Boarding system, having sliding footstep and active seal

Abstract

The present invention relates to a boarding system (20) for a vehicle for passenger transport, more particularly a rail vehicle. The boarding system (20) comprises: - a door portal, through which a floor (26) of a passenger compartment of the vehicle can be stepped onto, - a door leaf (22), by means of which a major region of a door opening (32) can be closed, - a step (28) having a step tread surface (30), which is disposed below the floor (26) with respect to the vertical direction and extends in the horizontal direction from the door opening (32) to a vertical surface (34), which vertical surface connects the step tread surface (30) and the floor (26), - a retractable sliding footstep (36), which is disposed in the region of the door portal below the door leaf (22) and has a horizontally oriented tread surface (38) and, at the end of the sliding footstep near the door leaf (22), a vertically oriented front wall. Furthermore, a movable seal element (50) is provided, which seals against an adjacent passive sealing surface (56) when the sliding footstep (36) is in its middle position.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to an entry system for a vehicle for the transport of persons, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising: a door portal through which a floor of a passenger compartment of the vehicle can be accessed, a door leaf with which a predominant area of ​​a door opening can be closed, a step with a step tread which is arranged vertically below the floor and extends horizontally from the door opening to a vertical surface which connects the step tread and the floor.

[0002] Entry systems with door portals, door leaves, and a step are generally known from the state of the art. In such entry systems, the door leaf closes a door opening and seals all the way around the door frame.

[0003] In public transport rail vehicles, a situation often arises where a gap remains between the vehicle or door opening and a platform that must be bridged. This is usually achieved using a walkable sliding step that extends from the door portal toward the platform and bridges the gap when extended.

[0004] EP 3 213 973 A1 describes an access system for a vehicle with a vehicle floor in the interior of the vehicle and with an access aid that features a step surface for passengers to step on when entering or exiting the vehicle. The sealing of the access system generally works, but is inadequate in terms of wear, especially during continuous operation.

[0005] If no sliding step is provided, the lower sealing of door leaves is usually carried out against a tread strip in the door portal, which represents a fixed sealing surface. This can be arranged parallel to the door leaf or at an angle to it and always represents a static or immovable counter-bearing. Sliding steps are generally sealed when retracted using a rubber seal which is attached to the movable sliding step itself. This seal is usually provided on the underside and to the side of a front surface of the sliding step, so that a type of cover / flange sealing situation is created when retracted. In addition, brushes or rubber strips can be used to seal the top of the front surface or the tread surface of the sliding step. Sliding steps are also known which perform a vertical movement when retracted, whereby the upper tread surface rests against a sealing surface.

[0006] A combination of a step in the area of ​​the door portal with an extendable sliding step is not yet known due to the sealing problem.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to create an entry system that has a step and an extendable sliding step, yet is still sufficiently sealed to the outside. The seal should be subject to minimal wear and tear and be permanently leak-proof.

[0008] According to the invention, the object is achieved by an entry system having the features of patent claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, the entry system is characterized in that the front wall extends almost to the step surface and is aligned with the closed door leaf in a central position of the sliding step, whereby the entry system has a movable sealing element which seals against an adjacent passive sealing surface in the central position of the sliding step.

[0010] The sliding step is positioned directly beneath the door leaf, so that when the door leaf is closed, the sealing element seals between the door leaf and the sliding step. The step surface of the sliding step is in its central position and, in its extended position, approximately at the level of the passenger compartment floor. This means that when the sliding step is extended, passengers can enter the vehicle at approximately the same level. After the door leaf is closed, the sliding step is then either moved to the central position and the door leaf is closed. Simultaneously with or immediately after the closing process, the sealing element moves against an adjacent passive sealing surface, preferably against the lower edge of the door leaf, thus sealing the interior.

[0011] Below the sliding step is a step with a step surface, which is released when the sliding step is retracted into its retracted position. In this position, the vehicle can be entered via the step. This is particularly necessary when the platform is below the floor of the passenger compartment.

[0012] The invention allows the door leaf to be sealed against a tread instead of a tread plate, but instead uses the sliding step for this purpose. In its central position, the sliding step can seal against fixed elements of the doorway at the sides and bottom. Towards the top, i.e., toward the bottom edge of the door leaf, the seal is against the movable door leaf.

[0013] In the middle position, the front wall of the sliding step closes the remaining area of ​​the door opening, which corresponds approximately to the height of the step or its vertical surface.

[0014] The movable sealing element can be mounted so that it can be moved in a linear direction, allowing it to move from a non-sealing position to a sealing position. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to mount the sealing element in such a way that it can be pivoted from the non-sealing position to the sealing position. It is also possible for the sealing element not to move as a whole, but only for parts to move or change their shape. For example, the sealing element can be designed as a pneumatic sealing element that seals by increasing pressure and volume.

[0015] In principle, the movable sealing element can also be arranged on other sides of the sliding step or the front surface. In addition to sealing toward the door leaf, sealing to the side or downwards against the door portal is also possible using a movable sealing element.

[0016] Of course, it's also possible for the sealing element to be installed on the door leaf. Preferably, it's located at the bottom edge of the door leaf and seals against the sliding step surface from above.

[0017] The sealing element can preferably be arranged in a groove. Advantageously, it only protrudes from the groove in its active position. The groove is designed and arranged such that it extends parallel to the opposite sealing surface in the closed position of the door leaf or in the center position of the sliding step.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sealing element contacts a guide at least at one lateral end region, which causes the sealing element to move from the passive position to the active position and back. If the sealing element is arranged, for example, in the tread of the sliding step, the end regions of the sealing element can protrude laterally relative to the sliding step. Lateral guides are provided in the door portal, for example in the frame of the door opening, which contact the end regions of the sealing element when the sliding step is moved. The guides redirect the end regions from their otherwise linear movement, for example pressing the end regions and thus the sealing element upwards in the middle position of the sliding step.This can be achieved, for example, with groove-like guides that curve toward the door leaf in the corresponding area of ​​the sliding step's center position. When the end sections pass through this curve, the sealing element is automatically pivoted upwards or moved linearly upwards. Either both lateral end sections can contact corresponding guides, but it may also be sufficient to provide such a guide on only one side of the sliding step.

[0019] As an alternative to triggering the sealing element via a guide, other systems can also be used. For example, the movement of the sealing element can also be triggered by a cable pull.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sealing element is designed and arranged such that, in the passive, non-sealing state, it does not protrude toward the walkable surface of the sliding step. This is intended to prevent the sealing element from creating a tripping hazard. If, for example, the sealing element is arranged in a groove, it is located entirely within the groove in the passive state or only protrudes laterally to contact guides via the end area.

[0021] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings. These exemplary embodiments are to be understood as examples and not as limiting and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to implement the invention. It is pointed out that the technical features, in particular technical means, mentioned in the exemplary embodiments can be used individually and in combination with one another by those skilled in the art to further develop the subject matter of the invention.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1 : a highly simplified schematic diagram of an entry system or door system 20 in the closed state, with side walls of the vehicle only being shown in some areas, Fig. 2 : the door system 20 from Fig. 1 in cross-section, Fig. 3 : an enlarged section of the entry system with sliding step 36 in the middle position and sealing element 50 in the passive position, Fig. 4: an enlarged detail of the entry system with sliding step 36 in the middle position and sealing element 50 in the active position, Fig. 5 : an enlarged detail of the entry system with sliding step 36 in retracted position, and Fig. 6 : an enlarged detail of the entry system with sliding step 36 in extended position, and Fig. 7 : a highly simplified schematic diagram of the sliding step 36 and guides 58 in the door portal.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an entry system 20 of a vehicle, preferably a public transport vehicle, in a highly simplified schematic diagram. A door leaf 22 is surrounded by side walls 24 of the vehicle; the side walls 24 are only partially shown. The door leaf 22, the side walls 24, and a door frame 62 (see Fig. 7 ) form a door portal of the entry system 20. A floor 26 of the vehicle can be accessed via the door portal.

[0024] Furthermore, a step 28 is provided in the entry system 20 or at the door portal, which is arranged vertically below the floor 26. The step 28 has a step surface 30 that extends horizontally from a door opening 32 to a vertical surface 34 of the step 28. The vertical surface 34 connects the step surface 30 to the floor 26. Passengers enter the vehicle via the step 28 from a platform (not shown) arranged below the floor 26.

[0025] In particular, the Figures 2 to 7 illustrate that the entry system 20 further comprises an extendable and retractable sliding step 36. This has a horizontally oriented step surface 38, which merges into a vertically oriented front wall 40 at the end. Figures 1 to 4illustrate that the front wall 40 forms a portion of an outer wall of the vehicle in a central position of the sliding step 36. In the central position, the front wall 40 is aligned with the main extension surface of the door leaf 22 and closes an opening in the outer wall of the vehicle provided for the sliding step 36 or the front wall 40.

[0026] The sliding step 36 can also be moved into an extended position, for example, to bridge a gap between a platform and the vehicle. In this extended position, the front wall 40 is located outside the vehicle, which Figures 6 and 7 is shown.

[0027] In a retracted position of the sliding step 36, the tread surface 38 is located substantially below the floor 26. A corresponding opening is provided below the floor 26, into which the sliding step 36 or the horizontally aligned tread surface 38 can be inserted. In the central position and in the extended position, the sliding step 36 covers the step 28; in the retracted position, it exposes the step 28 and thus the step tread surface 30. Figure 3 further shows a sealing element 50 according to the invention in a non-sealing, passive position. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 50 in this position is arranged in a groove 52 recessed into the tread surface 38 of the sliding step 36. The sealing element 50 preferably does not protrude beyond the tread surface 38 to prevent tripping over the sealing element 50.

[0028] Figure 4clarifies that the sealing element 50 is pivotally mounted in the illustrated embodiment and can be pivoted into an active, sealing position. In this position, the sealing element 50 presses from below against a lower edge 54 of the door leaf 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower edge 54 has a second sealing element 56, against which the sealing element 50 seals. Figure 7 shows, by way of example, a variant of the entry system 20 in which the movement of the sealing element 50 is effected by a guide 58. The guide 58 has two guide grooves 60, each arranged laterally of the sliding step 36 or the tread 38 in a door frame 62 of the door opening 32. The guide grooves 60 run essentially horizontally and parallel to the retracted tread 38 of the sliding step 36. Only in the front area, i.e., near the door opening 32, are curved sections 64 with upwardly directed arches provided.

[0029] The sealing element 50 has end regions 66 projecting laterally from the tread surface 38. These end regions 66 retract into the guide grooves 60 as the sliding step 36 moves from its extended position to its central position. The curved section 64 moves the end regions 66 of the sealing element 50 upward, pressing the entire sealing element 50 against the lower edge 54 of the door leaf 22. As the sliding step 36 continues to move into its retracted position, the end regions 66 sink again behind the curved sections 64.

[0030] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but also encompasses further embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a guide in the door frame 62 alone may be sufficient for the movement of the sealing element 50. The guide 58 does not necessarily have to be formed by a guide groove 60; an element that protrudes beyond the door frame 62 is also conceivable. Reference symbol

[0031] 20 Entry system 22 Door leaf 24 Side walls 26 Floor 28 Step 30 Step surface 32 Door opening 34 Vertical surface 36 Sliding step 38 Step surface 40 Front wall 50 Sealing element 52 Groove 54 Bottom edge 56 Second sealing element 58 Guide 60 Guide groove 62 Door frame 64 Curved sections 66 End sections

Claims

1. An entrance system (20) for a vehicle for passenger transport, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising: - a door portal, via which a floor (26) of a passenger interior of the vehicle can be entered, - a door leaf (22), with which a predominant region in a door opening (32) can be closed, - a step (28) with a stepping surface (30), which in the vertical direction is arranged below the floor (26) and extends in the horizontal direction from the door opening (32) to a vertical surface (34), which connects the stepping surface (30) and the floor (26), - an extendable sliding step (36) arranged in the region of the door portal below the door leaf (22), which comprises a horizontally oriented stepping surface (38) and at its end facing the door leaf (22) comprises a vertically oriented front wall (40), wherein the stepping surface (38) in a retracted end position of the sliding step (36) is completely arranged below the floor (26) and the front wall (40) in an extended position of the sliding step (36) is arranged outside the vehicle, characterised in that the front wall (40) reaches up to near the stepping surface (30) and in a centre position of the sliding step (36) is aligned with the closed door leaf (22), wherein the entrance system (20) comprises a moveable sealing element (50), which in the centre position of the sliding step (36) seals against an adjoining passive sealing surface (56).

2. The entrance system (20) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the sealing element (50) can be pivoted from a passive position into a sealing active position and back.

3. The entrance system (20) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the sealing element (50) can be linearly moved from a passive position into a sealing active position and back.

4. The entrance system (20) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the sealing element (50) is arranged in a groove (52) and in its active position protrudes relative to the groove (52).

5. The entrance system (20) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the sealing element (50), at least with a lateral end region, contacts a guide (58), which causes a movement of the sealing element (50) from the passive position into the active position and back.

6. The entrance system (20) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the sealing element (50) is arranged on the sliding step and seals against a sealing surface (56) adjoining in the vertical plane.

7. The entrance system (20) according to Claim 6, characterised in that the groove (52) is recessed into the stepping surface (38) and arranged in such a manner that in the centre position of the sliding step (36) it is arranged below the closed door leaf (22).

8. The entrance system (20) according to any one of the Claims 5 to 7, characterised in that in the vertical regions of a door frame (62) a guide groove (60) each is arranged, which runs between the door opening (32) and the vertical surface (34) of the step and in which the sealing element (50) in regions is guided on the movement path of the sliding step (36) and moved from the passive position into the active position and back.

9. A vehicle having an entrance system (20) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for sealing an entrance system (20) having the characteristics of the Claims 1 to 8, characterised by the method steps - closing the door leaf (22), - moving the sliding step (36) into the centre position - moving the sealing element (50) from the passive position into the active position.

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