Entry / exit device for a monorail vehicle

Abstract

Entry / exit device (10b) for a monorail vehicle (16) with - a staircase (34) comprising an uppermost step (38) and at least one further lower step (38) and at least one connecting beam (36) connecting all the steps (38), which has an upper end (40) on the uppermost step (38) and a lower end on the lowermost step (38), - a mounting element (32) for attachment to the monorail vehicle (16), - wherein the connecting beam (36) is pivotable at its upper end (40) about a pivot axis of the mounting element (32) and - wherein the staircase (34) can be automatically pivoted about the pivot axis from a parking position not intended for use of the staircase (34) into an extended position allowing its use, and - a locking and unlocking unit (48) for automatically unlocking the staircase (34) in the park position and automatically locking the staircase (34) in the extension position when the staircase (34) is moved from the park position to the extension position, characterized by, - a foldable or extendable step (52) which is arranged on the mounting element (32) above the uppermost step (38) of the staircase (34) and which is foldable or retractable in its position when the staircase (34) is in the park position and is foldable or extendable in its position when the staircase (34) is in the extended position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for exiting a monorail vehicle and / or for boarding a monorail vehicle, wherein the device is primarily intended as an emergency exit, but can also be used, for example, in a depot, maintenance and / or repair facility for boarding the monorail vehicle if, for example, there is no platform at the same level as the vehicle floor at a stopping point.

[0002] Monorails typically have a relatively narrow guide beam on which the monorail vehicle rests with its support wheels and over which it travels. The monorail vehicle is typically guided mechanically along the guide beam by means of guide rollers that either wrap around the guide beam on both sides or grip a guide rib projecting from the guide beam on both sides.

[0003] The monorail car body should have a flat floor, meaning that the floor of the car body is positioned above the track beam along the entire height of the undercarriage. At stops along the track, passengers can then board at ground level, as the platform level is flush with the car body floor. On open track, i.e., outside of stops and stations, provisions must be made to allow passengers to leave the car body in the event of an accident and to move away from the monorail via a designated walkway. Access to the car body must also be provided for paramedics and rescue personnel.

[0004] Monorail tracks are usually mounted on stilts and thus designed like the track of an elevated railway. Between the two track beams, which are separate for each direction of travel, walking surfaces are provided for use in the event of a breakdown of the monorail vehicle outside of a station. These walking surfaces are located below the floor of the car body by the height of the undercarriage and, in particular, at least by the height of the support wheels. This height difference must therefore be overcome quickly and easily; for this purpose, it is known to provide emergency exit stairs on the monorail vehicle that can be extended automatically when necessary.

[0005] Foldable or extendable stairs for, e.g., monorail vehicles are known from CN 1 10 525 465 A, DE 30 15 720 A1 and GB 2 270 948 A.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a space-saving entry / exit device for a monorail vehicle.

[0007] To solve this problem, the invention proposes an entry / exit device for a monorail vehicle, which is equipped with - a staircase comprising a top step and at least one further lower step and at least one connecting beam linking all the steps, which has an upper end on the top step and a lower end on the bottom step, - a mounting element for attachment to a monorail vehicle, - wherein the connecting beam is pivotable at its upper end about a pivot axis of the mounting element and - wherein the staircase can be automatically pivoted around the pivot axis from a parked position not intended for use of the staircase into an extended position allowing its use, - a locking and unlocking unit for automatically unlocking the stairs in the park position and automatically locking them in the extended position when the stairs are moved from the park position to the extension position and - a fold-out or extendable step, which is arranged on the mounting element above the top step of the staircase and is foldable or retractable in its position when the staircase is in the parked position and foldable or extendable in its position when the staircase is in the extended position.

[0008] The invention proposes, in essence, a pivoting staircase as an essential component of the boarding / alighting device. When not in use, the staircase is located in a parked position beneath the monorail vehicle. When required, it automatically extends and assumes its position for passengers to use the stairs. In the extended position, the staircase is automatically locked and secured against unlocking. This is achieved by a locking and unlocking unit, which also locks the staircase in its parked position but allows it to be unlocked when needed. The pivoting staircase features a connecting beam linking all the steps, which is pivotably mounted on a mounting element designed for attachment to a monorail vehicle.

[0009] According to the invention, a first step that can be folded out and retracted, or extended and retracted, is also provided, and which can be extended and retracted independently of the stairs. Depending on the situation, for example at a stopping point, it may be advantageous to extend this step to bridge any gap between the monorail vehicle and the platform edge. This step can, of course, also be used in an emergency when the stairs are extended.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to position the staircase below the monorail vehicle in a space-saving manner. This means that the staircase does not protrude laterally from the monorail vehicle when it is not in use.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the staircase can be telescopically retractable, i.e., collapsible. For this purpose, the connecting beam is adjustable in length and can be automatically moved from a retracted position to an extended position. When the staircase is in its parked position, the connecting beam is in its retracted position, and when the staircase is in its extended position, it is in its extended position. This type of collapsibility of the connecting beam, to which all the steps of the staircase are attached, allows the staircase to be arranged in an even more space-saving manner in its parked position.

[0012] The telescoping function of the staircase can be achieved by having the connecting beam incorporate several linearly extendable and retractable elements, each with at least one stair tread mounted on it. Alternatively, a scissor-type connecting beam(s) is also conceivable, consisting of several pairs of intersecting struts arranged on either side of the stair treads, with the ends of the struts of adjacent pairs hinged together. This also results in a retractable staircase.

[0013] It is advantageous if the connecting beam locks automatically in its extended position.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a linkage can be arranged between the connecting beam and the mounting element. This linkage comprises a first lever pivotally mounted on the mounting element at a distance from the pivot axis and a second lever also pivotally connected to the connecting beam at a distance from the pivot axis. The two levers are pivotally connected to each other. The first and / or the second lever is locked in its respective position when the staircase is in its parked position and can be automatically unlocked. It is also automatically locked in its respective position when the staircase is in its extended position. The linkage, consisting of the two levers or two pairs of levers, stabilizes the staircase in its extended position by stabilizing the staircase at its lower end or at a point in the lower half where the second lever of the linkage engages.The levers are locked in the extended position of the stairs, thus stabilizing the stairs in use.

[0015] The transfer of the staircase from its parked position to its extended position can expediently be power-assisted, which can be achieved, for example, by means of a motor or by means of the force of a spring mechanism pre-tensioned in the parked position of the staircase.

[0016] The problem is further solved by a monorail vehicle with the entry / exit device according to the invention, equipped with - a car body which has a floor and at least one lockable exit / entry opening or an emergency exit opening which can be opened in an emergency or which opens automatically, - one of the at least one lockable exit / entry opening or the emergency exit opening associated with an exit / entry device according to one of the above-mentioned designs, - wherein the mounting element of the exit / entry device is mounted on the car body, in particular on its floor, below the lockable exit / entry opening or the emergency exit opening.

[0017] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments and the drawings. Specifically, the drawings show: Fig. 1 a non-inventive embodiment of an entry / exit device when the stairs are retracted into the parked position, Fig. 2 the embodiment according to Fig. 1 with the stairs extended, Fig. 3 a second non-inventive embodiment of the entry / exit device with telescopic stairs in the park position, Fig. 4 the embodiment according to Fig. 3 with the stairs swung out, but not yet fully extended, Fig. 5 the situation in the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 when the stairs are fully extended, Fig. 6 an embodiment of the entry / exit device according to the invention with a fold-out and fold-in upper step and a staircase below it that can be swung out and in in the park position, Fig. 7 the embodiment according to the invention Fig. 6 when extended, Fig. 8 Another non-inventive embodiment of the entry / exit device with an additional platform on the exit path, similar to that of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and Fig. 9 the entry / exit device according to Fig. 8 when the stairs are extended.

[0018] The exemplary implementations according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figures 5, 8, and 9 are not in accordance with the invention insofar as the uppermost step cannot be folded out and in independently, or extended and retracted, as is the case in the embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is the case. Nevertheless, the constructions of the staircases in the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5, as well as 8 and 9, are part of the invention insofar as they can be used together with the uppermost step designed according to the invention.

[0019] A first embodiment of an entry / exit device 10 is described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the device 10 located below an entry / exit opening 12 of a car body 14 of a monorail vehicle 16, whose support wheels 18 rest on a support beam 20, which has a guide web 22 projecting between the support wheels 18. A guide unit 24 with guide rollers 26 engages the guide unit 24, which is held by the car body 14 (not shown in detail). Based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 (as also shown in the figures for the other embodiments) depicts a two-track monorail, the two support beams 20 of which are connected outside of stopping points by bridging elements 28, such as plates, grates, or similar structures. These bridging elements 28 form a walkway for passengers or operating personnel who need to disembark in an emergency from a disabled monorail vehicle on the track. Passengers must be able to overcome the height difference between the floor 30 of the car body 14 and the bridging elements 28. Conversely, this also applies to rescue personnel who must be able to access the monorail vehicle 16 from the bridging elements 28 if necessary.

[0020] Below the entry / exit opening 12, a mounting element 32 is located on the car body 14, to which a retractable staircase 34 is pivotally mounted. In this embodiment, the staircase 34 has a connecting beam 36, on which four steps 38 are arranged. The connecting beam 36 is pivotally mounted at its upper end 40 on the mounting element 32. The staircase 34 is extended (see figure) via a linkage 42 consisting of a first lever 44 and a second lever 46 articulated to it. Fig. 2) stabilized at the mounting element 32. A locking and unlocking unit 48 ensures that the staircase 34 cannot swing back automatically when extended. The swing-out movement from the parked position according to Fig. 1 into the extension position according to Fig. 2 of the staircase 34 is power-assisted, for example by a spring mechanism pre-tensioned in the park position of the staircase 34, or by motor, as indicated in the figures at 50.

[0021] A second embodiment of an entry / exit device 10a is described in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 shown. In this embodiment, those components that are functionally or structurally equivalent to or identical with those of the previously described embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0022] In contrast to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The staircase 34 is telescopic. Its connecting beam 36 has several interlocking sections, each containing a step 38. In Fig. Staircase 34 is located in the parked position and in its collapsed state. Fig. Figure 4 shows the situation after the staircase 34 has swung out. At the latest when the swing-out position is reached according to Fig. At point 4, the staircase 34 begins to lengthen. Finally, it takes on a length according to... Fig. 5 their fully extended position. The advantage of staircase 34 of device 10a over staircase 34 of device 10 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that, in the extended state, the lowest step is positioned relatively close to and above the bridging component 28. This is possible because, when the staircase 34 is pivoted from its parked position, its length is still short, preventing the lowest step from colliding with the bridging component 28.

[0023] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of an entry / exit device 10b. Again, those components that are functionally or structurally identical to those of the previously described embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals as before.

[0024] In the embodiment according to the invention according to Fig. 6 shows that the staircase 34 has a construction according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, with the special feature that the uppermost step is replaced by a tread 52, which can be swung out and in independently of the pivoting of the staircase 34. In the situation according to Fig. Step 52 is already swung out, while the staircase 34 is still in its parked position. The staircase 34 then swings into its extended position according to... Fig. 7, a similar situation arises as in Fig. 2.

[0025] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of an entry / exit device 10c. Again, those components that are functionally or structurally identical to those of the previously described embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals as before.

[0026] In the example of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 On the bridging components 28, there is a platform 54 that reduces the height difference between the lowest step 38 and the walking surface defined by the top 56 of the platform 54. The construction of the staircase 34 in the embodiment of device 10c is again identical to that of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, 7, and 8. This allows the extendable and / or swiveling staircase to be made shorter. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Entry / Exit Device 10a Entry / Exit Device 10b Entry / Exit Device 10c Entry / Exit Device 12 Exit / Entry openings 14 Car bodies 16 monorail vehicles 18 support wheels 20 support beams 22 Guide rail of the support beam 24 Command Unit 26 leadership roles of the leadership unit 28 bridging components between two support beams 30 Floor of the car body 32 Mounting element for the stairs 34 Stairs 36 connecting beams of the stair treads 38 steps 40 upper end of the connecting beam 42 rods 44 first lever of the linkage 46 second lever of the linkage 48 Locking and unlocking unit 50 Power Assist Mechanism 52 steps 54 Platform on the bridging components between two support beams 56 Top of the platform

Claims

[1] Entry / exit device (10b) for a monorail vehicle (16) with - a staircase (34) comprising an uppermost step (38) and at least one further lower step (38) and at least one connecting beam (36) connecting all the steps (38), which has an upper end (40) on the uppermost step (38) and a lower end on the lowermost step (38), - a mounting element (32) for attachment to the monorail vehicle (16), - wherein the connecting beam (36) is pivotable at its upper end (40) about a pivot axis of the mounting element (32) and - wherein the staircase (34) can be automatically pivoted about the pivot axis from a parking position not intended for use of the staircase (34) into an extended position allowing its use, and - a locking and unlocking unit (48) for automatically unlocking the staircase (34) in the park position and automatically locking the staircase (34) in the extended position when the staircase (34) is moved from the park position to the extension position, characterized by , - a foldable or extendable step (52) which is arranged on the mounting element (32) above the uppermost step (38) of the staircase (34) and which is foldable or retractable in its position when the staircase (34) is in the park position and is foldable or extendable in its position when the staircase (34) is in the extended position. [2] Entry / exit device (10b) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the connecting beam (36) is length-variable and can be automatically transferred from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the connecting beam (36) is in its retracted position when the staircase (34) is in its parked position and in its extended position when the staircase (34) is in its extended position. [3] Entry / exit device (10b) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the connecting carrier (36) is automatically locked in its extended position. [4] Entry / exit device (10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that a linkage (42) is arranged between the connecting beam (36) and the mounting element (32), which has a first lever (44) pivotally mounted on the mounting element (32) at a distance from the pivot axis and a second lever (46) also pivotally connected to the connecting beam (36) at a distance from the pivot axis, wherein the two levers (44, 46) are pivotally connected to each other, and that the first lever (44) and / or the second lever (46) is locked in its respective position when the staircase (34) is in the park position and can be automatically unlocked, and is automatically locked in its respective position when the staircase (34) is in the extended position. [5] Entry / exit device (10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the transfer of the staircase (34) from its parked position to its extended position is power-assisted, namely by means of a motor or by means of the force of a spring mechanism pre-tensioned in the parked position of the staircase (34). [6] Monorail vehicle (16) with - a car body (14) having a floor (30) and at least one lockable exit / entry opening (12) or an emergency exit opening that can be opened in an emergency or opens automatically, - one of the at least one lockable exit / entry opening (12) or the emergency exit opening associated with the exit / entry device (10b) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the mounting element of the exit / entry device (10b) is mounted on the car body (14), in particular on its floor (30), below the lockable exit / entry opening (12) or the emergency exit opening.

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