Rail vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides a rail vehicle equipped with an air intake that can take in air at a predetermined flow rate, efficiently supply the taken-in air to the interior of the vehicle, and has sufficient strength. [Solution] In a rail vehicle having a side structure and a roof structure placed on the upper end of the side structure, the roof structure is integrally connected to an air intake panel equipped with an air intake section for taking in air from outside the rail vehicle into the interior of the rail vehicle and a general roof section, and the air intake panel is joined to the upper end of the side structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] A rail vehicle that runs along a laid track generally has a hexahedral rail vehicle structure composed of a frame forming a floor surface, gable structures erected at both longitudinal ends of the frame, side structures erected at both widthwise ends of the frame, and a roof structure placed on the upper ends of the gable structures and the roof structure.

[0003] Generally, a rail vehicle operating at high speed often has various devices such as a main transformer and a main converter on the lower surface (under the floor) of the frame in order to lower its center of gravity. However, when the equipment arrangement space on the lower surface of the frame is not sufficient, an equipment room may be provided on the upper surface of the frame, and various devices may be arranged inside this equipment room.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for providing an equipment room on the floor of a railway vehicle and cooling the equipment housed in this equipment room. The configuration for cooling these devices includes an equipment room, a wind tunnel provided in the equipment room, an electric blower provided in this wind tunnel, an air intake provided at the upper end (upper part of the vehicle body or side surface of the vehicle body) of the wind tunnel, various devices provided in the wind tunnel and cooled, an exhaust port provided at the lower end (under the floor of the vehicle body) of the wind tunnel, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The cooling system described in Patent Document 1 includes an electric blower for cooling equipment installed inside a wind tunnel. However, electric blowers have disadvantages such as consuming electricity, generating aerodynamic noise, and requiring maintenance work such as replacing the motor bearings. These disadvantages tend to become more apparent as the operating time of the electric blower increases.

[0007] To reduce the power consumption and maintenance costs of electric blowers, measures are being considered to utilize the airflow around rail vehicles as a cooling force, drawing it into the rail vehicles to cool various equipment.

[0008] Air intakes, which draw air flowing around a rail vehicle into the vehicle's interior, can be provided on the roof structure that forms the roof of the rail vehicle or on the side structure that forms its sides. However, in addition to having a shape that can take in a predetermined flow rate, the air intake must have an opening for taking in air and possess sufficient strength, so careful consideration is required in its design.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a rail vehicle equipped with an air intake that can take in air at a predetermined flow rate, efficiently supply the taken-in air to the interior of the vehicle, and has sufficient strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One representative rail vehicle of the present invention that solves the above problems is: In a rail vehicle having a side structure and a roof structure placed on the upper end of the side structure, The aforementioned roof structure is The rail vehicle is equipped with an air intake panel that has an air intake section for taking in air from outside the rail vehicle, The general roof section and the other are connected as a single unit. This is achieved by joining the air intake panel to the upper end of the side structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rail vehicle that can take in air at a predetermined flow rate, efficiently supply the taken-in air to the interior of the vehicle, and has an air intake port with sufficient strength. Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of a railway vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view (corresponding to part A in Figure 1) of a railway vehicle traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, as seen from the side of the structure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view (corresponding to part A in Figure 1) of a railway vehicle traveling at a predetermined speed or below, as seen from the side of the structure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view (showing the exterior side) of the air intake panel that makes up the roof structure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view (showing the side facing the vehicle) of the air intake panel incorporated into the roof structure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view (BB cross-section in Figure 4) of the air intake panel, cut across its longitudinal center by a plane (zx plane) that intersects its width. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view (equivalent to the BB cross-sectional view in Figure 4) obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of another air intake panel with a plane (zx plane) that intersects its width direction. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is yet another cross-sectional view (equivalent to the BB cross-sectional view in Figure 4) obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of another air intake panel with a plane (zx plane) that intersects its width direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view (showing the exterior side) of an air intake panel according to the first modified example incorporated into the roof structure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing how an air intake panel with a duct at the bottom, according to the second modified example, is assembled to the roof structure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view intersecting in the y direction (the vehicle body width direction) showing the duct and equipment in a state where an air intake panel having a duct below is assembled to a roof structure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view intersecting in the x direction (the vehicle body longitudinal direction) showing the duct and equipment in a state where an air intake panel having a duct below is assembled to a roof structure. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the track vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A track vehicle is a vehicle that runs along a laid track, and includes railway vehicles, monorail vehicles, new transport system vehicles, tramcars, linear motor cars, and the like. Hereinafter, a railway vehicle will be described as a representative example of the track vehicle. First, directions for explaining the configuration of the railway vehicle are defined.

[0014] The longitudinal direction of the railway vehicle is defined as the x direction, the width direction of the railway vehicle is defined as the y direction, and the height direction of the railway vehicle is defined as the z direction. Hereinafter, they may be simply referred to as the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a railway vehicle. The railway vehicle 1 has a hexahedral railway vehicle body composed of a frame 10 forming a floor surface, side structures 20 erected at both ends in the y direction of the frame 10, a roof structure 30 placed on the upper ends of the side structures 20 and the roof structure 40 erected at the ends in the x direction of the frame 10.

[0016] The railway vehicle 1 has this railway vehicle body and a pair of bogies 12 that support the lower surfaces at both ends in the x direction of the railway vehicle body. The bogie 12 supports the railway vehicle body and moves along the track 88 together with the railway vehicle body while being guided by the track 88.

[0017] The side structure 20 has a plurality of windows 26 discretely arranged along the x-direction, and an entrance / exit (door) 25 at its x-direction end for passengers to board and alight. Below the side structure 20 (below the frame 10) is a side skirt 24 that covers various equipment installed below the frame 10. In Figure 1, the side structure 20 and the side skirt 24 are shown as separate parts, but the side structure 20 may be extended downward and the side skirt 24 may be integrated with the side structure 20.

[0018] At the x-direction end of the railway vehicle 1, there is an equipment room 84 (see Figure 10) equipped with various devices, and the side structure 20 near this equipment room 84 is equipped with an openable and closable grille section 22 that releases exhaust heat from the equipment room 84 to the outside of the vehicle.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a railway vehicle traveling at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, as seen from the side structure (corresponding to part A in Figure 1), and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a railway vehicle traveling at or below a predetermined speed, as seen from the side structure (corresponding to part A in Figure 1).

[0020] An equipment room 84, which houses various pieces of equipment, is provided at the x-direction end of the railway vehicle 1 (the y-direction inward side of the openable grille section 22). The roof structure 30 located above the equipment room 84 has an air intake section 34a that introduces air flowing around the railway vehicle 1 (outside) into the equipment room 84 (inside).

[0021] The air intake section 34a is manufactured by machining (cutting) from a metal plate having a predetermined thickness and the curvature of the roof. In other words, the roof structure 30 is integrally constructed by joining a pair of air intake panels 33 having air intake sections 34 formed by machining, and the general roof section (referring to the part of the roof structure 30 other than the air intake panels 33) 33g. When the air intake panels 33 are arranged at both ends in the y direction of the roof structure 30, the x-direction outer edge portion 34x (see Figure 4) extending in the x direction from the y-direction end of the air intake panel 33, which constitutes a part of the roof structure 30, is joined to the upper end of the side structure 20. It is also preferable that the y-direction outer edge portion 34y (see Figure 4) extending in the y direction from the x-direction end of the air intake panel 33 is joined to the upper end of the gable structure 40.

[0022] The x-direction end of the side structure 20 is provided with an openable / closable grille section 22 for discharging heat from various equipment located in the equipment room 84 to the outside of the vehicle. The openable / closable grille section 22 has a frame section 22a and a plurality of movable vane sections 22b that are rotatably held by the frame section 22a and are openable / closable. Here, the movable vane sections 22b are arranged in two rows in the z-direction, but are not limited to this arrangement.

[0023] The movable vane section 22b has a pivot with an axis in the x-direction and a panel whose lower end is connected to the pivot, and can be opened and closed simultaneously by an actuator (not shown). When the movable vane section 22b is closed, the outer surface (panel) of the movable vane section 22b and the outer surface of the side structure 20 are substantially the same plane.

[0024] When the railway vehicle 1 is traveling at a predetermined speed (for example, 300 km / h) or less, the airflow velocity around the railway vehicle 1 is not high, and the amount of heat discharged from various equipment is also small. For this reason, as shown in Figure 4, the movable vane section 22b of the openable grille section 22 is opened to form a flow path with low pressure loss from the air intake section 34a to the movable vane section 22b. This allows the heat discharged from various equipment and retained inside the equipment room 84 to be discharged outside the vehicle along with the air through the gap in the adjacent movable vane section 22b.

[0025] When the railway vehicle 1 exceeds a predetermined speed (for example, 300 km / h), the airflow velocity around the railway vehicle 1 also increases significantly, and the amount of heat discharged from various equipment also increases. On the other hand, if the railway vehicle 1 travels at a speed exceeding the predetermined speed with the movable vane section 22b open, there is a concern that aerodynamic noise will be generated, with the movable vane section 22b of the openable / closable grille section 22 acting as a sound source.

[0026] Thus, when the railway vehicle 1 is traveling at a speed higher than a predetermined speed, the flow near the movable vane section 22b becomes a high flow velocity accompanied by high dynamic pressure, so the movable vane section 22b of the openable / closable grille section 22 is closed. Even when the movable vane section 22b is closed, it is possible to ensure a flow along the passage from the air intake section 34a to the exhaust port (not shown) provided in the floor of the equipment room 84. The opening and closing of the movable vane section 22b can be performed automatically by a control device (not shown) that operates an actuator according to the detected speed of the railway vehicle 1, but it may also be performed manually by the driver or other personnel.

[0027] Even when the movable vane section 22b is closed, a sufficient amount of air can be introduced from around the railway vehicle 1 traveling at high speed through the air intake section 34a provided in the air intake panel 33 that forms the roof structure 30. Therefore, even if the pressure loss in the flow path from the air intake section 34a to the exhaust port is relatively large, the introduced air can quickly cool the various equipment by expelling the heat accumulated inside the equipment room 84 to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust port located below the equipment room 84. Furthermore, by closing the movable vane section 22b, aerodynamic noise caused by the movable vane section 22b can be suppressed.

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the air intake panel constituting the roof structure (showing the exterior side), and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the air intake panel incorporated into the roof structure (showing the interior side). Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view (BB cross-section of Figure 4) obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of the air intake panel with a plane intersecting its width direction. The air intake panel of this embodiment will now be described.

[0029] The air intake panel 33 is manufactured by machining (cutting) from a single thick plate having a predetermined thickness. Before machining the single thick plate, it may be annealed and pre-bent to conform to the curvature of the roof, and then the air intake section 34a and various ribs, etc., described later, may be machined using a machining center.

[0030] The flat air intake panel 33 has a pair of flat y-direction outer edges 34y extending in the y direction from its x-direction end and joined to the upper end of an adjacent general roof section 33g panel or gable structure 40, and a pair of flat x-direction outer edges 34x extending in the x direction from its y-direction end and joined to the upper end of an adjacent general roof section 33g panel or side structure 20. The y-direction outer edges 34y and the x-direction outer edges 34x form an outer frame with a smoothly connected upper surface surrounding the air intake section 34a, and each has multiple holes into which fastening members (bolts, rivets, etc.) for fastening to adjacent general roof section 33g panels or side structures 20 or gable structures 40 are inserted.

[0031] The outer edges of the y-direction outer edge portion 34y and the x-direction outer edge portion 34x are mechanically fastened to the upper end of the adjacent roof general portion 33g or side structure 20 via fastening members, and are therefore provided with a thickened portion T (see Figure 5) around the hole, giving them sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity.

[0032] The air intake panel 33 includes a y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc that runs along the y-direction at its x-direction center, and a plate-shaped ceiling portion 34d that connects to the z-direction upper end of the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc and extends in the y-direction, having a width from the +x direction to the -x direction (see Figures 4 and 6). The ceiling portion 34d connects a pair of x-direction outer edge portions 34x, and their upper surfaces are smoothly connected.

[0033] The air intake panel 33 has a pair of air intake sections 34a arranged opposite each other along the x-direction in its center, and the boundary between the central vertical rib 34ybc and the ceiling section 34d is set between them, so that air can be introduced into the interior (equipment room 84) of the railway vehicle 1 when it is traveling uphill or downhill. The pair of air intake sections 34a are provided on the air intake panel 33 in a manner that is substantially symmetrical (along the x-direction) with respect to the vertical rib surface of the central vertical rib 34ybc in the y-direction.

[0034] In other words, one air intake section 34a and the other air intake section 34a are provided on the air intake panel 33 in such a manner that they both share a central vertical rib 34ybc in the y-direction and a ceiling section 34d.

[0035] The pair of air intake sections 34a are arranged on the outside of the air intake panel 33, with one air intake section 34a and the other air intake section 34a positioned linearly along the x-direction, and one air intake section 34a is not offset in the y-direction relative to the other air intake section 34a.

[0036] Each air intake section 34a includes a sloped section 34s that slopes (downward gradient) toward the center of the air intake panel 33 in the x-direction, continuous with the portion of the air intake panel 33 that is substantially flush with the roof structure 30 at the x-direction end of the air intake panel 33; an opening 34o that penetrates the air intake panel 33 in the z-direction, continuous with the end of the sloped section 34s; a central vertical rib 34ybc in the y-direction; and a ceiling section 34d that connects to the upper end of the central vertical rib 34ybc in the z-direction and extends in the +x or -x direction (see Figure 4). Multiple (three in this case) sloped sections 34s of each air intake section 34a are provided, and have a planar shape that gradually descends from the outer edge 34y in the y-direction toward the ceiling section 34d. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a shielding plate (for example, a duct 50 described later) or a water distribution plate, etc., below the z-direction of the opening 34o to prevent rain and snow entering through the opening 34o, which serves as an air intake, from adhering to the equipment 52 in the equipment room 84.

[0037] The exterior surface of the ceiling portion 34d is flush with the exterior surface of the roof structure 30, and the cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the central vertical rib 34ybc in the y-direction and the ceiling portion 34d connected to it at a plane intersecting in the y-direction is roughly T-shaped.

[0038] Furthermore, the air intake panel 33 has a plurality of y-direction vertical ribs (also called reinforcing ribs) 34yb that are discretely arranged along its x-direction and extend along its y-direction, and a plurality of x-direction vertical ribs (also called reinforcing ribs) 34xb that are discretely arranged along its y-direction and extend along its x-direction. The slope portion 34s and the opening 34o adjacent in the y-direction are separated by the x-direction vertical ribs 34xb.

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view (equivalent to the BB cross-sectional view in Figure 4) obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of another air intake panel with a plane intersecting the y-direction, and Figure 8 is yet another cross-sectional view (equivalent to the BB cross-sectional view in Figure 4) obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of yet another air intake panel with a plane intersecting the y-direction, each showing selected examples of this embodiment. The structure other than the air intake panel is the same.

[0040] While the railway vehicle 1 is in motion, the amount of air flowing from the air intake section 34a provided in the roof structure 30 into the equipment room 84 (section A in Figure 1) can be adjusted by changing the cross-sectional shape of the portion where the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc and the ceiling section 34d intersect in the y-direction (the widthwise cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal central part of the air intake panel 33).

[0041] Specifically, considering the amount of air flowing from the air intake section 34a into the equipment room 84, the strength and weight of the air intake panel 33 having the air intake section 34a, and the manufacturing man-hours required when machining the air intake section 34a, the cross-sectional shape of the central vertical rib 34ybc in the y-direction and the ceiling section 34d intersecting in the y-direction can be determined to be one of those shown in Figures 6 to 8. When considering the amount of air, the results of model tests and simulations can be used as a reference.

[0042] Figures 7 and 8 are other examples (derivative forms) of the cross-sectional view (BB cross-sectional view in Figure 4) obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of the air intake panel 33 shown in Figure 6 with a plane that intersects in the y direction, and either shape can be selected.

[0043] The cross-section of the air intake panel 33 in Figure 7, obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of the panel with a plane intersecting the y-direction, has a roughly trumpet-shaped cross-section (referring to the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the conical tip of a trumpet along its axis). The y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc is positioned at a location away from the x-direction center of the ceiling portion 34d, which extends substantially horizontally in the y-direction, in the -z direction. The x-direction end of the ceiling portion 34d and the upper end of the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc are connected by a curve with radius R. In other words, a double-arc-shaped portion 34gc with a pair of curved surfaces on either side of the center is provided between the ceiling portion 34d and the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc. These curved surfaces smoothly connect to the lower surface of the ceiling portion 34d and the side surface of the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc.

[0044] The cross-section of the air intake panel 33 in Figure 8, obtained by cutting the longitudinal center of the panel with a plane intersecting it in the y-direction, has a roughly isosceles triangular cross-sectional shape with its vertex located at a position away from the x-center of the ceiling portion 34d in the -z direction, and has a hypotenuse (slope) 34g that is symmetrical in the x-direction with respect to the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc (the dashed line in Figure 8).

[0045] (First variation) Figure 9 is a perspective view (outside the vehicle) of an air intake panel according to the first modified example incorporated into the roof structure. The explanations common to those described in Figures 4 to 8 will be omitted, and the unique structure shown in Figure 9 will be described. The air intake panel 33 shown in Figure 9 is characterized by the shape of the flow path that guides outside air (airflow 80) to the opening 34o. The flow path leading to the opening 34o consists of an isosceles triangular-shaped slope 34s that slopes downwards along the x-direction towards the opening 34o, and triangular-shaped x-direction vertical ribs 34xb erected at both ends of the slope 34s in the y-direction, with a rectangular opening 34o formed at its end. At the end opposite to the opening 34o, the slope 34s, the x-direction vertical ribs 34xb, and the upper surface of the roof structure 30 intersect at a single point (intersection). The distance between opposing x-direction vertical ribs 34xb gradually increases from the intersection towards the opening 34o.

[0046] The groove formed by the slope 34s and the x-direction vertical rib 34xb, which leads to the opening 34o, has a form in which the groove cross-sectional dimension (y-direction dimension) in the direction intersecting the airflow 80 passing over the slope 34s gradually increases. This structure is commonly called a NACA duct and can efficiently take in air that passes through the intersection of the slope 34s and the x-direction vertical rib 34xb toward the opening 34o.

[0047] (Second variation) Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing how an air intake panel with a duct at the bottom is assembled to the roof structure according to the second modified example. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view intersecting the y-direction (width direction of the vehicle body) showing the duct and equipment when the air intake panel with a duct at the bottom is assembled to the roof structure, and Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view intersecting the x-direction (longitudinal direction of the vehicle body) showing the duct and equipment when the air intake panel with a duct at the bottom is assembled to the roof structure. The structure other than the duct is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0048] Here, the air intake panel 33 has a duct 50 attached to its lower part. When assembling to the vehicle body, the air intake panel 33 with the duct 50 attached to its lower part is suspended by a hoist (not shown) or the like, and lowered from above toward the roof opening 32 provided in the general roof section 33g of the roof structure 30. Then, the peripheral edge of the air intake panel 33 and the peripheral edge of the roof opening 32 are mechanically fastened together with bolts or the like.

[0049] The duct 50 is made of, for example, a press-formed sheet metal and has a hollow truncated square pyramidal flow path expansion section 50a whose width in the x and y directions gradually increases downward from the portion connected to the air intake panel 33, and a base section 50b extending downward from the lower end of the flow path expansion section 50a. The base section 50b is provided only on the edge along the y direction of the lower end of the flow path expansion section 50a, and not on the edge along the x direction of the lower end.

[0050] The dimension of the duct 50 along the x-direction from one end 50b to the other end 50b is set to be larger than the dimension of the equipment 52 to be cooled along the x-direction, and a gap of dimension d is provided between the end 50b and the end face of the equipment 52, and there is also a gap in the vertical direction, so the duct 50 and the equipment 52 do not interfere with each other. Furthermore, it is preferable that the dimension of the lower end of the flow path expansion portion 50a along the y-direction is also set to be larger than the dimension of the equipment 52 along the y-direction. However, as shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that the end 50b and the upper part of the equipment 52 overlap when viewed in the x-direction. The duct 50 also has the function of shielding the equipment 52 so that rain and snow entering from the opening 34o do not adhere to the upper part of the equipment 52 when guiding the air that cools the equipment 52 downwards.

[0051] (Effects of this embodiment) Referring to Figure 4, when the railway vehicle 1 is traveling in the direction of travel 90, a portion of the air 80 flowing in the x direction on the outer surface of the roof structure 30 of the railway vehicle 1 enters the air intake section 34a provided in the air intake panel 33 that constitutes the roof structure 30 and flows down along the slope section 34s.

[0052] In the structure shown in Figure 6, the air flowing along the slope section 34s collides with the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc, which is located adjacent to the opening 34o at the end of the slope section 34s. Since the ceiling section 34d protrudes above the y-direction central vertical rib, upward (+z direction) airflow is blocked, and downward (-z direction) air flows through the opening 34o into the equipment room 84 located below the air intake section 34a. The air flowing into the equipment room 84 takes in the exhaust heat from the equipment 52 and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (or openable grill section 22). This suppresses the temperature rise of the equipment room 84.

[0053] The air intake section 34a in the configuration shown in Figure 6 consists only of a thin, plate-like central vertical rib 34ybc in the y-direction and a ceiling section 34d, resulting in a simple structure and excellent lightweight properties.

[0054] In contrast, in the structure shown in Figure 7, when the railway vehicle 1 is in motion, the air flowing down along the slope section 34s smoothly changes direction downward (-z direction) along the curved surface of the double arc-shaped section 34gc formed between the x-direction end of the ceiling section 34d and the upper end of the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc. Subsequently, it becomes a downward (-z direction) flow along the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc, and can pass through the opening 34o and flow into the equipment room 84 while achieving a smaller pressure loss (see Figure 7).

[0055] In Figure 7, the air intake section 34a functions as a deflection plate thanks to the y-direction central vertical rib 34ybc formed at a position away from the x-direction center of the ceiling section 34d in the y-direction, thereby reliably directing the airflow from the air intake section 34a downwards (-z direction) toward the equipment 52.

[0056] Furthermore, the air intake section 34a is machined symmetrically with respect to the central vertical rib 34ybc in the y-direction as the interface. That is, the slopes of the air intake sections 34a aligned in the x-direction are in opposite directions, so a predetermined amount of air can be effectively taken into the interior of the rail vehicle 1 regardless of the direction of travel of the rail vehicle 1.

[0057] Furthermore, in the structure shown in Figure 8, when the railway vehicle 1 is in motion, the air flowing down along the slope section 34s collides with the hypotenuse (slope) 34g of the approximately isosceles triangular cross-sectional shape adjacent to the opening 34o at the end of the slope section 34s, becoming a downward flow (-z direction), passing through the opening 34o, and flowing into the equipment room 84 located below the air intake section 34a. The air intake section 34a in the configuration of Figure 8 has a simple structure, which allows it to have the required strength while reducing the number of machining steps involved.

[0058] A railway vehicle 1 having a roof structure 30 composed of an air intake panel 33 having an air intake section 34a having the above-described configuration can introduce a sufficient amount of air into the vehicle (into the equipment room 84) to cool the various equipment installed in the equipment room 84.

[0059] Furthermore, the air intake panel 33 that constitutes the roof structure 30 has an air intake section 34a formed by machining from a single thick plate of a predetermined thickness. Since the air intake section 34a does not involve welding, there is no reduction in strength due to the large heat input associated with welding, and it can maintain fatigue strength equivalent to that of the base material.

[0060] Furthermore, since the air intake section 34a has a plurality of y-direction vertical ribs 34yb that are spaced apart from the air intake panel 33 along the x-direction and extend in the y-direction, and a plurality of x-direction vertical ribs 34xb that are spaced apart along the y-direction and extend in the x-direction, it can be lightweight while possessing sufficient strength and rigidity against external forces caused by fluctuations in external pressure when the railway vehicle 1 is traveling at high speed.

[0061] Furthermore, the pair of air intake sections 34a are arranged in a straight line along the x-direction, with one air intake section 34a and the other air intake section 34a (i.e., the plane-symmetric slope section 34s), and one air intake section 34a is not offset in the y-direction relative to the other air intake section 34a. Therefore, it is easy to create a program that instructs the movement of the cutting tool during machining, thereby reducing the manufacturing time of the air intake panel 33.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, by setting the dimension (spacing) along the x-direction from one end 50b of the duct 50 to the other end 50b to be larger than the dimension along the x-direction of the equipment 52, when fixing the air intake panel 33, which has the duct 50 below it, to the roof opening 32 of the roof structure 30 (general roof section 33g), it becomes unnecessary to align the duct 50 and the equipment 52, so the air intake panel 33 can be easily fixed to the roof structure 30 with fewer steps.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the hem portion 50b, which is provided only on the edge along the y-direction of the lower end of the flow path expansion portion 50a of the duct 50, can receive the x-direction airflow of the air that passes through the opening 34o and flows through the flow path expansion portion 50a of the duct 50, and guide the airflow toward the equipment 52, thereby effectively cooling the equipment 52.

[0064] Furthermore, since there is almost no flow in the y-direction of the air flowing through the expanded flow path 50a of the duct 50, a lightweight duct 50 can be constructed by providing a hem portion 50b only on the edge along the y-direction of the lower end of the expanded flow path 50a of the duct 50, as shown in Figure 11.

[0065] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a rail vehicle that can take in air at a predetermined flow rate, efficiently supply the taken-in air to the equipment to be cooled inside the vehicle, and furthermore, has an air intake port with sufficient strength.

[0066] This specification includes disclosures of the following inventions. (First aspect) In a rail vehicle having a side structure and a roof structure placed on the upper end of the side structure, The aforementioned roof structure is The rail vehicle is equipped with an air intake panel that has an air intake section for taking in air from outside the rail vehicle, The general roof section and the other are connected as a single unit. The air intake panel is joined to the upper end of the side structure. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0067] (Second aspect) In a rail vehicle of the first embodiment, The aforementioned air intake section is, In the air intake panel, a central vertical rib formed along the width direction of the rail vehicle is provided in the longitudinal center of the rail vehicle, A ceiling portion that connects to the upper end of the central vertical rib and extends in the width direction, A slope portion that slopes toward the central part in a manner continuous with the portion joined to the roof structure, At the end of the aforementioned slope section, there is an opening that penetrates the air intake panel in the vertical direction, Composed of, A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0068] (Third aspect) In a rail vehicle of the second embodiment, The aforementioned air intake panel is The rail vehicle has a pair of air intake portions arranged symmetrically in the longitudinal direction with respect to the central vertical rib, A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0069] (Fourth aspect) In a rail vehicle of the second or third embodiment, The slopes of the pair of air intake sections are arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0070] (Fifth aspect) In a rail vehicle of any of the second to fourth embodiments, The cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the central part of the air intake panel in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle with a plane that intersects the width direction of the rail vehicle is approximately T-shaped. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0071] (Sixth aspect) In a rail vehicle of any of the second to fifth embodiments, On the interior side of the air intake panel, a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle and a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the width direction of the rail vehicle are formed. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0072] (Seventh aspect) In a rail vehicle of any of the second to sixth embodiments, The aforementioned ceiling portion and the aforementioned central vertical rib are connected via a double arc-shaped portion. The aforementioned double arc-shaped portion has a pair of curved surfaces connecting the lower surface of the ceiling portion and the side surface of the central vertical rib. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0073] (Eighth aspect) In a rail vehicle of the first embodiment, The aforementioned air intake section is, The central part in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle in the air intake panel, A slope portion that slopes toward the central part in a manner continuous with the portion connected to the roof structure, At the end of the aforementioned slope section, there is an opening that penetrates the air intake panel in the vertical direction, Composed of, The aforementioned central portion is formed across the width direction of the rail vehicle, The cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the central portion with a plane intersecting the width direction is an approximately isosceles triangle with its vertex located at a position below the central portion. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0074] (Ninth aspect) In a rail vehicle of the eighth embodiment, On the interior side of the air intake panel, a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle and a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the width direction of the rail vehicle are formed. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0075] (Tenth aspect) In a rail vehicle of the eighth or ninth embodiment, The aforementioned air intake panel is The central portion has a pair of air intake portions arranged symmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle, A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0076] (The 11th aspect) In a rail vehicle of any of the eighth to tenth embodiments, The slopes of the pair of air intake sections are arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0077] (The 12th aspect) In a rail vehicle of any of the first to eleventh embodiments, Below the aforementioned air intake panel, an equipment room is formed to house the equipment for the rail vehicle. A duct is positioned with a gap between the air intake panel and the equipment. Air entering the equipment room from outside the rail vehicle via the air intake flows along the duct toward the periphery of the equipment. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0078] (The 13th aspect) In a rail vehicle of the 12th embodiment, The duct has a flow path expansion section through which air entering from the air intake section flows, and a base section extending downward from the lower end of the flow path expansion section. The aforementioned hem portion is provided only on the edge of the lower end of the channel expansion portion that is aligned with the width direction of the rail vehicle. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

[0079] (Aspect 14) In a rail vehicle of any of the first to thirteenth embodiments, Below the aforementioned air intake panel, an equipment room is formed to house the equipment for the rail vehicle. The side structure adjacent to the equipment room is equipped with an openable and closable grille section that closes when the speed of the rail vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed and opens when the speed is below the predetermined speed. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1...Railway (rail) vehicle, 10...Underframe 12... Bogie, 20... Side structure 22...Openable grill section, 22a...Frame section 22b...Movable wing section, 24...Side skirt 25... Entrance / exit (door), 26... Window area 30...Roof structure, 33...Air intake panel 33g…General roof section, 34a…Air intake section 34s...Slope section, 34xb...Vertical rib in the x-direction 34yb…Vertical rib in the y-direction, 34ybc…Central vertical rib in the y-direction 34o...Opening, 34d...Ceiling 34x…Outer edge in the x direction, 34y…Outer edge in the y direction 40...Waiting structure, 80...Airflow 84...Equipment room, 88...Orbit 90... Direction of travel of a train vehicle, x…Longest direction of the railway vehicle (rail direction), y…Width direction of the railway vehicle z... Height direction of the railway vehicle

Claims

1. In a rail vehicle having a side structure and a roof structure placed on the upper end of the side structure, The aforementioned roof structure is The rail vehicle is equipped with an air intake panel that has an air intake section for taking in air from outside the rail vehicle, The general roof section and the other are connected as a single unit. The air intake panel is joined to the upper end of the side structure. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

2. In the rail vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned air intake section is, In the air intake panel, a central vertical rib formed along the width direction of the rail vehicle is provided in the longitudinal center of the rail vehicle, A ceiling portion that connects to the upper end of the central vertical rib and extends in the width direction, A slope portion that slopes toward the central part in a manner continuous with the portion joined to the roof structure, At the end of the aforementioned slope section, there is an opening that penetrates the air intake panel in the vertical direction, Composed of, A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

3. In the rail vehicle described in claim 2, The aforementioned air intake panel is The rail vehicle has a pair of air intake portions arranged symmetrically in the longitudinal direction with respect to the central vertical rib, A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

4. In the rail vehicle described in claim 3, The slopes of the pair of air intake sections are arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

5. In the rail vehicle described in claim 2, The cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the central part of the air intake panel in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle with a plane that intersects the width direction of the rail vehicle is approximately T-shaped. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

6. In the rail vehicle described in claim 2, On the interior side of the air intake panel, a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle and a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the width direction of the rail vehicle are formed. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

7. In the rail vehicle described in claim 2, The aforementioned ceiling portion and the aforementioned central vertical rib are connected via a double arc-shaped portion. The aforementioned double arc-shaped portion has a pair of curved surfaces connecting the lower surface of the ceiling portion and the side surface of the central vertical rib. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

8. In the rail vehicle described in claim 1, The aforementioned air intake section is, The central part in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle in the air intake panel, A slope portion that slopes toward the central part in a manner continuous with the portion connected to the roof structure, At the end of the aforementioned slope section, there is an opening that penetrates the air intake panel in the vertical direction, Composed of, The aforementioned central portion is formed across the width direction of the rail vehicle, The cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the central portion with a plane intersecting the width direction is an approximately isosceles triangle with its vertex located at a position below the central portion. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

9. In the rail vehicle described in claim 8, On the interior side of the air intake panel, a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle and a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending parallel to the width direction of the rail vehicle are formed. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

10. In the rail vehicle described in claim 8, The aforementioned air intake panel is The central portion has a pair of air intake portions arranged symmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle, A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

11. In the rail vehicle described in claim 10, The slopes of the pair of air intake sections are arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

12. In the rail vehicle described in claim 1, Below the aforementioned air intake panel, an equipment room is formed to house the equipment for the rail vehicle. A duct is positioned with a gap between the air intake panel and the equipment. Air entering the equipment room from outside the rail vehicle via the air intake flows along the duct toward the periphery of the equipment. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

13. In the rail vehicle described in claim 12, The duct has a flow path expansion section through which air entering from the air intake section flows, and a base section extending downward from the lower end of the flow path expansion section. The aforementioned hem portion is provided only on the edge of the lower end of the channel expansion portion that is aligned with the width direction of the rail vehicle. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

14. In the rail vehicle described in claim 1, Below the aforementioned air intake panel, an equipment room is formed to house the equipment for the rail vehicle. The side structure adjacent to the equipment room is equipped with an openable and closable grille section that closes when the speed of the rail vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed and opens when the speed of the rail vehicle is below the predetermined speed. A rail vehicle characterized by the following features.

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