EP2278554B1

EP2278554B1 - Access management system for a passenger transport vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP2278554B1
Application number: EP10164024A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gianluigi Tabellini
Original assignee: Cacciamali System Srl
Current assignee: Cacciamali System Srl
Priority date: 2009-06-05
Filing date: 2010-05-27
Publication date: 2012-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-27
Also published as: ATE547778T1; EP2278554A1; IT1396496B1; ITBS20090098A1

Abstract

A passenger transport vehicle (100) comprising a vehicle access management system (1), the system comprising means for signaling (2) intended to be positioned in a passage compartment (10) inside said vehicle for signaling the presence of the system, characterized in that said means for signaling (2) include an encumbrance device (3) apt to operate at least between an encumbrance configuration of said passage compartment (10) and an opening configuration, in which said device does not encumber said compartment for the crossing of the same by a user, and in that the system comprises an electronic central unit (4) for the operation and the control of the system, which can be interfaced with a validating apparatus (5) for evidence of travel for receiving from the validating apparatus a validating signal for an evidence of travel, said validating signal being able to assume at least a first status corresponding to an obliteration of the evidence of travel and/or to a positive result of a check of its validity by the validating apparatus, said means for signaling (2) comprising at least one visual and/or acoustic signaler (3; 8) intended to be connected to said electronic central unit (4) for receiving from the latter a control signal, wherein said at least one signaler is apt to assume at least two configurations of licit and illicit crossing, respectively, the electronic central unit being configured to set, by means of said control signal, said visual and/or acoustic signaler (3; 8) selectively to one of the two configurations as a function of said validating signal.

Description

The present invention relates to an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle, in particular a public transport vehicle, for which users must have travel documents. Moreover, the invention relates to a (typically public) passenger transport vehicle, such as a bus, comprising said access management system for a transport vehicle.
The use of the transport vehicle by a user is usually subject to the possession of a ticket giving such a user the right to use the transport service offered by the vehicle. To this purpose, the ticket owned by the user must further have certain validity features, in other words it must be the correct ticket (i.e. consistent with the service which the user intends to use) and it must be valid for the time required. The latter feature may result, e.g. for evidences of travel such as a single ticket or a season ticket, from the fact that the ticket has been validated by means of suitable validating devices before using the service. Other travel documents such as season tickets in the form of magnetic cards or electronic chip cards are authenticated or checked by means of suitable dedicated devices. The aforesaid evidence of travel could also be in other forms than a material form, such as codes or the like, to be entered if required into suitable control and/or authentication devices.
The Applicant has realized that the technical field of the invention is characterized by some drawbacks, in particular concerning the control of users' access and the verification of the evidences of travel.
A typical drawback which can be found in public passenger transport is related to a group of users who, though not possessing a valid ticket, do however use the service. As a matter of fact, the access to the transport vehicle is typically free and deprived of an actual control of the validity of the ticket and/or of a validation thereof: e.g. the user autonomously validates his/her ticket by means of validating devices usually installed on board the modes of transport or near the departure or transit areas of such modes, but there are no automatic systems checking the possession and/or validity of the travel documents required and operating when the user accesses the transport vehicle.
Another drawback characterizing the field of passenger transport is the high cost for service provider companies related to personnel in charge of the control of users' travel documents. This control is carried out on board the modes of transport and, besides being expensive, is quite ineffective since it allows to check a small group of users and is anyhow a "post-facto" control and not a control when accessing the transport vehicle.
The Applicant has analyzed the problems characterizing the technical field and under these circumstances the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which can obviate one or more of the drawbacks referred to above. Within this technical task one of the aims of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which can prevent users not possessing a valid ticket from accessing a transport vehicle or service.
One of the possible aims of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which limits the number of users of public modes of transport who do not pay for the ticket and/or do not validate such a ticket.
A possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which is highly flexible regarding installation and can be suited to any type of bus (e.g. urban or suburban bus) for public transport.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which can be configured and programmed as a function of the type of passenger transport vehicle onto which it is installed and as a function of the type of user access management to be implemented.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which avoids queues of users waiting to get onto the vehicle.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which enables to improve the quality of the public transport service by means of a regular access of users and avoiding crowds of people on the modes of transport due to the number of users without a valid ticket.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which reduces or eliminates the use of personnel in charge of the control of users' travel documents.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle with economic benefits for the provider company of public transport services making use of passenger transport vehicles, such benefits being related to the larger number of users holding a valid ticket.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which is highly reliable and safe under any operating condition.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide a system which is able to make statistical surveys about the number of users making use of a transport vehicle.
Another possible aim of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to provide an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle which is simple and/or cheap to design and/or carry out and/or install and/or configure and/or use and/or maintain and/or store and/or dispose of.
One or more of the above aims and other possible aims which shall be more evident from the following description are substantially achieved by an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle and by a passenger transport vehicle comprising such a system, according to one or more of the appended claims, each of them being considered alone (without its dependent claims) or in any combination with other claims, and according the following aspects, variously combined one with other, also with the aforesaid claims.
In one aspect, the invention relates to an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle, the system comprising means for signaling intended to be positioned in a passage compartment inside said vehicle for signaling the presence of the system, said means comprising an encumbrance device apt to operate at least between an encumbrance configuration of said passage compartment and an opening configuration, in which said device does not encumber said compartment for the crossing of the same by a user.
In one aspect, the system comprises an electronic central unit for the operation and the control of the system, intended to be interfaced with a validating apparatus for evidences of travel of the vehicle, at least for receiving from the validating apparatus a validating signal for an evidence of travel. Typically, the validating signal can assume at least a first status corresponding to an obliteration of the evidence of travel and/or to a positive result of a check of its validity (in terms of time and/or quality) by the validating apparatus.
In one aspect, the system comprises the aforesaid validating apparatus interfaced with said central unit. In one aspect, said validating apparatus comprises a ticket machine and/or an apparatus for authenticating and/or checking the validity of the evidence of travel.
In one aspect, said encumbrance device is intended to be connected to said central unit for receiving from the latter a first control signal for selectively setting the device to the opening or encumbrance configuration, typically corresponding to a licit or illicit crossing of the passage compartment, respectively.
In one aspect, the central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set, by means of said first control signal, said encumbrance device to the opening configuration as a result of the receipt of said validating signal in said first status.
In one aspect, said means for signaling further comprise at least one visual and/or acoustic signaler intended to be connected to said central unit for receiving from the latter a second control signal. In one aspect, said at least one signaler is apt to assume at least two configurations of licit and illicit crossing, respectively, and said second control signal is apt to set said signaler selectively to one of two configurations.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set by means of said second control signal said visual and/or acoustic signaler to the licit crossing configuration as a result of the receipt of said validating signal in said first status.
Preferably, the signaler is a light signaling device, such as a colored light that can be configured with at least two colors corresponding to the aforesaid licit and illicit crossing configurations.
In one aspect, said encumbrance device comprises at least one physical barrier which can be moved between an encumbrance position of said passage compartment, corresponding to said encumbrance configuration, and an opening position in which said physical barrier does not encumber said passage compartment, corresponding to said opening configuration.
Preferably, said physical barrier is a door leaf with a substantially flat and vertical development. Preferably, said physical barrier is a horizontal swinging boom, preferably with circular section.
In one aspect, said encumbrance device comprises a pair of physical barriers according to the above description, arranged symmetrically on the sides of the passage compartment, so that both barriers, when lying in the encumbrance position, determine together the encumbrance of the passage compartment.
In one aspect, the system comprises means for detecting intended to be placed near the encumbrance device for detecting the presence of a user, and to be connected to said electronic central unit for sending to the latter a user presence signal. Typically, said presence signal can assume at least a first status corresponding to the presence of a user in the field of sensitivity of the means for detecting.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to receive from said means for detecting the signal of user presence in the passage compartment and to send said first and/or second control signal as a function of said presence signal.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set by means of said first control signal said encumbrance device to the opening configuration as a result of the receipt of said validating signal in said first status.
In one aspect, said means for detecting comprise at least one front photoelectric cell placed in a space of the passage compartment (immediately) upstream from the physical barrier or barriers of the encumbrance device (with respect to the direction according to which the user accessing the vehicle crosses the encumbrance device) or placed on said physical barriers.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set by means of said first control signal the encumbrance device to the encumbrance configuration and/or to set by means of said second control signal the signaler to the illicit crossing configuration as a result of the receipt of said validating signal in said first status and to the non-receipt, within a predetermined time limit from the receipt of the validating signal, of a user presence signal in said first status, sent by said at least one front photoelectric cell.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set, by means of said second control signal, the signaler to the illicit crossing configuration as a result of the receipt of said user presence signal in said first status, sent by said at least one front photoelectric cell, and of the non-receipt at the same time of a validating signal in said first status, sent by the validating apparatus.
In one aspect, said means for detecting comprise at least one rear photoelectric cell placed in a space of the passage compartment downstream from the physical barrier or barriers of the encumbrance device (with respect to the direction according to which the user accessing the vehicle crosses the encumbrance device), preferably outside the encumbrance of the encumbrance device in both configurations.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to maintain, by means of said first control signal, the encumbrance device in the opening configuration, to which it is set as a result of the sequential receipt of said validating signal in said first status and of said user presence signal in said first status, sent within a predetermined time limit from the receipt of said validating signal by said at least one front photoelectric cell, as long as it receives said user presence signal in said first status, sent by said at least one rear photoelectric cell. Preferably, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set the encumbrance device to the encumbrance configuration as a result of the ceased receipt of said presence signal sent by the rear photoelectric cell in said first status.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set, by means of said first control signal, the encumbrance device to the encumbrance configuration as a result of the non-receipt, within a predetermined time limit from the receipt of the validating signal in said first status, of said user presence signal in said first status, sent by said rear photoelectric cell as a result of the previous setting of the encumbrance device to the opening configuration.
In one aspect, said means for detecting can include at least one pair of rear photoelectric cells placed in cascade arrangement in a space of the passage compartment downstream from the physical barrier or barriers of the encumbrance device (with respect to the direction according to which the user accessing the vehicle crosses the encumbrance device), preferably outside the encumbrance of the encumbrance device in both configurations.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to maintain by means of said first control signal the encumbrance device in the opening configuration, to which it is set as a result of the sequential receipt of said validating signal in said first status and of said user presence signal in said first status, sent within a predetermined time limit from the receipt of said validating signal in said first status by said at least one front photoelectric cell, as long as it receives at least one of said user presence signal in said first status, sent by the photoelectric cell of said pair which is nearer the physical barrier or barriers of the encumbrance device, and said user presence signal in said first status, sent by the photoelectric cell of said pair which is farther from the physical barrier or barriers of the encumbrance device.
In one aspect, the electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) to set by means of said first control signal the encumbrance device to the opening configuration as a result of the receipt of a user presence signal in said first status, sent by any one of the aforesaid front or rear photoelectric cells, simultaneously to the switching of the encumbrance device from the opening to the encumbrance configuration.
In one aspect, the encumbrance device is apt to automatically reach the aforesaid opening configuration (typically by means of the physical barrier or barriers switching to the opening position), as a result of the switching off of the system (e.g. after the electrical system of the vehicle has been turned off) and/or of a fault thereof and/or of an abnormal condition detected by said electronic central unit and/or of a forcing of the encumbrance device itself (typically the forcing, by a user, of the physical barrier or barriers of said encumbrance device).
In one aspect, the switching of said encumbrance device from said encumbrance configuration to said opening configuration can be obtained (in one aspect only) under the action of a manual thrust (in one aspect greater than or equal to a threshold value, e.g. 30 kg) upon said encumbrance device, e.g. upon said physical barrier.
In one aspect, said encumbrance device further comprises means for moving mechanically coupled with said physical barrier for moving the latter between said encumbrance position and said opening position.
In one aspect, said means for moving comprise at least one motor, preferably an electric or pneumatically actuated motor, and means for driving for transmitting motion from the motor to the physical barrier.
In one aspect, said means for moving comprise mechanical and/or electronic means for controlling the movement of said physical barrier.
In one aspect, said means for moving are intended to be put in communication with said electronic central unit so as to receive from the latter said first control signal and/or to send to the latter a signal for configuring the device.
In one aspect, said electronic central unit is configured (and/or programmed) so as to send, as a result of the receipt of said validating signal in said first status, to the means for moving said first control signal for setting said physical barrier to the opening position corresponding to a licit crossing of the passage compartment.
In one aspect, the system comprises a control pushbutton panel for checking the operation of the system itself. In one aspect, said control pushbutton panel is intended to be positioned near the driving seat of the transport vehicle.
In one aspect, said pushbutton panel is intended to be connected to said central unit for sending to the latter a manual control signal for checking the configuration of said means for signaling.
In one aspect, said control pushbutton panel is intended to be connected to said central unit for sending to the latter a system enable or exclusion signal and/or sending a start signal for starting one or more operating sequences.
In one aspect, the encumbrance device comprises an unlocking device for mechanically uncoupling said means for moving from said physical barrier or barriers so as to enable an easy manual handling of said physical barrier or barriers between the encumbrance and the opening position.
In one aspect, said electronic central unit can be configured (and/or programmed) for managing system faults, for ensuring system safety in the various operating conditions and for avoiding potentially dangerous situations for the users of the transport vehicle.
In one aspect, the invention relates to a (typically public) passenger transport vehicle comprising the system according to any one of the above claims and/or aspects and/or a combination thereof.
In one aspect, the aforesaid transport vehicle can be a bus (urban, suburban, interurban, tourist, school), a trolley-bus, a tramcar, a train, a subway train, a funicular railway, a cableway, a boat or any other vehicle intended for passenger transportation.
Further characteristics and advantages will be more evident from the detailed description of some exemplary though not exclusive embodiments, among which also a preferred embodiment, of an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle, and of a passenger transport vehicle comprising such a system, according to the present invention. This description will be disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided to a merely indicative and therefore non-limiting purpose, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a passenger transport vehicle comprising an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial view in side elevation, with some parts removed, of a possible embodiment of the access management system for a passenger transport vehicle according to the present invention;

Figure 2a is top plan view of the system of Figure 2, with some parts removed;
Figure 3 is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of a part of the system of Figure 2, in particular of the encumbrance device of the system of Figure 2, with some parts removed;
Figure 3a is a partially sectioned view from below of the encumbrance device of Figure 3 along line 3a-3a;
Figure 4 is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of another possible embodiment of the encumbrance system of the access management system for a passenger transport vehicle according to the present invention, with some parts removed;
Figure 5 is a partial view in side elevation of another possible embodiment of the access management system for a passenger transport vehicle according to the present invention, with some parts removed;
Figure 6 is a longitudinally sectioned view of a portion of the encumbrance device of the system of Figure 5.

With reference to the accompanying figures, an access management system for a passenger transport vehicle according to the present invention is globally referred to with the numeral 1. Moreover, a (typically public) passenger transport vehicle, such as a bus, comprising the system 1 is globally referred to with the numeral 100.
In general, the same numeral is used for identical or similar elements, if necessary in their variants of embodiment.
The access management system 1 for a passenger transport vehicle 100 comprises means for signaling 2 positioned in a passage compartment 10 inside said vehicle for signaling the presence of the system 1. These means for signaling 2 comprise an encumbrance device 3 apt to operate between at least an encumbrance configuration of said passage compartment 10 in the vehicle, and at least an opening configuration (both shown in Figures 1 and 2a), in which this encumbrance device 3 does not encumber the passage compartment 10 for the crossing of the same by a user.
The system 1 can further comprise an electronic central unit 4 for the operation and control of the system, which is interfaced with a validating apparatus (typically integrated into the system 1) for evidences of travel of the vehicle, at least for receiving from the validating apparatus a validating signal for an evidence of travel. Typically, the validating apparatus 5 is arranged near the compartment 10 and/or the encumbrance device 3, preferably upstream from the latter with respect to the direction 60 according to which a user accessing the vehicle gets into the compartment 10.
Typically, the validating signal can assume at least a first status corresponding to an obliteration of the evidence of travel and/or to a positive result of a check of its validity (in terms of time and/or quality) by the validating apparatus. The validating signal can also assume a second status corresponding to a negative result of the validity check. Preferably, said validating apparatus 5 comprises a ticket machine and/or an apparatus for authenticating and/or checking the validity of the evidence of travel.
Validating apparatus are devices that are typically present on public modes of transport and that are able to authenticate evidences of travel. These apparatus typically coincide with stamping and/or authenticating devices (commonly known as "ticket machines") which operate on typically paper tickets and which can be typically be used for a single travel (or for a limited number of travels) on the transport vehicle, by stamping a suitable validating code, typically including date and time. There are also other types of validating apparatus such as magnetic, optical, wireless readers, electronic chip readers, RFID tag readers or contactless card readers, typically used for long-lasting travel documents such as season tickets. Other checking and/or authenticating apparatus comprising e.g. alphanumerical keypads are used for authenticating travel documents having other forms than the physical form, such as codes or the like.
Figure 1 shows a typical positioning, exemplary though not exclusive, of the elements making up the access management system 1 for a transport vehicle inside the transport vehicle 100 itself, upon which such a system act. The vehicle 100 typically comprises an entry area 11 of the transport vehicle 100, which can go from the front entry door 12 to the front wheel box of the vehicle, and a stop 13 and an exit area 14, intended for staying on the vehicle 100 for users during the travel and for getting off the vehicle at the end of the travel, respectively. The stop area 13 occupies for instance the central and rear part of the vehicle and the exit area typically occupies the side area of the vehicle.
The system 1 is typically placed in a suitable position in the passage compartment 10, which is typically placed between and puts in communication the entry area 11 and the stop 13 and/or exit area 14 (the system 1 dividing the inner spaces of the vehicle). The system 1 according to the present invention can be placed in different areas of the vehicle 100, e.g. in correspondence of other accesses to the vehicle and/or of one or more exit areas 14. For instance, the same transport vehicle 100 can include a plurality of systems 1 installed in correspondence of several entry 11 and/or exit areas and operating independently from one another.
Means for signaling 2 are typically configured as a function of the inner configuration of the vehicle 100. Preferably, said encumbrance device 3 is in communication (e.g. electric) with said electronic central unit 4.
Preferably, the aforesaid encumbrance device 3 comprises at least one physical barrier 6 which can be moved at least between an encumbrance position of said passage compartment 10, corresponding to said encumbrance configuration, and an opening position, in which said physical barrier 6 does not encumber said compartment 10, corresponding to said opening configuration. Both positions are shown in Figures 1 and 2a together with the envelope line of the intermediate positions.
In one embodiment (as shown by way of example in Figure 2 and 3), this physical barrier 6 is a door leaf 7 with a substantially flat and vertical development. In another embodiment (as shown by way of example in Figure 4 and 5), the physical barrier 6 consists of a horizontal swinging boom 6a, preferably with a circular section.
Preferably, the encumbrance device 3 can comprise a pair of physical barriers 6 according to the above description, arranged symmetrically on the opposite sides of the passage compartment 10, so that both physical barriers 6, when in their respective encumbrance position, determine the encumbrance of the passage compartment 10. This configuration can advantageously reduce the hindrance represented by the physical barrier 6 in the direction in which users pass, when it is in the aforesaid opening position.
Preferably, the encumbrance device 3 can comprise a plurality of physical barriers 6. Advantageously, the physical barrier 6 can take various suitable shapes and sizes, such as a turnstile.
Figure 2 shoes an encumbrance device 3 with automatic control. This device 3 comprises a pair of door leaves 7 arranged on the sides of the passage compartment 10, which make up a double door gate which can be moved between the aforesaid at least one encumbrance position and the aforesaid at least one opening position. Preferably, each leaf 7 is obtained by means of a structure 7a made of a bent tube and has a substantially planar shape lying in a plane perpendicular to the treading plane 20 of the vehicle 100. Preferably, each leaf 7 is completed by connecting to the tubular structure 7a a suitable stiff boarding 7b filling up the space inside the leaf 7 and defined by the profile of the tubular structure 7a itself. Preferably, the aforesaid stiff boarding 7b can be made of plexiglas, polyamide or any other plastic or other suitable material, depending on the shape of the physical barrier and on the type of the encumbrance device. Preferably, the aforesaid door leaves 7 encumber the passage compartment 10, when the encumbrance device 3 is in encumbrance configuration, for a height of 500 mm to 1,500 mm with respect to the treading plane 20.
In Figure 2 the profile 50 shows in a schematic manner the encumbrance according to current standards of a user in a vertical plane in the passage compartment 10 of the vehicle 100.
Preferably, in encumbrance position the physical barrier or barriers 6 are substantially perpendicular to the direction of passage of users accessing the vehicle 100 so as to determine the encumbrance of the passage compartment 10.
As shown in the figure, the switching of the aforesaid encumbrance device 3 from the encumbrance configuration of the passage compartment 10 to the opening configuration preferably occurs by rotating the barrier or barriers 6 around a vertical axis perpendicular to the treading plane 20. Preferably, this rotation occurs, while switching from the encumbrance configuration to the opening configuration, in a direction according to the direction 60 of users' transit (e.g. the physical barriers 6 move and occupy a portion of the compartment 10 downstream from the device 3 with respect to the direction 60 of users' transit). Preferably, this rotation occurs simultaneously to the user crossing the passage compartment 10 and in the direction of movement of such user.
As an alternative, the switching of the aforesaid encumbrance device 3 from the encumbrance and the opening configuration can take place by rotating the barrier or barriers 6 around a horizontal axis (i.e. parallel to the treading plane 20) oriented according to the direction 60 of transit in the passage compartment 10. This horizontal axis causes a movement of the barrier or barriers 6 in a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction 60 of transit in the passage compartment 10. Preferably, this rotation causes the barrier or barriers 6, when the encumbrance device 3 is in the opening configuration, to position on the side or sides of the passage compartment 10 outside the latter.
As an alternative, the switching of the aforesaid encumbrance device 3 between the encumbrance and the opening configuration can take place by shifting the barrier or barriers 6 in a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction 60 of transit in the passage compartment 10. This shift can occur along a horizontal direction (i.e. parallel to the treading plane 20) or along any direction oblique to the treading plane 20.
Preferably, means for signaling 2 comprise at least a visual and/or acoustic signaler 8 connected to or in communication with the aforesaid electronic central unit 4 for receiving from the latter a second control signal. Preferably, the aforesaid signaler 8 is apt to assume at least two configurations of licit and illicit crossing, respectively, and said second signal is apt to set said signaler 8 selectively to one of both configurations.
Preferably, the licit crossing configuration assumed by said signaler 8 corresponds to an enable condition of the system 1 when a user crosses the device 3 (this enable condition corresponding typically to the opening configuration of the encumbrance device), and the illicit crossing configuration assumed by said signaler 8 corresponds to a disable condition of the system 1 when a user crosses the device 3 (this disable condition corresponding typically to the encumbrance configuration of the encumbrance device).
Preferably, the aforesaid signaler 8 is apt to show the status of the system 1 to the user.
Preferably, the signaler 8 is apt to show the user the validity of the evidence of travel validated by the validating apparatus 5 connected to the aforesaid electronic central unit 4, and/or to show the approval of the system 1 for the passage of the user through the passage compartment 10 of the vehicle 100. Preferably, the signaler 8 is apt to show the user the non-detection by the system 1 of a regular ticket and/or to show the disapproval to the crossing of the passage compartment 10 of the vehicle 100. Preferably, the signaler 8 can be a colored light configured with at least two colors corresponding to the aforesaid licit and illicit crossing configurations.
Advantageously, the signaler 8 can show a non-approved crossing of the passage compartment 10 by a user.
As shown in Figure 2, the signaler 8 is preferably integrated into the aforesaid encumbrance device 3 and preferably placed near or on a physical barrier 6. Preferably, means for signaling 2 comprise at least a pair of signalers 8, advantageously placed on both sides of the passage compartment 10.
Preferably, the signaler 8 is a light signaling device (as shown by way of example in Figure 2 and 5), or preferably a mixed light-audio signaling device.
Advantageously, the system 1 can comprise means for detecting 9 intended to be placed near the encumbrance device 3 for detecting the presence of a user and to be connected to the electronic central unit 4 for sending to the latter a user presence signal. Typically, this user presence signal can assume at least a first status corresponding to the presence of a user in the field of sensitivity of the means for detecting 9.
Preferably, means for detecting 9 comprise at least one photoelectric cell (known in the field as "photocell") and/or at least one photoelectric barrier having an operating range that catches at least part of the volume of the passage compartment 10.
As shown in Figure 2a, means for detecting 9 can comprise a plurality of photoelectric cells 9a and 9b placed in the passage compartment 10 of the vehicle 100. Preferably, one or more photoelectric cells 9a are located in the portion of the passage compartment 10 lying (immediately) upstream from the encumbrance device 3, and one or more photoelectric cells 9b are located in the portion of the passage compartment 10 (immediately) downstream from the encumbrance device 3. Advantageously, said one or said plurality of photoelectric cells 9a can be positioned at a height of about 500 mm above the treading plane 20, preferably on the sides of the passage compartment 10.
As shown by way of example in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 2a, preferably the photocell 9a placed (immediately) upstream from the encumbrance device 3 is apt to detect the presence of the user getting onto the transport vehicle 100, who might be going to cross the passage compartment 10. Preferably, the aforesaid photocell or photocells 9b lying (immediately) downstream from the encumbrance device 3 are apt to send to the electronic central unit 4 a signal of presence of the user beyond the encumbrance device 3 and/or a signal informing about the user's crossing of the passage compartment 10.
Preferably, the aforesaid means for detecting 9 are apt to send to the electronic central unit 4 a signal for interrupting at any time the movement (e.g. while switching from the opening to the encumbrance position) of the encumbrance device 3 if the volume of the passage compartment 10 involved in the movement of the encumbrance device 3 is not free.
In one aspect, said encumbrance device 3 further comprises means for moving 30 mechanically coupled with said physical barrier 6 for moving the latter between said encumbrance position and said opening position. In one aspect, said means for moving 30 comprise at least one motor 31, preferably an electric or pneumatically actuated motor, and means for driving 33 for transmitting motion from the motor to the physical barrier.
In one aspect, said means for moving 30 are put in communication with said electronic central unit 4 for receiving from the latter a first control signal.
Preferably, said means for moving 30 comprise mechanical and/or electronic means for controlling 32 apt to detect and/or measure and/or control the movement of said physical barrier 6 and to send to the electronic central unit 4 a control signal.
In one aspect, said means for driving 33 comprise at least one pin 33a apt to enable the rotation of said at least one physical barrier 6.
Preferably, said encumbrance device 3 comprises at least one housing 34 for supporting and/or covering the means for moving 30, said housing 34 being fastened inside the transport vehicle 100 to the sides of the passage compartment 10. Said housing 34 can contain the electronic central unit 4 and/or other elements for the operation of the system 1. The encumbrance device 3 typically comprises a pair of means for moving 30, if necessary including respective housings 34, arranged symmetrically to the two sides of the compartment 10.
Preferably, as shown by way of example in Figure 2, 3 and 4, the encumbrance device 3 comprises for each physical barrier 6 an electric motor 31 associated to the physical barrier 6 and able to move the latter between at least the encumbrance position and at least the opening position.
Preferably, the aforesaid electric motor 31 is connected to a frame 35 integrated into the aforesaid housing 34.
Preferably, the electric motor 31 can be a direct current, stepper, brushless motor or a motor of any other suitable type.
Preferably, the means for driving 33 comprise a driving belt 36 coupling the electric motor 31 with the physical barrier 6 and transmitting motion, thanks to a pair of pulleys 37, from the drive shaft to the physical barrier 6. Preferably, said driving belt 36 can be a toothed belt.
Preferably, the means for driving 33 comprise an electromagnetic clutch 38 interposed between the electric motor 31 and the physical barrier 6, said electromagnetic clutch 38 being apt to connect the aforesaid two elements and to start motion transmission, and at the same time to limit the torque that can be transmitted from the motor 31 to the physical barrier 6. Said electromagnetic clutch 38 is further apt to interrupt motion transmission (i.e. enabling a free movement of the physical barrier 6) if the physical barrier 6 is forced. Said electromagnetic clutch 38 is apt to interrupt motion transmission in case of emergency and/or of absence of supply voltage to the system 1.
Advantageously, as shown by way of example in Figure 3 and 3a, the means for controlling 32 comprise a cam 39 apt to determining the movement width of the physical barrier 6. Preferably, said cam 39, shaped as a circular sector, is integral with the pin 33a for rotating the physical barrier 6 and rotates with it. Preferably, the movement width of the physical barrier 6 determined by the aforesaid cam 39 is a rotation width (i.e. an angle of rotation of the physical barrier 6).
Preferably, the aforesaid means for controlling 32 comprise one or more mechanical stops 39a that are housed in said housing 34 and that can be preferably fastened to the aforesaid frame 35. Preferably, said mechanical stops 39a are apt to prevent the physical barrier 6 from being forced outside the intended movement range of the latter, by blocking the cam 39 (which abuts onto them) and preventing its movement forward when the physical barrier 6 reaches the aforesaid encumbrance and opening positions.
Advantageously, said mechanical stops 39a can be pneumatic blocking retainers (not shown) apt to prevent the movement of the physical barrier 6 beyond the movement range and to send to the electronic central unit 4 said control signal.
Preferably, the aforesaid means for controlling 32 comprise one or more proximity sensors 39b apt to control the position of the physical barrier 6. Said proximity sensors 39b can be preferably fastened to the aforesaid frame 35 and can send a signal to the aforesaid electronic central unit 4.
Preferably, the aforesaid means for controlling 32 comprise one or more potentiometers 39c mounted onto the rotation pin 33a of the physical barrier 6 and rotating integrally with the latter, said potentiometers 39c being apt to detect the position (i.e. the angle of rotation) of the physical barrier 6 and being interfaced with the aforesaid electronic central unit 4 for sending a respective control signal.
Advantageously, the encumbrance device 3 comprises a blocking device 45 apt to maintain, during the normal operation of the system 1, the physical barrier 6 in encumbrance position up to the enabling signal sent by the electronic central unit 4 as a result of the validity check of the evidence of travel. Said blocking device is preferably apt to maintain the physical barrier or barriers 6 in the opening position, e.g. in case of deactivation of the system 1. Said blocking device is preferably apt to maintain the physical barrier or barriers 6 in the opening position in an emergency situation on the transport vehicle 100 and/or in case of absence of supply voltage to the system 1. Said blocking device 45 can be a linear actuator (e.g. an electromagnetic pneumatic cylinder) operating between at least a first operating position in which it maintains the position of the physical barrier 6 fixed, and a second operating position in which it does not interfere with the movement of the physical barrier 6. Preferably, said blocking device 45 can be in said first operating position when the physical barrier 6 is in the encumbrance position or when the physical barrier 6 is in the opening position, the device catching the aforesaid cam 39 and preventing the rotation of the barrier 6 itself.
Preferably, said blocking device 45 can switch between the aforesaid first operating position and the aforesaid second operating position as a result of the sending of a control signal from the electronic central unit 4.
The encumbrance device 3 typically comprises a pair of means for moving 30 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the compartment 10 and, if necessary, comprising respective housings 34, and/or a pair of signalers 8 as described above.
Preferably, the system 1 comprises a control pushbutton panel 40 for checking the operation of the system itself. Preferably, this control pushbutton panel 40 is positioned near the driving seat 16 of the transport vehicle 100.
Preferably, said control pushbutton panel 40 is interfaced with said electronic central unit 4 for sending to the latter a manual control signal for controlling the configuration of said means for signaling 2. Advantageously, said control pushbutton panel 40 is apt to manually check the operation of the access management system 1 for a passenger transport vehicle.
Preferably, said control pushbutton panel 40 can comprise one or more control pushbuttons and/or a display which is able to show the driver of the transport vehicle the status of the system and/or of the operating sequence. Preferably, the control pushbuttons send to the electronic central unit 4 said manual control signal for setting selectively the encumbrance device 3 to the opening or encumbrance configuration, and/or for sending to said electronic central unit 4 an enable or exclusion signal of the system 1 and/or sending a start signal for starting one or more operating sequences.
Advantageously, the control pushbutton panel 40 can comprise a lock or a switch, apt to send to the electronic central unit said enable or exclusion signal apt to cause the turning on or off of the system 1.
Preferably, the electronic central unit 4 can comprise a programmable processor, a microcontroller, a printed circuit board, a programmable logic controller or any other suitable device.
Preferably, said electronic central unit 4 can perform diagnostic and/or storage functions.
The operation of the access management system 1 for a passenger transport vehicle includes a typical operating sequence in which the system 1 interacts with the user accessing the transport vehicle 100 and the electronic central unit 4, based on the information received by means of the input signals, controls the various devices of the system 1. At the beginning of the operating sequence the encumbrance device 3 is in the encumbrance configuration of the passage compartment 10, the system 1 is active and ready to check the validity of a ticket (i.e. the validating apparatus 5 is active), and preferably the visual and/or acoustic signaler 8 shows the non-enabling of the system 1 to the user crossing the passage compartment 10. The user accessing the vehicle 100 inserts his/her ticket into the validating apparatus 5, which sends a signal to the electronic central unit 4 on the basis of the validation and/or check performed on the ticket. If the ticket is not valid or is not validated, the electronic central unit 4 maintains the encumbrance device 3 in the encumbrance configuration and the signaler 8 in the illicit crossing position. If the ticket is valid, the electronic central unit 4 sends said first control signal for setting the encumbrance device 3 to the opening configuration (typically it sends said first control signal to the means for moving 30 for opening the physical barrier 6 of the encumbrance device 3) and sends said second control signal to the signaler 8 for setting the latter to the licit crossing configuration, and the validating apparatus 5 is temporarily disabled. Then the photocell or photocells 9a upstream from the encumbrance device 3 detect the presence of the user, who starts crossing the encumbrance device. After the user gets beyond the encumbrance device 3 in the opening configuration, the photocell or photocells 9b downstream from the encumbrance device 3 detect the user's presence and give such information to the electronic central unit 4. When the photocell or photocells 9b downstream from the encumbrance device 3 stop detecting the user's presence, the electronic central unit 4 controls the switching of the encumbrance device 3 to the encumbrance configuration, sends said second control signal to the signaler for setting it back to the illicit crossing configuration and enables the validating apparatus 5, which is again ready for managing new tickets.
Advantageously, the electronic central unit 4 can operate, according to the information it can obtain from the means for detecting 9 and in compliance with the modes defined by its configuration and/or programming, so as to manage other operating conditions than the normal operating sequence.
Preferably, so that the user's transit is regarded as correct by the system 1, the user must start crossing the passage compartment 10 within a predetermined time limit (by programming the electronic central unit 4) from the validation of the ticket.
Preferably, if during the switching of the encumbrance device 3 from the opening to the encumbrance configuration the photocell or photocells 9b and 9a detect the presence of a user or of a hindrance, the electronic central unit 4 sends said first control signal for stopping the movement of the physical barrier and sends an error signal.
According to the control logic every attempt at illicitly crossing (detected by way of the means for detecting 9) and/or forcing (identified by way of mechanical means integrated into the encumbrance device 3) the encumbrance device 3 (typically forcing one or more physical barriers 6) causes the sending of a signal from the electronic central unit 4 to the signaler or signalers 8 for setting them to the illicit crossing configuration.
Preferably, the signaler 8 can assume an alarm configuration that can be activated in the forcing condition of the encumbrance device 3 and/or simultaneously to the activation of one or more means for detecting 9 without having validated the ticket.
Advantageously, the control logic operates so as to allow one user at a time to cross the passage compartment 10.
The control logic operates so as not to create dangerous conditions for passengers and to ensure their safety, also in case of forcing or unauthorized crossing. The system 1 automatically signals abnormal conditions.
In a possible embodiment of the system according to the present invention (as shown by way of example in Figure 4), the encumbrance device 3 does not represent a hindrance which can positively prevent the user from crossing the compartment 10 in the non-enable condition, but it acts as a dissuasion device apt to visually indicate (and in a manifest manner thanks to the opening and dosing movement of the physical barriers 6) when it is licit to get through the passage compartment 10 as a result of a regular check or validation of the ticket by the validating apparatus 5. In this embodiment, the system 1 can comprise physical barriers 6 which can be easily overcome or forced in both directions of movement. Preferably, the system 1 can visually and/or acoustically signal every unauthorized attempt at crossing and/or forcing the encumbrance device 3.
As shown by way of example in Figure 4, each physical barrier 6 can be made up of a horizontal swinging boom 6a (i.e. parallel to the treading plane 20) perpendicular, when in the encumbrance position, to the direction 60 of transit of the passage compartment 10. This horizontal swinging boom 6a is able to rotate around a vertical axis perpendicular to the treading plane 20 on a pin 33a contained in a housing 34 and positioned on one side of the passage compartment 10. This horizontal swinging boom 6a is preferably of simple and light construction. Preferably, the horizontal swinging boom 6a causes a reduced encumbrance of the passage compartment 10 and represents for the user who does not possess a valid ticket a visual element for dissuading crossing. Preferably, the horizontal swinging boom 6a is placed at a height of 950 mm from the treading plane. Preferably, said horizontal swinging booms 6a have a length of 300 mm to 500 mm.
Preferably, the encumbrance device 3 may not comprise the aforesaid blocking device 45 apt to maintain the physical barrier or barriers 6 in the encumbrance position, but it enables a rotation of the physical barrier or barriers 6 also by the user by pushing the same. The operation, the operating sequence and the management of abnormal conditions are the same as those described for the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 2a, 3 and 3a.
In another possible embodiment, shown by way of example in Figures 5 and 6, the encumbrance device 3 is not equipped with a motor 31 and the switching of said encumbrance device 3 between said encumbrance configuration and said opening configuration can be obtained by means of a manual thrust upon said encumbrance device 3, e.g. upon said physical barrier.
Advantageously, the system 1 achieves a dissuasive effect by signaling, with the encumbrance device dividing the vehicle spaces, its presence and the need to authenticate the ticket before accessing the stop area 13, but without preventing unauthorized accesses.
Preferably, said physical barriers 6 can rotate, in order to determine the opening configuration of the encumbrance device 3, in each of both directions of rotation with respect to its vertical axis and occupies in the opening position a space upstream or downstream from the encumbrance device 3 (i.e. moving along the direction 60 according to the direction of crossing of the passage compartment 10 or in the opposite direction).
Preferably, said manually controlled encumbrance device 3 comprises a rotation mechanism 70, shown by way of example in Figure 6. Preferably, said rotation mechanism 70 can be fastened to the passage compartment 10 (typically on the side of the compartment 10) of the transport vehicle 100. Preferably, said rotation mechanism 70 comprises a fixed body 71 and a movable body 72 swively mounted onto the fixed body 71. Preferably, said rotation mechanism 70 comprises at least one rolling friction bearing 76 placed between said movable body 72 and said fixed body 71 and apt to promote the rotation of said movable body 72 on said fixed body 71.
Preferably, said movable body 72 is substantially shaped as a cylinder with an axial cavity. Preferably, the aforesaid physical barrier 6 is mounted onto the movable body 72. Preferably, said fixed body 71 comprises an upper cover 73, a lower cover 74 and a longitudinal pin 90 axially mounted between said covers 73 and 74. Preferably, said upper 73 and lower cover 74 are substantially shaped as a hollow cylinder. Preferably, said fixed body 71 comprises an upper extension 75, typically shaped as a hollow cylinder, connected to said upper cover 73. Preferably, said movable body 72 is swively mounted onto said longitudinal pin 90 and axially placed between said upper extension 75 and said lower cover 74. Preferably, said rotation mechanism 70 further comprises means for re-positioning 80 placed between said fixed body 71 and said movable body 72.
Preferably, said means for re-positioning 80 comprise at least one torsion spring 81 having a first end 81 a fastened to said lower cover 74 (or alternatively upper cover), and a second end 81 b, opposite said first end 81, fastened to said movable body 72, said torsion spring 81 being apt to develop a return torque on said movable body 72 towards a predetermined angular position with respect to said fixed body 71 when said movable body 72 is angularly moved from said predetermined angular position. Preferably, said return torque is proportional to the angular shift of said movable body 72 with respect to said fixed body 71 from the predetermined angular position.
Preferably, said means for re-positioning 80 further comprise a contrasting body 77 slidably mounted onto said longitudinal pin 90 of said fixed body 71. Preferably, said contrasting body 77 is equipped with a pin 77a engaging a suitable seat 72a of said movable body 72 apt to couple said contrasting body 77 with said movable body 72.
Preferably, said seat 72a of said movable body 72 is shaped so as to determine, as a result of a rotation of said movable body 72 around said longitudinal pin 90, a shift of said contrasting body 77 along the longitudinal axis of said longitudinal pin 90.
Preferably, the seat 72a is obtained on the upper end (or alternatively lower end) of this movable body. Preferably, this seat 72a has a pair of opposite, inclined walls, on which the aforesaid pin 77a can abut, e.g. shaped for forming a "V" on the upper free edge of this movable body 72. Preferably, the movable body 72 has a pair of these seats 72a arranged in diametrically opposite positions.
Preferably, said means for re-positioning 80 further comprise at least one compression spring 82 (e.g. coaxial with the longitudinal pin 90) having a first end 82a abutting on the fixed body 71 (e.g. on the upper 73 - or lower cover 74), and a second end 82b abutting on said contrasting body 77. Preferably, said compression spring 82 is subjected to compression by the contrasting body 77 when it is shifted by the rotation of said movable body 72 around said longitudinal pin 90, said compression spring 82 developing a return force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of said longitudinal pin 90, acting upon said contrasting body 77 and proportional to the angular shift of said movable body 72. The spring 82 is preferably preloaded so as to maintain the thrust of the contrasting body 77 on the movable body 72 and thus to subject the movable barrier 6 to an initial force torque also in the encumbrance position (e.g. in the aforesaid predetermined angular position). Advantageously, the rotation mechanism 70 determines a sufficient retention (i.e. the initial return torque) on the physical barrier 6 when it is in the encumbrance configuration of the passage compartment 10. Typically, this initial return torque is such as to prevent the opening of the physical barrier 6 in case of acceleration, sudden decelerations, jumps or vibrations of the transport vehicle 100 when running.
Preferably, said seat 72a of said movable body 72 is shaped so as to define a limit angle of rotation of the movable body 72 itself, beyond which said pin 77a of said contrasting body 77 does not engage said seat 72a, by sliding on the upper free edge 72b of said movable body 72. Thus, the compression spring 82 does not develop any return force on the movable body 72.
Preferably, the rotation mechanism 70 defines a two-phase diagram of the return torque developed by means for re-positioning 80 as a function of the angular shift of the movable body 72. Typically, in the first stage of this diagram, corresponding to small angular shifts, the return torque increases rapidly starting from the aforesaid initial force torque as a function of the angle of rotation of the movable body 72 and is given by the sum of the torques generated by the torsion spring 81 and by the compression spring 82. At the end of this first stage, the torque decreases rapidly due to the absence of the contribution generated by the compression spring 82 when the pin 77a of the contrasting body 77 does not engage the seat 72a of the movable body 72. Typically, in the second stage of the diagram of the loading torque this torque is generated by the torsion spring 81 only, interposed between the fixed body 71 and the movable body 72 (and increases in a slower manner than the first stage of the diagram as a function of the angle of rotation of the movable body 72).
Advantageously, said rotation mechanism 70 determines the switching of the encumbrance device 3 from the opening configuration to the encumbrance configuration by automatically recalling the physical barrier 6 from the opening position to the encumbrance configuration. Advantageously, the rotation mechanism 70 causes, for each angle of rotation of the movable body 72, a sufficient return torque on the physical barrier 6 of the encumbrance device 3, such as to ensure a rapid return of the physical barrier 6 from the opening position to the encumbrance position as a result of the user crossing the passage compartment 10.
Advantageously, the rotation mechanism 70 offers a limited resistance to the rotation of the movable body 72 (in particular of the physical barrier 6 connected to said movable body 72) by a user, and the return torque developed by said means for re-positioning 80 has such as value as to be easily overcome, if necessary, by the thrust exerted by the user.
Preferably, the manually controlled encumbrance device 3 described above comprises control means (not shown, typically associated to the rotation mechanism 70) comprising a proximity sensor apt to detect the position of said physical barrier 6 when the encumbrance device 3 is in the encumbrance configuration.
When using the system 1 according to this latter embodiment with manual control (shown by way of example in Figure 5), the user inserts his/her evidence of travel into the validating apparatus which checks the validity thereof or validates it. If the evidence of travel is valid or is validated, the electronic central unit 4 of the system 1 sends said second control signal to the signaler 8 for setting the latter to the licit crossing configuration and the user can start crossing the passage compartment 10 of the vehicle 100 by manually setting, typically by pushing the physical barrier or barriers 6, the encumbrance device 3 to the opening configuration.
Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, means for detecting 9 of the user are positioned in the passage compartment 10 on the encumbrance device 3 for detecting, as a result of the manual opening of the encumbrance device 3 by the user, the user's passage. Preferably, these means for detecting 9 send a user presence signal to the electronic central unit 4 which manages the operating sequence of the system 1.
Preferably, according to the control logic every attempt of unauthorized crossing (i.e. every crossing made without previous check of ticket validity and without crossing enable by the system 1) of the encumbrance device 3, detected by way of the means for detecting 9 and/or of the proximity sensor, if present, causes the sending of a signal from the electronic central unit 4 to the signaler or signalers 8 for setting them to the illicit crossing configuration.

Claims

A passenger transport vehicle (100) comprising a vehicle access management system (1), the system comprising means for signaling (2) intended to be positioned in a passage compartment (10) inside said vehicle for signaling the presence of the system, characterized in that said means for signaling (2) include an encumbrance device (3) apt to operate at least between an encumbrance configuration of said passage compartment (10) and an opening configuration, in which said device does not encumber said compartment for the crossing of the same by a user, and in that the system comprises an electronic control unit (4) for the operation and the control of the system, which can be interfaced with a validating apparatus (5) for evidences of travel for receiving from the validating apparatus a validating signal for an evidence of travel, said validating signal being able to assume at least a first status corresponding to an obliteration of the evidence of travel and/or to a positive result of a check of its validity by the validating apparatus, said means for signaling (2) comprising at least one visual and/or acoustic signaler (3; 8) intended to be connected to said electronic central unit (4) for receiving from the latter a control signal, wherein said at least one signaler is apt to assume at least two configurations of licit and illicit crossing respectively, the electronic control unit being configured to set, by means of said control signal, said visual and/or acoustic signaler (3; 8) selectively to one of the two configurations as a function of said validating signal.
The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said encumbrance device (3) is connected to said electronic central unit (4) for receiving from the latter said control signal for selectively setting the device to the opening or encumbrance configuration, corresponding to licit or illicit crossing through the passage compartment (10), respectively, and wherein said visual and/or acoustic signaler coincides with said encumbrance device (3), the licit and illicit crossing configurations corresponding to the opening and encumbrance configurations, respectively.
The vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising an additional visual and/or acoustic signaler (8) intended to be connected to said electronic control unit (4) for receiving from the latter an additional control signal, wherein said additional signaler is apt to assume at least two configurations of licit and illicit crossing respectively, the electronic control unit (4) being configured to selectively set, by means of said additional control signal, said additional visual and/or acoustic signaler (8) to one of the two configurations as a function of said validating signal.
The vehicle according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the signaler or the additional signaler is a light signaling device comprising a colored light that can be configured with at least two colors corresponding to the above mentioned licit and illicit crossing configurations.
The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said encumbrance device (3) comprises at least one physical barrier (6) which can be moved between a encumbrance position of said passage compartment (10), corresponding to said encumbrance configuration, and an opening position, in which said physical barrier (6) does not encumber said passage compartment, corresponding to said opening configuration, said physical barrier (6) comprising a door leaf or a swinging boom.
The vehicle according to claim 5, said encumbrance device (3) further comprising means for moving (30) mechanically coupled with said physical barrier (6) for moving the latter between said encumbrance position and said opening position, said means for moving comprising at least one motor (31), said electronic central unit (4) being configured for sending to the means for moving said control signal so as to selectively set said physical barrier in the opening or encumbrance position as a function of said validating signal.
The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said encumbrance device (3) comprises a rotation mechanism (70) including a fixed body (71), a movable body (72) swively mounted on the fixed body, and means for re-positioning (80) interposed between said fixed body and said movable body, the physical barrier (6) being mounted on the movable body (72), and wherein said means for re-positioning (80) comprise at least one torsion spring (81) having a first end (81a) fastened to said fixed body (71) and a second end (81b) fastened to said movable body (72), said torsion spring (81) being apt to develop a return torque on said movable body (72) towards a predetermined angular position with respect to said fixed body (71) when said movable body (72) is angularly moved from said predetermined angular position, said means for re-positioning (80) further including a contrasting body (77) slidably mounted on said fixed body and equipped with a pin (77a) engaging a seat (72a) of said movable body, and a compression spring (82) having a first end (82a) abutting against the fixed body and a second end (82b) abutting against said contrasting body, said seat (72a) being shaped so as to determine, as a result of a rotation of said movable body with respect to said contrasting body (77), a shift, along the longitudinal axis of said fixed body (71), of said contrasting body, so that said compression spring (82) is subjected to compression by the contrasting body, said compression spring developing a return force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fixed body, acting upon said contrasting body, said return force generating a corresponding return torque as a result of the thrust of the pin (77a) onto the seat (72a) of the movable body.
The vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the system further comprising means for detecting (9) placed near the encumbrance device (3) for detecting the presence of a user, and connected to said electronic control unit (4) for sending to the latter a user presence signal, said presence signal being able to assume at least a first status corresponding to the presence of a user in the field of sensitivity of the means for detecting, and the electronic control unit being configured for generating said control signal and/or additional control signal as a function of said presence signal received from said means for detecting (9).
The vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein said means for detecting (9) comprise at least one front photoelectric cell (9a) placed in a space of the passage compartment (10) upstream from the physical barrier (6) with respect to the direction (60) of crossing of the encumbrance device (3) by the user accessing the vehicle, or placed in correspondence of said physical barrier (6), the electronic control unit being configured for setting, by means of said control signal, the signaler to the configuration of illicit crossing as a result of the reception of said user presence signal in said first status, sent by said at least one front photoelectric cell, and of the simultaneous non-reception of said control signal in said first status sent by the validating apparatus.
The vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein said means for detecting comprise at least one rear photoelectric cell (9b) placed in a space of the passage compartment downstream from the physical barrier, preferably outside the encumbrance of the encumbrance device in both configurations, the electronic control unit being configured for maintaining, by means of said control signal, the encumbrance device in the opening configuration, in which it is set as a result of receiving in sequence said validating signal in said first status and said user presence signal in said first status, sent within a predetermined time limit from the reception of said validating signal by said at least one front photoelectric cell, as long as it receives said user presence signal in said first status sent by said at least one rear photoelectric cell.