Patent ID: 12252052

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle slope apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, a vehicle1according to the present embodiment includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped vehicle body2extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. In addition, a door opening portion3, which serves as an entrance and exit for an occupant, is provided on a side surface2sof the vehicle body2. The door opening portion3is provided with a pair of slide doors4f,4rthat perform opening/closing operations in opposite directions in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

That is, the slide door4fon a front side of the vehicle is moved to the front side of the vehicle so as to perform the opening operation, and is moved to a rear side of the vehicle so as to perform the closing operation. On the other hand, the slide door4ron the rear side of the vehicle is moved to the rear side of the vehicle so as to perform the opening operation, and is moved to the front side of the vehicle so as to perform the closing operation. Further, each of the slide doors4f,4rhas a configuration as a power slide door device that performs the opening and closing operations based on a driving force of an actuator (not shown). The vehicle1according to the present embodiment is configured to open and close the door opening portion3such that the slide doors4f,4rare moved in conjunction.

The vehicle1according to the present embodiment includes a slope apparatus11that deploys a slope plate10at a lower end of the door opening portion3when the door opening portion3is in an opened state. In the vehicle1according to the present embodiment, even when an occupant holds, for example, a wheelchair, a stroller, a carry case or the like, the occupant can easily get on or off the vehicle from the door opening portion3by using a ramp12formed by the slope plate10.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, in the vehicle1according to the present embodiment, the slope apparatus11is provided in a housing box13as a housing portion provided in the vehicle body2below the door opening portion3. Specifically, the housing box13includes an opening portion13afacing the same direction as the door opening portion3. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, via the opening portion13a, the slope plate10housed in the housing box13is deployed to the outside of the vehicle, and the deployed slope plate10is housed into the housing box13again.

In detail, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a pair of guide rails20,20extending from the housing box13in deployment and housing directions of the slope plate10deployed at the lower end of the door opening portion3, that is, in a depth direction in the housing box13.

As shown inFIGS.3to5, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the guide rails20,20are disposed substantially in parallel such that the guide rails20,20sandwich the slope plate10in the housing box13from both sides in a width direction. In addition, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a pair of moving members21,21that are provided so as to be slidable in a state of being engaged with the guide rails20along an extending direction of the engaged guide rails20,20. In addition, the slope apparatus11includes a pair of support arms22,22that are rotatably connected to a rear end10rof the slope plate10and are rotatably connected to the moving members21. That is, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the slope plate10and the moving members21,21are connected via the support arms22,22. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the slope plate10is moved in the deployment and housing directions in conjunction with the moving members21,21.

Further, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes an actuator25that uses a motor24as a drive source and applies a driving force to the slope plate10. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the actuator25is disposed in the housing box13deeper than rear ends20rof the guide rails20,20. Further, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a pair of drive cables26,26that are routed along the extending direction of the guide rails20,20. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the drive cables26,26are routed from the actuator25to the rear ends20rof the guide rails20,20by being inserted into casing pipes26x,26x. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving members21,21are moved along the extending direction of the guide rails20,20based on the driving force of the actuator25transmitted via the drive cables26,26.

Specifically, the actuator25according to the present embodiment includes a drive gear27that rotates based on a driving force generated by the motor24. Further, the actuator25is configured such that the drive cables26,26mesh with the drive gear27at two positions sandwiching the drive gear27in a radial direction thereof. That is, the actuator25according to the present embodiment slides the drive cables26,26along the extending direction of the guide rails20,20by rotating the drive gear27. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving members21,21are connected to end portions of the drive cables26,26. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving members21,21slide integrally with the drive cables26,26in the deployment and housing directions of the slope plate10in a state where the moving members21,21are guided by the guide rails20,20.

In detail, as shown inFIGS.6and7, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the slope plate10is housed in the housing box13, in a state where a substantially horizontal posture is maintained, based on the engagement force of the moving members21and the support arms22with respect to the guide rails20. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the slope plate10moves in the deployment and housing directions integrally with the moving members21and the support arms22along the extending direction of the guide rails20while maintaining the substantially horizontal posture.

As shown inFIG.8, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the slope plate10is deployed to the outside of the vehicle to extend outward in a vehicle width direction from a side edge portion1sof the vehicle1provided with the housing box13. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, in this state, the support arms22interposed between the moving members21and the slope plate10rotates to lift the rear end10rof the slope plate10. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the slope plate10forms the ramp12in a state where the rear end10ris brought closer to a vehicle floor28.

In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, a floor engagement portion29is provided at the rear end10rof the slope plate10. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the floor engagement portion29is engaged with an edge portion28eof the vehicle floor28, and thus the vehicle floor28supports a load of the slope plate10.

Lift Mechanism

Next, a connection structure of the slope plate10and the moving members21, and a lift mechanism in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIGS.9to14, the moving member21according to the present embodiment include a lateral plate portion30having a substantially plate shape and a vertical wall portion31erected at one end of the lateral plate portion30. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving member21is formed by plastically processing a metal plate. Accordingly, the moving member21according to the present embodiment is formed to have a substantially L-folded plate shape.

In the moving member21according to the present embodiment, a support shaft33is provided at a front end31fof the vertical wall portion31. The slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes link members34each of which is rotatably and pivotally supported by the support shaft33.

In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the link member34has a substantially plate shape. Further, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a substantially plate-shaped and elongated side plate35that is rotatably connected to the link member34at a position separated from a connection position of the link member34with respect to the support shaft33. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the side plate35is integrally fixed to the rear end10rof the slope plate10. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the link member34functions as the support arm22that is rotatably connected to the rear end10rof the slope plate10and are rotatably connected to the moving member21.

Specifically, the slope plate10according to the present embodiment includes a panel member36that constitutes a slope surface12sin the ramp12formed by the slope plate10at the lower end of the door opening portion3. The slope plate10further includes a pair of side frames37,37that extend in a front-rear direction of the slope plate10in a state of sandwiching both sides of the panel member36in a width direction. Further, the side plate35is fixed to a side end surface of the side frame37in a state where the elongated plate shape extends in an extending direction of the side frame37. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, an end portion of the rear end10rin a width direction of the slope plate10is formed by the side plate35and the side frame37.

Further, as shown inFIGS.9to12andFIGS.15to18, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes driven members40each of which is moved together with the link member34along the extending direction of the guide rail20.

In detail, the driven member40has an elongated folded plate shape and includes a first vertical plate portion40fand a second vertical plate portion40rdisposed at positions displaced in the width direction of the guide rail20. In addition, the width direction of the guide rail20can be rephrased as the width direction of the slope plate10. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the driven member40is disposed at a lateral side of the moving member21along the vertical wall portion31. Further, the driven member40includes a connecting shaft38for the link member34provided on the first vertical plate portion40f. That is, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, a driving force applied to the moving member21is transmitted to the driven member40via the link member34and the connecting shaft38. Accordingly, the driven member40according to the present embodiment is moved together with the link member34along the extending direction of the guide rail20.

In more detail, the driven member40according to the present embodiment includes an elongated hole41provided in the first vertical plate portion40fand an elongated hole42provided in the second vertical plate portion40r. Specifically, the elongated holes41,42are provided to extend in a longitudinal direction of the driven member40disposed along the vertical wall portion31of the moving member21. In addition, the moving member21according to the present embodiment includes an engagement shaft43protruded in the vicinity of a rear end31rof the vertical wall portion31. Further, the driven member40according to the present embodiment is disposed at the lateral side of the moving member21in a state where the engagement shaft43is inserted into the elongated hole42of the second vertical plate portion40rand the support shaft33provided at the front end31fof the vertical wall portion31is inserted into the elongated hole41of the first vertical plate portion40f.

In the link member34according to the present embodiment, one end in an longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to a support shaft44provided on the side plate35, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the support shaft33provided on the vertical wall portion31of the moving member21. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, first rotation connecting points X1between the slope plate10and the support arms22and second rotation connecting points X2between the support arms22and the moving members21are formed.

In addition, the link member34according to the present embodiment includes an elongated hole45extending in the longitudinal direction of the link member34at a position between the first rotation connecting point X1and the second rotation connecting point X2. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the connecting shaft38provided on the first vertical plate portion40fof the driven member40is inserted into the elongated hole45.

Further, each of the support shafts33,44, the connecting shaft38and the engagement shaft43has flange shapes at both ends in an axial direction thereof. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the vertical wall portion31of the moving member21, the link member34, the side plate35and the driven member40are stably connected.

Further, as shown inFIGS.11and12, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes deployment stoppers46each of which restricts movement of the driven member40by abutting with the driven member40moving toward the deployment direction together with the link member34constituting the support arm22. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the deployment stopper46is provided in the vicinity of a front end20fof the guide rail20(seeFIGS.3to8). Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, a moving position of the driven member40in the deployment direction, that is, from the rear end20rof the guide rail20toward the front end20fis fixed in a state where the slope plate10is deployed at the lower end of the door opening portion3.

In detail, as shown inFIGS.9to12andFIG.18, the driven member40according to the present embodiment includes a substantially plate-shaped engaging piece47that extends above the moving member21in a state of facing the lateral plate portion30from a top end portion of the second vertical plate portion40r. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the driven member40is moved to the front end20fof the guide rail20toward the deployment direction of the slope plate10, and thereby the engaging piece47abuts with the deployment stopper46.

As shown inFIGS.15to17, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving member21is further moved toward the deployment direction from a state where the movement of the driven member40toward the deployment direction is restricted.

That is, the moving member21according to the present embodiment is allowed to move relative to the driven member40along the extending direction of the guide rail20by moving the support shaft33and the engagement shaft43inserted into the elongated holes41,42of the driven member40in the elongated holes41,42. Further, the movement of the moving member21relative to the driven member40changes the disposition of the connecting shaft38inserted into the elongated hole45of the link member34. Specifically, the position of the connecting shaft38disposed in the elongated hole45apparently moves from a first rotation connecting point X1side to a second rotation connecting point X2side in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole45(from left to right inFIGS.15to17). Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the link members34constituting the support arms22rotate around the connecting shafts38of the driven members40, and thus a lift mechanism50that lifts up the rear end10rof the slope plate10is formed.

In addition, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the support shaft33of the link member34that constitutes the second rotation connecting point X2provided on the moving member21moves in the deployment direction exceeding the connecting shaft38of the driven member40whose movement in the deployment direction is restricted by the deployment stopper46. At this time, the position of the connecting shaft38disposed in the elongated hole45apparently moves from the second rotation connecting point X2side to the first rotation connecting point X1side in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole45again. Accordingly, by ensuring a large amount of rotation in the link member34, the rear end10rof the slope plate10lifted up due to the rotation of the link member34can be brought closer to the edge portion28eof the vehicle floor28.

Further, as shown inFIGS.11and12, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes engagement levers51each of which is to be engaged with the engaging piece47in a state where the engaging piece47of the driven member40abuts with the deployment stopper46. Specifically, the engagement lever51is engaged with the engaging piece47such that the engaging piece47is sandwiched between the engagement lever51and the deployment stopper46. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the movement of the driven member40toward the housing direction is restricted by the engagement lever51.

As shown inFIGS.11,12and18, a base end of the engagement lever51according to the present embodiment is rotatably and pivotally supported by a support shaft52erected on the front end20fof the guide rail20together with the deployment stopper46. In addition, a tip end portion of the engagement lever51is disposed in a state of facing a rear end20rside of the guide rail20, that is, the housing direction (right side inFIG.18) of the slope plate10. Further, the engagement lever51includes, at the tip end portion thereof, a hook-shaped engagement portion53that protrudes in a direction (upper side inFIG.18) in which the driven member40is located in the width direction of the guide rail20. Accordingly, in the engagement lever51according to the present embodiment, the engaging piece47of the driven member40can be sandwiched between the engagement portion53and the deployment stopper46due to the rotation of the engagement lever51around the support shaft52.

In detail, as shown inFIGS.18and19, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment is configured such that the engaging piece47of the driven member40that is moved in the deployment direction comes in contact with the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51. Specifically, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51is provided with a first tapered surface53afacing a direction in which the driven member40is located in the width direction of the guide rail20(the up-down direction in these figures). Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, a tip end47aof the engaging piece47that protrudes above the moving member21from the second vertical plate portion40rof the driven member40comes in contact with the first tapered surface53aprovided on the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51.

Further, the engagement lever51according to the present embodiment rotates in a clockwise direction in these figures in a state where the engagement portion53is pressed back by the tip end47aof the engaging piece47due to the contact. That is, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, at this time, the direction in which the engagement lever51is pressed by the engaging piece47of the driven member40and rotates is a first direction. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the engaging piece47is disposed at a position where the engaging piece47abuts with the deployment stopper46by allowing the movement of the driven member40towards the deployment direction.

As shown inFIGS.9to12andFIGS.18and19, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes connecting members54each of which is connected to the moving member21in a state of being fixed to the drive cable26. That is, the connecting member54is moved integrally with the moving member21based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable26. In addition, the connecting member54is fitted into the lateral plate portion30of the moving member21at an end of the moving member21opposite to a position where the vertical wall portion31is erected. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the connecting member54is formed using a resin. Further, the connecting member54includes a substantially plate-shaped vertical plate-shaped portion55that is erected in a state of facing the vertical wall portion31of the moving member21by the fitting into the lateral plate portion30. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, due to the movement of the moving member21and the connecting member54toward the deployment direction, the vertical plate-shaped portion55comes in contact with the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51that rotates in the first direction due to the contact with the engaging piece47of the driven member40.

In detail, as shown inFIGS.20and21, the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51according to the present embodiment is provided with a second tapered surface53bfacing a side opposite to the first tapered surface53a(lower side in these figures) in the width direction of the guide rail20. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the vertical plate-shaped portion55of the connecting member54being moved in the deployment direction comes in contact with the second tapered surface53b.

Specifically, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment is configured such that after the engaging piece47of the driven member40being moved in the deployment direction passes, a tip end portion55fof the vertical plate-shaped portion55comes in contact with the second tapered surface53bprovided on the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51. In addition, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, a tapered shape corresponding to the second tapered surface53bis also set for the tip end portion55fof the vertical plate-shaped portion55. Further, the engagement lever51according to the present embodiment rotates in a counterclockwise direction in these figures in a state where the engagement portion53is pushed back by the vertical plate-shaped portion55of the connecting member54due to the contact.

That is, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the vertical plate-shaped portion55of the connecting member54constitutes a pressing portion56that is moved integrally with the moving member21. Further, at this time, the direction in which the engagement lever51is pressed by the vertical plate-shaped portion55of the connecting member54and rotates is a second direction. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51sandwiches the engaging piece47of the driven member40between the engagement portion53and the deployment stopper46in the deployment and housing directions of the slope plate10.

In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving member21and the connecting member54are moved in the deployment direction from this state, and thus the vertical plate-shaped portion55of the connecting member54is disposed at a first direction side (the lower side in these figures) of the engagement lever51. Further, the rotation of the engagement lever51in the first direction is restricted based on the disposition of the vertical plate-shaped portion55. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the state where the engaging piece47of the driven member40is sandwiched between the deployment stopper46and the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51is maintained.

That is, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, in the state where the slope plate10is deployed at the lower end of the door opening portion3, the driven member40cannot be moved in either the deployment direction or the housing direction, in other words, the moving position is fixed. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the posture of the slope plate10whose rear end10ris lifted up based on the operation of the lift mechanism50can be stably held.

In addition, as shown inFIG.19, during housing of the slope plate10, the moving member21and the connecting member54are moved in the housing direction, and thus the engagement lever51is allowed to rotate in the first direction again. Accordingly, the driven member40is moved in the housing direction together with the link member34connected to the moving member21in a state where the engagement portion53of the engagement lever51is pushed back by the engaging piece47.

Moving Posture Holding Structure of Slope Plate

Next, a moving posture holding structure of the slope plate10in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIGS.9,10,22and23, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes rollers57each of which is provided on the link member34constituting the support arm22. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the roller57is rotatably and pivotally supported by a support shaft58fixed to the link member34. In addition, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the roller57abuts with an upper wall surface59of the guide rail20from below during deployment and housing operations of the slope plate10. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the slope plate10is moved in the deployment and housing directions integrally with the moving members21and the link members34in a state where the rollers57slide on the upper wall surfaces59of the guide rails20.

That is, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving members21that are moved in the deployment direction along the extending direction of the guide rails20push the slope plate10connected therewith via the link members34out from the housing box13, so as to deploy the slope plate10to the outside of the vehicle. Further, the moving members21that are moved in the housing direction along the extending direction of the guide rails20pull back the slope plate10connected therewith via the link members34, so as to house the slope plate10into the housing box13.

As shown inFIG.15, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, at this time, the connecting shaft38of the driven member40disposed in the elongated hole45of the link member34is disposed at a front end portion of the elongated hole45in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the rotation of the link member34is restricted in a direction in which the rear end10rof the slope plate10is pulled down.

Further, as shown inFIGS.22and23, the roller57provided on the link member34abuts with the upper wall surface59of the guide rail20, and thereby the rotation of the link member34is restricted in a direction in which the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the moving posture of the substantially horizontal slope plate10can be stably held, and the rotation of the roller57can reduce the sliding resistance during the deployment and housing operations.

Further, as shown inFIGS.11to14andFIGS.24and25, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes roller covers60each of which covers the roller57from above in the state where the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up due to the rotation of the link members34.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS.24,25,26A and26B, the roller cover60according to the present embodiment includes a substantially plate-shaped fixing portion60afixed on the support shaft58of the roller57at a position where the roller57is sandwiched between the fixing portion60aand the link member34. Further, the roller cover60includes a curved plate-shaped covering member60bthat is provided to extend in an axial direction of the support shaft58from one end of the fixing portion60athat covers an axial end of the roller57, so as to be disposed at a position where the outside in a radial direction of the roller57is partially covered. Accordingly, the roller cover60according to the present embodiment rotates integrally with the link member34instead of rotating around the support shaft58of the roller57at the time of the rotation of the link member34.

That is, as shown inFIGS.9to14,22to25, andFIGS.26A and26B, the roller cover60according to the present embodiment is disposed at a position where the covering member60bcovers a deployment direction side of the roller57before the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up, that is, in a state before lift-up. Further, due to the rotation of the link member34that lifts up the rear end10rof the slope plate10, the roller cover60is disposed at a position where the covering member60bcovers the roller57from above. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, when the slope plate10is deployed, the roller cover60together with the link member34constituting the support arm22protect the roller57disposed at a position where the roller57is exposed to the outside of the guide rail20.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.9to12, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of rollers61provided on each of the moving members21. That is, each of these rollers61also is in sliding contact with a wall surface formed by the guide rail20. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the sliding resistance of the moving member21that is moved along the extending direction of the guide rail20is reduced.

Further, as shown inFIGS.11,12,24and25, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a protective plate63fixed to the vehicle body2to extend in the width direction of the slope plate10at a position corresponding to the front end20fof the guide rail20. Further, the protective plate63is provided with a plurality of rollers64that are in sliding contact with a lower surface of the slope plate10deployed at the lower end of the door opening portion3to extend from the housing box13to the outside of the vehicle. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the smooth deployment and housing operations of the slope plate10can be ensured.

Falling Prevention Member

Next, a falling prevention member provided on the slope plate10according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIGS.27to30, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a pair of left and right falling prevention members70,70that are provided on the side frames37,37constituting the side ends of the slope plate10.

Specifically, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, each of the falling prevention members70,70has a substantially plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the slope plate10. The slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of hinge portions71provided on the side frames37,37constituting the side ends of the slope plate10. Further, each of the side frames37,37according to the present embodiment includes a pair of the hinge portions71,71provided at two locations separated in a longitudinal direction of the side frames37. Then, the falling prevention members70,70according to the present embodiment are rotatably connected to the side ends of the slope plate10via the hinge portions71.

That is, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the falling prevention members70,70stand up when the slope plate10deployed at the lower end of the door opening portion3is in a state of forming the ramp12. Further, the falling prevention members70,70can be tilted when the slope plate10is in the housed state, or is moved in the deployment and housing directions.

In detail, as shown inFIGS.31and32, the hinge portion71according to the present embodiment includes a fixing member72for the side frame37and a fixing member73for the falling prevention member70. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, a height of the falling prevention member70in the vicinity of the rear end10rof the slope plate10is set low (seeFIGS.27and28). Further, the hinge portion71includes a connecting shaft74rotatably connected to the fixing members72,73. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the falling prevention member70connected to the side frame37constituting the side end of the slope plate10rotates around a rotation axis L formed by the connecting shaft74of the hinge portion71.

In addition, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes torsion coil springs75each of which is inserted into the connecting shaft74of the hinge portion71. The falling prevention member70according to the present embodiment is urged by the torsion coil spring75so as to stand up at the side end of the slope plate10.

Further, as shown inFIGS.29and30, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes check blocks76each of which is provided on a base end portion70bof the falling prevention member70at the time of the housing operation of the slope plate10, and pressing members77each of which presses the check block76. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, based on a pressing force of the pressing member77, the falling prevention member70rotates in the clockwise direction around the connecting shaft74of the hinge portion71constituting the rotation axis L inFIGS.29and30. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the falling prevention member70is tilted on an upper surface10sof the slope plate10against an urging force of the torsion coil spring75.

The check block76according to the present embodiment has a tapered surface76sat a position where the check block76is pressed by the pressing member77. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the falling prevention member70smoothly rotates in a tilting direction thereof.

As shown inFIGS.33and34, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the pressing member77is fixed at a front end portion of the first vertical plate portion40fof the driven member40. Further, in the slope plate10according to the present embodiment, a slit78is formed between the side frame37and the side plate35, in which the first rotation connecting point X1between the slope plate10and the support arm22is formed, at the rear end10rof the slope plate10. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the pressing member77provided on the driven member40presses the check block76of the falling prevention member70via the slit78.

That is, at the time of the housing operation of the slope plate10, the falling prevention members70also move downward together with the slope plate10due to the rotation of the support arms22that pulls down the rear end10rof the slope plate10. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, at this time, the pressing member77provided on the driven member40is disposed below the check block76provided on the base end portion70bof the falling prevention member70. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the falling prevention member70is tilted on the upper surface10sof the slope plate10based on the housing operation of the slope plate10.

In addition, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, when the slope plate10is moved, the driven member40provided with the pressing member77is also moved together with the slope plate10. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the tilted state of the falling prevention member70is maintained by the pressing member77continuously pressing the check block76of the falling prevention member70.

Further, as shown inFIGS.29and30, at the time of the deployment operation of the slope plate10, the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up due to the rotation of the support arms22, and thus a pressing force in a direction in which the pressing member77presses the check block76upward is weakened. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the falling prevention member70stands up at the side end of the slope plate10when the falling prevention member70rotates in the counterclockwise direction inFIGS.29and30based on the urging force of the torsion coil spring75.

Further, as shown inFIGS.33and34, the pressing member77according to the present embodiment includes an abutting piece79that is curved in the width direction of the slope plate10and abuts with the side plate35constituting a sidewall surface78sof the slit78. Specifically, in the pressing member77according to the present embodiment, the abutting piece79is formed using a resin integrally with a pressing-up portion80that presses the check block76of the falling prevention member70as described above. Accordingly, the abutting piece79of the pressing member77according to the present embodiment is flexible.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.29and30, the pressing member77according to the present embodiment maintains a state in which the abutting piece79abuts with the sidewall surface78sof the slit78even when the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the pressing member77is positioned with respect to the check block76of the falling prevention member70facing the slit78.

Fitting Structure of Connecting Member

Next, a fitting structure of the connecting member54for the moving member21of the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIGS.13,14, and35to38, the moving member21according to the present embodiment includes a fitting recess81that is provided such that one end of the lateral plate portion30is cut out. Specifically, in the moving member21according to the present embodiment, the fitting recess81is provided at an end of the lateral plate portion30opposite to the position where the vertical wall portion31is erected. Further, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the connecting member54of the drive cable26is fitted into the fitting recess81.

In detail, as shown inFIGS.35to38, the connecting member54according to the present embodiment includes the vertical plate-shaped portion55that has a function as the pressing portion56against the engaging piece47of the driven member40as described above. Further, the connecting member54includes a fitting portion82provided at a lower end of the vertical plate-shaped portion55. In the connecting member54according to the present embodiment, the fitting portion82is fitted into the fitting recess81, and thereby the vertical plate-shaped portion55is connected to the lateral plate portion30of the moving member21in an erected state where the vertical plate-shaped portion55faces the vertical wall portion31of the moving member21.

In more detail, the fitting portion82according to the present embodiment includes a fitting portion body83which is disposed inside the fitting recess81so as to restrict relative movement thereof in the extending direction of the guide rail20(left-right direction in these figures) with respect to the lateral plate portion30of the moving member21. Specifically, the fitting portion body83is fitted into the fitting recess81, and thus the fitting portion body83is sandwiched between a front engaging piece84fand a rear engaging piece84rformed on the lateral plate portion30on both sides in the extending direction of the guide rail20. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable26, the connecting member54and the moving member21are moved integrally along the extending direction of the guide rail20.

In addition, the fitting portion82according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of fitting pieces85that sandwich the lateral plate portion30of the moving member21in the up-down direction. Specifically, the fitting portion82according to the present embodiment includes, at two position separated in the extending direction of the guide rail20, a pair of fitting pieces85a,85bwhich abut with the lower surface30bof the lateral plate portion30and each of which has a substantially plate shape. Further, at a position between the fitting pieces85a,85b, the fitting portion82includes a fitting piece85cthat abuts with the upper surface30aof the lateral plate portion30and has a substantially plate shape. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, a stable fitting state between the connecting member54and the moving member21is ensured, and the tilting of the vertical plate-shaped portion55is prevented.

Housing Stopper Structure

Next, a housing stopper structure of the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIG.39, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes housing stoppers86each of which is fixed on the rear end20rof the guide rail20. That is, the housing stopper86abuts with the moving member21that is moved in the housing direction (right side inFIG.39) so as to restrict the movement of the moving member21toward the housing direction exceeding a predetermined housing position P0. In addition, the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment includes a confirmation switch87provided for detecting that the moving member21has reached the housing position P0by contact with the rear end31rof the vertical wall portion31. In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the housing stopper86is disposed at a position where the housing stopper86abuts with the moving member21in a state where the housing stopper86and the fitting portion82of the connecting member54for the moving member21are disposed adjacently in the moving direction of the moving member21.

Specifically, the housing stopper86according to the present embodiment is disposed, when the moving member21abuts with the housing stopper86, at a position where the rear engaging piece84rprovided on the lateral plate portion30of the moving member21is sandwiched between the housing stopper86and the fitting portion82of the connecting member54. That is, the moving member21is moved integrally with the connecting member54based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable26. Therefore, as described above, since the fitting portion82of the connecting member54for the moving member21and the housing stopper86are disposed adjacently in the moving direction of the moving member21, the housing stopper86can efficiently receive a load of the moving member21. Accordingly, in the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, the posture of the moving member21abutting with the housing stopper86can be stably held.

Next, operations of the present embodiment will be described.

In the slope apparatus11according to the present embodiment, at the time of the deployment and housing operations of the slope plate10, the roller57provided on the link member34constituting the support arms22abuts with the upper wall surface59of the guide rail20from below. Accordingly, the rotation of the link member34in the direction in which the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up is restricted, and thus the moving posture of the slope plate10is stably held.

Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described.

(1) The slope apparatus11includes the slope plate10deployed at the lower end of the door opening portion3and the guide rails20extending in the deployment and housing directions of the slope plate10. In addition, the slope apparatus11includes the moving members21that are moved in the extending direction of the guide rails20, and the support arms22that are rotatably connected to the rear end10rof the slope plate10and are rotatably connected to the moving members21. Further, the slope apparatus11includes the lift mechanism50that lifts up the rear end10rof the slope plate10by rotating the support arms22in the state where the slope plate10is deployed. The support arms22are provided with the rollers57that hold the moving posture of the slope plate10by being in sliding contact with the guide rails20in the state where the slope plate10is moved integrally with the moving members21.

According to the above configuration, the moving posture of the slope plate10can be stably held while preventing the increase in the sliding resistance. Accordingly, a smooth operation and high reliability can be ensured.

(2) The slope apparatus11includes the roller covers60each of which covers the roller57from above in the state where the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up due to the rotation of the support arms22.

That is, the support arms22vertically move the rear end10rof the slope plate10by rotating in the state of being exposed to the outside of the guide rails20. Therefore, the rollers57provided on the support arms22are also disposed at positions where an external force is likely to be applied, for example, a user of the slope plate10may step on the rollers57by mistake. However, according to the above configuration, the rollers57can be protected by the roller covers60. Accordingly, the high reliability can be ensured.

(3) The roller cover60is provided on the support arm22. Further, the roller cover60rotates integrally with the support arm22so as to be disposed at a position where the roller cover60covers the roller57from above.

That is, since the roller cover60is provided on the support arm22, the roller cover60can be housed integrally with the support arm22. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the configuration and reduce the size of the vehicle slope apparatus. Further, a direction in which the roller cover60covers the roller57can be changed by rotating the roller cover60integrally with the support arm22. Accordingly, when the support arm22is moved in the deployment and housing directions, a region where the roller57is in sliding contact with the guide rail20can be secured.

(4) The lift mechanism50includes the driven member40that has the connecting shaft38for the link member34constituting the support arm22and is moved in the extending direction of the guide rail20integrally with the link member34. Further, the lift mechanism50includes the deployment stoppers46each of which abuts with the driven member40moving toward the deployment direction and restricts the movement of the driven member40. In addition, the moving member21is moved in the deployment direction in the state where the movement of the driven member40toward the deployment direction is restricted, thus the link member34rotates around the connecting shaft38with the driven member40, and the lift mechanism50lifts up the rear end10rof the slope plate10. Further, the lift mechanism50includes the engagement levers51each of which is engaged with the driven member40in the state where the driven member40abuts with the deployment stopper46so as to restrict the movement of the driven member40toward the housing direction. When the driven member40is moved to the position where the driven member40abuts with the deployment stopper46, the engagement lever51is pressed by the driven member40and rotates in the first direction, and thereby the movement of the driven member40toward the deployment direction is allowed. Further, the engagement lever51is engaged with the driven member40by being pressed with the pressing portion56, which is provided integrally with the moving members21that are moved in the deployment direction in the state where the driven member40abuts with the deployment stopper46, and rotating in the second direction. In this state, the rotation of the engagement lever51in the first direction is restricted by the pressing portion56located in the first direction.

According to the above configuration, the link member34constituting the support arm22rotates in conjunction with the moving member21that is moved in the deployment and housing directions along the guide rail20. Accordingly, it is possible to vertically move the rear end10rof the slope plate10connected to the link member34.

Further, the moving position of the driven member40can be fixed in the lift-up state where the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted up. Accordingly, the lift-up state can be stably maintained. In addition, the engagement lever51can be engaged or disengaged with the driven member40in conjunction with the moving member21that is moved in the deployment and housing directions. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the configuration.

(5) The driven member40includes the engaging piece47that abuts with the deployment stopper46and is engaged with the engagement lever51in the state of being sandwiched between the deployment stopper46and the engagement lever51. Accordingly, the movement of the driven member40in both the deployment and housing directions can be stably restricted by a simple configuration.

(6) The driven member40has the folded plate shape and includes the first vertical plate portion40fand the second vertical plate portion40rdisposed at positions displaced in the width direction of the guide rails20.

According to the above configuration, the driven member40that is moved in the deployment and housing directions together with the moving members21and the support arms22can be formed in an easy and space-saving manner by a simple configuration. Further, the tilting of the driven member40can be prevented based on the folded plate shape. Accordingly, a stable operation can be ensured.

(7) The slope apparatus11includes the falling prevention members70that are rotatably connected to the slope plate10, and the torsion coil springs75each serving as the urging member that urges the falling prevention member70to stand up at the side end of the slope plate10. In addition, the slope apparatus11includes the pressing members77each of which tilts the falling prevention member70on the upper surface10sof the slope plate10against the urging force of the torsion coil springs75by pressing the falling prevention member70. The pressing member77is inserted into the slit78formed in the slope plate10due to the rotation of the support arms22that pull down the rear end10rof the slope plate10, and thereby the pressing member77presses the falling prevention member70that is moved downward together with the slope plate10. In addition, the pressing member77is disposed at a position where the pressing member77can abut with and press the falling prevention member70by being provided on the driven member40. The pressing member77further includes the flexible abutting piece79that is curved in the width direction of the slope plate10and abuts with the sidewall surface78sof the slit78.

That is, the movement of the driven member40is restricted in the state where the support arms22connected to the rear end10rof the slope plate10rotate. Therefore, by providing the pressing member77on the driven member40, the falling prevention member70can stably stand up at the side end of the slope plate10in conjunction with the vertical movement of the slope plate10due to the rotation of the support arms22, and can be tilted on the upper surface10sof the slope plate10. Further, since the abutting piece79of the pressing member77abuts with the sidewall surface78sof the slit78, the pressing member77can be positioned with respect to the falling prevention member70facing the slit78. A positional deviation caused by a displacement in the width direction of the slope plate10can be restricted by an elastic force based on the flexibility applied to the abutting piece79.

(8) The slope apparatus11includes the connecting members54each of which is connected to the moving member21in a state of being fixed to the drive cable26, so as to be moved integrally with the moving member21based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable26. Further, the moving member21has the folded plate shape and includes the lateral plate portion30to which the connecting member54is connected and the vertical wall portion31to which the support arm22is connected. The connecting member54includes the vertical plate-shaped portion55that constitutes the pressing portion56for the engagement lever51, and the fitting portion82for the lateral plate portion30of the moving member21at the lower end of the vertical plate-shaped portion55. In addition, the fitting portion82includes a plurality of fitting pieces85that sandwich the lateral plate portion30of the moving member21in the up-down direction.

That is, by providing the pressing portion56for the engagement lever51on the connecting member54that is moved integrally with the moving member21, it is possible to accurately control the engagement and disengagement of the engagement lever51with the driven member40in conjunction with the moving member21that is moved in the deployment and housing directions. Accordingly, a stable operation can be ensured.

In addition, an assembly operation can be facilitated by adopting a configuration in which the moving members21is connected to the connecting member54by fitting. The lateral plate portion30of the moving member21is sandwiched in the up-down direction by the plurality of fitting pieces85, and thus tilting of the vertical plate-shaped portion55provided on the connecting member54can be prevented. Accordingly, an increase in the sliding resistance due to a change in moving postures of the connecting member54and the moving member21can be avoided.

(9) The slope apparatus11includes the housing stopper86that abuts with the moving member21being moved in the housing direction so as to restrict the movement of the moving member21toward the housing direction exceeding the predetermined housing position P0. Further, the housing stopper86is disposed at the position where the housing stopper86abuts with the moving member21in the state where the housing stopper86and the fitting portion82of the connecting member54are disposed adjacently in the deployment and housing directions.

That is, the moving member21is moved integrally with the connecting member54based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable26. Therefore, the housing stopper86can efficiently receive the load of the moving member21by adopting the above configuration. Accordingly, the posture of the moving members21abutted with the housing stopper86can be stably held. As a result, it is possible to eliminate a setting of an excessive strength margin and reduce a weight of the moving member21.

The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

In the above embodiment, the roller cover60is fixed on the support shaft58of the roller57, but the fixing position of the roller cover60with respect to the support arm22may be changed optionally. Further, the shape of the roller cover60also may be changed optionally.

The roller cover60may be disposed at a portion other than the support arm22as long as the roller57can be covered from above in the state where the rear end10rof the slope plate10is lifted due to the rotation of the support arms22. For example, the roller cover60may be provided to extend from the front end20fof the guide rail20. In addition, the roller cover60may be movable.

A shape, material, support structure and the like of the deployment stopper46may be changed optionally. Further, similarly, the configuration of the housing stopper86may be changed optionally.

The shapes and materials of the engaging piece47and the engagement lever51also may be changed optionally. Further, the shape of the driven member40also may be changed optionally. For example, an abutment position with respect to the deployment stopper46and an engagement position of the engagement lever51do not necessarily have to be the engaging piece47. In addition, the configuration of the pressing portion56with respect to the engagement lever51provided on the moving members21also may be changed optionally.

In the above embodiment, the falling prevention member70is urged based on the elastic force of the torsion coil spring75. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the configuration of the urging member may be changed optionally, for example, by using a compression spring, a leaf spring, or another elastic member.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the end in the width direction of the slope plate10at the rear end10r, that is, the side end is formed by the side plate35and the side frame37. The side plate35forms the slit78with the side frame37, and constitutes the sidewall surface78sof the slit78. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the side end of the slope plate10may be any configuration. Further, the slit78and a constituent member of the sidewall surface78salso may be changed optionally. Further, the direction in which the abutting piece79of the pressing member77abuts against the sidewall surface78sof the slit78also may be changed optionally.

The configuration of the lift mechanism50may be changed optionally. The lift mechanism50do not necessarily have to be in conjunction with the moving members21that are moved in the deployment and housing directions, for example, the lift mechanism50may have an independent drive source. Further, a configuration in which the slope plate10is moved in the deployment and housing directions by a drive source other than the motor24may be applied.

According to an aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle slope apparatus includes: a slope plate configured to be deployed at a lower end of a door opening portion; a guide rail extending in deployment and housing directions of the slope plate; a moving member configured to move along an extending direction of the guide rail; a support arm rotatably connected to a rear end of the slope plate and rotatably connected to the moving member; and a lift mechanism configured to lift the rear end of the slope plate by rotating the support arm in a state where the slope plate is deployed. The support arm is provided with a roller configured to hold a moving posture of the slope plate by being in sliding contact with the guide rail in a state where the slope plate is moved integrally with the moving member.

According to the above configuration, an increase in the sliding resistance can be prevented, and the moving posture of the slope plate can be stably held. Accordingly, a smooth operation and high reliability can be ensured.

The vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect preferably includes a roller cover configured to cover the roller from above in a state where the rear end of the slope plate is lifted up due to the rotation of the support arm.

That is, the support arm vertically moves the rear end of the slope plate by rotating in a state of being exposed to the outside of the guide rail. Therefore, the roller provided on the support arm is also disposed at a position where an external force is likely to be applied, for example, a user of the slope plate may step on the roller by mistake. However, according to the above configuration, the roller can be protected by the roller cover. Accordingly, the high reliability can be ensured.

In the vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the roller cover is provided on the support arm and rotates integrally with the support arm so as to be disposed at a position where the roller cover covers the roller from above.

That is, the roller cover can be housed integrally with the support arm by being provided on the support arm. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the configuration and reduce the size of the vehicle slope apparatus. Further, a direction in which the roller cover covers the roller can be changed by rotating the roller cover integrally with the support arm. Accordingly, when the support arm is moved in deployment and housing directions, a region where the roller is in sliding contact with the guide rail can be ensured.

In the vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the lift mechanism includes: a driven member having a connecting shaft for the support arm and configured to be moved together with the support arm in the extending direction of the guide rail, and a deployment stopper configured to abut with the driven member moving toward the deployment direction so as to restrict movement of the driven member. It is preferable that the vehicle slope apparatus further includes an engagement lever configured, when the moving member is moved in the deployment direction in a state where the movement of the driven member toward the deployment direction is restricted, and thus the support arm rotates around the connecting shaft of the driven member to lift up the rear end of the slope plate, to be engaged with the driven member, in a state where the driven member abuts with the deployment stopper, so as to restrict the movement of the driven member toward the housing direction. It is preferable that, when the driven member moves to a position where the driven member abuts with the deployment stopper, the engagement lever is pressed by the driven member and rotates in a first direction so as to allow the movement of the driven member toward the deployment direction, and the engagement lever is pressed by a pressing portion, provided integrally with the moving member that is moved in the deployment direction in a state where the driven member abuts with the deployment stopper, and rotates in a second direction so as to be engaged with the driven member, and rotation of the engagement lever in the first direction is restricted by the pressing portion located in the first direction.

According to the above configuration, the support arm rotates in conjunction with the moving member that is moved in the deployment and housing directions along the guide rail. Accordingly, it is possible to vertically move the rear end of the slope plate connected to the support arm.

Further, a moving position of the driven member can be fixed in a lift-up state where the rear end of the slope plate is lifted up. Accordingly, the lift-up state can be stably maintained. In addition, the engagement lever can be engaged or disengaged with the driven member in conjunction with the moving member being moved in the deployment and housing directions. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the configuration.

In the vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect, the driven member preferably includes an engaging piece configured to abut with the deployment stopper and be engaged with the engagement lever in a state of being sandwiched between the deployment stopper and the engagement lever.

According to the above configuration, the movement of the driven member in both the deployment and housing directions can be stably restricted by a simple configuration.

In the vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect, the driven member preferably has a folded plate shape and includes a first vertical plate portion and a second vertical plate portion disposed at positions displaced in a width direction of the guide rail.

According to the above configuration, the driven member that is moved in the deployment and housing directions together with the moving member and the support arm can be easily formed in an easy and space-saving manner by a simple configuration. Further, tilting of the driven member can be prevented based on the folded plate shape. Accordingly, a stable operation can be ensured.

The vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect preferably includes: a falling prevention member rotatably connected to the slope plate; an urging member configured to urge the falling prevention member to stand up at a side end of the slope plate; and a pressing member configured to abut with the falling prevention member and press the falling prevention member so as to cause the falling prevention member to be tilted on an upper surface of the slope plate against an urging force of the urging member, the falling prevention member being moved downward together with the slope plate due to the rotation of the support arm that pulls down the lifted rear end of the slope plate. It is preferable that pressing member is provided on the driven member and is disposed at a position where the pressing member abuts with the falling prevention member by being inserted into a slit formed at the side end of the slope plate, and the pressing member includes a flexible abutting piece curved in a width direction of the slope plate and configured to abut with a sidewall surface of the slit.

That is, the moving position of the driven member is fixed in a state where the support arm connected to the rear end of the slope plate rotates. Therefore, by providing the pressing member on the driven member, the falling prevention member can stably stands up at the side end of the slope plate in conjunction with the vertical movement of the slope plate due to the rotation of the support arm, and can be tilted on the upper surface of the slope plate. Further, the pressing member can be positioned with respect to the falling prevention member facing the slit since the abutting piece of the pressing member abuts with the sidewall surface of the slit. A positional deviation caused by a displacement in the width direction of the slope plate can be restricted by an elastic force based on the flexibility applied to the abutting piece.

The vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect preferably includes a connecting member connected to the moving member in a state of being fixed to a drive cable so as to be moved integrally with the moving member based on a driving force transmitted via the drive cable. It is preferable that the moving member has a folded plate shape and includes a lateral plate portion to which the connecting member is connected and a vertical wall portion to which the support arm is connected, and the connecting member is connected to the moving member and includes a vertical plate-shaped portion constituting the pressing portion for the engagement lever and a fitting portion that is provided at a lower end of the vertical plate-shaped portion and includes a plurality of fitting pieces sandwiching the lateral plate portion in an up-down direction.

That is, by providing the pressing portion for the engagement lever on the connecting member that is moved integrally with the moving body, it is possible to accurately control the engagement and disengagement of the engagement lever with the driven member in conjunction with the moving member that is moved in the deployment and housing directions. Accordingly, a stable operation can be ensured.

Further, an assembly operation can be facilitated by adopting a configuration in which the moving member is connected to the connecting member by fitting. Tilting of the vertical plate-shaped portion provided on the connecting member can be prevented by sandwiching the lateral plate portion of the moving member in the up-down direction using the plurality of fitting pieces. Accordingly, the increase in the sliding resistance due to a change in moving postures of the connecting member and the moving member can be avoided.

It is preferable that the vehicle slope apparatus according to the above aspect includes a housing stopper configured to restrict the movement of the moving member toward the housing direction exceeding a predetermined housing position by abutting with the moving member being moved in the housing direction, and the housing stopper is disposed at a position where the housing stopper abuts with the moving member in a state where the housing stopper and the fitting portion of the connecting member are disposed adjacently in the deployment and housing directions.

That is, the moving member is moved integrally with the connecting member based on the driving force transmitted via the drive cable. Therefore, the housing stopper can efficiently receive a load of the moving member by adopting the above configuration. Accordingly, the posture of the moving member abutted with the housing stopper can be stably maintained. As a result, it is possible to eliminate a setting of an excessive strength margin and reduce a weight of the moving member.

According to the present disclosure, the sliding resistance can be reduced.

The principles, preferred embodiment and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.