Railway vehicle comprising a monitoring device and associated monitoring method
The rail vehicle's surveillance system extends monitoring to the intermediate region between cars, addressing the limited safety of existing systems by preventing accidents and enhancing safety for individuals outside the vehicle.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2020013807
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-12-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-12-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing surveillance systems for rail vehicles only monitor a region extending to the front of the vehicle, providing limited safety for individuals outside the vehicle and thus compromising the operating safety of the rail vehicle.
A rail vehicle equipped with a surveillance system that monitors a region extending at least partially into the intermediate region between two cars, using a detection module to generate intrusion data and trigger warning or protective signals as necessary.
The expanded surveillance system enhances the operating safety of the rail vehicle by preventing accidents that could occur between cars and improving safety for individuals outside the vehicle.
Smart Images
Figure 00000011_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Railway vehicle comprising a monitoring device and associated monitoring method
[0001] The present invention relates to a railway vehicle comprising:
[0002] - a first car and a second car defining between them a region in intermediate; and
[0003] - a device for monitoring a monitored region of an environment of the railway vehicle, the monitoring device comprising:
[0004] - a detection module, configured to detect an intrusion of an element in the monitored region,
[0005] - a module for generating intrusion data, configured to generate a intrusion data if the detection module detects an intrusion of an element in the monitored region.
[0006] In the field of railway vehicles, it is critical to ensure not only the safety of passengers in the vehicle but also that of individuals outside the vehicle.
[0007] It is known for this purpose, in particular from document WO 2017 / 042044 A1, to monitor the environment in which the railway vehicle is moving, for example the railway tracks on which a train is running, in particular using a device for monitoring a monitored region. This makes it possible, for example, in the event of the presence of an individual in the path of the railway vehicle, to alert the driver and / or the individual of a dangerous situation.
[0008] Such monitoring devices are further generally configured to alert the driver in the event of the presence of any other obstacle located in the path of the railway vehicle and which could compromise the operational safety of the vehicle.
[0009] However, such devices are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, these devices only allow monitoring of a region extending to the front of the vehicle, thus ensuring only limited safety of individuals outside the vehicle and therefore limited operational safety of the vehicle.
[0010] One of the aims of the invention is then to improve the operational safety of the railway vehicle.
[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a railway vehicle as mentioned above, in which the monitored region extends at least partially into the intermediate region.
[0012] A railway vehicle comprising a monitoring device in which the monitored region extends at least partially into an intermediate region of the vehicle, between a first and a second car, is particularly advantageous, since such a vehicle helps prevent accidents that may occur between two cars of the vehicle. This is particularly advantageous for any type of connection between the first and second cars of the vehicle, but is especially interesting for vehicles without a physical coupling between the first car and the second car, for which an individual is likely to try to pass between the two cars of the vehicle while the latter is in motion.
[0013] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the railway vehicle comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:
[0014] - the detection module is configured to adapt the geometry of the monitored region to the relative position of the first car with respect to the second car; - the monitored region comprises a warning zone and a protection zone, the intrusion data comprising a warning data item if the detection module detects an intrusion in the warning zone and the intrusion data comprising a protection data item if the detection module detects an intrusion of an element in the protection zone, the protection data item being different from the warning data item; - the monitoring device comprises a control module, configured to control a warning signal and / or a protection signal depending on the intrusion data, the protection signal being different from the warning signal; - the warning signal is an optical and / or acoustic signal intended for the element whose intrusion into the monitored region has been detected by the detection module; - the protection signal is configured to control the braking and / or keeping at least one of the first and second cars stopped. - the detection module includes a laser scanner; - at least one monitoring device is installed on one of the first and second cars; and - the movement of the second car is synchronized with the movement of the first car, the intermediate region and preferably the vehicle being devoid of physical connection between the first car and the second car.
[0015] The invention further relates to a method for monitoring a monitored region of an environment of a railway vehicle, implemented by a railway vehicle as mentioned above, in which the method comprises the following steps:
[0016] - detection of an intrusion of an element in the region monitored by the device monitoring of the railway vehicle, and
[0017] - generation of intrusion data if an intrusion of an element is detected in the monitored region,
[0018] the monitored region extending at least partially in an intermediate region defined between the first car and the second car of the railway vehicle.
[0019] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to [Fig.l] single figure, which is a schematic representation seen from above of a railway vehicle according to the invention.
[0020] In the following description, a direct orthonormal base (X, Y, Z) is considered. The elevation direction Z is defined according to the height of the vehicle and corresponds, for example, to the vertical direction when the vehicle is on a horizontal track. The longitudinal direction X corresponds to the front-rear direction of the vehicle and the transverse direction Y corresponds to the width of the vehicle.
[0021] The terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the longitudinal direction X in the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The terms "left" and "right" are defined with respect to the transverse direction Y in the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The terms "upper" and "lower" as well as "top" and "bottom" are defined with respect to the elevation direction Z.
[0022] Referring to the figure, a railway vehicle 10 comprises a first car 12 and a second car 14. The railway vehicle 10 comprises a monitoring device 16 of a monitored region 18 of the railway vehicle 10.
[0023] The railway vehicle 10 is preferably a passenger transport vehicle. The railway vehicle 10 is for example a train such as a regional train. The railway vehicle 10 is preferably a tram or a metro.
[0024] As illustrated in the figure, the vehicle is for example intended to travel on rails. Alternatively, the vehicle is intended to travel on a road.
[0025] The first car 12 and the second car 14 each have, for example, independent propulsion means. The first car 12 and the second car 14 are preferably each self-propelled.
[0026] The first car 12 and the second car 14 are for example coupled without a physical connection, the first car 12 and the second car 14 preferably being coupled using a wireless connection. The coupling of the first car 12 to the second car 14 without a physical connection is for example carried out by a synchronization between the first car 12 and the second car 14. In particular, the movement of the second car 14 is synchronized with the movement of the first car 12. Such a synchronization is for example ensured by a transfer of information between the first car 12 and the second car 14 (not illustrated).
[0027] Here, by synchronizing the movement of the second car 14 with that of the first car 12, it is meant that when one of the first 12 and the second 14 cars moves, the other of the first 12 and the second 14 cars moves in the same way.
[0028] Advantageously, the first car and the second car each belong to a respective transport unit, the transport units being able to communicate with each other in order to form the railway vehicle which is a multiple-unit vehicle.
[0029] The first car 12 and the second car 14 each comprise side walls 20 defining a vehicle body.
[0030] The first car 12 and the second car 14 each comprise, for example, a front wall 22 and a rear wall 24 defining the vehicle body. The figure shows the front wall 22 of the second car 14 and the rear wall 24 of the first car 12, as well as the side walls 20 of these cars 12, 14.
[0031] As illustrated in the figure, the first car 12 and the second car 14 define between them an intermediate region 26. The intermediate region 26 is the region extending between the first car 12 and the second car 14. The intermediate region 26 extends for example between the front wall 22 of the second car 14 and the rear wall 24 of the first car 12. The intermediate region 26 extends for example in the extension of the side walls 20 of the first car 12 and of the second car 14.
[0032] In the example illustrated in the figure, the intermediate region 26 is delimited between junctions of the side faces 20 to the front wall 22 of the second car 14 on the one hand and junctions of the side faces 20 to the rear face 24 of the first car 12 on the other hand.
[0033] The intermediate region 26 extends for example over the entire height of the railway vehicle 10.
[0034] In the preferred variant in which the first car 12 and the second car 14 are coupled without physical connection, the intermediate region 26 is devoid of physical connection from the first car 12 to the second car 14, i.e. the space between the cars is empty of any physical object.
[0035] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.l], the monitoring device 16 is installed in the second car 14. The monitoring device 16 is in particular installed, at least partially, on the front wall 22 of the second car 14.
[0036] In alternative variants, not shown, the railway vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of monitoring devices 16. The first car 12 and the second car 14 each comprise, for example, at least one monitoring device 16, for example two monitoring devices 16. The first car 12 and the second car 16 each comprise, for example, a monitoring device 16 installed at least partially on their respective front wall 22 and a monitoring device 16 installed at least partially on their respective rear wall 24.
[0037] The monitoring device 16 is configured to monitor the monitored region 18.
[0038] The monitoring device 16 comprises an intrusion detection module 28 of an element 29 in the monitored region 18 and a module 30 for generating intrusion data. The monitoring device 16 preferably comprises a control module 32.
[0039] In a particular variant, the monitoring device 16 comprises an information processing unit comprising for example a memory associated with a processor.
[0040] The detection module 28, the generation module 30 and, preferably, the control module 32, are for example each produced in the form of software executable by a processor. The memory is then capable of storing software for monitoring a monitored region 18, software for generating intrusion data and, preferably, control software. The processor of the information processing unit is then capable of executing the detection software, the generation software and the control software.
[0041] According to another variant, the detection module 28, the generation module 30 and, preferably, the control module 32, are each produced in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or in the form of a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific In-tegrated Circuit).
[0042] When the monitoring device 16 is produced in the form of one or more software programs, that is to say in the form of a computer program, it is furthermore capable of being recorded on a medium, not shown, readable by a computer. The computer-readable medium is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and of being coupled to a bus of a computer system. By way of example, the readable medium is an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM memory, a RAM memory, any type of non-volatile memory (for example EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, NVRAM), a magnetic card or an optical card. A computer program comprising software instructions is then stored on the readable medium.
[0043] The monitored region 18 extends at least partially into the intermediate region 26.
[0044] The monitored region 18 preferably extends from the front wall 22 of the second car 14 to the rear wall of the first car 12.
[0045] The monitored region 18 extends for example over the entire height of the railway vehicle 10. In a particular variant, the monitored region 18 extends over only a portion of the height of the railway vehicle 10.
[0046] In an advantageous variant, as visible in the figure, the monitored region 18 extends laterally beyond the intermediate region 26, or in other words, the width of the monitored region 18 is greater than the width of the intermediate region 26, the term width being understood as the dimension extending in the transverse direction of the railway vehicle 10.
[0047] In an advantageous variant (not illustrated), the monitored region 18 extends longitudinally beyond the intermediate region 26, extending along the side walls 20, laterally on the outside of the railway vehicle 10.
[0048] In a particular variant, the entire intermediate region 26 is contained in the monitored region 18.
[0049] The monitored region 18 preferably comprises a warning zone 34 and a protection zone 36. The warning zone 34 and the protection zone 36 are, for example, complementary to each other in the monitored region 18. The warning zone 34 is, for example, arranged around the protection zone 36.
[0050] The detection module 28 is configured to detect an intrusion of an element 29 into the monitored region 18. The detection module 28 is for example configured to detect the presence and / or entry of an element 29 such as an individual into the monitored region 18. When the monitored region comprises a warning zone 34 and a protection zone 36, the detection module 28 is configured to detect an intrusion into the warning zone 34 and / or into the protection zone.
[0051] The detection module 28 is preferably configured to define the monitored region 18 as a function of the relative position of the first car 12 relative to the second car 14. When the monitored region comprises a warning zone 34 and a protection zone 36, the detection module 28 is preferably configured to define the warning zone 34 and the protection zone 36 as a function of the relative position of the first car 12 relative to the second car 14.
[0052] The detection module 28 is for example configured to adapt the geometry of the monitored region 18, and advantageously of the warning 34 and protection 36 zones, to the relative position of the first car 12 with respect to the second car 14. The monitored region 18 extends for example always at least between the first car 12 and the second car 14, the first car 12 and the second car 14 always being arranged outside the monitored region 18.
[0053] The detection module 28 is configured to change the shape of the region monitored 18, for example when the first car 12 is not aligned with the second car 14, as illustrated in the figure.
[0054] The detection module 28 is configured to modify the length, along the longitudinal axis, the width, along the transverse axis and the height, of the monitored region, and advantageously of the warning 34 and protection 36 zones, as a function of the relative movement of the first car 12 and the second car 14.
[0055] The detection module 28 preferably comprises a laser scanner 38, the laser scanner 38 being configured to detect an intrusion of an element 29 into the monitored area using a laser beam.
[0056] The intrusion data generation module 30 is configured to generate intrusion data if the detection module 28 detects an intrusion of an element 29 in the monitored region 18.
[0057] When the monitored region 18 comprises a warning zone 34 and a protection zone 36, the intrusion data comprises, for example, warning data, if the detection module 28 detects an intrusion of an element 29 in the warning zone 34, and the intrusion data comprises, for example, protection data, if the detection module 28 detects an intrusion of an element 29 in the protection zone 36.
[0058] The control module 32 is configured to control a warning signal and / or a protection signal depending on the intrusion data.
[0059] The control module 32 is for example configured to control a warning signal if the intrusion data item includes a warning data item and the control module is for example configured to control a protection signal if the intrusion data item includes a protection data item. Alternatively, the control module is configured to control both a protection signal and a warning signal if the intrusion data item includes a protection data item.
[0060] The warning signal is different from the protection signal.
[0061] The warning signal is for example an optical and / or acoustic signal intended for the element 29 whose intrusion into the monitored region 18 has been detected by the detection module 28.
[0062] For this purpose, the railway vehicle advantageously comprises at least one audible warning device 40 and / or at least one visual warning device 42 configured to emit an audible signal and / or a visual signal, in response to a command from the control module. The at least one audible warning device and / or the at least one visual warning device are preferably controlled by the control module when the intrusion data item comprises warning data item.
[0063] The sound signal is for example a horn sound or an audible instruction.
[0064] The visual signal is for example a light flash or a visual instruction.
[0065] The protection signal is for example configured to control braking and / or keeping at least one of the first and second cars stopped. The protection signal is preferably configured to control the braking and / or keeping the first car 12 and the second car 14 stopped.
[0066] For this purpose, the vehicle advantageously comprises brakes configured to be controlled / actuated in response to a command from the control module. The brakes are preferably controlled by the control module when the intrusion data item comprises protection data item.
[0067] A method for monitoring a monitored region 18 of a railway vehicle 10, implemented by a railway vehicle 10 as presented above will now be described.
[0068] During a detection step, an intrusion of an element 29 into the monitored region 18 is detected by the monitoring device 16 of the railway vehicle.
[0069] In a particular variant, the intrusion of the element 29 is detected in a warning zone 34 or a protection zone 36 of the monitored region.
[0070] Following the detection step, an intrusion data item is generated in a generation step. The intrusion data item is thus generated if an intrusion of an element 19 is detected in the monitored region 18.
[0071] In a particular variant, the intrusion data item comprises warning data if the intrusion of the element 29 is detected in a warning zone 34 and the intrusion data item comprises protection data if the intrusion of the element 29 is detected in a protection zone 36.
[0072] Following the detection step, a warning signal and / or a protection signal is controlled during an optional control step.
[0073] During the control step, the warning signal and / or the protection signal is controlled as a function of the intrusion data.
[0074] In a particular variant, if the intrusion data includes warning data, a warning signal is commanded and if the intrusion data includes protection data, a protection signal is commanded.
[0075] It is understood that the railway vehicle may also include a traditional monitoring device responsible for detecting the presence of an obstacle and / or an individual at the front and / or rear of the vehicle.
Claims
Claims
1. Railway vehicle (10) comprising: - a first car (12) and a second car (14) defining between them an intermediate region (26); and - a monitoring device (16) of a monitored region (18) of an environment of the railway vehicle (10), the monitoring device (16) comprising: - a detection module (28), configured to detect an intrusion of an element in the monitored region (18), - a generation module (30) of intrusion data, configured to generate intrusion data if the detection module (28) detects an intrusion of an element (29) in the monitored region (18), characterized in that the monitored region (18) extends at least partially into the intermediate region (26), and in that the monitored region (18) extends laterally from the intermediate region (26).
2. A railway vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the detection module (28) is configured to adapt the geometry of the monitored region (18) to the relative position of the first car (12) with respect to the second car (14).
3. A railway vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the monitored region (18) comprises a warning zone (34) and a protection zone (36), the intrusion data comprising a warning data item if the detection module (28) detects an intrusion into the warning zone (34) and the intrusion data comprising a protection data item if the detection module (28) detects an intrusion of an element (29) into the protection zone (36), the protection data item being different from the warning data item.
4. A railway vehicle (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the monitoring device (16) comprises a control module (32), configured to control a warning signal and / or a protection signal as a function of the intrusion data, the protection signal being different from the signal warning.
5. Rail vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein the warning signal is an optical and / or acoustic signal to the element (29) whose intrusion into the monitored region (18) has been detected by the detection module (28).
6. A railway vehicle (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the protection signal is configured to control the braking and / or keeping at least one of the first (12) and second (14) cars at a standstill.
7. A rail vehicle (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection module (28) comprises a laser scanner (38).
8. A railway vehicle (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one monitoring device (16) is installed on one of the first (12) and second (14) cars.
9. A railway vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the movement of the second car (14) is synchronized with the movement of the first car (12), the intermediate region (26) and preferably the vehicle being devoid of physical connection between the first car (12) and the second car (14).
10. A method for monitoring a monitored region (18) of an environment of a railway vehicle (10), implemented by a railway vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - detecting an intrusion of an element (29) in the monitored region (18) by the monitoring device (16) of the railway vehicle (10), and - generating an intrusion data item if an intrusion of an element (29) is detected in the monitored region (18), the monitored region (18) extending at least partially in an intermediate region (26) defined between the first car (12) and the second car (14) of the railway vehicle (10).