Entry system for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an entry system (1) for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a door leaf (2), a leaf actuation actuator (3), and an entry aid (4). The entry system (1) comprises an entry aid drive system (5) by means of which the entry aid (4) is movable back and forth between a retracted or folded state (Z1) and an extended or unfolded state (Z2), and the entry aid drive system (5) comprises an entry aid actuator (6), wherein the entry aid actuator (6) is formed by the leaf actuation actuator (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an entry system for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a door leaf, a leaf actuation actuator and an entry aid, wherein the entry system comprises an entry aid drive system by means of which the entry aid is movable back and forth between a retracted or folded state and an extended or unfolded state, wherein the entry aid drive system comprises an entry aid actuator.

[0002] Boarding systems with movable access aids, such as step plates, that switch between a retracted / folded and an extended / unfolded position are used particularly in passenger vehicles, for example, in public transport. They are suitable for use in road vehicles such as buses or rail vehicles such as trams, subways, trams, local and long-distance trains, high-speed trains, etc. Boarding aids are generally used to simplify boarding and alighting from a vehicle; they serve as boarding and alighting assistance. When a vehicle is stopped, for example, at a stop such as a train or bus platform, it is in a stationary position, allowing passengers to board or disembark.It is almost unavoidable that a gap must be bridged in the doorway between the exterior of the vehicle and the platform. If such a gap is too large, it can pose a danger or inconvenience to passengers when boarding and alighting. Accordingly, boarding aids that are extended or unfolded towards the platform when the vehicle is stationary offer a way to reduce the size of the gap between the vehicle and the platform.

[0003] Even when a vehicle stops at a location without a designated platform (e.g., in a sidewalk area), a gap and / or a difference in height often needs to be overcome. In such cases, a boarding aid can facilitate getting on and off the vehicle. If the vehicle stops on level ground, a boarding aid can at least help bridge the height difference between the level ground and the passenger compartment floor; this is especially important for passengers with physical disabilities, such as wheelchair users. Here, the boarding aid can serve as a ramp. To ensure sufficient footing for boarding and alighting passengers, as well as to maximize the boarding aid's lifespan, it is essential that the boarding aid possesses adequate mechanical stability. Boarding aids with metal treads or platforms are particularly suitable for this purpose.Furthermore, the boarding aid can be equipped with structures or mats that provide an anti-slip effect, reducing the risk of slipping for passengers when boarding and alighting. In most cases, unfolding or extending the boarding aid while the vehicle is in motion would endanger surrounding traffic and therefore must usually be reliably prevented.

[0004] AT 501 549 A1 shows a door leaf that is moved away from the car body by means of a tilting mechanism operated by a door drive. A step is coupled to the tilting mechanism.

[0005] WO 2005 / 065059 A2 shows an arrangement in which a running board is operatively connected to the door leaf.

[0006] KR 2013 0051158 A shows a safety step connected to the door leaf.

[0007] Entry systems with access aids and access aid drive systems typically require considerable installation space and involve significant manufacturing effort. However, depending on the structural conditions or customer requirements, it may be necessary to manage with less installation space and / or reduce manufacturing effort.

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to provide an entry system with an entry aid and an entry aid drive system that requires little installation space and / or reduces manufacturing costs. It should nevertheless be easy to use and function reliably throughout its service life. To achieve this objective, an entry system with the features of claim 1 is proposed. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0009] The entry system according to the invention for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprises a door leaf and a leaf actuation actuator. The entry system according to the invention also comprises an entry aid and an entry aid drive system by means of which the entry aid is movable back and forth between a retracted or folded state and an extended or unfolded state. The entry aid drive system comprises an entry aid actuator.

[0010] The entry system is characterized by the fact that the entry aid actuator is formed by the wing actuation actuator.

[0011] In this way, a separate actuator for the access aid can be omitted, reducing the required installation space and manufacturing effort. Preferably, the access aid drive system does not have its own actuator but utilizes the wing actuation actuator that is required anyway.

[0012] The boarding aid, when extended and / or unfolded, serves to reduce the gap between the vehicle and a platform. The door leaf has an inside and an outside. When extended or unfolded, the boarding aid projects further forward on the outside side of the door leaf than when retracted or folded.

[0013] The wing actuating actuator is preferably a motor, for example a rotary motor or a linear motor. The rotary motion of the rotary motor can be converted into at least an almost linear motion, for example, by a lever arm arranged on the motor shaft. The motor can be, for example, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic. The wing actuating actuator can, for example, be an electric rotary motor or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0014] The boarding aid can include a step or platform that can support the weight of passengers boarding or alighting, i.e., it is load-bearing. The boarding aid can be designed as a sliding step, a footboard, or a ramp.

[0015] Preferably, the access aid includes a folding step and is further preferably formed by this. Preferably, the folding step is at least approximately vertical in the folded state and at least approximately horizontal in the unfolded state.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the entry system includes an access aid guide or bearing, which is preferably different from the access aid drive system. The access aid can be designed separately from the door leaf and preferably does not move with the door leaf. The access aid guide or bearing is also preferably not connected to the door leaf and does not move with it. The folding step can be pivotally or foldably mounted about an axis. If the access aid includes a folding step, then the access aid guide or bearing preferably includes this axis.

[0017] Preferably, the entry system includes a door leaf sealing system for sealing the closed door leaf to the door opening. Advantageously, the access aid, in its retracted or folded-in state, is part of the door leaf sealing system.

[0018] The access aid, when retracted or folded, acts as part of the closed door leaf, running at least nearly parallel to the plane of the door leaf within the door opening. Preferably, the access aid and the door leaf do not overlap, or only partially overlap, even when the access aid is retracted or folded and the door leaf is closed. This minimizes the installation space required by the access aid, as it occupies space that the door leaf would otherwise need to close the doorway.

[0019] The entry system comprises a sash locking assembly by which the door sash can be moved into a locked and unlocked state. The entry system also includes locking force transmission means that act between the sash actuation actuator and the sash locking assembly. The sash actuation actuator thus enables the sash locking assembly to be actuated, with the locking force transmission means preferably transmitting the force and movement of the sash actuation actuator to the sash locking assembly. The sash locking assembly can include a rotary latch lock. The sash locking assembly can interact with a catch bolt of the entry system. The rotary latch lock can include a rotary latch element that can be rotatably mounted between an open position and a locked position.The wing locking assembly may include a rotary latch locking mechanism as shown in EP 3 805 496 A1.

[0020] Preferably, the sash actuation actuator has two functions: actuating the sash – for example, by actuating the sash locking assembly – and moving the access aid. It has been shown that a sash actuation actuator designed to actuate a sash locking assembly is particularly well-suited to also function as the access aid actuator.

[0021] The access aid drive system preferably comprises access aid force transmission means that are coupled to the wing actuation actuator of the access system, preferably mechanically. The access aid force transmission means transmit the force and movement of the wing actuation actuator to the access aid, preferably in conjunction with the locking force transmission means. The access aid force transmission means act either between the access aid and the wing actuation actuator, or between the access aid and the locking force transmission means, or between the access aid and the wing locking assembly.

[0022] Preferably, the access aid force transmission means are arranged in series with the locking force transmission means, in particular such that the access aid force transmission means act between the access aid and the locking force transmission means or between the access aid and the wing locking assembly. This allows the length of the access aid force transmission means to be shortened, saving further installation space and manufacturing effort.

[0023] The term "power transmission means" encompasses all means of transmitting power and motion. These means can operate hydraulically or pneumatically and may include, for example, hydraulic or pneumatic lines. Preferably, the power transmission means operate mechanically and include, for example, encasing drives such as belts or chains, Bowden cables (e.g., push-pull Bowden cables), rotary columns, and especially push and pull rods.

[0024] Preferably, the wing actuation actuator can be used to drive or actuate both the wing locking assembly and the access aid.

[0025] The wing locking assembly and the access aid are functionally coupled through their joint actuation by the wing actuation actuator. This means, in particular, that a specific function or state of the wing locking assembly corresponds to a specific function or state of the access aid. Preferably, the functional coupling includes the access aid being in the retracted or folded-in state when the wing locking assembly is locked, and the access aid being in the extended or unfolded state when the wing locking assembly is unlocked. The wing locking assembly may also include an emergency release mechanism.Preferably, it comprises the functional coupling such that, after activation of an emergency release and subsequent unlocking of the wing locking assembly, the train boarding aid is automatically moved into its extended or unfolded state by this activation of the emergency release. Preferably, it also comprises the functional coupling such that, if the boarding system is taken out of service and the wing locking assembly is not unlocked, the train boarding aid automatically remains in its retracted or folded state as a result of this deactivation of the boarding system.

[0026] Preferably, a movement of the door leaf actuator that unlocks the door leaf simultaneously extends or unfolds the access aid. Preferably, a movement of the door leaf actuator that locks the door leaf simultaneously retracts or folds in the access aid.

[0027] In one embodiment, the door leaf actuator does not cause any movement of the door leaf. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to actuating the door leaf locking assembly, the door leaf can also cause movement of the door leaf between an open and a closed state. The door leaf and the access aid can then be coupled by their joint actuation by the door leaf actuator. Preferably, this coupling results in the access aid being in a retracted or folded-in state when the door leaf is closed and in an extended or unfolded state when the door leaf is open.

[0028] The access aid force transmission means and / or the locking force transmission means may include a transmission means, for example in the form of a pull-push actuator or a push and pull rod.

[0029] Preferably, the access aid power transmission means comprise a drive linkage, preferably different from the transmission means, which interacts with the transmission means of the access aid power transmission means.

[0030] The drive linkage can, for example together with the access aid, form a coupling mechanism, for example in the form of a linkage chain, in particular a four-bar linkage chain.

[0031] The boarding system can include a frame. The four-bar linkage can comprise two links, each connected to the frame by a pivot joint. The four-bar linkage can also include a coupling link, each connected to these links by a pivot joint. One of the links connected to the frame can be the boarding aid or be designed by the boarding aid itself. The transmission element, which can then be referred to as the drive link, preferably interacts with the other link connected to the frame. The distance between the two pivot joints of the drive link is preferably greater than the distance between the two joints of the boarding aid and more preferably less than the distance between the two joints of the coupling link. The drive pivot joint is advantageously arranged between the two remaining pivot joints of the drive link.Preferably, the two links connected to the frame rotate in opposite directions, at least temporarily. Preferably, at least temporarily, one of the joints of the coupling link runs on one side of a straight line connecting the two pivot joints arranged on the frame, and the other joint of the coupling link runs on the other side. Preferably, the joint connecting the link formed by the access aid to the frame defines the axis around which the folding step is hinged.

[0032] The access aid is advantageously lockable in its retracted or folded position. Preferably, the access aid's power transmission means, particularly the drive linkage, have a kinematic over-center position. The access aid is locked in its retracted or folded position when the drive linkage is in an over-center position. Locking of the access aid in its retracted or folded position is also achieved by the drive linkage assuming an over-center position. This allows for a particularly reliable locking mechanism for the access aid, which retains its effectiveness even in the event of a defect in the wing actuation actuator and / or the transmission means.

[0033] The drive linkage can therefore assume operating positions and over-center positions, preferably exclusively. For example, the drive linkage assumes an operating position when the access aid is extended or unfolded. An "over-center position" here refers specifically to a position that the drive linkage assumes from an operating position after passing a dead center. A "dead center" here refers to the position of the drive linkage in which at least three joints of the drive linkage, or optionally all four joints of the drive linkage, lie on a common straight line. Preferably, at the dead center, all joints of the four-bar linkage, except for the joint that connects the link formed by the access aid to the frame, lie on a straight line. This straight line has the direction of a force vector acting on the drive linkage, in particular one in the extension direction.The opening direction of the force vector acting on the access aid, which preferably runs tangentially to a circle around the joint connecting the access aid to the frame, or to a component of this force vector.

[0034] The drive linkage can be designed such that, unless prevented by external forces, a force acting on the access aid in the extension or opening direction will cause the drive element to rotate in a different direction than in an operating position when it is in an over-center position. This fulfills a prerequisite for particularly reliable locking of the access aid, at least also when it assumes an over-center position. For example, such rotation of the drive element in an over-center position can be reliably prevented by an over-center stop that does not impair the operation of the drive linkage in the operating positions.

[0035] The entry system preferably includes an over-center stop in which the drive linkage engages in an over-center position. The locking of the entry aid is thus achieved at least in part by the over-center stop. The over-center stop can be formed by the transmission element. This allows the entry aid to be reliably blocked against accidental extension or unfolding, for example, by forces exerted against it from inside the vehicle during travel, such as by the wheels of a stroller, preferably even in the event of a defect in the wing actuation actuator and / or the transmission element.

[0036] The access aid can abut a closing stop when retracted or folded. The closing stop can be at least slightly elastic. The closing stop can include a sealing lip of the door leaf sealing system. Through the interaction of the closing stop and the over-center stop, the drive linkage can be completely blocked against movement in an over-center position, preventing movement triggered by a force acting on the access aid. This blockage can be released by a force acting on the drive element, preferably introduced by the transmission element.

[0037] Preferably, the access aid is locked in its extended or unfolded position, preferably by a rotational lock. More preferably, the locking is achieved by an opening stop.

[0038] Advantageously, locking the door leaf is achieved by a linear movement, for example a pulling movement, from the leaf actuation actuator, which – preferably by means of the access aid force transmission means – causes the access aid to move into the retracted or folded state. Unlocking the door leaf is achieved by a linear counter-movement, for example a pushing movement, from the leaf actuation actuator, which – preferably by means of the access aid force transmission means – causes the access aid to move into the extended or unfolded state.

[0039] The transmission means introduces a linear back-and-forth movement into the drive element of the drive linkage by means of a drive swivel joint arranged on the drive element, and thus converts the linear back-and-forth movement of the transmission means into a rotary movement of the access aid, preferably an alternating back-and-forth rotary movement.

[0040] The present invention will below be explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. These schematically show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of an entry system; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a detail of the Fig. 1 The exemplary embodiment of the entry system shown; Fig. 3 a side view of a schematic cross-sectional view of a detail of the Fig. 1 The entry system shown in the retracted or folded-up state of the access aid; Fig. 4 a representation as in Fig. 3 However, in the extended or unfolded state of the access aid; Figs. 5 to 8 show a representation of the drive linkage. Fig. 3 in different positions.

[0041] How Fig. 1The embodiment of the entry system 1 for a vehicle, more precisely a rail vehicle, shown in the drawings, comprises a door leaf 2 and a leaf actuation actuator 3. The entry system 1 according to the invention also includes an entry aid 4 and an entry aid drive system 5, by means of which the entry aid 4 is movable back and forth between a retracted or folded state Z1 and an extended or unfolded state Z2. The entry aid drive system 5 comprises an entry aid actuator 6. The entry aid actuator 6 is formed by the leaf actuation actuator 3.

[0042] The access aid 4 is a folding step 10 which includes a footplate 18.

[0043] The entry system 1 has an access aid guide or bearing, namely the axis A, about which the folding step 10 is hingedly mounted, and which is different from the access aid drive system 5 and is not connected to the door leaf 2.

[0044] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a part of the door leaf sealing system 11 of the entry system 1, for sealing the closed door leaf 2 with the door opening. It can be seen that the entry aid 4 in its retracted or folded state Z1 is part of this door leaf sealing system 11 and that in this state it acts as part of the closed door leaf 2 by running parallel to the plane of the door leaf 2 in the door opening and not overlapping the door leaf 2, or at least not completely.

[0045] How Fig. 1As also shown, the entry system 1 comprises a sash locking assembly 7 and locking force transmission means 8, which act between the sash actuation actuator 3 and the sash locking assembly 7. The sash locking assembly 7 comprises a rotary latch lock as shown in EP 3 805 496 A1 and interacts with a catch bolt of the entry system 1.

[0046] The wing actuation actuator 3 has two functions, namely actuation of the wing 2 by actuating the wing locking assembly 7 and movement of the access aid 4.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the wing actuating actuator 3 is an electric rotary motor 17, the rotary motion of which is converted into at least an almost linear motion by a lever arm not shown in the figures on the motor shaft and this is transmitted to the locking force transmission means.

[0048] The access aid drive system 5 comprises access aid power transmission means 9, which are arranged in series with the locking force transmission means 8 that transmit the force and movement of the wing actuation actuator 3 to the wing locking assembly 7 and act between the access aid 4 and the wing locking assembly 7. The access aid power transmission means 9, in conjunction with the locking force transmission means 8, also transmit the force and movement of the wing actuation actuator 3 to the access aid 4.

[0049] The wing locking assembly 7 and the access aid 4 are functionally coupled by their joint actuation via the wing actuation actuator 3, such that the access aid is in the folded-in state Z1 when the wing locking assembly 7 is locked and in the unfolded state Z2 when the wing locking assembly 7 is unlocked. Preferably, to lock the door wing 2, a pulling movement is effected by the wing actuation actuator 3, which, via the access aid force transmission means 9, causes the folding step 10 to fold into the folded-in state Z1. Similarly, to unlock the door wing 2, a pushing movement is effected by the wing actuation actuator 3, which, via the access aid force transmission means 9, causes the folding step 10 to fold into the unfolded state Z2.

[0050] The access aid power transmission means 9 and the locking force transmission means 8 each comprise a transmission means 12 in the form of a pull-push actuator 13, more precisely a push and pull rod. The access aid power transmission means 9 also comprise a drive linkage 14 that interacts with the transmission means 12.

[0051] How best to Figs. 3 and 4 As shown, the drive linkage 14 together with the access aid 4 forms a coupling mechanism 15 in the form of a four-bar linkage 16.

[0052] The entry system comprises a frame 19. The four-bar linkage includes two links 22, 23, each connected to the frame 19 by a pivot joint 20, 21, and a coupling link 26, connected to each of these links 22, 23 by a pivot joint 24, 25, and arranged between them. One of the links 23 connected to the frame 19 is the access aid 4. The transmission element 12 interacts with the other link connected to the frame by initiating a linear movement in this drive link 22 by means of a drive pivot joint 27 arranged on the link 22. The drive pivot joint 27 is arranged between the two other pivot joints 20, 24 of this link 22. The two links 22, 23 connected to the frame 19 rotate in opposite directions.One of the joints 24 of the coupling link 26 runs on one side of a straight line G connecting the two swivel joints 20, 21 arranged on the frame, and the other joint 25 of the coupling link 26 runs on the other side.

[0053] The access aid 4 can be locked in its folded position Z1. The access aid power transmission means 9, more precisely the drive linkage 14, has a kinematic over-center position 28 ( Fig. 8 The locking of the access aid 4 is also effected by assuming an over-center position 28. Two operating positions 29 of the drive linkage 14 show the Fig. 3, 4 , 5 and 6 The dead center point 30 indicates Fig. 7 and an over-center position 28, which the drive linkage 14 assumes after exceeding the dead center 30 starting from an operating position 29, shows Fig. 8At the dead center 30, three joints 20, 24, 25 lie on a common straight line S, namely all joints of the four-bar linkage except for the joint 21 connecting the access aid 4 to the frame. The straight line has the direction of a component 31 of a force vector 32 acting on the access aid 4 in the extension or unfolding direction, which runs tangentially to a circle (not shown in the figures) around the joint 21 connecting the access aid 4 to the frame.

[0054] The drive linkage 14 is designed such that, unless prevented by external forces, a force acting on the access aid in the extension or opening direction in an over-center position 28 causes the drive element to rotate in a different direction 33, 34 than in an operating position 29, cf. Figs. 6 and 8 .

[0055] The drive linkage 14 strikes in the Fig. 8The over-center position 28 shown is located at an over-center stop 35 formed by the transmission element 12. In its retracted or folded state, the access aid strikes a slightly elastic closing stop 36. Through the interaction of the closing stop 36 and the over-center stop 35, the drive linkage is completely blocked against movement in the over-center position 28 shown, even if a force is applied to the access aid 4. This blockage can be released by a force acting on the drive element 22, introduced by the transmission element 12.

[0056] The access aid 4 is rotationally locked in its extended or unfolded state Z2. The opening stop that causes this is not shown in the figures. Reference symbol list

[0057] 1 Entry system 2 Door leaf 3 Leaf actuation actuator 4 Access aid 5 Access aid drive system 6 Access aid actuator 7 Leaf locking assembly 8 Locking force transmission means 9 Access aid force transmission means 10 Folding step 11 Door leaf sealing system 12 Transmission means 13 Push-pull actuator 14 Drive linkage 15 Linkage gear 16 Four-joint chain 17 Rotary motor 18 Footplate 19 Frame 20 Swivel joint 21 Swivel joint 22 Drive link 23 Link 24 Swivel joint 25 Swivel joint 26 Linkage link 27 Drive swivel joint 28 Over-center position 29 Operating position 30 Dead center 31 Component 32 Force vector 33 Direction of rotation 34 Direction of rotation 35 Over-center stop 36 Closing stop A-axis G-straight S-straight Z1 Retracted or folded state Z2 Extended or unfolded state

Claims

1. Boarding system (1) for a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, having a door leaf (2), a leaf actuator (3) and having a boarding aid (4), wherein the boarding system (1) comprises a boarding aid drive system (5), by means of which the boarding aid (4) can be moved back and forth between a retracted or collapsed state (Z1) and an extended or folded-out state (Z2), and the boarding aid drive system (5) comprises a boarding aid actuator (6), wherein the boarding aid actuator (6) is formed by the leaf actuator (3), characterised in that the boarding system (1) comprises a leaf locking assembly (7) and locking force transmission means (8), which act between the leaf actuator (3) and the leaf locking assembly (7) and the leaf locking assembly (7) and the boarding aid (4) are functionally coupled by joint actuation by the leaf actuator (3).

2. Boarding system according to Claim 1, characterised in that the boarding aid (4) comprises a folding step (10).

3. Boarding system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the boarding system (1) comprises a door leaf sealing system (11), for sealing the closed door leaf (2) against a door opening and the boarding aid (4) is part of the door leaf sealing system (11) in its retracted or collapsed state (Z1).

4. Boarding system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the boarding aid (4) acts as part of the closed door leaf (2) in its retracted or collapsed state (Z1) by running at least almost parallel to the plane of the door leaf (2), and the boarding aid (4) and door leaf (2) do not or do not completely overlap.

5. Boarding system according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the boarding aid drive system (5) comprises boarding aid force transmission means (9), which act either between the boarding aid (4) and the leaf actuator (3) or between the boarding aid (4) and the locking force transmission means (8) or between the boarding aid (4) and the leaf locking assembly (7).

6. Boarding system according to Claim 5, characterised in that the locking force transmission means (8) and the boarding aid force transmission means (9) are arranged in series.

7. Boarding system according to Claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the boarding aid force transmission means (9) comprise a transmission means (12) and a drive linkage (14), which interacts with the transmission means (12).

8. Boarding system according to Claim 7, characterised in that the transmission means (12) comprises a push-pull actuator (13).

9. Boarding system according to Claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the drive linkage (14) together with the boarding aid (4) forms a mechanical linkage (15) in the form of a four-bar chain (16).

10. Boarding system according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the drive linkage (14) has an over dead centre position (28) and the boarding aid (4) is in an over dead centre position (28) in its retracted or collapsed state (Z1) and is locked.

11. Boarding system according to Claim 10, characterised in that the drive linkage (14) abuts against an over dead centre stop (35) in an over dead centre position (28).

12. Boarding system according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the boarding aid (4) is secured in place in its extended or folded-out state (Z2) and the securing is caused by an opening stop.

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