DESC:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to railway coach access doors, and more particularly to a plug and slide coach access door.

BACKGROUND
In the realm of railway transportation, the design and functionality of coach access doors have long been a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and convenience of passengers. Traditional methods of door systems on trains, while functional, have faced challenges that prompted the need for innovation and improvement.
Firstly, traditional door systems have often been intricate and required frequent maintenance due to their exposure to various environmental factors such as humidity, dust, and grit. The intricate mechanisms involved in the door's movement make it susceptible to jamming and operational issues, necessitating regular check-ups.
Secondly, the conventional door systems occupy a significant amount of space around the door opening. This not only limits the design flexibility for train builders but also poses challenges in providing easy access for maintenance, thereby impacting both the efficiency of the system and the safety of passengers.
Thirdly, the traditional doors operate through a set of rods, latches, gears, and cables, contributing to their complexity. The exposed critical components of these systems to the harsh environmental conditions further escalate the need for ongoing maintenance, creating a continuous cycle of upkeep.
Moreover, the existing systems restrict manual operation of the doors primarily to specific conditions, such as power-off scenarios or driver allowances during emergencies. This limitation in adaptability has emphasized the necessity for a door system that offers enhanced flexibility in manual operation under various circumstances.
To address the limitations and challenges observed in the current coach doors infrastructure, there is a pressing need for a technical solution that offers flexibility, scalability, and accessibility to the coach doors.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a plug and slide door is disclosed. The plug and slide door includes a frame and a door leaf coupled to the frame. The door includes a rotary tube coupled to the frame. The rotary tube is configured to rotate on its axis and move the door leaf in an outward or inward direction relative to the frame to plug in or plug out the door leaf against the frame. The door also includes a sliding tube coupled to the rotary tube and the door leaf. The sliding tube is configured to rotate on its axis and slide the door leaf in a horizontal direction relative to the frame.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plug and slide door includes a linear motor coupled to the rotary tube by way of a piston. The linear motor is configured to actuate the rotary tube by way of the piston to rotate.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plug and slide door includes a sliding motor coupled to the sliding tube. The sliding motor is configured to rotate the sliding tube.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plug and slide door includes an upper guide disposed on the frame. The upper guide is adapted to guide the door leaf when the door leaf moves in the outward or inward direction relative to the frame to plug in or plug out the door leaf against the frame.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plug and slide door includes an upper guide rail and a lower guide rail coupled to the door leaf. The guide rails are adapted to guide the door leaf when the door leaf slides in the horizontal direction relative to the frame.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plug and slide door includes at least one door lock configured to secure the door leaf to the frame when the door leaf is plugged in against the frame.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plug and slide door includes an emergency handle coupled to the rotary tube. The emergency handle is configured to move between a first position and a second position to engage and disengage the at least one door lock, respectively, for manual operation of the plug and slide door in case of power failure or emergency situations.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plug and slide door includes a controller coupled to the linear motor and the sliding motor. The controller is configured to receive a signal to operate the plug and slide door, enable the linear motor to rotate the rotary tube to plug in or plug out the door leaf against the frame, and enable the sliding motor to rotate the sliding tube to slide the door leaf in the horizontal direction relative to the frame.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the controller is further configured to receive signals indicating an obstruction when the door leaf slides in the horizontal direction relative to the frame. The controller enables the sliding motor to reverse rotation of the sliding tube to slide the door leaf away from the obstruction in the horizontal direction relative to the frame.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the controller is further configured to receive a signal from the emergency handle when in the second position, disengage coupling of the linear motor from the rotary tube, and release the at least one door lock for manual operation of the plug and slide door in case of power failure or emergency situations.
The foregoing general description of the illustrative aspects and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The following detailed description of the preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements.
FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic view of a plug-and-slide door, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective zoomed-in view of an upper portion of sliding tube of the plug-and-slide door of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of an emergency handle of the plug-and-slide door of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective view of at least one door lock of the plug-and-slide door of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.
Various aspect of the present disclosure provides a plug and slide coach access door. The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various aspects including the example aspects relate to the plug and slide coach access door.
The aspects herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting aspects that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the aspects herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the aspects herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the aspects herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the aspects herein.
FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic view of a plug-and-slide door 100 (hereinafter referred to and denoted as "the door 100"), in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
As used herein, "plug-and-slide door" refers to a door system that combines both outward/inward movement (plugging) and horizontal sliding movement to open and close a door.
The door 100 includes a frame 102, a door leaf 104 coupled to the frame 102, a rotary tube 106 coupled to the frame 102, an upper bearing housing 108a, a lower bearing housing 108b, a base plate 110, a sliding tube 112 that is coupled to the rotary tube 106 and the door leaf 104, an upper guide 113, an upper guide rail 114a, a lower guide rail 114b, a first arm 116a, a second arm 116b, a linear motor 118, a piston 120, a controller 122, an emergency handle 124, and a sliding motor 126 (hereinafter interchangeably referred as “sliding motor 126”).
The door 100 may be employed in a car shell unit of a train. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the door 100 may be incorporated in other transportation vehicles, industries, factories, and buildings. The door 100 may facilitate a secure and convenient access to the car shell unit of the train while maintaining passenger safety and comfort. The space-efficient design of the door 100 may enable passengers to enter and exit without obstruction from the movement of the aforementioned door 100. The door 100 facilitates the locking and unlocking by employing electromechanical rotary latches for enhanced precision and reliability. The door 100 may be configured to facilitate communication with other systems on the train through a shared bus or network. The door 100 may further be employed in facilities which require fully sealed doors, for example, across diverse transportation applications as well as for commercial use like hospitals, industries, and offices. The opening and the closing of the door 100 may be automated, such that the door 100 opening and closing may be controlled by a train driver further in case of emergency situations. In the emergency situations, the opening and the closing of the door 100 may be facilitated by passengers manually. The door 100 employs one or more sensors that may facilitate one or more functions, such as, position monitoring, obstruction detection, safety compliance, control and automation, emergency handling, and verification of the door status. The one or more sensors may be proximity sensors, position sensors, emergency activation mechanism sensors, and step sensors.
The frame 102 may be fixed to the car shell unit of the train. The frame 102 may incorporate the door leaf 104 in a way that the door leaf 104 when slid horizontally in one direction facilitates opening of the door 100 and when the door leaf 104 is slid in the opposite direction facilitates closing of the door 100. In other words, when the door leaf 104 is slid horizontally in one direction (for example, in the right direction), the passengers may enter or exit inside the car shell unit of the train and when the door leaf 104 is slid in the opposite direction (left), the passage is blocked, preventing the entry and exit of the passengers.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the frame 102 may be fixed to the car shell unit of the train by way of the one or more methods, that may include bolting, fastening, welding, clamping, and mounting. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise include all kind of methods that may facilitate the fixing of the frame, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The rotary tube 106 may be fixed to the car shell unit of the train. Specifically, the rotary tube 106 may be fixed to the inner side of the car shell unit of the train by way of the upper and lower bearing housings 108a and 108b. The rotary tube (106) may be configured to rotate on its axis and move the door leaf (104) in an outward or an inward direction relative to the frame (102) to plug in or plug out the door leaf (104) against the frame (102). The upper and lower bearing housing 108a and 108b may facilitate smooth rotation of the rotary tube 106. The rotary tube 106 may be aligned to the car shell unit of the train by the base plate 110. Specifically, the rotary tube 106 may be securely fixed and aligned longitudinally to the car shell unit of the train by inserting one or more fastening elements into elongated fixing holes (not shown) that may be present on the base plate 110. The rotary tube 106 may be configured to facilitate the movement of the door leaf 104 in outward direction and inward direction. Specifically, the rotary tube 106 may be adapted to facilitate the movement of the door leaf 104 in the outward direction in a plug-out operation and the rotary tube 106 may be adapted to facilitate the movement of the door leaf 104 in the inward direction in a plug-in operation.
As used herein, "plug in" refers to the action of moving the door leaf inward to seal against the frame, while "plug out" refers to the action of moving the door leaf outward away from the frame.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more fastening elements may include, one or more bolts, one or more screws, one or more nuts, one or more rivets and one or more rods. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise include all other fastening elements that may be employed for fixing the rotary tube, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The motion of the rotary tube 106 may be facilitated by the piston 120 that may be powered by the linear motor 118, preferably with a power of 24DC. The piston 120 may include built-in end-limit sensors (not shown) that may be configured to monitor and regulate the extent of a linear motion of the piston 120. The signals generated by the end limit sensors may be transmitted to the controller 122, based on which the controller 122 may regulate the motion of the piston 120. The piston 120 may be adapted to facilitate the motion of the rotary tube 106.
The piston 120 may facilitate the rotation of the rotary tube 106 in an inward direction and an outward direction. Specifically, the piston 120 may facilitate the rotation of the rotary tube 106 in the inward direction in the plug-in operation and the outward direction in the plug-out operation.
As used herein, "linear motor" refers to an electric motor that produces linear motion.,.
The controller 122 may be configured to regulate the automated functionality of the door 100 by interpreting signals derived from the train driver's commands, ensuring seamless and efficient operation. The controller 122 may be further configured to monitor the electrical current that may be consumed by a sliding motor 126 (as shown later in FIG. 2). The controller 122 may be programmed with a predefined threshold range for acceptable obstruction forces, that may ensure that the linear motor 118 may operate within the predetermined threshold range. The monitoring that may be done by the controller 122 may ensure that the door 100 may function with a high degree of precision, adhering to specified force limits and preventing potential issues related to excessive force, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the door 100. The controller 122 may be customized based on the requirements.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the controller 122 may be one of, a current monitoring controller 122, a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) Controller, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), a Microcontroller, and a Servo Controller. Aspects of the present disclosure may be intended to include and/or otherwise include all types of controllers for the automated functioning of the door, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The sliding tube 112 may be coupled to the rotary tube 106 and the door leaf 104. Specifically, the sliding tube 112 may be coupled to the rotary tube 106 by way of the bolted connection with rotation bushings (Teflon-type bearings). The rotary tube 106 may facilitate the rotation of the door leaf 104 to a certain angle (pre-defined) and then the door leaf 104 may be slid horizontally in sideway direction by the sliding tube 112 facilitating, one of a closing or opening of the door 100. The sliding tube 112 may facilitate the sliding of the door leaf 104 by sliding the door leaf 104 over the upper and lower guide rails 114a and 114b. Specifically, the sliding tube 112 may facilitate the sliding of the door leaf 104 by sliding the door leaf 104 over a guide roller (later shown in FIG. 2) and the upper and lower guide rails 114a and 114b. The coordinated movement of the rotary tube 106 and the sliding tube 112 may facilitate the plug-in and the plug-out operation of the door leaf 104. In the plug-in operation, the door leaf 104 may be moved from the completely open position to the closed position, and in plug-out operation, the door leaf 104 may be moved from a completely closed position to the open position. In the plug-in operation, the rotary tube 106 may facilitate the rotation of the sliding tube 112 in an inwards direction, such that when the rotation tube 104 facilitates the inwards movement of the door leaf 104, the door leaf 104 is slid in one direction and seal lock the frame 102, facilitating the closing of the door 100. When the door 100 is closed, at least one door lock (later shown in FIG. 4) may be activated securing the door 100 in one place. In the plug-out operation, the rotary tube 106 may facilitate the rotation of the sliding tube 112 in an outwards direction, such that when the rotation tube 104 facilitates the outward movement of the door leaf 104, the door leaf 104 is slid in the opposite direction and facilitates the opening of the door 100.
The upper guide 113 may be fixed to the car shell unit of the train and the door leaf 104. Specifically, the upper guide 113 may be positioned or disposed at an upper side of the door leaf 104. The upper guide 113 may be adapted to stabilize front edge (weight) of the door leaf 104. The upper guide 113 may be further adapted to guide the front edge of the door leaf 104 in the plug-in and plug-out operation. In other words, the upper guide 113 may secure correct outward and inward movement of the front edge of the door leaf 104.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, proximity sensors may be strategically positioned at key locations in the door 100 to provide precise control and monitoring capabilities to the controller 122. The proximity sensors may continuously relay real-time data to the controller 122, which may facilitate detailed insights into the door's 100 status and movements. For instance, the proximity sensors may detect whether the door 100 is in an open or closed state, in motion, or stationary. This continuous feedback loop enables the controller 122 to execute commands based on the current state of the door 100.
FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective zoomed-in depiction of an upper portion of the sliding tube 112 of the door 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
The upper portion of the rotary tube 106 may include a sliding motor 126, a driving pulley 128, a toothed belt 130, a shaft 132, and a guide roller 134.
The sliding motor 126 may be coupled to the sliding tube 112. Specifically, the sliding motor 126 may be coupled to the sliding tube 112 by way of the shaft 132. The sliding motor 126 may facilitate the horizontal sideways movement of the door leaf 104 by transmitting the rotational force to a driving pulley 128 which may be located inside the sliding tube 112. Specifically, the sliding motor 126 may facilitate horizontal sideways movement of the door 100 by transmitting the rotational force to the pulley 128, which in turn engages with the toothed belt 130 connected to the door leaf 104, translating the rotational motion into the horizontal movement that facilitates the sliding action of the door leaf 104 over the upper and lower guide rails 114a and 114b. The sliding of the door leaf 104 over the upper and lower guiding rails 114a and 114b may be facilitated when the door leaf 104 slid over the guide roller 134. In simpler terms, when the pulley 128 facilitates the rotation by the effect of the rotational force generated by the sliding motor 126, the pulley 128 may drive the toothed belt 130, which in turn may facilitate the movement of the door 100 in a controlled manner, either in close state or in the open state.
As used herein, "sliding motor" refers to an electric motor that provides rotational force to enable the horizontal sliding movement of the door leaf.
To further classify the functionality, in the plug-out operation, just when the command is given by the driver of the train, the sliding motor 126 may press the door leaf 104 slightly against a U profile (not shown) of the door 100 from one end of the door leaf 104. Once pressed, the at least one door lock may be unlocked. Then, the rotary tube 104 may facilitate the rotation of the door leaf 104 in the outward direction to an end stop.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the U profile (or U-shaped profile) may refer to a sealing profile or gasket that encases the leading edge of the door leaf 104 when it is fully closed. The U profile may be designed to provide a seal between the door leaf 104 and the frame 102, ensuring a secure and hermetic closure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding motor 126 may be equipped with step sensor and the step encoder. The step sensor may be configured to measure each step or phase of the movement of the door leaf 104, such as the initial opening, intermediate positions, and final closing. It provides feedback to the controller 122 about the progress of the door's operation. The sliding motor 126 may be equipped with a step encoder (not shown), that may be located at the top of the sliding tube 112. The step encoder may introduce a dimension of precision to the motor's 114 operational dynamics. The encoder may facilitate the precise and controlled movements through meticulous step counting and regulation of the motor's 114 rotational increments.
The driving pulley 128 is coupled to the shaft 132 and engages with the toothed belt 130. The driving pulley 128 transfers the rotational motion of the sliding motor 126 to the toothed belt 130, enabling the horizontal sliding motion of the door leaf 104. The driving pulley 128 may include precision-machined teeth that mesh with the toothed belt 130, ensuring reliable power transmission.
As used herein, "driving pulley" refers to a wheel with grooves that transmits power from the sliding motor to the toothed belt for horizontal movement of the door leaf.
The toothed belt 130 is coupled to the driving pulley 128 and the door leaf 104. The toothed belt 130 transfers the rotational motion of the driving pulley 128 to linear motion, enabling the horizontal sliding of the door leaf 104. The toothed belt 130 may be made of durable materials to provide long-term reliability.
As used herein, "toothed belt" refers to a flexible belt with teeth that mesh with the driving pulley to convert rotational motion into linear motion for sliding the door leaf.
The shaft 132 is coupled to the sliding motor 126 and the driving pulley 128. The shaft 132 transfers the rotational motion of the sliding motor 126 to the driving pulley 128. The shaft 132 may be made of rigid materials to provide stability and support for the door mechanism.
The guide roller 134 is coupled to the sliding tube 112 and guides the toothed belt 130. The guide roller 134 maintains proper tension and alignment of the toothed belt 130, ensuring reliable operation. The guide roller 134 may include precision bearings to reduce friction and ensure consistent operation.
As used herein, "guide roller" refers to a rotating component that supports and guides the toothed belt, maintaining proper tension and alignment during door operation.
FIG. 1C illustrates the perspective view of the emergency handle 124 of the door 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The emergency handle 124 may be coupled to the rotary tube 106 (as shown in FIG. 1C).
The emergency handle 124 may be coupled to the rotary tube 106. The emergency handle 124 may exhibit a first position 124a and a second position 124b. In the first position 124a, the emergency handle 124 may possess an inactivated state and in the second position 124b, the emergency handle 124 may possess an activated state. The emergency handle 124 may possess the activated state only when the train is not in motion. The emergency handle 124 may be activated both from the inside and the outside of the car shell unit of the train. From outside the car shell unit of the train, the emergency handle 124 may be activated only by authorized personnel who may have a key. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the authorized personnel may be, a train operator/driver, a train conductor, a railway maintenance personnel, a security personnel, a cleaning, a maintenance crew, and an emergency responder. The vertical and orientation position of the emergency handle 124 may be customized or changed to fit the specific requirements or conditions of each situation or case. The handle's placement can be adjusted based on factors such as the design of the door, the type of train, or other relevant considerations.
As used herein, "emergency handle" refers to a manually operated mechanism that allows for the disengagement of the door's powered operation in emergency situations.
The emergency handle 124 may be fixed to the door leaf 104. The emergency handle 124 may facilitate a mechanical disengagement of the at least one door lock when moved from the first position 124a to the second position 124b. The disengagement of the at least one door lock may be facilitated by the activation of a cable 136. The cable 136 may be a connecting link between the emergency handle 124 and the at least one door lock such that movement of the emergency handle 124 from the inactivated state to the activated state may facilitate the disengagement of the at least one door lock.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the emergency handle 124, when pulled down, may be used as a push handle to facilitate the pushing of the door leaf 104 in the outward direction. The rotary tube 106 may be rotated to a full outwards position by pushing the door leaf 104, once the rotary tube 106 is fully rotated, the emergency handle 124 may be brought back to the initial position (second position 124b) and the door leaf 104 may be slid horizontally manually in sideways to facilitate the opening of the door 100. The controller 122 may facilitate the engagement of the linear motor 118 with the rotary tube 106 when the electricity is restored or after the emergency situation is resolved. The pulling of the emergency handle 124 in the downward direction may facilitate alerting the driver of the train.
FIG. 1D illustrates the perspective view of the at least one door lock 138 of the door 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
The at least one door lock 138 (hereinafter referred as “the door lock 138”) may be adapted to secure the door 100 in the one place in plug-in operation. Specifically, the door lock 138 may be adapted to secure the door leaf 104 to the frame 102 in plug-in operation. The door lock 138 may be an electromechanical rotary latch. The door lock 138 may be unlocked automatically by way of signals that may be generated by the controller 122 or may be unlocked manually in case of emergency situations. In automated operation, when the unlocking of the door lock 138 may be done by the signals of the controller 122, the cable 136 may be actuated automatically in order to disengage the door lock 138. In emergency situations, the door lock 138 may be disengaged by the moving the emergency handle 124 from the first position 124a to the second position 124b.
As used herein, "door lock" refers to a mechanism that secures the door leaf to the frame when the door is in a closed position, capable of both automatic and manual operation.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the door lock 138 may be equipped with an engagement sensor (not shown) that may incorporate both electrical and manual release functionalities. The engagement sensor may facilitate the secure connection of the door lock 138 when the door 100 may be in the closed state. The engagement sensor may detect the engagement status and establish communication with the controller 122. In response to authorized commands, such as signals from the controller 122 or user-operated controls, the electrical release function may be activated, that may allow the door lock 138 to disengage electrically, facilitating the smooth opening of the door 100. The door lock 138 may further facilitate the manual release mechanism to address emergency scenarios or situations where electrical release is not feasible. The manual release option provides a fail-safe measure that may allow the users to open the door 100 manually by activating the emergency handle 124. Throughout these operations, the engagement sensor remains integral in providing feedback to the controller 122, ensuring a coordinated and reliable response in various situations. Overall, the door lock's engagement sensor enhances the versatility and safety of the door 100 by offering both electrical and manual release capabilities.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the position sensors may be employed on the door leaf 104 that may facilitate the detection of the movement of the door leaf 104 in continuous sequence and transmit the signals to the controller 122, which in turn facilitates the appropriate actions. For example, if the door leaf 104 is partially open, the controller 122 may facilitate the movement of the door leaf 104 until the door leaf 104 is not fully open. Similarly, the position sensors that may be employed on the rotary tube 106 may detect the movement of the rotary tube 106 and send the signal to the controller 122, which in return facilitates the movement of the rotary tube 106 based on the operation (plug-in or plug-out).
In operation, the plug and slide door 100 functions as follows: The controller 122 receives a signal to opening the door 100, which may come from a train driver's command or an automated system. The controller 122 then enables the linear motor 118 to rotate the rotary tube 106 via the piston 120. The rotation of the rotary tube 106 causes the door leaf 104 to move outward relative to the frame 102 in plugged out position i.e., unplugged from the frame 102, guided by the upper guide 113. Once the door leaf 104 is unplugged from the frame 102, the controller 122 activates the sliding motor 126, which rotates the sliding tube 112. This rotation is transferred via the driving pulley 128 and toothed belt 130 to slide the door leaf 104 horizontally along the upper guide rail 114a and lower guide rail 114b. Throughout this process, proximity sensors monitor the door's position and movement, relaying data to the controller 122. If an obstruction is detected during the sliding motion, the controller 122 reverses the sliding motor 126 to move the door leaf 104 away from the obstruction. When closing, the process is reversed: the door leaf 104 slides horizontally and then plugs inward, with the door lock 138 engaging to secure it. In emergency situations, the emergency handle 124 can be activated, disengaging the linear motor 118 from the rotary tube 106 and releasing the door locks 138, allowing for manual operation of the door 100.
Thus, the plug and slide door 100 provides several significant technical advantages. The plug and slide door 100 offers improved operational efficiency through its 24VDC power supply, eliminating the need for pneumatics and reducing maintenance requirements. The robust, high-efficiency electric drive ensures smooth and quiet operation, enhancing passenger comfort. The dual door leaf locks with electromechanical rotary latches increase safety and provide a fully engaged door leading edge. The door's compact, low-weight design makes it easy to install and adjust, while its closed-type mechanical components offer reduced sensitivity to environmental factors like rain, dust, and grit. The modular component design reduces spare parts diversity, further simplifying maintenance. Additionally, design of the door 100 eliminates the need for a lower car shell door guide, optimizing space utilization. The adjustable door opening and closing speeds, coupled with the door obstruction sensor, allow for customizable and safe operation. Finally, the flexibility in controller 122 options, offering either stand-alone or train-bus integration, enhances its adaptability to various railway applications.
Although the preferred aspects have been detailed here, it should be apparent to those skilled in the relevant field that various modifications, additions, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. These variations are thus considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the following claims.
Features or functionalities described in certain example aspects may be combined and re-combined in or with other example aspects. Additionally, different aspects and elements of the disclosed example aspects may be similarly combined and re-combined. Further, some example aspects, individually or collectively, may form components of a larger system where other processes may take precedence or modify their application. Moreover, certain steps may be required before, after, or concurrently with the example aspects disclosed herein. It should be noted that any and all methods and processes disclosed herein can be performed in whole or in part by one or more entities or actors in any manner.
Although terms like "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and sections, these terms should not necessarily be interpreted as limiting. They are used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. For example, a "first" element discussed here could be referred to as a "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
The terminology used here is intended to describe specific example aspects and should not be considered as limiting the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "includes," "comprising," and "including," as used herein, indicate the presence of stated features, steps, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of other features, steps, elements, or components.
As used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive, meaning that "X employs A or B" would be satisfied by X employing A, B, or both A and B. Unless specified otherwise or clearly understood from the context, this inclusive meaning applies to the term "or."
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Terms should be interpreted consistently with their common usage in the context of the relevant art and should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined here.
The terms "about" and "substantially," as used herein, refer to a variation of plus or minus 10% from the nominal value. This variation is always included in any given measure.
In cases where other disclosures are incorporated by reference and there is a conflict with the present disclosure, the present disclosure takes precedence to the extent of the conflict, or to provide a broader disclosure or definition of terms. If two disclosures conflict, the later-dated disclosure will take precedence.
The use of examples or exemplary language (such as "for example") is intended to illustrate aspects of the invention and should not be seen as limiting the scope unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be interpreted as implying that any non-claimed element is essential to the practice of the invention.
While many alterations and modifications of the present invention will likely become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this description, the specific aspects shown and described by way of illustration are not intended to be limiting in any way.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. ,CLAIMS:1. A plug and slide door (100) comprising:
a frame (102);
a door leaf (104) coupled to the frame (102);
a rotary tube (106) that is coupled to the frame (102) and configured to:
rotate with respect to an axis of the rotary tube (106); and
move the door leaf (104), upon rotation, in one of, (i) an outward direction relative to the frame (102) to plug in the door leaf (104) against the frame (102) or (ii) an inward direction relative to the frame (102) to plug out the door leaf (104) against the frame (102);
and
a sliding tube (112) that is coupled to the rotary tube (106) and the door leaf (104), and configured to:
rotate with respect to an axis of the sliding tube (112); and
slide the door leaf (104), upon rotation, in a horizontal direction relative to the frame (102).

2. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a linear motor (118) that is coupled to the rotary tube (106) by way of a piston (120) and configured to actuate the rotary tube (106) by way of the piston (120) to rotate.

3. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a sliding motor (126) that is coupled to the sliding tube (112) and configured to rotate the sliding tube (112).

4. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an upper guide (113) that is disposed on the frame (102) and adapted to guide the door leaf (104) when the door leaf (104) is configured to move in the outward or the inward direction relative to the frame (102) to plug in or plug out the door leaf (104) against the frame (102).

5. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an upper guide rail (114a) and a lower guide rail (114b), wherein the upper guide rail (114a) and the lower guide rail (114b) are coupled to the door leaf (104) and adapted to guide the door leaf (104) when the door leaf (104) is configured to slide in the horizontal direction relative to the frame (102).

6. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
at least one door lock (138) that is configured to secure the door leaf (104) to the frame (102) when the at least one door leaf (104) is plugged in against the frame (102).

7. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an emergency handle (124) that is coupled to the rotary tube (106) and configured to move in one of, (i) a first position (124a) to engage the at least one door lock (138), or (ii) a second position (124b) to disengage the at least one door lock (138) for manual operation of the plug and slide door (100) in case of power failure or emergency situations.

8. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a controller (122) that is coupled to the linear motor (118) and the sliding motor (126), and configured to:
receive a signal to operate the plug and side door (100);
enable the linear motor (118) to rotate the rotary tube (106) to plug in or plug out the door leaf (104) against the frame (102); and
enable the sliding motor (126) to rotate the sliding tube (112) to the slide the door leaf (104) in the horizontal direction relative to the frame (102).

9. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (122) is further configured to:
receive one or more signals indicating an obstruction when the door leaf (104) slide in the horizontal direction relative to the frame (102); and
enable the sliding motor (126) to reverse rotation of the sliding tube (112) to the slide the door leaf (104) away from the obstruction in the horizontal direction relative to the frame (102).

10. The plug and slide door (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (122) is further configured to:
receive a signal from the emergency handle (124) when the emergency handle (124) is in the second position (124b);
disengage coupling of the linear motor (118) from the rotary tube (106); and
release the at least one door lock (138) for manual operation of the plug and slide door (100) in case of the power failure or the emergency situations.