Passenger compartment door with jamming detection

Abstract

The invention relates to a passenger compartment door (1) with jamming detection, comprising at least one door leaf (2) which is mounted slidably between an open and a closed position, wherein, on a main closing edge (5) of the door leaf (2), a first detection element (3) is arranged close to a lower door edge and a second detection element (4) is arranged in such a way that it is closest to the first detection element (3) when the door leaf (2) is in the closed position, the detection elements (3, 4) being designed in such a way that, when the door leaf (2) is in the closed position, a signal indicating the closed position of the door leaf (2) is transmitted to a control device (8).

Description

[0001] 202500830

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection.

[0005] Technical field

[0006] The invention relates to a passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Passenger compartment doors of mass transit vehicles such as rail vehicles are generally designed to allow for high passenger turnover. This requires the greatest possible passage width, which is primarily achieved with double-leaf sliding doors. These sliding doors can be installed externally, within an exterior wall of the vehicle, or as so-called swing-sliding doors. In the latter case, the closing process, after a sliding motion, concludes with a swinging motion towards the plane of the door. It is common practice to move the door leaves of such passenger compartment doors between a closed and an open position, and vice versa, using a power drive.Pneumatic drives, once common in modern transportation systems like subways, have been almost entirely replaced by electric drives due to their numerous safety, design, and operational advantages. Regulations stipulate that the possibility of a person or object being trapped between the main closing edges of the door leaves must be reliably detected. This is typically achieved by monitoring the motor current of the door drive. If a certain current threshold is exceeded, the system detects a blockage of the door leaf, for example, by an object caught between the closing leaves, and the closing process is interrupted. For instance, the EN 14752 standard specifies requirements for the safety characteristics of passenger compartment doors.Since the closing edges of door leaves are usually equipped with an edge made of elastic material, it is often impossible to detect the entrapment of small objects or body parts such as fingers using conventional methods like motor current measurement. To solve this problem, more refined detection methods have been developed that recognize entrapment by the deformation of the elastic edge of a door leaf caused by the trapped object. For example, in such an elastic edge, 202500830...

[0009] 2

[0010] Integrated contact wires are provided which, when an object is trapped, are brought into contact by the deformation of the elastic part, thus closing a detection circuit. Such detection devices function reliably and with sufficient sensitivity, but their use near the lower door edge, i.e., near the passenger compartment floor, is limited. In particular, deformations of the vehicle body under heavy loads can cause the main closing edges of the door leaves to no longer be parallel to each other in the closed position, but instead exhibit a small gap at the bottom, thus rendering trap detection at the bottom ineffective. This problem can also occur with door leaves that have a strongly curved shape, such as those used on vehicles with a similarly curved outer contour.In such cases, the anti-pinch detection system cannot detect objects trapped near the floor, so a safety risk may go undetected.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection for a means of transport, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular gives a warning in the event of an object being pinched near the floor.

[0013] The problem is solved by a passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection having the features of claim 1 and a means of transport according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0014] According to the basic concept of the invention, a passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection is described, comprising at least one door leaf slidably mounted between an open and a closed position, wherein a first detection element is arranged on a main closing edge of the door leaf near a lower door edge, and a second detection element is arranged such that it is closest to the first detection element when the door leaf is in the closed position, wherein the detection elements are configured such that when the door leaf is in the closed position, a signal indicating the closed position of the door leaf is transmitted to a control device.

[0015] 3

[0016] This offers the advantage of being able to immediately detect if an object or body part is trapped in a passenger compartment door, and in particular, small objects or body parts located near the floor can also be detected. This is especially advantageous when conventional trap detection would fail due to certain characteristics, such as the stability of the passenger compartment door or the door guide, or the specific application on a vehicle.

[0017] According to the invention, a passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection is equipped with at least one door leaf that is slidably mounted between two end positions. A first detection element is arranged on the main closing edge of the door leaf. In the closed position of the door leaf, this main closing edge rests against a suitable counterpart, a door frame. A second detection element is arranged on this door frame so that it can interact with the first detection element. For this purpose, the two detection elements are preferably arranged at the same height so that they have the smallest possible distance between them when the door leaf is closed. The detection elements are configured such that at least one of the detection elements is able to send a signal to a control device when a certain distance between them is reached.This gap is reached when an object with the smallest intended dimensions is trapped between the main closing edge and the frame. This gap should preferably be as small as possible; however, in practical applications, due to unavoidable tolerances, the detection of the smallest objects is not possible, as this would increase the risk of false detections, potentially leading to unacceptable disruption of operations. Typically, the jam detection can be optimized for detecting objects in the 10 mm range.

[0018] The recognition elements, according to their design, must be connected to a control unit via appropriate electrical lines within the door leaf or frame, so that electrical signals can be transmitted between the control unit and the recognition elements.

[0019] The control unit uses the signals exchanged with the detection elements to determine whether the door leaf is in its closed position, i.e., whether the two detection elements are in their closest possible position to each other, or within a distance range that is defined as the closed position of the door leaf. 202500830

[0020] 4

[0021] The control unit can be designed as a standalone module with an electrical data interface to a door control system, or it can be integrated as a module within a door control system. The latter design is particularly advantageous with regard to minimizing its footprint.

[0022] The detection elements can be constructed in different ways and with different modes of operation. In one advantageous embodiment, one of the detection elements is a permanent magnet and the other a reed switch. In certain applications, it can be advantageous to use an electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet, as this reduces the amount of foreign matter (ferromagnetic dust or abrasion) attracted by the magnet. It is particularly advantageous to position the permanent magnet on the door leaf of a single-leaf door, as this reduces the number of electrical wires required within the door leaf. A reed switch closes under the influence of a magnetic field as soon as a certain magnetic field strength is exceeded.The closing of the reed contact is transmitted to the control unit, enabling it to recognize the closing of the door leaf and forward it to a higher-level device.

[0023] This simple detection principle allows for simple and cost-effective detection devices; however, there is a possibility that a ferromagnetic object trapped in the area of ​​the permanent magnet will conduct the magnetic field to the reed contact, causing the entrapment detection to fail.

[0024] For more demanding applications of pinch detection, it is advantageous to use an electromagnet driven at a specific frequency as the first detection element and a receiving coil as the second detection element. In this way, the electromagnet and the receiving coil form a magnetic circuit with an air gap. When an object is trapped in this air gap—that is, between a main closing edge and a corresponding counterpart (e.g., a frame)—the air gap is enlarged to such an extent that only a small voltage is induced in the receiving coil. The level of the voltage induced in the receiving coil is used as a measure of the distance of the door leaf from its closed position, with the highest voltage being induced when the door leaf is fully closed.

[0025] It is particularly advantageous that, in this embodiment, the response threshold of the pinch detection can also be adjusted in already installed passenger compartment doors, which can only be done with considerable effort when using reed contacts. 202500830

[0026] 5

[0027] It is particularly advantageous to construct the detection elements as a split magnetic circuit, each consisting of a sub-circuit with an E-shaped cross-section, whereby the open legs of these sub-circuits are aligned with each other in the installation position of the detection elements. This arrangement is similar to that commonly used in small transformers, except that there is an air gap in all three legs. If the passenger compartment door is closed and no object is trapped between the main closing edges, the maximum possible magnetic energy in this configuration is transferred from the electromagnet to the receiving coil, and the voltage induced in the receiving coil reaches its maximum.

[0028] If, however, an object is trapped, the voltage induced in the receiving coil is reduced. The value of the induced voltage depends on the distance between the detection elements, and thus also on the size of the trapped object. The sensitivity of the trap detection can therefore be preset, for which the detection response threshold can be adjusted in the processing of the voltage induced in the receiving coil. This can be done either in the control unit itself or in an upstream signal processing unit associated with the detection element.

[0029] Another particularly advantageous embodiment of a detection element involves using so-called pot cores instead of E-shaped magnetic circuits. These cores comprise a magnetically conductive pot, typically manufactured by sintering, which has a cylindrical interior containing a cylindrical central section that is integrally formed with the pot. A coil is arranged around this central section. The use of a pot core as the magnetic circuit results in a low stray field, since the shape of the pot core causes the magnetic field to be radiated essentially only axially, thus minimizing the stray field. Both the receiving coil and the transmitting coil (coil of the electromagnet) must be equipped with a pot core and, in their installed position, aligned so that the longitudinal axes of the pot cores are aligned with each other.By reducing the stray field, malfunctions can be prevented, as ferromagnetic objects located near the detection elements cannot have a detrimental effect.

[0030] Since passenger transport vehicles are very often equipped with double doors, it is recommended to equip the passenger compartment door according to the invention with anti-pinch detection with two door leaves. Two door leaves are to be provided, with the first detection element being arranged in a first door leaf and the second detection element in a second door leaf. It is particularly advantageous to arrange the detection elements 202500830

[0031] 6

[0032] The detection elements are to be installed close to the floor in the door leaves, with the detection elements positioned on the door leaves so that, when the passenger compartment door is located on a vehicle, they are between 0 and 40 mm above the passenger compartment floor. This ensures that reliable detection of trapped objects is possible at this critical position, which is often not covered by conventional anti-pinch detection systems.

[0033] The invention also includes a means of transport, in particular a rail vehicle, which detects at least one passenger compartment door according to the invention with anti-pinch detection.

[0034] Brief description of the drawings

[0035] They show, for example:

[0036] Fig. 1 Single-leaf passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection.

[0037] Fig. 2 Double-leaf passenger compartment door with anti-pinch protection.

[0038] Fig. 3 Inductively coupled detection elements.

[0039] Fig. 4 Inductively coupled detection element in pot core design.

[0040] Implementation of the invention

[0041] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a single-leaf passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection. A passenger compartment door 1 is shown in its installed position on a means of transport, wherein the passenger compartment door 1 is a single-leaf door leaf 2 that is slidably mounted on a door guide 7. A door drive 9 is provided for moving the door leaf 2, by means of which the door leaf 2 can be moved between its two end positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the passenger compartment door 1 is shown mounted on a means of transport, such that a frame 6 is shown, which forms the counterpart to the main closing edge 5 of the door leaf 2. The main closing edge 5 of the door leaf 2 rests against this frame 6 in the closed position. If an object or body part is trapped between the frame 6 and the main closing edge 5 of the door leaf 2, this is to be detected by the anti-pinch detection system.For this purpose, a first recognition element 3 is located on the door leaf 2 near the passenger compartment floor 13 at the main closing edge 5202500830.

[0042] 7

[0043] A second detection element 4 is arranged on the frame 6 near the passenger compartment floor 13, so that the detection elements 3 and 4 are in close proximity when the door leaf 2 is in the closed position. A control unit 8 is electrically connected to each of the detection elements 3 and 4, allowing electrical signals to be transmitted between the control unit 8 and the detection elements 3 and 4. The function of the detection elements 3 and 4 can be based on the induction principle shown in Fig. 3. However, if a permanent magnet is used as the first detection element 3 and a reed contact as the second detection element 4, the electrical connection to the first detection element 3 is naturally unnecessary. The control unit 8 determines the status of the door leaf 2 from the electrical signals transmitted between it and the detection elements 3 and 4.The control unit 8 can detect whether door leaf 2 has reached its closed position or, if an object is trapped, whether it has not. This status can be reported by the control unit 8 to a door control system, which typically then interrupts the closing process and reopens the door. If necessary, a warning signal is also emitted or a signal is sent to a higher-level vehicle control system, thus preventing the vehicle from traveling with the door not fully closed.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a double-leaf passenger compartment door with anti-pinch detection. It depicts a passenger compartment door 1 in a configuration most commonly used in vehicles such as subways. Two opposing sliding door leaves 2, 10 are mounted on a door guide 7 and can be moved with power assistance by means of a door drive 9. Thus, in the closed position of the door leaves 2, 10, as shown in Fig. 2, the main closing edges 5 of the door leaves 2, 10 face each other. A first detection element 3 is arranged in the first door leaf 2 and a second detection element 4 is arranged in the second door leaf 10 near the passenger compartment floor 13 at their respective main closing edges 5. The detection elements 3, 4 are electrically connected to the control unit 8, the function of which is the same as that shown in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary and schematic representation of inductively coupled detection elements. A pinch detection system with a first 3 and a second 4 detection element is depicted. Both detection elements 3 and 4 are arranged in their respective door leaves near the main closing edge 5. In the illustrated embodiment, an object 15 is pinched between the main closing edges 5. Both detection elements 3 and 4 comprise an E-shaped magnetic circuit, preferably made of laminated soft iron, with the open legs facing each other in the installed position. Due to the pinched object, 202500830

[0046] 8

[0047] The main closing edges 15 are spaced far enough apart to trigger the pinch detection. The first detection element 3 is equipped with a coil on the middle leg of its magnetic circuit and thus acts as an electromagnet 11. The coil is energized by the control unit 8 with an alternating voltage, causing magnetic field lines to emerge from the open legs of the magnetic circuit. It is advantageous to use a higher-frequency alternating voltage to improve the magnetic coupling to the second detection element 4. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit must be constructed from particularly thin and low-loss magnetic sheets. The second detection element 4 serves to absorb the magnetic energy emanating from the first detection element 3.As the two detection elements 3 and 4 approach each other, the magnetic field lines emanating from the magnetic circuit of the first detection element 3 are picked up by the magnetic circuit of the second detection element 4 and guided through the receiving coil 12 of the second detection element 4, thus inducing an alternating voltage in this receiving coil 12. The amplitude of this alternating voltage depends on the distance between the first 3 and the second 4 detection element, reaching a maximum when the main closing edges are at their closest possible distance. This induced voltage is fed to a signal acquisition unit 14, which determines the amplitude or a value derived from the amplitude, for example, the RMS value, and compares it to a reference value. If the value determined from the voltage amplitude is lower than the reference value, the entrapment of an object is detected, i.e., the entrapment detection has been triggered.The signal acquisition function 14 can be implemented in a separate unit or integrated into the control unit 8. The control unit 8 can also be part of a door control system.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary and schematic inductively coupled detection element in a pot core configuration. It depicts an oblique view of the detection element and a section through it. Such a detection element can function as both a transmitter and a receiver and comprises a pot core 16 and a pot core coil 17. The pot core consists of a cylindrical outer part 18 with a base on one side and a cylindrical central part 19 projecting from this base. A pot core coil 17 is wound around this central part 19. For simplified manufacturing, the pot core coil 17 is generally wound around a plastic coil former and applied to the central part 19 as a prefabricated assembly.It is recommended to encapsulate the entire assembly with a casting resin or similar materials to protect it from expected environmental conditions such as strong temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and moisture. 202500830.

[0049] Reference symbol list

[0050] 1 passenger compartment door

[0051] 2 door leaves

[0052] 3 First recognition element

[0053] 4 Second recognition element

[0054] 5 Main closing edge

[0055] 6 frame

[0056] 7 Door guide

[0057] 8 Control unit

[0058] 9 Door drive

[0059] 10 Second door leaf

[0060] 11 Electromagnet

[0061] 12 Receiving coil

[0062] 13 Passenger compartment floor

[0063] 14 Signal Acquisition

[0064] 15 Item

[0065] 16 pot core

[0066] 17 Pot core coil

[0067] 18 Cylindrical outer part

[0068] 19 Cylindrical middle section

Claims

202500830 10 Patent claims 1. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection, comprising at least one door leaf (2) which is slidably mounted between an open and a closed position, characterized by the fact that a first detection element (3) is arranged near a lower door edge on a main closing edge (5) of the door leaf (2) and a second detection element (4) is arranged such that it is closest to the first detection element (3) when the door leaf (2) is in the closed position, wherein the detection elements (3, 4) are arranged such that when the door leaf (2) is in the closed position, a signal indicating the closed position of the door leaf (2) is transmitted to a control device (8).

2. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the first detection element (3) is a permanent magnet and the second detection element (4) is a reed contact.

3. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the first detection element (3) is an electromagnet (11) charged with a specific frequency and the second detection element (4) is a receiving coil (12).

4. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the electromagnet (11) and the receiving coil (12) are E-shaped, with the open legs of the electromagnet (11) being aligned in the direction of the open legs of the receiving coil (12).

5. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the first detection element (3) and / or the second detection element (4) is designed as a pot core (16), wherein the pot core (16) has a cylindrical interior in which a cylindrical central part (19) is located and wherein a202500830 11 coil (17) is wound around the middle part (19).

6. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Two door leaves are provided, wherein the first detection element (3) is arranged in a first door leaf and the second detection element (4) is arranged in a second door leaf.

7. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control device (8) is equipped to exchange electrical signals with at least one of the detection elements (3, 4) and which emits a signal when the detection elements (3, 4) assume their closest possible position to each other.

8. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit (8) is designed as a component of a door control system 9. Passenger compartment door (1) with anti-pinch detection according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the recognition elements (3, 4) are arranged on the at least one door leaf such that, when the passenger compartment door (1) is arranged on a means of transport, they are located between 0 and 40 mm above a passenger compartment floor.

10. Means of transport, in particular rail vehicle, comprising at least one passenger compartment door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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