Articulated device for articulated vehicle and articulated vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an articulation device for flexibly connecting the body of an articulated vehicle, the articulation device consisting of at least one central bearing, two base bearings and two legs. Accordingly, the legs form a fork arm connection. At least one base bearing is designed and / or its material is selected so that the bearing section and the support section can be forced to move relative to each other. Accordingly, the bearing section and the support section are flexibly arranged relative to each other as part of the stiffness. According to one embodiment, at least one base bearing and / or its components are designed and the material is selected so that the stiffness of the base bearing in at least one leg direction of the legs belonging to the base bearing is at least 3 kN / mm and / or a maximum of 6 kN / mm at least in the quasi-linear range of stiffness. In this way, rolling movements can be effectively compensated by the articulation device. As a result, the body is appropriately decoupled in the transverse direction, the overall stiffness between the vehicles is selected in a targeted manner, thereby helping to prevent destructive transmission of rolling movements. At the same time, it can be ensured that the total stiffness in the longitudinal direction is many times higher than the total stiffness generated at the central bearing in the transverse direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an articulation device for flexibly connecting vehicle bodies of an articulated vehicle. In addition, the invention relates to an articulated vehicle having a plurality of vehicle bodies, wherein the vehicle bodies are connected to one another by means of the aforementioned articulation device. Background Art

[0002] Articulated vehicles, such as multi-section articulated buses or rail vehicles of public transport systems, such as trams, are well known. The articulations used to connect the bodies of such multi-section vehicles are configured such that the individual elements of the vehicle are connected to each other in the permitted static and dynamic conditions.

[0003] EP 1 647 462 A1 discloses a vehicle for passenger transport having a plurality of bodies coupled by articulated connections. The articulated connections are configured as pivot bearings and allow the bodies to perform a rotational movement about a vertical axis when turning. At least one of the pivot bearings is connected to one of the bodies in the upper region of the vehicle so that the bearing can be moved in the transverse direction of the vehicle, thereby also allowing a rolling movement of the bodies relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0004] The articulated joints of articulated vehicles described in EP 3 028 929 A1 serve to elastically connect the bodies of the articulated vehicle to one another, wherein not only pitch, roll and articulation movements are to be transmitted between the articulated sections but also bearing loads and lifting loads must be accommodated.

[0005] Disadvantages of the Background Art

[0006] The aforementioned known solutions exhibit sufficiently satisfactory application characteristics, but are at least either very complex or do not allow for an effective coupling or decoupling of the relative movements of the individual vehicle bodies.

[0007] Purpose of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an articulation device of simple and robust design, characterized by an advantageous design for connecting the bodies of articulated vehicles.

[0009] Solution according to the invention

[0010] The above objects are achieved by an articulated device according to claim 1 or claim 2 and by an articulated vehicle according to claim 14. Further embodiments of the listed subject matter follow from the dependent claims and the embodiments discussed additionally.

[0011] The articulation device comprises at least one central bearing, two base bearings and two legs, wherein the two legs are attached to the central bearing and / or one end of each leg merges with the other end of the other leg at the central bearing, respectively.

[0012] A different end of each leg is connected to a base bearing. Accordingly, the legs form a wishbone connection between the central bearing and the two base bearings and / or between the bodies of the articulated vehicle.

[0013] The base bearing and / or the central bearing can be constructed in at least three parts, namely comprising a bearing part, a support part and a support device arranged between the bearing part and the support part. The bearing part is at least defined as one end of a leg to which it can be attached. In each case, the support part is configured to be able to be fastened directly or indirectly to the body of the articulated vehicle. The force transmission between the bearing part and the support part can be carried out via a flexible support device.

[0014] In particular, the base bearing and / or the center bearing can be designed in the form of a bolt-sleeve design, wherein the bolt-shaped component serves, for example, as a bearing part, which is at least partially radially surrounded by a flexible support device, which in turn is at least partially surrounded by a sleeve-shaped component, in particular a support part.

[0015] For example, the bearing part can be configured in the form of a bolt and at least partially surrounded by the support device. In this case, the support part can accommodate the support device and the bolt-shaped bearing part in its interior in the radial direction and can be connected to the vehicle body. The bolt-shaped bearing part can be connected to the support leg, possibly in a rotationally fixed manner (similar to a piston-connecting rod connection) to the support leg.

[0016] For the overall context of this patent application, a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction extending horizontally and aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and a vertical direction extending perpendicularly to the transverse direction are defined, all of which relate to the vehicle body and / or the entire articulated vehicle. When such directional indication is used in conjunction with an articulated device or a component thereof, it refers to the installation position of the articulated device between the vehicle bodies of the articulated vehicle in its intended use - positioned according to the intended purpose of the articulated device. The intended use of the articulated vehicle can be defined as having the articulated vehicle lying on a flat, level and straight surface, such as on a road or on a track.

[0017] Furthermore, an intrinsic leg direction is defined for each leg, which extends in the longitudinal extension of each leg. Thus, each leg has its own leg direction. In particular, the leg direction is oriented identically to a straight line connecting two mounting points at the two ends of each leg.

[0018] In the mounted state of the articulated device, a central bearing which is constructed so that it can be fastened in a corresponding manner is arranged on the first of the bodies to be connected. The two base bearings are designed so that they can be connected directly or indirectly to the second body, or so that they are connected in this way. In particular, a base device can be used in this case, which embodies the structural connection of the base bearing to the second body in such a way that the two base bearings are fastened or can be fastened to the second body at a base distance from each other. The base distance is preferably oriented in a first direction or in a transverse direction of the articulated vehicle. In the latter case, the first direction is identical to the transverse direction.

[0019] In this case, the base device can be constructed as a physical object and an indirect connection is established between the vehicle body and the support part of the base bearing. In particular, the base device can be considered as part of the articulation device. In this case, the support part of the base bearing can be mounted on the base device or the support part can be constructed together with the base device. The base distance results from the type of arrangement of the support part on the base device or from the type of arrangement together with the base device.

[0020] It is also conceivable that the base device is defined only by the function and has no physical form of its own. For example, the base device is configured as a fastening device on the vehicle body, for example as a thread for mounting a support part of a base bearing.

[0021] At least one of the two pedestal bearings (in particular the support means) is designed and / or its material is selected such that the bearing part and the support part can be forced to move relative to each other. Accordingly, the bearing part and the support part are arranged flexibly to each other within a stiffness range. In particular, the pedestal bearing can be understood as a flexible fixed bearing.

[0022] Internal stiffness describes the relative stiffness between the bearing part and the supporting part of the bearing.

[0023] According to one embodiment, at least one pillow block bearing and / or its components are designed and the material is selected such that the internal stiffness of the pillow block bearing in at least one leg direction of the legs associated with the pillow block bearing is at least 2 kN / mm, in particular at least 3 kN / mm, preferably at least 4 kN / mm and / or at most 7 kN / mm, in particular at most 6 kN / mm, preferably at most 5 kN / mm in a quasi-linear stiffness range. Preferably, the pillow block bearing is configured such that the quasi-linear stiffness range starting from the unloaded state of the pillow block bearing extends across approximately 2 / 3 of the total clearance of the pillow block bearing.

[0024] Alternatively or in addition to one or more of the above-described embodiments, the support means may be arranged and constructed between the bearing part and the support part of the base bearing, and at least one leg, preferably both legs, may be designed with respect to their leg length such that the internal stiffness of the base bearing in at least one leg direction of the legs associated with the base bearing, at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range, is at least 4 N / mm, in particular at least 6 N / mm, preferably 8 N / mm per millimeter of leg length (4), and / or at most 20 N / mm, in particular 18 N / mm, preferably 16 N / mm per millimeter of leg length (4). The relative measure "internal stiffness per millimeter of leg length" enables a particularly accurate and comprehensive description of the invention, in particular of the shape of an effective fork arm including a flexible bearing, since the teaching of the invention relates to the design of the internal stiffness of the base bearing as a function of the leg length of at least one leg, in particular both legs.

[0025] Furthermore, regardless of the above, the pedestal bearing can be designed such that the value of the internal stiffness increases starting from about 2 / 3 of the total clearance. Thus, the pedestal bearing can be configured to have a progressive internal stiffness.

[0026] For example, the internal stiffness in the last third of the total clearance of the base bearing, starting from the unloaded state of the base bearing, can be at least 4 kN / mm, in particular at least 6 kN / mm, preferably at least 8 kN / mm and / or at most 14 kN / mm, in particular at most 12 kN / mm, preferably at most 10 kN / mm.

[0027] In the case of an additional or alternative embodiment, it is disclosed that the base distance and the effective fork arm length between the central bearing and the base distance are selected, in particular by means of a corresponding geometric design of the base device, of the bearing part of one or more bearings and / or of one or both legs, so that the total stiffness between the bearing part of the central bearing and the support part of the base bearing in the transverse direction is at most 30%, in particular at most 20%, preferably at most 12% of the internal stiffness of one of the base bearings. This is achieved by converting at least one internal stiffness of the base bearing in the direction of the legs into the transverse direction by the geometric design of the fork arm.

[0028] The overall stiffness of the bearing part of the center bearing describes the flexibility of the bearing part of the center bearing relative to the second body supporting the base bearing and / or relative to the base arrangement.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the base distance and the fork arm distance extending perpendicularly to the base distance determine the above-mentioned ratio of the total stiffness of the center bearing to the internal stiffness of the base bearing.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the ratio of the fork arm length to the base distance can be at least 4:1, in particular at least 5:1, preferably at least 6:1, and / or at most 12:1, in particular at most 10:1, preferably at most 8:1, wherein these ratios can be understood as independent of the teaching of the percentages mentioned in the previous paragraph.

[0031] In addition to or independently of the foregoing, the support device of the base bearing, the support device of the two base bearings and / or one or both support devices are constructed so that the total stiffness of the bearing part of the central bearing in the lateral direction relative to the base device, the second body and / or the support part of the base bearing is at least 300 N / mm, in particular at least 400 N / mm, preferably at least 480 N / mm and / or at most 700 N / mm, in particular at most 600 N / mm, preferably at most 520 N / mm.

[0032] In this way, for the first time, the rolling movements of the vehicle bodies relative to one another can be compensated by the articulation. This prevents the rolling movement of one vehicle body from being transferred to the other vehicle body via the articulation, which would lead to undesired lateral forces. This means that the vehicle bodies are decoupled from one another in the lateral direction, wherein the targeted selection and / or adjustability of the overall stiffness between the vehicles helps to prevent the rolling movement of one vehicle body from being detrimentally transferred to the other vehicle body. At the same time, it is possible to ensure that the total stiffness of the articulation in the longitudinal direction is many times higher than the total stiffness generated at the central bearing in the lateral direction.

[0033] Independently or in addition to one or more of the above-described embodiments, the articulation device, in particular at least one leg, a plurality of legs, a central bearing, a base device, at least one base bearing and / or a plurality of base bearings, can be designed or arranged such that the effective leg length and / or the effective fork arm length between the central bearing and the base distance is adjustable in the mounted leg. For example, it is conceivable that a support section with an adjustable distance can be mounted on a vehicle body, wherein in particular an adjustment device on the base device and / or the leg supporting the support section enables the mounting distance to be varied. In this way, for the first time, the geometry of the fork arm between the vehicle bodies can be adjusted, for example to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the vehicle bodies and / or to adjust the overall stiffness of the fork arm at the bearing section of the central bearing relative to the second vehicle body.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the adjustable articulation device, at least one leg, preferably both legs, has an adjustment device with a threaded device for adjusting the length of the fork arm. The threaded device can be aligned in the direction of the legs so that the distance between the ends of the legs can be changed by rotating the adjustment element. In addition, a safety element (for example a suitable locking nut) can be provided, which prevents undesired changes of the adjustment device.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the two legs of the articulation are designed to be of equal length, preferably identical, especially when their adjustment devices are set identically. The fork arm then adopts the basic shape of an isosceles triangle, so that the forces and other application characteristics are designed symmetrically. This leads to a simplification of the design and installation process.

[0036] As an extension of the basic principle, it is proposed to provide a base adjustment device for adjusting the base distance. This ensures that the overall stiffness of the bearing part of the central bearing in the lateral direction can be influenced by the base distance and / or ensures that manufacturing tolerances of the corresponding vehicle body and / or base device can be compensated.

[0037] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the base adjustment device is arranged on the base device and provides mounting points for the support portion of the base bearing that are spaced differently in the transverse direction. According to one embodiment, at least one groove aligned in the transverse direction for this purpose can be provided in the vehicle body structure, in the base device itself and / or in the support portion of the base bearing, so that the at least one base bearing can be fastened to the vehicle body in different positions.

[0038] For the purpose of another embodiment, it is proposed that the central bearing and the flexible support device of the central bearing are configured so that the internal stiffness of the central bearing in a first direction, especially in the transverse direction, at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (for example, 2 / 3 of the total clearance) is at least 2 kN / mm, especially at least 3 kN / mm, preferably at least 4 kN / mm and / or at most 7 kN / mm, especially at most 6 kN / mm, preferably at most 5 kN / mm.

[0039] In particular, the internal stiffness of the central bearing in the transverse direction can be equal to the internal stiffness of the base bearing in the direction of the legs. In this way, the design complexity and procurement cost of the articulated device can be reduced.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the central bearing is configured such that the internal stiffness of the central bearing at least in the second direction or in the longitudinal direction is at least 12 kN / mm, in particular at least 15 kN / mm, preferably at least 17 kN / mm, at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range. In this way, in particular when combined with one or more of the above-described embodiments, the vehicle body can be connected with sufficient stiffness in the longitudinal direction, while relative movements in the longitudinal direction, in particular compared to relative movements in the transverse direction or compared to rolling movements, are prevented.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the central bearing is constructed similar to a ball joint bearing. Compared to the exemplary bolt-sleeve design of the base bearing, a ball joint bearing, in particular a ball joint bearing designed as a flexible fixed bearing, allows a higher, in particular resistant flexibility in two dimensions. This advantageously leads to the fact that different positions of the vehicle body about the transverse axis - for example when the articulated vehicle is driven over a hilltop or through a valley - are absorbed and supported exclusively by the central bearing. Accordingly, the bearing of the articulation can be dimensioned according to the expected loads.

[0042] According to one embodiment, at least one bearing of the articulation, in particular one or both of the bearings, is designed such that the internal stiffness in a first direction is different from the internal stiffness in a second direction. In particular, the internal stiffness in the transverse direction is less than the internal stiffness in the longitudinal direction. This measure serves to prevent relative movements of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction as much as possible compared to rolling movements.

[0043] According to one embodiment, at least one of the saddle bearings, preferably both saddle bearings and / or the center bearing has an internal clearance. This means that a relative movement between the matching bearing elements is enabled, in particular by overcoming the resistance provided by the flexible support means. In particular, the clearance is limited by the interaction of a stop on the bearing part with a stop on the support part.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, such a gap may be at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, and / or at most 6 mm, in particular at most 5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm. Corresponding studies have shown that such a gap allows for an optimal relative rolling movement between the vehicle bodies.

[0045] According to an alternative or additional embodiment, the pedestal bearings, in particular the two pedestal bearings and / or the central bearing are configured such that the first gap in the first direction or in the transverse direction and the second gap aligned in the second direction or in the longitudinal direction have different amounts. Thus, the relative movement of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction is allowed and limited differently than the relative rolling movement in the transverse direction.

[0046] For example, the first gap can be at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, and / or at most 6 mm, in particular at most 5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm.

[0047] It is also conceivable that the second gap is at least 0.75 mm, in particular at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.25 mm, and / or at most 2.25 mm, in particular at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.75 mm.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the articulated vehicle and / or the articulated device, in particular the fork wall connection, the base bearing and the center bearing are configured so that the total clearance of the articulated device between the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction is at least 1.5 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, and / or at most 4.5 mm, in particular at most 4 mm, preferably at most 3.5 mm.

[0049] The total play can result, for example, from the addition of the play of the support bearing and the central bearing in the longitudinal direction, wherein any undesired further play, for example caused by fastenings to the vehicle body, is not taken into account.

[0050] Furthermore, it is conceivable, in particular in order to reduce production and procurement costs, for the two pillow blocks to be of identical design.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the articulated vehicle is configured such that the articulation device according to one or more of the preceding embodiments is arranged in the upper region of the body of the articulated vehicle, in particular in the roof region. In particular, the roof region can be approximately 20% of the total height of the body (starting from the maximum height).

[0052] According to another embodiment, the bodies of an articulated vehicle can be connected to each other in the underbody region by a lower coupling joint device, wherein the underbody region can be 20% of the total height of the body. Such a coupling joint device is designed differently from the articulation device according to one of the preceding claims and is primarily used to transmit tensile and compressive forces between the bodies. In particular, the coupling joint device is not intended to be able to compensate for relative rolling or lateral movements between the bodies.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the articulated vehicle can be equipped with at least one pivot coupling, especially if the articulated vehicle consists of more than three bodies. Such a pivot coupling serves to compensate for pivoting movements of the bodies relative to each other about a transverse axis and is preferably arranged in the roof region.

[0054] The above-described embodiments can be combined in any desired manner, but in particular in a manner that makes sense from the point of view of a person skilled in the art, for example in the case of an articulated vehicle with more than two bodies, if the connection in the roof area between the two bodies is designed with an articulation device according to one or more of the preceding embodiments and a further connection in the roof area between the two bodies is realized by a pivot connection device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description are intended to explain the principles of the present invention. The elements of the drawings are proportional relative to each other and are not necessarily drawn to true scale.

[0056] Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

[0057] Figure 1 An articulated vehicle 100 is shown including a plurality of vehicle bodies 104 , 105 ;

[0058] Figure 2 is connected by means of an articulated device 1 according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle body 104, 105;

[0059] Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows the Figure 1 Possible dynamic characteristics of the vehicle bodies 104, 105;

[0060] Figure 4 is based on Figure 2 and Figure 3 A basic representation of an articulated device 1;

[0061] Figure 5 is through according to Figure 4 A vertical section of a base bearing 20 of the articulated device;

[0062] Figure 6 is a diagram of a Figure 5 A horizontal section AA of the pedestal bearing 20; and

[0063] Figure 7 In the longitudinal direction 101 , the stiffness curve of the foundation bearing 20 in the leg direction 3 is shown. Example

[0064] To illustrate the overall situation, Figure 1 1 shows an exemplary articulated vehicle 100. As shown therein, the articulated vehicle comprises five car bodies in the order 104-105-104-105-104. Another articulated vehicle 200 is connected to the articulated vehicle 100 by a coupling device 107, so that both articulated vehicles 100 and 200 form a train consist. In the present embodiment, the train consist is designed as a tram guided on a track 111. The foregoing and subsequent embodiments can be applied to other articulated vehicles, such as articulated buses, with appropriate modifications.

[0065] The car bodies 104 of the articulated vehicle 100 are respectively equipped with bogies 112 and support the car body 105 arranged therebetween. For this purpose, a coupling hinge device 108 is provided in the car body bottom area 109 for connecting the car bodies 104 and 105. These devices distribute the weight of the supported car body 105 to the car body 104 and the rails 111 via the bogies 112. In addition, the coupling hinge device 108 performs the task of at least partially transmitting the pulling force and the pushing force between the car body 104 and the car body 105.

[0066] exist Figure 1In the embodiment, the articulated vehicle 100 is located in a position suitable for its intended purpose. The articulated vehicle 100 is aligned substantially horizontally on the horizontal track 111. Accordingly, the longitudinal direction 101, the transverse direction 102 and the vertical direction 103 of the articulated vehicle 100 are defined.

[0067] The articulated device 1 and the pivot coupling 113 are arranged in the roof region 110 of the articulated vehicle 100 for establishing a connection between the body 104 and the body 105. Compared to the articulated device 1, the pivot coupling 113 is able to compensate for movements of the body 104 and the body 105 relative to one another in the longitudinal direction 101. Such relative movements occur, for example, as compression or tension when the articulated vehicle travels over valleys or over elevations.

[0068] Figure 2 and Figure 4 The basic design of the articulated device 1 and the articulated vehicle 100 is intended to be presented schematically. They show how a body 105 and a body 104 are connected in the underbody region 109 by means of a coupling device 107. The articulated device 1 is arranged in the roof region 110 between the bodies 104, 105. The articulated device has at least one central bearing 10 and two base bearings 20. All of these bearings or even just the base bearings 20 can be designed as flexible fixed bearings, i.e. rotational bearings with anti-rotation capability, whereby the axis of rotation is aligned substantially in the vertical direction 103.

[0069] The support bearing 20 has a bolt-shaped bearing portion 21, around which a flexible support device 23 surrounds. The support portion 22 of the support bearing 20 surrounds the support device 23 and the bearing portion 21 (see also Figure 5 ). Each bearing part 21 of the base bearing 20 is connected to the central bearing 10 via a leg 2. The legs 2 are thus combined at the central bearing 10, for example by axially engaging the two legs 2 at the same pivot axis 13 of the bolt-like bearing part 11 of the central bearing 10 in a slightly offset manner or around each other. If the vehicle bodies 104, 105 are aligned so that they do not pivot relative to each other, the pivot axis 13 of the central bearing 10 is substantially identical to the vertical pivot axis of the coupling hinge device 108.

[0070] Furthermore, the saddle bearing 20 is arranged on the vehicle body 104 indirectly via the support portion 22 via the base device 30 or directly on the vehicle body 104 via the support portion 22 (not shown). In the latter case, the support portion 22 of the saddle bearing 20 can be fastened directly to the structure of the vehicle body 104, so that the base device itself is not physically constructed, but is functionally integrated in the vehicle body 104 structure.

[0071] The saddle bearings 20 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body 104 and form a saddle distance 31 in the transverse direction 102. The saddle distance 31 defines the distance between the force centers of the saddle bearings 20.

[0072] At least when the articulated device 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 104 , the base distance 31 is adjustable, for example by providing a fastening device 33 in the base device 30 which enables a variable arrangement of the support part 22 on the vehicle body 104 in the transverse direction 102 .

[0073] The central bearing 10 is fastened to the vehicle body 105 by means of the carrier device 9 , so that the articulated device 1 forms a fork arm connection 7 between the carrier device 9 and the base device 30 .

[0074] Furthermore, the leg 2 is equipped with an adjustment device 6, by means of which the leg length 4 of the leg 2 can be varied. In this way, manufacturing tolerances of the bearings 10 and 20, the base device 30, the support device 9 and / or the vehicle bodies 104 and 105 can be compensated.

[0075] Furthermore, the effective fork arm length 8 of the fork arm connection 7 can be influenced by varying the base distance 31 and / or the leg length 4. In this way, tolerances in the longitudinal direction 101 can be compensated when connecting the vehicle bodies 104 and 105.

[0076] Figure 5 A cross section of a base bearing 20 is shown. A bolt-shaped bearing portion 21 is frictionally connected, for example by compression, to the receiving device 5 of the leg 2. Furthermore, a flexible support device 23 is provided between the annular support portions 22, wherein the bearing portion 21 and the support portion 22 are pivotable within a limited range by deformation of the support device 23, which for this purpose is for example compressed between the bearing portion 21 and the support portion 22.

[0077] The support portion 22 is fastened to the base device 30 or to the vehicle body 104 by means of fastening means 33 .

[0078] Figure 5 6 shows that a first gap 24 aligned in the transverse direction 102 and a second gap 25 aligned in the longitudinal direction 101 are established between the bearing portion 21 and the support portion 22 .

[0079] According to one embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the pedestal bearing 20 can be configured such that the gap 24 in the transverse direction 102 is larger than the gap 25 in the longitudinal direction 101. This can be achieved, for example, by the inconsistency of the shapes of the cam 26 and the stop 27. In this example, the cam 26 is firmly connected to the bearing part 21 and has an elliptical shape in the horizontal direction. The interaction of the cam with the circular stop 27 of the support part 22 produces a difference between the first gap 24 and the second gap 25.

[0080] Relative movement within the first gap 24 and / or the second gap 25 between the bearing portion 21 and the support portion 22 can only occur when the resistance caused by the support means 23 is overcome. Accordingly, the pillow block bearing 20 has internal rigidity for relative movement. Figure 7 The force-displacement curve, ie the stiffness, of the foundation bearing 20 is shown in the transverse direction 102 . Movement between the bearing part 21 and the support part 22 in the transverse direction 102 is only possible within the range of the first gap 24 or in the longitudinal direction 101 within the range of the second gap 25 .

[0081] The support means 23 is designed to have a quasi-linear stiffness curve in the first 2 / 3 of the first gap 24 , while the stiffness increases in the last third until the stop 27 is reached.

[0082] Figure 7 It is shown that the support device 23 is designed such that the stiffness when overcoming the second gap 25 in the longitudinal direction 101 is much higher than the stiffness when overcoming the first gap 24 in the transverse direction 102 .

[0083] Combination Figure 4 It can be seen that the present design obviously makes the total stiffness between the first body 104 and the second body 105 in the longitudinal direction 101 significantly higher than the total stiffness at the center bearing 10 in the transverse direction 102. The internal stiffness at the base bearing 20 in the longitudinal direction 101 is converted into the overall stiffness of the bearing portion 11 of the center bearing 10 in the transverse direction 102 via the ratio of the effective fork arm length 8 of the fork arm connection 7 to the base distance 31, and is particularly significantly reduced.

[0084] It is also indicative Figure 3 A rolling movement 106 of the vehicle body 105 relative to the vehicle body 104 is shown. Due to the relatively low overall stiffness of the center bearing 10, the rolling movement 106 can be relatively well compensated, which prevents the rolling movement 106 from introducing excessive forces into the structure of the vehicle body 104 and the vehicle body 105. At the same time, a relatively high stiffness is maintained in the longitudinal direction 101.

[0085] Although specific embodiments have been presented and described herein, it is also within the scope of the present invention to make appropriate modifications to the embodiments shown here without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, in which case it is conceivable that, for example, not only the embodiments according to Figure 5 6 to construct the pedestal bearing 20, and also to provide this design for the center bearing 10. The following claims represent a first non-binding attempt to provide a general definition of the invention.

[0086] Reference numerals

[0087] 1 Articulation device

[0088] 2 Legs

[0089] 3 Outrigger direction

[0090] 4 Leg length

[0091] 5. Accommodation device

[0092] 6 Adjustment device

[0093] 7 Fork arm connection

[0094] 8 Fork arm length

[0095] 9 Carrying device

[0096] 10 Center bearing

[0097] 11 Bearing part

[0098] 12 Supporting part

[0099] 13 Pivot axis

[0100] 20 Pillow block bearing

[0101] 21 Bearing part

[0102] 22 Supporting part

[0103] 23 Flexible support device

[0104] 24 First Gap

[0105] 25 Second Gap

[0106] 26 Cam

[0107] 27 Stopper

[0108] 28 Quasi-linear range

[0109] 29 Progressive Range

[0110] 30 Base device

[0111] 31 Base distance

[0112] 32 Base adjustment device

[0113] 33 Fastening device

[0114] 100 Articulated vehicles

[0115] 101 Vertical direction

[0116] 102 Horizontal direction

[0117] 103 Vertical

[0118] 104 First Car Body

[0119] 105 Second body

[0120] 106 Rolling motion

[0121] 107 Coupling device

[0122] 108 Connecting hinge device

[0123] 109 Underbody area

[0124] 110 Roof area

[0125] 111 Track

[0126] 112 Bogie

[0127] 113 Swing connection device

[0128] 200 Articulated vehicles

Claims

1. An articulated device (1) for flexibly connecting a first vehicle body (104) and a second vehicle body (105) of an articulated vehicle (100), the articulated device comprising - a central bearing (10) having a bearing portion (11) and a support portion (12) capable of being fastened to said first body (104), - two base bearings (20), each having a bearing part (21) and a support part (22), in, The base bearings (20) are respectively configured to be fastened to the second vehicle body (105) through the support portion (22) via the base device (30) while being spaced apart from each other by a base distance (31) in a first direction, and - two legs (2) each configured to form a mechanical fork arm connection (7) between the bearing portion (11) of the central bearing (10) and the bearing portion (21) of the base bearing (20), - wherein at least one pedestal bearing (20) or the pedestal bearing (20) comprises flexible support means (23) such that the internal stiffness of the pedestal bearing (20) in at least one leg direction (3) of the leg (2) associated with the pedestal bearing (20) is at least 2 kN / mm, and / or is not more than 7 kN / mm, at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28), and / or - wherein at least one base bearing (20) or the base bearing (20) comprises a flexible support device (23), which is arranged between the bearing part (21) and the support part (22) respectively, and the leg length (4) of at least one leg (2) or both legs (2) is configured so that the internal stiffness of the base bearing (20) in at least one leg direction (3) of the legs (2) belonging to the base bearing (20) is at least 4 N / mm per 1 mm of leg length (4) at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28) and / or does not exceed 20 N / mm per 1 mm of leg length (4), wherein at least one pedestal bearing (20) or a bearing portion (21) of the pedestal bearing (20) is securely connected to a cam (26), wherein the cam (26) has an elliptical shape in the horizontal direction, wherein at least one pedestal bearing (20) or a support portion (22) of the pedestal bearing (20) has a circular stop (27), so that due to the interaction of the circular stop (27) of the support portion (22) with the elliptical cam (26) of the bearing portion, the gap (24) in the transverse direction (102) is greater than the gap (25) in the longitudinal direction.

2. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1, in, At least one leg (2), the leg (2), the central bearing (10), at least one base bearing (20) and / or the base bearing (20) are configured such that when the leg (2) is mounted, an effective leg length (4) and / or an effective fork arm length (8) between the central bearing (10) and the base distance (31) can be adjusted.

3. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The legs (2) each comprise an adjustment device (6) having a threaded device oriented in the leg direction (3) of the respective leg (2) for adjusting the leg length (4).

4. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, At least one pedestal bearing (20) or the pedestal bearing (20) is configured such that its internal stiffness in at least one leg direction (3) of the leg (2) associated with the pedestal bearing (20) gradually increases from a certain relative displacement.

5. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The legs (2) are configured to have equal lengths with respect to their leg lengths (4).

6. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The base adjustment device (32) is arranged so that the mounting position of the base bearing (20) on the second vehicle body (105) in the transverse direction (102) and / or the base distance (31) are adjustable.

7. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The central bearing (10) comprises a flexible support device (23) arranged between the bearing part (11) and the support part (12), so that the internal stiffness of the central bearing (10) in at least a first direction is at least 2 kN / mm and / or not more than 7 kN / mm at least within a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

8. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The central bearing (10) comprises a flexible support device (23) arranged between the bearing part (11) and the support part (12), so that the internal stiffness of the central bearing (10) at least in the second direction is at least 12 kN / mm at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

9. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The central bearing (10) is designed as a ball joint bearing.

10. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, At least one base bearing (20) or the base bearing (20) and / or the center bearing (10) is configured such that the internal stiffness of the respective bearing (10, 20) in a first direction differs from the internal stiffness in a second direction at least within a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

11. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, At least one base bearing (20) or the base bearing (20) and / or the center bearing (10) is configured such that the bearing portion (11, 21) and the support portion (12, 22) can move relative to each other by overcoming the resistance provided by the flexible support means (23), wherein the respective gaps (24, 25) are at least 0.5 mm and / or are not more than 6 mm.

12. The articulated device (1) according to claim 11, in, At least one base bearing (20), the base bearing (20) and / or the central bearing (10) are configured as follows - such that a first gap (24) in said first direction and a second gap (25) in a second direction comprise different amounts, - such that the first gap (24) in the first direction is at least 0.5 mm and / or not more than 6 mm, and / or - such that the second gap (25) in the second direction is at least 0.75 mm and / or at most 2.25 mm.

13. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1, in, The internal stiffness of the base bearing (20) in at least one leg direction (3) of a leg (2) associated with the base bearing (20) is at least 3 kN / mm and / or not more than 6 kN / mm, at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

14. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1, in, The internal stiffness of the base bearing (20) in at least one leg direction (3) of a leg (2) associated with the base bearing (20) is at least 4 kN / mm and / or not more than 5 kN / mm, at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

15. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1, in, The internal stiffness of the base bearing (20) in at least one leg direction (3) of a leg (2) belonging to the base bearing (20) is at least 6 N / mm per 1 mm of leg length (4) and / or does not exceed 18 N / mm per 1 mm of leg length (4) at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

16. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1, in, The internal stiffness of the base bearing (20) in at least one leg direction (3) of a leg (2) belonging to the base bearing (20) is at least 8 N / mm per 1 mm of leg length (4) and / or does not exceed 16 N / mm per 1 mm of leg length (4) at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

17. The articulated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, At least one pedestal bearing (20) or the pedestal bearing (20) is configured such that its internal stiffness in at least one leg direction (3) of the leg (2) associated with the pedestal bearing (20) gradually increases from 2 / 3 of the total clearance of the pedestal bearing (20).

18. The articulated device (1) according to claim 7, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) in at least a first direction is at least 3 kN / mm and / or not more than 6 kN / mm at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

19. The articulated device (1) according to claim 7, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) in at least a first direction is at least 4 kN / mm and / or not more than 5 kN / mm at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

20. The articulated device (1) according to claim 7, in, The first direction is a transverse direction (102).

21. The articulated device (1) according to claim 8, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) at least in the second direction is at least 15 kN / mm at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

22. The articulated device (1) according to claim 8, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) at least in the second direction is at least 17 kN / mm at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

23. The articulated device (1) according to claim 8, in, The second direction is a longitudinal direction (101).

24. The articulated device (1) according to claim 10, in, The first direction is a longitudinal direction (101) or a leg direction (3), and the second direction is a transverse direction (102).

25. The articulated device (1) according to claim 11, in, The respective gaps (24, 25) are at least 1 mm and / or are no more than 5 mm.

26. The articulated device (1) according to claim 11, in, The respective gaps (24, 25) are at least 1.5 mm and / or are no more than 4 mm.

27. The articulated device (1) according to claim 12, in, The first direction is a transverse direction (102) and the second direction is a longitudinal direction (101).

28. The articulated device (1) according to claim 12, in, The corresponding gap (24) is at least 1 mm and / or is no more than 5 mm.

29. The articulated device (1) according to claim 12, in, The first gap (24) is at least 1.5 mm and / or is no more than 4 mm.

30. The articulated device (1) according to claim 12, in, The second gap (25) is at least 1 mm and / or at most 2 mm.

31. The articulated device (1) according to claim 12, in, The second gap (25) is at least 1.25 mm and / or at most 1.75 mm.

32. An articulated device (1) for flexibly connecting a first vehicle body (104) and a second vehicle body (105) of an articulated vehicle (100), the articulated device comprising - a central bearing (10) having a bearing portion (11) and a support portion (12) capable of being fastened to said first body (104), - two base bearings (20), each having a bearing part (21) and a support part (22), - a base device (30), in, The base bearings (20) are respectively arranged on the base device (30) at a base distance (31) spaced apart from each other in a first direction through the support portion (22), and are configured to be fastened to the second vehicle body (105), - two legs (2) each configured to form a mechanical fork arm connection (7) between the bearing portion (11) of the central bearing (10) and the bearing portion (21) of the base bearing (20), - wherein the base distance (31), the effective fork arm length (8) between the central bearing (10) and the base distance (31) and / or the support means (23) of one or more bearings (10, 20) are selected so that the overall stiffness between the bearing part (11) of the central bearing (10) and the support part (22) of the base bearing in the transverse direction (102) is not more than 30% of the internal stiffness of one of the base bearings (20) and / or is not less than 300 N / mm and / or is not more than 700 N / mm, and / or - wherein the ratio of the fork arm length (8) to the base distance (31) is at least 4:1 and / or is not more than 12:1, wherein at least one pedestal bearing (20) or a bearing portion (21) of the pedestal bearing (20) is securely connected to a cam (26), wherein the cam (26) has an elliptical shape in the horizontal direction, wherein at least one pedestal bearing (20) or a support portion (22) of the pedestal bearing (20) has a circular stop (27), so that due to the interaction of the circular stop (27) of the support portion (22) with the elliptical cam (26) of the bearing portion, the gap (24) in the transverse direction (102) is greater than the gap (25) in the longitudinal direction.

33. The articulated device (1) according to claim 32, in, At least one leg (2), the leg (2), the central bearing (10), at least one base bearing (20) and / or the base bearing (20) are configured such that when the leg (2) is mounted, an effective leg length (4) and / or an effective fork arm length (8) between the central bearing (10) and the base distance (31) can be adjusted.

34. The articulated device (1) according to claim 33, in, The legs (2) each comprise an adjustment device (6) having a threaded device oriented in the leg direction (3) of the respective leg (2) for adjusting the leg length (4).

35. Articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, At least one pedestal bearing (20) or the pedestal bearing (20) is configured such that its internal stiffness in at least one leg direction (3) of the leg (2) associated with the pedestal bearing (20) gradually increases from a certain relative displacement.

36. An articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, The legs (2) are configured to have equal lengths with respect to their leg lengths (4).

37. An articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, The base adjustment device (32) is arranged so that the mounting position of the base bearing (20) on the second vehicle body (105) in the transverse direction (102) and / or the base distance (31) are adjustable.

38. An articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, The central bearing (10) comprises a flexible support device (23) arranged between the bearing part (11) and the support part (12), so that the internal stiffness of the central bearing (10) in at least a first direction is at least 2 kN / mm and / or not more than 7 kN / mm at least within a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

39. An articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, The central bearing (10) comprises a flexible support device (23) arranged between the bearing part (11) and the support part (12), so that the internal stiffness of the central bearing (10) at least in the second direction is at least 12 kN / mm at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

40. The articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, The central bearing (10) is designed as a ball joint bearing.

41. An articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, At least one base bearing (20) or the base bearing (20) and / or the center bearing (10) is configured such that the internal stiffness of the respective bearing (10, 20) in a first direction differs from the internal stiffness in a second direction at least within a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

42. The articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, At least one base bearing (20) or the base bearing (20) and / or the center bearing (10) is configured such that the bearing portion (11, 21) and the support portion (12, 22) can move relative to each other by overcoming the resistance provided by the flexible support means (23), wherein the respective gaps (24, 25) are at least 0.5 mm and / or are not more than 6 mm.

43. The articulated device (1) according to claim 42, in, At least one base bearing (20), the base bearing (20) and / or the central bearing (10) are configured as follows - such that a first gap (24) in said first direction and a second gap (25) in a second direction comprise different amounts, - such that the first gap (24) in the first direction is at least 0.5 mm, and / or is not more than 6 mm, and / or - such that the second gap (25) in the second direction is at least 0.75 mm, and / or at most 2.25 mm.

44. The articulated device (1) according to claim 32, in, The overall stiffness between the bearing portion (11) of the center bearing (10) and the support portion (22) of the base bearing in the transverse direction (102) is not more than 20% of the internal stiffness of one of the base bearings (20), and / or is not less than 400 N / mm and / or is not more than 600 N / mm.

45. The articulated device (1) according to claim 32, in, The overall stiffness between the bearing portion (11) of the center bearing (10) and the support portion (22) of the base bearing in the transverse direction (102) is not more than 12% of the internal stiffness of one of the base bearings (20), and / or is not less than 480 N / mm and / or is not more than 520 N / mm.

46. ​​The articulated device (1) according to claim 32, in, The ratio of the fork arm length (8) to the base distance (31) is at least 5:1 and / or is no more than 10:

1.

47. The articulated device (1) according to claim 32, in, The ratio of the fork arm length (8) to the base distance (31) is at least 6:1 and / or is no more than 8:

1.

48. An articulated device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in, At least one pedestal bearing (20) or the pedestal bearing (20) is configured such that its internal stiffness in at least one leg direction (3) of the leg (2) associated with the pedestal bearing (20) gradually increases from 2 / 3 of the total clearance of the pedestal bearing (20).

49. The articulated device (1) according to claim 38, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) in at least a first direction is at least 3 kN / mm and / or not more than 6 kN / mm at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

50. The articulated device (1) according to claim 38, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) in at least a first direction is at least 4 kN / mm and / or not more than 5 kN / mm at least in a quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

51. The articulated device (1) according to claim 38, in, The first direction is a transverse direction (102).

52. The articulated device (1) according to claim 39, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) at least in the second direction is at least 15 kN / mm at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

53. The articulated device (1) according to claim 39, in, The inner stiffness of the central bearing (10) at least in the second direction is at least 17 kN / mm at least in the quasi-linear stiffness range (28).

54. The articulated device (1) according to claim 39, in, The second direction is a longitudinal direction (101).

55. The articulated device (1) according to claim 41, in, The first direction is a longitudinal direction (101) or a leg direction (3), and the second direction is a transverse direction (102).

56. The articulated device (1) according to claim 42, in, The respective gaps (24, 25) are at least 1 mm and / or are no more than 5 mm.

57. The articulated device (1) according to claim 42, in, The respective gaps (24, 25) are at least 1.5 mm and / or are no more than 4 mm.

58. The articulated device (1) according to claim 43, in, The first direction is a transverse direction (102) and the second direction is a longitudinal direction (101).

59. The articulated device (1) according to claim 43, in, The first gap (24) is at least 1 mm and / or is no more than 5 mm.

60. The articulated device (1) according to claim 43, in, The first gap (24) is at least 1.5 mm and / or is no more than 4 mm.

61. The articulated device (1) according to claim 43, in, The second gap (25) is at least 1 mm and / or at most 2 mm.

62. The articulated device (1) according to claim 43, in, The second gap (25) is at least 1.25 mm and / or at most 1.75 mm.

63. An articulated vehicle (100) having a first vehicle body (104), a second vehicle body (105) and an articulation device (1) for flexibly connecting the vehicle bodies (104, 105) according to one of the preceding claims.

64. The articulated vehicle (100) according to claim 63, in, The fork arm connection (7), the base bearing (20) and the central bearing (10) are configured so that the total clearance of the articulated device (1) between the vehicle bodies (104, 105) in the longitudinal direction (101) is at least 1.25 mm and / or at most 8.25 mm.

65. The articulated vehicle (100) according to claim 64, in, The total clearance of the hinge device (1) is at least 1.5 mm and / or at most 6 mm.

66. The articulated vehicle (100) according to claim 64, in, The total clearance of the hinge device (1) is at least 2 mm and / or at most 4.75 mm.

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