RAIL VEHICLE WITH DIFFERENT PASSENGER ZONES

Abstract

 Rail vehicle (1; 6), comprising
- at least two coaches (2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10),
- passenger zones, wherein each of said passenger zones extends over a substantially longitudinal section of the coach (2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10) and over the width (W) of the coach(2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10), and wherein each of said passenger zones is selected from
i) a first passenger zone (PZ1-1, PZ1-2), wherein 43% to 70% of the total area (A) of the first passenger zone (PZ1-1, PZ1-2) is occupied by seats (11),
ii) a second passenger zone (PZ2-1, PZ2-2, PZ2-3, PZ2-4), wherein 26% to 42% of the total area (A) of the second passenger zone (PZ2-1, PZ2-2, PZ2-3, PZ2-4) is occupied by seats (11, 12; 50, 51, 54, 55; 34, 36, 37, 39; 56),
iii) a third passenger zone (PZ3-1, PZ3-2, PZ3-3), wherein 10% to 25% of the total area (A) of the third passenger zone (PZ3-1, PZ3-2, PZ3-3) is occupied by seats (11, 64, 65, 66, 74, 75),

wherein at least one of the coaches (2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10) comprises at least two of said passenger zones i), ii) iii), and the rail vehicle (1; 6) comprises each of said passenger zones i), ii) iii) at least once.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail vehicle with different passenger zones which are intended for different passenger needs.

[0002] Rail vehicles comprising different areas for different purposes are known.

[0003] EP2535236 discloses a rail vehicle car having a bistro area provided between first end and second end. A wheelchair space is arranged with location suitable for wheelchair users, disabled accessible toilet, first seat portion, and input area with respective front door on both longitudinal sides of rail vehicle car. The bistro area, disabled accessible toilet and input area are interconnected in wheelchair space.

[0004] In modern rail vehicles, multiple travelers' needs have to be fulfilled, like resting, working and social activities. At the same time, passenger capacity of a rail vehicle has to be optimized.

[0005] The task of the present invention was to provide with a rail vehicle that can fulfil different travelers' needs. A further task of the present invention was to provide with a rail vehicle wherein a number of seats can easily be optimized.

[0006] This problem is solved by a rail vehicle according to claim 1. Beneficial embodiments of the rail vehicle are subject matter of dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention provides with a rail vehicle, comprising

• at least two coaches,
• passenger zones, wherein each of said passenger zones extends over a substantially longitudinal section of the coach and over the width of the coach, which means the whole width, and wherein each of said passenger zones is selected from
  i) a first passenger zone, wherein 43% to 70% of the total area of the first passenger zone is occupied by seats,

  ii) a second passenger zone , wherein 26% to 42% of the total area of the second passenger zone is occupied by seats,

  iii) a third passenger zone, wherein 10% to 25% of the total area of the third passenger zone is occupied by seats,
  wherein
  at least one of the coaches comprises at least two of said passenger zones i), ii), and iii). This means that at least one of the coaches comprises at least two different kinds of said passenger zones i), ii), and iii).

[0008] In a specific embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, singly or in combination, each of the coaches comprises at least two of said passenger zones i), ii) and iii).

[0009] In a further specific embodiment, which can be combined with all other embodiments, singly or in combination, the rail vehicle comprises each of said passenger zones i), ii) and iii) at least once.

[0010] The present invention provides with following benefits, in its general embodiment of in beneficial embodiments, which are described hereinafter. A rail vehicle of the present invention can fulfil four categories of travelers' needs, which are

• Capacity. The first passenger zone is preferably intended to fulfill capacity purposes, i.e. to transport as many passengers as possible. It is also called "capacity zone". The present invention allows to significantly increase the number of travelers, which places high demands on the trains' capacity. A sufficient number of seats could be provided for passengers, thereby maintaining or providing with a high comfort level. Capacity increases the probability that a passenger can enter the train even in rush hours
• Working. The second passenger zone is preferably intended for working or resting. It is also called "working/resting zone". A large amount of people travel by train every day to get to work elsewhere in the region. Working zones. People have a desire to start the study and working day already when seated on the train. The vehicle invention provides with ergonomically optimized workplaces, particularly for laptop users. Privacy and isolation at ones place of work is also desirable to be able to work undisturbed. The present invention enables a work environment which gives passengers an opportunity to shorten their workday slightly and spend more time at home with family.
• Resting: The second passenger zone is preferably intended for working or resting, as stated above. The resting zone provides with an opportunity to rest and to recover to passengers. It is possible to find a secluded, quiet place to sleep for a while in the morning before the working day starts while others choose to place themselves conveniently close to a window and look out over the scenery passing by.
• Social encounters: The third passenger zone is intended for social activities. It is also called "social zone". On a train journey people from many different groups in society encounters. While some travelers prefer to work or to escape for rest other wishes to be social and make use of the fact that a train is a public place. The third passenger zone creates interesting encounters between travelers and offers the passenger a new experience where they get the opportunity to meet each other - or just enjoy being in a room and context together with other people. The third zone provides with space for multiple purposes, such as bicycles, prams, families, commuters, people with functional impairment and spontaneous travelers.

[0011] By combining the concepts in a vehicle interior layout passengers can be offered an attractive journey and also interest more travelers to use public transport for business and pleasure.

[0012] A longitudinal section is a section of a coach that extends in longitudinal direction.

[0013] A longitudinal section, or a substantially longitudinal section, preferably means the following: A section that has a length of at least 10% of the total length of a coach, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%. An upper limit of the length, which can be combined with each of aforementioned lower limits, may be 80% of the total length of a coach, more preferably 70%, even more preferably 60%. The total length of the coach is the distance the outer end points of a coach, in lengthwise direction.

[0014] Occupation of area by seats is determined as follows. The percentage area that is covered by seats is calculated as:

[0015] The total area of a zone is intended to mean the total floor area.
A seat area is the area a seat takes from a top view. So, the seat area is the area of a floor that is covered by a seat when looking from a top view perspective. Further explanations are given in the description of the Figures.

[0016] A coach of the rail vehicle may be a motor coach, or a non-motor coach.

[0017] Any of the passenger zones defined above can be a rectangular or almost rectangular section of a coach. A passenger zone is preferably defined as a section between two sidewalls of a coach and with longitudinal extension over a part of a coach.

[0018] Any of the passenger zones defined above preferably has a length that equal or higher than the width of a coach, wherein the width is defined as the distance between the side walls.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one of the coaches comprises a second passenger zone and a third passenger zone.

[0020] In one embodiment zones are separated from each other by an entrance door to the rail vehicle, or to the coach, or by a separating wall within the coach.

[0021] The rail vehicle may comprise two coaches which are located at the beginning and the end of the rail vehicle and which have the same passenger zones. So, passengers know that they find the same passenger zones at each end of the train and can find the desired zone faster.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second passenger zone comprises an arrangement of four seats in transversal direction of the coach.

[0023] The four seats may be either shifted relative to each other in longitudinal direction or arranged on the same position in longitudinal direction. When seats are shifted relative to each other in an arrangement of four seats, the maximum shift between two seats (which may be or may be not adjacent seats) is preferably the length of one seat in maximum.

[0024] Said four seats may be all oriented in the same direction or the four seats may partially be oriented in a first longitudinal direction and partially oriented in a second longitudinal direction. A direction of orientation of a seat is equivalent to the direction of view of a passenger who occupies the seat. A first longitudinal direction may be the driving direction, and the second longitudinal direction may be the counter-driving direction, or vice versa.

[0025] In another embodiment, the second passenger zone comprises following arrangement of seats, in transversal direction of the coach:

first side wall - 2 seats - aisle - 2 seats - second side wall.

This embodiment comprises extra-wide aisle provides space and good flow. Moreover, this embodiment provides with generous space between seats for greater comfort and space for personal belongings. This embodiment may comprise, on one side of the aisle, or on both sides, at least one table, wherein seats are arranged vis-à-vis on both sides of the table, namely two seats in a first longitudinal direction on a first side of the table and two seats in a second longitudinal direction on a second side of the table.

[0026] In a further specific embodiment, the second passenger zone comprises following arrangement of seats, in transversal direction of the coach:

first side wall - first wall seat - first aisle - first middle seat - second aisle - second wall seat - second side wall.

[0027] A wall seat is a seat that is placed adjacent to a wall. A middle seat is a seat that is separated from a wall, or separated from two walls, by two aisles.

[0028] The side walls preferably comprise a window and said wall seats are preferably located adjacent to a window. It is to be understood that said arrangement of seats, which describes an arrangement in transversal direction, may be repeated several times in a coach in longitudinal direction.

[0029] Following benefits are reached with this embodiment:

• Dual aisles provide efficient passenger flow.
• Less running at each specific seat - better environment for relaxation and work.

[0030] The Rail vehicle may comprise a second middle seat, between the first middle seat and the second aisle. In this embodiment, the arrangement, in transversal direction of the coach, is as follows:

first side wall - first wall seat - first aisle - first middle seat - second aisle - second wall seat - second side wall.

[0031] It is to be understood that the second middle seat could instead be arranged between the first middle seat and the first aisle, which would just change the numbering of seats but not change the arrangement of seats or scope of the invention. The numbering of elements, like walls, aisles and seats is used for distinguishing elements which have the same name and/or the same structure.

[0032] The first middle seat is named "first" in order to distinguish from a second middle seat, if such second middle seat is present. When no second middle seat is present, the first middle seat can also be designated as "middle seat". The numbering in the arrangement is a question of perspective.

[0033] In one embodiment, a screen is arranged between above-mentioned first and second middle seats. A screen can also be called a separation wall. In this embodiment, both wall seats and middle seats are secluded to enable peace and privacy and tranquility. The separation of middle seats with screens gives them the effect of single seats.

[0034] In a further embodiment, above-mentioned first wall seat and above-mentioned first middle seat are oriented in a first longitudinal direction and above-mentioned second wall seat and above-mentioned second middle seat are oriented in a second longitudinal direction. The benefit of this embodiment is that on one side of a longitudinal middle axis of the coach or vehicle, seats are placed in driving direction and on the other side seats are placed in counter-driving direction, which may of course change when the driving direction is changed. So, it is always clear that about the half of seats is oriented in driving direction what many people prefer.

[0035] In a further embodiment, said middle seats are placed on a higher floor level than the wall seats. In this embodiment, the middle section of seats is raised, for example on a pedestal and the view from the middle seats is improved.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the second passenger zone comprises at least one seat, preferably multiple seats, which is/are oriented, or can be oriented, towards the side wall or to a window in the side wall. This embodiment provides with a panoramic seating, if seats are oriented towards the window. A unique, secluded and quiet travel experience could be provided by turning up the seats towards the windows an experience of landscape or nature is created.

[0037] In a further specific embodiment, which is preferably combined with afore mentioned embodiment, a screen or separation wall is arranged in longitudinal direction behind the seat and which separates the seat from an aisle behind the seat. Said aisle is a longitudinal aisle. In the embodiment said or wall protects passengers on the seat, particularly on a seat that is oriented to the window, from disruptive running in the aisle.

[0038] In a further embodiment of a rail vehicle according to the invention the second passenger zone comprises at least one table which extends along a side wall of the rail vehicle. As mentioned above, said second passenger zone is preferably intended for resting or working. So, the table may be designed to fulfill one or both of these functions. So, the table may be used for placing food or drinks, or a laptop for working. At least one seat which is oriented, or can be oriented, towards the side wall or to a window in the side wall is preferably allocated to said table. Thus, this embodiment is preferably combined with an embodiment mentioned before, relating to said type of seat(s). The table preferably has a longer side and a shorter side, wherein the table extend with the long side along the wall. The table may touch the side wall.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the second passenger zone comprises

• a first table which extends along the side wall of the rail vehicle with a first section and
• a second table which extends along the side wall of the rail vehicle with a first section,

wherein

• the first table comprises a second section that deviates or deflects from the first section of the first table,
• the second table comprises a second section that deviates or deflects from the first section of the second table,
• said second section of the first table and said second section of the second table are separated by a gap that can be entered or crossed by a person,
• a space is formed between said second section of the first table, said second section of the second table, and the side wall, wherein said space can be entered by a person through the gap.

[0040] At least one seat which is oriented, or can be oriented, towards the side wall or to a window in the side wall is preferably allocated to the first table. At least one seat which is oriented, or can be oriented, towards the side wall or to a window in the side wall is preferably allocated to the second table.

[0041] Said first sections of the first and second table preferably have a longer side and a shorter side. The first section of the first table preferably extends with the long side along the wall. The first section of the second table preferably extends with the long side along the wall. Said first sections of the first and second table may touch the side wall.

[0042] Said second sections of the first and second table deviate or deflect from the side wall, so that a partial space is formed between each of the second sections and the side wall. Said partial spaces between the second sections and the wall together form the space between said second section of the first table, said second section of the second table, and the side wall. Said space may for example have a triangular or substantially triangular base area.

[0043] The second section of the first table and the second section of the second table are preferably arranged to each other symmetrically, preferably along a symmetry axis that runs through said gap between the second sections.

[0044] In a further embodiment, at least two seats are located in the space. The seats are preferably oriented or can be oriented in a straight or diagonal direction to the wall or in a straight or diagonal direction to a window in the wall. Preferably, four seats are located in the space. Said at least two seats are suitable to form a conference arrangement of seats. A further table that extends along the side wall may be arranged in sais space.

[0045] The third passenger zone may have one or more of the following features:

• at least two different floor levels. Said floor levels may be separated by a wall, preferably a transparent wall, such as a glass wall. Public spaces on both a high floor and low floor enable available meeting points for all. With areas at different levels and preferred glass walls for good visibility, a clearly arranged environment is created.
• At least one vestibule. Such vestibule provides a lounge feel, a better passenger flow and a more stress-free boarding and alighting.
• at least one piece of furniture, which is preferably selected from a bar table, a standing table, bar stool
• at least one multimedia, information or entertainment device, such as a screen, or a display.
• at least one of place for a bicycles, a prams, a wheel chair, people with functional impairment.
• at least one corner seat
• Seats arranged vis-à-vis, i.e. facing each other.

[0046] The first passenger zone may comprise following arrangement of seats:

first side wall - two seats - aisle - three seats- second side wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer of the three seats, which is located adjacent to the side wall, comprises two own armrests. An own armrest is an armrest which is not shared with another seat. Other seats may either have shared armrests or no armrest. Preferably, in the group of the three seats, two of them, the seat adjacent to the aisle and the seat in the middle of the group share one armrest, which is the armrest between them. So, these two seats form a dual seat unit, whereas a seat adjacent to the side wall forms a single seat unit due to its own armrests. A single seat unit plus a dual seat unit provides passengers with greater comfort and sense of security.

[0047] One or more of said passenger zones, preferably all passenger zones, may comprise connections for electric power supply. One or more of said passenger zones, preferably all passenger zones, may comprise devices for mobile internet.

[0048] The present invention also discloses following subject matter:

[0049] A further task of the present invention over the cited prior art is selected from one or more of the following:

• to provide with a rail vehicle or railway coach that provides with efficient passenger flow, or
• to provide with a rail vehicle or railway coach that provides panoramic seating, particularly combined with possibility to create a conference seating arrangement

[0050] One or more of these problems are solved by a rail vehicle according below items A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G. H, I.

[0051] Independently from a rail vehicle with the features of claim 1, the present invention also generally provides with a railway coach according to one or more of items A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G. H, I, or any combination thereof. The features of items A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G. H, I can be combined with features that were disclosed in the antecedent description. Features and advantages of the following subject matter according to A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G. H, I were already disclosed and explained in the antecedent description

A1. A railway coach, comprising following arrangement of seats: first side wall - first wall seat - first aisle - first middle seat - second aisle - second wall seat - second side wall. This subject matter may be combined with the subject matter of one or more of item E, F, G or H. This arrangement of seats is in transversal direction of the coach.

A2 Railway coach according to item A1, comprising a second middle seat. This second middle seat may be placed between the first middle seat and the second aisle, or between the first middle seat and the first aisle.

B. Railway coach according to item A2, wherein a screen is arranged between the first middle seat and the second middle seat.

C. Railway coach according to item A2 or B, wherein the first wall seat and the first middle seat are oriented in the first longitudinal direction and wherein the second wall seat and the second middle seat are oriented in the second longitudinal direction.

D. Railway coach according to one of claims A1, A2, B or C, wherein the middle seat(s) is/are placed on a higher floor level than the wall seats.

E. A railway coach, comprising at least one seat that is or can be oriented towards the side wall or a window in the side wall. This subject matter may be combined with the subject matter of one or more of item A1, A2, B, C, D, G or H.

F. Railway coach according to item E, comprising a screen which is arranged in longitudinal direction behind the seat and which separates the seat from an aisle behind the seat.

G. Railway coach, comprising,

• a first table which extends along the side wall of the rail vehicle with a first section and
• a second table which extends along the side wall of the rail vehicle with a first section,

wherein

• the first table comprises a second section that deviates or deflects from the first section of the first table,
• the second table comprises a second section that deviates or deflects from the first section of the second table,
• said second section of the first table and said second section of the second table are separated by a gap that can be entered or crossed by a person,
• a space is formed between said second section of the first table, said second section of the second table, and the side wall, wherein said space can be entered by a person through the gap.
  This subject matter may be combined with the subject matter of one or more of item A1, A2, B, C, D, E or F.

H. Railway coach according to item G, wherein in the space at least two seats are located.

I. A rail vehicle, particularly a train, comprising a railway coach according to one or more of A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.

[0052] Hereinafter the invention is described by working examples.

Brief description of Figures

[0053] 

Fig. 1

shows a first embodiment of a rail vehicle of the present invention.

Fig. 2

shows a second embodiment of a rail vehicle of the present invention.

Fig. 3

shows a detailed view on a first passenger zone.

Fig. 4a, b

show two embodiments of a second passenger zone.

Fig. 5

shows a further embodiment of a second passenger zone.

Fig. 6

shows a further embodiment of a second passenger zone.

Fig. 7

shows a further embodiment of a second passenger zone.

Fig. 8

shows an embodiment of a third passenger zone.

Fig. 9 a, b

show further embodiments of a third passenger zone.

[0054] The rail vehicle 1 shown in Fig. 1 is composed of the motor coaches 2, 3 and the middle coaches 4, 5. Only one of the coaches 2, 3 can be a motor coach. The coaches 2, 3, 4, 5 each comprise at least two different passenger zones which are explained in further detail in other Figures. The motor coach 2 and the motor coach 3 each comprise 2 second passenger zones PZ2-1 and PZ2-2, which are two different embodiments of a second passenger zone, and a third passenger zone PZ3-1, which is a first embodiment of a third passenger zone. In the reference symbols of passengers zones PZ the first number indicates whether it is a first, second or third passenger zone, whereas the second number indicates an embodiment. Even if embodiments of a passenger zone are designated with the same number, there may be slight differences, for example in arrangement of seats or other interior matter. Nevertheless, passenger zones with only slight differences are given in the same embodiment number in order to avoid complication.

[0055] It can be seen that the motor coach 2 and motor coach 3 are identical in their composition with respect to the type and arrangement of zones.

[0056] The middle coach 4 comprises a first passenger zone PZ1-1 two times and a third embodiment of a second passenger zone PZ2-3. Between the passenger zones in coach 4 entrance and exit areas are located, designated with reference symbol E.

[0057] Coach 5 in Fig. 1 comprises a second embodiment of a third passenger zone PZ3-2 and the first embodiment of the first passenger zone PZ1-1 which is also contained in coach 4.

[0058] As can be seen from Fig. 1, each of the passenger zones PZ extends over the whole width W of a coach and in longitudinal direction X, which are shown at the motor coach 2. So, each passenger zone PZ extends over a longitudinal section, a section of a coach that extends in longitudinal direction X.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a rail vehicle 6 that is also composed of two motor coaches 7, 8 and two middle coaches 9, 10. The composition of each coach with the respect to passenger zones PZ is also shown.

[0060] In comparison to the rail vehicle 1 of Fig. 1 the rail vehicle 6 comprises a further embodiment of a first passenger zone PZ1-2 in coach 7, 8 and 9, and a further embodiment of a second passenger zone PZ2-4 in coach 9, and a further embodiment of a third passenger zone PZ3-4 in coach 10.

[0061] In comparison to rail vehicle 1 rail vehicle 4 comprises more seats and a higher passenger capacity because a higher portion of the rail vehicle is covered by a first passenger zone.

[0062] Hereinafter, the different passenger zones are explained in greater detail.

[0063] Fig. 3 shows the first passenger zone PZ1-2 that is shown in coach 9 in Fig. 2.

[0064] The occupation by seats in a passenger zone is explained with respect to Fig. 3. The below calculation is a calculation that can be applied in the same manner to any of the passenger zones:

the total area of the passenger zone, in this case the first passenger zone, is calculated by multiplying the total length L of the zone with the total width W of the zone. The total length L extends in longitudinal direction X and the width W extends in transversal direction Y, as shown in Fig. 3 for zone PZ1-2. So the total area A of the zone is calculated as follows:

[0065] In order to calculate the occupation by seats, the total area of seats has to be calculated, i.e. the sum of the areas of all seats in a zone. The total area of all seats is the area of a single seat (of a specific type) multiplied with the total number of such seats within the passenger zone, if one type of seat is used. Seats are indicated with reference sign 11. Calculation of the area of a single seat is shown with respect to seat 11 on the bottom of the right side of the first passenger zone PZ1-2. The length of the seat 11 is designated in Fig. 3 as LS, and the width of the seat 11 is designated WS. The area AS of a single seat 11 is calculated as follows:

[0066] The occupation O of a passenger zone by seats 11 is then calculated as follows:

[0067] In this case the total number of seats within first passenger zone PZ1-2 is 53. It is clear that different types of seats could be present in a passenger zone, occupying different areas. In this case above formula has to be amended and other types of seats have to be considered and added to obtain the sum of the areas of all seats in a zone. The passenger zones in Fig. 4a and 4b for example show different seat types 11 and 12 with different widths WS1 and WS2 and different lengths LS1 and LS2.

[0068] The total occupation by seats 11 in first passenger zone PZ1-2 of Fig. 3 is about 49 %.

[0069] Seats designated with P are Priority seats.

[0070] The first passenger zone PZ1-2 in Fig. 3 shows tables 13. Seats are arranged in a 2-aisle-3-arrangement except for two seat rows at the beginning and at the end of the passenger zone PZ1-2. The aisle is designated with reference symbol 14. Seats of the group of three seats on one sights of the aisle 14 that are adjacent to the side wall 15 have two own arm rests 17, 18. Other chairs of the group share an arm rest 19.

[0071] Fig. 4a shows the second passenger zone PZ2-3 and Fig. 4b shows the second passenger zone PZ2-1 which are both shown in Fig. 1 in rail vehicle 1. Both second passenger zones PZ2-3 and PZ2-1 have a total occupation of seats of about 30 %.

[0072] A second passenger zone PZ2-3 in Fig. 4a comprises a first table 21 that extends along the side wall 20 with the first section 22. The first table 21 comprises a second section 23 that deflects from the first section 22. In this embodiment the first section 22 and the second section 23 form an angle.

[0073] A second table 24 extends with a first section 25 along the side wall 20 and comprises a second section 26 that deviates or deflects from the first section 25 and forms an angle with the first section. The second section 23 of the first table 21 and the second section 26 of the second table are separated by the gap G. That can be entered or crossed by a person in order to enter the space 27 that is formed between the second section 23 of the first table 21 and the second section 26 of the second table 24 and the side wall 20. In the space 27 for seats 28, 29, 30, 31 are located. A further table 32 is fixed at the side wall 20 within the space 27. The seats 28, 29, 30, 31 are oriented towards a window in the side wall above the table 32 (not shown). Seats 28 - 31 form a conference arrangement. Further seats 12, which are constructed as stools are placed adjacent to the first table 21 and the second table 24 and also oriented towards the side wall 20 or windows in the side wall 20, respectively.

[0074] The second passenger zone PZ2-1 comprises a table 33 that extends along the side wall 15.

[0075] The seats 12 in Fig. 4a and 4b can be formed as high chairs with backrest. The tables 21, 24, 33 can be formed as high tables. A combination of high chairs with high tables provides with modern work ergonomics.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a part of a second passenger zone PZ2-2 which was already shown in Fig. 1. Passenger zone PZ2-2, i.e. a part of this passenger zone shown in Fig. 5, comprises following arrangement of seats: first a side wall 15 - first wall seat 34 - first aisle 35 - first middle seat 36 - second middle seat 37 - second aisle 38 - second wall seat 39 - second side wall 20. This arrangement is indicated in transversal direction Y. In longitudinal direction multiple first wall seats 34, multiple first middle seats 36, multiple second middle seats 37 and multiple second wall seats 39 are arranged behind each other. The total occupation by seats in the part of the second passenger zone PZ2-2 shown in Fig. 5 is about 36 %.

[0077] In Fig. 5 the first wall seat 34 and the first middle seat 36 are oriented in the first longitudinal direction X1, except for a last seat at the right hand end that is placed vis-à-vis to another seat adjacent to a table 13. In the same manner the second wall seat 39 and the second middle seat 37 are oriented in a second longitudinal direction X2. Screens 40 can be arranged between middle seats 36 and middle seats 37, respectively. Middle seats 36, 37 are placed on a higher floor level 41, shown by a dashed line. The higher floor level is formed as a platform or pedestal.

[0078] Fig. 6 shows the second passenger zone PZ2-2 in part. This part of a second passenger zone PZ2-2 is shown in Fig. 1 in coach 3. The total occupation by seats in this part of passenger zone PZ2-2 is 39 %. This part of PZ2-2 shown in Fig. 7 comprises following arrangement of seats: first side wall 15 - two seats 50, 51 - aisle 53 - two seats 50, 55 - second side wall 20.

[0079] Fig. 7 shows a part of a second passenger zone PZ2-2 that was already shown in Fig. 1. The total occupation in this part of the passenger zone by seats is about 32 %. This part of PZ2-2 comprises seats 56 that are oriented towards the side wall 20.

[0080] Fig. 7 shows screens 58 which are arranged in longitudinal direction X behind the seats 56 and which separate the seats 56 from an aisle 59 behind the seats 56.

[0081] Fig. 7 also shows tables 60 which extend along the side wall 20.

[0082] Fig. 8 shows the third passenger zone PZ3-2 from Fig. 1, coach 5. The third passenger zone is divided in two sections, PZ3-2a and PZ3-2b. Section PZ3-2a has a higher floor level than PZ3-2b. Both sections are connected by a stairs 62. Between the two zones PZ3-2a and PZ3-2b a glass separation wall 63 is located.

[0083] The total occupation by seats, i.e. the total area of the passenger zone PZ3-2 that is occupied by seats, is 18 %. Zone PZ3-2 comprises seats 11, that were already shown in previous Figs., and benches 64 and corner seats 65, 66. The seat area of benches 64 and corner seats 65 and 66 is also included when the total occupation of the zone by seats is calculated.

[0084] The third passenger zone PZ3-2 comprises public spaces 68, 69, 70 which provide space for bicycles, bulky luggage and buggies. Moreover, places for wheel chairs 71 are provided.

[0085] Fig. 9a and 9b show third passenger zones PZ3-1 and PZ3-3 from Fig. 1. These passenger zones comprise public spaces 72, 73 and benches 74 and 75. Third passenger zone PZ3-3 in Fig. 9b moreover comprises a toilet 76.

Claims

1. Rail vehicle (1; 6), comprising

- at least two coaches (2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10),

- passenger zones, wherein each of said passenger zones extends over a substantially longitudinal section of the coach (2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10) and over the width (W) of the coach(2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10), and wherein each of said passenger zones is selected from

i) a first passenger zone (PZ1-1, PZ1-2), wherein 43% to 70% of the total area (A) of the first passenger zone (PZ1-1, PZ1-2) is occupied by seats (11),

ii) a second passenger zone (PZ2-1, PZ2-2, PZ2-3, PZ2-4), wherein 26% to 42% of the total area (A) of the second passenger zone (PZ2-1, PZ2-2, PZ2-3, PZ2-4) is occupied by seats (11, 12; 50, 51, 54, 55; 34, 36, 37, 39; 56),

iii) a third passenger zone (PZ3-1, PZ3-2, PZ3-3), wherein 10% to 25% of the total area (A) of the third passenger zone (PZ3-1, PZ3-2, PZ3-3) is occupied by seats (11, 64, 65, 66, 74, 75),

wherein
at least one of the coaches (2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10) comprises at least two of said passenger zones i), ii), and iii), and
the rail vehicle (1; 6) comprises each of said passenger zones i), ii), and iii) at least once.

2. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the coaches (2, 3) comprises the second passenger zone (PZ2-1, PZ2-2) and the third passenger zone (PZ3-1, PZ3-3).

3. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second passenger zone (PZ2-2) comprises an arrangement of four seats (50, 51, 54, 55; 34, 36, 37, 39) in a transversal direction (Y) of the coach (2, 3, 4, 5; 7, 8, 9, 10) wherein the four seats (50, 51, 54, 55; 34, 36, 37, 39) are either shifted relative to each other in a longitudinal direction (X, X1, X2) or arranged on the same position in the longitudinal direction.

4. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 3, wherein in the second passenger zone (PZ2-2) comprises following arrangement of seats:

first side wall (15) - two seats (50, 51) - aisle (53) - two seats (54, 55) - second side wall (20).

5. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the second passenger zone (PZ2-2) comprises following arrangement of seats:

first side wall (15) - first wall seat (34) - first aisle (35) - first middle seat (36)- second aisle (38) - second wall seat (39) - second side wall (20).

6. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 5, comprising a second middle seat (37), between the first middle seat (36) and the second aisle (38) or between the first middle seat (36) and the first aisle (35).

7. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 6, comprising a screen (40) which is arranged between the first middle seat (36) and the second middle seat (37).

8. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first wall seat (34) and the first middle seat (36) are oriented in a first longitudinal direction (X1) and wherein the second wall seat (39) and the second middle seat (37) are oriented in a second longitudinal direction (X2).

9. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to one of claims 5-7, wherein the middle seat(s) (36, 37) is/are placed on a higher floor level (41) than the wall seats (34, 39).

10. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second passenger zone (PZ2-2) comprises at least one seat (56) that is or can be oriented towards a side wall (20) or a window (57) in the side wall (20).

11. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 10, comprising a screen (58) which is arranged in longitudinal direction (X) behind the seat (56) and which separates the seat (56) from an aisle (59) behind the seat (56).

12. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second passenger zone (PZ2-1; PZ2-2; PZ2-3) comprises at least one table (60; 21; 24; 33) which extends along a side wall (20; 15) of the rail vehicle (1; 6).

13. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second passenger zone (PZ2-3) comprises

- a first table (21) which extends along a side wall (20) of the rail vehicle (1; 6) with a first section (22) and

- a second table (24) which extends along a side wall (20) of the rail vehicle (1; 6) with a first section (25),

wherein

- the first table (21) comprises a second section (23) that deviates or deflects from the first section (22) of the first table (21),

- the second table (24) comprises a second section (26) that deviates or deflects from the first section (25) of the second table (24),

- said second section (23) of the first table (21) and said second section (26) of the second table (24) are separated by a gap (G) that can be entered or crossed by a person,

- a space (27) is formed between said second section (23) of the first table (21), said second section (26) of the second table (24), and the side wall (20), wherein said space (27) can be entered by a person through the gap (G).

14. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to claim 13, wherein in the space (27) at least two seats (28, 29, 30, 31) are located.

15. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third passenger zone (PZ3-2) comprises at least two different floor levels (41).

16. Rail vehicle (1; 6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two coaches (2, 3; 7, 8) which are located at the beginning and the end of the rail vehicle (1; 6), have the same types and/or the same arrangement of passenger zones.

Drawing