The invention relates to running boards for a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a power retractable rocker board movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
Retractable running boards or steps are well-known in the art for allowing users to enter and exit a motor vehicle having a high ground clearance. These so-called retractable running boards or steps are generally movable between a retracted position, in which a step is tucked underneath an underbody of the motor vehicle, and an extended position, in which the step is spaced apart from the underbody of the motor vehicle for supporting the user. It is desirable to provide integrate the retractable running board into the corresponding body portion of the motor vehicle in order to improve the overall styling of the motor vehicle.
According to one aspect of the invention, a running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes an arm adapted to be fixedly coupled to the motor vehicle. A pivot shaft extends through the arm and is rotatable relative thereto. A step is fixedly secured to the pivot shaft and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A motor is operably coupled to the pivot shaft such that actuation of the motor rotates the pivot shaft relative to the arm to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position.
The invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Referring to
The running board assembly 10 includes an elongated step, generally indicated at 16, coupled to each of the first 12 and second 14 arms. The step 16 includes a main body portion 17 extending longitudinally between a first end 18 and an opposing second end 20. The step 16 defines an interior portion 21, shown in
The step 16 includes an inner end cap 22 coupled to the first end 18 of the main body portion 17 and an outer end cap 23 coupled to the inner end cap 22 by an end cap screw. The step 16 also includes an inner end cap 24 coupled to the second end 20 of the main body portion 17 and an outer end cap 26 coupled to the inner end cap 24 by an end cap screw 28. A step tread 30 is disposed along a top surface of the step 16. More specifically, the step tread 30 may extend along a top surface of the main body portion 17 and the end caps 22, 23, 24, 26 of the step 16. It is contemplated that a bottom surface of the step 16 may have a Class A finish.
A motor 32, shown in
Referring to
The pivot shaft 48 is also fixedly secured to the step 16. Therefore, rotational movement of the pivot shaft 48 will pivot the step 16 between the stowed and deployed positions. The pivot shaft 48 also extends through an opening 49 in a distal end 51 of the second arm 14. As such, the step 16 is operably coupled to the second arm 14. A pivot bearing 50 and a bearing 52 are also disposed along the pivot shaft 48.
A clutch assembly, generally indicated at 54, is provided to decouple the pivot shaft 48 from the motor 32 to allow manual movement of the step 16 between the stowed position and the deployed position. The clutch assembly 54 includes an arm clutch plate 56, a gear clutch plate 58, a clutch spring 60, and a spring nut 62. A pivot washer 64 and a lock ring 66 are located adjacent the clutch assembly 54.
It is appreciated that the motor 32 and the drive components (the pinion shaft 36, the drive gear 42, the driven gear 46, and the pivot shaft 48) are all located within the interior portion 21 of the step 16 or within an interior portion 67 of at least one of the end caps 22, 23, 24, 26 of the step 16, thus reducing the overall packaging space of the running board assembly 10. Further packaging space can be saved by integrating the step 16 into the rocker panel such that the step 16 is flush with the rocker body surfaces while in the stowed position.
Referring to
Referring to
In operation, starting with the step 16 in the stowed position, as shown in
To move the step 16 back to the stowed position, the motor 32 is activated to rotate the pinion shaft 36 in an opposing second direction. The rotation of the pinion shaft 36 causes meshing engagement between the drive 32 and driven 46 gears. As a result, the pivot shaft 48 rotates in a second direction relative to the second arm 14. Since the pivot shaft 48 is fixedly secured to the step 16, the step 16 moves with the pivot shaft 48 into the stowed position. This movement causes the pivot shaft 74 to rotate relative to the first arm 12 to complete the pivotal movement of the step 16 into the stowed position.
Finally, it is appreciated that the above-described invention may be modified to include a smooth belt connected between two smooth pulleys with a spring-biased tensioning device to provide a predetermined tension on the belt to allow slip between the belt and pulleys.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/CA07/02290 | 12/13/2007 | WO | 00 | 6/10/2009 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60874762 | Dec 2006 | US |