Patent Publication Number: US-11028631-B2

Title: Vehicle door displacement device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of doors for transport vehicles, in particular of the train, tram, metro, trolley bus or bus type. The invention relates more specifically to a device providing the displacing, with respect to the body of the aforementioned vehicle, of a leaf or leaves forming part of said doors, while conferring a partial opening function on this leaf or these leaves. The invention relates more particularly to a sliding-door leaf, but can also be applied to other types of leaf, in particular those equipping doors of the swing and slide type. The invention relates to doors that can be equipped either with a single leaf or with two leaves. 
     PRIOR ART 
     Conventionally, a door leaf is movable, in a usually horizontal movement direction, with respect to the body of the vehicle that it equips. In a first position, referred to as closed, this leaf closes off an opening provided in the body whereas, in its open position, it leaves access clear to this opening. This leaf is able to be moved by virtue of a displacement device able to cooperate with motor means. The latter are for example formed by an electric motor, in particular of the rotary type, associated with a worm. The displacement device comprises first of all a main body, typically produced in the form of an elongate cylinder, in an internal space of which the aforementioned worm extends. This body comprises a drive means, in particular a mechanical part forming a nut, which is intended to mesh with this worm. 
     This displacement device may be equipped with a roller that slides along a rail, in order to provide among other things the locking of the device with respect to the vehicle body. Typically, in the closed position of the leaf, this roller pivots with respect to the principal axis of the body so as to fit in a corresponding housing. In this configuration, the leaf can no longer be displaced with respect to the body, except by taking this roller out of its housing. 
     When the leaf is closed, it may happen that objects, or even persons, are trapped between this leaf and an adjacent leaf, or between this leaf and the body of the vehicle. In order to be able to release these objects or persons, it is in theory necessary to carry out a complete opening maneuver of the leaf. In other words, it is necessary first of all to release the roller, and then to move the leaf under the effect of the motor means. 
     This involves a relatively lengthy action time, which is detrimental with regard to correct service of the transport vehicle. Moreover, any trapped object is liable to be damaged. Furthermore, should a person be momentarily immobilized, this waiting time may prove to give rise to anxiety, or even be detrimental to their physical integrity. 
     In order to remedy this drawback, it is proposed to equip the device for displacing the leaf with means providing auxiliary opening thereof, also referred to as partial safety opening. For this purpose, this device is provided with an attached arm, offset with respect to the main body. A means for fixing the leaf is mounted slidably on this arm, counter to a compression spring. Under these circumstances, a passenger can himself manually push the leaf in a small movement, namely a predefined travel of around 50 to 150 millimeters. The small amplitude of this movement prevents any risk of a passenger falling out of the vehicle. This action can therefore be carried out quickly, without having to release the roller or actuate the motor means. 
     Although they allow immediate action, these partial opening means do however have specific drawbacks. This is because it has been found that a device for displacing a leaf, provided with such partial opening means, causes parasitic movements at this leaf when it is opened or closed. Moreover, use of this displacement device limits the possible acceleration of the leaves, while interfering with the control of the door. 
     Having regard to the above, one objective of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above. 
     Another objective of the invention is to propose a device for moving a leaf, the use of which does not substantially cause any parasitic movement at the leaf, while providing a reliable partial opening function. 
     Another objective of the invention is to propose such a displacement device, the mechanical structure of which is relatively simple. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the invention, at least one of the above objectives is achieved by means of a device (I) for displacing a door leaf ( 100 ) with respect to a transport vehicle body, in particular of the train, tram, metro, trolley bus or bus type, said leaf being movable in a displacement movement (A 1 ) between a closed position and an open position, with reference to an opening ( 104 ) provided in the body, 
     this device comprising:
         a main body ( 1 ),   fixing means ( 8 ) for fixing the leaf on the body,   drive means ( 30 ), able to drive the body under the effect of motor means ( 106 ,  108 ),   locking means ( 36 ), able to move between an active locking position in which they lock the drive means with respect to the body, in the closed position of the leaf, and an inactive release position, in which they allow displacement of the drive means with respect to this body,   partial opening means ( 7 ), able to allow a small movement of the fixing means with respect to the drive means, in the movement direction, from the closed position of the leaf,       

     characterized in that 
     this device further comprises means ( 52 ) for inhibiting the partial opening means ( 7 ), able to immobilize the fixing means ( 8 ) with respect to the drive means ( 30 ), at least in translation in said displacement movement (A 1 ), when the locking means ( 36 ) are in their inactive position. 
     It should be noted first of all that it is to the credit of the Applicant that they have understood the origin of these drawbacks, related to the use of the known partial opening means, as described above. In substance, the Applicant has identified that the spring used in the prior art can be compressed by a small force, in order to offer relatively low mechanical resistance. In this way, most passengers are physically able to carry out this partial opening operation. This low compressive strength of the spring does however result in the latter having a tendency to compress in an unwanted fashion, during the acceleration caused by the automatic closing or opening of the leaf. 
     In this regard, the invention makes it possible to remedy these drawbacks, while keeping the same functionalities as in the prior art. 
     In accordance with the invention, as long as the displacement device is not locked, the partial opening function is inhibited. Moreover, this prevents any substantial parasitic movement of the leaf and, moreover, this allows control of the door with greater acceleration and deceleration than in the prior art. Under these circumstances, the duration of automatic opening and closing of the leaf is thereby reduced, which makes the overall service of the vehicle more fluid. 
     On the other hand, as soon as the displacement device reaches its locked position, this partial opening function is activated. Consequently a passenger can manually push the leaf, in a similar manner to what is provided for in the prior art. 
     According to other features of the invention:
         the inhibition means ( 52 ) are able to move between respectively active and inactive positions, these inhibition means being able to pass from their active position to their inactive position under the effect of the passage of the locking means ( 36 ) from their inactive position to their active position;   the inhibition means ( 52 ) are able to pass from their inactive position to their active position under the effect of the passage of the locking means ( 36 ) from their active position to their inactive position;   the locking means ( 36 ) are secured to the inhibition means ( 52 ), at least in rotation about said displacement movement;   the locking means ( 36 ) and the inhibition means ( 52 ) are carried by a socket ( 2 ), mounted on the main body;   said socket ( 2 ) is constrained to move with the body ( 1 ) in translation, in said displacement movement, this socket ( 2 ) furthermore being constrained to rotate with respect to this body about said displacement movement;   the locking means comprise at least one roller ( 36 ), carried by an arm extending radially from said body ( 1 );   the inhibition means comprise a ring ( 50 ) mounted coaxially with respect to the body, and an inhibition tooth ( 52 ) projecting radially with respect to said ring;   the fixing means ( 8 ) define a recess ( 88 ) for the selective reception of the inhibition tooth ( 52 );   in the inhibition position, the inhibition tooth ( 52 ) is able to come into abutment against the walls of the recess ( 88 ), in the displacement direction;   the partial opening means comprise a sleeve ( 7 ), mounted coaxially with respect to the main body ( 1 ), this sleeve being constrained to move at least in translation with the fixing means ( 8 ) in said displacement movement;   the sleeve ( 7 ) is able to move on the principal axis of the body, with respect to the drive means ( 30 ), counter to an elastic return means ( 56 );   the elastic return means comprises a compression spring ( 56 ), a first end ( 56 ′) of which bears against a stop cover ( 5 ), mounted on the main body, and a second end ( 56 ″) of which bears against the sleeve ( 7 ).       

     These additional features can be implemented with the aforementioned main object, individually or in any technically compatible combinations. 
     Another subject matter of the invention is a door for a transport vehicle, in particular of the train, tram, metro, bus or trolley bus type, comprising a fixed frame secured to the frame of said vehicle, at least one leaf, and at least one displacement device, allowing the displacement of said leaf with respect to said fixed frame, the or each displacement device being as above. 
     Another subject matter of the invention is a transport vehicle, in particular of the train, tram, metro, bus or trolley bus type, comprising at least one door as above. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limitative examples, in which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are schematic front views, illustrating in particular the open and closed positions of a leaf equipped with a displacement device according to the invention. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are perspective views, at two different angles, illustrating more precisely the device according to the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view with longitudinal section, illustrating this displacement device. 
         FIG. 6  is an end view illustrating this displacement device. 
         FIGS. 7 to 9  are three schematic front views, illustrating more particularly various positions of a locking roller and inhibition tooth, forming part of this displacement device. 
     
    
    
     The following numerical references are used in the present description: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 100 
                 Leaf 
                 I 
                 Displacement device 
               
               
                 102 
                 Fixed frame 
                 104 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 106 
                 Electric motor 
                 108 
                 Worm 
               
               
                 110 
                 Rail 
                 112 
                 Housing of 110 
               
               
                 1 
                 Body of I 
                 A1 
                 Axis of 1 
               
               
                 10 
                 Collar of 1 
               
               
                 2 
                 Socket 
                 22 
                 Shoulder of 2 
               
               
                 3 
                 Neck 
                 30 
                 Ball socket 
               
               
                 36 
                 Roller 
                 34 
                 Arm 
               
               
                 4 
                 Barrel 
                 40 
                 Annulus 
               
               
                 42 
                 Arm 
                 44 
                 Roller 
               
               
                 45 
                 Protrusion 
                 46 
                 Spring tab 
               
               
                 50 
                 Ring 
                 52 
                 Tooth of 50 
               
               
                 54 
                 Nut 
               
               
                 6 
                 Cover 
                 60 
                 Bottom of 6 
               
               
                 62 
                 Orifice of 60 
                 64 
                 Rim 
               
               
                 66 
                 Internal face of 
                 68 
                 Stop buffer 
               
               
                   
                 60 
               
               
                 56 
                 Spring 
                 56′, 56″ 
                 Ends of 56 
               
               
                 7 
                 Sleeve 
                 70 
                 Face of 7 
               
               
                 72 
                 Shoulder of 7 
                 76 
                 Ball joint 
               
               
                 8 
                 Fixing member 
                 80 
                 Hoop 
               
               
                 82 
                 Flange 
                 84 
                 Orifice 
               
               
                 86 
                 Lug 
                 88 
                 Recess of 86 
               
               
                 F36 
                 Sliding of 36 
                 F8 
                 Locking of 8 with 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 respect to translation 
               
               
                 f36 
                 Rotation of 36 
                 F100 
                 Translation of 100 
               
               
                 f52 
                 Rotation of 52 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The accompanying figures illustrate a leaf designated overall by the reference  100 , which forms the opening leaf of a door equipping a transport vehicle. This door also comprises a fixed frame  102  of a conventional type, shown schematically in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which is disposed at the periphery of an opening  104  provided in the body of this vehicle. This door may be provided with a single leaf as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , or at least two such leaves. In the example illustrated, the leaf  100  equips for example a train, a metro, a tram, a trolley bus or a bus. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the leaf  100  is vertical and that the terms “interior” and “exterior” are used with reference to the body of this transport vehicle. 
     One subject matter of the invention is more particularly a device, designated overall by the reference I, which allows the displacement of the leaf  100 . This device, which is illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , cooperates with motor means of a type known per se. In the example illustrated, these motor means comprise a rotary electric motor  106 , which actuates a worm  108 . This worm  108  cooperates with an element of the device I, forming a nut, described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     This allows the movement of this device I and consequently the displacement of the leaf  100  secured thereto, in a so-called displacement movement, which corresponds to a sliding in a horizontal displacement direction in the example illustrated.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the respective open and closed positions of the leaf, in which the latter respectively leaves clear and closes off the opening  104 . During its displacement, as will be seen in more detail hereinafter, the device I cooperates with a rail  110 , extending immediately above the opening  104 . At its end adjacent to the opening  104 , this rail  110  is extended by a so-called locking housing  112 , extending substantially perpendicular to the principal direction of this rail. This housing and the locking function that it provides will be described in more detail with reference in particular to  FIGS. 7 to 9 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the displacement device I according to the invention comprises first of all a main body, designated overall by the reference  1 . This body, elongate in shape, is in the form of a hollow cylinder, the principal axis of which is denoted A 1 . This axis also defines the principal direction of displacement of the leaf  100 , between its two extreme positions in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The body  1  is, in the vicinity of one of its ends, provided with a stop collar  10 . 
     The device further comprises a socket  2 , fixed against the collar  10  of the body  1  by a suitable means, in particular by screwing. This socket  2  is therefore constrained to both translate and rotate with the body  1 . The socket comprises an end neck  3 , opposite to the body  1 , and a proximal barrel  4 , separated by a shoulder  22  of the socket. 
     The neck  3  receives a ball socket  30 , forming a nut, visible in particular on the cross-section in  FIG. 5 . This socket  30  is fixed against the internal face of this neck by any suitable means, in particular by screwing. This nut is able to cooperate, in a manner known per se, with the worm  108  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This neck is moreover provided with a radial arm  34 , terminating in a roller  36 . As will be seen in more detail hereinafter, this roller  36 , which is guided along the rail  110 , provides locking with respect to the fixed frame. 
     The barrel  4  comprises first of all an annulus  40 , adjacent to the shoulder  22 . This annulus  40  is equipped with an arm  42 , terminating in a supplementary roller  44 . Unlike the roller  36 , this roller  44  is forced to slide in the rail  110 , so that it cannot pivot about the axis A 1 , just like the ring  40  that carries it. This ring  40  is further provided with a protrusion  45 , projecting radially outwards. This protrusion forms a stop for the first end of a torsion spring  46 , the main winding of which is disposed around the socket and the second end of which surrounds the arm  34 . In the figures, only this second end is illustrated, whereas the first end and the winding are not shown. This spring is prestressed, so as to pivot the arm  34  and its roller  36  towards the bottom of the housing  112 . 
     The barrel  4  further comprises a ring  50 , extended by a so-called inhibition tooth  52 , which constitutes an essential element of the invention. This ring is constrained at least to rotate with the socket  2  and the pivoting arm  34  carrying the roller  36 . Finally, a nut  54  is screwed onto the barrel  4 , opposite to the neck  3 , in order to guarantee firm securing of the annulus  40  and ring  50  on this barrel. 
     At its end opposite to the socket  2 , the body  1  is associated with a cover  6 , which comprises first of all a bottom  60 , in which there is hollowed out an orifice  62  allowing the worm to pass. This bottom is extended, in the direction of the socket  2 , by a rim  64 . This cover provides the compression and the guidance of a helical spring  56 , of a type known per se. For this purpose, a first end  56 ′ of this spring  56  bears against the internal face  66  of the bottom  60 . A buffer  68 , advantageously produced from a slightly damping material, such as an elastomer material, is secured to the periphery of the body  1 . The function of this buffer, which is placed in the vicinity of the bottom  60  of the cover, will be explained hereinafter. 
     The various mechanical elements  2  to  68  described above are constrained at least to translate with the body in the principal direction A 1 . Other mechanical elements, which have at least one degree of freedom in translation with respect to this body, in this principal direction, will now be described. 
     A hollow sleeve  7  is first of all mounted on the body  1 , being coaxial with the latter. This sleeve has a first front face  70 , turned towards the socket  2 , which bears against the collar  10 . This sleeve is also provided with a shoulder  72  against which the second end of the helical spring  56  bears. This sleeve  7  cooperates with a so-called fixing member, designated overall by the reference  8 , which provides a function of fixing the leaf  100 . 
     The sleeve  7  and the fixing member  8  are mutually constrained to move in translation, in particular along the principal axis A 1 . On the other hand, they have at least one mutual degree of freedom with respect to rotation, in particular about this axis A 1 . For this purpose, a ball joint  76  is interposed between this sleeve and this fixing member  8 . In the example illustrated, the convex part of this ball joint is secured to the sleeve, between the shoulder  72  and the front face  70 , while the concave part of this ball joint is secured to a hoop  80 , belonging to this fixing member  8 . 
     This hoop  80  is extended, radially outwards, by a flange  82  providing the fixing proper of the leaf  100 . This fixing can be carried out by any suitable known means. In the example illustrated, the flange  82  has in it an orifice  84 , intended for the passage of a shaft, not shown, which cooperates with the leaf  100 . In  FIG. 5 , the top part of the leaf  100  is illustrated in dot and dash lines, schematically. 
     Finally, the fixing member  8  is provided with a lug  86 , projecting axially from the flange  82  in the direction of the socket  2 . On its internal wall, this lug  86  has in it a recess  88  extending in an arc of a circle, so as to cooperate with the inhibition tooth  52 . 
     A description will now be given, with reference in particular to  FIGS. 7 to 9 , of the use of the displacement device I presented above. In these  FIGS. 7 to 9 , the guide rail  110  and its locking housing  112 , the rollers  36  and  44 , the inhibition tooth  52  and the lug  86  and its recess  88  have in particular been shown. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the normal displacement of the leaf between its open and closed positions. In this configuration, the rollers  36  and  44  slide along the rail  110 , in a translation represented by the double arrow F 36 . In addition, the tooth  52  is situated between the walls of the recess  88 . In other words, this tooth prevents any translation between the fixing member  8  and the body  1 , in the principal direction A 1 , which is represented by the barred double arrow F 8 . During this displacement, the spring  56  is inactive, so that it does not generate any parasitic movement. As explained above, it is therefore possible to control the leaf with high acceleration and deceleration. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the leaf in a position corresponding to the closure of the opening, without this leaf yet being locked. In other words, the roller  36  does not cooperate with the housing  112 . Under these conditions, the tooth  52  is still in the internal space of the recess  88 , so as to prevent translation between the fixing member  8  and the body  1 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the leaf in its closed and locked position. In other words, the roller  36  is pivoted about the axis A 1  from its position in  FIG. 6 , in the direction of the arrow f 36 , under the action of the torsion spring  46 . It will be recalled that the socket  2 , carrying this roller, and the ring  50 , carrying the inhibition tooth  52 , are mutually fixed together. Consequently the pivoting of the roller causes a corresponding pivoting of the tooth  52  out of the recess  88 , which is represented by the arrow f 52 . 
     At the end of this pivoting, this tooth is no longer between the walls of the recess. The fixing member  8  therefore now has a degree of freedom in translation with respect to the body  1 , along the axis A 1 , which is represented by the double arrow F 8 . A user can therefore push the leaf, in the direction of the arrow F 100 , so as to fulfil the partial opening function, if required. The movement of the leaf takes place counter to the spring  56 , the return force of which can be predefined in order to adjust the parameters of this partial opening. Moreover, any translation of the body  1  and consequently of the socket  2  in the principal direction A 1  is prevented, which is represented by the barred double arrow F 1 . 
     At the end of travel of this movement, the front face of the sleeve  7  comes into abutment against the facing face of the buffer  68 . The distance between this sleeve and this buffer, in the idle position of the spring, is determined so that these two mechanical elements come into abutment before the turns of the spring  56  are in mutual contact. Consequently, the controlled abutment of the sleeve does not generate any unwanted audible nuisance. 
     From the locked position in  FIG. 9 , if it is wished to open the leaf  100 , first of all the roller  36  is released out of the recess  112 , by means of a rotation opposite to that of the arrow f 36 . This rotation may be activated by the motor itself, or by an emergency mechanical element of the release handle type. The tooth  52  then pivots, in the opposite direction to that illustrated by the arrow f 52 . This roller and this tooth are then in the same positions as those illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The tooth  52  once again locks the fixing member  8 , so that the automatic opening of the leaf can be implemented, without the spring  56  causing a parasitic movement. 
     It will be noted that, in the perspective views in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the roller  36  is in the locked position corresponding to the schematic view in  FIG. 9 . In the unlocked position in the schematic views  7  and  8 , the roller  36  is aligned with the roller  44 , on an axis parallel to the principal axis A 1 . 
     The invention is not limited to the example described and depicted. 
     Thus, in the present example, the inhibition tooth  52  is able to move between its two functional positions by virtue of the motorization and drive means, allowing the displacement of the leaf. Such an embodiment is advantageous in terms of overall manufacturing simplicity, since it makes it possible to limit the number of mechanical elements constituting the device of the invention. However, as a variant that is not shown, it is possible to provide specific control means, making it possible to control the inhibition means. By way of non-limitative examples, these additional control means may comprise an electromagnet, an additional motor specifically dedicated or any other similar system. 
     Moreover, in the present example, the sleeve  7  allowing partial opening of the leaf  100 , whereas the door is locked, is mounted coaxially with respect to the main body  1 . Such an embodiment is advantageous in terms of global compactness, since it makes it possible to limit the space requirement of the device of the invention, in particular in the radial direction. However, in a variant that is not shown, it is possible to provide other spatial arrangements of the mechanical parts. By way of example, the sleeve may be offset with respect to the body, being in particular mounted on an auxiliary axis, parallel to the aforementioned body but distant therefrom. 
     Furthermore, in the present example, the displacement movement of the leaf corresponds to a translation thereof, which takes place in a displacement direction. In this case, the leaf equips a so-called sliding door. By way of a variant, this leaf may be subjected to a displacement movement different from a simple translation. In this case this displacement movement comprises, in addition to a translation in a principal displacement direction, a supplementary translation and/or rotation. In this light, this leaf may for example equip a so-called swing and slide door.