Heating type emergency release mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to an external emergency unlocking device for a door, wherein the emergency unlocking device comprises an emergency actuating device which can prevent icing by means of a heating element. The invention also relates to a corresponding passenger conveyance, in particular a rail vehicle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an external emergency unlocking device for a door of a passenger conveyance, in particular a rail vehicle, which includes an emergency actuating device.

[0002] Currently, the external emergency release mechanisms of passenger conveyances are usually designed without a cover or flap, or rarely with a cover or flap. Such a cover or flap is used to protect the emergency actuating device, such as a lever, on the one hand from misuse or accidental actuation, and on the other hand to prevent dirt or icing to ensure its function.

[0003] Under winter conditions, for example, during the period from November to March in colder regions, such as those commonly found in northeastern Europe, the Scandinavian Peninsula, or Russia and Canada, large-scale icing easily occurs.

[0004] A door device for a rail vehicle is known from DE 10 2009 043 723 A1, in which a heating device having a heating element is designed as a component of the door leaf. In particular, the heating element is arranged close to the door gap. This ensures operability even in very cold regions.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an external emergency unlocking device of the above type, which reliably and effectively ensures operability.

[0006] According to the present invention, this object is solved by the emergency unlocking device as described. Further embodiments, modifications, and improvements are derived from the following description and the appended claims.

[0007] According to a first teaching of the present invention, the previously derived and presented object is solved in such a way that the emergency actuating device includes an emergency unlocking device and at least one heating element associated therewith, and the at least one heating element prevents the emergency unlocking device and / or the emergency actuating device from icing, thereby ensuring the functionality of the emergency unlocking device and / or the emergency actuating device.

[0008] By providing one heating element (and of course several heating elements can also be provided) that protects the emergency actuating device from icing at very low temperatures, and thus icing can be counteracted in a simple manner. In this case, pipes through which a heating medium flows, or heating rods, heating wires, heating foils, and / or heating mechanisms designed in different ways can also be used. By heating the area inside and around the emergency actuating device, the formation of ice is greatly reduced or completely prevented, so that the mechanical emergency device of the emergency actuating device functions. The radiant heat also makes it easier to actuate the mechanical components of the release mechanism that may be frozen due to icing, thereby reducing the mechanical stress on the mechanism and having a positive impact on its service life and function.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, one or more heating elements can be integrated into the emergency actuation device, i.e., located inside the emergency actuation device, or located within one or more recesses, and attached to or attached onto the emergency actuation device. Similarly, the heating element can also be placed near the emergency actuation device, for example, adjacent to the emergency actuation device.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the emergency actuation device is based on a mechanical opening principle, especially to be able to bypass faulty electronic devices or sensors. Such an emergency actuation device enables the door to be opened independently of other systems of the passenger vehicle. In addition, the emergency actuation device can be configured such that the existing closing mechanism of the door can be opened purely mechanically without the effective opening actuation of an electrical / electronic operating mechanism.

[0011] This is the first time that icing can be avoided, which may occur after certain stationary times or after a long journey in the emergency release area, resulting in time delays and thus causing serious problems, such as during passenger rescue.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the external emergency unlocking device includes a cover flap. This prevents dirt from entering and basically prevents icing due to low temperatures. Therefore, icing can be effectively eliminated in combination with heating. If heating is provided by a heating element on or in the emergency actuation device, the cover flap is also protected from icing depending on the heating power.

[0013] In particular, in an embodiment with a cover flap, it is advantageous if the cover flap itself can be heated. This means that the heating element can be integrated into the cover flap, placed directly near or close to the cover flap, or located on the cover flap. It is also conceivable to place it on the mating part of the flap. It is advantageous to place the flap at a position where heat radiates to the hinge or connecting element or where the heat is located at the edge or overlapping area of the flap. Thus, it is ensured that the area of the cover flap in contact with the opposite side - for example, on the vehicle body - does not ice up when opened.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, both the cover flap and the emergency actuation device include at least one heating element. Similarly, a common, bonded, larger heating element can heat the cover flap and the emergency actuation device together. Ideally, the heating element is electrically heated. In addition, heating can also be provided by a tube (or multiple tubes) through which a heating medium flows or by a heating rod, heating wire, heating foil, etc. Waste heat from other components of the vehicle can also be used. Similarly, convective heating can also be provided. Thus, for example, a heated air flow can ensure that icing does not occur or ice is removed.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is disclosed that: at least one heating element 3 is configured as a linear heating element 3. Such linear heating elements are, for example, common in rail vehicle structures and are also used for heating input rods. Thus, they represent available and inexpensive components.

[0016] According to a further useful improvement of the present invention, the emergency actuating device is recessed into the hollow portion. For example, the hollow portion or recess is located in or on the body of the rail vehicle. In this way, by means of a suitable covering flap design, a flat structure or area is obtained on the body. Of course, another shape can also be envisaged such that the flap protrudes and is thus easier or additionally recognizable from the outside. In addition, such a hollow portion also protects the emergency actuating device from external damage, thus preventing the emergency actuating device from being stripped off.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more heating elements are mounted from the inside behind the hollow portion. If the hollow portion is designed as a separate component, it is attached to the body. In this case, one or more heating elements can advantageously be located inside behind the attachment of the hollow portion. This positioning of the heating elements has the advantage that faults in the heating elements can be repaired from the inside or the heating elements can be replaced from the inside. For example, if the heating does not start and the flap is thus frozen, access to the heating elements can still be ensured.

[0018] According to another useful improvement of the present invention, the at least one heating element is attached by bonding. Thus, reliable heat transfer is ensured. The adhesive selected for this purpose should be a material with a high heat transfer coefficient. Examples are silicone adhesives or epoxy adhesives. Higher thermal conductivity can also be provided by adding zinc oxide, silver, copper, graphite and / or aluminum powder. Adhesives based on thermoplastics are also feasible. Ceramic fillers are another possible option. Welding of the heating elements is of course also feasible. In addition, reversible fastening or attachment of the heating elements by insertion into the track system is feasible. A snap or clamping system or fixation by means of rivets or screws is also feasible. This reversible fastening also has the advantage of easy replacement. In principle, any type of mechanical fixation or material bonding fixation is feasible.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is disclosed that: the control, regulation and / or monitoring of one or more heating elements can be monitored by a thermal sensor. By means of suitable regulating and controlling electronics, the heating elements can be regulated and controlled. Thus, one or more heating elements can be switched off in a timely manner, for example at a temperature above the freezing point, and switched on when the temperature is below the freezing point. This can save energy and can also increase the service life of the heating elements. An automatically switched on / off switch is also feasible. Higher or lower heating powers are also feasible.

[0020] Ideally, the external emergency unlocking device includes a monitoring system that controls and regulates one or more heating elements through the air conditioning system. The above-mentioned automatic operation can also be coupled through the automatic air conditioning system. In this case, various gradings can be carried out, and it can be adjusted from the closed state to reducing heating or increasing heating power. The sensor can also be used to cooperate with the automatic air conditioning system to achieve a predefined temperature range. This adjustment ensures safe operation and can also save energy. Therefore, the temperature can be adjusted flexibly. For example, the heating element can keep the temperature of the support area of the valve or the area around the emergency actuating device above the freezing point and maintain this temperature for a period of time, such as until the end of the journey operation of the rail vehicle.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control and regulating device and / or one or more heating elements are operated using an autonomous energy supply device, especially using an autonomous current supply device. Therefore, the safety function can be ensured at any time. It is also conceivable to be put into operation through various power supply circuits. In any case, an emergency unlocking mechanism such as an external emergency unlocking device should have redundant power supply options.

[0022] In particular, it is conceivable that the emergency unlocking device can be connected to an autonomous energy supply device, especially to a power supply, and / or includes such a device and is connected to such a device. For example, the emergency unlocking device can include an electrical energy storage device and / or a chemical energy storage device for providing heat energy, which delivers electrical energy to the heating element or heat energy to the emergency unlocking mechanism at least when the emergency unlocking device or the emergency unlocking mechanism is actuated. In the latter case, the heating element and the device for storing heat energy can be integrated using a chemical storage principle. That is to say, the heating element and the chemical energy storage device for providing heat energy can be of an integral or one-piece design. For example, the chemical heating element can be activated by a mechanical action similar to that of a glow stick, so that the heat provided by the heating element can eliminate the icing of the emergency release mechanism.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the emergency unlocking device can be configured such that the autonomous energy storage device and / or the heating element are precisely activated by the actuation of the emergency unlocking mechanism. In particular, this can lead to the following emergency opening of the door: the first actuation of the emergency release mechanism is used to start; after a period of time when the icing is eliminated, the emergency release mechanism is actuated for the second time, whereby the door is released and can be opened.

[0024] In particular, combinations of the solutions according to the present invention discussed with each other and combinations with principles generally known to those skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The elements of the drawings are interrelated and not necessarily drawn to scale. Like reference numerals herein represent corresponding like parts.

[0026] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an external emergency unlocking device integrated into a vehicle body is shown.

[0027] Figures 2a to 2c Schematically shows an external emergency unlocking device with ( Figure 2b and 2c ) and without ( Figure 2a ) a covering flap, a cross-sectional view thereof, and different embodiments of a heating element provided.

[0028] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, suitable modifications of the illustrated embodiments are within the scope of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 An external emergency unlocking device 1 including a hollow portion 5 is shown, which is applied to the vehicle body 6 from the outside such that a recess, i.e., the hollow portion 5, is located in the vehicle body 6. An emergency actuation device 2 representing an actuation device of an emergency release mechanism is present in this recess. By activation, i.e., by turning, pushing, or pulling, the door is mechanically unlocked emergently and can thus be easily opened. In a specific embodiment, it is directly feasible to open the door by actuation. A covering flap 4 is mounted above the hollow portion 5 and connected to the hollow portion 4 by a hinge portion 7. The hinge portion 7 can of course also be located on the vehicle body 6. A closing mechanism 8 enables the covering flap 4 to be locked. The heating elements 3 shown here are located outside the hollow portion 5 and are mounted behind a fastener of the hollow portion 5 from the inside for emergency release. This means that in case of a failure, the heating elements 3 can be accessed from the outside relative to the hollow portion 5, or they can also be mounted such that they can be repaired via the vehicle interior. As shown, in this design, the heating elements 3 are located near the hinge portion 7 or the closing mechanism 8 because these elements are particularly at risk of rendering inoperable, i.e., the covering flap 4 cannot be opened, in case of icing.

[0030] Figure 2a An example of an external emergency unlocking device 1 without a covering flap is shown. The emergency actuation device 2 located in the hollow portion 5 is kept functional, i.e., protected from icing, by a heating element 3 located near the actuation mechanism. The mechanisms contained therein are thus protected from icing.

[0031] Figure 2bAn external emergency unlocking device 1 including a covering flap 4 is shown. Protecting the emergency actuating device 2 from the environment involves the risk of the covering flap 4 freezing, and this risk is eliminated by arranging the heating element 3 at least partially in the opening area of the covering flap 4. In Figure 2b the sectional view of, the heating element 3 is close to the hinge 7 and the closing mechanism 8, see Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 2c combines the advantages of the embodiments in Figure 2a and 2b . It protects the covering flap 4 and the emergency actuating device 2 from freezing by means of the heating element 3.

[0033] List of reference numerals

[0034] 1 External emergency unlocking device

[0035] 2 Emergency actuating device

[0036] 3 Heating element

[0037] 4 Covering flap

[0038] 5 Hollow part

[0039] 6 Vehicle body

[0040] 7 Hinge

[0041] 8 Closing mechanism.

Claims

1. An external emergency unlocking device (1) for a door of a rail vehicle, the external emergency unlocking device comprising an emergency actuating device (2), a covering flap (4) and at least one heating element (3), wherein, the heating element (3) is provided on the external emergency unlocking device (1) and / or the emergency actuating device (2) such that the emergency actuating device (2) can be prevented from icing up by means of the heating element (3), and wherein the covering flap (4) comprises at least one heating element (3), and / or wherein the covering flap (4) and the emergency actuating device (2) comprise at least one heating element (3).

2. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the emergency actuating device (2) does not act as a standard opening actuating device for the door.

3. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the at least one heating element (3) is electrically heated and / or is a linear heating element (3).

4. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising a hollow portion (5), wherein, the emergency actuating device (2) is embedded in the hollow portion (5).

5. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, the at least one heating element (3) is mounted on the rear side of the hollow portion (5) facing the rail vehicle and is mounted from the inside behind the hollow portion (5).

6. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the at least one heating element (3) is mounted by adhesion.

7. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, the adhesion is carried out by means of a thermally conductive adhesive.

8. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, the thermally conductive adhesive is a two-component adhesive based on epoxy resin or silicone.

9. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the control, regulation and / or monitoring of the at least one heating element (3) can be monitored by a thermal sensor and regulated by control electronics.

10. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the control, regulation and / or monitoring of the at least one heating element (3) is carried out by means of an air-conditioning system.

11. The external emergency unlocking device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, the control electronics and / or the heating element are operated by means of an autonomous energy supply.

12. A door assembly for a rail vehicle, the door assembly comprising a door and a standard opening actuating device for opening and closing the door during the intended operation of the rail vehicle and an external emergency unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. The door assembly according to claim 12, which comprises a closing mechanism for locking the door in the door frame of the rail vehicle, wherein, The emergency actuating device is configured such that the closing mechanism can be opened purely mechanically without an effective opening actuation of an electrical / electronic actuation mechanism.

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