Device for monitoring a doorway of a vehicle, and vehicle
By mounting sensors directly on the door drive, the sensor system addresses structural complexity and weathering issues, offering simplified installation and improved surveillance with reduced mechanical vulnerabilities and enhanced aerodynamics.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2022730865
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-05-27
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-05-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle door portal monitoring sensors are prone to structural complexity and mechanical weak points due to cabling and routing through vehicle paneling, which also exposes them to weathering effects, reducing service life.
The monitoring sensors are directly mounted on the door drive associated with the door system, eliminating the need for complex cabling and allowing power and data exchange through existing door drive connections, with options for detachable or non-detachable fastening.
This arrangement simplifies installation, reduces mechanical vulnerabilities, enhances aerodynamics, and minimizes exposure to weathering, while enabling flexible monitoring areas and types of sensors for enhanced surveillance capabilities.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for monitoring a door portal of a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle having such a device.
[0002] For the purposes of the invention, a vehicle can, for example, be a public transport vehicle. In particular, the vehicle can be a rail vehicle, e.g. a train, a streetcar, a tram, a subway, etc. Such a vehicle can also be a wheeled vehicle such as a bus. The invention relates to the boarding area (this enables people to get in and out of the vehicle) of the vehicle, which is referred to here as the portal area. A portal area is understood to be an opening in the vehicle wall that can be closed with a door system. In this case, this can be designed with one or two leaves, i.e. can be closed with one or two door leaves. The single-leaf or double-leaf door system can be a sliding door system, a pivoting door system, or a pivoting-sliding door system.
[0003] The use of suitable sensors for monitoring vehicle door portals (i.e., the boarding areas of public transport vehicles) is generally known. When boarding and disembarking from such a vehicle, not only do numerous people encounter each other, but unwanted, sometimes dangerous objects may also be located in the boarding area. These sensors can therefore be used in particular to monitor the orderly boarding and disembarking of people (e.g., a congestion of people in the boarding area can be detected), to investigate crimes (e.g., theft), or to prevent dangerous situations (detecting tripping hazards, unwanted objects, etc.).
[0004] Currently, known sensors are often located directly on the respective door leaves or in the area of the vehicle's exterior paneling (e.g., above the door portal). This is disadvantageous because the cabling / lines required for electrical supply or signal transmission are designed as drag chains when a sensor is located on a door leaf (these are carried along with the door leaves), or are routed through additional holes in the vehicle paneling when a sensor is located on the vehicle's exterior. This creates additional structural complexity and can also represent a mechanical weak point. Furthermore, drag chains or holes in the vehicle paneling (if not adequately sealed) can be exposed to undesirable weathering effects and reduce the service life.
[0005] The documents DE 10 2018 115274 A1 and JP 2019 108753 A show such sensors arranged above vehicle door portals. DE 10 2005 011116 A1 shows a sensor device positioned above a sliding door of a building, with the drive housing attached to a wall and projecting from it.
[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device for monitoring a door portal of a vehicle which overcomes the described disadvantages.
[0007] The stated object is achieved with a device according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 10.
[0008] The device according to the invention is designed to monitor a door portal of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. The door portal can be closed with a single-leaf or double-leaf door system. The device comprises at least one monitoring sensor designed to monitor a monitoring area enclosing the door portal, adjacent to it, or arranged at a distance from it. The device is characterized in that the at least one monitoring sensor is arranged directly on a door drive associated with the respective door system.
[0009] As mentioned, the monitoring area can include the door portal area (i.e., a door threshold area). The monitoring area can also be adjacent to the door portal area (e.g., to the inside or outside of the vehicle) or be arranged at a distance from it. The monitoring area is determined by the sensor type, its range, the achievable field of view, sensor parameters, and the positioning / orientation of the sensor. The monitoring area can be defined by one or more sensors. In the case of multiple monitoring areas, these can overlap in a defined manner, be adjacent to one another, or be arranged at a distance from one another. The entirety of such monitoring areas can be understood as a "monitoring area" within the meaning of the invention. Depending on the sensor type, certain observable (to be monitored) features in the monitoring area can be monitored.Stationary and / or moving information can be monitored, for example the number of people in the surveillance area, the stationary arrangement of objects (e.g. pieces of luggage) or movements of people / objects. Data detected or recorded in the surveillance area by at least one sensor can be evaluated directly in relation to predefined criteria (manually or automatically). Automated / manual evaluation can be computer-aided, i.e. using a computer or a processing unit. The computer / processing unit can be a direct component of the monitoring sensor or be connected to the monitoring sensor via signal technology. The computer / processing unit can be located on-board the vehicle or external to it. The computer / processing unit can perform the evaluation using software, a routine, or an algorithm (including one based on artificial intelligence).Furthermore, the captured or recorded data can be stored temporarily or permanently in a storage unit. Data transfer to a computer / processing unit (e.g., a server, controller, or the like) provided in the vehicle (on-board) or externally can be done wirelessly or via a cable.
[0010] As mentioned, the at least one monitoring sensor is arranged directly on a door drive associated with the respective door system. This avoids the complex cabling known from the prior art (e.g., when a monitoring sensor is arranged on a door leaf). Furthermore, no trailing cable needs to be provided to ensure the power supply or data exchange during door leaf movements. Furthermore, electrical supply sources and data lines already provided in the area of the door drive can be directly connected to and used with the monitoring sensor. The monitoring sensor can thus be arranged in a fixed position. For example, the monitoring sensor can be attached in or to a housing of the door drive. The attachment can be mechanical; in particular, a detachable attachment is possible to facilitate the sensor's replacement for maintenance or in the event of damage.The monitoring sensor can also be installed in a recess in the door operator's housing. The monitoring sensor can also be retrofitted to existing systems.
[0011] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the subclaims and in the following description of the features specified in the subclaims.
[0012] The at least one monitoring sensor is arranged directly on the door drive. A "direct" arrangement means that the at least one monitoring sensor can be arranged on a mechanical component belonging to the door drive or its housing. The fastening can be detachable or non-detachable. A detachable fastening can be based on a screw connection, which can be provided, for example, between a sensor housing accommodating the monitoring sensor and a component (or housing) of the door drive. Other fastening means are also possible. A non-detachable connection can be understood, for example, as a welded connection or an adhesive connection.
[0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the single-leaf door system can comprise a door leaf, and the at least one monitoring sensor is arranged in the region of a closing edge between the door leaf and the door portal. As described, the at least one monitoring sensor is arranged on a door drive, i.e., the door drive, or a component thereof, is arranged in such an embodiment in the region of the closing edge between the door leaf and the door portal.
[0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the double-leaf door system can have two door leaves, and the at least one monitoring sensor is arranged in the region of a closing edge between the door leaves. In this case, the closing edge is the main closing edge. As described, the at least one monitoring sensor is arranged on a door drive, i.e., the door drive, or a component thereof, is arranged in the region of the main closing edge in such an embodiment.
[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in the case of a single-leaf door system, the at least one monitoring sensor can be arranged so that it can be retracted relative to the door leaf and an exterior vehicle panel adjoining the door portal. This prevents the monitoring sensor from protruding outward from the vehicle. This is advantageous for aerodynamic reasons and also reduces the vehicle's clearance profile. On the other hand, the retractable arrangement of the monitoring sensor reduces the likelihood of damage, particularly due to vandalism, to the at least one monitoring sensor. Furthermore, a retracted arrangement of the monitoring sensor is preferred for aesthetic reasons.
[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, in the case of a double-leaf door system, the at least one monitoring sensor is arranged so as to be retractable relative to the door leaves and, if applicable, to an exterior vehicle panel adjoining the door portal. Even with such an embodiment, any protrusion of the monitoring sensor to the outside of the vehicle is avoided. As mentioned, this is advantageous for aerodynamic reasons, reducing the vehicle's clearance profile. Furthermore, it reduces the likelihood of damage, particularly due to vandalism, to the at least one monitoring sensor. Furthermore, a retracted arrangement of the monitoring sensor is preferred for aesthetic reasons.
[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the size and orientation of the monitored area can be flexibly adjusted. This can be achieved, for example, by parametric adjustment of operating or measurement parameters, but also by mechanical adjustment of a monitoring lens. Mechanical alignment (e.g., by pivoting the sensor) can also ensure adjustment of the size and orientation of the monitored area. Mechanical alignment can be performed electromechanically, but manual adjustment is also possible.
[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a plurality of monitoring sensors of the same or different types can be provided. The use of monitoring sensors of different types may enable the monitoring of different properties or parameters (e.g., moving images and certain stationary recognition features).
[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one monitoring sensor is an optical sensor or a sensor based on electromagnetic radiation. In particular, the optical sensor can be a camera, or the sensor based on electromagnetic radiation can be a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, a lidar sensor, a sensor based on a laser scanner, or an infrared sensor. Other sensors known from the prior art can also be used for this purpose. The sensor can - regardless of its nature - be designed as a 3D sensor and monitor a three-dimensional space as the surveillance area. The sensor can - regardless of its nature - be used to generate static recordings and / or moving recordings that can capture dynamic processes over a period of time.In the case of a camera as a sensor, a static recording can be understood as a photograph and a moving recording as a video.
[0020] As mentioned, the object underlying the invention is also achieved by a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a door portal that can be closed with a single-leaf or double-leaf door system, wherein the single-leaf door system has one door leaf and the double-leaf door system has two door leaves. The vehicle is characterized by a device designed according to the invention for monitoring the door portal.
[0021] The invention is further explained below with reference to the drawings, which show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a section of a vehicle in which the device according to the invention is used, Fig. 2 is a side view of a door portal which has a two-leaf door system and in which the door leaves are in a closed state, comprising the device according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a side view of a door portal which has a two-leaf door system and in which the door leaves are in an open state, comprising the device according to the invention.
[0022] The Figure 1shows a perspective view of a section of a vehicle 2, in this case a rail vehicle. The aforementioned section of the rail vehicle is shown in relation to a section of a platform 3, via which passengers can board the vehicle 2. Likewise, passengers can disembark from a vehicle interior 4 in the direction of the platform 3. Two opposing door portals 1 of the vehicle 2 are shown, which allow boarding / disembarking from the vehicle 2 from the left / right or to the left / right.
[0023] Also shown is the device proposed by the invention for monitoring a door portal 1 of a vehicle 2. The door portal 1 is in the illustrated examples according to Fig. 1 to 3 can be closed with a two-leaf door system, each with two door leaves 8. Figure 2shows the double-leaf door system in a position with closed door leaves 8, while Figure 3 shows the double-leaf door system in a position with open door leaves 8.
[0024] The device comprises at least one monitoring sensor 5, which is designed to monitor a monitoring area 6 enclosing, adjacent to, or spaced from the door portal 1. The at least one monitoring sensor 5 is arranged directly on a door drive 7 belonging to the respective door system. The door drive 7 is arranged above the door portal 1. The Figure 1 shows that the monitoring area 6 can extend both into an area outside the vehicle (e.g. in the area of the stop platform 3) and into the vehicle interior 4.
[0025] In the Fig. 2It is shown that at least one monitoring sensor 5 is arranged in the region of a closing edge 9 between the door leaves 8. Furthermore, the at least one monitoring sensor 5 is arranged retractably relative to the door leaves 8 and the vehicle exterior panel 10 adjoining the door portal 1. List of reference symbols
[0026] 1 Door portal 2 Vehicle 3 Platform 4 Vehicle interior 5 Monitoring sensor 6 Monitoring area 7 Door drive 8 Door leaf 9 Closing edge 10 Vehicle exterior paneling
Claims
1. A device for monitoring a doorway (1) of a vehicle (2), in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the doorway (1) is able to be closed by a single-leaf or double-leaf door system, comprising a door drive (7) associated with the respective door system, and at least one monitoring sensor (5) which is configured to monitor a monitoring area (6) enclosing the doorway (1), adjacent thereto or spaced apart therefrom, characterized in that the at least one monitoring sensor (5) is arranged directly on the door drive (7).
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the single-leaf door system has a door leaf (8), and that the at least one monitoring sensor (5) is able to be arranged in the area of a closing edge between the door leaf (8) and the doorway (1).
3. The device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the double-leaf door system has two door leaves (8), and the at least one monitoring sensor (5) is able to be arranged in the area of a closing edge (9) between the door leaves (8).
4. The device according to Claim 2, characterized in that in the case of a single-leaf door system, the at least one monitoring sensor (5) is able to be arranged in a retractable manner with respect to the door leaf (8) and a vehicle exterior panel (10) adjoining the doorway (1).
5. The device according to Claim 3, characterized in that in the case of a double-leaf door system, the at least one monitoring sensor (5) is able to be arranged in a retractable manner with respect to the door leaves (8) and if applicable a vehicle exterior panel (10) adjoining the doorway (1).
6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring area (6) is flexibly adaptable in its size and alignment.
7. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of monitoring sensors (5) of the same or different type are provided.
8. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one monitoring sensor (5) is an optical sensor or a sensor based on electromagnetic radiation.
9. The device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the optical sensor is a camera, or that the sensor based on electromagnetic radiation is a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, a lidar sensor, a sensor based on a laser scanner, or an infrared sensor.
10. A vehicle (2), in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a doorway (1) which is able to be closed by a single-leaf or double-leaf door system, wherein the single-leaf door system has one door leaf (8), and the double-leaf door system has two door leaves (8), characterized by a device for monitoring the doorway (1) configured according to one of Claims 1 to 9.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Door leaves e.g. flat door leaves, controlling and / or monitoring device for door system, has three-dimensional camera to detect three dimensional structure of object by detection and evaluation of radiation impulses reflected from object
DE102005011116A1
door system with sensor unit for boarding aid monitoring
DE102014113572A1
Monitoring device and method for monitoring a door area of a vehicle door for a vehicle and door system with a monitoring device
DE102018115274A1
Door pinch detection device and door pinch detection system
JP2019108753A
Door opening control apparatus
WO1998058148A1