Arrangement for a transport vehicle and associated locking / unlocking method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arrangement (10) for a transport vehicle (8) comprising a plurality of locking devices, each locking device being mounted on a movable door (39) between an open and a closed position, each locking device being switchable by means of an actuating tool between an unlocked state, allowing the door (39) to open, and a locked state, preventing the door (39) from opening. The arrangement (10) further comprises: - a power supply system including a secondary power supply line for each locking device, and - a control system for switching the secondary line between a power supply configuration and a locking configuration. Each locking device is configured to be locked in the locked state when power is not supplied.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement for a transport vehicle comprising a plurality of locking devices, each locking device being mounted on a leaf movable between an open position and a closed position, each locking device being switchable by means of an actuating tool between an unlocked state, allowing the leaf to be opened, and a locked state, preventing the leaf from being opened.

[0002] In public transport vehicles, such as railway vehicles, it is known to place so-called "valuable" equipment such as electrical equipment or so-called "sensitive" equipment presenting a cybersecurity risk, such as electronic equipment, inside cabinets and / or boxes closed by doors. Access to these cabinets and / or boxes is reserved for authorized persons, such as maintenance personnel, and is not authorized for other persons, including passengers.

[0003] To ensure the security of valuable and / or sensitive equipment, it is known to close cabinets and / or safes using locking devices mounted on the doors and having, for example, a lock that can be operated using a standard key, such as a square or triangular key.

[0004] However, such keys do not provide complete satisfaction in terms of security.

[0005] In the case of mechanical keys, they lead to key management constraints and, in the event of loss of a key, require a change of lock.

[0006] Electronic locks are also known to be used. Such a lock is described in document DE 100 07 274 A1. However, such locks also have a number of limitations. They are expensive and require complex logistics for authorized personnel, since the key must be programmed before opening one or more leaves.

[0007] To overcome the disadvantages of standard or electronic keys, it is known to install a system for detecting the opening of the leaves, typically including an audible and / or visual alarm system. However, such a solution does not prevent the opening of the leaf and requires the implementation of an alert procedure in the event of detection of an unauthorized opening. In addition, in the case of a vehicle without electrical power, such an alarm system is inoperative.

[0008] The aim of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a vehicle arrangement facilitating access to valuable equipment for authorized persons, while guaranteeing the security of said equipment against theft, vandalism or risks linked to cybersecurity.

[0009] To this end, the invention proposes an arrangement of the aforementioned type, this arrangement further comprising: an electrical power supply system comprising a secondary electrical power supply line suitable for supplying power to each locking device, and a control system suitable for switching the secondary line between a power supply configuration, in which the secondary line electrically supplies power to each locking device, and a locking configuration, in which the secondary line does not electrically supply power to the locking devices, each locking device being configured to be locked in the locked state in the absence of electrical power.

[0010] The arrangement according to the invention may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in all their technically acceptable combinations: each locking device comprises a lock, movable between the locked state and the unlocked state, an actuating member configured to move the lock between the locked state and the unlocked state, and a control member linked to the actuating member so that the movement of the control member causes the movement of the actuating member, the control member being manually operable only in the presence of an electrical power supply; each control member further comprises a lock configured to cooperate with the associated actuating tool, preferably a key; the control system comprises an actuator configured to control the supply of electrical power to the electrical line, the actuator being configured to cooperate with a locking key separate from the actuating tools of the locking devices;the locking devices are mounted on the secondary line in parallel with each other; the arrangement further comprises a monitoring system configured to signal that the control system is in the power configuration, preferably by generating a light signal and / or an audible signal.;

[0011] The invention also relates to a public transport vehicle, comprising an arrangement of the aforementioned type.

[0012] The vehicle according to the invention may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in all their technically acceptable combinations: the vehicle comprises a plurality of cabinets and / or boxes each comprising an envelope defining an internal volume and a leaf mounted movably on the envelope, each cabinet and / or box being intended to receive equipment inside the internal volume, the locking devices being mounted on said leaves; the secondary line is connected to a main power supply line of the vehicle configured to supply traction means of the vehicle.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method for locking / unlocking a locking device of an arrangement of the aforementioned type, comprising the following steps: providing an arrangement of the aforementioned type; closing the secondary line so as to electrically supply the locking devices, and unlocking the locking device by means of an actuating tool.

[0014] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended figures, in which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of a transport vehicle comprising an arrangement according to the invention; the figure 2 is a schematic representation of the arrangement of the figure 1 .

[0015] There figure 1 schematically illustrates a transport vehicle 8 according to the invention. The vehicle 8 is for example a railway vehicle, in particular of the train, metro or tram type. Alternatively, the vehicle 8 is a road vehicle, for example a bus or a coach.

[0016] The vehicle 8 has an arrangement 10, shown in more detail in the figure 2 .

[0017] In the example of the figure 1 , the vehicle 8 is a railway vehicle comprising an end car 12 and intermediate cars 14. The vehicle preferably comprises an additional end car (not shown), the end cars 12 being arranged on either side of the intermediate cars in a direction of travel X of the vehicle 8.

[0018] The end car 12 comprises a driving cabin 16. Advantageously, the end car 12 further comprises a monitoring system 18 for the vehicle 8.

[0019] Each intermediate car 14 delimits a passenger compartment 20 capable of receiving passengers, goods and / or technical equipment.

[0020] The vehicle 8 further comprises traction means 30, configured to allow the vehicle 8 to circulate, and electrical power supply means 32, configured to electrically power equipment of the vehicle 8.

[0021] For example, the power supply means 32 are capable of powering the traction means 30, a lighting system and / or an air conditioning system of the vehicle 8.

[0022] For example, the supply means 32 comprise a main supply line 34, represented schematically by a dotted line on the figure 1 , supplying all cars 12, 14 of vehicle 8.

[0023] According to a variant, the main supply line 34 supplies only part of the cars 12, 14 of the vehicle 8.

[0024] The vehicle 8 further comprises a plurality of compartments 36, 38 intended to receive at least one piece of valuable or sensitive equipment (not shown). By “valuable equipment” is meant, for example, electrical equipment of the vehicle 8, such as a circuit breaker and / or switch configured to cut off the electrical power supply to equipment of the vehicle 8, and by “sensitive equipment” is meant, for example, electronic equipment of equipment of the vehicle 8 such as a traction computer, a door plate or an air conditioning controller.

[0025] The compartments are for example cabinets 36 and / or chests 38.

[0026] Each compartment 36, 38 comprises an envelope defining an internal volume and a leaf 39 movably mounted on the envelope. Each compartment 36, 38 is intended to receive at least one item of valuable equipment inside the internal volume.

[0027] Each leaf 39 is, for example, a door, a shutter, a voussoir and / or another closing device which closes an opening of the compartment 36, 38 through which the valuable equipment can be removed from the compartment 36, 38 and / or is accessible for maintenance or service operations.

[0028] Each leaf 39 is mounted to move relative to the associated casing between an open position, in which the leaf 39 extends away from the opening and allows access to the valuable equipment located in the internal volume, and a closed position, in which the leaf 39 completely closes the opening and prevents access to the internal volume.

[0029] The arrangement 10 according to the invention comprises a plurality of locking devices 40 and an electrical power supply system 42 comprising a secondary electrical power supply line 44 capable of supplying each locking device 40. The arrangement further comprises a control system 46 for the secondary electrical power supply line 44.

[0030] The arrangement 10 preferably comprises as many locking devices 40 as there are compartments 36, 38.

[0031] Each locking device 40 is mounted on a respective leaf 39 and is configured to prevent it from being opened.

[0032] More specifically, each locking device 40 is switchable by means of an actuating tool (not shown) between an unlocked state, authorizing the opening of the leaf 39, and a locked state, preventing the opening of the leaf 39.

[0033] Each locking device 40 comprises a lock (not shown), movable between the locked state and the unlocked state, an actuating member configured to move the lock between the locked state and the unlocked state, and a control member 50 linked to the actuating member so that the movement of the control member 50 causes the movement of the actuating member.

[0034] Each control member 50 preferably comprises a lock 52 configured to cooperate with the associated actuating tool. Unlocking the lock 52 makes it possible to open the leaf 39.

[0035] The actuating tool is preferably a wrench, for example a square wrench (in the case of the example of the figure 2 ), a triangular key or a Berne key.

[0036] Advantageously, all of the locking devices 40 of the arrangement are switchable using the same actuating tool. In other words, the same actuating tool can be used to lock and unlock all of the locking devices 40 of the arrangement 10.

[0037] Each locking device 40 is an electrical locking device that is supplied with electrical power via the secondary line 44 by an electrical power source.

[0038] Advantageously, the secondary line 44 is connected to the main supply line 34.

[0039] The locking devices 40 are mounted on the secondary line 44 in bypass relative to each other. Such a bypass assembly makes it possible, in the event of a malfunction of one of the locking devices 40, to allow the use of the other locking devices 40.

[0040] Each locking device 40 is configured to be locked in a locked state when said locking device 40 is not electrically powered. The locking device 40 is then said to be in an isolated state.

[0041] Preferably, the control member 50 is operable only in the presence of an electrical power supply. Thus, in the absence of an electrical power supply, the control member 50 is not capable of causing the movement of the actuating member and the unlocking of the lock, even when using the actuating tool.

[0042] For example, each locking device 40 comprises an electromagnet which, in the absence of electrical power, blocks the rotation of the lock 52 to prevent the opening of the leaf 39. Thus, the lock 52 can only be unlocked if the secondary line 44 applies a non-zero electrical voltage to the locking device 40.

[0043] Advantageously, the locking device 40 is capable of switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, even in the absence of electrical power. Thus, if the secondary line 44 stops powering a locking device 40 left in the unlocked state, it remains possible to lock it.

[0044] The control system 46 is configured to switch the secondary line 44 between a power configuration, in which the secondary line 44 electrically powers the locking devices 40, and a locking configuration, in which the secondary line 44 does not electrically power the locking devices 40. Said switching is done for example by means of an electrical switch, such as an electrical relay.

[0045] Advantageously, the control system 46 comprises an actuator 60 arranged in a room whose access is reserved for the personnel of the vehicle 8. For example, the actuator 60 is arranged in the driver's cab. In this way, only the driver or another authorized member of personnel can interact with the control system 46 to authorize the supply of the secondary line 44.

[0046] For example, as shown in the figure 1 , the actuator 60 is an electrical contactor configured to control the supply of electrical energy to the secondary line 44.

[0047] The electrical contactor is preferably configured to cooperate with a locking key separate from the actuating tools of the locking devices 40.

[0048] The lock key is for example an electric key.

[0049] Alternatively, the actuator 60 is a manual switch, for example of the lever type, said switch being arranged in a cabinet or chest accessible only using the locking key.

[0050] Advantageously, the monitoring system 18 is configured to signal that the control system 46 is in the power configuration.

[0051] The monitoring system 18 is, for example, connected to the train control and management system (TCMS).

[0052] The monitoring system 18 is for example capable of generating a light signal and / or an audible signal, in particular in the driver's cabin 16, in order to alert the driver that the control system 46 is in the power supply configuration and / or that at least one locking device 40 is in the unlocked state.

[0053] The operation of the arrangement 10 according to the invention will now be described.

[0054] Valuable equipment is enclosed in different compartments 36, 38 of the vehicle 8. The doors (39) of said compartments 36, 38 are in the closed position.

[0055] The locking devices 40 associated with said compartments 36, 38 are in a locked state, so that valuable equipment is not accessible.

[0056] When access to such valuable equipment is not required, the secondary power line 44 is in a locked configuration. No electrical current flows through said secondary line 44 and the locking devices 40 are in an isolated state.

[0057] Unlocking of the locking devices 40 is then not possible, even using an actuating tool.

[0058] To gain access to one of the valuable equipment located in a given compartment 36, 38, for example to carry out maintenance operations on it, the secondary line 44 is switched to the power supply configuration. For example, the actuator 60 of the control system 46 is actuated by an authorized person, so as to close the secondary line 44.

[0059] The locking devices 40 are then electrically powered.

[0060] An authorized person, such as an agent responsible for maintaining the valuable equipment, can then unlock the locking device 40 of the given compartment 36, 38, by switching said locking device 40 from its locked state to its unlocked state, by means of the associated actuating tool.

[0061] For example, the authorized person inserts said tool into the lock 52 and, by performing a rotational movement, switches the lock to the unlocked state.

[0062] The authorized person can then open the leaf 39 and access the interior of the compartment 36, 38, in particular the valuable equipment.

[0063] Advantageously, when the arrangement 10 comprises a monitoring system 18, a visual and / or audible signal is generated when the control system 46 switches to the power configuration. Such a signal makes it possible, for example, to warn the driver that the control system 46 is in the power configuration and that unlocking of the locking devices 40 is therefore possible.

[0064] The arrangement 10 according to the invention greatly improves the security of the cabinets 36 and / or trunks 38 of the vehicle 8 by preventing access to the valuable and / or sensitive equipment they contain by unauthorized persons. Thus, in the absence of a power supply, it is not possible to unlock a locking device 40 of said arrangement 10, even with the associated actuation tool.

[0065] To access valuable and / or sensitive equipment, it is therefore necessary to have access to the control system 46, and in particular to the locking key, in addition to having access to the operating tools.

[0066] This dual system also simplifies key management. In fact, it is possible to have a single operating tool for all the locking devices 40, with the control system 46 ensuring an additional level of security.

Claims

1. An arrangement (10) for a transport vehicle (8) comprising a plurality of locking devices (40), each locking device (40) being mounted on a leaf (39) movable between an open position and a closed position, each locking device (40) able to be switched over by means of an actuating tool between an unlocked state, allowing opening of the leaf (39), and a locked state, preventing opening of the leaf (39), the arrangement (10) comprising in addition: - a power supply system (42) comprising a secondary power supply line (44) for supplying power to each locking device (40), and - a control system (46) adapted to switch the secondary line (44) between a supply configuration, in which the secondary line (44) supplies electrical power to each locking device (40), and a blocking configuration, in which the secondary line (44) does not supply electrical power to the locking devices (40), each locking device (40) being configured to be locked in a locked state in the absence of a power supply.

2. An arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein each locking device (40) comprises a latch, movable between the locked state and the unlocked state, an actuating member configured to move the latch between the locked state and the unlocked state, and a control member (50) linked to the actuating member so that movement of the control member (50) causes movement of the actuating member, the control member (50) being manually operable only in the presence of an electrical power supply.

3. An arrangement (10) according to claim 2, wherein each control member (50) further comprises a lock (52) configured to cooperate with the associated actuation tool, preferably a key.

4. An arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (46) comprises an actuator (60) configured to control the supply of electrical energy from the power line, the actuator (60) being configured to cooperate with a locking key distinct from the tools for actuating the locking devices (40).

5. An arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the locking devices (40) are mounted on the secondary line (44) parallel to one another.

6. An arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a monitoring system (18) configured to signal that the control system (46) is in power configuration, preferably by generating a light signal and / or an audible signal.

7. A public transport vehicle (8), comprising an arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A vehicle (8) according to claim 7, comprising a plurality of cupboards and / or trunks (36, 38) each comprising a casing defining an internal volume and a leaf (39) mounted movably on the casing, each cupboard and / or trunk (36, 38) being intended to receive equipment inside the internal volume, the locking devices (40) being mounted on the said leaves (39).

9. A vehicle (8) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in which the secondary line (44) is connected to a main supply line (34) of the vehicle (8) configured to supply traction means of the vehicle (8).

10. A method of locking / unlocking a locking device (40) of an arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: - Providing an arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - Closing the secondary line (44) so as to supply electrical power to the locking devices (40), and - Unlocking the locking device (40) using an actuating tool.

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