DE102019004798A1 - Folding ramp for a vehicle and a vehicle with such a folding ramp - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a folding ramp (10) for a vehicle, such as. B an omnibus. The folding ramp (10) comprises a ramp trough (1) for attachment to the vehicle, having a first hinge part (1a). Furthermore, the folding ramp (10) comprises a step plate (2), having a second hinge part (2a), which is used to pivot the step plate (2) on the ramp trough (1) with the first hinge part (1a) around a common hinge axis (A). is pivotally coupled. It is provided that the first hinge part (1a) is formed integrally on the ramp trough (1) and / or the second hinge part (2a) is integrally formed on the step plate (2). For example, this can be done in terms of production technology using injection molding technology, die casting technology, forming and / or another suitable method. The invention also relates to a vehicle, e.g. B. a bus, comprising such a folding ramp (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a folding ramp for a vehicle and a vehicle, e.g. B. a bus, with such a folding ramp.

To give wheelchair users and people with walkers or strollers access to vehicles such as B. to facilitate buses or trains, it is well known to attach entry aids in the form of extendable and / or foldable ramps in the door area of such vehicles. In particular, so-called hand folding ramps are widespread in this context, in which a step plate is stored in a ramp tray embedded in the floor of the vehicle and, if necessary, can be swiveled out of the ramp tray by drivers, passengers and / or accompanying persons using a handle or with the aid of a hook.

Such folding or hand folding ramps usually consist of multi-part and often heavy step plate-tub constructions with a separate hinge, with the connection between hinge and tub or between hinge and step plate proving to be particularly critical and error-prone in practice. Accordingly, there is a need in this context for a low-wear folding ramp construction which, in particular, enables a more reliable or less error-prone pivotable connection of the step plate and the ramp trough.

These objects are achieved by a device with the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

The inventive folding ramp for a vehicle such. B. for a bus, comprises a ramp trough for attachment to the vehicle, which is preferably a ramp trough for attachment in a floor area of an entrance of the vehicle. The ramp trough also has a hinge part, which is to be referred to below as the “first hinge part” for better differentiation. Furthermore, the folding ramp comprises a step plate, having a hinge part - referred to as a “second hinge part” - which can be coupled pivotably about a common hinge axis to pivot the step plate on the ramp trough with the first hinge part.

In contrast to the systems customary up to now, it is now provided that the first hinge part is integrally formed on the ramp trough and / or the second hinge part is integrally formed on the step plate. In other words, the first hinge part should be integrated into the ramp trough and / or the second hinge part should be integrated into the step plate, whereby this can be done in terms of production technology, for example, by means of injection molding, die casting, forming and / or another suitable method. In other words, the first hinge part should preferably be an integral part of the ramp trough and / or form a structural unit together with the ramp trough. The second hinge part should preferably be an integral part of the step plate and / or form a structural unit with the step plate. The associated reduction in components can advantageously reduce the amount of work involved in the manufacture and assembly of the folding ramp and, at the same time, improve the particularly error-prone connection between the hinge and the ramp trough or step plate.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the first hinge part can be formed in one piece with the ramp trough. In addition or as an alternative, the second hinge part can also be formed in one piece with the step plate. That is to say, the first and second hinge part should not be separate components that are used e.g. B. by means of screws, rivets or similar fasteners are attached to the ramp tray or the step plate. Rather, the connection between the first hinge part and the ramp trough should be an integral part of the ramp trough and / or the connection between the second hinge part and the step plate should be an integral part of the step plate. The first hinge part and the ramp trough and / or the second hinge part and the step plate are preferably made from one and the same material or the same material and / or form a continuous workpiece. The advantage of this embodiment is, in turn, the simplified manufacture and assembly as well as the avoidance of an attachment of the hinge to the ramp trough or step plate which is susceptible to wear.

In order to advantageously obtain the lightest possible, yet stable, folding ramp construction, according to a further aspect of the invention, the ramp trough and / or the step plate can be made of a plastic or a fiber-reinforced, preferably glass fiber-reinforced, plastic. For example, the ramp trough and / or the step plate can be formed from a plastic matrix with organic, inorganic and / or metallic reinforcing fibers. Since the above-mentioned materials also involve injection molding, die casting and / or deep drawing of the corresponding parts of the folding ramp enable, the use of these materials can also simplify the manufacture of the folding ramp.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the step plate can be designed with multiple shells and / or multiple layers. In other words, the step plate can comprise several, preferably shape-corresponding, material layers and / or several, preferably shape-corresponding, step plate layers. The individual material layers or tread plate layers can, for. B. be connected to each other by gluing or another suitable method. In addition or as an alternative, the step plate can comprise at least one upper shell and a lower shell that is preferably firmly connected to the upper shell. That is to say, in other words, the step plate can have at least two shells and / or two layers. In an advantageous manner, the overall rigidity or resilience of the step plate can thereby be increased.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the upper shell and the lower shell of the step plate can be designed accordingly. That is to say, the upper and lower shells can have essentially the same shape and / or their shape can be adapted to one another. In addition or as an alternative, the step plate can also comprise a filler material, the filler material preferably being arranged between the upper shell and the lower shell. Preferably, the filling material can be a foam core, e.g. B. a core made of polyurethane, polyethylene and / or polypropylene foam act. Accordingly, one can speak of a sandwich structure of the step plate in this context. The filler material is preferably a shock-absorbing and / or sound-absorbing filler material, as a result of which a dampening effect of the step plate can advantageously be realized overall. In addition or as an alternative, the second hinge part which is integrally formed on the step plate can either be only an integral part of the upper or lower shell or an integral part of both shells, ie. H. Upper and lower shell. In other words, the second hinge part can be formed integrally on the upper shell and / that of the lower shell.

Furthermore, according to a further aspect of the invention, the ramp trough can be designed in one piece. In other words, the ramp trough can consist of only one piece or one part. For example, the ramp trough can be injection-molded in one piece from a preferably fiber-reinforced plastic and / or deep-drawn. This advantageously enables the ramp trough to be manufactured easily and with few components.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the folding ramp can be a hand folding ramp. In other words, the folding ramp should be powered solely by muscle power, i. H. Be able to be moved or pivoted “by hand” without the need for z. B. an additional electric motor support would be necessary. In order to further facilitate the operation of the folding ramp, the step plate of the folding ramp can additionally or alternatively also comprise a handle. This can, for example, be designed in the form of a bracket, a projection and / or a recess on the step plate.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the ramp trough and / or the step plate can be manufactured by deep drawing, die casting and / or injection molding. These methods advantageously enable simple and rapid production of even large numbers of the corresponding parts of the folding ramp. However, the above list of possible methods should not be understood as complete, so that further manufacturing techniques that enable integral shaping of the hinge parts (e.g. forming) can also be used in this context.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the step plate can be pivotably coupled to the ramp trough via a hinge pin which connects the first hinge part and the second hinge part to one another in a pivotable manner. The hinge pin can also be referred to in this context as a hinge pin or hinge core and is intended to serve as a common hinge axis for the two hinge parts. Here, the aforementioned hinge pin can be designed as a separate component which is pivotably mounted both in the first and in the second hinge part. As an alternative to this, however, the hinge pin can also be received in a rotationally fixed manner in one of the two hinge parts and be pivotably mounted in the corresponding other hinge part. The first and / or second hinge part can also include corresponding tabs, eyes, sockets, projections and / or receptacles, which are designed for a pivotable coupling of the two hinge parts, preferably by means of a hinge pin.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the step plate can be inserted into the ramp trough in a folded stowed position. In other words, the ramp trough can be designed as a receptacle for the step plate and / or to receive the step plate. In order to ensure that the step plate lies as completely or flush as possible in the ramp trough, the step plate and the ramp trough can preferably be essentially adapted in shape and / or designed accordingly. This will be beneficial Way allows a space-saving stowage of the step plate.

In order to record the current state of the folding ramp, i. H. in particular whether the step plate rests properly in the ramp trough in the stowed position, the folding ramp according to a further aspect of the invention can additionally also comprise a proximity sensor. This proximity sensor, based for example on an inductive and / or capacitive measuring principle, can be designed to determine whether the step plate is inserted into the ramp trough in the folded-in stowed position. For this purpose, the proximity sensor can be attached to the ramp trough, for example, wherein the ramp trough can comprise corresponding recesses and / or receptacles for this purpose.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the step plate and / or the ramp trough can comprise a surface for increasing the slip resistance. In other words, structures can be attached, preferably integrally formed, to the step plate and / or the ramp trough, which prevent the person standing on the step surface from slipping or falling, and can therefore also be referred to as anti-slip embossing. For example, the step plate and / or the ramp trough can include a corrugated, teardrop, lens and / or wart structure and / or a friction-increasing surface and / or coating. As a result, the operational reliability of the folding ramp can advantageously be increased overall.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a vehicle is provided which comprises a folding ramp as described in this document. Preferably, the ramp trough of the folding ramp is in a floor area of an entrance to the vehicle, e.g. B. in the door area of a bus, attached and / or attached. The vehicle is preferably a vehicle for passenger transport, for example an omnibus or a rail vehicle, such as. B. a subway or tram car. The folding ramp according to the invention can, however, also be used in the area of watercraft, such as ships, or aircraft, such as aircraft.

• 1 eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung einer Klapprampe für ein Fahrzeug gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 2A eine schematische Darstellung einer Klapprampe für ein Fahrzeug gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung im ausgeklappten Zustand;
• 2B eine schematische Darstellung der Klapprampe gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung im eingeklappten Zustand;
• 3A eine schematische Detaildarstellung des Scharniers der Klapprampe gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung im ausgeklappten Zustand;
• 3B eine schematische Detaildarstellung des Scharniers der Klapprampe gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung im eingeklappten Zustand;
• 4 eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung einer Trittplatte einer Klapprampe für ein Fahrzeug gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fahrzeugs mit einer Klapprampe gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 6A eine schematische Detaildarstellung eines Einstiegsbereichs eines Fahrzeugs mit einer Klapprampe gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung im ausgeklappten Zustand; und
• 6B eine schematische Detaildarstellung eines Einstiegsbereichs eines Fahrzeugs mit einer Klapprampe gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung im eingeklappten Zustand.

The aspects and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic exploded view of a folding ramp for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• 2A a schematic representation of a folding ramp for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention in the unfolded state;
• 2 B a schematic representation of the folding ramp according to the second embodiment of the invention in the folded state;
• 3A a schematic detailed representation of the hinge of the folding ramp according to the second embodiment of the invention in the unfolded state;
• 3B a schematic detailed representation of the hinge of the folding ramp according to the second embodiment of the invention in the folded state;
• 4th a schematic exploded view of a step plate of a folding ramp for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 5 a schematic representation of a vehicle with a folding ramp according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 6A a schematic detailed representation of an entry area of a vehicle with a folding ramp according to an embodiment of the invention in the unfolded state; and
• 6B a schematic detailed representation of an entry area of a vehicle with a folding ramp according to an embodiment of the invention in the folded state.

The same or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference symbols in all figures and in some cases are not described separately.

1 shows a schematic exploded view of a folding ramp 10 for a vehicle 20th according to a first embodiment of the invention. The folding ramp 10 includes a, z. B. through the use of injection molding, one-piece ramp trough 1 for attachment to the vehicle 20th . In the present case, the ramp trough points 1 , ie the trough-shaped receptacle, has a substantially square base area, which is formed on three sides in an integrally molded, raised frame structure 8a transforms. On the remaining side of the ramp tub 1 is a first hinge part 1a integral to the ramp tray 1 integrally formed, the first hinge part 1a in the present case a plurality of tab-shaped sections for receiving a hinge pin in a pivotable manner 5 includes. The first hinge part is accordingly 1a an integral Part of the ramp tray 1 itself and is not - as is often the case - by means of suitable fasteners, such as. B. screws or rivets on the ramp tray 1 attached.

Furthermore, the folding ramp 10 a correspondingly designed, ie essentially also square, step plate 2 on, which also z. B. can be made using injection molding technology. This plate-shaped body, which is designed to absorb and transfer loads from persons located on the step plate, comprises one on one of the sides integrally with the step plate 2 molded, second hinge part 2a . The second hinge part also forms here accordingly 2a and the step plate 2 a continuous workpiece, without the need for additional aids such as screws etc. to attach or hold the second hinge part 2a are provided. Also includes the second hinge part 2a the step plate 2 - just like the first hinge part 1a the ramp tub 1 - A plurality of tab-shaped sections for pivotably receiving the hinge pin 5 , thereby interacting with the first hinge part 1a overall the ramp tub 1 and the step plate 2 around a common hinge axis A. are pivotably coupled. In other words, they are the first hinge part 1a and the second hinge part 2a designed as parts of a hinge, the present case for the pivotable connection of the two hinge parts 1a and 2a the hinge pin 5 is provided. In an advantageous manner, by integrally forming the hinge parts as mentioned above 1a and 2a to the ramp tub 1 or step plate 2 those for training the folding ramp 10 required components can be reduced, which overall increases the amount of work involved in the manufacture and assembly of the folding ramp 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the connection between the hinge and the ramp trough, which is particularly susceptible to faults, can also be avoided 1 or step plate 2 be improved.

2A shows a schematic representation of a folding ramp 10 for a vehicle 20th according to a second embodiment of the invention in the unfolded state. In contrast to the in 1 The exploded view shown here is now also shown a mounted overall view. This embodiment also includes the folding ramp 10 a ramp tub 1 for attachment to the vehicle 20th with one integral to the ramp tub 1 molded first hinge part 1a as well as an essentially shape corresponding to the ramp trough 1 trained step plate 2 which are also integral with the footplate 2 molded second hinge part 2a includes. Both the first hinge part 1a as well as the second hinge part 2a each in turn a plurality of tab-shaped sections for pivotably receiving a hinge pin (not visible here) 5 on. About this hinge pin 5 become the first and second hinge part 1a and 2a - and with it the ramp tub 1 and the step plate 2 - around a common hinge axis A. pivotally coupled, as shown here again by the arrow P should be clarified. Furthermore, there is no slip when entering / driving on the folding ramp 10 in the unfolded state are to be increased both on the ramp trough 1 as well as on the step plate 2 each surface to increase slip resistance 7a , 7b attached in the form of ribbed areas. However, these only represent an exemplary embodiment of this type, so that alternative, non-slip structures and / or patterns, for example tear, lens and / or wart structures, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

2 B shows the folding ramp 10 out 2A when folded. This forms the ramp trough 1 - as 2 B to remove - a receptacle for the step plate 2 so that they are as completely as possible or flush in the ramp trough when folded 1 in order to save space when stowing the step plate 2 to enable. In order to also fold out the step plate again 2 to facilitate includes the step plate 2 continue to have a handle 4th , which here is only an example in the form of a recess 2d in the step plate 2 as well as at the edge of this recess 2d attached fitting 9 or projection is formed. The present folding ramp also includes 10 a proximity sensor located on the ramp trough 6th from which in the 2A and 2 B essentially the associated supply lines can be seen. This proximity sensor, for example based on an inductive and / or capacitive measuring principle 6th can be designed to determine whether the step plate 2 properly in the folded stowage position in the ramp tray 1 is inserted.

The 3A and 3B shows again a schematic detailed representation of the hinge of the folding ramp 10 according to the second embodiment of the invention in the unfolded or folded state. In the enlarged illustration, the integrally formed tab-shaped sections of the first and second hinge parts are shown 1a and 2a for swiveling mounting of the hinge pin 5 to be seen even more clearly. Due to the pivoting connection of the first and second hinge parts 1a , 2a about the hinge pin 5 In this embodiment, the pivotable coupling of the step plate takes place 2 to the ramp tub 1 , whereby by the integral molding of the corresponding hinge parts 1a and 2a the stability or the service life of the step plate / ramp trough connection can be increased in an advantageous manner.

4th shows a schematic exploded view of a step plate 2 a folding ramp 10 for a vehicle 20th according to one embodiment of the invention. The step plate 2 is in this case designed with multiple shells and at the top comprises an upper shell that forms the step surface in the unfolded state 2 B , with additional ribbed areas being provided on the shell to increase the slip resistance. In addition, is on the upper shell 2 B the aforementioned second hinge part 2a integrally molded. I.e. the second hinge part 2a is an integral part of the upper shell 2 B . Also includes the step plate 2 one in the folded state the cover of the step plate 2 formed lower shell 2c , which are present as one for the upper shell 2 B Correspondingly designed smooth plastic shell is designed and a recess 2d for attaching a handle includes. Between the upper shell 2 B and the lower shell 2c is also form-adapted filler material 3 arranged in the form of a shock-absorbing and sound-absorbing foam core (e.g. made of polyurethane foam). Correspondingly, in this context, the step plate can also have a sandwich structure 2 be spoken. In addition to the aforementioned components, the present embodiment includes the step plate 2 another the edge area of the step plate 2 reinforcing frame structure 8b .

5 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 20th comprising a folding ramp 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. With the vehicle 20th In the present case, it is - merely as an example - a bus, with the rear entrance of the vehicle in the floor area 20th a folding ramp 10 as described in this document. In other words, the vehicle should 20th a folding ramp 10 include both a ramp tub 1 with a first hinge part 1a , as well as a step plate 2 with a second hinge part 2a having, wherein the first hinge part 1a integral to the ramp tray 1 is formed and / or the second hinge part 2a integral to the step plate 2 is molded. Furthermore, with the present folding ramp 10 , which in this context can also be referred to as an entry aid, the step plate 2 in a folded stowage position in the floor of the inner door area of the vehicle 20th recessed ramp tub 1 are kept and if necessary z. B. by drivers or passengers "by hand", ie without additional support z. B. by an electric motor, from the ramp tray 1 be swung out. This process is carried out in the following 6A and 6B illustrated again.

6A shows a schematic detailed illustration of an entry area of a vehicle 20th with a folding ramp 10 according to one embodiment of the invention in the unfolded state. 6B shows the same folding ramp 10 accordingly in the folded state. As 6A can be seen, forms the step 2 in the unfolded state a ramp-shaped increase to the vehicle 20th In order to give wheelchair users or people with walkers or prams access to the vehicle 20th to facilitate. The step can be used to continue driving 2 for space-saving stowage in the ramp tray embedded in the floor area of the entrance 1 folded or inserted what is in 6B is shown again.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents used as replacements without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but that it encompass all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to.

List of reference symbols

1

Ramp tub

1a

First hinge part

2

Step plate

2a

Second hinge part

2 B

Upper shell

2c

Lower shell

2d

Recess

3

filling material

4th

Handle

5

Hinge pin

6th

Proximity sensor

7a, 7b

Surface to increase slip resistance

8a, 8b

Frame structure

9

fitting

10

Folding ramp

20th

vehicle

A.

Hinge axis

P

Arrow to clarify the folding mechanism

Claims (13)

Folding ramp (10) for a vehicle (20), preferably for a bus, comprising: a) a ramp trough (1) for attachment to the vehicle (20), preferably for attachment in a floor area of an entrance to the vehicle (20), having a first Hinge part (1a); and b) a step plate (2) having a second hinge part (2a) which can be pivotably coupled about a common hinge axis (A) for pivotably connecting the step plate (2) on the ramp trough (1) to the first hinge part (1a); characterized in that the first hinge part (1a) is integrally formed on the ramp trough (1) and / or the second hinge part (2a) is integrally formed on the step plate (2). Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in - that the first hinge part (1a) is formed in one piece with the ramp trough (1); and / or - that the second hinge part (2a) is formed in one piece with the step plate (2). Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ramp trough (1) and / or the step plate (2) are / is made of a plastic or a fiber-reinforced, preferably glass fiber-reinforced, plastic. Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step plate (2) a) is multi-layered and / or multi-layered; and / or b) comprises at least one upper shell (2b) and one lower shell (2c) firmly connected to the upper shell (2b). The folding ramp (10) Claim 4 b), characterized in that a) that the upper shell (2b) and the lower shell (2c) of the step plate (2) are designed correspondingly; and / or b) that the step plate (2) comprises a filling material (3), preferably a foam core, which is arranged between the upper shell (2b) and the lower shell (2c); and / or c) that the second hinge part (2a) is integrally formed on the upper shell (2b) and / or that of the lower shell (2c). Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ramp trough (1) is constructed in one piece. Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding ramp (10) is a hand folding ramp and / or the step plate (2) comprises a handle (4). Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ramp trough (1) and / or the step plate (2) are / is manufactured by deep drawing, die casting and / or injection molding. Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step plate (2) is pivotably coupled to the ramp trough (1) via a hinge pin (5) which connects the first hinge part (1a) and the second hinge part (2a) . Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step plate (2) can be inserted into the ramp trough (1) in a folded stowed position. The folding ramp (10) Claim 10 , characterized by a proximity sensor (6) which is designed to determine whether the step plate (2) is inserted into the ramp trough (1) in the folded stowed position. Folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step plate (2) and / or the ramp trough (1) has a surface (7a, 7b) to increase the slip resistance, for example in the form of a flute, teardrop, lens - and / or wart structuring, includes. Vehicle (20), preferably a vehicle for passenger transport, such as. B. an omnibus or a rail vehicle, comprising a folding ramp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ramp trough (1) is preferably attached in a floor area of an entrance of the vehicle (20).

Images