Water-evacuation vehicle car and associated method
The water evacuation system for rail vehicle cars addresses the issue of water accumulation by using a mobile valve to control water evacuation only when the vehicle is stopped, ensuring passenger comfort and preventing corrosion and frost damage.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022002459
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-03-21
AI Technical Summary
Water accumulation in rail vehicle cars due to sealing defects and condensation leads to corrosion, equipment overload, and frost damage, while traditional drainage methods cause tympanic discomfort to passengers.
A water evacuation system for rail vehicle cars that includes a mobile valve allowing water evacuation only when the vehicle is stopped, coupled with a water recovery system and a tank for filtered water, ensuring water is evacuated without impacting passenger comfort.
Effectively evacuates water from rail vehicle cars without causing tympanic discomfort to passengers, while also saving clean water and preventing corrosion and frost damage.
Smart Images
Figure 00000010_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Water-evacuating vehicle car and associated method
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle car, more particularly a railway vehicle, comprising at least one profile delimiting said car, a water recovery system at the level of at least one profile, more particularly of water from condensation, and a system for evacuating at least part of the recovered water.
[0002] Over the lifetime of a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, the car is likely to develop sealing defects. In addition, condensation is likely to form over time.
[0003] Thus, water is likely to accumulate in the structure of the car or in the compartments that make it up.
[0004] This water must be evacuated to prevent the appearance of corrosion in the structure, particularly in the case of a steel structure, overloading of the equipment and the risk of freezing during periods of extreme cold which causes damage to the structures by cracking.
[0005] The structures are, for example, drained to allow water to flow by gravity towards the lower parts which are pierced to allow direct flow onto the track.
[0006] Openings thus allow the water to be evacuated.
[0007] However, this leakage is detrimental to the tympanic comfort of the passengers because of the depression or suppression effect when entering or exiting a tunnel or when crossing with another vehicle.
[0008] One object of the invention is therefore to propose a solution for evacuating water from the profile of the car which does not cause ear discomfort to the passengers.
[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a car of the aforementioned type, in which the drainage system includes at least one movable valve between an open state, in which at least one valve allows water to be evacuated by the drainage system, and a closed state, in which at least one valve blocks water from being evacuated by the water drainage system.
[0010] The presence of a valve allows water to be evacuated, only when the tympanic comfort of passengers would not be impacted, for example when parked.
[0011] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the car also has one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:
[0012] - the valve is adapted to be in the open state only when the vehicle is arrested,
[0013] - each valve is a solenoid valve, the control of each valve The valve is coupled to the opening and closing mechanism of a car door.
[0014] - the evacuation system is arranged in a lower part of the car,
[0015] - the recovery system includes a reservoir, preferably configured for supplying a toilet installed in the car,
[0016] - the tank and the drainage system are connected so that the overflow of the the reservoir is then sent to the drainage system.
[0017] - the recovery system includes a lifting pump adapted to lift water from the lowest point of the profile towards the reservoir, and / or
[0018] - the recovery system is equipped with a suitable filter to filter the recovered water.
[0019] The invention further relates to a method for draining water from a vehicle, more particularly a railway vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least one car comprising at least one profile delimiting said car, the car comprising a water recovery system at the level of at least one profile, more particularly water from condensation, and a system for draining at least part of the water recovered by the recovery system, the drainage system comprising at least one movable valve between an open state, in which at least one valve allows water to be drained by the drainage system, and a closed state, in which at least one valve blocks water from being drained by the drainage system, the method comprising the following steps:
[0020] - water recovery at the level of at least one profile by the recovery system water,
[0021] - passage of at least one valve into the open state, and
[0022] - discharge via the drainage system of at least part of the recovered water through the recovery system.
[0023] The method according to the invention is further likely to include the following features: the car includes at least one door, the door allowing passage between the car and the outside, the method comprising the following steps: passing at least one valve into the open state when at least one door is opened, and passing at least one valve into the closed state when at least one door is closed.
[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0025] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic view of a car according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] An example of a car according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to [Fig.1].
[0027] Car 10 is a vehicle car, more particularly a railway vehicle car.
[0028] The car 10 includes at least one profile 12 delimiting said car.
[0029] At least one profile 12 is, for example, a double wall delimiting the car 10, that is to say that at least one profile 20 includes an outer wall delimiting the exterior of the car and an inner wall doubling the outer wall.
[0030] The car 10 further includes a water recovery system 14 at the level of at least one profile 12 and an evacuation system 16 for at least part of the recovered or drained water.
[0031] The water at the level of at least one profile here includes water resulting from condensation at the level of the profile, more particularly within the double wall.
[0032] At least one profile 12 is adapted to drain at least partially the water within it, i.e. here in the double wall.
[0033] More specifically, at least one profile has passages for the water to flow through.
[0034] Here, at least one profile comprises a double wall and ribs extending between the two walls of the double wall. The ribs include, for example, openings to allow the passage of liquid.
[0035] The recovery system 14 includes a reservoir 20.
[0036] At least one profile has passages so that at least part of the water within the profile flows towards the reservoir 20.
[0037] At least one profile has passages so that all the water within the profile flows towards the reservoir 20 or towards at least one low point 22, 24 of the car 10.
[0038] The term "lowest point" means a lower point of the car according to the vertical of the location, when the car is lying on a horizontal ground.
[0039] More particularly, in the example shown, at least one profile has passages so that the water in a part of the profile arranged above the reservoir 20 along the vertical flows towards the reservoir 20, here by gravity.
[0040] The remaining water flows towards at least one low point 22, 24.
[0041] In the example shown, the remaining water flows to at least four, here four, low points 22, 24, at each longitudinal end of the car for each of the lateral sides.
[0042] Alternatively, the car comprises only two low points, each side lateral comprising a low point centered along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the car comprises three low points.
[0043] Thus, at least one profile has passages so that the water outside the part flowing towards the reservoir flows towards at least one low point 22, 24, here by gravity.
[0044] The recovery system 14 is provided with a filter 22 adapted to filter the recovered water, more particularly upstream of the reservoir 20, for example fixed at the inlet of the reservoir 20.
[0045] The tank 20 is configured to supply equipment in the car, for example a sanitary unit 24 fitted in the car 10, more particularly for use in a toilet flush.
[0046] The reservoir 20 is, for example, connected to the drainage system 16 so that the overflow from the reservoir 20 is sent to the drainage system 16, more particularly to one of the low points 22, 24.
[0047] The car 10 herein further includes a second tank 26, the second tank 26 containing clean water.
[0048] The second reservoir 26 is, for example, adapted to supply a tap 28 arranged next to the sanitary ware 24.
[0049] The evacuation system 16 is arranged in a lower part of the car 10.
[0050] The term "lower part" means a lower part of the car along the vertical axis of the place, when the car is lying on a horizontal surface.
[0051] More particularly, the drainage system 16 includes drainage points, here at the low points 22, 24 where the water present in at least one profile flows out.
[0052] Each drainage point has an opening in the profile to drain water from at least one profile onto the track.
[0053] Each orifice has, for example, a surface area between 0.5 and 5 cm2, more particularly between 1 and 5 cm2.
[0054] Each orifice has, for example, a disc shape, having for example a diameter of 8 millimeters.
[0055] The surface area depends in particular on the type of vehicle.
[0056] The drainage system 16 includes at least one valve 30, 32 movable between an open state, in which at least one valve allows water to be evacuated by the drainage system, and a closed state, in which at least one valve blocks water from being evacuated by the water drainage system 16.
[0057] The drainage system 16 includes, more particularly, a movable valve 30, 32 at each drainage point.
[0058] The valve 30, 32 is adapted to be in the open state only when the vehicle is stopped.
[0059] The vehicle is not then subjected to external pressures or depressions detrimental to the tympanic comfort of the passengers.
[0060] In one embodiment, the valve 30, 32 is adapted to be in the open state only when the vehicle is stopped.
[0061] The or each valve 30,32 is here a solenoid valve.
[0062] The control of the solenoid valve(s) is, for example, coupled to that of the opening and closing of a car door.
[0063] More specifically, the valve opens simultaneously with the opening of the door and closes simultaneously with the closing of the door.
[0064] Alternatively, the solenoid valve or each solenoid valve is, for example, capable of being controlled by an agent of the vehicle.
[0065] Alternatively, the solenoid valve or each solenoid valve is controlled by a controller, so that the command is automatically generated in association with an indication of vehicle progress, for example by GPS system.
[0066] More specifically, when the vehicle is detected parked in the station, a command is automatically sent to the solenoid valve(s) to open. When the vehicle leaves the station, a command is automatically sent to the solenoid valve(s) to close them.
[0067] In a particular embodiment, the valve or valves are coupled to a sensor adapted to detect the water level at the corresponding valve and to a control system, the control system being adapted to open the corresponding valve when the detected water level exceeds a limit level.
[0068] More specifically, the sensor is, for example, placed at the limit level, the control system being adapted to open the corresponding valve when the sensor detects water.
[0069] Alternatively, the valve or valves are configured to open automatically when the water level at the corresponding valve is above a limit level, for example when the water exerts pressure on the valve above a limit value due to water accumulation.
[0070] Alternatively, the control of the solenoid valve or each solenoid valve is coupled to that of the opening and closing of an air inlet / outlet flap located on an air conditioning device.
[0071] A method for evacuating water from a vehicle, more particularly from a railway vehicle, will now be described.
[0072] The vehicle includes at least one car 10 as described above.
[0073] The car includes at least one door, the door allowing passage between the interior of the car and the exterior.
[0074] The method comprises the following steps:
[0075] - water recovery at the level of at least one profile 12 by the recovery system water operation 14,
[0076] - passage of at least one valve 30, 32 in the open state, and
[0077] - discharge of at least part of the water recovered by the recovery system 14.
[0078] More specifically, the water is partially recovered in the tank 20, here after having been filtered by the filter 22.
[0079] The water recovered in the tank 20 is used, for example, for equipment in the car, for example a sanitary unit 24 fitted in the car 10, more particularly for use in a toilet flush.
[0080] This allows for savings in clean water.
[0081] The remaining water from at least one profile and the overflow from the reservoir 20 flow towards the drainage system 16, more particularly towards the low points 22, 24.
[0082] The valve 30, 32 is, for example, initially closed. The water therefore remains in the lower part of the car.
[0083] When at least one door is opened, the valve switches to the open state. The command is, for example, sent to the valve by a controller simultaneously with the opening of the door or following an instruction from a vehicle operator.
[0084] The water is then evacuated at the low points 22, 24.
[0085] Then, when at least one door is closed, the valve goes into the closed state. The command is, for example, sent to the valve by a controller simultaneously with the opening of the door or following an instruction from a vehicle operator.
[0086] The flow of water is then prevented by the valve(s) 30, 32.
[0087] The vehicle then starts until its next stop.
[0088] Thus, when the vehicle is moving, the flow of water is prevented, avoiding any leakage at the low points 22, 24.
[0089] In a particular embodiment, the closed valve opens furthermore if the level of water accumulating at the valve exceeds a limit level, as described previously with regard to the car.
[0090] Alternatively, the command is generated by the controller in association with a vehicle advance indication, as described previously.
[0091] In an embodiment not shown, the recovery system includes a lifting pump adapted to lift water from the lowest point of the profile, here corresponding to one of the low points 22, 24, towards the reservoir 20.
[0092] More particularly, the water does not flow partially directly from the at least one profile into the reservoir 20, but the at least one profile is adapted so that all of the water flows by gravity to the lowest point.
[0093] Then, the lift pump draws water from the lowest point and injects it into the tank 20.
[0094] The recovery system is equipped with a suitable filter to filter the recovered water, more particularly between the lift pump and the reservoir.
[0095] The evacuation method according to this embodiment is similar to that described previously.
[0096] The lift pump thus makes it possible to recover all the water present within at least one profile, and not only limited to a part of the car above the tank to allow flow by gravity.
[0097] In particular, the amount of water recovered does not depend on the arrangement of the tank, more particularly its height, within the car.
[0098] The car is, for example, also capable of being adapted to collect rainwater by runoff. For example, the car includes a system for draining rainwater, in case of rain, towards the tank 20 or towards the lowest point.
[0099] The water recovery system thus makes it possible to save water, while evacuating the water within at least one profile.
[0100] The presence of at least one valve also prevents leakage during vehicle movement, thus protecting any passengers from ear discomfort.
Claims
Claims
1. Car (10) of a vehicle, more particularly a railway vehicle, comprising at least one profile (12) delimiting said car (10), a water recovery system (14) at the at least one profile (12), more particularly water from condensation, and a system (16) for discharging at least part of the recovered water, characterized in that the discharge system (16) comprises at least one valve (30, 32) movable between an open state, in which the at least one valve (30, 32) allows the discharge of water by the discharge system (16), and a closed state, in which the at least one valve (30, 32) blocks the discharge of water by the water discharge system (16), in which the or each valve (30, 32) is a solenoid valve, the control of the or each solenoid valve being coupled to that of the opening and closing a car door.
2. A vehicle car according to claim 1, wherein the valve (30, 32) is adapted to be in the open state only when the vehicle is stopped.
3. A vehicle car according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exhaust system (16) is arranged in a lower part of the car (10).
4. Vehicle car according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recovery system (14) comprises a tank (20), preferably configured to supply a toilet (24) arranged in the car.
5. A vehicle car according to claim 4, wherein the tank (20) and the discharge system (16) are connected so that overflow from the tank (20) is sent to the discharge system (16).
6. A vehicle car according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the recovery system (14) comprises a lift pump adapted to lift water from the lowest point of the profile (12) to the reservoir (20).
7. A vehicle car according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recovery system (14) is provided with a filter (22) adapted to filter the recovered water.
8. Method of evacuating water from a vehicle, more particularly from a railway vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least one car (10) comprising at least one profile (12) delimiting said car (10), the car (10) comprising a system (14) for recovering water at the level of the at least one profile (12), more particularly water resulting from condensation, and a system (16) for discharging at least part of the water recovered by the recovery system (14), the discharge system (16) comprising at least one valve (30, 32) movable between an open state, in which the at least one valve (30, 32) allows the discharge of water by the discharge system (16), and a closed state, in which the at least one valve (30, 32) blocks the discharge of water by the water discharge system (16), in which the car comprises at least one door, the door allowing passage between the car and the outside, the method comprising the following steps: - water recovery at the level of at least one profile (12) by the water recovery system (14), - passage of the at least one valve (30, 32) into the open state when opening the at least one door, - evacuation by the evacuation system (16) of at least part of the water recovered by the recovery system (14), and - passage of the at least one valve (30, 32) into the closed state when closing the at least one door.