Energy chain and door system of a vehicle with an energy chain

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy supply chain (1) of a vehicle reinforced by at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element (12), which, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the energy supply chain (1), has a number of chain links (3) articulatedly connected to one another by articulated joints (2), each having two parallel tabs (4, 5), two cross webs (6, 7) connecting the two tabs (4, 5) and an inner chamber (8) between the tabs (4, 5) and the cross webs (6, 7), wherein the inner chambers (8) of the number of chain links (3), viewed in the longitudinal direction of the energy supply chain (1), form an inner guide channel (10) within which at least one energy-carrying element (11) is guided, and wherein the spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) is designed in a band-like form.The at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) is arranged within the inner chambers (8) in an intermediate space (17) between an outer circumference of the at least one energy-carrying element (11) and an inner surface of a transverse web (6 or 7) of the two transverse webs (6, 7).

Description

[0001] The invention is based on an energy guiding chain according to the preamble of claim 1, on a door system of a vehicle with such an energy guiding chain according to claim 8 and on a sliding step entry system of a vehicle according to claim 9.

[0002] Sliding door systems are known in vehicles, e.g. from DE10343029A1, with a sliding door that can be moved between a closed position and an open position. The known sliding door system has a power guide chain, which is connected at one end to the sliding door and at one end to a body of the vehicle. The power guide chain can be equipped with a plurality of different lines, in particular with electrical lines, so that, for example, an electrical consumer arranged in the sliding door is connected to an electrical system of the vehicle via an electrical line guided in the power guide chain. The power guide chain has at least one curved region located between the ends, wherein the curved region has different radii of curvature depending on the position of the sliding door.When the cable guide chain moves in a horizontal plane, this is referred to as a horizontal arrangement. The problem with this horizontal arrangement is that the cable guide chain, including the cables it carries, is subjected to bending stress due to its own weight, which adversely affects the wear of the cable guide chain's link joints.

[0003] To address this problem, DE 20 2012 010 236 U1 discloses a generic energy chain reinforced by a spring-elastic reinforcement element. For this purpose, additional retaining elements are arranged laterally on each of the chain links of the energy chain, to which a band-like spring-elastic reinforcement element is attached.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing an energy guiding chain that is reinforced with less effort, particularly transversely to the longitudinal direction. Likewise, a vehicle door system with such an energy guiding chain is to be provided.

[0005] This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 8. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on an energy guide chain of a vehicle, in particular a door system of a rail vehicle, reinforced by at least one resilient reinforcing element, which a) seen in the longitudinal direction of the energy chain, has a number of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of articulated connections, each of which has in particular only or exactly two parallel plates, in particular only or exactly two transverse webs connecting the two plates, for example at end edges facing away from one another, and an inner chamber between the plates and the transverse webs, wherein b) the inner chambers of the number of chain links arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the energy guiding chain form an inner guide channel within which at least one energy-conducting element is guided, in particular at least one line, at least one cable and / or at least one hose, and wherein c) the resilient reinforcing element is designed in the form of a band and has two side surfaces in addition to two surfaces facing away from each other, and wherein d) the energy guide chain reinforced by the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element can assume different bent states in which at least some chain links are each twisted relative to one another around the articulated connections.

[0007] The energy guide chain can thereby assume any bent or curved state, at least in some areas, wherein the spring-elastic reinforcing element prestresses the energy guide chain in a working plane, at least in some areas, in particular in its non-bent or straight state.

[0008] An energy-carrying element is understood to mean any element, such as an electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic line, that carries an energy-carrying medium, in particular an electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic current. An energy-carrying element is also understood to mean a data line, such as a signal line, a data bus, or an optical fiber, which carries electrical analog or digital signals as energy.

[0009] The fact that the spring-elastic reinforcing element is designed in the shape of a band and has two side surfaces in addition to two surfaces facing away from each other means that the two side surfaces each run along the thickness of the band which represents the spring-elastic reinforcing element, and the two surfaces facing away from each other run along the longitudinal direction of this band.

[0010] The invention proposes that e) in at least some of the chain links of the number of chain links, the at least one resilient reinforcing element is arranged within the inner chamber, in a space between an outer circumference of the at least one energy-conducting element and an inner surface of a crosspiece of the two crosspieces, wherein f) the spring-elastic reinforcing element is designed such that in the at least some chain links of the number of chain links it contacts one link of the two link plates with one side surface of the two side surfaces and the other link of the two link plates with the other side surface of the side surfaces, in particular from the inside.

[0011] Because the at least one resilient reinforcement element is arranged within the inner chamber, namely in a space between an outer periphery of the at least one energy-conducting element and an inner surface of a crosspiece of the two crosspieces, no additional retaining elements are necessary for the resilient reinforcement element. Rather, the at least one resilient reinforcement element is held or fixed in the space. This eliminates the effort required to secure the at least one resilient reinforcement element to the energy guide chain.

[0012] In particular, commercially available energy guiding chains, which, for example, have only or exactly two crosspieces and only or exactly two plates per chain link, do not need to be modified to hold the at least one resilient reinforcement element because the inner guide channel, which guides the at least one energy-guiding element, simultaneously also guides or houses the at least one resilient reinforcement element. Furthermore, the at least one resilient reinforcement element can thereby be guided at least in places between the outer circumference of the at least one energy-guiding element and a respective crosspiece of a chain link in a type of clamping, which can be dependent in particular on the prevailing radius of curvature of the energy guiding chain at that location.As a result, the energy guide chain is stiffened or reinforced by the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element, in particular in the working plane within which the energy guide chain can be guided or bent as intended during operation.

[0013] In addition, the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element is designed such that, in at least some of the chain links of the number of chain links, it contacts one link of the two link plates with one side surface of the two side surfaces and the other link of the two link plates with the other side surface of the side surfaces, in particular in such a way that the contact between the side surfaces and the link plates still allows relative rotation of the chain links about the joint axes without excessive resistance. As a result, the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element stiffens the energy guide chain, in particular transversely to the above-mentioned working plane or transversely to its longitudinal extent, whereby sagging, in particular of horizontally arranged energy guide chains, can be prevented. The joint connections of the chain links are advantageously relieved.On the other hand, additional horizontal guide or support plates are no longer necessary, on which the energy chain rests vertically to prevent sagging. Such guide or support plates disadvantageously separate a box in the door portal of the door system of, for example, a rail vehicle, in which the door drive and control system are located, in the horizontal direction and represent an obstacle for vertically installed cables.

[0014] The above-mentioned inventive measures therefore lead to reduced wear and thus to an extension of the service life of commercially available energy chains without the need for modifications, particularly with regard to the number of crosspieces and link plates. The longest possible trouble-free operation of the energy chain is particularly advantageous when used in door systems of rail vehicles, particularly those intended for passenger transport, for boarding and disembarking passengers.

[0015] Advantageous further developments of the invention are possible in the subclaims.

[0016] Preferably, the resilient reinforcing element is designed such that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the energy chain, at least within one chain link a) contact exists or occurs or can occur between a surface of the resilient reinforcing element and an inner surface of a transverse web, and / or b) contact exists, occurs or may occur between the other surface of the resilient reinforcing element and the outer periphery of the energy-conducting element.

[0017] Through the contact or contacts, a force can be transmitted from the spring-elastic reinforcing element to the at least one chain link or to the energy-carrying element, in particular a restoring force which has a straightening effect on curved areas of the energy guide chain.

[0018] Therefore, the spring-elastic reinforcement element can be designed such that, in its basic state—i.e., when separated from the energy chain and unloaded—it assumes or has a straight shape. When installed in the energy chain, its resilient elastic properties have a straightening effect on curved sections of the energy chain. This allows the energy chain to be reinforced or stiffened in the working plane.

[0019] If the gap in which the at least one elastic reinforcement element is arranged is preferably spaced from a neutral fiber of the energy chain, this can result in reinforcement or stiffening of the energy chain that is tailored to the intended movement or bending of the energy chain, because a lever arm is then present between the neutral fiber and the at least one elastic reinforcement element. The neutral fiber preferably intersects the joint axes of the joint connections of the energy chain.

[0020] Preferably, the resilient reinforcement element in at least some of the chain links contacts a crosspiece of the two crosspieces with one of its two surfaces. This contact stiffens the energy chain, particularly in the working plane explained above.

[0021] If in at least one curved area of ​​the energy chain one of the two crossbars is a radially outer crossbar or a radially inner crossbar, then the transverse stiffening effect of the reinforcing element on the energy chain can be localized either radially outside or radially inside.

[0022] In the energy guide chain, the at least one resilient reinforcement element can comprise a strip of spring steel and / or a strip of a plastic, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, and / or resilient wires arranged parallel to one another in the form of a strip. In the energy guide chain, the chain links are preferably made of a plastic.

[0023] The invention also relates to a door system of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a door portal and at least one door movable relative to the door portal, for example a sliding door or a pivoting sliding door. According to the invention, an energy guide chain as described above is connected to a first connection area on the door portal and to a second connection area on the at least one door.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention also includes a sliding step entry system of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, which has a vehicle-fixed, in particular box-like, base and a sliding step that can be retracted and extended with respect to the base, wherein an energy guide chain as described above is connected to a first connection area on the base and to a second connection area on the sliding step.

[0025] In the first and second connection areas, electrical connections for the at least one energy-carrying element are provided, so that electrical energy and / or electrical signals can be conducted between the two connections along the at least one energy-carrying element. drawing

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing below and explained in more detail in the following description. The drawing shows Fig. 1 a perspective view of an energy guide chain in a preferred commercially available embodiment in a state in which some chain links are each rotated relative to each other around the joint axes; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the energy chain of Fig. 1 along a longitudinal median plane; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the energy chain of Fig. 1 along a longitudinal center plane which has been stiffened by means of an integrated elastic reinforcing element according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the energy chain stiffened by the integrated elastic reinforcement element of Fig. 3 along line IV - IV from Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of the energy chain stiffened by the integrated elastic reinforcement element of Fig. 3 along the line V - V from Fig. 3; Fig. 6 an enlarged partial section of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a schematic view of a door system of a rail vehicle with an energy chain according to Fig. 3 in a state in which a door of the door system is closed; Fig. 8 a schematic view of the door system of Fig. 7 in a state in which a door of the door system is open. Description of the embodiment

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred commercially available energy chain 1. The energy chain 1 has, in its longitudinal direction, a number of chain links 3 that are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of joints 2, each of which has exactly or only two parallel links, a first link 4 and a second link 5, and only or exactly two crosspieces connecting the two links 4, 5, a first crosspiece 6 and a second crosspiece 7 ( Fig. 4, Fig. 5). Between the two plates 4, 5 and the two crosspieces 6, 7, an inner chamber 8 ( Fig. 5, Fig. 6) of the respective chain link 3. The energy chain 1 is therefore designed so that it can be bent within a working plane 9 due to the degree of freedom of rotation of the joint connections 2 ( Fig. 1).

[0028] The inner chambers 8 of the chain links 3, which are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain 1, then form an inner guide channel 10, within which at least one Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 not, but in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, is guided, here in particular an electrical cable 11, which is designed to conduct electrical energy and / or analog or digital signals, which represent, for example, data. For this purpose, several electrical wires or lines can be combined in the electrical cable 11, for example.

[0029] One in Fig. 6 The elastic reinforcement element 12 shown in cross section serves to reinforce or stiffen the energy chain 1 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and has the shape of a band. Therefore, in addition to two mutually facing and, in particular, parallel surfaces, a first surface 13 and a second surface 14, it has two, in particular, parallel side surfaces, a first side surface 15 and a second side surface 16.

[0030] Here, for example, in all chain links 3, the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 is guided or arranged within their inner chambers 8, in each case in a space 17 between an outer circumference here of the electrical cable 11 and an inner surface, for example of the first crosspiece 6 of the two crosspieces 6, 7, as in Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 is shown.

[0031] As is particularly evident from Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 is designed such that, in the chain links 3, it contacts the inner surface of the first plate 4 with the first side surface 15 and the inner surface of the second plate 5 with the second side surface 16, in each case in such a way that the contact, which is preferably present in all chain links 3, between the side surfaces 15, 16 and the inner surfaces of the plates 4, 5 still allows relative rotation of the chain links 3 around the articulated connections 2. The contact can therefore cause a certain (minor) sliding or static friction between the side surfaces 15, 16 of the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 and the inner surfaces of the plates 4, 5 of the chain links 3. However, this sliding or static friction is not so great that the intended curved or bent states of the energy guide chain 1 within the working plane 9 can no longer be caused.Such a partially bent state of the energy guide chain 1 including the reinforcement element 12 is shown as an example in . Fig. 3. This contact also does not exclude the possibility that, due to tolerances, a slight play may occur between at least one side surface 15, 16 and at least one inner surface of a link plate 4, 5. It is essential that, in the intended use of the energy chain 1, in particular in a curved area thereof, this contact occurs or can occur at least in some chain links 3. This contact can, for example, arise (even only) through the weight of the energy chain 1 carrying the electrical cable 11 or be reinforced if, for example, it is installed in a horizontal arrangement, as is the case in Fig. 7 and in Fig. 8 is shown.

[0032] Although for reasons of clarity in Fig. 6 not shown in this way, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain 1, at least in places or regions, i.e. at least within one chain link 3, there can be or occur contact between the first surface 13 of the resilient reinforcing element 12, which here points radially outwards, for example, and an inner surface of the first transverse web 6, which here points radially outwards, for example. Alternatively or additionally, there can be or occur contact between the second surface 14 of the resilient reinforcing element 12, which here points radially inner, for example, and the outer circumference of the electrical cable 11, at least within one chain link 3. As a result of this contact or these contacts, a force can be generated between the resilient reinforcing element 12 and the electrical cable 11 orbetween the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 and the at least one chain link 3, which then prestresses a bent region of the energy guide chain 1 into a straight or unbent state. This reinforces or longitudinally stiffens the energy guide chain 1, particularly in the working plane 9.

[0033] Because, as described above, the two side surfaces 15, 16 of the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 additionally contact the inner surfaces of the two plates 4, 5 of the chain links 3 at least in at least one chain link 3, the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 also has a transverse stiffening effect on the energy guide chain 1, ie in a direction perpendicular to the working plane 9.

[0034] The resilient reinforcement element 12 can comprise a strip of spring steel and / or a strip of a plastic, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, and / or resilient wires arranged side by side in the form of a strip. The chain links 3 of the energy guide chain 1 also preferably consist of at least one plastic.

[0035] If, as by Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the spaces 17 of the chain links 3, in which the elastic reinforcement element 12 is arranged, are preferably arranged at a distance from a neutral fiber 18 of the energy guide chain 1, so that a reinforcement or stiffening can be achieved which is adapted to a movement or bending of the energy guide chain 1 in the working plane 9, depending on whether the spaces 17 are located radially outside or radially inside with respect to the neutral fiber 18.

[0036] Fig. Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a door system 19 of a vehicle, for example a rail vehicle, comprising a door portal 20 which is firmly connected to a car body and a door 21 which is movable relative to the door portal 20, here for example as a pivoting sliding door, wherein in the state of Fig. 7 the door 21 is closed. The energy guiding chain 1 is connected to a first connection area 22 on the door portal 20 and to a second connection area 23 on the movable door 21 in such a way that, for example, electrical energy and / or analog or digital signals can be guided between the two connection areas 22, 23 along the electrical cable 11 guided through the energy guiding chain 1. As can be seen, the energy guiding chain 1 is preferably used in a horizontal arrangement, wherein it is supported by the above-described spring-elastic reinforcement element 12 both in the horizontal working plane 9 (in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 the drawing plane) as well as transversely to it, ie here in the vertical direction. When the door is closed, Fig. 7, certain areas of the energy chain 1 are bent and straight, just as certain areas are bent and straight when the door is open, as can be seen from Fig. 8. These straight or curved sections of the energy chain 1 can change in terms of their curvature and direction of curvature depending on the state of the door (open - intermediate position - closed).

[0037] As shown by Fig. 7 and from Fig. 8 can be easily understood, when the door 21 is transferred from the closed state ( Fig. 7) to the fully open state ( Fig. 8) the second connection area 23 of the energy chain 1 passes the first stationary connection area 22. As can be seen, the type of bend or curvature of areas of the energy chain 1 can also vary depending on the state of the door 21 (open - intermediate position - closed). For example, it can happen that the area with the circle in Fig. 7 marked area 24 of the energy chain 1 when the door is closed in relation to the open door ( Fig. 8) is bent in the opposite direction, for example in such a way that in this marked area 24 when the door is closed according to Fig. 7 radially outer crosspieces of the chain links 3 and the radially outer surface of the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 then with the door open according to Fig. 8 are arranged radially inward.

[0038] Against the background of the above Fig.3, the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 can then be arranged, for example, within the chain links 3 of the energy guide chain 1 in such a way that here, for example, in the marked area 24, the respective surface 13, 14 of the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 and the transverse webs 6, 7 of the chain links 3, which delimit the intermediate spaces 17 in which the spring-elastic reinforcing element 12 is received, are each arranged radially outward or radially inward, depending on whether the door 21 is in the closed or open state or in an intermediate position. List of reference symbols 1 energy chain 2 articulated connections 3 chain links 4 first tab 5 second tab 6 first crossbar 7 second crossbar 8 inner chamber 9 Working level 10 inner guide channel 11 electrical cable 12 spring-elastic reinforcement element 13 first surface 14 second surface 15 first side surface 16 second side surface 17 gap 18 neutral fiber 19 Door system 20 door portal 21 doors 22 first connection area 23 second connection area 24 marked area QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10343029A1

[0002] DE 20 2012 010 236 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Energy guiding chain (1) of a vehicle, in particular of a door system (19) or of a sliding step system of a rail vehicle, reinforced by at least one resilient reinforcing element (12), which a) seen in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain (1), has a number of chain links (3) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of articulated connections (2), each of which has two parallel plates (4, 5), two transverse webs (6, 7) connecting the two plates (4, 5) and an inner chamber (8) between the plates (4, 5) and the transverse webs (6, 7), wherein b) the inner chambers (8) of the number of chain links (3) arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain (1) form an inner guide channel (10) within which at least one energy-conducting element (11) is guided, and wherein c) the resilient reinforcing element (12) is designed in the form of a band and has, in addition to two surfaces (13, 14) facing away from one another, two side surfaces (15, 16), and wherein d) the energy guide chain (1) reinforced by the at least one resilient reinforcing element (12) can assume different bent states in which at least some chain links (3) are each twisted relative to one another around the articulated connections (2), characterized by , that e) in at least some of the chain links (3) of the number of chain links (3), the at least one resilient reinforcing element (12) is arranged within the inner chamber (8), in a space (17) between an outer circumference of the at least one energy-conducting element (11) and an inner surface of a transverse web (6 or 7) of the two transverse webs (6, 7), and that f) the spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) is designed such that in the at least some chain links (3) of the number of chain links (3) it contacts one plate (4) of the two plates (4, 5) with one side surface (15) of the two side surfaces (15, 16) and the other plate (5) of the two plates (4, 5) with the other side surface (16) of the two side surfaces (15, 16). [2] Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized by that in at least some chain links (3) the spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) of the number of chain links (3) contacts with one surface (13 or 14) of its two surfaces (13, 14) one transverse web (6 or 7) of the two transverse webs (6, 7). [3] Energy guiding chain according to claim 2, characterized by that in at least one curved region (24) of the energy guide chain (1), one of the two crossbars (6, 7) is a radially outer crossbar or a radially inner crossbar. [4] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) is designed such that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain (1), at least within one chain link (3) a) contact is present or occurs between a surface (13, 14) of the at least one resilient reinforcing element (12) and an inner surface of a transverse web (6, 7), and / or b) contact is present or occurs between the other surface (13, 14) of the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) and the outer circumference of the energy-conducting element (11). [5] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the intermediate space (17) in which the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) is arranged is spaced from a neutral fiber (18) of the energy guide chain (1). [6] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one spring-elastic reinforcing element (12) comprises a band made of spring steel and / or a band made of a plastic and / or spring-elastic wires arranged parallel to one another in the form of a band. [7] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least some chain links (3) of the number of chain links (3) consist of a plastic. [8] Door system (19) of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a door portal (20) and at least one door (21) movable relative to the door portal (20), characterized by that an energy guiding chain (1) according to one of the preceding claims is connected to a first connection area (22) on the door portal (20) and to a second connection area (23) on the at least one door (21). [9] Sliding step entry system of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a vehicle-fixed base and a sliding step that can be retracted and extended with respect to the base, characterized by that an energy guide chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 is connected to a first connection area on the base and to a second connection area on the sliding step.

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