16-18illustrate the cross section of the engagement shaft41is a regular hexagon. It is to be understood that the cross section of the engagement shaft41is not limited thereto.

The technical features described in the above specific examples can be implemented in various configurations. Some examples of the configurations are provided below.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a step; a retractable device including a step bracket and an arm assembly, the step being mounted on the step bracket, and the arm assembly being pivotally connected with the vehicle body and the step bracket to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; and a locking member mounted to the vehicle body, the locking member being configured to engage with or separate from one of the step and the step bracket, wherein in the retracted position, the locking member engages with the one of the step and the step bracket to lock the step in the retracted position, and when the step moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member separates from the one of the step and the step bracket.

In a further configuration, in the retracted position, the step abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body or abuts obliquely against a junction between a bottom surface of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body.

In a further configuration, the one of the step and the step bracket separates from the locking member against a locking force of the locking member, when the step moves from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In a further configuration, the one of the step and the step bracket has an engagement member, and the locking member is configured to engage with or separate from the engagement member.

In a further configuration, the engagement member is detachably mounted to the step or integrally formed with the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member includes an engagement shaft, the locking member includes a locking seat having a locking groove, and the engagement shaft is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove.

In a further configuration, the engagement shaft has a non-circular cross section, and a contour of the cross section of the engagement shaft is matched with the locking groove.

In a further configuration, the engagement member further includes a first support lug and a second support lug, the first support lug and the second support lug are coupled to the step and spaced apart from each other, and the engagement shaft has a first end connected to the first support lug and a second end connected to the second support lug.

In a further configuration, the engagement member is configured as an engagement projection, and the engagement projection is detachably mounted to or integrally formed with the one of the step and the step bracket. The locking member includes a locking seat having a locking groove. The engagement projection is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a step; an arm assembly connected to a bottom surface of the vehicle body and the step, to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; and a locking member mounted to the vehicle body, the locking member is configured to engage with the step to lock the step in the retracted position and to separate from the step to allow the step to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a step movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a retractable device configured to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; and a locking member configured to lock the step in the retracted position and allow the step to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a step; a retractable device including a step bracket and an arm assembly, the step being mounted on the step bracket, and the arm assembly being pivotally connected to the step bracket and adapted to be pivotally connected to a bottom surface of a vehicle body of a vehicle, to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; a locking member mounted to the bottom surface of the vehicle body, the locking member being configured to engage with or separate from one of the step and the step bracket, wherein in the retracted position, the locking member engages with the one of the step and the step bracket to lock the step in the retracted position, and when the step moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the locking member separates from the one of the step and the step bracket.

In a further configuration, in the retracted position, the step abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body or abuts obliquely against a junction between a bottom surface of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body.

In a further configuration, the one of the step and the step bracket separates from the locking member against a locking force of the locking member, when the step moves from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In a further configuration, the one of the step and the step bracket has an engagement member, and the locking member is configured to engage with or separate from the engagement member.

In a further configuration, the engagement member is detachably mounted to the step or integrally formed with the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member includes an engagement shaft, the locking member includes a locking seat having a locking groove, and the engagement shaft is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove.

In a further configuration, the engagement shaft has a non-circular cross section, and a contour of the cross section of the engagement shaft is matched with the locking groove.

In a further configuration, the engagement member further includes a first support lug and a second support lug, the first support lug and the second support lug are coupled to the step and spaced apart from each other, and the engagement shaft has a first end connected to the first support lug and a second end connected to the second support lug.

In a further configuration, the engagement member is configured as an engagement projection, and the engagement projection is detachably mounted to or integrally formed with the one of the step and the step bracket. The locking member includes a locking seat having a locking groove. The engagement projection is configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a mounting bracket; a step bracket; a step mounted on the step bracket; an arm assembly pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and the step bracket, to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; an engagement shaft mounted to the step or the step bracket; a locking seat having a locking groove, the engagement shaft being configured to engage in or separate from the locking groove, wherein in the retracted position, the engagement shaft engages in the locking groove to lock the step in the retracted position, and when the step moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft separates from the locking groove.

In a further configuration, the engagement shaft has a non-circular cross section, and a contour of the cross section of the engagement shaft is matched with the locking groove.

In a further configuration, the engagement shaft has a regular hexagonal cross section.

In a further configuration, the locking seat has an extension arm portion extending downwards, and the locking groove is provided in a free end surface of the extension arm portion.

In a further configuration, the step is provided with a first support lug and a second support lug, the first support lug and the second support lug are spaced apart from each other, and the engagement shaft has a first end connected to the first support lug and a second end connected to the second support lug.

In a further configuration, the engagement shaft is threadedly mounted to the step bracket.

In a further configuration, the locking seat is connected to or integrally formed with the mounting bracket.

In a further configuration, the step is locked in the retracted position by a clamping force exerted on the engagement shaft by the locking groove, and when the step moves from the retracted position towards the extended position, the engagement shaft separates from the locking groove against the clamping force of the locking groove.

In a further configuration, the arm assembly includes: a first arm having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket; and a second arm having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket.

In a further configuration, the arm assembly includes: a first arm having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket; a second arm having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket; and a third arm having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the second arm, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket.

In a further configuration, the arm assembly includes: a first arm having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket; a second arm having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket; a third arm having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the second arm, and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket; and a fourth arm having a first end pivotally connected to the first arm, and a second end pivotally connected to at least one of the second arm and the third arm.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; and a vehicle step apparatus configured as the vehicle step apparatus in the above configurations, the mounting bracket being mounted to a bottom surface of the vehicle body.

In a further configuration, in the retracted position, the step abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body or abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a step movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a retractable device including a mounting bracket, a step bracket, and an arm assembly, the step being mounted on the step bracket, and the arm assembly being pivotally connected with the mounting bracket and the step bracket to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; a locking seat; and a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat lock the step in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat release the step.

In a further configuration, the locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In a further configuration, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position.

In a further configuration, the locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, and the step moves from the retracted position to the extended position while the locking swing arm rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position.

In a further configuration, the step further has an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position. The locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. While the locking swing arm rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, the step moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. During the movement of the step from the intermediate position to the extended position, the locking swing arm keeps stationary in the maximum release position.

In a further configuration, one of the step and the step bracket has an engagement member, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm and the locking seat clamp the engagement member therebetween to lock the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member includes an engagement shaft, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm and the locking seat clamp the engagement shaft therebetween to lock the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member further includes a first support lug and a second support lug, the first support lug and the second support lug are coupled to the step and spaced apart from each other, and the engagement shaft has a first end connected to the first support lug and a second end connected to the second support lug.

In a further configuration, the locking seat has a first snap groove, and in the retracted position, the engagement shaft is locked between the locking swing arm and the first snap groove.

In a further configuration, the locking swing arm has a second snap groove, and in the retracted position, the engagement shaft is locked between the first snap groove and the second snap groove.

In a further configuration, the locking seat has an extension arm portion, and the first snap groove is provided in a free end of the extension arm portion. The locking swing arm has a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end is pivotally connected with the locking seat, and the second snap groove is provided in the free end of the locking swing arm.

In a further configuration, the first snap groove and the second snap groove are both substantially V-shaped.

In a further configuration, the engagement shaft has a non-circular cross section.

In a further configuration, the engagement member is detachably mounted to or integrally formed with the one of the step and the step bracket.

In a further configuration, the locking seat is detachably mounted to or integrally formed with the mounting bracket.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a step; an arm assembly configured to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; a locking seat; a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat lock the step in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat release the step to allow the step to move from the retracted position to the extended position.

In a further configuration, the arm assembly and the locking swing arm are driven by a single drive motor. The single drive motor is connected to the arm assembly to drive the arm assembly to move the step between the extended position and the retracted position. The single drive motor is connected to the locking swing arm to drive the locking swing arm to swing between the locking position and the release position.

In a further configuration, the arm assembly is driven by an extension-and-retraction drive motor to move the step between the retracted position and the extended position, and the locking swing arm is driven by a swing drive motor to swing between the locking position and the release position.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; and a vehicle step apparatus configured as the vehicle step apparatus in the above configurations, and having a mounting bracket mounted to a bottom surface of the vehicle body.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a step bracket; a step mounted on the step bracket; an arm assembly connected to a bottom surface of the vehicle body and the step bracket, to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; an engagement shaft coupled to one of the step and the step bracket; a locking seat having a first snap groove and mounted to the bottom surface of the vehicle body; a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position and a release position, and the locking swing arm having a pivot end pivotally connected with the locking seat and a free end provided with a second snap groove, wherein in the locking position, the engagement shaft is clamped between the first snap groove and the second snap groove to lock the step in the retracted position, and in the release position, the engagement shaft separates from the first snap groove and the second snap groove to allow the step to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a step; a retractable device including a step bracket and an arm assembly, the step being mounted on the step bracket, and the arm assembly being pivotally connected with a bottom surface of the vehicle body and the step bracket to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; a locking seat; and a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat lock the step in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat release the step.

In a further configuration, the locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In a further configuration, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position being between the locking position and the maximum release position.

In a further configuration, the locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position, and the step moves from the retracted position to the extended position while the locking swing arm rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position.

In a further configuration, the step further has an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position. The locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. While the locking swing arm rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, the step moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. During the movement of the step from the intermediate position to the extended position, the locking swing arm keeps stationary in the maximum release position.

In a further configuration, in the retracted position, the step abuts against a lower edge of a lateral surface of the vehicle body or abuts obliquely against a junction between the bottom surface of the vehicle body and the lateral surface of the vehicle body.

In a further configuration, one of the step and the step bracket has an engagement member, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm and the locking seat clamp the engagement member therebetween to lock the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member includes an engagement shaft, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm and the locking seat clamp the engagement shaft therebetween to lock the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member further includes a first support lug and a second support lug, the first support lug and the second support lug are coupled to the step and spaced apart from each other, and the engagement shaft has a first end connected to the first support lug and a second end connected to the second support lug.

In a further configuration, the locking seat has a first snap groove, the locking swing arm has a second snap groove, and in the retracted position, the engagement shaft is locked between the first snap groove and the second snap groove.

In a further configuration, the locking seat has an extension arm portion, and the first snap groove is provided in a free end of the extension arm portion. The locking swing arm has a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end is pivotally connected with the locking seat, and the second snap groove is provided in the free end of the locking swing arm.

In a further configuration, the engagement member is detachably mounted to or integrally formed with the one of the step and the step bracket.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a step; an arm assembly pivotally connected to a bottom surface of the vehicle body and the step to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; a locking seat; and a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position and a release position and configured to cooperate with the locking seat to lock the step in the retracted position.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a step movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a retractable device including a step bracket and an arm assembly, the step being mounted on the step bracket, and the arm assembly being pivotally connected to the step bracket and adapted to be pivotally connected to a bottom surface of a vehicle body of a vehicle, to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; a locking seat; a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat lock the step in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat release the step.

In a further configuration, one of the step and the step bracket has an engagement member, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm and the locking seat clamp the engagement member therebetween to lock the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member includes an engagement shaft, and in the retracted position, the locking swing arm and the locking seat clamp the engagement shaft therebetween to lock the step.

In a further configuration, the engagement member further includes a first support lug and a second support lug, the first support lug and the second support lug are coupled to the step and spaced apart from each other, and the engagement shaft has a first end connected to the first support lug and a second end connected to the second support lug.

In a further configuration, the locking seat has a first snap groove, the locking swing arm has a second snap groove, and in the retracted position, the engagement shaft is locked between the first snap groove and the second snap groove.

In a further configuration, the locking seat has an extension arm portion, and the first snap groove is provided in a free end of the extension arm portion. The locking swing arm has a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end is pivotally connected with the locking seat, and the second snap groove is provided in the free end of the locking swing arm.

In a further configuration, the first snap groove and the second snap groove are both substantially V-shaped, and the engagement shaft has a non-circular cross section.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a mounting bracket; a step bracket; a step mounted on the step bracket and movable between an extended position and a retracted position; an arm assembly connected to the mounting bracket and the step bracket to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; an engagement shaft coupled to one of the step and the step bracket; a locking seat having a first snap groove, and connected to or integrally formed with the mounting bracket; a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position and a release position, and the locking swing arm having a pivot end pivotally connected with the locking seat and a free end provided with a second snap groove, wherein in the locking position, the engagement shaft is clamped between the first snap groove and the second snap groove to lock the step in the retracted position, and in the release position, the engagement shaft is configured to separate from the first snap groove and the second snap groove to allow the step to move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In a further configuration, the engagement shaft has a non-circular cross section, and a contour of the cross section of the engagement shaft is matched with the first snap groove and the second snap groove.

In a further configuration, the step is provided with a first support lug and a second support lug, the first support lug and the second support lug are spaced apart from each other, and the engagement shaft has a first end connected to the first support lug and a second end connected to the second support lug.

In a further configuration, the first support lug and the second support lug are detachably connected to or integrally formed with the step.

In a further configuration, a connecting rod and a drive rod are further provided. The connecting rod has a first end pivotally connected to the locking swing arm, and a second end pivotally connected to a first end of the drive rod. The drive rod has a second end pivotally connected to the locking seat.

In a further configuration, the first end of the drive rod is provided with a U-shaped recess, and the second end of the connecting rod is fitted in the U-shaped recess.

In a further configuration, a middle portion of the locking swing arm is further provided with a through slot, and the first end of the connecting rod is fitted in the through slot.

In a further configuration, the arm assembly and the locking swing arm are driven by a single drive motor. The single drive motor drives the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position through the arm assembly, and the single drive motor drives the locking swing arm to swing between the locking position and the release position through the drive rod and the connecting rod.

In a further configuration, the vehicle step apparatus further includes a transmission device, and the transmission device includes: a driving gear, the drive motor being connected with the driving gear to drive the driving gear to rotate, and the driving gear having a toothless section and a toothed section; a first driven gear connected to the arm assembly to drive the arm assembly to move the step between the extended position and the retracted position; and a second driven gear connected to the locking swing arm to drive the locking swing arm to swing between the locking position and the release position, wherein the toothed section of the driving gear alternately meshes with the first driven gear and the second driven gear to alternately drive the first driven gear and the second driven gear to rotate.

In a further configuration, the vehicle step apparatus further includes a transmission device, and the transmission device includes: a driving gear, the drive motor being connected with the driving gear to drive the driving gear to rotate, the driving gear having a toothless section and a toothed section, wherein the driving gear has a first rotation position, a second rotation position, and a third rotation position between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, and the driving gear is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position; a first driven gear connected to the arm assembly to drive the arm assembly to move the step between the extended position and the retracted position; and a second driven gear connected to the locking swing arm to drive the locking swing arm to swing between the locking position and the release position, wherein in the first rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, and in the second rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear simultaneously meshes with the first driven gear and the second driven gear, wherein before the driving gear rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, wherein when the driving gear rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear starts to mesh with the first driven gear, wherein during rotation of the driving gear from the third rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear simultaneously meshes with the second driven gear and the first driven gear.

In a further configuration, the vehicle step apparatus further includes a transmission device, and the transmission device includes: a driving gear, the drive motor being connected with the driving gear to drive the driving gear to rotate, the driving gear having a toothless section and a toothed section, wherein the driving gear has a first rotation position, a second rotation position, a third rotation position between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, and a fourth rotation position between the third rotation position and the second rotation position, and the driving gear is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position; a first driven gear connected to the arm assembly to drive the arm assembly to move the step between the extended position and the retracted position; and a second driven gear connected to the locking swing arm to drive the locking swing arm to swing between the locking position and the release position, wherein in the first rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, and in the second rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the second driven gear, wherein before the driving gear rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, wherein when the driving gear rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear starts to mesh with the first driven gear, wherein before the driving gear rotates from the third rotation position to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear simultaneously meshes with the second driven gear and the first driven gear, wherein when the driving gear rotates to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear starts to disengage from the second driven gear, wherein during rotation of the driving gear from the fourth rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the second driven gear.

In a further configuration, the vehicle step apparatus further includes: a driving cam connected to the driving gear; a driven cam connected to the first driven gear; and a stopping swing rod having a first end, a second end, and a pivoting portion between the first end and the second end, the stopping swing rod being swingable around the pivoting portion, wherein when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear, the driving cam drives the second end of the stopping swing rod to engage with the second driven gear to stop the second driven gear from rotating, and the driving cam releases the driven cam to allow the first driven gear to rotate, wherein when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear, the driving cam drives the second end of the stopping swing rod to separate from the second driven gear to allow the second driven gear to rotate, and the driving cam stops the driven cam to stop the first driven gear from rotating.

In a further configuration, when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear, the first end of the stopping swing rod abuts against a distal rest arc segment of the driving cam, and a distal rest arc segment of the driven cam faces a proximal rest arc segment of the driving cam; when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear, the distal rest arc segment of the driving cam stops the distal rest arc segment of the driven cam, and the first end of the stopping swing rod abuts against the proximal rest arc segment of the driving cam.

In a further configuration, the driving gear is integrally formed with the driving cam, and the first driven gear is integrally formed with the driven cam.

In a further configuration, the transmission device further includes: a driving gear shaft mounted to the locking seat and connected with the drive motor, the driving gear being mounted to the driving gear shaft; a first driven gear shaft having a first end connected to the arm assembly, the first driven gear being mounted to a second end of the first driven gear shaft; and a second driven gear shaft having a first end connected to the drive rod, the second driven gear being mounted to a second end of the second driven gear shaft.

In a further configuration, the locking swing arm is driven by a swing drive motor, and the arm assembly is driven by an extension-and-retraction drive motor. The swing drive motor drives the locking swing arm to swing between the locking position and the release position by means of the drive rod and the connecting rod. The extension-and-retraction drive motor drives the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position by means of the arm assembly.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a step movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a retractable device including a mounting bracket, a step bracket, and an arm assembly, the step being mounted on the step bracket, and the arm assembly being pivotally connected with the mounting bracket and the step bracket to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position; a locking seat; a swing arm assembly including a locking swing arm, a connecting rod, and a drive rod, wherein the connecting rod has a first end pivotally connected to the locking swing arm, and a second end pivotally connected to a first end of the drive rod; the drive rod has a second end pivotally connected to the locking seat; the drive rod drives, through the connecting rod, the locking swing arm to swing between a locking position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat lock the step in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat release the step; a transmission device including a driving gear, a first driven gear, and a second driven gear, the first driven gear being configured to be driven by the driving gear and being connected to the arm assembly, and the second driven gear being configured to be driven by the driving gear and being connected to the drive rod; a single drive motor configured to drive the arm assembly by the driving gear and the first driven gear and to drive the drive rod by the driving gear and the second driven gear.

In a further configuration, the locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position.

In a further configuration, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position. The locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. The step moves from the retracted position to the extended position while the locking swing arm rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position.

In a further configuration, the release position includes a maximum release position and a minimum release position, and the minimum release position is between the locking position and the maximum release position. The step further has an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position. The locking swing arm rotates from the locking position to the minimum release position before the step moves away from the retracted position towards the extended position. While the locking swing arm rotates from the minimum release position to the maximum release position, the step moves from the retracted position to the intermediate position. During the movement of the step from the intermediate position to the extended position, the locking swing arm keeps stationary in the maximum release position.

In some configurations, a vehicle step apparatus includes: a step; an arm assembly configured to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position; a locking seat; a locking swing arm, the locking swing arm being swingable between a locking position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat lock the step in the retracted position and a release position where the locking swing arm and the locking seat release the step to allow the step to move from the retracted position to the extended position; a connecting rod having a first end pivotally connected to the locking swing arm; a drive rod having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the connecting rod and a second end pivotally connected to the locking seat, and configured to drive the locking swing arm to swing by means of the connecting rod; a transmission device including a driving gear, a first driven gear, and a second driven gear, the first driven gear being configured to be driven by the driving gear and being connected to the arm assembly, and the second driven gear being configured to be driven by the driving gear and being connected to the drive rod; and a single drive motor configured to drive the arm assembly by the driving gear and the first driven gear and to drive the drive rod by the driving gear and the second driven gear.

In a further configuration, the driving gear has a toothless section and a toothed section. The toothed section of the driving gear alternately meshes with the first driven gear and the second driven gear to alternately drive the first driven gear and the second driven gear to rotate.

In a further configuration, the driving gear has a toothless section and a toothed section, the driving gear has a first rotation position, a second rotation position, and a third rotation position between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, and the driving gear is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, wherein in the first rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, and in the second rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear simultaneously meshes with the first driven gear and the second driven gear, wherein before the driving gear rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, wherein when the driving gear rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear starts to mesh with the first driven gear, wherein during rotation of the driving gear from the third rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear simultaneously meshes with the second driven gear and the first driven gear.

In a further configuration, the driving gear has a toothless section and a toothed section, the driving gear has a first rotation position, a second rotation position, a third rotation position between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, and a fourth rotation position between the third rotation position and the second rotation position, and the driving gear is reciprocally rotatable between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, wherein in the first rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, and in the second rotation position, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the second driven gear, wherein before the driving gear rotates from the first rotation position to the third rotation position along a first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the first driven gear, wherein when the driving gear rotates to the third rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear starts to mesh with the first driven gear, wherein before the driving gear rotates from the third rotation position to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear simultaneously meshes with the second driven gear and the first driven gear, wherein when the driving gear rotates to the fourth rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear starts to disengage from the second driven gear, wherein during rotation of the driving gear from the fourth rotation position to the second rotation position along the first direction, the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear and the toothless section of the driving gear faces the second driven gear.

In a further configuration, the vehicle step apparatus further includes: a driving cam connected to the driving gear; a driven cam connected to the first driven gear; and a stopping swing rod having a first end, a second end, and a pivoting portion between the first end and the second end, the stopping swing rod being swingable around the pivoting portion, wherein when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear, the driving cam drives the second end of the stopping swing rod to engage with the second driven gear to stop the second driven gear from rotating, and the driving cam releases the driven cam to allow the first driven gear to rotate, wherein when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear, the driving cam drives the second end of the stopping swing rod to separate from the second driven gear to allow the second driven gear to rotate, and the driving cam stops the driven cam to stop the first driven gear from rotating.

In a further configuration, when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the first driven gear, the first end of the stopping swing rod abuts against a distal rest arc segment of the driving cam, and a distal rest arc segment of the driven cam faces a proximal rest arc segment of the driving cam; when the toothed section of the driving gear meshes with the second driven gear, the distal rest arc segment of the driving cam stops the distal rest arc segment of the driven cam, and the first end of the stopping swing rod abuts against the proximal rest arc segment of the driving cam.

Although embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are explanatory and cannot be construed to limit the present disclosure, and changes, modifications, options, and variations can be made in the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is intended that the specification, together with the drawings, be considered exemplary only, where exemplary means an example. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, the use of “or” is intended to include “and/or,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.