Patent Publication Number: US-11377128-B2

Title: Vehicle door leaf frame and vehicle door leaf, for example for a rail vehicle

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a vehicle door leaf frame, in particular a rail vehicle door leaf frame, preferably for an inwardly opening vehicle door leaf for an entry door. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle door leaf, in particular to a rail vehicle door leaf, preferably to an inwardly opening vehicle door leaf for an entry door. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular to a rail vehicle, preferably to a locomotive. 
     A known rail vehicle door leaf has substantially a welded rail vehicle door leaf frame (consisting of four frame profiles which are manufactured from a single, original profile, and four corner connecting parts which are produced in a complex manner) and an adhesively bonded outer plate. Here, in each case two frame profiles which meet are welded to one another via a common corner connecting part. For this reason, a manufacturer of a rail vehicle door leaf of this type has to be able to demonstrate correspondingly high quality and therefore comparatively expensive qualifications for welding and adhesive bonding (pressure-tightness of the rail vehicle door leaf). Furthermore, the rail vehicle door leaf frame which is constituted as a result comprises, apart from the outer plates, eight components, of which the corner connecting parts are comparatively expensive. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention for it to be possible for the manufacturing costs for a rail vehicle to be lowered comparatively quickly in the region of a rail vehicle door, without it being necessary in the process for a construction of the rail vehicle to be affected excessively deeply. Since interference in a rail vehicle door frame cannot be implemented quickly, the costs in the region of a rail vehicle door leaf are to be lowered; a functionality of the rail vehicle door leaf and therefore of the rail vehicle door is to remain at least constant. 
     The object of the invention is achieved by means of a vehicle door leaf frame, in particular a rail vehicle door leaf frame, preferably for an inwardly opening vehicle door leaf for an entry door; by means of a vehicle door leaf, in particular a rail vehicle door leaf, preferably an inwardly opening vehicle door leaf for an entry door, and by means of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, preferably a locomotive, such as a freight train locomotive, for example. Advantageous developments, additional features and/or advantages of the invention result from the dependent patent claims and/or the following description of the invention. 
     The vehicle door leaf frame according to the invention has a plurality of (in particular, four or precisely four) frame hollow profiles which constitute the actual vehicle door leaf frame, the frame hollow profiles being produced from a plurality of (in particular, precisely two) different original hollow profiles or proto-hollow profiles. Here, in all the embodiments of the invention, one, a plurality of or all the frame hollow profiles can be substituted by one or more frame profiles. Frame hollow profiles which meet one another can be plugged and/or fitted into one another in a corner region of the vehicle door leaf frame. It is preferred here for the frame hollow profiles which meet one another to be plugged and/or fitted into one another in all four corner regions. 
     Furthermore, frame hollow profiles which meet one another in a corner region of the vehicle door leaf frame can be riveted and/or screwed and/or connected by way of another joining method to one another, the functional principle of which other joining method is based on doubling up of sheet metal. It is preferred here to rivet and/or to screw the frame hollow profiles which meet one another to one another in all four corner regions. In one embodiment, seal edges which meet one another of frame hollow profiles which meet one another can be substantially flush among one another in the circumferential direction of the vehicle door leaf frame. As a result, at least one completely circumferential door seal and/or one completely circumferential window seal can be realized. 
     In one embodiment, the frame hollow profiles can comprise two or, in particular, precisely two inner frame hollow profiles, and two or, in particular, precisely two outer frame hollow profiles. Here, the inner frame hollow profiles can be of substantially homogeneous (in the sense of identical) configuration, and/or the outer frame hollow profiles can be of substantially homogeneous (in the sense of identical) configuration. Here, a longitudinal end section of a base profile (see below) of an inner frame hollow profile can be received between two side walls of an outer frame hollow profile. 
     Here, the relevant longitudinal end section of the base profile (machined, preferably stepped) of the inner frame hollow profile, in particular without at least one section of a profile web and/or without at least one section of a profile limb, can be received in each case between two relevant side walls of the relevant outer frame hollow profile which lie opposite one another, the base profile of the inner frame hollow profile preferably being seated mainly or substantially on a relevant base profile of the outer frame hollow profile. Here, apart from fastening means, the relevant longitudinal end section of the inner frame hollow profile is blocked in at least two, preferably in three, translational directions, and is preferably received partially in a positively locking manner in the relevant longitudinal end section of the outer frame hollow profile. 
     In one embodiment, profile webs which meet one another and/or profile limbs which meet one another of the frame hollow profiles can be substantially flush in the circumferential direction of the vehicle door leaf frame. That is to say, all profile webs which meet one another of the frame hollow profiles lie in each case substantially in one plane. Here, all the radially outer, front profile webs and all the radially inner, front profile limbs can lie substantially in one plane. Furthermore, profile webs which meet one another and/or profile limbs which meet one another of frame hollow profiles which meet one another can be fitted in a mechanical contact region. 
     In one embodiment, an individual frame hollow profile or the two frame hollow profiles which meet can have a radius in a corner region of the vehicle door leaf frame. The radius serves to guide the respective seal around on/in the vehicle door leaf frame. In accordance with the invention, two different frame hollow profiles are preferably plugged into one another, are preferably fitted and are preferably riveted, no offset being produced at the radii. The respective radius can serve as a plug-in lug for a seal, in particular a plug-on seal. Furthermore, the outer frame hollow profiles can substantially have the radii for at least one door seal. Furthermore, all the frame hollow profiles can constitute the radii for a window seal in the regions which meet one another. 
     In one embodiment, all the radially outer and front profile webs of the frame hollow profiles can have a substantially completely circumferential seal edge for a front door seal. Furthermore, all the radially outer and rear profile webs of the frame hollow profiles can have a substantially completely circumferential seal edge for a rear door seal. Furthermore, all the radially inner and front profile limbs of the frame hollow profiles can have a substantially completely circumferential seal edge for a window seal. 
     Moreover, at least one outer and/or at least one inner seal edge of the frame hollow profiles can have grooving. That is to say, a plurality of or all the outer seal edges and/or a plurality of or all the inner seal edges can have grooving. In one embodiment, the vehicle door leaf frame is configured as a completely circumferential profile frame. Moreover, the original hollow profiles or the frame hollow profiles are preferably extruded. 
     In one embodiment, the two horizontal frame hollow profiles are of substantially mirror-symmetrical configuration with respect to one another in substantially all the sectional planes of the vehicle door leaf frame, and/or are set up in the vehicle door leaf frame, the sectional planes being defined by a width axis and a vertical axis of the vehicle door leaf frame. This can apply analogously to the vertical frame hollow profiles. In one embodiment of the invention, the rough vehicle door leaf frame (for example, apart from fastening devices (through holes for thrust plate, center strut, etc.), a recess for a lock device, a bearing device, a material removed portion, etc.) can be of rotationally symmetrical configuration by approximately 180° with regard to its thickness axis; this can apply analogously to the horizontal and/or vertical frame hollow profiles. Furthermore, the rough vehicle door leaf frame can be of substantially point-symmetrical configuration in substantially all sectional planes which are defined by its width axis and its vertical axis. 
     The vehicle door leaf according to the invention has a vehicle door leaf frame according to the invention (see above). The vehicle door leaf can have a preferably beaded thrust plate at least on one side and/or a possibly beaded center strut at least on one side. Here, the thrust plate and/or the center strut can be set up between the vertical frame hollow profiles of the vehicle door leaf frame. That is to say, the vehicle door leaf can have a preferably beaded thrust plate and/or a center strut on both sides, that is to say also on an inner side in addition to an outer side. 
     In one embodiment, the thrust plate and/or the center strut are/is riveted, welded and/or connected by way of another joining method to a frame hollow profile at least on one side, the functional principle of which other joining method is based on doubling up of sheet metal. That is to say, the thrust plate and/or the center strut can be welded, screwed and/or connected by way of another joining method on both sides to the frame hollow profiles, the functional principle of which other joining method is based on doubling up of sheet metal. Moreover, the thrust plate can be riveted, screwed and/or connected by way of another joining method to the third frame hollow profile which meets it, the functional principle of which other joining method is based on doubling up of sheet metal. 
     The center strut can be configured in one piece, in one piece in material terms, or integrally with the thrust plate. Furthermore, sealing compound can be provided between the thrust plate and/or the center strut, and at least one frame hollow profile. That is to say, sealing compound can be provided between the thrust plate and/or the center strut and the two frame hollow profiles. Sealing mass can of course likewise be provided between the thrust plate and the abovementioned third frame hollow profile. Here and also in the following text, “between” is intended to mean that the sealing compound is provided on one side on a face of a first part and on the other side on an edge of a part, that is to say not as a sandwich consisting of three layers. 
     In one embodiment, the thrust plate and/or the center strut and at least one frame hollow profile are coated. Furthermore, the center strut can be riveted, screwed and/or connected by way of another joining method to the thrust plate, the functional principle of which other joining method is based on doubling up of sheet metal. Furthermore, sealing compound can be provided between the thrust plate and the center strut. Moreover, the vehicle door leaf frame itself can be of pressure-tight and/or water-tight configuration.—In embodiments, at least one overall (large-area) side, in particular at least the entire outer side, of the vehicle door leaf is coated. Furthermore, the vehicle door leaf can comprise at least one plug-on seal, a stowage shaft window including a mechanism, an interior trim panel, an (external) panel, a recess for a lock device and/or a bearing unit, etc. 
     The vehicle according to the invention can have a vehicle door leaf frame according to the invention. As an alternative or possibly in addition, the vehicle according to the invention can have a vehicle door leaf according to the invention. The invention can be applied to a rail vehicle (for example, railway vehicle, traction unit, locomotive, end car, power car, self-driving special vehicle for railway tasks, railcar or car (rail vehicle without a dedicated drive), etc.) or a motor vehicle (for example, passenger motor vehicle, passenger transport carriage, bus, ATV (All Terrain Vehicle, off-road/military vehicle), commercial vehicle, (heavy duty) truck, construction vehicle, special vehicle, construction machine, etc.), that is to say vehicles in general (including a wagon, that is to say a general vehicle without a dedicated drive). Furthermore, the invention can be applied to a boat, a ship, an aircraft (means of transportation) or a stationary door. 
     In accordance with the invention, a series of advantages arise. Considerably lower manufacturing complexity, improved quality, an increase in a functionality, a reduction of demands made of suppliers, a reduction of component diversity and a considerable cost saving arise. In detail, all welding work can be dispensed with, and therefore also work which is necessary for this purpose, such as complicated straightening work and reworking (grinding, filling). Adhesive bonding work is restricted to a small amount, it being possible for a structural adhesive bonding method to be dispensed with (omission of a bonded-on or bonded-in exterior panel and/or a window frame), as a result of which high value adhesive bonding qualification and adhesive bonding documentation are dispensed with. Associated First Article Inspections and welding audits and adhesive bonding audits are in turn dispensed with as a result. 
     In accordance with the invention, more precise manufacturing tolerances can be achieved than in the case of welding (no welding distortion). Mold costs for cast parts and additional components are dispensed with, with a constant or increased functionality. Moreover, a larger supplier pool for manufacturing the extruded profiles and machining and assembly (riveting, screwing) results than in the case of a welded construction. In accordance with the invention, all corner connection parts are dispensed with by way of the integrated radii and/or plug-in lugs on the frame hollow profiles for the at least one circumferential door seal and the circumferential window seal, no distortion being produced at the plug-in lugs. The sealing compound and/or the coating makes/makes pressure-tightness of the vehicle door leaf possible, even without an exterior panel. 
     In the following text, the invention is described in greater detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawing which is not true to scale. Sections, elements, components, units, outlines and/or components which have an identical, univocal or analogous configuration and/or function are labeled by way of the same designations in the description of the figures (see below), the list of designations, the patent claims and in the figures (figs.) of the drawing. Furthermore, a possible alternative which is not described in the description of the invention (see above), is not shown in the drawing and/or is not conclusive, a static and/or kinematic reversal, a combination, etc. with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the invention and/or a component, an outline, a unit, a component, an element or a section thereof, can be gathered from the list of designations and/or the description of the figures. 
     In the case of the invention, a feature (section, element, structural part, unit, component, function, size, etc.) can be either a positive (that is to say, present) or negative (that is to say, absent) configuration, a negative feature not being described explicitly as a feature if importance is not attached in accordance with the invention to the fact that it is absent. A feature of said specification (description, list of designations, patent claims, drawing) can be used not only in an indicated way, but rather also in another way (isolation, combination, replacement, addition, on its own, omission, etc.). In particular, it is possible to replace, add or omit a feature in the patent claims and/or the description on the basis of a designation and a feature which is assigned to the former, or vice versa, in the description, the list of designations, the patent claims and/or the drawing. Moreover, a feature can be interpreted and/or specified in greater detail in a patent claim as a result. 
     The features of said specification can also be interpreted as optional features (in view of the (usually unknown) prior art); that is to say, each feature can be interpreted as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, that is to say as a non-obligatory feature. Thus, it is possible for a feature, possibly including its periphery, to be separated from an exemplary embodiment, it then being possible for said feature to be transferred to a generalized concept of the invention. The absence of a feature (negative feature) in an exemplary embodiment shows that the feature is optional in relation to the invention. Furthermore, in the case of a specific term for a feature, a generic term for the feature can also be inferred (possibly a further hierarchical breakdown into subgenus, section, etc.), as a result of which a generalization of one or said feature is possible, for example with consideration of equivalent technical effect and/or equivalence. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a vehicle door leaf according to the invention having one exemplary embodiment of a vehicle door leaf frame according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2  shows a three-dimensional view, which is more detailed than  FIG. 1 , of a cut-away, right-hand upper corner region of the vehicle door leaf frame from  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  shows a three-dimensional view, which is more detailed than  FIG. 1 , of a cut-away, left-hand upper corner region of the vehicle door leaf frame from  FIG. 1 , and 
         FIG. 4  shows a two-dimensional sectional view of the vehicle door leaf from  FIG. 1 , the vehicle door leaf being shown sectioned in a region of its cutout for a stowage shaft window. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is described in greater detail in the following text on the basis of exemplary embodiments of one embodiment of one variant of a vehicle door leaf  1  according to the invention on the basis of a vehicle door leaf frame  10  according to the invention for a rail vehicle (rail vehicle door leaf  1 , rail vehicle door leaf frame  10 ). The invention is not restricted, however, to a variant of this type, to embodiments of this type and/or to the exemplary embodiments which are described in the following text, but rather is of more fundamental nature, with the result that the invention can be applied to all vehicles (see above). The drawing shows only those sections of a subject of the invention which are necessary for a comprehension of the invention. 
     Furthermore, the description of the invention on the basis of the drawing relates in the following text to a width direction B or a width axis B, to a thickness direction D or a thickness axis D, and to a vertical direction H or a vertical axis H, and to a circumferential direction U of the vehicle door leaf frame  10  or the vehicle door leaf  1 . Although the invention has been described and illustrated in greater detail by way of preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by way of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Other variants can be derived herefrom and/or from the above (description of the invention), without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  shows the vehicle door leaf  1 , without at least one plug-in seal, a stowage shaft window and a mechanism for the latter, an interior trim panel, an exterior panel, a recess for a lock device and/or a bearing device, etc., based on the vehicle door leaf frame  10 , two corner regions  11  of the vehicle door leaf frame  10  being shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 2  (right-hand upper corner region  11  of  FIGS. 1 ) and  3  (left-hand upper corner region  11  of  FIG. 1 ). In accordance with the invention, the vehicle door leaf frame  10  is configured as a profile frame  10  which preferably has four frame hollow profiles  102 ,  102 ;  202 ,  202 . Another number of frame hollow profiles  102 , . . . ;  202 , . . . ; . . . can possibly be used. 
     In accordance with the invention, the frame hollow profiles  102 , . . . ;  202 , . . . ; . . . come from two or precisely two hollow profiles  100 ,  200  of different configuration, their cross sections ( 110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ;  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ; cf., in particular,  FIG. 3  with  FIG. 4 ) being of different configuration, in particular, with regard to shape and size. In the present case, two horizontal, inner frame hollow profiles  102 ,  102  and two vertical, outer frame hollow profiles  202 ,  202  are used for the vehicle door leaf frame  10 . It is of course possible to swap this, that is to say to use vertical, inner frame hollow profiles and horizontal outer frame hollow profiles. 
     The following comments relate substantially only to a single inner frame hollow profile  102  and a single outer frame hollow profile  202  and a common corner region  11  of said two frame hollow profiles  102 ,  202 . The following comments can be applied analogously, however, to the other frame hollow profiles  102 ,  202  (preferably two) and the other corner regions  11  (preferably three). 
     The inner frame hollow profile  102  (cf.  FIG. 3 ) has a base profile  110  with a preferably closed, mainly “rectangular” or mainly “square” cross section. Here, the cross section is “pentagonal”, a corner (plan view of the cross section: top left) of a rectangle or square being of beveled configuration (pentagonal, mainly rectangular cross section). That is to say, the base profile  110  is configured as a polygonal tube or a pentagonal tube with a mainly rectangular or square cross section. Here, rounded portions can of course also be provided. Other shapes, such as triangular, hexagonal, polygonal shapes, possibly with rounded portions; round shapes, etc., can of course be used. 
     Furthermore, the base profile  110  of the inner frame hollow profile  102  preferably has three lug-shaped projections  120 ,  130 ,  140  which project away therefrom in the vertical direction H, each projection  120 ,  130 ,  140  preferably being configured as an extension of a side wall of the base profile  110 , which side wall relates to said projection. All lug-shaped projections  120 ,  130 ,  140  preferably do not lie at least with a free section in a plane of that side wall of the base profile  110  which relates to the respective projection  120 ,  130 ,  140 . Said sections are preferably arranged, however, parallel to the relevant side wall, to which they are preferably connected integrally (parallel offset). 
     Thus, the base profile  110  has a preferably radially outer, front (outer side  18  of the vehicle) profile web  120  which is preferably recessed substantially completely from the relevant side wall of the base profile  110 . The profile web  120  can have a seal edge or can be configured as a seal edge of this type. Said seal edge can have grooving. Furthermore, the base profile  110  has a preferably radially outer, rear (inner side  19  of the vehicle (cab, carbody)) profile web  130  which is preferably recessed merely in sections from the relative side wall of the base profile  110 . The profile web  130  can have a seal edge or can be configured as a seal edge of this type. Said seal edge can likewise have grooving. 
     Moreover, the base profile  110  has a preferably radially inner, front profile limb  140  which is preferably recessed substantially completely from the relevant side wall of the base profile  110 . The profile limb  140  can have a seal edge or can be configured as a seal edge of this type. Said seal edge can once again likewise have grooving. The radially outer, front profile web  120  and the radially inner, front profile limb  140  preferably lie in one plane. Here, a respective seal edge serves preferably for receiving a plug-in seal  52 ,  53 ,  54  (cf.  FIG. 4 ). 
     Here, the outer frame hollow profile  202  (cf.  FIG. 4 ) is configured with a substantially analogous shape with respect to the inner frame hollow profile  102 , its preferably three lug-shaped projections  220 ,  230 ,  240  (radially outer, front profile web  220 , radially outer, rear profile web  230 , radially inner, front profile limb  240 ) preferably not projecting from it in the vertical direction H, however, but rather in the width direction B. Furthermore, all lug-shaped projections  220 ,  230 ,  240  preferably lie at least with a section, in particular completely, in a plane with that side wall of the base profile  210  which relates to the respective projection  220 ,  230 ,  240  and to which they are preferably connected integrally (no parallel offset). Furthermore, the radially outer, front profile web  220  and the radially inner, front profile  240  limb preferably lie in one plane. 
     The outer frame hollow profile  202  is configured in such a way that the base profile  102  of the inner frame hollow  102 , possibly including a bonded section, for example, of its outer, rear profile web  130  (cf.  FIG. 3 ), can be received between two side walls of the outer frame hollow profile  202  with a clearance fit or a transition fit (cf.  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). That is to say, the two frame hollow profiles  102 ,  202  are configured such that they can be plugged into one another with their longitudinal end sections. Said two frame hollow profiles  102 ,  202  which meet one another can be riveted and/or screwed to one another in their mutual overlaps (corner regions  11 ). Welded seams/welded spots can possibly be used in addition. 
     Furthermore, mutual linear contact regions result between the profile webs  120 ,  220 ;  130 ,  230  (four) which meet one another and the profile limbs  140 ,  240  (two) which meet one another. In said regions, the two frame hollow profiles  102 ,  202  which meet one another are preferably fitted in a complementary manner, with the result that they configure seal edges which preferably run around substantially completely on the profile webs  120 ,  220 ;  130 ,  230  and have substantially no offset in the thickness direction D. It is possible, in particular, to dispense with one fitted connection or all fitted connections. 
     The outer frame hollow profile  202  is preferably machined in its two corner regions  11  in such a way that (outer) radii  12 ,  13  (plug(-in) lugs  12 ,  13 ) are provided for the preferably substantially completely circumferential door seals  52 ,  53  ((plug-in) seals  52 ,  53 ). Furthermore, the outer frame hollow profile  202  and, in a corresponding manner thereto, the inner frame hollow profile  102  and, a second time, the outer frame hollow profile  202  and, in a manner which corresponds thereto, a center strut  40  (see below, alternative thrust plate  30 , see below) are preferably machined in such a way that radii  14  (plug(-in) lugs  14 ) are provided there for the preferably substantially completely circumferential window seal  54  ((plug-in) seal  54 ). The plug-in lugs  12 ,  13 ,  14  can have grooving, in order to increase retention of the seals  52 ,  53 ,  54 . 
     In order that a (stowage shaft) window can be set up between the outer frame hollow profiles  202 ,  202 , the possibly beaded center strut  40  is riveted and/or screwed onto the two frame hollow profiles  202 ,  202  at a corresponding level. A preferably beaded thrust plate  30  is riveted or screwed to the two outer frame hollow profiles  202 ,  202 , the center strut  40  and the lower inner frame hollow profile  102  between the center strut  40  and the lower inner frame hollow profile  102 . The center strut  40  can possibly be configured in one piece/integrally with the thrust plate  30 . In addition or as an alternative to at least one bead, the thrust plate  30  can have at least one other reinforcing device. 
     In all corner regions  11 , a sealing compound can be introduced between the frame hollow profiles  102 ,  202  which meet one another there during the plugging together, in order that the vehicle door leaf frame  10  can be configured in a pressure-tight manner. The thrust plate  30  and/or the center strut  40  are/is preferably likewise provided with sealing compound on the vehicle door leaf frame  10 . Moreover, sealing compound is possibly likewise provided between the thrust plate  30  and the center strut  40 . In addition or as an alternative, the transitions between the components which meet one another (frame hollow profiles  102 ,  102 ;  202 ,  202 —thrust plate  30 —center strut  40 ) and/or the entire vehicle door leaf frame  10  (possibly on one side, outer side  18  (on the outside and/or on the inside)) can be sealed retroactively, possibly also additionally, with a coating, with the result that the vehicle door leaf  1  is pressure-tight even without an exterior panel.