Hydraulic system and passenger restraint system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic system 1 for a passenger restraint system, comprising a hydraulic pump 6 and at least one hydraulic section 5 having a hydraulic accumulator 9, a valve device 8 and a hydraulic cylinder unit 10 with a piston 11. A valve arrangement 8 is connected to the hydraulic pump 6, the hydraulic accumulator 9 and the hydraulic cylinder unit 10. The valve arrangement 8 is controllable by an advanced control unit 30, wherein the piston 11 is movable between open and closed positions. The hydraulic pump 6 is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 by switching the valve device 8 to the open switching position so that the piston 11 moves from the closed position to the open position. The hydraulic accumulator 9 is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 by switching the valve device 8 to the closed switching position such that the piston 11 moves from the open position to the closed position. The advanced controller 30 is connected to the manually operable sensor system 31, where the advanced controller 30 switches the valve device 8 to the closed position when the manually operable sensor system 31 is actuated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hydraulic system for passenger restraint devices, and to a passenger restraint system comprising at least one passenger restraint device having the hydraulic system. Passenger restraint devices in the context of this invention should be understood as passenger restraint devices for amusement rides such as 4D cinemas, simulators, VR rides, and roller coasters or carousels. Background Technology

[0002] This type of passenger restraint device is specifically used in amusement rides such as roller coasters, simulators, or other entertainment facilities. In some situations, considerable forces and accelerations act on passengers in the ride. Therefore, for safety reasons, passenger restraint devices are provided to hold passengers in the proper position in their occupied seats. Passenger restraint devices typically have hydraulically operated restraint levers for retracting and extending the restraint device. If the restraint lever retracts, the passenger restraint device closes, securing the passenger to the seat. However, if the restraint lever extends, the passenger restraint device opens, allowing the passenger to enter or exit the seat.

[0003] A hydraulic system is used to open and close passenger restraint devices. For this purpose, such a hydraulic system typically includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic accumulator, and a hydraulic cylinder unit with a piston. The piston is movably disposed within the hydraulic cylinder unit to adjust the passenger restraint devices. To open the passenger restraint devices, the hydraulic pump pressurizes the piston. Conversely, to close the passenger restraint devices, the piston is pressurized by the hydraulic accumulator.

[0004] Corresponding hydraulic systems are known from existing technologies such as WO 2019 / 229183 A1, and typically have a fixed, for example, lockable, closed position of the restraint lever. However, due to varying passenger sizes or body circumferences, a fixed locking position can result in either insufficient or excessive restraint. This leads to a lack of passenger safety and discomfort.

[0005] Furthermore, visually inspecting the closed positions of restraint bars on rides is time-consuming for amusement park staff. Rides typically have more than ten individual passenger seats, meaning that complex inspections reduce the frequency of rides. Additionally, the cost of inspection staff is often significant. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved hydraulic system that enhances the automation of passenger restraint systems, passenger safety and comfort, while reducing the workload of control.

[0007] The hydraulic system of claim 1 and the passenger restraint system of claim 14 solve this problem. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The hydraulic system for a passenger restraint device according to the present invention includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic section. The hydraulic section includes a hydraulic accumulator, a valve device, and a hydraulic cylinder unit with a piston. The valve device is connected to the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic accumulator, and the hydraulic cylinder unit. Furthermore, the valve device can be controlled by an advanced control unit. The piston is movable between an open position and a closed position. The hydraulic pump is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit by switching the valve device to an open switching position, causing the piston to move from a closed position to an open position. The hydraulic accumulator is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit by switching the valve device to a closed switching position, causing the piston to move from an open position to a closed position. The advanced control unit is connected to a manually operable sensor system. When the manually operable sensor system is actuated, the advanced control unit switches the valve device to the closed switching position.

[0009] Hydraulic systems may include advanced control units and / or manually operable sensors. However, it is also conceivable that passenger restraint devices may include advanced control units and / or manually operable sensor systems. In this case, the hydraulic system is configured to receive control signals from the advanced control unit and switch valve devices accordingly. It is also conceivable that the hydraulic system includes an advanced control unit that communicates with another control unit, such as the control unit of a passenger restraint device or amusement ride.

[0010] In other words, the hydraulic pump opens the restraint lever of the passenger restraint system, while the hydraulic accumulator closes the restraint lever to the closed position. The piston's open position corresponds to the passenger restraint's open position, allowing the passenger to move up and down. The piston's closed position corresponds to the passenger being securely restrained.

[0011] This provides a simple and highly automated hydraulic system.

[0012] The advantages of hydraulic accumulators are that the hydraulic pump does not need to run during the opening process. On the one hand, this reduces noise; on the other hand, it allows the use of a smaller hydraulic pump.

[0013] Preferably, the manually operable sensor system includes a first manual sensor. Preferably, the manually operable sensor system includes a second manual sensor. The advanced control unit preferably switches the valve device to the closed switching position only when the first and second manual sensors are simultaneously or in parallel actuated by the passenger. This ensures that the passenger does not place their hand on the closed area of ​​the restraint lever when it is closed. For the purposes of this invention, a manual sensor should be understood as a device that detects the spatial proximity of a body part or contact with a body part. Therefore, in the sense of this invention, a manual sensor can be, for example, a button, a reset switch, or a capacitive manual sensor.

[0014] Preferably, the hydraulic system includes a closing range sensor connected to the advanced control unit, wherein the closing range sensor is configured to detect, at least indirectly, the minimum closed position of the piston. This can be achieved, for example, by monitoring the piston position or by monitoring the position of the restraint lever. The advanced control unit generates a release signal, causing the ride to disengage or similar action, only when this minimum closed position is reached or exceeded.

[0015] The valve device is preferably switchable to at least a first switching position corresponding to the open switching position. Preferably, the valve device is switchable to a second switching position. In the first switching position, the hydraulic cylinder unit is preferably pressurized by a hydraulic pump at a first pressure level. In the second switching position, the hydraulic cylinder unit is preferably pressurized by a hydraulic pump at a second pressure level, wherein the second pressure level is lower than the first pressure level.

[0016] This allows the valve assembly to switch between two pressure stages, such that the hydraulic cylinder unit is subjected to high pressure when the restraint lever is open.

[0017] This allows the passenger to manually adjust the restraint bar in a favorable manner when the hydraulic cylinder unit is pressurized at the second pressure level. Conversely, if the hydraulic cylinder unit is pressurized at the first pressure level, the restraint bar cannot be adjusted by the passenger. By manually adjusting the restraint bar in the second switching position, the passenger is able to adjust the position of the restraint bar according to their size and / or body circumference, ensuring that the passenger is securely and safely held in place by the passenger restraint device. This further enhances passenger safety.

[0018] Furthermore, the hydraulic accumulator can preferably operate at a pressure lower than the hydraulic pump pressure required to close the restraint bar. Because the hydraulic cylinder unit is subjected to higher pressure from the hydraulic pump when the restraint bar is open, hydraulic fluid is fed back into the hydraulic accumulator when the piston moves to the open position. This repressurizes the hydraulic accumulator, allowing its full pressure to be used to close the restraint bar.

[0019] The hydraulic pump is preferably configured as a fixed displacement pump, meaning the pump's delivery rate is constant and cannot be adjusted. Compared to an adjustable variable displacement pump where the delivery rate can vary, the manufacturing cost of the hydraulic system can be reduced. A safety relief valve is provided between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder unit to prevent overpressure in the hydraulic system or disruption of pressure peaks.

[0020] Preferably, the valve assembly includes a first pressure-reducing valve and a first directional control valve, wherein the first directional control valve blocks the flow path to the first pressure-reducing valve in a first switching position of the valve assembly, and wherein the first directional control valve opens the flow path to the first pressure-reducing valve in a second switching position of the valve assembly, wherein the first pressure-reducing valve is configured to set a second pressure level. The second pressure level can preferably be set by the first pressure-reducing valve such that it is lower than the first pressure level. When the restraint lever is open, the first directional control valve preferably blocks the flow path to the first pressure-reducing valve, causing the hydraulic cylinder unit to be subjected to the first pressure level of the hydraulic pump. This prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing out via the first pressure-reducing valve. Therefore, when the piston is in the open position, the restraint lever can preferably be used as a handle for passenger access, because the restraint lever is held in place by a relatively high pressure at the first pressure level.

[0021] Furthermore, the valve assembly preferably includes a second directional control valve and a second pressure-reducing valve, wherein the valve assembly is capable of switching to a third switching position corresponding to the closed switching position. In the third switching position, the hydraulic cylinder unit is pressurized by the hydraulic pump at a third pressure level. The second directional control valve, in the third switching position of the valve assembly, blocks the flow path to the first pressure-reducing valve and releases it to the second pressure-reducing valve, which is configured to set the third pressure level. This allows switching between the second and third pressure levels when the constraint lever is closed. In the third pressure level, the hydraulic system moves the piston from the open position to a preferably predetermined closed position by means of a hydraulic accumulator. For example, the predetermined closed position can be the minimum closed position.

[0022] Preferably, the hydraulic accumulator is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit at a fourth pressure stage, wherein the fourth pressure stage is lower than the first pressure stage. In other words, the operating pressure of the hydraulic accumulator is lower than the operating pressure of the hydraulic pump. As a result, when the piston moves from the closed position to the open position, the hydraulic accumulator is advantageously pressurized by fluid discharged from the hydraulic cylinder unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the fourth pressure stage of the hydraulic accumulator can be lower than the second pressure stage. Therefore, the pressure difference between the fourth and second pressure stages is small, allowing the passenger to overcome it. The passenger pulls the restraint bar towards themselves, and additional pressure is applied to the already applied fourth pressure stage on the hydraulic cylinder unit to resist the second pressure stage. This additional pressure, together with the fourth pressure stage, exceeds the second pressure stage set on the first pressure-reducing valve, making manual closure possible.

[0024] When the predetermined closed position is reached, the valve device can switch to a second switching position, thereby applying a second pressure stage, making it possible to manually adjust the restraint lever of the passenger restraint device. This further enhances automation in a preferred manner and improves the position of the restraint lever for securely restraining the passenger.

[0025] Preferably, the piston can be manually moved from a predetermined closed position to a second closed position, wherein the predetermined closed position lies between the open position and the second closed position. The second closed position of the piston is variable and corresponds to the position of the passenger restraint device, in which the passenger is securely restrained according to his or her body circumference. In a preferred embodiment, the restraint bar automatically moves from the open position to the predetermined closed position, allowing the passenger to manually pull the restraint bar toward him until the restraint bar securely restrains the passenger.

[0026] However, it is also conceivable that the valve device remains in the third switching position, and the passenger closes the restraint lever to a position comfortable for the passenger by actuating a manually operable sensor system. Specifically, the passenger actuates the manually operable sensor system until the restraint lever “hits” the passenger and stops moving due to greater back pressure.

[0027] Preferably, the fourth pressure stage is higher than the third pressure stage. The pressure difference between the fourth and third pressure stages is small, allowing the closing movement of the constraint rod to be adjusted via the third pressure stage.

[0028] Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder unit is configured as a differential cylinder, and the hydraulic cylinder unit has an internal hydraulic cylinder housing, in which a piston is movably disposed. The piston divides the interior of the hydraulic cylinder housing into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, wherein the first working chamber is connected to a hydraulic accumulator and the second working chamber is connected to a hydraulic pump. Typically, a differential cylinder has a piston rod on one side of the piston surface. As a result, the entire piston surface acts on one side of the piston, with only the ring surface acting on the rod-side surface. Therefore, the differential cylinder has two working surfaces of different sizes. In this case, the rod-side surface faces the first working chamber, and the entire piston surface faces the second working chamber. The differential cylinder configuration allows for a more compact hydraulic cylinder unit.

[0029] Preferably, the valve assembly includes a third-party directional control valve between the hydraulic cylinder unit and the hydraulic accumulator, wherein the third-party directional control valve is switchable between a straight-through position and a blocking position, wherein the third-party directional control valve blocks the flow path from the hydraulic cylinder unit to the hydraulic accumulator in the blocking position, but opens the flow path from the hydraulic accumulator to the hydraulic cylinder unit in the straight-through position. In a preferred embodiment, the third-party directional control valve is switched to the straight-through position when the restraint lever is open, and switched to the blocking position when the restraint lever is closed. When the restraint lever is in its final closed position, the passenger is secured in that position, and fluid is locked in the hydraulic system. This means that the restraint lever cannot be opened during travel.

[0030] Preferably, when the piston moves from the open position to the closed position or a predetermined closed position, the valve device switches to the third switching position. As a result, the pressure in the hydraulic accumulator is greater than the third pressure level set by the second pressure reducing valve, and the hydraulic system preferably automatically moves the piston from the open position to the first closed position.

[0031] Preferably, the valve device switches to a second switching position when the piston moves from a predetermined closed position to a final closed position. As a result, the pressure in the hydraulic accumulator is lower than a second pressure stage set by a first pressure-reducing valve, so that the piston can only move to the second closed position under additional manually applied pressure.

[0032] Preferably, the predetermined closed position of the piston is adjustable. This allows the predetermined closed position of the restraint bar to be adapted in a preferred manner, such as to the physical characteristics of a particular country or to children's playground equipment. Playground equipment can also vary in terms of load, force, or acceleration values, necessitating a tighter restraint of passengers.

[0033] Preferably, the hydraulic section is a first hydraulic section, and the hydraulic system includes at least one second hydraulic section identical to the first hydraulic section. Preferably, the first hydraulic section is connected to the second hydraulic section such that the piston of the first hydraulic section can move independently of the piston of the second hydraulic section, and at least one second hydraulic section is connected to a hydraulic pump. This allows several passenger restraint devices to be operated preferably by only one hydraulic pump. Ideally, all passenger restraint devices in the amusement ride are operated by only one hydraulic pump. This results in lower manufacturing and installation costs. To prevent interference between individual hydraulic sections, each hydraulic section is equipped with a check valve. This allows, for example, restraint bars to close independently of each other.

[0034] Preferably, the hydraulic system includes a tank, such that hydraulic fluid returning from the hydraulic cylinder unit or hydraulic fluid flowing out via a pressure reducing valve returns to the tank. Preferably, for this purpose, the hydraulic system has a return passage connecting at least one hydraulic valve portion to the tank. Preferably, the hydraulic system has a supply passage connecting at least one valve portion to a hydraulic pump.

[0035] An additional accumulator is preferably connected to the flow channel. This is particularly preferred when using a lower-power hydraulic pump.

[0036] Preferably, a vent valve capable of switching between a closed and open position connects the return channel to the supply channel. By switching the vent valve, the flow channel can be directly depressurized into the return channel, allowing the restraint lever to close more quickly.

[0037] If the third-party directional control valve can be operated both electrically and manually, it is also preferred. In amusement rides with several cars, such as roller coasters, the cars are typically powered only at the platform, for example, via a current collector. When leaving the platform, the car loses power, preventing the third-party directional control valve from being electrically actuated. If the car stops on an open track or a power failure occurs, the third-party directional control valve can be manually actuated to open the restraint lever, allowing passengers to leave the car and the ride.

[0038] Preferably, the hydraulic system includes a check valve between the hydraulic cylinder unit and the hydraulic pump, which blocks the flow path from the hydraulic cylinder unit to the hydraulic pump. Combined with the blocked first directional control valve, hydraulic fluid is locked within the hydraulic cylinder unit when the piston is in the open position. This means that the restraint lever of the passenger restraint device can be used as an entry and / or exit aid for the passenger to grip.

[0039] The passenger restraint system according to the invention includes at least one passenger restraint device and a hydraulic system as described above. The passenger restraint system can include multiple passenger restraint devices that are actuated via the hydraulic system, wherein a hydraulic component is distributed to each passenger restraint device.

[0040] Preferably, the passenger restraint system includes a seat, and a manually operable sensor system is disposed on the seat. Preferably, a first manual sensor is disposed on a first side of the seat, and a second manual sensor is disposed on a second side opposite to the first side. Preferably, the manual sensors point in opposite directions. This ensures that the passenger's hands will not be placed within the movement area of ​​the restraint lever during closing.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for closing the restraint lever of a passenger restraint device using a hydraulic system, preferably the aforementioned hydraulic system. The method includes the following steps:

[0042] - A sensor system that can be manually operated by passenger actuation and housed in the passenger restraint device;

[0043] - A shut-off signal is generated by an actuated sensor system that can be manually operated;

[0044] - Receives a shutdown signal from the advanced control unit; and

[0045] - The valves of the hydraulic system are switched to the closed switching position via the advanced control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These drawings schematically illustrate:

[0047] Figure 1 This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a hydraulic system according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 It is a passenger restraint system that includes passenger restraint equipment and a hydraulic system;

[0049] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 A first view of a passenger restraint system with seats; and

[0050] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The second view of the passenger restraint system shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote corresponding or identical elements in the drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 A hydraulic circuit diagram of a hydraulic system 1 for a passenger restraint device according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A passenger restraint system 2 with a passenger restraint device 3 is shown, the passenger restraint device including a restraint bar 4 to secure the passenger in the passenger seat 7 occupied by the passenger.

[0053] The hydraulic system 1 includes a hydraulic pump 6, which is configured as a fixed displacement pump with a constant delivery rate. The hydraulic pump 6 can also be configured as a controlled variable displacement pump with a variable delivery rate. The hydraulic system 1 includes at least one hydraulic section 5. In this exemplary embodiment, although only one hydraulic section 5 is shown in its entirety, it is possible to provide two or more hydraulic sections 5, as indicated by the dashed boxes. Each hydraulic section 5 includes a valve device 8 connected to the advanced control unit 30, a hydraulic accumulator 9, and a hydraulic cylinder unit 10 with a piston 11.

[0054] from Figure 1 It can also be seen that the hydraulic system 1 includes an oil tank 22 and a return channel 23 connected to the oil tank 22. Hydraulic fluid returning from the second working chamber 16 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 returns to the oil tank 22 via the return channel 23, as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The hydraulic part 5 of the hydraulic system 1 is connected to the hydraulic pump 6 via the supply channel 25 and to the oil tank 22 via the return channel 23.

[0056] The hydraulic cylinder unit 10 includes a hydraulic cylinder housing 12 with an interior 13, within which a piston 11 is movable. The piston 11 has a piston rod 14 connected to a restraint rod 4 of the passenger restraint device 3 for opening and closing the passenger restraint device 3. The hydraulic cylinder unit 10 is configured as a differential cylinder. The piston 11 divides the interior 13 into a first chamber 15 and a second chamber 16. The first chamber 15 is connected to a hydraulic accumulator 9, and the second chamber 16 is connected to a hydraulic pump 6.

[0057] Hydraulic pump 6 is configured to pressurize the second chamber 16 of hydraulic cylinder unit 10 to move piston 11 from the closed position to the open position. For this purpose, valve device 8 is switched to the open switching position by advanced control unit 30, as will be described in more detail below. As shown, the second chamber 16 is connected to hydraulic pump 6 via pressure line 28 branching from supply channel 25. As shown, check valve 26 and adjustable flow valve 27 can be provided in pressure line 28 to regulate the inflow on the one hand and prevent backflow to hydraulic pump 6 on the other. This prevents interaction between hydraulic cylinder units 10 of the respective hydraulic sections 5. Pressure loss occurs along flow channel 25 due to the different lengths of the lines between hydraulic pump 6 and the respective hydraulic cylinder units 10. To apply the same pressure to all hydraulic cylinder units 10, the individual hydraulic sections 5 are hydraulically balanced with each other via adjustable flow valve 27.

[0058] On the other hand, the hydraulic accumulator 9 is configured to pressurize the first working chamber 15 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 to move the piston 11 from the open position to the first closed position. For this purpose, the valve device 8 is switched to the closed switching position via the advanced control unit 30, as will be described in more detail below. The open position of the piston 11 corresponds to the position of the extended restraint lever 4, and the passenger restraint device 3 is open, allowing the passenger to enter and exit the passenger seat 7. The first closed position of the piston 11 corresponds to the position of the retracted restraint lever 4, causing the passenger restraint device 3 to close to the maximum conceivable body circumference of the passenger. In the open position, the piston 11 is fixed due to the relatively high pressure and can then also be used by the passenger as a handle.

[0059] Furthermore, piston 11 can be moved to a second closed position via a manually operable sensor system 31. The first closed position lies between the open and second closed positions. The second closed position of piston 11 is variable and corresponds to the position of passenger restraint device 3, in which the passenger is securely restrained according to his or her body circumference. To move piston 11 to the second closed position, the passenger actuates the manually operable sensor system 31, and restraint lever 4 moves closer until body pressure prevents any further movement of restraint lever 4. Because only very low pressure is present here, excessive closing movement that could cause discomfort to the passenger is eliminated.

[0060] To further enhance safety, the manually operable sensor system 31 includes a first manual sensor 32 and a second manual sensor 33. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the first manual sensor 32 and the second manual sensor 33 are respectively disposed on the side of the passenger seat 7 or on the seat 35 of the passenger seat 7. Specifically, the passenger must actuate the first manual sensor 32 and the second manual sensor 33 in parallel, causing the valve device 8 to switch to the closed position via the advanced control unit 30, and the restraint lever 4 to close. This ensures that the passenger's hand is not within the range of motion of the restraint lever 4 during the closing movement. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hydraulic system 1 includes two hydraulic cylinders 10 that move the constraint rods 4. It should be understood that, as needed, the hydraulic system 1 can also be configured with only one or more hydraulic cylinders 10. For completeness, it should be noted that the constraint rods 4... Figure 3 The display shows it as fully closed (i.e., piston 11 is in the closed position). Figure 4 The image shows it as fully open (i.e., piston 11 is in the open position).

[0061] Furthermore, the hydraulic system includes a closing range sensor 34 connected to the advanced control unit 30. The closing range sensor 34 is configured to detect the minimum closing position of the piston 11 at least indirectly. A corresponding release signal is generated via the advanced control unit 30 only when the closing range sensor 34 detects that the piston 11 or the restraint lever 4 has reached or exceeded the minimum closing position. This ensures that the restraint lever 4 can be detected if it has not been fully or correctly closed by the passenger. This could happen, for example, if the passenger removes their hand from the first manual sensor 32 and / or the second manual sensor 33 before reaching the minimum closing position.

[0062] The exact configuration of valve device 8, the corresponding switching position, and the final movement of constraint rod 4 will be described below.

[0063] As described above, the valve device 8 can be switched to an open switching position and a closed switching position via the advanced control unit 30.

[0064] For this purpose, the valve assembly 8 includes a first pressure reducing valve 17, a first directional control valve 18, a second directional control valve 19, a second pressure reducing valve 20, and a third directional control valve 21. The first directional control valve 18 and the second directional control valve 19 are disposed in a branch line 29, which branches between the second working chamber 16 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 and the hydraulic pump 6 and connects to the return channel 23. The first directional control valve 18 is connected to the pressure line 28 and the second directional control valve 19. The second directional control valve 19 is disposed downstream of the first directional control valve 18 and connects the first directional control valve 18 to the return channel 23 via the first pressure reducing valve 17 or via the second pressure reducing valve 20 disposed parallel to it. The third directional control valve 21 is disposed between the first working chamber 15 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 and the hydraulic accumulator 9.

[0065] In the first switching position of valve device 8, the first directional control valve 18 blocks the flow path from pressure channel 28 to the first pressure reducing valve 17, and the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 is pressurized by the hydraulic pump 6 at a first pressure level. This causes the piston 11 to move to the open position, and the restraint rod 4 opens. This corresponds to the open switching position of valve device 8.

[0066] In the second switching position of valve assembly 8, the first directional control valve 18 opens the flow path through branch 29, and the second directional control valve 19 connects the first directional control valve 18 to the first pressure reducing valve 17, causing the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 to be pressurized by the hydraulic pump 6 at a second pressure level. The first pressure reducing valve 17 is configured to set the second pressure level. The pressure level is selected such that the first pressure level of the hydraulic pump 6 is higher than the second pressure level of the first pressure reducing valve 17. For example, the first pressure level could be 100 bar, and the second pressure level could be 60 bar.

[0067] In the third switching position of valve assembly 8, the second directional control valve 19 connects the first directional control valve 18 to the second pressure reducing valve 20. In this switching position, the hydraulic cylinder unit 10 is pressurized by the hydraulic pump 6 at a third pressure level. The second pressure reducing valve 20 is configured to set a third pressure level lower than the second pressure level. For example, the third pressure level could be 20 bar. Therefore, when the passenger restraint device 3 is deactivated, valve assembly 8 can switch between two different pressure levels.

[0068] The third-direction control valve 21 can switch between a straight-through position and a blocked position. In the straight-through position, the flow path between the first working chamber 15 and the hydraulic accumulator 9 is open in both directions. On the other hand, in the blocked position, although the flow path from the first working chamber 15 to the hydraulic accumulator 9 is blocked, the flow path from the hydraulic accumulator 9 to the first working chamber 15 is enabled.

[0069] Hydraulic accumulator 9 is configured to pressurize hydraulic cylinder unit 10 at a fourth pressure level. This fourth pressure level is lower than the first and second pressure levels but higher than the third pressure level. For example, the fourth pressure level could be 40 bar. When valve assembly 8 is in the first switching position and hydraulic pump 6 pressurizes hydraulic cylinder unit 10 at the first pressure level, causing piston 11 to move toward the open position, third directional control valve 21 switches to a straight-through position, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow back into hydraulic accumulator 9. This pressurizes hydraulic accumulator 9 to move piston 11 from the open position back to the first closed position. In other words, in the first switching position of valve assembly 8, fourth directional control valve 21 is switched to the straight-through switching position via advanced control unit 30.

[0070] If piston 11 is in the open position, valve device 8 is switched to the first switching position, causing the first directional control valve 18 to block branch 29. As a result, hydraulic cylinder unit 10 is pressurized at the first pressure level. Because the fourth pressure level of hydraulic accumulator 9 is significantly lower than the first pressure level of hydraulic pump 6, the passenger is able to support or grip the restraint rod 4 of passenger restraint device 3 and thus use it as an entry / exit aid. The first and fourth pressure levels are selected such that the sum of the fourth pressure level and the additional pressure exerted by the passenger on the restraint rod 4 and thus on piston 11 during entry and exit is less than the first pressure level. As a result, the passenger cannot move the restraint rod 4 against the first pressure level.

[0071] To move piston 11 from the open position to the closed position, valve device 8 is switched by advanced control unit 30 to a third switching position, which corresponds to the closed switching position. In this switching position, a fourth pressure stage exists in the first chamber 15 of the hydraulic cylinder unit, and a third pressure stage exists in the second chamber 16 of the hydraulic cylinder unit 10. This allows constraint lever 4 to perform a controlled or specially designed closing movement.

[0072] Therefore, two operating modes for the hydraulic system 10 or the passenger restraint system 2 are conceivable. In the first operating mode, the passenger closes the restraint lever 4 via the parallel actuation of the first manual sensor 32 and the second manual sensor 33 until the restraint lever 4 reaches a position that is both desirable and comfortable for the passenger. Specifically, this position is reached when the restraint lever 4 "hits" the passenger and no longer moves in the closing direction due to greater counter-pressure. For this purpose, the valve device 8 is switched to a third switching position. Alternatively, in the second operating mode, the passenger can close the restraint lever 4 via the parallel actuation of the first manual sensor 32 and the second manual sensor 33 until a predetermined position, such as the minimum closed position, is reached. Once this predetermined position has been reached, the valve device 8 is switched to a fourth switching position via the advanced control unit 30.

[0073] Since the second pressure stage is only slightly higher than the fourth pressure stage of the hydraulic accumulator 9, the passenger can apply sufficient pressure to the piston 11 by pulling the restraint rod 4, such that the sum of the fourth pressure stage and the pressure applied by the passenger is greater than the second pressure stage set by the first pressure reducing valve 17. This means that the piston 11 can be manually adjusted to a convenient and desired closed position.

[0074] As shown in the figure, the third directional control valve 21 can also be manually actuated to manually open the constraint lever 4 in the event of a power outage. Each of the first, second, and third directional control valves 18, 19, and 21 has a return spring that preloads the corresponding directional control valve to a position when the corresponding directional control valve is not electrically actuated and therefore de-energized. The first directional control valve 18 is preloaded to block branch 29. The third directional control valve 21 is preloaded to the aforementioned blocked position, allowing the constraint lever 4 to be further closed, but preventing the constraint lever 4 from being opened.

[0075] The hydraulic system 1 also includes a third pressure-reducing valve 24, which connects the supply passage 25 to the oil tank 22. The third pressure-reducing valve 24 is configured to set a first pressure level and prevent pressure spikes to prevent damage to the hydraulic system 1. For example, the first pressure level could be 100 bar.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the hydraulic system 10 in this embodiment includes an auxiliary accumulator 36 and a discharge valve 37, which is controllable by an advanced control unit 30. The auxiliary accumulator 36 is connected to the flow channel 25, and the discharge valve 37 connects the return channel 23 to the flow channel 25. As shown, the discharge valve 37 is preloaded to the closed position via a corresponding spring, in which the connection between the return channel 23 and the flow channel 25 is blocked. When the discharge valve 37 is activated by the advanced control unit 30, the discharge valve 37 is opened and switched to the open position, in which the return channel 23 is connected to the flow channel 25.

[0077] By switching the discharge valve 37, the return channel 23 can be short-circuited with the supply channel 25, thereby enabling a faster closing movement of the constraint rod 4, since the volumetric flow rate is discharged directly to the oil tank 22 without passing through the valve device 8. On the other hand, the auxiliary accumulator 36 supports the hydraulic pump 6 during the opening movement. Therefore, the auxiliary accumulator 36 is particularly preferred when using a lower-power hydraulic pump 6.

[0078] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used herein to distinguish different components, these components are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish components from each other and do not specify a particular order. Thus, for example, the first component mentioned above can be referred to as the second component, and vice versa. List of reference numerals 1 Hydraulic System 2 Passenger restraint system 3 Passenger restraint equipment 4 constraint bars 5 Hydraulic components 6 hydraulic pumps 7 passenger seats 8 valve devices 9 Hydraulic accumulators 10 hydraulic cylinder units 11 Pistons 12 Hydraulic Cylinder Housing 13 Internal 14 Piston Rod Studio 15 Studio 16 17 First pressure reducing valve 18 First Direction Control Valve 19 Second direction control valve 20 Second pressure reducing valve 21 Third-party directional control valve 22 fuel tanks 23 Return Channel 24 Third pressure reducing valve 25 flow channels 26 Check Valve 27 Throttle Valve 28 pressure lines 29 branch roads 30 Advanced Controls 31. Manually operable sensor systems 32 First manual sensor 33 Second manual sensor 34. Close the range sensor 35 seats 36 Additional Accumulators 37 Discharge Valve

Claims

1. A hydraulic system (1) for a passenger restraint device (3), wherein the hydraulic system (1) comprises a hydraulic pump (6) and at least one hydraulic component (5) having a hydraulic accumulator (9), a valve assembly (8), and a hydraulic cylinder unit (10) with a piston (11), The valve device (8) is connected to the hydraulic pump (6), the hydraulic accumulator (9), and the hydraulic cylinder unit (10). The valve device (8) can be controlled by an advanced control unit (30). The piston (11) is movable between an open position and a closed position. The hydraulic pump (6) is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) by switching the valve device (8) to the open switching position, causing the piston (11) to move from the closed position to the open position. The hydraulic accumulator (9) is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) by switching the valve device (8) to the closed switching position, causing the piston (11) to move from the open position to the closed position. The advanced control unit (30) is connected to a manually operable sensor system (31), and When the manually operable sensor system (31) is activated, the advanced control unit (30) switches the valve device (8) to the closed switching position.

2. The hydraulic system (1) according to claim 1, Its features are: The manually operable sensor system (31) includes a first manual sensor (32).

3. The hydraulic system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are: The manually operable sensor system (31) includes a second manual sensor (33), wherein when the first manual sensor (31) and the second manual sensor (33) are actuated simultaneously, the advanced control unit (30) switches the valve device (8) to the closed switching position only.

4. The hydraulic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are: The hydraulic system includes a shut-off range sensor (34) connected to the advanced control unit (30), wherein the shut-off range sensor (34) is configured to detect at least indirectly the minimum shut-off position of the piston (11).

5. The hydraulic system according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are: The valve device (8) is capable of switching to at least a first switching position and a second switching position corresponding to the open switching position, wherein the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) is pressurized by the hydraulic pump (6) at a first pressure level in the first switching position, and wherein the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) is pressurized by the hydraulic pump (6) at a second pressure level in the second switching position, wherein the second pressure level is lower than the first pressure level.

6. The hydraulic system (1) according to claim 5, Its features are: The valve device (8) includes a first pressure reducing valve (17) and a first directional control valve (18), wherein the first directional control valve (18) blocks the flow path to the first pressure reducing valve (17) in the first switching position of the valve device (8), and wherein the first directional control valve (18) opens the flow path to the first pressure reducing valve (17) in the second switching position of the valve device (8), wherein the first pressure reducing valve (17) is configured to set the second pressure level.

7. The hydraulic system (1) according to claim 6, Its features are: The valve device (8) includes a second directional control valve (19) and a second pressure reducing valve (20), wherein the valve device (8) can be switched to a third switching position corresponding to the closed switching position, wherein the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) is pressurized by the hydraulic pump (6) at a third pressure level in the third switching position, wherein the second directional control valve (19) blocks the flow path to the first pressure reducing valve (17) and releases it to the second pressure reducing valve (20) in the third switching position, wherein the second pressure reducing valve (20) is configured to set the third pressure level.

8. The hydraulic system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, Its features are: The hydraulic accumulator (9) is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) at a fourth pressure level, which is lower than the first pressure level.

9. The hydraulic system (1) according to claim 8, Its features are: The fourth pressure stage of the hydraulic accumulator (9) is lower than the second pressure stage, and the third pressure stage is preferably lower than the fourth pressure stage.

10. The hydraulic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are: The hydraulic cylinder unit (10) is configured as a differential cylinder, and the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) has a hydraulic cylinder housing (12) including an interior (13), the piston (11) is movably disposed in the interior (13) of the hydraulic cylinder housing (12), and the piston (11) divides the interior (13) of the hydraulic cylinder housing (12) into a first working chamber (15) and a second working chamber (16), wherein the first working chamber (15) is connected to the hydraulic accumulator (9), and the second working chamber (16) is connected to the hydraulic pump (6).

11. The hydraulic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are: The valve device (8) includes a third-party directional control valve (21) between the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) and the hydraulic accumulator (9), the third-party directional control valve (21) being switchable between a through position and a blocking position, wherein the third-party directional control valve (21) blocks the flow path from the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) to the hydraulic accumulator (9) in the blocking position, but releases the flow path from the hydraulic accumulator (9) to the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) in the through position.

12. The hydraulic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are: The hydraulic section (5) is a first hydraulic section (5), and the hydraulic system (1) includes at least one second hydraulic section (5) that is the same as the first hydraulic section (5), the first hydraulic section (5) being connected to the second hydraulic section (5) such that the piston (11) of the first hydraulic section (5) is able to move independently of the piston (11) of the second hydraulic section (5), and the at least one second hydraulic section (5) being connected to the hydraulic pump (6).

13. The hydraulic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are: The hydraulic system (1) includes an oil tank (22) and a return channel (23) connecting the at least one hydraulic component (5) to the oil tank. The hydraulic system (1) includes a supply channel (25) connecting the hydraulic pump (6) to the at least one hydraulic component (5). The additional accumulator (36) is connected to the flow channel (25), and / or The discharge valve (37), which can switch between the closed position and the open position, connects the return channel (23) to the supply channel (25).

14. A passenger restraint system (2) having at least one passenger restraint device (3) and a hydraulic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passenger restraint system (2) preferably includes a seat (35), wherein the manually operable sensor system (31) is preferably disposed on the seat (35).

15. A method for closing the restraint lever (4) of a passenger restraint device (3) using a hydraulic system (1), preferably a hydraulic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of: -A sensor system (31) that can be manually operated by passenger actuation in the passenger seat (7) housed in the passenger restraint device (3); - A shutdown signal is generated by actuating the manually operable sensor system (31); - The shutdown signal is received by the advanced control unit (30); and - The valve device (8) of the hydraulic system (1) is switched to the closed switching position by the advanced control unit (30).

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