Description

Carrier element for constructing a floor of a rail vehicle carriage, floor of a rail vehicle carriage, and rail vehicle carriage

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a carrier element for constructing a floor of a rail vehicle carriage and to a floor structure of a rail vehicle carriage. The invention also relates to a rail vehicle carriage.

Alreadv-known prior art

[0002] In rail vehicle engineering, increasingly high demands are placed on the interior fitting-out of rail vehicles. Rail vehicles are typically equipped with two different passenger classes, referred to as first and second class. Fitting-out is increasingly performed so as to provide large-capacity carriages. The arrangement of passenger seats is typically realized in the form of one, two or even three seats to the left and to the right of a central walkway running in the large-capacity carriage. Large-capacity carriages may be equipped with tables between passenger seats which face towards one another.

[0003] DE 10 2006 032 333 B4 and EP 1 880 914 A1 disclose a floor structure of a rail vehicle carriage with flexurally rigid longitudinal beams running in the vehicle longitudinal direction, to which longitudinal beams are fastened seat feet for passenger seats, and on which longitudinal beams are supported floor panels. Each longitudinal beam forms, together with an elastic material, a preassembled unit which is fixed to the carriage body.

[0004] DE 10 2007 036 670 A1 describes a floor structure of a rail vehicle carriage which is composed of a multiplicity of metal rails for the fastening of seats and floor panels. Here, inner profiles are supported via elastic elements on outer profiles, which are fastened to the carriage bodyshell.

[0005] EP 1112 206 B1 discloses a floor structure with connecting elements for the acoustically decoupled fastening of floor fixtures.

[0006] An alternative solution is presented in DE 101 26 404, in which double seats are fastened completely to the side wall.

[0007] KR 10-2009-0015499 presents a fastening of seats to a floor rail and to a side wall rail.

[0008] NL 1003636 C2 describes a floor structure with a double C-shaped rail.

Disadvantages of the prior art

[0009] Said solutions have the disadvantage that lateral load shifts which arise for example during normal usage of the passenger seats can be accommodated only to a limited extent. Furthermore, the solutions described above permit changes for example to the seating arrangement only within a narrow scope.

Furthermore, covering rails are required for covering transitions of the floor lining, such that the floor lining is not continuous.

Statement of problem

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a floor structure which permits a variable configuration of the seating arrangement while at the same time being of robust form.

Solution according to the invention

[0011] Said object is achieved by means of a floor structure of a rail vehicle carriage according to Claim 1, a carrier element for constructing a floor of a rail vehicle carriage according to Claim 12, a rail vehicle carriage according to Claim 18, and a method for assembling a floor structure of a rail vehicle carriage according to Claim 19. Further embodiments, modifications and improvements will emerge from the following description and the appended claims.

[0012] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, a floor structure of a rail vehicle carriage comprises at least one carrier element which runs in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage and which is fixed to the carriage bodyshell of the rail vehicle carriage and to which foot brackets of furnishing units, for example passenger seats and tables, are fastened, wherein the carrier element has laterally outwardly pointing shoulder surfaces on which first floor panels are supported. The carrier elements are covered by second floor panels which are arranged between adjacent first floor panels which are supported by the carrier element, wherein at least some of the second floor panels are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage and permit access to the carrier element for the fastening of the foot brackets of the furnishing units to the carrier element.

[0013] The floor structure thus comprises two types of floor panels. The first floor panels are supported on the outer shoulder surfaces of the carrier element, but leave said carrier element substantially free. By contrast, the second floor panels cover the carrier element, wherein the second floor panels are thus arranged between the first floor panels. The first floor panels are spaced apart from one another as viewed in the transverse direction. By contrast, in the longitudinal direction, the first floor panels abut against one another or are connected to one another in some other suitable manner for forming a continuous floor. The first floor panels thus form a floor which is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage, wherein in each case one "duct" or intermediate space remains between the first floor panels above the carrier element.

[0014]The second floor panels serve to cover said "duct" or intermediate space, which second floor panels differ from the first floor panels for example in thickness and by their type of fastening. The second floor panels which are situated in said intermediate space are however typically spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, specifically to such an extent as to ensure access to the carrier element for the fastening of in each case one furnishing unit, for example a single seat or a double seat. The intermediate space between furnishing units which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction is thus covered by a second floor panel which extends in the transverse direction up to the first floor panels in order thereby to realize a continuous floor. The first and second floor panels are typically designed such that, together, they form a step-free floor.

[0015] If it is now sought, for example, to modify the layout of the seating arrangement, for example change the spacing, also referred to as the seat pitch, between seats of the rail vehicle which are adjacent in the longitudinal direction, it is necessary merely to lift the second floor panels, displace the furnishing units accordingly, and insert new second floor panels which are adapted to the seat pitch thus changed.

[0016] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first floor panels which are supported on shoulder surfaces of the carrier element have, at their edges pointing in each case towards the carrier element, a step which runs in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle, on which steps are supported the second floor panels which cover the carrier element.

[0017] In this way, an overlap is created between the first and second floor panels in order firstly to produce an improved connection between the floor panels and secondly to ensure that the top sides of the floor panels are flush with one another. Here, the step height may correspond to the thickness of the second floor panels. Furthermore, said construction permits sealing of the floor against the ingress of dirt and liquids. This may be improved yet further through the use of suitable seals.

[0018] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the carrier element comprises at least two profile rails, for example C-shaped profiles, which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element and which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element and to which the foot brackets of the furnishing units are fastened.

[0019] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the carrier element comprises three profile rails, for example C-shaped profiles, which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element and which are in each case spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element, wherein each foot bracket is fastened to at least two profile rails of the carrier element.

[0020]As already discussed in greater detail above, the carrier element may comprise two or even three profile rails. The floor is typically equipped with carrier elements of identical construction. Here, it is for example possible for two carrier elements which are spaced apart in the transverse direction to be used per rail vehicle carriage, which carrier elements extend through the entire passenger compartment ot the rail vehicle carriage. Each carrier element may be of integral, continuous form in the longitudinal direction or may be constructed from individual longitudinal segments connected to one another.

[0021] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the profile rails of the carrier element are arranged entirely below the second floor panels. It is possible here for the profile rails to be covered only by the second floor panels but not by the first floor panels.

[0022] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, a floor lining is arranged on the first and second floor panels, which floor lining comprises first surface portions which cover in each case at least one first floor panel, and which floor lining comprises second surface portions which cover in each case at least one second floor panel, wherein the edges of the surface portions are connected to one another without an overlap and in a sealing manner.

[0023]The floor lining may thus be laid edge-to-edge without the need for covering rails or the like. A continuous surface is thus made possible.

[0024] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the floor structure comprises two carrier elements which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the rail vehicle carriage, which run in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage and which are fixed to the carriage bodyshell of the rail vehicle carriage and to which the foot brackets of the furnishing units are fastened, wherein at least one of the first floor panels is supported on both carrier elements.

[0025] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the carrier element or the carrier elements are fixed to beams belonging to the carriage bodyshell via elastic rests for acoustic decoupling.

[0026] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, C-shaped brackets are fastened to the beams belonging to the carriage bodyshell. Elastic rests of approximately C-shaped form are placed into the C-shaped brackets so as to be supported against inner walls of the C-shaped brackets, wherein the elastic rests have receiving grooves into which engage engagement webs or engagement bars of fastening elements which are detachably connected to the carrier elements.

[0027] The C-shaped brackets engage around the elastic rests and thereby hold the elastic rests and the fastening elements. The fastening elements may be inserted with their engagement webs into the C-shaped brackets in the longitudinal direction. The carrier element is subsequently placed on and preferably screwed to the fastening elements.

[0028] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the foot brackets of the furnishing units have in each case one supporting beam, which is fastened to the carrier element or to one of the carrier elements, and a cladding or a cover which surrounds the supporting beam and which is seated on the first and second floor panels.

[0029]The supporting beam constitutes the actual fastening of the furnishing units and is mounted in a suitable manner on the profile rails. The cladding surrounds the supporting beams and thus dads the carrying structures and any cable terminals of the furnishing units. The cladding also covers those regions of the carrier elements which are left free by the first and second floor panels. Said regions which are left open are situated below the furnishing units. To produce a sealed cladding, said cladding is seated on the floor panels, wherein an additional seal may be provided.

[0030] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the second floor panels are detachably fastened to the carrier element or the carrier elements. The second floor panels can thus be easily removed for inspection purposes or during conversion work.

[0031] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the furnishing units are fastened in a non-positively locking manner (force-fitting manner) to the one or more carrier elements only by means of the foot brackets, wherein the foot brackets are removable and/or displaceable. Fastening to wall beams is not necessary.

[0032] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, a carrier element for a floor structure of a rail vehicle is proposed which has at least one profile rail which runs in the longitudinal direction and which serves for the fastening of foot brackets of furnishing units, for example passenger seats and tables, wherein the carrier element can be fixed to a carriage bodyshell of the rail vehicle carriage. The carrier element comprises at least two profile rails, in particular C-shaped profiles, which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element and which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element, between which profile rails at least one cable duct runs in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element, wherein the profile rails have rest surfaces on which the foot brackets are supported when they are mounted on the carrier element.

[0033]The profile rails of the carrier element permit a free adjustment of the spacing of the furnishing units in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage. Since the profile rails are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction and are both available for the fastening of the furnishing units, it is possible for even high lateral loads which arise during the use of passenger seats, for example, to be reliably accommodated by the carrier element and dissipated into the supporting structures of the rail vehicle. Here, the foot brackets of the furnishing units are in non-positively locking contact (force-fitting contact) with the rest surfaces of the profile rails. The foot brackets are typically fixed to the rest surfaces in a non-positively locking manner by means of suitable fastening elements, for example by virtue of the foot brackets being fixedly screwed to slide blocks or slide rails placed into the profile rails. It is thereby possible for the furnishing units to be fastened exclusively to the carrier element. An additional fastening to side wall beams of the carriage bodyshell is no longer necessary.

[0034] Furthermore, the entirety of the electrical cabling may be accommodated under the floor in the cable duct which runs between the two profile rails. Here, the cable duct may be open in the upward direction. This facilitates conversion work during a desired change of the layout of the seating arrangement.

[0035] Overall, the use of the carrier element described here provides considerable freedom with regard to the configuration and variability of the interior of a rail vehicle carriage.

[0036] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, as viewed in the transverse direction, the carrier element has, adjacent to each outer profile rail, in each case one laterally outwardly pointing shoulder surface for supporting first floor panels.

[0037]The shoulder surfaces support for example fixedly mounted floor panels, wherein detachable connections may also be used here. Said floor panels may also be referred to as first floor panels. The shoulder surfaces may be recessed in relation to the rest surfaces, that is to say be situated lower than said rest surfaces in the installed state of the carrier element. The first floor panels typically lie with their edges on said shoulder surfaces, wherein each carrier element then supports at least two first floor panels. As viewed in the transverse direction, the first floor panels are then spaced apart from one another, wherein in particular the two profile rails and the cable duct are left free.

[0038] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the carrier element comprises three profile rails, in particular C-shaped profiles, which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element and which are in each case spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element and between which in each case one cable duct runs in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element.

[0039] In said embodiment, for the fastening of the passenger seats, three profile rails which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction are provided, resulting in further freedom with regard to the configuration of the layout of the interior compartment. The furnishing units, for example passenger seats, may for example be fastened to the two outer profile rails. Since these are at the greatest distance from one another and thus offer the greatest capacity for accommodating lateral load, the outer profile rails are suitable for example for the fastening of double seats. By contrast, for the fastening of individual seats, use may be made of one of the two outer profile rails together with the middle profile rail, resulting in a degree of variability in the transverse direction.

[0040] Furthermore, in said embodiment, two cable ducts are provided which are for example spatially separated from one another by the middle profile rail. In this way, cables which conduct electrical current may be laid separately from cables which conduct signals, thus improving safety while simultaneously reducing interference. This is basically also possible if a single cable duct is used, if said cable duct has two or more separate chambers. The chambers may be produced easily by means of suitable partitions, wherein the partitions may be provided integrally in the cable duct or may be produced by means of suitable inserts which are placed subsequently into the cable duct.

[0041] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the carrier element comprises, adjacent to outer profile rails, in each case one inwardly pointing shoulder surface for supporting and/or for the fastening of second floor panels which cover the profile rails.

[0042] In addition to the outwardly pointing shoulder surfaces, which may also be referred to as outer shoulder surfaces and which are typically provided only on the outer profile rails, the carrier element may furthermore have inwardly pointing shoulder surfaces, which may also be referred to as inner shoulder surfaces. The inner shoulder surfaces may for example be provided only on the outer profile rails. It is also possible for the inner shoulder surfaces to also be provided on the middle profile rail.

[0043]The inner shoulder surfaces support floor panels which may be designed to be easily removable. Said floor panels, also referred to as second floor panels or variable floor panels, serve to cover the carrier element between furnishing units which are adjacent in the longitudinal direction. In the event of any inspection which may be required, or in the event of a conversion for example of the seating arrangement, it is necessary merely to lift the second floor panels in order to obtain access to the carrier element. By contrast, the first floor panels need not be dismounted. The first floor panels may thus also be referred to as fixed floor panels. It is however self-evident that the second floor panels may also require a fastening. This may however expediently be produced by means of hook-and-loop fasteners or other easy-to-release fastening means.

[0044] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the carrier element is in one piece, and is in particular an extruded profile. The profile rails including the shoulder surfaces can thus be of integral form. The carrier element may be formed entirely as a hollow profile with a plurality of chambers, wherein the profile rails and shoulder surfaces are then integrally formed thereon. It is however basically also possible for the carrier element to be constructed from individual components.

[0045] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the cable duct which runs between and parallel to adjacent profile rails may be open on one side. The one or more cable ducts are thus easily accessible.

[0046] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, a rail vehicle carriage has a variable seating layout and comprises two carrier elements which run in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage and to which furnishing units are fastened and on which are supported first and second floor panels, or a floor structure as described above, wherein the furnishing units are fastened to the carrier elements in a removable and/or displaceable fashion.

[0047] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, a method for assembling a floor structure comprises the steps:

fastening at least one carrier element, which comprises at least two profile rails which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element and which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element, to damping elements on the carriage body base of a rail vehicle carriage;

fastening first floor panels to the carrier element;

fastening at least one foot bracket of a furnishing unit to the carrier element; wherein firstly the first floor panels are fastened to the carrier element adjacent to the profile rails in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage; and

subsequently, second floor panels are fastened to the carrier element between the first floor panels in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle, wherein at least one portion of the profile rails in the longitudinal direction is left free, and the at least one foot bracket is fastened there.

[0048]The foot brackets of the furnishing units are typically fastened before the second floor panels are laid.

[0049] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, first surface portions, which cover at least one first floor panel, and second surface portions, which cover at least one second floor panel, are cut to size and fastened to the first and second floor panels, and the edges of the surface portions are connected to one another without an overlap and in a sealing manner.

[0050] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, a change to the arrangement of the furnishing units is carried out by means of the steps:

removing the second floor panels, wherein the first floor panels are left in position,
releasing the foot brackets from the carrier element;

- displacing the foot brackets along the carrier element, or replacing the foot brackets;
fastening the displaced or replaced foot brackets to the carrier element;

installing second floor panels, the dimensions of which are adapted to the spacing of the fastened foot brackets in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle.

[0051] In one embodiment which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, to remove the first floor panels, firstly the floor lining is severed or cut at the edges of the first and second surface portions; floor lining surface portions which are adapted to the installed second floor panels are applied to the latter; and the edges, which are situated edge-to-edge, of the first and second surface portions of the floor lining are connected to one another.

[0052]A cover or cladding may furthermore be provided for each foot bracket, which cover surrounds the foot bracket in the direction of its longitudinal axis and covers the fastening to the carrier element. Said cover is mounted after the assembly of the foot bracket, and during a disassembly process, is removed before the foot bracket is detached.

[0053] Overall, highly flexible configuration of the interior compartment is permitted. In particular, the seat arrangement can be varied in a short time without lifting the floor. Only the second floor panels need be removed if the seat pitch is changed. If the seat pitch is maintained and merely the seating is to be exchanged, for example in the event of a change from first to second class or vice versa, the second floor panels may also remain in place.

[0054] The carrier element makes it possible for a row of seats, regardless of whether it is a single seat, a double seat or a triple seat, to be fastened to the floor by means of only one foot. Fixings to the carriage side wall are not necessary.

[0055]The floor structure proposed here permits in particular a design sealed against the ingress of liquids and dust. Here, the floor region in the passenger compartment may be configured to have a uniform floor lining throughout. Covering profiles or edges on the floor in the region of the seating are not necessary, and therefore not visible.

[0056]The desired electrical cabling of the passenger seats may be laid under the floor in the one or more cable ducts, and conducted via the seat foot to the passenger seat. The cables for consumers and terminals are thus completely covered.

[0057]The carrier element permits acoustic decoupling and body-borne sound decoupling of the floor, including its fixtures, from the carriage bodyshell.

[0058]The floor structure proposed here thus makes it possible to partially or entirely satisfy the following design requirements:

permitting a variable seat arrangement by means of floor brackets with rail-forming carrier elements in the floor region in the carriage longitudinal direction, to which the foot of the passenger seats (single seat, seat row) is fastened;

ensuring a stable transmission of force, which is robust with regard to load shifts, from any desired rows of seats or individual seats to the floor bracket via the foot;

attaining a sealed design of the floor area;

designing the floor so as not to have visible covers.

[0059] The floor structure thus provides an elegant solution to a conflict between a variable seat row arrangement which requires little outlay, and a continuously flat, uniform and sealed floor lining.

[0060]The carrier element proposed here, and the proposed floor structure can be used in particular in rail vehicle carriages with passenger compartments for local and regional passenger transportation and for long-distance and high speed passenger transportation.

Figures

[0061]The appended drawings show embodiments and serve, together with the description, for explaining the principles of the invention. The elements of the drawing are relative to one another and not necessarily true to scale. The same reference numerals are used to denote correspondingly similar parts.

[0062] Figures 1 to 3 show different two- and three-dimensional views of a floor structure according to one embodiment.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the fastening of a seat foot to a carrier element according to one embodiment.

[0064] Figures 5 and 6 show sectional views of a carrier element according to a further embodiment fixed to a carriage bodyshell.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a floor structure according to one embodiment.
Exemplary embodiments

[0066] Figures 1 to 3 show a floor structure according to a first embodiment.

[0067] The carriage bodyshell 250 of the rail vehicle carriage may for example be of integral design and produced from aluminium. The interior region of the rail vehicle carriage may be configured as a large-capacity carriage with different passenger classes. The seating arrangement should be in the form of seat rows with one seat, two seats or optionally three seats to the left and to the right of a central walkway. Tables may optionally be provided. The floor structure described here permits a very flexible layout.

[0068]The floor structure 200 comprises at least one carrier element 100 which extends in the longitudinal direction of a rail vehicle carriage. Here, the longitudinal and transverse directions are in relation to the rail vehicle carriage, wherein the longitudinal direction of the carrier element 100 corresponds, in the installed state, to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage. In this embodiment, the carrier element 100 comprises three C-shaped profiles 130, 132 which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction and which in this case are in the form of C-shaped rails with an upwardly open slot. Here, the C-shaped profiles 130, 132 form the profile rails. Shoulder surfaces 115 in the form of a step are formed on the two outer C-shaped profiles 132. The shoulder surfaces 115, in the form of box-like hollow profiles in the manner of flanges, adjoin the outer C-shaped profiles 132 in each case so as to point outward.

[0069]The carrier element 100 may be formed integrally from a plurality of suitably formed hollow profiles in order to provide the carrier element 100 with the required stability, rigidity and strength. Use is typically made of an aluminium extruded profile. It is sought in particular to ensure strength in the transverse direction. Here, the individual hollow profiles have common side surfaces, which may also be suitable for being able to accommodate and transmit loads.

[0070]As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the carrier element 100 may be fastened, at the hollow profile which forms the shoulder surfaces 115, to the carriage bodyshell 250. Since the hollow profiles of the shoulder surfaces 115 are furthest remote from one another as viewed in the transverse direction of the rail vehicle carriage, a maximum capacity for accommodating load in the transverse direction is thus made possible. Furthermore, the fastening is structurally in the direct vicinity of the respective outer C-shaped profiles 132, such that a direct transmission of load is ensured here too.

[0071]The carriage bodyshell 250 may have a base panel which is formed as an aluminium extruded profile and which has two opposite walls with a transverse strut arrangement situated on the inside. The base panel thus constitutes a carrier for the carrier element 100. On the base panel there are formed preferably integrally formed and inwardly pointing C-shaped brackets 170. For each carrier element 100 there are provided two rows, arranged in the longitudinal direction, of C-shaped brackets 170. The spacing thereof corresponds approximately to the lateral spacing of the shoulder surfaces 115. The C-shaped brackets 170 may alternatively also be integrally formed on the base panel in a continuous fashion in the longitudinal direction.

[0072] Rubber inserts 160 for decoupling are inserted into each C-shaped bracket 170. Said rubber inserts 160 constitute the elastic rests in this embodiment, and may be formed in the manner of the support elements described in EP 1 112 206 B1. The C-shaped brackets 170 may also be designed as described in EP 1 112 206 B1. The content of the disclosure of EP 1112 206 B1 regarding the configuration of the C-shaped brackets and rubber inserts is hereby incorporated.

[0073] The rubber inserts 160 have receiving grooves into which engage engagement webs of fastening elements 150, which in the present embodiment are of approximately H-shaped form. The fastening elements 150 comprise two webs 151 and 153 which are integrally connected to one another by transverse webs 152. Web 153 has rounded ends which are enclosed by the rubber inserts.

[0074]The outer contour of the rubber inserts 160 corresponds approximately to the inner contour of the C-shaped brackets 170, wherein the latter has side walls which are at an angle relative to one another and which have inner surfaces which are of approximately concave form and which point towards one another. The rubber inserts 160 are supported on said inner surfaces so as to provide a fixing action in the vertical and transverse directions. The rubber inserts 160 and the fastening elements 150 may be inserted under pressure into the C-shaped brackets 170 from an open side of the latter. Since the fastening elements 150 are detachably connected to the carrier element 100, for assembly, firstly the fastening elements 150 together with the rubber inserts 160 are inserted individually into the C-shaped brackets, and subsequently the carrier element 100 is for example fixedly screwed to the fastening elements 150. If height compensation is necessary, intermediate layers 118 for example in the form of aluminium panels may be inserted between the fastening elements 150 and the carrier element 100.

[0075]The C-shaped brackets 170 may be arranged with spacings to one another in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. The spacings between C shaped brackets 170 which are adjacent in the longitudinal direction, and the length of said C-shaped brackets in the longitudinal direction, may be adapted in accordance with the loads to be accommodated. A carrier element 100 is thus fixed in the longitudinal direction to a plurality of C-shaped brackets 170. As a result of the fastening of the carrier element 100 described here, acoustic and vibration decoupling of the structure in the base area from the carriage bodyshell is attained.

[0076]To prevent slippage in the longitudinal direction, spacers may be placed between the inserted fastening elements 150, which spacers keep the fastening elements 150 spaced apart from one another. The spacers may be for example clamped into the C-shaped bracket 170 which is in the form of a continuous rail, or may be fixedly clamped between C-shaped brackets 170 which are adjacent in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] Figure 2 shows the floor structure from an underside, wherein, however, for greater clarity, the carriage body shell with C-shaped brackets is not illustrated.

[0078]The carrier element 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 furthermore comprises two cable ducts 120 which are spaced apart in the transverse direction by the central C-shaped profile 130 and which serve for guiding the cabling, wherein electrical-current-conducting supply cables are guided separately from signal-conducting cables.

[0079] Between the cable ducts 120 and the in each case outer C-shaped profiles there are provided inner shoulder surfaces 134 which in this case are used for the fastening of second floor panels 220. The inner shoulder surfaces 134 are attached in the manner of flanges to side walls of the outer C-shaped
profiles 132 and then merge into the side wall of the respective cable channel. A step is thus generated to the sides of the outer C-shaped profiles. The inner shoulder surfaces 134 are recessed downwards in relation to rest surfaces 131 of the C-shaped profiles 130,132, but not as far as the outer shoulder surfaces 115.

[0080] As a result of the configuration with the two upwardly open cable ducts 120 and the C-shaped profile 130 arranged in between, the carrier element 100 may also be referred to as being W-shaped as viewed in cross section, wherein the two outer legs of the W are formed by the outer C-shaped profiles 132. The two outer C-shaped profiles 132 may be approximately 20 cm to 30 cm apart, with respect to their respective centre lines, in the transverse direction. If relatively high transverse loads are expected, the spacing may be adapted accordingly.

[0081] The carrier element 100 is formed, between the hollow profiles which form the shoulder surfaces 115, entirely as a hollow profile with stiffening inner walls. The C-shaped profiles 130,132 are integrally formed thereon. A very rigid and stable carrier element 100 is thus attained overall.

[0082] Slide blocks 140 are inserted into the C-shaped profiles 130, 132. For each fastening of a passenger seat, for each C-shaped profile, one slide block 140 is used which has two internal threads. The length of the slide blocks 140 is adapted to the demanded strength and load-accommodating capacity. In the embodiment shown here, the slide blocks 140 are placed only into the outer C-shaped profiles 132 and serve here for the fastening of a double seat. For single seats, it is sufficient for one outer C-shaped profile 132 and the middle C-shaped profile 130 to be used. The single seat can thus be offset in the transverse direction by the spacing between the central C-shaped profile 130 and the outer C-shaped profile 132.

[0083] First floor panels 210 rest on the outer shoulder surfaces 115 of the carrier element 100. Said floor panels are suitably fastened, for example by adhesive bonding or by means of screws. As can be seen in Figure 3, the first floor panels 210 may be of multi-layer construction. Here, an edge layer or cover layer 211 is provided which serves as a carrier layer and which rests on the shoulder surfaces 115 if appropriate with the interposition of a height compensation element or a damping element 117, for example a rubber rest.

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have, at their edges pointing towards the carrier element 100, in each case one step 212 which runs in the longitudinal direction and whose depth corresponds approximately to the thickness of the second floor panels 220. The second floor panels 220, which are thinner than the first floor panels 210, thus lie on the first floor panels 210 at said step, and on the top side end flush with the first floor panels 210. The second floor panels 220 may likewise be lined with a floor lining 223.

[0085]The second floor panels 220 additionally rest on the rest surfaces 131 of the C-shaped profiles 130, 132. The inner shoulder surfaces 134 may be lined with a hook-and-loop strip 135 which, together with corresponding hook-and-loop strips applied to the underside of the second floor panels 220, serve to securely hold the second floor panels 220. The second floor panels 220 are prevented from sliding away laterally by the fixedly mounted first floor panels 210. The second floor panels 220 may alternatively also be fixed to the carrier element 110 by means of clips which can be snapped into the C-shaped rails. The shoulder surfaces 134 may in this case also be lined with an elastic rest 135 which permits height compensation.

[0086] Since the first and second floor panels 210, 220 have a different thickness, the outer and inner shoulder surfaces 115, 134 are arranged at different heights in order to allow for the difference in thickness.

[0087]The first floor panels 210 are lined with first surface portions 213a of the floor lining 213. By contrast, the second floor panels 220 are lined with second surface portions 223a of the floor lining 213. The edges of said surface portions 213a, 223a lie edge-to-edge and are connected to one another without an overlap and in a sealing manner so as to form a continuous floor surface.

[0088] It can be seen in Figure 2 that the first floor panels 210 are bevelled at their edges running in the transverse direction in order to overlap one another slightly. A tongue-and-groove connection is alternatively also possible. Mutual overlapping and support is thus attained between all of the floor panels 210, 220, thus permitting a closure which is sealed with respect to dirt and moisture. A sealing adhesive bond may additionally be used.

[0089] Areas between assembled passenger seats are covered by second floor panels 220 which have been correspondingly cut to size in the longitudinal direction, wherein an area for the fastening of the passenger seats is left free.

[0090] All of the floor panels, that is to say the fixed first and variable second floor panels 210, 220, are covered by a continuous plastic floor lining. The floor lining of the second floor panels 220 is sealed and welded to the floor lining of the first floor panels 210.

[0091]The entire floor area is divided into three sections 710, 720, 730 running in the longitudinal direction. This can be seen for example in Figure 7. As viewed in a cross section, one of the first floor panels 720 is situated between the carrier elements 700, illustrated here merely schematically, which run in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage and which define the left-hand and right-hand seat rows. The two other first floor panels 710, 730 are situated between the left-hand and the right-hand side walls 740 and the closest carrier element 700 in each case. The first floor panels 710, 720, 730 are spaced apart from one another in the region of the carrier elements 700. There, the floor is formed by the second floor panels 750.

[0092] The fastening of a passenger seat is illustrated by way of an example in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a section approximately along the line BB', whereas Figure 3 shows a section approximately along the line AA', in Figure 1. The foot bracket 280 comprises a supporting beam with carrier panel 281, which are connected to the slide blocks 140 by means of screw connections 284 and thus fixedly clamp the carrier panel 281 to the upper rest surface 131 of the C-shaped profiles, in this case specifically of the outer C-shaped profiles 132. Here, the carrier panel 281 is also seated on the middle C-shaped profile 130.

[0093] To the carrier panel 281 there is connected a supporting beam or a support 282 which is supported against the carrier panel 281 by one or more ribs 283, for example four ribs. A cladding 285 of the foot bracket 280 is illustrated by dashed lines. The cladding 285 is seated on the first floor panels 210 and thus closes off the opening which is left free between the floor panels. Furthermore, the cladding 285 is also seated on the second floor panels 220, so as to close off the opening there too.

[0094] In the event of a change to the layout of the seat rows and/or passenger seats and/or tables, the weld points between the first and second floor panels 210, 220 are severed, and if appropriate the second floor panels 220 are removed. If merely an inspection is to be carried out, it is sufficient for only the cladding 285 of the foot brackets 280 to be removed. Access to the foot bracket 280 and to the cabling is thus provided. After the change to the layout has been performed, new second floor panels 220 adapted to the possibly changed seat pitch are inserted.

[0095] Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a floor structure with carrier elements 500 which have only two C-shaped profiles 530 which are spaced apart from one another and between which there is arranged a cable duct 520 running parallel to the C-shaped profiles. Here, too, first floor panels 510 are supported on outer shoulder surfaces 515 of the carrier elements 500. On the first floor panels 510, which are likewise provided with a step 512, there are supported second floor panels 520. The carrier elements 500 may be fastened in a sound-deadening manner to the carriage bodyshell as described above.

[0096] In one embodiment, the floor structure comprises two carrier elements which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the rail vehicle carriage, which run in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle, which are fixed to the carriage bodyshell of the rail vehicle and to which the foot brackets of the furnishing units are fastened, wherein at least one of the first floor panels is supported on both carrier elements.

[0097] In one embodiment, the carrier element or carrier elements is/are fixed to beams belonging to the carriage bodyshell via elastic rests for acoustic decoupling.

[0098] In one embodiment, the foot brackets of the furnishing units have in each case one supporting beam, which is fastened to the carrier element or to one of the carrier elements, and a cladding, which surrounds the supporting beam and is seated on the first and second floor panels.

[0099] In one embodiment, the second floor panels are detachably fastened to the carrier element or to the carrier elements.

[00100] In one embodiment, the carrier element is in one piece, and is in particular an extruded profile.

[00101] In one embodiment, the cable duct which runs between and parallel to adjacent profile rails is open on one side.

[00102] In one embodiment, the method is furthermore characterized in that, for the removal of the first floor panels, firstly the floor lining is severed at the edges of the first and second surface portions;
second surface portions of the floor lining which are adapted to the installed second floor panels are applied to the latter; and the edges, which are situated edge-to-edge, of the first and second surface portions of the floor lining are connected to one another.

[00103] Even though specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it falls within the scope of the invention to suitably modify the embodiments shown without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

List of reference numerals
100, 500, 700 Carrier element
115, 515 Outer shoulder surface
117 Height compensation element / damping element
118 Intermediate layer / height compensation element
120,520 Cable duct
130,132, 530 C-shaped profile
131 Rest surface of a C-shaped profile
134 Inner shoulder surface
135 Hook-and-loop strip / rest
140 Slide block / slide rail
150 Fastening element
151 Longitudinal web
152 Transverse web
153 Engagement web
160 Elastic support
170 C-shaped holder
174 Insulating layer
200 Floor
210, 510, 710, 720, 730 First floor panels
211 Edge layer or cover layer
212,512 Step
213,223 Floor lining
213a, 223a Surface portion
220, 520, 750 Second floor panels
250 Carriage bodyshell
280 Foot bracket
281 Carrier panel
282 Support / supporting beam
283 Rib
284 Screws
285 Cladding
740 Side wall

Claims

1. Floor structure (200) of a rail vehicle carriage, having at least one carrier element (100) which runs in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage and which is fixed to the carriage bodyshell (250) of the rail vehicle carriage and to which are fastened foot brackets (280) of furnishing units, wherein the carrier element (100) comprises laterally outwardly pointing shoulder surfaces (115) on which first floor panels (210) are supported,

characterized in that

the carrier element (100) is covered by second floor panels (220) which are arranged between adjacent first floor panels (210) which are supported by the carrier element (100), wherein at least some of the second floor panels (220) are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage and permit access to the carrier element (100) for the fastening of the foot brackets (280) of the furnishing units to the carrier element (100).

2. Floor structure according to Claim 1, characterized in that first floor panels (210) which are supported on the shoulder surfaces (115) of the carrier element (100) have, at their edges pointing in each case towards the carrier element (100), a step (212) which runs in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle, on which steps are supported the second floor panels (220) which cover the carrier element (100).

3. Floor structure according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier element (100) has at least two profile rails (130, 132) which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100) and which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element (100) and to which the foot brackets (280) of the furnishing units are fastened.

4. Floor structure according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier element (100) has three profile rails (130, 132) which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100) and which are in each case spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element (100), wherein each foot bracket (280) is fastened to at least two profile rails (130,132) of a carrier element (100).

5. Floor structure according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the profile rails (130, 132) of the carrier element (100) are arranged entirely below the second floor panels (220).

6. Floor structure according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a floor lining (213) is arranged on the first and second floor panels (210, 220), which floor lining comprises first surface portions (213a) which cover in each case at least one first floor panel (210), and which floor lining comprises second surface portions (223a) which cover in each case at least one second floor panel (220), wherein the edges of the surface portions (213a, 223a) are connected to one another without an overlap and in a sealing manner.

7. Floor structure according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the furnishing units are fastened in a non-positively locking manner to the one or more carrier elements (100) only by means of the foot brackets, wherein the foot brackets are removable and/or displaceable.

8. Carrier element for a floor structure of a rail vehicle, in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 7, having a profile rail (130) which runs in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100) and which serves for the fastening of foot brackets of furnishing units, wherein the carrier element (100) can be fixed to a carriage bodyshell of a rail vehicle carriage,

characterized in that

the carrier element (100) has at least two profile rails, in particular C-shaped rails, (130, 132) which run in
the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100) and which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element (100), between which profile rails at least one cable duct (120) runs in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100), wherein the profile rails (130, 132) have rest surfaces (131) on which the foot brackets are supported when they are mounted on the carrier element (100).

9. Carrier element according to Claim 8, characterized in that, as viewed in the transverse direction, the carrier element (100) has, adjacent to each outer profile rail (130), in each case one laterally outwardly pointing shoulder surface (115) for supporting first floor panels (210).

10. Carrier element according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the carrier element (100) has three profile rails (130, 132) which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100) and which are in each case spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element (100) and between which in each case one cable duct (120) runs in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100).

11. Carrier element according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the carrier element (100) has, adjacent to outer profile rails (132), in each case one inwardly pointing shoulder surface (134) for supporting and/or for the fastening of second floor panels (220) which cover the profile rails.

12. Rail vehicle carriage with a variable seating layout, having two carrier elements (100) according to one of Claims 8 to 11 which run in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage, to which carrier elements are fastened furnishing units, and on which carrier elements are supported first and second floor panels (210, 220), or a floor structure according to one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the furnishing units are fastened to the carrier elements (100) in a removable and/or displaceable fashion.

13. Method for assembling a floor structure of a rail vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7, having the steps:

fastening at least one carrier element (100), which comprises at least two profile rails which run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element (100) and which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the carrier element (100), to damping elements (160,170) on the carriage body base (250) of a rail vehicle carriage;

- fastening first floor panels (210) to the carrier element (100);
- fastening at least one foot bracket (280) of a furnishing unit to the carrier element (100);
characterized in that

- firstly the first floor panels (210) are fastened to the carrier element (100) adjacent to the profile rails (130, 132) in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle carriage; and

- subsequently, second floor panels (220) are fastened to the carrier element (100) between the first floor panels (210) in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle, wherein at least one portion of the profile rails (130, 132) in the longitudinal direction is left free, and the at least one foot bracket is fastened there.

14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that, for the floor lining, first surface portions (213a), which cover at least one first floor panel (210), and second surface portions (223a), which cover at least one second floor panel (220), are cut to size and fastened to the first and second floor panels (210, 220), and the edges of the surface portions (213a, 223a) are connected to one another without an overlap and in a sealing manner.

15. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a change to the arrangement of the furnishing units is carried out by means of the steps:

removing the second floor panels (220), wherein the first floor panels (210) are left in position,
releasing the foot brackets from the carrier element (100);

displacing the foot brackets along the carrier element (100), or replacing the foot brackets;

fastening the displaced or replaced foot brackets to the carrier element (100);

installing second floor panels (220), the dimensions of which are adapted to the spacing of the fastened foot brackets in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle.