Braun RA500 User Manual

Operator's/Installation/Service Manual

Braun

Commercial

RA500 Transit Ramp

for

Low-Floor Transit Vehicles

"Providing Access to the World"

International Corporate Hdqrs: P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 USA

1-800-THE LIFT® (574) 946-6153 FAX: (574) 946-4670

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Man

ual

® ®

Read manual before operating, installing or servicing ramp. Failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

Braun RA500 Transit Ramp

32848 Rev. A

August 2006

Congratulations

We at The Braun Corporation wish to express our fullest appreciation on your new purchase. With you in mind, our skilled craftsmen have designed and assembled the ﬁnest ramp available. This manual includes operating instructions, installation instructions, servicing instructions and instructions for troubleshooting, if needed. Braun ramps are built for dependability and will provide years of service and mobility independence, as long as the ramp is installed and maintained as speciﬁed, and the ramp is operated by an instructed person.

THE BRAUN CORPORATION

Ralph W. Braun Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

Sincerely,

CONTENTS

Ramp Terminology

Ramp Terminology Illustration .................................... 2

Ramp Components Terminology Illustration ............. 3

Introduction .................................................................... 4

Ramp Components ........................................................ 5

Ramp Actions and Functions ....................................... 5

Ramp Operation

Ramp Operation Safety

Safety Symbols ......................................................... 6

Ramp Operation Safety Precautions ..................... 6, 7

Operation Notes and Details

Ramp Access Doors and Interlocks ........................... 8

Operation Procedure Review ..................................... 9

Preventive Maintenance............................................. 9

Maintenance and Lubrication

Lubrication Diagram ................................................... 30

Maintenance and Lubrication Schedule ............. 31, 32

Systems Descriptions

Electronic Controller Calibration .......................... 33-35

Electrical (Microswitches) .................................... 36, 37

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Diagnosis Chart ....................... 38, 39

Electrical Schematic .........................................41B, 42B

Wiring Diagram ........................................................... 43

Repair Parts

Ramp Power Operation ............................................... 10

Power Ramp Safety ......................................................11

Ramp Manual Operation ....................................... 12, 13

Ramp Passenger Safety........................................ 14, 15

Ramp Installation

Installation / Service Safety

Safety Symbols ....................................................... 16

Installation / Service Safety Precautions ........... 16, 17

Installation Requirements

Installation Requirements......................................... 18

Chassis Requirements ............................................. 18

Door Opening ........................................................... 18

Obstructions ............................................................. 18

Installation Illustrations ......................................... 19-27

Electrical Connections .......................................... 28, 29

Repair Parts List .......................................................... 40

Exploded View (Fold Out) ................................41A, 42A

Daily Preventive Maintenance Schedule ................ 44

Battery / Ground Connections ................................... 28

Page 1

RAMP TERMINOLOGY

Ramp Terminology Illustration

Refer to the Figure A below and Figure B on page 3

for identication of components and clarication of

direction terminology. Details regarding terminology, direction and components are provided on pages 4 and 5.

Sub oor

(Fixed)

Figure A

Pan Weldment

Threshold Plate

Mounting Tab

(Qyt 10)

Ramp

Hand Hold

RIGHT

LEFT

As viewed from outside the vehicle

Page 2

OUT

Ramp Components Terminology Illustration

RAMP TERMINOLOGY

Electric Motor

Pan Weldment

Chain Drive

Figure B

Carrier Plate

Mounting Tab

(Qyt 10)

Ramp

LEFT

As viewed from outside the vehicle

RIGHT

OUT

Hand Hold

Note: The sub oor and

transition threshold plate are removed from this illustration.

Page 3

RAMP TERMINOLOGY

Introduction

The Braun RA500 In-Floor Ramp (to be referred to as RA500 throughout this manual) is de-

signed for use in low-oor transit

vehicles. The RA500 provides vehicle access to people with disabilities (wheelchair passengers or standees using other type mobility aids).

The self-contained “drop-in” electric unit requires no pre-assembly. The electrical components are internal and easily accessible.

The RA500 features a 32” wide ramp in a 38” wide package. A

“oor pocket” built into the chassis/oor system allows for simple

installation (dimensional require-

ments specied in the Installation

section).

The RA500 is specically designed to be operated by an attendant. The ramp is controlled by either a “one-touch control” or a “press and hold control”.

The RA500 provides fully automatic operation of ramp functions. The electric system is controlled by a electronic controller board which activates an electric motor in opposite directions for deploy and stow functions (powering a chain drive system).

Obstruction sensing is a standard feature with the RA500 ramp. The RA500 also has an optional weight sensitive pad on the ramp platform. The ramp will not operate with 15 kilograms on the platform when equipped with the weight sensitive pad.

Instructions are provided for manual operation of the ramp in event of power or equipment failure. See Manual Override for further details.

Read and become familiar with all operation safety precautions, pre-operation notes and details, operating instructions and manual operating instructions before attempting operation.

Terminology: Become familiar with the terminology that will be used throughout this manual. Become familiar with the iden-

tication of RA500 components

and their functions. Contact your sales representative or call The Braun Corporation at 1-800-THE LIFT® if any of this information is not fully understood.

Direction: The terms “left”, “right”, “in” and “out” will be used throughout this manual to indicate direction (as viewed from the outside of the vehicle looking directly at the ramp). Refer to the Termi-

nology Illustrations for clarication

of direction terms.

Page 4

Ramp Components

RAMP TERMINOLOGY

Refer to the Terminology Illustrations on pages 2 and 3.

Control Box (Electronic Controller): The remote mounted

control box provides the logic to manage the inputs in order to produce the desired outputs in terms of ramp function and performance. In general terms the control box is commonly referred to as the “controller”.

Ramp Actions and Functions

Extend: Extend is the action of

the platform moving out of the pan weldment (housing).

Retract: Retract is the action of the platform moving in to the pan weldment (housing).

Deploy: Deploy is the action of the ramp assembly extending to ground level when the DEPLOY (OUT) switch is activated.

Stow: Stow is the action of the ramp assembly retracting inward to the stowed position when the STOW (IN) switch is activated.

Note: the one touch controller activates both the stow and deploy functions, dependant upon the state of the RA500.

Pan Weldment (Housing):

The pan is the aluminum (casing) mounted in the vehicle oor system which contains the electrical components that power the ramp

electrical systems. The xed sub-oor cover protects the com-

ponents from above. The cover is easily removed for access to

drive components. The sub-oor

provides an antiskid surface for entry and exit when the ramp is deployed. The RA500 ramp

stows into the sub oor

Stowed Position: Stowed position is achieved when the ramp platform assembly is fully retracted (resting fully in the pan weldment).

Manual Override: Manual operation is achieved through the use of a mechanical release. Simply pull the release and use the hand hold provided on the ramp platform to manually deploy or stow the ramp. Minimal physical effort is required to stow and deploy the ramp platform. Slow steady motion results in the least resistance and easy operation. See pages 12 and 13 for detailed manual release procedure.

providing an unobstructed antiskid surface for entry and exit when the ramp is not in use.

Ramp Platform: The ramp platform is the aluminum ramp section assembly featuring a full

antiskid surface.

Chain Drive Assembly: The electric motor driven chain drive deploys and stows the ramp platform assembly.

Obstruction Sensing: An obstruction sensing feature is standard with the RA500 ramp. The controller monitors the instantaneous movement of the electric motor, and calculates a “real time” running average of the current. It then compares the programmed peak (maximum vs. instantaneous) and delta (instantaneous minus running average) limits to determine if an obstruction has been encountered.

Weight Sensing Pad (optional): The platform can be equipped with a weight sensing pad. This optional feature will cause the ramp not to operate in the event that 15 kilograms or more is on the ramp platform.

Page 5

RAMP OPERATION

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CAUTION

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Safety Symbols

SAFETY FIRST! Know That....

All information contained

in this manual and supplements (if included), is provided for your safety. Familiarity with proper operation instructions as well as proper maintenance procedures are necessary to ensure safe, trouble free operation. Safety precautions are provided to identify potentially hazardous situations and provide instruction on how to avoid them.

Note: Additional information provided to help clarify or detail a specic subject.

These symbols will appear throughout this manual. Recognize the seriousness of this information.

Ramp Operation Safety Precautions

If the ramp operating instructions, manual operating instructions and/or ramp operation safety precautions are not fully understood, contact The Braun Corporation immediately. Failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

This symbol indicates important safety information regarding a potentially hazardous situation that could result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

Read manual and supplement(s) before operating ramp. Read and become familiar with all safety precautions, preoperation notes and details, operating instructions and manual operating instructions before operating the ramp. Note: All transit agency personnel (drivers and ramp attendants) must read and become familiar with the contents of this manual and supplement(s) before operation.

Load and unload on level surface only.

Engage vehicle parking brake before operating ramp.

Provide adequate clearance outside the vehicle to accommodate the ramp before opening ramp door(s) or operating ramp.

This symbol indicates important information regarding how to avoid a hazardous situation that could result in minor personal injury or property damage.

Page 6

Inspect ramp before operation. Do not operate ramp if you suspect ramp damage, wear or any abnormal condition.

Keep operator and bystanders clear of area in which the ramp operates.

Load and unload clear of vehicular trafc.

Open ramp door(s) fully and secure before operating ramp.

Do not overload or abuse. The rated capacity is 300 kilograms (660 pounds).

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Ramp Operation Safety Precautions (continued)

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Do not activate control switch(es) when anyone is near the area in which ramp operates.

It is the responsibility of the attendant to oversee and assist ramp passengers.

Attendants must never operate the vehicle, the ramp or attend to passengers if intoxicated.

Intoxicated passengers should not be allowed to board the vehicle.

Wheelchair passengers must position and secure (buckle, engage, fasten, etc.) the wheelchair-equipped occupant seat belt before loading onto the ramp.

Be aware of the ramp slope (angle).

Wheelchair passengers should not raise front wheelchair wheels (pull wheelie) when on the ramp.

The wheelchair must be positioned in the center of the ramp when loading and unloading.

RAMP OPERATION

Keep ramp owner’s manual in ramp-mounted vehicle at all times.

Maintenance and lubrication procedures must be performed as specied in this manual by authorized (certied) service personnel.

Never modify (alter) a Braun Corporation ramp.

Do not use accessory devices not authorized by The Braun Corporation.

Do not remove any guards or covers.

If the information contained in this manual is not fully understood, contact The Braun Corporation immediately.

Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

Page 7

RAMP OPERATION

Operation Notes and Details

The RA500 ramp provides vehicle access to people with disabilities (wheelchair passengers or standees using other type mobility aids). The commercial oriented RA500 ramp is operated by the transit vehicle driver/attendant. Unless your transit agency has a published policy stating that driver/attendants do not aid ramp passengers, safe entering and

Ramp Access Doors and Interlocks

Attendants must become familiar with the vehicle ramp access door system and interlock(s), as well as the proper operation of the ramp.

Vehicle ramp access door congurations and operation procedures vary. Ensure the ramp door is fully open before activating the ramp (an interlock typically prevents ramp operation unless the door is fully open). Attendants and passengers must keep clear of the area in which the power door operates. Ensure the path is clear before closing the door. Be sure the door is fully closed before attempting to drive the vehicle (interlocks typically ensure this).

exiting of ramp passengers is the responsibility of the driver/ attendant.

As stated in the Ramp Operation Safety section, all information in this manual is provided for the safety of passengers, attendants and bystanders. Recognize the seriousness of this information.

Interlocks are required by nearly all transit authorities. Vehicle interlocks typically prevent vehicle motion if the ramp is not stowed. In some cases, the ramp cannot be operated if interlock conditions are not met. Interlock requirements may include: the vehicle transmission must be engaged in Park, the parking brake must be engaged, the ramp access door must be fully open and/or others. Multiple interlocks may exist.

Instructions for operation of interlocks and door systems cannot be addressed in this manual due to the variety of procedures required for operating them.

Read and become familiar with all ramp operation safety precautions, pre-operation notes and details, operating instructions and manual operating instructions before attempting ramp operation procedures or assisting ramp passengers boarding and exiting the vehicle.

General instructions for safe operation of the ramp are provided. Ramp safety and ramp passenger safety information is included. It is the responsibil- ity of the attendant to properly open and close the ramp access door(s), to activate interlock(s), to properly activate the ramp power functions as well as assist ramp passengers.

Do not operate the ramp if you suspect ramp damage, wear or any abnormal condition. Discontinue use immediately and contact The Braun Corporation at 1-800-THE LIFT®. One of our national Product Support representatives will direct you to an authorized service technician who will inspect the ramp.

Page 8

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Operation Procedure Review

RAMP OPERATION

The Braun Corporation recommends that transit agency supervisors and driver/attendants review the safety precautions and operation procedures appearing in this manual with the ramp sales representative (or vehicle converter) before attempting ramp operation.

Any questions or concerns can be answered at that time. Operate the ramp through all functions to ensure the proper use and operation is understood.

Transit agency supervisors should train and educate all driver/attendants on the proper use and operation of the vehicle, door system, interlock(s), ramp and ramp passenger safety.

The ramp owner’s/service manu-

al must be stored in the rampequipped vehicle at all times.

Read and become familiar with all ramp operation safety precautions, preoperation notes and details, operating instructions and manual operating instructions prior to operating the ramp. If this information is not fully understood, contact The Braun Corporation immediately. Failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

Preventive Maintenance:

Maintenance is necessary to ensure safe and trouble free operation. General preventive maintenance consisting of care- ful inspections and cleaning the ramp system should be a part of your transit agency’s daily service program. Simple inspections can detect potential operational problems.

Regular preventive maintenance will reduce potential operation downtime and increase the service life of the ramp, as well as possibly detecting potential hazards.

A generic Daily Preventive Maintenance Schedule is provided in this manual for your transit agency’s use. The form can be tailored to your particular application.

Exposure to harsh weather, environmental conditions, or heavy usage may require more frequent maintenance and lubrication procedures.

Preventive maintenance visual inspections do not take the place

of the procedures specied in

the Maintenance and Lubrication Schedule provided in this manual. Refer to the Maintenance and Lubrication section in this manual for further details.

Page 9

RAMP OPERATION

Ramp Power Operation

Ramp Operating Instructions address the required controller inputs and the corresponding ramp functions. Instructions for

customer specic display panels

and interlock options will not be addressed due to the boundless variations in application and installation of the ramp. Manual Operating Instructions are addressed in the event of power or equipment failure.

Before Operating Ramp: Always park the vehicle on a level

area, away from vehicle trafc.

Place the vehicle transmission in “Park” and engage the park or emergency brake.

Customer Interlock: The ramp controller requires either a ground (-) or (+) signal be supplied, one of these signals is required but not both. This signal interlocks the ramp functions. If this interlock signal is not present, the controller will not provide any outputs necessary to operate the ramp. If the interlock signal is lost during ramp operation, the platform assembly will stop, and the controller will not function any further until the interlock signal is present once again.

Operator Input Switches: The RA500 Ramp electronic controller provides fully automatic operation of all ramp functions. Ramp functions can be performed from any position the platform assembly happens to be in at the time the operator input switch is activated. The ramp is protected by a standard obstruction sensing feature.

One-Touch Operation: In onetouch mode, the ramp will deploy if fully stowed. If the ramp is in any other position the ramp will stow. The ramp function will continue until the switch is pressed again (indicating stop immediately), the unit reaches the end of travel, or a “halt condition” occurs (see Halt Conditions).

Two-Way Toggle Operation:

In two-way toggle mode, there are separate switches for deploy and stow functions. One of the switches must be pressed and held or locked into position (continuous input signal required) for the RA500 ramp to operate. The ramp will move in the selected direction until the switch is released (signal interrupted), the unit reaches the end of the travel, or a “halt condition” occurs (details follow).

Halt Conditions: Several conditions can cause a normal sequence to terminate (stop):

• Obstructions (details below)

• Customer Interlock signal lost (see Customer Interlock)

• Optional platform weight sensing pad senses a load equal to or greater than 15 kilograms (details below)

• End of travel reached

Obstructions: The controller performs obstruction sensing (see RA500 ramp Terminology: Obstruction Sensing) on all stow and deploy movements of the ramp. The selected obstruction

response mode congured in

the controller during installation, either immediately stops the present movement when obstructed, or stops and then reverses movement for 1 second. Once an obstruction has halted the ramp, the controller automatically resets and awaits operator input for further operation.

Page 10

RNING

Power Ramp Safety

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Keep clear of area in which ramp operates.

CAUTION

RAMP OPERATION

Be certain there is adequate clearance outside the vehicle before deploying the power ramp.

The ramp operator (attendant) and bystanders must keep clear of the area in which the ramp operates and clear of all moving parts. Attendants must ensure that passengers keep clear of the area in which the ramp operates. Do not attempt to grip or hold the ramp.

If you are an attendant operating the ramp, it is your responsibility to oversee and/or assist in

performing safe passenger loading and unloading procedures. Observe your passengers at all times when they are entering and exiting the vehicle. Attendants must be aware of any special needs and/or procedures required for safe transport of wheelchair passengers.

Do not attempt to load or unload a passenger in a wheelchair or

other apparatus that does not t

on the ramp. Do not exceed the 300 kilograms (660 pound) load capacity of the ramp. Passengers should enter and exit one at

a time. The attendant should not board the ramp with the passenger except when assistance is required and the load capacity is not exceeded. Always return the ramp to the stowed position when not in use.

Provide adequate clearance outside of vehicle to accommodate ramp. Failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

Allow ramp to deploy fully before boarding. Failure to do so may result in damage.

Page 11

RAMP OPERATION

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

TO LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

RNING

Push T-handle in fully and manually move platform in and out to engage platform lock before driving vehicle. Failure to lock platform may result in unintended platform deployment. Unintended platform deployment may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

Ramp Manual Operation

If you experience power or equipment failure, the ramp can be manually stowed and deployed. The RA500 must be manually operated by an attendant.

The RA500 is equipped with a cable-activated manual release system and a oval-shaped hand hold slot in the platform for manual operation (see Figure C and E).

The safety precautions addressed in the Ramp Power Operation section apply to manual operation of the ramp also. Read and

become familiar with all ramp safety precautions.

Cable-Activated Manual Release System: A cable activated

manual release system disengag-

es (unlocks) the ramp platform assembly drive chain to allow the platform to be manually extended or retracted as required. A Thandle is provided on the release cable for activation of the manual release system (details follow).

After manually extending or retracting the platform assembly, it is extremely important that the cable-activated manual release is positively re-engaged to secure (lock) the platform assembly before loading a passenger or continuing vehicle use (details provided). Failure to re-engage

and secure the platform may result in unintended ramp movement, which may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

To Manually Extend or Retract Ramp:

1. Turn (loosen) the manual release “T” handle 90°.

2. Pull the “T” handle fully outward (3" to 4").

3. Turn (tighten) the “T” handle 90° to secure handle in the disengaged (unlocked) position.

Page 12

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

4. Verify mechanism is disengaged (unlocked).

5. Carefully move the platform in or out to desired location using the platform Hand Hold (see Figure E).

Note: Minimal physical effort is required to manually operate the ramp. Slow steady motion results in the least resistance and easy operation. The faster you attempt to manually operate the ramp, the greater the resistance.

Figure C

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

LOCK

TURN

Ramp Manual Operation (continued)

To Reengage Carriage Assembly to Drive Chain:

RAMP OPERATION

1. Position the ramp platform manually so that only 15 cm is extended out of the cassette.

2. Turn (loosen) the manual release “T” handle 90°.

3. Push the “T” handle fully inward until handle contacts shaft shoulder (3" to 4").

4. Grasp the platform Hand Hold and move the platform slightly outward until platform locks into position (secured by reengaging the carriage assembly with the drive chain).

5. Turn (tighten) the “T” handle 90° to secure handle in the engaged (locked) position.

6. Verify mechanism is reengaged (locked). Pull on the Hand Hold to ensure no movement occurs.

7. Stow the remaining portion of the platform by using the electrical system.

Figure D

Step 2 Step 3 Step 5

Figure E

Hand Hold

Page 13

+ 33 hidden pages