Bus with a lift mechanism and swing-in doors

Abstract

A swing-in door assembly 1 for opening and closing an entrance 103 of a transport vehicle 100 comprises a door wing 2, a door mechanism 4 for moving the door wing along a swing-in path, and a drive unit 5 for driving the door mechanism 4. The door mechanism 4 further comprises a lift mechanism 3 for lifting the swing shaft 40 during its rotation. The lift mechanism 3 comprises a shaft guidance 430 for guiding the swing shaft 40 along its axial axis, and a link 30 connected between the frame and the swing shaft 40. As the swing shaft rotates, the link 30 tilts, thereby causing the door wing to lower or raise during its movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a swing-in door assembly operable to enable a passenger to enter and exit a passenger space of a transport vehicle through a passenger access opening delimited by a door frame. The swing-in door assembly includes at least one door wing movable between a closed position in which the door wing at least partially closes the passenger access opening and an open position in which the door wing opens the access opening. The swing-in door assembly includes a door mechanism for suspending the door wing relative to the door frame to enable the door wing to move along a swing-in path from the closed position to the open position. The door mechanism includes a swing shaft pivotally supported about an axial axis to enable rotation of the swing shaft. The swing shaft is provided with at least one swing arm for supporting the door wing. The swing arm has a first arm end fixed to the swing shaft and a second arm end pivotally connected to the door wing. Further, the door mechanism includes a linear guidance including a guide rail and a slider for guiding the door wing along the door frame. The swing-in door assembly further includes a drive unit for driving the door mechanism. Further, the present invention relates to a bus door assembly and a transport vehicle including the swing-in door assembly, and more particularly to a bus vehicle for transporting passengers including at least one swing-in door assembly.

Background Art

[0002] English Patent Application Publication No. 2.391.041 discloses a swing-in door assembly in which, as the door moves from a closed position to an open position, it moves across the door opening to one side of the door frame and is positioned laterally to the plane of the door opening, and moves at an angle to face the door opening. The door has a drive mechanism for lifting the door in the course of its angular motion when the door is opened. This allows the door to clear the inclined floor surface of the door area of ​​a vehicle such as a bus or coach. The drive mechanism includes an upright post that is pivotable on its axis and has two arms, including a hinge assembly incorporating a cam mechanism. The overall effect is to prevent the lower edge of the door from getting stuck on the inclined floor surface as the door is lifted relative to the frame and therefore the floor, thereby as the door moves from a fully closed position to a fully open position.

[0003] A drawback of this cam-operated door assembly is that, in order to achieve stable operation, the cam mechanism and pivot arm must be a robust and heavy structure, which negatively impacts the overall vehicle design. A known drawback of this swing-in door assembly is that the cam mechanism is susceptible to contamination or damage by corrosion, which can cause interference. To overcome this problem, instead of lifting the door when moving inward on an inclined floor surface, swing-in door assemblies often feature wing flaps on the lower edge of the door wing to compensate for the inclination. Such wing flaps may be positioned in a closed configuration to prevent the ingress of dirt and water, but even then, these structures appear vulnerable to interference.

[0004] The British Patent Application Publication No. 2.391.040 and the German Patent Application Publication No. 100.52.228 disclose other known swing-in door assemblies.

[0005] With regard to the prior art described herein, it should be noted that any description of documents, actions, materials, apparatus, articles, etc., included herein is intended to present the context of the present invention and should not be construed as acknowledging that any such matter constitutes part of the prior art or was common general knowledge in the art relating to the present invention prior to the priority date of each claim of this application. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] A broad objective of the present invention is to eliminate, at least partially, the aforementioned drawbacks and / or to provide usable alternatives. More specifically, an objective of the present invention is to provide a swing-in door assembly having a configuration for compensating for the slope of the floor in an entrance area that is less susceptible to interference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the swing-in door assembly described in claim 1. The swing-in door assembly, also known as an in-swing door assembly, is operable to allow passengers to enter and exit the passenger space of a transport vehicle through a passenger doorway. The passenger doorway is separated by a door frame, which may be part of the transport vehicle's chassis.

[0008] A swing-in door assembly comprises at least one door wing. Preferably, the swing-in door assembly comprises a pair of wings arranged mirror-symmetrically. At least one door wing is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door wing at least partially closes the passenger entrance. In the open position, the entrance is open.

[0009] A swing-in door assembly comprises a door mechanism for suspending at least one door wing relative to a door frame. The door mechanism allows the door wing to move along a swing-in path from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

[0010] The door mechanism includes a swing shaft. The swing shaft is pivotable about an axial axis. The swing shaft is pivotally supported around the axial axis to allow rotation of the swing shaft. In particular, the swing shaft can rotate about an angle of approximately 90° around the axial axis.

[0011] The swing shaft is provided with at least one swing arm for supporting the door wing. The swing arm has a first arm end fixed to the swing shaft and a second arm end pivotably connected to the door wing.

[0012] Furthermore, the door mechanism includes linear guidance. The linear guidance includes guide rails and sliders for guiding the door wing along the frame. In embodiments, the guide rails may be connected to the frame and the sliders may be connected to the door wing. Alternatively, the reverse may be true, with the guide rails connected to the door wing and the sliders connected to the frame.

[0013] The swing-in door assembly further comprises a drive unit for driving the door mechanism. For example, the drive unit may be a pneumatic cylinder including a cylinder housing and an extendable piston rod, or the drive unit may include an electric spindle drive.

[0014] According to the present invention, an improvement is brought about by a lift mechanism. The swing-in door assembly according to the present invention comprises a door mechanism including a lift mechanism configured to bring about a lift of the swing shaft along its axial axis during its rotation. The lift mechanism includes shaft guidance for guiding the swing shaft along its axial axis. Typically, the shaft guidance allows for axial movement of the swing shaft about a stroke of up to 60 mm, and especially up to 30 mm, which is also called vertical movement. The stroke corresponds to an inward slope of the floor surface in the doorway area. This makes the swing shaft movable from a lowered position to a raised position. The lift mechanism further comprises a link, which may also be called a lever. The link has a first link end connected to the frame and a second link end connected to the swing shaft. The connection by the link causes a lift of the swing shaft as the swing shaft rotates.

[0015] Advantageously, the link connection of the swing shaft to the frame provides a simple and robust structure to compensate for the slope of the floor surface in the doorway area. The rise of the door wing when moving inward along the swing-in path from the closed position to the open position is achieved simply by raising the swing shaft. The link connection of the swing shaft is robust and nearly vulnerable to malfunction due to contamination, intrusion, or corrosion, which are known problems with solutions for compensating for sloped floors. Advantageously, the link connection allows for a minimum-sized wing flap at the lower edge of the door wing to accommodate, for example, the lower shaft arm, or the wing flap can be eliminated entirely.

[0016] In embodiments of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the link is located in the top region of the swing shaft. In particular, the link is located above the upper swing arm. In the top region, the link connection is far removed from dirt and water present in the floor region. Furthermore, in the top region, the link connection may be enclosed by the housing of the door mechanism, for example, a cover plate. This keeps the link connection out of sight and reach, making it resistant to vandalism.

[0017] In embodiments of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, when the door wing is in the open position, the link is oriented to a substantially upright position. During its movement and while the swing shaft is rotating, the link tilts away from the upright position. The link is tiltable to or away from the substantially upright position when the door wing is in the open position. In the upright position, the link is parallel to the swing shaft. In particular, when the door wing is in the closed position, the link is tiltable from the substantially upright position around a link angle of up to 30°, and especially up to 45°. Advantageously, progressive opening of the door wing can be achieved by configuring the upright position in the open position of the door wing.

[0018] In an embodiment of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the first link end connected to the frame is positioned lower than the second link end. This allows the link to support the swing shaft. Instead of a link suspension, the weight of the swing shaft rests on the link.

[0019] In embodiments of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the links have a maximum length of 10 cm, particularly a maximum of 8 cm, and even more particularly a maximum of 6 cm. Relatively short link lengths are beneficial in preventing buckling. Preferably, the links are structurally seen as being composed of a commonly known drawbar having a drawbar body, a first drawbar eye, and a second drawbar eye. Typically, the drawbar body is a hexagonal body with internal threads to allow for adjustment of the link length. As seen above, the drawbar can be functionally seen as a pull rod for suspending a door wing with tensile forces acting on the drawbar, or a push rod on which the door wing rests and compressive forces act on the drawbar.

[0020] In an embodiment of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the drive unit is connected to the swing shaft by a drive arm to rotationally drive the swing shaft. The link is connected by a link arm, which may be integrated with the drive arm. In particular, the link connection is located on the side of the swing shaft opposite to the drive unit connection. The link connection may also be located on the side of the swing shaft facing the frame. This places the link between the swing shaft and the door frame, which is beneficial for obtaining a compact configuration of the door mechanism.

[0021] In an embodiment of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the swing shaft is supported by a spring. The spring is provided to compensate for the weight of the door. The spring bears the weight of the movable components, particularly the door wing and the swing shaft. The support spring is beneficial in reducing the load acting on the door mechanism and in enabling the door mechanism to be constructed with compact and relatively small components.

[0022] In an embodiment of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the swing shaft comprises a lower swing arm having a first arm end fixed to the bottom of the swing shaft and a second arm end pivotably connected to the lower region of the door wing, and an upper swing arm having a first arm end fixed to the top of the swing shaft and a second arm end pivotably connected to the upper region of the door wing.

[0023] In embodiments of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the swing-in door assembly further comprises a control unit. Preferably, the control unit is mounted on the top region of the swing-in door assembly, and more particularly on the door frame.

[0024] In an embodiment of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the swing-in door assembly has a configuration in which a slider is connected to a door wing and a guide rail can be connected to a door frame. Preferably, the slider is disposed at the top edge of the door wing, particularly close to or at the front edge of the door wing. The connection of the slider to the door wing is beneficial for reducing the weight of the movable door component. The minimized weight can enable further compactification of the door mechanism and may allow the installation of the door mechanism in a narrow built-in space.

[0025] In an embodiment of the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention, the linear guidance includes a gear pinion and a rack guidance that engage with each other. In particular, the gear pinion is attached to perform the door wing, and the rack guidance can be connected to the chassis.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a bus door assembly including the swing-in door assembly according to the present invention. In particular, the present invention relates to a transport vehicle for transporting passengers, particularly a bus vehicle, including at least one swing-in door assembly according to the present invention. The transport vehicle may be a tram, a train, a ferry, or a bus including a passenger space accessible by the swing-in door assembly.

[0027] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate practical embodiments according to the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Specific features may also be considered separately from the illustrated embodiments, and in a broader context, may be considered as defining features common to all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims, not only the illustrated embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1A] Shows a prior art embodiment of a swing-in door assembly having typical components present in a swing-in door assembly that adjusts the movement of a door wing along a swing-in path. [Figure 1B] An enlarged view of the door mechanism and the drive unit of the swing-in door assembly of FIG. 1A for suspending a door wing and moving the door wing along a swing-in path is shown. [Figure 1C] The left and right door wings of the swing-in door assembly as shown in FIG. 1A are shown in an open position where the door wing is moved on an inclined floor surface. [Figure 2] An enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 1B is shown. According to the present invention, a lift mechanism including a shaft guidance and a link for lifting the swing shaft of the door mechanism is further provided. [Figure 3] A door wing in a closed position corresponding to FIG. 2 is shown, where the link of the lift mechanism is inclined substantially in a vertical position to hold the swing shaft in a raised position. [Figure 4] A door wing in an open position corresponding to FIG. 2 is shown, where the link of the lift mechanism is inclined substantially in a vertical position to hold the swing shaft in a raised position. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing a bottom region of the swing-in door assembly is shown, which shows a shaft support including a spring for supporting the swing shaft. [Figure 6] Left and right cross-sectional views of a spring-supported shaft bottom including a shaft guidance for enabling lifting of the swing shaft and the door wing are shown.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or functionally similar components.

[0030] Figures 1A to 1C show a swing-in door assembly 1 that is commonly known in the prior art. The swing-in door assembly 1 according to the present invention may have the same or similar main components. The swing-in door assembly 1 according to the present invention differs in that a lift mechanism for lifting the door wing is provided at the bottom edge 29 of the door wing 2, instead of a wing flap 9.

[0031] Figure 1A shows a front view of the door of a passenger transport vehicle 100, such as a bus or train car. The transport vehicle 100 is partially shown by indicating the transport vehicle chassis 101 to the side and above the vehicle door. The vehicle floor 104 is shown inside the vehicle door. When viewed away from the vehicle door, the vehicle floor 104 rises slightly to provide drainage in the direction of the vehicle door.

[0032] The vehicle doors allow outside access to the passenger space 102 of the transport vehicle 100 via an entrance / exit 103. The entrance / exit 103 is separated by a door frame 105. The door frame 105 may be integrated with the vehicle chassis 101 or may be configured as a separate built-in frame 105. The frame 105 can be formed as a rectangular frame including fixed vertical and horizontal profiles. The frame 105 can be mounted to the vehicle chassis 101 as a cassette for holding the door assembly components.

[0033] The vehicle door shown in the illustration has a swing-in door assembly 1 which includes a pair of door wings 2. The pair of door wings, when viewed from the inside, include left and right door wings 21, 22.

[0034] Each door wing 2 has a rectangular shape including a front edge 26, a top edge 27, a rear edge 28, and a bottom edge 29.

[0035] The swing-in door assembly has at least one door wing 2 that swings inward relative to an access opening to the passenger space 102 to open the doorway 103. A pair of door wings 21, 22 can be moved from a closed position CP, where the doorway 103 is closed, as shown in Figure 1A, to an open position OP, where the doorway 103 is open, as shown in Figure 1C, allowing passengers to enter and exit the transport vehicle 100. In the illustrated swing-in door assembly 1, each door wing 21, 22 is configured to slide and rotate simultaneously in the passenger space 102 as it moves from the closed position to the open position. The door wings 21, 22 move along a swing-in path.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1A, in the closed position CP, the front edges of the pair of door wings 21 and 22 are in contact with and engaged with each other. During operation, the front edges of the pair of door wings 21 and 22 move linearly away from each other to open the doorway 103.

[0037] Each door wing 2 is suspended from the door frame 105 by a door mechanism 4. The door mechanism 4 is arranged in accordance with a kinematic scheme that defines a swing-in path to guide the movement of the door wing 2. Here, two mirror-symmetric door mechanisms 4 are arranged to produce an inward oscillating motion for each door wing 21, 22.

[0038] The door mechanism 4 has a swing shaft 40 for moving the door wing. Here, the left and right swing shafts 401 and 402 are provided for operating the door wings 21 and 22, which are positioned to the left and right, respectively. The swing shaft 40 extends vertically upward from the vehicle floor 104. The swing shaft 40 is positioned to the side of the door wing 2. The swing shaft 40 is positioned near the door frame 105. The swing shaft 40 is rotatably mounted to the vehicle chassis. At the bottom 401 and top 402 of the shaft, the swing shaft 40 is pivotally supported by a shaft support 43. The pivotally supported swing shaft 40 forms a stationary pivot axis, also called the swing axis 04, in the kinematic scheme of the swing-in-door assembly. The swing axis 04 forms a pivot point S that is stationary in a predetermined position relative to the chassis 101 and the vehicle floor 104. The swing axis 04 allows rotational movement of the swing shaft 40 about its vertical axis relative to the chassis 101.

[0039] The swing shaft 40 has a lower swing arm 41 and an upper swing arm 42. The lower swing arm 41 is located at the bottom 401 of the shaft and is pivotably connected in the lower region to the door wing 2, in this case to the bottom edge 29 of the door wing 2. The upper swing arm 42 is located at the top 402 of the shaft and is pivotably connected in the upper region to the door wing 2, in this case to the top edge 27 of the door wing 2. At least one swing arm may be mounted differently, for example, somewhat lower below the top edge 27 so as not to affect the proper movement of the door wing.

[0040] Each swing arm 41, 42 has a first arm end 411, 421 fixed to the swing shaft 40 and a second swing arm end 412, 422 pivotally connected to the door wing 2. The swing-in path is characterized by two movable pivot points I, II. The pivot connection of the swing arm 41 forms the first movable pivot point I of the door mechanism 4. The first pivot point I is located here between the front edge 26 and the rear edge 28 of the door wing 2. Here, the first pivot point I is located in the central region of the top edge 27. Depending on the length of the swing arm 41, the first pivot point I may be located closer to the rear edge 28 of the door wing 2. When the swing shaft 40 is swung around the swing point S, the movable first pivot point I moves along an arc-shaped path in the horizontal plane.

[0041] Furthermore, the door mechanism 4 includes a linear guidance 46 for connecting the door wing 2 at a second point that forms a movable second pivot point II with respect to the door frame 105. The linear guidance 46 has a guide rail 461 and a slider 462, where the guide rail 461 is attached to the frame 105. The slider 462 is connected to the door wing 2 near the leading edge 26. The slider 462 is configured to slide along the guide rail 461. The slider 462 is slidably coupled to the guide rail 461, thereby allowing the second pivot point II to be displaced during operation.

[0042] The second pivot point II is located on a slider 462 that is slidable relative to the rail 461. The slider 462 forces the leading edge of the door wing 2 to follow the guide rail 461 so that the leading edge 26 of the door wing 2 remains in a plane parallel to the entrance 103. During sliding movement, the second pivot point II moves along a straight path. Therefore, the second pivot point II is movable relative to the chassis 101.

[0043] When the door wing 2 is moved, the suspension by both the swing arms 41, 42 at the first pivot point I and the slider 462 at the second pivot point II causes the door wing 2 to swing along the swing-in path. The rotational motion introduced by the swing arms causes the door wing 2 to pivot at both the position of the slider 462 at the second pivot point II and at the first pivot point I where the door wing 2 pivots to the swing arm 41. The swing arms 41, 42 rotate the door wing 2 by approximately 90°, as shown in Figure 1C, so that the trailing edge 28 of the door wing 2 moves away from the entrance 103 into the passenger space 102. During the movement of the door mechanism 4, the door wing 2 pivots at both the movable first and second pivot points I and II. The door wing 2 pivots at the second swing arm end 412, and the door wing 2 pivots at the slider.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in detail in Figure 1B, the swing-in door assembly 1 includes a drive unit 5. The drive unit 5 is located above the door wing 2. The drive unit 5 is electronically connected to a control unit 8. The control unit 8 is located near the drive unit 5 and also above the door wing 2.

[0045] The drive unit 5 is operably connected between the frame 105 and the swing shaft 40. The drive unit 5 comprises a drive housing 50 and a drive member 51. Here, the drive unit 5 is a pneumatic linear cylinder that can be driven by a pump unit 52 which includes a pump and a motor. The drive housing has a cylinder housing attached to the frame 105. The drive member is a piston rod head connected to the swing shaft 40 via a drive arm 59. By operating the drive unit 5, the swing shaft 40 rotates around the swing axis 04 and the door mechanism 4 operates.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1A and 1C, a prior art swing-in door assembly further comprises a wing flap 9 on the bottom edge 29 of the door wing 2. The wing flap 9 is pivotably connected to the bottom edge 29 of the wing. The wing flap 29 is positioned to compensate for the slope of the vehicle floor 104. The wing flap 9 closes the clearance below the door wing 2 when the door wing is in the closed position. In practice, such a wing flap 9 appears to be vulnerable to contamination. Intrusion of water, dirt, etc., and corrosion can affect the proper operation of the pivot connection of the wing flap 9. In practice, such a wing flap 9 requires frequent maintenance and is vulnerable to interference.

[0047] According to the present invention, a prior art embodiment of a swing-in door assembly, such as the one shown in Figure 1, or a similar swing-in door assembly, can be improved by reducing or eliminating the size of the wing flap 9 and instead applying a specific lift mechanism 3 to provide a lift of the door wing 2 relative to the inclined vehicle floor 104.

[0048] An embodiment of a swing-in door assembly including a lift mechanism 3 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 2. The lift mechanism 3 is configured not only to lift the door wing 2 but also to lift the door wing 2 together with the swing shaft 40. The lift mechanism 3 engages with the swing shaft 40 to move the swing shaft 40 from a lower position to an elevated position. The lift mechanism 3 is configured to lift the swing shaft 40 along the axial axis 04 during its rotation.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lift mechanism 3 includes a link 30. The link 30 has a link body 300 having a first link end 31 and a second link end 32. The first link end 31 is connected to the frame 105. The second link end 32 is connected to the swing shaft 40. When the swing shaft 40 is rotated around its axial axis, the swing shaft 40 is lifted by the link 30 connecting it to the frame 105.

[0050] The swing shaft 40 is supported by a shaft support 43. The shaft support 43 is located at the bottom of the shaft 401; see Figure 5. At the top of the shaft 402, the swing shaft 40 is supported by a shaft guidance 430 positioned to allow the swing shaft 40 to slide, and the swing shaft 40 is slidable along its stroke. Here, the stroke is a maximum of 60 mm and corresponds to the slope of the floor surface in the entrance area.

[0051] Link 30 is located between the swing shaft 40 and the frame 105. Link 30 is located in the top region TR of the swing shaft 40. Link 30 is connected to the swing shaft 40 by a link arm 33 of the swing shaft 40, which is integrally formed with a drive arm 59 for mounting the drive unit 5. The drive unit 5 is connected to the swing shaft 42 by the drive arm 59 and rotates the swing shaft 40. Link 30 is connected to the piece constituting this drive arm 59 on the side of the swing shaft 40 facing the door frame 105.

[0052] Link 30 is located above the upper swing arm 42. Link 30 is positioned at the same height as the door mechanism 4. Both the lift mechanism 3 and the door mechanism 4 may be housed in a common cover plate.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the link 30 is formed by a drawbar. The drawbar 30 has a drawbar body 300. The first link end 31 is formed by a first drawbar eye 311. The second link end 32 is formed by a second drawbar eye 321. The drawbar 30 has a maximum length of 10 cm.

[0054] Link 30 supports the swing shaft 40. The weight of the swing shaft 40 is supported from below by link 30. The first link end 31 is located below the second link end 32.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, link 30 is oriented to a substantially upright position when the door wing 2 is in the open position OP. In the open position OP of the door wing 2, the wing shaft 40 is in the raised position. When the door wing 2 is moved to the closed position CP, the wing shaft 40 moves to the lowered position, and link 30 tilts from a substantially upright position to an inclined position as shown in Figure 3, as shown in Figure 4, up to a maximum of 45°. Near the closed position, a relatively large downward or upward movement of the door wing over the travel distance is obtained due to the orientation of the link. As the door wing moves from the open position to the closed position, a gradual flattening occurs.

[0056] Figures 5 and 6 show a cross-sectional view of the bottom region BR of the swing shaft 40. A spring 6 is attached to the inside of the shaft bottom 401 of the swing shaft 40 to compensate for the weight of the swing shaft 40 that supports the door wing 2. The spring 6 has a spring body 60, which is a spiral spring, and this spring body is supported by a spring support 61 fixed to the swing shaft 40. At the shaft bottom 401, the spring 6 is supported by a shaft support 43.

[0057] As shown in the left and right diagrams of Figure 6, the shaft support 43 includes a shaft guidance 430 to allow axial movement of the swing shaft around a distance Δh. The shaft guidance 430 is fixed to the door frame 105. In the left diagram, the door wing 21 is lifted and in the open position OP. In the right diagram, the door wing 21 is lowered and in the closed position CP.

[0058] In addition to the embodiments shown in the figures, numerous variations are possible. For example, in a variation of the illustrated embodiment of the swing-in door assembly, an alternative embodiment of the swing-in door assembly may include a different type of drive unit.

[0059] Accordingly, the present invention provides a swing-in door assembly 1 for opening and closing an entrance 103 of a transport vehicle 100, comprising a door wing 2, a door mechanism 4 for moving the door wing along a swing-in path, and a drive unit 5 for driving the door mechanism 4. The door mechanism 4 further comprises a lift mechanism 3 for lifting the swing shaft 40 during its rotation. The lift mechanism 3 comprises a shaft guidance 430 for guiding the swing shaft 40 along its axial axis, and a link 30 connected between the frame and the swing shaft 40. As the swing shaft rotates, the link 30 tilts, thereby causing the door wing to lower or rise during its movement.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below. All such changes and modifications are intended to be incorporated within the scope of this disclosure and the claims.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that any feature of the assembly according to the present invention described in the embodiments and / or dependent claims is considered patentable in itself, without any dependence on any other feature presented. In particular, any means presented in a dependent claim is considered patentable without dependence on an independent claim. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] TR top area BR bottom area CP closed position OP open position 1. Swing-in door assembly 100 transport vehicles 101 Chassis 102 Passenger Space 103 Entrance / Exit 104 Vehicle floor 105 Door frame 2-door wing 21 Left door wing 22 Right-side door wing 26 Leading edge 27 Apical margin 28 Trailing edge 29 Bottom edge 3. Lift mechanism 30 links 31 First link end 32 Second link end 300 Drawbar Body 311 First drawbar eye 321 Second drawbar eye 33 Link Arm 4-door mechanism 40 Swing Shaft 04,S Swing axis 401 Shaft bottom 402 Shaft top 41 Lower swingarm 411 First arm end 412 Second arm end 42 Upper swingarm 421 First arm end 422 Second arm end 43 Shaft support 430 Shaft Guidance 46 Linear Guidance 461 Guide Rail 462 Slider 5. Drive Unit 50 Drive Housing 51 Drive Member 52 Pump Unit 59 Drive arm 6 springs 60 Spring body 61 Spring support (43) 8 Control Unit 9 Wing flaps

Claims

1. A swing-in door assembly (1) that is operable to allow passengers to enter and exit the passenger space (102) of a transport vehicle (100) through a passenger entrance (103) defined by a door frame (105), - At least one door wing (2) which is movable between a closed position (CP) that at least partially closes the passenger entrance (103) and an open position (OP) that opens the passenger entrance (103), - A door mechanism (4) for suspending the door wing (2) from the door frame (105) so that the door wing (2) can move along a swing-in path from the closed position (CP) to the open position (OP), A swing shaft (40) pivotally supported about an axial axis (04) to allow rotation, wherein the swing shaft (40) is provided with at least one swing arm (41) for supporting the door wing (2), and the swing arm (41) has a first arm end (411) fixed to the swing shaft (40) and a second arm end (412) pivotably connected to the door wing (2), and Linear guidance (46) including a guide rail (461) and a slider (462) for guiding the door wing (2) along the door frame (105), A door mechanism (4) is provided with - Drive unit (5) for driving the door mechanism (4) Equipped with, A swing-in door assembly (1), wherein the door mechanism (4) further comprises a lift mechanism (3) configured to lift the swing shaft (40) during its rotation, the lift mechanism (3) comprises a shaft guidance (430) for guiding the swing shaft (40) along the axial axis (04), and the lift mechanism (3) further comprises a link (30) having a first link end (31) connected to the door frame (105) and a second link end (32) connected to the swing shaft (40), thereby the lift of the swing shaft (40) being caused by the rotation of the swing shaft (40).

2. The swing-in door assembly according to claim 1, wherein the link (30) is positioned in the top region (TR) of the swing shaft (40) and is covered in particular by the housing of the door mechanism (4).

3. The swing-in door assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the link (30) is directed to a substantially upright position when the door wing (2) is in the open position (OP).

4. The swing-in door assembly according to claim 3, wherein the link (30) is tiltable from the substantially upright position about a link angle of up to 30°, and especially up to 45°, when the door wing (2) moves to the closed position (CP).

5. The swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first link end (31) connected to the door frame (105) is positioned lower than the second link end (32).

6. The swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the link (30) has a maximum length of 10 cm.

7. The swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the link (30) is a drawbar having a drawbar body, a first drawbar eye (311), and a second drawbar eye (312).

8. The swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive unit (5) is connected to the swing shaft (40) by a drive arm (59) to rotationally drive the swing shaft (40), and the link (30) is connected to the drive arm (59) in particular on the side of the swing shaft (40) opposite to the connection of the drive unit (5) to the drive arm.

9. The swing-in door assembly according to claim 8, wherein the link (30) is integrally molded with the drive arm (59) and connected to a link arm (33) positioned on the side of the swing shaft (40) facing the door frame (105).

10. The swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the swing shaft (40) is supported by a spring (6).

11. The swing-in door assembly according to claim 10, wherein the spring has a spring body (60) that is positioned inside the swing shaft (40) in the bottom region (BR) and supports the swing shaft (40).

12. The swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the slider (462) is connected to the door wing (2) particularly close to the front edge (26), and the guide rail (461) is connectable to the door frame (105).

13. The swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the linear guidance (46) includes a rack guidance and a gear pinion that engage with each other, the gear pinion is attached to the door wing (2), and the rack guidance is connectable to the door frame (105).

14. A bus door assembly comprising a swing-in door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A transport vehicle for transporting passengers, particularly a bus vehicle, comprising at least one swing-in door assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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