EP3577001B1 - Gap bridging device for a rail vehicle - Google Patents

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a gap bridging device for a rail vehicle for bridging the gap between a passenger compartment floor and a platform.

State of the art

Gap bridging is used in modern rail vehicles to enable passengers to get on and off easily and, in particular, to minimize the risk of the gap between the passenger compartment floor and the platform. In typical subway lines, this gap has a width of approx. 100mm, but can also be up to 300mm in the case of platforms on a curved track. This variance in the gap dimensions represents a particular source of danger, since the passengers would have to be aware of the current platform gap each time they boarded or alighted, which is often not possible with a large number of passengers. To bridge this platform gap, gap bridges can be used, which usually include a slidably mounted plate, which can be pushed out of the vehicle with the assistance of a force. For larger gap widths, this plate and its bearing must be made very solid, so that the space required increases and such gap bridging can only be provided in a very complicated manner and with impairment of the car body in the door area. With so-called folding/sliding steps This problem can be partially solved, as in such a pivoted lever supports the plate from below and thus significantly reduces the forces on the bearing of the plate. Such folding/sliding steps therefore require less installation space and can be used in the boarding area of a passenger rail vehicle without changes to the car body structure, with the conventional floor structure being simply removed at the installation position of this gap bridging and replaced by the gap bridging. Such a gap bridging is for example from the document JP 2006 298068 A known. The kinematics of this

However, gap bridging in the form of a folding/sliding step means that when the plate is far extended, it lowers at its edge on the platform side and thus creates a step to the platform. In addition, a far extended plate has a steep incline towards the inside of the car. These properties make gap bridging in the form of a folding/sliding step unsuitable for larger platform gaps.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a gap bridging device in the form of a folding/sliding step, which is suitable for larger platform gaps and in which, in particular, the height difference between a platform and the platform-side edge of the tread plate is minimized with large extension widths.

The object is achieved by bridging the gap with the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations are the subject of subordinate claims.

According to the basic idea of the invention, a gap bridging device for a rail vehicle is described for bridging the gap between a passenger compartment floor and a platform, which has a footplate that can be slid horizontally by means of a power drive between a retracted position and an extended position as well as any number of intermediate positions and a footplate connected to the footplate by means of pivot arm articulated to a joint, wherein the pivot arm is equipped at its end remote from the joint with a vertically displaceable pivot joint, and wherein the displacement of the vertically displaceable pivot joint is effected by the action of the power drive.

As a result, the advantage can be achieved of being able to set up a gap bridging in the form of a folding/sliding step, which is suitable for large extension distances, since the sinking of the platform-side edge, as with conventional gap bridging, is avoided. In particular, it is advantageous that a gap bridging can be easily adapted depending on the given operating conditions and existing platform heights.

According to the invention, a gap bridging is constructed which, compared to gap bridging in the manner of the folding/sliding step, has the property that the swivel joint, on which the swivel lever is rotatably mounted on the car body, is pushed upwards depending on the extension distance of the step plate. This prevents the platform-side edge of the step plate from sinking when extended far.

It is essential that the vertical displacement of the swivel joint is effected by the power drive provided for extending the treadle, so that no further drive is required.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the power drive acts on the vertically displaceable swivel joint via a traction mechanism (for example a cable or a chain). In this case, for example, a transmission with a cable drum can be provided on the drive. A mechanically less complex embodiment uses the extension movement of the treadle, which is deflected by means of a lever, as a drive for a traction mechanism. In this way, a complex and error-prone cable winding can be avoided.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a conventional folding/sliding step is expanded by a further kinematic element, a rotary lever. The rotary lever is connected at one of its ends to the car body of the rail vehicle so that it can pivot about a horizontal axis, and at its other end it is connected to a point on the pivot arm of the gap bridging device so that it can pivot. The swivel joint, which allows the swivel arm to rotate about a horizontal axis in conventional folding/sliding steps, is expanded to include vertical mobility in a gap bridging device according to the invention. The kinematic movement sequence is changed in such a way that the point on the swivel arm at which the rotary lever attaches executes a circular movement, with the vertically displaceable swivel joint being displaced upwards (in the direction of the treadle) at the same time. This vertical displacement of the swivel joint is a change in the Elevation of the edge of the tread plate on the platform side is achieved, as a result of which a sinking of this edge can be prevented even with large extension distances.

The determination of the required dimensions of the assemblies for bridging the gap and the required sliding distance of the swivel joint are to be determined depending on the infrastructure conditions using the methods customary for level gears.

A particular advantage of bridging the gap according to the invention is that the entire sequence of movements when a treadle is extended or retracted and the associated pivoting movement of the pivoting arm takes place only by means of a power drive, with the pivoting arm or the vertically displaceable pivoting joint itself not requiring a drive, since it is brought into the required position by extending and retracting the treadle.

However, the vertical displacement of the swivel joint when the step plate is in the extended position must be blocked, i.e. its vertical freedom of movement must be restricted, otherwise the step plate would sink if subjected to a vertical load.

It is advantageous to provide a form-fitting detent for this purpose.

Two alternative embodiments are described for blocking. According to a first embodiment not according to the invention, blocking is provided by means of a power-assisted operable bolt whose movement is controlled by a control device in coordination with the movement sequence of all components of a vehicle entrance (door drive, door leaf and gap bridging).

In this case, electromagnetic actuation of the bolt is advantageous since such an operation has advantages in terms of simple controllability and the small space requirement. In certain vehicle types, however, pneumatic actuation of the bolt can also be advantageous, particularly in applications in which pneumatic door and gap bridging actuation is provided.

The second embodiment of the blocking according to the invention provides for this to be carried out with the force applied by the power drive. This requires a further movement of the drive, via which, after the footplate has been fully extended, the vertically displaceable swivel joint is blocked, and at the start of the retraction process of the footplate, this blockage is first released. According to the invention, the power drive is allowed to act on the treadle by means of a push and pull rod. However, there is no fixed connection between the treadle and the push and pull rod, but rather a resilient element is interposed. In this way, after the stepping plate has been fully extended, which rests against the platform, the push and pull rod can be moved further by a specific path section, this movement being transmitted to the blocking device of the displaceable swivel joint and performing the blocking.

The blocking is also canceled by this further path section, since the push and pull rod must cover this first before the movement of the footplate starts and this movement causes the blocking to be released. The blocking or release force is transmitted via a locking lever, which is advantageously articulated to the pivoting lever. The locking lever is connected to the push and pull rod at one of its ends and to the locking device of the pivot joint at its other end.

In a further development of the invention, it is advisable to equip the gap bridging device with a device to prevent the ingress of dirt (wiper). A cover plate is to be provided above the step plate in the area of the passenger compartment floor, this cover plate being provided with a scraper on its platform-side edge. This cover plate has essentially the same height level as the vehicle floor surrounding it, so that no level differences caused by bridging the gap, in particular no steps, are required inside the car. On the platform-side edge of this cover plate, a wiper is to be arranged, which closes the passenger compartment-side gap between the cover plate and the tread plate or significantly reduces it when the step plate is retracted, so that foreign bodies do not penetrate, or only up to a certain size, into the space under the cover plate can.

It is particularly advantageous if the scraper touches the tread plate and the contact force is at least increased by an elastic element.

For example, rubber lips, brushes or metal strips with friction-reducing pads can be used as wipers.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig.1 Spaltüberbrückung eingefahren.
• Fig.2 Spaltüberbrückung ausgefahren.
• Fig.3 Spaltüberbrückung ausgefahren, hohe Bahnsteigkante.
• Fig.4 Spaltüberbrückung ausgefahren, niedrige Bahnsteigkante.
• Fig.5 Spaltüberbrückung Grundriß.
• Fig.6 Spaltüberbrückung ausgefahren, Zugmittelantrieb.
• Fig.7 Spaltüberbrückung Grundriß, Zugmittelantrieb.
• Fig.8 Nicht erfindungsgemäße Spaltüberbrückung eingefahren, elektrische Rastung.
• Fig.9 Nicht erfindungsgemäße Spaltüberbrückung halb ausgefahren, elektrische Rastung.
• Fig.10 Nicht erfindungsgemäße Spaltüberbrückung voll ausgefahren, elektrische Rastung.
• Fig.11 Spaltüberbrückung eingefahren, mechanische Rastung.
• Fig.12 Spaltüberbrückung halb ausgefahren, mechanische Rastung.
• Fig.13 Spaltüberbrückung, ausgefahren, mechanische Rastung.
• Fig.14 Spaltüberbrückung, mechanische Rastung, verriegelt.

Examples show:

• Fig.1 Gap bridging retracted.
• Fig.2 Gap bridging extended.
• Fig.3 Gap bridging extended, high platform edge.
• Fig.4 Gap bridging extended, low platform edge.
• Fig.5 Gap bridging floor plan.
• Fig.6 Gap bridging extended, traction drive.
• Fig.7 Gap bridging plan, traction drive.
• Fig.8 Not inventive gap bridging retracted, electrical detent.
• Fig.9 Not inventive gap bridging half extended, electrical detent.
• Fig.10 Non-inventive gap bridging fully extended, electrical detent.
• Fig.11 Gap bridging retracted, mechanical detent.
• Fig.12 Gap bridging half extended, mechanical detent.
• Fig.13 Gap bridging, extended, mechanical detent.
• Fig.14 Gap bridging, mechanical detent, locked.

implementation of the invention

Fig.1 shows a schematic example of a gap bridging in the retracted position.

A cross section through a passenger rail vehicle in the area of an exit is shown, a gap bridging 1 being provided. The passenger rail vehicle is shown in the form of its car body 12 comprising a longitudinal beam and a floor structure made of a floor panel 13 and a cover panel 2 . Between the vehicle and a platform 3 there is a gap 4 which is to be bridged by the gap bridging device 1 . This comprises a stepping plate 6 which is mounted horizontally slidable at its end on the car body side by means of a sliding bearing 8 . The treadle 6 is supported from below by a swivel arm 5, which is pivotally mounted about a displaceable swivel joint 7. At the end remote from the displaceable swivel joint 7 , the swivel arm 5 is connected to the step plate 6 via a joint 10 ; this joint 10 is stationarily arranged on the step plate 6 . A restoring force is applied to swivel arm 5, which attempts to pull it back into its rest position 1 by way of example, a retraction device 11 comprising a spring is shown. A rotary lever 9 extends between a rotary lever joint 20 arranged in a stationary manner on the swivel arm 5 and a rotary axis 19 arranged on the car body 12. The mobility of the rotary lever joint 20 is thus restricted to a segment of a circle, which means that when the treadle 6 is extended and the swivel arm 5 is thus swiveled, a vertical displacement of the sliding pivot joint 7 sets. 1 shows the retracted state of the gap bridging 1 as it is used in particular while driving. A power drive acting on the treadle 6 is not shown to simplify the illustration.

Fig.2 shows a schematic example of a gap bridging in the extended position. Gap bridging 1 is off Fig.1 shown, wherein the treadle 6 is pushed into its furthest extended position and the gap 4 is thus bridged. In this extended position, in addition to the vertical displacement 22 of the displaceable swivel joint 7, the movement of the rotary lever joint 20 along a path of a segment of a circle can also be seen. That in the Figures 1 and 2 The principle shown still requires a blocking of the vertical displaceability of the displaceable swivel joint 20 around the treadle to use as intended. Such blocking is in the Fig.1 and 2 not shown to simplify the illustration.

Fig.3 shows an example and a schematic of an extended gap bridging at a high platform edge. It is a gap bridging 1 after the in the Figures 1 and 2 shown principle shown, but the platform 3 has a higher level. In order to be able to extend the footplate 6 without a level difference to the platform 3 even at higher platforms, the length of the rotary lever 9 relative to the rotary lever 9 is from the Figures 1 and 2 shortened. The kinematics of the gap bridging 1 changed in this way raises the platform-side end of the treadle 6 to the level of the platform 3 at the end of its extension process.

Fig.4 shows an example and a schematic of an extended gap bridging at a low platform edge. It is a gap bridging 1 after the in the Figures 1 and 2 shown principle shown, but the platform 3 has a lower level. In order to be able to extend the footplate 6 without a level difference to the platform 3 even at lower platforms, the length of the rotary lever 9 relative to the rotary lever 9 is from the Figures 1 and 2 extended.

The kinematics of the gap bridging 1 changed in this way lowers the platform-side end of the treadle 6 to the level of the platform 3 at the end of its extension process.

Fig.5 shows an example and schematic of a gap bridging in a floor plan. It is a view from above of a gap bridging device 1 in its installation situation in a car body 12. Sections of the car body 12 through two door pillars and parts of the outer wall are in this view visible. The stepping plate 6 is in a partially extended position, its surface is divided into areas with anti-slip surface or covering 18 and sliding surfaces 17, with the sliding surfaces 17 taking up a significantly smaller proportion of the entire surface. The sliding surfaces 17 are advantageously arranged lower than the surfaces 18 with an anti-slip covering, so that they cannot be stepped on directly. A stripper 15 is hinged to an edge of the cover plate 2 on the platform side.

Fig.6 shows an example and a schematic of a gap bridging in the extended position with a traction drive. It is a gap bridging 1, similar to those in the Figures 1 to 4 shown gap bridging shown, but the movement of the movable pivot joint 14 is synchronous to the movement of the footplate 6 by means of a traction mechanism. The gap bridging 1 comprises a power drive 21 acting on the stepping plate 6 , the driving force of which also acts on a traction means 26 which is connected to the displaceable swivel joint 7 . The traction means 26 is guided by means of a deflection device 27, for example a sliding surface or a deflection roller, so that when the tensile force is deflected by 90 degrees, there are as few friction losses as possible. The power drive 21 is equipped with a suitable gear, which drives the traction mechanism 26 at the speed at which the extended end position of the treadle 6 is effected simultaneously with the maximum displacement of the displaceable swivel joint 7 . In this embodiment, the traction means 26 can be designed as a cable, belt or chain. The translation of Transmission determines the relation of the extension path of the treadle 6 to the displacement of the movable swivel joint 7, so that an adjustment to the specific level of the platform 3 is possible.

Fig.7 shows an example and a schematic of a gap bridging in the extended position with a traction drive in a plan view. A gap bridging device 1 with a mechanically driven, displaceable swivel joint 7 is shown in a view from above, with a transmission for driving a traction mechanism 26 being shown. The transmission is designed as a lever mechanism with a lever 28 which is mounted pivotably about a pivot point 29 about a vertical axis. The lever mechanism is arranged below the treadle 6 . The lever 28 has two arms, with the power drive 21 acting on one of the arms and the traction mechanism 26 being attached to the other arm. The two arms of the lever 28 are of different lengths in the exemplary embodiment shown, creating a suitable transmission for moving the displaceable swivel joint 7 and thus determining the ratio of the extension width of the treadle to the displacement of the displaceable swivel joint 7 .

Fig.8 shows an example and schematic of a gap bridging with an electrical latch in the retracted position. It is a gap bridging 1, similar to the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 shown, with an electrically releasable detent to prevent the lowering of the treadle 6 is provided under load.

For this purpose, a displaceable swivel joint with a detent in the form of teeth 30 is arranged at one end of the swivel arm 5, which is designed for positive detent with an electromagnetically movable bolt 25. The electromagnetically movable bolt 25 is connected to the car body 12 and is controlled electrically by a control device 23, so that the positive locking can be produced and released via an electrical signal. In addition to the electromagnetically movable bolt 25, the control device 23 also controls the power drive 21 and thus the movement sequence of the entire gap bridging device 1.

Control signals 24 to a higher-level door or car control trigger the movement of gap bridging 1 and the current status of gap bridging 1 and error messages can be transmitted to the higher-level door or car control.

Fig.9 shows an example and schematic of a gap bridging with an electrical latch in the half-extended position. Gap bridging 1 is off 8 shown during the movement, the footplate 6 has not yet reached its extended end position. The electromagnetic detent is not yet established, the electromagnetically movable bolt 25 does not yet engage in the displaceable swivel joint with teeth 30 .

Fig.10 shows an example and schematic of a gap bridging with an electrical latch in the fully extended position. It is the gap bridging 1 from the 8 and 9 shown, with the treadle 6 having reached its extended end position and on the platform 3 applied. The electromagnetically movable bolt 25 engages in the toothing of the displaceable swivel joint 30 .

Fig.11 shows an example and schematic of gap bridging with a mechanical latch in the retracted position. It is a gap bridging 1, similar to that in the Figures 1 to 4 illustrated basic embodiment shown, but a concrete solution for the blocking of the displaceable swivel joint 14 is specified. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this locking and unlocking of the displaceable swivel joint 14 is carried out exclusively by the power drive 21 provided for the movement of the treadle 6.

No further drives, electromagnets, or the like are required. The basic structure of the gap bridging device 1 comprises a slidably mounted footplate 6, a swivel arm 5, which is connected to the car body 12 of a rail vehicle via a vertically displaceable swivel joint 14, and a rotary lever 9. The power drive 21 does not transmit its driving force directly to the footplate 6 , but to a push and pull rod 31. A pressure plate 36 is arranged on this push and pull rod 31, via which the actuating force is transmitted to a spring 35, the spring 35 forwarding this actuating force to the treadle 6.

In this way, the stepping plate is elastically decoupled from the drive. It is essential that the elastic properties of the spring 35 are dimensioned in such a way that the spring 35 is not, or only minimally, compressed during an extension movement of the footplate 6 . This ensures that the push and pull rod 31 can still be moved a certain distance after the footplate 6 has reached its extended end position and is in contact with the platform 3 . This additional actuation path, over those the stepping plate 6 addition, is used according to the invention for locking the sliding swivel joint 14.

For this purpose, at the end of the push and pull rod 31, this is connected to a locking lever 33, which is rotatably mounted at a locking lever pivot point 34 on the swivel arm 5, and which at its other end extends to the movable swivel joint 14 and at this the locking and triggers the unlocking process. The components mentioned are in the in 11 shown retracted position of the treadle 6 very difficult to see in the 14 however, clearly recognizable.

A toothed rack 32 is provided on the car body side, in which a suitable detent in the displaceable swivel joint 14 can engage.

Fig.12 shows an example and schematic of gap bridging with a mechanical latch in the half-extended position. It's gap bridging off Fig.11 shown, wherein the treadle 6 has not yet reached its extended end position. The spring 35 is not compressed due to the small force required to move the treadle 6 .

Fig.13 shows an example and schematic of a gap bridging with a mechanical latch in the fully extended position. It's gap bridging off Fig.11 shown, the treadle 6 has still reached its extended end position. The stepping plate is in contact with the platform 3 and can therefore not be extended any further, as is also the case when the maximum extension distance which the sliding bearing 8 permits is reached.

The sliding pivot joint 14 has reached its intended upward displacement 22, but has not yet locked so that the treadle 6 can not be entered.

Fig.14 shows an example and schematic of gap bridging with a mechanical detent in the fully extended and locked position. It's gap bridging off 11 shown, wherein the push and pull rod 31 was further moved by the power drive 21 a certain further path segment and thus the spring 35 is compressed via the pressure plate 36 . This further actuation path is transferred to the locking lever 33, which is thereby deflected at its other end in such a way that it engages in the detent in the form of a toothed rack 32 and blocks the displaceable swivel joint 14 in its vertical displaceability. The treadle 6 can be loaded in this locked position. For unlocking, the power drive 21 acts in the opposite direction of force on the push and pull rod 31, with the unlocking process taking place first until the spring 35 is relaxed and only then does the force required to retract the step plate 6 act on the step plate 6 via the pressure plate 36.

List of designations

1

gap bridging

2

cover plate

3

platform

4

gap

5

swivel arm

6

kick plate

7

Slidable swivel joint

8th

sliding storage

9

rotary lever

10

joint

11

retraction device

12

car body

13

floor panel

14

Movable swivel joint with detent

15

scraper

16

joint

17

sliding surface

18

Non-slip surface

19

axis of rotation

20

rotary lever joint

21

power drive

22

vertical displacement

23

control device

24

control signals

25

Electromagnetically movable bolt

26

traction means

27

deflection device

28

lever

29

pivot point

30

Movable swivel joint with teeth

31

push and pull rod

32

rack

33

release lever

34

Release Lever Pivot

35

Feather

36

printing plate

Claims (6)

1. Gap bridging (1) in the form of a folding/sliding step for a rail vehicle for bridging the gap (4) between a passenger compartment floor and a platform (3), comprising a step plate (6), which is mounted such that it can be shifted horizontally by means of a force drive (21) between a retracted position and an extended position, as well as any number of intermediate positions, and a pivot arm (5), which is connected to the step plate (6) in an articulated manner by means of a joint (10), wherein the pivot arm (5) is equipped with a pivot joint (7, 14), which can be shifted vertically, at its end facing away from the joint (10), wherein the shifting of the pivot joint (7, 14) that can be shifted vertically takes place by way of the effect of the force drive (21), and wherein the pivot joint (7, 14) that can be shifted vertically can be blocked in its vertical freedom of movement when the step plate (6) is in the extended position,
   characterised in that
   a pullback facility (11) is provided, which exerts a restoring force applied by means of a spring upon the pivot arm (5) in a rest position, wherein the blocking and the cancelling of the blocking of the vertical freedom of movement of the pivot joint (7, 14) that can be shifted vertically takes place by means of the force applied by the force drive (21), such that the force drive (21) acts upon a push-and-pull rod (31), which is connected to the step plate (6) by means of a spring (35), wherein once the step plate (6) has reached the extended position, the push-and-pull rod (31) can still be moved by a further path section and this further movement can be transmitted to the shiftable pivot joint (14) via a locking lever (33) and actuates a blocking facility on the shiftable pivot joint (7, 14).
2. Gap bridging (1) in the form of a folding/sliding step for a rail vehicle according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   a rotary lever (9) is provided, which is connected to the pivot arm (5) such that it can move in a rotary manner by means of a rotary lever joint (20) and wherein the end of the rotary lever (9) facing away from the rotary lever joint (20) is arranged such that it can move in a rotary manner about an axis of rotation (19) that can be arranged on a vehicle body (12) of a rail vehicle.
3. Gap bridging (1) in the form of a folding/sliding step for a rail vehicle according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the shifting of the pivot joint (7, 14) that can be shifted vertically takes place by means of a force effect transferred via a traction gear unit.
4. Gap bridging (1) in the form of a folding/sliding step for a rail vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the blocking of the vertical freedom of movement of the pivot joint (7, 14) that can be shifted vertically takes place by means of a positive-fit latching.
5. Gap bridging (1) in the form of a folding/sliding step for a rail vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10,
   characterised in that a cover plate (2) is provided above the step plate (6) in the region of the passenger compartment floor, wherein said cover plate (2) is provided with a wiper (15) on its platform-side edge.
6. Gap-bridging (1) in the form of a folding/sliding step for a rail vehicle according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the wiper (15) is in contact with the step plate (6), wherein the contact force is at least amplified by an elastic element (16).

Images