PLATFORM RETAINING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a platform restraint device for arrangement on a platform and for preventing an object or subject from entering a track area of ​​the platform, in particular according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Passengers on rail vehicles typically have to wait on a platform to board a train, S-Bahn, or tram that is only making a brief stop at a station. Similarly, passengers disembark at such a platform when they reach their destination. It is also common for rail vehicles that do not stop at the station to pass through at high speed on a platform track, even though people are waiting on the platform close to the passing train. Although trains usually reduce their speed when passing through a station, the remaining relative speed to the stationary people on the platform is so high that the people have little time to react in dangerous situations.The potential danger to people on the platform is further increased by the fact that, in practice, there is usually no protection in place to protect people who have fallen onto the tracks or to prevent people from falling from the platform onto the tracks in the first place. Trains entering a station can therefore seriously injure or kill such a person.

[0003] In the case of suburban and underground railways, such as those used in many countries, including Germany, the life-threatening danger to people exists simply from falling onto the tracks, even without an approaching train. This is because the power supply for these trains is often provided not by overhead lines, but by a power supply located directly in the track area. Contact with this power supply can be fatal.

[0004] Falls from train platforms onto the tracks are a recurring problem. Sometimes they occur as accidents, for example, due to carelessness. However, there are also frequent reports of crimes in which people are pushed from a platform onto the tracks by third parties with intent to kill, particularly during or shortly before a train enters the station.

[0005] US Patent 2016 / 280237 A1 describes a barrier device embedded in a railway platform that can be extended vertically from the walkway at a distance from the platform edge to temporarily prevent passengers from accessing the platform edge. The barrier device includes a railing that can be hydraulically extended from its recessed position within the platform to create a barrier to access the platform edge and the railway track. In a further embodiment, the railing is hydraulically pivoted into the locking position. The barrier device is embedded in a platform and can be extended or pivoted from it to block the walkway at a distance from the platform edge.

[0006] KR 2007 0018526 A discloses a device for evacuating people across the tracks in an emergency, such as a fire in a subway station. It is an air cushion that, after an emergency, is inflated from a position below the platform and placed on the tracks, allowing people to leave the danger zone. According to KR 2007 0018526, this device is intended to protect people from serious injuries when jumping onto the tracks to escape the danger.

[0007] EP 2 500 225 A1 describes a platform screen door arranged on the platform and with variable positioning, allowing it to be adapted to different boarding / alighting areas of different train types. For this purpose, rails are embedded in the platform surface near the platform edge, on which barrier elements can be moved. In one embodiment, these barrier elements can be conical in cross-section and rigid in themselves, which, due to their size differences, can be extended and retracted telescopically. The movement can be motor-driven. In the extended position, the platform is completely sealed off; however, by retracting one or more of the barrier elements, an opening can be created in the barrier through which passengers can pass.Instead of the aforementioned barrier elements, a rod that can be extended from one of the barrier elements can also be provided as a movable door element of the barrier.

[0008] Similar to EP 2 500 225 A1, JP 2019 009994 A also discloses a type of extendable fixed fence for the temporary closure of a railway platform. This fence consists of several cylindrical or rectangular rigid columns that extend from the platform floor. The columns are telescopic and, when extended, protrude from the platform surface.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a platform restraint device of the type mentioned above, which better protects people and objects from entering the track area of ​​a platform, while minimizing any disruption to normal rail vehicle operations when there is no reason to use this restraint device. In practice, however, no measures have yet been taken to improve this dangerous situation.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention in a platform restraint device of the type mentioned above by providing at least one expandable element, which in a basic position with a first volume can be arranged in a receptacle in the area of ​​a platform edge and in an operating position with a volume increased in comparison, can be arranged in an expanded state as an access barrier projecting in a railing-like manner over the platform edge in front of and / or above a track of the platform.

[0011] The problem is also solved by a platform according to claim 11 and by a method according to claim 14.

[0012] The invention is based on the fundamental idea of ​​securing a platform, or at least a section of a platform, by means of at least one expandable element. In its basic state, this element has a comparatively small volume and can be located on or near the platform, thus not obstructing rail traffic. When needed, the expandable element can be moved into a position where its volume increases considerably. This increase in volume allows it to act as a barrier or a safety barrier between the platform and the track, preferably preventing a person from falling from the platform onto the track. In its operational position, the expandable element should project upwards beyond the platform edge to form a railing- or wall-like barrier that prevents falls from the platform edge.In its expanded state, the expandable element, similar to an inflated airbag, should project upwards beyond the platform edge with at least one vertical component of its expansion direction. The lower end of the expanded element can remain within its recess and extend vertically or obliquely upwards from there. This advantageously ensures that there is no gap between the expanded element and the platform edge through which a person or object could pass or fall onto the track bed or rails. In preferred embodiments, the expandable element, starting from its flexible and folded initial position, can approximate the shape of a pillow or mattress in its expanded state.The expansion and the medium now present inside the element should make it sufficiently rigid. In its unactivated state, the expandable element, which can also be called an air bladder, is preferably at least substantially empty and has only its own volume. Upon activation, a media generator produces a medium, preferably a propellant gas, to inflate the air bladder.

[0013] To ensure that the platform restraint device according to the invention is as unobtrusive as possible for normal rail traffic, it can preferably be arranged in the area at or behind a platform edge. In particular, it can be arranged in the area of ​​a vertical surface of the platform which faces the track bed and raises the platform area for passengers above the track bed.

[0014] Such an arrangement can prove advantageous not only for the basic position but also for the deployment position. When positioned at or immediately behind the platform edge, the expandable element, enlarged to its full volume, can act effectively to prevent people or objects from falling onto the platform's tracks.

[0015] A particularly advantageous location for installing a platform restraint device is therefore, in particular, an approximately vertical side of the platform, especially the area of ​​the upper end, which raises the platform above the track and positions it at the same boarding height as the trains. A platform restraint device installed at this location, with its preferably fully inflated expanded element in its deployment position, can form a particularly effective barrier or catch device for people, protecting them from falling onto the track. Similar to a trampoline or safety net, an expanded element can create a rebound effect, throwing a person who pushes against it back onto the platform.Although the position described here for a platform restraint device according to the invention is preferred, the invention is not limited to this arrangement and can also be implemented at another location.

[0016] It may further be preferred that the expandable element be designed in a sack-like form, particularly using a flexible material, so that it can be folded, collapsed, or rolled up in its basic position, requiring minimal space. To be used, the expandable element should be expanded to reach its operating position and state. This can be achieved, for example, by filling the expandable element with a medium. The filling can be carried out, in particular, at an overpressure compared to the ambient pressure. By filling the element with a medium, the sack-like element can expand, thereby increasing its volume, at least partially exiting its receptacle, becoming rigid, and moving into its operating position.

[0017] A particularly preferred method for filling the expandable element is a gas generator. This generator produces a gas in a short time, which is then used to fill the expandable element. Suitable gas generators are known, for example, in connection with vehicle airbags. In these airbags, a pyrotechnic material is ignited, which instantly generates a sufficient quantity of gas that flows into the expandable element, filling it and thereby bringing it into its operational position and state. The element, which then forms a cushion- or mattress-like structure, creates a barrier that deploys instantly in front of and / or above the track, preventing falls onto the tracks. The gas generator is preferably located together with the expandable element in its housing in the area of ​​the platform edge.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform restraint device can have at least one first detection device with which the approach of an object, for example a person, to the platform restraint device or to the platform edge can be detected without contact, and the latter can be triggered upon such approach. In connection with the present invention, any detection device is suitable with which the entry or presence of a person or object in a specific spatial area can be detected, in particular in real time. Such a spatial area can, for example, be monitored by means of at least one video camera. Likewise, at least one light barrier device can be provided with which it is monitored whether at least one light barrier is crossed and whether entry behind the at least one light barrier occurs.Signal information from the detection device can preferably be fed to a control unit for the detection device, which can then, if necessary, trigger the platform restraint system. In a particularly preferred configuration, the system may include means for signal evaluation by the detection device that allow the size of an object detected by the device to be determined, or whether a certain minimum size has been exceeded. Triggering can then preferably only occur above a certain minimum size. This prevents the platform restraint system from being triggered by smaller objects, such as leaves, beverage cans, or other debris, entering the monitored area.

[0019] The platform restraint device according to the invention is best used when no train or other rail vehicle has entered the area of ​​the respective platform, thus preventing the risk of a person or object entering the tracks and being injured or damaged by an entering rail vehicle, or of the entering rail vehicle being damaged. Once the rail vehicle has entered the platform, triggering the platform restraint device could even be detrimental.A preferred embodiment of the platform restraint device can therefore be characterized by a further detection device whose detection signals can be fed to a control unit of the platform restraint device, wherein an approaching train can be detected by the detection device and wherein, upon detection of an approaching train, the control unit of the platform restraint device deactivates the expandable element based on a corresponding signal from the detection device in such a way that it cannot be triggered in the area in which the rail vehicle is currently located. It may also be preferred that the detection device can detect when the rail vehicle leaves the track in the platform area and communicate this to the control unit, whereby the control unit reactivates the previously deactivated expandable element.

[0020] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the claims, the description and the drawing.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, which are purely schematic and depict: Fig. 1 a side view of a section of a platform into which several platform restraint modules according to the invention are integrated; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view along line A - A from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a side view of the platform restraint module according to the invention made of Figs. 1 and 2 Fig. 4: A rear view of the platform restraint module Fig 3 ; Fig. 5 a view according to Fig. 2 of the platform with a triggered platform restraint module; Fig. 6 a detailed view according to Fig. Fig. 5 with a triggered platform restraint module; Fig. 7 a representation according to Fig. 1 with a triggered platform restraint device; Fig. 8 a representation according to Fig. 2with an indicated detection range of a detection device of the platform restraint system; Fig. 9 a sectional view of a housing with a spring element arranged therein; Fig. 10 a front view of a housing with a predetermined breaking point in the front wall;

[0022] In the Figs. 1 and 2Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a platform 1 with a track bed 2 in front of it and two rails 3 of a glass structure arranged therein. The rails 3 can be used by a rail vehicle, such as a train, a suburban train, a subway, or a tram, which is known per se but not shown in detail. The platform 1 is essentially cuboid in cross-section. From the track bed 2, it rises with a substantially vertical surface to a platform surface 4 that is at least substantially horizontal. The platform surface 4 is used and accessed by passengers of the rail vehicle, either to board or alight from the respective rail vehicle.

[0023] As also in Fig. 2As shown, a preferred embodiment of the platform restraint device 5 according to the invention is arranged and installed just below the platform surface in the vertical surface of platform 1 facing the track bed 2. This device has several, at least substantially, identical platform restraint modules 6 arranged along a substantially horizontal line, as shown in Fig. 1 is indicated in principle.

[0024] Each of these modules of a platform restraint device 5 has a housing 9 that is integrated into the platform 1 in such a way that the housing 9 is at least substantially completely enclosed by the platform. The housing 9 of each of the modules 6 can, for example, be made of metal sheets and have a substantially upwardly open, box-shaped geometric form with a front wall 10, a bottom wall 11, and side walls 12. The front wall 10 of the housing 9 can be pivotally hinged to the bottom wall 11 of the housing 9. The housing 9 can thus be closed by means of the front wall 10, or, by pivoting the front wall about the pivot axis 14 located in the region of a front edge of the bottom wall 11, the housing 9 can also be opened.

[0025] The housing 9 can accommodate an expandable element 15 and a gas generator 16. The expandable element 15 can be bag-shaped and have an opening at one end. The bag-shaped expandable element 15 is located entirely within the housing 9 and is rolled and / or folded in its initial position, so that in its initial position it requires significantly less space than in its expanded operating position. The opening is connected to the gas generator 16, which is also located in the housing, such that the gas generated by the gas generator 16 during operation flows into the bag-shaped expandable element 15. The gas generator 16 can preferably be arranged and mounted in the area of ​​the bottom wall 11 of the housing 9. Suitable gas generators 16 are, for example, those used in vehicle airbags.In these devices, one or more tablets made of a pyrotechnic material are arranged in a housing of the gas generator 16, which are ignited to activate the gas generator. Such gas generators are manufactured and offered, for example, by the companies TRW, Joyson Safety Systems Aschaffenburg GmbH, Bahnweg 1, D-63743 Aschaffenburg, and ZF-Group - TRW Airbag Systems GmbH, Daimler-Benz-Allee 1, D-18299 Laage.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, the expandable element 15 can be designed similarly to the airbag of an airbag with regard to its technical structure; however, the shape and size of the airbag 17 should be adapted to the requirements of the platform restraint system. It can be advantageous for the expandable element designed as an airbag 17 to have a shape in its expanded state similar to a bulbous air mattress. The gas pressure generated in the airbag 17 by the gas flowing into it should be high enough that the airbag 17 is rigid and, when subjected to a counter-impacting weight, particularly a human body, results in only minor deviations in the shape of the airbag.

[0027] To achieve situation-appropriate triggering of the preferred embodiment of a platform restraint device 5 according to the invention, one or more suitable detection devices 18 can be provided. These detect an impending departure from platform 1 and / or an actual entry of a person or body via the area above the track system, in which the operating area of ​​the respective platform restraint module 6 is also located. A separate detection device 18 can be provided for each module 6, assigned only to that single module 6. Likewise, embodiments of the invention are possible in which a detection device 18 is assigned to several or all modules 6 arranged on a platform 1.If a detection device 18 detects the entry or imminent entry of an object, such as a person, onto a track that is not occupied or used by a rail vehicle, this detection device 18 sends a corresponding trigger signal to a control unit of module 6 or to a joint control unit of several or all modules 6. The control unit then triggers the gas generator(s) 16 whose module 6 is located in the area of ​​the track entry of the respective object. The gas generator 16 is connected to the control unit by means of electrical contacts 21. Examples of suitable detection devices include video and camera surveillance systems, geofencing systems, and light barriers and infrared light barriers. These are, of course, only examples and not an exhaustive list.In principle, any detection device can be used in connection with the invention that can detect, essentially in real time, an impending fall of a person or object from a platform onto a track bed and generate an electrical signal for a platform restraint device according to the invention.

[0028] To prevent triggering while a rail vehicle is present on the platform, the detection device 18 or the platform restraint module(s) 6 can be temporarily deactivated, for example immediately before a train passes the respective module 6. As soon as the rail vehicle has passed the respective module with its last car, the respective module 6 can then be automatically reactivated.

[0029] The air bag 17, which expands from its initial position within the housing 9 to its operational position within a very short time, for example within a few milliseconds, and which in doing so largely exits the housing 9, then extends diagonally upwards from the open front wall 10, which is designed as a front flap, out of the housing 9 in front of the platform edge. The front flap 10 performs a pivoting movement about its pivot axis 14, opening the housing 9, as described in Figs. 5 and 6as illustrated. Means for limiting the opening angle of the front flap 10 can be provided. In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the invention, the module 6 can be opened and the front flap 10 pivoted, for example, by the entire housing 9 together with the front flap performing a pivoting movement about the pivot axis 14 upon triggering, thereby releasing the open top of the housing 9 of the module 6 and allowing the air bag to expand obliquely upwards. Fig. 6A rear wall 12 can be designed such that it abuts a top surface 22a of the recess 22 of the platform 1, thereby limiting and ending the tilting or pivoting movement of the housing 9 and the air bag 17 arranged therein. Due to the limited opening movement of the front wall 10, the lower part of the air bag 17 lies flat against the inside of the front wall 10 and is supported by it.

[0030] In contrast, when the module is closed and not yet triggered, the entire open front side of the recess 22 in the platform is covered by the front wall 10 of the housing 9, preferably also up to the top edge of the recess 22, so that no dirt or liquids can penetrate into the recess 22. The front wall 10 of the housing 9 can also be fitted with a circumferential seal to further protect the air bag 17, the gas generator 16, and the electrical wiring from environmental influences.

[0031] A mechanical spring 19 can also be used to press the front wall 10 of the module 6 against the edge of the recess 22 in the platform 1 to guarantee a closed position. For this purpose, a pre-tensioned coil spring 23 can be provided, for example, which is located inside the housing 9 in the corner area between the base wall 10 and the front wall 11, and is connected at one end 23a to the base wall 11 and at the other end 23b to the front wall 10. Due to the pre-tension, the coil spring 23 pulls the front wall 10 against the edge of the recess 22 of the platform 1 and thus holds the platform restraint module 6 closed until it is triggered.

[0032] Alternatively, the module cover, i.e., the front wall 10, can be attached to the platform, for example by screws, and can have a locking mechanism that fails at a predetermined breaking point 24 when the platform restraint module 6 is opened, thus allowing the airbag 17 to unfold and expand freely. This prevents tampering with the module's interior, e.g., by unauthorized opening, as long as the module is not triggered. Such a solution with a predetermined breaking point 24 is described in Fig. 10 shown purely schematically.

[0033] Fig. 7Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the expanded airbag 17 in its deployment position. It is designed to achieve a particularly high containment effect. This can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the expanded airbag has a length and width that approximately correspond to at least the size and width of an adult person. When several modules 6 are deployed, the airbags 17 of adjacent modules 6 can overlap in width, thus mutually supporting each other and thereby achieving a particularly high containment effect.

[0034] Fig. 8Figure 1 shows the detection area 25 of one of the detection devices 18, which is monitored by the detection device 18 for the occurrence of a triggering event. If a triggering event occurs in this detection area 25, such as an impending fall of a person over the platform edge onto the track, this is detected immediately upon the person entering the detection area by the detection device 18, and the control system immediately triggers the module 6 associated with the detection device 18. This detection area 25, of the detection device 18 located in the area of ​​an upper edge 10a of the front wall 10 of the housing 9, can extend upwards and horizontally from the detection device 18 along the vertical surface 1a of the platform 1, approximately parallel to and at a distance from the track bed 2.The detection area 25 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and thus parallel to the track alignment. In other embodiments of the invention, a different monitoring or detection area may also be provided. Likewise, the detection device 18 may be located at a different position than shown in the figure. Fig. 8 The illustrated embodiment can be arranged as shown. In particular, for visual monitoring of platform 1 and track bed 2, a surveillance camera can also be arranged above the passengers and above the roof height of the rail vehicles. However, for all conceivable detection devices 18, the fact remains that, upon detection and fulfillment of the criteria for triggering, the respective platform restraint device according to the invention is triggered and activated. Reference symbol list

[0035] 1 platform 21 electrical contact 2 track bed 22 Exclusion 3 rails 22a Top 4 Platform area 23 coil spring 5 Platform restraint device 23a first end 6 Platform restraint module 23b second ending 9 Housing 24 predetermined breaking point 10 front wall 25 Detection area 10a upper edge of front wall 11 floor wall 12 Side wall / back wall 14 Swivel axis 15 expandable element 16 Gas generator 17 air bag 18 Detection device 19 mechanical spring

Claims

1. Platform restraint device (5) for installation on a platform (1) and for preventing an object or a person from falling onto a track area of the platform (1), characterized by at least one expandable element (15) which, in a basic position, can be arranged in a receptacle in the area of a platform edge with a first volume and, in an operational position, protrudes from the receptacle with a volume enlarged in comparison thereto, wherein, in an expanded state, it can be arranged as an access barrier projecting over the platform edge in front of or over a track bed of the platform (1).

2. Platform restraint device according to claim 1, characterized in that the platform restraint device (5) can be fixedly attached to the platform (1).

3. Platform restraint device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the expandable element (15) is designed as a flexible bag that can be filled with a medium and thereby expanded, as well as moved from its rest position to its operational position, wherein the medium can be filled into the flexible bag by means of a medium generator to move the expandable element into its operational position.

4. Platform restraint device according to claim 3, characterized in that the medium generator is designed as a gas generator (16) with which a gaseous medium can be produced by a chemical reaction, in particular within the gas generator, and which medium can be filled into the expandable element (15) under excess pressure.

5. Platform restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expandable element (15), in its deployed position, forms a barrier () against access from the platform surface (4) of the platform (1) in order to prevent access to the track area by leaving the platform (1).

6. Platform restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a housing (9) serving as a receptacle, in which the expandable element (15) is arranged in its rest position and exits the housing (9) to move into its operational position, in particular due to the expansion of the expandable element (15), which can preferably be carried out by means of a gas generator (16) in the housing (9) of the platform restraint device (5).

7. Platform restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one detection device (18) with which the approach of an object to the platform restraint device (5) can be detected without contact and the latter can be triggered upon such an approach.

8. Platform restraint device according to claim 6, characterized by a plurality of modules, each of which comprises its own housing (9) as well as at least one expandable element (15) arranged in its home position within the respective housing (9), which can be arranged in an operational position with an enlarged volume relative thereto in an expanded state in front of or above a track bed (2) of the platform.

9. Platform restraint device according to claim 6, characterized in that a media generator is arranged in each housing (9), or that at least one common gas generator (16) is associated with a plurality of housings (9).

10. Platform restraint device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detection device whose detection signals can be fed to a control system of the platform restraint device, wherein the detection device can detect an incoming train, and wherein, upon detection of an incoming train, the control system deactivates the expandable element based on a corresponding signal from the detection device.

11. A platform comprising a walkable surface (4) for passengers intended for boarding or alighting from rail vehicles, at least one track for a rail vehicle, and a platform restraint device (5) arranged on the platform (1), in particular to prevent personal injury or property damage caused by a person or object entering the at least one track, characterized by at least one platform restraint device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Platform according to claim 11, characterized in that the platform restraint device (5) is arranged in the region of an at least substantially vertical surface of the platform (1) facing a track system, by means of which a height difference is created between the track system and a walkable surface (4) of the platform (1).

13. Platform according to claim 12, characterized by a plurality of platform restraint devices (5) arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the at least one track, wherein, in particular, at least substantially identical platform restraint devices are provided.

14. A method for preventing a person or an object from falling onto a track area of a platform (1) by means of a platform restraint device (5), characterized by an arrangement on the platform (1), preferably a stationary arrangement on the platform (1), of an expandable element (15) having a first volume in a rest position, as well as by an expansion of the expandable element (15) to a volume enlarged relative to the rest position, wherein the expandable element, with its enlarged volume, is arranged between a walkable surface (4) of the platform (1) and a track bed (2).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a detection device (18) detects a person or object leaving, or at least about to leave, the walkable surface (4) in the direction of the track bed (2), this detection result is fed to a control unit, and the control unit triggers the platform restraint device (5), thereby moving the expandable element into its operational position.