Title of Invention	" AN ENTRY AID TO ASSIST THE ENTERING AND EXITING OF VEHICLES, "
Abstract	The invention relates to an entry aid for assisting the entering and exiting of vehicles (1), particularly rail vehicles. In order to bridge the gap (6) between the vehicle (1) and the platform (5) or the like, a surface upon which passengers can walk, i.e. a retractable step (3), is extended from the vehicle in an essentially linear direction. The invention is characterized in that a strip (7, 7") is displaceably connected to the retractable step (3), extends essentially over the entire length (L) of the retractable step and, when in an active state, is located, in essence, under the leading edge (8) of the retractable step (3). The invention is additionally characterized in that at least one sensor is provided that detects either the position of the strip (7, 7") relative to the retractable step or the force transferred from the strip to the retractable step.

Title of Invention

" AN ENTRY AID TO ASSIST THE ENTERING AND EXITING OF VEHICLES, "

Abstract

The invention relates to an entry aid for assisting the entering and exiting of vehicles (1), particularly rail vehicles. In order to bridge the gap (6) between the vehicle (1) and the platform (5) or the like, a surface upon which passengers can walk, i.e. a retractable step (3), is extended from the vehicle in an essentially linear direction. The invention is characterized in that a strip (7, 7") is displaceably connected to the retractable step (3), extends essentially over the entire length (L) of the retractable step and, when in an active state, is located, in essence, under the leading edge (8) of the retractable step (3). The invention is additionally characterized in that at least one sensor is provided that detects either the position of the strip (7, 7") relative to the retractable step or the force transferred from the strip to the retractable step.

Full Text	WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 Retractable step The invention relates to what is referred to as a retractable step. A retractable step is understood as meaning an entry aid for assisting the entering and exiting of vehicles, particularly rail vehicles, with a surface which can be walked upon being extended from the vehicle essentially in a linear direction in order to bridge the gap between the vehicle and the platform or the like. Depending in each case on the positioning between the vehicle box body and the platform, the retractable step, generally toward the end of its extension movement, comes into the region of the platform and there is the risk in this case of it moving laterally into the essentially vertically extending platform wall. This problem is overcome by means of sensors in the region of the leading edge of the retractable step. Another problem is that, in the case of an extended retractable step, a change in height of the retractable step may occur during the time the vehicle spends in the station. This may take place within a short period by the suspension yielding, by the vehicle load changing as passengers get in and out, by the wind load stressing changing, and by more of the same sort of reasons. The greatest possible change in height is defined here by various parameters of the vehicle (type of suspension, position of the stops, length of the lever arms of the retractable step relative to the pivot axis, etc. ) and is called maximum change in height below. The actual change in the height position within the context of this maximum change in height may result in luggage or passengers becoming trapped, or the retractable step being damaged if the retractable step is correspondingly lowered. Since the objects at risk generally do not extend over the entire width of WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 - 2 - the retractable step and it cannot be predicted in which region of the retractable step they are located, detection has hitherto been impossible and the risk of body parts or objects becoming trapped or of the retractable step becoming damaged has had to be accepted. The invention aims to change this and to specify a device with which it is possible to carry out a detection of this type in a satisfactory and cost- effective manner. According to the invention, this is achieved in that a strip is connected movably to the retractable step, said strip extending essentially over the entire length of the retractable step and, in the activated state, being located essentially under the front edge of the retractable step, and by at least one sensor being provided which detects the position of the strip and/or the force transmitted by the strip to the retractable step. As a result, every impermissible approach toward the upper side of the platform can be detected as can the imminent risk of an object or body part becoming trapped. The positioning of the strip makes it possible, during the extension of the retractable step, also to detect the space (detection space) in which during the lowering operation, the retractable step could move, for example for one of the abovementioned reasons, and thus makes it possible to safeguard it. The activated state is taken up by the strip at least during the extension of the retractable step. The movable connection between strip and retractable step makes it possible to bring the strip into the desired position, if appropriate automatically, during WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 - 3 - the extension of the retractable step. The monitoring of this position remains activated during the extension of the retractable step into its end position. If a change in the position of the strip is detected, the extension movement is stopped and the retractable step is moved back by a predetermined length by which a safe distance from the object is ensured. In addition, for example, an acoustic and/or optical alarm signal may be emitted. Of course, a different reaction is possible if this is desired by the operator. The strip itself may either execute an extension movement which is oblique with respect to the direction of extension of the retractable step but is essentially linear; it may also execute a rotational movement and be swung out, as it were. Depending in each case on the design and movement of the strip, a very wide variety of sensors, which can be designed as switches or strain gauges or are based on an electrodynamic or piezoelectric effect, are suitable as the actual sensor. The sensors may be arranged either directly in the strip and measure the force between underlying surface and strip, or they are accommodated in the region of the bearings of the strip and measure the forces between strip and retractable step, which forces originate from the first-mentioned forces. The transition of the strip from the passive position into the active position can take place by means of the dead weight of the strip, a slotted-guide mechanism and possibly a spring. Of course, it is also possible to provide a motor drive. In order to reach the objective of the invention and in WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 -4- particular if the retractable step is to be retracted if a trapping risk is established, it is favorable that, during this retraction movement, the strip releases any objects already trapped as rapidly as possible without further loading and does not trap and keep hold of them. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, in which fig. 1 shows a front view of an entry aid designed according to the invention, fig. 2 shows a purely diagrammatic section in the direction of the arrow II of fig. 1, fig. 3 shows a variant of a retractable step similar to that of fig. 2, on an enlarged scale, fig. 4 shows a view similar to fig. 3 of another variant of the invention, and fig. 5 shows the variant of the invention according to fig. 4 in a different position between the vehicle and the platform. Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 1 with a two-wing door 2 and a retractable step 3. The "detection space" 4, i.e. that space which is to be monitored by the device according to the invention for risk of collision or trapping during the extension of the retractable step, is illustrated below the retractable step 3 by dashed lines. The positioning and significance of this detection space 4 are apparent from putting figs 1 and 2 together: fig. 2 shows a platform 5 as it is intended normally to extend with its surface and its side wall in relation to the vehicle 1. Between the platform 5 and the vehicle 1 there is unavoidably a gap 6, precisely the gap which in many cases, if platforms in curved track sections in the case of rail vehicles are WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 - 5 - considered, may also be significantly wider than in the exemplary embodiment shown and for the safe overcoming or overclimbing of which the retractable step 3 is provided. Fig. 3 shows the situation in the region of the platform 5 on an enlarged scale, but likewise entirely schematically. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the strip 7 provided according to the invention comprises a rotatable flap which extends over the entire length L (fig. 1) of the retractable step 3 and is located essentially precisely below the leading edge 8 of the retractable step 3, when said flap is extended in its activated position, as illustrated in fig. 3. The dashed line below the retractable step 3 again indicates the detection space 4, i.e. the space over which the lower edge 9 of the strip 7 brushes during its extension in the direction A of the double arrow E-A. If, during the extension operation, the strip 9 impacts at any point along the length L against an object, this is established by a sensor, which is arranged, in the exemplary embodiment, in the bearing 10 between the strip 7 and the retractable step 3, and the measures provided for this purpose by the operator are taken. After reaching the end position of the retractable step, the strip has to fold away and release the detection space. Fig. 4 shows, likewise purely diagrammatically, another embodiment of a strip 7'; in this example, the strip is lowered downward about a joint 10' and a sliding movement would be possible in a similar manner. The movement of the strip 7 or 7' between the active position illustrated and the position in which it is placed against the retractable step or pushed into recesses in the contour of the retractable step 3 is WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 - 6 - brought about by the dead weight and/or by assistance by means of spring force; of course, as mentioned above, an active movement by means of a servomotor or the like is also possible. Fig. 5 shows the situation which arises in the case of a device according to the invention according to fig. 4 if even during the extension of the retractable step 3, the height position of the vehicle 1 relative to the platform upper edge 11 is too low, with the result that the strip 7' impacts with its front edge 9' against the vertical front 12 of the platform 5 below the platform upper edge 11. This is also established by the position sensor in the joint 10' and results in the specified reaction, as mentioned above. The same happens if the strip 7' impacts against a different obstacle. Instead of the position sensor in the joint 10', a force sensor may be arranged directly on the front edge 9' of the strip 7'. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments outlined and described. It is possible to design the front edges 9, 9' themselves as sensors, whether by these edges carrying profiles which are designed as electric switching strips or which are filled with gas, in which case the rising gas pressure when running onto an object is measured and established, or whether the strips 7', 7' for their part comprise two parts which are movable with respect to each other and the movement of these parts with respect to each other is used as a measure of the striking against an obstacle. It is essential that a strip 7', 7' is arranged in the region below the leading edge 8 of the retractable step 3 and over the entire length 11 of the retractable step, and that the load acting on this strip in its WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 - 7 - entirety and/or the position of the strip is established by means of a sensor, and that, if a speci fied value is exceeded, the movement is stopped and, if appropriate, an alarm is triggered. WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 - 8 - Patent Claims 1. A retractable step for the entering and exiting of vehicles (1), particularly rail vehicles, with a surface which can be walked upon, a retractable step (3), being extended from the vehicle essentially in a linear direction in order to bridge the gap (6) between the vehicle (1) and the platform (5) or the like, the retractable step comprising a device with at least one sensor, which is intended to prevent a collision with objects during the extension operation, characterized in that the device is a strip {7, 7') which is connected movably to the retractable step (3) , extends essentially over the entire length (L) of the retractable step and, in the activated state, is located essentially under the leading edge (8) of the retractable step (3), and comprises at least one sensor which detects either the position of the strip (7, 7') relative to the retractable step or the force transferred from the strip to the retractable step. 2. The retractable step as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the strip (7} is a rota table flap. 3. The retractable step as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the strip {7') is a rot a table bracket. 4. The retractable step as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the strip is a bracket which can be displaced in a guide. 5. The retractable step as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensor measures an angle between the strip {7, 7') and the retractable step. WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667 - 9 - 6. The retractable step as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensor is fitted to the front edge (9, 9') of the strip. Dated this 14 th day of SEPTEMBER 2005. The invention relates to an entry aid for assisting the entering and exiting of vehicles (1), particularly rail vehicles. In order to bridge the gap (6) between the vehicle (1) and the platform (5) or the like, a surface upon which passengers can walk, i.e. a retractable step (3), is extended from the vehicle in an essentially linear direction. The invention is characterized in that a strip (7, 7") is displaceably connected to the retractable step (3), extends essentially over the entire length (L) of the retractable step and, when in an active state, is located, in essence, under the leading edge (8) of the retractable step (3). The invention is additionally characterized in that at least one sensor is provided that detects either the position of the strip (7, 7") relative to the retractable step or the force transferred from the strip to the retractable step.

Full Text

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
Retractable step
The invention relates to what is referred to as a
retractable step. A retractable step is understood as
meaning an entry aid for assisting the entering and
exiting of vehicles, particularly rail vehicles, with a
surface which can be walked upon being extended from
the vehicle essentially in a linear direction in order
to bridge the gap between the vehicle and the platform
or the like.
Depending in each case on the positioning between the
vehicle box body and the platform, the retractable
step, generally toward the end of its extension
movement, comes into the region of the platform and
there is the risk in this case of it moving laterally
into the essentially vertically extending platform
wall. This problem is overcome by means of sensors in
the region of the leading edge of the retractable step.
Another problem is that, in the case of an extended
retractable step, a change in height of the retractable
step may occur during the time the vehicle spends in
the station. This may take place within a short period
by the suspension yielding, by the vehicle load
changing as passengers get in and out, by the wind load
stressing changing, and by more of the same sort of
reasons. The greatest possible change in height is
defined here by various parameters of the vehicle (type
of suspension, position of the stops, length of the
lever arms of the retractable step relative to the
pivot axis, etc. ) and is called maximum change in
height below. The actual change in the height position
within the context of this maximum change in height may
result in luggage or passengers becoming trapped, or
the retractable step being damaged if the retractable
step is correspondingly lowered. Since the objects at
risk generally do not extend over the entire width of

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
- 2 -
the retractable step and it cannot be predicted in
which region of the retractable step they are located,
detection has hitherto been impossible and the risk of
body parts or objects becoming trapped or of the
retractable step becoming damaged has had to be
accepted.
The invention aims to change this and to specify a
device with which it is possible to carry out a
detection of this type in a satisfactory and cost-
effective manner.
According to the invention, this is achieved in that a
strip is connected movably to the retractable step,
said strip extending essentially over the entire length
of the retractable step and, in the activated state,
being located essentially under the front edge of the
retractable step, and by at least one sensor being
provided which detects the position of the strip and/or
the force transmitted by the strip to the retractable
step.
As a result, every impermissible approach toward the
upper side of the platform can be detected as can the
imminent risk of an object or body part becoming
trapped. The positioning of the strip makes it
possible, during the extension of the retractable step,
also to detect the space (detection space) in which
during the lowering operation, the retractable step
could move, for example for one of the abovementioned
reasons, and thus makes it possible to safeguard it.
The activated state is taken up by the strip at least
during the extension of the retractable step.
The movable connection between strip and retractable
step makes it possible to bring the strip into the
desired position, if appropriate automatically, during

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
- 3 -
the extension of the retractable step. The monitoring
of this position remains activated during the extension
of the retractable step into its end position.
If a change in the position of the strip is detected,
the extension movement is stopped and the retractable
step is moved back by a predetermined length by which a
safe distance from the object is ensured. In addition,
for example, an acoustic and/or optical alarm signal
may be emitted. Of course, a different reaction is
possible if this is desired by the operator.
The strip itself may either execute an extension
movement which is oblique with respect to the direction
of extension of the retractable step but is essentially
linear; it may also execute a rotational movement and
be swung out, as it were.
Depending in each case on the design and movement of
the strip, a very wide variety of sensors, which can be
designed as switches or strain gauges or are based on
an electrodynamic or piezoelectric effect, are suitable
as the actual sensor. The sensors may be arranged
either directly in the strip and measure the force
between underlying surface and strip, or they are
accommodated in the region of the bearings of the strip
and measure the forces between strip and retractable
step, which forces originate from the first-mentioned
forces.
The transition of the strip from the passive position
into the active position can take place by means of the
dead weight of the strip, a slotted-guide mechanism and
possibly a spring. Of course, it is also possible to
provide a motor drive.
In order to reach the objective of the invention and in

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
-4-
particular if the retractable step is to be retracted
if a trapping risk is established, it is favorable
that, during this retraction movement, the strip
releases any objects already trapped as rapidly as
possible without further loading and does not trap and
keep hold of them.
The invention is explained in more detail below with
reference to the drawing, in which
fig. 1 shows a front view of an entry aid designed
according to the invention,
fig. 2 shows a purely diagrammatic section in the
direction of the arrow II of fig. 1,
fig. 3 shows a variant of a retractable step similar to
that of fig. 2, on an enlarged scale,
fig. 4 shows a view similar to fig. 3 of another
variant of the invention, and
fig. 5 shows the variant of the invention according to
fig. 4 in a different position between the vehicle and
the platform.
Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 1 with a two-wing door 2 and a
retractable step 3. The "detection space" 4, i.e. that
space which is to be monitored by the device according
to the invention for risk of collision or trapping
during the extension of the retractable step, is
illustrated below the retractable step 3 by dashed
lines.
The positioning and significance of this detection
space 4 are apparent from putting figs 1 and 2
together: fig. 2 shows a platform 5 as it is intended
normally to extend with its surface and its side wall
in relation to the vehicle 1. Between the platform 5
and the vehicle 1 there is unavoidably a gap 6,
precisely the gap which in many cases, if platforms in
curved track sections in the case of rail vehicles are

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
- 5 -
considered, may also be significantly wider than in the
exemplary embodiment shown and for the safe overcoming
or overclimbing of which the retractable step 3 is
provided.
Fig. 3 shows the situation in the region of the
platform 5 on an enlarged scale, but likewise entirely
schematically. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the
strip 7 provided according to the invention comprises a
rotatable flap which extends over the entire length L
(fig. 1) of the retractable step 3 and is located
essentially precisely below the leading edge 8 of the
retractable step 3, when said flap is extended in its
activated position, as illustrated in fig. 3.
The dashed line below the retractable step 3 again
indicates the detection space 4, i.e. the space over
which the lower edge 9 of the strip 7 brushes during
its extension in the direction A of the double arrow
E-A. If, during the extension operation, the strip 9
impacts at any point along the length L against an
object, this is established by a sensor, which is
arranged, in the exemplary embodiment, in the bearing
10 between the strip 7 and the retractable step 3, and
the measures provided for this purpose by the operator
are taken. After reaching the end position of the
retractable step, the strip has to fold away and
release the detection space.
Fig. 4 shows, likewise purely diagrammatically, another
embodiment of a strip 7'; in this example, the strip is
lowered downward about a joint 10' and a sliding
movement would be possible in a similar manner. The
movement of the strip 7 or 7' between the active
position illustrated and the position in which it is
placed against the retractable step or pushed into
recesses in the contour of the retractable step 3 is

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
- 6 -
brought about by the dead weight and/or by assistance
by means of spring force; of course, as mentioned
above, an active movement by means of a servomotor or
the like is also possible.
Fig. 5 shows the situation which arises in the case of
a device according to the invention according to fig. 4
if even during the extension of the retractable step 3,
the height position of the vehicle 1 relative to the
platform upper edge 11 is too low, with the result that
the strip 7' impacts with its front edge 9' against the
vertical front 12 of the platform 5 below the platform
upper edge 11. This is also established by the position
sensor in the joint 10' and results in the specified
reaction, as mentioned above. The same happens if the
strip 7' impacts against a different obstacle. Instead
of the position sensor in the joint 10', a force sensor
may be arranged directly on the front edge 9' of the
strip 7'.
The invention is not restricted to the exemplary
embodiments outlined and described. It is possible to
design the front edges 9, 9' themselves as sensors,
whether by these edges carrying profiles which are
designed as electric switching strips or which are
filled with gas, in which case the rising gas pressure
when running onto an object is measured and
established, or whether the strips 7', 7' for their part
comprise two parts which are movable with respect to
each other and the movement of these parts with respect
to each other is used as a measure of the striking
against an obstacle.
It is essential that a strip 7', 7' is arranged in the
region below the leading edge 8 of the retractable step
3 and over the entire length 11 of the retractable
step, and that the load acting on this strip in its

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
- 7 -
entirety and/or the position of the strip is
established by means of a sensor, and that, if a
speci fied value is exceeded, the movement is stopped
and, if appropriate, an alarm is triggered.

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
- 8 -
Patent Claims
1. A retractable step for the entering and exiting of
vehicles (1), particularly rail vehicles, with a
surface which can be walked upon, a retractable step
(3), being extended from the vehicle essentially in a
linear direction in order to bridge the gap (6) between
the vehicle (1) and the platform (5) or the like, the
retractable step comprising a device with at least one
sensor, which is intended to prevent a collision with
objects during the extension operation, characterized
in that the device is a strip {7, 7') which is
connected movably to the retractable step (3) , extends
essentially over the entire length (L) of the
retractable step and, in the activated state, is
located essentially under the leading edge (8) of the
retractable step (3), and comprises at least one sensor
which detects either the position of the strip (7, 7')
relative to the retractable step or the force
transferred from the strip to the retractable step.
2. The retractable step as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the strip (7} is a rota table
flap.
3. The retractable step as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the strip {7') is a rot a table
bracket.
4. The retractable step as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the strip is a bracket which can
be displaced in a guide.
5. The retractable step as claimed in claim 2 or 3,
characterized in that the sensor measures an angle
between the strip {7, 7') and the retractable step.

WO 2004/085222 PCT/EP2004/001667
- 9 -
6. The retractable step as claimed in one of claims 1
to 4, characterized in that the sensor is fitted to the
front edge (9, 9') of the strip.
Dated this 14 th day of SEPTEMBER 2005.

The invention relates to an entry aid for assisting the entering and exiting of vehicles (1), particularly rail vehicles. In order to bridge the gap (6) between the vehicle (1) and the platform (5) or the like, a surface upon which passengers can walk, i.e. a retractable step (3), is extended from the vehicle in an essentially linear direction. The invention is characterized in that a strip (7, 7") is displaceably connected to the retractable step (3), extends essentially over the entire length (L) of the retractable step and, when in an active state, is located, in essence, under the leading edge (8) of the retractable step (3). The invention is additionally characterized in that at least one sensor is provided that detects either the position of the strip (7, 7") relative to the retractable step or the force transferred from the strip to the retractable step.

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Patent Number

219928

Indian Patent Application Number

01828/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

20/2008

Publication Date

16-May-2008

Grant Date

14-May-2008

Date of Filing

14-Sep-2005

Name of Patentee

KNORR-BREMSE GES.M.B.H.

Applicant Address

BEETHOVENGASS 43-45, A-2340 MODLING, AUSTRIA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	TAZREITER, ANDREAS	AM MOOS 37 A-3340 WAIDHOFEN A.D. YBBSS, AUSTRIA

PCT International Classification Number

B60R 3/02

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2004/001667

PCT International Filing date

2004-02-20

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	A 472/2003	2003-03-25	Austria