SIGNAL ARRANGEMENT FOR A DOOR LEAF AND CORRESPONDING DOOR AND TRANSPORT VEHICLE

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of access doors to a transport vehicle. These access doors may firstly designate doors belonging to transport vehicles, in particular of the train, tram, metro, trolleybus or bus type. For the purposes of the invention, these access doors also designate so-called platform doors, also called platform facades.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a leaf belonging to such an access door, which comprises means for signaling, to the attention of passengers, information relating to the state of opening and / or closing of this door. The invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to a so-called curved leaf, namely a curved leaf, seen in its longitudinal direction. The invention relates in particular to a sliding door leaf, but also finds its application to other types of leaves, in particular those equipping sliding swing type doors. The invention relates to doors which can be equipped with either a single leaf or two leaves. State of the art

[0003] When a transport vehicle stops, its doors open and close to allow passengers to board or disembark. If the platform is equipped with platform doors, these are also opened and closed. During these operations, incidents are likely to occur. These include the possibility of a passenger, object or animal becoming trapped, or a technical problem preventing the door from moving normally.

[0004] These incidents are understood to be detrimental to normal vehicle service for several reasons. For example, they are likely to damage objects caught in the door. Moreover, more critically, they can cause injuries to passengers, resulting in the liability of the transport company. Finally, these incidents are likely to cause significant delays to the vehicle.

[0005] To avoid this type of incident as much as possible, it has been proposed to equip the doors with luminous signaling devices. Typically, these are intended to provide passengers with information relating to the opening status of the door. In particular, it can be indicated whether the door is closing, opening, or locked. In this way, passenger safety is preserved, while reducing the risk of vehicle delay.

[0006] Constructively, we first know a solution consisting of placing these signaling means on the door operating devices, such as their push button. This first solution, however, has certain disadvantages. Indeed, the illuminated surface is relatively small, which makes the information difficult to perceive by users.

[0007] The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), also known by the abbreviation LED (Light Emitting Diode), has also been proposed. A first solution, known from Knorr Bremse document WO 2011 / 138292, involves fixing these diodes directly to the exterior face of the door leaf. However, the information provided by these diodes is then substantially invisible from the inside, when the door is open. Furthermore, this solution involves a significant modification of the structure of the leaf, so it cannot be easily applied to existing vehicles.

[0008] Furthermore, it is known, from FR 3 055 348, to place the aforementioned diodes on the edge of the leaf, in the vicinity of translucent seals. Typically, these seals are fixed by elastic snap-fastening in a profile, extending over a vertical edge of the leaf. The diodes are then arranged against the bottom of the housing, intended to receive a corresponding seal. Even though this latter solution brings improvements with respect to the teaching of WO 2011 / 138292, it nevertheless involves specific drawbacks.

[0009] First of all, it is not suitable for use in a curved leaf. In fact, the diodes are typically mounted on an elongated support, which is manufactured in a straight line. In order to be inserted into the profile, equipping the curved leaf, the support and the diodes must be curved according to the same profile as the leaf. They are therefore subject to mechanical deformation, which is particularly likely to damage the diodes, by breaking at the level of their welding on the support.

[0010] Furthermore, the lighting of the joint area, intended to provide light information to passengers, initially proves to be insufficient. Indeed, this lighting area of ​​the joint is spaced from the diode by a significant distance. In addition, this lighting area and this diode are separated by the heel of the joint, allowing the latter to be attached to the aforementioned profile. Under these conditions, the light emitted by the diode is reflected and refracted by the different faces of this heel, so that only a small fraction of this light is actually visible at the level of the lighting area of ​​the joint.

[0011] Furthermore, placing the diode at the bottom of the profile housing is disadvantageous in terms of ease of installation. Indeed, the opening delimited by the profile is very narrow, which restricts access for such an installation. Consequently, the latter is relatively complex. In addition, during this installation, there is a significant risk of damaging the diodes.

[0012] Finally, JP 2017 214023 discloses a railway vehicle door in which each leaf is equipped with a seal, the upper part of which is made of a translucent or transparent material, while the middle and lower portions are dark in color. Furthermore, the seal, which is arranged in the form of a hollow body, incorporates a light-emitting member. The latter consists of a support, on which light-emitting elements, for example of the LED type, are mounted. The solution described in this Japanese document, however, involves certain drawbacks. Indeed, it is not possible to place the light source over the entire height of the leaf, unless this light source is exposed to mechanical risks likely to damage it.

[0013] In view of the above, an objective of the present invention is to remedy, at least partially, the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to propose a solution which makes it possible to preserve the mechanical integrity of the lighting means, in particular in the case of use for a curved leaf.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to produce a light signal of satisfactory intensity, so that first of all it is easily visible to users, whether they are inside or outside the vehicle.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide luminous signaling which can be perceived satisfactorily by users in all exposure conditions, in particular when the door is outside, notably in full sunlight.

[0017] Another objective of the invention is to propose such a signaling assembly, the assembly of which is made easier compared to the prior art.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is to propose such a signaling assembly, the mechanical structure of which is relatively simple. Objects of the invention

[0019] At least one of the above objectives is achieved by means of a signaling assembly according to the appended claim 1.

[0020] Additional features of this signaling assembly are the subject of claims 2 to 10 attached.

[0021] The invention also relates to a leaf (60), in particular a curved leaf, according to the appended claim 11.

[0022] An advantageous characteristic of this leaf is the subject of the appended claim 12.

[0023] The invention also relates to an access door to a transport vehicle, according to the appended claim 13.

[0024] The invention also relates to a transport vehicle, in particular of the train, tram, metro, bus or trolleybus type, comprising at least one door as defined above.

[0025] The invention also relates to a stopping platform for a transport vehicle, in particular of the train, tram, metro, bus or trolleybus type, comprising at least one door as defined above. Description of figures

[0026] The invention will be described below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely as non-limiting examples, in which: There figure 1 is a schematic front view, illustrating a transport vehicle door, each leaf of which is equipped with a signaling assembly in accordance with the invention. figure 2 is a top view, on a larger scale, illustrating a joint and a profile belonging to the signaling assembly according to the invention. Figures 3 and 4are top views, similar to the figure 2 , illustrating two variant embodiments of the signaling assembly according to the invention. The Figure 5 is a front view, illustrating a lighting device intended to equip one or other of the signaling assemblies of the figures 2 to 4 , upon delivery of this organ. The figure 6 is a front view, illustrating this lighting element once curved, as well as the leaf and the seal associated with this lighting element.

[0027] The following numerical references are used in the drawings: 50 Door 60,70 Doors 80 Sleeping 90 Bay 62,72 Body of 70 63,73 Glass 64,74 Push button 66,76 Frame of 70 I Interior of the vehicle E Vehicle exterior 1,1' Profiled X60 Direction of 60 11,12 Wings of 1 10 Soul of 1 14 Accommodation for 1 16,17 Edges of 1 18,19 Sheet metal 2 Seal 20 Base of 2 21 Snapping region of 2 24,25 Shoulders 28 Obviously 3 Referral plan A3 Angle of 3 F1,F2 Optical path 4 Lighting organ 40 Support of 4 42 4 diodes Figure 3 Same numbers +100 Figure 4 Same numbers +200 Detailed description of the invention

[0028] There figure 1attached illustrates a door, designated as a whole by the reference 50, which equips a transport vehicle. This door comprises, in the usual manner, an opening formed by two leaves 60 and 70, as well as a fixed frame 80 shown schematically, which is arranged at the periphery of an opening 90 made in the body of this vehicle. This door can be provided with two leaves as in the example illustrated, but also with a single leaf.

[0029] In the example illustrated, the door is fitted to a metro-type train. However, the invention is applicable to doors intended to be fitted to other transport vehicles such as trams, trolleybuses, or trains other than those mentioned above. In the following, it is assumed that the leaves are vertical, particularly with reference to the figure 1 . Furthermore, the terms “interior” and “exterior” are used in reference to the body of this transport vehicle.

[0030] The invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to a so-called curved 60 or 70 leaf. As shown in particular by figure 6 , this means that this leaf is curved, seen in its longitudinal direction X60, which corresponds to the direction of travel of the railway vehicle. Typically, the part located at mid-height of the leaf projects outwards, relative to the upper and lower parts of this leaf respectively. On the figure 6 , the right part corresponds to the interior I of the vehicle, while the left part corresponds to the exterior E.

[0031] Each leaf 60, 70 comprises, in a known manner, a central body 62, 72 equipped in particular with a window 63, 73 and an operating member 64, 74, for example of the push button type. This body is typically formed of two opposing facings, respectively inner and outer, as well as a core inserted between these facings. Furthermore, a frame 66, 76 extends to the outer periphery of this body. This frame comprises in particular a profile, which is of a type known per se, provided on the vertical edges of the body. The structure of the profile 1 equipping the leaf 60 will now be described, it being understood that the other leaf 70 has a profile 1' of identical structure, illustrated very schematically in the figure 1 .

[0032] The profile 1 comprises a core 10, as well as two wings 11 and 12, which form longitudinal regions of the leaf, in that they extend parallel to the direction X60 above. This core and these two wings define a housing 14 substantially in the shape of a U, open opposite this body. Furthermore, two edges 16 and 17 project towards each other, from a respective wing. As will be seen in the following, these edges provide a function of hooking a seal. Finally, each wing is covered, at least in part, by a respective sheet 18 and 19, forming the inner and outer walls of the leaf.

[0033] We will now describe, with particular reference to the figure 2 , a signaling assembly in accordance with the invention. The latter essentially comprises: the profile 1 described above, as well as: a seal 2; a lighting device equipped with light-emitting diodes, designated as a whole by the reference 4.

[0034] The seal 2 firstly comprises a solid base 20 intended to protrude outside the housing 14, so as to constitute a lighting region of the seal. This base is extended by a region 21 called a hooking or fixing region, intended to be housed in the interior volume of the aforementioned housing. In the example illustrated, this hooking region is an elastic snap-fastening region. This region 21 comprises a recess 28, allowing the aforementioned snap-fastening.

[0035] Furthermore, the free end of this region is tapered towards the front, while defining two shoulders 24 and 25, intended to cooperate with the edges 16, 17 of the profile. The seal 2 extends over at least a substantial part of the height of the leaf and, preferably, over substantially all of this height. The recess 28 opens at least at one longitudinal end of the seal, in particular at its upper end. Preferably, this recess 28 extends over the entirety of the seal, so that it opens at both longitudinal ends of the latter.

[0036] Advantageously, the seal 2 is made of two different materials, at least with regard to their optical properties. Thus, the attachment region 21 is made of an opaque material, preferably white, capable of reflecting light. On the other hand, the lighting region 20 is made of a translucent material, capable of conducting light. Constructively, a silicone-type material will typically be used for the two attachment and lighting regions respectively. Alternatively, other materials may be chosen, such as a flexible PVC, a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), a polyurethane, or any other suitable material.

[0037] Preferably, the interface between the two regions 20 and 21 is formed by a plane 3 called a return plane, extending at an angle A3 relative to the longitudinal axis X60. Typically, this angle A3 is close to 45°, so that it can deflect the light by a quarter turn, or 90°. As a further variant, the return surface 3 may have a parabolic, hyperbolic or similar section, or a combination between such a curved section and flat parts, so that the return surface is capable of reflecting the light rays globally towards the zone 20. The joint 2 is produced by any suitable method, in particular by co-extrusion.

[0038] In reference to the Figures 5 and 6, the lighting member 4 firstly comprises an elongated body 40, forming a support. This body is made of a material which gives it sufficient mechanical strength, so that it can be fixed against the longitudinal wing 11 of the profile. Typically, this body is formed by a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), of a type known per se. As shown in particular by figure 2 , the member 4 forming lighting means is located outside the seal 2. In other words, this member is placed outside the interior volume of this seal, which is notably materialized by the recess 28. Consequently, this lighting member 4 is dissociated from the seal. This specific positioning of the lighting means with respect to this seal induces certain advantages with regard to the state of the art, which will be detailed below.

[0039] The body 40 of the lighting member 4 is equipped with a plurality of lighting elements, which are light-emitting diodes 42 in the illustrated example. The number of these diodes, which are of a type known per se, is for example between 20 and 600. These diodes are controlled in a conventional manner, by means of control means not shown, of a type known per se. As a variant not shown, the light source may be of a different type, such as a diffusing optical fiber, an OLED screen, or the like.

[0040] The lighting member 4 is fixed on the inner face of the wing 11, that is to say the face of the latter which is turned towards the opposite wing 12. This lighting member extends over at least a substantial part of the height of this wing and, preferably, over substantially all of this height. This member is mounted on the wing 11 by means of fixing means, which can be used alone or in mutual combination. In the example described with reference to the figure 2 , one or two orifice(s) not shown may be provided, in particular on at least one of the opposite ends of the body, so as to allow this body to be screwed onto the wing 11. As a variant not shown, it may also be provided that the body 40 is glued against the opposite face of this wing.

[0041] In service, as shown by the Figures 2 and 6, the light-emitting diodes 42 emit a so-called primary light beam, according to the arrow F1, i.e. generally perpendicular to the direction X60. This light thus emitted then reaches the plane interface 3 of the joint, so that it is then returned according to a change of direction of approximately 90°. This light thus returned then propagates according to the arrow F2, shown in figure 2 , or in a manner generally parallel to the direction X60. This makes it possible to effectively illuminate the lighting region 20 of the joint 2.

[0042] The seal 2 can receive a locking key, not shown, of any suitable type. In this case, this seal is hollowed out with an internal volume, not shown on the figure 2, which is intended to receive this key. This key is made of a material which gives it sufficient mechanical resistance to block the seal, against efforts aimed at extracting the latter from the housing of the profile. This key can also be made of a material providing an additional function of heat dissipation of the heat, generated in service by the lighting device. In this respect, a key made of aluminum or a similar material can be chosen. It should be noted, however, that this type of material is less well suited than a plastic material, for curved leaves.

[0043] The key extends over at least a substantial part of the height of the seal and, preferably, over substantially all of this height. However, it is advisable to prevent this key from projecting longitudinally relative to the seal 2, once the signaling assembly is mounted on the leaf 60. Indeed, such longitudinal overhanging of the key would be likely to hinder the proper functioning of the leaf. An immobilization means is therefore advantageously provided which prevents this key from being able to slide longitudinally, outside the interior volume of the seal.

[0044] For this purpose, one or more immobilization means may be used, alone or in combination. Preferably, these immobilization means are removable or reversible means, meaning that they can be dismantled without risk of damaging the key or the seal. For example, a plug may be fixed to each end of the seal, thus obstructing the outlet of the interior volume. The key may also be glued against the internal wall of this interior volume, for example using a thick flexible polyurethane-type glue. An axis may also be placed in the horizontal plane, preventing the translation of the key along the vertical axis: this axis may in particular be a pin or a screw. A screw, not shown, may also be placed connecting the seal to the key; this screw may, for example, be self-tapping in the material of the key.

[0045] There figure 3 illustrates a variation of the embodiment, illustrated with reference to the figure 2 . On this figure 3 , mechanical elements similar to those of the figure 2 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 100. On this figure 3 , the profiles 101, 101' and the joints 102, 102' belonging to the two facing leaves are shown.

[0046] On the figure 3 , the light return means are not constituted by the seal itself, but by a return insert 103, 103' made for example from white plastic, or even from aluminum. This added return insert could also be a white silicone profile. This insert is fixed by any suitable means against the bottom 110, 110' of the profile, as well as the wing 112, 112' opposite that 111, 111' provided with the lighting means 104, 104'. This return insert preferably has a light color, in particular white, in order to optimally ensure this function.

[0047] There figure 4illustrates another variant, similar to that of the figure 3 . On this figure 4 , mechanical elements similar to those of the figure 3 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 100. On this figure 4 , the profiles 201, 201' and the joints 202, 202' belonging to the two facing leaves are shown. On the figure 4 , the light return means are formed by an oblique return wall, belonging to the profile itself. This wall 203, 203' connects the bottom 210, 210' of the profile, as well as the wing 212, 212' opposite that 211, 211' provided with the lighting means 204, 204'.

[0048] The signaling assembly, in accordance with the invention, has numerous advantages over the prior art.

[0049] First of all, the invention makes it possible to preserve the mechanical integrity of the lighting means. In this regard, reference will be made to Figures 5 and 6, which illustrate the lighting means 4 respectively before and after the mechanical operation, aimed at shaping them. It is noted that the deformation of the lighting member, along the curve of the leaf, is done in a direction which does not damage the light-emitting diodes. Any risk of breakage, likely to occur at the welds, is therefore substantially eliminated.

[0050] The invention also makes it possible to generate a light intensity, in the region of the joint to be illuminated, which is much higher than in known solutions. In particular, this light intensity guarantees satisfactory perception for users, even when the aforementioned joint is exposed to natural light, in particular to the sun. Indeed, according to the invention, the lighting means are arranged as close as possible to the luminous region of the joint. Consequently, the distance separating these lighting means and this luminous region is reduced. Advantageously, no mechanical element, likely to interfere with the light emitted by the lighting means, is interposed between these lighting means and this luminous region.

[0051] Certain specific advantages of the invention may also be cited, with respect to the teaching of JP 2017 214023 mentioned above. It will be recalled that, in this Japanese document, the lighting means are integrated into the interior volume of the seal. Consequently, these lighting means, proposed in this document, cannot first of all be fixed to a longitudinal region of the leaf. Indeed, the integration of these lighting means, inside the seal, makes such fixing impossible unless these lighting means are extracted from the seal.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention advantageously allows the seal to be illuminated over the entire height of the leaf, which is not the case in this document. Indeed, the light source described in this document cannot be positioned over the entire height of the leaf. If this were the case, this light source would then be subject to all impacts, particularly those due to passengers or luggage. However, this light source does not benefit from mechanical protection, according to the teaching of this document. Under these conditions, the light source described in this document is necessarily confined to the upper part of the leaf, which is the only area not to be subject to impacts. On the contrary, in the present invention, the light source can advantageously be integrated into the leaf while benefiting from mechanical protection. In this way, this source can extend over substantially the entire height of the leaf, which ensures better overall signaling.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention makes it easier to mount the lighting means, particularly with regard to the teaching of FR 3 055 348. Indeed, according to the invention, these lighting means can be fixed close to the opening of the housing, formed by the profile. Consequently, access offered to the operator is facilitated, which reduces the risk of deformation that these lighting means may undergo during this mounting operation.

[0054] Furthermore, according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the lighting means are integrated into the overall interior volume of the profile. In other words, these lighting means do not protrude laterally, relative to the edges of this leaf and this joint. This makes it possible to protect these lighting means from impacts, exerted along an axis perpendicular to the main plane of the leaf. In this respect, it will be recalled that the solution proposed by WO 2011 / 138292 is not satisfactory in this respect, since it provides for placing these lighting means as an applique on the leaf.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the variant of the figure 3 is particularly suitable for equipping the doors of railway vehicles already in operation with luminous seals. It should be noted that the lighting provided by this variant is particularly satisfactory, since the seal used has no recess.

[0056] The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown. Thus, in the three embodiments above, the longitudinal region of the leaf, on which the lighting means are fixed, is formed by a longitudinal wing of the profile. However, as a variant not shown, it is possible to provide that this longitudinal fixing region is directly formed on the body of the leaf. This fixing region can for example be constituted by the end of the sheet 18, illustrated in particular on the figure 2 .

[0057] In this spirit, it is possible, for example, to provide that the seal is directly glued to the body of the leaf, without using an intermediate profile. In this case, the lighting means, fixed to the sheet 18, are arranged opposite the seal. It is also possible to provide that the leaf uses an intermediate profile but that the sheet 18, ensuring the fixing of the lighting means, projects relative to the end of this profile.

Claims

1. Signaling assembly (1, 2, 4) for a leaf (60), in particular a curved leaf, intended to equip an access door to a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, said signaling assembly comprising: - a seal (2), which seal comprises a region (21) for attachment to the leaf, and a lighting region (20), - lighting means (4), capable of illuminating said lighting region of said seal, so as to emit at least one visual signal, in particular representative of the state of opening and / or closing of the door, the lighting means are fixed to a longitudinal region (11; 111; 211) of the leaf, so as to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular (F1) to the longitudinal direction (X60) of this leaf; characterized in that said assembly furthermore comprises means (3; 103; 203) for deflecting the light emitted by the lighting means, directing this light in a direction substantially parallel (F2) to the longitudinal direction of the leaf.

2. Signaling assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the lighting means (4) are located outside the interior volume of the seal (2).

3. Signaling assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the deflection means comprise a deflection surface (103; 203), the cross-section of the deflection surface being in particular a conical curve, for example of the parabola type, or a combination of plane(s) and conical curve(s).

4. Signaling assembly according to claim 3, in which the deflection means comprise a deflection plane (103; 203) extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the leaf, in particular at an angle (A3) close to 45°.

5. Signaling assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the deflection means comprise a deflection wall (3) belonging to the seal (2), the deflection wall being formed in particular by an interface (3) between the illumination region (20) and the attachment region (21) of the seal.

6. Signaling assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the attachment region (21) of the seal is made of an opaque material, while the illumination region (20) of the seal is made of a translucent material, the seal (2) being produced in particular by a co-extrusion process.

7. Signaling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a profile (1, 1') intended to extend over at least part of the periphery of the body of the leaf, said profile defining a housing (14) open away from the said body, the attachment region (21) of the seal being received at least in part in the said housing of the said profile, the lighting means being fixed to a longitudinal flange (11 ; 111; 211) of the section, the deflection means comprising in particular a deflection insert (103), in particular of light colour, fixed to the section, or else a deflection wall (203) belonging to the section.

8. Signaling assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which said lighting means comprise at least one lighting member (4), which comprises a support (40) and lighting elements (42) mounted on this support (40), said lighting elements being in particular of the light-emitting diode type (42), the support (40) of the lighting member being in particular of elongate shape and, preferably, having longitudinal dimensions close to those of the mounting flange (11) of the profile.

9. Signaling assembly according to the preceding claim, in which this assembly comprises fixing means enabling the lighting means (4) to be fixed to the said mounting flange (11), said fixing means comprising in particular removable fixing means, in particular by screwing, or fixing means by gluing, or fixing means by cooperation of shapes, in particular a slide with which the mounting flange is equipped, having edges for retaining the lighting member.

10. Signaling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting means (4) are integrated into the overall volume of the profile, so as to protect the lighting means (4) against impacts exerted along an axis perpendicular to the main plane of the leaf.

11. Leaf (60, 70), in particular a curved leaf, intended to equip an access door to a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, the said leaf also comprising at least one signaling assembly according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Leaf according to the preceding claim, further comprising a body (62, 72) and a frame (66, 76) extending over at least part of the periphery of said body, said frame comprising at least one profile (1, 1') defining a housing (14) open opposite said body, said leaf further comprising at least one signaling assembly according to one of claims 7 to 10, the attachment region (21) of the seal being received at least partly in said housing.

13. An access door to a transport vehicle, in particular of the train, tramway, metro or trolleybus or bus type, in particular a door of said transport vehicle, or a landing door for a platform of said transport vehicle, said door comprising a frame secured to the frame of said vehicle, or secured to said platform, and at least one leaf (60, 70) in accordance with claim 11 or 12, mounted so as to be movable relative to said frame.

14. Transport vehicle, in particular of the train, tramway, metro, bus or trolleybus type, comprising at least one door in accordance with the preceding claim.

15. A platform for a transport vehicle, in particular of the train, tramway, metro, bus or trolleybus type, comprising at least one door as claimed in claim 13.