End frame of a gangway, a gangway, a multi-carriage vehicle and a method of connecting a gangway to a multi-carriage vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an end frame of a gangway, which is suitable for being connected to the end frame of another gangway or to a car of a multi-carriage vehicle, the end frame comprising a beam, a connector attached to the beam, the connector being suitable for connecting the beam to the beam of another end frame of a gangway or to a car of a multi-carriage vehicle or to a connector being suitable for connecting the beam to the beam attached to the end frame of another gangway or to a connector being suitable for connecting the beam to the car of a multi-carriage vehicle, wherein a contact surface is formed by a portion of the beam, and a groove is arranged in the beam, wherein the groove has an opening and walls defining the groove, wherein one of the walls defining the groove is a rearward-facing wall, wherein the rearward-facing wall faces away from the contact surface, and wherein the connector has a protrusion arranged on the inner side of the groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an end frame of a gangway, which is suitable for being connected to the end frame of another gangway or to a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle. The invention also relates to a gangway of a multi-carriage vehicle, a multi-carriage vehicle and a method for connecting a gangway to a multi-carriage vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Gangways are known from everyday life. They provide a means for a passer-by to move from one enclosure, such as a room of a building or a compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle, to a second enclosure, such as a room of another building or a vehicle or a second compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle, by means of a gangway connected to one enclosure at one end and to the second enclosure at a second end. In multi-compartment vehicles such as trains or articulated public carriages, gangways are arranged between a first compartment and a second compartment of these types of multi-compartment vehicles. Gangways are also used, for example, at airports, where they connect airport buildings to aircraft. Designs in which two gangways are connected to each other are also known. Certain train types have a first compartment, at one of the ends of the first compartment having a first gangway connected thereto. The first end of the first gangway is connected to the first compartment. These types of trains have a second compartment, to which a second gangway is attached. The first end of the second gangway is attached to the second compartment. In these types of trains, the second end of the first gangway and the second end of the second gangway are connected to each other, wherein the first gangway is connected to the second gangway to provide a means for travelers to safely pass from the first car to the second car.

[0003] Independently of the rest of the elements used to construct the gangway, such as bellows or panels that slide in a telescopic manner relative to each other, many gangway designs use end frames as a means for connecting the gangway to an adjacent object, which may be another gangway or a compartment or a room or another type of enclosure. In particular for those gangways used in technical areas where the gangway is detached from its adjacent object during some period of use, the use of end frames provides a clear interface with the adjacent object and provides a predefined means for connecting the gangway to the adjacent object.

[0004] Problems arise with the use of gangways known from everyday life. Sometimes the end frame itself is not considered aesthetically pleasing. In other designs leakage problems arise. Summary of the invention

[0005] Considering this background, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose an end frame of a gangway which allows an aesthetically pleasing connection of the gangway to an adjacent object and / or reduces or completely eliminates leakage problems in the connection between the end frame and its adjacent object.

[0006] This problem is solved by an end frame according to claim 1 , a gangway for a multi-carriage vehicle according to claim 12 , a multi-carriage vehicle according to claim 14 and a method of connecting a gangway to a multi-carriage vehicle according to claim 17 .

[0007] The present invention is based on a general concept and provides a contact surface formed by a part of a beam of an end frame. The contact surface can be used as a clearly defined surface for the interface of an adjacent object to which the gangway is to be connected. Considering that the end frame needs to provide another interface, namely the interface with which the connector interacts, the present invention not only provides a contact surface but also provides a groove arranged in the beam, wherein the groove has an opening and a wall defining the groove, wherein one of the walls defining the groove is a rear-facing wall. The rear-facing wall faces away from the contact surface. The connector of the end frame has a protrusion arranged on the inner side of the groove. When providing a groove with a rear-facing wall facing away from the contact surface and when providing a connector with a protrusion arranged on the inner side of the groove, the end frame according to the present invention provides a design that allows the contact surface to be designed without any restrictions imposed by the interface interacting with the connector. In a sense, the present invention splits the interface into two separate objects. In the form of a contact surface formed by a part of a beam, the present invention provides a first interface for interacting with an adjacent object, which can be designed to focus on design features and / or the necessity of providing a good seal on the one hand. Providing a groove as a second interface for interacting with the connector allows the interface to be specifically designed for the type of connector being used.

[0008] The present invention relates to an end frame of a gangway. Such an end frame may have a U-shape or a C-shape or may have the shape of a ring around a passage space. The passage space is a window in the frame through which a passer-by can enter the gangway. The term "ring" is not limited to a circular ring or an elliptical ring. The term "ring" simply refers to the frame being closed around the passage space. The ring may also have a rectangular shape, for example. The ring may also have a trapezoidal shape or any polygonal shape. In some designs, the ring may have a straight top beam and a bottom beam and have two side beams connecting the corresponding ends of the top beam and the bottom beam, wherein the side beams may have a curvature. The shape of the end frame beam is often selected depending on the overall shape of the object to which it is attached. Therefore, the end frame is often designed depending on the cross-sectional shape of the carriage of a multi-carriage train to which it can be connected. The shape of the end frame may also be selected with respect to the interface provided by the adjacent object to which the end frame is to be connected.

[0009] The end frame of the gangway according to the invention is suitable for being connected to the end frame of another gangway or to a carriage of a multi-car vehicle or to a building if the gangway is used at an airport for example.

[0010] The end frame comprises a beam. The end frame may consist of a plurality of beams connected to each other. For example, if the end frame is chosen to be U-shaped, the end frame may have a straight top beam having a first end and a second end, wherein a side frame is connected to the first end and a further side frame is connected to the second end of the top beam, the two side beams extending at an angle, preferably at an angle of about or exactly 90° relative to the top beam. In an embodiment in which the end frame is designed as a ring, the end frame may have a top beam, two side beams and a bottom beam. Further beams may be provided, for example between one end of the top beam and one end of the side beam, for example in the form of a diagonal beam connecting one end of the top beam to the top end of the side beam. U-shaped or C-shaped end frames or even ring-shaped end frames may consist of a single beam. Using an extrusion method or a molding method, it is possible to provide end beams that are made of a single beam that is molded or extruded into the desired U-shape, C-shape or even ring shape (wherein when producing a ring shape it may be necessary to connect the two free ends of the extruded profile to each other, for example by welding or gluing, to complete the ring).

[0011] The end frame has a connector attached to the beam. The connector is suitable for connecting the beam to the beam of the end frame of another gangway or for connecting the beam to the cabin of a multi-car vehicle or to a room or for connecting the beam to the connector attached to the beam of the end frame of another gangway or for connecting the beam to the connector attached to the cabin of a multi-car vehicle or to a room. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is releasably attached to the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is suitable for releasably connecting the beam to the beam of the end frame of another gangway or for releasably connecting the beam to the cabin of a multi-car vehicle or to a room or for releasably connecting the beam to the connector attached to the beam of the end frame of another gangway or for releasably connecting the beam to the connector attached to the cabin of a multi-car vehicle or to a room.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the connector is composed of a plurality of parts. In a preferred embodiment, one of the parts of the connector is a substrate. The substrate can, for example, be used to carry threaded bolts, such as threaded bolts welded or glued to the substrate. The substrate can include threaded holes into which bolts or hooks can be threaded in different embodiments. The substrate can also be used in different embodiments to provide an edge that can be clamped by a clamping tool, such as a clamp. The substrate can also be used to have a protruding pin arranged on the substrate, such as manufactured integrally with the substrate, if the substrate is produced by molding or, for example, by cutting from a block. Similarly, the substrate can have a protruding hook, such as a hook welded or glued to the substrate.

[0013] According to the invention, the end frame has a contact surface formed by a portion of the beam. The contact surface is an outwardly facing surface of the beam and of the end frame which, by being an outwardly facing surface, lends itself to being a contact surface of an element contacting an adjacent object to which the gangway is to be connected in the manner of the end frame.

[0014] According to the invention, the end frame has a groove arranged in the beam. The groove has an opening and has walls defining the groove. One of the walls defining the groove is a rearward facing wall, wherein the rearward facing wall faces away from the contact surface.

[0015] According to the present invention, the connector has a protrusion arranged inside the groove.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame may have a contact surface extending along a U-shape or a C-shape or a ring shape. In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface has the same shape as the end frame. However, the advantages of the present invention can also be achieved if the contact surface does not have the same size as the end frame. An embodiment in which the contact surface is U-shaped or C-shaped and the end frame is ring-shaped is feasible. For example, the contact surface can be arranged to extend along a top beam and two side beams connected to the top beam and can have a U-shape or a C-shape, and the end frame continues with a bottom beam that does not have a portion of the contact surface.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface extends along the entire length of the beam. However, embodiments are also possible in which the contact surface extends only over 50% or more than 50% of the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the size of the contact surface on the beam is in the range of 50% to 100%, preferably in the range of 60% to 100%, preferably in the range of 80% to 100% and more preferably in the range of 90% to 100% relative to the size of the beam on which the contact surface is provided. This design rule applies to the case where the reference beam is one of the beams constituting the end frame, for example if the reference beam is the top beam of the end frame or if the reference beam is a side beam or if the reference beam is the bottom beam. However, this design rule also applies to beams which are themselves u-ring shaped or c-ring shaped or ring shaped. If the end frame is composed of a plurality of beams, then in a preferred embodiment, the contact surface is provided on at least the majority of the beams from which the end frame is made, most preferably on all of the beams. In a preferred embodiment, the majority of the beams have contact surfaces and the contact surface of each beam extends along the entire length of each beam. However, embodiments are also possible in which the majority of the beams have contact surfaces and the contact surface of each beam extends only over 50% or more of each beam. In a preferred embodiment, the majority of the beams have contact surfaces and the size of each contact surface on each beam is in the range of 50% to 100%, preferably in the range of 60% to 100%, preferably in the range of 80% to 100% and more preferably in the range of 90% to 100% relative to the size of the beam on which the respective contact surface is provided.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a first beam having a contact surface and a second beam having a contact surface, wherein the first beam and the second beam are immediately adjacent to each other and wherein the contact surface of the first beam merges into the contact surface of the second beam.

[0019] As noted above, in a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a contact surface extending along a U-shape or a C-shape or a ring shape. This feature can be achieved by a design in which the end frame is composed of a beam column having a U-shape or a C-shape or a ring shape (e.g., an extruded or molded beam column) and the contact surface of the beam column is designed to follow the design of the one beam column constituting the end frame to provide the contact surface of the end frame. This feature can also be achieved by a design in which the end frame is composed of a plurality of beam columns (e.g., beam columns connected to each other) that collectively provide the U-shape or C-shape or ring shape of the end frame and the contact surface of the end frame is provided by the respective contact surfaces of the respective beam columns merged into each other so that the contact surface of the end frame follows the design of the end frame.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface formed by a portion of the beam is arranged in a plane. In a preferred embodiment in which the end frame consists of a plurality of beams and in which the majority and most preferably all of the beams have contact surfaces, the majority and most preferably all of these contact surfaces are arranged in one plane. However, a stepped design of the end frame is also feasible. For example, the following embodiment is feasible in which the end frame has a top beam and a bottom beam, both of which have contact surfaces, wherein the contact surfaces of the top beam and the bottom beam are arranged in a first plane and wherein the end frame has two side beams connecting the top beam and the bottom beam to each other, wherein the two side beams each have a contact surface, wherein the contact surfaces of the side beams are arranged in a second plane, wherein preferably the second plane is parallel to the first plane. Such a stepped design of the end frame allows a mutually engaging connection of the end frame with an adjacent object to which the gangway is to be connected.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a contact surface formed by a portion of a beam of the end frame, wherein the contact surface is arranged in a plane and wherein all the remaining parts of the beam and most preferably all the remaining parts of the end frame are arranged on one side of the plane. This design rule may be applied to end frames with additional beams having additional contact surfaces, wherein the contact surfaces of these additional beams would then be arranged on the same side of the plane on which the remaining parts of the beam and most preferably the remaining parts of the end frame are arranged. However, more preferably, if the end frame has additional beams with additional contact surfaces, then all or at least most of the contact surfaces are arranged in a plane and all the remaining parts of the respective beams and most preferably all the remaining parts of the end frame are arranged on one side of the plane. In these designs, the one or more contact surfaces are the most forward-facing surfaces of the respective beams and most preferably of the entire end frame, respectively. This provides a good means for making one or more contact surfaces of the gangway to be connected to adjacent objects by the end frame.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a connector with a protruding pin, a protruding bolt or a protruding hook and a contact surface formed by a part of a beam of the end frame, wherein the contact surface is arranged in a plane and wherein all the remaining parts of the connector except the protruding pin, the protruding bolt or the protruding hook and all the remaining parts of the beam and most preferably all the remaining parts of the end frame are arranged on one side of the plane. This design rule can be applied to end frames with additional beams with additional contact surfaces, wherein the contact surfaces of these additional beams will then be arranged on the same side of the plane, on the same side of the plane the remaining parts of the beam and most preferably the remaining parts of the end frame are arranged. However, more preferably, if the end frame has additional beams with additional contact surfaces, then all or at least most of the contact surfaces are arranged in one plane and all the remaining parts of the respective beams and most preferably all the remaining parts of the end frame are arranged on one side of the plane. In these designs, the one or more contact surfaces are the most forward facing surfaces of the respective beams and most preferably the entire end frame, respectively. This provides a good means for making one or more contact surfaces with an adjacent object to which the gangway is to be connected by the end frame.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the connector is bolted to the beam. A design in which the connector is bolted to the beam in multiple areas is feasible. In a preferred embodiment, the area in which the connector is bolted to the beam is an area arranged to one end of the connector, and the protrusion of the connector arranged inside the groove is arranged at the opposite end of the connector. In a preferred embodiment, the connector has a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion arranged inside the groove is arranged at one end of the substrate, and the protrusion is most preferably an object forming an edge of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the connector with the substrate is bolted to the beam in a manner that the substrate is bolted to the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the connector with the substrate is bolted to the beam by one or more bolts arranged at the opposite edge of the substrate compared to the arrangement of the protrusion forming the edge of the substrate.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface is arranged in a plane, wherein the contact surface at least partially, preferably completely overlaps with the rearward-facing wall when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the contact surface is arranged. The rearward-facing wall is therefore preferably arranged at least partially, more preferably completely behind the contact surface. Such a design allows the connector, for example in the form of a protrusion, to exert a force on the rearward-facing wall that pushes the contact surface towards an adjacent object to which the gangway is to be connected in the form of an end frame. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the rearward-facing wall that overlaps with the contact surface is more than 30%, more preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 50%, more preferably more than 60%, more preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 80%, more preferably more than 90%, more preferably 100% of the total area of ​​the rearward-facing wall. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the contact surface that overlaps with the rearward-facing wall is more than 30%, more preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 50%, more preferably more than 60%, more preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 80%, more preferably more than 90%, more preferably 100% of the total area of ​​the contact surface.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the rearward-facing wall is arranged in a plane. An embodiment is feasible in which the rearward-facing wall has a concave shape. In such an embodiment, if there is no clearly distinguishable planar wall constituting the rearward-facing wall, all parts of the continuous walls delimiting the groove that have a normal vector relative to the respective parts of the surface (the normal vector has a component directed perpendicular to the plane in which the contact surface is arranged and the component points away from the contact surface) are considered to belong to / constituting the rearward-facing wall. In such an embodiment, if there is no clearly distinguishable planar wall constituting the rearward-facing wall, all parts of the walls delimiting the groove that have a normal vector relative to the respective parts of the surface (the normal vector has a component directed perpendicular to the plane in which the contact surface is arranged and the component points away from the contact surface) are considered to belong to / constituting the rearward-facing wall. In such an embodiment, if there is no clearly distinguishable planar wall constituting the rearward-facing wall, all parts of the continuous walls delimiting the groove having a normal vector relative to the respective part of the surface having a component directed perpendicularly to the plane in which the contact surface is arranged and which component points away from the contact surface are considered to belong to / constituting the rearward-facing wall. More preferably in such an embodiment, if there is no clearly distinguishable planar wall constituting the rearward-facing wall, all parts of the continuous walls delimiting the groove having a normal vector relative to the respective part of the surface lying in the range of +45° to -45° relative to the plane in which the contact surface is arranged and which normal vector points away from the contact surface are considered to belong to / constituting the rearward-facing wall.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface is arranged in a plane and the rear-facing wall is arranged in a plane, wherein the angle between the plane in which the contact surface is arranged and the plane in which the rear-facing wall is arranged is >0° and <90°, most preferably >10° and <80°, most preferably >20° and <70°.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the groove extends parallel to the contact surface. Designs are possible in which the groove extends along an angle relative to the contact surface. However, in a preferred embodiment, the angle will be a slight angle, most preferably <30°, particularly preferably <20°, particularly preferably <10°. Designs are also possible in which the groove is made in the shape of an arrow, with the tip most preferably arranged in the middle of the longitudinal dimension of the contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, especially in a preferred embodiment in which the groove extends parallel to the contact surface, the groove has a longitudinal dimension of at least 50% of the longitudinal dimension of the contact surface, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably 100% of the longitudinal dimension of the contact surface. Designs are possible in which the groove is longer than the contact surface. Such designs can be, for example, those in which the beam with the groove and the contact surface does not have an end face perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam, but has an end face oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Such a design with angled end faces can result in the groove being longer than the contact surface if the groove and the contact surface are arranged at different distances from the longitudinal axis. The design of the beam with angled end faces can be used to improve the attachment between one beam and the adjacent beam to which it is attached. If two beams each have an angled end face, the attachment of the end faces to each other can be improved.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, a surface of the projection of the connector contacts the rearwardly facing wall.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the projection of the connector arranged inside the groove has an intermediate part extending parallel to the contact surface or at least at a small angle of less than 30°, most preferably less than 20°, most preferably less than 10° relative to the contact surface and has an end part protruding at an angle relative to the intermediate part. In a preferred embodiment, the end part protrudes at a closed angle of less than 80°, more preferably less than 70°, more preferably less than 60° and more preferably less than 50° relative to the intermediate part. The end part of the connector most preferably protrudes at an angle in the direction toward the contact surface. The intermediate part will therefore be arranged to be farther away from the contact surface than the end of the end part protruding at an angle relative to the intermediate part. The end part can have the shape of a flange or an edge. In a preferred embodiment, the end part has a joint surface, which most preferably has the same shape as at least a portion of the rearward-facing wall. Therefore, if the rearward-facing wall is arranged in a plane, the joint surface of the end part of the projection is most preferably also arranged to be located in the plane. If the rearwardly facing wall is arranged to have a concave shape, then most preferably the engagement surface of the end piece of the protrusion of the connector has a convex shape corresponding to the concave shape of the rearwardly facing wall. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement surface of the end piece of the protrusion of the connector contacts the rearwardly facing wall.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the beam is a longitudinal beam. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension of the beam in a first direction of a three-dimensional coordinate system, particularly preferably a Cartesian coordinate system, is substantially greater than the dimension of the beam in a second direction and substantially greater than the dimension of the beam in a third direction. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the beam in a section perpendicular to its longest dimension is substantially rectangular or substantially square, but may also be substantially circular or substantially elliptical in shape.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the beam in a cross section perpendicular to its longest dimension remains the same for a majority of the beam's dimensions. Most preferably 60%, most preferably 70%, most preferably 80%, most preferably 90% of the beam's dimensions in the direction of its longest dimension have the same cross section. The cross section may vary towards each end of the beam to aid in the connection of each beam to an adjacent beam. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the beam has the same cross-sectional shape along all of its dimensions in the direction of its longest dimension. This may be the case, for example, if the beam is an extruded beam.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, if the end frame has a plurality of beams connected to one another, for example screwed together or welded together or glued together at flanges, the individual beams have the same cross-section at least for a large part of their dimension in the direction of their respective longest dimension.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, if the end frame is composed of a plurality of beams, then most of the beams, more preferably all of the beams, have the same cross-sectional design or for these embodiments, if the respective beams have only a constant cross-sectional design for a certain percentage of their respective longitudinal extensions, then the cross-sectional shape that is constant for a certain percentage of the respective longitudinal extensions of the respective beams is the same shape as for most of the beams, preferably all of the beams that only have a constant cross-sectional design for a certain percentage of their respective longitudinal extensions.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the beam is a profile beam. In a preferred embodiment, the profile beam has a segment that is C-shaped or U-shaped in cross section, wherein the opening of the groove is open toward the inside of the segment that is C-shaped or U-shaped in cross section. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate closes a portion of the opening that remains due to the C-shape or U-shape of the segment of the beam. Therefore, in the area in which the connector with the base plate is arranged, the base plate can be used to close the C-shaped or U-shaped segment of the beam in this area.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, if the end frame is composed of multiple beams, most of the beams, more preferably all of the beams are cut segments from profile beams cut into segments to provide most of the beams, preferably all of the individual beams that constitute the end frame.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, if the end frame is made of a plurality of beams, most, more preferably all, of the beams have connectors attached thereto. Most preferably most, more preferably all, of the connectors attached to the beams of the end frame have the same basic design, i.e. have a protrusion arranged inside the groove of the respective beam, and most preferably have the same basic design in the sense that each connector has a base plate, most preferably a base plate of the design described above for the respective beam.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the seal is attached to the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the beam has a sealing groove, wherein a portion of the seal is introduced into the sealing groove and is retained by the sealing groove. In a preferred embodiment, the seal also extends substantially in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension of the seal in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam is at least 50%, most preferably 60%, more preferably 70%, more preferably 80%, more preferably 90%, more preferably 100% of the length of the beam in the direction of its longest dimension.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a ring-shaped seal, but a C-shaped or U-shaped seal is also feasible. The seal can be composed of separate seals of separate beams, which are connected to each other. More preferably, the seal is integrally formed, wherein for an embodiment in which the end frame is composed of a plurality of beams and each of the plurality of beams has a sealing groove, a respective segment of the seal extending along the respective beam can be partially placed in the sealing groove of the respective beam.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the beam has a reinforcing core structure. The reinforcing core structure can be provided by a portion of the beam having a substantially tubular shape, the tube extending in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam. The part constituting the reinforcing core structure of the beam in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of the longest dimension of the beam has a closed cross section in the sense of a ring-shaped cross section. The shape of the ring does not necessarily have to be circular or elliptical, but can be a square or rectangular ring or a polygonal ring.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a reinforcing core structure. In this embodiment, if the end frame is composed of a plurality of beams, the reinforcing core structure can be provided by the reinforcing core structure of each beam.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment in which the connector is designed to have a substrate, the substrate can be designed to have a substrate contact surface. The substrate can even have a first substrate contact surface and a second substrate contact surface. The substrate contact surface can be provided by an elevated portion, in particular a lug arranged on the substrate. The substrate contact surface can preferably be arranged in the same plane in which the contact surface is arranged, if the contact surface is arranged in a plane. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate contact surface extends parallel to the contact surface of the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate contact surface extends over the full width of the substrate of the connector. In a preferred embodiment, a protruding pin, a protruding bolt or a protruding hook arranged on the substrate of the connector is arranged to protrude from the substrate contact surface. The lug providing the substrate contact surface can have a threaded hole, into which the bolt can be screwed. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate contact surface has a substantially rectangular shape. If a first substrate contact surface and a second substrate contact surface are provided, they are most preferably arranged parallel to each other and most preferably arranged in the same plane.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the substrate of the connector has a substantially rectangular shape. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension of the substrate in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam is substantially smaller than the dimension of the beam in the direction of its longest dimension. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension of the substrate in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam is less than 30%, most preferably less than 25%, most preferably less than 20%, most preferably less than 15%, most preferably less than 10% of the dimension of the beam in the direction of the longest dimension. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is arranged so that its thickness direction is perpendicular to the contact surface of the beam, and its length direction and its width direction are arranged in a plane parallel to or in the same plane as the plane in which the contact surface is arranged.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, more than one connector can be attached to the beam. In a preferred embodiment, more than two, preferably more than three connectors are attached to the beam. In a preferred embodiment, most of the connectors connected to the beam, most preferably all of the connectors connected to the beam have a base plate. In a preferred embodiment, most of the connectors connected to the beam, most preferably all of the connectors connected to the beam have the same base plate design. In a preferred embodiment, at least two of the connectors connected to the beam have another design. However, the two connectors may have the same base plate design, but additional parts attached to the base plate, such as protruding pins, protruding bolts or protruding hooks, may be different between the connectors.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the connector can slide along the groove. In a preferred embodiment, the projection of the connector arranged inside the groove holds the connector in the groove and prevents the connector from being pulled out of the groove, while the arrangement of the projection inside the groove has enough play to allow the connector to be slid along the groove. If the groove is arranged to point in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam, the connector can slide in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam. Sliding the connector along the groove allows easy placement of the connector at the point where it is to be attached to the beam.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the beam may have a top groove and the connector, most preferably the base plate of the connector, may have a protrusion that protrudes into the top groove of the beam. In such an arrangement, the connector, most preferably the base plate of the connector, will be arranged so that its protrusion is inside the groove and its protrusion is inside the top groove of the beam. Most preferably, the protrusion is arranged at one end of the base plate and the protrusion is arranged at the opposite end of the base plate, so that the connector can be held at both ends and stably connected to the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion and the protrusion are arranged at an angle relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion protrudes from the base plate in a direction that is in the range of 45° to 135°, more preferably in the range of 70° to 110° relative to the protrusion, more preferably the middle part of the protrusion (if the protrusion has an middle part), in the direction in which it extends.

[0046] Holes may be arranged in the bottom of the top groove. Bolts attaching the connector, most preferably the base of the connector, to the beam may be arranged to pass through holes in the protrusion of the connector and may be arranged to be screwed into threaded holes in the bottom of the top groove or may be arranged to pass through unthreaded holes in the bottom of the top groove and may be fixed to bolts arranged on the other side of the wall constituting the bottom of the top groove. Other arrangements may be envisaged in which the protrusion is wedged in the top groove or in which the protrusion has a movable wedge that can be moved, for example, screwed from a loose position into a wedged position, in which the wedge clamps the protrusion into the top groove.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface formed by a portion of the beam is an elongated contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension of the contact surface in a first direction of a two-dimensional coordinate system, in particular preferably a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, is substantially greater than the dimension of the beam in a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the groove arranged in the beam has an undercut.In a preferred embodiment, the rearwardly facing wall is part of the undercut of the groove.

[0049] Wherever a C-shape or U-shape is mentioned in this specification, the C-shape is used to emphasize that the cross-sectional area can be generally curved, while the U-shape is used to indicate that at least one side of the cross-sectional shape can be a straight line, wherein the U-shape will also include a cross-sectional design having two straight sides connected to each end of a straight bottom, with the angle between the sides in the bottom being most preferably 90°.

[0050] The gangway of a multi-car vehicle according to the invention has an end frame according to the invention.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the gangway has at least one bellows. The gangway may have an outward-facing bellows. An outward-facing bellows is understood to be a bellows, wherein the respective spirals of the bellows are open toward the inside of the gangway and the round or v-shaped bottoms of the respective spirals are arranged further outwards. The gangway may have an inward-facing bellows. An inward-facing bellows is understood to be a bellows, wherein the respective spirals of the bellows are open toward the outside of the gangway and the round or v-shaped bottoms of the respective spirals are arranged further inwards. The gangway may even have an outward-facing bellows and an inward-facing bellows. The inward-facing bellows may be arranged on the inner side of the outward-facing bellows, so that the bottoms of the respective spirals of the inward-facing bellows form an element defining a passage space, and the bottoms of the respective spirals of the outward-facing bellows form part of the outer circumference of the gangway. The inwardly facing bellows may also be arranged on the outside of the outwardly facing bellows, so that the bottoms of the respective spirals of the outwardly facing bellows and the bottoms of the respective spirals of the inwardly facing bellows face each other in the middle section of the gangway, and the respective coils of the inwardly facing bellows are open toward the outside of the gangway and the respective coils of the inwardly facing bellows are open toward the inside of the gangway. The gangway may also have two inwardly facing bellows, one arranged inside the other. The gangway may have two outwardly facing bellows, one arranged inside the other. The gangway may not have a bellows or may have sliding walls that slide relative to each other in a telescopic manner for use with the bellows. One end of the bellows may be attached to the end frame. The end of the bellows may be attached to the end frame by bolts, stitching, clamping or possibly even a Velcro arrangement or even gluing or welding.

[0052] A design is feasible in which the end frame is the last component of the gangway and the circumferential outer surface of the end frame is visible. In such an arrangement, the bellows will be attached to one side of the end frame and the contact surface of the end frame is arranged on the opposite side, which faces the adjacent object to which the gangway is to be connected by means of the end frame. However, other designs are also feasible in which the circumferential outer surface of the end frame is hidden behind other elements of the gangway. These other elements can be parts of the bellows, such as a lip of the bellows that protrudes through the circumferential outer surface of the end frame. It is also feasible to have other design elements covering the circumferential outer surface of the end frame.

[0053] The gangway may have a supporting structure, such as a frame supporting the bellows or a supporting beam of the clamps or a supporting beam that may support the treads of the gangway. Such a supporting structure may be connected to the end frames.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the gangway according to the present invention is essentially composed of two gangways. In this embodiment, the gangway has a first part (first gangway) with a first bellows and with an end frame according to the present invention. The large gangway will have a second part (second gangway) with a second bellows, wherein the second part also has an end frame according to the present invention. According to the present invention, the end frame of the first part is attached to the end frame of the second part. Therefore, the specific design of the end frame of the present invention is used to facilitate the connection between the first gangway and the second gangway that jointly constitute the large gangway. Such a design is feasible, for example, in a train, wherein the first part (first gangway) of the large gangway is attached to a car of a multi-carriage vehicle, and the second part (second gangway) is attached to the second car of the multi-carriage vehicle. If the first car and the second car are joined, then the first part (first gangway) and the second part (second gangway) can be joined to constitute a large gangway between the first car and the second car. The advantages of the end frame according to the present invention can be obtained at the point of this connection between the first part and the second part.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the gangway has end frames according to the invention at both ends of the gangway. This is advantageous in design if a single gangway is arranged between two carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle. In such a design, the respective end frames at the respective ends of the gangway can be connected to adjacent objects, i.e. to adjacent carriages. However, this design of a gangway having an end frame according to the invention at each end of the gangway is also advantageous in design if a large gangway is composed of at least two gangways attached to each other. In such a design, each gangway constituting a large gangway has an end frame at each of its ends. Therefore, the advantages provided by the end frames of the present invention are used when connecting the first gangway to the second gangway, but are also used when connecting the first gangway to the first carriage and the second gangway to the second carriage.

[0056] A multi-compartment vehicle according to the invention has a gangway according to the invention. A multi-compartment vehicle may have one (single) gangway. In such a design, the gangway will be connected at one end to one compartment of the multi-compartment vehicle and will be connected at its other end to a second compartment of the multi-compartment vehicle. Most preferably, such a gangway has an end frame according to the invention at each of its ends, thus allowing the advantages of the end frame according to the invention to be realized at each connection of the individual compartments. The multi-compartment vehicle may also have a large gangway, which is composed of at least two gangways according to the invention as described above.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, a multi-car vehicle according to the invention has a car, wherein the car has a frame, wherein the end frame of the gangway according to the invention is attached to the frame of the car.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the car has the same design as the end frames of the gangway.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the car has a beam and a contact surface formed by a portion of the beam. In a preferred embodiment, the end frame of the gangway is attached to the frame of the car in such a way that the contact surface of the end frame of the gangway contacts the contact surface of the frame of the car. In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface of the end frame is ring-shaped and the contact surface of the frame is ring-shaped. In a preferred embodiment of the ring-shaped contact surface of the end frame and the ring-shaped contact surface of the frame, the contact surface of the end frame contacts the contact surface of the frame at all points of the ring. Therefore, the contact of the contact surface of the end frame with the contact surface of the frame can be used to close the passage space or the interface between the end frame and the car, preventing any object from the outside from entering the passage space through the interface. Even if the contact between the contact surface of the end frame and the contact surface of the frame is not of a type that allows it to provide a perfect seal, the condition in which the contact surface of the end frame rests against the contact surface of the frame along its ring shape provides an aesthetically pleasing design. Such contact between the contact surface of the end frame and the contact surface of the frame can provide a design that looks clean and uninterrupted when viewed from the outside or when viewed from the inside (depending on where the contact surface is arranged on the beam).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the seal is arranged between the end frame of the gangway and the carriage of the multi-car vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is arranged between the end frame of the gangway and the frame of the carriage.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a connector with a protruding pin, wherein the protruding pin engages into a hole in the frame of the car, preferably into a hole arranged on the connector, preferably into a hole arranged in a base plate of the connector attached to the frame of the car. In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the car has a connector with a protruding pin, wherein the protruding pin engages into a hole in the end frame of the gangway, preferably into a hole arranged on the connector, preferably into a hole arranged in a base plate of the connector attached to the end frame of the gangway.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a connector with a protruding bolt, wherein the protruding bolt engages in a hole in the frame of the car, preferably in a hole arranged on the connector, preferably in a hole arranged in a base plate of the connector attached to the frame of the car. Preferably, the hole is a threaded hole. Preferably, the bolt is a threaded bolt. Preferably, the bolt passes through the unthreaded hole and a nut is attached to the bolt on the other side of the hole, the nut resting against the wall around the hole. In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the car has a connector with a protruding bolt, wherein the protruding bolt engages in a hole in the end frame of the gangway, preferably in a hole arranged on the connector, preferably in a hole arranged in a base plate of the connector attached to the end frame of the gangway. Preferably, the hole is a threaded hole. Preferably, the bolt is a threaded bolt. Preferably, the bolt passes through the unthreaded hole and a nut is attached to the bolt on the other side of the hole, the nut resting against the wall around the hole.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the end frame has a connector with a protruding hook, wherein the protruding hook engages into a hole in the frame of the car, preferably into a hole arranged on the connector, preferably into a hole arranged in a base plate of the connector attached to the frame of the car. Preferably, the hole passes through the hole and is held against the wall surrounding the hole from the other side. In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the car has a connector with a protruding hook, wherein the protruding hook engages into a hole in the end frame of the gangway, preferably into a hole arranged on the connector, preferably into a hole arranged in a base plate of the connector attached to the end frame of the gangway. Preferably, the hole passes through the hole and is held against the wall surrounding the hole from the other side.

[0064] The method according to the invention provides for the connection of a gangway according to the invention to a compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle, wherein a frame of the compartment has a contact surface, wherein an end frame is connected to the frame and wherein when connecting the end frame to the frame the contact surface of the end frame is pressed against a contact surface of the frame or a seal is arranged between the contact surface of the end frame and the contact surface of the frame.

[0065] According to the method of the present invention for connecting the first part of the large gangway described above to the second part of the large gangway, an end frame of the first part is connected to the end frame of the second part, wherein when the end frame of the first part is connected to the end frame of the second part, the contact surface of the end frame of the first part is pressed tightly against the contact surface of the end frame of the second part or a seal is arranged between the contact surface of the end frame of the first part and the contact surface of the end frame of the second part.

[0066] The multi-carriage vehicle according to the invention may be a train or may be a tram or may be an articulated bus. The gangway according to the invention may be used in such a multi-carriage vehicle. However, the gangway according to the invention may also be used to bridge a gap between a building and a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is most preferably an aircraft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show only exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0068] Figure 1 is a perspective view of two end frames according to the invention connected to each other;

[0069] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a beam column of an end frame according to the present invention, with a connector attached to the beam column;

[0070] Figure 3 is a perspective view on a segment of a beam column with a connector attached to the beam column;

[0071] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cross section of a beam of a first end frame according to the invention connected to a beam of a second end frame according to the invention, without showing further details of the gangway;

[0072] Figure 5 is with Figure 4 a cross-sectional view similar to that of a view of the gangway in which more details of the gangway are shown;

[0073] Figure 6 is a perspective view of two gangways according to the invention, the end frame of one gangway being connected to the end frame of the other;

[0074] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a gangway according to the present invention;

[0075] Figure 8 are perspective views of beams of an end frame having different types of connectors;

[0076] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a connector of an end frame according to the present invention;

[0077] Fig.10 is a perspective view of another connector of an end frame according to the present invention;

[0078] Fig.11 is a perspective view of another connector of an end frame according to the present invention;

[0079] Fig.12 is a perspective view of another connector of an end frame according to the present invention;

[0080] Fig.13 is a perspective view of another connector of an end frame according to the present invention;

[0081] Fig.14 is a perspective view of another connector of an end frame according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1 Two end frames 1, 2 of a gangway are shown in a mutually connected state. End frame 1 will belong to a first gangway and end frame 2 will belong to a second gangway. The first gangway is connected to the second gangway by means of end frame 1 being connected to end frame 2. Further parts of the gangway are not yet in Figure 1 1 and 2 are shown for ease of viewing on the end frames according to the invention. The end frames 1 and 2 have the same design but are arranged in a mirror image, the symmetry plane being the vertical plane between the two end frames 1, 2. For ease of description, the following description will focus on describing the end frame 1. The end frames 1 and 2 have the same but mirror image design, and the description of the end frame 1 can of course also be read on the design of the end frame 2.

[0083] If you can Figure 1 As can be seen, the end frame 1 has a ring shape surrounding the passage space 3. The passage space 3 is a space through which travelers can pass.

[0084] The ring shape of the end frame 1 is obtained by connecting eight beams constituting the end frame 1 to each other. The beams are a top beam 4 and a bottom beam 5. In addition, side beams 6, 7 are provided. Corner beams 8, 9, 10, 11 are arranged to connect the side beams 6, 7 to the top beam 4 or to connect the side beams 6, 7 to the bottom beam 5, respectively. As can be seen from Figure 1 As can be seen, the end frame 1 has the shape of a polygonal ring. The top beam 4 and the bottom beam 5 are arranged parallel to each other. The side beam 6 and the side beam 7 are arranged at a slight angle relative to each other. View Figure 1 , it becomes readily apparent that the specific design of the end frame can be easily altered by changing the shape, design or presence of the beams. The end frame can be adapted for the specific environment in which it is to be used, particularly the type of multi-car vehicle with which it is to be used. The end frame 1 can be adapted to be a U-shaped end frame if, for example, the bottom beam 5 is removed or even if the bottom beam 5 and the corner beams 9, 10 are removed.

[0085] If you can Figure 1As can be seen, the top beam 4, the bottom beam 5, the side beams 6, 7 and the corner beams 8, 9, 10, 11 are longitudinal beams. The dimensions of the beams 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 in the first direction of the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system are substantially larger than the dimensions of the beams in the second direction and substantially larger than the dimensions of the beams in the third direction.

[0086] The gangway may have a hook 37 arranged on beam 4 for lifting the gangway. A section may be provided below beam 5 which gives the gangway enough clearance from the frame to the bellows so that the gangway can rest on the coupler. Beams 6 and 7 have handles for the attachment mechanism to lock and unlock the gangway together.

[0087] The beams 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are welded together, but could also be glued or bonded together.

[0088] When watching Figure 1 It also becomes readily apparent that the geometry of the end frame 1 can be altered to a circular ring or an elliptical ring or a C-shape, for example by extruding a single beam into a suitable ring / elliptical or C-shape. In such a design, the end frame 1 would consist of a single beam.

[0089] If you can Figure 1 As can be seen, the end frame 1 rests well against the end frame 2. When looking from the passage space 3 towards the inwardly facing side surfaces of the end frame 1 and the end frame 2, it becomes apparent that these inwardly facing side surfaces of the end frame 1 and the end frame 2 rest directly against each other without gaps at the interface. This provides an aesthetically pleasing design. There will be no need to provide design elements that cover the interface between the end frame 1 and the end frame 2 from the inside. The inwardly facing side surfaces of the end frame 1 and the end frame 2 provide a structure that can be presented to passers-by in the passage space 3 in such a way that they rest smoothly against each other. In addition, safety aspects are covered because there are no gaps that passers-by could grab between the end frame 1 or the end frame 2. In addition, no gap is provided between the end frame 1 and the end frame 2 through which objects can enter the passage space 3.

[0090] Figure 6A first gangway 51 connected to a second gangway 52 is shown. One end frame 1 of the first gangway 51 is connected to one end frame 2 of the second gangway 52. ​​Another end frame (not shown) of the first gangway 51 arranged at the opposite end of the first gangway 51 compared to the one end frame 1 can be connected to a carriage (not shown) of a multi-carriage vehicle. Another end frame 53 of the second gangway 52 arranged at the opposite end of the second gangway 52 compared to the one end frame 2 can be connected to a carriage (not shown) of a multi-carriage vehicle. The end frame 53 has the same design as the end frame 1.

[0091] Figure 6 It is shown that the gangways 1, 2 may have internal elements in the passage space 3. The floor 54 and the side panels 55 may be arranged inside the passage space 3. Internal beams 56, 57, 58 may be arranged inside the passage space 3 and attached to their adjacent end frames 53. The internal beams 56, 57, 58 may carry internal elements, such as a part of the side panels 55. Both the first gangway 51 and the second gangway 52 have an outwardly facing bellows 59, which are understood to be bellows, wherein the respective convolutions of the bellows are open towards the inside of the gangways 51, 52 and the rounded bottom of the respective convolutions are arranged further outwardly.

[0092] Figure 7 A gangway 60 according to the invention is shown. The gangway 60 has one end frame 1 at one of its ends and a further end frame 2 at its opposite end. The gangway 60 has an outwardly facing bellows 59. Either end frame 1, 2 can be used to connect the gangway 60 to a carriage (not shown) of a multi-car vehicle or to a further gangway (not shown). Figure 7 The beams 5 , 7 , 9 of the middle end frame 2 have been referred to by reference numerals 5 , 7 , 9 which are also used to refer to the beams of the end frame 1 to emphasize the design symmetry in the end frames 1 and 2 .

[0093] Figure 2 The cross section of the beam column of the end frame is shown. For ease of reference, the Figure 2 , 3 , 4, 5 describe the design of the top beam 4. However, in a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of all beams of the end frame are the same. Figure 2 , 3 The description of the geometric design of the top beam 4 provided in Figures 4, 5 may also be applicable to the bottom beam 5, the side beams 6, 7 or the corner beams 8, 9, 10, 11. However, in a specific embodiment, it may be that only the top beam 4, the bottom beam 5 and the side beams 6, 7 are provided with connectors, and the corner beams 8, 9, 10, 11 are arranged without connectors.

[0094] exist Figure 2 The segment shown in is a segment in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the longest dimension of the top beam 4 . Figure 2 , 3 The top beam 4 is shown with a contact surface 12 formed by a portion of the beam. The contact surface 12 is arranged in plane E. The contact surface 12 has a substantially rectangular shape. The contact surface 12 is an elongated object. The contact surface 12 has its largest dimension in the direction of the largest dimension of the top beam 4. As can be seen from Figure 3 As can be seen, the contact surface 12 extends parallel to the direction of the longest dimension of the top beam 4. The contact surface 12 has substantially the same dimensions as the top beam 4 in the direction of the longest dimension of the top beam 4. Figure 2 It can be seen that all further elements (except certain nuts 30 and bolts 31 ) are arranged on the same side of plane E. In particular, all remaining parts of the beam 4 are arranged on one side of plane E. The contact surface 12 is thus the surface of the top beam 4 arranged most forwardly.

[0095] The top beam 4 has a groove 13 arranged in the beam. The groove 13 has an opening 14. Furthermore, the groove has walls 15, 16 which collectively delimit the groove 13 and a rearward facing wall 17. The rearward facing wall 17 faces away from the contact surface 12. The contact surface 12 faces forward (towards the right) and the rearward facing wall faces rearward (with respect to the normal vector of the rearward facing wall 17 having a component pointing backward (towards the left)). Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , a first horizontal plane E1 and a second horizontal plane E2 have been drawn. The first plane E1 indicates a horizontal plane at which the contact surface 12 ends. The second plane E2 indicates a horizontal plane at a point at which the vertically extending contact surface 12 ends on the other side. The first plane E1 and the second plane E2 are introduced into Figure 2 It is helpful to understand that the contact surface 12 is arranged in the plane E and that the contact surface 12 completely overlaps the rearward-facing wall 17 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane E in which the contact surface is arranged. Figure 2 As can be seen, the rearward-facing wall is entirely located between the first plane E1 and the second plane E2. Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a further plane E3 has been indicated. The rearward-facing wall 17 is arranged in this plane E3. Figure 2 As can be seen, the contact surface 12 is arranged in a plane E and the rearward-facing wall is arranged in a plane E3, wherein the angle α between the plane E in which the contact surface 12 is arranged and the plane E3 in which the rearward-facing wall is arranged is >0° and <90°, i.e. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. , approximately 50°.

[0096] If you can Figure 3As best seen, the groove 13 extends parallel to the contact surface 12 .

[0097] If you can Figure 2 , 3 As can be seen, the top beam 4 is a profile beam. The top beam 4 has a section 18 having a U-shape in cross section. The opening of the groove 13 is open toward the inside of the section 18 having a U-shape in cross section.

[0098] If it is also possible to Figure 2 , 3 As can be seen, the top beam 4 has a reinforcing core segment 19. The reinforcing core structure 19 is provided by a generally tubular portion of the beam 4, the tube extending in the direction of the longest dimension of the beam 4. The portion constituting the reinforcing core structure 19 of the beam 4 in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of the longest dimension of the beam 4 has a closed cross section in the sense of a ring-shaped cross section, the ring being a polygonal ring.

[0099] If you can Figure 2 , 3 As can be seen, the top beam 4 has a sealing groove 20. The top beam also has a top groove 21.

[0100] The top beam 4 also has a slit 22 .

[0101] If you can Figure 2 , 3 As can be seen, a connector 23 is provided. The connector 23 is attached to the top beam 4. The connector has a nut 30 and a bolt 31. The bolt 31 is a threaded bolt. By means of the threaded bolt 31, the connector 23 is suitable for connecting the top beam 4 to the beam of the end frame of another gangway (see Figure 4 ) or a connector suitable for connecting the top beam 4 to a car of a multi-car vehicle or a connector suitable for connecting the top beam 4 to a beam attached to an end frame of another gangway or a connector suitable for connecting the top beam 4 to a car attached to a multi-car vehicle.

[0102] The connector 23 has a substrate 24. Figure 2 As best seen, the base plate 24 has a projection 25 arranged inside the groove 13 at one of its edges. The projection 25 of the connector 23 arranged inside the groove 13 has an intermediate part 26. The intermediate part 26 extends parallel to the contact surface 12. The projection 25 further has an end part 27. The end part 27 protrudes at an angle relative to the intermediate part 26. The end part 27 has an engagement surface extending parallel to the rearward facing wall 17 and in contact with the rearward facing wall 17.

[0103] The groove 13 has an undercut.

[0104] If you can Figure 2, 3 As can be seen, the base plate 24 of the connector 23 is connected to the beam 4 by means of two bolts 28. The bolts 28 are arranged at the opposite end of the base plate 24 compared to the arrangement of the protrusions 25. The end of the base plate 24 with the bolts 28 has a protrusion 29 that engages into the top groove 21. A hole is provided at the base of the top groove, through which the bolts 28 reach. Nuts 32 are arranged inside the reinforcement core segment 19 and the bolts 28 are connected to the nuts 32.

[0105] The base plate 24 has a first lug 33 and a second lug 34. The nut 30 and the bolt 31 are arranged on the first lug 33. Figure 2 , 3 As can be seen, the first lug 33 has a flat surface. This flat surface is arranged in a plane parallel to the plane E in which the contact surface 12 is arranged. Therefore, the flat forward-facing surface of the lug 33 is not arranged in the same plane as the contact surface 12. However, the second lug 34 has a forward-facing substrate contact surface 35. As can be seen from Figure 2 It can be seen that the substrate contact surface 35 on the second lug 34 is arranged in the same plane E as the contact surface 12 .

[0106] If the connector 23 is not bolted to the top beam 4 by means of the bolts 28, the connector 23 can be slid along the groove 13. This allows easy placement of the connector 23 at the site where it is to be placed relative to the top beam 4.

[0107] If you can Figure 3 It can be seen that the longitudinal length dimension of the connector 23 in the direction of the longest dimension of the top beam 4 is substantially smaller than the longest dimension of the top beam 4 in this direction.

[0108] Figure 8 A beam 4 is shown with six different connectors 23 attached thereto. The placement of the connectors 23 along the beam 4 is used to illustrate different designs of the connectors 23. The connector 23 arranged on the far left is the one already referred to in Figure 3 The connector described has a bolt 31 and a nut (not shown). Fig. 9 The connector 23 (also shown in FIG. Fig.10 ) is a connector having a socket 70. The socket 70 can be used to receive a pin 71 of a connector arranged on the end frame to which the end frame is to be connected. The connector 23 arranged adjacent thereto (also Fig.1112) is a connector having a pin 71. The pin 71 can be used to engage in a socket 70 of a connector arranged on the end frame to which the end frame is to be connected. The connector 23 arranged adjacent thereto (also shown in the figure 12) is a connector having a hook 72. The hook 72 can be used to engage in a recessed portion of the end frame to which the end frame is to be connected. The connector 23 arranged adjacent thereto (also shown in the figure 12) is a connector having a hook 72. The hook 72 can be used to engage in a recessed portion of the end frame to which the end frame is to be connected. Fig.13 ) has only a base contact surface 35 for making a connection to an adjacent end frame. The connector 23 arranged immediately adjacent thereto (also Fig.14 ) is screw 73.

[0109] Figure 4 Use as in Figure 2 The cross-section shown in FIG. 1 is designed to explain how the top beam 4 of the end frame 1 can be arranged against the top beam 4' of the end frame 2. Considering that the end frame 1 and the end frame 2 are designed in a mirrored manner, the elements of the end frame 2 use the same reference numerals as the end frame 1, but in order to indicate that they belong to the end frame 2, single quotes have been provided.

[0110] To help you see, Figure 4 The exact means by which connector 23 is connected to connector 23' are not shown (see Figure 5 ).

[0111] If you can Figure 4 It can be seen that the contact surface 12 comes to rest completely against the contact surface 12'. The substrate contact surface 35' comes to rest against the substrate contact surface 35. The forwardly facing surface of the first lug 33 is arranged at a small distance from a comparable surface of the first lug 33'.

[0112] If you can Figure 4 As can be seen, the close contact between the contact surface 12 and the contact surface 12' provides a clean, smooth and closed interface between the end frame 1 and the end frame 2. Figure 4 In the viewing direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1 , that is, viewing from the inside of the passage space 3 , the passer-by sees the thin line but does not see the gap between the end frame 1 and the end frame 2 .

[0113] Figure 5 Shown with Figure 4 Similar views, but additional elements have been added. In particular, a seal 36 has been arranged in the sealing groove 20. The seal 36 engages with a seal 36'.

[0114] Furthermore, hooks 37 have been introduced into the slots 22 and 22'. These elements are hooks that can be used to lift the gangway. The hooks 37 can be welded to the top beam 4.

Claims

1. An end frame (1, 2, 53) of a gangway, the end frame (1, 2, 53) being suitable for connection to the end frame (1, 2, 53) of another gangway or to the frame of a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle, the end frame (1, 2, 53) comprising · Beams and columns (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), a connector (23) attached to the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), the connector (23) being suitable for connecting the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) to a beam (4') of an end frame (1, 2, 53) of another gangway or for connecting the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) to a frame of a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle or for connecting the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) to a beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) attached to an end frame of another gangway or for connecting the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) to a frame of a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle, Features Also includes a contact surface (12) formed by a portion of the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), wherein the contact surface (12) is configured to rest against a corresponding contact surface (12') of an adjacent gangway, and a groove (13) arranged in the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), wherein the groove (13) has an opening (14) and walls (15, 16, 17) bounding the groove (13), wherein one of the walls (15, 16, 17) bounding the groove (13) is a rearward-facing wall (17), wherein the rearward-facing wall (17) faces away from the contact surface (12), The connector (23) has a protrusion (25) arranged inside the groove (13).

2. The end frame according to claim 1, characterized in that The end frame (1, 2, 53) has the shape of a ring surrounding the passage space (3).

3. The end frame according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contact surface (12) forms a ring.

4. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The contact surface (12) is arranged in a plane (E) and all remaining parts of the beams (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) are arranged on one side of the plane (E).

5. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connector (23) has a protruding pin, a protruding bolt (31) or a protruding hook and the contact surface (12) is arranged in a plane (E), wherein all remaining parts of the connector (23) except the protruding pin, the protruding bolt (31) or the protruding hook are arranged on one side of the plane (E).

6. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connector (23) is bolted to the beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11).

7. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The contact surface (12) is arranged in a plane (E) and the contact surface (12) at least partially overlaps the rearwardly facing wall (17) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane (E) in which the contact surface (12) is arranged.

8. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The contact surface (12) is arranged in a plane (E) and the rearward-facing wall (17) is arranged in another plane (E3), wherein an angle (α) between the plane (E) in which the contact surface (12) is arranged and the other plane (E3) in which the rearward-facing wall (17) is arranged is >0° and <90°.

9. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The groove (13) extends parallel to the contact surface (12).

10. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The projection (25) of the connector (23) arranged inside the groove (13) has a middle part (26) extending parallel to the contact surface (12) and has an end part (27) protruding at an angle relative to the middle part (26).

11. The end frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The beam (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) is a profile beam having a segment (18) that is C-shaped or U-shaped in cross section, wherein the opening (14) of the groove (13) opens toward the inside of the segment (18) that is C-shaped or U-shaped in cross section.

12. A gangway (51, 52, 60) for a multi-car vehicle having an end frame (1, 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A gangway according to claim 12, wherein the gangway has a first part (51), the first part (51) has a first bellows (59) and has an end frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and wherein the gangway has a second part (52), the second part (52) has a second bellows (59) and has an end frame (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the end frame (1) of the first part (51) is attached to the end frame (2) of the second part (52).

14. A multi-carriage vehicle having a gangway according to claim 12 or 13.

15. A multi-carriage vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the end frames (1, 2) of the gangway (51, 52, 60) according to claim 12 are attached to the frames of the carriages via connectors (23) attached to the beams (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) of the end frames (1, 2) of the gangway (51, 52, 60).

16. A method for connecting a gangway according to any one of claims 12 or 13 to the frame of a multi-carriage vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the frame of the car has a contact surface, wherein the end frames (1, 2) are connected to the frame and wherein when connecting the end frames (1, 2) to the frame The contact surface (12) of the end frame (1, 2) is pressed against the contact surface of the frame or • A seal is arranged between the contact surface of the end frame and the contact surface of the frame.

17. A method for connecting the first part of a gangway according to claim 13 to the second part of a gangway according to claim 13, wherein the end frame (1) of the first part is connected to the end frame (2) of the second part and wherein when connecting the end frame (1) of the first part to the end frame (2) of the second part The contact surface (12) of the end frame (1) of the first part is pressed against the contact surface (12') of the end frame (2) of the second part; or • A seal is arranged between the contact surface of the end frame of the first part and the contact surface of the end frame of the second part.

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