Restraint device for persons for use in public transport

Abstract

Holding device (1) for persons for use in a public transport vehicle, comprising a handrail (6), a housing (4), and a moving part (5) to which the handle (6) is attached and via which the handle (6) is coupled to the housing (4), wherein the moving part (5) can be inserted into the housing (4) and removed from the housing (4) by means of a drive.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for persons for use in a public transport vehicle and a method for actuating the holding device.

[0002] Currently, handrails, loops, and handles in public transport do not offer optimal stabilization for people of different heights. In particular, existing handholds are often mounted too high for shorter individuals, such as women, children, or the elderly. This is because many of these features are designed for an average (male) reference person. Relevant use cases include: handrails in rail-based transport such as trams, subways, commuter trains, and regional trains; handrails in public road-based transport such as buses; handrails in watercraft such as ferries; and handrails in aircraft such as airplanes.

[0003] Currently used grab handles / loops are only available at a standard height, which is (presumably) based on an average height. People of shorter stature (e.g., women, children, the elderly, etc.) can only use them to a limited extent. Either they cannot reach the grab handles at all, or they can reach them but cannot grip them properly because they are set too high.

[0004] This problem leads to safety issues, reduced subjective safety, and a lower sense of comfort among these groups. As a result, the acceptance and usability of public transportation, for example, can suffer. However, in light of the climate crisis, a large proportion of the population should use public transportation. Therefore, efforts should be made to make it acceptable and usable for as many different people as possible.

[0005] DE 601 09 223 T2 discloses a motor vehicle with a body structure defining a passenger compartment, wherein at least one grab handle unit is connected to a surface within the compartment, wherein the or each grab handle unit comprises a grip support connected to the surface and a grip movably connected to the grip support, so that the grip can move between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the grip unit further comprises a distance sensor to detect the presence of a hand near the grip and to send a signal indicating the presence of a hand to a microprocessor, and an actuator to move the grip from the retracted position to the extended position when the distance sensor detects that a hand is near the grip.

[0006] CN 1 16 353 458 A relates to an electric ceiling grab handle device consisting of a base, a handle, and a second handle. A drive unit comprises a linkage seat, a first threaded spindle, and a motor. The two ends of the linkage seat are connected to the handle body, in the center of which is a threaded hole to which the first threaded spindle is connected. The first threaded spindle is located at the output end of the motor, and the motor is connected to the base. The ceiling grab handle has the advantage that the motor drives the first threaded spindle, allowing the connecting base to move the handle body close to or away from the base. This achieves automatic extension and retraction of the ceiling grab handle.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create a holding device in public transport for people of shorter stature.

[0008] The invention discloses a holding device and a method according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in this description.

[0009] The invention provides a height-adjustable grab handle that can be adapted to individual body sizes. This ensures the safe and comfortable use of these grab handles even for shorter individuals (e.g., children, women, the elderly, etc.).

[0010] The handle can be rigid or flexible, for example as a loop.

[0011] The traversing element is preferably infinitely variable. In another version, several traversing steps can be provided.

[0012] The moving part can have elements that can be moved into one another, each of which is movable and has a telescopic mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, an electric motor can be used as the drive. The drive preferably also includes a gearbox which transmits the power to the moving part.

[0014] According to the invention, the holding device has at least one sensor for controlling a movement of the moving part.

[0015] According to the invention, the holding device has a first sensor for detecting a first approach of a hand or a first touch by a person's hand, wherein, upon detection of the first approach or first touch, the drive is activated by means of the first sensor and the moving part is extended from a retracted position out of the housing.

[0016] The first sensor can be a proximity sensor or a touch sensor.

[0017] According to the invention, upon a second approach or touch of the first sensor by the hand, the drive is deactivated by means of the first sensor, so that the moving part remains in the position it was in at the time of the second approach or touch. A second approach or touch means that the aforementioned first approach or touch has ended and a further, renewed approach or touch is taking place. The first approach or touch can trigger movement of the moving part and the attached handle; the second approach or touch can stop the movement.

[0018] In one embodiment, the drive is activated upon a third touch of the first sensor by the hand, so that the moving part is retracted into the housing.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, a minimum contact time of the first sensor (or a subsequently mentioned second sensor) is provided, which is required to activate or deactivate the drive.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first sensor is attached to the grab handle on a side of the handle that is exposed to approach or contact, or in other words, accessible to approach or contact when the moving part is retracted into the housing. Preferably, the holding device can be installed in the interior of a vehicle such that the grab handle can be extended downwards with the moving part. The first sensor is preferably attached to an underside of the grab handle and is accessible from below, for example, by a hand approaching or touching the first sensor.

[0021] In one embodiment, the holding device includes a resistance detection device for detecting resistance to movement of the moving part, whereby the drive is deactivated when a resistance exceeding a threshold value is detected. This embodiment is advantageous for protection against accidents or injuries.

[0022] In one embodiment, the holding device has a second sensor for detecting when a hand approaches or touches the handle. Upon detection of such approach or touch, the drive is deactivated by the second sensor, so that the movable part remains in the position it was in at the time of the second approach or touch. In this embodiment, the drive is preferably not deactivated, or not solely deactivated, by the first sensor to stop the extension of the movable part and the attached handle; instead, the second sensor is used for this purpose.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second sensor is attached to the grab handle on a side of the handle that is inaccessible to touch when the retractable element is retracted into the housing. Preferably, as already mentioned, the holding device can be installed in the interior of a vehicle such that the grab handle, together with the retractable element, can be extended downwards. The second sensor is preferably attached to an upper side of the grab handle and is inaccessible as long as the retractable element, and preferably the grab handle attached to it, are retracted into the housing.

[0024] In one embodiment, the handle is partially or completely retractable into the housing. Preferably, one side of the handle remains accessible for touching when the handle is partially or completely retracted into the housing.

[0025] In one embodiment, the holding device includes a timer for recording the time the movable part remains in an extended position. If the second sensor is not touched for a predetermined period, as determined by the timer, the drive is activated, and the movable part retracts from this extended position into the housing. In this embodiment, the second sensor is preferably mounted on the upper side of the handle. The predetermined period is, for example, 5 to 10 seconds. This embodiment serves to return the movable part to its retracted position and the holding device to its home state when not in use.

[0026] In one embodiment, the holding device has a fastening device for attaching it to an interior ceiling or a handrail inside the public transport vehicle. The fastening device is preferably arranged on the housing. A handrail is preferably a handrail running transversely under the ceiling. The fastening device is preferably provided on the housing.

[0027] The holding device according to the invention can have a control unit which processes sensor signals and controls the movement of the moving part by means of the drive.

[0028] When a drive or other device is activated or deactivated by means of a sensor, this preferably means that a signal is transmitted from the sensor to the aforementioned control unit, which then controls the drive. The drive, in turn, causes the movement of the moving part.

[0029] In one aspect, the invention relates to a rail vehicle or a bus (passenger bus) comprising a holding device as described above.

[0030] Any holding device described above can be used in the method according to the invention.

[0031] According to the invention, upon detection of a first approach or first contact, the drive is activated by means of the first sensor, and the moving part is extended from a retracted position out of the housing. All other embodiments of the method previously described with reference to the holding device can be applied in the same manner, in particular those described in the dependent claims relating to the holding device.

[0032] The invention is described below using examples. Fig. 1 a holding device according to the invention in a retracted state and an extended state.

[0033] The holding device 1 according to the invention is on the left in the Fig. 1 shown in a retracted state and on the right in the Fig. 1 in an extended position. The holding device is attached to the handrail 3, for example a handrail 3 for persons inside a rail vehicle or bus, by means of fasteners 2, for example screws.

[0034] The holding device 1 comprises the housing 4, which contains inside a drive (not shown) for the extendable and retractable traversing element 5. The traversing element 5 can, for example, be designed as a telescopic device with telescoping cylinder segments.

[0035] Furthermore, the housing contains a control unit (not shown).

[0036] The handle 6 is attached to the end of the travel section 5. On the left in the Fig. 1, in the retracted state, only the handle 6 protruding slightly from the housing 4 is visible, while on the right the extending part 5 from the housing 4 is visible, at the lower end of which the handle 6 is attached.

[0037] The first sensor 7, which is either a touch sensor or a proximity sensor, is attached to the underside of the handle 6. A touch sensor is preferred.

[0038] The second sensor 8, which is either a touch sensor or a proximity sensor, is attached to the top of the handle 6. A touch sensor is preferred.

[0039] The in Fig.The grab handle shown (6) is extendable and can be adjusted to the user's height; at position 0 (left in the image) it is in the retracted position, at position 1 (right) it is extended to its maximum length. Between these positions, it can be continuously adjusted to the required length.

[0040] The extension and retraction of the travel device 5 is controlled via the first sensor 7, which determines the optimal length according to the user's height.

[0041] Extension: The grab handle 6 is in the retracted position (stage 1, left). When the first sensor 7 is touched by hand (contact time e.g. 1 second to avoid unnecessary extension), the grab handle 6 extends.

[0042] Stop / length detection. Here are two examples of options: a) According to the invention: Upon renewed contact with the first sensor 7, the extension process of the handle 6 is stopped and the handle 6 remains in the position reached. As a safety precaution, the handle also stops if it encounters resistance. b) Optional: A second sensor 8 is located on the top of the handle. This sensor is concealed within the housing 4 when the handle is retracted (position 0, left). If the second sensor 8 on the top is touched (e.g., by fully gripping the handle), the handle 6 stops in the position it has reached.

[0043] Retraction: If the second sensor 8 is not touched by hand for a certain period of time (e.g. 5 seconds), the handle retracts to its starting position (level 0, left). List of reference symbols 1 Holding device 2 Fasteners 3 support bar 4 cases 5. Propulsion section 6 Grab handle 7 first sensor 8 second sensor

Claims

Holding device (1) for persons for use in a public transport vehicle, comprising a handrail (6), a housing (4), and a moving part (5) to which the handrail (6) is attached and via which the handrail (6) is coupled to the housing (4), wherein the moving part (5) can be retracted into and out of the housing (4) by means of a drive, wherein the holding device further comprises: a first sensor (7) for detecting a first approach of a hand or a first touch by a hand, wherein upon the detected first approach or first touch the drive by means of the first sensor (7) is activated and the moving part (5) is extended out of the housing (4) from a retracted position, wherein upon a second approach or touch of the first sensor (7) by the hand the drive by means of the first sensor (7) is deactivated so that the moving part (5) remains in the position,in which it is located at the time of the second approach or contact. Holding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor (7) is attached to the handle (6) on a side of the handle (6) which is free for approach or contact when the moving part (5) is retracted into the housing (4). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a resistance detection device for detecting resistance to a movement of the traversing part (5), wherein the drive is deactivated when a resistance exceeding a threshold value is detected. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second sensor (8) for detecting an approach to or touch of the handle (6) by a hand, wherein, upon detection of an approach to or touch of the hand, the drive is deactivated by means of the second sensor (8), so that the moving part (5) remains in the position in which it is located at the time of the second approach to or touch. Holding device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second sensor (8) is attached to the handle (6) on a side of the handle (6) which is inaccessible to touch when the moving part (5) is retracted into the housing (4). Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (6) is partially or completely retractable into the housing (4). Holding device (1) according to one of claims 4 - 6, comprising a time recording device for recording the time in which the travel part (5) is in an extended position, wherein if the second sensor (8) is not touched for a predetermined period of time recorded by the time recording device, the drive is activated and the travel part (5) is retracted from this extended position into the housing (4). Rail vehicle or bus, comprising a holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 7 . Method for actuating a holding device (1) for persons in a public transport vehicle, wherein the public transport vehicle has a holding device (1) according to one of claims 1-7 and the method comprises: - detecting a first approach of a hand or a first touch by a hand with the first sensor (7), wherein, upon the detected first approach or first touch, the drive is activated by means of the first sensor (7) and the moving part (5) is extended from a retracted position out of the housing (4) by means of the drive, - deactivating the drive by means of the first sensor (7) upon a second renewed approach or touch of the first sensor (7) by the hand, so that the moving part (5) remains in the position in which it is located at the time of the second approach or touch.

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