Abstract
An airbag module and a rail vehicle with an airbag module are described herein. The airbag module includes a support flap, which is pivotably mounted on its rear end, such that the airbag module is convertable from a closed state into an open state by pivoting the support flap. The airbag module further includes an airbag, which is folded in the closed state of the airbag module and unfolded in the open state of the airbag module, so that the unfolded airbag and the support flap together form an impact protection for a person on the track. Furthermore, a rail vehicle with one or a plurality of airbag modules is described.
Claims
1. An airbag module for fixing on an underside of a rail vehicle between the rail vehicle and a track, the airbag module comprising: a bracket for fixing the airbag module on the underside of the rail vehicle; a support flap having a front end and a rear end, the support flap being pivotably mounted at the rear end by a pivot bearing, wherein the airbag module is convertible from a closed state into an open state by pivoting the support flap, with the front end of the support flap being movable toward the track; a guide element arranged on the front end of the support flap and projecting past the front end of the support flap for contacting the track in the open state of the airbag module; and an airbag having a first end fixed on the support flap and a second end fixed on the bracket, the airbag being folded in the closed state of the airbag module and unfolded in the open state of the airbag module, wherein the airbag projects past the front end of the support flap in the unfolded state, so that the unfolded airbag and the support flap together form an impact protection for a person on the track, wherein the guide element is configured to guide the support flap and the airbag over obstacles on the track in presence of said obstacles.
2. The airbag module according to claim 1, wherein the guide element is a sliding ski for sliding on the track or a wheel for rolling on the track.
3. The airbag module according to claim 1, further comprising a gas pressure device for filling of the airbag during opening of the airbag module.
4. The airbag module according to claim 1, wherein, in the closed state of the airbag module, the support flap is fixed in an area of the front end via a releasable locking means, and wherein the locking means is releasable to release the support flap and to convert the airbag module into the open state.
5. The airbag module according to claim 1, further comprising a spring device, which is tensioned when the support flap is fixed, and with a release of the support flap, is configured to pivot the support flap to open the airbag module.
6. The airbag module according to claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a storage unit open toward the support flap, which, in the closed state of the airbag module, is closed by the support flap, and which forms a receptacle into which the airbag is inserted.
7. The airbag module according to claim 1, wherein the support flap comprises a frame, on whose rear end the pivot bearing is mounted, and a cover plate which is supported by the frame.
8. The airbag module according to claim 1, wherein the support flap is essentially parallel to the bracket in the closed state of the airbag module and has an angle of 30° to 80° to the bracket in the open state of the airbag module.
9. The airbag module according to claim 1, wherein the airbag module has a height of at most 80 mm in the closed state.
10. A rail vehicle comprising an airbag module according to claim 1, wherein the airbag module is fixed on an underside of the rail vehicle between the rail vehicle and a track.
11. The rail vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the airbag module is fixed on the rail vehicle such that in the closed state, the airbag module does not project past the front end and/or the sides of the rail vehicle.
12. The rail vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the rail vehicle comprises at least two airbag modules each according to claim 1, wherein the rail vehicle defines a direction of travel, and wherein the two airbag modules are arranged laterally adjacent when viewed in the direction of travel and, with respect to a center line of the rail vehicle, are arranged on different sides of the rail vehicle.
13. The rail vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the rail vehicle comprises at least three airbag modules each according to claim 1, wherein a first airbag module is fixed on the rail vehicle such that the first airbag module is located between the rails, when viewed in a direction of travel, and wherein a second airbag module is fixed on the rail vehicle such that the second airbag module is located on the left side of the left rail, when viewed in the direction of travel, and wherein a third airbag module is fixed on the rail vehicle such that the third airbag module is located on the right side of the right rail, when viewed in the direction of travel.
14. The rail vehicle according to claim 13, wherein at least one of an orientation and a position of the airbag module on the underside of the rail vehicle is freely selectable such that at least one of the airbag modules is not parallel to one of the other airbag modules, and such that at least one of the airbag modules is fixed offset to another airbag module, when viewed in the direction of travel.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention will subsequently be described in greater detail by way of embodiments, without these limiting the scope of protection defined by the claims.
(2) The appended drawings illustrate embodiments and function together with the description to explain the principles of the invention. The elements of the drawings are relative to each other and not necessarily to scale. Identical references numerals correspondingly relate to similar parts.
(3) FIG. 1 shows a side view of a rail vehicle according to one embodiment.
(4) FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side view of a part of the airbag module according to one embodiment.
(5) FIG. 3A shows the airbag module in the closed state according to one embodiment.
(6) FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E illustrate the spring device of the airbag module according to one embodiment.
(7) FIG. 4A shows a view of the airbag module from below according to one embodiment.
(8) FIG. 4B shows a side view of the airbag module in the closed state according to one embodiment.
(9) FIG. 4C shows a side view of the airbag module in the open state according to one embodiment.
(10) FIG. 4D shows a side view of the airbag module in the open state according to one embodiment.
(11) FIG. 5 shows a side view of a part of the airbag module in the open state according to one embodiment.
(12) FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side view of the airbag module in the open state according to one embodiment.
(13) FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate the operating principle of the airbag module according to one embodiment in the presence of an obstacle.
(14) FIG. 8 shows a side view of a rail vehicle according to one embodiment.
(15) FIG. 9A shows a top view of a rail vehicle according to one embodiment having four airbag modules.
(16) FIG. 9B shows a top view of a rail vehicle according to one embodiment having three airbag modules.
(17) FIG. 9C shows a top view of a rail vehicle according to one embodiment having two airbag modules.
(18) FIG. 10 illustrates a part of the airbag module according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(19) FIG. 1 shows—in schematic depiction—a side view of a rail vehicle 100. The rail vehicle comprises an underside, wherein a direction of travel is defined in the operation of the rail vehicle.
(20) FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side view of a part of an airbag module 110 according to one embodiment. The airbag module 110 is configured to be fixed on the underside of the rail vehicle 100, between rail vehicle 100 and track 200.
(21) The airbag module 110 includes a bracket 170 for fixing airbag module 110 on the underside of the rail vehicle. Furthermore, the airbag module 110 includes a support flap 120 with a front end and a rear end. The support flap may be pivotably mounted at the rear end by means of a pivot bearing 130. For example, the airbag module 110 may include two pivot bearings 130. The support flap 120 may thereby be pivotably mounted at its rear end on the bracket 170 by means of the pivot bearing 130.
(22) The airbag module includes a closed state, as shown for example in FIG. 3A or FIG. 4A, and an open state, as shown for example in FIG. 2, 5, or 6. By pivoting the support flap 120, the airbag module 110 may be converted from a closed state into an open state. By pivoting the support flap 120, the front end of the support flap 120 may move toward track 200.
(23) Furthermore, the airbag module includes an airbag 140. The airbag 140 is not depicted in FIG. 2 to avoid cluttering the figure. For example, FIGS. 4C, 6A, and 6B each show embodiments of the airbag 140. The airbag 140 is fixed on the airbag module 110. In particular, the airbag 140 may be fixed on the support flap 120 and/or on the bracket 170. The bracket 170 of the airbag module 110 may include a first attachment 172, as depicted for example in FIG. 2A. The airbag 140 may be fixed on the bracket 170 by means of the first attachment 172. The support flap 120 of the airbag module 110 may include a second attachment 124, as depicted for example in FIG. 2B. The airbag 140 may be fixed on the support flap 120 by means of the second attachment 124.
(24) In the closed state of the airbag module 110, the airbag 140 may be folded (not shown). In the open state of the airbag module 110, the airbag 140 may be unfolded. For example, the airbag 140 is filled in the open state of the airbag module 110. This is depicted by way of example in FIG. 4C or 6B. The airbag 140 may also not be filled in the open state of airbag module 110, but instead be partially or completely flaccid. The airbag 140 may be partially or completely flaccid, in particular due to damage to the airbag 140 caused by a sharp object on the track. FIG. 4D illustrates a partially or completely flaccid airbag 140.
(25) In its unfolded state, the airbag 140 may project beyond the front end of the support flap 120, so that the unfolded airbag 140 and the support flap 120 together form an impact protection for a person on the track 200.
(26) In one embodiment, the airbag 140 includes an outer shell. The outer shell may be produced from a plastic material. The outer shell functions to protect the airbag 140 from damage due to obstacles, in particular due to friction with obstacles 300. The outer shell may partially or completely enclose the airbag 140.
(27) According to one embodiment, the bracket 170 may include a storage unit 171 open toward support flap 120, which is not limited to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B. In the closed state of the airbag module 110, the storage unit 171 may be closed by the support flap 120 and form a receptacle. The airbag 140 may be inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle functions for protecting the folded airbag 140 from environmental factors in the closed state of the airbag module 110. Furthermore, the storage unit 171 may include a seal. The seal functions to increase the protection of the folded airbag. The storage unit 171 may be a section of bracket 170, and thus form an integral unit; the storage unit 171 may also be a separate feature, wherein in this case, the storage unit 171 is fixed on the bracket 170, for example, is screwed to the bracket.
(28) According to one embodiment, the support flap 120 may include a frame 126, at the rear end of which the pivot bearing 130 is arranged. The support flap 120 may include a cover plate 123, which may be supported by the frame 126. Embodiments of the frame 126 and the cover plate 123 are shown, for example, in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The cover plate 123 advantageously functions for protecting the folded airbag 140 from environmental factors in the closed state of the airbag module 110. Alternatively, the support flap 120 may also include a compound structure made from cover plates. The cover plate 123 may be a section of the support flap 120 and thus form an integral unit; the cover plate 123 may also be a separate feature, wherein in this case, the cover plate 123 is fixed on the support flap 120, for example, is screwed to the support flap 120. The cover plate 123 may be produced from a lightweight material, for example, from a plastic material or from a composite material.
(29) In one embodiment, the airbag module 110 includes a gas pressure device 150 for sudden filling of the airbag during opening of the airbag module. The gas pressure device 150 may be connected to the bracket 170. The gas pressure device 150 may include at least one gas cylinder. FIG. 2A illustrates a part of the gas pressure device 150, wherein the embodiment of the gas pressure device 150 depicted in FIG. 2A includes two gas cylinders. Furthermore, the gas pressure device 150 may include at least one pressure reducer which may be connected to the gas cylinder. The pressure reducer may additionally be connected to the airbag 140. The gas pressure device 150 may include at least one valve, wherein the valve may be arranged between the gas cylinder and the pressure reducer or between the pressure reducer and the airbag. In the closed state of the airbag module 110, the valve may be closed. Upon opening the airbag module 110, the valve may be opened, by which means the airbag 140 may be suddenly filled. Alternatively, the gas cylinder may include a valve, which may be closed in the closed state of the airbag module 110, while during opening of the airbag module 110, the valve may be opened, by which means the airbag 140 may be suddenly filled.
(30) According to one embodiment, the support flap 120 is essentially parallel to bracket 170 in the closed state of the airbag module 110 and/or the support flap 120 has an opening angle α from 30° to 80° with the bracket 170 in the open state of the airbag module 110. The opening angle α is illustrated in FIG. 5.
(31) According to another embodiment, the airbag module 110 has a height of at most 80 mm in its closed state. A length and a width of the airbag module 110 may be flexibly determined based on the technical properties of the rail vehicle 100 or the composition of the track 200.
(32) The airbag module 110 includes a guide element 121, 122 arranged on the front end of the support flap 120. The front end of the support flap 120 may contact the track 200 in the open state of the airbag module 110. The guide element 121, 122 may be designed as elastic in the vertical direction. The guide element 121, 122 is not depicted in FIG. 2 to avoid cluttering the figure. FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 5 illustrate embodiments of the guide element 121, 122.
(33) According to another embodiment, the support flap 120 may include a foot 125, which may contact the track 200 in the open state of the airbag module 110. FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate embodiments of the foot 125.
(34) In one embodiment, the guide element 121, 122 is a sliding ski 121. The sliding ski 121 may thereby in particular include a front end, which is curved or angled upwards. The front-most tip is, for example, curved or angled upwards. The sliding ski 121 is suited for guiding the support flap 120 and the airbag 140 over a potential obstacle 300. The sliding ski 121 is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 4B. The sliding ski 121 may have a low thickness and be elongated. The sliding ski 121 is configured, for example, to elastically deform upon contact with an obstacle.
(35) In another embodiment, the guide element 121, 122 is a wheel 122, wherein the wheel 122 is suited for rolling on the track 200 and may function to guide the support flap 120 and the airbag 140 over a potential obstacle. The wheel 122 is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 5.
(36) According to one embodiment, the support flap 120 is fixed in the area of its front end via a releasable locking means 173 in the closed state of the airbag module 110. One embodiment of the locking means 173 is depicted in FIG. 10. The locking means 173 may be releasable for releasing the support flap 120 and for converting the airbag module 110 into the open state. According to one embodiment, the locking means 173 may be configured to trigger the sudden filling of the airbag 140 by the gas pressure device 150. According to one embodiment, the locking means 173 may be configured to open the at least one valve of the gas pressure device 150. The releasable locking means 173 may comprise an element that is fixed on the bracket 170 and which fixes the support flap 120 in the closed state. Furthermore, the locking means 173 may include a quick lock release mechanism, which may quickly release a mechanical connection between the bracket 170 and the support flap 120, wherein the support flap 120 may be released. In one embodiment, the locking means 173 may include an electromagnetic magnetic locking means, wherein an electromagnet may be fixed on the bracket 170 and a passive magnet on the support flap 120. In another embodiment, the locking means 173 may include a cutting device, wherein the cutting device may include a mechanical connection between the bracket 170 and the support flap 120 and a cutting element, wherein the cutting element may be quickly moved towards the mechanical connection, wherein the mechanical connection may be severed. In another embodiment, the locking means 173 may include an electromechanical locking means, wherein the support flap 120 may include a hook and the bracket 170 may have an electromechanically movable latch.
(37) When the support flap 120 has been released by the locking means 173, the support flap 120 may be converted into the open state due to its own dead weight. Advantageously, the airbag module 110 may additionally include a spring device 160. The spring device 160 may be tensioned when the support flap 120 is fixed, wherein, upon release of the support flap 120 by the locking means 173, the spring device 160 may suddenly pivot the support flap 120 to open the airbag module 110.
(38) Embodiments of the spring device 160 are schematically depicted in FIGS. 3A to 3E. The spring device 160 may be fixed on the front end of the support flap 120 (as, e.g., depicted in FIG. 3A), in particular by welding the spring device 160 to the support flap 120. The spring device 160 may, in particular when the spring device 160 is not tensioned or is not elastically deformed, includes a U-shape (as, e.g., is depicted in FIGS. 3D and 3E). The spring device 160 may be elastically deformable. In particular, the spring device 160 may be elastically deformed when the airbag module 110 is in the closed state (as, e.g., is depicted in figured 3B and 3C). Due to the presence of the spring device 160, the time duration required to convert from the closed state into the open state may advantageously be substantially reduced. The spring device 160 is depicted in FIG. 3A merely for illustration purposes, in such a way that it does not project into the bracket, and is not to be understood as limiting for the arrangement of the spring device 160 in the airbag module 110.
(39) FIGS. 4C and 4D show side views of the airbag module 110 in the open state according to one embodiment. In this case, FIG. 4C shows the filled airbag 140, while FIG. 4D shows the partially or completely flaccid airbag 140. By fixing the airbag 140 on the bracket 170 and on the support flap 120, the airbag 140 may not “slip out” of a collision area with a person. This is the case both for the filled and also for the partially or completely flaccid airbag 140. Furthermore, it may be gathered from FIGS. 4C and 4D that the airbag 140 is fixed on the bracket 170 and the support flap 120 in such a way that the attachment is substantially removed from a possible collision zone with a person. The airbag 140 may extend so far in the direction of the track 200, for example, that the airbag 140 contacts the track 200 in order to form a largest possible protection area for a person on the track.
(40) As is likewise illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, an attachment of the airbag 140 at the support flap 120 and at the bracket 170, results in a support of the airbag 140 toward a rear end of the airbag module 110, for example, along a direction of travel of the rail vehicle 100. By this means, a “slipping through” of a person, who has been run over, is advantageously prevented in the open state of the airbag module 110, wherein the airbag 140 is unfolded.
(41) FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side view of the airbag module 110 in the open state according to one embodiment. FIG. 6A thereby shows the airbag module 110 with a small distance between the underside of the rail vehicle 100 and the track 200, while FIG. 6B shows the airbag module 110 with a larger distance between the underside of the rail vehicle 100 and the track 200. For reasons of overview, only a few of the features of the airbag module 110 are shown. In particular, the foot 125 or the guide element 121, 122 are not shown, wherein, for example, one of the two features contacts the track. The airbag module 110 is configured to adapt the opening angle α between the bracket 170 and the support flap 120 at different distances between the underside of the rail vehicle 100 and the track 200. In other words, the airbag module is configured to adapt a height of the airbag module 110 in the open state.
(42) As is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the airbag 140 of the airbag module 110 unfolds sufficiently both at larger and also smaller distances between the underside of the rail vehicle 100 and the track 200. Furthermore, the airbag module 110 is configured to prevent a “slipping through” of a person, both at larger and also at smaller distances between the underside of the rail vehicle 100 and the track 200.
(43) FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate the function of the airbag module 110 according to one embodiment in the presence of an obstacle 300 on the track 200, wherein the track 200 may itself have elevations and unevenness, and thus a part of the track 200 may simultaneously be the obstacle 300. For reasons of overview, only a few of the features of the airbag module 110 are shown. The guide element 121, 122, arranged on the front end of the support flap 120, functions to guide the support flap 120 and the airbag 140 over obstacles 300. By this means, the front end of the support flap 120 may be moved in the direction of the bracket 170, and thus the angle α between the bracket 170 and the support flap 120 is reduced. Without the provision of the guide element 121, 122, the front end of the support flap 120 might collide with a potential obstacle 300 and possibly be damaged.
(44) According to one embodiment, a rail vehicle 100 is provided with an airbag module 110 according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the airbag module 110 is fixed on the underside of the rail vehicle 100 between the rail vehicle 100 and the track 200.
(45) The rail vehicle 100 may include a plurality of airbag modules 110. Advantageously, each airbag module 110 may be fixed individually and independently from other airbag modules 110 on the rail vehicle 100.
(46) FIG. 8 illustrates a rail vehicle 100 with a plurality of the airbag modules 110. The guide elements of the airbag modules 110 contact the substrate next to and between the rails in the open state of the airbag module 110 in this embodiment. The airbag 140 is not depicted in FIG. 8 for reasons of overview.
(47) The airbag module 110 may be fixed directly on the underside of rail vehicle 100, for example, the airbag module 110 may be bolted to the underside of the rail vehicle 100. In another embodiment, a base plate is provided, which is fixed on the underside of the rail vehicle 100, for example, by screwing or welding. The airbag module 110 is thereby fixed on an underside of the base plate, for example, by screwing or welding. The base plate simplifies maintenance and/or an installation, conversion, or removal of the airbag module 110. In case of the presence of a plurality of airbag modules 110, one or a plurality of base plates may be provided. Each airbag module may thereby be respectively fixed to a base plate. Advantageously, a plurality of airbag modules may be fixed on one base plate, or all airbag modules may be fixed on one base plate.
(48) In one embodiment, rail vehicle 100 includes at least two airbag modules 110, 111, wherein airbag modules 110, 111 are each designed according to one of the preceding embodiments (see FIG. 9C). When viewed in the direction of travel, two airbag modules 110, 111 are laterally adjacent and, with respect to a center line of the rail vehicle, arranged on different sides of the rail vehicle. A first airbag module 110 may thereby be located at least partially on a left side of a left rail, and a second airbag module 111 may be located at least partially on a right side of a right rail.
(49) In another embodiment, the rail vehicle 100 includes at least three airbag modules 110, 111, 112, wherein the airbag modules are each designed according to one of the preceding embodiments (see FIG. 9B). A first airbag module 110 is fixed on the rail vehicle 100 in such a way that it is located between the rails, when viewed in the direction of travel. A second airbag module 111 is fixed on the rail vehicle 100 in such a way that it is located on the left side of the left rail, when viewed in the direction of travel. Furthermore, a third airbag module 112 is fixed on the rail vehicle 100 in such a way that it is located on the right side of the right rail, when viewed in the direction of travel.
(50) Furthermore, in another embodiment, the rail vehicle 100 includes at least four airbag modules 110, 111, 112, 113, wherein the airbag modules 110, 111, 112, 113 are each designed according to one of the preceding embodiments (see FIG. 9A). A first airbag module 110 and a second airbag module 111 are fixed on the rail vehicle 100 in such a way that they are located between the rails, when viewed in the direction of travel. A third airbag module 112 is fixed on the rail vehicle 100 in such a way that it is located on the left side of the left rail, when viewed in the direction of travel. Furthermore, a fourth airbag module 113 is fixed on the rail vehicle 100 in such a way that it is located on the right side of the right rail, when viewed in the direction of travel.
(51) The respective position of the airbag module on the underside of the rail vehicle may be freely selected. For example, in FIG. 9B, the first airbag module 110 is arranged behind the airbag modules 111, 112.
(52) Furthermore, the orientation of the airbag module to the underside of the rail vehicle is also freely selectable. For example, in FIG. 9B, all three airbag modules 110, 111, 112 are oriented differently with respect to the underside of the rail vehicle and are thus not arranged in parallel.
(53) Even if specific embodiments are depicted and described herein, it remains within the scope of the present invention to suitably modify the embodiments shown without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention.
