SE1451327A1

SE1451327A1 - Method and system for controlling the entrance/exit level ofa bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus

Info

Publication number: SE1451327A1
Application number: SE1451327A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Johan Hesse
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2014-11-07
Filing date: 2014-11-07
Publication date: 2016-03-29
Also published as: DE102015014125A1; SE538182C2

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus. The method comprises the steps of: determining (Si) the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level; and adapting (S3) the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level. The method also comprises the step of determining (S2) an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus. The step of adapting (S2) the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises the steps of inclining (S3a) the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination; and, if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level, adapting (S3b) the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body. The present invention also relates to a system for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus. The present invention also relates to a bus. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

Description

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus. The method comprises the steps of: determining (Si) the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level; and adapting (S3) the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level. The method also comprises the step of determining (S2) an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus. The step of adapting (S2) the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises the steps of inclining (S3a) the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination; and, if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level, adapting (S3b) the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body.

The present invention also relates to a system for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus. The present invention also relates to a bus. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

(Fig. 4) 1 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE ENTRANCE/EXIT LEVEL OF A BUS BODY OF A BUS FOR FACILITATING FOR PASSENGERS TO ENTER AND EXIT THE BUS TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a system for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus. The invention also relates to a bus. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART I order to facilitate for passengers to enter and exit a bus at a bus stop the entrance/exit level of the bus body of the bus is adapted to the level of the platform at the bus stop, by means of kneeling the bus body. US4341398 discloses a system for controlling the kneeling operation of air suspension equipped transit vehicles. Kneeling may be accomplished by exhausting front air bags and thereby dropping or kneeling the front end of the vehicle. In addition rear bags or all bags can be exhausted kneeling one side or the other or both sides of the vehicle. The driver is allowed to control the exhaust of each air bag included in the system and to kneel the bus in a manner to maintain normal transverse slope and reduce the interface of a lift with a curb to overcome problems of manoeuvring a wheel chair. Such control could also be automatic. 2 OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus which is energy efficient. The method can take comfort aspects into consideration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus which is energy efficient. The system can take comfort aspects into consideration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a system, a bus, a computer program and a computer program product, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus. The method comprises the steps of: determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level; and adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level. The method also comprises the step of determining an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus. The step of adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises the steps of inclining the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination; and, if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level, adapting the 3 level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body. Hereby energy efficient adaption of the level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side is facilitated without inclining the bus body more than allowable.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining an allowable inclination comprises taking passenger comfort into consideration. Hereby energy efficient adaption of the level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side is facilitated without inclining the bus body more than allowable thus facilitating taking passenger comfort into consideration.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined passenger distribution and passenger situation. Hereby energy efficient inclination may be optimized taking passenger comfort into consideration in that the distribution of the passengers including the number of passengers and their location in the bus body may vary such that e.g. increased inclination may be allowed if there are no passengers in the bus, no passengers on the upper floor of a double-decker or the like. Further, the situation of the passengers may vary, the situation of passengers comprising e.g. if a passenger is standing up or sitting down, if the passenger has aid means such as a cane, a wheel chair or the like, if a passenger has a baby carriage If there are many passengers. Thus, if no passengers are standing up increased inclination may be allowed. If passengers are distributed such that passengers e.g. are located at an upper floor of a double-decker and/or passenger situations where passengers e.g. are standing up are determined less inclination may be allowed in order to take passenger comfort into consideration. Such less inclination may thus require adaption of the level of the bus body by lowering or raising the bus body without increasing the inclination.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined number of floors of the bus body. Hereby energy efficient inclination may be optimized taking passenger 4 comfort into consideration in that passenger comfort sitting on an upper floor of a double decker will affect comfort for a passenger when the bus body is inclined. Thus, increased inclination may be allowed in a bus having only one floor. Further, energy efficient inclination may be optimized taking safety into consideration in that increased inclination may be allowed in a bus having only one floor as compared to e.g. a double-decker having to floors where to high inclination of the bus body may be a safety issue for collision and/or risk of the bus tipping over.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined location of centre of gravity of the bus body. Hereby energy efficient inclination may be optimized taking comfort and/or safety into consideration in that the centre of gravity of the bus including passengers and possible luggage may vary. Thus, if the centre of gravity of e.g. a double-decker is located higher and shifted to one side due to e.g. passenger sitting to a high extent on one side on the upper floor and/or luggage being stored on one side on the upper floor less inclination may be allowed.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined existence of external obstacles. Hereby energy efficient inclination may be optimized taking safety into consideration comprising avoiding collision with such external objects. Thus, if an external object is on a collision course with the bus at a certain degree of inclination, inclination of the bus body is only allowed to such an extent that no collision will occur. Such an external object may be a post or the like. Such an external object could also be one or more road users such as pedestrians/possible passengers.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane. Hereby it may be determined whether the road on which the bus is travelling, e.g. the ground at the bus stop, is horizontal or has an inclination relative to the horizontal plane. If it is determined that the ground has an inclination relative to the horizontal plane the allowed inclination of the bus body relative to the axles may be increased or decreased depending on the inclination of the ground/road.

According to an embodiment of the method said adapting of the level of the bus body comprises a kneeling operation. This is suitable when the external entrance/exit level is lower than the level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus.

According to an embodiment of the method said adapting of the level of the bus body comprises a reversed kneeling operation. This is suitable when the external entrance/exit level is higher than the level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to 15 enter and exit the bus adapted to perform the methods as set out above.

The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. la schematically illustrates a side view of a bus according to the present invention; Fig. 1b-d schematically illustrates a front views of the bus in fig. 1 at a stop; 6 Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a plan view of a bus showing its chassis and air suspension system; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term "link" refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a non- physical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

The term "entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus" refers herein to the level at the entrance/exit, i.e. the level of the door step of a door of the bus body of the bus constituting an entrance and/or an exit.

The term "external entrance/exit level" refers herein to the level of the place external to the bus from where a passenger is entering the entrance/exit level of the bus body of the bus or to where a passenger is exiting the entrance/exit level of the bus body of the bus. The external entrance/exit level may a platform/side walk, e.g. at be a bus stop, having a certain level above the level of the road on which the bus is travelling. The external 7 entrance/exit level may be at substantially the same level as the road on which the bus is travelling.

The term "adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side" refers herein to lowering or raising the whole bus body, lowering or raising the entrance/exit side of the bus body, lowering the front or rear of the bus body and lowering or raising the entrance/exit side at the front or rear of the bus body.

The term "entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level" refers herein to a level of the bus body that facilitates for passengers to enter/exit the bus body, i.e. that the difference between the level of the entrance/exit side of the bus body and the external entrance/exit level is reduced where possible so as to make entrance/exit easier for the passengers. "entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level" also includes taking possible obstacles in connection to the bus body preventing adapting the level to a level optimized for passengers to enter/exit the bus body comprising e.g. possible obstacles underneath the bus body limiting lowering of the bus body and/or possible obstacles above the bus body limiting raising of the bus body.

The term "kneeling operation" refers herein to lowering the entrance/exit side of the bus body, lowering the entrance/exit side at the front of the bus body or lowering the entrance/exit side at rear of the bus body.

The term "reversed kneeling operation" refers herein to raising the entrance/exit side of the bus body, raising the entrance/exit side at the front of the bus body or raising the entrance/exit side at rear of the bus body.

Fig. 1 a illustrates schematically a bus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bus has a front end la and a rear end 1 b. It also has an underside 1 c facing towards the road surface. The bus 1 has a bus body 1 d. The bus 1 in this embodiment has a forward wheeled axle X1 and a 8 powered rear wheeled axle X2. It has a forward door device 2a, a rear door device 2b and an intermediate door device 2c which are intended for boarding and alighting, i.e. entering and exiting the bus. The bus 1 is provided with an air suspension system comprising undepicted bellows units situated close to the respective axles to raise and lower the bus body of the bus so that the distance between the underside 1 c of the bus 1 and the carriageway R is adapted to facilitate boarding and alighting at the forward, rear and/or intermediate door devices. By said raising and lowering, the bus body of the bus is raised/lowered relative to the axles Xl, X2.

The bus is provided with a system I according to the present invention.

Fig. lb-d schematically illustrates front views of the bus 1 in fig. 1 at stops P1, P2. In fig. 1 c and Id the entrance/exit level of the bus body Id of the bus 1 has been adapted to an entrance/exit level relative to the respective stop P1, P2 for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus 1.

In fig. lb the bus 1 has stopped at a stop P1 representing an external entrance/exit level which is lower than the entrance/exit side of the bus.

In fig. 1 c the level of the bus body ld has been adapted by a kneeling operation to an allowable inclination of the bus body and also lowered without increasing the inclination of the bus body such that a determined entrance/exit level of the bus body Id at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to the level of the stop P1.

In fig. Id the bus 1 has stopped at a stop P2. The level of the bus body Id has been adapted by a reversed kneeling operation, i.e. by raising the entrance/exit side of the bus body Id, to an allowable inclination of the bus body id and also raised without increasing the inclination of the bus body id such that a determined entrance/exit level of the bus body Id at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to the level of the stop P2. 9 Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a bus showing its chassis and air suspension system. The bus comprises a frame 2, 3, a forward axle X1 with opposite front wheels RF, LF, a powered rear axle X2 with opposite tractive wheels RD, LD and a rear tag axle X3 with opposite tag axle wheels RS, LS.

The bus is further provided with an air suspension system comprising a bellows configuration which comprises a first bellows unit B1 situated on the right side close to the forward axle X1 and a second bellows unit B2 situated on the left side close to the forward axle X1. Each of the first and second bellows units B1, B2 comprises a pair of bellows which are air-connected to one another, with one bellows situated on each side of the axle X1. The bellows configuration further comprises a third bellows unit B3 situated on the right side close to the powered rear axle X2 and a fourth bellows unit B4 situated on the left side close to the powered rear axle X2. The third and fourth bellows units B3, B4 each comprise a pair of bellows which are connected to one another, with one bellows situated on each side of the axle X2.

The bellows configuration further comprises a fifth bellows unit B5 situated on the right side close to the rear tag axle X3 and a sixth bellows unit B6 situated on the left side close to the rear tag axle X3. The fifth and sixth bellows units B5, B6 each comprise a pair of bellows air-connected to one another, with one bellows situated on each side of the axle X3.

The respective bellows units B1-B6are situated between the bus frame 2, 3 and the respective axles, making it possible for the bus body of the bus to be raised and lowered by regulation of air in bellows units.

The air suspension system further comprises an air valve configuration 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air valve configuration is connected to the bellows configuration B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 and is adapted to regulating the air pressure in the respective bellows units B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 of the bellows configuration.

The bus further comprises an air pressure source configuration 110 to supply air to the air valve configuration 100.

The air valve configuration 100 comprises in one embodiment air valve units 102, 104, 106, here a first air valve unit 102, a second air valve unit 104 and a third air valve unit 106, comprising valve means with an air intake connected to a compressed air source, a venting outlet and a supply outlet, and valve means adapted to regulating the air pressure in the bellows units. In this embodiment, the first valve unit 102 is connected to the first and second bellows units B1, B2 via respective air lines for regulation of air pressure in the first and second bellows units B1, B2. Also in this embodiment the second valve unit 104 is connected to the fourth and sixth bellows units B4, B6 via respective air lines for regulation of air pressure in the fourth and sixth bellows units B4, B6. Also in this embodiment the third valve unit 106 is connected to the third and fifth bellows units B3, B5 via respective air lines for regulation of air pressure in the third and fifth bellows units B3, B5.

The respective bellows units B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 of the bellows configuration are each provided with a pressure sensor adapted to monitoring the air pressure in them. The air valve configuration 100 is connected to an electronic control unit 200 which is adapted to causing said air valve configuration to regulate bellows units B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 for raising and lowering of the bus body of the bus.

The air suspension system comprises means L1, L2, L3, L4, L5; L6 for determining the level of the bus body/chassis/frame relative to a reference, e.g. the axles X1, X2, X3 and/or ground and/or wheels RF, LF, RD, LD, RS, LS. The means L1, L2, L3, L4, L5; L6 comprises level sensor units L1, L2, L3, L4, L5; L6 comprising a first level sensor unit L1 arranged in connection to the first bellows unit B1, a second level sensor unit L2 arranged in connection to the second bellows unit B2, a third level sensor unit L3 arranged in connection to the third bellows unit B3, a fourth level sensor unit 11 L4 arranged in connection to fourth bellows unit B4, a fifth level sensor unit L5 arranged in connection to the fifth bellows unit B5, and a sixth level sensor unit L6 arranged in connection to the sixth bellows unit B6.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a system I with such an electronic control unit. 5 200.

The bus described above in relation to fig. 2 has a front axle X1, a powered axle X2 and a tag axle X3, but the invention is applicable on any suitable bus which has for example a front axle and a rear axle as in Fig. 1, or two-wheel or four-wheel drive; two front axles, a powered axle and a tag axle; or buses with further axles, e.g. ten or twelve, one or more of them being powered.

The bus described above in relation to fig. 2 has an air suspension system for adapting the level of the chassis and thus bus body of the bus relative to the axles/ground. The invention is applicable to any suitable levelling system for adapting the level of the chassis and thus bus body of the bus relative to the axles/ground such as a hydraulic levelling system/ hydraulic suspension system or an electric levelling system/ electric suspension system.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system I for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system I for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus comprises means 210 for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level. The means 210 for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body may comprise any suitable detector means such as one or more camera units, and/or one or more sonar detection units, one or more laser scanners, and/or any other suitable sensor unit. The means 210 for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body may comprise detector means for detecting the difference in level between said entrance/exit level of the bus and said external 12 entrance/exit level. The means 210 for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body comprises according to an embodiment means for determining possible obstacles limiting adaptation of the level of the bus body such as obstacles above the bus body and/or obstacles underneath the bus body.

The means 210 for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body 1d at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level comprises means 110a for determining the existence of external obstacles risking of colliding with an underside portion of the bus body by lowering of the bus body and/or an upper side portion of the bus body by raising the bus body. The means 110a comprises detector means for detecting obstacles risking of colliding with an underside portion of the bus body. The detector means for detecting obstacles risking of colliding with an underside portion of the bus body comprises one or more detectors arranged underneath the bus body. The means 110a comprises detector means for detecting obstacles risking of colliding with an upper side portion of the bus body. The detector means for detecting obstacles risking of colliding with an upper side portion of the bus body comprises one or more detectors arranged above the bus body.

The system I further comprises means 220 for determining an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus taking passenger comfort into consideration.

The means 220 for determining an allowable inclination comprises means 222 for determining passenger distribution and passenger situation. Said means for determining passenger distribution and passenger situation may comprise any suitable detector means such as camera unit, optical sensor units, laser scanners, pressure sensors or the like. Determining passenger situation comprises sensing whether a passenger is sitting down or standing up; and sensing the existence of passenger aid devices such as cane, wheel chair, baby carriage or the like. 13 The means 220 for determining an allowable inclination comprises means 224 for determining number of floors of the bus body. The means 224 for determining number of floors of the bus body comprises according to an embodiment storage means for storing information about basic data of the bus comprising the number of floors of the bus body. The means 224 for determining number of floors of the bus body may comprise any suitable detector means such as one or more camera units.

The means 220 for determining an allowable inclination comprises means 226 for determining location of centre of gravity of the bus body. The means 226 for determining location of centre of gravity of the bus body comprises storage means for storing information about basic data of the bus such as weight, length, width, height, original weight distribution, and means for detecting load of the vehicle comprising means for determining the location of the load within the bus body, the load comprising passengers, luggage and the like.

The means 220 for determining an allowable inclination comprises means 228 for determining existence of external obstacles. The means 228 for determining existence of external obstacles may comprise any suitable detector means such as one or more camera units, and/or one or more sonar detection units, and/or one or more laser scanners. The means 228 for determining existence of external obstacles is configured to determine obstacles being in collision course with the bus depending on the inclination of the bus body. Such an external object may be a post or the like. Such an external object could also be one or more road users such as pedestrians/possible passengers. The means 220 for determining an allowable inclination comprises means 228a for detecting an obstacle being in collision course with the bus body comprising an upper side portion of the bus body and/or a side rear view mirror projecting from a side of the bus body, if said determined allowable inclination is exceeded. The means 228 comprises according to an embodiment said means 228a. The means 228a 14 comprises detector means arranged at the upper sides of the bus body. The means 228a comprises detector means arranged at a side rear view mirror on the bus body.

The means 220 for determining an allowable inclination comprises means 229 for determining the orientation of the bus relative to the horizontal plane.

The means 229 for determining the orientation of the bus relative to the horizontal plane comprises determining the orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane. The means for determining the orientation of the bus relative to the horizontal plane comprises at least one gyro. Hereby it may be determined whether the road on which the bus is travelling, e.g. the ground at the bus stop, is horizontal or has an inclination relative to the horizontal plane. If it is determined that the ground has an inclination relative to the horizontal plane the allowed inclination of the bus body relative to the axles may be increased or decreased.

The system I further comprises means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level. The means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level may comprise any suitable levelling system. The means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises according to an embodiment an air suspension system, for example an air suspension system as described with reference to fig. 2.

The means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises means for inclining the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination. The means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level is thus arranged to incline the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus.

The means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises means for adapting the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level. The means 2 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level is thus arranged to adapt the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level.

The means 230 for adapting of the level of the bus body comprises means for activating a kneeling operation. The means for activating a kneeling operation comprises lowering the bus body on the entrance/exit side.

The means 230 for adapting of the level of the bus body comprises means for activating a reversed kneeling operation. The means for activating a reversed kneeling operation comprises raising the bus body on the entrance/exit side.

The means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises means 232 for activating said adaptation of the level of the bus body.

The means 232 for activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body comprises means 232a for automatically activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body. The means 232a for automatically activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body comprises means for determining a bus stop requiring adaptation of the level of the bus body. The means 232a for automatically activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body comprises means for determining the itinerary of the bus comprising means for determining stops along the itinerary of the bus. The means for determining stops comprises a map information unit containing data including stops along 16 the itinerary and means for determining the position of the bus, e.g. a geographical positioning system, i.e. GPS, to identify the location of the bus relative to the stops along its itinerary. The means 232a for automatically activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body comprises means for determining indication of passengers wanting to exit and/or enter the bus, which could be any suitable means such as stop button on board the bus, camera detection units detecting waiting passengers or the like. Hereby the level of the bus body will automatically be adapted to the entrance/exit level when required, the adaptation being performed in accordance with the present invention, i.e. by inclining to the allowable level of inclination and, if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level, by adapting the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body.

The means 232 for activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body comprises means 232b for manually activating the adaptation of the level. The means for manually activating adaptation of the level of the bus body may comprise any suitable actuator/switch accessible to the driver. The adaptation of the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level will according to an embodiment then only require the driver manually activating the actuator/switch in order for the bus body to incline to the allowable level of inclination and, if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level, adapting the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body. The system I comprises means 240 for determining whether the allowable inclination of the bus body has been reached. The means 240 for determining whether the allowable inclination of the bus body has been reached comprises means 242 for determining the inclination of the bus body. The means 242 for determining the inclination of the bus body comprises level sensor units for sensing the level of the bus body/chassis of the bus relative to the wheel axles and/or the ground. The 17 level sensor units may comprise a level sensor unit in connection to each wheel of the respective wheel axles. The level sensor units may comprise level sensor units L1-L6 as described with reference to fig. 2. The means 242 for determining the inclination of the bus body comprises means for determining the orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane, said means comprising at least one gyro. The means for determining the orientation of the axles relative to the horizontal plane may be constituted by the means 229. Any suitable sensor may be applied for determining the level of the bus body.

The system I comprises means 250 for determining whether the determined entrance/exit level has been reached. The means 250 for determining whether the determined entrance/exit level has been reached may comprise any suitable detector means such as one or more camera units, and/or one or more sonar detection units, one or more laser scanners.

The system I comprises means 260 for presenting the adaptation of the level of the bus body for the operator of the bus. The means 260 for presenting the adaptation of the level of the bus body for the operator comprises any suitable presentation means such as a display unit and/or acoustic means. The means 260 for presenting the adaptation of the level of the bus body for the operator comprises presenting the allowable inclination of the bus body, possible limitations of the inclination and reasons for such limitations, and possible adaptation of the level of the bus body without increasing the inclination of the bus body.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 210 for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level via a link 10. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 10 arranged to receive a signal from said means 210 representing data for entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level. 18 The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 220 for determining an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus taking passenger comfort into consideration via a link 20. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 20 arranged to receive a signal from said means 220 representing inclination data allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus taking passenger comfort into consideration.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 222 for determining passenger distribution and passenger situation via a link 22. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 22 arranged to receive a signal from said means 222 representing data for passenger distribution and passenger situation.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 224 for determining number of floors of the bus body via a link 24. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 24 arranged to receive a signal from said means 224 representing data for number of floors of the bus body.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 226 for determining location of centre of gravity of the bus body via a link 26. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 26 arranged to receive a signal from said means 226 representing data for location of centre of gravity of the bus body.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 228 for determining existence of external obstacles via a link 28. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 28 arranged to receive a signal from said means 228 representing data for existence of external obstacles.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 229 for determining the orientation of the bus including wheel axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane via a link 29. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 29 arranged to receive a signal from said means 229 representing 19 data for orientation of the bus including wheel axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 230 for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level via a link 30. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 30 arranged to receive a signal from said means 230 representing adaption data for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 232 for activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body via a link 32. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 32 arranged to receive a signal from said means 232 representing activation data for activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 232a for automatically activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body via a link 32a. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 32a arranged to receive a signal from said means 232a representing activation data for automatically activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 232b for manually activating the adaptation of the level via a link 32b. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 32b arranged to receive a signal from said means 232a representing activation data for activating the adaptation of the level of the bus body.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 240 for determining whether the allowable inclination of the bus body has been reached via a link 40. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 40 arranged to receive a signal from said means 240 representing data for whether the allowable inclination of the bus body has been reached.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 242 for determining the inclination of the bus body via a link 42. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 42 arranged to receive a signal from said means 242 representing data inclination of the bus body.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 250 for determining whether the determined entrance/exit level has been reached via a link 50. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 50 arranged to receive a signal from said means 250 representing data for whether the determined entrance/exit level has been reached.

The electronic control unit 200 is operatively connected to the means 260 for presenting the adaptation of the level of the bus body for the operator via a link 60. The electronic control unit 200 is via the link 60 arranged to send a signal to said means 260 representing presentation data for presenting the adaptation of the level of the bus body.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus comprises a step S1. In this step the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level is determined.

The step Si of determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level is according to an embodiment based on a determined existence of external obstacles risking of colliding with an underside portion of the bus body by lowering of the bus body and/or an upper side portion of the bus body by raising the bus body. 21 According to the embodiment the method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus comprises a step S2. In this step an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus determined.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination comprises according to an embodiment taking passenger comfort into consideration.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination is according to an embodiment based on a determined passenger distribution and passenger situation for taking passenger comfort into consideration.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination is according to an embodiment based on a determined number of floors of the bus body for taking passenger comfort into consideration.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination is according to an embodiment based on a determined location of centre of gravity of the bus body for taking passenger comfort and safety into consideration.

The term "passenger comfort" in connection to an allowable inclination taking passenger comfort into consideration refers to a limitation of the inclination of the bus body where passengers may experience discomfort should the inclination exceed that allowable inclination. The allowable inclination of the bus body taking passenger comfort into consideration may be determined through tests of passengers. The allowable inclination of the bus body taking passenger comfort into consideration may be based on the distribution and/or situation of the passengers and/or the configuration of the bus such as number of floors.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination is according to an embodiment taking possible collision with external objects into consideration.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination is according to an embodiment based on a determined existence of external obstacles. Hereby 22 possible collision with external objects is taken into consideration. Determined existence of external obstacles comprises obstacles constituting a risk of colliding with the bus body at a certain degree of inclination of the bus body, taking the upper edge and side rear view mirrors of the bus body into consideration.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination may be based on one or more of the above mentioned steps/considerations, i.e. one or more of: taking passenger comfort into consideration, being based on passenger distribution and passenger situation, number of floors of the bus body, location of centre of gravity of the bus body, taking possible collision with external objects into consideration, being based on a determined existence of external obstacles.

The step S2 of determining an allowable inclination comprises the step of determining the orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal 15 plane.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus comprises a step S3. In this step the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side is adapted to said determined entrance/exit level.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus the step S3 comprises a step S3a. In this step the bus body is inclined without exceeding the allowable inclination.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus the step S3 comprises a step S3b. In this step, if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level, the level of the bus body is adapted to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body. 23 Adapting of the level of the bus body comprises a kneeling operation. Adapting of the level of the bus body comprises a reversed kneeling operation.

If it is determined that no inclination of the bus is allowable the bus body is thus adapted to the determined entrance/exit level without any inclination of the bus body. With reference to figure 5, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 2 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a nonvolatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O-means, an AID-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus. The program P comprises routines for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level. The program P comprises routines for determining an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus. The program P comprises according to an embodiment routines for determining an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus taking passenger comfort into consideration. The program P comprises according to an embodiment routines for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined passenger distribution and passenger situation. The program P comprises according to an embodiment routines for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined number of floors of the bus body. The program P comprises according to an embodiment routines for determining 24 said allowable inclination based on a determined location of centre of gravity of the bus body. The program P comprises according to an embodiment routines for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined existence of external obstacles. The program P comprises according to an embodiment routines for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane. The program P comprises routines for inclining the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination. The program P comprises routines for adapting the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.

Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control unit 100 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in 30 a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles of the bus taking passenger comfort into consideration. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined passenger distribution and passenger situation. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined number of floors of the bus body. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined location of centre of gravity of the bus body. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined existence of external obstacles. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining said allowable inclination based on a determined orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for inclining the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for adapting the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs 30 the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed. 26 The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 27

Claims

1. A method for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body (1d) of a bus (1) for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus (1), comprising the steps of: determining (Si) the entrance/exit level of the bus body at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level; and adapting (S3) the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level, characterized by the step of: — determining (S2) an allowable inclination of the bus body relative to the wheel axles (X1, X2, X3) of the bus; wherein the step of adapting (S3) the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises the step of inclining (S3a) the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination; and, if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level, adapting (S3b) the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining an allowable inclination comprises taking passenger comfort into consideration.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined passenger distribution and passenger situation.

4. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined number of floors of the bus body.

5. A method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined location of centre of gravity of the bus body. 28

6. A method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined existence of external obstacles.

7. A method according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the step of determining an allowable inclination is based on a determined orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane.

8. A method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein said adapting of the level of the bus body comprises a kneeling operation.

9. A method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein said adapting of the level of the bus body comprises a reversed kneeling operation.

10. A system (I) for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body (1d) of a bus (1) for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus (1), comprising means (210) for determining the entrance/exit level of the bus body (1d) at the entrance/exit side of the bus relative to a certain external entrance/exit level; and means (230) for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level, characterized by means (220) for determining an allowable inclination of the bus body (1d) relative to the wheel axles (X1, X2, X3) of the bus, wherein the means (230) for adapting the level of the bus body on said entrance/exit side to said determined entrance/exit level comprises means for inclining the bus body without exceeding the allowable inclination; and means for adapting the level of the bus body to the determined entrance/exit level without increasing the inclination of the bus body if the allowable inclination of the bus body is reached without reaching the determined entrance/exit level.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the means (220) for determining an allowable inclination is arranged for taking passenger comfort into consideration. 29

12. A system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the means (220) for determining an allowable inclination comprises means (222) for determining passenger distribution and passenger situation.

13. A system according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the means (220) for determining an allowable inclination comprises means (224) for determining number of floors of the bus body.

14. A system according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the means (220) for determining an allowable inclination comprises means (226) for determining location of centre of gravity of the bus body.

15. A system according to any of claims 10-14, wherein the means (220) for determining an allowable inclination comprises means (228) for determining existence of external obstacles.

16. A system according to any of claims 10-15, wherein the means (220) for determining an allowable inclination comprises means (229) for determining the orientation of the axles of the bus relative to the horizontal plane.

17. A system according to any of claims 10-16, wherein said means (230) for adapting of the level of the bus body comprises means for activating a kneeling operation.

18. A system according to any of claims 10-17, wherein said means (230) for adapting of the level of the bus body comprises means for activating a reversed kneeling operation.

19. A bus (1) comprising a system (I) according to any of claims 10-18.

20. A computer program (P) for controlling the entrance/exit level of a bus body of a bus for facilitating for passengers to enter and exit the bus, said 25 computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the form the n storing Patentansokan nr / Patent application No: 1451327-9 1 fOljande bilaga finns en oversattning av patentkraven till svenska. Observera att det är patentkravens lydelse pa engelska som galler. A Swedish translation of the patent claims is enclosed. Please note that only the English claims have legal effect.