Internal side panel arrangement for a tunnel, tunnel and multi-car vehicle having a tunnel

Abstract

An interior side panel arrangement for a passageway between two passenger compartments of a multi-compartment vehicle comprises five overlapping panels, namely two fixedly mounted end panels (1A, 1B), one middle panel (3) and two intermediate panels (2A, 2B). The middle panel (3) and the intermediate panels (2A, 2B) are attached to two five-pivot-point scissors mechanisms (10) and two three-pivot-point scissors mechanisms (20) arranged above and below the five-pivot-point scissors mechanisms. Only the five-pivot-point scissors mechanisms (10) are fixedly attached at their outermost pivot points (10A, 10E) to the end frames. The end panels (1A, 1B) are slidably sandwiched between the intermediate panels (2A, 2B) and end panel sliding supports (15A, 15B, 25A, 25B) attached to the intermediate panels (2A, 2B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an internal side panel device for a passageway located between a first and a second passenger car in a multi-car vehicle, so as to connect the two passenger cars and allow passengers to walk from one car through the passageway to the other car. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-car vehicles include rail vehicles, such as trains and trams, and road vehicles, such as buses. Adjacent cars in multi-car passenger vehicles are often connected by aisles, allowing passengers to walk between them. The aisles are typically surrounded by corrugated pipes that protect the interior from environmental influences while accommodating relative movement between the cars. The interior of the aisle includes a floor for passenger walking and sidewalls that protect passengers from the surrounding corrugated pipes and define the width of the aisle for passengers. Similar to the surrounding corrugated pipes, the floor and sidewalls are configured to accommodate relative movement between the cars. For example, the sidewalls are configured such that when a multi-car vehicle travels along a curve, one sidewall extends while the corresponding opposite sidewall contracts. Furthermore, tilting and rolling between adjacent cars are typically accommodated by the aisle's sidewalls.

[0003] Different types of internal sidewalls are used for passageways. WO 96 / 10510 A1 discloses a multi-panel sidewall that may include two or three panels. CN 201205911 discloses a three-panel sidewall. The three-panel sidewall has two end panels respectively attached to adjacent carriages and a central panel disposed between the two end panels to cover the distance between them. The central panel is held in place by a scissor mechanism with three pivot points. As background, the three-pivot-point scissor mechanism includes two large rods and four short rods, the short rods being half the length of the large rods. These rods are linked together to form two rhombuses. More specifically, the two large rods are linked together at their center, forming a first central pivot point of the scissor mechanism, while the corresponding two short rods are linked together through one of their ends and through their free ends to the corresponding ends of the two large rods. Thus, the scissor mechanism has a rhombus formed on each side of the central pivot point. The point where the two short rods are linked together forms a second and third pivot point of the three-pivot-point scissor mechanism.

[0004] The three-pivot scissor mechanism is located on the rear side of the side wall, that is, on the side facing away from the interior of the passageway. When the central panel is attached to the scissor mechanism at its central pivot point, the scissor mechanism itself is attached to the adjacent car at two of the corresponding other two pivot points. In this way, the central panel is always held in a fixed position between adjacent cars, regardless of how close or far apart the cars become while traveling along curved tracks or roads.

[0005] One problem with three-panel sidewalls is the formation of gaps between the panels. Ideally, the surfaces of the panels slide along each other during their relative movement, preventing any clothing or body parts of a passenger (such as fingers) from getting caught between them. However, due to the rigidity of the panels, the risk of gaps forming between the panels increases as the sidewalls extend, especially when a multi-compartment vehicle is traveling along a curve. These gaps can become particularly large during sharp turns, where the sidepanel assembly needs to be extended to its maximum extent.

[0006] This problem is partially addressed in CN 201205911Y, which discloses a sidewall with five panels: a central panel, two end panels, and two intermediate panels, the two intermediate panels respectively covering and overlapping the distance between a corresponding end panel of the central panel and the end panels. While a three-panel sidewall may create two gaps, one between the central panel and the first end panel, and the other between the central panel and the second end panel, a five-panel sidewall may create four gaps. However, four gaps are theoretically only half the size of the two gaps in a three-panel sidewall, thus correspondingly reducing the risk of gap formation.

[0007] In the five-panel sidewall of CN 201205911Y, two vertically spaced three-pivot scissor mechanisms are provided on the rear side of the wall. The three-pivot scissor mechanisms are attached to the two outermost pivot points of the first and second passenger cars, such that the three-pivot scissor mechanisms expand or contract respectively as the two passenger cars move away from or closer to each other. Furthermore, the middle panel is attached to the three-pivot scissor mechanisms at its central pivot point, such that the middle panel moves relative to the first and second end panels when the three-pivot scissor mechanisms expand or contract. Additionally, the first and second intermediate panels are hingedly connected to the three-pivot scissor mechanisms, such that the first and second intermediate panels move relative to the middle panel and relative to the first and second end panels when the three-pivot scissor mechanisms expand or contract. More specifically, two additional short rods are attached to the scissor mechanisms parallel to the other rods to bridge the two rhombuses respectively, and the first and second intermediate panels are hingedly attached to these additional short rods at their centers. Thus, when the three-pivot scissor mechanism expands or contracts, the movement of the middle panel relative to the two end panels is twice the movement of the two intermediate panels. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The main objective of this invention is to further reduce the risk of gaps forming between overlapping panels in multi-panel internal side panel assemblies having at least five panels, and preferably, to reduce the risk of gaps forming between overlapping panels in a five-piece system having exactly five panels.

[0009] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an internal side panel assembly for an aisle between a first passenger car and a second passenger car in a multi-car vehicle is provided. The side panel assembly includes: a first end panel and a second end panel, a middle panel, a first intermediate panel, and a second intermediate panel. The first end panel is configured to be disposed adjacent to the first passenger car, and the second end panel is configured to be disposed adjacent to the second passenger car; the middle panel is disposed between the first end panel and the second end panel; the first intermediate panel is disposed between the first end panel and the middle panel and overlaps with one or both of them, and the second intermediate panel is disposed between the second end panel and the middle panel and overlaps with one or both of them. When the internal side panel assembly is a five-piece system (i.e., an assembly having exactly five panels), the first intermediate panel overlaps with both the first end panel and the middle panel, and the second intermediate panel overlaps with both the second end panel and the middle panel. However, when the multi-panel assembly has more than five panels, such as seven or nine panels, additional intermediate panels exist in addition to the first and second intermediate panels. In this context, for the purposes of this disclosure, the first intermediate panel and the second intermediate panel are panels immediately adjacent to the middle panel, and thus overlap with the middle panel and the adjacent intermediate panel, rather than with the end panels.

[0010] Furthermore, multiple pivot point scissor mechanisms, preferably three or more, more preferably four, are disposed on the rear side of the side panel assembly. This includes two different types of pivot point scissor mechanisms: (a) at least one (preferably two) first pivot point scissor mechanism, which may be in the form of a multi-pivot point scissor mechanism with at least three (preferably exactly five) pivot points, and (b) at least one (preferably two) second pivot point scissor mechanism, which may be in the form of a three-pivot point scissor mechanism with exactly three pivot points. The pivot point scissor mechanisms are arranged vertically spaced from each other.

[0011] The first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms are configured to be attached to a first passenger compartment or a first end panel and to a second passenger compartment or a second end panel. Thus, when the two passenger compartments or the two end panels move away from or closer to each other, the first pivot point scissor mechanisms expand or contract respectively. Furthermore, the middle panel, the first intermediate panel, and the second intermediate panel are attached to the first pivot point scissor mechanisms such that when the first pivot point scissor mechanisms expand or contract, they move relative to each other and relative to the first and second end panels.

[0012] The device preferably causes a first or more pivot point scissor mechanism having at least three and preferably five pivot points to be attached to a first passenger compartment or a first end panel at the first of its at least three pivot points, and to a second passenger compartment or a second end panel at the second of its at least three pivot points, while the middle panel is attached to the first or more pivot point scissor mechanism at the center of the at least three pivot points.

[0013] If the first or more pivot point scissor mechanism is a three-pivot point scissor mechanism, i.e., having exactly three pivot points, then additional short bars can be arranged parallel to the other bars and bridging the rhombus, as in CN 201205911Y, where the first intermediate panel and the second intermediate panel are attached to these additional short bars. However, according to a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the first or more pivot point scissor mechanism is a five-pivot point scissor mechanism, i.e., having exactly five pivot points. In this case, the first intermediate panel and the second intermediate panel can be attached to the scissor mechanism at corresponding pivot points among the five pivot points. One advantage of the five-pivot point scissor mechanism compared to the three-pivot point scissor mechanism, which provides the same maximum extension as the five-pivot point scissor mechanism, is that the five-pivot point scissor mechanism has shorter bars and therefore requires less lateral space in its retracted position than the three-pivot point scissor mechanism. Free space is required to arrange a second type of pivot point scissor mechanism, which is to be vertically arranged above and / or below the first pivot point scissor mechanism.

[0014] The first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms are configured to be attached to a first passenger compartment or a first end panel and to a second passenger compartment or a second end panel, while the second or third pivot point scissor mechanisms are not connected to the passenger compartments or end panels. Instead, the second or third pivot point scissor mechanisms are connected only (preferably at corresponding pivot points of their three pivot points) to the central panel and the first and second intermediate panels, such that when the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms expand or contract, the second or third pivot point scissor mechanisms expand or contract respectively as the central panel and the first and second intermediate panels move relative to each other.

[0015] Therefore, the panels are stabilized by one or more (preferably two) second or third pivot scissor mechanisms connected to the middle panel, the first intermediate panel, and the second intermediate panel. In this way, the risk of gaps forming between these overlapping panels can be effectively prevented at the height where the second or third pivot scissor mechanisms are arranged, and the risk of gaps forming vertically above and below this height is correspondingly reduced. Similar to the first or more pivot scissor mechanisms, the expansion and contraction of the second or third pivot scissor mechanisms are synchronized with the relative movement of the associated panels, thereby achieving stability throughout the entire range of motion of these panels.

[0016] Preferably, two of the second or third pivot point scissor mechanisms are arranged vertically above and below at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism. This may be sufficient for stabilization purposes. In particular, these scissor mechanisms are preferably arranged as close as possible to the top and bottom of the side panel assembly.

[0017] More preferably, at least two (more preferably exactly two) first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms are provided. In this way, the movement of the panels relative to adjacent passenger compartments is precisely controlled. That is, since each of the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms is connected to a compartment (or to an end panel attached to a compartment), they move in parallel whenever the compartments move relative to each other; therefore, the panels attached to all (or at least two) of the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms must precisely follow this movement.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the second or third pivot scissor mechanism has shorter scissor arms than the first or multiple pivot scissor mechanism. Therefore, the second or third pivot scissor mechanism requires relatively less lateral space in its retracted position. Consequently, it can be placed closer to the top or bottom of the side panel assembly, and thus provides better stability to the side panel assembly near its upper and lower ends.

[0019] However, since the second or third pivot point scissor mechanisms are linked to and follow the movement of the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms via panels to which they are all attached, measures are needed to allow such movement, despite the different scissor arm lengths. Therefore, according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, for the device to function properly, the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms or the second or third pivot point scissor mechanisms can be slidably connected to the first intermediate panel and the second intermediate panel. This slidable connection allows: - When the second or third pivot scissor mechanism has reached its maximum extension, further extension of the first or more pivot scissor mechanisms is possible, or -When the second or third pivot scissor mechanism has reached its maximum contraction, further contraction of the first or more pivot scissor mechanism is possible, or - Both: When the second or third pivot scissor mechanism has reached its maximum extension, further extension of the first or more pivot scissor mechanism is possible, and when the second or third pivot scissor mechanism has reached its maximum contraction, further contraction of the first or more pivot scissor mechanism is possible.

[0020] To avoid an undefined state of the first and second intermediate panels relative to the other panels, the slidable connection may include biasing elements (such as springs, particularly compression and / or tension springs) that push the first intermediate panel toward or away from, or partially toward and partially away from, the first end panel, and push the second intermediate panel toward or away from, or partially toward and partially away from, the second end panel. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] As mentioned above, the second or third pivot scissor mechanism only connects the middle panel and the first and second intermediate panels to each other, and thus only stabilizes these panels to prevent gap formation. However, at the height of the second or third pivot scissor mechanism, small gaps may still occur between the intermediate panels and their respective adjacent end panels. To further reduce these gaps, at least one end panel sliding support may be attached to one or both of the first and second intermediate panels, such that adjacent end panels are slidably clamped between the intermediate panels and the end panel sliding support. For example, the end panel sliding support may be attached to the rear side of the intermediate panel and extend parallel to the intermediate panel in a direction toward the end panel it overlaps with, and the end panel may move within a slit defined between the intermediate panel and the end panel sliding support.

[0022] Alternatively, the end panel sliding support may not be attached to the intermediate panel, but may instead be attached to the end panel such that an adjacent intermediate panel is slidably sandwiched between the end panel and the end panel sliding support. For example, the end panel sliding support may be attached to the rear side of the end panel and extend parallel to the end panel in a direction toward the intermediate panel it overlaps with, and the intermediate panel may be movable within a slit defined between the end panel and the end panel sliding support.

[0023] Preferably, the connection between the second or third pivot point scissor mechanism and the first and second intermediate panels can be located in the area of ​​the end panel sliding support. For example, the second or third pivot point scissor mechanism can be directly mounted on the end panel sliding support, which itself is attached to the first or second intermediate panel. Alternatively, the second or third pivot point scissor mechanism can extend through the end panel sliding support and be directly connected to the first or second intermediate panel.

[0024] Similarly, the connection between the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms and the first and second intermediate panels is preferably located in the region of the end panel sliding support. Likewise, the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms can be directly mounted on the end panel sliding support, which itself is attached to the first or second intermediate panel. Alternatively, the first or more pivot point scissor mechanisms can extend through the end panel sliding support and connect directly to the first or second intermediate panel.

[0025] However, as described above, the first or more pivot point scissor mechanism, or the second or three pivot point scissor mechanism, can be slidably connected to the first and second intermediate panels to accommodate different scissor arm lengths of the two types of scissor mechanisms. In this case, i.e., when the pivot point scissor mechanism is slidably connected to one or both of the first and second intermediate panels, it is preferable to mount the scissor mechanism on an end panel sliding support, which itself is attached to the first or second intermediate panel. Thus, the sliding connection can be integrated into the end panel sliding support.

[0026] Regarding the overlapping arrangement of the side panel assembly, there are generally two preferred methods. According to the first method, the panels overlap sequentially from one end to the other, such that the panel at one end of the assembly forms the innermost panel, facing the interior of the channel, and the panel at the opposite end forms the outermost panel, facing away from the interior of the channel. However, this arrangement is asymmetrical relative to the length of the channel and may cause unpredictable stresses in the side panel assembly during use. Therefore, according to the preferred second method, the middle panel forms the outermost panel of the side panel assembly, or more preferably the innermost panel, and the first end panel and the second end panel form the outermost panel of the side panel assembly, while a first intermediate panel is sandwiched between the middle panel and the first end panel, and a second intermediate panel is sandwiched between the middle panel and the second end panel.

[0027] This disclosure also relates to a corresponding passageway configured to be installed between a first passenger car and a second passenger car in a multi-car vehicle, wherein the passageway includes, on each lateral side of the passageway, an internal side panel device as described herein.

[0028] This disclosure also relates to a corresponding multi-carriage vehicle, which includes a first passenger car, a second passenger car, and a passageway installed between the first passenger car and the second passenger car. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Reference has been made to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustrating this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the passageway used in multi-carriage vehicles. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective front view of the arrangement of the internal side panels of the passageway. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective rear view of the internal side panel arrangement. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Rear plan view of the internal side panel arrangement. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the internal side panel arrangement AA. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a three-pivot scissor mechanism. Figure 7 Is it like this? Figure 4 The cross-sectional view along BB shows the arrangement of the internal side panels. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a five-pivot scissor mechanism. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The plan view of the five-pivot scissor mechanism shown; and Figures 10A to 10C This is a partial perspective view of the internal side panel arrangement in the regions of the three-pivot scissor mechanism and the five-pivot scissor mechanism, showing different extensions of the side panel arrangement. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A passageway is shown, through which passengers can walk between adjacent carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle such as a train, tram, or bus. The passageway is surrounded by corrugated pipes that protect the interior of the passageway from environmental influences while accommodating relative movement between carriages. The interior of the passageway includes a floor over which passengers walk and sidewalls in the form of interior side panel devices 100 on both inner sides of the passageway.

[0031] Figure 2A perspective front view of the internal side panel assembly 100 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal side panel assembly 100 is a five-piece system, i.e., it comprises five panels that partially overlap each other. It may include more than five panels, such as six, seven, eight, nine, or even more panels, with an odd number of side panels preferred for symmetry reasons. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the internal side panel assembly 100 includes two end panels 1A and 1B, a middle panel 3, and two intermediate panels 2A and 2B, the two intermediate panels 2A and 2B partially overlapping the middle panel 3 and the corresponding end panels 1A and 1B. This arrangement causes the middle panel 3 to form the innermost panel, i.e., it is disposed immediately adjacent to the interior of the channel, while the end panels 1A and 1B form the outermost panels of the panel assembly and are therefore disposed on the exterior or rear side of the panel assembly. The internal side panel assembly 100 includes frames 4A and 4B on its lateral sides. The panels are mounted to these frames, and the entire interior side panel assembly 100 can be mounted to the aisle via frames 4A, 4B or directly to adjacent carriages of multi-carriage vehicles connected by the aisle.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the rear side of the internal side panel assembly 100, and Figure 4 This is the corresponding rear plan view. Pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 and 20 are provided on the rear side and are connected to the panels in such a way that the panels can move relative to each other when the panel assembly 100 extends or retracts. The extension and retraction of the panel assembly 100 occurs particularly when a multi-carriage vehicle is traveling along a curve.

[0033] More specifically, two first pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 and two second pivot point scissor mechanisms 20 are provided. The two first pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 are located at the vertical center of the panel device 100, and the two second pivot point scissor mechanisms 20 are respectively vertically above and below the first pivot point scissor mechanisms 10. The first pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 are multi-pivot point scissor mechanisms, and in the illustrated embodiment, they have exactly five pivot points 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E. The first pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 are fixedly attached to the mounting frames 4A and 4B via brackets 5A and 5B, i.e., attached at their outermost pivot points 10A and 10E, respectively. Although the end panels 1A and 1B are also fixedly attached to the mounting frames 4A and 4B respectively (or alternatively directly attached to the aisle or to adjacent compartments of a multi-compartment vehicle), the middle panel 3 and the intermediate panels 2A and 2B are held solely by the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10. More specifically, the middle panel 3 and the intermediate panels 2A and 2B are attached to the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 at their respective pivot points 10B, 10C, and 10D. Thus, when the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 extends or retracts, the middle panel 3, the first intermediate panel 2A, and the second intermediate panel 2B all move relative to each other and relative to the end panels 1A and 1B.

[0034] Regarding the second pivot point scissor mechanisms 20, each is implemented as a three-pivot point scissor mechanism, i.e., having exactly three pivot points 20B, 20C, and 20D. The second pivot point scissor mechanisms 20 are rearwardly attached to the central panel 3 and the intermediate panels 2A and 2B at the corresponding pivot points 20B, 20C, and 20D. Since the movement of the central panel 3 and the intermediate panels 2A and 2B depends on the extension or retraction of the five-pivot point scissor mechanism 10, and since the three-pivot point scissor mechanisms 20 are attached to these panels, the three-pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 extend and retract in substantially the same manner as the five-pivot point scissor mechanisms 10. The same effect can be achieved even if the three-pivot point scissor mechanisms 20 are not attached to the central panel 3. However, the purpose of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 is to stabilize the side panel assembly 100 and avoid gaps between the panels of the side panel assembly 100, and the attachment of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 to the middle panel 3 helps to avoid gaps between the middle panels 2A, 2B and the overlapping middle panel 3.

[0035] To prevent gaps from forming between the intermediate panels 2A and 2B and the adjacent end panels 1A and 1B, end panel sliding supports 15A, 15B and 25A, 25B are provided. These end panel sliding supports 15A, 25A and 15B, 25B are attached to the rear sides of the intermediate panels 2A and 2B, and extend towards the respective first end panel 1A and second end panel 1B with a gap between the intermediate panels 2A and 2B and the end panel sliding supports 15A, 15B and 25A, 25B. Thus, the end panels 1A and 1B are sandwiched within the gap between the intermediate panels 2A and 2B and the end panel sliding supports 15A, 25A, 15B, 25B, and can slide therebetween over the entire extension and retraction distance, preventing gaps from forming between the intermediate panels 2A and 2B and the end panels 1A and 1B.

[0036] End panel sliding supports 25A and 25B are more important than end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B because they are closer to the top and bottom of the inner side panel assembly 100, where the risk of gap formation is highest.

[0037] While the end panel sliding supports 15A, 15B, 25A, and 25B can be mounted to the intermediate panels 2A and 2B at any vertical height, preferably including arrangements near the top and bottom of the inner side panel assembly 100, they are preferably combined with pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 and 20, respectively. That is, the three pivot point scissor mechanisms 20 are preferably connected to the first intermediate panel 2A and the second intermediate panel 2B in the region of the first end panel sliding support 25A and the region of the second end panel sliding support 25B, and the five pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 are connected to the first intermediate panel 2A and the second intermediate panel 2B in the regions of the end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B. This substantially facilitates assembly work, as the pivot point scissor mechanisms 10 and 20 can be supplied as pre-assembled components together with the associated end panel sliding supports 15A, 15B and 25A, 25B.

[0038] Regarding the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 Figure 5 and Figure 6 And regarding the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 Figures 7 to 1 0 further illustrates this point. Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The AA shown passes through the cross section of the inner side panel assembly 100, wherein each panel is attached to the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20. Figure 5 ),and Figure 6 A three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 without individual panels is shown. Figure 6 ).exist Figure 5The image shows how end panels 1A and 1B are respectively sandwiched between middle panels 2A and 2B and end panel sliding supports 25A and 25B. When the inner side panel assembly 100 extends or retracts, end panels 1A and 1B slide freely between middle panels 2A and 2B and end panel sliding supports 25A and 25B. Figure 6 The combination of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 and the end panel sliding supports 25A and 25B is shown separately. The middle panels 2A and 2B and the central panel 3 are attached to the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 by screws (the screws cannot be removed from the center). Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shown is obtained, but... Figure 4 The diagram is shown in the rear plan view.

[0039] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 is shown (along...) Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of BB in the diagram, wherein the panel is attached to it. Figure 7 ) and no panel ( Figure 8 As described above, the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 is attached to the mounting frames 4A and 4B via brackets 5A and 5B, respectively, at its outermost pivot points 10A and 10E. The middle panel 3 is attached to the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 at its central pivot point 10C, in the same manner as it is attached to the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 at its corresponding central pivot point 20C. Furthermore, the intermediate panels 2A and 2B are attached to the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 at its pivot points 10B and 10D, respectively.

[0040] exist Figure 7 The image shows how end panels 1A and 1B are respectively sandwiched between middle panels 2A and 2B and end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B. Similarly, when the inner side panel assembly 100 extends or retracts, end panels 1A and 1B slide freely between middle panels 2A and 2B and end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B. Figure 8 The combination of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 and the end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B is shown separately. The middle panels 2A and 2B and the center panel 3 are attached to the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 by screws (again, the screws cannot be removed from the center panel). Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shown is obtained, but... Figure 4 The diagram is shown in the rear plan view.

[0041] It is worth noting that the end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 have a different structure than the end panel sliding supports 25A and 25B of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 10. That is, in some embodiments, the scissor arm 11 of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 may have the same length as the scissor arm 21 of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20. In this case, the end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B and the end panel sliding supports 25A and 25B may have the same structure. However, in this preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the scissor arm 21 of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 is shorter than the scissor arm 11 of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10. The reason is that a shorter scissor arm requires less vertical space in its retracted position, and therefore, the scissor mechanism with a relatively shorter scissor arm can be placed relatively close to the top or bottom of the inner side panel assembly 100, which helps to prevent gaps from forming between the panels. Different lengths of scissor arms require specific structures for end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B on one hand, and specific structures for end panel sliding supports 25A and 25B on the other hand, as explained below.

[0042] As mentioned above, the movement of the intermediate panels 2A and 2B follows the movement of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 to which the intermediate panels 2A and 2B are attached. Due to the different scissor arm lengths, the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 can only follow the movement of the intermediate panels 2A and 2B to a certain extent. Once the three-pivot scissor mechanisms 20 have reached their maximum extension (or, in a kinematically reversed configuration not shown), the intermediate panels 2A and 2B stop moving. Then, when the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 extends (or retracts) further, only the end panels 1A and 1B can move further in the extension (or retraction) direction of the inner side panel assembly 100. For this reason, the attachment points of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 to the intermediate panels 2A and 2B at their pivot points 10B and 10D, respectively, are not absolutely fixed, but can be displaced in the extension and retraction directions. In the specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, these attachment points are disposed in the regions of the end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B, the arrangement such that the end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B each have slits 16A and 16B, which in Figure 9 The center is the most visible. Holders 17A and 17B, which are attached to the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 at their pivot points 10B and 10D respectively, are guided in slits 16A and 16B, such that pivot points 10B and 10D are allowed to move along slits 16A and 16B.

[0043] Now, let's look at it again. Figure 4This illustrates the inner side panel assembly 100 in its retracted state when the inner side panel assembly 100 and thus the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 extend, with the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 only able to follow to a certain extent until they reach their maximum extension. From this point, the intermediate panels 2A, 2B can no longer move further away from the central panel 3. Any further extension of the inner side panel assembly 100 and the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 requires the pivot points 10B and 10D to move relative to the intermediate panels 2A, 2B, i.e., by moving along the slits 16A, 16B provided in the end panel sliding supports 15A, 15B in the illustrated embodiment, until the maximum extension of the inner side panel assembly 100 is reached.

[0044] According to another aspect, to prevent the middle panels 2A and 2B from being in an undefined position, the biasing element 31, in the form of a compression spring, is configured to push the retainers 17A and 17B towards one end of the slits 16A and 16B, respectively, i.e., towards the middle panel 3 in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, the pivot points 10B and 10D can only move along the slits 16A and 16B after the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 has reached its maximum extension. If the compression spring 31 is not provided, the pivot points 10B and / or 10D can initially move along the slits 16A and 16B without causing any extension of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20, and therefore without causing any movement of the middle panels 2A and 2B relative to the middle panel 3. This relative movement will only begin when the pivot points 10B and / or 10D have reached the other end of the slits 16A and 16B.

[0045] Of course, the controlled sequence of movement of the panels relative to each other can also be achieved by placing compression springs 31 on the opposite side of retainers 17A and 17B respectively to push retainers 17A and 17B away from the central panel 3. That is, when the biasing element 31 (whether a compression spring or a tension spring) is set in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the central panel 3, to push retainers 17A / 17B and thus pivot points 10B and 10D, then the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 is allowed to retract further when the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 has reached its maximum retraction. In the former arrangement, only end panels 1A and 1B move when the inner side panel assembly 100 reaches its maximum extension, while in the latter arrangement, only end panels 1A and 1B move when the inner side panel assembly 100 begins to extend from its maximum retraction state.

[0046] Of course, a tension spring or other biasing element can be used instead of the compression spring 31 of the specific embodiment shown in the figures.

[0047] Specifically, biasing element 31 can also be provided so that retainers 17A and 17B are positioned at a certain point in the middle of slits 16A and 16B. As a result, when the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 moves in the extension direction, further extension of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 is possible even when the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 has reached its maximum extension, and when the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 moves in the opposite direction, i.e., the contraction direction, further contraction of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 is possible even when the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 has reached its maximum contraction.

[0048] Figures 10A to 10C This shows the region of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 ( Figures 10A to 10C The relative positions of panels 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3 in the region of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 are as follows: at the position where the inner side panel assembly 100 is at its maximum retraction ( Figure 10A ) and the position of maximum extension ( Figure 10C ), and the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20 has reached its maximum extension while the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 has not yet reached the middle position of its maximum extension ( Figure 10B ). Figures 10A to 10C The text indicates the positions where panels 1A, 2A, 3, 2B, and 1B are fixedly attached to the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 and the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20, namely, attached at pivot points 10A to 10E and 20B to 20D, respectively. It further indicates the positions where end panels 1A and 1B are slidably supported by end panel sliding supports 15A, 15B and 25A, 25B, respectively, namely, slidably supported at support points 18A, 18B and 28A, 28B.

[0049] Instead of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 providing five attachment points, a three-pivot scissor mechanism as disclosed in CN 201205911Y can be used, as it also provides five attachment points for the five panels at corresponding locations. However, the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10 is preferred because it requires less vertical space in its retracted position, thus leaving more lateral space for the arrangement of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20.

[0050] Furthermore, instead of providing slits 16A and 16B for pivot points 10B and 10D in the end panel sliding supports 15A and 15B of the five-pivot scissor mechanism 10, such slits can also be provided in the end panel sliding supports 25A and 25B of the pivot points 20B and 20D of the three-pivot scissor mechanism 20.

Claims

1. An internal side panel device (100) for a passageway between a first passenger car and a second passenger car in a multi-car vehicle, comprising: - A first end panel (1A) and a second end panel (1B), wherein the first end panel (1A) is configured to be disposed adjacent to the first passenger car, and the second end panel (1B) is configured to be disposed adjacent to the second passenger car. -Middle panel (3), the middle panel (3) is disposed between the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B), - A first intermediate panel (2A) and a second intermediate panel (2B), wherein the first intermediate panel (2A) is disposed between the first end panel (1A) and the middle panel (3) and overlaps with one or both of them, and the second intermediate panel (2B) is disposed between the second end panel (1B) and the middle panel (3) and overlaps with one or both of them. - Multiple pivot point scissor mechanisms (10, 20), the multiple pivot point scissor mechanisms being arranged vertically spaced apart from each other, and the multiple pivot point scissor mechanisms comprising: (a) At least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10), preferably two first pivot scissor mechanisms (10), the first pivot scissor mechanisms being configured to attach to the first passenger compartment or the first end panel (1A) and to the second passenger compartment or the second end panel (1B), such that when the two passenger compartments or the two end panels (1A, 1B) move away from each other or move closer to each other, the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, wherein the middle panel (3), the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) are attached to the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) such that when the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, the movement of the middle panel (3), the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) relative to each other is moved relative to the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B), and (b) At least one second pivot scissor mechanism (20), preferably two second pivot scissor mechanisms (20), which are not attached to the first passenger compartment or the first end panel (1A), nor to the second passenger compartment or the second end panel (1B), wherein the middle panel (3), the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) are attached to the at least one second pivot scissor mechanism (20) such that when the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, the at least one second pivot scissor mechanism (20) expands or contracts respectively as the middle panel (3) and the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) move relative to each other.

2. The internal side panel device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) is a multi-pivot point scissor mechanism having at least three pivot points (10A, 10C, 10E), preferably five pivot points (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E), and the at least one second pivot point scissor mechanism (20) is a three-pivot point scissor mechanism having exactly three pivot points (20B, 20C, 20D). The middle panel (3), the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) are attached to the at least one second pivot scissor mechanism (20) at the corresponding pivot points of the three pivot points (20B, 20C, 20D). The at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) is configured to attach to the first passenger car or the first end panel (1A) at the first of its at least three pivot points (10A, 10C, 10E), and to the second passenger car or the second end panel (1B) at the second of its at least three pivot points (10A, 10C, 10E). The middle panel (3) is attached to at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) at the central pivot point (10C) of the at least three pivot points (10A, 10C, 10E), such that when the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, the middle panel (3) moves relative to the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B), and The first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) are attached to the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) such that when the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) move relative to the middle panel (3) and relative to the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B).

3. The internal side panel device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) is a five-pivot point scissor mechanism with five pivot points (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E), wherein the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) are attached to the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) at the corresponding pivot point (10B, 10D) among the five pivot points (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E).

4. The internal side panel device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The internal side panel device (100) is a five-piece panel system, wherein the first middle panel (2A) overlaps with the first end panel (1A) and the middle panel (3), and the second middle panel (2B) overlaps with the second end panel (1B) and the middle panel (3).

5. An internal side panel device (100) for a passageway between a first passenger car and a second passenger car in a multi-car vehicle, wherein, The internal side panel assembly (100) is a five-piece panel system, including: - A first end panel (1A) and a second end panel (1B), wherein the first end panel (1A) is configured to be disposed adjacent to the first passenger car, and the second end panel (1B) is configured to be disposed adjacent to the second passenger car. -Middle panel (3), the middle panel (3) is disposed between the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B), - A first intermediate panel (2A) and a second intermediate panel (2B), wherein the first intermediate panel (2A) is disposed between and overlaps with the first end panel (1A) and the middle panel (3), and the second intermediate panel (2B) is disposed between and overlaps with the second end panel (1B) and the middle panel (3). - Three or more pivot point scissor mechanisms (10, 20), the three or more pivot point scissor mechanisms (10, 20) comprising (a) at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) in the form of a five-pivot point scissor mechanism having exactly five pivot points (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E), and (b) at least two second pivot point scissor mechanisms in the form of a three-pivot point scissor mechanism having exactly three pivot points (20B, 20C, 20D), wherein the three or more pivot point scissor mechanisms (10, 20) are arranged vertically spaced from each other. The at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) is configured to attach to the first passenger car or the first end panel (1A) at the first pivot point (10A) of its five pivot points (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E), and to the second passenger car or the second end panel (1B) at the second pivot point (10E) of its five pivot points (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E), such that when the two passenger cars or the two end panels (1A, 1B) move away from each other or move closer to each other, the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts respectively. The central panel (3) is attached to at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) at the central pivot point (10C) of the five pivot points (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E), such that when the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, the central panel (3) moves relative to the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B). The first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) are attached to the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) such that when the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) move relative to the middle panel (3) and relative to the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B), and The at least two second pivot point scissor mechanisms (20) are attached to the central panel (3) and the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) at corresponding pivot points of their three pivot points (20B, 20C, 20D), such that when the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) expands or contracts, the at least two second pivot point scissor mechanisms (20) expand or contract respectively as the central panel (3) and the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) move relative to each other.

6. The internal side panel device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Two of the second pivot point scissor mechanisms (20) are respectively arranged vertically above and below the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10).

7. The internal side panel device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising two of the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10).

8. The internal side panel device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The second pivot scissor mechanism (20) has shorter scissor arms (21, 22) than the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10), and at least one of the second pivot scissor mechanism (20) and the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) is slidably connected to the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) to allow: -When the second pivot scissor mechanism (20) has reached its maximum extension, the further extension of the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10), or -When the second pivot point scissor mechanism (20) has reached its maximum contraction, the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) further contracts, or - When the second pivot scissor mechanism (20) has reached its maximum extension, the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) further extends, and when the second pivot scissor mechanism (20) has reached its maximum contraction, the at least one first pivot scissor mechanism (10) further contracts.

9. The internal side panel device (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The slidable connection between the at least one first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) or the second pivot point scissor mechanism (20) and the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) includes a biasing element (31) that pushes the first intermediate panel (2A) toward or away from, or partially toward and partially away from, the first end panel (1A), and pushes the second intermediate panel (2B) toward or away from, or partially toward and partially away from, the second end panel (1B).

10. The internal side panel assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the following: (a) at least one first end panel sliding support (15A) is attached to the first intermediate panel (2A), wherein the first end panel (1A) is slidably sandwiched between the first intermediate panel (2A) and the at least one first end panel sliding support (15A); (b) at least one second end panel sliding support (25B) is attached to the second intermediate panel (2B), wherein the second end panel (1B) is slidably sandwiched between the second intermediate panel (2B) and the at least one second end panel sliding support (25B); (c) at least one first end panel sliding support (15A) is attached to the first end panel (1A), wherein the first intermediate panel (2A) is slidably sandwiched between the first end panel (1A) and the at least one first end panel sliding support (15A); (d) at least one second end panel sliding support (25B) is attached to the second end panel (1B), wherein, The second intermediate panel (2B) is slidably sandwiched between the second end panel (1B) and the at least one second end panel sliding support (25B).

11. The internal side panel device (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The connection between the second pivot point scissor mechanism (20) and the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) is in the region of the at least one first end panel sliding support (15A) and the region of the at least one second end panel sliding support (25B).

12. The internal side panel device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The connection between the first pivot point scissor mechanism (10) and the first intermediate panel (2A) and the second intermediate panel (2B) is in the region of at least one first end panel sliding support (15A) and the region of at least one second end panel sliding support (25B).

13. The internal side panel device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein, The middle panel (3) forms the innermost panel of the five-piece panel system so as to face the interior of the channel, the first end panel (1A) and the second end panel (1B) form the outermost panel of the five-piece panel system so as to face away from the interior of the channel, the first middle panel (2A) is sandwiched between the middle panel (3) and the first end panel (1A), and the second middle panel (2B) is sandwiched between the middle panel (3) and the second end panel (1B).

14. A passageway configured to be installed between a first passenger car and a second passenger car in a multi-car vehicle, the passageway including an interior side panel device (100) on each lateral side of the passageway according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A multi-carriage vehicle, comprising a first passenger carriage and a second passenger carriage, and further comprising a passageway according to claim 14, the passageway being installed between the first passenger carriage and the second passenger carriage.

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