Roof box and vehicle equipped with such a box

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof box (20) for a public transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, the box (20) defining an internal volume (34) and comprising: - a body (30) having a set of side walls (40, 41) each extending along a respective plane of extension, and - a lid (32) closing at least partially the body (30). The lid (32) has at least one peripheral skirt (56) located outside the body (30) and defining, with at least one of said side walls (40, 41), a channel, the box (20) further comprising a sealant disposed in the channel.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof box for a public transport vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a roof box.

[0002] Roof boxes are used in numerous applications to protect equipment mounted on the roofs of vehicles such as buses, trains, and trams. The equipment thus protected includes, for example, electrical control or transformation equipment designed to receive electrical current from a pantograph via an overhead line, as well as fuel cell assemblies and thermal control devices such as air conditioners.

[0003] These safes typically consist of a box, defining a receiving compartment, closed by a lid made of metal sheets riveted to the box, which also serves as a support for each sheet. This lid separates the inside of the safe from the outside and thus protects the equipment inside. To ensure good waterproofing, the individual metal sheets of the lid are generally sealed together with sealant.

[0004] DE 102 43 091 A1 and EP 3 239 013 A1 describe roof boxes intended for mounting on motor vehicles or railways. US 3 401 647 A describes a hatch intended for installation on the roof 10 of a railway vehicle.

[0005] However, such safes do not provide complete satisfaction. Indeed, it frequently happens that leaks appear through the sealant, and these leaks can lead to corrosion of the sheet metal and / or the body, or even, in some cases, damage to the equipment stored in the safe.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a roof box for a public transport vehicle that offers increased durability.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a roof box according to claim 1.

[0008] The trunk lid according to the invention thus protects the sealant by preventing it from being directly exposed to rain, detergents during trunk cleaning, and / or sunlight. The risks of sealant deterioration, and therefore water infiltration into the trunk, are thus reduced.

[0009] According to particular embodiments, the chest has one or more of the characteristics of claims 2 to 8 taken(s) individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0010] A public transport vehicle is also proposed according to claim 9.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is according to claim 10.

[0012] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the attached drawings, in which: there figure 1 represents a schematic view of an example of a vehicle comprising a trunk according to the invention, the figure 2 is a perspective view of the trunk of the figure 1 , and the figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the trunk of the figure 2 .

[0013] An example of a public transport vehicle is shown on the figure 1 .

[0014] Vehicle 10 is, for example, a train, a tram, or a bus. However, other types of vehicles 10 are also possible.

[0015] Vehicle 10 is, for example, an electric vehicle, that is to say a vehicle designed to be propelled by an electric motor 12. However, other modes of propulsion are likely to be considered.

[0016] According to the embodiment shown in the figure 1 , the vehicle 10 comprises a body 14, a pantograph 16, at least one electrical equipment 18 and a roof box 20 housing said equipment 18. The vehicle 10 travels on a track, for example a railway track, by means of wheels 22.

[0017] The electric motor 12 is configured to drive the wheels 22 of the vehicle 10 when the motor 12 is supplied with an electric current.

[0018] The body 14 delimits at least one compartment 24 of the vehicle 10. The body 14 is configured to separate each compartment 24 from the exterior of the vehicle 10. The body 14 includes, in particular, a roof 26 which delimits each compartment 24 along an elevation direction Z that is substantially vertical when the vehicle 10 is traveling on a horizontal track. The compartment 24 is intended to accommodate passengers, goods, and / or equipment of the vehicle 10.

[0019] The pantograph 16 is configured to make contact with at least one catenary 28 when the vehicle 10 is moving, and to receive a first electrical current from the catenary(ies) 28. The pantograph 20 is further configured to transmit the first electrical current to the equipment 18.

[0020] Equipment 18 is configured, for example, to convert the first current into a second current, and to transmit the second current to the electric motor 12.

[0021] An example of a chest 20 according to the invention is shown in more detail on the figure 2 .

[0022] The box 20 is fixed to the roof 26, for example by screwing.

[0023] The trunk 20 extends along an elevation direction Z' substantially parallel to the elevation direction Z of the vehicle 10 when the trunk 20 is installed on the roof 26 of the vehicle 10. In the following description, the terms "upper", "lower", "upwards", "downwards", "above" and "below" shall refer to said elevation direction Z' of the trunk 20.

[0024] The chest 20 comprises a box 30 and a lid 32 closing the box 30. The box 30 and the lid 32 are configured to delimit an internal volume 34 of the chest 30, and to separate said internal volume 34 from the outside of the chest 20. The chest 20 further includes a sealant 36 disposed between the box 30 and the lid 32.

[0025] Preferably, as shown on the figure 2 The trunk 20 further includes a support 38 positioned between the roof 26 of the vehicle 10 and the crate 30. The support 38 thus has a lower face intended to be in contact with the vehicle 10, and an upper face against which the crate 30 rests. The support 38 includes, for example, a set of feet 39 against which the crate 30 rests, each foot 39 being configured to be attached to the roof 26, for example in a removable manner, and thus to be fixed to the crate 30. Each foot 39 is, for example, configured to be screwed to the roof 26.

[0026] The crate 30 is configured to support the cover 32. In particular, the crate 30 is configured to maintain the cover 32 in a raised position relative to the body 14 of the vehicle 10 when the trunk 20 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0027] The crate 30 is preferably made of a metallic material. For example, the crate 30 is made of metal, for example aluminium, galvanised steel or carbon steel.

[0028] The box 30 comprises a set of side walls 40, 41, each extending according to a respective extension plan.

[0029] As an optional addition, the case 30 further comprises at least one intermediate partition 44 extending inside the internal volume 34 of the chest 30 according to a respective extension plan. The intermediate partition(s) 44 divide(s) the internal volume 34 into at least two compartments. For example, each compartment is intended to hold a respective piece of equipment 18.

[0030] As an optional addition, the crate 30 includes a bottom wall 45 intended to support the equipment 18 received in the chest 20. Each side wall 40, 41 rises from the bottom wall 45, according to its extension plan.

[0031] It should be noted that the structure of the box 30, in particular the number, shape and arrangement of the side walls 40, 41 and the intermediate wall(s) 44, is likely to vary.

[0032] In the example shown on the figures 2 And 3, the box 30 comprises four side walls 40, 41 whose respective extension planes extend substantially along the extension direction Z' of the box 20.

[0033] Each side wall 40, 41 has an internal face 46A oriented towards the internal volume 34 of the chest 20 and an external face 46B opposite the internal face 46A, the internal and external faces 46A, 46B extending along the respective extension plane of the side wall 40, 41. Each side wall 40, 41 also has a peripheral slice 47 connecting the internal face 46A and the external face 46B of said side wall 40, 41.

[0034] According to one embodiment, each lateral and / or intermediate wall 40, 41, 44 has a polygonal perimeter. In other words, each wall 40, 41, 44 is delimited in its respective extension plane by a closed polygonal contour. According to the example of the box 20 shown in the figure 2 , the case 30 comprises two side walls 40 in the shape of an irregular hexagon and two side walls 41 of rectangular shape.

[0035] Alternatively, each wall 40, 41, 44 is rectangular, square, or even triangular.

[0036] Alternatively, at least one lateral and / or intermediate wall 40, 41, 44 has a perimeter having at least one non-straight part, in particular a part in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0037] Each side and / or intermediate wall 40, 41, 44 extends along the elevation direction Z' of the chest 20 between a lower edge 48 and an upper edge 49.

[0038] When the bottom wall 45 is present, at least one side and / or intermediate wall 40, 41, 44 is fixed at its lower edge 48 to said bottom wall 45, for example by riveting, screwing, or welding.

[0039] The bottom wall 45 has an inner face 50 oriented towards the inner volume 34 of the box 20 and an outer face (not visible) opposite the inner face 50, the outer face being intended to be opposite the roof 26 when the box 20 is installed on the vehicle 10. The bottom wall 45 also has a peripheral edge (not visible) connecting the inner face 50 and the outer face of the bottom wall 45.

[0040] When the chest 20 includes a support 38, the bottom wall 45 is fixed to said support, for example by means of rivets.

[0041] Preferably, at least one side wall 40, 41 extends on either side of the bottom wall 45, forming a so-called "teardrop" profile. This means that said side wall 40, 41 rests on the edge of the bottom wall 45, with a marginal portion of the side wall 40, 41 extending from the outer face of the bottom wall 45 along the elevation direction Z'. Preferably, said marginal portion extends below the outer face of the bottom wall 45 along the elevation direction Z' to a height greater than 8 mm, for example, between 8 mm and 10 mm, to form a teardrop shape that allows residual water to drain vertically from the side walls 40, 41.

[0042] When the support 38 is present, said side wall 40, 41 also preferably extends below the level of the top face of the support 38 in the elevation direction Z'.

[0043] This overhang allows the water to run down the said side wall 40, 41 before falling towards the roof 26 and / or the ground, preventing the water from flowing down the base of the box 20, and in particular preventing water from stagnating at the bottom wall 45 when the latter is present.

[0044] The cover 32 is configured to close the case 30 and to delimit the internal volume 34 of the chest 20 according to the elevation direction Z'.

[0045] The lid 32 is supported by the casing 30, for example at at least one side wall 40, 41 and / or an intermediate wall 44. In the example shown on the figure 2 , the lid 32 rests on the four side walls 40, 41 of the box 30.

[0046] The cover 32 is, for example, welded onto the case 30. Alternatively, the cover 32 is fixed to the case 30 by means of rivets.

[0047] The lid 32 has an internal face 52A oriented at least in part towards the internal volume 34 of the chest 20, and an external face 52B opposite to the internal face 52A and oriented towards the outside of the chest 20.

[0048] The cover 32 has a central part 54 of the cover 32, the inner face 52A of which is opposite the internal volume 34 of the chest 20. The cover 32 also has a peripheral skirt 56 located outside the case 30 and forming a rim of the cover 32.

[0049] Preferably, the cover 32 has at least one opening 58 passing through the central part 54. Each opening 58 provides access to the internal volume 34 of the chest 20, and in particular to the equipment 18 located inside it, for example, to carry out maintenance operations. Each opening 58 also provides access to the internal volume 34 of the chest 20 during its manufacture, for example, to attach the cover 32 to the casing 30 by welding, a weld bead 59 (visible on the figure 3 ) then extending inside the trunk 20. When the vehicle 10 is moving, each opening 58 is at least partially closed by a panel (not shown).

[0050] According to the example shown on the figure 2 , the cover 32 is formed of a set of sheets 62. Each sheet 62 has an inner face, forming a portion of the inner face 52A of the cover 32, and an outer face, forming a portion of the outer face 52B of the cover 32.

[0051] Each 62 sheet is made of a metallic material, preferably aluminum. However, other materials are also possible.

[0052] The 62 sheets are assembled together to form a single-piece 62 sheet assembly. Preferably, the 62 sheets are welded together to form a single-piece 62 sheet assembly.

[0053] Alternatively, the cover 32 is formed from a single sheet 62.

[0054] The peripheral skirt 56 is preferably made of the same material as the sheet(s) 62. The peripheral skirt 56 is obtained for example by folding the sheet(s) 62.

[0055] As seen on the figure 3 , the peripheral skirt 56 extends outside the body 30, forming a dropped edge around at least part of the upper edge 49 of the body 30. When the trunk 20 is mounted on the roof 26 of the vehicle 10, the peripheral skirt 56 extends downwards towards the roof 26 of the vehicle 10 and / or the ground.

[0056] In the example shown on the figure 2 The peripheral skirt 56 extends around the entire perimeter of the upper edge 49 of the body 30. The peripheral skirt 56 is continuous here. The peripheral skirt 56 surrounds the upper edge 49 of each side wall 40, 41 of the body 30.

[0057] The peripheral skirt 56 covers the upper edge 49, extending outwards from the body 39 beyond the upper edge 49 and downwards. The free edge of the peripheral skirt 56 is located lower than the upper edge 49.

[0058] According to the example shown on the figures 2 And 3, the peripheral skirt 56 has a proximal portion 66, a distal portion 67 forming the dropped edge and a junction 68 connecting the proximal portion 66 and the distal portion 67. The junction 68 is for example an edge or a rounded edge.

[0059] The proximal portion 66 extends in continuity with the central part 54 of the lid 32 beyond the edge 47 of the lateral wall 40,41, preferably over a length between 5 mm and 10 mm, this length corresponding to the width of the proximal portion 66.

[0060] The distal portion 67 is the portion of the peripheral skirt 56 that extends outwards from the carcass 30 beyond the upper edge 49, extending downwards. The free edge of the distal portion 67 (which defines the free edge of the peripheral skirt 56) is located lower than the upper edge 49.

[0061] The peripheral skirt 56 defines with at least one side wall 40, 41 of the casing 30 a gutter 70 for receiving the sealant 36. In other words, at the level of the peripheral skirt 56, the inner face 52A of the cover 32 is opposite the outer face 46B of the casing 30.

[0062] The chute 70 is delimited on one side by the cover 32, more precisely by the peripheral skirt 56, and on the other side by the box 30, more precisely by one or more side wall(s) 40, 41.

[0063] The chute 70 has a bottom 72 formed by the inner face 52A of the proximal portion 66 of the skirt 56. The bottom 72 has a width substantially equal to the length of the proximal portion 66.

[0064] The chute 70 thus presents, according to a cutting plane normal to the associated side wall 40, 41, a U or inverted V profile.

[0065] This design prevents the penetration of water or cleaning products by promoting the flow of liquid by gravity.

[0066] The channel 70 has a height H between 15 mm and 20 mm, the height H being measured along the elevation direction Z' between the bottom 72 of the channel 70 and the free edge of the peripheral skirt 56.

[0067] If there were to be a partial decohesion of the sealant 36 inside the channel 70, a rise of the liquid by capillary action would be stopped very quickly given the distance to travel in the channel 70 between the free edge of the peripheral skirt 56 and the bottom 72 of the channel 70.

[0068] The channel 70 defines an angle α between 0° and 75°, preferably between 40° and 50°, advantageously substantially equal to 45°, the angle α being measured between the inner face 52A of the distal portion 67 of the skirt 56 and the outer face 46B of the lateral wall 40, 41 opposite which is said distal portion 67.

[0069] Such an angle α facilitates the application of the sealant 36 in the channel 70 and ensures a good seal between the box 30 and the cover 32.

[0070] The sealant 36 rests on the inner face 52A of the peripheral skirt 56, preferably on the inner face 52A of the proximal and distal portions 66, 67 of the skirt 56, and on the outer face 46B of the wall 40, 41 which faces said inner face 52A.

[0071] The presence of sealant 36 on the said faces 52A, 46B prevents any rising of liquid by capillary action into the interior of the trunk 20.

[0072] Sealant 36, for example, is made of polymeric material, notably polyurethane or silicone.

[0073] Thanks to the peripheral skirt 56, the sealant 36 is not directly exposed to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet rays. This prevents degradation of the sealant 36's mechanical properties and increases its lifespan.

[0074] A manufacturing process for the chest 20 according to the invention will now be described.

[0075] The manufacturing process includes a step of supplying the case 30, a step of supplying the lid 32, a step of assembling the lid 32 onto the case 30 and a step of applying the sealant 36 between the lid 32 and the case 30 to ensure the sealing of the case 20.

[0076] During the supply stage of the crate 30, the side walls 40, 41 and, optionally, the intermediate wall(s) 44 and the bottom wall 45 are assembled together by welding or riveting.

[0077] During the stage of supplying the cover 32, the sheets 62 are assembled together, preferably welded to each other, so as to form a single-piece sheet 62 assembly.

[0078] Preferably, prior to the supply step of the cover 32, at least part of the sheets 62 has undergone a folding step so as to form the peripheral skirt 56 of the cover 32.

[0079] Then, the lid 32 is placed on the box 30 so as to close said box 30. The lid 32 then rests on the box 30, for example at the level of at least one side wall 40, 41 and / or an intermediate wall 44.

[0080] The cover 32 is then attached to the case 30. The cover 32 is, for example, welded to the case 30 or attached to the case 30 using rivets. The presence of an opening 58 in the cover 32 allows an operator to access the internal volume 34 of the case 20 to perform these attachments.

[0081] The cover 32 and the box 30 define between them a chute 70 as described previously.

[0082] Then, the sealant 36 is applied, for example using a suitable gun, inside the channel 70.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment, the box 30 is then fixed to a support 38.

[0084] One or more electronic devices 18 are then placed inside the box 20 and shutters are installed to close the openings 58. The box 20 is then fixed, for example screwed, to the roof 26 of the vehicle 10.

[0085] When the vehicle 10 is driven outdoors, the presence of the peripheral skirt 56 protects the sealant 36 from sunlight and rain. The sealant 36 is also at least partially protected from the cleaning products used when washing the vehicle 10. The sealant 36 thus retains its mechanical properties for longer, preventing partial or total degradation or delamination of the sealant 36.

[0086] The risks of deterioration of the sealant 36, and therefore of infiltration of water or washing products inside the box 20 which could damage the equipment received in the box 20, or generate corrosion by stagnation of water inside the box 30, are therefore reduced.

[0087] Moreover, even in the event of partial decohesion of the sealant 36, the U or inverted V profile of the gutter 70 promotes the flow of liquid by gravity and prevents rising by capillary action into the interior of the box 20, due to the length to travel in the gutter 70.

[0088] Water stagnation is also avoided at the bottom wall 45, where present, the "water drop" profile and the overhang of the marginal portion of the side wall(s) 40, 41 prevent water from running under the box 30.

[0089] The 20 roof box according to the invention thus presents a very limited risk of water infiltration, and therefore has increased durability.

[0090] In an alternative not shown, the peripheral skirt 56 does not extend around the entire circumference of the upper edge 49 of the casing 30, but only around a portion of the circumference. For example, the peripheral skirt 56 comprises a plurality of skirt segments spaced apart from one another, the peripheral skirt 56 then being discontinuous. For example, each skirt segment extends opposite a respective side wall 40, 41.

[0091] Alternatively, the peripheral skirt 56 is devoid of a proximal portion 66. The junction 68 then directly connects the central part 54 of the cover 32 to the distal portion 67 of the skirt 56.

Claims

1. A roof box (20) for a public transport vehicle (10), especially a railway vehicle, the box (20) delimiting an inner volume (34) and including: - a case (30) including a set of side walls (40, 41) each extending along a respective extension plane, and - a cover (32) at least partly closing the case (30), characterised in that the cover (32) includes at least one peripheral skirt (56) located outside the case (30) and defining with at least one said side wall (40, 41) a gutter (70), the box (20) further comprising a sealant (36) disposed in the gutter (70).

2. The box (20) according to claim 1, wherein the skirt (56) comprises a distal portion (67) forming a flanged edge, the gutter (70) being delimited between said flanged edge and the side wall (40, 41) facing which said distal portion (67) is located.

3. The box (20) according to claim 2, wherein the gutter (70) defines an angle (α) of between 0° and 75°, preferably between 40° and 50°, advantageously substantially equal to 45°, said angle (α) being measured between an inner face (52A) of the distal portion (67) of the skirt (56) and an outer face (46B) of the side wall (40, 41) facing which said distal portion (67) is located.

4. The box (20) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the skirt (56) further comprises a proximal portion (66) extending between the distal portion (67) and a central part (54) of the cover (32), said central part (54) having an inner face (52A) facing the inner volume (34) of the box (20), the proximal portion (66) extending in continuity with the central part (54), the proximal portion (66) preferably having a width of between 5 mm and 10 mm.

5. The box (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (32) is attached to the case (30) by means of a weld bead (59) and / or rivets.

6. The box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the box (20) further comprises a support (38) extending between a lower face intended to be in contact with the vehicle (10) and an upper face in contact with the case (30), at least one of the side walls (40, 41) of the case (30) preferably partly extending below the upper face of the support (38).

7. The box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (32) comprises a plurality of metal sheets (62) assembled together, for example welded together, so as to form a single-piece set of sheets (62).

8. The box according to claim 7, wherein the skirt (56) is made as one piece with at least one of the sheets (62), the skirt (56) being preferably obtained by bending said sheet (62).

9. A public transport vehicle (10), in particular a railway vehicle, comprising at least one roof box (20) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. The vehicle (10) according to claim 9, the vehicle (10) being an electric vehicle including a motor (12) and a pantograph (16), the motor (12) being configured to propel the vehicle (10), the pantograph (16) being configured to receive a first electric current from a catenary (28) and to transmit the first current to at least one device (18) accommodated in the inner volume (34) of the box (20), the device (18) being for example configured to convert the first current into a second electric current different from the first electric current and to supply the motor (12) with the second current.

Images