Trim Panel Arrangement and Rail Vehicle

Abstract

A trim panel arrangement, in particular for a rail vehicle, includes at least one first trim panel part and at least one connecting device for connecting the trim panel arrangement to at least one device to be at least partially covered, in particular for connecting the trim panel arrangement to a rail vehicle chassis to be at least partially covered or / and to a rail vehicle wagon body to be at least partially covered, wherein the at least first trim panel part is formed by or from wood in a laminated material, and wherein the at least one connecting device is connected to the at least first trim panel part such that a lightweight trim panel is achieved.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a U.S. national stage of application No. PCT / EP2023 / 070740 filed 26 Jul. 2023. Priority is claimed on Austrian Application No. A50565 / 2022 filed 26 Jul. 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a rail vehicle and a trim panel arrangement, in particular for the rail vehicle, having at least one first trim panel part and at least one connecting device for connecting the trim panel arrangement to at least one device to be at least partially covered, in particular for connecting the trim panel arrangement to a rail vehicle chassis to be at least partially covered and / or to a rail vehicle car body to be at least partially covered.2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] There is often a need to reduce the mass of mechanical components, for example, in the field of rail vehicle technology. It is often also necessary to meet ecological assessment criteria for the manufacture and use of components, vehicles, etc. Lightweight components (for example, trim panel parts for rail vehicles) can, for example, be formed from aluminum materials, glass fiber materials or carbon fiber materials.

[0004] WO 2014 / 206643 A1, for example, discloses a conventional rail vehicle with a covered chassis. A trim panel arrangement comprises a plurality of trim panel parts.

[0005] WO 2019 / 120508 A1 discloses a trim panel arrangement for a vehicle with an emergency catch device.

[0006] Furthermore, WO 2019 / 161888 A1 describes a trim panel arrangement for a vehicle with a bearing device having at least three bearings.

[0007] In addition, EP 2 368 781 A1 discloses impact protection for a rail vehicle chassis, where an impact energy absorbing element can be formed from a wood-based material.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved trim panel arrangement with reduced mass compared to the prior art.

[0009] This and other objects and advantages are achieved in accordance with the invention by a trim panel arrangement in which the at least one first trim panel part is formed from a laminated material with wood or made of wood, where the at least one connecting device is connected to the at least one first trim panel part.

[0010] The laminated material can, for example, be a laminated veneer material made of wood or a hybrid material in which, for example, at least one wood layer is combined with at least one metal layer (for example, an aluminum layer), etc.

[0011] This achieves a lightweight trim panel that also has high component strength, damping properties and a geometry that meets requirements. The inventive trim panel arrangement also achieves a high degree of environmental sustainability and recyclability.

[0012] Furthermore, the trim panel arrangement can achieve low-resistance flow conditions in the region of the trim panel arrangement.

[0013] The risk of fire is reduced if the laminated material is functionalized, whereby the at least first trim panel part has fire protection. Functionalization of the laminated material can, for example, entail impregnating layers of the laminated material with a fire protection agent (for example, with a phosphate-based fire protection salt for impregnating wood-based materials with a test certificate according to DIN 4102-1, B1—“flame-retardant” and classification reports according to EN 13501-1 (B-s2 / s1, d0), suitable for transport applications) or chemical modification of the laminated material (for example, by charring the surface of a layer of the laminated material), etc.

[0014] The strength and vibration properties of the first trim panel part are improved if the at least first trim panel part has a varying wall thickness.

[0015] To improve the aerodynamic properties of the trim panel arrangement, it can be helpful for the at least first trim panel part to be curved or formed with a varying inclination.

[0016] Resistant cladding of the first trim panel part and / or high dimensional accuracy of the first trim panel part is / are enabled if the at least first trim panel part is at least partially covered in metal.

[0017] If the trim panel arrangement is used on a rail vehicle, for example, then the first trim panel part can, for example, be covered in metal in an area or in areas in which the distance to a clearance limit is small, etc.

[0018] Lightweight cladding of the first trim panel part is achieved if the at least first trim panel part is at least partially covered in aluminum.

[0019] Stable connection properties of the trim panel arrangement (for example, for connecting the trim panel arrangement to a rail vehicle) are achieved if the at least first trim panel part has at least one first coupling zone for connecting the at least one connecting device to the at least first trim panel part, where at least one first metallic insert is inserted into at least one first recess of the at least first trim panel part in the at least first coupling zone.

[0020] A favorable solution is achieved if the at least first insert is arranged at least partially adjacent to a surface of the at least first trim panel part that is offset from a base surface or a cover surface of the at least first trim panel part.

[0021] This measure achieves precise positioning of the first insert in the first recess. Furthermore, this enables, for example, the first insert to be arranged countersunk in the first recess, whereby, for example, sharp-edged protrusions of the first insert can be avoided and / or susceptibility to weathering of the first trim panel part and / or of the first insert can be reduced.

[0022] A redundant connection between the first insert and the first trim panel part is obtained by forming a force-fitting connection and a material-bonded connection between the at least first insert and the at least first trim panel part.

[0023] To couple the trim panel arrangement (for example, to a rail vehicle) it can, for example, be helpful if the at least first insert has at least one bore for a screw or bolt.

[0024] A metallic lightweight insert is realized if the at least first insert is formed from aluminum.

[0025] A promising field of application for the trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention can be developed with a rail vehicle having at least one trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention.

[0026] An aerodynamic improvement and / or a lightweight enclosure in a chassis area and / or in a car body area can be achieved if at least one rail vehicle chassis and / or at least one rail vehicle car body is / are at least partially covered with the at least one trim panel arrangement.

[0027] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention, the rail vehicle in accordance with the invention and a manufacturing method are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which:

[0029] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of a trim panel arrangement with a first trim panel part in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of a trim panel arrangement with a first trim panel part, a second trim panel part and a third trim panel part in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a section a trim panel arrangement with a metallic insert in sectional view in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of a section of a trim panel arrangement with a first top unit as a connecting device in sectional view in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 5 shows an oblique view of the second exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement of FIG. 2, where a first trim panel part is shown;

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a section of a trim panel arrangement with a bearing bracket as a connecting device in a sectional view in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 7 shows an oblique view of a section of a trim panel arrangement with a first metal profile, a second metal profile, a third metal profile, a first pendulum support and a second pendulum support as connecting devices in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a section of an exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle in accordance with the invention with a chassis and a car body and a trim panel arrangement in accordance with seventh exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

[0037] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a trim panel arrangement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0038] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of an underside of a first trim panel part 1 of a first exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8. The first trim panel part 1 is formed as part of an underbody trim panel for a rail vehicle chassis 7. The first trim panel part 1 can cover an underside of the chassis 7 in the area of a first wheel set 8 of the chassis 7 and a first drive of the chassis 7 (not shown).

[0039] The first trim panel part 1 is formed from a laminated material made of wood as a laminated veneer material with a plurality of layers (shown by way of example in FIG. 3 as a first layer 10, a second layer 11 and a third layer 12).

[0040] In order to be able to meet the fire protection requirements for rail vehicles (for example, according to European Standard (EN) 45545, Hazard Level (HL) 2), the individual layers of the laminated veneer material are impregnated with a non-toxic and environmentally sustainable fire protection agent (known phosphate-based fire protection salt for impregnating wood-based materials; test certificate 4102-1, B1—“flame-retardant”; classification reports according to EN 13501-1 (B-s2 / s1, d0); suitable for transport applications). The laminated material is thus functionalized, whereby the first trim panel part 1 has fire protection.

[0041] The layers are bonded together under pressure in a manufacturing method and simultaneously shaped into a desired contour, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 9.

[0042] The first trim panel part 1 is partially curved and partially formed with a varying inclination. For example, a first section 13 of the first trim panel part 1 is curved, a second section 14 of the first trim panel part 1 has a first inclination, and a third section 15 of the first trim panel part 1 has a second inclination, where the first inclination and the second inclination have different angles of inclination.

[0043] Furthermore, the first trim panel part is partially covered in metal, via an aluminum sheet. An aluminum trim panel is, for example, provided in a fourth section 16 of the first trim panel part 1.

[0044] The first trim panel part 1 further comprises at least a first coupling zone 17, a second coupling zone 18 and a third coupling zone 19, where, in the first coupling zone 17, a first metallic insert 21 of the trim panel arrangement, which is formed from aluminum, is inserted into a first recess 24 of the first trim panel part 1 and where, in the second coupling zone 18, a second metallic insert 22 of the trim panel arrangement, which is formed from aluminum, is inserted into a second recess 25 of the first trim panel part 1.

[0045] The first metallic insert 21, as also shown by way of example in FIG. 6, is formed as an aluminum bracket, which is screwed to the first trim panel part 1. In addition, the first insert 21 is glued into the first trim panel part 1. Therefore, a force-fitting connection and a material-bonded connection are formed between the first insert 21 and the first trim panel part 1.

[0046] In terms of material, manufacturing principles and functionality, the second metallic insert 22 is formed in the same way as the first insert 21.

[0047] The first coupling zone 17 and the second coupling zone 18 can be used to connect the first trim panel part 1 to a first roll support facility (also called a roll stabilizer) of the rail vehicle.

[0048] In the third coupling zone 19, as shown by way of example in FIG. 7, a first metal profile 27 and a second metal profile 28 of the trim panel arrangement are screwed to the first trim panel part 1. The first metal profile 27 and the second metal profile 28, which are connecting devices of the trim panel arrangement for connecting the trim panel arrangement to the chassis 7, can be used to connect the first trim panel part 1 to the first drive of the chassis 7.

[0049] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of an upper side of a second exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle chassis 7, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8.

[0050] The trim panel arrangement comprises a first trim panel part 1, a second trim panel part 2 and a third trim panel part 3, which form an underbody trim panel for the chassis 7.

[0051] The trim panel arrangement can be used to cover an underside of the chassis 7. Herein, the first trim panel part 1 can be arranged below a first wheel set 8 of the chassis 7 and a first drive of the chassis 7 (not shown); the second trim panel part 2 can be arranged below a second wheel set 9 of the chassis 7 and a second drive of the chassis 7 (not shown).

[0052] The third trim panel part 3 can be used to cover the underside of the chassis 7 between the first wheel set 8 and the second wheel set 9.

[0053] The first trim panel part 1, the second trim panel part 2 and the third trim panel part 3 are formed from a laminated veneer material made of wood, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0054] The first trim panel part 1 has a first coupling zone 17 and a second coupling zone 18 for a first roll support facility of the rail vehicle. The first coupling zone 17 is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 6. In terms of design and manufacturing and functional principles, the second coupling zone 18 is formed in the same way as the first coupling zone 17. The first coupling zone 17 and the second coupling zone 18 can be used to couple the first trim panel part 1 to the first roll support facility.

[0055] The first trim panel part 1 further comprises a third coupling zone 19 that can be used to connect the first trim panel part 1 to the first drive of the chassis 7. The third coupling zone 19 is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 7.

[0056] The first trim panel part 1 is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 1. In terms of its design and manufacturing and functional principles, the second trim panel part 2 is formed in the same way as the first trim panel part 1.

[0057] Like the first trim panel part 1 and the second trim panel part 2, the third trim panel part 3 is formed from a laminated veneer material made of wood, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1.

[0058] In a fourth coupling zone 20 of the third trim panel part 3, the third trim panel part 3 is connected to a partially metallic first top unit 30 of the trim panel arrangement; in further coupling zones of the third trim panel part 3, the third trim panel part 3 is connected to further partially metallic top units of the trim panel arrangement.

[0059] The first top unit 30 and the further top units can be used to connect the third trim panel part 3 to a chassis frame of the chassis 7 (not shown) and thus the first top unit 30 and the further top units are connecting devices of the trim panel arrangement for connecting the trim panel arrangement to the chassis 7.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the first top unit 30 can, for example, also be used to connect the trim panel arrangement to a rail vehicle car body 31 to be covered, where the first top unit 30 serves as a connecting device of the trim panel arrangement for connecting the trim panel arrangement to the car body 31.

[0061] The first top unit 30 is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4.

[0062] In terms of their connecting functions between the third trim panel part 3 and the chassis frame, the first top unit 30 and the further top units are formed in accordance with the same principles.

[0063] FIG. 3 discloses a side view of a section of a third exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle in sectional view, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8.

[0064] The trim panel arrangement comprises a first trim panel part 1, a second trim panel part 2 and a third trim panel part 3, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2, where, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, in a first coupling zone 17 of the first trim panel part 1, a first metallic insert 21 of the trim panel arrangement is inserted into a first recess 24 of the first trim panel part 1 and, in a second coupling zone 18 of the first trim panel part 1, a second metallic insert 22 of the trim panel arrangement is inserted into a second recess 25 of the first trim panel part 1.

[0065] To connect the first trim panel part 1 to a first drive of a rail vehicle chassis 7 (not shown), a third coupling zone 19 of the first trim panel part 1 shown by way of example in FIG. 1 can be used to couple a first metal profile 27 and a second metal profile 28 of the trim panel arrangement, as shown by way of example in FIG. 7, to the first trim panel part 1.

[0066] FIG. 3 shows a third metallic insert 23 of the trim panel arrangement, which is inserted into a third recess 26 of the third trim panel part 3 in a fourth coupling zone 20 of the third trim panel part 3. To connect the third trim panel part 3 to a chassis frame of the chassis 7, the third insert 23 can be used to connect a partially metallic first top unit 30, as described by way of example in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. to the third trim panel part 3.

[0067] The third insert 23 is arranged adjacent to a surface 33 of the third trim panel part 3 that is offset from a base surface 32 of the third trim panel part 3.

[0068] The third insert 23 is formed as an aluminum bracket and is screwed to the third trim panel part 3 via a first countersunk-head screw 34, a second countersunk-head screw 35 and further countersunk-head screws in combination with threaded inserts. In addition, the third insert 23 is glued into the third trim panel part 3. As a result, a force-fitting connection and a material-bonded connection are formed between the third insert 23 and the third trim panel part 3.

[0069] This ensures that the third trim panel part 3 is held in position if the first countersunk-head screw 34, the second countersunk-head screw 35 and / or the further countersunk-head screws fail. The third insert 23 further comprises a first through-hole 36 with a first counterbore, a second through-hole 37 with a second counterbore and further through-holes with further counterbores that can be used to connect the first top unit 30 to the third trim panel part 3. Screws or bolts can be passed through the first through-hole 36, the second through-hole 37 and the further through-holes.

[0070] The third trim panel part 3 is formed from a laminated material made of wood as a laminated veneer material. In order to be able to meet the fire protection requirements for rail vehicles (for example, according to European Standard (EN) 45545, Hazard Level (HL) 2), a first layer 10 of the laminated veneer material, a second layer 11 of the laminated veneer material, a third layer 12 of the laminated veneer material and further layers of the laminated veneer material are each impregnated with a non-toxic and environmentally sustainable fire protection agent (known phosphate-based fire protection salt for impregnating wood-based materials; test certificate DIN 4102-1, B1—“flame-retardant”; classification reports according to EN 13501-1 (B-s2 / s1, d0); suitable for transport applications). The laminated material is thus functionalized, whereby the third trim panel part 3 has fire protection.

[0071] The first layer 10, the second layer 11, the third layer 12 and the further layers are bonded together under pressure in a manufacturing method and simultaneously shaped into a desired contour, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 9.

[0072] FIG. 4 is an oblique view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle in sectional view, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8. The trim panel arrangement comprises a first trim panel part 1, a second trim panel part 2 and a third trim panel part 3, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2. The trim panel arrangement further has a first coupling zone 17, a second coupling zone 18 and a third coupling zone 19, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and a fourth coupling zone 20, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Furthermore, the trim panel arrangement comprises a first insert 21 and a second insert 22, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1, and a third insert 23, as also disclosed by way of example in FIG. 3.

[0073] The third insert 23 is inserted into the third trim panel part 3. The third insert 23 is connected to a partially metallic first top unit 30 via which the third trim panel part 3 can be coupled to a chassis frame of a rail vehicle chassis 7. The first top unit 30 comprises a multi-curved sheet metal arrangement 38 via which the first top unit 30 is screwed to the third trim panel part 3 via a first screw 39, via a second screw 40 and via further screws (not visible in FIG. 4). A metallic first spacer 41, through which the first screw 39 and the second screw 40 are guided, is arranged between the sheet metal arrangement 38 and the third trim panel part 3. A second spacer 42 of the first top unit 30 is arranged projecting upward from the sheet metal arrangement 38, where the spacer is formed from an elastomer and encases a threaded bolt 43 of the first top unit 30, where the threaded bolt 43 is also arranged projecting upward from the sheet metal arrangement 38. A flange nut 44 of the first top unit 30 is arranged on the threaded bolt 43. In a spacing area 45 of the threaded bolt 43 between the second spacer 42 and the flange nut 44, the first top unit 30 can be coupled to the chassis frame.

[0074] The third trim panel part 3 is formed from a laminated veneer material made of wood, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0075] The third trim panel part 3 has varying wall thickness. Accordingly, the third trim panel part 3 is formed with a greater wall thickness in a first area of the third insert 23 than outside the first area (in a second area shown to the left of the first area in FIG. 4, the third trim panel part 3 has a smaller wall thickness than in the first area).

[0076] FIG. 5 is an oblique view of a detail of the second exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2, for a rail vehicle, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8.

[0077] FIG. 5 shows a first trim panel part 1 of the trim panel arrangement that is formed as an underbody trim panel part for a rail vehicle chassis 7. The first trim panel part 1 is connected to a curved first reinforcing rib 46, which is arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis 47 of the first trim panel part 1, and further reinforcing ribs, which are arranged parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis 47.

[0078] FIG. 6 discloses a side view of a section of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle in sectional view, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8. The trim panel arrangement is formed as an underbody trim panel for a rail vehicle chassis 7.

[0079] The trim panel arrangement comprises a first trim panel part 1, which has a first coupling zone 17 via which the first trim panel part 1 is connected to a first roll support facility of the rail vehicle. In the first coupling zone 17, a first metallic insert 21 is inserted into a first recess 24 of the first trim panel part 1, as described for example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 by way of example.

[0080] A metallic bearing bracket 48 is screwed to the first insert 21 and arranged projecting upward from the first trim panel part 1.

[0081] The bearing bracket 48 has a cylindrical opening 49 into which an elastic bearing 50 for a torsion bar of the first roll support facility is inserted.

[0082] The bearing bracket 48 is a connecting device for connecting the trim panel arrangement to the chassis 7, because the first roll support facility can be connected to the chassis 7.

[0083] The first trim panel part 1 is formed from a laminated veneer material made of wood, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0084] FIG. 7 is an oblique view of a section of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle, as disclosed by way of example in FIG. 8.

[0085] The trim panel arrangement comprises a first trim panel part 1 with a first coupling zone 17 and a second coupling zone 18, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1. The first trim panel part 1 further comprises a third coupling zone 19 via which the first trim panel part 1 can be connected to a first drive of a rail vehicle chassis 7 (not shown). In the third coupling zone 19, a first metal profile 27 of the trim panel arrangement and a second metal profile 28 of the trim panel arrangement are clamped to the first trim panel part 1 by screwing. A third metal profile 29 is in turn screwed to the first metal profile 27 and the second metal profile 28. The third metal profile 29 is placed on the first metal profile 27 and the second metal profile 28. The first metal profile 27, the second metal profile 28 and the third metal profile 29 take the form of strips and are arranged projecting upward from the first trim panel part 1. A first pendulum support 51 and a second pendulum support 52 are supported in an articulated manner on the third metal profile 29. The first drive can be coupled in an articulated manner to the first pendulum support 51 and the second pendulum support 52.

[0086] The first metal profile 27, the second metal profile 28, the third metal profile 29, the first pendulum support 51 and the second pendulum support 52 are connecting devices for connecting the trim panel arrangement to the chassis 7.

[0087] The first trim panel part 1 is formed from a laminated veneer material made of wood, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a side view of a section of an exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle in accordance with the invention with a car body 31 and a chassis 7, where the car body 31 is supported on the chassis 7. The chassis 7 comprises a first wheel set 8 and a first drive (not shown), which drives the first wheel set 8, and a second wheel set 9 and a second drive (not shown), which drives the second wheel set 9.

[0089] The chassis 7 and the car body 31 are partially covered by a seventh exemplary embodiment of a trim panel arrangement in accordance with the invention. A first trim panel part 1 of the trim panel arrangement, a second trim panel part 2 of the trim panel arrangement and a third trim panel part 3 of the trim panel arrangement (not visible in FIG. 8 and shown by way of example in FIG. 2) form an underbody trim panel of the chassis 7.

[0090] A fourth trim panel part 4 of the trim panel arrangement forms a side trim panel of the chassis 7.

[0091] A roof area of the car body 31, in which roof equipment of the car body 31 (not visible in FIG. 8) is arranged, is covered via a fifth trim panel part 5 of the trim panel arrangement.

[0092] An underfloor area of the car body 31, in which underfloor equipment of the car body 31 (not visible in FIG. 8) is arranged, is covered via a sixth trim panel part 6 of the trim panel arrangement. The sixth trim panel part 6 acts as an apron trim panel part of the rail vehicle.

[0093] The fourth trim panel part 4 and the sixth trim panel part 6 are curved at the bottom (into the image plane of FIG. 8).

[0094] The fifth trim panel part 5 is curved at the top (into the image plane of FIG. 8).

[0095] In accordance with the disclosed embodiments of the invention, however, it is also conceivable that the fourth trim panel part 4, the fifth trim panel part 5 and / or the sixth trim panel part 6 are formed, at least in sections, with oblique surfaces with different angles of inclination, etc.

[0096] The first trim panel part 1, the second trim panel part 2, the third trim panel part 3, the fourth trim panel part 4, the fifth trim panel part 5 and the sixth trim panel part 6 are formed from a laminated veneer material made of wood, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing a trim panel arrangement in accordance with disclosed embodiments of the invention, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 8.

[0098] In a first step 53 of the method, layers of a laminated material made of wood formed as a laminated veneer material are impregnated with a fire protection agent to functionalize the laminated material. For this purpose, the individual layers are placed in an aqueous solution with an impregnation agent (known phosphate-based fire protection salt for impregnating wood-based materials; test certification DIN 4102-1, B1—“flame-retardant”; classification reports according to EN 13501-1 (B-s2 / s1, d0); suitable for transport applications). This ensures fire protection of the trim panel arrangement.

[0099] In a second step 54 of the method, an adhesive is then applied to the layers.

[0100] In a third method step 55, the layers are treated with steam, in particular water vapor, to shape them into a contour. For this purpose, the layers are steam-treated with a steam generator.

[0101] In a fourth method step 56, the layers are glued together under pressure via a pressing tool and shaped into the contour. The pressing tool into which the layers are placed has this contour. The contour can, for example, be curved or straight or comprise straight lines with different angles of inclination, etc. If thin layers are used in the method, then complex three-dimensional surfaces can also be formed. The use of a local temporary modification (for example, by treating the layers with water vapor, as described in connection with the third method step 55) also enables the implementation of radii of curvature of a few millimeters.

[0102] It is also conceivable for the third method step 55 and the fourth method step 56 to be performed simultaneously or alternately.

[0103] In a fifth method step 57, the layers are then connected to a connecting device for connecting the trim panel arrangement to a device to be covered. In the exemplary embodiment of the method as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting device is a bearing bracket 48, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 6. The layers are screwed to this bearing bracket 48 via a first metallic insert 21, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 6. In the exemplary embodiment of a method as shown in FIG. 9, the device to be covered is a rail vehicle chassis 7, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 8. However, the device to be covered can also be a rail vehicle chassis 31, etc.

[0104] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or method steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and / or elements and / or method steps shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. -13. (canceled)14. A trim panel arrangement for a rail vehicle, the trim panel arrangement comprising:at least one first trim panel part; andat least one connecting device for connecting the trim panel arrangement having at least one device to be at least partially covered, the at least one connecting device connecting the trim panel arrangement to at least one of (i) a rail vehicle chassis to be at least partially covered and (ii) a rail vehicle car body to be at least partially covered;wherein the at least one first trim panel part is formed from a laminated material with wood or made of wood; and wherein the at least one connecting device is connected to the at least first trim panel part.

15. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the laminated material is functionalized such that the at least one first trim panel part has fire protection.

16. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one first trim panel part has a wall thickness which varies.

17. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one first trim panel part has a wall thickness which varies.

18. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one first trim panel part is curved or formed with an inclination which varies.

19. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one first trim panel part is curved or formed with an inclination which varies.

20. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one first trim panel part is curved or formed with an inclination which varies.

21. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in one of claim 14, wherein the at least one first trim panel part is at least partially covered in metal.

22. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 21, wherein the at least one first trim panel part is at least partially covered in aluminum.

23. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one first trim panel part has at least one first coupling zone for connecting the at least one connecting device to the at least one first trim panel part; and wherein at least one first metallic insert is inserted into at least one first recess of the at least one first trim panel part in the at least one first coupling zone.

24. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least one first insert is arranged at least partially adjacent to a surface of the at least one first trim panel part which is offset from a base surface or a cover surface of the at least first trim panel part.

25. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein a force-fitting connection and a material-bonded connection are formed between the at least one first insert and the at least one first trim panel part.

26. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein a force-fitting connection and a material-bonded connection are formed between the at least one first insert and the at least one first trim panel part.

27. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least one first insert includes at least one bore for a screw or bolt.

28. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein the at least one first insert includes at least one bore for a screw or bolt.

29. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 26, wherein the at least one first insert includes at least one bore for a screw or bolt.

30. The trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least one first insert is formed from aluminum.

31. A rail vehicle having at least one trim panel arrangement as claimed in claim 14.

32. The rail vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein at least one of (i) at least one rail vehicle chassis and (ii) at least one rail vehicle car body is at least partially covered with the at least one trim panel arrangement.

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