Boarding system with an overrun protection

Abstract

The invention relates to an access system for a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle. This system comprises: - a linearly extendable step plate (20) in an extension unit, with a walkable upper surface (24) and an underside (22) facing a surface when extended, which, when extended, is oriented essentially horizontally in a first walkable sliding step position and obliquely to the horizontal in a second walkable ramp position; - a sensor system with at least one sensor, which is designed and arranged such that an area in front of the access system can be measured in its relative position to the step plate (20) and measurement data can be generated, on the basis of which the step plate (20) is moved into a sliding step position or a ramp position.- a drive-over protection element (28) arranged on the underside (22) of the step plate (20) and pivotably mounted with respect to the underside (22), the element having a front contact surface (30) arranged at its free end forward in the direction of extension and arranged substantially vertically in the pivoted state, and a floor contact surface (34) on its side facing away from the underside (22) and aligned substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the underside (22) in the pivoted state, wherein the drive-over protection element (28) is mounted on the underside (22) such that it pivots out when the sliding step is extended.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a boarding system, in particular for a rail vehicle, comprising a linearly extendable step plate with a walkable upper surface.

[0002] Such a linearly displaceable tread plate can be displaced along a displacement axis by performing a displacement movement from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa.

[0003] In this context, a "vehicle" can be understood to mean, in particular, a wheeled or rail-bound vehicle. Rail-bound vehicles in this context can also be passenger transport vehicles, such as trams, commuter trains, trains (regional trains, long-distance trains), subways, trams, etc. In principle, however, boarding systems can be used in any type of vehicle where a height difference or a gap between a platform and a step surface in the vehicle's interior must be overcome when boarding or disembarking. Such a situation can also occur, for example, when a bus or an airplane stops at a gate or gate's platform, which is why boarding systems can also be used in airplanes.

[0004] Sliding step devices rely on a step plate being moved back and forth between a retracted and an extended position, in particular along a displacement axis extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the extended position, the step plate provides a step surface via which a person can enter or exit the vehicle. To ensure such linear displacement of the step plate, the step plate can be guided in a linearly displaceable manner by means of a guide in a vehicle-mounted housing or frame. Sliding steps facilitate boarding and exiting a vehicle by bridging a gap between the vehicle and a stopping platform (e.g., a platform edge).

[0005] In addition to sliding steps, ramps are also known and are also used in the area of ​​doors, for example on rail vehicles. A ramp on train doors is a device that was developed to facilitate barrier-free access for people with reduced mobility. It allows wheelchair users, the elderly and other people with walking difficulties to get on and off trains comfortably without having to climb steps. The exact function of a ramp on train doors can vary depending on the design and manufacturer. Basically, however, a ramp is essentially used to overcome a difference in height. A gentle angle of incline allows wheelchair users, for example, to roll over the ramp without much effort. Passengers with reduced mobility can therefore use such a ramp to get on or off the train.Wheelchair users can easily go up or down the ramp without having to rely on stairs or steps.

[0006] In addition to providing assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, ramps are also used for healthy passengers, for example instead of steps, to bridge a height difference.

[0007] Due to the different requirements, it is often necessary for vehicles to have both types of boarding aids. Alternatively, vehicles that carry only one of the two types can only be used on routes where only one type, i.e., a ramp or a sliding step, is required.

[0008] Sliding steps often have sensors that measure the distance to the platform and determine and control the required travel distance of the sliding step. A problem can arise, for example, if the sensors are malfunctioning or have failed. This can lead to a step above a platform being extended too far beyond the gap, thus overrunning the platform. If the step remains above the platform and the vehicle lowers due to loading, in the worst case scenario, the step will touch the ground and cannot be retracted.

[0009] Sliding steps are designed for significantly higher loads and have a shorter travel time than ramps. Ramps are generally very slow and only designed for lighter loads. Furthermore, ramps do not have an automatic mode or override protection levers, as they cannot detect the platform position. Conventional ramps are therefore operated by train staff directly at the entrance, which is time-consuming.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to create an improved access system. The access system should be capable of reliably bridging gaps and height differences. Nevertheless, manufacturing and maintenance costs should be as low as possible. In particular, the access system should be able to reliably detect whether a sliding step or a ramp is required, even in the event of a sensor failure. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of proposing a method for bridging gaps and height differences using a suitable access system.

[0011] To solve this problem, a boarding system for a vehicle is proposed, having the features of claim 1. The method according to the invention comprises the method steps of the independent method claim. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a step plate arrangement having the features of claim 8.

[0012] The boarding system according to the invention is capable of independently deciding whether a ramp or sliding step is required on-site. To do so, at least one sensor of a sensor system, but preferably several sensors, first measures an area in front of the boarding system, in particular a platform, in its relative position to the step plate. The sensor system detects whether a gap and / or a height difference must be overcome. A computer processor in the sensor system determines whether a ramp or sliding step is required. The corresponding command is passed on to the control unit and the drive unit, so that the step plate is moved accordingly.

[0013] In particular, even while the tread plate is being extended in sliding step mode, the position of the platform can be determined contactlessly via the sensors, and the mode can be determined. If the sliding step position is required, the step is stopped at the set distance from the platform. If it is detected that the ramp position is necessary and possible, the tread plate is switched to ramp mode via a kinematic system and lowered until it rests on the ground or platform.

[0014] The invention thus combines the advantages of a sliding step with those of a ramp. According to the invention, the step plate is designed in such a way that its load-bearing capacity is sufficient for both functions; it can be fully loaded even in the sliding step position. Short cycle times are possible, and the system is also capable of detecting when platforms may not be accessible at all, which could result in safety risks and potentially even damage.

[0015] A key aspect of the invention is that the overrun protection element according to the invention provides redundancy for detecting, for example, platforms that are too close. Even if the sensors are missing or have failed, the overrun protection lever ensures that the platform is not overrun.

[0016] The at least one override protection lever is arranged on the underside of the step plate and pivots outward relative to the underside. It has a substantially vertically arranged front contact surface at its free end, which is located at the front in the extension direction and pivots outward from the underside. This allows it to collide with an obstacle, such as a platform, in sliding step mode.

[0017] If the front contact surface hits an obstacle, this has an immediate impact on the tread plate's drive motor, increasing torque. This change is registered and can be used, for example, to stop the tread plate from extending or retracting.

[0018] Furthermore, the overrun protection element has a ground contact surface on its side facing away from the underside of the tread plate, which is aligned essentially parallel to the main extension plane of the underside. This allows the overrun protection element to rest on the ground.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous design variant, the ground contact surface is designed as a sliding element so that it can slide more easily on the ground in the ramp position.

[0020] If the tread plate is lowered further toward the ground and makes contact with it, the overrun protection element is pushed back to its original position until it is preferably positioned largely within the outer contour of the tread element, with only the ground contact surface protruding slightly toward the ground compared to the underside. The tread plate does not jam. The geometry of the free end of the overrun protection element is therefore preferably adapted to the geometry of the tread plate edge, allowing the ramp to be extended further after landing and pushed across the platform.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the overrun protection element itself can incorporate sensors that, for example, register the position and / or the degree of rotation. A gyroscopic sensor is conceivable, for example.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the overrun protection element is designed as a curved lever whose free end extends upwards towards the underside of the tread plate. The curve at the free end forms the front contact surface, which is followed by the ground contact surface further along the lever. The other free end of the lever is pivotally mounted on the underside of the tread plate. The position of the lever is preferably selected such that, in the pivoted-in state, i.e. when the tread plate is resting on a surface, its free end is approximately level with the front free end of the tread plate in the extension direction. The free end of the lever can also be arranged a few centimeters behind the free edge of the tread plate in relation to the free end of the tread plate.

[0023] In principle, a single lever is sufficient, but it is also possible to use two or more levers or overrun protection elements.

[0024] The method according to the invention for bridging a gap and / or a height difference in front of an entrance area of ​​a vehicle is characterized by the method steps Extending the step plate and pivoting out the overrun protection element, whereby the extension movement is stopped when the front contact surface contacts a resistance, then using the step plate as a sliding step, or extending the step plate to a certain extension distance and pivoting out the overrun protection element, then lowering the step plate onto a surface while simultaneously pivoting in the overrun protection element and using the step plate as a ramp.

[0025] The predefined extension distance is normally based on the previously measured data from the sensor device. The tread plate therefore extends until the gap is bridged. However, the predefined extension distance can also initially be an intermediate position in which the tread plate is already resting on a surface in its ramp position, but is then moved further or retracted.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These show: Further advantageous embodiments of an access device according to the invention result from the features specified in the subclaims and those described below.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, which will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In this drawing, schematically show: Fig. 1 shows a simplified side view of an embodiment of a tread plate according to the invention in a first sliding step position, Fig. 2 shows a simplified side view of an embodiment of a tread plate according to the invention in a second sliding step position, Fig. 3 shows a simplified side view of an embodiment of a tread plate according to the invention in an intermediate position, Fig. 4 a simplified side view of an embodiment of a step plate according to the invention in a ramp position,

[0028] A boarding system according to the invention comprises a linearly displaceable step plate assembly, which is composed of a step plate 20 and an extension unit (not shown) operatively connected to the step plate 20. When a person gets in or out, the step plate 20 is subjected to a step load, i.e., the person's weight is applied to it. Via a drive unit (not shown), the step plate 20 can be displaced along a displacement axis from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa.

[0029] In the Figures 1 to 4 Shown are an underside 22, a walkable upper side 24, and a free front edge 26 of the step plate 20 in the extension direction. Also visible is an overrun protection element 28 arranged on the underside of the step plate 20 and pivotably mounted with respect to the underside 22, having a free front end in the extension direction, which forms a front contact surface 30.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the overrun protection element 28 is designed as a lever 32, the free end 30 of which is arcuate, the arc extending in the direction of the underside 22, the free end 30 therefore pointing approximately in the direction of the underside 22. The side of the arcuate end region of the overrun protection element 30 facing away from the underside 22 forms a ground contact surface 34 in the exemplary embodiment shown.

[0031] Figure 1shows the tread plate 20 in the extended state, with the pivotally mounted lever 32 pivoted downward. A platform 36 can also be seen below the tread plate 20. The free end or front contact surface 30 of the overrun protection element 28 contacts a vertical section 38 of the platform 36. If the tread plate 20 were to be extended further, its movement would be stopped by the overrun protection element 28. This changes the resistance opposing the drive of the tread plate 20. This change is registered due to the changing torque, and the extension movement is stopped.

[0032] Figure 2 shows the position of the step plate 20 partially above the platform 36, the ground contact surface 34 of the lever 32 rests on a horizontal surface 40 of the platform 36.

[0033] The Figures 3 and 4illustrate the movement or lowering of the step plate 20 onto the horizontal surface 40 of the platform 36 into the ramp position. Figure 3 shows an intermediate position in which the lever 32 has already been pushed back a little towards the bottom 22 by the horizontal surface 40. In Figure 4 The lever 32 is then located almost entirely within the outer contour of the tread plate 20, having been fully pivoted in. In this position, only the ground contact surface 34 is in contact with the horizontal surface 40 of the platform 36. If the tread plate 20 is now further extended or retracted, the ground contact surface 34, which is preferably designed as a sliding element, slides on the horizontal surface 40.

[0034] The figures show only a single preferred embodiment. Different shapes of the lever 32 or the arrangement of multiple levers 32 are also conceivable.

Claims

1. Boarding system for a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle, comprising - a step plate (20) which can be extended linearly in an extension unit and has a walkable upper side (24) and a lower side (22) facing a ground in the extended state, which is oriented substantially horizontally in a first walkable sliding step position in the extended state and obliquely to the horizontal in a second walkable ramp position, - a sensor system with at least one sensor which is designed and arranged such that an area in front of the boarding system can be measured in its relative position to the step plate (20) and measurement data can be generated on the basis of which the step plate (20) is moved into a sliding step position or a ramp position,- an overrun protection element (28) arranged on the underside (22) of the step plate (20) and pivotably mounted with respect to the underside (22), having a front contact surface (30) arranged at its free front end in the extension direction and arranged substantially vertically in the pivoted-out state, and a ground contact surface (34) facing away from the underside (22) and oriented substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the underside (22) in the pivoted-out state, wherein the overrun protection element (28) is mounted on the underside (22) in such a way that it pivots out when the sliding step is extended.

2. Boarding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the front contact surface (30) is arranged in the region of a front free edge (26) of the tread plate (20) in the extended direction when the overrun protection element (28) is pivoted out.

3. Boarding system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in thatthe front free edge (26) of the step plate (20) is arranged 1 cm to 10 cm, preferably 2 cm to 7 cm, in front of the front contact surface (30) in the extension direction when the overrun protection element (28) is pivoted out.

4. Boarding system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the overrun protection element (28) is curved in the region of the ground contact surface (34), wherein a front free end (30) in the extension direction is curved in the direction of the underside (22) of the tread plate (20).

5. Boarding system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ground contact surface (34) is formed from a lubricious material with a low coefficient of friction.

6. Boarding system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe front free end (30) of the overrun protection element (28) in the extension direction is adapted to the geometry of the front edge (26) of the tread plate (20) in the extension direction in such a way that the overrun protection element (28) is arranged in the pivoted-in state substantially within an outer contour of the tread plate (20) and only the ground contact surface (34) protrudes relative to the outer contour.

7. Boarding system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the overrun protection element (28) is designed as a lever (32) which is pivotally mounted on the underside (22) of the tread plate (20) with its rear end in the extension direction of the tread plate (20).

8. Tread plate arrangement with a tread plate (20) for a boarding system, preferably for a rail vehicle, comprising - a walkable upper side (24) and a lower side (22) facing a ground when the tread plate (20) is extended, - an overrun protection element (28) arranged on the lower side (22) of the tread plate (20) and pivotably mounted with respect to the lower side (22), having a front contact surface (30) arranged on its free end (30) at the front in the extension direction and arranged substantially vertically in the pivoted-out state, and a ground contact surface (34) facing away from the lower side (22) and oriented substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the lower side (22) in the pivoted-out state, wherein the overrun protection element (28) is mounted on the lower side (22) of the tread plate (20) in such a way,that it pivots out when the step plate is extended and the step plate (20) in the extended state is aligned substantially horizontally in a first walkable sliding step position and obliquely to the horizontal in a second walkable ramp position.

9. A method for bridging a gap and / or a height difference in front of an entrance area of ​​a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has an access system with the features of one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythe method steps - extending the step plate (20) and pivoting out the overrun protection element (28), wherein the extension movement is stopped when the front contact surface (30) contacts a resistance, then using the step plate (20) as a sliding step, or - extending the step plate (20) up to a certain extension distance and pivoting out the overrun protection element (28), then lowering the step plate (20) onto a surface while simultaneously pivoting in the overrun protection element (28) and using the step plate (20) as a ramp.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the determined extension distance corresponds to a maximum extension distance of the tread plate (20).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe determined extension distance corresponds to an intermediate position between a fully retracted and the maximum extension distance of the tread plate (20) and that the tread plate (20) is moved while the ground contact surface (34) contacts the ground.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the overrun protection element (28) is connected to a drive of the step plate (20), contact of the front contact surface (30) with a resistor causes a change in the torque of the drive and the change in torque is used as a signal for terminating the extension movement.

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