Control and drive assembly for a vehicle door

A control and drive assembly for a transport vehicle door, and which includes a main control unit; a main motor to drive the door leaves and which is controlled by the main control unit to displace the leaves; an auxiliary control module; an auxiliary motor operable to: control the auxiliary motor so as to displace the leaves in at least one direction to a closed position, control a locking of the leaves in the closed position; and a connection device arranged between the main control unit and the auxiliary motor to facilitate transmission of a reference signal by the main control unit to the auxiliary control module, the reference signal being representative of a proper operating state of the main motor and the main control unit. The auxiliary control module is operable to actuate the auxiliary motor when the auxiliary control module does not receive the reference signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to French Patent Publication No. FR 2105768 (filed on Jun. 1, 2021), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its complete entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of access doors to a transport vehicle. These access doors can first of all designate doors belonging to transport vehicles, in particular of the train, tram, metro, a bus, or even a trolleybus. The disclosure relates to a transport vehicle door which may include, either a single leaf or several leaves, typically two leaves. Within the meaning of the disclosure, these access doors also designate doors called landing doors, also called platform screens. The disclosure relates to a transport vehicle door which may include either a single leaf, or several leaves, typically two leaves. Moreover, these access doors can be in particular of the sliding, or even sliding plug type.

The present disclosure relates more specifically to a control and drive assembly, intended to control each leaf belonging to such an access door. It further relates to a method for implementing this access door, via this control and drive assembly. Finally, it relates, on the one hand, to a transport vehicle and, on the other hand, to a platform screen which are respectively equipped with at least one such a control and drive assembly.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a door leaf is movable, in a direction of displacement which is most often horizontal, relative to the body of the vehicle that it equips. In a first position, (a closed position), this leaf closes off a bay in the body, while, in its open position, it releases access to this bay. This leaf is capable of being moved, typically thanks to an electric motor, in particular a rotary electric motor. According to a first possibility, this motor drives a worm screw which cooperates with an elongated cylindrical body, whose internal volume defines a nut meshing with the aforementioned worm screw. Moreover, as an alternative, provision can be made for the motor to drive a belt, each strand of which supports an arm allowing the displacement of a respective leaf.

The electric motor above is controlled by a pilot plate, or door control unit (DCU). This control unit manages, in addition to the opening and closing of each leaf, some additional functions. Among the latter, there are generally the locking of the leaf in the closed position, as well as the detection of obstacles during closing, the passenger anti-drive function, or even the transmission of the signals for opening and closing the doors.

In the case of a failure of the control unit, or else of the motor associated therewith, or even of the leaf drive chain, a leaf is likely to be blocked in an open position, which prevents any displacement of the transport vehicle. When such a breakdown is observed, it is then necessary to carry out a manual closing operation, from a member of the crew, in particular from the driver himself. It is understandable that this occurrence is problematic, insofar as it can significantly delay the departure of a vehicle stopped at the station, which then considerably disrupts the network. Moreover, this delay can take on prohibitive proportions, in particular in the case of transport vehicles called “driverless” transport vehicles, of high-capacity urban metros or even platform screen doors and landing doors.

In order to overcome the above problem, some manufacturers have proposed several architectures, aimed at adapting, in a judicious manner, the assembly for controlling and driving the door.

European Patent Application No. EP 1 912 846 suggests, in the case of failure of the control plate of a given door, to use the valid control plate used in theory to manage the neighboring door. This consequently allows closing, then locking, each leaf which is theoretically controlled by inoperative plate.

This solution has some drawbacks, however, given that it induces an increase in the failure rate of all the control plates, which must be likely to manage, in theory, an additional door. There is, moreover, an increase in the failure rate of the entire motorization since each motor, which is theoretically dedicated to a single control plate, must be able to be managed by two different plates. Furthermore, this creates a negative impact, in terms of safety, since there is a risk that a control plate inadvertently manages a non-defective door. It should also be noted that, according to the teaching of this European patent application, a possible motor failure is not taken into account.

Mention will also be made of European Patent Application No. EP 2 065 769, in the name of the company FAIVELEY TRANSPORT TOURS, which provides for the use of the control panel of a given door, for example, installed on the right, respectively left, side of the vehicle, for the opening and closing of the opposite door, installed on the right, respectively left, side of the vehicle. The control plate located on the first side, respectively left or right, is connected to an output module provided on the other side, respectively right or left. Consequently, the control plates located on these respective sides are managed by each other.

This alternative solution does not allow overcoming, in a satisfactory manner, the drawbacks of Patent Application No. EP 1 912 846 presented above. Thus, there is, in particular, an increase in the risk of failure not only of the control plates, but also of the overall motorization. In addition, just like in Patent Application No. EP 1 912 846, this second document does not take into account a possible motor failure. Furthermore, this alternative solution proves to be complex due to the reciprocal management between the control plates. Finally, it is only applicable for a couple of neighboring doors.

The Nabtesco company also proposed, in its European Patent Application No. EP 2 404 805, to associate an additional control plate with a given motor. This takes over in the case of failure of the usual control plate, in order to continue to operate the door in a normal manner.

This embodiment, however, is not entirely satisfactory, on the one hand, from an economic point of view. Indeed, the fact of installing an additional control plate involves a significant additional cost. There is also a risk of deterioration in the reliability, linked to the use of a specific electrical connection between the motor and the two control plates associated therewith. The presence of these additional connections, which allows in particular selecting the chosen control plate, indeed involves specific risk of failure. Finally, just as in the first two solutions, presented above, the Nabtesco embodiment does not allow overcoming a possible failure at the motor.

Finally, German Patent Publication No. DE 199 13 996 will be mentioned, which describes a control and drive assembly for a door using different motors. In particular, one of these motors is more particularly dedicated to a so-called rescue displacing the door, which corresponds to an emergency situation. However, this solution has specific drawbacks, in particular, in that it is relatively expensive. Moreover, this document does not specifically target the doors for transport vehicles.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, an objective of the present disclosure is to overcome, at least partially, the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

Another object of the disclosure is in particular to propose a control and drive assembly which allows carrying out, in a reliable manner, a rescue closing of the door, both in the case of a failure of the control plate and the drive motor or the coupling thereof.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a control and drive assembly which requires relatively inexpensive additional mechanical components, which are further adapted to ensure a rescue closing with a low energy expenditure.

Another object of the disclosure is to propose such a control and drive assembly, which allows avoiding any inadvertent maneuver, in particular in the case where the drive motor, the coupling thereof or the control unit are not in a failure situation.

Another object of the disclosure is to propose such a control and drive assembly, which can be implanted and implemented at a single door.

According to the disclosure, at least one of the above objectives is achieved via a control and drive assembly for a door of a transport vehicle, in particular, of the train, tram, metro, a bus, or even a trolleybus, this control and drive assembly comprising: a main control unit comprising an electronic control device; a main motor for driving the or each leaf of the door, the main control unit being operable to control the main motor so as to displace this leaf in two opposite directions, corresponding respectively to the opening and the closing of this leaf; an auxiliary control module; an auxiliary motor, the auxiliary control module being operable to control the auxiliary motor so as to displace the or each leaf in at least one direction, to a closed position of this leaf, the auxiliary control module being further operable to control the locking of the or each leaf, in its closed position; a connection device arranged between the main unit and the auxiliary motor, wherein the main control unit is operable to transmit, to the auxiliary control module, via the connection device, a reference signal representative of a proper operation of both the main motor, the main control unit, as well as the electronic control device, wherein the auxiliary control module is operable to actuate the auxiliary motor when the control module no longer receives the reference signal, wherein the auxiliary motor is operable to displace the or each leaf at an auxiliary displacement speed having a maximum value being significantly less than the maximum value of the displacement speed which is allowed by the main motor.

According to other technical features of the control assembly, in accordance with the disclosure: the ratio (V/V′) between, on the one hand, the maximum value of the nominal displacement speed allowed by the main motor and, on the other hand, the maximum value of said auxiliary displacement speed, is greater than 1.5; the ratio (V/V′) between, on the one hand, the maximum value of the nominal displacement speed allowed by the main motor and, on the other hand, the maximum value of said auxiliary displacement speed, is between 1.5 and 3; the maximum value of the auxiliary displacement speed (V′) is less than 0.5 m/s; the maximum energy of the auxiliary motor is less than 18 Joules; the auxiliary control module is operable to actuate the auxiliary motor when it no longer receives any signal from the main control unit; the auxiliary control module is operable to actuate the auxiliary motor when it receives from the main control unit a signal which is different than the reference signal; the auxiliary control module is operable to control the auxiliary motor so as to displace the leaf in a single direction to its closed position; the connection device is of the wired type being in particular operable to transmit a variable signal of the periodic type; and the connection device is of the wireless type being in particular operable to transmit a variable signal of the incremental type.

These additional features can be implemented with the main object above, individually or in any technically compatible combination.

The disclosure also relates to a method for implementing a control and drive assembly, comprising the following: controlling the main motor according to a nominal displacement speed via a control unit, in order to carry out each opening and closing cycle of the or each leaf, when the auxiliary control module receives a reference signal representative of a proper operation of both the main motor, the main control unit, and the electronic control device, while leaving the auxiliary motor inactive; and controlling the auxiliary motor, via the auxiliary control module in response to a detection by an auxiliary control module detects of an absence of reception of the reference signal, so as to close the or each leaf, according to an auxiliary displacement speed which is significantly less than the nominal displacement speed.

According to additional technical features of this method: the method further comprises, before carrying out the first opening and closing cycle of the or each leaf, entering into an initialization phase in which the reference signal is transmitted at least once to the auxiliary module, via the control unit; and observing a time delay phase, after detecting the absence of reception of the reference signal via the auxiliary control module and before controlling the auxiliary motor. These additional technical features can be implemented with the second main object above, individually, or in any technically compatible combination(s).

The disclosure also relates to a transport vehicle, in particular, a train, tram, metro, a bus, or even a trolleybus, the vehicle including at least one door including at least one leaf, a displacement device operable to displace each leaf, and a control and drive assembly as set forth, illustrated, and disclosed herein.

The disclosure also relates to a platform for stopping a transport vehicle, in particular, a train, tram, metro, a bus, or even a trolleybus, the platform including at least one door including at least one leaf, a displacement device operable to displace each leaf, and a control and drive assembly as set forth, illustrated, and disclosed herein.

According to other technical features of this transport vehicle, or else of the stopping platform, the displacement device comprises: an elongated displacement member, in particular, a worm screw or a plurality of worm screws which are coupled to each other, the output shafts respectively of the main motor and of the auxiliary motor being engaged with the opposite ends of the elongated displacement member; an elongated displacement member, in particular, a worm screw or a plurality of worm screws which are coupled to each other, only the output shaft of the main motor being engaged with one of the ends of the elongated displacement member; and a closed-loop displacement member, in particular, a transmission belt and pulleys operable to cooperate with the closed-loop displacement member, the main motor being operable to drive a first pulley while the auxiliary motor is operable to drive a second pulley.

DESCRIPTION

FIG.1schematically illustrates a section of transport vehicle100which is equipped with a control and drive assembly according to the disclosure, which is designated by the reference I. This vehicle is for example a train, a tram, a metro, a bus or even a trolleybus. In thisFIG.1, only a section of the body102of this vehicle, as well as a door106, are represented in a simplified manner. In a manner known per se, this door106is of the sliding type. It comprises a frame108, disposed at the periphery of a bay110formed in the body of the vehicle100. This door106is further provided with two leaves112,114, which form the door leaf. Alternatively, the door106can be provided with a single leaf, or with a plurality of leaves.

FIG.1also illustrates a drive device operable to drive each leaf112,114relative to the frame108of the vehicle100, in a direction denoted XX which corresponds to the running axis of the vehicle100. This drive device comprises a drive member in the form of a worm screw120, which is secured in translation with the frame. A member called driven member122,124is also provided, secured with a respective leaf112,114. Each driven member122,124is made in the form of a cylindrical body, whose internal surface forms a nut123,125operable to cooperate with the worm screw120. The different mechanical elements, listed hereinabove, are of the conventional type such that they will not be described in more detail below.

The control and drive assembly I essentially comprises a main motor1, a main control unit2, an auxiliary motor3, an auxiliary control module4, and a connection device5arranged between the main control unit2and the auxiliary control module4. The main motor1, which is known per se, is typically a direct current rotary motor. Alternatively, the main motor1could also be a brushless motor or a stepper motor. InFIGS.1,3, and4, the output shaft10thereof is represented schematically. The output shaft10cooperates with the worm screw120so as to drive it in rotation. The main motor1has performance such that it allows a displacement of each leaf112,114along the axis XX above, at a speed V typically comprised between 0.1 and 1 meter per second (m/s).

The main control unit2, which is also known per se, is equipped with an electronic control device22that comprises one or more software, in a conventional manner. The main control unit2is operable to control the main motor1via a control line20. In particular, the main control unit2causes rotation of the output shaft10in opposite directions, which enables a displacement of the leaves112,114both in the closing direction and in the opening direction. In addition to causing the opening and closing functions, the main control unit2is operable to perform additional functions, in a conventional manner. Among these main functions, mention will be made in particular of the locking of one (or both) of the leaves112,114in the closed position, as well as the detection of obstacles during closing, the passenger anti-drive function, or even the transmission of signals for opening and closing the leaves112,114. Typically, the main control unit2is similar to the control plates (or Door Control Units) known from the state of the art, which have been detailed in the preamble of this disclosure.

The auxiliary motor3, which is also known per se, is typically also a direct current rotary motor, a brushless motor, or even a stepper motor. InFIGS.1,3, and4, the output shaft30thereof is represented schematically. The output shaft30cooperates with the worm screw120to also drive the worm screw120in rotation, in particular, in certain operational circumstances which will be detailed hereinbelow. A clutch member32is advantageously interposed between the output shaft30and the worm screw120, such that the auxiliary motor3is not permanently engaged with the worm screw120, in particular, during a normal operation as will be detailed hereinbelow.

According to the disclosure, the maximum displacement speed V′ of each leaf112,114, which is called auxiliary since it is allowed by starting the auxiliary motor3, is substantially less than the maximum speed V which is called nominal since it is allowed by the main motor1. In other words, the ratio (V/V′) between the above nominal and auxiliary speeds is much greater than 1. Advantageously, the maximum auxiliary speed V′ is in all cases less than 0.5 m/s.

Advantageously, the auxiliary motor3has performances which are significantly lower than those of the main motor1. In particular, the ratio (E/E′), between the respective maximum energies of the main motor1and the auxiliary motor3, is much greater than 1. Advantageously, the maximum energy E′ of the auxiliary motor3is in all cases less than 18 Joules.

The auxiliary control module4, which is operable to control the auxiliary motor3via a control line40, is advantageously of a type different from that of the main control unit2. In particular, the auxiliary control module4has a number of reduced functionalities, relative to those authorized by the main control unit2. In this respect, provision can advantageously be made for the auxiliary control module4to only control, on the one hand, the displacement of each leaf112,114towards a respective closed position and, on the other hand, a respective locking of each leaf112,114relative to the frame108in the closing position. It will be noted that, in the event that the locking mechanism normally dedicated to this function is damaged, an emergency lockout, of the conventional type, is activated following the command generated by the auxiliary control module4.

The connection device5, which is illustrated schematically inFIGS.1,3, and4, can be made in different forms. It is possible, in particular, to provide wired-type connection device5such as a binary input/output, which then take the form, for example, of a cable or a set of cables. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a connection device5of an electronic network type, for example, a network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type or of the ETHERNET type. Another variant may include using a wireless connection, for example, of the Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth® type.

In accordance with the disclosure, the main control unit2transmits in service, via the connection device5, a signal in the direction of the auxiliary control module4. This signal is representative of an operating level of the main motor1, namely that it may be representative of a proper operation of the main motor1, or else of an incorrect operation of the main motor1.

In the case of a network of the wired type, the reference signal is representative of a proper operation of the main motor1, can be such as that described inFIG.2, where it is assigned the reference S. This constitutes a square signal, transmitted at a constant frequency, materializing the variation of a voltage as a function of time. By way of example, the amplitude Umax of this voltage is, for example, between 0 and 137 V. Typically, this maximum amplitude can have one of the following values: 3.3 V, 5 V, 12V or 24 V, 72 V, or 110 V. Moreover, the period T of the signal is, for example, between 10 ms and 1 s, typically in the range of 100 ms.

In the case of a network or wireless type connection, the signal called reference signal, representative of the proper operation of the motor, is materialized by the incrementation, via the main unit, of a counter present on the auxiliary module. This counter is incremented at a period for example comprised between 10 ms and 1 s, typically close to 100 ms.

In the case where several processors and/or software are used, on the one hand, the reference signal in the wired configuration, on the other hand, the counter in the wireless configuration, correspond to the results of the different states of this plurality of processors and/or software. In other words, the reference signal just like this counter are representative of the proper operation of both the motor, the software and the main control unit2.

The implementation of the control and drive assembly I in accordance with the disclosure, as described above, will now be explained, in particular with reference toFIGS.2and3.

Advantageously, an initialization phase is first carried out. In essence, the main control unit2transmits at least once, to the auxiliary control module4, the signal representative of the proper operation of the motor and the control unit thereof. As seen above, this signal can take different forms depending on whether the connection device5are of the wired or wireless type. Once this initialization phase has been carried out, the auxiliary control module4is then capable of identifying the transmission, either of the signal representative of the proper operation, or of a different signal which is therefore representative of an incorrect operation. It will also be noted that this auxiliary control module4is capable of identifying the pure and simple absence of transmission of any signal, from the main control unit2.

In this regard, it will be noted that it is particularly advantageous to provide a reference signal which is variable, namely of a dynamic type and not static type. In other words, the reference signal changes values over time. This temporal change allows identifying a possible malfunction of the main control unit2, due to the fact that the main control unit2would be frozen. Consequently, it is a signal called life signal of the main control unit2.

FIG.3illustrates a normal operation of the door106, as well as of its control and drive assembly. InFIG.3, the active mechanical and electrical elements are represented in solid lines, while the inactive elements are represented in dotted lines. During normal operation, the main control unit2manages the usual functions assigned thereto. In particular, the main control unit2controls the main motor1such that the output shaft30thereof and, consequently, the worm screw120, can be rotated in opposite directions. InFIG.3, R1denotes the direction of rotation corresponding to the closing of the doors106, as well as R2the reverse direction of rotation corresponding to the opening of the doors106. These movements of the leaves112,114in opposite directions are materialized, inFIG.3, by double arrows F112and F114. It will be noted that, during this normal operation, the auxiliary motor3does not mesh with the worm screw120, due to the presence of a clutch member32.

It is now assumed that there is a malfunction, at the door106and/or the control and drive assembly thereof. Such a malfunction can correspond to different occurrences. First of all, it can be a motor failure, the detection of a door leaf112,114which is not correctly closed, or else a leaf112,114which is locked without being correctly closed. This malfunction can also be in the form of an electrical or electronic type problem, which is to say, in particular a software failure. This malfunction can further mean a problem at the periodic tests, also called “auto tests,” which are conventionally carried out by the main control unit2. These tests are intended to check the proper operation in real time of the main control unit2itself, or of the entire door106. This may include, among other things, consistency tests at sensor or else contact tests.

Such a malfunction, therefore, can mainly be representative of an incorrect operation of: either of the main motor1, either of the main control unit2(hardware), or at least one of the software forming the electronic control device22for controlling the main control unit2.

Such a malfunction is then detected, at the auxiliary control module4. In the case where the main control unit2detects a motor failure, it stops the transmission of the reference signal. The auxiliary control module4then identifies this absence of transmission, such that it concludes with the malfunction hereinabove. In the case where the failure occurs at the main control unit2itself, the main control unit2can either continue to transmit a signal which is, however, different than the reference signal, or no longer transmit a signal. This occurrence is then identified by the auxiliary control module4as a malfunction. Once the malfunction is identified, either by the absence of a signal, or by the transmission of a signal which is not in accordance with the reference signal, the auxiliary control module4activates the auxiliary motor3, which is illustrated inFIG.4. As inFIG.3,FIG.4illustrates, respectively in solid and dotted lines, the mechanical and electrical elements which are respectively active and inactive.

As shown inFIG.4, the auxiliary control module4controls the clutch32so as to mutually engage the output shaft30of the auxiliary motor and the worm screw120, which is materialized by the arrow F32. This output shaft30is then rotated, just like the worm screw120. This rotation, materialized by the arrow R′1, then causes the leaves112,114to close, which is materialized by the simple arrows F′112and F′114.

In order to avoid an action which is too sensitive, the command implemented by the auxiliary control module4can intervene after a time delay. In other words, a predefined duration is provided between, on the one hand, the moment when the absence of transmission of the reference signal is detected and, on the other hand, the moment when the auxiliary control module4executes its own command.

Advantageously, provision can be made for the closing command from the auxiliary control module4to be limited to a certain time period, typically comprised between 1 s and 10 s. This allows avoiding potential conflicts between the auxiliary control module4and the main control unit2, in the event that this auxiliary control module4detects a failure of the main motor1or of the main control unit2, while the main motor1and the main control unit2are in a state of proper operation. This also allows reducing the risk of passengers being trapped when they actuate the emergency opening device.

The auxiliary control module4is also operable to control the locking of the leaves112,114once they have reached a closing position as mentioned hereinabove. This locking can be of an active locking type, in the sense that it is carried out by the auxiliary motor3at the end of the closing movement. It is also possible for the locking to be in a passive locking type which locking is induced by the movement of the door itself, without additional action of the auxiliary motor3. In either of these cases, this locking remains controlled by the auxiliary control module4.

The detected malfunction may be temporary. In this case the normal implementation of the leaves112,114, in particular, with regard to the opening and closing cycles, is again carried out via the main control unit2and the main motor1. Should, however, the detected malfunction prove to be long-lasting, appropriate repairs should be made to the main control unit2and/or the main motor1. It will be noted that, in the case where the main control unit2is in normal operation, the successive locking then closing commands can be ordered to the auxiliary control module4via the main unit2.

InFIG.1, the on-board cabin130has been schematically illustrated. Optionally, an additional control line132advantageously connects the on-board cabin130and the auxiliary control module4. Under these conditions, independently of the steps described above, the driver or even any member of the crew can actuate the auxiliary control module4, should it be necessary. This occurrence can in particular occur when the crew observes a failure in the door106or else in the control and drive assembly, the cause of which cannot be easily identified.

It will further be emphasized that, advantageously, the output shaft30cannot be rotated in the opposite direction, this impossibility being materialized by the crossed-out arrow R′2visible inFIG.4. In other words, the auxiliary motor is not capable of generating an opening of the leaves112,114of the door106. This allows reducing the dimensions and performance of the main motor1, which is advantageous in terms of space and costs. It should be noted that the above impossibility is beneficial in terms of safety with regard to the risks of inadvertent opening, whereas it is also not likely to impact the proper operation of the entire railway network.

In a first embodiment, the clutch32is optional. Indeed, it is possible to imagine that the output shaft30is permanently engaged with the worm screw120. In this case, when the latter is driven by the main motor, this worm screw120meshes with the auxiliary motor3, which is switched on passively. Nevertheless, the use of the clutch32is advantageous, insofar as it allows reducing the wear of the auxiliary motor, given that the latter is then completely inactive in normal operation of the door106. This clutch also allows reducing the manual efforts to open and close the leaves112,114of the door106.

FIG.5illustrates a second embodiment of the disclosure. In thisFIG.5, the mechanical elements of the control and drive assembly, which are similar to those of the previous figures, are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by the number100.

The control and drive assembly represented inFIG.5differs from that of the preceding figures, in particular, in that the output shaft230of the auxiliary motor203does not cooperate directly with the worm screw120. Indeed, the auxiliary motor203is placed opposite the worm screw120relative to the main motor201. The output shaft230of the auxiliary motor203therefore cooperates with the input of the main motor201, with the interposition of a clutch member232. In normal operation, the main motor201drives the leaves112,114both in opening and closing, as in the first embodiment hereinabove. Then, in the event of a malfunction detected by the auxiliary control module204, the auxiliary control module204is operable to control the clutch member232so as to engage the auxiliary motor203with the main motor201. This auxiliary motor203is then started so as to drive the main motor201which in turn generates the rotation of the worm screw120, advantageously only in the direction of closing the leaves112,114.

FIG.6illustrates a second embodiment, presented with reference toFIG.5. InFIG.6, the mechanical elements of the control and drive assembly, which are similar to those ofFIG.5, are assigned same reference numbers, increased by the number100.

The control and drive assembly ofFIG.6differs from that ofFIG.5in that the main motor301and auxiliary motor303are permanently engaged, since there is no clutch member such as that in the prior embodiments. In addition, there is an additional control line connecting the main control unit302and the auxiliary motor303. In normal operation, it is possible to choose to actuate only the main motor301, or else both the main motor301and the auxiliary motor303. In the event of a malfunction, similarly to what has been described hereinabove, only the auxiliary motor303is started so as to drive the main motor301and the worm screw120.

As a variant which is not represented, provision may be made for the drive mechanism to be made in a different form of a single worm screw120. With this in mind, each leaf112,114can be equipped with a respective worm screw120being advantageously coupled.

In the examples above, the displacement device for displacing each leave112,114of the door106is of a worm screw and nut type. Nevertheless, the disclosure finds its application to other types of displacement devices. With this in mind,FIG.7illustrates a control and drive assembly associated with a displacement device which uses a pulley and belt system. In thisFIG.7the mechanical elements similar to those of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by the number400.

As shown inFIG.7, similarly to the first embodiment, the control and drive assembly of a transport vehicle500comprises a main motor401, a main control unit402, an auxiliary motor403, an auxiliary control module404, and a connection device405between the main control unit402and the auxiliary main control module404. InFIG.7, there is illustrated a main pulley504to be driven by the main motor401. This pulley504meshes with a belt520, which is wound around an auxiliary pulley534, provided in the vicinity of the auxiliary motor403.

In normal operation, the main motor401drives the main pulley504and the belt520. The belt520supports, on each of the strands thereof, a respective displacement arm522,524. Each arm522,524is secured to a respective leaf512,514of the door506such that, when the belt520is moved according to the double arrow F520, the leaves512,514are driven according to the double arrows F512and F514. Preferably, the pulleys504,534are operable to allow displacement of the leaves512,514of the sliding plug type. To this end, the various mechanical elements are in accordance, for example, with the teaching of the French Patent No. 3 003 887. Contrary to the arrangement described in French Patent No. 3 003 887, the auxiliary pulley534is not permanently of the driven type. Indeed, the auxiliary pulley534is likely to be driven by the auxiliary motor403. Consequently, should a malfunction within the meaning of what has been described hereinabove is detected by the auxiliary control module404, the auxiliary control module404is operable to control the auxiliary motor403. The auxiliary motor403then cooperates with the auxiliary pulley534so as to move the belt520and displace the leaves522,524. Thus, in the occurrence of such a malfunction, the auxiliary motor403is driving while the main motor401is driven. As disclosed hereinabove, however, in the context of normal operation, the main motor401is driving and the auxiliary motor403is driven.

As an additional variant (not illustrated), provision may be made for the control and drive assembly in accordance with the disclosure to cooperate with a door106having a single leaf. In this case, a single worm screw120is typically provided, similar to that previously described, but of smaller axial dimension. Such a worm screw120is likely to mesh with the main motor1and, in the case of failure of the main motor1, with the auxiliary motor3as explained hereinabove.

The disclosure has many advantages, relative to the prior art. It will be noted first of all that the disclosure allows solving, in a reliable manner, malfunctions occurring not only at the main control unit, but also at the main motor. Indeed, the auxiliary control module can be notified of such an abnormal operation, both at the control unit and the main motor, when this auxiliary control module notes the absence of transmission of the reference signal. This should be compared with the prior art which, as explained above, does not allow taking into account possible problems at the main motor.

Moreover, the disclosure provides a reliable solution to these malfunctions, without, however, involving significant additional costs. Indeed, according to the disclosure, provision is made for the speed of displacement of the leaf, in a rescue case, to be much lower than the displacement speed thereof in the context of a normal operation. Under these conditions, the auxiliary motor advantageously has performance and, consequently, a cost price which is significantly less than that of the main motor. Furthermore, as mentioned above, provision is advantageously made for the auxiliary control module and the auxiliary motor to be dedicated solely to the functions of closing and, where appropriate, locking the leaves. With this in mind, it is possible in particular to use, as an auxiliary module, a microcontroller or else a complex programmable logic device (CPLD).

By comparison, it should be emphasized that the arrangement proposed by German Patent Publication No. DE 199 13 996 uses the same types of mechanical elements, both for the displacement under normal conditions and for the displacement in the case of an emergency. Under these conditions, an emergency situation is certainly managed reliably, but at the cost of a significant additional cost. The latter is translated into practice, not only in terms of mechanical investments, but also of energy expenditure.

In this respect it shall be noted that the rescue closing, carried out by the disclosure, corresponds to a backup situation which is far distinct from the emergency situation monitored by German Patent Publication No. DE 199 13 996. Indeed, in the disclosure, there is no real emergency linked to the door closing, so long as this closing is actually carried out. According to the disclosure, it is therefore possible to carry out this rescue or backup closing with a low energy. Indeed, in this situation, the leaf is displaced at a low speed, significantly lower than the displacement speed thereof in a normal situation.

Under these conditions, the disclosure implies substantially no risk of injuring a passenger, following a possible impact with this slowly mobilized leaf. This is to be compared with the solution of German Patent Publication No. DE 199 13 996 which provides for identical motors, both in normal operation and in the case of a rescue closing which corresponds to an emergency closing. In these conditions, the risk of injury to a passenger is significant given that, in an emergency situation, the leaf is mobilized at the same speed as in a normal situation.

It will be noted that the fact of providing an auxiliary module, according to the disclosure, has specific advantages relative to a solution which would use a single control module. Indeed, in the event of failure of such a single module, the door106would no longer be operational, which could then cause a prolonged stop of the transport vehicle. On the contrary, an auxiliary control allows, in accordance with the disclosure, preserve a backup operation of the door106, which avoids any paralysis of the transport vehicle.

Finally, it should be emphasized that the auxiliary motor, used in accordance with the disclosure, cannot be the cause of an inadvertent maneuver in normal operation of the door. Indeed, in the context of such a normal operation, this auxiliary motor is inactive relative to the leaf displacement device.