A passageway for connecting a first compartment to a second compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a channel for connecting a first compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle to a second compartment, the channel having a first element and a second element of a group of elements consisting of: a first vehicle mounting plate, a second vehicle mounting plate, a central frame arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, a ring arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, wherein the channel has a normal position in which the first element has a predefined position relative to the second element, wherein a spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on the first element and with a second end to a second connection point on the second element, wherein in the normal position of the channel the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further outward than the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further inward than the second connection point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a passage for connecting a first compartment to a second compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle. The invention also relates to a multi-compartment vehicle having a first compartment and a second compartment. Background Art

[0002] From WO 2016 / 041638 A1, a passage for connecting a first compartment with a second compartment and allowing the passage of passengers from the first compartment to the second compartment is known. The passage has a first vehicle mounting plate (referred to as "a first loop for attaching the passage to the first compartment" in WO 2016 / 041638 A1). The passage also has a second vehicle mounting plate (referred to as "a second loop for attaching the passage to the second compartment"). The passage is also described as having a frame arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate (referred to as the "third loop"). The passage is also described as having another frame arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate (referred to as the "fourth loop" in WO 2016 / 041638 A1). WO 2016 / 041638 A1 teaches that a connecting element is arranged between one frame (referred to as the “third ring” in WO 2016 / 041638 A1) and another frame (referred to as the “fourth ring” in WO 2016 / 041638 A1) and so that the connecting element elastically connects one frame (the “third ring”) to the other frame (the “fourth ring”).

[0003] For a passageway used to connect a first carriage to a second carriage of a multi-car vehicle, it is desirable that the passageway be designed to return to a normal position if the first carriage and the second carriage are brought into a geometric relationship with each other that represents a normal position. Typically, the normal position is the position when the first carriage and the second carriage are arranged in a straight line one behind the other and on a horizontal plane.

[0004] Utilizing connecting elements between one frame of the gangway and the other frame to resiliently connect the frames has an effect on the way the gangway will return to a normal position, for example after a multi-car vehicle has returned from driving around a bend to a straight position. Summary of the invention

[0005] Taking this background into account, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the behavior of the passage in the case where a first carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle changes its relative position with respect to a second carriage of the multi-carriage vehicle, for example when the multi-carriage vehicle returns to a straight position after having travelled around a bend.

[0006] This problem is solved by a passage according to claim 1 and a multi-car vehicle according to claim 13. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0007] The passage according to the invention is suitable for connecting a first compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle to a second compartment of the multi-compartment vehicle.

[0008] Multi-compartment vehicles are known in different designs and in the form of different adaptations for use. Multi-compartment vehicles, such as railway trains (trams and subways are also considered such trains) are known and are known for the purpose of transporting passengers as well as transporting goods. Another type of multi-compartment vehicle may be a maglev train or may be a bus (road buses as well as buses that travel on fixed tracks). The compartments of a multi-compartment vehicle may be self-supporting compartments, wherein the compartments have sufficient wheels placed in sufficient positions so that the compartments can stand independently without being supported by other compartments, such as three-wheeled compartments, four-wheeled compartments or compartments with even more wheels placed in suitable positions. The compartments of a multi-compartment vehicle may also be of a non-self-supporting type, wherein the compartments have no wheels or have only wheels provided in such a number or arranged at such a location that the compartments cannot stand independently, but are supported vertically by at least one adjacent compartment.

[0009] The present invention relates to a gangway which can be used in a preferred embodiment with a multi-compartment vehicle of this type and is suitable for connecting a first compartment with a second compartment and for allowing the passage of passengers from the first compartment to the second compartment. In most embodiments, the compartments of the multi-compartment vehicle will be connected by separate connecting means, such as couplers, which connect the compartments in a manner that allows the transmission of substantial pulling and pushing forces. In most cases, it is contemplated that the gangway will be designed separately and primarily for the requirements of the passage of passengers from the first compartment to the second compartment.

[0010] Such channels are known to be designed with different separate elements.

[0011] Some channels are designed with a first vehicle mounting plate at a first end for mounting the channel to a first vehicle compartment and / or are designed with a second vehicle mounting plate at a second end for mounting the channel to a second vehicle compartment.

[0012] The vehicle mounting plate is understood as an interface of the channel arranged at the end of the channel to connect the channel to the car body. The design that the end of the channel is directly connected to the car body is known. It is feasible that even the last spiral surface of the bellows of the channel is directly bolted to the first car body. However, in such a design, the channel will not have a vehicle mounting plate. However, a more typical design is that the car body has a specific end design, such as an end frame, and the channel has a vehicle mounting plate. The vehicle mounting plate is installed close to the end frame of the car body. Such a design facilitates the division of labor. Such a design allows the car body of a multi-carriage vehicle to be manufactured at one manufacturing location and the channel to be manufactured at another manufacturing location, and the vehicle mounting plate allows the channel to be easily attached to the car body in the assembly plant. In addition, the use of the vehicle mounting plate allows the multi-carriage vehicle to be at least partially disassembled. If one car body of a multi-carriage vehicle is to be decoupled from the multi-carriage vehicle, for example, if the multi-carriage vehicle is to be shortened, the use of the vehicle mounting plate facilitates the disassembly of one car body from the multi-carriage vehicle. The vehicle mounting plate allows for a design that can allow the vehicle mounting plate (and therefore the channel) to be easily attached and detached from the vehicle cabin.

[0013] The channel according to the present invention can have a first vehicle mounting plate at a first end for mounting the channel to a first compartment and can have a second vehicle mounting plate at a second end for mounting the channel to a second compartment. Such a design is often used when the channel occupies the entire space between the first compartment and the second compartment.

[0014] The channel according to the present invention may also have a first vehicle mounting plate at the first end for mounting the channel to the first compartment, but not a second vehicle mounting plate at the second end that can be used to mount the channel to the second compartment. In such a design, the channel is designed to be directly attached to the second compartment without a vehicle mounting plate, for example if the last spiral surface of the bellows of the channel is directly attached to the compartment. However, for those designs, it is more typical that the channel will have a first vehicle mounting plate and a frame, wherein the frame is arranged at the second end of the channel. Such a design can be used to attach the channel to the second channel, wherein the second channel can have a (second) vehicle mounting plate at one end in a preferred embodiment and will also have a frame at its other end, which can be used to attach the second channel to the frame of the first channel. Such a design is for example used to allow the splitting of the channel, wherein the corresponding channel remains attached to its corresponding compartment.

[0015] The channel according to the present invention can have a frame. In a channel having a first vehicle mounting plate and a second vehicle mounting plate, such a frame can be arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate. In the design of the channel having only a first vehicle mounting plate at the first end for mounting the channel to the first compartment, the frame can be arranged at the second end of the channel. In such a design, the frame can be attached to the frame at the end of the second channel, and the second channel has a second vehicle mounting plate at the second end for mounting the second channel to the second compartment. The frame arranged at the end of the channel is sometimes also called a "face plate". Such a design can have an additional frame arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate at the first end and the frame at the second end in an even more preferred embodiment.

[0016] The channel may also have a loop. In a channel having a first vehicle mounting plate and a second vehicle mounting plate, such a loop may be arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate. In a channel having a first vehicle mounting plate at a first end for mounting the channel to a first vehicle compartment and having a frame arranged at the second end of the channel, the loop may be arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the frame arranged at the second end of the channel.

[0017] For the description of the present invention, a "frame" is considered to be an object suitable for attachment to a support or resting on a support. The frame thus has sufficient strength to bear a portion of the weight of the passage and to transfer this weight into the support. The support may be, for example, an arm, whereby the frame is attached to the arm. The support may also be a beam, whereby the frame rests on the beam. The support may also be a coupler of a train, whereby the frame rests on / is supported by the coupler of the train.

[0018] Such (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame can have U-shape or C-shape or can have the shape of a ring around the passage. The passage is a window in the frame through which passengers can enter / pass through the passage. 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. The ring can also have a rectangular shape, for example. The ring can also have a trapezoidal shape or the shape of any polygon. In some designs, the ring can 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 beam can have a curvature. The shape of the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame beam is often selected depending on the overall shape of the object to which it is attached. Therefore, the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame is often designed depending on the cross-sectional shape of the carriage of a multi-carriage train or another passage to which it can be connected. The shape of the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame can also be selected in relation to the interface of the adjacent object to which the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame will be connected.

[0019] (First or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame comprises beam. (First or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame can be made up of a plurality of beams connected to each other. For example, if (First or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame is selected to be U-shaped, then (First or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame can have a straight top beam with a first end and a second end, wherein a side frame is connected to the first end and an additional side frame is connected to the second end of the top beam, and the two side beams extend at an angle, preferably at an angle of about 90 ° or precisely 90 ° relative to the top beam. In an embodiment in which (First or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame is designed as a ring, (First or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame can have a top beam, two side beams and a bottom beam. Additional beams can be provided, for example between an end of the top beam and an end of the side beam, for example in the manner of a diagonal beam connecting an end of the top beam to the top end of the side beam. A U-shaped or C-shaped (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame or even a ring-shaped (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame can be formed from a single beam. Using an extrusion method or a molding method, such an end beam can be provided, which is made of a single beam 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).

[0020] 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.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the beam in a cross section perpendicular to its longest dimension remains the same for most of that dimension of the beam. Most preferably 60%, most preferably 70%, most preferably 80%, most preferably 90% of the beam's dimension in the direction of its longest dimension have the same cross section. The cross section may vary towards each end of the beam to facilitate connection of each beam to an adjacent beam. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the beam has the same cross-sectional shape along its entire dimension in the direction of its longest dimension. This may be the case, for example, if the beam is an extruded beam.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, if the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame has a plurality of beams connected to one another, for example screwed together or welded together or glued together at flanges, then the individual beams have the same cross-section at least for a majority of their dimensions in the direction of their respective longest dimension.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, if the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame consists of a plurality of beams, the majority, more preferably all, of the beams have the same cross-sectional design, or, for those embodiments in which the respective beams have only a constant cross-sectional design for a certain percentage of their respective longitudinal extension, the cross-sectional shape that is constant for a certain percentage of the respective longitudinal extension of the respective beams is the same shape as for the majority, preferably all, of the beams that have only a constant cross-sectional design for a certain percentage of their respective longitudinal extension.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the beam is a profile beam. In a preferred embodiment, the profile beam has a section that is C-shaped or U-shaped in cross section, wherein the opening of the groove is open toward the inside of the section 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 section of the beam. Therefore, in an area where a connector with a base plate is arranged, the base plate can be used to close the C-shaped or U-shaped section of the beam in this area.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, if the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame is composed of multiple beams, then the majority of the beams, more preferably all of the beams are cut segments from profile beams cut into segments to provide the majority of, preferably all of the individual beams that constitute the (first or second) vehicle mounting plate or frame.

[0026] In contrast to a frame, a ring is understood to be a lightweight piece that gives a channel, in particular a bellows of a channel, in particular a convoluted surface of a bellows of a channel, some structure. The ring can be, for example, an elongated curling piece that curls together two ends of adjacent convoluted surfaces of a bellows.

[0027] The inventors have realised that the advantages of the invention can be achieved if the channel has a first element and a second element of the group of elements consisting of:

[0028] a first vehicle mounting plate at the first end for mounting the channel to the first compartment,

[0029] a second vehicle mounting plate at the second end for mounting the channel to a second compartment or a frame arranged at the second end for mounting the channel to a second channel,

[0030] a frame arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, or arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and a frame arranged at the second end for mounting the channel to the second channel,

[0031] a ring arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, or between the first vehicle mounting plate and a frame arranged at the second end for mounting the channel to the second channel,

[0032] It is expected that in most applications for the use of the channel according to the present invention, the channel will not only have the first element and the second element in the group, but also have the other elements in the group. However, the applicability of the present invention does not depend on the channel according to the present invention having the other elements in the group. As stated above, it is believed that the advantages of the present invention can be obtained to a certain extent if the channel only has the first element and the second element in the group indicated above.

[0033] However, the advantages expected to be obtained with the present invention can be achieved in particular if a plurality of elements of the group indicated above are present. It is preferred if the number of frames ranges from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3. It is preferred if the number of rings ranges from 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 15, preferably 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7.

[0034] The passage according to the invention has a normal position in which the first element has a predefined position relative to the second element. It is considered that the passage is typically designed to have a normal position. In most cases, the normal position will be the position that the elements of the passage would occupy if the first carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle and the second carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle were arranged in a straight line and in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the normal position is a position in which at least some, preferably at least most, preferably all of the elements of the group of elements defined above are arranged parallel to each other.

[0035] According to the invention, the spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on the first element and with a second end to a second connection point on the second element, wherein in the normal position of the channel, the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further outward than the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further inward than the second connection point.

[0036] The present invention utilizes the concept of having a spring element arranged between a first element and a second element, wherein when the channel is in its normal position, the spring element extends non-parallel to a line that would normally be assumed to be the longitudinal axis of the channel. The inventors have recognized that the angled arrangement of the spring relative to a line that would typically be assumed to be the longitudinal axis of the channel in the normal position is a good means for introducing a restoring force into the channel that can be used to cause the channel to form a preferred shape in the normal position.

[0037] According to the invention, such an angled arrangement of the spring elements can be provided in a plurality of directions.

[0038] In a first alternative form, the spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on the first element and with a second end to a second connection point on the second element, wherein in the normal position of the channel, the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point. In the normal position, the spring will therefore tilt downwards from the first connection point on the first element to the second connection point on the second element if the first connection point is arranged higher than the second connection point in the normal position.

[0039] Alternatively or in combination with the present arrangement, the first connection point can be arranged to be further outward than the second connection point in the normal position. Further outward will be understood as being further away from the middle of the passage. If in the normal position, the spring element is arranged so that the first connection point is arranged to be further outward than the second connection point, but the first connection point and the second connection point are arranged at the same height, then the first connection point will be further away from the middle of the passage than the second connection point, and the second connection point will be arranged to be closer to the middle of the passage. The spring element will then be arranged so that in the normal position it will tilt inwardly from the first connection point to the second connection point. If in the normal position, in one embodiment the first connection point is arranged to be higher than the second connection point in the normal position of the passage and the first connection point is arranged to be further outward than the second connection point in the normal position of the passage, then the spring element will tilt inwardly and downwardly from the first connection point to the second connection point. If in the normal position the first connection point is arranged at a lower height than the second connection point in the normal position of the channel and the first connection point is arranged further outward than the second connection point, then in the normal position of the channel the spring element will tilt upward and inward from the first connection point to the second connection point.

[0040] Alternatively or in combination with the first alternative arrangement, the first connection point can be arranged further inwards than the second connection point in the normal position. Further inwards will be understood as closer to the middle of the passage. If in the normal position, the spring element is arranged so that the first connection point is arranged further inwards than the second connection point, but the first connection point and the second connection point are arranged at the same height, then the first connection point will be closer to the middle of the passage than the second connection point, and the second connection point will be arranged to be further away from the middle of the passage. The spring element will then be arranged so that in the normal position it will tilt outwards from the first connection point to the second connection point. If in the normal position, in one embodiment the first connection point is arranged to be higher than the second connection point in the normal position of the passage and the first connection point is arranged to be further inwards than the second connection point in the normal position of the passage, then the spring element will tilt outwards and downwards from the first connection point to the second connection point. If in the normal position the first connection point is arranged at a lower height than the second connection point in the normal position of the channel and the first connection point is arranged further inward than the second connection point, then in the normal position of the channel the spring element will tilt upward and outward from the first connection point to the second connection point.

[0041] Alternatively or in combination with the first alternative arrangement, and / or the first connection point is arranged on another side of a center line of the channel than the second connection point.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the channel according to the invention has

[0043] a first vehicle mounting plate at the first end for mounting the channel to the first compartment,

[0044] a second vehicle mounting plate at the second end for mounting the channel to a second compartment or a frame arranged at the second end for mounting the channel to a second channel,

[0045] a frame arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, or arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and a frame arranged at the second end for mounting the channel to the second channel, and / or a ring arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, or arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and a frame arranged at the second end for mounting the channel to the second channel,

[0046] · Bellows consisting of one or more convolutions

[0047] The channel has a normal position, in which

[0048] the first vehicle mounting plate has a predefined position relative to the second vehicle mounting plate,

[0049] the frame, if present, has a predefined position relative to the first vehicle mounting plate,

[0050] the ring, if present, has a predefined position relative to the first vehicle mounting plate,

[0051] The bellows occupies a predefined shape,

[0052] in

[0053] The spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on the first vehicle mounting plate and with a second end to a second connection point on the ring, wherein in the normal position of the channel the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further outwards than the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further inwards than the second connection point and / or

[0054] The spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on the first vehicle mounting plate and with a second end to a second connection point on the frame, wherein in the normal position of the channel the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further outwards than the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further inwards than the second connection point and / or

[0055] The spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on the central frame and with a second end to a second connection point on the ring, wherein in the normal position of the channel the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further outwards than the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further inwards than the second connection point and / or

[0056] The spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on the first ring and with a second end to a second connection point on the second ring, wherein in a normal position of the channel the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further outwards than the second connection point and / or the first connection point is arranged further inwards than the second connection point.

[0057] In particular, the following design alternatives are possible, each having a bellows consisting of one or more convolutions:

[0058]

[0059]

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the channel has a frame designed as a central frame and the central frame is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, preferably between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate in the middle, wherein in this embodiment of the invention, the channel preferably has at least one loop arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the central frame. In a preferred embodiment, more than one loop is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the central frame. In an even more preferred embodiment, at least one loop is also arranged between the second vehicle mounting plate and the central frame. In an even more preferred embodiment, a plurality of loops are arranged between the central frame and the second vehicle mounting plate. In a preferred embodiment, the number of loops arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the central frame or the number of loops arranged between the central frame and the second vehicle mounting plate is taken from a range of 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the channel has a frame arranged at the second end of the channel, wherein the channel has an additional frame, which is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the frame at the second end of the channel, preferably in the middle between the first vehicle mounting plate and the frame at the second end of the channel, wherein in this embodiment of the invention, the channel preferably has at least one loop arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the additional frame. In a preferred embodiment, more than one loop is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the additional frame. In an even more preferred embodiment, at least one loop is also arranged between the frame and the frame arranged at the second end of the channel. In an even more preferred embodiment, a plurality of loops are arranged between the frame and the frame arranged at the second end of the channel. The frame at the second end of the channel can be attached to the frame arranged at the end of the second channel.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, a series of elements are arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate, wherein each element in the series is a frame or a ring. In a preferred embodiment, a series of elements are arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the frame arranged at the second end of the passage, wherein each element in the series is a frame or a ring. In a preferred embodiment, the number of the rings arranged between the frames is obtained from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7, preferably 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, a majority of the elements in the series, preferably each element is connected to its adjacent element in the series by a spring element and / or wherein the first element in the series is connected to a first vehicle mounting plate by a spring element and / or the last element in the series is spring connected to a second vehicle mounting plate or a frame arranged at the second end of the channel.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, groups of spring elements are provided, wherein each spring element in the group connects two adjacent elements in the series, wherein at least some, preferably all, of the spring elements in the group are arranged in a zigzag line if viewed from above and / or if viewed from the side.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, passage has a first group of spring elements, wherein each spring element in the first group connects two adjacent elements in the series, wherein if observed from above and / or if observed from the side, at least some of the spring elements in the first group are preferably all arranged in a zigzag line, and passage has a second group of spring elements, wherein each spring element in the second group connects two adjacent elements in the series, wherein if observed from above and / or if observed from the side, at least some of the spring elements in the second group are preferably all arranged in a zigzag line. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element in the first group connects adjacent elements in a series different from the spring element in the second group. Such an embodiment allows the zigzag arrangement to restart in passage and has two different zigzag patterns.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, groups of spring elements are provided, wherein each spring element in the group connects two adjacent elements in the series, wherein at least some of the spring elements in the group are arranged in a zigzag manner if viewed from above and / or if viewed from the side.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the channel has a first group of spring elements, wherein each spring element in the first group connects two adjacent elements in a series, wherein at least some, preferably all, of the spring elements in the first group are arranged in a zigzag manner if viewed from above and / or if viewed from the side, and the channel has a second group of spring elements, wherein each spring element in the second group connects two adjacent elements in a series, wherein at least some, preferably all, of the spring elements in the second group are arranged in a zigzag manner if viewed from above and / or if viewed from the side. In a preferred embodiment, the spring elements in the first group connect adjacent elements in a different series than the spring elements in the second group. Such an embodiment allows the zigzag arrangement to restart in the channel and have two different zigzag patterns.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, at least one element in the series has a first connection point for a first spring and a second connection point for a second spring, wherein in the normal position of the passage the first connection point and the second connection point are at the same height and / or are arranged at equal distances outwards. In a preferred embodiment in which the series has a frame and one or more rings, only the frame has a first connection point for the first spring and a second connection point for the second spring, wherein in the normal position of the passage the first connection point and the second connection point are at the same height and / or are arranged at equal distances outwards. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the rings may have a first connection point for the first spring and a second connection point for the second spring, wherein in the normal position of the passage the first connection point and the second connection point are at different heights and / or are arranged at different distances outwards.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is a helical spring or a gas rod.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the majority of the spring elements, preferably all the spring elements in a group of spring elements, are of the same type, for example each spring element in a group of spring elements is a helical spring. Designs in which helical springs and gas rods are present in a group of spring elements are possible. However, it is preferred that all the spring elements in a group of spring elements are of the same type.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the majority of the spring elements, preferably all of the spring elements in the group of spring elements, are of the same type and of the same design, for example each spring element in the group of spring elements is a helical spring with the same spring constant and the same length.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is pre-tensioned in the normal position of the channel. In a preferred embodiment of a group of spring elements is provided, preferably the majority of the spring elements in the group, preferably all the spring elements in the group are pre-tensioned in the normal position. "Pre-tensioned" is to be understood as being compressed or expanded compared to the form the spring element would have if no object was attached to it.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the connection of the respective end of the spring element to the respective connection point is a detachable connection. The connection point can be, for example, a hook, onto which a loop or a hook arranged at the end of the spring element can be placed. The connection point can be, for example, a ring, into which a hook arranged at the end of the spring element can be placed. Other designs are possible in which at least one element of the spring element, preferably both spring elements, is permanently attached to the respective element. The connection point can therefore be a weld.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the passage has a passenger space provided for passengers to pass through the passage. In a preferred embodiment, the spring or spring element is arranged below the passenger space. As an alternative or in addition, the spring or spring element is arranged above the passenger space. As an alternative or in addition, the spring or spring element is arranged on one side of the passenger space and even more preferably on both sides of the passenger space.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, a floor panel is provided, which in one embodiment provides a first vehicle mounting plate is connected to the first vehicle mounting plate. In a preferred embodiment, a floor panel is provided, which in one embodiment provides a frame is connected to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, a spring element or a group of spring elements is arranged below the floor panel.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment a support structure is provided, wherein the support structure is connected to the first vehicle mounting plate and / or the support structure is connected to the second vehicle mounting plate and / or the support structure is connected to the frame and / or the frame rests on the support structure.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the channel has at least one bellows. The channel can have an outward-facing bellows. The outward-facing bellows is understood to be such a bellows: wherein the respective convolutions of the bellows are open toward the inner side of the channel, and the round or V-shaped bottoms of the respective convolutions are further arranged outwardly. The channel can have an inward-facing bellows. The inward-facing bellows is understood to be such a bellows: wherein the respective convolutions of the bellows are open toward the outer side of the channel, and the round or V-shaped bottoms of the respective convolutions are further arranged inwardly. The channel can even have an outward-facing bellows and an inward-facing bellows. The inward-facing bellows can be arranged on the inner side of the outward-facing bellows, so that the bottoms of the respective convolutions of the inward-facing bellows form an element defining a passage space, and the bottoms of the respective convolutions of the outward-facing bellows form a part of the outer perimeter of the channel. The inward-facing bellows can also be arranged on the outside of the outward-facing bellows, so that the bottom of the respective convoluted surface of the outward-facing bellows and the bottom of the respective convoluted surface of the inward-facing bellows face each other in the middle section of the channel, and the respective convoluted surface of the inward-facing bellows is open to the outside of the channel and the respective convoluted surface of the inward-facing bellows is open to the inside of the channel. The channel can also have two inward-facing bellows, one arranged on the inside of the other. The channel can have two outward-facing bellows, one arranged on the inside of the other. The channel can not have a bellows or can have a sliding wall that slides relative to each other in a telescopic manner in addition to the bellows. One end of the bellows can be attached to the first vehicle mounting plate. The end of the bellows can be attached to the first vehicle mounting plate by bolts, stitching, clamping or possibly even Velcro (Velcro) arrangement or even gluing or welding.

[0078] A multi-compartment vehicle according to the invention has a first compartment and a second compartment and has a passage according to the invention, wherein a first vehicle mounting plate is connected to the first compartment and a second vehicle mounting plate is connected to the second compartment.

[0079] In an alternative form, a multi-compartment vehicle according to the present invention has a first compartment and a second compartment and has a first channel according to the present invention, having a first vehicle mounting plate connected to the first compartment and has a second channel according to the present invention, having a second vehicle mounting plate connected to the second compartment, wherein the first channel has a frame at a second end of the first channel, which is attached to a frame arranged at the other end of the second channel (the end of the second channel opposite to the end where the second vehicle mounting plate is arranged). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] The invention will be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which show only possible embodiments of the invention.

[0081] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view from inside a compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle toward an end of the compartment and a passage arranged between the compartment and a second compartment of the multi-compartment vehicle.

[0082] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a bottom beam of a first vehicle mounting plate, a bottom beam of a second vehicle mounting plate, a bottom beam of a frame, a bottom beam of a first loop, and a bottom beam of a second loop of a channel according to the present invention.

[0083] Figure 3 is like Figure 2 A side view of a bottom beam of a first vehicle mounting plate, a bottom beam of a second vehicle mounting plate, a bottom beam of a frame, a bottom beam of a first loop, and a bottom beam of a second loop of a channel according to the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0084] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the bottom beam of the first vehicle mounting plate, the bottom beam of the second vehicle mounting plate, the bottom beam of the frame, the bottom beam of the first ring and the bottom beam of the second ring of the channel according to the present invention, with a cross-sectional view on the spiral surface of the corrugated tube of the channel.

[0085] Figure 5 A schematic cross-section from the side onto two compartments of a multi-compartment vehicle connected by a passage is shown.

[0086] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view from the side onto two compartments of a multi-compartment vehicle connected by a passage is shown in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Figure 1 , 5 6 show a portion of a multi-carriage vehicle 100 having a first car 102 and a second car 103. A passage 1 connecting the first car 102 and the second car 103 is arranged between the first car 102 and the second car 103.

[0088] Figure 2 A schematic top view of a first vehicle mounting plate 10 at a first end of a channel 1 and a second vehicle mounting plate 11 at a second end of the channel 1 is shown. A frame 12 in the form of a central frame is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate 10 and the second vehicle mounting plate 11. Two rings 13 are arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate 10 and the second vehicle mounting plate 11. The first ring 13 is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate 10 and the frame 12. The second ring is arranged between the second vehicle mounting plate 11 and the frame 12. This embodiment is also Figure 6 Shown in.

[0089] exist Figure 5 The embodiment of the channel 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a first vehicle mounting plate 10 at a first end of the channel 1 and a second vehicle mounting plate 11 at a second end of the channel 1. A frame 12 in the form of a central frame is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate 10 and the second vehicle mounting plate 11. A further frame 12 is arranged between the central frame and the first vehicle mounting plate 10. A further frame 12 is arranged between the central frame and the second vehicle mounting plate 11. A ring 13 is arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate 10 and the second vehicle mounting plate 11 and the frame 12.

[0090] The channel 1 is supported by two support beams 118. The first vehicle mounting plate 10, the second vehicle mounting plate 11 and the frame 12 are each supported by the support beams 118. The loops 13 are arranged away from the support beams 118 and are not supported by the support beams 118. This is accomplished by having the loops 13 have large gaps in their bottom regions, which allow the beams 118 to freely pass through these gaps without contacting the loops 13.

[0091] Figure 2 The channel 1 in FIG. 1 is shown without the bellows and in particular without the convoluted surface of the bellows attached to the first vehicle mounting plate 10 , the second vehicle mounting plate 11 , the frame 12 and the two rings 13 . This is for convenience Figure 2 Observation.

[0092] Figure 4 The channel 1 is shown with a bellows and in particular with a convoluted surface of the bellows attached to a first vehicle mounting plate 10 , a second vehicle mounting plate 11 , a frame 12 and two rings 13 .

[0093] Figure 2 The channel 1 in is shown in its normal position. In this normal position, the first vehicle mounting plate 10, the second vehicle mounting plate 11, the frame 12 and the two rings 13 have a predefined position relative to each other. Figure 2 In the design of the channel shown in FIG. 1 , the normal position is a position in which each of the set of elements consisting of the first vehicle mounting plate 10, the second vehicle mounting plate 11, the frame 12 and the two rings 13 are parallel to each other and at the same height (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ).

[0094] exist Figure 2 In the design shown in , the middle of the channel 1 is indicated by the center line AA.

[0095] exist Figure 2In the embodiment shown in , a series of elements is arranged between a first vehicle mounting plate 10 and a second vehicle mounting plate 11. The series of elements comprises three elements, namely a frame 12 and two rings 13. Therefore, each element in the series is a frame 12 or a ring 13.

[0096] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in , each element in the series is connected to its adjacent element in the series by a spring element 14. The first element in the series, in this case the ring 13 arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate 10 and the frame 12, is connected to the first vehicle mounting plate 10 by a spring element 14. The last element in the series, in this case the ring 14 arranged between the frame 12 and the second vehicle mounting plate 11, is connected to the second vehicle mounting plate 11 by a spring element 14.

[0097] exist Figure 2 In the design shown in , each element in the series is also connected to its adjacent element in the series by a second spring 14. Each element in the series is connected to its adjacent element in the series by a spring element 14 arranged on one side of the centerline AA and a spring element arranged on the opposite side of the centerline AA.

[0098] If you can Figure 2 As can be seen, each spring element 14 is connected with a first end 15 to a first connection point 16 on a first element (e.g., first vehicle mounting plate 10 or ring 13 or frame 12 or second vehicle mounting plate 11) and with a second end 17 to a second connection point 18 on a second element (e.g., ring 13, frame 12 or second vehicle mounting plate 11), wherein as in Figure 2 In the normal position of the channel shown in , the first connection point 16 is arranged further outward than the second connection point 18 or the first connection point 16 is arranged further inward than the second connection point 18.

[0099] If you can Figure 3 As can be seen, each spring element 14 is connected with a first end 15 to a first connection point 16 on a first element (e.g., first vehicle mounting plate 10 or ring 13 or frame 12 or second vehicle mounting plate 11) and with a second end 17 to a second connection point 18 on a second element (e.g., ring 13, frame 12 or second vehicle mounting plate 11), wherein as in Figure 2 In the normal position of the channel shown in , the first connection point 16 is at a different height compared to the second connection point 18 .

[0100] Figure 4The channel 1 is shown with a first vehicle mounting plate 10, a second vehicle mounting plate 11, a frame 12 designed as a central frame and two rings 13 and spring elements 14 arranged between each element in the group. Figure 4 The bellows 2 of the channel 1 is shown. Figure 4 The bellows 2 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is composed of four convoluted surfaces 3. One convoluted surface 3 is attached to the first vehicle mounting plate 10 with one end and to the ring 13 with the opposite end. One convoluted surface 3 is attached to the ring 13 with one end and to the frame 12 with the opposite end. One further convoluted surface 3 is attached to the frame 12 with one end and to the ring 13 with the opposite end. One further convoluted surface 3 is attached to the ring 13 with one end and to the second vehicle mounting plate 11 with the opposite end.

Claims

1. A passage for connecting a first compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle to a second compartment, the passage comprising at least: a first vehicle mounting plate at a first end of the channel for mounting the channel to the first compartment, a second vehicle mounting plate at a second end of the channel for mounting the channel to the second compartment, wherein the second end is opposite the first end, or a panel, the panel being a frame disposed at the second end for mounting the channel to a second channel, wherein the passage has a normal position in which the first carriage and the second carriage are arranged in a straight line and on a horizontal plane, wherein a series of elements are arranged between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate or the panel, wherein each element is a frame or a ring, wherein each element in the series is connected to its adjacent element in the series by a spring element, wherein the spring element is connected with a first end to a first connection point on one of the elements and with a second end to a second connection point on its adjacent element, wherein in the normal position of the channel, (i) the first connection point is at a different height than the second connection point or the first connection point is arranged further outward than the second connection point or the first connection point is arranged further inward than the second connection point or the first connection point is arranged on a different side of the centre line of the passage than the second connection point, or (ii) the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and the first connection point is arranged further outwardly than the second connection point, or (iii) the first connection point is at a different height compared to the second connection point and the first connection point is arranged further inwards than the second connection point, or (iv) the first connection point is at a different height than the second connection point and the first connection point is arranged on another side of the centerline of the channel than the second connection point, Also included are groups of spring elements, wherein each spring element in the group connects two adjacent elements in the series, wherein at least some of the spring elements in the group are arranged in a zigzag line if viewed from above and / or if viewed from the side.

2. The channel according to claim 1, characterized in that There is a frame disposed between the first vehicle mounting plate and the second vehicle mounting plate and a ring disposed between the first vehicle mounting plate and the frame.

3. The channel according to claim 1, characterized in that The first element in the series is connected to the first vehicle mounting plate by a spring element and the last element in the series is connected to the second vehicle mounting plate by a spring element.

4. A channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A group of spring elements, wherein each spring element in the group connects two adjacent elements in the series, wherein at least some of the spring elements in the group are arranged in a zigzag manner if viewed from above and / or if viewed from the side.

5. The channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that At least one element in the series has a first connection point for a first spring element and a second connection point for a second spring element, wherein in the normal position of the channel the first connection point and the second connection point are at the same height and / or are arranged at an equal distance outwardly.

6. A channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The spring element is a helical spring or a gas rod.

7. A channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The spring element is pretensioned in the normal position of the channel.

8. A channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A floor panel is provided and is connected to the first vehicle mounting panel.

9. A channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Having a supporting structure, wherein The support structure is connected to the first vehicle mounting plate and / or • The support structure is connected to the second vehicle mounting plate.

10. A multi-carriage vehicle, comprising a first car and a second car, characterized in that: There is a channel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first vehicle mounting plate is connected to the first compartment and the second vehicle mounting plate is connected to the second compartment.

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