Method and arrangement for implementing maintenance status of sliding door of vehicle

Abstract

A method for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door (110) in a vehicle (10), the method comprising actuating a sliding door (110) that is driven by an electric motor (120), measuring at least one characteristic value of the electric motor (120) during said actuation of the sliding door (110) and thereby generating a first measurement data, measuring at least one characteristic value of the sliding door (110) during said actuation of the sliding door and thereby generating a second measurement data, acquiring the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and a reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor (120) and / or the sliding door (110), computing at least one trend or variation in the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data indicating condition degradation of the sliding door (110), calculating a level of the condition degradation of the sliding door (110) by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data, and outputting a maintenance status of the sliding door (110) on the basis of the calculation.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING MAINTENANCE STATUS OF

[0002] SLIDING DOOR OF VEHICLE

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door in a vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A vehicle, such as a rolling stock wagon, a railway coach, an underground train wagon, or a tram, transports passengers. The sliding doors of the vehicle are repeatedly opened / closed for allowing / preventing passengers to entry and / or exit, and / or to walk inside the vehicle from one department to another department of the vehicle, for example.

[0007] A problem is that the sliding doors may get worn and that it takes time to survey what kind of maintenance is needed.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and arrangement for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door of a vehicle.

[0010] The invention is characterized by the features of the independent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of a method and an arrangement for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door in a vehicle. The method comprises actuating a sliding door that is driven by an electric motor. The method comprises measuring at least one characteristic value of the electric motor during said actuation of the sliding door and thereby generating a first measurement data. The method comprises measuring at least one characteristic value of the sliding door during said actuation of the sliding door and thereby generating a second measurement data. The method comprises acquiring the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and a reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor and / or the sliding door. The method comprises computing at least one trend or variation in the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data indicating condition degradation of the sliding door. The method comprises calculating a level of the condition degradation of the sliding door by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data. The method comprises outputting a maintenance status of the sliding door on the basis of the calculation. An advantage of the solution is that a condition of the sliding door of the vehicle can be checked easily, whereby maintenance of said sliding door can be scheduled appropriately.

[0012] Some embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following the invention will be described in closer detail in connection with some embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0015] Figure 1 shows schematically a front view of an arrangement for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door of a vehicle,

[0016] Figure 2 shows schematically an arrangement for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door of a vehicle as seen obliquely from above of the arrangement,

[0017] Figure 3 shows schematically a detailed view of the arrangement of Figure 2 as seen from a side of the arrangement,

[0018] Figure 4A shows schematically and graphically a first measurement data and a reference data in the same graph with respect to the time,

[0019] Figure 4B shows schematically and graphically a second measurement data with respect to the time,

[0020] Figure 4C shows schematically a first derivate of the second measurement data of Figure 4B,

[0021] Figure 4D shows schematically a second derivate of the second measurement data of Figure 4B, and

[0022] Figure 5 shows schematically and graphically a first measurement data, a second measurement data and a reference data in the same graph with respect to the time.

[0023] For the sake of clarity, the figures show some embodiments of the invention in a simplified manner. Like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Figure 1 shows schematically a front view of an arrangement for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door of a vehicle. Figure 2 shows schematically an arrangement for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door of a vehicle as seen obliquely from above of the arrangement. Figure 3 shows schematically a detailed view of the arrangement of Figure 2 as seen from a side of the arrangement.

[0026] The arrangement 100 of the figures is installed at / in a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may be a rolling stock wagon, such as a railway coach, an underground train wagon, a train, or a tram, for example. The vehicle 10 may be a bus, for example. The vehicle 10 is shown very schematically and partially in the figure 1.

[0027] The arrangement 100 of the figures is for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door 110 of the vehicle 10. The arrangement 100 is configured to implement a method for implementing a maintenance status of the sliding door 110 in the vehicle 10. The arrangement 100 comprises a sliding door 110 installed at / in / to the vehicle 10. The arrangement 100 further comprises an electric motor 120 configured to actuate the sliding door 110. The electric motor 120 is mechanically in connection with the sliding door 110. The method comprises actuating the sliding door 110 that is driven by the electric motor 120. Further, the arrangement 100 of the figures comprises an evaluation system 200 for evaluating the maintenance status of the sliding door 110.

[0028] The sliding door 110 of the figures is arranged to move linearly. The sliding door 110 is arranged to move horizontally. The sliding door 110 comprises a closed position and an opened position. The sliding door 110 is configured to be actuated from the closed position to the opened position. Further, the sliding door 110 is configured to be actuated from the opened position to the closed position. For sake of the clarity, the figures 1 and 3 shows the sliding door at a position that is between the closed position and the opened position.

[0029] The sliding door 110 of the figures is arranged to the vehicle 10. The sliding door 110 maybe an outdoor of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the sliding door 110 may be an inner door of the vehicle 10. There may be a plurality of sliding doors 110 arranged to the vehicle 10. In more detail, there may be a plurality of sliding doors 110 arranged to the vehicle, which sliding doors are inner doors of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be plurality of the sliding doors 110 arranged to the vehicle 10, which sliding doors are outdoors of the vehicle 10.

[0030] The sliding door 110 of the figures comprises at least one door panel 112 that slides horizontally to the opened position and to the closed position. Door panels 112 are made of lightweight and durable materials such as aluminium, glass, or composite materials, for example. The door panel 112 may be called a door leaf.

[0031] The sliding door 110 of the figures comprises a door frame 114 for accommodating the at least one door panel 112. Said door panel 112 is mounted within the door frame 114. The door frame 114 provides structural support of the door panel 112. The door frame 114 may be made of aluminum or steel to withstand the stresses of frequent use and provide stability to the door assembly, for example. The door frame 114 may be integrated into the vehicle 10. The door frame 114 may be a separate frame that is installed into the vehicle 10. The door frame 114 may be called a frame 114. The door frame 114 may be called a partition wall 114.

[0032] The sliding door 110 ofthe figures comprises a door mechanism 116 for guiding the door panel 112 along a predetermined path. The door mechanism 116 is attached to the door frame 114. The door mechanism 116 forms mechanical connection between the door panel 112 and the electric motor 120. The door mechanism 116 is coupled with the door panel 112. The door mechanism 116 is coupled with the electric motor 120. In other words, the door mechanism 116 is in connection with the electric motor 120.

[0033] The door mechanism 116 of the figures comprises a belt 116A and pulleys 116B coupled with the belt 116A. The sliding door 110 is connected to the electric motor 120 via the belt 116A. In more detail, the door panel 112 is connected to the electric motor 120 via the belt 116A. The belt 116A forms a mechanical link between the door panel 112 and the electric motor 120. The belt 116A can be a timing belt, a V-belt, a flat belt, a round belt, or a synchronous belt, for example. When the belt is the timing belt, i.e., the toothed belt, it is designed to mesh with matching toothed pulleys. The timing belt offer precise synchronization between the electric motor 120 and the sliding door 110. Said synchronization provides accurate positioning for the sliding door 110. However, a tension of the belt affects to said synchronization between the electric motor and the sliding door. The belts are made from rubber or polyurethane materials, for example.

[0034] The pulleys 116B of the figures are disclosed in more detail as follows. The door mechanism 116 comprises a first pulley that is attached / mounted to the electric motor 120, or in more detail, that is attached / mounted to the shaft 122 of the electric motor 120. Said first pulley may be called a driving pulley. Further, the door mechanism 116 comprises a second pulley. Said second pulley may be called a driven pulley. The belt 116A is arranged to travel via the pulleys. As shown in the figure 1, said second pulley can be mounted to the door frame 114. A position of the second pulley of the figure 1 can be adjusted in order to adjust the belt tension. As shown in the figures 2 and 3, said second pulley can be mounted to the door mechanism 116. Further, in more detail, the second pulley can be mounted to the at least one track 116D. A position of the second pulley of the figures 2 and 3 can be adjusted in order to adjust the belt tension. The second pulley can be movable for allowing the belt tension to be adjusted. Thus, the above-mentioned pulleys 116B comprise the first pulley and the second pulley. The position of the second pulley is configured to be adjusted in order to adjust the belt tension.

[0035] The door mechanism 116 of the figures comprises connecting pieces 116C for coupling the door panel 112 and the belt 116A. Said connecting pieces 116C forms a mechanical link between the door panel 112 and the belt 116A. Said connecting pieces 116C can be called first connecting pieces.

[0036] The door mechanism 116 of the figures comprises at least one track 116D for providing a pathway for the door panel 112. The track 116D provides the pathway for the door panel 112 to slide along during opening or closing the sliding door. The track 116D is coupled with the door frame 114. In more detail, the track 116D can be installed at the top of the door frame 114, at the bottom of the door frame 114, at side of the door frame 114, and / or at into the door frame 114, for example. The track 116D maybe a channel, a groove, and / or a guide rail, for example. There may be one track, or there may be a plurality of tracks. The tracks(s) can be called a track assembly. The arrangement of the figure 1 comprises one track 116D for providing a pathway for the door panel 112, which track 116D locates above the door panel 112. The arrangement 100 of the figures 2 and 3 comprises two tracks 116D for providing a pathway for the door panel 112, which first track 116D locates above the door panel 112, and which second track 116D locates below the door panel 112. The second track 116D supports the door panel 112 from underneath the door panel 112. The second track 116D is mounted to a floor structure of the vehicle 10, for example.

[0037] According to an example, as shown in the figures, at least a portion of the belt 116 extends parallel to the at least one track 116D. A portion of the belt between the first pulley and the second pulley runs parallel to the at least one track 116D.

[0038] The door mechanism 116 of the figures comprises second connecting pieces 116E for coupling the track 116D and the door panel 112. The second connecting pieces 116E are mounted to the door panel 112. In more detail, the second connecting pieces 116E are mounted to the bottom of the door panel 112, to the top of the door panel 112, and / or to the side of the door panel 112. The second connecting pieces 116E run along the track(s) 116D. The second connecting piece 116E is a roller, a hanger, or a slider, for example. The second connecting piece 116E is made of materials like steel and / or plastic, for example. The second connecting piece 116E can be integrated to the above-mentioned first connecting piece 116C, which is shown in the figure 3, for example.

[0039] The door mechanism 116 of the figures comprises stoppers 116F for preventing the door panel 112 to pass the stopper 116F. The stopper 116F is attached to the track 116D. The stopper 116F stops the second connecting piece 116E. A position of the stopper 116F can be adjusted if necessary.

[0040] The sliding door 110 of the figures is actuated by the electric motor 120. The electric motor 120 is configured to provide the necessary force to move the door panel 112. The electric motor 120 may be an AC induction motor, a DC motor, a servo motor, or a stepper motor, for example. The electric motor 120 comprises a shaft 122 for performing mechanical work, wherein the shaft 122 is configured to rotate. According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the electric motor 120 may be an electric linear motor.

[0041] The electric motor 120 of the figures locates nearby the door mechanism 116. The electric motor 120 can be mounted to the door frame 114, as shown in the figure 1, for example. The electric motor 120 can be mounted to the door mechanism 116, as shown in the figures 2 and 3, for example. In more detail, the electric motor 120 can be mounted to the at least on track 116D of the door mechanism 116. The electric motor 120 is in connection with the sliding door 110. In other words, the electric motor 120 is mechanically linked to the sliding door 110. In more detail, the electric motor 120 is coupled with the door mechanism 116 of the sliding door 110. The door mechanism 116 forms said mechanical link between the sliding door 110 and the electric motor 120. The electric motor 120 is coupled with the belt 116A, and the belt 116A is coupled with the door panel 112. In more detail, the shaft 122 of the electric motor is mounted to the pulley 116B of the door mechanism 116, the pulley 116B of the door mechanism 116 is linked to the belt 116A of the door mechanism 116, the belt 116A of the door mechanism 116 is mounted to the first connecting piece [s] 116C of the door mechanism 116, and the first connecting piece(s) 116C of the door mechanism 116 is mounted to the door panel 112 of the sliding door 110.

[0042] The evaluation system 200 of the figures comprises a first measurement device 210 for generating a first measurement data, the first measurement device 210 being coupled with the electric motor 120 and configured to measure at least one characteristic value of the electric motor 120. The at least one characteristic is a current, and / or a voltage, for example. The method comprises measuring at least one characteristic value of the electric motor 120 during said actuation of the sliding door 110 and thereby generating a first measurement data. The first measurement data is formed during usage of the vehicle. The first measurement data is formed during usage of the vehicle, and in more detail, during transportation of the passengers.

[0043] The first measurement device 210 of the figures comprises a current sensor 210A configured to measure a current ofthe electric motor 120. The current sensor 210A may be a hall effect sensor, a current transformer, or a power meter, for example. The current sensor 210A is in connection with the electric motor 120. In the method, the first measurement data is based on measured current values of the electric motor 120.

[0044] The first measurement device 210 of the figures comprises a voltage sensor 210B configured to measure a voltage ofthe electric motor 120. The voltage sensor 210B may be a power meter, for example. The voltage sensor is in connection with the electric motor 120. In the method, the first measurement data is based on measured voltage values of the electric motor 120.

[0045] The first measurement device 210 of the figures comprises an electric resistance sensor 210C for measuring resistance of the electric connection between the electric motor and the power source. The electric resistance sensor 210C is in connection with the electric motor 120.

[0046] The evaluation system 200 of the figures comprises a second measurement device 220 for generating a second measurement data, the second measurement device 220 being coupled with the electric motor 120 and / or the sliding door 110 and configured to measure at least one characteristic value of the sliding door 110. The method comprises measuring at least one characteristic value of the sliding door 110 during said actuation of the sliding door 110 and thereby generating a second measurement data. The second measurement data is formed during usage of the vehicle. The second measurement data is formed during transportation of the passengers.

[0047] The second measurement device 220 of the figures is configured to measure a position of the sliding door 110. Said position can be measured directly and / or indirectly. The second measurement device 220 detect a position of the sliding door 110, which position can be the closed position, the opened position and / or the position between the closed position and the opened position.

[0048] The second measurement device 220 of the figures comprises an encoder 220A for measuring the position of the sliding door 110. The encoder 220A can be incremental encoder, an absolute encoder, or a linear encoder, for example. In the method, the second measurement data is based on values relating to a position and / or movement of the sliding door 110. The movement of the sliding door 110 may be a speed and / or an acceleration of the sliding door, for example.

[0049] Further, the incremental encoder is disclosed in more detail as follows. The incremental encoder produces a series of pulses as the sliding door 110 is actuated by the electric motor, or in more detail, when the shaft of the electric motor rotates. Each pulse corresponds to a small movement of the sliding door. The distance travelled by the sliding door can be determined by counting the number of said pulses. The location of the sliding door can be determined by determining said distance relative to the reference point of the sliding door. The reference point of the sliding door can be determined by a proximity sensor 220B, for example, which proximity sensor 220B is disclosed in more detail below.

[0050] Further, the absolute encoder is disclosed in more detail as follows. The absolute encoder provides precise position information. The absolute encoder generates a unique digital code for each position of the sliding door. In more detail, the absolute encoder generates the unique digital code for exact position of the shaft of the electric motor, and for each revolution of the shaft of the electric motor. The refence point of the sliding door is not necessary to be measured separately when the absolute encoder is being used.

[0051] Further, the linear encoder is disclosed in more detail as follows. The linear encoder measures the linear displacement of the sliding door directly. The linear encoder measures the position optically, magnetically, capacitively, or inductively, for example.

[0052] The second measurement device 220 comprises a proximity sensor 220B for determining a reference point of the sliding door. The proximity sensor 220B is configured to detect the closed position or the opened position of the sliding door. The proximity sensor is configured to detect a presence of the sliding door. The proximity sensor is located to be in connection with the sliding door when the sliding door is in the closed position, or in the opened position. Said connection with the sliding door can be direct or indirect. There may be two proximity sensors, wherein the first proximity sensor is for detecting the closed position of the sliding door, and wherein the second proximity sensor is for detecting the opened position of the sliding door.

[0053] The second measurement device 220 of the figures comprises an electric resistance sensor 220C for measuring resistance of the electric connection of components attached to the door panel 112. In more detail, the electric resistance sensor 220C measures resistance of the electric connection of the cables that moves during actuation of the sliding door 110. The component may be a door input device 118 for opening the sliding door, for example. The door input device 118 may be electrically connected to the electric motor 120, for example.

[0054] The evaluation system 200 of the figures comprises means 230 for acquiring the first measurement data and the second measurement data. The evaluation system further comprises means 230 for acquiring a reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor 120 and / or the sliding door 110. Means 230 herein can be a data acquisition system (DAQ) 230A, Internet of Things device (loT) 230B, a train control and management system (TCMS) 230C, and / or other device 230D such as a computer, for example. The method comprises acquiring the first measurement data. Further, the method comprises acquiring the second measurement data. Further, the method comprises a reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor 120 and / or the sliding door 110. Said reference data can be divided to a first reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor 120, and to a second reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the sliding door 110.

[0055] The evaluation system 200 of the figures comprises means 230 for computing at least one trend or variation in the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data indicating condition degradation of the sliding door 110. Means 230 herein can be a data acquisition system (DAQ) 230A, Internet of Things device (loT) 230B, a train control and management system (TCMS) 230C, and / or other device 230D such as a computer, for example. The method comprises computing at least one trend or variation in the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data indicating condition degradation of the sliding door 110.

[0056] The evaluation system 200 of the figures comprises means 230 for calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data. Means 230 herein can be a data acquisition system (DAQ) 230A, Internet of Things device (loT) 230B, a train control and management system (TCMS) 230C, and / or other device 230D such as a computer, for example. The method comprises calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data. The first measurement data can be compared to the reference data. The second measurement data can be compared to the reference data. The first measurement data and the second measurement data together can be compared to the reference data. The first measurement data can be compared to the second measurement data. The second measurement data can be compared to the first measurement data.

[0057] The evaluation system 200 of the figures comprises means 230 for out- putting a maintenance status of the sliding door 110 on the basis of the comparison. Means 230 herein can be a data acquisition system (DAQ) 230A, Internet of Things device (loT) 230B, a train control and management system (TCMS) 230C, and / or other device 230D such as a computer, for example. The method comprises outputting a maintenance status of the sliding door 110 on the basis of the calculation. The maintenance status can be sent to a screen 240 locating near the sliding door 110, for example, which screen is disclosed in more detail below.

[0058] Thus, the evaluation system 200 is configured to acquire the first measurement data and the second measurement data, and the reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor 120 and / or the sliding door 110. Further, the evaluation system 200 is configured to compute at least one trend or variation in the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data indicating condition degradation of the sliding door 110. Further, the evaluation system 200 is configured to calculate the level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data. Further, the evaluation system 200 is configured to output the maintenance status of the sliding door 110 on the basis of the comparison.

[0059] The method further comprises maintaining the sliding door based on the maintenance status. Said maintaining can be timed based on the information of the maintenance status. Depending on the maintenance operation, the sliding door may be maintained by a human operator, or automatically by a device, for example.

[0060] An assembly phase of the sliding door 110 of the figures can be done as follows, for example. The sliding door 110 is installed at / in the vehicle 10. Mechanical connections are executed. The electric motor 120 is coupled with the sliding door 110. The evaluation system 200 is connected to the electric motor 120 and / or the sliding door 110. Test runs are performed for the sliding door 110. Said test runs comprises the sliding door being opened and closed multiple times. Characteristic values are measured during said test runs. Characteristic values are accepted or denied based on calculations / research by the manufacturer, and / or on a reference data formed in laboratory conditions, for example. If said characteristic values are in an acceptable value range, said characteristic values of the test runs are used to form the reference data. If characteristic values are not acceptable, necessary adjustments are executed for the sliding door and / or the electric motor. Said necessary adjustments may comprise re-alignment of the track of the door mechanism, greasing a part of the sliding door, adjusting a tension of the belt, and / or changing a part that may be broken / faulty, for example. Test runs and adjustments are executed until the characteristic values are in the acceptable value range.

[0061] The reference data is based on characteristic values of the electric motor 120 and / or the sliding door 110 measured during the assembly phase of the sliding door 110. Alternatively, or in addition, the reference data is based on calcu- lations / research by the manufacturer. Alternatively, or in addition, the reference data is based on a reference data formed in laboratory conditions.

[0062] Further referring to the reference data, the reference data can be modified as follows. The characteristic values measured by the first measurement device are linked to the characteristic values measured by the second measurement device. Thus, each characteristic value of the electric motor 120 has a link to each position of the sliding door 110. Said link can be executed by using a time synchronization, for example.

[0063] Further referring to the reference data, the reference data comprises characteristic current valuers] for each position of the sliding door. The characteristic current value [s] of the electric motor can have a value range relating to each position of the sliding door. Said characteristic current value range relating to each position of the sliding door can be averaged, wherein the averaged characteristic values for each position of the sliding door are used in the reference data. Alternatively, the maximum value of the value range to each position of the sliding door can be used.

[0064] Further referring to the reference data, the reference data comprises characteristic voltage values for each position of the sliding door. The reference data comprises electrical resistance values for each position of the sliding door. The reference data comprises a reference position values for the sliding door. The reference data comprises a reference closed position value of the sliding door. The reference data comprises a reference opened position value of the sliding door.

[0065] The characteristic values formed before the assembly phase of the sliding door is disclosed in more detail as follows. Said reference data can comprise reference values from laboratory conditions. A sliding door is actuated in the laboratory, wherein a smooth operation of the sliding door can be ensured. Characteristic values of an electric motor and a sliding door are measured during actuating the sliding door to different positions including the opened position, the closed position and the positions between the closed position and the opened position. For sake of the clarity, a sliding door tested in the laboratory and a sliding door installed in the vehicle may be separate doors. For sake of the clarity, an electric motor tested in the laboratory and an electric motor installed in the vehicle may be separate motors.

[0066] Figure 4A shows schematically and graphically the first measurement data and the reference data in the same graph with respect to the time. Figure 4B shows schematically and graphically the second measurement data with respect to the time. Figure 4C shows schematically a first derivate of the second measurement data of the figure 4B. Figure 4D shows schematically a second derivate of the second measurement data of the figure 4B. Figure 5 shows schematically and graphically the first measurement data, the second measurement data and the reference data in the same graph with respect to the time. For sake of the clarity, the measurements herein are examples.

[0067] Further, measurements shown in the figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 5 are made with respect to time. T-Axis T illustrates time, wherein time values are shown in seconds, for example. The point CP in T-Axis T presents a moment when a position of the sliding door changes from the closed position to a position between the closed position and the opened position. The point OP in T-Axis T presents a moment when a position of the sliding door changes from the position, between the closed position and the opened position, to the opened position. MC-axis MC presents motor current values such as ampers (A), for example. DP-axis DP presents door position values such as a distance values shown in meter (m), for example. DS-axis DS presents door speed values such as meters per second (m / s), for example. DA-axis DA presents door acceleration values such as square meters per second (m2 / s).

[0068] Figure 4A shows schematically and graphically an example about the first measurement data. Further, the figure 4A shows the reference data presenting measurements of current values of the electric motor. Reference current values RCV are an example about the reference data, which reference current values are illustrated in a solid line in the figure 4A. Measured current values MCV are an example about the first measurement data, which measured current values are illustrated in a dashed line in the figure 4A.

[0069] Figure 4B shows schematically an example about the second measurement data, or the reference data presenting measurements of a position of the sliding door of the arrangement of the figures 1-3. Received position values RPV of the sliding door are shown in a solid line. The position herein is shown with respect to a reference point. The reference point is the closed position of the sliding door.

[0070] Figure 4C shows schematically a first derivate of the measurements of the figure 4B. The first derivate herein is a speed of the sliding door. Received speed values RSV of the sliding door are shown in a solid line.

[0071] Figure 4D shows schematically a second derivate of the measurements of the figure 4B. The second derivate herein is an acceleration of the sliding door. Received acceleration values RAV of the sliding door are shown in a solid line.

[0072] A dirt on the sliding door 110 can be detected as follows. There can be the dirt on the sliding door 110. There can be dirt on the door mechanism 116 of the sliding door 110. In more detail, there can be dirt on the track of the door mechanism, for example. The dirt on the door mechanism 116 leads to higher frictional forces when the sliding door is being actuated. A trend about increasing current values of the electric motor 120 in the first measurement data indicates that there is the dirt on the sliding door 110. An example about increasing current values is shown in the figure 4A, for example. The method comprises calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 in view of the dirt on the sliding door 110 by comparing the current values of the first measurement data to the reference data. In more detail, the current values of the first measurement data are compared to the current values of the reference data. A number of the sliding door being opened can be considered. Earlier current values in the first measurement data can be considered. Outputting can comprise a notification about the dirt on the sliding door. At least a certain amount of deviation, between measured current values of the electric motor 120 of the first measurement data and current values of the reference data, indicates that the sliding door 110 has degraded because of the dirt on the sliding door 110.

[0073] Further referring to the detection of the dirt on the sliding door 110, the outputting can comprise a calculation about a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110. Said calculating can further comprise calculating an estimated future level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 by comparing the first measurement data, the history of the first measurement data, and / or the reference data. Said estimation can be based on identifying the type of the trend being formed based on said data. The maintenance status of the sliding door 110 comprises an estimated future level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110. The estimated future level can comprise a time range where the sliding door 110 must be cleaned before there is too much dirt on the sliding door, for example.

[0074] According to an example, said maintaining of the sliding door comprises cleaning the dirt on the sliding door 110.

[0075] A degraded part of the sliding door 110 can be detected as follows. Parts of the sliding door 110 degrades during the sliding door is opened and / or closed, and / or during the sliding door remains in place. At least one part of the sliding door can get worn. The door mechanism 116 of the sliding door 110 can degrade. Even in more detail, tracks and / or pulleys of the door mechanism can degrade and get worn, for example. The degraded parts of the sliding door lead to higher frictional forces when the sliding door is actuated. A trend about increasing current values of the electric motor 120 in the first measurement data indicates that at least one part of the sliding door 110 has degraded. An example about increasing current values is shown in the figure 4A, for example. The method comprises calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 in view of the degraded at least one part of the sliding door 110 by comparing the current values of the first measurement data to the reference data. In more detail, the current values of the first measurement data are compared to the current values of the reference data. A number of the sliding door being opened can be considered. Earlier current values in the first measurement data can be considered. Peaks in the first measurement data can be considered. Outputting can comprise a notification about the degraded part of the sliding door. At least a certain amount of deviation, between measured current values of the electric motor 120 of the first measurement data and current values of the reference data, indicates that the sliding door 110 has degraded because of at least one part of the sliding being worn.

[0076] Further referring to the detection of at least one degraded part of the sliding door 110, the outputting can comprise a calculation about a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110. Said calculating can further comprise calculating an estimated future level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 by comparing the first measurement data, the history of the first measurement, and / or the reference data. Said estimation can be based on identifying the type of the trend being formed based on said data. The maintenance status of the sliding door 110 comprises an estimated future level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110. The estimated future level can comprise a time range where the at least one part of the sliding door 110 must be changed, for example.

[0077] According to an example, said maintaining of the sliding door comprises maintaining the at least one part of the sliding door 110. The at least one part may be changed, replaced, or repaired, for example.

[0078] Figure 5 shows schematically an example about the first measurement data, the second measurement data and the reference data in the same graph. The first measurement data comprises measured current values MCV shown in a dashed line. The second measurement data comprises measured speed values MSV shown in a solid line. The reference data comprises received current values RCV shown in a solid line. The reference data further comprises received speed values RSV of the sliding door, which received speed values RSV herein are identical with the measured speed values MSV.

[0079] Figure 5 further shows an example, wherein the first measurement data appear earlier than the second measurement data. In more detail, received current values RCV appear earlier than received speed values RSV with respect to the time. The first measurement data and the second measurement data are time synchronized with each other. A difference between an appearing of the characteristic values in the first measurement data and an appearing of the characteristic values in the second measurement data is measured during an assembly phase of the sliding door, which difference is called a reference phase difference PD1. In more detail, a difference between an appearing of the received current values RCV and an appearing of the received speed values RSV is measured during an assembly phase of the sliding door, which difference is called a reference phase difference PD1. The reference phase difference PD1 is saved to the reference data. A difference between an appearing of the characteristic values in the first measurement data and an appearing of the characteristic values in the second measurement data is measured during usage of the sliding door, which difference is called a measured phase difference PD2. In more detail, a difference between an appearing of the measured current values MCV and an appearing of the measured speed values MSV is measured during usage of the sliding door, which difference is called a measured phase difference PD2. The measured phase difference PD2 is compared to the reference phase difference PD1. Instead of comparing the measured current values to the measured speed values, the measured current values can be compared to the measured position values, for example. Other characteristic values of the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data may be used.

[0080] As seen in the figure 5, at the beginning in the graph, the measured values are zero, or near the zero. When the sliding door is being opened, the measured values deviate from said zero. Referring to the term 'appearing of the characteristic values’, it is intended to mean that the characteristic values deviate from said zero when the sliding door is being opened or is going to be opened.

[0081] A belt lack can be detected as disclosed above when referring to the figure 5. The belt 116A loosens during usage of the sliding door. If the belt 116A has loosened, the shaft of the electric motor turns before the sliding door starts to move, for example. A trend about an increasing delay, between the appearing of the characteristic values in the first measurement data and the appearing of the characteristic values in the second measurement data, indicates that the sliding door 110 has degraded because of the belt 122 has loosened. The delay may increase by a few milliseconds, which delay indicates that the belt has loosened. The method comprises calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 for the slack of belt 116A by comparing the delay, between the appearing of the characteristic values in the first measurement data and the appearing of the characteristic values in the second measurement data, to a corresponding delay in the reference data. Thus, said calculating the level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 for the slack of the belt 116A is executed by comparing the measured phase difference PD2 to the reference phase difference PD1.

[0082] According to an example, said maintaining of the sliding door comprises maintaining the belt. The belt may be re-adjusted, or replaced, for example. The belt may be adjusted by adjusting the pulleys. The pulley may be also replaced.

[0083] Worn electric wires can be detected as follows. The electric wire herein is a stranded cable. Stranded cable is typically made by twisting together numerous thin strands of copper or aluminum wire. Those thin strands may get broken during usage of the sliding door. A trend about a change in electrical resistance values in the first measurement data indicates that the electric wire has worn. The unit of the electrical resistance value is an ohm, for example. The method comprises calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 for the electrical resistance by comparing the electrical resistance values between the first measurement data and the reference data. Said estimation can be based on identifying the type of the trend being formed based on said data.

[0084] According to an example, said maintaining of the sliding door comprises maintaining the electric wires. Said electric wires may be replaced, for example.

[0085] A worn seal can be detected as follows. When the sliding door is in the closed position, the seal extends against the sliding door. However, the seal may get worn and / or hardened, whereby a location of the sliding door may change when in the closed position. A trend about altered closed position value of the sliding door in the second measurement data indicates that the seal of the sliding door has been worn and / or hardened. The method comprises calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door 110 for the worn / hardened seal of the sliding door 110 by comparing the closed position values of the second measurement data to the closed position values of the reference data. Said estimation can be based on identifying the type of the trend being formed based on said data.

[0086] According to an example, said maintaining of the sliding door comprises maintaining the seal. The seal may be repaired, or replaced, for example.

[0087] The arrangement 100 of the figures comprises an outputting device 240 for outputting the maintenance status. Said maintenance status is shown by a program, for example. The outputting device 240 is in connection with the evaluation system 200. The outputting device can locate near the sliding door 110. When the sliding door is being repaired, the maintenance status and / or instructions for maintaining the sliding door can be easily checked via the outputting device, for example. The outputting device 240 may further show the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data during tests of the sliding door 110. The program may acquire login to be made so that only certain persons can see the data. The outputting device 240 herein may be a screen mounted near the sliding door. The outputting device 240 herein may be a computer such as a separate laptop, for example.

[0088] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door (110) in a vehicle (10), wherein the sliding door (110) is driven by an electric motor (120), and wherein the sliding door (110) comprises at least one door panel (112) that slides to the opened position and to the closed position, a door frame (114) for accommodating the at least one door panel (112), and a door mechanism (116) for guiding the door panel (112) along a predetermined path, the door mechanism (116) further comprising a belt (116A) and pulleys (116B) in connection with the belt (116A), wherein the door panel (112) is connected to the electric motor (120) via the belt (116A), the method comprising actuating the sliding door (110) that is driven by the electric motor (120), measuring at least one characteristic value of the electric motor (120) during said actuation of the sliding door (110) and thereby generating a first measurement data, measuring at least one characteristic value of the sliding door (110) during said actuation of the sliding door (110) and thereby generating a second measurement data, acquiring the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and a reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor (120) and / or the sliding door (110), computing at least one trend or variation in the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data indicating condition degradation of the sliding door (110), calculating a level of the condition degradation of the sliding door (110) by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data, and outputting a maintenance status of the sliding door (110) on the basis of the calculation.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reference data is based on characteristic values of the electric motor (120) and / or the sliding door (110) measured during an assembly phase of the sliding door (110).

3. The method as claimed in 1 or 2, wherein the first measurement data is based on measured current values of the electric motor (120).

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein a trend about increasing current values of the electric motor (120) inthe first measurement data indicates that there is dirt on the sliding door (110), and / or that at least one part of the sliding door (110) has degraded, and wherein calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door (110) for the dirt on the sliding door (110), and / or for the degraded at least one part of the sliding door (110), by comparing the current values of the first measurement data to the reference data.

5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding door (110) is connected to the electric motor (120) via a belt (116A), a trend about an increasing delay, between an appearing of the characteristic values in the first measurement data and an appearing of the characteristic values in the second measurement data, indicates that the sliding door (110) has degraded because of the belt (116A) has loosened, and wherein calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door (110) for the slack of the belt (116A) by comparing the delay, between the appearing of the characteristic values in the first measurement data and the appearing of the characteristic values in the second measurement data, to a corresponding delay in the reference data.

6. The method as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the second measurement data is based on values relating to a position and / or movement of the sliding door (110).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the position of the sliding door (110) is measured by an encoder (220A).

8. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said calculating further comprises calculating an estimated future level of condition degradation of the sliding door (110) by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data, and wherein a maintenance status of the sliding door (110) comprises an estimated future level of condition degradation of the sliding door (110).

9. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises maintaining the sliding door (110) based on the maintenance status.

10. An arrangement (100) for implementing a maintenance status of a sliding door (110) of a vehicle (10), the arrangement (100) comprising a sliding door (110) installed at the vehicle (10), wherein the sliding door (110) comprises at least one door panel (112) that slides to the opened position and to the closed position, a door frame (114) for accommodating the at leastone door panel (112), and a door mechanism (116) for guiding the door panel (112) along a predetermined path, the door mechanism (116) further comprising a belt (116A) and pulleys (116B) in connection with the belt (116A), an electric motor (120) for actuating the sliding door (110), wherein the electric motor (120) is in connection with the sliding door (110), wherein the door panel (112) is connected to the electric motor (120) via the belt (116A), and an evaluation system (200) for evaluating a maintenance status of the sliding door (110), the evaluation system (200) comprising a first measurement device (210) for generating a first measurement data, the first measurement device (210) being coupled with the electric motor (120) and configured to measure at least one characteristic value of the electric motor (120), a second measurement device (220) for generating a second measurement data, the second measurement device (220) being coupled with the electric motor (120) and / or the sliding door (110) and configured to measure at least one characteristic value of the sliding door (110), means (230) for acquiring the first measurement data and the second measurement data, and for acquiring a reference data comprising reference characteristic values of the electric motor (120) and / or the sliding door (110), means (230) for computing at least one trend or variation in the first measurement data and / or the second measurement data indicating condition degradation of the sliding door (110), means (230) for calculating a level of condition degradation of the sliding door (110) by comparing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and / or the reference data, and means (230) for outputting a maintenance status of the sliding door (110) on the basis of the comparison.

11. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said reference data comprises characteristic values of the electric motor (120) and / or the sliding door (110) measured during an assembly phase of the sliding door (110).

12. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the first measurement device (210) comprises a current sensor (210A) configured to measure a current of the electric motor (120).

13. The arrangement (100) as claimed in any of claims 10-12, wherein the second measurement device (220) is configured to measure a position of the sliding door (110).

14. The arrangement (100) as claimed in 13, wherein the second measurement device (220) comprises an encoder (220A) for measuring the position of the sliding door (110).

15. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the second measurement device (220) comprises a proximity sensor (220B) for determining a reference point of the sliding door (110).

16. The arrangement (100) as claimed in any of claims 10-15, wherein the first pulley (116B) of the door mechanism (116) is mounted to the electric motor (120), and wherein the second pulley (116B) of the door mechanism (116) is mounted to the door frame (114) or the door mechanism (116).

17. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein a position of the second pulley (116B) of the door mechanism (116) is movable for allowing the belt tension to be adjusted.

18. The arrangement (100) as claimed in any of claims 10-17, wherein the door mechanism (116) comprises first connecting pieces (116C) for coupling the door panel (112) and the belt (116A), at least one track (116D) for providing a pathway for the door panel (112), and second connecting pieces (116E) for coupling the track (116D) and the door panel (112).

19. The arrangement (100) as claimed in any of claims 10-18, wherein the belt (116A) of the door mechanism (116) is a timing belt.

Images