Passenger rail vehicle

Abstract

Passenger rail vehicle comprising a front section, a rear section and an intermediate section (6), the front section having a first passenger area with seats and a first boarding area, and the rear section having a second passenger area with seats and a second boarding area, each boarding area having at least one door, the intermediate section (6) has a lower level (13) and an upper level (14), the upper level (14) is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level (13), the upper level (14) has seats (8) and the lower level (13) has a storage area (15), the lower level (13) has a first height (h1) not exceeding 1,85 metres, and the upper level (14) has a second height (h2) not exceeding 2,15 metres.

Description

TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0001] The present invention relates to passenger rail vehicles.PRIOR ART

[0002] Mobility is an essential public service and passenger rail vehicles are an appropriate and environmentally friendly mobility solution.

[0003] Passenger rail vehicles are generally known to be designed to have two decks and thus to be able to carry passengers on both decks. See for example US2636452A, EP642964A1, or WO2019144538A1. Such rail vehicles, commonly known as double-deck rail vehicles, increase passenger carrying capacity by up to 50% over single-deck rail vehicles, thus, are more energy efficient and have a lower operating cost per passenger.

[0004] However, double-deck vehicles are usually higher than 4 metres and cannot be used on railway lines with a low gauge (below 4 metres), and furthermore, due to their length and passenger carrying capacity, they are not profitable on low occupancy lines. On such low occupancy lines, single-deck vehicles are used, but even then, it is difficult to make them work economically, because traffic on such lines is irregular, and some use only a few vehicles per day. Therefore, space optimization on these vehicles is essential to make these low occupancy lines profitable.

[0005] In known single-deck rail vehicles, the vehicle space is not adequately utilized. Generally, the space for transporting seated passengers is not optimized, and too much space is used for other purposes, such as storage areas for transporting objects (e.g. bicycles or luggage), location of electronic equipment, toilets, PRM (persons with reduced mobility) areas, etc.

[0006] For example, such a vehicle is known as TER (French for "Transport express regional"). The vehicle comprises a train unit with a front section, a rear section and an intermediate section arranged in longitudinal direction between the front section and the rear section. The sections are internally connected to allow passengers to pass between the sections. The front section has a first passenger area with passenger seats and a first boarding area, and the rear section has a second passenger area with passenger seats and a second boarding area, and each boarding area has at least one door for boarding passengers onto the train unit. In this vehicle, when passengers with bicycles, luggage or other bulky objects enter the vehicle, such objects have to be arranged in the boarding areas making it difficult for passengers to access the vehicle, or in the seating areas affecting the comfort of the passengers during the journey.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a passenger rail vehicle, as defined in the claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a passenger rail vehicle comprising a train unit mounted on at least two axles. The train unit comprises a front section, a rear section and an intermediate section arranged in longitudinal direction between the front section and the rear section. The sections are internally connected to allow the passage of passengers between the sections. The front section has a first passenger area with passenger seats and a first boarding area, and the rear section has a second passenger area with passenger seats and a second boarding area. Each boarding area has at least one door for boarding passengers onto the train unit. The middle section has a lower level and an upper level, the upper level is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level, the upper level has passenger seats and the lower level has a storage area for storing objects, the lower level has a first height in a vertical direction not exceeding 1,85 metres, and the upper level has a second height in a vertical direction not exceeding 2,15 metres.

[0009] The distribution of space for passenger transport and object storage is optimized, allowing the number of seats to be increased compared to a conventional single-deck vehicle. The storage area of the lower level allows the storage of objects such as baggage, bicycles, or parcel containers, which makes the rail vehicle particularly suitable for low occupancy lines, increasing the degree of flexibility for utilising the interior space.

[0010] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in view of the figures and the detailed description of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 shows a side view of an example of the passenger rail vehicle. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the rail vehicle of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the rail vehicle of the previous figures showing the lower and upper level of the intermediate section. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of the passenger rail vehicle 1 according to the invention.

[0013] In the sense of the invention, longitudinal direction refers to a direction extending along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1, vertical direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the track on which the vehicle 1 is travelling and transverse direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions. In the figures the longitudinal direction is identified by the reference L, the vertical direction by the reference V and the transverse direction by the reference T. The longitudinal axis X of vehicle 1 passes through the centre of vehicle 1 and is partially shown as a dash and dot line in Figure 2.

[0014] The vehicle 1 comprises a train unit 2 mounted on at least two axles 3. The train unit 2 comprises a front section 4, a rear section 5 and an intermediate section 6 arranged in a longitudinal direction between the front section 4 and the rear section 5.

[0015] Preferably, the train unit 2 is mounted on four axles 3. One axle 3 is mounted in the front section 4, another axle 3 is mounted in the rear section 5, and the other two axles 3 are mounted in the intermediate section 6. Preferably, the axles 3 are wheelsets formed by two wheels joined by an axle, alternatively, the axles 3 can be bogies formed by a pair of wheelsets.

[0016] The front section 4 has a first passenger area 7 with passenger seats 8 and a first boarding area 9, and the rear section 5 has a second passenger area 10 with passenger seats 8 and a second boarding area 11. Each boarding area 9 and 11 has at least one door 12 for laterally boarding passengers onto the train unit 2. Preferably, each boarding area 9 and 11 has two doors 12, one on each side of the train unit 2 for laterally boarding passengers onto the train unit 2. The train unit 2 has a first side 30 with two doors 12, and a second side 31, opposite to the first side 30, with another two doors 12.

[0017] According to the invention, the intermediate section 6 has a lower level 13 and an upper level 14 wherein the upper level 14 is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level 13. The upper level 14 has seats 8 for passengers and the lower level 13 has a storage area 15 for storing objects. Thus, the upper level 14 of the intermediate section 6 and the front section 4 and rear section 5 are habitable areas with seats 8 for transporting passengers and the lower level 13 of the intermediate section 6 is a non-habitable area intended for transporting objects, such as for example bicycles, baggage, or packages.

[0018] The lower level 13 has a first height h1 in vertical direction not exceeding 1,85 metres and the upper level 12 has a second height h2 in vertical direction not exceeding 2,15 metres.

[0019] Preferably, the first height h1 is between 1,3 metres and 1,85 metres and the second height h2 is between 1,85 metres and 2,15 metres, which ensures optimal storage of objects on the lower level 13 with an optimal degree of comfort for passengers on the upper level 14. Even more preferably, the first height h1 is between 1,3 metres and 1,6 metres. Even more preferably, the first height h1 has 1,45 metres and the second height has 2 metres.

[0020] Even more preferably, the train unit 2 has a maximum height H in vertical direction not exceeding 3,8 metres.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the heights h1, h2, and H corresponds to the height of the vehicle 1 excluding the axles 3.

[0022] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the first height h1 is the height measured in the vertical direction between the floor 44 of the lower level 13 and the ceiling 45 of the lower level 13, and the second height h2 is the height measured in the vertical direction between the floor 46 of the upper level 14 and the ceiling 47 of the upper level 14. The heights are contained in a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle 1, i.e. the heights are measured with respect to the highest point of the ceiling 47 of the upper level 14 which is located at the centre of the intermediate section 6.

[0023] Also as shown in Figure 3, the maximum height H is the height measured in the vertical direction between the floor 44 of the lower level 13 and the roof 47 of the upper level 14.

[0024] Also as shown in the figures, the intermediate section 6 has a height greater than the height of the front section 4 and rear section 5, so that the maximum height H of the train unit 2 corresponds to the maximum height of the intermediate section 6.

[0025] Preferably, and as shown in the example rail vehicle 1 of the figures, the train unit 2 comprises two car bodies 16 with an interconnecting gangway 17 between the car bodies 16. The interconnecting gangway 17 links the car bodies 16 of the train unit 2 allowing relative movement between the car bodies 16 and passage of passengers between the car bodies 16.

[0026] According to this example, the intermediate section 6 has a front part 18 connected to the front section 4 of the train unit 2 and a rear part 19 connected to the rear section 5 of the train unit 2, and the interconnecting gangway 17 is arranged in longitudinal direction between the front part 18 and the rear part 19 of the intermediate section.

[0027] Preferably, the front part 18 of the intermediate section 6 has a lower level 20 and an upper level 21, wherein the upper level 21 is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level 20. The upper level 21 has seats 8 for passengers and the lower level 20 has a storage area 22 for storing objects. Even more preferably, the lower level 20 of the front part 18 of the intermediate section 6 has an electronic equipment area 23. The electronic equipment area 23 may comprise batteries.

[0028] Preferably, the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6 has a lower level 24 and an upper level 25, wherein the upper level 25 is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level 24. The upper level 25 has seats 8 for passengers and the lower level 24 has a storage area 26 for storing objects. Even more preferably, the lower level 24 of the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6 has an electronic equipment area 27. The electronic equipment area 27 may comprise batteries.

[0029] Accordingly, each part 18 and 19 of the intermediate section 6 has a non-habitable lower level for storing objects and a habitable upper level for passengers, however, and alternatively, only one of the parts 18 or 19 of the intermediate section 6 could have a lower level for storing objects and an upper level for passengers and the other part 18 or 19 a single level with seats for passengers.

[0030] Preferably, and as shown in Figure 3, the storage areas 22 and 26 have a parking area to accommodate bicycles.

[0031] The lower level 20 of the front part 18 of the intermediate section 6 and the lower level 24 of the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6 have a height in the vertical direction not exceeding 1,85 metres, preferably between 1,3 and 1,85 metres, more preferably between 1,3 and 1,6 metres, while the upper level 21 of the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6 and the upper level 25 of the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6 have a height in the vertical direction not exceeding 2,15 metres, preferably between 1,85 and 2,15 metres.

[0032] The storage area 22 of the front part 18 of the intermediate section 6 is connected to the first boarding area 9 of the front section 4 and is directly accessible from the first boarding area 9. Similarly, the storage area 26 of the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6 is connected to the second boarding area 11 of the rear section 5 and is directly accessible from the second boarding area 11. In this way, each storage area is a recess with a free access from its boarding area that is arranged next to a vehicle access door 12, whereby passengers can quickly arrange their items in the storage area as soon as they enter the vehicle.

[0033] For safety reasons, the electronic equipment area 23 or 27 of each part 18 or 19 of the intermediate section 6 is insulated. The insulation of the electronic equipment area is a fireproof insulation that prevents the spread of fire to the storage area in the event of a battery failure.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate section 6 has first stairs 28 and second stairs 29. The first stairs 28 connect the first boarding area 9 of the front section 4 with the upper level 21 of the front part 18 of the intermediate section 6, and the second stairs 29 connect the second boarding area 11 of the rear section 5 with the upper level 25 of the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6. Thus, the stairs 28 and 29 are arranged in the intermediate section 6 without almost occupying the space of the boarding areas 9 and 11 through which the passengers enter the vehicle.

[0035] Preferably, the stairs 28 and 29 are arranged on a side 30 or 31 of the train unit 2. The location of the stairs on a side of the train unit 2 improves the access to the storage areas 22 and 26 and optimises their space. Even more preferably, the first stairs 28 are arranged in the front part 18 of the intermediate section 6 next to a first side 30 of the train unit 2, and the second stairs 29 are arranged in the rear part 19 of the intermediate section 6 next to a second side 31 of the train unit 2 opposite to the first side 30.

[0036] The front section 4 has a first passenger floor 32 in the first passenger area 7 and a first boarding floor 33 in the first boarding area 9, and preferably, the first passenger floor 32 is arranged in a vertical direction above the first boarding floor 33, and below the first passenger floor 32 there is an equipment area 34. On the other hand, the rear section 5 has a second passenger floor 35 in the second passenger area 10 and a second boarding floor 36 in the second boarding area 11, and preferably, the second passenger floor 35 is arranged in a vertical direction above the second boarding floor 36, and below the second passenger floor 35 there is an equipment area 37. The equipment areas 34 and 37 can be used to arrange equipment of the rail vehicle 1 such as batteries, auxiliary power supply equipment, battery management systems, transformers, traction converters, heating equipment, ventilation equipment, or air conditioning equipment. Alternatively, or additionally, equipment areas 34 and 37 may be located above the front 4 and rear 5 sections, without protruding above the maximum height of the train unit 2.

[0037] The boarding floor 33 and 36 of the boarding areas 9 and 11 and the floor 44 of the lower level 14 of the intermediate section 6 is at the same level, facilitating access to the storage area 15 and especially facilitating the storage of bicycles.

[0038] The front section 4 has a first cab 38 which is arranged on a side 30 of the vehicle 1 and the rear section 5 has a second cab 39 which is arranged on a side 31 of the vehicle.

[0039] The rail vehicle 1 has a PRM zone 40 (persons with reduced mobility) in the first boarding area 9 of the front section 4 which is arranged next to a vehicle access door 12, so that passengers in wheelchairs can quickly access the PRM zone 40.

[0040] The rail vehicle 1 also has a toilet 41 in the first boarding area 9 of the front section 4 which is arranged next to the first stairs 28. Preferably, the toilet 41 is adapted for use by persons with reduced mobility.

[0041] The railway vehicle 1 has a pantograph 42 which is arranged in the front section 4 or in the rear section 5 of the train unit 2 vertically aligned with one of the axles 3.

[0042] The train unit 2 has a maximum length L1 in longitudinal direction of not more than 30 metres. As shown in the figures, the maximum length L1 is the maximum dimension in longitudinal direction of the train unit 2 including the collision buffers 43.

[0043] This configuration of vehicle 1 is particularly suitable for low-occupancy lines, as it optimises space for passenger transport and object storage.

Claims

1. Passenger rail vehicle comprising a train unit (2) mounted on at least two axles (3), the train unit (2) comprises a front section (4), a rear section (5) and an intermediate section (6) arranged in longitudinal direction between the front section (4) and the rear section (5), the sections (4,5,6) are internally connected to allow passage of passengers between the sections (4,5,6), the front section (4) has a first passenger area (7) with passenger seats (8) and a first boarding area (9), and the rear section (5) has a second passenger area (10) with passenger seats (8) and a second boarding area (11), each boarding area (9, 11) has at least one door (12) for boarding passengers onto the train unit (2), characterised in that the intermediate section (6) has a lower level (13) and an upper level (14), the upper level (14) is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level (13), the upper level (14) has seats (8) for passengers and the lower level (13) has a storage area (15) for storing objects, the lower level (13) has a first height (h1) in a vertical direction not exceeding 1,85 metres, and the upper level (14) has a second height (h2) in a vertical direction not exceeding 2,15 metres.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first height (h1) is between 1,3 metres and 1,85 metres and the second height (h2) is between 1,85 metres and 2,15 metres.

3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the train unit (2) comprises two car bodies (16) with an interconnecting gangway (17) between the car bodies (16) , and wherein the intermediate section (6) has a front part (18) connected with the front section (4) of the train unit (2) and a rear part (19) connected with the rear section (5) of the train unit (2), and the interconnecting gangway (17) is arranged in longitudinal direction between the front part (18) and the rear part (19) of the intermediate section (6).

4. Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the front part (18) of the intermediate section (6) has a lower level (20) and an upper level (21), the upper level (21) is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level (20), the upper level (21) has seats (8) for passengers and the lower level (20) has a storage area (22) for storing objects.

5. Vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the lower level (20) of the front part (18) of the intermediate section (6) has an electronic equipment area (23).

6. Vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the electronic equipment area (23) comprises batteries.

7. Vehicle according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the rear part (19) of the intermediate section (6) has a lower level (24) and an upper level (25), the upper level (25) is arranged in a vertical direction above the lower level (24), the upper level (25) has seats (8) for passengers and the lower level (24) has a storage area (26) for storing objects.

8. Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the lower level (24) of the rear part (19) of the intermediate section (6) has an electronic equipment area (27).

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the electronic equipment area (27) comprises batteries.

10. Vehicle according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the storage area (22) of the front part (18) of the intermediate section (6) is connected to the first boarding area (9) of the front section (4) and is directly accessible from the first boarding area (9), and the storage area (26) of the rear part (19) of the intermediate section (6) is connected to the second boarding area (11) of the rear section (5) and is directly accessible from the second boarding area (11).

11. Vehicle according to any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the intermediate section (6) has first stairs (28) and second stairs (29), the first stairs (28) connecting the first boarding area (9) of the front section (4) with the upper level (21) of the front part (18) of the intermediate section (6), and the second stairs (29) communicate the second boarding area (11) of the rear section (5) with the upper level (25) of the rear part (19) of the intermediate section (6).

12. Vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the stairs (28, 29) are arranged on one side (30,31) of the train unit (2).

13. Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front section (4) has a first passenger floor (32) in the first passenger area (7) and a first boarding floor (33) in the first boarding area (9), the first passenger floor (32) is arranged in a vertical direction above the first boarding floor (33), and below the first passenger floor (32) is an equipment area (34).

14. Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rear section (5) has a second passenger floor (35) in the second passenger area (10) and a second boarding floor (36) in the second boarding area (11), the second passenger floor (35) is arranged in a vertical direction above the second boarding floor (36), and below the second passenger floor (35) is an equipment area (37).

15. Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the train unit (2) has a maximum length (L1) in longitudinal direction not exceeding 30 metres.

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