Crossmember for public transport vehicle body, body and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Crossmember for public transport vehicle body, body and associated manufacturing method. The invention relates to a crossmember (10) for a public transport vehicle body, particularly a railway vehicle, comprising: - a metal profile (12) extending substantially along a longitudinal direction (X) between a first opening (13) and a second opening, the profile (12) comprising a longitudinal wall (16) defining at least one bore (18) passing through between the first and second openings (13), the bore (18) defining at least one through cavity (22, 23, 24) with a closed contour; and - at least one end cap (14) fixed to one of the first and second openings (13) of the profile (12), the end cap (14) sealing the cavity (22, 23, 24) in said first or second opening (13). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cross member for a public transport vehicle body, associated body and manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a crossmember for the body of a public transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, a body of a public transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprises in particular a chassis, side faces and a roof. The chassis and the roof comprise in particular cross members formed at least in part by metal profiled elements assembled together, for example, by welding.

[0003] Since the profiles are generally hollow, air is likely to enter inside and produce unpleasant whistling noises for passengers or for people near the vehicle, in particular when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. In addition, plant waste (leaves, mud) or water are likely to penetrate inside the profiles and generate corrosion there.

[0004] To ensure the sealing of the profiles, it is known to close them using metal sheets. The sheets are first cut to have a shape substantially complementary to that of the section of the profiles, then assembled to the latter by welding. Then, a layer of anti-corrosive paint and a mastic are applied.

[0005] However, such a process is not entirely satisfactory. In fact, the various stages (cutting of the sheets, welding, painting, puttying) are complex and require specific technical qualifications in order to avoid any defects that could lead to a lack of sealing of the profiles.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide a system ensuring good sealing of the profiles of the body, while remaining simple and quick to implement.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a sleeper of the aforementioned type, comprising a metal profile extending substantially in a longitudinal direction between a first opening and a second opening, the profile comprising a longitudinal wall delimiting at least one through bore between the first and second openings, the bore defining at least one through cell of closed contour; and at least one closing end piece fixed to one of the first and second openings of the profile, the end piece sealingly closing the cell at said first or second openings.

[0008] The end piece thus ensures the sealing of the profile, preventing the infiltration of air, water and / or plant waste inside the profile. The service life of the profile is thus lengthened, and passenger comfort is enhanced. In addition, the manufacture of the crossbar according to the invention is simple and quick.

[0009] The sleeper according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0010] - the tip comprises a base extending along a main plane and at least one skirt projecting from one face of the base, the skirt being received inside the cell of the profile when the end piece closes the cell;

[0011] - the skirt extends in projection perpendicular to said face of the base, on a height between 10 mm and 20 mm;

[0012] - the base extends beyond the skirt along the main plane, so as to define a shoulder around the skirt, the edge of said first or second opening resting on the shoulder when the end piece closes the cell;

[0013] • the profile comprises a plurality of through cells separated from each other by reinforcing walls, and the end piece comprises a plurality of skirts projecting relative to the same face of the base, each skirt being received inside a respective cell; • the tip is made of a material chosen from plastic materials, ceramics, metal powders and a mixture of these; • the end piece is fixed to the profile using a sealant; • the crosspiece comprises a first end piece fixed to the first opening of the profile and a second end piece fixed to the second opening of the profile.

[0014] The invention also relates to a body of a public transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising at least one cross member of the aforementioned type.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a sleeper of the aforementioned type, comprising the following steps:

[0016] - supply of the profile, preferably by extrusion,

[0017] - provision of at least one closing end piece, and

[0018] - fixing the end piece to one of the first and second openings of the profile so as to close at least one cell in said first or second opening, the fixing step preferably comprising a step of applying a mastic to the profile and / or to the end piece.

[0019] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0020] [fig. 1] [fig.l] is an exploded view of a part of a crosspiece according to the invention, the crosspiece comprising a profile and an end piece;

[0021] [fig.2] [fig.2] is a perspective view of the tip of [fig.l].

[0022] [Fig. 1] shows a first embodiment of a cross member 10 for the body of a public transport vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a railway vehicle. roviary, including a train, metro, or tram. Alternatively, the vehicle is a bus.

[0023] The cross member 10 is for example part of the chassis or the body of the vehicle. The cross member 10 extends in a longitudinal, transverse or elevation direction of the vehicle.

[0024] The crosspiece 10 comprises a profile 12 extending substantially in a longitudinal direction X between a first opening 13 and a second opening (not shown) and at least one closing end piece 14 fixed to one of the first opening 13 and the second opening of the profile 12. Preferably, the crosspiece 10 further comprises a means for fixing the end piece 14 to the profile 12.

[0025] The profile 12 is preferably a metal profile. For example, the profile 12 is an aluminum profile obtained by extrusion.

[0026] The profile 12 has a length of between 0.100 m and 25 m, said length being measured in the longitudinal direction X between the first and second openings 13.

[0027] The profile 12 comprises a longitudinal wall 16 delimiting a bore 18 passing between the first and second openings 13.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the profile 12 further comprises at least one reinforcing wall 20 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction inside the bore 18 and separating said bore 18 into a plurality of cells 22, 23, 24 of closed contour. In [fig.l], the bore 18 is separated into three cells 22, 23, 24.

[0029] Preferably, each cell 22, 23, 24 is closed by a respective end piece 14 (in [fig.l], only the end piece 14 closing the cell 22 is shown).

[0030] The profile 12 has an inner surface 26 oriented towards the bore 18, an outer surface 28 opposite the inner surface 26 and a slice 30 flush transversely at the level of the first and second openings 13. In other words, one slice 30 forms the edge of the first opening 13 and another forms the edge of the second opening. The inner surface 26 is defined by the longitudinal wall 16 and possibly the reinforcing wall(s) 20.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the longitudinal wall 16 has at least one orifice 34, intended for example to receive a rod of an assembly rivet (not shown), a bead of the rivet then being received in the bore 18.

[0032] The end piece 14 is mounted on the profile 12 at the first opening 13 or the second opening. According to a particular embodiment, the crosspiece 10 comprises twice as many end pieces 14 as cells 22, 23, 24, so that each cell 22, 23, 24 is closed at its first and second opening 13 by a respective end piece 14.

[0033] The end piece 14 at least partially closes the bore 18 at the first opening 13 or the second opening. In the embodiment of [fig.l], the end piece 14 closes a cell 22 at the first opening 13.

[0034] The end piece 14 is for example made of a material chosen from:

[0035] - plastic materials, such as polycarbonates, polyamides and thermo plastics,

[0036] - ceramics,

[0037] - metal powders, such as steel, aluminum or stainless steel powders,

[0038] and a mixture thereof.

[0039] Preferably, the end piece 14 is made of polycarbonate.

[0040] For example, the tip 14 is manufactured by additive manufacturing. Alternatively, the tip 14 is manufactured by molding.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the end piece 14 preferably comprises a base 40 extending along a main plane P and at least one skirt 42 projecting relative to a first face 43 of the base 40.

[0042] When the end piece 14 is mounted on the profile 12, the main plane P of the end piece 14 is substantially normal to the longitudinal direction X of the profile 12 and the skirt 42 is received inside the bore 18.

[0043] The base 40 preferably has a thickness e of less than 10 mm, the thickness e being measured between the first face 43 of the base 40 and a second face 44 of the base 40 opposite the first face 43.

[0044] The base 40 extends beyond the skirt 42 along the main plane P. The base 40 thus defines an external shoulder 46 surrounding the skirt 42.

[0045] Advantageously, the shoulder 46 has substantially the same shape and the same dimensions as at least a portion of the edge 30 of the profile 12, so that, when the end piece 14 is mounted on the profile 12, said shoulder 46 is flush with the outer surface 28 of the profile 12. “Flush” is understood to mean that the shoulder 46 projects beyond the outer surface 28 along the main plane P over a distance of less than 5 mm.

[0046] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the shoulder 46 has substantially the same shape and the same dimensions as the edge 30 on the periphery of the first cell 22.

[0047] The skirt 42 extends substantially perpendicular to the main plane P between the base 40 and a free edge 48 over a height h of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0048] The skirt 42 defines a cavity 50 closed at one end by the base 40. The skirt 42 has an internal wall 52 oriented towards the cavity 50 and an external wall 54 opposite the internal wall 52.

[0049] Preferably, the skirt 42 has a shape substantially complementary to that of the section of the cell 22, 23, 24 intended to be closed by the end piece 14. When the end piece 14 is mounted on the cell 22, 23, 24, the external wall 54 of the skirt 42 is advantageously at least partly in sealed contact with the internal surface 26 of the profile 12. The friction of the external wall 54 of the skirt 42 with the internal surface 26 contributes to maintaining the end piece 14 on the profile 12 and to the sealing of the closure of the cell.

[0050] Advantageously, the free edge 48 of the skirt 42 has a chamfer 55 reducing the friction of the skirt 42 on the inner surface 26 of the profile 12 and thus facilitating the mounting of the end piece 14 in the profile 12.

[0051] Advantageously, the external wall 54 of the skirt 42 has at least one groove 56 peripheral extending substantially parallel to the main plane P of the base 40.

[0052] The fixing means, when present, improves the retention of the end piece 14 on the profile 12.

[0053] Preferably, the fixing means is a mastic arranged on at least a portion of the periphery of the skirt 42, preferably over the entire periphery of the skirt 42. The mastic is intended to adhere to at least a portion of the internal surface 26 of the profile 12.

[0054] Preferably, the sealant extends within a groove 56. For example, each groove 56 is filled with the sealant.

[0055] The sealant is chosen from elastomers, preferably silane-modified polymers.

[0056] The mastic ensures that the end piece 14 is held securely on the profile 12 and prevents it from becoming detached, in particular due to vibrations when the vehicle is put into circulation.

[0057] Advantageously, the end piece 14 is not welded onto the profile 12.

[0058] Advantageously, the end piece 14 is suitable for being removed from the profile 12 by means of a tool, such as a sharp blade, for example of the cutter type.

[0059] A method of manufacturing the crossmember 10 will now be described.

[0060] The metal profile 12 is obtained, preferably by extrusion. The bore 18 opens on the one hand at the first opening 13 and on the other hand at the second opening.

[0061] The profile 12 is for example fixed to another profile (not shown) by means of rivets each passing through an orifice 34 and the head of which is received inside the bore 18. Said rivets are easily accessible by an operator, the profile 12 being initially open at its ends.

[0062] At least one end piece 14 is manufactured, for example by additive manufacturing. Alternatively, the end piece 14 is manufactured by molding.

[0063] The end piece 14 is then mounted on the profile 12 at one of the openings 13, so as to at least partially close the bore 18 in said first or second opening 13.

[0064] Preferably, when the profile 12 comprises several cells 22, 23, 24, each cell 22, 23, 24 is closed in at least one opening 13 by an end piece 14.

[0065] Preferably, the bore 18 is closed at the first opening 13 by one or more end pieces 14 and at the second opening by one or more end pieces 14.

[0066] In the embodiment of [fig.l], the end piece 14 is mounted on a cell 22 of the profile 12, by inserting the skirt 42 inside said cell 22.

[0067] The end piece 14 is pushed inside the cell 22 until the base 40 abuts on the edge 30 at the periphery of the cell 22.

[0068] Preferably, a fixing means is used prior to mounting the end piece 14 on the profile 12.

[0069] For example, a sealant is applied at least to a portion of the periphery of the skirt 42, preferably to the entire periphery of the skirt 42. When the end piece 14 is mounted on the profile 12, the sealant adheres as it dries to the internal surface 26 of the profile 12.

[0070] Once mounted, the end piece 14 prevents the infiltration of water and / or plant waste inside the profile 12. Corrosion inside the profile 12 is thus reduced compared to a profile without an end piece.

[0071] In addition, when the vehicle is in motion, the end piece 14 prevents air from entering the profile 12, thus reducing uncomfortable whistling noises for passengers.

[0072] The end pieces 14 guarantee good sealing of the profiles 12 of the box, while remaining simple and quick to implement.

[0073] The crosspiece 10 according to the invention is thus simple and quick to manufacture and does not require any sheet metal cutting or welding steps to close the profile 12. The installation of the end piece 14 on the profile 12 can be carried out in a construction factory or in a maintenance depot, without specific tools or technical qualifications.

[0074] Furthermore, unlike a profile closed by a welded sheet, the end piece 14 is easily removable by means of a tool. Thus, when the profile 12 is used in a new context not requiring its closure, for example to allow cables installed inside the bore 18 to pass, the end piece 14 can be removed and possibly refitted later.

[0075] In addition, the shape of the end pieces 14 is easily adaptable to correspond to different shapes of profiles 12.

[0076] In a variant not shown, the crosspiece 10 is devoid of a reinforcing wall and the bore 18 defines a single cell. The end piece 14 then completely closes said bore 18 in the first or second opening 13.

[0077] Alternatively, the mastic is directly applied to the internal surface 26 of the profile 12, close to the opening 13 intended to be closed by the end piece 14, or to the edge 30 of the profile 12 around the opening 13 intended to be closed by the end piece 14.

[0078] As a variant, according to a second embodiment not shown, the profile 12 comprises a plurality of cells 22, 23, 24 separated by reinforcing walls 20 and the end piece 14 comprises a plurality of skirts 42 projecting relative to the same face of the base 40. Each skirt 42 is intended to be received in a respective cell 22, 23, 24 of the profile 12.

[0079] Each skirt 42 preferably has a shape substantially complementary to that of the section of the cell 22, 23, 24 intended to receive said skirt 42.

[0080] The skirts 42 are spaced apart so as to define a groove between them, said groove preferably having a shape substantially complementary to that of the reinforcing wall 20 separating the cells 22, 23, 24 intended to receive said skirts 42.

[0081] The base 40 then preferably rests on the entire edge 30 of the profile 12.

[0082] The crosspiece according to the second embodiment thus comprises a single end piece 14 per opening 13, the end piece 14 being capable of simultaneously plugging several cells 22, 23, 24. The manufacture of such a crosspiece therefore requires a reduced number of parts compared to a crosspiece comprising several end pieces per opening.

Claims

Claims

1. Crossmember (10) for the body of a public transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising: • a metal profile (12) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction (X) between a first opening (13) and a second opening, the profile (12) comprising a longitudinal wall (16) delimiting at least one bore (18) passing between the first and second openings (13), the bore (18) defining at least one through cell (22, 23, 24) of closed contour;and • at least one closing end piece (14) fixed to one of the first and second openings (13) of the profile (12), the end piece (14) sealingly closing the cell (22, 23, 24) in said first or second openings (13), characterized in that the end piece (14) comprises a base (40) extending along a main plane (P) and at least one skirt (42) projecting relative to a face (43) of the base (40), the skirt (42) being received inside the cell (22, 23, 24) of the profile (12) when the end piece (14) closes the cell (22, 23, 24).;

2. Crosspiece (10) according to claim 1, in which the skirt (42) extends in projection perpendicular to said face (43) of the base (40), over a height (h) of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

3. Crosspiece (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the base (40) extends beyond the skirt (42) along the main plane (P), so as to define a shoulder (46) around the skirt (42), the edge of said first or second opening (13) bearing on the shoulder (46) when the end piece (14) closes the cell (22, 23, 24).

4. Crosspiece (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which: • the profile (12) comprises a plurality of through cells (22, 23, 24) separated from each other by reinforcing walls (20), and • the end piece (14) comprises a plurality of skirts (42) projecting relative to the same face of the base (40), each skirt (42) being received inside a respective cell.

5. A crosspiece (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the end piece (14) is made of a material selected from plastic materials, ceramics, metal powders and a mixture thereof.

6. A crossmember (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the end piece (14) is secured to the profile (12) by means of a sealant.

7. A crosspiece (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising a first end piece (14) fixed to the first opening (13) of the profile (12) and a second end piece (14) fixed to the second opening of the profile (12).

8. Body of a public transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising at least one cross member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A method of manufacturing a sleeper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: • providing the profile (12), preferably by extrusion, • providing at least one closing end piece (14), and • fixing the end piece (14) to one of the first and second openings (13) of the profile (12) so as to close at least one cell (22, 23, 24) in said first or second opening (13), the fixing step preferably comprising a step of applying a sealant to the profile (12) and / or to the end piece (14).

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