Support system for a standing passenger in a vehicle and associated vehicle

Abstract

Support system for a standing passenger in a vehicle and associated vehicle The present invention relates to a support system for a standing passenger in a vehicle (10), in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a support (20) and at least one support element (22) suitable for being fixed to the support (20). The support element (22) is suitable for being wedged between the arm and the torso of the passenger. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Support system for a standing passenger in a vehicle and associated vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system for a standing passenger in a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising: - a support; and - at least one support element suitable for being fixed to the support.

[0002] Due to the jolts associated with the successive accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle, passengers standing in a vehicle may have difficulty maintaining a standing position.

[0003] It is known to install handrails so that passengers can hold on. The handrails are, for example, in the form of a horizontal bar mounted on one of the walls of the vehicle or in the form of a tripod bar fixed to the floor of the vehicle.

[0004] However, holding onto such a bar requires constant effort from the passenger, which reduces their comfort.

[0005] Furthermore, maintaining such a bar requires manual contact from each passenger, which is unhygienic and promotes the spread of viruses or microbes.

[0006] An aim of the invention is to propose a support system for a standing passenger which does not require manual contact and is comfortable for the passenger.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a support system, in which the support element is suitable for being wedged between the arm and the torso of the passenger.

[0008] The support element allows the passenger to rest his weight on it with less effort and is wedged between the arm and the torso without contact.

[0009] The support system according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: - The support element is movable relative to the support between a position of use, in which the support element is suitable for being wedged between the arm and the torso of the passenger, and a stowed position. - The support element is movable in a pivot-sliding connection relative to the support between its use position and its stowed position. - The invention comprises a spring capable of moving from a released position to a compressed position, the spring being in the compressed position when the support element is in the use position. - The support element is capable of moving from the use position to the stowed position without external stress. - The support is a bar suitable for fixing to the floor of the vehicle. - The support element is movable in translation or in rotation relative to the support between the use position and the stowed position. - The support is a side wall of the vehicle or an element of said side wall of the vehicle, or is suitable for being fixed to a side wall of the vehicle or to an element of said side wall of the vehicle. - Several support elements are positioned at different heights from each other.

[0010] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising at least one support system.

[0011] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0012] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a top view of the interior of a vehicle comprising a support system according to the invention;

[0013] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the support system of [Fig.l] of its use position to its stowed position; and

[0014] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of another embodiment of the support system.

[0015] [Fig.l] illustrates the interior of a vehicle 10 comprising a support system 12 for a standing passenger.

[0016] The vehicle 10 is for example a railway vehicle such as a metro, a tram or a train. Alternatively, the vehicle is a bus.

[0017] The vehicle 10 comprises a passenger compartment 13. The passenger compartment 13 comprises a closed passenger space 16 defining side walls 14 and a floor 18.

[0018] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the space 16 is suitable for accommodating standing passengers.

[0019] Each support system 12 comprises a support 20 and at least one support element 22 suitable for being fixed to the support 20.

[0020] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the support 20 is a bar 24 suitable for being fixed to the floor 18 of the vehicle. The bar 24 extends along an elevation axis A. The axis A corresponds, for example, to the top-bottom axis and the bar 24 extends over the entire height of the space 16.

[0021] The bar 24 is for example of circular cross-section with a diameter between 20 mm and 60 mm.

[0022] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the support element 22 comprises a hollow crown 26, and advantageously of circular annular section defining a inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the bar. Said inner diameter is advantageously slightly greater than the diameter of the bar 24, that is to say by a few millimeters, so that the crown 26 is inserted around the bar 24.

[0023] The support element 22 is movable relative to the support 20 between a use position and a stored position. More particularly, in the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the support element 22 is movable in a pivot-sliding connection relative to the bar 24.

[0024] In the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the support element 22 is movable in translation relative to the bar along the axis A and also movable in rotation along the axis A.

[0025] [Fig.2].1 represents the support element 22 in the use position; [Fig.2].2 represents the support element 22 in the storage phase and [Fig.2].3 represents the support element 22 in the stowed position.

[0026] As illustrated in [Fig.l], in the position of use, the support element 22 is suitable for being wedged between the arm and the torso of the passenger. The passenger is thus able to lean on the support element 22 at the level of his armpit, in order to support himself.

[0027] Advantageously, in the position of use, the support element 22 is positioned at a height suitable for the passenger to wedge it under his armpit, for example at a height of between 1.10 m and 1.50 m.

[0028] In the stowed position, the support element 22 is for example positioned at a height greater than the height of the support element 22 in the use position, so as not to hinder passengers standing in the reception space 16.

[0029] The support element 22 is for example made of plastic or metal surrounded by foam or rubber.

[0030] The support element 22 advantageously has a rough, non-slip outer surface.

[0031] Advantageously, the support system 12 also comprises a spring 28 capable of moving from a released position to a compressed position and advantageously a guide groove 30 and a lug 32.

[0032] In the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the spring 28 is positioned between the bar 24 and the crown 26 of the support element 22.

[0033] The spring 28 is in the compressed position when the support element 22 is in the use position. The spring 28 is in the released position when the support element 22 is in the stored position.

[0034] The spring 28 being naturally in the released position, the support element 22 is naturally in the stored position.

[0035] Pressure on the support element 22, for example by the passenger's elbow, is capable of moving the support element 22 from the stowed position to the use position, causing compression of the spring 28.

[0036] The support element 22 is capable of passing without external stress from the use position to the stowed position. Indeed, the release of the pressure exerted on the support element 22 is capable of causing the spring 28 to release to its released position, causing the support element 22 to pass from the use position to the stowed position.

[0037] Advantageously, a guide groove 30 is provided in the crown 26 and the bar 24 comprises a lug 32 housed in the guide groove 30.

[0038] The guide groove defines a first end 34 and a second end 36 opposite the first end 34. The first end 34 is for example a high end and the second end 36 is a low end.

[0039] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the lug 32 is suitable for being guided inside the guide groove 30 between the first end 34 and the second end 36.

[0040] The guidance of the lug 32 in the guide groove 30 is capable of guiding the support element 22 from its stored position to its use position and vice versa.

[0041] The guidance of the lug 32 in the guide groove 30 is capable of blocking the translation of the support element 22 relative to the bar 24 over a predefined distance, for example between 50 mm and 100 mm.

[0042] The guidance of the lug 32 in the guide groove 30 is capable of blocking the rotation of the support element 22 relative to the bar 24 over a predefined angle, for example between 70° and 150°.

[0043] In the use position, the lug 32 is housed at the first end 34 of the guide groove 30 and in the stored position, the lug 32 is housed at the second end 36 of the guide groove 30.

[0044] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the support system 12 comprises several support elements 22 positioned at different heights from each other.

[0045] The support elements 22 are positioned on the same bar 24. Their position of use is located at different heights from each other in order to adapt to the different passenger sizes.

[0046] In the position of use, each support element 22 extends substantially in a horizontal plane, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support 20.

[0047] Furthermore, the positions of use of said support elements 22 are distributed circularly around the bar 24, so that several passengers can support themselves at the same time on different support elements 22 of the bar 24.

[0048] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the support system 12 comprises three support elements 22 distributed at 120° around the axis A of the bar 24.

[0049] The operation of such a support system 12 will now be described.

[0050] At least one support element 22 is fixed to the support 20, here the bar 24.

[0051] Said support element 22 is in the stored position. The spring 28 is therefore in the compressed position and the lug 32 positioned at the second end 36 of the guide groove 30.

[0052] A passenger wishing to use the support system 12 exerts pressure, advantageously with his elbow, on the support element 22.

[0053] As illustrated in [Fig.2], pressure on the support element 22 by the passenger causes the support element 22 to move downwards and compress the spring 28.

[0054] The movement of the support element 22 is guided in translation and in rotation by the guidance of the lug 32, which is fixed, from the second end 36 to the first end 34 of the guide groove 30.

[0055] Thus moved, the support element 22 is in the position of use. The passenger wedges said support element 22 between his arm and his torso, in order to support himself and travel in a standing position in complete safety.

[0056] When the passenger releases the support element 22, the pressure exerted on the support element 22 is released, naturally causing the spring to move into the released position, which causes the guided movement of the support element 22 to its stowed position.

[0057] Such a support system 12 offers the advantage of increasing the safety and comfort of passengers traveling standing in a vehicle, by supporting part of their weight by the support element 22.

[0058] In addition, such a support system 12 is easy to use.

[0059] Unlike a handrail, such a support system 12 also offers the advantage of avoiding manual contact, which is advantageous in particular for avoiding the spread of viruses or microbes.

[0060] Furthermore, such a support system 12 is easily installable on bars 24 already fitted in vehicles.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the bar 24 is a tripod bar comprising three branches and a support element 22 is positioned on each of the branches.

[0062] According to another embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the support 20 is a side wall 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the support element 22 is rotatable relative to the support 20 between the use position and the stored position.

[0064] The support element 22 is movable in rotation along an axis of rotation B.

[0065] In the stowed position, the support element 22 extends against the side wall 14.

[0066] In the position of use, the support element is substantially perpendicular to the side wall 14.

[0067] The passenger is able to move the support element 22 into the position of use by sliding his elbow between the support element 22 and the side wall 14, so as to cause a rotation of the support element 22.

[0068] Advantageously, such a support system 12 comprises an automatic return spring (not shown) capable of moving the support element 22 from the use position to the stored position without external stresses.

[0069] Advantageously, each support system 12 comprises several support elements 22, for example three, positioned at different heights from each other in order to adapt to the different passenger sizes, as shown in [Fig.3].

[0070] Alternatively, a housing is provided in the wall 14 suitable for accommodating the support element 12 in the stored position.

[0071] Alternatively, the support element 22 is movable in translation relative to the support 20 between the use position and the stored position.

[0072] In the stowed position, the support element 22 is completely retracted into a housing provided in the wall 14.

[0073] The support system 12 comprises, for example, a cylinder capable of moving the support element 22 from the stored position to the use position. The cylinder is, for example, a compressed air cylinder.

[0074] Advantageously, disinfectant product is sprayed onto the support element 22 when it moves from the stored position to the use position.

[0075] Alternatively, the support 20 is an element of said side wall 14 of the vehicle, or is suitable for being fixed to a side wall 14 of the vehicle or to an element of said side wall 14 of the vehicle.

[0076] An element of said side wall 14 is for example a horizontal crosspiece. The horizontal crosspiece is for example a bar fixed to the side wall 14 or is a reinforcement part of the side wall 14, in particular if the side wall 14 is glazed.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described by way of example, but extends to all technically possible combinations of these embodiments.

Claims

Claims

1. Support system for a passenger standing in a vehicle (10), in particular a railway vehicle, comprising: - a support (20); and - at least one support element (22) suitable for being fixed to the support (20); characterized in that the support element (22) is suitable for being wedged between the arm and the torso of the passenger, the support element (22) being movable relative to the support (20) between a position of use, in which the support element (22) is suitable for being wedged between the arm and the torso of the passenger, and a stowed position; the support element (22) being movable in translation and / or in rotation relative to the support (20) between the position of use and the stowed position.

2. Support system according to claim 1, in which the support element (22) is movable in a pivot-sliding connection relative to the support (20) between its use position and its stowed position.

3. Support system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a spring (28) capable of moving from a released position to a compressed position, the spring (28) being in the compressed position when the support element (22) is in the use position.

4. Support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the support element (22) is capable of passing without external stress from the use position to the stored position.

5. Support system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support (20) is a bar (24) suitable for being fixed to the floor (18) of the vehicle.

6. Support system according to claim 1, in which the support element (22) is movable in translation or in rotation relative to the support (20) between the use position and the stored position.

7. A support system according to claim 6, wherein the support (20) is a side wall (14) of the vehicle (10) or an element of said side wall (14) of the vehicle (10), or is adapted to be fixed to a side wall (14) of the vehicle (10) or to an element of said side wall (14) of the vehicle (10).

8. A support system according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of support elements (22) positioned at different heights from each other.

9. Vehicle, in particular railway vehicle, comprising at least one support system (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images