A system for the side skirts and side skirt supports of carriages used in multi-car vehicles.

Abstract

This invention relates to a system for a side skirt and side skirt support for a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle. The side skirt is adapted to cover the space below the lower frame of the carriage from one side. The side skirt has a coupler side edge forming a side edge of the side skirt, the coupler side edge being adapted to be arranged adjacent to a coupler head of the carriage. The side skirt support is adapted to attach the side skirt to the lower frame of the carriage. The side skirt support has a rod with a first joint adapted to be attached to the lower frame to allow rotation of the rod relative to the lower frame. The rod is attached to a portion of the side skirt via a second joint, the second joint allowing that portion of the side skirt to rotate relative to the rod. The side skirt support has a rotation controller that restricts the rotation that the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod can perform relative to the rod, such that the portion attached to the rod can rotate to an end position, but cannot rotate beyond an end position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for side skirts and side skirt supports for a multi-carriage vehicle. The invention also relates to a multi-carriage vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for moving the side skirts from the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In everyday life, multi-carriage vehicles, especially trains, are well-known, where the carriages are interconnected. For some of these multi-carriage vehicles, there is a desire and / or need to cover the space beneath the underframe of the carriages as much as possible. For example, if such a multi-carriage vehicle is a tram used in urban areas and running on tracks traversing public spaces, there is a desire to prevent people, animals, or other movable objects from becoming trapped under the underframe of the carriages. Therefore, in such cases, multi-carriage vehicles are designed with skirts that cover the space beneath the underframe of the carriages from the sides, rear, or aft.

[0003] Typically, for multi-carriage vehicles, those carriages with side skirts have couplers suitable for connecting them to adjacent carriages. These couplers have a neutral position, but can rotate laterally out of this position. When the multi-carriage vehicle turns, the couplers usually rotate out of the neutral position. Two conflicting design criteria exist in the design of such carriages. On the one hand, there is an attempt to give the couplers as much freedom as possible to rotate out of the neutral position, thus allowing the multi-carriage vehicle to turn. The more the couplers can rotate out of the neutral position, the smaller the bending radius around which the multi-carriage vehicle can travel. This design criterion is best implemented if the space under the carriage's lower frame is as open as possible to the sides, front, and rear. On the other hand, the above design criterion is best achieved if the space under the carriage's lower frame is as covered as possible from the sides, front, and rear, for example, by the side skirts.

[0004] To strike a balance between these two design standards, a system for side skirts and side skirt supports for multi-carriage vehicles has been proposed. The side skirt is adapted to cover the space beneath the lower frame of the carriage from one side. The side skirt has a coupler-side edge forming one side of the side skirt, adapted to be arranged adjacent to a coupler head of the carriage. In such a system, the side skirt has a side skirt support adapted to attach the side skirt to the lower frame of the carriage. In such a system, the side skirt support has a rod with a first joint adapted to attach to the lower frame to allow rotation of the rod relative to the lower frame. The rod is attached to a portion of the side skirt via a second joint, which allows that portion of the side skirt to rotate relative to the rod. Such a system can be connected to the carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle, the carriage having a lower frame and a coupler suitable for connecting the carriage to adjacent carriages of the multi-carriage vehicle. The coupler is attached to the lower frame, wherein the coupler has a coupler head and a coupler rod attached to the coupler head. The coupler rod is attached to the lower frame via a coupler rod joint, the coupler rod joint allowing the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame, wherein the rod has a neutral position, is rotatable toward one side of the neutral position, and is rotatable toward the other side of the neutral position. In such a design of the carriage, moving the coupler head to rotate about the coupler rod joint allows the coupler head to abut against the coupler side edge of the side skirt. Given that the side skirt support is designed in this way, i.e., the rod can rotate relative to the lower frame about the first joint, further movement of the coupler head toward the side skirt after the coupler head abuts against the side skirt causes the side skirt to rotate toward that side.

[0005] In this context, the problem to be solved is to better control the path of the side skirts when they are pushed open by the coupler head. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This problem is solved by a system of side skirts and side skirt supports for a multi-carriage vehicle. The side skirt is adapted to cover the space below the lower frame of the carriage from one side. The side skirt has a coupler side edge forming a side edge of the side skirt, adapted to be arranged adjacent to a coupler head of the carriage. The side skirt also has a rear side edge. A line connecting a point on the coupler side edge and a point on the rear side edge is defined as a reference line. The side skirt support is adapted to attach the side skirt to the lower frame of the carriage. The side skirt support has a rod with a first joint adapted to be attached to the lower frame to allow the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame. The rod is attached to a portion of the side skirt via a second joint. The joint allows this portion of the side skirt to rotate relative to the rod, wherein the side skirt and the side skirt support have a normal position in which the rod is arranged to point in a first direction, and the side skirt and the side skirt support have a displaced position in which the rod is arranged to point in a second direction, wherein when the side skirt and the side skirt support are in the normal position, the reference line points in the direction of the normal position, and when the side skirt and the side skirt support are in the displaced position, the reference line points in the direction of the displaced position. The rotation controller limits the amount of rotation of the side skirt between the normal position and the displaced position such that the direction of the normal position is equal to or parallel to the direction of the displaced position, or the angle between the direction of the normal position and the direction of the displaced position is less than 30°.

[0007] The problem is also addressed by a multi-carriage vehicle carriage having a lower frame and a coupler suitable for connecting the carriage to adjacent carriages of the multi-carriage vehicle. The coupler is attached to the lower frame, wherein the coupler has a coupler head and a coupler rod attached to the coupler head. The coupler rod is attached to the lower frame via a coupler rod joint that allows the coupler rod to rotate relative to the lower frame. The coupler rod has a neutral position and is rotatable to one side of the neutral position and to the other side of the neutral position. The carriage also has the aforementioned system of side skirts and side skirt supports for a multi-carriage vehicle carriage, wherein the rods of the side skirt supports are attached to the lower frame to allow the rods to rotate relative to the lower frame via a first joint. When the coupler rod is in the neutral position, the side skirt partially covers the space below the lower frame from one side, and the coupler side edge of the side skirt is arranged adjacent to the coupler head.

[0008] This problem is also solved by a method of moving the side skirt within the aforementioned multi-carriage vehicle. The method involves the side skirt being in its normal operating position when the coupler rod is in the neutral position, and...

[0009] When the coupler rod rotates out of its neutral position around the coupler rod connector, the coupler head contacts the side edge of the coupler. As the coupler rod continues to rotate around the coupler rod connector, the coupler head moves the side skirt out of its normal operating position. The force applied to the side skirt by the coupler head causes the rod of the side skirt support to rotate around the first connector.

[0010] or

[0011] A cam surface is arranged on the coupler rod or a component attached to the coupler rod. The side skirt support has a distance retaining rod attached to the rod. The distance retaining rod extends to the rod at an angle, and the end of the distance retaining rod is arranged to contact the cam surface. When the coupler rod rotates to one side about the coupler rod joint, the cam surface applies a force to the distance retaining rod, which causes the rod of the side skirt support to rotate about the first joint.

[0012] Preferred embodiments are described below.

[0013] The basic concept of this invention is to make the side skirt also have a rear side edge, and to define a reference line as the line connecting a point on the side edge of the coupler and a point on the rear side edge. The side skirt and side skirt support have a normal position in which a rod is arranged pointing in a first direction, and the side skirt and side skirt support have a displaced position in which a rod is arranged pointing in a second direction. When the side skirt and side skirt support are in the normal position, the reference line points in the normal position direction, and when the side skirt and side skirt support are in the displaced position, the reference line points in the displaced position direction. According to the basic concept of this invention, a rotation controller is provided that limits the amount of rotation performed on the side skirt between the normal position and the displaced position, such that…

[0014] • The normal position direction is equal to or parallel to the displacement position direction.

[0015] or

[0016] • The angle between the normal position direction and the displacement position direction is less than 30°.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt support has a rotation controller that restricts the rotation of the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod relative to the rod, allowing the portion to rotate to an end position but not beyond that position. The invention recognizes the risk of excessive rotation of the side skirt, pushed aside by the coupler head, around the rod of the side skirt support. This can cause a portion of the side skirt to travel to a position where it extends further out of the carriage than some related portion of the coupler head (e.g., the coupler disc). This arrangement of a portion of the side skirt poses a risk of collision with other portions of the side skirt or adjacent portions of the carriage connected to it. By limiting the amount of rotation that the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod can perform relative to the rod, allowing it to rotate to an end position but not beyond that position, it is possible to prevent the portion of the side skirt from extending further beyond the related portion of the coupler head (e.g., the coupler disc).

[0018] This invention relates to a system of side skirts and side skirt supports. The side skirts are adapted to cover the space beneath the lower frame of the carriage from one side. The side skirts are typically made of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, or more preferably of other lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber composites, like carbon fiber or graphite-reinforced polymers. The shape of the side skirts is typically determined by aerodynamic or aesthetic considerations. The side skirts generally extend downwards. It is feasible for the side skirts to have a horizontal top edge and generally extend downwards from that horizontal top edge. However, it is desirable that even the top edge of the side skirt is designed in such a way that the partition lines between other parts of the carriage (e.g., the side walls of the carriage) can be best arranged. The side skirts may also have a curved portion, for example, configured to cover the space beneath the lower frame of the carriage from the side, while simultaneously having a portion configured to cover the space beneath the lower frame of the carriage from the front (or rear; in multi-carriage vehicles, the terms "front" and "rear" are often defined only by the direction of observation). Therefore, the side skirt can extend around the front corner (or rear corner) of the carriage. The side skirt, which extends downwards as a whole, can have steps or curves facing forward or to the side. For example, the side skirt can have a lower section that looks like a bumper and is arranged to be more outward and forward (or rearward at the rear of the carriage) than other parts of the side skirt.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt has a rear member and a cover. The cover of the side skirt can be a portion made of a lightweight material, such as aluminum or a carbon fiber composite material such as carbon fiber or graphite-reinforced polymer. The cover can be a component to achieve optional design criteria required by the designer. The rear member can be a support or frame to which the cover is attached. Designing the side skirt as a two-piece element with a rear member and a cover allows the cover to be easily replaced in case of damage (e.g., during a collision).

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt (if the side skirt itself is a one-piece element) or the cover of the side skirt (for embodiments where the side skirt includes a back piece and a cover) is designed as a one-piece element. Therefore, any translation or rotation made by a portion of the side skirt / cover is converted into appropriate translation or rotation of the other portions of the side skirt / cover. It is feasible for the side skirt / cover to be made of two plates joined by a hinge, wherein the two plates can be folded together. However, it is preferred if the side skirt / cover is made as a single piece.

[0021] The side skirt has a coupler side edge forming the side edge of the side skirt, which is adapted to be arranged adjacent to the coupler head of the carriage. The coupler side edge can extend along a line. The coupler side edge can extend along a line that generally extends downward, but it can also extend at a small angle with the vertical direction, especially at an angle of less than 60° with the vertical direction, preferably at an angle of less than 45° with the vertical direction. Coupler side edges can be used in which the side skirt is designed not to extend straight downward, but only generally downward, but further laterally or further forward within the range of downward extension. The following design is feasible: the coupler side edge is a complete side edge of the side skirt from the top corner to the bottom corner of the side skirt. However, the following design is also feasible: the side skirt is designed to surround the coupler head or coupler rod. For example, the side of the side skirt arranged near the coupler has an overall U-shaped design and has a side portion intended to be placed above the coupler head, as well as a side portion arranged below the coupler head. In such a design, the coupler side edge will be a portion of the side skirt adjacent to the coupler head at the same height as the coupler head.

[0022] The side skirt has a rear side edge. Preferably, the rear side edge is the opposite side edge of the side skirt to the coupler side edge.

[0023] A line connecting a point on the side edge of the coupler to a point on the rear side edge is defined as a reference line. The reference line describes the orientation of the side skirt in space and the possible changes in orientation between its normal and displaced positions. Therefore, drawing the reference line does not require precisely defining which point on the side edge of the coupler extends to which point on the rear side edge; it is sufficient that the reference line is always drawn from the same point on the side edge of the coupler to the same point on the rear side edge when comparing the orientation of the side skirt in different positions. In a preferred embodiment, both the side edge of the coupler and the rear side edge terminate at a bottom corner, and the line between the bottom corners of the side edge and the rear side edge is defined as a reference line. If the side skirt has two components, particularly two plates or two cover portions, wherein the two components of the side skirt are movable relative to each other, a line connecting a point on the side edge of the coupler to a point on the rear side edge of the component with the coupler side edge is defined as a reference line.

[0024] The side skirt support is adapted to attach the side skirt to the lower frame of the carriage. The side skirt support has a rod with a first joint adapted to be attached to the lower frame to allow the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame, wherein the rod is attached to a portion of the side skirt via a second joint that allows that portion of the side skirt to rotate relative to the rod.

[0025] The present invention relates to a system of side skirts and side skirt supports, as such a system is a commercially available commodity. Typically, manufacturers of multi-carriage vehicles purchase systems comprising side skirts and side skirt supports from suppliers. Carriage production usually involves defining the area at the lower frame of the carriage to which the side skirt supports will attach. For existing carriages that already have side skirts and side skirt supports, it is also feasible to replace the existing system of side skirts and side skirt supports with the system according to the present invention without making any other changes to the existing carriage, thereby providing an upgrade to the existing carriage according to the present invention.

[0026] The first and second joints can be simple joints, such as pins inserted into holes in the rod. If the system according to the invention is designed for use in a carriage on tracks with many curves, it is anticipated that the side skirts will rotate frequently relative to the rod and the rod will rotate frequently relative to the lower frame. Therefore, in this case, the first and second joints may include ball bearings or other features to reduce wear and allow for frequent repetitive rotation.

[0027] The side skirt and side skirt support have a normal position, and the rod is arranged to point in a first direction in the normal position. The side skirt and side skirt support also have a displaced position, where the rod is arranged to point in a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the normal position is the position where the rod of the side skirt support has rotated the furthest in one direction about the first joint. The displaced position can be the end position, i.e., the position where the rod of the side skirt support has rotated the furthest in the opposite direction to the aforementioned direction about the first joint.

[0028] According to the basic concept of the present invention, a rotation controller is provided that limits the amount of rotation performed on the side skirt between the normal position and the shifted position, such that...

[0029] • The normal position direction is equal to or parallel to the displacement position direction.

[0030] or

[0031] • The angle between the normal position direction and the displacement position direction is less than 30°.

[0032] In an implementation where the normal position direction is equal to the displacement position direction, the side skirt will have the same rotational position in both the normal and displacement positions, and will only be moved along the reference line.

[0033] In an embodiment where the normal position direction is parallel to the displacement position direction, the side skirt has the same rotational position in both the normal and displacement positions, and is translated only in a direction different from the reference line. In such an embodiment, the normal position direction and the displacement position direction can be on the same horizontal plane. This means that the side skirt moves laterally and rearward from the lower frame, but remains on the same horizontal plane. However, the following embodiment is also possible, in which the side skirt is slightly raised when moving from the normal position to the displacement position. In such an embodiment, the normal position direction and the displacement position direction will be arranged on different horizontal planes.

[0034] In embodiments where the angle between the normal position direction and the displacement position direction is less than 90°, the side skirt has a slightly altered rotational position in the displacement position compared to the normal position. Therefore, the side skirt is translated and slightly rotated. In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the normal position direction and the displacement position direction is less than 75°, preferably less than 60°, preferably less than 45°, preferably less than 30°, preferably less than 15°, and preferably less than 5°.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt and side skirt support will have an intermediate position located between the normal position and the shifted position, and the rod is arranged to point in the intermediate position in a direction between the first direction and the second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation controller limits the amount of rotation of the side skirt between the normal position and any intermediate position such that the angle between the direction of the normal position and the direction of the reference line at each intermediate position is less than 30°, preferably less than 25°, preferably less than 20°, preferably less than 15°, and preferably less than 5°.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation controller restricts the rotation of the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod relative to the rod, such that the portion attached to the rod can rotate to the end position, but cannot rotate beyond the end position.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt portion and the side skirt support portion both have a normal operating position. In a preferred embodiment, the normal operating position is the position of the side skirt and side skirt support portion when the coupler rod portion is in a neutral position and no lateral force is applied to the side skirt portion and / or side skirt support portion by any element belonging to the coupler or attached to the coupler (coupler head or coupler rod portion).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, in the normal position of the side skirt and the normal position of the side skirt support, the rod and the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod have a first relative position to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod extends in a first direction, wherein at least the rod segment attached to the side skirt extends along a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are arranged to form an angle between each other that will be defined as the normal position angle. In a preferred embodiment, the normal position angle is between 10° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, when the side skirt support is in its normal position, the second connector is the foremost element, and the rod of the side skirt support extends rearward from the second connector. In a preferred embodiment where the side skirt has a rear member, when the side skirt is in its normal position, the second connector is also the foremost part of the rear member, and the remaining part of the rear member extends rearward from the second connector. In such a design where both the rear member and the rod extend rearward from the second connector, the normal position angle is preferably less than 90°, more preferably less than 60°, and most preferably approximately 30° to 45°.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the first and second directions increases as the side skirt is moved out of its normal position. The rotation controller is configured to limit the rotation that the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod can perform relative to the rod, thus determining how much the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod can rotate away from the rod when the side skirt and side skirt support are out of their normal position. If the rotation controller does not limit the rotation, there is a risk that a portion of the side skirt will rotate excessively and be in an undesirable position, particularly causing a portion of the side skirt to extend too far laterally or too far forward and reach areas where it may collide with components of adjacent compartments (e.g., portions of the side skirts of adjacent compartments).

[0041] The rotation controller can be set up using a simple method. For example, the portion attached to the rod can have a hooked protrusion that contacts the rod when the portion is rotated to the end position. When the hook contacts the rod, rotation beyond that end position will not occur.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation controller includes an additional component attached to the side skirt. Attaching this additional component to the side skirt provides two attachment points for the side skirt. The side skirt is held at two points: the point where the second connector is attached to a portion of the side skirt and the point where the additional component is attached to the side skirt. Having two attachment points to the side skirt allows for better control of the side skirt's movement in space. Especially in designs where the side skirt has a rear section and a cover, and the cover is made as a single element, controlling the relative positions of the two attachment points in space translates to good control of the side skirt (cover) in space. The additional component used as the rotation controller, attached to the side skirt, allows control of the rotation of a portion of the rod attached to the side skirt relative to the rod. The movement of the rotation controller to the attachment point of the side skirt relative to the point where the second connector is attached to the side skirt can be used to limit the rotation of that portion of the side skirt relative to the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation controller can be a spring. The spring can be designed such that its preload causes the side skirt to be positioned relative to a preferred position on the rod. A spring allows the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod to rotate relative to the rod, for example, if the side skirt rotates away from the rod when it leaves its normal position. However, this rotation causes the spring to stretch. Appropriate selection of the spring force allows for limiting the rotation of the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod relative to the rod, so that once the end position is reached, the portion of the side skirt cannot rotate further relative to the rod.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation controller can be a hydraulic cylinder, wherein the cylinder head or piston is attached to the side skirt and other parts, for example, the piston or cylinder head can be attached to the carriage. Proper control of the extension movement of the hydraulic cylinder can be used to control the rotation of the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod relative to the rod.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation controller is an attachment rod. This attachment rod can be attached to a side skirt, such as a rear section of the side skirt, and can also be attached to a lower frame rod of the carriage. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment rod has a first joint adapted to be attached to the lower frame to allow the attachment rod to rotate relative to the lower frame, whereby the rod can be attached via a second joint to an additional portion of the side skirt, for example, to which the (first) rod is also attached, the second joint allowing the additional portion of the side skirt to rotate relative to the attachment rod.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt has a rear member, from which a rod is connected via a second connector, and from which a rotation controller is provided via an additional rod, spring, and / or hydraulic cylinder, which is attached to the rear member, and which has a connection suitable for connecting the additional rod, spring, and / or hydraulic cylinder to the lower frame of the carriage. In a preferred embodiment, the connection of the additional rod, spring, and / or hydraulic cylinder to the lower frame of the carriage allows the additional rod, spring, and / or hydraulic cylinder to rotate relative to the lower frame of the carriage. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment of the additional rod, spring, and / or hydraulic cylinder to the rear member allows the additional rod, spring, and / or hydraulic cylinder to rotate relative to the rear member.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the rod is a straight rod. In a preferred embodiment, a first joint is located at one end of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, a second joint is located at a second end of the rod. Making the rod a straight rod allows it to be easily manufactured. However, it is conceivable that if certain elements are arranged below the lower frame of the carriage, the rod would collide with these elements. Therefore, it is also possible for the rod not to be straight, but rather angled or even curved. An angled rod may, for example, have two straight sub-segments connected to each other and extending at an angle relative to each other.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the additional rod is a straight rod. In a preferred embodiment, a first joint is located at one end of the additional rod. In a preferred embodiment, a second joint is located at a second end of the additional rod. Making the additional rod a straight rod allows it to be easily manufactured. However, it is conceivable that if certain components are arranged below the lower frame of the carriage, the additional rod would collide with these components. Therefore, it is also possible that the additional rod is not a straight rod, but an angled rod or even a curved member. An angled rod may, for example, have two straight sub-segments connected to each other and extending at an angle relative to each other.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt has a rear member and a cover attached to the rear member. In a preferred embodiment, the rear member has a first attachment point, a second connector is attached to the rear member at the first attachment point, and the rear member has a second attachment point, to which the rotation controller is attached.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the side skirt support has a connecting device configured to connect the side skirt support to the lower frame of the carriage. In some embodiments, the connecting device may be considered part of the lower frame of the carriage. The connecting device may have a first attachment point, to which a first connector is attached. The connecting device may have a second attachment point to which a rotation controller is connected. Providing a connecting device with an attachment that already includes a first connector of a rod simplifies the process of attaching the side skirt support to the lower frame of the carriage. With the connecting device, only the connecting device needs to be attached to the lower frame of the carriage, for example, by bolts.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, a distance retaining rod is provided on the rod attached to the side skirt support. In a preferred embodiment, the distance retaining rod extends to the rod at an angle. In additional or alternative embodiments, a cam surface is arranged on the rod or the component attached to the rod.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the side skirt attached to the rod and a return spring attached to the rod are provided such that when the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod is in the end position, the return spring applies a restoring force to the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod, which is oriented to move the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod in the end position toward the normal position of the side skirt and the side skirt support.

[0052] The carriage according to the invention is a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle. The carriage according to the invention has a lower frame and a coupler adapted to connect the carriage to adjacent carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle. The coupler is attached to the lower frame, wherein the coupler has a coupler head and a coupler rod attached to the coupler head. The coupler rod is attached to the lower frame via a coupler rod joint, which allows the coupler to rotate relative to the lower frame, thereby giving the coupler rod a neutral position and the ability to rotate toward one side of the neutral position and to the other side of the neutral position.

[0053] The carriage according to the invention also has a system according to the invention, wherein the rod of the side skirt support is attached to the lower frame to allow the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame via a first joint, and when the coupler rod is in a neutral position, the side skirt partially covers the space below the lower frame from the side and / or front, and the coupler side edge of the side skirt is arranged adjacent to the coupler head.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the side edge of the coupler is arranged close to the coupler head, but at a certain distance. This distance can be on the order of a few millimeters, preferably a few centimeters, for example, in the range of 1 to 100 cm.

[0055] The distance between the coupler side edge and the coupler head can be used to determine the free-spinning distance the coupler head can move without contacting the coupler side edge. The contact between the coupler head and the coupler side edge, combined with the continuous movement of the coupler head, can serve as a trigger for lifting the side skirt. Therefore, in embodiments where the contact between the coupler head and the coupler side edge is used to lift the side skirt, any movement that the coupler head can perform before contacting the coupler side edge is the movement of the coupler head that occurs without lifting the side skirt. The greater the distance the coupler head can move without contacting the coupler side edge, the greater the rotation angle of the coupler without lifting the side skirt. Therefore, in embodiments where the contact between the coupler head and the coupler side edge is used to lift the side skirt, the distance between the coupler head and the coupler side edge in the normal operating position can be used to determine the free angle of rotation that the coupler head can rotate without lifting the side skirt.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the lower frame has an angle, such as the front corner of the carriage, wherein the side skirts are designed to cover the space below the lower frame from the side and the front. Therefore, the side skirts extend around the corner of the carriage.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the coupler head has a coupling plate defining a coupling plane. In a preferred embodiment, during the rotational movement of the coupler rod portion from the neutral position to the end position about the coupler rod connector, all portions of the side skirt remain on one side of the coupling plane. The end position of the coupler rod portion can also be set by a rotation controller. Typically, in the design of the coupler, the amount of rotation angle by which the coupler rod portion can rotate out of the neutral position is predetermined. In this case, the end position of the coupler rod portion will be the maximum position from which the coupler rod portion can rotate out of the neutral position.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, a cam surface is arranged on the coupler bar portion or on a component attached to the coupler bar portion, wherein the side skirt support portion has a distance retaining rod attached to the rod of the side skirt support portion, the distance retaining rod extending at an angle to the rod, and wherein the end of the distance retaining rod is arranged to contact the cam surface or to be arranged at a certain distance from the cam surface, but contacts the cam surface when the coupler bar portion rotates to the side to a neutral position.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, a distance retaining rod is attached to the coupler rod and extends to the coupler rod at an angle, such that a cam surface is arranged on the rod or on a component attached to the rod, and the end of the distance retaining rod is arranged to contact the cam surface or to be at a certain distance from the cam surface, but to contact the cam surface when the coupler rod rotates to one side out of the neutral position.

[0060] In two alternative embodiments, the cooperation between the cam surface and the distance-maintaining portion can be used to coordinate the position of the side skirt relative to other components of the carriage when the side skirt moves. For example, the shape of the cam surface can be selected such that the distance between the coupler head and the side edge of the coupler remains the same during the movement of the side skirt.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the end of the distance retaining rod has a roller that facilitates movement of the distance retaining rod relative to the cam surface, since the roller can roll along the cam surface.

[0062] The following design is feasible: a separate drive unit drives a portion of the side skirt, such as a rotary drive unit that rotates a drive rod around the first joint. However, this introduces additional complexity and energy consumption. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, no additional drive unit is provided, especially no additional drive unit that rotates a drive rod around the first joint. The movement of the side skirt is preferably caused solely by the movement of the coupler, or by the coupler head contacting the side edge of the coupler, or by the interaction of a cam with a distance-holding rod.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, a return spring is provided, attached to the attachment rod portion of the side skirt and also to the vehicle body, such that when the attachment rod portion of the side skirt is in an end position, the return spring applies a restoring force to the attachment rod portion of the side skirt, the restoring force being oriented to move the attachment rod portion of the side skirt out of the end position. The return spring can be a helical spring, with one end attached to the side skirt or side skirt support and the other end attached to the lower frame of the vehicle body. The return spring can also be a torsion spring, either disposed between the side skirt and the side skirt support, or between the side skirt support and the lower frame of the vehicle body. The return spring can also be a hydraulic cylinder, a damper, or a gas spring.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, guide rails are provided on the carriage and rollers are provided on the side skirts, wherein the rollers travel along the guide rails as the rod rotates about the first joint. If the side skirts are made as large components, it is preferable if the side skirts are designed to rest against the carriage. This contact point can be provided by the guide rails and rollers.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, a guide rail in the sense of a chute is provided on the carriage, and a pin is provided on the side skirt, wherein the pin travels within the guide rail as the rod rotates about the first joint. If the side skirt is made as a large component, the guided pin in the guide rail can be used to determine the movement of the side skirt in space.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment,

[0067] A first system according to the invention is provided, comprising a first side skirt and a first side skirt support, wherein a rod of the first side skirt support is attached to a lower frame to allow the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame via a first joint, and wherein, when the coupler rod is in a neutral position, the first side skirt partially covers the space below the lower frame from a first side, and the coupler-side edge of the first side skirt is arranged adjacent to the coupler head on the first side.

[0068] and

[0069] A second system according to the invention is provided, comprising a second side skirt and a second side skirt support, wherein a rod of the second side skirt support is attached to a lower frame to allow the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame via a first joint, and wherein when the coupler rod is in a neutral position, the second side skirt partially covers the space below the lower frame from the second side, wherein the coupler side edge of the second side skirt is arranged adjacent to the coupler head on the second side.

[0070] In the method for moving the side skirt in the carriage according to the invention, when the coupler rod is in the neutral position, the side skirt is in its normal operating position and is provided with

[0071] When the coupler rod rotates out of its neutral position around the coupler rod connector, the coupler head contacts the side edge of the coupler. As the coupler rod continues to rotate around the coupler rod connector, the coupler head moves the side skirt out of its normal operating position. The force applied to the side skirt by the coupler head causes the rod of the side skirt support to rotate around the first connector.

[0072] or

[0073] A cam surface is arranged on the coupler rod or a component attached to the coupler rod, such that the side skirt support has a distance retaining rod attached to the rod, the distance retaining rod extending at an angle to the rod, and the end of the distance retaining rod being arranged to contact the cam surface, such that when the coupler rod rotates to one side about the coupler rod joint, the cam surface applies a force to the distance retaining rod, which causes the rod of the side skirt support to rotate about the first joint. Attached Figure Description

[0074] In the following description, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and the prior art. The drawings show...

[0075] Figure 1 This is a bottom view of a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle having a system of side skirts and side skirt supports according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first operating state.

[0076] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows the carriage, but the system is in the second operating state;

[0077] Figure 3 Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows the carriage, but the system is in the third operating state;

[0078] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle having a system of side skirts and side skirt supports according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a first operating state.

[0079] Figure 5 Is it like this? Figure 4 The diagram shows the carriage, but the system is in the second operating state;

[0080] Figure 6 Is it like this? Figure 4 The diagram shows the carriage, but the system is in the third operating state;

[0081] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 and Figure 3 The overlay diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figures 1 to 7 A portion of the carriage, specifically the front of carriage 1 of a multi-carriage vehicle, is shown. Carriage 1 has a lower frame 2 and a coupler 3 adapted to connect carriage 1 to an adjacent carriage of the multi-carriage vehicle. Coupler 3 is attached to the lower frame 2. Coupler 3 has a coupler head 4. Coupler 3 also has a coupler rod 5 attached to the coupler head 4, and the coupler rod 5 is attached to the frame 2 via a coupler rod connector 6. The coupler rod connector 6 allows the coupler rod 5 to rotate relative to the lower frame 2. The coupler rod has a neutral position, such as... Figure 1 , 4 As shown in Figures 7 and 8 respectively, the coupler rod 5 can rotate to one side of the neutral position and can cancel the opposite side of the neutral position.

[0083] The accompanying drawing shows a carriage 1 with a system of side skirts 10 and side skirt supports 20. The side skirts 10 are adapted to cover the space below the lower frame 2 of the carriage 1 from one side, as in... Figure 4As best shown in the diagram. The side skirt has a coupler side edge 11 forming the side edge of the side skirt 10. (See also...) Figures 4 to 6 As best shown, the coupler side edge 11 can be the edge of the side skirt 10 extending from the apex 12 to the bottom 13. However, other designs for the coupler side edge 11 are also possible. For example, it is conceivable that the side skirt has a top extension and, instead of having an apex 12, extends further to the side and even into the space above the coupler head 4. Generally, the coupler side edge 11 is adapted to be arranged adjacent to the coupler head 4 of the carriage.

[0084] The side skirt 10 also has a rear side edge 15, whereby the reference line 16 is defined as a line connecting a point on the coupler side edge 11 and a point on the rear side edge 15.

[0085] The side skirt support 20 is adapted to attach the side skirt 10 to the lower frame 2 of the carriage 1. The side skirt support 20 has a rod 21 with a first joint 22. The first joint 22 is adapted to be attached to the lower frame 2 to allow the rod 21 to rotate relative to the lower frame 2, whereby the rod 21 is attached to a portion of the side skirt 10 via a second joint 23, which allows that portion of the side skirt 10 to rotate relative to the rod 21.

[0086] The side skirt 10 and the side skirt support 20 are in their normal positions (e.g. Figure 1 and 4 (As shown separately), in this position, rod 21 is arranged to point in the first direction. The side skirt 10 and side skirt support 20 have shifted positions (e.g., Figure 3 and 6 (As shown separately), in this position, rod 21 is arranged to point in the second direction. When the side skirt 10 and the side skirt support 20 are in the normal position, reference line 16 points in the normal position direction (e.g., Figure 1 and 4 (as shown separately), and when the side skirt 10 and the side skirt support 20 are in the displaced position, the reference line 16 points in the direction of the displaced position (e.g., ...). Figure 3 and 6 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the normal position orientation (e.g.) Figure 1 and 4 (shown separately) and the direction of the shift position (e.g.) Figure 3 and 6 The angle between the two (shown separately) is less than 30°.

[0087] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 3 The superposition shows the respective positions of the reference lines in the normal and shifted positions, and shows that the angle ALPHA between the normal position direction and the shifted position direction is approximately 15° in this embodiment. Figure 7 Elements in their normal positions are shown by normal reference numerals, while elements in their displaced positions are shown by reference numerals with an asterisk (10', 11', 14', 15', 16', 21', 22', 23', 24').

[0088] The side skirt 10 has a rear member 24, wherein the rod 21 is connected to the rear member 24 via a second connector 23. The side skirt support 20 has an additional rod 25 serving as a rotation controller. The additional rod 25 is attached to the rear member 24. The additional rod 25 is also connected to the lower frame 2 of the carriage 1. As shown, when the side skirt 10 and the side skirt support 20 are in different operating positions (with... Figure 1 , 2 When the movement is performed in sequence 1 and 3, the additional rod 25 affects the relative position that the rear member 24 (and the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod 21) can reach relative to the rod 21. Therefore, the additional rod 25 operates as a rotation controller, restricting the rotation that the portion of the side skirt 10 attached to the rod 21 (i.e., the rear member 24) can perform relative to the rod 21, allowing the portion attached to the rod 21 (the rear member 24) to rotate to the end position (see [reference]). Figure 3 , 6 However, it cannot be rotated beyond that end position.

[0089] Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the system according to the invention has a side skirt 10 having a cover portion 14 attached to the rear member 24. The cover portion 14 is a single piece.

[0090] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the distance retaining rod 26 is attached to the rod 21 of the side skirt support 20. The distance retaining rod 26 extends to the rod 21 at an angle. Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler head 4 of the carriage 1 according to the invention has a coupling plate 7 defining a coupling plane E, wherein the coupler rod 5 is positioned from a neutral position around the coupler rod joint 6 (see [reference]). Figure 1 , 4 Towards the end position (see) Figure 3 , 6 During the rotational motion, all parts of the side skirt 10 remain on one side of the coupling plane E.

[0091] A cam surface 27 is arranged on the coupler bar portion, thereby the distance retaining rod 26 of the rod 21 attached to the side skirt support portion 20 has an end 28 arranged to contact the cam surface 27.

[0092] The method of moving the side skirt 10 according to the present invention Figure 1 , 3The neutral position is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, when the coupler rod 5 rotates to one side about the coupler rod connector 6, the cam surface 27 applies a force to the distance holding rod 26, which causes the rod 21 of the side skirt support 20 to rotate about the first connector 22. Given the arrangement and design of the system according to the invention, the side skirt moves outward and backward with all parts of the side skirt held on one side of the coupling plane E.

Claims

1. A system for a side skirt (10) and a side skirt support (20) for a carriage (1) of a multi-carriage vehicle, the side skirt (10) being adapted to cover the space below a lower frame (2) of the carriage (1) from one side, the side skirt (10) having a coupler side edge (11) forming a side of the side skirt (10), the coupler side edge (11) being adapted to be arranged adjacent to a coupler head (4) of the carriage, the side skirt (10) also having a rear side edge (15), a line connecting a point on the coupler side edge (11) and a point on the rear side edge (15) being defined as a reference line (16), wherein The side skirt support (20) is adapted to attach the side skirt (10) to the lower frame (2) of the carriage. The side skirt support (20) has a rod (21) with a first joint (22) adapted to be attached to the lower frame (2) to allow the rod (21) to rotate relative to the lower frame (2), wherein the rod (21) is attached to a portion of the side skirt (10) via a second joint (23) that allows that portion of the side skirt (10) to rotate relative to the rod (21). The side skirt (10) and the side skirt support (20) have a normal position in which the rod (21) is arranged to point in a first direction, and the side skirt (10) and the side skirt support (20) have a displaced position in which the rod (21) is arranged to point in a second direction. When the side skirt (10) and the side skirt support (20) are in the normal position, the reference line (16) points in the direction of the normal position; when the side skirt (10) and the side skirt support (20) are in the displaced position, the reference line (16) points in the direction of the displaced position. Its features are, The rotation controller limits the amount of rotation of the side skirt (10) between the normal position and the shifted position, such that The normal position direction is equal to or parallel to the displacement position direction. or • The angle between the normal position direction and the displacement position direction is less than 30°.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side skirt (10) has a rear member (24), and the rod (21) is connected to the rear member (24) via the second joint (23), whereby the rotation controller is provided via an additional rod (25), a spring and / or a hydraulic cylinder, the additional rod (25), the spring and / or the hydraulic cylinder being attached to the rear member (24), and the additional rod (25), the spring and / or the hydraulic cylinder having connectors adapted to connect the additional rod (25), the spring and / or the hydraulic cylinder to the lower frame (2) of the carriage (1).

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side skirt (10) has a cover portion (14) attached to the rear piece (24).

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A distance retaining rod (26) is attached to the rod (21) of the side skirt support (20), and the distance retaining rod (26) extends to the rod (21) at an angle.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The device includes a return spring attached to the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod, and attached to the rod, such that when the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod is in an end position, the return spring applies a restoring force to the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod, the restoring force being oriented to move the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod out of the end position.

6. A carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle, the carriage (1) having a lower frame (2) and a coupler (3) adapted to connect the carriage (1) to an adjacent carriage of the multi-carriage vehicle, the coupler (3) being attached to the lower frame (2), wherein The coupler (3) has a coupler head (4) and a coupler rod (5) attached to the coupler head (4). The coupler rod (5) is attached to the lower frame (2) via a coupler rod connector (6). The coupler rod connector (6) allows the coupler rod (5) to rotate relative to the lower frame (2). The coupler rod (5) has a neutral position and is capable of rotating to one side of the neutral position. Rotate to the other side of the neutral position. The carriage (1) also has a system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rod (21) of the side skirt support (20) is attached to the lower frame (2) to allow the rod (21) to rotate relative to the lower frame (2) via the first joint (22). • When the coupler bar (5) is in the neutral position, the side skirt partially covers the space below the lower frame (2) from one side, and the coupler side edge (11) of the side skirt (10) is arranged adjacent to the coupler head (4).

7. The carriage according to claim 6, characterized in that, The coupler head (4) has a coupling plate (7) that defines a coupling plane (E), wherein all portions of the side skirt (10) remain on one side of the coupling plane (E) as the coupler rod (5) rotates about the coupler rod connector (6) from the neutral position to the end position.

8. The carriage according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The cam surface (27) is disposed on the coupler bar portion (5) or on a component attached to the coupler bar portion. The side skirt support portion (20) has a distance retaining rod (26) attached to the rod (21) of the side skirt support portion (20). The distance retaining rod (26) extends to the rod (21) at an angle, and the end (28) of the distance retaining rod (26) is arranged to contact the cam surface (27).

9. The carriage according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The system includes a return spring attached to the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod and to the carriage, such that when the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod is in an end position, the return spring applies a restoring force to the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod, the restoring force being oriented to move the portion of the side skirt attached to the rod out of the end position.

10. The carriage according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, It has a guide rail disposed on the carriage and rollers disposed on the side skirt, and the rollers travel along the guide rail when the rod rotates about the first joint.

11. The carriage according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, have The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the system is configured as a first system, the first system having a first side skirt and a first side skirt support, a rod of the first side skirt support being attached to the lower frame to allow the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame via a first joint, the first side skirt partially covering the space below the lower frame from a first side when the coupler rod is in a neutral position, and the coupler-side edge of the first side skirt being arranged adjacent to the coupler head on the first side. and • The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the system is configured as a second system, the second system being provided with a second side skirt and a second side skirt support, the rod of the second side skirt support being attached to the lower frame to allow the rod to rotate relative to the lower frame via the first joint, the second side skirt partially covering the space below the lower frame from the second side when the coupler rod is in a neutral position, and the coupler side edge of the second side skirt being arranged adjacent to the coupler head on the second side.

12. A method for moving a side skirt in a carriage according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that, When the coupler rod (5) is in the neutral position, the side skirt (10) is in its normal operating position, and When the coupler rod (5) rotates out of the neutral position around the coupler rod connector (6), the coupler head (4) contacts the side edge (11) of the coupler. As the coupler rod (5) continues to rotate around the coupler rod connector (6), the coupler head (4) moves the side skirt (10) out of its normal operating position. The force applied to the side skirt (10) by the coupler head (4) causes the rod (21) of the side skirt support (20) to rotate around the first connector (22). or A cam surface (27) is arranged on the coupler rod (5) or a component attached to the coupler rod. The side skirt support (20) has a distance retaining rod (26) attached to the rod (21) of the side skirt support (20). The distance retaining rod (26) extends to the rod (21) at an angle, and the end (28) of the distance retaining rod (26) is arranged to contact the cam surface (27). When the coupler rod (5) rotates to one side about the coupler rod joint (6), the cam surface (27) applies a force to the distance retaining rod (26), which causes the rod (21) of the side skirt support (20) to rotate about the first joint (22).

Images