Method and device for monitoring an emergency release device of an entrance door for a passenger vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an entry door device for a passenger vehicle, an entry door device for a passenger vehicle, and a passenger rail vehicle with at least one entry door device, wherein the entry door device comprises at least one entry door and a mechanical emergency release device for the entry door, wherein - the emergency release device is monitored and - when a predefined state of the monitored emergency release device is detected, information about the detected predefined state is generated and output.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an entry door device for a passenger vehicle, an entry door device for a passenger vehicle and a passenger rail vehicle with at least one entry door device, wherein the entry door device comprises at least one entry door and a mechanical emergency release device for the entry door. Technical background

[0002] The entrance doors of passenger rail vehicles, also known as exterior doors, often have an electric motor for automatic opening and closing. For emergencies, a manual release mechanism is provided, consisting of a Bowden cable, cable, or rope (particularly a steel cable). This mechanism transmits force, manually applied to an emergency release handle or lever, to a door lock, thus unlocking the door and allowing it to be opened manually. The door drive may also be disconnected in this process. For safety reasons, the emergency release mechanism is regularly tested for functionality. This is typically done by service or maintenance personnel manually operating the emergency release mechanism outside of the rail vehicle's normal operating hours.

[0003] Emergency release devices are known from the prior art. For example, DE 10 2019 128 384 A1 teaches a heated external emergency release device for doors of passenger transport vehicles, in particular rail vehicles. The emergency release device is protected against icing by at least one heating element. The device may have a cover flap, which may also be equipped with heating elements. The heating element may be electrically operated and designed as a linear heating element. The emergency release device is recessed in a recess, with the heating elements installed from the inside behind the recess to ensure functionality even under winter conditions. DE 100 43 542 A1 relates to a large passenger vehicle with an emergency exit, for example, a side door or roof hatch.A manually operated component is provided for uncovering the exit, which is only accessible in an emergency after a cover element has been destroyed. The manual component is designed as a plate-shaped hand lever of a release mechanism, with a flat outer surface of the hand lever, together with a destructible insert, forming the cover element. The hand lever and the insert enclose a recessed housing and have grooves corresponding to the thickness of the destructible element. JP H06-23952Y2 also shows a mechanical device with various components.

[0004] Utility model CN ​​2 05 875 981 U discloses a generic emergency release device for passenger car doors, comprising a handle assembly with grip and support, and a cable pull arrangement with a steel wire rope. The steel wire rope serves to transmit force to a door opening device. Furthermore, an alarm function with a flexible alarm switch, audible and visual warning, and wireless signal transmission is disclosed.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2008 034 745 A1 describes a cable pulley with a measuring device for forces, connected to a force application element and a bending element. The measuring device measures the forces transmitted through the sheath of the cable pulley. The device comprises a force measuring device attached to a cable that is guided around a pulley. The cable is connected to a force application element and a bending element. The force is measured by monitoring the mechanical stresses and forces occurring in the cable pulley. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of simplifying the operation and servicing of a passenger rail vehicle and increasing passenger safety.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of claims 1, 7 and 13. Further developments and embodiments of the invention are found in the features of the dependent claims.

[0008] The time-consuming and therefore costly manual testing of the emergency release of each individual door by appropriately trained personnel at regular intervals is no longer necessary.

[0009] Essential elements of the emergency release device, such as a Bowden cable for transmitting manually applied force from a manually operated handle to a door lock to open the door, are concealed and therefore inaccessible to visual inspection. A disadvantage of the previous manual method for verifying its functionality by actuating the emergency release device is that the cable is primarily stressed during this test. Therefore, the actual stress on the emergency release device, particularly on its cable, is significantly reduced, and maintenance intervals can be considerably extended.

[0010] Furthermore, the manual method of checking the functionality of the emergency release device by actuating it does not guarantee that the pull cable will remain intact and the emergency release functional even a short time after the test. It is possible that the pull cable could break immediately after the test, particularly due to the stress placed on it during the test. This could previously go undetected. According to the invention, however, continuous monitoring during operation of the rail vehicle is possible. Embodiments of the invention

[0011] An inventive method for operating an entry door device for a passenger vehicle, in particular for a rail vehicle, wherein the entry door device has at least one entry door and a mechanical emergency release device for the entry door, comprises the following method steps: - Monitoring the emergency release device, - upon detection of a predefined condition, in particular a predefined fault condition, of the monitored emergency release device, generating and outputting information about the detected predefined condition, in particular a predefined fault condition, of the monitored emergency release device.

[0012] The monitoring of the emergency release device, the detection of a predefined state, in particular a predefined fault state, of the monitored emergency release device, and the generation and output of information about the detected predefined state, in particular the predefined fault state, are carried out in particular by means of a monitoring device suitable for this purpose.

[0013] An entry door device according to the invention for a passenger vehicle, in particular for a rail vehicle, comprises an entry door and a mechanical emergency release device for the entry door and is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the entry door device includes the aforementioned means suitable for carrying out the respective method step. The entry door device according to the invention includes a monitoring device which is configured - for monitoring the emergency release device and - for detecting a predefined state, in particular a predefined fault state, of the monitored emergency release device as well as - for generating and outputting information about the detected state of a given type, in particular the given error state.

[0014] A passenger transport vehicle according to the invention, in particular a rail vehicle, comprises at least one entrance door device according to the invention.

[0015] The mechanical emergency release device is used to open a locked entrance door. It is designed to be operated manually. For this purpose, it includes at least one handle, such as a grip or lever, for manually operating the emergency release device and thus triggering an emergency release of the entrance door, i.e., manually opening a closed door lock. The handle is advantageously located near the entrance door in the vehicle.

[0016] Furthermore, the emergency release device comprises a pull cable for transmitting forces between the handle of the emergency release device for manual operation of the emergency release device and the door lock of the entrance door. According to the invention, the pull cable for transmitting forces between the handle of the emergency release device for manual operation of the emergency release device and the door lock of the entrance door is monitored. The monitoring device is then configured accordingly. - for monitoring at least the pull cable of the emergency release device, - for the detection of a predefined condition, at least of the pull cable of the emergency release device and - for generating and outputting information about the detected state of a specified type, at least of the pull rope of the emergency release device.

[0017] The pull cord can be part of a Bowden cable for the emergency release device. It can also be referred to as a cable.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one measured value is acquired to describe the state of the emergency release device, particularly the state of its pull cable, in order to monitor the emergency release device, and based on this at least one acquired measured value, a state of a predetermined type of the emergency release device, particularly the state of its pull cable, is recognized. Based on this at least one acquired measured value, a state of the emergency release device, particularly the state of its pull cable, can be determined, particularly by means of a suitably configured monitoring device. Subsequently, a state of the predetermined type can be recognized.A fault condition can be easily detected if at least one measured value lies above and / or below a predefined threshold. In this case, at least, information about the detected fault condition of a predefined type for the emergency release device, in particular the emergency release device's pull cable, is generated and output by the monitoring device. Conversely, a functioning emergency release device can be assumed if at least one measured value lies within a predefined interval. In this case, information about the functioning state of the emergency release device could also be generated and output. Alternatively, the corresponding information could be generated and output only when a fault condition of a predefined type is detected.

[0019] Information about the detected state of a predefined type can be generated and output as a message, for example in the form of a signal.

[0020] To record at least one measured value to describe the state of the emergency release device, in particular to describe the state of the pull rope of the emergency release device, the monitoring device can be further developed to include at least one measuring device.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a voltmeter as a measuring device for recording at least one measured value of an electrical voltage and a voltage source, which is set up and suitably connected to the pull cable of the emergency release device in order to apply an electrical voltage, in particular at a predetermined nominal value, to the pull cable, especially at a first end of the pull cable in the area of ​​the handle or the door lock, and, in particular, to tap off a second end of the pull cable opposite the first end in the area of ​​the handle or the door lock, whereby the state of the pull cable of a predetermined type is detected if the measured value of the electrical voltage is less than a predetermined threshold value, in particular zero. The monitoring device is configured to measure an electrical voltage on the pull cable.

[0022] To monitor the pull cable of the emergency release device, an electrical voltage, particularly at a predetermined nominal value, is applied to the pull cable, especially at a first end of the pull cable in the area of ​​the handle or door lock. A measured value of the electrical voltage is then taken, particularly at a second end of the pull cable opposite the first end in the area of ​​the handle or door lock, using the voltage measuring device of the monitoring unit. The condition of the pull cable is detected if the measured value of the electrical voltage is less than a predetermined threshold, particularly zero. The threshold is predetermined as a function of the applied voltage at the nominal value.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring device can include a resistance measuring device as a measuring device for recording at least one measured value of an electrical resistance (ohmic resistance) of the pull rope and a current source as well as further electrical conductors for closing a circuit via the pull rope, which are installed and suitably connected to the pull rope of the emergency release device in order to allow an electric current, in particular at a predetermined nominal value, to flow, in particular between a first end of the pull rope in the area of ​​the handle or the door lock and a second end of the pull rope opposite the first end of the pull rope in the area of ​​the handle or the door lock, wherein the condition of the pull rope of a predetermined type is detected if the measured value of the electrical resistance (ohmic resistance) of the pull rope is greater than a predetermined threshold value.If the pull rope breaks, an infinite resistance is measured. The monitoring device is designed to measure the electrical resistance of the pull rope. A resistance measuring device is also called an ohmmeter. The additional electrical leads of the monitoring device for closing the circuit via the pull rope are advantageously connected electrically to the ends of the pull rope in the area of ​​the handle and the door lock, and also to the measuring device of the monitoring device.

[0024] To monitor the pull cable of the emergency release device, an electrical circuit is closed via the pull cable, and at least one measurement of the cable's electrical resistance is recorded using a resistance meter. A predefined condition is detected if the recorded resistance measurement exceeds a predefined threshold. The monitoring device, particularly its measuring unit, sends a small current through the pull cable in the circuit and determines the voltage required to overcome the cable's resistance. This allows for the detection of not only a completely broken pull cable but also a reduction in its diameter, such as in the case of a partially torn cable.

[0025] According to a further development, the measuring device of the monitoring device is designed as a multimeter, configured to record at least one measured value of an electrical voltage and at least one measured value of an electrical resistance (ohmic resistance) of the pull rope. The monitoring device is configured to measure an electrical voltage on the pull rope and / or to measure an electrical resistance of the pull rope.

[0026] Advantageously, the towing cable comprises an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal or a metal alloy. Preferably, the towing cable is a steel cable.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device comprises a unit for mechanically pre-tensioning the pull rope with a predetermined force, for example a spring, and at least one measuring device for recording the at least one measured value for a mechanical elongation of the pull rope, for example comprising at least one strain gauge arranged on the pull rope. The monitoring device is configured to measure a mechanical elongation of the pull rope.

[0028] To monitor the pull cable of the emergency release device, the pull cable is pre-tensioned, particularly to a predetermined nominal value, especially at a first end of the pull cable in the area of ​​the handle or the door lock. At least one measurement of the mechanical elongation of the pull cable is then recorded, particularly by means of at least one measuring device. The condition of the pull cable of a predetermined type can be detected, and corresponding information about the detected condition of at least the pull cable of the emergency release device can be generated and output if the at least one measured value of the mechanical elongation of the pull cable exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0029] The aforementioned process steps of the method according to the invention are further developed during normal operation of the vehicle, in particular during normal operation of the entry door device.

[0030] Applying electrical voltage to the pull rope, closing the circuit via the pull rope, and / or applying mechanical pretension to the pull rope can advantageously be done at predetermined intervals. For example, when commissioning the boarding door mechanism, such as during the setup of the passenger rail vehicle. It can also be done continuously.

[0031] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

[0032] The invention allows for numerous embodiments. It is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, each of which illustrates an exemplary embodiment. Identical elements in the figures are designated with the same reference numerals. Exemplary embodiments of the drawing Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a flowchart for an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0033] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a flowchart for an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0034] In a first process step a., a mechanical emergency release device for an entrance door of an entrance door assembly for a passenger rail vehicle is monitored. The entrance door assembly comprises the entrance door, the mechanical emergency release device for the entrance door, and a door lock. The mechanical emergency release device for the entrance door includes a manually operated handle, for example, a grip or a lever. In this embodiment, a force manually applied to the handle is transmitted via the handle to a pull cable of a Bowden cable of the entrance door assembly, which is connected to the handle and the door lock of the entrance door assembly. Thus, this force is transmitted via the pull cable of the Bowden cable to the door lock of the entrance door assembly, thereby opening a closed door lock of the entrance door assembly.

[0035] To monitor the emergency release device, specifically the pull cable of the emergency release device, the entry door device includes a suitably configured monitoring device. According to this embodiment, the monitoring device includes at least one measuring device for acquiring at least one measured value to describe the state of the emergency release device, specifically the state of the pull cable.

[0036] The Bowden cable comprises an inner cable and an outer cable. The inner cable includes the pull cord, which may be made of electrically conductive steel. The monitoring device may include an electrical supply, in particular a current and / or voltage source, which is connected to the pull cord of the Bowden cable and forms a closed circuit via the pull cord. The monitoring device also includes a multimeter to measure the electrical resistance and / or voltage of the pull cord.

[0037] In a second process step b., when a state of a predefined type is detected in the monitored emergency release device, information about the detected state of a predefined type is generated and output.

[0038] For this purpose, data, in particular measured values ​​to describe the condition of the pull rope of the emergency release device, can be recorded, and a condition of the pull rope of the emergency release device can be determined from the recorded data or measured values, and in the event that a faulty condition of a predefined definition is detected, a message about the detected faulty condition is generated and output.

[0039] If the cable breaks or is already broken, the circuit is no longer closed, and this can be detected using the voltmeter function of a multimeter. Instead of the electrical voltage, the electrical resistance of the cable can also be measured. Local reductions in the cable's diameter will result in a higher electrical resistance. This can also be used to detect a frayed Bowden cable.

[0040] The voltage and / or power supply as well as the monitoring could be carried out via the inputs and outputs of a door control unit of the entry door device.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical pretension of the Bowden cable can also be monitored, for example by means of at least one strain gauge (SG) arranged on the cable. The pretension can be applied to the cable, for example, by means of a spring.

[0042] The critical Bowden cable component of the entry door device can thus be discreetly monitored electronically at predetermined time intervals as well as continuously, and a message can be sent directly in case of failure.

Claims

[1] Method for operating an entry door device for a passenger vehicle, wherein the entry door device comprises at least one entry door and a mechanical emergency release device for the entry door, wherein the emergency release device is monitored and Upon detection of a predefined state of the monitored emergency release device, information about the detected predefined state is generated and output. characterized by , that A pull cable of the emergency release device for transmitting forces between a handle of the emergency release device for manual operation and a door lock of the entrance door is monitored. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least one measured value is recorded to describe the state of the emergency release device for monitoring purposes, and that the state of the specified type of emergency release device is recognized based on the at least one measured value. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that an electrical voltage is applied to the pull rope and at least one measurement of the electrical voltage on the pull rope is recorded, whereby the state of a given type is recognized if the recorded measurement of the electrical voltage is less than a given threshold value. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a circuit is closed via the pull rope and at least one measurement of an electrical resistance of the pull rope is recorded, whereby the state of a given type is recognized if the recorded measurement of the electrical resistance is greater than a given threshold value. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the traction cable is mechanically pre-tensioned and at least one measurement of a mechanical elongation of the traction cable is recorded, whereby the state of a predetermined type is recognized if the recorded measurement of the mechanical elongation of the traction cable is greater than a predetermined threshold value. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that it is carried out during normal operation of the entry door device. [7] Entry door device for a passenger vehicle comprising an entry door and an emergency release device for the entry door, characterized by that the entry door device comprises a monitoring device which is configured to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Entry door device according to claim 7, characterized bythat the emergency release device comprises a handle for manual operation of the emergency release device and a pull rope for transmitting forces between the handle and the door lock of the entry door, wherein the monitoring device is installed - for monitoring at least the pull cable of the emergency release device, - for the detection of a predefined condition, at least of the pull cable of the emergency release device and - for generating and outputting information about the detected state of a specified type, at least of the pull rope of the emergency release device. [9] Entry door device according to claim 8, characterized by, that the monitoring device has a voltage source for applying an electrical voltage to the pull rope and a measuring device for recording at least one measured value of an electrical voltage on the pull rope, wherein the monitoring device is configured to recognize a state of the pull rope of a predetermined type if the at least one recorded measured value of the electrical voltage is less than a predetermined threshold value. [10] Entry door device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by, that the monitoring device comprises a power source for connection to the pull rope and means for completing a circuit via the pull rope and a measuring device for recording at least one measured value of an electrical resistance of the pull rope, wherein the monitoring device is configured to detect a state of the pull rope of a predetermined type if the at least one recorded measured value of the electrical resistance is greater than a predetermined threshold value. [11] Entry door device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by, that the monitoring device has at least one unit for applying a mechanical preload to the haul rope with a predetermined force and at least one measuring device for recording at least one measured value of a mechanical elongation of the haul rope, wherein the monitoring device is configured to detect a state of the haul rope of a predetermined type if the at least one recorded measured value of the mechanical elongation of the haul rope is greater than a predetermined threshold value. [12] Entry door device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by that the tow rope comprises an electrically conductive material. [13] Passenger rail vehicle with at least one entry door device according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

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