A locking technology featuring a system specially designed for rail vehicle construction

Quarter turns are a versatile and cost-effective solution. These products come in various designs and are made with different materials for casings and actuators. Special safety quarter turns and vibration-resistant quarter turns are available for use in railway vehicles. To engage the safety quarter turn lock, the actuator is inserted into the housing and then turned 90°. This creates a vibration-resistant closure. The vibration-resistant quarter turn has a latching function that prevents automatic rotation. Special requirements are also taken into account, for example, EMKA offers a quarter turn with a cover that can be used as a floor lock. The cover is simply screwed on and gaskets flush with the floor.
This guarantees that the closure is impenetrable to both moisture and dirt. 

In addition to its range of quarter turns, EMKA also offers compression latches for use in trains. When closing, a combined turning and lifting movement takes place. Firstly, the actuator is rotated 90°. Further rotation of the actuator leads to an axial movement of the latch. The compression gently and securely draws the door, flap, or panel into the circumferential gasket. This provides additional safety. The doors remain firmly closed despite the vibrations that automatically occur during the travelling movement. Compression latches are available in die-cast zinc and stainless steel as well as a hybrid version with an aluminium housing. This allows a weight reduction of up to 30%. EMKA developed this special solution, especially for Siemens. As an option, a cap can be used to protect the actuation of the compression fastener from dirt and moisture.
 

When performing maintenance tasks, a large number of latches often must be opened and closed. This follows that each time it must be ensured that all latches are securely closed after the maintenance work is completed. Neglecting this can lead to the door opening without warning or potentially causing a flap to be torn off during the trip. This usually has serious consequences. The ability to visually confirm from afar if the latches are open or locked is a time-saving, convenient, and safe feature.

EMKA has developed the compression latch with a cover and visual opening indicator for this specific purpose. The benefit is that if the compression latch is not fully closed, the lid is clearly visible at a 90° angle. As an option, the lock is also available with coloured markings on the cover. The colour indication on the inside of the cover makes it even easier to identify the open position. In addition, the locking solution is tested in accordance with DIN EN 45545-3 and complies with fire protection class E60.

An additional advantage is the simple and quick replacement of the locking centre insert (module) when installed. This means that the swinghandle can be used universally. Depending on the intended use and existing requirements in terms of security (access control), a high-quality locking cylinder or a simple square actuation can be selected. For example, a profile half cylinder is ideal for access to the engine room or driver’s cab, while a simple solution is completely sufficient for cabinets with less important contents such as cleaning utensils and therefore a lower security level. For special security requirements, the long handle can be fitted with a DIN or KABA cylinder and a rod lock for connection to a multi-point locking system.

Cabinets inside the train and underfloor containers outside, which are often challenging to access, can be securely locked using the multi-point locking system. The multiple locking points, enable the best distribution of the locking forces. The locking mechanism is extremely user-friendly because of its synchronized locking procedure. Instead of many individual elements, only a single element needs to be actuated to lock the door of an electrical enclosure or the lid of an underfloor container, for example. An internal, continuous rod connects the individual locking points and thus prevents delays or transmission errors during the locking process. This leads to significant time savings and maximum security.
This system, offered by locking expert EMKA, can be chosen with or without compression and, optionally, with a corner drive.

By incorporating a multi-point locking mechanism with a rotary clamping feature, the door can be made even tighter and easier to operate. By implementing EMKA’s optional corner drive, the locking system can be expanded to multiple sides. These additional locking points in a cross-bracing fashion ensure increased security. The corner drive is available both in a hybrid plastic/zinc die-cast design and as a “rocker” made of galvanised steel or stainless steel. This guarantees that it fulfils the most stringent criteria for fire protection, corrosion resistance, and safety.
The multi-point locking system is shock and vibration-tested and can be used for both low and high fire protection requirements.

This also applies to fire protection gaskets for rail transport, which EMKA manufactures at its production site in Arnedo, Spain. The fire protection test procedures are described in the EN 45545-2 standard. It differentiates between three hazard levels for plastics and gaskets. EMKA has the fire behaviour, smoke gas development and toxicity of its profiles tested in a special laboratory to ensure that the gaskets do not allow smoke gases to pass through in the event of a fire and do not release any toxic substances. By using flame-retardant materials, EMKA‘s tested and certified fire protection gaskets achieve the highest fire protection class HL3.