Vehicle comprising an assembly comprising a structure in which an opening and a junction device is formed

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (16) comprising a structure (17) in which an opening (21) is formed, and a joining device (18) comprising a first metal frame (20) riveted to the structure (2) and totally framing the opening (21) of the structure (17) and a second metal frame (28) attached to the first metal frame (20) in a sealed and reversible manner, and partially framing the opening (21).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising an assembly including a structure in which an opening is formed and a joining device comprising a first metal frame totally framing the opening of the structure.

[0002] High-speed rail vehicles typically include at least one end car and, for each end car, a first car adjacent to it. The first car has a body and is a double-decker car, with an upper and a lower level. The lower level contains a technical compartment housing various equipment, including an air conditioning unit for cooling the air circulating in the first car.

[0003] The air conditioning unit is typically installed in the technical compartment from outside the body of the first car through an opening cut into the body, or structure, and framed by a connecting device comprising a metal frame that ensures the compartment is sealed. The opening required for the passage of the equipment is limited by this frame. Installing the air conditioning unit is therefore a delicate operation because there is a risk of damaging its lower part, which is essential for its sealing function.

[0004] Such a frame also cannot be replaced after final assembly of the case.

[0005] US 2017 / 240188 A1 describes a vehicle comprising an assembly including a side wall in which a window opening and a joining device are formed.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing an assembly of the aforementioned type in which the sealing is improved while allowing access to equipment housed in the opening.

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

[0008] A vehicle according to the invention may further include one or more of the features of claims 2 to 9.

[0009] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig.1 ] there Fig. 1 is a schematic side view representation of a vehicle comprising an assembly according to the invention, and [ Fig.2 ] there Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective representation of a railway vehicle joining device, said device being fixed to the body of said vehicle.

[0010] In the description, the terms "lower" and "upper" are defined in relation to the usual directions of a railway vehicle placed on rails.

[0011] With reference to the Figure 1 , we describe a railway vehicle 1.

[0012] For example, railway vehicle 1 is a high-speed train (TGV).

[0013] The term "high-speed rail vehicle" is defined by the International Union of Railways (UIC): a railway vehicle operating at speeds above 250 km / h on dedicated lines; a railway vehicle operating at approximately 200 km / h on adapted standard lines; a railway vehicle capable of operating at lower speeds due to specific terrain conditions, topographical constraints or in an urban environment.

[0014] Alternatively, the vehicle is another land vehicle, an aircraft, or a watercraft.

[0015] In particular, vehicle 1 includes at least one end car 2.

[0016] Vehicle 1 also includes, for each end car 2, a first car 4 adjacent to that end car 2.

[0017] The first car 4 has a body 6.

[0018] The first car 4, for example, is a double-decker car, featuring an upper deck 8 and a lower deck 10.

[0019] The lower floor 10 contains a technical room 12 housing a plurality of equipment, including an air conditioning unit 14 intended to air condition the air circulating in the first car 4.

[0020] Technical room 12, for example, is closed off by a hatch (not shown).

[0021] Advantageously, the technical room 12 is located near one end 15 of the first car 4. Such a location makes it possible to optimize the space available for passengers in the first car 4.

[0022] The vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises an assembly 16 including a structure 17 and a connecting device 18, shown in the Figure 2 .

[0023] Structure 17 is for example formed by a lower part 19 of the body 6 located on a side C of the first car 4 at the level of the technical room 12.

[0024] An opening 21 is formed in the structure 17 so as to allow the installation of equipment in the technical room 12, in particular the air conditioning unit 14.

[0025] Opening 21, for example, is roughly rectangular in shape with rounded edges, and has, for example, a maximum length of 202 cm and a maximum width of 979 cm.

[0026] The joining device 18 includes a first metal frame 20 fixed in a watertight manner to the part of the case 6 and totally framing the opening 21.

[0027] This frame 20 is riveted to the case 6 by at least one rivet 23, for example two rivets 23.

[0028] The attachment of the first metal frame 20 to the crate 6 is therefore weld-free. Indeed, a welded assembly generates significant areas of stress and deformation.

[0029] The first metal frame 20 includes a central opening 25 arranged opposite the opening 21.

[0030] The first metal frame 20 completely frames the opening 21 and thus ensures a seal.

[0031] In addition, such a frame 20 avoids the presence of sharp edges around the opening 21 which could damage the equipment when installed in the technical room 12 through this opening 21.

[0032] To ensure a seal between the first metal frame 20 and the hatch of the technical room 12, a sealing gasket (not shown) extends over the hatch between it and the first metal frame 20.

[0033] The first metal frame 20 has an inner face fixed to the structure, and an outer face opposite to the inner face of the first metal frame 20.

[0034] The outer face 24 of the first metal frame 20 has a first surface S1.

[0035] The first metal frame 20 includes a lower portion 26.

[0036] The first metal frame 20 has an inner edge 26' oriented towards the central opening 25. The inner edge 26' is advantageously recessed in the lower portion 26 compared to the inner edge 26' in the rest of the first metal frame 20.

[0037] Preferably, the air conditioning unit 14 includes at least one additional recess 27 for a rivet 23 for fixing the first metal frame 20 to the structure 17.

[0038] Thus, the presence of rivets does not damage the air conditioning unit 14.

[0039] The first 20-inch metal frame is advantageously made of aluminum.

[0040] The joining device 18 further includes a second metal frame 28 attached to the first metal frame 20 in a watertight and reversible manner, and partially framing the opening 25.

[0041] Advantageously, the second metal frame 28 is referred to the recessed portion of the inner edge 26' of the lower portion 26 of the first metal frame 20, so that the withdrawal of the second metal frame 28 allows access to the air conditioning unit 14.

[0042] The second metal frame 28 preferably extends over the lower portion 26, substantially straight, of the first metal frame 20.

[0043] Preferably, the second metal frame 28 extends exclusively over the lower portion 26 of the first metal frame 20.

[0044] The second metal frame 28 has an inner face attached to the first metal frame 20, and an outer face 32 opposite to the inner face of the second metal frame 28.

[0045] The outer face 32 of the second metal frame 28 has a second surface S2.

[0046] Preferably, the second area S2 is at least equal to 35% of the first area S1.

[0047] Preferably, the second area S2 is at most equal to 75% of the first area S1.

[0048] The second metal frame 28 is for example attached by screwing to the first metal frame 20 in fixing holes 34 provided opposite each other in the first metal frame 20 and in the second metal frame 28.

[0049] The second metal frame 28 is advantageously made of aluminum.

[0050] The fact that the second metal frame 28 is reversibly repositioned allows for easy replacement of the air conditioning unit 14 in case of damage during installation and removal operations carried out in maintenance or initial installation.

[0051] Removing the second metal frame 28 during these operations also improves accessibility and opening for docking the equipment installation tools. In place, the second metal frame 28 ensures continuity of contact for the sealing gasket coming from the access hatch of the technical room 12.

[0052] Furthermore, the repair costs of the second metal frame 28 are lower than the costs required to repair a complete frame.

[0053] The entire system is described here in the specific example of a railway vehicle. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but could have various variations without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Vehicle (1), in particular a railway vehicle, comprising an assembly (16) comprising a structure (17) in which an opening (21) is formed, and a connection device (18) comprising a first metal frame (20) riveted to the structure (17) and fully framing the opening (21) of the structure (17) and a second metal frame (28) attached to the first metal frame (20) in a sealed and reversible manner, and partially framing the opening (21), the vehicle comprising at least one car (4) including a body (6), said structure (17) forming part of the body (6) of the vehicle (1), in which the opening (21) emerging in a technical room (12) of the vehicle (1) is formed, the first metal frame (20) having an inner face attached to the structure (17), and an outer face (24) opposite the inner face of the first metal frame (20), the second metal frame (28) having an inner face attached to the first metal frame (20), and an outer face (32) opposite the inner face of the second metal frame (28).

2. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second metal frame (28) is attached to the first metal frame (20) by screwing.

3. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first metal frame (20) is made of aluminium and the second metal frame (28) is made of aluminium.

4. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the outer face (24) of the first metal frame (20) has a first surface (S1) and the outer face (32) of the second metal frame (28) has a second surface (S2), the second surface (S2) being at least equal to 35% of the first surface (S1).

5. Vehicle (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second surface (S2) is at most equal to 75% of the first surface (S1).

6. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second metal frame (28) extends over a substantially straight lower portion (26) of the first metal frame (20).

7. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the technical room (12) is intended to house an air conditioning unit (14).

8. Vehicle (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first metal frame (20) comprises a central opening (25) disposed facing the opening (21), the first metal frame (20) comprises a lower portion (26), the first metal frame (20) has an inner edge (26') oriented towards the central opening (25), the inner edge (26') being recessed in the lower portion (26) relative to the inner edge (26') in the rest of the first metal frame (20), wherein the second metal frame (28) is attached to the recessed portion of the inner edge (26') of the lower portion (26) of the first metal frame (20), such that the resurfacing of the second metal frame (28) allows access to the air conditioning unit (14) when the air conditioning unit (14) is housed in the technical room (12).

9. Vehicle (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an air conditioning unit (14) is housed in the technical room (12), and wherein the air conditioning unit (14) comprises at least one hollow (27) complementary to a rivet (23) for fastening the first metal frame (20) to the structure (17).

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