A step system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a step system for a vehicle. This system comprises: a. a step (1) via which a passenger can enter or exit the vehicle; b. a first guide unit (21) connected to the step (1) and a second guide unit (22) connected to the step (1), wherein the step (1) is arranged between the first guide unit (21) and the second guide unit (22); c. a drive device configured to move the step (1) along an extension axis (A) from a retracted step position to an extended step position and vice versa. The invention is characterized in that the drive device comprises a first drive unit (31) and a second drive unit (32).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a step system for a vehicle.

[0002] Such step systems are particularly used in vehicles for transporting people, e.g. in public transport. Examples of possible applications include road vehicles (e.g. buses) or rail vehicles (e.g. streetcars, subways, trams, local and long-distance trains, high-speed trains, etc.). Step systems are generally used to simplify boarding and alighting a vehicle; they therefore serve as an boarding and alighting aid. When a vehicle is stopped at a stop, e.g. a train platform, the vehicle is in a rest position so that passengers can enter or exit the vehicle. It is almost unavoidable that a gap must be bridged in the door area between the outside of the vehicle and the stop.Otherwise, there would inevitably be material contact between the exterior of the vehicle and the stop platform, which could lead to damage to the vehicle, for example in the form of sheet metal or paint damage.

[0003] If such a gap is too large, it can pose a danger or inconvenience to passengers when boarding or disembarking the vehicle. Accordingly, step systems that extend or fold out toward the stop platform when the vehicle is stationary offer a way to reduce the gap between the vehicle and the stop platform. Such a step system can be designed, for example, as a step plate and absorbs the weight of the passengers when boarding or disembarking.

[0004] Even if the vehicle stops in a location without a dedicated platform (e.g., near a sidewalk), there is often a gap and / or a difference in height that must be overcome when boarding or alighting. In these cases, a step system (including a retractable and extendable step plate) can facilitate entry and exit. Even if the vehicle stops on level ground, a step system can at least serve to overcome a difference in height between the level ground and the floor of the passenger compartment. This is even more true for passengers with physical disabilities, such as wheelchair users. In this case, the step plate of the step system serves as a ramp.

[0005] To ensure adequate footholds for passengers boarding or disembarking, as well as to ensure the longest possible service life of the step system under continuous use, the step system must have sufficient mechanical stability. Step systems with metal tread plates or tread surfaces are particularly suitable for this purpose. Furthermore, the tread surfaces can be provided with structures or mats that provide an anti-slip effect and reduce the risk of slipping for passengers when boarding and disembarking. However, flexible step systems are also known. For example, DE 10 2015 213 650 A1 discloses a bridge element that is elastically deformable in part or as a whole for bridging a gap between the floor of a rail vehicle and a platform.

[0006] As already mentioned, step systems are suitable not only for reducing the gap between the vehicle and the platform, but also for leveling the height between the passenger compartment (or the floor of the passenger compartment) and the platform (or the height of a subsurface outside the vehicle). If the step system is designed as a sliding step, the sliding step can also be lowered or raised to the level of the platform or platform. The step systems can also be designed so that they rest directly on the platform or platform when the vehicle is stopped.

[0007] Step systems based on sliding or folding steps are usually extended and retracted by (electric) motor drives specifically designed for the respective step system, as described, for example, in WO 2014 / 106581 A1 for a folding step system. According to the disclosure therein, the drive motors for the door leaves and the folding step can be controlled and regulated via a common door control device.

[0008] Treadmill systems are often operated via a single drive unit, i.e., the extension and insertion movement of a tread plate is realized via a single drive unit. It is known to operate tread plates via two spindles or toothed belts, which are synchronized via a synchronizing toothed belt, using a central drive unit. The disadvantages of this design are the relatively large installation space requirement and the relatively high number of necessary mechanical components. This is not only disadvantageous during the manufacture and installation of the tread system (manufacturing effort and installation effort), but also increases the susceptibility to component damage. Furthermore, it increases the maintenance and repair costs in the event of maintenance or damage.

[0009] EP 1 946 735 A1 and DE 20 2006 017716 U1 disclose step systems of this type. Furthermore, US Pat. No. 7,052,227 B2 discloses an access system comprising two electric motors that simultaneously drive a step plate. The drives are mechanically coupled to each other via a connecting rod.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a step system whose drive and mechanics require less installation space.

[0011] To solve this problem, a step system having the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0012] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with each other in any technically reasonable manner (even across category boundaries, e.g., device and method) and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0013] It should also be noted that a conjunction "and / or" used herein between two features and linking them together is always to be interpreted in such a way that in a first embodiment of the subject matter according to the invention only the first feature can be present, in a second embodiment only the second feature can be present and in a third embodiment both the first and the second feature can be present.

[0014] The present invention relates firstly to a step system for a vehicle, comprising a. a step plate, via which a passenger can enter or exit the vehicle; b. a first guide unit connected to the step plate, and a second guide unit connected to the step plate, wherein the step plate is arranged between the first guide unit and the second guide unit; c. a drive device configured to move the step plate along an extension axis from a retracted step plate position to an extended step plate position and vice versa.

[0015] The drive device of the step system according to the invention has a first drive unit and a second drive unit.

[0016] The first and second drive units are each electric motors. In particular, the drive units can be designed to be "on-board," meaning the first drive unit is mechanically connected to the first guide unit, and the second drive unit is mechanically connected to the second guide unit, so that the drive units are moved when the step plate is extended or retracted. For electrical supply, the on-board drive units can have trailing cables connected to a power supply interface of the vehicle. Furthermore, on-board power supply units (or energy storage units) can be provided, which supply the respective on-board drive units with power. The term "on-board" means that a structural unit (e.g., the power supply units) is moved in the same direction when the step plate is moved (displaced, i.e., extended and retracted).Such a traveling energy supply unit can be assigned to both the first and second drive units. These traveling energy supply units can be mechanically (and electrically) connected to the first and second drive units, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the traveling energy supply units can be mechanically connected to the guide unit, so that the traveling energy supply units are moved along with the guide unit when a movement is performed. Provision can be made for such "traveling" energy supply units to be charged when the tread plate is in a retracted position. The traveling energy supply units can be designed, for example, in the form of batteries, battery packs, rechargeable batteries, battery packs, or arrays thereof.Such energy supply units in the form of batteries, battery packs, accumulators, or arrays of the aforementioned can be integrated into a component belonging to the tread plate, e.g., directly into the tread plate. Such drive units can be designed significantly more compactly (and thus save space) than the central drive units known from the prior art. Furthermore, the use of two drive units eliminates the need for mechanical components, which also saves installation space.

[0017] The tread plate can be connected to the first and second guide units in such a way that the tread plate can be pushed in and out like a pure sliding step, i.e. at a single height. Furthermore, the tread plate can be hinged to the first and second guide units in such a way that the tread plate is (at least partially) pivoted when pushed out, for example to provide a ramp function. In this case, the tread plate undergoes a superimposed translational and pivoting movement when pushed out (from the pushed-in tread plate position towards the extended tread plate position). When pushed in (from the pushed-out tread plate position towards the retracted tread plate position), the tread plate undergoes a superimposed translational and pivoting movement.

[0018] Further embodiments of the step system proposed by the invention are described below. The following description includes the design features specified in the subclaims, but is not limited to them. It should be expressly noted that the features described below with reference to the step system proposed by the invention can also readily be design features of a method for operating the step system.

[0019] The tread system also includes a. a first guide profile in which the first guide unit is movably guided, wherein the first guide profile extends parallel to the extension axis, and b. a second guide profile in which the second guide unit is movably guided, wherein the second guide profile extends parallel to the extension axis.

[0020] The first guide profile and the second guide profile are preferably arranged opposite one another, with the tread plate arranged between the first and second guide profiles. The first and second guide profiles are aligned parallel. The guide profile can be a metal profile. The first and second guide profiles can form separate components, i.e., separate guide profiles. Likewise, the first and second guide profiles can be implemented in a common, possibly one-piece component, for example, in a frame element in which the first and second guide profiles are formed or arranged.

[0021] Alternatively, the first and second guide units can be designed in the form of a spindle. Each spindle can then be assigned a drive unit (the first and second drive units).

[0022] The first drive unit is configured to move the first guide unit along the first guide profile, and the second drive unit is configured to move the second guide unit along the second guide profile. Preferably, both the first and second drive units are designed to "travel," i.e., they are mechanically connected to the first and second guide units, respectively, and move with the first and second guide units, respectively, when the tread plate is extended or retracted. Nevertheless, the movement of the first guide unit along the first guide profile is generated exclusively by the first (traveling) drive unit. The same applies to the movement of the second guide unit along the second guide profile, which is generated exclusively by the second (traveling) drive unit.As explained in detail below, it is necessary to synchronize the first and second drive units.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of a tread system proposed by the invention, the first guide unit and the second guide unit can each have two guide rollers and a toothed belt pulley arranged between the respective guide rollers. Both the guide rollers and the toothed belt pulley of a respective guide unit preferably have parallel, aligned axes of rotation. The number of guide rollers can differ from the specified number of two. Multiple toothed belt pulleys can also be provided.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of a step system proposed by the invention, it can be provided that the respective guide rollers and the toothed belt wheel of the first or second guide unit are preferably accommodated in the first or second guide profile and are movably guided.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of a tread system proposed by the invention, a toothed belt groove can be formed in the first and second guide profiles, in each of which a toothed belt is arranged, wherein the toothed belt is fastened to a first and second end of the respective guide profile by means of a toothed belt clamp. The toothed belt groove is preferably formed on a profile base and extends along the respective guide profile. A "toothed belt clamp" does not necessarily mean that the toothed belt is fastened to the first and second end of the respective guide profile by a clamping device, as other fastening variants are also conceivable.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of a tread system proposed by the invention, the toothed belt pulley of the first or second guide unit can be connected to the first or second drive unit for driving purposes and can be driven by the first or second drive unit. The drive connection can be provided, for example, via a shaft that transmits a rotary motion generated by the drive unit to the toothed belt pulley. Since the toothed belt pulley moves along the respective guide profile or rolls within it when performing a rotary motion, this generates a linear movement of the guide unit along the guide profile.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of a tread system proposed by the invention, the respective toothed belt arranged in the first and second guide profiles can be arranged such that the respective toothed belt at least partially wraps around the toothed belt pulley arranged in the first and second guide profiles. Specifically, the guide rollers, the toothed belt pulley, and the toothed belt can form an omega structure.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of a step system proposed by the invention, it can be provided that the guide rollers belonging to the first or second guide unit are mechanically connected to the respective toothed belt pulley, so that a rotary movement of the first or second drive unit can be transmitted via the toothed belt pulley into a linear movement of the guide unit. The aforementioned mechanical connection can be provided, for example, via a connecting flange. The connecting flange can preferably be flanged to (or connected to) a step plate holder, wherein the step plate holder can be operatively connected to a guide roller located at the front in the direction towards the outside of the vehicle (e.g., receiving its rotational axis). The step plate holder can extend perpendicular to the first or second guide profile or perpendicular to the extension axis.At an end of the tread plate holder facing away from the guide roller, the tread plate can be hinged at its rear end (e.g. via a bearing shaft) or connected to the tread plate holder. This applies to both sides of the tread plate. Furthermore, the connecting flange can have a through-hole for the shaft connected to the toothed belt pulley. The respective first or second drive unit can be arranged in alignment with the shaft. The arrangement of shaft and drive unit can preferably be aligned parallel to the tread plate holder. Furthermore, an axis of rotation assigned to the rear guide roller towards the outside of the vehicle can also be accommodated in the connecting flange. Ultimately, the axes of rotation of the guide rollers and the toothed belt pulley are thus accommodated in the connecting flange or operatively connected to it.

[0029] According to the invention, a step system proposed by the invention further comprises a control means configured to ensure synchronous movement of the first and second guide units in the first and second guide profiles, respectively. The use of two separate drive units requires synchronization to ensure even load distribution and to prevent wedging or jamming of the step plate.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of a step system proposed by the invention, the control means can comprise a central control unit that is connected for control purposes to both the first and the second drive unit. The central control unit can be designed in the form of a controller or a computing unit. For control purposes, the central control unit can access suitable software, a routine, an algorithm, or the like executed on the central control unit. The central control unit can be designed to be programmable. A control connection can comprise a signal and data connection, which can be wired (e.g., in the form of a trailing cable) or wireless.With a wireless signal and data connection, the communicating components (central control unit and the respective drive unit) have corresponding communication interfaces (transmit and receive interfaces). If a central control unit is provided, the synchronous operation of the first and second drive units can be ensured by the central control unit.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of a pedal system proposed by the invention, it can be provided that the control means comprises a first control unit and a second control unit, wherein the first control unit is connected to the first drive unit in terms of control technology and the second control unit is connected to the second drive unit in terms of control technology. The first and second control units can also be connected to one another in terms of signals, for example, wired or wireless. A wired signal connection can be provided, for example, via a CAN bus system. It is also conceivable to provide an intermediate central control unit which is connected to both the first and the second control units in terms of signals. For synchronized operation of the first and second drive units, it can be provided that the first and second control units communicate with one another in terms of signals (and, for example,exchange control signals).

[0032] According to a further embodiment of a treadmill system proposed by the invention, it can be provided that the first and second drive units can be controlled by applying electrical voltage, in particular battery voltage. In this case, the drives are not regulated. Rather, only the current (of the drives, i.e., the motor current) is monitored in order to determine the end stops (treadplate retracted position, treadplate extended position). When the treadplate reaches an end stop (treadplate retracted position, treadplate extended position), the motor current generally increases suddenly. Accordingly, an increase in the motor current can be an indicator that the treadplate has reached an end stop. The current monitoring and / or a corresponding evaluation can be carried out either in a central control unit or in two communicating control units (first, second control unit).The current can be measured directly in the drive units.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of a pedal system proposed by the invention, the first and second drive units can be controlled by providing separate PWM signals, wherein the separate PWM signals are provided by the central control unit or the first and second control units. A PWM signal is a "pulse-width modulated signal," i.e., a square-wave signal with a constant period that oscillates between different voltage levels with a variable pulse width. The PWM signals can be provided either by a central control unit or by the first and second control units. In addition, the motor current can also be monitored in this embodiment. The PWM signals can be adjusted depending on the positions of the drive units (determined via current monitoring or position sensors) and the respective motor current.For this purpose, a look-up table can be stored on a respective data storage unit in the first and second control units. The same can also be done in a central control unit, in which a look-up table can also be stored on a data storage unit.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of a step system proposed by the invention, it can be provided that the first and second drive units can be controlled by a master-slave control, with the first drive unit being the master and the second drive unit being the slave, or vice versa. A master control unit can be assigned to the first drive unit (or the second drive unit) (the master control unit can be a component of the central or the first (or second) control unit), while a slave control unit can be assigned to the second drive unit (or the first drive unit) (the slave control unit can be a component of the central or the second (or first) control unit). A respective drive unit can also be controlled by a master control program or a master control routine, with the master control program ora master control routine is executed on the central control unit or the first (or second) control unit. The other drive unit can then be controlled by a slave control program or a slave control routine, whereby the slave control program or a slave control routine is executed on the central control unit or the second (or first) control unit. Using the master, a target state can be specified, e.g. a position of one of the drive units in relation to its position along the extension axis, i.e. ultimately a position of the toothed belt pulley connected to the drive unit within the guide profile. Likewise, a speed can be specified as a target state using a drive unit acting as the master. The drive unit assigned to the slave then reacts to the master's specification (by adjusting the position or speed).

[0035] According to a further embodiment of a step system proposed by the invention, it can be provided that the first and second drive units can be controlled by a master-slave control, wherein the control means is the master, the first drive unit is a first slave, and the second drive unit is a second slave. Such a master-slave control is particularly suitable when a central control unit is used to control the first and second drive units. The central control unit then provides the master or a master control. The master can be configured to a. to specify a target parameter which relates to a spatial position value or a speed value which lies between a spatial position value - related to a position along the displacement axis - or a speed value of the first and second drive unit present at a current time; b. to determine, in cooperation with a test device, whether the spatial position value of the first and second drive unit present at the current time or the speed values of the first and second drive unit present at the current time exceed a predetermined threshold value or threshold value range in relation to the target parameter; c. in the event that an excess is determined in accordance with b.: to adapt the speeds associated with the first and second drive unit.

[0036] In this variant, for example, a central control unit (for controlling the first and second drive units) provides the master, or a corresponding master control program or master control routine executed on the central control unit. To synchronize the drive units, a spatial position value (or current speed values) of the first and second drive units is first determined. Then, a virtual target position or a target speed (target parameter) is specified by the master, which lies between the current position value (or speed value) of the first and second drive units. If, as described above under b., an exceedance of the specified threshold value or threshold range in relation to the target parameter is detected, a lower target speed is specified for the leading slave drive via the master, and a higher target speed is specified for the trailing slave drive.The same can be done with regard to target position values. If, upon repeated execution of the procedure described above under b. (determining whether the spatial position value of the first and second drive units present at another current point in time or the speed values of the first and second drive units present at the current point in time exceed a predetermined threshold value or threshold range in relation to the target parameter), it is no longer possible to determine that the threshold value or threshold range is exceeded, the target speeds are again adjusted to the normal operation of the drive units (i.e., the target speeds are again dependent on the position of the drive units). Such a procedure can be used to accelerate the synchronization of the drive units.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of a pedal system proposed by the invention, the testing device can comprise one or more position sensors and / or one or more speed sensors, wherein the position sensor(s) is / are configured to determine a current spatial position value of the first and second drive units—relative to a position along the displacement axis—and wherein the speed sensor(s) is / are configured to determine a current speed value of the first and second drive units. The position sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor (such as a light barrier-based sensor or a camera). A laser-based sensor is also conceivable. Furthermore, other sensors such as ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, or capacitive sensors are also possible. The position sensor can be designed in the form of a distance or displacement sensor.For example, this can be based on a change in resistance or capacitance. Magnetic or inductive sensors are also possible.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of a step system proposed by the invention, the position sensor(s) can be designed in the form of one or more optical sensors arranged in / on the vehicle. These sensors can be arranged in the vehicle interior or in an upper area of a vehicle portal associated with the step system, in particular an optical sensor. These sensors can be imaging or non-imaging.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of a step system proposed by the invention, the step system can have a contactless and / or contact-based monitoring device configured to detect the presence of a moving or static object on and / or in the vicinity of the step plate. The "environment" can refer to an environment of the step system, e.g., a passenger compartment (interior) of the vehicle, or an environment of the step system outside the vehicle. Previous step systems are usually only monitored via motor current monitoring and step sensing (monitoring whether the step plate or ramp is subjected to load during extension / retraction). The proposed monitoring device can determine whether a step plate is occupied by a moving or static object both contactlessly (via ultrasound, radar, capacitive, etc.) and alternatively or additionally contact-based (e.g., using a tactile strip).It can be advantageous if the monitoring device is a contactless monitoring device that is already installed in the upper area of a door portal belonging to the step system or is relatively easy to retrofit. This allows the extension area of the step plate and the surrounding area to be monitored simultaneously. The aforementioned position sensor and the monitoring sensor can be implemented in one and the same sensor.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, one or more optical and / or acoustic display units can be provided in a step system proposed by the invention, which are configured to optically and / or acoustically display a system status of the step system.

[0041] For example, depending on the system status of the step system, an LED feedback unit relevant to the passive safety of the step system can be activated (e.g., step plate is pushed in / out = flashing, ramp is in a static position in an extended state = static light or running light, presence of a system error or overload = rapid flashing). Alternatively or additionally, this can be implemented using an acoustic unit and accompanied by acoustic signals.

[0042] The pedal system described above can be operated or controlled by a corresponding method. In particular, this relates to synchronization of the provided first and second drive units. The features described above with regard to the pedal system can easily provide method features of an associated method.

[0043] The invention is further explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These are to be understood as examples only and are not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments shown.

[0044] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a step system according to the prior art; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a step system according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a drive unit for use in a step system according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a guide unit for use in a step system according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a guide unit for use in a step system according to the invention, including the connection of a step plate.

[0045] In the Fig. 1A schematic view of a step system according to the prior art is shown. The step system is used in vehicles and comprises a step plate 1, via which a passenger can get into or out of a vehicle. The step plate 1 can be moved along an extension axis A between a retracted step plate position and an extended step plate position via a drive device formed by a first spindle 11 and a second spindle 12 as well as a toothed belt 13 and a drive unit 14. For this purpose, the step plate 1 and the spindles 11, 12 are mechanically coupled. The step plate 1 is shown in a retracted step plate position.

[0046] In the Fig. 2A schematic view of a step system according to the invention is shown. The step system comprises a step plate 1, a first guide unit 21 connected to the step plate 1, and a second guide unit 22 connected to the step plate 1, wherein the step plate 1 is arranged between the first guide unit 21 and the second guide unit 22. The guide units 21, 22 are in Fig. 1 not be recognized in detail, reference is made to the Figures 4 , 5 .

[0047] Furthermore, the tread system comprises a drive device which is designed to move the tread plate 1 along an extension axis A from a retracted tread plate position ( Fig. 2 ) to an extended tread plate position and vice versa. The drive device has a first drive unit 31 and a second drive unit 32. The first and second drive units 31, 32 are designed to move along with the footrest.

[0048] As in the Fig. 2 and 3 As can be seen, the tread system comprises a first guide profile 41, in which the first guide unit 21 is movably guided, wherein the first guide profile 41 extends parallel to the extension axis A. Furthermore, the tread system comprises a second guide profile 42, in which the second guide unit 22 is movably guided, wherein the second guide profile 42 extends parallel to the extension axis A. The first drive unit 31 is configured to move the first guide unit 21 along the first guide profile 41, while the second drive unit 32 is configured to move the second guide unit 22 along the second guide profile 42. The structure of the guide units 21, 22 is shown in the Figures 4 and 5. The first guide unit 21 and the second guide unit 22 each have two guide rollers 5a, 5b (front guide roller 5a, rear guide roller 5b) and a toothed belt pulley 6 arranged between the respective guide rollers 5a, 5b. The guide rollers 5a, 5b and the toothed belt pulley 6 are guided within the guide profiles 41, 42.

[0049] As in the Fig. 3 As can be seen, a toothed belt groove 7 is formed in the first and second guide profiles 41, 42, in each of which a toothed belt 8 is arranged. The toothed belt 8 is fastened to a first and second end of the respective guide profile 41, 42 by means of a toothed belt clamp. The toothed belt groove 7 is preferably formed on a profile base and extends along the respective guide profile 41, 42.

[0050] As in the Figures 4 and 5As shown, the toothed belt pulley 6 of the first or second guide unit 21, 22 is drive-connected to the first or second drive unit 31, 32 and can be driven by it. The drive connection is provided via a shaft 9, which transmits a rotary movement generated by the drive unit 31, 32 to the toothed belt pulley 6. The rotary movement of the shaft 9 is generated by a motor 17, which is a component of a respective drive unit 31, 32. Since the toothed belt pulley 6 moves along the respective guide profile 41, 42 when performing a rotary movement, or rolls within the same, a linear movement of the guide unit 21, 22 along the guide profile 41, 42 is thereby generated. As shown in Fig. 3 As shown, the guide rollers 5a, 5b rest on contact surfaces 15, 16 in the respective guide profile 41, 42 and roll on them.

[0051] The respective toothed belt 8 arranged in the first and second guide profiles 41, 42 is arranged in such a way that the respective toothed belt 8 at least partially wraps around the toothed belt pulley 6 arranged in the first and second guide profiles 41, 42 ( Fig. 4 , 5 ). In particular, the guide rollers 5a, 5b, the toothed belt wheel 6 and the toothed belt 8 form an omega structure.

[0052] The guide rollers 5a, 5b associated with the first and second guide units 21, 22 are mechanically connected to the respective toothed belt wheel 6, so that a rotary movement of the first and second drive units 31, 32 can be transferred via the toothed belt wheel 6 into a linear movement of the guide units 21, 22. The mentioned mechanical connection is (as in Fig. 4 and 5shown) via a connecting flange 50. The connecting flange 50 is flanged to (or connected to) a tread plate holder 51, wherein the tread plate holder 51 is operatively connected to a guide roller 5a located at the front in the direction toward the outside of the vehicle (e.g., receiving its axis of rotation). The tread plate holder 51 extends perpendicular to the first or second guide profile 41, 42 or perpendicular to the extension axis A. At an end of the tread plate holder 51 facing away from the guide roller 5a, the tread plate 1 is articulated at its rear end (e.g., via a bearing shaft 52) or connected to the tread plate holder 51 ( Fig. 4). This applies to both sides of the tread plate 1. Through appropriate articulation (rotatable bearing), the tread plate 1 can not only be displaced longitudinally along the extension axis A, but can also be pivoted in the manner of a ramp. To avoid axial stresses, the tread plate 1 is mounted so that it can be displaced axially transversely to the extension axis A.

[0053] Furthermore, the connecting flange 50 has a through-hole for the shaft 9 connected to the toothed belt pulley 6. The respective first or second drive unit 31, 32 is arranged in alignment with the shaft 9. The arrangement of shaft 9 and drive unit 31, 32 is aligned parallel to the tread plate holder 51. Furthermore, a rotational axis associated with the rear guide roller 5b, located toward the outside of the vehicle, is accommodated in the connecting flange 50. Ultimately, the rotational axes of the guide rollers 5a, 5b and the toothed belt pulley 6 are thus accommodated in the connecting flange 50 or operatively connected to it.

[0054] The drive units 31, 32 can be controlled and operated synchronously in accordance with the section described above in the description of the figures. List of reference symbols

[0055] 1Tread plate 5aGuide roller 5bGuide roller 6Timing belt wheel 7Timing belt groove 8Timing belt 9Shaft 11First spindle 12Second spindle 13Timing belt 14Drive unit 15Contact surface 16Contact surface 17Motor 21First guide unit 22Second guide unit 31First drive unit 32Second drive unit 41First guide profile 42Second guide profile 50Connecting flange 51Tread plate holder 52Bearing shaft

Claims

1. A stepping system for a vehicle, including a. a footboard (1), via which a passenger can enter or exit the vehicle; b. a guide unit (21) connected to the footboard (1) and a second guide unit (22) connected to the footboard (1), wherein the footboard (1) is arranged between the first guide unit (21) and the second guide unit (22); c. a drive device which is equipped for moving the footboard (1) along an extension axis (A) from a retracted footboard position to an extended footboard position and vice versa, wherein the drive device comprises a first drive unit (31) in the form of a first electric motor and a second drive unit (32) in the form of a second electric motor, the stepping system furthermore including d. a first guide profile (41), in which the first guide unit (21) is moveably guided, wherein the first guide profile (41) extends parallel to the extension axis (A), and e. a second guide profile (42), in which the second guide unit (22) is moveably guided, wherein the second guide profile (42) extends parallel to the extension axis (A), wherein the first drive unit (31) is equipped for moving the first guide unit (21) along the first guide profile (41) and the second drive unit (32) is equipped for moving the second guide unit (22) along the second guide profile (42), characterised in that a control means is provided which is equipped for ensuring a synchronous movement of the first and second guide unit (21, 22) in the first respectively second guide profile (41, 42), wherein the control means includes a first control unit and a second control unit, wherein - the first control unit is control-connected to the first drive unit (31), and - the second control unit is control-connected to the second drive unit (32), and - the first and second control unit are signal-connected to one another.

2. The stepping system according to Claim 1, characterised in that the first guide unit (21) and the second guide unit (22) each comprise two guide rollers (5a, 5b) and each a toothed belt wheel (6) arranged between the respective guide rollers (5a, 5b).

3. The stepping system according to Claim 2, characterised in that the respective guide rollers (5a, 5b) and the toothed belt wheel (6) of the first respectively second guide unit (21, 22) are received and moveably guided in the first respectively second guide profile (41, 42).

4. The stepping system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the first and second guide profile (41, 42) a toothed belt groove in brackets (7) is formed, in which a toothed belt (8) each is arranged, wherein the toothed belt (8) is fastened at a first and second end of the respective guide profile (41, 42) by means of a toothed belt clamping.

5. The stepping system according to any one of the Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the toothed belt wheel (6) of the first respectively second guide unit (21, 22) is drive-connected to the first respectively second drive unit (31, 32) and can be driven by the same.

6. The stepping system according to Claim 5, characterised in that the respective toothed belt (8) arranged in the first and second guide profile (41, 42) each is arranged in such a manner that the respective toothed belt (8) at least partially wraps around the toothed belt wheel (6) each arranged in the first and second guide profile (41, 42).

7. The stepping system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective guide rollers (5a, 5b) belonging to the first respectively second guide unit (21, 22) are each mechanically connected to the respective toothed belt wheel (6), so that a rotary movement of the first respectively second drive unit (31, 32) can be converted into a linear movement of the guide unit (21, 22) via the toothed belt wheel (6).

8. The stepping system according to any one of the Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the control means includes a central control unit which is control-connected both to the first and also to the second drive unit (31, 32).

9. The stepping system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and second drive unit (31, 32) is activatable by applying electric voltage, in particular, battery voltage.

10. The stepping system according to any one of the Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the first and second drive unit (31, 32) is activatable by providing separate PWM signals, wherein the separate PWM signals are provided by the central control unit or the first and second control unit.

11. The stepping system according to Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the first and second drive unit (31, 32) are activatable by way of a master-slave control, wherein the first drive unit (31) is the master and the second drive unit (32) the slave or vice versa.

12. The stepping system according to any one of the Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the first and second drive unit (31, 32) is activatable by way of a master-slave control, wherein the control means is the master and the first drive unit (31) a first slave and the second drive unit (32) a second slave.

13. The stepping system according to Claim 12, characterised in that the master is equipped a. specifying a setpoint parameter relating to a spatial position value or a speed value which lies between a spatial position value present at a current time - based on a position along the displacement axis (A) - or speed value of the first and second drive unit (31, 32); b. interacting with a testing means, determining whether the spatial position value of the first and second drive unit (31, 32) present at the current time or the speed values of the first and second drive unit (31, 32) present at the current time exceed a specified threshold value or threshold value range with respect to the setpoint parameter; c. in the event an exceeding according to b. being determined, adjust the speeds belonging to the first and second drive unit (31, 32).

14. The stepping system according to Claim 13, characterised in that the testing means includes one or more position sensor(s) and / or one or more speed sensor(s), wherein the position sensor(s) is / are equipped for determining a current spatial position value of the first and second drive unit (31, 32) - based on a position along the displacement axis (A) - and wherein the speed sensor(s) is / are equipped for determining a current speed value of the first and second drive unit (31, 32).

15. The stepping system according to Claim 14, characterised in that the position sensor(s) is / are designed in the form of one or more optical, magnetic or inductive sensors arranged in / on the vehicle.

16. The stepping system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a contactless and / or contact-based monitoring device which is equipped for determining a presence of a moving or static object on and / or in the vicinity of the footboard (1).

17. The stepping system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by one or more optical and / or acoustic display unit(s), which is / are equipped for optically and / or acoustically displaying a system state of the stepping system.

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