JP7798702B2 - Vehicle ramp device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle ramp device.

Conventionally, there are vehicle ramp devices that deploy a ramp plate at the bottom of a door opening. For example, in the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the ramp device is installed in a storage box located under the floor. Furthermore, this conventional ramp device has a drive source that moves the ramp plate in the deploying and retracting directions. This makes it possible to quickly create a continuous ramp at the door opening, even when there is an occupant in a wheelchair, stroller, or carrying a large suitcase.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-131784

However, in vehicles, external forces may act on the slope plate in addition to the driving force and the weight of the user. These external forces may cause the slope plate to move.

Various aspects of a vehicle ramp device that solves the above problems will be described.
The vehicle slope device of aspect 1 comprises a slope plate that is deployed at the bottom of a door opening by moving in a deployment direction and that is stored in a storage section provided on the vehicle body by moving in a storage direction, a drive device that drives the slope plate in the deployment and storage directions, and a control device that controls the operation of the drive device, and when the slope plate has moved in the deployment direction from a storage position where it is stored in the storage section while the vehicle is traveling, the control device drives the slope plate in the storage direction.

With the above configuration, even if an external force, such as centrifugal force during a turn, acts on a slope plate stored in a storage area of the vehicle, moving it in the deployment direction, i.e., pulling it out of the vehicle, the slope plate can be prevented from protruding outside the vehicle. This ensures a high level of safety.

A vehicle slope device according to aspect 2 is the vehicle slope device according to aspect 1, wherein the control device executes braking control to apply a braking force to the slope plate after the slope plate, driven in the storage direction, reaches the storage position.

With this configuration, the slope plate can be stably held in its stored position against the input of external forces that move the slope plate in the deployment direction. This ensures a high level of safety.

A vehicle slope device of Aspect 3 is the vehicle slope device described in Aspect 2, wherein the slope plate can be moved by manual operation, and the control device reduces the braking force when a request for manual operation is made after the vehicle has come to a stop.

In other words, when the vehicle is stopped, it is assumed that an external force that would move the slope plate in the deployment direction is unlikely to be applied. Therefore, with the above configuration, the slope plate is held in the stored position by applying a braking force, ensuring high safety, while the user can manually deploy the slope plate. This ensures convenience.

A vehicle slope device according to aspect 4 is the vehicle slope device according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein the control device reduces the braking force when the vehicle activation signal is turned off after the vehicle has come to a stop.

In other words, when the activation signal is turned off, the vehicle enters a deactivated state, meaning it is unable to move. This is thought to make it even more difficult for an external force to be input that would move the slope plate in the deployment direction to occur. Therefore, with the above configuration, the application of braking force keeps the slope plate in the retracted position, ensuring high safety, while reducing energy consumption due to the execution of braking control.

A vehicle slope device according to aspect 5 is the vehicle slope device according to any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the control device reduces the braking force when a predetermined time has elapsed after the vehicle has come to a stop.

In other words, if the vehicle remains stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer, it is assumed that the vehicle is even less susceptible to the input of an external force that would move the ramp plate in the deployment direction. Therefore, with the above configuration, the application of braking force keeps the ramp plate in the retracted position, ensuring high safety, while reducing energy consumption due to the execution of braking control.

A vehicle slope device according to aspect 6 is a vehicle slope device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, in which the control device executes notification control when the slope plate moves from the stored position in the deployment direction while the vehicle is traveling.

This configuration allows vehicle occupants and those around them to be notified that the ramp has been deployed while the vehicle is in motion. At the same time, they can be warned about the ramp being driven in the retracting direction.

This invention prevents the slope plate from protruding outside the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a slope device. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a slope device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slope device provided below the door opening. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slope device provided below the door opening. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a slope device. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a vehicle equipped with a slope device. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the slope plate moves from the stored position while the vehicle is traveling. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for forced storage control. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for storage position maintenance control.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle slope device will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2, a vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a vehicle body 2 that is generally rectangular and box-shaped and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. A door opening 3, through which passengers can get in and out, is provided on a side surface 2s of the vehicle body 2. A pair of sliding doors 4f, 4r that open and close in opposite directions in the vehicle front-rear direction are provided in this door opening 3.

That is, the sliding door 4f on the front side of the vehicle opens when it moves toward the front of the vehicle, and closes when it moves toward the rear of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the sliding door 4r on the rear side of the vehicle opens when it moves toward the rear of the vehicle, and closes when it moves toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, each of these sliding doors 4f, 4r is configured as a power sliding door device that opens and closes based on the driving force of an actuator (not shown). The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the sliding doors 4f, 4r open and close the door opening 3 in a linked manner.

(Slope device)
The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is also provided with a slope device 11 that deploys a slope plate 10 at the bottom end of the door opening 3 when the door opening 3 is in an open state. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment allows occupants to easily get in and out of the door opening 3 by using the ramp 12 formed by the slope plate 10, even if they are carrying, for example, a wheelchair, a stroller, or a carry case.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the slope device 11 is installed in a storage box 13 serving as a storage section provided in the vehicle body 2 below the door opening 3. Specifically, the storage box 13 has an opening 13a facing the same direction as the door opening 3. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured to deploy the slope plate 10 stored in the storage box 13 outside the vehicle through this opening 13a, and then store the deployed slope plate 10 back into the storage box 13.

More specifically, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is equipped with a pair of guide rails 20, 20 that extend in the direction of deployment and storage of the slope plate 10 that is deployed from the storage box 13 to the lower end of the door opening 3, i.e., that extend in the depth direction within the storage box 13.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the guide rails 20, 20 are arranged approximately parallel to each other, sandwiching the slope plate 10 in the storage box 13 from both sides in the width direction. The slope device 11 of this embodiment also includes a pair of movable bodies 21, 21 that are engaged with the guide rails 20 and are slidable along the extension direction of the engaged guide rails 20. The slope device 11 also includes a pair of support arms 22, 22 that are rotatably connected to the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 and to the movable bodies 21. In other words, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the support arms 22, 22 form a connecting mechanism 23 between the slope plate 10 and the movable bodies 21, 21. This allows the slope plate 10 to move in the deployment and storage directions in conjunction with the movable bodies 21, 21.

(actuator)
The slope device 11 of this embodiment also includes an actuator 25 that uses a motor 24 as a drive source to apply a driving force to the slope plate 10. In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the actuator 25 is disposed inside the storage box 13, behind the rear ends 20r of the guide rails 20. The slope device 11 of this embodiment also includes a pair of drive cables 26 arranged along the extension direction of the guide rails 20. Note that in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, these drive cables 26 are inserted into casing pipes 26x, and are routed from the actuator 25 to the rear ends 20r of the guide rails 20. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the moving bodies 21 move along the extension direction of the guide rails 20 based on the driving force of the actuator 25 transmitted via the drive cables 26.

Specifically, the actuator 25 of this embodiment has a drive gear 27 that rotates based on the driving force generated by the motor 24. The actuator 25 is configured so that each drive cable 26, 26 meshes with the drive gear 27 at two positions radially sandwiching the drive gear 27. In other words, the actuator 25 of this embodiment slides the drive cables 26, 26 along the extension direction of the guide rails 20, 20 as the drive gear 27 rotates. Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the movable bodies 21, 21 are connected to the ends of the drive cables 26, 26. As a result, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the movable bodies 21, 21, together with the drive cables 26, 26, slide in the deployment and retraction direction of the slope plate 10 while being guided by the guide rails 20, 20.

(Deployment and storage operations)
More specifically, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the slope plate 10 is housed in the storage box 13 with a substantially horizontal posture maintained based on the engagement force of the movable body 21 and the support arm 22 with the guide rail 20. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the slope plate 10 moves integrally with the movable body 21 and the support arm 22 in the unfolding and retracting directions along the extension direction of the guide rail 20 while maintaining this substantially horizontal posture.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the slope device 11 of this embodiment deploys the slope plate 10 outside the vehicle in a manner that its front end 10f protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the side edge 1s of the vehicle 1 where the storage box 13 is provided. Furthermore, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, when the slope plate 10 is deployed, its rear end 10r disengages from the front ends 20f, 20f of the guide rails 20, 20, allowing tilting relative to the moving body 21 and support arm 22. As a result, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the front end 10f of the slope plate 10 touches the ground due to its own weight.

Furthermore, in this state, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, the support arm 22 interposed between the moving body 21 and the slope plate 10 rotates, thereby lifting the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10. As a result, the slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the slope plate 10 forms a ramp 12, bringing the rear end 10r closer to the vehicle floor 28.

In the slope device 11 of this embodiment, a floor engagement portion 29 is provided at the rear end portion 10r of the slope plate 10. The slope device 11 of this embodiment is configured so that the load of the slope plate 10 is supported by the vehicle floor 28 when this floor engagement portion 29 engages with the edge portion 28e of the vehicle floor 28.

(Control device)
6, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the operation of the actuator 25 of the slope device 11 is controlled by a control device 30. The operation of the actuators 31 of the sliding doors 4f, 4r configured as a power sliding door device is also controlled by the control device 30.

Specifically, the control device 30 of this embodiment receives an operation input signal Scr to an operation input unit 32 provided in the vehicle 1, such as a driver's seat (not shown). That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the control device 30 receives, as its operation input signal Scr, requests from the vehicle 1 crew to operate the sliding doors 4f, 4r and a request to operate the slope device 11. The control device 30 of this embodiment is equipped with a door control unit 33 that controls the opening and closing operations of the sliding doors 4f, 4r based on these operation requests, and a slope control unit 34 that controls the deployment and retraction operations of the slope plate 10.

In this embodiment, the control device 30 receives a pulse signal Sp synchronized with the operation of the actuator 25. Furthermore, the control device 30 counts this pulse signal Sp to detect the movement position P and movement speed V of the slope plate 10. The slope control unit 34 in this embodiment is configured to acquire this movement position P and movement speed V to perform drive control of the slope plate 10.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6, the control device 30 of this embodiment receives an image Vd of the exterior of the vehicle captured by a camera 35 installed in the vehicle 1. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the camera 35 is installed, for example, above the door opening 3 or inside the passenger compartment 36. The control device 30 of this embodiment also includes an image analysis unit 37 that analyzes the image Vd captured by the camera 35, and an occupant detection unit 38 that detects an occupant of the vehicle 1 using the door opening 3 based on the results of this image analysis. The control device 30 of this embodiment then automatically opens and closes the sliding doors 4f, 4r based on the results of this occupant detection, and also has the function of deploying and retracting the slope device 11 in conjunction with the sliding doors 4f, 4r.

(Forced storage control)
Next, the forced storage control of the slope plate 10 executed by the control device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the control device 30 of this embodiment monitors the movement position P of the slope plate 10 stored in the storage box 13 while the vehicle 1 is traveling (step 101: YES). Specifically, the control device 30 determines whether the slope plate 10 has moved in the unfolding direction from the storage position P0 in the storage box 13 that serves as its storage unit (step 102). Then, when the slope plate 10 has moved in the unfolding direction from the storage position P0 while the vehicle 1 is traveling (step 102: YES), the control device 30 of this embodiment is configured to drive the slope plate 10 in the unfolding direction (step 103).

In other words, when a traveling vehicle 1 turns, centrifugal force acts on the slope plate 10 stored in the storage box 13, pulling the slope plate 10 out of the vehicle, that is, pulling it in the unfolding direction.

With this in mind, as shown in Figure 5, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, when the slope plate 10 is moved to the storage position P0, the slope-side engaging portion 51 provided at the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 engages with the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 52 provided on the vehicle body 2. The slope-side engaging portion 51 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 52 form a holding mechanism 55 that holds the slope plate 10 stored in the storage box 13 at the storage position P0.

However, if a centrifugal force greater than the holding force of the holding mechanism 55 acts on the slope plate 10, or if the holding mechanism 55 malfunctions, the slope plate 10 may move from the stored position P0 in the deployed direction while the vehicle is in motion. In such a case, the control device 30 of this embodiment uses the driving force of the actuator 25 to forcibly move the slope plate 10, which has moved in the deployed direction, in the stored direction. The slope device 11 of this embodiment then returns the slope plate 10 to the stored position P0, thereby ensuring a high level of safety.

In step 101, the control device 30 of this embodiment determines that the vehicle 1 is traveling if the vehicle speed Vs is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. In step 102, the control device 30 detects movement from the storage position P0 based on, for example, the output signal Sds (see FIG. 6) of a storage switch (not shown) installed in the storage box 13 together with the holding mechanism 55, or a detected change in the movement position P. Furthermore, the control device 30 of this embodiment determines, as a requirement for executing forced storage control, that drives the slope plate 10 in the storage direction after it has moved in the deployment direction, if the unfolding operation of the slope plate 10 is not a normal unfolding operation based on the driving force of the actuator 25, or if there is no communication error, etc. Then, in conjunction with the execution of forced storage control that moves the slope plate 10 in the storage direction based on the driving force of the actuator 25, the control device 30 of this embodiment executes notification control using the notification device 60, such as sounding the buzzer 57 (see FIG. 7, step 104).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, while forced storage control is being executed (step 201: YES), the control device 30 of this embodiment determines whether the movement position P of the slope plate 10, which is driven in the storage direction, has reached the storage position P0 (step 202). Furthermore, if the slope plate 10 has reached the storage position P0 (step 202: YES), the control device 30 controls the operation of the actuator 25 to apply a braking force to the slope plate 10. The control device 30 of this embodiment is thereby configured to hold the slope plate 10 at the storage position P0 (storage position holding control, step 203).

Specifically, the control device 30 of this embodiment executes electromagnetic brake control using the motor 24 of the actuator 25 as the braking control constituting the storage position maintenance control of step 203. That is, the actuator 25 of this embodiment is driven by a brushless motor having a three-phase (U, V, W) motor coil. Furthermore, during storage position maintenance control, the control device 30 of this embodiment executes so-called "fixed-phase energization" or "single-phase energization" energization control, in which power is supplied to the motor 24 of the actuator 25 with a fixed energization phase. In other words, the motor 24 generates a force that maintains the electrical rotation angle corresponding to that energization phase. This allows the slope device 11 of this embodiment to stably maintain the slope plate 10 in the storage position P0 based on the braking force applied to the slope plate 10 via the drive cable 26 (see FIG. 5).

In addition, if it is determined in step 202 that the slope plate 10 has not reached the storage position P0 (step 202: YES), the storage drive of the slope plate 10 continues as a forced storage control (step 204). The buzzer 57, which is activated in conjunction with the storage drive of the slope plate 10 (see Figure 7, step 104), continues to sound until a predetermined time has elapsed or the slope plate 10 reaches the storage position P0.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the control device 30 of this embodiment determines whether the vehicle 1 is stopped (step 302) while the storage position maintenance control is being executed (step 301: YES). The control device 30 of this embodiment determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped if the vehicle speed Vs is equal to or less than a predetermined speed. Furthermore, if the vehicle 1 is stopped (step 302: YES), the control device 30 determines whether there is an operation request to deploy the slope plate 10 based on the operation input signal Scr (step 303). If there is such a deployment operation request (step 302: YES), the control device 30 of this embodiment terminates the application of braking force through the execution of the storage position maintenance control and executes deployment control of the slope plate 10 based on the driving force of the actuator 25 (step 304).

Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 is stopped (step 302: YES and step 303: NO), the control device 30 of this embodiment determines whether the control mode of the slope plate 10 has been changed to "manual operation mode" (step 305). That is, the slope device 11 of this embodiment allows the user to manually deploy the slope plate 10 stored in the storage box 13 by pulling it out of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is provided with a switch for changing the control mode of the slope plate 10, for example, on the driver's handle (not shown). Then, the control device 30 of this embodiment detects a request to change to this "manual operation mode," i.e., a manual operation request by the user, based on an operation input indicating that the control mode of the slope plate 10 should be changed, as indicated by the operation input signal Scr.

Furthermore, in step 305, if the control mode of the slope plate 10 is changed to the "manual operation mode" (step 305: YES), the control device 30 of this embodiment reduces the braking force applied to the slope plate 10 (step 306). Specifically, the control device 30 of this embodiment starts executing the storage position maintenance control while applying a relatively strong braking force that can hold the slope plate 10 in the storage position P0 against external forces (see FIG. 7, step 103). Furthermore, when a request to change to the "manual operation mode" is made, the control device 30 reduces the braking force applied by executing the storage position maintenance control to a level that allows the user to manually unfold the slope plate 10 held in the storage position P0. The control device 30 of this embodiment is then configured to continue the storage position maintenance control with this reduced braking force.

In addition, when the vehicle 1 is stopped (step 302: YES, step 303: NO, and step 305: NO), the control device 30 of this embodiment determines whether the ignition signal Sig, which serves as a start signal for the vehicle 1, has been turned off (step 307). Even when the ignition signal Sig has been turned off (step 307: YES), the control device 30 is configured to continue control of the slope plate 10 to maintain its stored position with the applied braking force reduced in step 306.

Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 is stopped (step 302: YES, step 303: NO, step 305: NO, and step 307: NO), the control device 30 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle 1 entered the stopped state (step 308). Even if the predetermined time has elapsed (step 308: YES), the control device 30 continues to control the slope plate 10 to maintain its stored position with the applied braking force reduced in step 306.

(effect)
That is, in the slope device 11 of this embodiment, when the slope plate 10 moves in the unfolding direction from the storage position P0 while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the slope plate 10 is driven in the storage direction based on the driving force of the actuator 25. This prevents the slope plate 10 from protruding outside the vehicle while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

Furthermore, after the slope plate 10 driven in the storage direction reaches the storage position P0, a braking force is applied to the slope plate 10. As a result, the slope plate 10 is held in the storage position P0.

Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The slope device 11 includes a slope plate 10 that moves in the deployment direction to be deployed at the bottom of the door opening 3 and moves in the storage direction to be stored in a storage box 13 that serves as a storage section provided in the vehicle body 2. The slope device 11 also includes an actuator 25 that serves as a drive device for driving the slope plate 10 in the deployment and storage directions, and a control device 30 that controls the operation of the actuator 25. When the slope plate 10 has moved in the deployment direction from a storage position P0 where it is stored in the storage box 13 while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the control device 30 controls the operation of the actuator 25 to drive the slope plate 10 in the storage direction.

With the above configuration, even if an external force, such as centrifugal force during a turn, acts on the slope plate 10 stored in the storage box 13, moving it in the deployment direction, i.e., pulling it out of the vehicle, the slope plate 10 can be prevented from protruding outside the vehicle. This ensures a high level of safety.

(2) After the slope plate 10 driven in the storage direction reaches the storage position P0, the control device 30 applies a braking force to the slope plate 10 by executing electromagnetic brake control using the motor 24 of the actuator 25 as braking control.

With the above configuration, even if the holding mechanism 55 for the slope plate 10 malfunctions, the slope plate 10 can be stably held in its stored position P0 against the input of an external force that moves the slope plate 10 in the deployment direction. This ensures a high level of safety.

(3) The ramp plate 10 is configured to be manually operable to move in the deploying and retracting directions. The control device 30 then reduces the braking force applied to the ramp plate 10 when the control mode of the ramp plate 10 is changed to the "manual operation mode" after the vehicle 1 comes to a stop, i.e., when a manual operation is requested.

In other words, when the vehicle 1 is stopped, it is assumed that an external force that would move the slope plate 10 in the deployment direction is unlikely to be input. Therefore, with the above configuration, the slope plate 10 is held in the storage position P0 by applying a braking force, ensuring high safety, while the slope plate 10 can be deployed manually by the user. This ensures convenience.

(4) After the vehicle 1 comes to a stop, when the ignition signal Sig, which serves as a start signal for the vehicle 1, is turned off, the control device 30 reduces the braking force applied to the slope plate 10.

In other words, when the ignition signal Sig is turned off, the vehicle 1 is in a non-start state, meaning it is not moving. This is presumably what makes it even more difficult for an external force to be input that would move the slope plate 10 in the deployment direction. Therefore, with the above configuration, the application of braking force keeps the slope plate 10 in the stored position P0, ensuring high safety, while reducing energy consumption due to the execution of braking control.

In particular, in electromagnetic brake control, which supplies power to the motor 24 of the actuator 25 with a fixed current phase, heat generation in the motor coil due to this current flow can be a problem. However, by reducing the braking force as described above, this heat generation can be suppressed, thereby ensuring high safety and reliability.

(5) When a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle 1 came to a stop, the control device 30 reduces the braking force applied to the slope plate 10 .
In other words, if the vehicle 1 is kept stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is in a state where it is even less likely to receive an external force that would move the slope plate 10 in the deploying direction. Therefore, with the above configuration, the application of braking force keeps the slope plate 10 in the stored position P0, ensuring high safety, while reducing energy consumption due to the execution of the braking control.

(6) If the control device 30 determines that the slope plate 10 has moved from the storage position P0 in the deployment direction while the vehicle 1 is traveling, it executes notification control to sound the buzzer 57.

The above configuration makes it possible to notify the occupants of the vehicle 1 and those around them that the slope plate 10 has been deployed while the vehicle is in motion. At the same time, it is possible to draw attention to the slope plate 10 being driven in the retracting direction.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

- The configuration for moving the slope plate 10 in the unfolding and retracting directions, including the actuator 25 as a driving device, may be modified as desired. The actuator 25 does not necessarily have to be driven by the motor 24. It does not necessarily have to be cable-driven.

- In the above embodiment, the braking control of the slope plate 10 executed as the storage position maintenance control is electromagnetic brake control using the motor 24 of the actuator 25, specifically, energization control with a fixed energization phase, known as "single-phase energization" or "fixed-phase energization." However, this is not limited to this, and the electromagnetic brake control may also be configured to execute regenerative brake control. In this case, the regenerative brake control may be configured to regenerate the regenerative current generated in the motor coil to the battery, or may be so-called short brake control in which the motor coil is short-circuited and consumed internally.

- Furthermore, methods for reducing the braking force applied to the slope plate 10 after the vehicle has come to a stop include lowering the duty ratio of the current control for the motor coil, or switching the form of electromagnetic brake control from current control with a fixed current phase to regenerative brake control.

Furthermore, the type of braking control executed as storage position maintenance control is not necessarily limited to electromagnetic brake control. For example, in a configuration in which the actuator 25 uses a drive unit equipped with a worm and wheel with a so-called self-locking function and an electromagnetic clutch, braking force may be applied by turning the electromagnetic clutch on and off. Furthermore, braking force may be applied by other mechanical means. The control device 30 may also be configured to control the operation of a brake device provided separately from the actuator 25.

- The strength of the braking force applied to the slope plate 10 may be set arbitrarily. However, when braking control is initiated as storage position maintenance control, it is desirable to apply a relatively strong braking force that can counteract the external force input to the slope plate 10. Furthermore, when the braking force applied to the slope plate 10 is reduced after the vehicle 1 has come to a halt, it is desirable to strike an appropriate balance between the benefits obtained from the reduction in braking force and the stable maintenance of the slope plate 10 by that braking force. Furthermore, a configuration in which such a reduction in braking force is not performed is also possible.

- In the above embodiment, if the vehicle speed Vs is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, the vehicle 1 is determined to be moving. If the vehicle speed Vs is equal to or less than the predetermined speed, the vehicle 1 is determined to be stopped. However, this is not limiting, and the manner in which the vehicle 1 is determined to be moving and stopped may be changed as desired.

- In the above embodiment, notification control is executed when the slope plate 10 is moved in the storage direction based on the driving force of the actuator 25. This notification control continues until a predetermined time has elapsed or until the slope plate 10 reaches the storage position P0. However, this is not limited to this, and the start and end timing of the notification control may be set arbitrarily. For example, the start timing does not necessarily have to coincide with the storage drive of the slope plate 10. In other words, if the slope plate 10 has moved in the deployment direction from the storage position P0 while the vehicle 1 is traveling, notification control may be executed regardless of the start timing.

- In the above embodiment, the buzzer 57 sounds when the notification control is executed. However, this is not limited to this, and the configuration of the notification device 60 may be changed as desired. For example, it may be configured to output sound other than the buzzer 57, such as audio output using a speaker. Furthermore, it may be configured to perform the notification control using optical or visual output, such as a flashing lamp or a display.

- In the above embodiment, the slope plate 10 forms a ramp 12 at the lower end of the door opening 3 by lifting the rear end 10r of the slope plate 10 that is deployed outside the vehicle from the storage box 13, bringing the rear end 10r closer to the vehicle floor 28. However, this is not limited to this, and the configuration in which the slope plate 10 forms the ramp 12 may be modified as desired. For example, the slope plate 10 may simply form the ramp 12 by having the front end 10f of the slope plate 10 deployed at the lower end of the door opening 3 contact the ground due to its own weight.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Vehicle 2... Vehicle body 3... Door opening 10... Slope plate 11... Slope device 13... Storage box (storage section)
25...Actuator (drive device)
30...Control device P0...Storage position

Claims (6)

a slope plate that moves in a deployment direction to be deployed at a lower end of the door opening and moves in a storage direction to be stored in a storage section provided in the vehicle body;
a drive device that drives the slope plate in the deployment and storage directions;
a control device that controls the operation of the drive device,
The vehicle ramp device, wherein the control device drives the slope plate in the storage direction when the slope plate has moved in the deployment direction from a storage position stored in the storage section while the vehicle is traveling. 2. The vehicle slope device according to claim 1,
the control device executes braking control to apply a braking force to the slope plate after the slope plate driven in the storage direction reaches the storage position;
A vehicle ramp device characterized by: 3. The vehicle slope device according to claim 2,
The slope plate can be moved by manual operation,
The vehicle ramp device is characterized in that the control device reduces the braking force when there is a request for manual operation after the vehicle has come to a stop. 3. The vehicle slope device according to claim 2,
The vehicle ramp device is characterized in that the control device reduces the braking force when an activation signal for the vehicle is turned off after the vehicle has come to a stop. 3. The vehicle slope device according to claim 2,
The vehicle ramp device is characterized in that the control device reduces the braking force when a predetermined time has elapsed after the vehicle has come to a stop. The vehicle slope device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vehicle slope device is characterized in that the control device executes an alarm control when the slope plate moves from the stored position in the deployment direction while the vehicle is traveling.