Locking device for an external compartment of a railway vehicle

Abstract

A closing device (1) for an external housing of a railway vehicle (VF), the closing device (1) comprising a closing cover (3), at least one locking cylinder (4) comprising a cylinder (41), a piston (42) movably mounted within the cylinder (41) defining two circulation chambers (45, 46), the movable piston (42) comprising a circulation opening (43) connecting the two circulation chambers (45, 46), a shut-off valve (44) movably mounted within the circulation opening (43) of the movable piston (42), the closing device (1) comprising a remote control member (5) configured to control the movement of the shut-off valve (44) within the circulation opening (43) of the movable piston (42) so as to lock or release the position of the closing cover (3). Figure 2B

Description

Title of the invention: Device for closing an external housing of a railway vehicle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of railway vehicles and more particularly to the field of hoods allowing the closing of an external housing in a railway vehicle.

[0002] In a known manner, a railway train comprises a plurality of adjacent railway vehicles. Each railway vehicle comprises one or more external housing(s) for storing various equipment, such as the air conditioning system or the transformer of the railway vehicle for example. By external housing is meant a housing which is accessible from outside the railway vehicle. In order to protect the equipment, the external housing is closed by a closing device accessible from outside the railway vehicle to allow for example an operator to intervene in the event of maintenance or repair of one of the pieces of equipment.

[0003] In a known manner, with reference to [Fig. 1 A], a cross-sectional view of a railway vehicle VF is shown comprising an external housing L equipped with a closing system 100 according to the prior art. With reference to [Fig. 1B], the closing device 100 comprises a fixed structure 101, connected to the railway vehicle VF, and a movable closing hood 102, connected to the fixed structure 101 by a pivot connection 103. The closing hood 102 can thus move between a closed position and an open position to access the equipment inside the housing L. The closing device 100 comprises a locking system 104, making it possible to block the closing hood 102 in the closed position. In a known manner, the locking system 104 is in the form of a latch or bolt type lock that can be manipulated by the operator to open and close the closing hood 102.

[0004] However, if it is incorrectly engaged, the locking system 104 can unlock. Similarly, following an intervention, it happens that the operator simply drops the closing hood 102 under the effect of its weight and forgets to lock the locking system 104. When the railway vehicle is in motion, an unlocked hood can easily open due to vibrations, which presents a significant drawback.

[0005] Indeed, as illustrated in [Fig.lA], each railway vehicle VF has a maximum authorized external gauge GAB to be able to circulate, for example to cross a tunnel or pass another railway vehicle in complete safety. If the hood If the closing device 102 is open, it may move out of the G AB gauge, which may lead to risks of collision and therefore damage to the railway vehicle or external infrastructure.

[0006] To secure the locking, the closing device 100 may also comprise a hook 105, shown in [Fig.lB], which makes it possible to prevent the closing hood 102 from opening in the event of a failure of the locking system 104. However, to lock the closing hood 102 in the closed position, the hook 105 must be inserted into an orifice, which requires voluntary action on the part of the operator. The hook 105 may thus not be locked if the operator simply drops the closing hood 102 under the effect of its weight, as described previously.

[0007] In the technical field far removed from housing, document EP0692640A2 discloses a device for closing a roof window in which the opening and closing of the window are controlled by a cylinder in which a pressurized fluid circulates. The injection of pressurized fluid pushes the piston inside the cylinder, which allows it to be driven from a retracted position, in which the window is closed, into an extended position in which the window is open. When the cylinder is no longer supplied with fluid, the piston returns to its retracted position. Also, to secure the position of the window, for example in the event of a failure of the pressurized fluid supply, the closing device comprises a locking mechanism, mounted inside the cylinder.The locking mechanism comprises a set of mechanical parts connected to the piston that allow the insertion of a ball into a radial groove to lock the piston in position. However, such a mechanism is complex to implement and significantly increases the cost of the cylinder. In addition, the closing device does not allow the use of a conventional cylinder, which does not allow for simple securing of existing hatch closing devices.

[0008] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing a simple and effective device for closing an external housing of a railway vehicle making it possible to ensure that the closing hood is kept in the open position or in the closed position, so as to limit, on the one hand, the risk of the operator forgetting to close the closing hood and, on the other hand, the risk of accidental opening. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention relates to a device for closing an external housing of a railway vehicle, the closing device comprising: • a cover for closing the outer housing, the cover being mounted movably between an open position and a closed position, • at least one securing cylinder configured to secure the closing hood in any position, the securing cylinder being configured to move between an extended position, in which the closing hood is in the open position, and a retracted position, in which the closing hood is in the closed position, the securing cylinder comprising: • a cylinder, • a piston mounted movably in the cylinder delimiting two fluid circulation chambers in the cylinder, the movable piston comprising a circulation opening putting the two circulation chambers into fluid communication, one of the cylinder and the movable piston being mechanically connected to the closing cover, the other being configured to be mechanically connected to the railway vehicle, • a shut-off valve mounted movably in the circulation opening of the movable piston in order to allow or prohibit the circulation of the fluid between the two circulation chambers, • the closing device comprising a remote control member mechanically connected to the shut-off valve of the safety cylinder, the control member being configured to control the movement of the shut-off valve in the circulation opening of the movable piston so as to block or release the position of the closing hood.

[0010] The closing device according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that the closing hood is kept in the open or closed position, limiting the risk of the closing hood opening accidentally. The closing hood does not present any risk of being found beyond the external gauge of the railway vehicle, which limits the risk of damage to the railway vehicle or to an external infrastructure. The remote control member allows remote manipulation by the operator, from outside the railway vehicle, which allows simpler use while avoiding the risk of an incident when manipulating the closing hood.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the control member comprises a mechanical device configured to, in a rest state, constrain the shut-off valve into a fluid blocking position. More preferably, the mechanical device is configured to be constrained by a first force from an operator in order to move the shut-off valve into a fluid passage position.

[0012] The mechanical device makes it possible to ensure, in the rest state, that the shut-off valve is positioned in a position preventing the passage of fluid between the two circulation chambers, preventing any movement of the safety cylinder and therefore of the closing hood, regardless of its open or closed position. Thanks to the mechanical device, an effort is required to move the closing hood between the closed position and the open position, which prevents involuntary opening and limits the risk of incidents.

[0013] Preferably, the mechanical device is a spring, allowing the installation of a simple to use and inexpensive device. The return force of the spring simply allows the control member to be kept in the rest position when it is not subjected to any force.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the securing cylinder comprises an end articulated to the closing hood. Preferably, the securing cylinder comprises an end configured to be articulated to the railway vehicle. The securing cylinder thus comprises two pivot connections, allowing its passage between the retracted position and the extended position in a simple and rapid manner, allowing the opening and closing of the closing hood without generating mechanical stress in the closing device.

[0015] The invention also relates to a railway vehicle comprising at least one external housing and at least one device for closing the external housing as described previously.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for opening a closing device as presented previously, the closing hood being initially blocked in the closed position, the securing cylinder being in the retracted position and the shut-off valve being in a fluid blocking position between the two circulation chambers, the method comprises: • a step of applying a first force by an operator to the control member so as to position the shut-off valve in a position for fluid passage between the two circulation chambers, • a step of moving the closing hood from the closed position to the open position, the securing cylinder moving from the retracted position to the extended position, • a step of releasing the first effort by the operator in order to position the shut-off valve in the fluid blocking position between the two circulation chambers, the closing hood being blocked in the open position.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for closing a closing device as presented previously, the closing hood being initially blocked in the open position, the securing cylinder being in the extended position and the shut-off valve being in a fluid blocking position between the two circulation chambers, the method comprises: • a step of applying an initial force by an operator on the organ of control so as to position the shut-off valve in a position for fluid passage between the two circulation chambers, • a step of moving the closing hood from the open position to the closed position, and • a step of releasing the first force so as to position the shut-off valve in a fluid blocking position between the two circulation chambers, the closing hood being blocked in the closed position.

[0018] Preferably, the step of driving the closing hood from the open position to the closed position comprises the application of a second force to the closing hood, so as to drive the securing cylinder from the extended position to the retracted position and thus drive the closing hood to the closed position. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0019] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0020] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a railway vehicle according to the prior art.

[0021] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] is a schematic representation of a prior art closure device.

[0022] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a railway vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] is a schematic representation of a closing device according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the closing hood is in a closed position.

[0024] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the closing device of [Fig.2B], in which the closing hood is in an open position.

[0025] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a shut-off valve of a safety cylinder and a control member of the closing device of [Fig.2B], the shut-off valve being in a position blocking the circulation of fluid, the safety cylinder being in a retracted position.

[0026] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the shut-off valve in a position allowing the passage of fluid, the safety cylinder being in the retracted position.

[0027] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the securing cylinder in the extended position.

[0028] [Fig.7]

[0029] [Fig. 8]

[0030] [Fig.9]

[0031] [Fig.10] Figures 7 to 10 are schematic representations of the steps of a method of opening the closing hood according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig. 11]

[0033] [Fig. 12]

[0034] [Fig. 13] Figures 11 to 13 are schematic representations of the steps of a method of closing the closing hood according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The invention relates to a device for closing an external housing of a railway vehicle, for example a technical housing for storing electrical equipment such as the air conditioning system or the transformer of the railway vehicle for example.

[0037] With reference to [Fig.2A], there is shown a sectional view of a railway vehicle VF comprising an external housing L equipped with a closing device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in [Fig.2B], the closing device 1 according to the invention comprises a closing cover 3 of the external housing L and a securing cylinder 4, configured to secure the position of the closing cover 3. This document presents the example of a single securing cylinder 4, however it goes without saying that the closing device 1 could comprise several securing cylinders 4, in particular two securing cylinders 4.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2B and 3, the closing hood 3 is movable relative to the railway vehicle VF and is configured to move between a closed position PF (shown in [Fig.2B]) and an open position PO (shown in [Fig.3]). In this example, the closing hood 3 is connected to the railway vehicle VF by a first pivot connection L1 but it goes without saying that other kinematics are possible.

[0039] In this example, the closing device 1 further comprises a fixed structure 2 securely connected to the railway vehicle VF. It goes without saying that the closing device 1 may be free of a fixed structure 2, the closing cover 3 then being configured to be directly connected to the railway vehicle VF.

[0040] In this example, the closing hood 3 is in the form of a metal plate, similar to a closing hood of an external housing of the prior art. The closing hood 3 is preferably made of a material similar to the external envelope of a railway vehicle and preferably has a shape ensuring the extension of the external envelope, so as to ensure aerodynamic continuity. The dimensions of the closing hood 3 are adapted to the external dimensions of the external housing L.

[0041] The securing cylinder 4 is configured to secure the closing hood 3 in the open position PO and in the closed position PF. With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the securing cylinder 4 extends longitudinally along an axis X and comprises a hollow cylinder 41 defining an interior cavity in which a fluid circulates. The securing cylinder 4 comprises a piston 42 mounted movably in the cylinder 41 (hereinafter movable piston 42), delimiting two fluid circulation chambers 45, 46.

[0042] The movable piston 42 extends longitudinally along the axis X and comprises a foot end 42A, extending inside the cavity formed by the cylinder 41, and a head end 42B, extending outside the cylinder 4L. The movable piston 42 comprises a circulation opening 43 extending into the movable piston 42 and placing the two circulation chambers 45, 46 in fluid communication.

[0043] Still with reference to Figures 4 to 6, the safety cylinder 4 further comprises a shut-off valve 44 mounted to move in the circulation opening 43 of the movable piston 42. The shut-off valve 44 extends longitudinally along the axis X between the foot end 42A and the head end 42B of the movable piston 42 and slides in the circulation opening 43 so as to prohibit ([Fig.4]) or allow ([Fig.5]) the circulation of the fluid between the two circulation chambers 45, 46. The shut-off valve 44 thus moves between a passage position JP of the fluid and a blocking position JB of the fluid between the two circulation chambers 45, 46.When the shut-off valve 44 is in the passage position JP, the fluid can circulate between the two circulation chambers 45, 46 and the movable piston 42 can move in the cylinder 4L. Conversely, when the shut-off valve 44 is in the blocking position JB, the fluid cannot circulate between the two circulation chambers 45, 46 and the movable piston 42 cannot move in the cylinder 4L.

[0044] In this example, the shut-off valve 44 comprises a rod extending longitudinally in the circulation opening 43 between an upstream end 44A positioned at the foot end 42A of the movable piston 42, and a downstream end 44B, extending externally to the head end 42B of the movable piston 42. Preferably, the upstream end 44A has a flared profile, so as to block the circulation opening 43 and prevent the circulation of the fluid between the two circulation chambers 45, 46. In this example, the downstream end 44B has in also having a flared profile, so as to come into abutment against the head end 42B of the movable piston 42.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the securing cylinder 4 is configured to move between a retracted position QR (shown in Figures 4 and 5) and an extended position QA (shown in [Fig.6]). Such a transition between the retracted position QR and the extended position QA is achieved by circulating the fluid between the two circulation chambers 45, 46.

[0046] In this example, as shown in Figures 2B and 3, the cylinder 41 is mechanically connected to the railway vehicle VF and the movable piston 42 is mechanically connected to the closing hood 3, so as to allow the movement of the closing hood 3 relative to the railway vehicle VF and to the securing cylinder 4. It goes without saying that the mechanical connections could just as easily be reversed. In other words, it goes without saying that the cylinder 41 could be connected to the closing hood 3 and the movable piston 42 to the railway vehicle VF.

[0047] Preferably, the securing cylinder 4 comprises a second pivot connection L2 connecting the movable piston 42 to the closing hood 3 and a third pivot connection L3 connecting the cylinder 41 to the railway vehicle VF. The three pivot connections L1, L2, L3 allow the rotational movement of the closing hood 3 relative to the railway vehicle VF and relative to the securing cylinder 4 without causing mechanical stress in each of the parts of the closing device 1. Thanks to the pivot connections L1, L2, L3, the retracted position QR (shown in [Fig.2B]) of the securing cylinder 4 allows the positioning of the closing hood 3 in the closed position PF and the extended position QA (shown in [Fig.3]) allows the positioning of the closing hood 3 in the open position PO.

[0048] The closing device 1 according to the invention comprises a remote control member 5 mechanically connected to the shut-off valve 44 of the safety cylinder 4, the control member 5 being configured to control the movement of the shut-off valve 44 in the circulation opening 43 of the movable piston 42. By remote, it is meant that the control member 5 is distant from the closing hood 3, in particular, by more than 5 cm. Such a control member 5 is shown schematically in [Fig.2A].

[0049] In this example, with reference to Figures 2B and 3, the control member 5 is in the form of a lever mechanically connected by a cable 52 to the downstream end 44B of the shut-off valve 44. Actuation of the control member 5 makes it possible, via the cable 52, to move the downstream end 44B of the shut-off valve 44 into the passage position JP or into the blocking position JB.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, in the rest position, the control member 5 is configured to maintain the closure valve 44 in the blocking position. JB. In this example, the control member 5 comprises a mechanical device 51 configured to maintain the control member 5 in a rest position IR by pulling the downstream end 44B of the shut-off valve 44. Preferably, the mechanical device 51 is in the form of a spring which preferably has a stiffness of between 2 and 20 N. Thus, without action by an operator, the shut-off valve 44 is in the blocking position JB and the movable piston 42 is immobilized. It is necessary for the operator to actuate the control member 5 to oppose the force of the mechanical device 51, to move the movable piston 42 and thus allow movement of the closing hood 3.

[0051] The mechanical device 51 requires an operator to act to modify the position of the closing hood 3, which makes it possible to avoid the risk of the operator forgetting to lock the closing hood 3. The operator can no longer leave and let the closing hood 3 close with his weight. To reinforce the locking, the closing device 1 may also comprise a locking hook.

[0052] A method for opening and then closing the closing cover 3 of the closing device 1 of an external housing L of a railway vehicle VF will now be described according to an embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13. Such a method is implemented for example for the purpose of a maintenance operation on equipment mounted in the external housing L.

[0053] In this example, as shown in [Fig.7], the closing hood 3 is initially in the closed position PF and the securing cylinder 4 is in the retracted position QR. The control member 5 is initially in the rest state IR and the shut-off valve 44 is in the blocking position JB of the circulation of the fluid between the two circulation chambers 45, 46. The closing hood 3 is thus blocked in the closed position PF.

[0054] In a first step E1, shown in [Fig.8], the operator applies a first force F1 to the control member 5 to constrain the spring of the control member 5 and move the shut-off valve 44 into the passage position JP of the fluid between the two circulation chambers 45, 46. The movable piston 42 is then free to move.

[0055] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the operator can then move, in a step E2, the closing hood 3 from the closed position PF to the open position PO. The movement can be manual or assisted by the securing cylinder 4. During the movement, the securing cylinder 4 moves from the retracted position QR to the extended position QA. During this step, the operator always applies the first force F1 to the control member 5 so as to allow the circulation of fluid between the two circulation chambers 45, 46.

[0056] When the closing hood 3 is in the open position PO, the operator releases, in a step E3, the control member 5 by ceasing to apply the first force F1, so as to position the control member 5 in the rest state IR, as shown in [Fig. 10]. The shut-off valve 44 is then placed in the locking position JB. The closing hood 3 is locked in the open position PO, allowing the operator access to the interior of the external housing L, without fear of untimely closing. The operator can advantageously use both hands, the closing hood 3 being kept open by the securing cylinder 4.

[0057] In this example, once the maintenance operation has been carried out, the operator wishes to close the closing cover 3.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 11], the operator then applies, in a step E4, the first force F1 to the control member 5 so as to place the closure valve 44 in the passage position JP. The operator then applies, in a step E5 shown in [Fig. 12], a second force F2 to the closing hood 3, so as to drive it from the open position PO to the closed position PF. The securing cylinder 4 is then driven by the second force F2, from the extended position QA to the retracted position QR.

[0059] When the closing hood 3 is in the closed position PF, as shown in [Fig. 13], the operator stops applying the first force F1, in a step E6, on the control member 5, so that the shut-off valve 44 returns to the locking position JB. The closing hood 3 is thus locked in the closed position PF. The closing hood 3 is locked in the closed position PF and no untimely opening is possible due to vibrations during the movement of the railway vehicle VF.

Claims

1. Claims Railway vehicle (VF) comprising at least one external housing (L) and at least one closing device (1) for the external housing (L) comprising: • a closing cover (3) for the external housing (L), the closing cover (3) being mounted to move between an open position (PO) and a closed position (PF), • at least one securing cylinder (4) configured to secure the closing hood (3) in any position, the securing cylinder (4) being configured to move between an extended position (QA), in which the closing hood (3) is in the open position (PO), and a retracted position (QR), in which the closing hood (3) is in the closed position (PF), the securing cylinder (4) comprising: • a cylinder (41), • a piston (42) mounted movably in the cylinder (41) delimiting two circulation chambers (45, 46) of fluid in the cylinder (41), the movable piston (42) comprising a circulation opening (43) putting the two circulation chambers (45, 46) into fluid communication, one of the cylinder (41) and the movable piston (42) being mechanically connected to the closing cover (3), the other being configured to be mechanically connected to the railway vehicle (VF), • a shut-off valve (44) mounted movably in the circulation opening (43) of the movable piston (42) in order to allow or prevent the circulation of the fluid between the two circulation chambers (45, 46), • the closing device (1) comprising a remote control member (5) mechanically connected to the shut-off valve (44) of the safety cylinder (4), the control member (5) being configured to control the movement of the shut-off valve (44) in the circulation opening (43) of the movable piston (42) so as to block or release the position of the closing hood (3), the control member (5) being in the form of a lever mechanically connected by a cable (52) to a downstream end (44B) of the shut-off valve (44).

2. Rail vehicle (VF) according to claim 1, in which the control member (5) comprises a mechanical device (51) configured to, in a rest state (IR), force the shut-off valve (44) into a fluid blocking position (JB).

3. Rail vehicle (VF) according to claim 2, in which the mechanical device (51) is configured to be constrained by a first force (Fl) of an operator in order to move the shut-off valve (44) into a fluid passage position (JP).

4. Rail vehicle (VF) according to one of claims 2 and 3, in which the mechanical device (51) is a spring.

5. Railway vehicle (VF) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the securing cylinder (4) comprises an end articulated to the closing hood (3).

6. Railway vehicle (VF) according to claim 5, in which the securing cylinder (4) comprises an end configured to be articulated to the railway vehicle (VF).

7. Method for opening a closing hood (3) of an external housing (L) of a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the closing hood (3) being initially blocked in the closed position (PF), the securing cylinder (4) being in the retracted position (QR) and the shut-off valve (44) being in a position (JB) for blocking fluid between the two circulation chambers (45, 46), the method comprises: • a step of applying a first force (Fl) by an operator on the control member (5) so as to position the shut-off valve (44) in a position (JP) for passage of fluid between the two circulation chambers (45, 46), • a step of moving the closing hood (3) from the closed position (PF) to the open position (PO), the securing cylinder (4) passing from the retracted position (QR) to the lying position (QA),• a step of releasing the first force (Fl) by the operator in order to position the shut-off valve (44) in the blocking position (JB) of the fluid between the two chambers, circulation (45, 46), the closing hood (3) being locked in the open position (PO).

8. Method for closing a closing hood (3) of an external housing (L) of a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the closing hood (3) being initially blocked in the open position (PO), the securing cylinder (4) being in the elongated position (QA) and the shut-off valve (44) being in a position (JB) for blocking fluid between the two circulation chambers (45, 46), the method comprises: • a step of applying a first force (Fl) by an operator on the control member (5) so as to position the shut-off valve (44) in a position (JP) for passing fluid between the two circulation chambers (45, 46), • a step of moving the closing hood (3) from the open position (PO) to the closed position (PF),and • a step of releasing the first force (Fl) so as to position the shut-off valve (44) in a fluid blocking position (JB) between the two circulation chambers (45, 46), the closing hood (3) being blocked in the closed position (PF).,

9. Closing method according to claim 8, wherein the step of driving the closing hood (3) from the open position (PO) to the closed position (PF) comprises the application of a second force (F2) on the closing hood (3), so as to drive the securing cylinder (4) from the extended position (QA) to the retracted position (QR) and thus drive the closing hood (3) to the closed position (PF).

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