Vehicle access system

摘要

A vehicle access system and method with retractable access means (10) e.g. ladder or stairs and a retracting mechanism (25) therefor. Force applied to the access means is sufficient to retract the access means from a fully deployed position to a partially retracted position but not sufficient to not be physically resisted by a user during at least part of the retraction. With the access means in a fully retracted position, force exerted on the retracted access means can be sufficient to hold the access means in a retracted position without the need for auxiliary restraining means.

主权项

1. A vehicle access system comprising:
an access device mounted to a vehicle by an access device main pivot; and a retraction mechanism including an actuator and a linkage arrangement, the actuator including a hydraulic ram connected between the access device and the linkage arrangement, the hydraulic ram having a first end connected to the access device at a position spaced along the access device between the access device main pivot and a distal end of the access device, and the linkage arrangement having:
a first linkage connected between a second end of the hydraulic ram and a first linkage pivot on the access device, and extending from the second end of the hydraulic ram to an intermediate pivot located on the access device at a position between the main pivot and the connection of the first end of the hydraulic ram, anda second linkage connected between the hydraulic ram and a second linkage pivot mounted to the vehicle, and extending from the second end of the hydraulic ram to a body pivot point located on the vehicle to which the access device is mounted at a position offset from the access device main pivot.