Retention interfaces and buffer systems for rail vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a retaining interface (1) for connecting a load-bearing element (2) to a buffer (10) of a rail vehicle (4). The retaining interface includes a retaining body (1) with a component fixing region (1a) and a connecting region (1b) different from the component fixing region. The component fixing region (1a) is provided with fixing elements and / or holes (5) for connecting the component (2), and the connecting region (1b) is shaped such that it can be fixed to the front side of a buffer flange (11) at at least two fixing points using bolts (12). Furthermore, this invention also relates to a buffer system and a rail vehicle with such a retaining interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a retaining interface for attaching load-bearing components to a buffer on a rail vehicle, particularly preferably boarding ramps, steps, handrails, and / or platforms in the front area of ​​the vehicle. The invention particularly includes buffer systems, such as collision devices consisting of a collision element and a buffer, with this retaining interface, for example, a variable additional flange for further attachment or for securing the boarding ramp to the collision element, which particularly has a breakaway function. Background Technology

[0002] For a variety of different applications, it is necessary to assemble other accessories in the front area of ​​the rail vehicle, in addition to mandatory interoperable components. For example, it should be possible to provide access to the vehicle's external facilities, such as the windshield and windshield wipers, and to replace the vehicle's side or stand safely, such as onboard ramps, steps, handrails, or platforms.

[0003] Typically, the relevant interfaces are used to assemble the front components onto the front panel of the rail vehicle's underframe. For example, to date, rearward-protruding support structures have been fixed to the front panel; however, the drawback of such support structures is that they require, or rather, have significant space requirements. Furthermore, the dimensions of the fixing points for platforms, boarding ramps, handrails, or steps must be defined so that these fixing points do not undergo plastic deformation or only undergo minimal plastic deformation during use.

[0004] Mounts, ramps, handrails, or steps are typically secured on one side of the vehicle body, such as in the cab or front panel. Depending on the required step width or depth, the mounting points are correspondingly large or bulky in size to ensure minimal elastic deformation. These bulky, overhanging mounting points result in increased weight and, sometimes, higher assembly costs due to poorer accessibility, which is disadvantageous. Depending on the vehicle design, additional assembly costs arise for adjustments to compensate for manufacturing tolerances between different hinge points.

[0005] In the front section, or front region, of a rail vehicle, components are typically installed for irreversible energy dissipation between the car and the buffer. Here, energy dissipation is usually achieved by converting collision energy into deformation energy using the aforementioned collision element (also known as a "deformation element" or "irreversible energy dissipation element"). Unlike the buffer, this conversion is achieved through irreversible deformation of the collision element, for example, by folding it axially.

[0006] Furthermore, while it is occasionally known in the prior art, for example, for retaining members for the driver's handle, which has previously been welded to the impact element in the buffer connection area, such a connection may be disadvantageous because the ideal function of the impact element requires free and undisturbed deformable movement, which should not be adversely affected by the handrail, boarding ramp or pedal and their connection points. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an alternative and more comfortable holding interface (or mounting joint) for connecting components to the front area of ​​a rail vehicle, thereby avoiding the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0008] The technical problem is solved by fixing the interface, using a buffer system, and using rail vehicles.

[0009] First, for ease of understanding, it should be noted that "rear" in the context of a buffer refers to the side facing the rail vehicle as specified, while "front" refers to the side of the buffer disc. That is to say, for example, when installing on the "front" side of the buffer flange, it means that it is installed on the side of the buffer flange facing the buffer disc.

[0010] The retaining interface according to the invention for connecting a load-bearing component to a buffer of a rail vehicle includes a retaining body with a component fixing region and a connection region different from the component fixing region.

[0011] In other words, the retaining body of the retaining interface is essentially the retaining interface itself, which includes two distinct areas: one for securing the load-bearing component, and the other for connecting the retaining interface to the buffer. The term "load-bearing component" here refers to a component that is installed on the end of a rail vehicle as specified and is capable of bearing loads, especially boarding ramps, steps, handrails, platforms, or retaining components.

[0012] For this purpose, the component fixing area is equipped with fixing elements and / or holes for connecting the relevant load-bearing components to the rail vehicle. The fixing elements are preferably pins or bolts, which are already fixedly mounted on the retainer. The holes are preferably threaded, allowing the components to be simply threaded onto the retainer without necessarily using nuts (although nuts can, of course, be used as a safety precaution). However, other fixing elements are also feasible, such as rivet nuts or weld nuts.

[0013] The connection area is formed so that the connection area can be fixed to the front side of the buffer flange at at least one fixed point, especially at at least two fixed points, using bolts, preferably buffer bolts (usually commercially available bolts).

[0014] For example, the connection area has the same shape as the buffer flange and has holes at positions corresponding to the buffer flange, so that the connection area can be fixed together with the buffer flange by means of buffer bolts.

[0015] If necessary, the connection area may also have a central recess, allowing the connection area to include a buffer housing (i.e., a buffer cover or buffer plunger) on the buffer flange. Preferably, the connection area only surrounds a portion of the face of the buffer flange and has the aforementioned recess therein, where the buffer housing is located on or at the buffer flange.

[0016] A buffer flange is a plate that secures a buffer to a rail vehicle or collision element according to specifications. The buffer flange is secured to the front panel of the rail vehicle or to the collision element via threaded connections of the components using so-called "buffer bolts." Buffer bolts are known, typically commercially available bolts, and provide a reliable connection of the buffer to the rail vehicle (or collision element).

[0017] Typically, end flange buffers differ from central flange buffers. End flanges are mounted at the ends of the buffer housing, while central flanges are fitted onto the buffer housing, particularly the outer cover of the buffer housing, and especially mounted in its central region. With this invention, existing interfaces between the impact element or front panel and the buffer can be used to form additional interfaces for additional accessories, while the buffer is also extended forward.

[0018] The buffer system according to the invention includes a buffer, particularly a central flange buffer, having a buffer flange and a retaining interface according to the invention mounted on the buffer flange by bolts, preferably by buffer bolts. The buffer system preferably also includes a collision element mounted on the buffer flange by means of buffer bolts. The retaining interface is here mounted on the front side of the buffer flange (other than the collision element).

[0019] A buffer system can also be called an "energy dissipation system", especially when it includes a collision element, because collision elements typically have damping properties and always convert at least a portion of the kinetic energy into deformation and heat.

[0020] The rail vehicle according to the invention includes a buffer system according to the invention. The rail vehicle is preferably a locomotive, especially a shunting locomotive or track locomotive or freight locomotive for passenger or freight transport.

[0021] A particular advantage of this invention is that it provides an interface for securing components or accessories to a rail vehicle, the components or accessories being extended forward or positioned longitudinally along the vehicle. Furthermore, the appropriate design of the securing elements allows for a degree of flexibility, thereby enabling the rail vehicle to be retrofitted.

[0022] By converting the existing fixing scheme, which is only fixed to the carriage and, if necessary, the front end, to the fixing on the buffer flange or on the buffer side of the collision element according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the accessibility of the fixing point and thereby reduce assembly costs, and to design such a fixed element to be less bulky and thus reduce weight due to better support. The related elements can, of course, also be additionally fixed to the carriage.

[0023] Furthermore, a favorable tolerance chain can significantly reduce adjustment costs and, consequently, assembly costs due to the reduced number of tolerance-bearing components within the tolerance chain.

[0024] Other advantages of this structure are that it eliminates the need for additional fasteners (besides existing methods of fixing within the carriage), thus avoiding additional space requirements. Connections to load-bearing components are achieved on components that are already present, buffers, and, if necessary, collision elements. The structure of the fastening interfaces can be very simple yet extremely flexible.

[0025] Other particularly advantageous design features and improvements of the invention are given in the following description, and in particular, the particular features of different embodiments or solutions can be combined to form new embodiments or solutions.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the retaining interface, the connection area has the same shape as a predetermined buffer flange or at least a portion thereof, and can be secured together with the buffer flange by means of predetermined buffer bolts. This has the advantage of enabling simple assembly and disassembly (e.g., for replacement with other retaining interfaces). The removable securing of the retaining interface, for example by means of buffer bolts, is highly advantageous for this purpose.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the retaining interface, the connection area has a recess, so that the connection area can surround the buffer housing (i.e., buffer cover or buffer plunger) of the predetermined buffer. This allows the retaining interface to be easily connected to the buffer from the buffer disc side. Here, the connection area preferably corresponds only to a portion of the face of the buffer flange of the predetermined buffer and includes at least one hole, especially at least two holes for (buffer) bolts. The connection area preferably has a recess here, where the buffer housing is located on or at the buffer flange.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the retaining interface, the connecting area is angled, preferably perpendicular, to the component fixing area. This is used for connecting pedals, for example, for connecting horizontal support surfaces, such as stands.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the retaining interface, the retaining element is a pin or bolt, and is fixedly installed in the component fixing area of ​​the retainer. Alternatively or supplementarily, the retaining element may also have a threaded hole in the component fixing area. However, it is also preferable to use a rivet nut or a weld nut.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the retaining interface includes a retaining element or hole in the component fixing area, designed for connecting other accessories. These other accessories are preferably loading ramps, steps, handrails, or platforms, particularly operator handles, shunting steps, shunting platforms, maintenance platforms, railings, or handrails.

[0031] According to a preferred retaining interface, the retainer is formed such that it has at least one (structural) weakening portion between the component fixing region and the connecting region. This weakening portion is designed such that when a predetermined force is applied to it, the component fixing region separates from the connecting region. Here, the weakening portion is a rated break point, particularly in the form of a perforated or shearing element. This has the advantage of allowing the components to separate intentionally in case of an accident. For example, the undisturbed deformable movement of the impact element should always be ensured. To this end, the fixing of the load-bearing element, such as a handrail or pedal, on the buffer side of the impact element should fail in case of an accident. This is achieved by the weakening portion, such as a targeted weakening of the load-bearing cross-section of the retainer.

[0032] Therefore, the fixed interface allows users to flexibly, space-savingly, but with sufficient strength, link additional accessories to the front area of ​​the vehicle.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the buffer system includes a collision element, which is mounted in the buffer flange by means of buffer bolts. Here, a retaining interface is mounted on the buffer flange on the other side of the collision element (i.e., from the buffer disc side).

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the buffer system, the buffer is a central flange buffer.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the buffer system, the connection area of ​​the retaining interface has the same shape as the buffer flange (at least its outline and, if necessary, a recess in the internal area), and has a hole at a position corresponding to the buffer flange. Preferably, the retaining interface is secured to the buffer flange by means of buffer bolts.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the buffer system, the retaining interface is mounted on the buffer disc side of the buffer flange, and the connection area of ​​the retaining interface has a recess, thereby at least partially surrounding the buffer housing (i.e., the buffer cover or buffer plunger). Preferably, the connection area corresponds only to at least a portion of the face of the buffer flange, and the retaining interface is secured to the buffer flange using at least one buffer bolt, preferably at least two buffer bolts. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Here, the same reference numerals are used to label the same parts in different drawings. The drawings are generally not to scale. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a buffer system including a buffer and a collision element according to the prior art.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates the connection of the load-bearing components in the buffer area of ​​a rail vehicle according to the prior art.

[0040] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 from another perspective.

[0041] Figure 4 A buffer system with a preferred retaining interface according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 5 The front of the rail vehicle is shown, in which a pedal is mounted via a preferred retaining interface.

[0043] Figure 6 Shown from another perspective Figure 5 , Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 shows a buffer 10 according to the prior art. The buffer has a buffer flange 11 for securing the buffer 10 to the front panel of the rail vehicle 4 or to the collision element 3 shown here. The buffer flange 11 is secured by means of a plurality of buffer bolts 12, only one of which is shown here, so that holes for this purpose can also be shown in the buffer flange 11 and the collision element 3.

[0045] Here, a buffer cover 13 is welded to the buffer flange 11, and a buffer plunger 14 protrudes into the buffer cover. Between these two components is a resilient buffer element (not shown), capable of reversibly absorbing and releasing pressure acting on the buffer disc 15. Preferably, the buffer element can also convert energy into heat, for example, and thus act as a shock absorber. In the event of an unexpected force significantly greater than normal, the impact element 3 absorbs the force. The impact element deforms here and irreversibly absorbs the impact energy.

[0046] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the connection of the load-bearing component 2 to the buffer 10 of the rail vehicle 4 according to the prior art. Arrows indicate areas of the rail vehicle 4 where the load-bearing component 2 is fixed. Here, a footboard 2 is used as an example of the load-bearing component 2. However, it could also be a handrail or a shunting platform. The footboard 2 shown here is fixed to the front area of ​​the rail vehicle 4. As detailed here by arrows, the footboard 2 is fixed to the cab or front end of the rail vehicle and on its side. Here, due to the considerable width of the footboard, the fixing point on the cab or front end is relatively bulky in size design to ensure low elastic deformation.

[0047] Figure 4 A preferred buffer system 9 with a retaining interface 1 according to the invention is shown, on which a pedal 2 serving as a load-bearing component 2 can be mounted. The buffer system 9 includes a buffer 10 with a buffer flange 11, which is mounted on the impact element 3, as shown in FIG1. ​​Unlike FIG1, the retaining interface 1 according to the invention includes components on the front side of the buffer flange 11 (i.e., on the side facing the buffer disc 15), wherein these components are interconnected by means of buffer bolts 12.

[0048] The retaining interface 1 here has a retaining body 1 (and in this embodiment is essentially composed of a retaining body). The retaining body 1 has a component fixing region 1a, which is at a perpendicular angle to the connecting region 1b, so that the pedal 2 (not shown here, see the following figure) can be laid flat and fixed in the hole of the component fixing region 1a by bolts 7.

[0049] Below the component fixing area 1a is a connecting area 1b, which here corresponds to a portion of the face of the buffer flange 11, i.e., a portion of its upper area, and is fixed to the buffer flange 11 by two buffer bolts 12. Since the buffer flange 11 is welded to the buffer cover 13, or introduced into the buffer cover in the case of a central flange buffer, there is a recess in the connecting area 1b, which partially surrounds the buffer cover 13.

[0050] The component fixing area 1a is provided with multiple holes 5 (only one hole is marked with a reference numeral for simplicity), where multiple fixing elements, such as bolts (instead of holes 5), may also exist. The connection area 1b can be fixed between the impact element 3 and the buffer flange 11 using two damper bolts 12, thereby connecting the impact element 3, the buffer flange 11, and the closely fitting retaining interface 1 to the buffer system 9. Alternatively, fixing can be achieved at additional fixing points on the buffer flange using the damper bolts 12.

[0051] Figure 5 The front of the rail vehicle 4 is shown, in which a footplate 2 is mounted via a preferred retaining interface 1. Here, the footplate 2 is recessed in a hole 5 (see, for example, bolt 7) by means of a bolt 7. Figure 5 It is fixed to the retaining interface 1, and the retaining interface 1 is fixed to the buffer 10 of the rail vehicle 4 by two buffer bolts 12.

[0052] In order to maintain the ideal function of the collision element 3, that is, its ideal deformability in the event of an accident, the retaining interface 1 here has a weakening part 6 in the form of a perforation, so that the component fixing area 1a is accurately disconnected from the connecting area 1b at this position.

[0053] Figure 6 Shown from another perspective Figure 5 The two arrows on the right indicate the fixing points on the buffer and the retaining interface 1, while the arrow on the left indicates additional fixing possibilities on the side of the rail vehicle (as used in the prior art). The weakened portion 6 in the retaining structure 1 is preferred for fixing at that location.

[0054] Finally, it should be reiterated that the embodiments described in the above detailed description are merely examples, and those skilled in the art can optimize the embodiments in different ways as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not preclude the existence of multiple related features. Similarly, the term "unit" does not preclude the existence of a related component composed of multiple working sub-components that, if necessary, can be spatially distributed.

Claims

1. A buffering system, comprising: Buffer (10) with buffer flange (11), The collision element (3) is mounted on the buffer flange (11) by means of bolts (12). A retaining interface (1) is used to connect the bearing element (2) to the buffer (10) of the rail vehicle (4). The retaining interface is mounted on the front side of the buffer flange (11) on one side of the collision element (3) using bolts (12). The retaining interface includes a retaining body (1) with a component fixing area (1a) and a connecting area (1b) different from the component fixing area. The retaining body (1) has at least one weakening part (6) between the component fixing area (1a) and the connecting area (1b). The weakening part is designed such that the component fixing area (1a) is separated from the connecting area (1b) when a predetermined force is applied to the weakening part (6). The component fixing area (1a) is provided with a fixing element and / or hole (5) for connecting the bearing element (2). The connecting area (1b) is shaped such that it can be fixed to the front side of the buffer flange (11) at at least one fixing point using bolts (12).

2. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The connection area (1b) of the retaining interface (1) has the same shape as the buffer flange (11) or at least a portion thereof.

3. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The connection area (1b) of the retaining interface (1) has a recess, thereby enabling the connection area to surround the buffer housing (13, 14) of the buffer (10), wherein the connection area (1b) corresponds only to at least a portion of the face of the buffer flange (11) of the buffer (10) along with at least one hole for the buffer bolt (12), and has a recess in which the buffer housing (13, 14) is located on or at the buffer flange (11).

4. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting area (1b) is perpendicular to the component fixing area (1a).

5. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing element is a pin or bolt, and is fixedly installed in the component fixing area (1a) of the retainer (1), and / or wherein the hole (5) in the component fixing area (1a) is threaded.

6. The buffer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component fixing area (1a) of the retaining interface (1) includes a fixing element or hole (5) for connecting other accessories, which is designed for connecting the loading ramp, pedal, handrail or platform, or for connecting the operator's handrail, shunting pedal, shunting platform, maintenance platform, railing and / or handrail.

7. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The weakening part (6) is the rated break point.

8. The buffer system according to claim 7, wherein, The weakening part (6) is in the form of a punched or sheared element.

9. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer (10) is a central flange buffer.

10. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The connection area (1b) of the retaining interface (1) has a hole at a position corresponding to the buffer flange (11), and the retaining interface (1) is fixed to the buffer flange (11) by means of bolts (12).

11. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein, The connection area (1b) of the retaining interface (1) has a recess, thereby at least partially surrounding the buffer housing (13, 14), wherein the connection area (1b) corresponds only to a portion of the face of the buffer flange (11), and the retaining interface (1) is fixed to the buffer flange (11) by at least one bolt (12).

12. A rail vehicle comprising a buffer system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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