AU2015217685B2

AU2015217685B2 - Device for unlocking a vehicle door

Info

Publication number: AU2015217685B2
Application number: AU2015217685A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Harald Zakovsek
Original assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
Current assignee: Alstom Transportation Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2014-02-11
Filing date: 2015-02-11
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-11
Also published as: CN105992721A; WO2015121287A1; AU2015217685A1; DE102014202472A1; EP3105099A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a device (1) for unlocking a vehicle door, comprising: - a locking mechanism (2) designed to lock or unlock a door; - a safe driving circuit (3) to which the locking mechanism (2) is coupled and which is designed to address a signal to the locking mechanism (2) when the safe driving circuit is not actuated, said signal causing the locking mechanism (2) to be switched from a locking state into an unlocking state. Also disclosed is a rail vehicle comprising a device of said type.

Description

The invention relates to a device for unlocking a door, in particular an access door to a driver's station in a vehicle, a rail vehicle, comprising such a device and a method for unlocking a door in a vehicle.

An access door to a driver's station in a vehicle, for instance, a rail vehicle of the public transport, is normally closed during operation and possibly locked. This serves, for instance, to protect the driver from attacks or disturbance, or to protect the control equipment in the driver's station from unauthorized use.

It is generally known that the access door is equipped with a locking device which ensures that the access door in a closed state can only be opened from one side. A simple locking device comprises a latch, which keeps the door locked when it engages in a recess in the doorframe. On the side facing the driver's station a rotary knob and/or door handle, for example, can be provided, with which the latch can be retracted and the door can be opened. On the other side ofthe door, for example, a side facing the passenger compartment, a simple puli / push knob can be provided, with which the latch cannot be retracted not withdrawn the latch and the door cannot be opened. It is also known that the access door can be equipped with a locking device, comprising a locking mechanism, which can be actuated from the driver's station, for example, a cylinder lock.

The objective of this prior art is to ensure that the driver's station may not be accessed by passengers or other unauthorized persons. An emergency situation that makes access to the driver's station necessary, e.g. in case of loss of consciousness, acute illness of the driver or in case of an accident, is not taken into consideration. The disadvantage of the aforementioned constructions is that in case of serious illness, loss of consciousness or a different emergency situation, it is not possible to access the driver and the driver's station.

An embodiment ofthe present invention seeks to provide a solution for, or at least ameliorate, this problem.

Alternatively or additionally, an embodiment ofthe present invention seeks to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

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A first aspect of the present invention provides a device for unlocking a door of a rail vehicle, comprising: a locking device, set up for locking or unlocking a door; a deadman's device; and an access door to a driver's station of the rail vehicle, which separates the driver's station from a passenger compartment; wherein the locking device is coupled with the deadman's device, and the deadman's device is set up to transmit in case of nonactuation of the deadman's device a signal to the locking device, which causes the locking device to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state; whereby the access door can be opened from the side of the driver’s station and by switching the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state an opening of the access door from the side of the passenger compartment is enabled.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for unlocking an access door to a driver’s station of a rail vehicle, wherein a device according to according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided, comprising: locking of the access door with the locking device; conduction of a signal to the locking device, when the deadman's device is not actuated; and transferring the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state due to the effect of the signal, so that an opening of the access door from the side of the passenger compartment is made possible.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a locking device for the door, in particular an access door to the driver's station, is connected with a deadman's device. A deadman's device is a mechanism that brings a vehicle to standstill by way of emergency braking if the driver becomes incapacitated while driving. In an embodiment of the present invention, the deadman's device causes the locking device of the door to release. By releasing the locking device, the access door, also referred to as driver's station door, in particular, can be opened from a side, from which it cannot be opened during normal operation. That is usually the side outside of the driver's station. The releasing of the locking device is caused when the deadman's device is not actuated by the driver. The function of the deadman's device can be actuated, for instance, by pressing a button in the traction or brake lever or by means of a foot switch. An embodiment of invention is also applicable to other doors, for example, access doors to a passenger compartment, entry I exit doors, emergency exit doors, etc. During an emergency stop of a train, all doors, for which it is desired, can be unlocked as a result of a non-actuation of the deadman's device.

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Advantages of an embodiment of the invention when used in conjunction with a driver's station door are, in particular:

- The access to a driver's station can be released. Thereby passengers with skills in first aid can initiate immediate life-saving actions for the driver.

- An embodiment of the invention substantially reduces the time till initiation of immediate life-saving actions.

An embodiment of the invention indicates in particular a device for unlocking a door of a vehicle, comprising

- a locking device, set up for locking or unlocking a door,

- a deadman's device, wherein the locking device is coupled or connected with the deadman's device, and the deadman's device is set up to transmit in case of non-actuation of the deadman's device a signal to the locking device, which causes the locking device to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state.

The signal, which is transmitted by the deadman's device to the locking device, is in particular an electrical signal. A connection or coupling means involves, in particular, an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic line.

The term signal encompasses the modification of an already existing variable, for instance, the modification of an existing current or hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.

The signal actuates the locking device and releases the locking device, in other words, an actuation of the locking device such that a door blocked by the locking device can be opened. When releasing the locking device, the locking device is transferred from one state, in which it prevents the opening of a door (locked state) to a state, in which the opening of a door is enabled (unlocked state).

The signal causes as a control signal, for example, a movement of a movable part within the locking device, whereby the locking device is released, in other words, transferred to the unlocked state, or it affects an unlocking of an identified moving part within the locking device so that this part can be moved, as a result of which the locking device is released..

The locking device may comprise a motor, electromagnet and/or the drive, having in particular an electrically operated motor, electromagnet and/or drive. The signal can

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2015217685 31 Jan 2018 actuate a motor, electromagnet and/or drive, which is/are set up for the aforementioned purpose.

The locking device is not limited according to the present invention. For instance, the locking may comprise a lock, an interlocking device, a locking yoke or a combination thereof. The locking device is set up to interact with a door in order to lock or unlock the door. The locking can be mounted completely or partially on a door, especially on a door panel and/or on a door frame.

In one embodiment, the locking device exhibits a lock. The lock, in particular, is a motor lock. A motor and/or electromagnet of a motor lock is controllable with the aid of the mentioned signal. The motor and/or electromagnet effects in particular the operation of a lock bar to unlock the door and/or retract a latch, for example, from a recess provided in a door frame for the latch.

If the locking device has a lock, then the lock is coupled in particular with the deadman's device.

In one variation, the lock comprises an interlocking device. In particular, the lock can be actuated with a mechanical or electronic key. If the lock is a motor lock, this exhibits, for instance, an interlocking device that is adjustable with the aid of a motor and/or electromagnet, preferably an electric motor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the locking device exhibits a door opener. This embodiment can be combined in any order with previously described embodiments, for example, with an embodiment, where the locking device comprises a lock. In particular, the door opener is set up to work together with a latch. The door opener can be actuated by means of the signal transmitted by the deadman's device. In this embodiment, the locking device is coupled to the deadman's device. The door opener may have, for example, a latch release mechanism, preferably an electromagnetic latch release mechanism. With the door closed, a latch interacting with the door opener can engage in a holding fixture or a recess of the door opener. With signalling by the deadman's device, the blocking of a moving part at the edge of the holding fixture for the latch can be cancelled so that the moving part can be pushed back by the latch and the latch can be pulled out of the holding fixture, in another variation, a so-called moving part can be

8749304 2.doc

2015217685 31 Jan 2018 moved back such that the latch can be pulled out of the holding fixture. Examples of door openers are open-current or closed-circuit door openers.

The device can comprise a door as a further component. An embodiment of the invention applies in principle to all doors, for example, to a door to a passenger compartment, an access door to the driver's station, an entry/exit door, an escape door, etc. According to an embodiment of the present invention, it may be envisaged that an unlocking is effected with a time delay, for instance, only when a vehicle has come to a stop. The locking device can, in particular for this purpose, be connected with a trip computer. The trip computer can, depending on a state of motion of the vehicle or another parameter, also actuate the locking device.

Examples of doors are swing doors, sliding doors and sliding plug doors.

In one embodiment, the door is an access door to the driver's station. In another embodiment of the invention, the access door separates the driver's station from a passenger compartment. Releasing the locking device effects an opening of the access door from the side of the passenger compartment. For example, the door can swivel in the direction of the passenger compartment or be pushed open in the direction of the driver's station or be slid to the side.

The locking device may include as a further element or elements a means for actuation by persons, in particular a door lever, a door handle, a recessed grip, a locking cylinder or a combination of one or a plurality of such elements.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the invention relates to a rail vehicle, comprising a previously described device for unlocking a door. Examples of rail vehicles are regional trains, long-distance trains and trams.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the invention relates to a method for unlocking a door of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein a device is provided, comprising

- a locking device, set up for locking and unlocking the door,

- a deadman's device, wherein the locking device is coupled or connected with the deadman's device, wherein the method encompasses

- locking of the door with the locking device,

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- conduction of a signal to the locking device, when the deadman's device is not actuated,

- transferring the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state due to the effect of the signal.

The method can be carried out with all the present characteristics that have been described above and serve every previously mentioned purpose. In particular, the method is suited for use in the previously mentioned rail vehicles. The method may relate to any door in a vehicle, in particular a door to a driver's station or an access/exit door of a rail vehicle.

In the description in this specification reference may be made to subject matter which is not within the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the invention as defined in the presently appended claims.

The invention is described below by way of reference to examples of the embodiments. The figures show:

Fig. 1 a device according to the invention for unlocking the door,

Fig. 2 a driver's station with a driver's station door and

Fig. 3 a partition wall to a driver's station with an access door to the driver's station.

The device 1 in Fig. 1 comprises a locking device 2 and a deadman's device 3. The locking device 2 comprises a motor lock 4 with a latch 5 and a lock bar 6. The lock bar 6 can be actuated by an electric motor (not shown in detail) inside of the lock 4. In addition, the locking device 2 comprises as a further component an electric door opener 7. The lock 4 and the door opener 7 are moved apart graphically in order to show the individual components better. In the real state, there is only a small gap between the lock 4, or its strike place 8, and a lock plate 9, to which the electric door opener 7 is connected or the part of the electric door opener 7. The lock 4 is normally installed in or attached to a door panel, for instance, in the form of a mortise lock or an attachable lock. The electric door opener 7 and the lock plate 9 are installed, e.g., in a doorframe. If the door is closed, the latch 5 engages in an opening 10 of the lock plate 9. The locking device 2 can lock a door, wherein the latch 5 cannot be pulled out of the opening 10 or cannot be forced back into the lock, when an effort is made to pull or push open the door panel. In addition, a door

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2015217685 31 Jan 2018 can be locked with a locking device 2 by sliding the lock bar 6 into the opening 11 of the lock plate 9. For instance, during the normal operation of the vehicle, in other words during normal travel, the locking device 2 can be unlocked as a result of the fact that the lock bar 6 is moved into the lock 4 with the aid of a key and a drive not shown in detail.

Fig. 1 also shows a keyhole 12. In case of a driver's station door, only the driver has, for instance, the key. The latch 5 can only be moved by a door handle or door knob into the housing of the lock 4, in other words drawn out of the opening 10. Preferably such a handle or knob is only present in the case of a driver's station door on the side of the driver's station. On the other side of a door there is only a fixed knob installed, with which the latch 5 cannot be moved. A door handle or knob can be inserted in the holding fixture 14 with the aid of a square bar attached to the handle/knob.

The lock 4 is connected via the signal line 20 with a driver monitoring unit 22, which is part of the deadman's device 3. The door opener 7 is connected by way of the signal line 21 with the driver monitoring unit 22. The driver monitoring unit 22 is in turn connected with a switch 23, which can be actuated by the driver of the vehicle. An electrical contact is made by the switch 23 between the lines 24 and 25 or an electric circuit is closed, which is registered by the driver monitoring unit 22. If the switch 23 is not actuated by the driver after a certain predetermined period of time, this is registered in the driver monitoring unit 22. In such case, a signal is transmitted to the lock 4 and the door opener 7 via the signal lines 20 and 21. The signal transmitted via the line 20 actuates the motor (not shown) located inside of the lock 4, wherein the motor in turn retracts the lock bar 6 from the opening 11 of the lock plate 9. A signal transmitted via the line 21 effects in case of the door opener 7 an unlocking so that the latch 5 can be moved laterally, i.e. in the selected representation, into the plane of the drawing or out of the opening 10 from the plane of the drawing. In case of a known door opener 7, a side edge of the opening 10 is designed as a moving part that in the selected representation it can be moved or pivoted to the right such that the limit of the opening 10 is lifted to one side and the latch can be pulled out of the opening 10.

Fig. 2 shows a rail vehicle 35, for instance, a tram, in the driver's station 25 there is a driver 26 and a control panel 27. The driver's station 25 is separated by a partition wall 28 from a passenger compartment 29. In the passenger compartment 29, chairs 31 are installed for passengers. In the partition wall 28 there is an access door to the driver's

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2015217685 31 Jan 2018 station 25 provided, which can be swivelled in the direction of the passenger compartment 29, unless it is locked by a previously shown locking device 2.

The rail vehicle 35 comprises the access door 32 to the passenger compartment 29, through which the passenger compartment can be entered or left. With the inventive device 1 of Fig. 1, the door 30 and/or the door 32 can be unlocked. An unlocking takes place when the deadman's device 3 is not actuated by the driver 26 in regular intervals, for instance as a result of the driver's inability to act, for instance, due to unconsciousness. The deadman's device brings the vehicle 35 to stop and unlocks via the signal line to the locking device 2 (see Fig. 1) the door 30 (which is in a closed state) and the door 32. With the unlocking of the door 30 passengers or emergency service personnel gain access to the driver 26 in order to initiate emergency measures. Passengers can exit the vehicle through the unlocked door 32 after the vehicle 35 has stopped. An unlocking of the door 32 is preferably subject to the condition that the vehicle 35 has come to a stop. For instance, the on-board computer can be connected via a signal line with the door 32. Only if an unlocking is effected by the device 1 and at the on-board computer, which contains information about the current speed, a signal is transferred to the door 32 directly Oder indirectly, the door 32 is unlocked.

Fig. 3 shows the partition wall 28 and the inset access door 30 to the driver's station. The partition wall 28, adjacent to the door 30, exhibits the inset door opener 7, which is shown in Fig. 1. The signal line 21, which is shown in Fig. 1 and which runs from the deadman's device to the door opener 7, is arranged in the partition wall 28. The lock 4 as shown in Fig. 1 is set in the door 30. The signal line 20 is also set in the door 30 and is further routed through the partition wall 28.

The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’ are to be interpreted in similar manner.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission

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2015217685 31 Jan 2018 that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

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Claims

1. Device for unlocking a door of a rail vehicle, comprising:

- a locking device, set up for locking or unlocking a door;

- a deadman's device; other

- an access door to a driver's station of the rail vehicle, which separates the driver's station from a passenger compartment;

wherein the locking device is coupled with the deadman's device, and the deadman's device is set up to transmit in case of non-actuation of the deadman's device a signal to the locking device, which causes the locking device to switch from a locked state to on unlocked state;

whereby the access door can be opened from the side of the driver’s station and by switching the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state an opening of the access door from the side of the passenger compartment is enabled.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking device comprises a lock.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the lock is a motor lock.

4. The device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lock comprises an interlocking device.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device exhibits a door opener.

6. A rail vehicle comprising a device for unlocking a door of the rail vehicle according to any one of the claims 1-5.

7. Method for unlocking an access door to a driver’s station of a rail vehicle, wherein a device according to any one of claims 1-5 is provided, comprising:

- locking of the access door with the locking device;

- conduction of a signal to the locking device, when the deadman's device is not actuated; other

- Transferring the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state due to the effect of the signal, so that an opening of the access door from the side of the passenger compartment is made possible.

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WHERE 2015/12128?

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PCT / 020t5 / 05283 »e.g.

WO 2015/12128 '

PCT / EP2015 / 052830

2/2