FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
IMPROVED PROFILE FOR THE BODY STRUCTURE OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION LAND VEHICLE, BODY STRUCTURE AND VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH A PROFILE

The present invention relates to an improved profile for the body structure of a public transportation land vehicle, of the bus or tyred tram type. It also relates to a body structure comprising such a profile and a vehicle comprising such a body structure.
The field of the invention is the field of the construction of public transport land vehicles, in particular electric vehicles, of the bus or tyred tram type.
Background of the invention
Nowadays, buses are constructed by assembling many parts which finally form the body structure of the bus which is the main element of the bus. One of the most stressed areas of a body structure is located at the lower corners, i.e. at the joins between the lower panel, or the floor, and the side panels of the body structure.
Currently, each lower corner includes a standard profile having a rectangular cross-section, extending longitudinally over a part, or the whole, of the bus. It is necessary to reinforce this profile with additional elements so that it can withstand tensile, compressive and torsional stresses. The addition of these elements increases the weight of the body structure and also its cost and production time.
Another solution consists of increasing the size or the thickness of the profile, which increases the weight and cost of the body structure. In addition, this reduces the available floor space in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
A purpose of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks.
A further purpose of the invention is to propose a more functional longitudinal profile for the body structure of a public transportation land vehicle.

A further purpose of the invention is also to propose a longitudinal profile for the body structure of a passenger transport land vehicle that makes it possible to increase the available floor space in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Yet a further purpose of the invention is to propose a longitudinal profile for the body structure of a passenger transport land vehicle, making it possible to produce a body structure that is lighter and less costly, while being as strong, or even stronger, than the body structures of the state of the art.
Summary of the invention
The invention makes it possible to achieve at least one of the aforementioned objectives by a profile for the fastening of a lower panel with a longitudinal side panel of a body structure of a public transportation land vehicle, in particular of the bus or tyred tram type, having a closed cross-section, said profile comprising:
- a first face for the fastening of the lower panel, and in particular at least one stringer forming part of said lower panel, and
- a second face for the fastening of the side panel, and in particular at least one upright forming part of said side panel;
characterized in that one of said faces is offset with respect to the other one of said faces in a direction perpendicular to said one face, so that said other face stops before, and at a distance from, said one face in said perpendicular direction.
Thus, the profile according to the invention makes it possible to fasten one of the side and lower panels in a fastening area that is offset with respect to the fastening area of the other one of the side and lower panels, so that the fastening of one of the panels is less subject to the stresses transferred by the other one of the panels.
Furthermore, the profile according to the invention makes it possible to fasten one of the side and lower panels in an area offset with respect to the lower corner of the body structure, so that the fastening of one of the panels is less subject to the stresses applied at said corner, which is one of the areas most affected by the stresses.

The profile according to the invention therefore makes it possible to better distribute the stresses applied on the profile and thus to improve the mechanical strength of a body structure using a profile according to the invention. As a result, for the same mechanical strength, it is possible to reduce the weight and the thickness of the profile according to the invention, which reduces the weight and the cost of a body structure using a profile according to the invention and increases the available floor space in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
In a particularly advantageous version of the profile according to the invention:
- the first face can be offset with respect to the second face in a direction perpendicular to said first face, so that the second face stops before and at a distance from said first face in said perpendicular direction; and
- the second face can be offset with respect to the first face in a direction perpendicular to said second face, so that the first face stops before and at a distance from said second face in said perpendicular direction.
Thus the fastening of the side panel onto the profile and the fastening of the lower panel onto the profile are carried out at two fastening areas that are offset on the one hand with respect to one another and on the other hand with respect to the lower corner of the body structure, which improves the mechanical strength of each of these fastenings. As a result, for the same mechanical strength, it is possible to reduce the weight and the thickness of the profile according to the invention even further, which reduces the weight and the cost of a body structure using a profile according to the invention even further, and increases the available floor space in the passenger compartment of the vehicle even further.
Advantageously, the first face can be larger than the second face. Thus, it is possible to fasten to said profile a lower panel the width of which is greater than the width of the side panel.

In particular, the first face can be substantially perpendicular to the second face.
The profile according to the invention can also comprise a face, called inner face, located between said first face and said second face, and in use, on a passenger compartment side of the vehicle, said inner face being curved towards the inside of said profile.
Thus, the available floor space in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is increased. In addition, the available height between the lower panel and an upper panel of a body structure using a profile according to the invention is also increased.
According to a particular embodiment, the inner face can join the first face at an angle comprised between 85° and 90°, and in particular equal to 90°, with respect to said first face.
Furthermore, the inner face can join the second face at an angle comprised between 85° and 90°, and in particular equal to 90°, with respect to said second face.
More particularly, the inner face can comprise two parts perpendicular to one another, in particular forming an “L” between them. In this case,
- one of said parts joins the first face and is perpendicular to said first face and parallel to the second face, and
- the other of said parts joins the second face and is perpendicular to said second face and parallel to the first face.
Such a profile including an “L”-shaped inner face makes it possible to increase even further, on the one hand, the available width of the floor in the passenger compartment, and on the other hand, the height of said passenger compartment.

The profile according to the invention can also comprise a face, called outer face, located between said first face and said second face, and in use, on the outer side with respect to a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Advantageously, the outer face can form:
- with the first face, an angle greater than 95°, in particular comprised between 100° and 110°, more particularly equal to 105°; and/or
- with the second face, an angle greater than 85°, in particular comprised between 70° and 80°, more particularly equal to 75°.
Such an outer face can be curved towards the profile, so that the profile has a smooth, rounded outer corner.
Advantageously, the profile according to the invention and in particular the outer face, can include a fastening surface, called lateral fastening surface, adjacent to the second face and provided in order to fasten a trim element of the side panel.
Such a lateral fastening surface can form an inset in the outer face of said profile, towards the inside of said profile, which makes it possible to facilitate the mounting of the side trim of the body structure of the vehicle.
Advantageously, the profile according to the invention, and in particular the outer face, can include a fastening surface, called lower fastening surface, adjacent to the first face and provided in order to fasten a trim element of the lower panel.
Such a lower fastening surface can form an inset in the outer face of said profile, towards the inside of said profile, which makes it possible to facilitate the mounting of the lower trim of the body structure of the vehicle.
Advantageously, the profile according to the invention, and in particular the outer face, can include a surface not intended to be covered by an exterior trim element of the vehicle and to remain in view from outside the vehicle.
Such a surface can be placed at a corner of said profile.

Advantageously, the profile according to the invention can be hollow. In this case, the wall of the tube can have a thickness comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm, and in particular equal to 3 mm.
The profile according to the invention can be produced by folding, then welding a single metal sheet.
Advantageously, the welding can be carried out on a surface of said profile that is not in view.
In particular, the welding can be carried out on a surface of least stresses.
Even more particularly, the welding can be carried out on an assembly surface of said profile with a stringer or an upright.
According to an advantageous embodiment that is in no way limitative, the welding can be carried out on the inner face.
According to another advantageous embodiment, the welding can be carried out on the first face or the second face.
The profile according to the invention can be made from steel or stainless steel.
In addition, the profile according to the invention can be treated against oxidation, in particular by cataphoresis, for example by being dipped in a cataphoresis bath.
Alternatively, the profile according to the invention can be treated by application of a coat of paint, or any other protective product.
Alternatively, the profile can be solid. In this case, the profile can be produced by extrusion or by moulding.
According to another aspect of the same invention, a body structure is proposed for a public transport passenger land vehicle, in particular of the

bus or tyred tram type, comprising an upper panel, two longitudinal side panels and a lower panel.
The body structure can comprise a profile according to the invention between the lower panel and at least one, in particular each, longitudinal side panel.
Such a profile is also called lower profile in the remainder of the application.
The first face of the lower profile can be perpendicular to the lower panel. Thus the lower panel is butt-fastened on end onto said first face and does not have any part which covers another surface/face of the lower profile. Such a fastening makes it possible to reduce the weight of the body structure even further, and to increase the width of the passenger compartment.
The second face of the lower profile can be perpendicular to the side panel. Thus the side panel is butt-fastened on end onto said second face and does not have any part which covers another surface/face of the lower profile. Such a fastening makes it possible to reduce the weight of the body structure even further, and to increase the height of the passenger compartment.
Advantageously, for at least one lower profile, the side panel, respectively the lower panel, can be fastened onto said lower profile by welding, in particular by inox welding.
Alternatively, at least one panel can be fastened onto the lower longitudinal profile by bolting.
Advantageously, the body structure according to the invention can also comprise a profile, called upper profile, between the upper panel and at least one, in particular each, side panel.
Such an upper profile can have a closed cross-section.
Such an upper profile can extend over substantially the entire length of the body structure.
In addition, such an upper profile can comprise:

- a first face for the fastening of the upper panel, in particular of one or more transverse stringers forming said upper panel,
- a second face for the fastening of the side panel, in particular of one or more uprights forming said side panel, and
- a face, called outer face, located between said first face and said second face, and in use, on the outer side with respect to a passenger compartment of said vehicle.
According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the outer face of the upper profile can comprise at least one surface, called fastening surface, for the fastening of an element of outer trim. Such a fastening surface can form an inset in said outer face, towards the inside of the profile.
Furthermore, at least one of said first and second faces of the upper profile can be offset with respect to the other of said faces in a direction perpendicular to said one face, so that said other face stops before said one face in said perpendicular direction. Such an architecture makes it possible to produce a more robust fastening at the first face.
Advantageously, the body structure according to the invention can comprise several rigid circular frames, aligned in the longitudinal direction of said body structure.
Each rigid circular frame can encircle said body structure in the widthwise direction of said body structure, and in particular around the passenger compartment defined by the body structure.
Each circular frame can be formed by:
- an upright, forming part of one of the longitudinal side panels of said body structure and being fastened onto a first upper profile and onto a first lower profile;
- an upright, forming part of the other one of the longitudinal side panels of said body structure and being fastened onto a second upper profile and onto a second lower profile;

- at least one stringer, forming part of the upper panel and being fastened onto said first and second upper profiles; and
- a stringer, forming part of the lower panel and being fastened onto said first and second lower profiles.
Such an architecture makes it possible to obtain a more robust body structure, the design and manufacture of which are simplified.
According to another aspect of the same invention, a public transport land vehicle is proposed, in particular a road vehicle, comprising a body structure according to the invention.
Such a vehicle can be a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.
Such a vehicle can be a bus or a tyred tram.
In the present application, “tyred tram” denotes an electric public transport land vehicle mounted on wheels and which is recharged at each station, so that it has no need for heavy infrastructures of the rails or catenaries type on the road system. Such an electric vehicle is recharged at each station by means of charging elements of the station and a connector connecting said vehicle to said station.
Description of the figures and embodiments
Other advantages and characteristics will become apparent on examination of the detailed description of an embodiment which is in no way limitative, and the attached drawings, in which:
- Figure 1a is a diagrammatic representation in cross-section of a non-limitative embodiment of a lower longitudinal profile according to the invention;
- Figure 1b is a diagrammatic representation in cross-section of a variant of the profile in Figure 1a;
- Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a body structure according to the invention, in a simplified cross-section;

- Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of a body structure according to the invention in an isometric view; and
- Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of an upper longitudinal profile capable of being used in a body structure according to the invention.
It is well understood that the embodiments which will be described hereinafter are in no way limitative. In particular, variants of the invention can be envisaged that comprise only a selection of the features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art. This selection comprises at least one, preferably functional, characteristic without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if this part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art.
In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.
Figure 1a is a diagrammatic representation in cross-section of a non-limitative embodiment of a longitudinal profile according to the invention.
The profile 100 shown in Figure 1a has a closed cross-section and is used in a body structure of a vehicle for connecting the lower panel of the body structure with a longitudinal side panel of the body structure.
The profile 100 can be called lower profile in the remainder of the application.
The lower profile 100 includes a first face 102 for fastening a lower panel of a body structure with the profile 100, a second face 104 for fastening a longitudinal side panel of a body structure with the profile 100, an outer face 106 located on the opposite side to a passenger compartment of the body structure and an inner face 108 located on said passenger compartment side.

The inner face 108 is curved towards the profile. It is formed by two parts 1101 and 1102 that are perpendicular to one another. The part 1101 is located on the side of the first face 102 and is perpendicular to the first face 102 and parallel to the second face 104. The part 1102 is located on the side of the second face 104 and is perpendicular to the second face 104 and parallel to the first face 102.
The first face 102 is perpendicular to the second face 104.
In addition, the first face 102 is offset with respect to the second face 104 in a direction perpendicular to the first face 102, so that the second face 104 stops before and at a distance from the first face 102 in said perpendicular direction.
Moreover, the second face 104 is offset with respect to the first face 102 in a direction perpendicular to the second face 104, so that the first face 102 stops before and at a distance from the second face 104 in said perpendicular direction.
In Figure 1a, the first face 102 is provided to receive a stringer 112 forming part of the lower panel of a body structure, the second face 104 is provided to receive an upright 114 forming part of the side panel of a body structure. The stringer 112 and the upright 114 are shown in dotted lines.
In the example shown, the first face 102 is perpendicular to the direction defined by the stringer 112, i.e. perpendicular to the lower panel of which the stringer 112 forms part. Thus, the stringer 112, and therefore the lower panel, is butt-fastened to the profile 100 on end, i.e. without overlapping any other portion of the profile 100.
Moreover, the second face 104 is perpendicular to the direction defined by the upright 114, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal side panel of which the upright 114 forms part. Thus, the upright 114, and therefore the side panel, is butt-fastened to the profile 100 on end, i.e. without overlapping any part of the profile 100.
Each of the elements 112-114 is fastened onto the profile 100 directly, without using an additional fastening element. For example, the

stringer 112 and the upright 114 are fastened onto the profile 100 by welding, in particular inox welding.
Of course, alternatively or in addition, the stringer 112 and the upright 114 can be fastened onto the profile 100 by bolting.
The upper profile 100 shown in Figure 1a is produced by folding and welding a steel sheet 3 mm thick, or comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm.
The welding line 116 is for example positioned on the second face 104. Alternatively, the welding line can be positioned on the first face 102 or the inner face 108.
Thus, the stresses exerted on the two edges of the profile welded on the centre of a face are partially taken up by the upright 114, respectively the stringer 112, welded on the profile 100.
The profile 100 is treated by cataphoresis against oxidation.
Figure 1b is a diagrammatic representation in cross-section of a variant of the profile 100 in Figure 1a.
In Figure 1b, the outer face 106 can include a surface 118, called lateral surface, for fastening a side panel trim element 120, on the side of the second face 104. The lateral fastening surface 118 forms an inset in the outer face 106, towards the inside of the profile 100. The trim element 120 of the side panel can be fastened onto the lateral fastening surface 118, for example by bonding. Thus, the trim element 120 of the side panel can be fastened onto the profile 100 without projecting with respect to the outer face 106.
The outer face 106 can also include a surface 122, called lower surface, for fastening a lower panel trim element 124 on the side of the first face 102. The lower fastening surface 122 forms an inset in the outer face 106, towards the inside of the profile 100. The trim element 124 of the lower panel can be fastened onto the lower fastening surface 122, for example by bonding. Thus, the trim element 124 of the lower panel can be fastened onto the profile 100 without projecting with respect to the outer face 106.

In addition, in the variant shown in Figure 1b, the welding line 116 is located on the inner face 108 of the profile 100. Alternatively, the welding line can be positioned on one of the fastening surfaces 118, respectively 122, so that it is hidden by the trim element 120, respectively 124.
In the examples described in Figures 1a and 1b, the profile 100 is used to fulfil several other functions, without using any additional fastening device, namely the following functions:
- fastening of the lower panel,
- fastening of the longitudinal side panel,
- fastening of an outer trim element of the side panel,
- fastening of an outer trim element of the lower panel,
- increasing the width of the passenger compartment, and
- increasing the height of the passenger compartment.
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation, in a simplified cross-section view, of a non-limitative embodiment of a body structure according to the invention.
Figure 3 is diagrammatic representation of a non-limitative embodiment of a body structure according to the invention in an isometric view, for example the body structure in Figure 2.
With reference to Figure 2, the body structure 200 comprises:
- an upper panel 202,
- a lower panel 204 comprising the stringer 112,
- a first, substantially vertical longitudinal side panel 206, joining the upper panel 202 and the lower panel 204, and comprising an upright 1141, and
- a second, substantially vertical longitudinal side panel 208, joining the upper panel 202 and the lower panel 204, and comprising an upright 1142.
The panels 202-208 define a passenger compartment 210, in particular closed.

The body structure 200 comprises a first lower longitudinal profile 1001, on which are fastened the side panel 206 and the lower panel 204, and a second lower longitudinal profile 1002, on which are fastened the side panel 208 and the lower panel 204.
Each of the lower profiles 1001 and 1002 extend over the entire length of the body structure 200, except at the wheel arches.
The use of the lower longitudinal profiles 1001 and 1002 makes it possible to optimize:
- on the one hand, the floor width “D” in the passenger compartment 210 between the side panels 206 and 208; and
- on the other hand, the height “H” in the passenger compartment 210, defined between the upper panel 202 and the lower panel 204.
The upper panel 202 can be formed by several stringers 212.
The body structure 200 also comprises a first upper longitudinal profile 2141, on which are fastened the side panel 206 and the upper panel 202, and a second upper longitudinal profile 2142, on which are fastened the side panel 208 and the upper panel 202.
Each of the upper profiles 2141 and 2142 extends over the entire length of the body structure 200.
Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper 2141-2142 and lower 1001-1002 profiles make it possible to design a body structure 200 including several rigid circular frames. Each rigid circular frame encircles said body structure 200 in the widthwise direction, around the passenger compartment 210.
Each rigid circular frame is formed by:
- the upright 1141, forming part of the longitudinal side panel 206 of the body structure 200 and fastened onto the upper profile 2141 and onto the lower profile 1001;
- the upright 1142, forming part of the longitudinal side panel 208 of the body structure 200 and fastened onto the upper profile 2142 and onto the lower profile 1002;

- the stringer 212, forming part of the upper panel 202 and fastened onto the upper profiles 2141 and 2142; and
- the stringer 112, forming part of the lower panel 204 and fastened onto the lower profiles 1001 and 1002.
The circular frames can be placed at an equal distance from one another or at variable distances.
Such an architecture makes it possible to obtain a more rigid body structure, the design and manufacture of which are simplified.
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation in cross-section of a non-limitative embodiment of an upper profile capable of being used in a body structure according to the invention, in particular in the body structure 200 in Figures 2 and 3, in combination with a lower profile according to the invention, and in particular with the profile 100 in Figures 1a and 1b.
The upper profile 400 shown in Figure 4 can be either one of the upper profiles 2141 and 2142 described above.
The upper profile 400 shown in Figure 4 has a closed cross-section. It is used to connect the upper panel 202 of the body structure 200 with a longitudinal side panel 206 or 208 of the body structure 200.
The upper profile 400 includes a first face 402 for fastening the upper panel 202, a second face 404 for fastening a longitudinal side panel 206 or 208, an outer face 406 located on the opposite side to the passenger compartment 210 and an inner face 408 located on the side of said passenger compartment 210.
The outer face 406 includes a surface 410 for fastening a side panel trim element, such as for example a glazed element. The fastening surface 410 of the trim element forms an inset in the outer face 406, towards the inside of the profile 400, so that the trim element, once fastened onto the outer face, is continuous with the outer face 406 or does not project from the outer face 406.
In Figure 4, the first face 402 is intended to receive a stringer 2121 forming part of the upper panel, the second face 404 is intended to receive

an upright 114, and the fastening surface 410 is intended to receive an outer glazed trim element 416, all shown in dotted lines.
The first face 402 can, optionally, serve for the fastening of a second stringer 2122, placed below the stringer 2121, and used to form a recess in the upper panel or below the upper panel. Such a recess can be used to accommodate therein at least one electrical energy storage module, an air conditioning unit, etc.
The profile 400 can comprise at its outer face 406 a surface 418 for fastening a trim element 420 of the upper panel, such as a cowling element or a sealing panel.
The profile 400 can also comprise at its outer face 406, a surface 422, not covered by a trim element and intended to form a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle, in particular at the upper corner of the vehicle. It is thus not necessary to use an outer trim element to form the outer surface of the vehicle at in this area, as the surface 422 is then a visible surface of the exterior of the vehicle (part of the bodywork/skin of the vehicle).
Each of the elements 2121, 2122, 114 et 416 is fastened onto the profile 400 directly, without using an additional fastening element. For example, the stringers 2121-2122 and the upright 114 are fastened onto the profile 400 by welding, in particular inox welding, and the trim element 416 is fastened onto the fastening surface 410 by bonding.
Of course, alternatively or in addition, the stringers 2121-2122 and the upright 114 can be fastened onto the profile 400 by bolting.
The trim element 420 can be fastened onto the profile by bonding, by welding or by screwing, etc.
In the example shown, the first face 402 is perpendicular to the direction defined by the stringer 2121, i.e. perpendicular to the upper panel of which the stringer 2121 forms part. Thus, the stringer 2121, and therefore the upper panel, is butt-fastened to the profile 400 on end, i.e. without overlapping any other portion of the upper profile 400.
In addition, the first face 402 is offset with respect to the second face 404 in a direction perpendicular to the first face 402, so that the second face

404 stops before and at a distance from the first face 402 in said perpendicular direction.
Moreover, the first face 404 is perpendicular to the direction defined by the upright 114, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal side panel of which the upright 114 forms part. Thus, the upright 114, and therefore the side panel, is butt-fastened to the profile 400 on end, i.e. without overlapping any part of the profile 400.
In addition, the second face 404 is offset with respect to the first face 402 in a direction perpendicular to the second face 404, so that the first face 402 stops before and at a distance from the second face 404 in said perpendicular direction.
The first face 402 and the second face 404 between them form an angle 424 equal to 60°, or comprised between 55° and 65°, so that the upper panel and the longitudinal side panel between them form an angle greater than 90°.
The fastening surface 410 of the lateral trim element 416 and the second face 404 between them form an angle 426 equal to 90°, or comprised between 85° and 95°.
In addition, the surface 422, not intended to be covered by a trim element, and to form the external surface of the vehicle at an upper corner of said vehicle, is substantially rounded or circular so as to obtain a rounded continuity at an upper corner of the vehicle.
Optionally, the second face 404 and/or the inner face 408 of the profile 400 can be used as bearing face(s) for a reinforcing piece 430, (shown in dotted lines in the figures), called reinforcing strut, to reinforce the mechanical strength of the body structure. Such a reinforcing strut 430 can be fastened to the vertical upright 114, and optionally to the stringer(s) 2121 and/or 2122.
The upper profile 400 shown in Figure 4 is produced by folding and welding a steel sheet 3 mm thick, or comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm.

The welding line 428 is preferably positioned on the inner face 408, on which no panel is fastened.
Alternatively, the welding line can be positioned on the fastening surface 410, so that it is hidden under the outer trim element 416. The welding line can be positioned on the first face 402 or also on the second face 404. More generally, the welding line is preferably positioned on a surface/face that cannot be seen, where the stresses are lower.
The profile 400 is preferably treated by cataphoresis against oxidation.
Thus in the example described, the profile 400 is used to fulfil several functions, without using any additional fastening device, namely the following functions:
- fastening of the upper panel,
- fastening of the longitudinal side panel,
- fastening of an outer trim element of the side panel,
- fastening of an outer trim element of the upper panel,
- fastening of an element defining a recess in the upper panel,
- constituting a visible portion of the outer face of the vehicle, in other words a portion of the outer trim of the vehicle, and
- mounting for a reinforcing strut of the body structure.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

WE CLAIM:
1. Profile (100) for the fastening of a lower panel (204) with a longitudinal
side panel (206, 208) of a body structure (200) of a public transportation
land vehicle, in particular of the bus or tyred tram type, having a closed
cross-section, said profile (100) comprising:
- a first face (102) for the fastening of the lower panel (204), and
- a second face (104) for the fastening of the side panel (206, 208);
one of said faces (102, 104) being offset with respect to the other (104, 102) of said faces in a direction perpendicular to said one face (102, 104), so that said other face (104, 102) stops before, and at a distance from, said one face (102, 104) in said perpendicular direction.
characterized in that it is produced by folding and welding of a single metal sheet, the welding being carried out on said first face (102), or on said second face (104), or on a face (108), called inner face, located between said first face (102) and said second face (104), and in use, on the side of ta passenger compartment (210) of the vehicle.
2. The profile (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that:
- the first face (102) is offset with respect to the second face (104) in a direction perpendicular to said first face (102), so that the second face (104) stops before, and at a distance from, said first face (102) in said perpendicular direction; and
- the second face (104) is offset with respect to the first face (102) in a direction perpendicular to said second face (104), so that the second face (102) stops before, and at a distance from, said second face (104) in said perpendicular direction.
3. The profile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first face (102) is substantially perpendicular to the
second face (104).

4. The profile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner face (108) is curved towards the inside of said profile (100).
5. The profile (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inner face (108) joins the first face (102) at an angle comprised between 85° and 90°, and in particular equal to 90°, with respect to said first face (102).
6. The profile (100) according to either one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the inner face (108) joins the second face (104) at an angle comprised between 85° and 90°, and in particular equal to 90°, with respect to said second face (104).
7. The profile (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the inner face (108) can comprise two parts (1101, 1102) perpendicular to one another, in particular forming an “L” between them.
8. The profile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a face (106), called outer face, located between said first face (102) and said second face (104), and in use, on the outer side with respect to a passenger compartment (210) of the vehicle, said outer face (106) forming:

- with the first face (102), an angle greater than 95°, in particular comprised between 100° and 110°, more particularly equal to 105°; and/or
- with the second face (104), an angle greater than 85°, in particular comprised between 70° and 80°, more particularly equal to 75°.
9. The profile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a fastening surface (118), called lateral
fastening surface, adjacent to the second face (104) and provided in order

to fasten a trim element (120) of the side panel, forming an inset in an outer face (106) of said profile (100) towards the inside of said profile (100).
10. The profile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fastening surface (122), called lower fastening surface, adjacent to the first face (102) and provided in order to fasten a trim element (124) of the lower panel, forming an inset in an outer face (106) of said profile (100) towards the inside of said profile (100).
11. The profile (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the welding is carried out on the second face (104).
12. The profile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is produced from steel.
13. The profile (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is treated against oxidation, in particular by cataphoresis.
14. A body structure (200) for a public transportation land vehicle, in particular of the bus or tyred tram type, comprising an upper panel (202), two longitudinal side panels (206, 208) and a lower panel (204), characterized in that is comprises a profile (1001, 1002), called lower profile, according to any one of the preceding claims, between said lower panel (204) and at least one, in particular each, longitudinal side panel (206, 208).
15. The body structure (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first face (102), respectively the second face (104), of the lower profile (1001, 1002) is perpendicular to the lower panel (204), respectively to the side panel (206, 208) of said body structure (200).
16. The body structure (200) according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the side panel (206, 208), respectively the lower panel

(204), is butt-fastened onto the lower longitudinal profile (1001, 1002) by welding.
17. The body structure (200) according to any one of claims 14 to 16,
characterized in that it also comprises a profile (2141, 2142, 400), called
upper profile, between the upper panel (202) and at least one, in particular
each, side panel (204, 206) of the body structure (200), having a closed
cross-section, said upper profile (2141, 2142, 400) comprising:
- a first face (402) for the fastening of the upper panel (202),
- a second face (404) for the fastening of the side panel (206, 208),
- a face (406), called outer face, located between said first face (402) and said second face (404), and in use, on the outer side with respect to a passenger compartment (210) of said vehicle;
said outer face (406) comprising at least one surface (410), called fastening surface, for the fastening of an element of outer trim (416), forming an inset in said outer face (416), towards the inside of said upper profile (2141, 2142, 400).
18. The body structure (200) according to any one of claims 14 to 17,
characterized in that it comprises several rigid circular frames, aligned in the
longitudinal direction of said body structure (200), each rigid circular frame
surrounding said body structure (200), in the widthwise direction of said
body structure (200), and being formed by:
- an upright (1141), forming part of one (206) of the longitudinal side panels of said body structure (200) and being fastened onto a first upper profile (2141), and onto a first lower profile(1001);
- an upright (1142), forming part of the other (208) of the longitudinal side panels of said body structure (200) and being fastened onto a second upper profile (2142), and onto a second lower profile (1002);
- at least one stringer (212), forming part of the upper panel (202) and being fastened onto said first and second upper profiles (2141, 2142); and

- a stringer (112), forming part of the lower panel (204) and being fastened onto said first and second lower profiles (1001, 1002).
19. A public transportation land vehicle, comprising a body structure (200) according to any one of claims 14 to 18.
20. The vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is an electric vehicle, in particular an electric bus or tyred tram.