Vehicle, in particular railway vehicle, comprising a convertible floor

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular floor (40) for a vehicle, in particular a railway, the modular floor (40) comprising at least one panel (42) movable between a closed position in which the panel (42) provides a passage that a user can use, and an open position allowing access to components located under the modular floor (40), the modular floor (40) further comprising a retractable staircase (52).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle.

[0002] In the field of railway vehicles, we know of railway vehicles comprising two end cars, and at least two first cars with two levels, that is to say that they have two rooms, for example intended to accommodate passengers, arranged one above the other.

[0003] Each first car has a structural body having, at one end of the first car which is adjacent to the corresponding end car, a half-space intended to partially receive the corresponding bogie.

[0004] However, this end car is supported by two bogies, so there is no common bogie between this first car and the end car.

[0005] Thus, in order to connect the first car to the end car, the first car has a structural extension part attached to the first structural body, and intended to be connected to the adjacent end car.

[0006] This structural extension part is equipped with a plurality of components such as battery boxes, motor-fan, electronic and low voltage box, etc. which are arranged throughout the volume formed by this structural extension part.

[0007] The document EP2229305B1 discloses by its figure 3a railway vehicle comprising at least two cars, one of which comprises, in addition to a first structural body, a structural extension part attached to its structural body and connected to the body of the adjacent car, in which the structural extension part houses electrical equipment related to traction such as at least one transformer, rectifier and converter.

[0008] Document EP3381760A1 discloses a railway vehicle comprising an end body forming a power car or car, at least a first car comprising a first structural body, the first car having a structural extension part attached to the first structural body, and connected to the adjacent end body, components such as wiring, piping or other equipment being arranged in the structural extension part.

[0009] However, these components are difficult to access for maintenance.

[0010] US documents 4,424,751 And US 2,522,674 describe a retractable staircase for a railway vehicle, the staircase defining in closed position a passage that a user, for example train staff, can use, but do not solve the technical problem of maintaining certain components housed in a structural extension part.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to facilitate access to such components, while maintaining easy movement for staff.

[0012] For this purpose, the invention relates to a vehicle as defined by claim 1.

[0013] The floor forming part of the vehicle that is the subject of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: The modular floor comprises a pair of longitudinal rails to which at least one panel is hinged; the at least one panel is hinged to each rail of the pair of rails by at least one connecting piece to form a pivot joint around a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the rails; each connecting piece includes a finger projecting from the connecting piece, so that the panel abuts against the connecting piece when the movable panel is in the open position; the at least one panel has an upper face intended to be walked on, and an lower face opposite the upper face, and in which the upper face is provided with a vertical return; the at least one panel includes at least one handle, preferably in the form of a cutout in the panel;The modular floor includes a movable hatch between a closed position covering the retractable staircase, and an open position providing access to the retractable staircase.

[0014] The vehicle according to the invention may include the feature that the first car is a two-story car comprising an upper floor and a lower floor, and the modular floor connects the upper floor of the first car to the end car.

[0015] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the attached figures, among which: There figure 1 is a schematic overview of a vehicle comprising a modular floor according to an example of an embodiment of the invention; The figure 2is a schematic perspective view of the modular floor with the panels, staircase, and hatch in the closed, lowered position; and The figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the modular floor with the panels, staircase and hatch in the open position, respectively raised.

[0016] We have represented, on the figure 1 , a vehicle 10 according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] On the figure 1 Vehicle 10 is a railway vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle is a road vehicle, for example a bus or a coach.

[0018] For example, vehicle 10 is a high-speed train (TGV).

[0019] The International Union of Railways (UIC) defines "high-speed train" as: 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.

[0020] Alternatively, railway vehicle 10 is a tram.

[0021] The railway vehicle 10 comprises at least one end car 12, preferably two end cars 12, each arranged at a respective end of the railway vehicle 10.

[0022] Each end car 12 conventionally includes a driver's cab 14, and each end car 12 is conventionally supported, for example, by two bogies 16, at least one of which is motorized.

[0023] The railway vehicle 10 also includes, for each end car 12, a first car 18 adjacent to this end car 12.

[0024] For example, the railway vehicle 10 has two first cars 18, each adjacent to one of the respective two end cars 12.

[0025] The railway vehicle 10 also includes at least one second car (not shown), for example three second cars aligned between the first two cars 18.

[0026] For example, the railway vehicle 10 is of the articulated type, that is to say that each of the first 18 cars and second cars shares a common bogie 22 with at least one other of the first 18 cars and second cars.

[0027] Each first car 18 is double-decker, that is to say, they have two passenger rooms arranged one above the other, forming a lower level 27 and an upper level 29.

[0028] As depicted on the figure 1 , each first car 18 comprises a structural body 30 (hereinafter referred to as first structural body 30).

[0029] Each first structural body 30 has, at one end of the first car 18 which is adjacent to the corresponding end car 12, a half-space 28 intended to receive in part the corresponding bogie 22.

[0030] However, this end car 12 is supported by two bogies 16, so that there is no common bogie between this first car 18 and the end car 12.

[0031] Thus, in order to connect the first car 18 to the end car 12, the first car 18 has a structural extension part 32 attached to the first structural body 30, and intended to be connected to the adjacent end car 12.

[0032] The structural extension part 32 is shaped to present a form complementary to that of the end of the first structural box 30 where this structural extension part 32 is assembled.

[0033] The structural extension part 32 has a floor 33.

[0034] The structural extension part 32 has (at least partially) a half extension slot 34, forming with the corresponding half slot 28 a slot to receive the clean bogie 24.

[0035] The first structural body 30 and the corresponding structural extension part 32 rest on the clean bogie 24.

[0036] Alternatively, the structural extension part 32 is supported by the first structural body 30 and the first structural body 30 is supported by the bogie 24.

[0037] The structural extension part 32 is equipped with various components 35 (such as fittings, wiring, piping, various equipment, etc.).

[0038] The structural part of extension 32 includes a modular floor 40.

[0039] The modular floor 40 connects, for example, the upper level 29 of the first car 18 and the end car 12.

[0040] The modular floor 40 includes at least one movable panel 42 between a closed position ( figure 2 ) in which panel 42 provides a passage that a user can use, and an open position ( figure 3 ) allowing access to components located under the floor.

[0041] At least one panel 42 has an upper face 43 designed to be walked on, and a lower face 45 opposite the upper face 43.

[0042] In particular, the modular floor 40 comprises two panels 42.

[0043] Advantageously, the modular floor 40 includes a pair of longitudinal rails 44 on which rests at least one panel 42.

[0044] For example, at least one panel 42 is articulated to each rail 44 of the pair of rails 44 by at least one connecting piece 46 to form a pivot connection around a transverse axis Y1 substantially perpendicular to the rails 44.

[0045] Each connecting piece 46 is for example bolted on one side to said rail 44 of the pair of rails 44 and on the other side to the panel 42.

[0046] Advantageously, each connecting piece 46 includes a finger 48 projecting from the connecting piece 46, so that the panel 42 comes to rest against the connecting piece 46 when the movable panel 42 is in the open position.

[0047] Thus, the connecting piece 46 also has a stop function.

[0048] This minimizes the number of parts needed to manufacture the modular 40 floor.

[0049] Alternatively, at least one panel 42 is hinged on only one of the two rails 44 of the pair of rails 44 by at least two connecting pieces 46 to form a pivot joint around a longitudinal axis X.

[0050] Advantageously, at least one panel 42 is made using a material with anti-slip properties, in order to ensure the safety of personnel.

[0051] For example, at least one panel 42 is made using stamped and / or checkered sheet metal.

[0052] Advantageously, at least one panel 42 of the modular floor 40 includes a vertical return 49 on its upper face 43.

[0053] Such a vertical return 49 limits the risks of people or objects falling.

[0054] Advantageously, at least one panel 42 includes a handle 50.

[0055] For example, handle 50 is in the form of a cutout in panel 42.

[0056] Providing a handle 50 in the form of a cutout is simple to make, and facilitates the handling of the panel 42 by allowing it to be easily grasped whether one is above or below the floor 40.

[0057] Alternatively, the handle can be presented in any other technically feasible form.

[0058] The modular floor 40 includes a retractable staircase 52.

[0059] The retractable staircase 52 allows access from the upper floor 29 of the first car 18 to the end car 12.

[0060] The retractable staircase 52 is placed in line with at least one panel 42.

[0061] The retractable staircase 52 opens advantageously on the side of the end car 12.

[0062] The retractable staircase 52 advantageously includes a movable upper portion 54, for example articulated to the pair of rails 44 by two connecting pieces 46 to form a pivot connection around a transverse axis Y2.

[0063] The upper portion 54 is mobile between a lowered position ( figure 2 ) in which a user can use the retractable staircase 52, and a raised position ( figure 3 ) in which a user can access the components 35 which are arranged under the retractable staircase 52.

[0064] The upper portion 54 includes, for example, between one and three steps 56.

[0065] The connecting piece 46 is for example bolted on one side to a rail 44 of the pair of rails 44 and on the other side to the upper portion 54.

[0066] Advantageously, the connecting piece 46 includes a finger 48 projecting from the connecting piece 46, so that the upper portion of the retractable staircase 52 comes to rest against the connecting piece 46 when said upper portion 54 is in the open position.

[0067] The upper portion 54 of the retractable staircase 52 can thus be moved when it is necessary to access components 35 located below this upper portion 54.

[0068] The retractable staircase 52, for example, also includes a fixed lower portion 60.

[0069] The lower portion 60 includes, for example, between one and three steps 62.

[0070] The lower portion 60 is for example attached to the rails 44 by screws 64, and to the ground 33 of the structural extension part 32 by screws 66.

[0071] Advantageously, the retractable staircase 52 is made using a material with anti-slip properties, in order to guarantee the safety of personnel.

[0072] For example, the retractable staircase 52 is made using stamped and / or checkered sheets.

[0073] The modular floor 40 advantageously includes a movable hatch 68 between a closed position ( figure 2 ) covering the retractable staircase 52, and an open position ( figure 3 ) providing access to the retractable staircase 52.

[0074] The hatch 68 is hinged on one of the two rails 44 of the pair of rails 44 around a longitudinal axis A to form a pivot joint.

[0075] The hatch 68 in the closed position ensures the covering of the retractable staircase 52 and prevents any risk of falling into the steps 56, 62 when a user is working above the modular floor 40.

[0076] Advantageously, the hatch 68 is configured to close on the retractable staircase 52 by its own mass.

[0077] A user is thus obliged to keep the hatch 68 manually open in order to pass in one direction or the other through the retractable staircase 52.

[0078] The raised position of the upper portion 54 of the retractable staircase 52 allows the trapdoor 68 to be locked in the open position by acting as a stop.

[0079] Hatch 68 is made using a material with anti-slip properties.

[0080] For example, hatch 68 is made using stamped and / or checkered sheet metal.

[0081] The modular floor 40 is placed both at a height allowing passage of people from the first car to the end car, and at a height sufficient to store components under the modular floor 40 and allow access to them.

[0082] For example, the modular floor 40 is at a height between 60 cm and 70 cm taken from the floor 33 of the structural part of extension 32.

[0083] The possibility of access under the modular floor 40 by at least one panel 42 and the hatch 68 and under the retractable staircase 52 makes it possible not to lose space under said floor 40 and retractable staircase 52 and therefore to optimize the restricted volume of the structural part of extension 32 by installing a maximum of components 35 while keeping access for their maintenance.

[0084] Advantageously, the assembly of the modular floor 40 is weld-free.

[0085] For example, the elements of the modular floor 40 are assembled by riveting and / or bolting.

[0086] This notably simplifies assembly and reduces the manufacturing cost of the floor.

[0087] Thus, the modular floor 40 according to the invention allows the movement of personnel between the upper floor 29 of the first car 18 and the end car 12 by passing through the structural extension part 32, changing levels thanks to the retractable staircase 52.

[0088] The components 35 located under the modular floor 40 are easily accessible for maintenance thanks to the movable panels 42 and the retractable staircase 52.

[0089] Such a modular floor 40 ensures the safety of the rolling stock and maintenance personnel moving in the structural part of extension 32.

[0090] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but could have various variants without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Vehicle (10), particularly a railway vehicle, comprising an end carriage (12) and at least one first carriage (18) comprising a first structural body (30); the first carriage (18) comprising an extension structural section (32) attached to the first structural body (30) and connected to the adjacent end carriage (12); components being arranged within the extension structural section; characterised in that the extension structural section (32) comprises a modular floor (40) for the vehicle, the modular floor (40) comprising at least one panel (42) that is movable between a closed position in which the panel (42) provides a passage for a user, and an open position that allows access to the components (35) located beneath the modular floor (40), the modular floor (40) also comprising a retractable staircase (52).

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the modular floor (40) comprises a pair of longitudinal rails (44) to which at least one panel (42) is hinged.

3. Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein at least one panel (42) is hinged to each rail (44) of the pair of rails (44) by at least one connecting member (46) to create a pivot connection about a transverse axis (Y1) that is substantially perpendicular to the rails (44).

4. Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein each connecting member (46) comprises a finger (48) that protrudes from the connecting member (46), such that the panel (42) abuts against the connecting member (46) when the movable panel (42) is in the open position.

5. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one panel (42) has an upper face (43) provided for being walked on, and a lower face (45) opposite the upper face (43), and wherein the upper face (43) is provided with a vertical return (49).

6. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least one panel (42) comprises at least one handle (50) preferably in the form of a cutaway made in the panel (42).

7. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the floor (40) comprises a hatch (68) that is movable between a closed position covering the retractable staircase (52) and an open position providing access to the retractable staircase (52).

8. Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first carriage (18) is a double-decker carriage comprising an upper deck (29) and a lower deck (27), and wherein the modular floor (40) connects the upper deck (29) of the first carriage (18) to the end carriage (12).

9. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension structural section (32) comprises components (35) such as fittings, wiring and piping.

10. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension structural section (32) comprises components (35) such as a battery, a fan motor, an electronics unit and a low-voltage unit.

11. Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the modular floor (40) is positioned at a height that allows passengers to pass from the first carriage to the end carriage, and at a height sufficient to store the components (35) beneath the modular floor (40) while allowing access to them.

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