Receiving arrangement for a container for a rail vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a receiving arrangement for a container for placement in the underfloor area of ​​a car body of a rail vehicle, comprising a first fastening structure and a second fastening structure for fixing the container, wherein the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure can each be arranged at a distance from each other on a support structure of the car body such that a receiving area for placing the container is formed between them, wherein the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure each have at least one connection area for connecting the receiving arrangement to the support structure, and wherein the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure are each designed in a trough shape for gripping the container at its edges.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving arrangement for a container for placement in the underfloor area of ​​a rail vehicle's car body. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising such a receiving arrangement and a container, as well as a rail vehicle equipped with a receiving arrangement and / or an arrangement according to the invention.

[0002] Rail vehicles often require storage space to accommodate various electrical, electronic, or pneumatic equipment and components. This storage space can be provided by a container mounted under the vehicle or its car body. The available installation space for such containers is primarily defined by the vehicle's cross-section and the free space along its length, particularly between the bogies on which the car body rests against the rails. Rail vehicles with a small cross-section, such as subways or metro trains designed for narrow tunnels, may offer limited space for containers. Limited installation space, in turn, means less room for the equipment itself.

[0003] According to the prior art, the container is usually connected to the car body shell via a support structure consisting of two support structures. Patent documents DE 10 2014 113829 A1, DE 10 2014 203507 A1 and EP 2 778 011 B1 disclose previously known receiving arrangements for containers in the underfloor area of ​​a vehicle.

[0004] However, solutions known from the state of the art still have further potential for improvement, especially with regard to the best possible use of the available installation space while maintaining high mechanical stability.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome, at least in part, the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution that enables efficient use of the available installation space for storing equipment for a rail vehicle.

[0006] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a receiving arrangement with the features of claim 1. The problem is further solved according to the invention by an arrangement with the features of claim 6 and by a rail vehicle with the features of claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, in the description, or in the figure, wherein further features described or shown in the dependent claims, in the description, or in the figure may, individually or in any combination, constitute subject matter of the invention unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0007] The inventive receiving arrangement for a container for placement in the underfloor area of ​​a car body of a rail vehicle has a first fastening structure and a second fastening structure for fixing the container, wherein the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure can each be arranged at a distance from each other on a support structure of the car body such that a receiving area for placing the container is formed between them, wherein the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure each have at least one connection area for connecting the receiving arrangement to the support structure, and wherein the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure are each designed in a trough shape for gripping the container at its edge.

[0008] Such a recording setup has significant advantages over prior art solutions.

[0009] The receiving arrangement according to the invention serves to receive and secure a container in which equipment, such as components of the electrical, electronic and pneumatic equipment, for the operation of the rail vehicle are arranged. The container or the receiving arrangement that receives it is arranged below the floor or in the area of ​​the underbody of the rail vehicle's car body.

[0010] The mounting arrangement comprises a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure. These mounting structures are designed to be fixed to the container or to support it. For example, the container can be attached to the mounting structures using fasteners, or the mounting structures can fix the container using appropriate retaining structures, possibly by clamping it.

[0011] The fastening structures are arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the rail vehicle, spaced apart in such a way that a receiving area for the container is formed between them. An arrangement on opposite sides of the rail vehicle means that the fastening structures are located both on the left side (as viewed in the direction of travel of the rail vehicle or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the car body) and on the right side (as viewed in the direction of travel of the rail vehicle or with respect to the longitudinal axis). The longitudinal extent of the fastening structures runs accordingly transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the car body, or is at least substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the car body.The supporting structure consists, for example, of longitudinal beams of the car body located in the underfloor area, which are each aligned at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car body.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, crossbeams can also serve as the supporting structure, which are arranged particularly between the longitudinal beams and are each aligned at least substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the car body. In this arrangement, the respective longitudinal extent of the mounting structures is such that it runs along or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car body or the longitudinal beams. Alternatively, a mounting arrangement is also possible in which the respective longitudinal extent of the mounting structures again runs along or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car body, but the longitudinal beams serve as the supporting structure.

[0013] According to the invention, the first and second fastening structures each have at least one connection area for attaching the receiving arrangement to the support structure. Accordingly, the fastening structures can be attached to the support structure on both sides of the container, particularly with respect to the transverse and longitudinal axes of the rail vehicle.

[0014] For example, the connection areas can each be designed as a continuous recess in which a continuous support arm can be arranged as part of the mounting structure. In this case, a conventional support structure can be used without any modifications. The connection areas can be designed to be continuous with respect to the longitudinal extent of the mounting structure, taking into account the installation situation.

[0015] Alternatively, the connection areas can be arranged on opposite sides of the receiving space, and in particular limited to their respective end areas. Accordingly, the fastening structures can be connected to the support structure on both sides of the container, especially with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. This is possible, for example, by having the connection areas of each fastening structure form part of a support arm that runs through the fastening structure. The support arms can, in turn, be designed to extend continuously along the entire length of the fastening structure, depending on the installation situation.

[0016] Each fastening structure can be arranged via the connection areas on a part of the support structure. For example, the connection areas of a fastening structure can each be arranged on the same longitudinal beam of the car body, where the longitudinal beam is interrupted and the interruption is bridged by the receiving arrangement or by a fastening structure.

[0017] These connection areas thus make it possible to attach the receiving arrangement, and therefore a container attached to the receiving arrangement, to the supporting structure and thus to the rail vehicle below floor level.

[0018] According to the invention, it is further provided that the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure are each designed in a trough shape for gripping the container from the edge. Advantageously, in an installed state, the trough structure is open inwards, or the openings of the trough structure face each other, and a bottom of the trough structure can face outwards, so that the fastening structures grip the container from the edge, i.e., from the side.

[0019] By using such a tray structure, a very stable yet lightweight structure can be advantageously created. The container can be fixed three-dimensionally simply because it is inserted into the tray structure of the mounting structures on both sides. To further increase stability, it is also possible and advisable to additionally secure the container to the mounting structures using appropriate fasteners.

[0020] Another advantage is the creation of maximum installation space. The tray-like shape of the mounting structures can rest against or enclose the corners and edges of the container, thus securing it. However, the mounting structure itself requires very little additional space, so the available installation space remains primarily available for the container.

[0021] In particular, the use of this mounting arrangement prevents a straight support structure running through the container from reducing the available installation space. This advantageously allows the available space in the container to accommodate a large number of equipment items, thus achieving a high packing density of electrical, electronic, and pneumatic equipment within the container.

[0022] The invention also allows for a particularly free, flexible, and versatile arrangement of electrical and / or pneumatic connections, for example, via cable glands, connectors, vents, or similar features on the outer walls of the container. This is because potentially interfering with the connections, for example, centrally running support structures within the container, can be advantageously avoided by the mounting arrangement. A connection can be easily implemented by arranging the connections in the area between the mounting structures or by providing through-openings in the trough shape of the mounting structures.

[0023] Despite the generous installation space provided, the mounting arrangement can be advantageously designed to be very stable through the use of trough-shaped mounting structures. This is because such structures are characterized by high component rigidity, which, despite the aforementioned advantages, particularly allows for the mounting and securing of large and relatively heavy containers.

[0024] Furthermore, the use of trough-shaped mounting structures enables a shell-like design of the mounting assembly. This allows various manufacturing steps to be carried out simultaneously and at different locations. For example, surface treatments such as painting, pickling, or passivation can be performed, and separate assembly and, if necessary, testing activities can be carried out within the container or the actual installation space. Once completed, the container or assembly space can be joined to the mounting structures or shells. The design of the mounting assembly also allows for improved accessibility during manufacturing, particularly during welding, sealing, painting, and testing.

[0025] Furthermore, the implementation of robot-based tasks is significantly simplified. This is achieved, for example, through improved positional stability of the overall structure, which requires less complex fixtures for these activities.

[0026] According to a further development of the invention, the connection areas are arranged in a central region with respect to the height of the fastening structures. A central region can be understood, in particular, to mean that a container located in the receiving arrangement extends both upwards and downwards with respect to the connection areas.

[0027] This design allows for a very large installation space, particularly in terms of height, and especially the distance between the undercarriage of the rail vehicle and the surface on which it runs. The mounting structure can therefore diverge vertically from a connection point to follow the upper and lower container contours, and then converge again to meet at the opposite connection point. Furthermore, this division of the support frame formed by the mounting structure between the lower and upper container contours allows for maximum component stiffness to be achieved for a given amount of material.

[0028] According to further training, the connection areas of each fastening structure are part of a support arm that runs through the respective fastening structure.

[0029] According to a further development, the trough-shaped part of the first and second mounting structures is each formed from a sheet metal part with bent tabs. The use of such a sheet metal part, especially a metal sheet, is considered particularly advantageous because it allows for very simple processing and shaping, thus achieving the best possible adaptation to the outer shape of the container. In particular, the edges of the bent tabs can serve as a receptacle or seat for the edges of the container, ensuring secure fixation.

[0030] Furthermore, this enables trouble-free manufacturing, as good and reliable material availability is ensured. This is because sheets can be made from standard materials such as steel or stainless steel and can be easily adapted, for example, as stamped parts.

[0031] According to a further development, the mounting structures each have a fundamentally hexagonal shape. This advantageously allows for easy adaptation, especially to rectangular containers, while simultaneously achieving high rigidity. Rectangular containers are used as standard, as they allow for optimal utilization of the available installation space.

[0032] The first and second mounting structures can be designed as mirror images of each other. This configuration allows for a particularly simple design, simplifying the manufacture, arrangement, and fixing of the container. Alternatively, the first and second mounting structures can be identical, especially if the connection areas are centered with respect to the height of the mounting structures or the height of the container.

[0033] To achieve a particularly stable design, it can also be advantageous to connect the first and second mounting structures by means of connecting webs, for example, connecting profiles. Such connecting webs can, in particular, run transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the mounting structures and, for example, in the case of hexagonal mounting structures, create a rectangular structure between the mounting structures into which a container can be arranged, allowing it to rest against or be enclosed by both the mounting structures and the connecting profiles. However, as described below, the invention also encompasses the possibility that the container can be freely suspended between the mounting structures, without being further supported by connecting profiles in the area between the mounting structures.

[0034] Regarding further advantages and technical features of the recording arrangement, reference is made to the description of the arrangement, the rail vehicle, the figure and the description of the figure.

[0035] The arrangement according to the invention comprises a receiving arrangement for a container for placement in the underfloor area of ​​a car body of a rail vehicle and a container, wherein the receiving arrangement is designed as described above and wherein the container is arranged and fixed in the receiving area formed by the fastening structures, for example, attached to the fastening structures.

[0036] An arrangement according to the invention thus comprises a receiving arrangement as described above. The receiving arrangement secures the container. For example, the container can be fixed to the mounting structures by known fasteners. Preferably, the container can be screwed, welded, or riveted to the mounting structures. This enables the creation of a particularly stable overall structure, which is advantageously easy to design. The weight of the arrangement is only increased negligibly.

[0037] However, the scope of the present invention also includes the possibility that the container is fixed between the fastening structures, in particular clamped, or is only positively enclosed and thus held by the trough-shaped fastening structures.

[0038] Because the container is fixed to the mounting structures, a further development of the arrangement allows the containers to be freely suspended between the mounting structures. This advantageously allows for a particularly large installation space and facilitates, for example, the easy and highly flexible integration of electrical and / or pneumatic connections between the equipment inside the container and the peripherals.

[0039] This arrangement offers the advantages described in relation to the mounting arrangement. For example, the installation space for a container, or for the equipment within it, can be particularly large. Furthermore, a high degree of stability is achieved.

[0040] Regarding further advantages and technical features of the arrangement, reference is made to the description of the recording arrangement, the rail vehicle, the figure and the description of the figure.

[0041] A rail vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one of a previously described receiving arrangement for a container and a previously described arrangement consisting of such a receiving arrangement and a container.

[0042] A rail vehicle designed according to the invention can, for example, be a subway or metro, a tram, a regional train, a long-distance train, or even a high-speed train. The rail vehicle preferably has an electric drive, but this is not limited to that.

[0043] The rail vehicle has a support structure in the underfloor area, i.e., in the area of ​​the underbody of a car body, consisting of, for example, two supporting structures or longitudinal beams of the car body, in particular for supporting the superstructure.

[0044] A mounting device is also attached to the support structure to fix a container underneath the vehicle. The container serves to house, for example, electrical, electronic, and / or pneumatic components or equipment, as the interior of the rail vehicle is primarily intended for passenger transport.

[0045] According to a further development of the rail vehicle, the supporting structure comprises longitudinal beams or transverse beams, and the fastening structures or their connection points are attached to these longitudinal beams or transverse beams. For example, the fastening structures are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the rail vehicle in such a way that a receiving area for the container is formed between them. The fastening structures, or their respective longitudinal extensions, then run along the transverse axis of the rail vehicle, so that, viewed in one direction of travel, connection points are provided at the front for attaching a first fastening structure to the longitudinal beams of the supporting structure, and connection points are provided at the rear for attaching a second fastening structure to the longitudinal beams.The connection points are then arranged at opposite ends of the mounting structures with respect to the container's positioning and longitudinal extent. Alternatively, the connection points of each mounting structure can be part of a support arm running through the mounting structure, which may be connected to a continuous longitudinal beam.

[0046] The rail vehicle achieves the advantages described in particular with regard to the mounting arrangement and the overall configuration. For example, the installation space for a container, or for the equipment housed within it, can be exceptionally large. Furthermore, a high degree of stability can be achieved for the entire assembly.

[0047] Regarding further advantages and technical features of the rail vehicle, reference is made to the description of the recording arrangement, the arrangement, the figure and the description of the figure.

[0048] The figure shows a schematic representation of an arrangement consisting of a receiving arrangement for a container according to an embodiment of the invention with a container.

[0049] The figure shows an arrangement 38 which comprises a receiving arrangement 10 for a container 12 for placement in the underfloor area of ​​a car body of a rail vehicle and a container 12.

[0050] The receiving arrangement 10 comprises a first mounting structure 14 and a second mounting structure 16. The first mounting structure 14 and the second mounting structure 16 serve to secure the container 12, wherein the first mounting structure 14 and the second mounting structure 16 can each be arranged on opposite sides of the rail vehicle such that a receiving area 18 for arranging the container 12 is formed between them. Accordingly, the arrow 20 in the figure is intended to represent, by way of example, the transverse axis of the rail vehicle or the car body when the receiving arrangement 10 is fixed to longitudinal beams of the car body as a support structure. Alternatively, the mounting structures 14, 16 can also be fixed to crossbeams, in which case the arrow 20 represents the longitudinal axis of the rail vehicle or car body.

[0051] The first mounting structure 14 and the second mounting structure 16 each have two connection areas 22, 28 and 24, 26, respectively, for attaching the mounting arrangement 10 to the support structure of the rail vehicle (not shown). Connection areas 22, 24 can be the first lateral or front connection areas, and connection areas 26, 28 can be the second lateral or rear connection areas. The connection areas 22, 24, 26, 28 have receiving openings 30 into which a fixing element can be inserted on the support structure. A bolt can then be guided through fixing openings 32 to fasten the mounting structures 14, 16 to the support structure. Furthermore, the connection areas 22, 24, 26, 28 each form part of an exemplary continuous support arm 34, 36 of the mounting structures 14, 16.Preferably, however, the respective support arm 34, 36 is designed in multiple parts and is not continuous, so that a respective part is connected to an outer area of ​​the trough-shaped structure and has a respective connection area 22, 24, 26, 28.

[0052] It is further shown that the mounting structures 14, 16 are each designed in a trough shape. In particular, the mounting structures 14, 16 are formed from sheets 40, especially metal sheets, with bent tabs 42. The tabs 42 are connected to each other, for example by welds 46. In addition, the tabs 42 are also connected to the support arm 34, 36, for example by welding, thereby achieving high component stiffness. Exemplary openings 44 are provided in the side surfaces of the mounting structures 14, 16, which serve to connect equipment located inside the container 12 to the corresponding peripherals via suitable interfaces and feedthroughs.

[0053] The figure further shows that the container 12 is freely suspended between the fastening structures 14, 16, i.e. no additional connecting profiles are provided between the fastening profiles 14, 16.

[0054] The fastening structures 14, 16 each have a largely hexagonal shape in a side view, with the area of ​​the support arm 34, 36 considered as one corner of the hexagon. The connection areas 22, 24, 26, 28, as well as the support arms 36, 36, are thus arranged in a central area with respect to the height of the fastening structures 14, 16, in the figure, by way of example, exactly in the middle. More precisely, the fastening structures 14, 16 are designed as mirror images of each other or even identically, whereby, for example, openings 44 in the side surfaces for interfaces and feedthroughs can also be arranged at different locations in the side surfaces, depending on requirements.

[0055] The figure further shows that the container 12 is arranged and fixed in the receiving area 18 between the fastening structures 14, 16. For example, the container 12 is bolted, welded, or riveted to the fastening structures 14, 16.

Claims

1. Receiving arrangement (10) for a container (12) for arrangement in the subfloor region of a vehicle body of a rail vehicle, having a first fastening structure (14) and a second fastening structure (16) for fixing the container (12), wherein the first fastening structure (14) and the second fastening structure (16) each can be arranged on a support structure, spaced apart in such a manner that a receiving region (18) for the arrangement of the container (12) is embodied between them, wherein the first fastening structure (14) and the second fastening structure (16) each have at least one connecting region (22, 24, 26, 28) for connection of the receiving arrangement (10) to the support structure, characterised in that the first fastening structure (14) and the second fastening structure (16) in each case are embodied in the shape of a basin for encompassing the container (12) at the edge.

2. Receiving arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting regions (22, 24, 26, 28) are arranged in a central region with regard to the height of the fastening structures (14, 16).

3. Receiving arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting regions (22, 24, 26, 28) of each fastening structure (14, 16) are part of a support arm (34, 36) that runs through the respective fastening structure (14, 16).

4. Receiving arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the basin-shaped part of the first fastening structure (14) and the second fastening structure (16) in each case are formed from a metal sheet (40) with bent tabs (42).

5. Receiving arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the fastening structures (14, 16) each have a fundamentally hexagonal shape.

6. Arrangement (38) consisting of a receiving arrangement (10) for a container (12) for arrangement in the subfloor region of a vehicle body of a rail vehicle and a container (12), characterised in that the receiving arrangement (10) is embodied according to one of claims 1 to 5, and the container (12) is arranged and fixed in the receiving region (18) embodied by the fastening structures (14, 16).

7. Arrangement (38) according to claim 6, characterised in that the container (12) is floating freely between the fastening structures (14, 16).

8. Arrangement (38) according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the container (12) is screwed, welded or riveted to the fastening structures (14, 16).

9. Rail vehicle, having at least one of a receiving arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and an arrangement (38) according to one of claims 6 to 8.

10. Rail vehicle according to claim 9, characterised in that the support structure comprises longitudinal supports or transverse supports and the fastening structures (14, 16) or connecting regions (22, 24, 26, 28) thereof are each fastened to longitudinal supports or transverse supports.

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