ACCESS DOOR TO A VEHICLE

Abstract

An access door for a transport vehicle is disclosed herein. The access door includes a frame delimiting an opening, at least one leaf movable between an open position and a closed position, and a detection device including a mechanical detection device to detect pressure applied to the detection device and a contactless sensor to detect a presence in a vicinity of the detection device. The access door further includes a control circuit including a diagnostic unit, a control unit to control movement of the at least one leaf, and a transfer circuit to transfer items of information representative of an activation state of the mechanical detection device and the contactless sensor. The diagnostic unit can identify malfunctions of the mechanical detection device and the contactless sensor based on the items of information.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. An access door for a transport vehicle, the access door comprising: a frame delimiting an opening; at least one leaf movable between an open position and a closed position; a detection device comprising: a mechanical detection device configured to detect pressure applied to the detection device; and a contactless sensor configured to detect a presence in a vicinity of the detection device; a control circuit comprising a diagnostic unit and a control unit configured to control a movement of the at least one leaf; and a transfer circuit configured to transfer a first item of information representative of an activation state of the mechanical detection device and a second item of information representative of an activation state of the contactless sensor, wherein the transfer circuit is configured to transfer the first item of information and the second item of information from the detection device to the control circuit, wherein each of the first item of information and the second item of information comprise a respective active value and a respective inactive value, and wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to identify a malfunction of the contactless sensor when the first item of information has an active value and the second item of information has an inactive value.

14. The access door of claim 13, wherein the transfer circuit comprises: a first transfer line to convey a first signal comprising the first item of information representative of the activation state of the mechanical detection device from the detection device towards the control unit and the diagnostic unit; and a second transfer line separate from the first transfer line, wherein the second transfer line is to convey a second signal comprising the second item of information representative of the activation state of the contactless sensor from the detection device towards the control unit and the diagnostic unit.

15. The access door of claim 14, wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to compare, for a predetermined duration, the first signal to the second signal.

16. The access door of claim 14, wherein the first signal corresponds only to the activation state of the mechanical detection device, and wherein the second signal corresponds only to the activation state of the contactless sensor.

17. The access door of claim 14, wherein the first signal corresponds only to the activation state of the mechanical detection device or only to the activation state of the contactless sensor, and wherein the second signal corresponds to the activation state of the mechanical detection device and/or of the contactless sensor.

18. The access door of claim 13, wherein the transfer circuit comprises a single transfer line to convey a signal comprising the first item of information and the second item of information from the detection device towards both the control unit and the diagnostic unit.

19. The access door of claim 18, wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to identify a first signature comprising a first pattern and a second signature comprising a second pattern based on the signal, wherein the first signature corresponds to the active value of the first item of information, and wherein the second signature corresponds to the active value of the second item of information.

20. The access door of claim 13, wherein the control circuit further comprises a malfunction module, and wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to transmit information to the malfunction module based on the identified malfunction of the contactless sensor.

21. The access door of claim 13, wherein the control circuit further comprises a memory module, and wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to supply the memory module with occurrences relating to an activation of the contactless sensor accompanied by an absence of activation of the mechanical detection device.

22. The access door of claim 13, wherein the first item of information, representative of the activation state of the mechanical detection device, as well as the second item of information, representative of the activation state of the contactless sensor, are transferred from the detection device to both the diagnostic unit and the control unit; and wherein the malfunction of the contactless sensor is identified based on a determination that the mechanical detection device activated and the contactless sensor did not activate.

23. The access door of claim 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to alert an operator upon determining that a predetermined number of identified malfunctions of the contactless sensor has occurred.

24. The access door of claim 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a variation, as a function of time, in a ratio of a number of activations of the contactless sensor and a number of activations of the mechanical detection device.

25. The access door of claim 13, wherein the access door is configured as a platform screen door.

26. An access door for a transport vehicle, the access door comprising: a frame delimiting an opening; at least one leaf movable between an open position and a closed position; a detection device comprising: a mechanical detection device configured to detect pressure applied to the detection device; and a contactless sensor configured to detect a presence in a vicinity of the detection device; a control circuit comprising a diagnostic unit and a control unit configured to control a movement of the at least one leaf; and a transfer circuit configured to transfer a first item of information and a second item of information from the detection device to the control circuit, the first item of information representative of activation of the mechanical detection device and the second item of information representative of activation of the contactless sensor, wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to identify a malfunction of the contactless sensor when the first item of information has an active value indicative of the mechanical detection device being activated and the second item of information has an inactive value indicative of the contactless sensor being deactivated.

27. The access door of claim 26, wherein the access door comprises a platform screen door, with the frame being attached to a platform.

28. The access door of claim 26, wherein the control circuit is configured to alert an operator upon determining that a predetermined number of identified malfunctions of the contactless sensor has occurred.

29. The access door of claim 26, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a variation, as a function of time, in a ratio of a number of activations of the contactless sensor and a number of activations of the mechanical detection device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a malfunction of the mechanical detection device based on the determined variation in the ratio.

30. An system for an access door of a transport vehicle, the system comprising: a detection device comprising: a mechanical detection device configured to detect pressure applied to the detection device; and a contactless sensor configured to detect a presence in a vicinity of the detection device; a control circuit comprising a diagnostic unit and a control unit configured to control a movement of at least one leaf; and a transfer circuit configured to transfer a first item of information and a second item of information from the detection device to the control circuit, the first item of information representative of activation of the mechanical detection device and the second item of information representative of activation of the contactless sensor, wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to identify a malfunction of the contactless sensor when the first item of information has an active value indicative of the mechanical detection device being activated and the second item of information has an inactive value indicative of the contactless sensor being deactivated.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the transfer circuit comprises: a first transfer line to convey a first signal comprising the first item of information representative of the activation state of the mechanical detection device from the detection device towards the control unit and the diagnostic unit; and a second transfer line separate from the first transfer line, wherein the second transfer line is to convey a second signal comprising the second item of information representative of the activation state of the contactless sensor from the detection device towards the control unit and the diagnostic unit.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the diagnostic unit is configured to compare, for a predetermined duration, the first signal to the second signal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The invention will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0054] FIG. 1 is a front view, schematically illustrating a section of a transport vehicle equipped with an access door according to the invention.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, on a larger scale, illustrating the structure and operating principle of a detection device fitted to a leaf of the access door in FIG. 1.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a schematic view, illustrating a first alternative embodiment of the detection device and the control circuit board of this access door, as well as the various lines allowing the transfer between the detection device and the board.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic view, illustrating on a larger scale the structure of the control circuit board.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a graph, illustrating signals relating to a type of operation of the detection device, corresponding to both its contactless and its mechanical activation.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a graph, similar to FIG. 5, illustrating signals relating to another type of operation of the detection device, corresponding to mechanical activation but to an absence of contactless activation.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a graph, similar to FIG. 6, illustrating signals relating to yet another type of operation of the detection device, corresponding to contactless activation but to an absence of mechanical activation.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a graph, illustrating several variations over time of the number of mechanical activations, for the type of operation of FIG. 7.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a schematic view, similar to FIG. 3, illustrating a second alternative embodiment of the detection device and of the control circuit board of this access door, as well as the various lines allowing the transfer between the detection device and the board.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a schematic view, similar to FIG. 4, illustrating on a larger scale the structure of the control circuit board of FIG. 9.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a graph, illustrating signals relating to a type of operation of the detection device according to the second variant embodiment, corresponding both to its contactless and mechanical activation.

[0065] FIG. 12 is a graph, similar to FIG. 11, illustrating signals relating to another type of operation of the detection device, corresponding to mechanical activation but to an absence of contactless activation.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a graph, similar to FIG. 12, illustrating signals relating to yet another type of operation of the detection device, corresponding to contactless activation but to an absence of mechanical activation.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a schematic view, similar to FIG. 3, illustrating a third alternative embodiment of the detection device and of the control circuit board of this access door, as well as the various lines allowing the transfer between the detection device and the board.

[0068] FIG. 15 is a schematic view, similar to FIG. 4, illustrating on a larger scale the structure of the control circuit board of FIG. 14.

[0069] FIG. 16 is a graph, illustrating signals relating to a type of operation of the detection device according to the third variant embodiment, corresponding both to its contactless and mechanical activation.

[0070] FIG. 17 is a graph, similar to FIG. 16, illustrating signals relating to another type of operation of the detection device, corresponding to mechanical activation but to an absence of contactless activation.

[0071] FIG. 18 is a graph, similar to FIGS. 16 and 17, illustrating signals relating to yet another type of operation of the detection device, corresponding to contactless activation but to an absence of mechanical activation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The following references are used in this description. [0073] 300 transport vehicle302 vehicle body section [0074] 304 opening310 motor314 control line316 auger [0075] 320 325 driven parts attached to the leaves [0076] FIGS. 1 to 8: 1 access door10 frame of this door [0077] 20 25 leaves of this door22 24 exterior and interior sides of the leaves [0078] 3 detection device30 housing32 mechanical detection device [0079] 34 contactless detection device36 hand38 detection area [0080] 4.5 transfer lines41.42, 51.52 downstream branch lines [0081] 6 control circuit board60 control unit [0082] 70 diagnostic unit72 analysis module78.88 lines to 80.90 [0083] 80 malfunction module82 processor84 line86 alert [0084] 90 memory module92 processor94 line96 alert [0085] 1(0), 11(0), 1(1), 11(1) respectively inactive and active values of I, II [0086] S1, S2 electrical signalsC1 to C3 curves in FIG. 8 [0087] C31, C32 zones of C1-C CS gradient of the curve and threshold valuePS threshold value [0088] FIGS. 9 to 14: same references as FIGS. 1 to 8 increased by 100 [0089] 111(0), IV(0), 111(1), IV(1) inactive and active values of III, IV-S1, S2 electrical signals [0090] 153,154 branch lines upstream of 105C2 preliminary peak of S2 [0091] FIGS. 15 to 18: same references as FIGS. 1 to 8 increased by 200 [0092] V(1), VI(1) active values of V, VI-S single electrical signal [0093] 243, 244 branch lines upstream of 204M 1, M2 patterns of signal S

[0094] FIG. 1 illustrates, schematically and partially, a transport vehicle 300 which may be for example a train, a tram, a metro, a bus or even a trolleybus. FIG. 1 only shows a simplified section of the body 302 of this vehicle. This figure also illustrates an access door according to the invention, designated as a whole by the reference 1, which equips this transport vehicle 300.

[0095] In a manner known per se, this door comprises a frame 10, arranged at the periphery of an opening 304 made in the body of the vehicle. This door is further provided with two leaves 20 and 25 forming an opening, each movable between the respective opening and closing positions of the opening 304. As a variant, this door can be provided with a single leaf, or with several leaves. In the example shown, this door is of the sliding type, it being understood that it may be of a different type, in particular sliding-swinging. Conventionally, the aforementioned opening 304 delimits a free passage for users, in the open position of each leaf.

[0096] FIG. 1 also illustrates means allowing each leaf to be driven relative to the frame, in a direction which corresponds to the rolling axis of the vehicle. These drive devices firstly comprise a motor 310 of any suitable type, for example electric. This motor is controlled by a board 6, via a control line 314. This motor cooperates with a drive device, for example of the endless screw type 316, which is integral in translation with the frame. A so-called driven device 320 and 325 is also provided, integral with a respective leaf 20 and 25. Each driven device is for example made in the form of a cylindrical body, the inner surface of which forms a nut intended to cooperate with the endless screw above. The various mechanical devices, listed above, are of the conventional type and will therefore not be described in greater detail below.

[0097] We will now describe in greater detail the detection devices, in accordance with the invention, which equip the door 1 above. FIG. 2 shows 3 a detection device, which constitutes an essential feature of the invention, which is provided on the outer side 22 of the leaf 20 shown in FIG. 1. It should be understood, as will be detailed below, that another detection device generally equips the inner side 24 of this same leaf 20. On the other hand, the other leaf 25 does not conventionally comprise a detection device, either on its inner or outer sides.

[0098] As shown in particular in FIG. 2, the detection device 3 firstly comprises a housing 30, fixed to the leaf by any appropriate means. This housing firstly supports a mechanical detection device, of the push-button type. This standard mechanical device is represented schematically by being allocated reference 32. The detection device 3 is further equipped with an additional detection device 34, also illustrated schematically, which is referred to as contactless or touchless.

[0099] This contactless detection device 34 is suitable for detecting the presence of a user's hand 36, visible in this FIG. 2, inside a so-called detection zone 38. It can be of any appropriate type, in particular optical, capacitive or even thermal. This so-called contactless device 34 is typically a sensor operating on the known time of flight principle. As shown in this FIG. 2, this sensor is capable of reacting to movements of a hand 36 which can be exerted in different directions, such as in particular a sweeping of the hand.

[0100] The contactless sensor 34 is connected to the control circuit board 6, by transfer lines 4 and 5, which are shown schematically in FIG. 1 but will be described in greater detail below. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the control circuit board 6 firstly comprises a so-called control unit 60, which is conventionally adapted to activate the control line 314, with a view to moving the door. In accordance with the invention, this board 6 is also equipped with a diagnostic unit 70, the structure of which will be detailed with reference to FIG. 4. These units 60 and 70 are placed in parallel, with reference to transfer lines 4 and 5.

[0101] More precisely, the first line 4, which is dedicated solely to the transfer of information concerning the mechanical detection device 32, extends only from the latter. Furthermore, the second transfer line 5, which is dedicated solely to the transfer of information relating to the contactless detection device 34, extends only from the latter. Each line 4 and 5, called the main line, is divided into two downstream lines, called branch lines, mutually placed in parallel. Thus line 4 is divided into a line 42 in communication with the control unit 60, as well as a line 41 in communication with the diagnostic unit 70. Similarly line 5 is divided into a line 52 in communication with the control unit 60, as well as a line 51 in communication with the diagnostic unit 70.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 4, the diagnostic unit 70 firstly comprises a main so-called analysis module 72, which is more particularly adapted to process the signals received from the transfer lines 4 and 5. This analysis module 72 is connected directly with lines 41 and 51 above, delivering the information of mechanical and contactless origin respectively. Furthermore, this analysis module 72 is connected, via a line 78, to a malfunction module 80. The latter is associated with a processor 82 which can activate, via a line 84, an alert 86 for example of a visual and/or auditory type, which can be perceived by the operator of the vehicle.

[0103] Finally, the analysis module 72 is connected, via a line 88, to a memory module 90. The information stored in this module 90 can be managed in several ways. Thus we can first of all associate this module 90 with an additional processor 92 which can activate, via a line 94, an additional alert 96. It is also possible, additionally or alternatively, to query this memory module, using any appropriate means such as a maintenance center. Such a query, which can be implemented on site or remotely, will be periodically carried out.

[0104] In the standard operation of the invention, an initial item of information I, said to be representative of the activation state of the mechanical detection device 32, is transferred between the detection device and the control circuit board, as well as a second item of information II, said to be representative of the activation state of the contactless sensor 34. In the present variant, illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, each item of information I and II corresponds to the activation state of a single detection device, respectively mechanical or contactless. On the other hand, neither item of information takes into account the activation state of the other device, respectively contactless or mechanical.

[0105] In this variant, each item of information I and II is carried by a respective electrical signal S1 and S2. Depending on whether the mechanical device 32 is activated or not, information I has two values which are called active and inactive. These values, allocated references 1(1) and 1(0) in the figures, correspond respectively to peaks and troughs of the signal S1. Depending on whether the contactless sensor 34 is activated or not, information II similarly possesses two active and inactive values, allocated references 11(1) and 11(0), corresponding respectively to peaks and troughs of the signal S2.

[0106] As seen above, the control unit 60 is connected both with the so-called mechanical line 42 and with the so-called contactless line 52. As soon as at least one detection device 32 or 34 is activated, the or each corresponding electrical signal S1 or S2 passes to its peak value, and the respective information I or II passes to its active value. The control unit 60 then recognizes this situation, so that it initiates the opening of the door in the conventional manner, via the control line 314.

[0107] With regard to the diagnostic unit 70, four different operational cases can be distinguished, three of which will be detailed with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. In these figures the first signal I, called mechanical, is illustrated in solid lines while the second signal 11, called contactless, is illustrated in dotted lines. The peak amplitudes of these electrical signals are identical: nevertheless, in order to distinguish more clearly between them, they have been represented slightly differently in the figures.

[0108] The first of these cases, which is not shown in the figures, corresponds to an absence of activation, both of the mechanical device 32 and of the contactless sensor 34. In this case, each electrical signal S1 and S2 has its trough value, so that each item of information I and II retains its inactive value. This means that no action is exerted on the detection device, by any user. This occurrence does not call for any particular alert, vis-a-vis the operator of the transport vehicle.

[0109] The second case corresponds to the activation of both the mechanical device 32 and the contactless sensor 34. In practice, this corresponds to the normal use of the detection device, in which the user activates the mechanical device by exerting pressure on the latter. To do so, the user first crosses the detection zone 38 of the contactless sensor, so that he/she also activates the latter. Referring to FIG. 5, this situation is brought about by the passage of the electrical signals S1 and S2 to their peak values, such that items of information I and II now have active values 1(1) and 11(1). The appearance of this type of signal indicates correct operation of the detection device, both at the contactless and mechanical level. As in the first case above, the control circuit board does not send any alert to the operator.

[0110] The third case corresponds, in FIG. 6, to the appearance of a single peak in the electrical signal S1 relating to the mechanical device, while the other electrical signal S2 remains at its trough value. Under these conditions, information I has an active value of 1(1), while information II has an inactive value of 11(0). The analysis module then identifies, by any appropriate conventional means of comparison between the signals, an activation of the mechanical device as well as an absence of activation of the contactless sensor. It concludes that the contactless detection device is malfunctioning, which leads to a message being sent to the malfunction module 80.

[0111] As explained above, the identification of this malfunction can be explained by the fact that, when the mechanical device is activated, the user necessarily passes his/her hand in the detection field of the contactless sensor. Consequently, the absence of activation of the contactless sensor, during an activation of the mechanical device, implies that the contactless sensor is not functioning correctly.

[0112] The above situation, corresponding to the signals in FIG. 6, can be handled in several ways. It can first be decided that the malfunction module 80 activates alert 86 perceptible by the operator, from the first occurrence of this malfunction. It can also be decided that this alert is not activated immediately, but only when a predetermined number of malfunctions of this type have occurred.

[0113] The fourth case corresponds, in FIG. 7, to the appearance of a single peak in the electrical signal S2 relating to the contactless sensor, while the other electrical signal S1 remains at its trough value. Under these conditions, information I has an inactive value of 1(0), while information II has an active value of 11(1). The analysis module then identifies, by a comparison between the signals which is analogous to that implemented in the third case above, an absence of activation of the mechanical device as well as an activation of the contactless sensor.

[0114] Unlike the third case above, the analysis module cannot necessarily conclude that the mechanical detection device is malfunctioning. Indeed, two alternative situations can be envisaged in the case of FIG. 7. It is first possible that the user wishes to activate the detection device, without coming into contact with the latter. In this first situation, the user activates the contactless sensor without however activating the mechanical device, so that the inactive value of the information I is not synonymous with a possible mechanical failure. It is also possible that the user has actually pressed the detection device, in order to open or close the leaf. In this second situation, the user has therefore theoretically activated the mechanical device, so that the inactive value of information I a priori leads to the conclusion that the mechanical device is malfunctioning.

[0115] According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the situations compliant with this fourth case can be managed by using the memory module. With this in mind, the analysis module provides the memory module with the nature of the various activations of the detection devices, both mechanical and contactless. Assuming that the contactless sensor works correctly, there are only two possibilities: on the one hand, the activation of the contactless sensor accompanied by the activation of the mechanical device, i.e. the appearance of the values (1) and 11(1) in FIG. 5, on the other hand the activation of the contactless sensor without activation of the mechanical device, i.e. the appearance of the values 1(0) and 11(1) in FIG. 7. From the compilation of these various items of information, the memory module can provide a graph, such as that of FIG. 8, illustrating the variation in the percentage of mechanical activation (PM). This percentage corresponds to the ratio between, on the one hand, the number of activations of the mechanical device and, on the other hand, the total number of activations of the detection device. In other words, a PM percentage of 100 means that the mechanical device is always activated, a value of O of this same percentage means that the mechanical device is never activated, while a value of 50 means that this mechanical device is activated every other time.

[0116] That being said, firstly, FIG. 8 represents a first possibility in which this PM percentage is certainly not constant over time, but without however undergoing significant variations. It can therefore be concluded, at first glance, that mechanical detection device 32 is functioning correctly. This situation is represented by the curve C1, in dotted lines.

[0117] In this same FIG. 8, a second possibility has been illustrated in which the PM percentage decreases regularly over time. This possibility, represented by curve C2 in dashed lines, does not however make it possible to conclude that there is a malfunction of mechanical device 32. It can therefore be assumed that, over time, users tend to favor contactless detection alone, to the detriment of mechanical detection.

[0118] Finally, curve C3, in solid lines in FIG. 8, illustrates a third possibility. First of all, there is a first zone C31, in which the PM percentage varies very little, as in the case of curve C1 above. Then, in a second zone C32, this same percentage decreases sharply until it reaches a value close to or equal to zero. In this situation, we can conclude on an initial basis that there is a malfunction in the mechanical detection device, at time t(dys), corresponding to the drop in the PM percentage. Zone C32 in this FIG. 8, indicating the appearance of the failure, can be vertical if this failure is sudden. This zone may have another profile, different from the vertical, if the failure occurs intermittently.

[0119] From these different situations in FIG. 8, it is also possible to initiate certain types of alert for the vehicle operator. The first situation represented by curve C1 does not require any particular alert since, as we have seen above, a priori it indicates correct operation. On the other hand, in the case of a drop in the PM percentage, which can be regular or sudden, the merits of an alert can be considered. With this in mind, it is advantageous to be able to determine whether the second or third possibility above is applicable, in order to provide the appropriate information to the operator.

[0120] The control circuit board may include a processor capable of analyzing the PM percentage variation curves, in order to identify the present type of situation. For example the processor could calculate at any moment in time an instantaneous value C of the gradient of the curve PM, corresponding to the derivative of the curve PM=f(t). If the processor identifies that this instantaneous value C is greater than a predetermined threshold value CS, it will conclude that there is a particularly rapid drop in the value of PM, representative of a malfunction. A first possibility then consists in immediately providing the corresponding information to the operator, in particular via alarm 96. The operator can then carry out all the appropriate operations, typically repair or replace the mechanical detection device. As an alternative, it is possible to store this information in the memory module which, as seen above, can be consulted periodically by the operator.

[0121] On the other hand, the processor could detect that the curve PM=f(t) passes below a threshold value PS, illustrated in FIG. 8, without however the derivative being greater than the value CS. In this case, it will conclude that mechanical detection is neglected by users, without however there being a malfunction in mechanical device 32. Typically, this situation is not immediately communicated to the operator. It will be stored in the memory module, so that it can be retrieved in good time by the operator.

[0122] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a second variant embodiment. In FIGS. 9 and 10 the component parts, which are similar to those of the first variant embodiment, are allocated the same reference numbers plus 100.

[0123] In this second variant, the initial item of information III is identical to information I, so that transfer line 104 is also dedicated to the single transfer of information concerning mechanical detection device 132. As above, this information is carried by a respective electrical signal S1, similar to signal S1.

[0124] On the other hand, the second item of information IV is different from information Il in that it corresponds to the activation state, either of the mechanical detection device, or of the contactless sensor. This information IV, which can be called opto-mechanical, therefore has a so-called active value corresponding to the reference IV(1), if one and/or other of the devices is activated. Furthermore, the so-called inactive value of this information, i.e. reference IV(0), corresponds to an absence of activation of both the mechanical device and the contactless sensor. In other words, unlike the first variant, transfer line 105 is dedicated to the transfer of information relating to both mechanical detection device 132 and contactless sensor 134. As above, this information is carried by an electrical signal S2, similar to signal S2.

[0125] Structurally, line 104 is similar to line 4, in that it has two downstream branch lines 141 and 142. Furthermore, line 105 includes, in addition to the two downstream branch lines 151 and 152, two upstream branch lines 153 and 154. These extend respectively from mechanical detection device 132 and from contactless sensor 134. Finally, control circuit board 106 is identical to that of the first variant, in particular as regards the structure of control unit 160 and of diagnostic unit 170.

[0126] Just as in the first variant, as soon as at least one detection device 132 or 134 is activated, the or each corresponding electrical signal S1 or S2 reaches its peak value. Consequently, the or each corresponding item of information III or IV changes to its active value. Control unit 160 then recognizes this situation, so that it initiates the opening of the door.

[0127] Different operational cases can be distinguished, with regard to diagnostic unit 170. First of all, as in the first variant, in the absence of activation of detection devices 132 and 134, each of the electrical signals S1 and S2 has a trough value. Consequently, each item of information III and IV has an inactive value, which does not call for any particular action.

[0128] In the case of an activation of both the mechanical device 132 and the contactless sensor 134, as shown in FIG. 11, electrical signals S1 and S2 reach a peak value. Under these conditions, each item of information has an active value, represented respectively by 111(1) and IV(1) in FIG. 11. Moreover, advantageously, electrical signal S2 reaches its peak value before electrical signal S1, in order to define a preliminary peak C2, appearing before the peak of the other signal S1. As in the first variant, FIG. 11 indicates proper operation of both contactless and mechanical detection devices.

[0129] In FIG. 12, signal S1 presents the same profile as in FIG. 11. On the other hand, signal S2 is different from that of FIG. 11, in that it is devoid of a preliminary peak C2. Consequently, the diagnostic unit, which identifies the absence of this preliminary peak, concludes that the contactless sensor has not been activated. This is because the transition of information IV to its active value IV(1) is initiated by the sole activation of the mechanical device. As in the first variant above, the diagnostic unit immediately concludes that there is a malfunction of the contactless sensor. Similar to the first variant, this situation may be the subject of different alerts for the operator.

[0130] In FIG. 13, signal S2 presents the same profile as in FIG. 11. On the other hand, signal S1 remains at its trough value, corresponding to an inactive value 111(0) of information III. As in the first variant, the diagnostic unit identifies that the mechanical device has not been activated, without however concluding that it is malfunctioning. The management of this situation can be implemented in the same way as in the first variant, with reference to FIG. 8.

[0131] The detection devices, in accordance with this second variant of the invention, have specific advantages, in particular in that they can be easily integrated into an existing transport vehicle. In other words, they allow a convenient upgrade of the transport vehicle. Thus it is possible to replace a detection device of a purely mechanical type with an all-mechanical detection device, in accordance with the invention, by taking advantage of transfer line 105.

[0132] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a third alternative embodiment. In these FIGS. 14 and 15 the component parts, which are similar to those of the first variant embodiment, are allocated the same reference numbers plus 200.

[0133] This third variant differs from the first two variants above, in particular in that a single transfer line 204 is provided. From a structural point of view, this line 204 comprises first of all two upstream branch lines 243 and 244, which respectively extend from mechanical detection device 232 and from contactless sensor 234. Furthermore, this line comprises two downstream branch lines 242 and 241, which connect respectively to control unit 260 and to diagnostic unit 270. Finally, control circuit board 206 is identical to that of the first two variants, in particular as regards the structure of control unit 260 and diagnostic unit 270.

[0134] In this third variant, as for the first variant above, each item of information V and VI corresponds to the activation state of a single detection device, respectively mechanical 232 or contactless 234, but does not take into account the activation state of the other device. On the other hand, unlike the first variants, single line 204 conveys a single electrical signal, denoted S, from detection device 203 to control circuit board 206. As opposed to the variants above, in which each item of information is carried by a respective electrical signal, this single electrical signal S carries the two items of information V and VI.

[0135] Unlike the first two variants, diagnostic unit 270 cannot compare the signals, in order to distinguish the information which indicates mechanical activation from that indicating contactless activation. Under these conditions, in this third variant, this identification is carried out thanks to the nature of the single electrical signal S. In practice, this signal is advantageously allocated by means of different electrical signatures, one of which corresponds to information V of the mechanical type and the other of which corresponds to information VI of the contactless type. These electrical signatures, which are known per se, can be of any suitable type. Note that this definition of different signatures includes the possibility that one of the activations is not affected by means of a particular signature.

[0136] In this third variant, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, a first electrical signature is represented by a first pattern M 1 of electrical signal S, corresponding to a drop in the signal immediately followed by a rise. A second electrical signature is represented by a second pattern M2 of this signal, corresponding to a repetition of the first pattern, namely the succession of a first fall, a first rise, a second fall and finally a second rise. Alternatively, the order of these signatures may be reversed. It should be emphasized that, in this third variant, the active value V(1) and VI(1) of each item of information corresponds, not to a peak value of the electrical signal as in the first two variants, but to the occurrence of the one or other of patterns M 1 and M2.

[0137] This being said, we find the same operational scenarios as above. Referring to FIG. 16, electrical signal S comprises the two target patterns M 1 and M2, which means that each item of information has its active value V(1) and VI(1). We therefore conclude that the detection device is working properly, in both mechanical and contactless terms.

[0138] With reference to FIG. 17, electrical signal S comprises only the target pattern M 1, but not pattern M2. This means that only the mechanical information V has its active value V(1), but on the other hand that the contactless information VI has its inactive value VI(0). Therefore, as above, the diagnostic unit 270 concludes that the contactless sensor has malfunctioned. Similar to the first variants, this situation may be the subject of different alerts for the operator.

[0139] With reference to FIG. 18, electrical signal S includes only the target pattern M2, but not pattern M1. This means that only contactless information VI has its active value VI(1), but on the other hand that mechanical information V has its inactive value V(0). Consequently, as above, diagnostic unit 270 identifies that mechanical device 232 has not been activated, without however concluding that it is malfunctioning. The management of this situation can be implemented in the same way as in the first variant, with reference to FIG. 8.

[0140] This third variant has specific advantages, particularly in economic terms. In fact, it makes it possible to simplify the wiring and to reduce the overall number of wires, so that the associated costs are lower. In addition, the assembly of the component parts of this third variant would be faster in door leaf production lines.

[0141] The invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

[0142] Only detection device 3,103,203, in accordance with the invention, fitted to the outer side 22 of door leaf 20 has been described above. Provision can also be made for another detection device, also in accordance with the invention, to be provided on the inner side 24 of this same leaf. This interior detection device is then associated with the same mechanical devices as exterior detection device 3,103,203. In particular, the various transfer lines, both inside and outside, are connected to control circuit board 6. In operation, it should be ensured that, in all cases, this board is capable of clearly distinguishing between the analysis of the interior detection device and that of the exterior detection device.

[0143] Furthermore, the use of a detection device according to the invention on a transport vehicle door has been described above. The invention can also be applied to landing doors, also called platform screen doors, which are equipped with at least one such detection device.