Vehicle comprising an access assembly and method for bridging a horizontal and / or vertical distance between a vehicle and a walkway or platform

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a boarding arrangement and a method for bridging a horizontal and / or a vertical distance between a vehicle and a sidewalk or a platform.

[0002] At train or bus platforms, there is a gap between the vehicle and the platform. This gap creates a small opening between the vehicle and the platform. To minimize the risk of passengers tripping or falling over this gap, the vehicle typically extends a running board. Passengers can then safely board the vehicle using the running board.

[0003] According to current technology, sliding steps are used for this task. These sliding steps are usually arranged in cassettes, which contain a sliding step board, a drive mechanism, and an extension mechanism. When the sliding step board is arranged in a cassette, it can only be moved on a substantially horizontal plane. It is therefore not possible to move the sliding step board vertically. Vehicles, and especially rail vehicles, often have longitudinal beams. The desired operating position of the sliding step board lies on a plane that intersects the longitudinal beam. Therefore, the longitudinal beam must be weakened in the area of ​​the sliding step so that the sliding step board can pass it. This means that the longitudinal beams must be weakened at specific points, requiring complex calculations, design, and installation.

[0004] Sliding steps are also known that do not require weakening of the vehicle's longitudinal beams in the area of ​​the sliding step. While such sliding steps allow for vertical movement of the step platform and thus positioning it at different heights, they have a complex mechanism and require considerable installation space. Complex mechanisms are prone to malfunctions and require significant care and maintenance. In a vehicle, and especially a rail vehicle, malfunctions have far-reaching consequences. If a sliding step on a rail vehicle door malfunctions, the train may be unable to continue its journey. This often leads to delays that can affect the entire timetable. Therefore, it is crucial that a sliding step operates with minimal disruption.Modern vehicles, especially modern rail vehicles, must be accessible to all, allowing people with reduced mobility to board easily, independently, and comfortably. This is made possible by low-floor vehicles. Due to this low-floor design, the space between the vehicle's boarding level and the top of the rail is very limited. This limited space must therefore be used efficiently and functionally. A sliding step can thus only be positioned in the space between the boarding level and the top of the rail. Therefore, a sliding step should ideally have the most compact design possible.

[0005] EP2998182 discloses a boarding arrangement in which the sliding step is moved on a substantially horizontal plane and is spaced apart below the floor of the rail vehicle. The sliding step therefore cannot connect the floor of the rail vehicle to the platform on the same plane without weakening the longitudinal beam of the rail vehicle.

[0006] US3887217 discloses an access arrangement that can be moved both horizontally and vertically. However, the access arrangement features complex, delicate mechanics. These mechanics are therefore prone to failure and require intensive maintenance. Furthermore, such an access arrangement requires a considerable amount of installation space.

[0007] US2006163836 discloses an access arrangement in which the sliding step can be moved both horizontally and vertically. The drive mechanism for the sliding step, using cables, is also very delicate and therefore prone to malfunction.

[0008] US4536004 discloses an access arrangement in which the sliding step can be moved with a horizontal and a vertical component. Due to the linear extension movement of the sliding step, the required vertical installation space is large in relation to the height difference of the sliding step between the operating position and the driving position. In addition, the horizontal reach of the sliding step is limited. Furthermore, there is a direct relationship between the horizontal and vertical displacement of the sliding step. Thus, the horizontal displacement is directly coupled to the vertical displacement.

[0009] US5636399 discloses a boarding arrangement for boarding a vehicle. The boarding arrangement comprises a sliding step, a cassette, a guide device with two guide grooves, and guide elements which are connected to the sliding step and guided in the guide grooves.

[0010] US4827548 discloses a sliding step for accessing a vehicle. The sliding step is arranged in a cassette and can be extended from this cassette. The cassette includes on each side a guide groove for guide elements of the sliding step and a guide groove for a running mechanism.

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to create a vehicle and a method that enable the safe and uncomplicated bridging of a gap without weakening the vehicle structure.

[0012] The problem is solved by a rail vehicle comprising an access arrangement and a method for bridging a horizontal and / or vertical distance between a vehicle and a footpath or a platform according to the independent patent claims.

[0013] In particular, the task is solved by a vehicle, especially a rail vehicle. The vehicle comprises a boarding arrangement and a car body. The boarding arrangement comprises a sliding step and a cassette, which has an exit side for the sliding step and a connecting side. Furthermore, the boarding arrangement comprises a guide device, which includes two guide grooves, and guide elements, in particular guide rollers, which are connected to the sliding step and guided in the guide grooves. Guide elements can be, for example, pins or other essentially cylindrical or spherical components. The boarding arrangement has a travel position in which the sliding step is located in the cassette. The boarding arrangement also has a service position in which the sliding step is located at least partially outside the cassette. The guide grooves each have a firstAb cut, a second section and a third section, the first section being closer to the exit side for the sliding step board than the second and third sections. The first and third sections Ab The cuts run essentially parallel to the connection side. The second section connects the first section to the third section, and the first section is further away from the connection side than the third section.

[0014] This type of access arrangement with a cassette results in a compact and stable overall design. It is robust and easy to transport and install. The arrangement of the sections ensures that the sliding step is positioned lower in the operating position than in the driving position.

[0015] The connecting side allows the cassette to be connected to another component, in particular to the car body of a vehicle. Within the scope of the invention, "connecting side" means that this side faces the car body and adjoins it. The actual connecting means can be attached directly to the connecting side, or alternatively, they can be arranged laterally and / or behind the cassette.

[0016] The side walls, the lid located at the connection point, and the base of the cassette may also have bracing and reinforcements. The cassette may have multiple lids and / or bases. This allows the guide grooves of the guide mechanism to be accessed separately for maintenance or repair by removing a lid and / or base. This way, during maintenance or repair, preferably only one lid and / or base needs to be removed, and the entire cassette does not need to be opened.

[0017] The cassette and the sliding step can be made primarily of aluminum. Aluminum is easy to work with, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Of course, it is also possible for the cassette and sliding step to be made of steel, plastic, or a composite material. The tread of the sliding step is preferably equipped with a non-slip material. For example, the tread can be covered with non-slip film. Non-slip material can also be applied to the sliding step in other ways. It is also possible for the material of the sliding step itself to be made non-slip through roughening or other surface treatment. The non-slip property can also be achieved by incorporating numerous holes or perforations into the tread. The guide elements can be made of aluminum, steel, plastic, or a composite material.Preferably, the rollers are made of a wear-resistant steel, such as X90CrMoV18. The material's exceptional robustness ensures a long service life for the rollers and, consequently, the entire boarding system. This results in infrequent maintenance or repairs for the vehicle or rail vehicle. Therefore, the boarding system is highly robust and reliable. The guide mechanism with its guide grooves can be made of steel, aluminum, or a composite material. Preferably, the guide mechanism is also made of X90CrMoV18 steel. This ensures a robust guide mechanism. The simple design of the boarding system, constructed from robust, wear-resistant materials, guarantees its robustness. This ensures a long service life for the boarding system. Furthermore, this results in infrequent maintenance and quick repairs for the boarding system.This ensures that the vehicle or rail vehicle on which the boarding mechanism is installed can be operated with utmost reliability. The guide elements are mounted with low friction. Preferably, the guide elements are mounted using needle roller bearings. Needle roller bearings are extremely compact and robust. Thus, the needle roller bearings contribute to the compact design and robustness of the boarding mechanism. It is, of course, possible for the guide elements to be mounted with ball bearings. Other types of rolling bearings, such as tapered roller bearings, are also possible. All other types of bearings are also conceivable.

[0018] The access arrangement has a vertical extent, a vertical extent, and a horizontal extent, wherein the vertical extent runs along the extension direction of the sliding step and the horizontal extent runs along the connecting surface perpendicular to the extension direction. The horizontal extent is substantially between 80 cm and 220 cm, preferably between 100 cm and 200 cm, and particularly preferably substantially 180 cm. The vertical extent is substantially between 5 cm and 20 cm, preferably substantially 16 cm. The horizontal extent is substantially between 50 cm and 200 cm, preferably substantially 128 cm.

[0019] According to the invention, the second section of the guide grooves has a first subsection and a second subsection, wherein the first subsection and the second subsection have opposing curves. Due to the curved design of the first and second subsections, the movement from the driving position to the operating position and from the operating position to the driving position occurs without sudden, abrupt changes in direction. This minimizes the forces acting on the access arrangement during the movement of the sliding step. Furthermore, the smooth movements minimize noise emissions during the extension and retraction. This increases the comfort of the users of the access arrangement and the vehicle. In particular, the second section is S-shaped. This prevents any sudden, abrupt changes in direction when the sliding step is extended or retracted.This means that the entry and exit process is low-noise and gentle on materials.

[0020] The access arrangement can comprise a lever connection and a running device, wherein the lever connection mechanically connects the running device to the sliding step. The running device can, in particular, have rollers that are guided in the guide grooves. The rollers of the running device can preferably be arranged in the third section of the guide grooves in both the driving and operating positions.

[0021] The lever connection, which mechanically connects the running device to the sliding footboard, ensures that the rollers remain in the third section of the guide grooves in both the driving position and the operating position, and transmits the force in an optimal manner.

[0022] Because both the rollers and the guide elements are arranged in the guide grooves, the rollers do not require separate guide grooves. This results in a simple access system. Furthermore, guiding the guide elements and the rollers in the same groove allows for an extremely compact design. The permanent arrangement of the rollers in the third section of the guide grooves ensures that they move along a largely linear section of the grooves. This makes the movement of the rollers simple and straightforward. The rollers are thus operated with minimal wear and tear and can therefore be dimensioned advantageously, contributing to the compact design and reliability of the access system.

[0023] The guide elements of the access arrangement can have running surfaces that are radially larger in cross-section on the outer edges than in the space between the outer edges. This larger cross-section ensures that the guide elements are securely self-centering within the guide grooves. This contributes to the robustness and simplicity of the access arrangement.

[0024] The running mechanism of the access arrangement can be driven by a drive device. The drive device preferably comprises a belt, in particular a toothed belt, and / or a chain. Preferably, the sliding footboard has a strip by which the cassette can be substantially sealed in the driving position.

[0025] The drive mechanism makes using the boarding system particularly convenient for the user. A drive mechanism with a toothed belt and / or chain is simple and efficient. The fact that the sliding step has a strip which essentially seals the cassette in the moving position ensures that the cassette with the drive mechanism is essentially closed when the rail vehicle is in motion. This prevents dirt from entering the cassette. Dirt in the boarding system, with its many moving parts, would be detrimental.

[0026] The sliding step board can comprise a tread and a support section. The tread can be arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the support section, with the support section being located closer to the joint side than the tread.

[0027] Because the sliding step has a tread and a support section, it can be guided safely and positioned optimally. Both sections can also be optimized for their specific function, for example, the tread should be slip-resistant and the support section should be stable.

[0028] The access arrangement can have two guide elements on each side of the sliding step, with the guide elements being arranged exclusively to the side of the holding section.

[0029] The access mechanism is very simple due to the arrangement of two guide elements on each side of the sliding step. By using exactly two guide elements on each side of the sliding step, the number of guide elements is minimized. This also reduces the need for lubrication devices. As a result, the mechanism is very simple with few moving parts and therefore cost-effective. Furthermore, the design with few moving parts makes the overall structure less prone to errors and malfunctions.

[0030] The vehicle comprises a car body and the boarding arrangement is essentially located below the car body and borders the car body with the connecting side.

[0031] A vehicle with this type of boarding arrangement offers safe and convenient access. The high reliability of the boarding arrangement also ensures that the vehicle as a whole can be operated reliably and with minimal disruption. The cassette can be flanged to the underside of the car body. The connection between the flanges and the cassette, and the connection between the flanges and the car body, can be made in various ways, for example, by bolting or welding. Other fastening methods are also possible.

[0032] The vehicle body comprises a side wall with a side wall plane. In its operating position, the sliding step protrudes from the side wall plane, at least partially, below the vehicle body, with its tread surface extending outwards. The exit side of the cassette is spaced away from the side wall plane.

[0033] The cassette is thus mounted beneath the car body. In the travel position, the sliding step is located within the cassette beneath the car body. In the operating position, the sliding step with its tread protrudes beneath the car body, allowing a user to step onto the tread when transferring from the platform or bus stop to the train or vice versa. The retaining section of the sliding step is located within the cassette in the travel position. Therefore, part of the sliding step (the tread) is exposed, while the retaining section is housed within the cassette, securing the step in place.

[0034] The vehicle body can include a floor with a longitudinal beam. The longitudinal beam is preferably positioned closer to the side wall plane, from which the sliding step with its tread protrudes in the operating position, than the cassette. The connecting side of the cassette of the access arrangement can be positioned at a higher level than the lower edge of the longitudinal beam.

[0035] Thus, the sliding step does not move from the driving position to the operating position on a single plane. Rather, the sliding step is guided beneath the longitudinal beam by the guide grooves and its shape. This arrangement and the sliding step's movement allow for a particularly compact design of the access mechanism.

[0036] The longitudinal beam of the vehicle can have a substantially unchanged cross-section over its entire length and, in particular, can have essentially the same cross-section in the area of ​​the sliding step as next to the sliding step.

[0037] This makes the longitudinal beam easy and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0038] The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for bridging a horizontal and / or vertical gap between a vehicle and a sidewalk or platform. In the method, a vehicle stops at a sidewalk or platform as described above, and the sliding step is moved from the driving position to the operating position. The method comprises the following steps: Guiding a first guide element from the third section into the second section, wherein a second guide element in the third section is guided towards the exit side; Subsequently guiding the first guide element from the second section into the first section, wherein the second guide element in the third section is guided towards the exit side; Subsequently guiding the second guide element from the third section into the second section, wherein the first guide element in the first section is guided towards the exit side; Subsequently guiding the second guide element from the second section into the first section, wherein the first guide element in the first section is guided towards the exit side.

[0039] The process is simple, efficient, and safe. By guiding the guide elements in the first, second, and third sections, the sliding step board is moved horizontally and vertically.

[0040] The sliding step can be moved from the operating position to the driving position. The procedure involves the following steps: Guiding the second guide element from the first section into the second section, wherein the first guide element in the first section is guided away from the exit side; Subsequently guiding the second guide element from the second section into the third section, wherein the first guide element in the first section is guided away from the exit side; Subsequently guiding the first guide element from the first section into the second section, wherein the second guide element in the third section is guided away from the exit side; Subsequently guiding the first guide element from the second section into the third section, wherein the second guide element in the third section is guided away from the exit side.

[0041] This allows you to quickly and efficiently return to the driving position using the sliding footboard.

[0042] The movement of the sliding footboard from the operating position to the driving position and / or from the driving position to the operating position can be driven by the running device.

[0043] Driving the sliding step board via the running mechanism is simple, quick and safe.

[0044] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures.

[0045] This shows: Fig. 1 : A perspective view of an access arrangement without a cover, Fig. 2 : A perspective view of a boarding arrangement, Fig. 3 : A section through a guide device of the boarding arrangement in the driving position, Fig. 4 : A section through the guide mechanism of the access arrangement in the operating position, Fig. 5 : A section of a cross-section through a vehicle with an entry arrangement in the driving position, Fig. 6: A section of a cross-section through a vehicle with an access arrangement in the operating position, Fig. 7 : A perspective view of a sliding step board, Fig. 8 : A longitudinal section of a guide element, Fig. 9 : A cross-section through a guide device of the access arrangement with guide grooves.

[0046] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the boarding arrangement 1 without a cover in its operating position. In this position, the sliding step 2 extends from the cassette 5 at the exit side 6. The tread surface 3 is roughened by means of numerous perforations. These perforations create recesses and an area around the recesses that protrudes slightly upwards from the plane of the tread surface, thus creating a non-slip surface. The cassette 5 is connected to the car body (not shown) of the rail vehicle at the stop end by flanges 24. The guide assembly comprises a first section 10, a second section 11, and a third section 12. The second section 11 comprises a first subsection 13 and a second subsection 14. The sliding step 2 has a retaining section 4.The access assembly also includes guide grooves 8 and a drive device 26 with two toothed belts 19. The base of the cassette has stiffeners 27 that stabilize it against deformation. The reinforcements 28 inside the cassette 5 have recesses. This results in sufficient rigidity at a low weight. The reinforcements 28 inside the cassette contribute to the stability of the base and the lid. Thus, the access assembly 1 is extremely robust and stable even when not installed. Therefore, the access assembly 1 can withstand demanding conditions during transport and production.

[0047] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the access assembly 1. The cassette 5 includes stiffeners 27 on the connecting side 7, which stiffen and stabilize the connecting side 7 of the cassette. The access assembly 1 also has reinforcements 28, which stabilize and reinforce the access assembly 1. The reinforcements 28 have recesses. This makes the reinforcements lightweight while maintaining sufficient stability. Furthermore, the access assembly 1 has a plug 29 by means of which the drive device (not shown) of the access assembly 1 can be controlled. In this position, the access assembly 1 is in the travel position. The sliding step 2 is thus located in the cassette 5. The access assembly 1 is moved from the travel position to the operating position by the sliding step 2 exiting the exit side 6 of the cassette 5. The access arrangement 1 further includes a plug 29 through which the drive device 26 can be controlled.

[0048] The boarding arrangement 1 is essentially cuboid in its driving position and has a width, a height, and a depth, the depth extending along the extension direction of the sliding step and the width extending along the connecting surface perpendicular to the extension direction. The width of the boarding arrangement 1 is essentially 180 cm, the height of the boarding arrangement 1 is essentially 16 cm, and the depth of the boarding arrangement 1 is essentially 128 cm.

[0049] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a section through the guide device 1 in the driving position. The sliding step 2 is located in the cassette 5. The sliding step 2 comprises a tread surface 3 and a retaining section 4. The guide grooves 8 comprise a first section 10, a second section 11, and a third section 12. The second section 11 comprises a first subsection 13 and a second subsection 14. The first subsection 13 and the second subsection 14 have opposing curvatures. As a result, the second section 11 is essentially S-shaped.

[0050] The tread surface 3 is arranged essentially parallel to the holding section 4, with the holding section 4 being arranged closer to the connecting side 7 than the tread surface 3.

[0051] The roughened tread surface 3 of the sliding step 2 is fully retracted into the cassette 5 and is located in the area of ​​the first section 10 of the guide grooves 8. The retaining section 4 is also fully located in the cassette 5, specifically in the area of ​​the third section 12 of the guide grooves 8. In the driving position, in which the guide device is located in this state, the running device 16 with the rollers 17 is located in the third section 12 of the guide grooves 8. The running device 16 is connected to the sliding step 2 by a lever connection 15. The cassette 5 has a connection side 7 at which the cassette 5 can be connected to the vehicle. Preferably, the cassette 5 is connected to the vehicle by means of flanges 24. The strip 20 essentially seals at least a portion of the cassette 5 in the driving position.This essentially prevents dirt or water kicked up during the vehicle's journey from entering the cassette 5. This ensures high reliability and durability of the boarding arrangement 1. Furthermore, this design makes the boarding arrangement 1 low-maintenance. The boarding arrangement preferably comprises steel, aluminum, or a composite material. The guide mechanism is preferably made of X90CrMoV18 steel. The guide elements 9 and the rollers 17 are also preferably made of X90CrMoV18 steel. The lever connection 15 and the running device 16 can be made of steel, aluminum, or plastic. The lever connection 17 and the running device can also be made of other robust materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0052] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a section through the guide mechanism of the access arrangement 1 in its operating position. The sliding step protrudes approximately 50 cm from the exit side 6 in the operating position. The guide grooves 8 have a first section 10, a second section 11, and a third section 12. The second section 11 comprises a first subsection 13 and a second subsection 14. The first subsection 13 and the second subsection 14 have opposing curvatures. Preferably, the second section 11 is S-shaped with the first subsection 13 and the second subsection 14. The cassette 5 has a connecting side 7 where the cassette can be connected to the vehicle (not shown). The strip 20 essentially seals at least part of the cassette 5 in the driving position.This essentially prevents dirt or water kicked up during the vehicle's journey from entering the cassette 5. This ensures high reliability and durability of the boarding arrangement 1. Furthermore, this design makes the boarding arrangement 1 low-maintenance. The sliding step 2 comprises a tread 3 and a retaining section 4, wherein the tread 3 is arranged substantially parallel to the retaining section 4, and the retaining section 4 is located closer to the connecting side 7 than the tread 3.

[0053] In this position, the sliding step 2 is positioned on the exit side 6 of the cassette 5. The roughened tread surface 3 is located outside the cassette 5. The strip 20 does not seal at least part of the cassette 5 in the operating position. The retaining section 4 of the sliding step 2 with the guide elements 9 is located in the first section 10 of the guide grooves 8 in the operating position. The running device 16 with the rollers 17, which is connected to the sliding step 2 by a lever connection 15, is located in the third section 12 of the guide grooves 8. The running device 16 is driven by a toothed belt 19. The movement is transmitted to the sliding step 2 via the lever connection 15. The access arrangement 1, and in particular the guide device with the guide grooves 8 and the guide elements 9 as well as the rollers 17, are preferably made of a robust and cost-effective material such as steel.Aluminum, plastics, or composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic are also generally suitable materials. Of course, other materials can be used. For example, the strip 20 can have a rubber seal to ensure the cassette 5 is sealed in the driving position. It is also possible that a rubber seal is arranged on the cassette 5, complementary to the strip 20, to ensure the cassette 5 is sealed in the driving position.

[0054] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a section of a cross-section through a vehicle with a boarding arrangement 1 in the driving position. The boarding arrangement 1 is located under the car body 21 of a vehicle 25 in the driving position. The boarding arrangement is connected to the car body 21 of the vehicle 25 by the connecting side 7 of the cassette 5. The car body 21 of the vehicle 25 has a side wall 22 with a side wall plane. In the driving position, the sliding step (not shown) is located completely under the car body 21 of the vehicle 25. In the operating position, the sliding step (not shown) projects at least partially from the side wall plane of the side wall 22 below the car body 21 of the vehicle 25, with the tread surface (not shown) protruding from the side wall plane of the side wall 22. The exit side 6 of the cassette 5 of the boarding arrangement 1 is spaced apart from the side wall plane 22. The upper edge of cassette 5 is positioned at a higher level than the lower edge of longitudinal beam 23.When moving from the driving position to the operating position, the sliding footboard 2 passes under the longitudinal beam 23 by performing a pitching movement.

[0055] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a section of a cross-section through a vehicle 25 with a boarding arrangement 1 in its operating position. The vehicle 25 has a car body 21. The cassette 5 of the boarding arrangement 1 is connected to the car body 21 of the vehicle 25 via the connecting side 7. The cassette 5 of the boarding arrangement is attached to the car body 21 outside the guide grooves (not shown) by means of flanges (not shown). The exit side 6 of the cassette 5 faces the side wall 22 of the car body 21, from which the sliding step 2 is to extend. The vehicle 25 with the car body 21 encompasses a longitudinal beam 23. The connecting side 7 of the boarding arrangement 1 is positioned at a higher level than the lower edge of the longitudinal beam 23. The cassette 5 and the longitudinal beam 23 thus overlap at least partially.When moving from the driving position to the operating position, the sliding footboard 2 passes under the longitudinal beam 23 by performing a pitching movement.

[0056] In its operating position, the sliding step 2 projects below the car body 21 of vehicle 25 by approximately 50 cm from the side wall 22 with its tread surface 3. The exit side 6 of the cassette 5 of the boarding arrangement 1 is spaced from the side wall 22. In its operating position, the sliding step 2 with its tread surface 3 projects approximately 20 cm from the side wall 22 of the car body 21 of vehicle 25.

[0057] Figure 7Figure 1 shows a sliding step 2 of the access arrangement 1 in a perspective view. The sliding step 2 has a retaining section 4 and a tread 3. The retaining section 4 and the tread 3 are essentially parallel and spaced apart. The tread 3 is roughened by numerous perforations. These perforations create recesses and an area around the recesses that projects upwards from the plane of the tread. This creates a non-slip surface. It is possible that the tread 3 is also coated with a non-slip film in addition to the perforations. Furthermore, the sliding step 2 has a strip 20 that seals at least part of the cassette 5 when the access arrangement (not shown) is in the travel position. The strip can be made of steel, aluminum, or plastic.The strip can also include a seal, for example a rubber seal, which improves the sealing of the cassette 5. This prevents stirred-up dirt or water from entering the cassette 5 of the access assembly (not shown). The sliding step 2 has guide elements 9. The guide elements 9 are arranged on the retaining section 4 of the sliding step 2 and are supported in the area of ​​the retaining section 4. Needle bearings are preferably used as bearings. Needle bearings are extremely robust and compact. Other bearings, for example ball bearings or roller bearings, can also be used. The sliding step 2 is connected to the running device (not shown) by a lever connection (not shown).

[0058] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a guide element 9 of the access arrangement 1. The guide element 9 has a running surface 18. The running surface 18 is radially thicker on the outer edges 30 than between the outer edges. This ensures safe, self-centering, and smooth running of the guide element 9. The running surface 18 of the guide element 9 is mounted on a needle bearing 31. Needle bearings are extremely compact and robust. Other bearings, such as ball bearings or roller bearings, can also be used. The needle bearing 31 is lubricated via a grease nipple (not shown) located centrally in the roller body. This makes the guide element 9 low-maintenance. Furthermore, this ensures quiet and trouble-free operation of the guide element 9.

[0059] Figure 9Figure 1 shows a section through a guide element of the access arrangement (1) with guide grooves (8). The guide grooves have a first section (10), a second section (11), and a third section (12). The second section (11) has a first subsection (13) and a second subsection (14). The cassette (5) has a connection side (7) where the cassette (5) can be connected to the vehicle (not shown). The cassette (5) also has an exit side (6) from which the sliding step (not shown) extends in the operating position.

Claims

1. Vehicle (25), in particular a rail vehicle, comprising an access arrangement (1) and a car body (21), wherein the access arrangement (1) comprises - a sliding step (2), - a cassette (5), which has an exit side (6) for the slidin0g step (2) as well as a connection side (7), - a guide device, which comprises two guide grooves (8), - guide elements (9), which are connected to the sliding step (2) and are guided in the guide grooves (8), wherein the access arrangement (1) has a travel position, in which the sliding step (2) is located in the cassette (5) and the access arrangement (1) has a use position, in which the sliding step (2) is located at least partially outside the cassette (5), wherein the guide grooves (8) each comprise a first section (10), a second section (11) and a third section (12), wherein the first section (10) is located closer to the exit side (6) for the sliding step (2) than the second section (11) and the third section (12), the first section (10) and the third section (12) extend substantially parallel to the connection side (7) and the second section (11) connects the first section (10) with the third section (12) and the first section (10) has a greater distance to the connection side (7) than the third section (12), wherein the second section (11) has a first subsection (13) and a second subsection (14), wherein the first subsection (13) and the second subsection (14) have opposing curvatures, characterized in that the access arrangement (1) is arranged substantially below the car body (21) and adjoins the car body (21) with the connection side (7) and the car body (21) comprises a side wall (22) with a side wall plane and the sliding step (2) in the use position protrudes at least partially with the tread surface (3) from the side wall plane below the car body (21) and the exit side (6) of the cassette (5) is spaced from the side wall plane.

2. Vehicle (25) according to claim 1, characterized in that the access arrangement (1) comprises a lever connection (15) as well as a running device (16), wherein the lever connection (15) mechanically connects the running device (16) with the sliding step (2), wherein in particular the running device (16) has running rollers (17), which are guidable in the guide grooves (8) and preferably the running rollers (17) of the running device (16) are arranged in the travel position and in the use position in the third section (12) of the guide grooves3. Vehicle (25) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide elements (9) of the access arrangement (1) have running surfaces (18) which, in cross-section, are formed radially larger on the outer sides (30) of the running surface (18) than between the outer sides (30) of the running surface (18).

4. Vehicle (25) according to one of claims 2 - 3, characterized in that the running device (16) of the access arrangement (1) is drivable by a drive device (26) and the drive device (26) preferably comprises a belt, in particular a toothed belt (19) and / or a chain, and the sliding step (2) preferably comprises a strip (20), by means of which at least a part of the cassette (5) is substantially sealable in the travel position5. Vehicle (25) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding step (2) of the access arrangement (1) comprises a tread surface (3) and a holding section (4), wherein the tread surface (3) is arranged substantially parallel and spaced from the holding section (4), wherein the holding section (4) is arranged closer to the connection side (7) than the tread surface (3).

6. Vehicle (25) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two guide elements (9) are arranged on each of both sides of the sliding step (2) of the access arrangement (1), wherein the guide elements (9) are in particular arranged exclusively laterally of the holding section (4).

7. Vehicle (25) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the car body (21) comprises a floor with a longitudinal beam (23), wherein the longitudinal beam (23) is preferably arranged closer to the side wall plane, from which the sliding step (2) protrudes with the tread surface (3) in the use position, than the cassette (5), and the connection side of the cassette (5) of the access arrangement (1) is arranged at a higher level than the lower edge of the longitudinal beam (23).

8. Vehicle (25) according to claim 7, characterized in that the longitudinal beam (23) has a substantially unchanged cross-section over its entire length and in particular has substantially the same cross-section in the area of the sliding step (2) as next to the sliding step (2).

9. Method for bridging a horizontal and / or vertical distance between a vehicle (25) and a pavement or platform, wherein a vehicle (25) according to one of the preceding claims stops at a pavement or platform, wherein the sliding step (2) is moved from the travel position to the use position, comprising the following steps: - guiding a first guide element (9) from the third section (12) into the second section (11), wherein a second guide element (9) is guided in the third section (12) in the direction of the exit side (7), - subsequently guiding the first guide element (9) from the second section (11) into the first section (10), wherein the second guide element (9) is guided in the third section (12) in the direction of the exit side (6), - subsequently guiding the second guide element (9) from the third section (12) into the second section (11), wherein the first guide element (9) is guided in the first section (10) in the direction of the exit side (6), - subsequently guiding the second guide element (9) from the second section (11) into the first section (10), wherein the first guide element (9) is guided in the first section (10) in the direction of the exit side (6).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the movement of the sliding step (2) from the use position to the travel position comprises the following steps: - guiding the second guide element (9) from the first section (10) into the second section (11), wherein the first guide element (9) is guided in the first section (10) away from the exit side (6), - subsequently guiding the second guide element (9) from the second section (11) into the third section (12), wherein the first guide element (9) is guided in the first section (10) away from the exit side (6), - subsequently guiding the first guide element (9) from the first section (10) into the second section (11), wherein the second guide element (9) is guided in the third section (12) away from the exit side (6), - subsequently guiding the first guide element (9) from the second section (11) into the third section (12), wherein the second guide element (9) is guided in the third section (12) away from the exit side (6).

11. Method according to one of claims 9 - 10, characterized in that the movement of the sliding step (2) from the use position to the travel position and / or from the travel position to the use position is driven by the running device (16).

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