Retaining interface and damping system for a rail vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding interface (1) for connecting a bearing element (2) on a buffer (10) of a rail vehicle (4), comprising a holding body (1) with a component fixing region (1a) and a connection region (1b) which is different from the component fixing region, wherein the component fixing region (1a) is equipped with fixing elements and / or holes (5) for connecting the component (2) and the connection region (1b) is shaped such that the connection region can be fixed on the back side of a buffer flange (11) with buffer bolts (12) in at least three fixing points. Furthermore, the invention relates to a buffer system and a rail vehicle with such a holding interface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a holding interface for connecting a load-bearing component on a buffer of a rail vehicle, in particular an upper ramp, a step, a handrail and / or a standing platform, preferably in the front area of the vehicle. The invention in particular comprises a buffer system, for example a crash device consisting of a crash element and a central flange buffer, with such a holding interface, for example a variable additional flange for further attachment or for fixing an upper ramp on the crash element, in particular with a breaking function. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is necessary for a variety of different application cases to assemble further accessories in the front area of a rail vehicle in addition to the mandatory interoperability components. For example, the possibility should be provided to be able to access external facilities of the vehicle, for example the front windshield and the window wiper, and to be able to change the vehicle side or to stand safely, for example on an upper ramp, a step, a handrail or a shunting platform.

[0003] In general, the relevant interfaces are used to assemble the front vehicle device on the front panel of the underframe of the rail vehicle. For example, a holding structure which protrudes rearward has been fixed on the front panel to date, which, however, has the disadvantage that it requires or has a large space requirement. Furthermore, the fixing point of the standing platform, the upper ramp, the handrail or the step must also be dimensioned in such a way that it does not plastically deform or only plastically deforms to a small extent when in use.

[0004] The fixing of the standing platform, the upper ramp, the handrail or the step is usually done unilaterally on the vehicle side. Depending on the required step width or depth, the fixing point is correspondingly dimensionally large or bulky in order to ensure a low elastic deformation. Bulky and protruding fixing points lead to an increased weight and, in some cases, also to higher assembly costs due to poor accessibility, which is disadvantageous. Depending on the vehicle design, additional assembly costs for adjustment work are formed in order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances between different articulation points.

[0005] In the front or front area of a rail vehicle, components for irreversible energy consumption between the vehicle and the buffer are currently usually assembled. Here, the energy consumption is usually achieved by converting the crash energy into deformation energy by means of the aforementioned crash element (also referred to as "deformation element" or "energy consumption element"). Unlike a buffer, this conversion is achieved by irreversible deformation of the crash element folded in the axial direction.

[0006] Moreover, when in the prior art it is occasionally also known, for example, a holder for a connecting handrail, which has been previously welded to a crash element, such a connection can be disadvantageous, since for the ideal function of the crash element a free and undisturbed deformation movement is required, which should not be adversely affected by the handrail, the boarding ramp or the step and their connection points. SUMMARY

[0007] The technical problem addressed by the present application is to provide an alternative, more comfortable holding interface for connecting elements in the front area of a rail vehicle, with which the above-mentioned disadvantages are avoided.

[0008] First of all, for the sake of understanding it is to be stated that "rear" in the sense of a buffer means the side facing in the prescribed direction of the rail vehicle, while "front" means the side of the buffer disc. That is to say, for example, when the installation is made on the "back side" of the buffer flange, this means that the installation is made on the side of the buffer flange facing away from the buffer and should be arranged between the buffer flange and the fixed element, for example the buffer beam or the crash element, when the buffer is connected to the rail vehicle.

[0009] The holding interface according to the application for connecting a load-bearing component to a buffer of a rail vehicle comprises a holding body with a component fixation area and a connection area which is different from the component fixation area.

[0010] That is to say, the holding body of the holding interface, which is essentially the holding interface itself, comprises two different areas, one of which is intended for the prescribed load-bearing component and the other of which is intended for connecting the holding interface to the buffer. The term "load-bearing component" here means a component which is intended to be installed on the end of the rail vehicle and which can take up loads, in particular a boarding ramp, a step, a handrail, a standing platform or a holder.

[0011] To this end, the component fixation area is equipped with fixation elements and / or holes for connecting the relevant load-bearing component to the rail vehicle. The fixation elements here are preferably pins or bolts, which are already fixedly arranged on the holding body. The holes are preferably provided with a thread, so that the component can be simply screwed to the holding body without necessarily having to use a nut (where, of course, a nut can additionally be used for security).

[0012] The connection area is formed so that it can be fixed to the back side of the buffer flange with the buffer bolts, usually commercially available bolts, in particular with four bolts, at least at three fixation points. The connection area, for example, has the same shape as the buffer flange and has holes at the positions corresponding to the buffer flange, so that the connection area can be fixed together with the buffer flange by means of the buffer bolts.

[0013] If necessary, the connecting region can also have a recess in the center, so that the connecting region can comprise a buffer housing (i.e. a buffer outer shell or a buffer plunger) on the buffer flange, for example advantageously in the case of a central flange buffer.

[0014] The buffer flange, often also referred to as "buffer base plate", is a plate which fixes the buffer as specified on the rail vehicle or on the impact element. The fixing of the buffer flange on the buffer beam of the rail vehicle or on the impact element is achieved by means of so-called "buffer bolts" by means of a threaded connection of the components. Buffer bolts are known, usually commercially available bolts, and serve to reliably connect the buffer on the rail vehicle (or on the impact element).

[0015] In general, end flange buffers are distinguished from central flange buffers. End flange buffers are mounted at the end of the buffer outer shell, while central flange buffers are inserted on the buffer housing, in particular the outer shell of the buffer housing, and in particular are mounted in the central region thereof. By means of the present application, the existing interface between the impact element or the buffer beam and the buffer can be used in order to form a further interface for additional accessories, while the buffer is also extended forwards.

[0016] The buffer system according to the application comprises a buffer, in particular a central flange buffer, with a buffer flange and a holding interface according to the application which is mounted on the buffer flange using a buffer bolt. The buffer system preferably also comprises an impact element which is mounted on the buffer flange by means of a buffer bolt. Preferably, the holding interface is mounted between the impact element and the buffer flange.

[0017] The rail vehicle according to the application comprises a buffer system according to the application. Preferably, the rail vehicle is a locomotive, in particular a locomotive or a car body for shunting purposes.

[0018] The present application has the particular advantage that an interface for fixing components or accessories on the rail vehicle is achieved, which components or accessories are to be positioned or are positioned in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, a certain degree of flexibility is also achieved by the corresponding design of the fixing element, so that a retrofitability of the rail vehicle is achieved.

[0019] By converting the fixing solutions of the prior art, which are only fixed on the car body and, if necessary, on the front end, into a fixing on the buffer flange or on the buffer side of the impact element according to the application, the accessibility to the fixing point can be reduced and thus the assembly costs can be reduced, and the elements fixed in this way can be designed less bulky and thus lighter in view of the better support. The relevant elements can of course also be additionally fixed on the car body.

[0020] Furthermore, by means of the advantageous tolerance chain, the adjustment costs and, in turn, the assembly costs can be substantially reduced by the number of components with tolerances within the tolerance chain being reduced.

[0021] The structure has the further advantage that no additional holders are required (in addition to the possible means of fastening already present on the vehicle body) and thus no additional space requirement is created. The connection of the load-bearing component is achieved on components which are present in any case, on the bumper and, if necessary, on the crash element. The structure of the holding interface can be very simple but extremely flexible here.

[0022] Further particularly advantageous design forms and refinements of the application are given by the dependent claims and the following description, wherein the plurality of claims of one claim category can also be extended in a similar manner to the plurality of claims and the description of another claim category and, in particular, the particular features of different embodiments or variants can also be combined into new embodiments or variants.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the holding interface, the connection region has the same shape as the predetermined bumper flange or at least a part of the bumper flange and can be fastened together with the bumper flange by means of the predetermined bumper bolts. This has the advantage that simple assembly and disassembly (for example for the exchange for another holding interface) can be achieved. The detachable fastening of the holding interface, for example by means of the bumper bolts, is very advantageous for this purpose.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the holding interface, the connection region has recesses (for example holes) so that the connection region can surround the bumper housing (i.e. the bumper outer shell or the bumper plunger) of the predetermined bumper. Simple connection of the holding interface on the bumper can thus be achieved, even when the bumper is a central flange bumper. Here, the connection region preferably corresponds to only a part of the face of the bumper flange of the predetermined bumper and comprises at least three holes for the bumper bolts. The connection region preferably has recesses here at which the bumper housing is located on the bumper flange.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the holding interface, the connection region is angled, preferably perpendicular, with respect to the component fixing region. This is used for the connection of a step plate, for example for the connection of a horizontal support surface, for example a service platform.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the holding interface, the fixing element is a pin or a bolt and is fixed in the component fixing region of the holding body. As an alternative or in addition, the fixing element is also a hole, in particular with a thread, in the component fixing region.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the holding interface comprises in the component fixing region a fixing element or a hole which is designed for the connection of further accessories. The further accessories are preferably a link member handle, a shunting pedal, a shunting platform, a service platform, a barrier or a handrail.

[0028] According to a preferred holding interface, the holding body is shaped such that it has at least one (structural) weakening of the holding body between the component fixing region and the connection region. This weakening is designed here such that the component fixing region detaches from the connection region when a predetermined force acts on the weakening. This weakening is here a rated breaking point, in particular in the form of a punched hole or a shear element. This has the advantage that the components can be detached from one another purposefully in the event of an accident. For example, it should always be ensured that the unimpeded deformation movement of the impact element is ensured. For this purpose, the fixing of the carrier element, for example a handrail or a pedal, on the bumper side of the impact element should fail in the event of an accident. This is achieved by the weakening described, for example a targeted weakening of the carrier cross section of the holding body.

[0029] The holding interface thus enables the user to link additional accessories flexibly, space-saving but with sufficient strength in the vehicle front region.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the bumper system comprises an impact element which is mounted in a bumper flange by means of a bumper bolt. The holding interface is mounted here between the impact element and the bumper flange.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the bumper system, the bumper is a central flange bumper.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the bumper system, the connection region of the holding interface has the same shape as the bumper flange (at least the contour and, if necessary, recesses in the interior region) and has holes at the positions corresponding to the bumper flange.

[0033] Preferably, the holding interface is fixed to the bumper flange, in particular between the impact element and the bumper flange, by means of bumper bolts.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the bumper system, the connection region of the holding interface has recesses so that the bumper housing (i.e. the bumper outer shell or the bumper plunger) is at least partially surrounded, which is particularly advantageous when connected to a central flange bumper. Preferably, the connection region corresponds to at least a part of the face of the bumper flange, in particular its face less the recesses, and the holding interface is fixed to the bumper flange with at least three bumper bolts.

[0035] The application is explained in more detail below by means of examples with reference to the drawings. Identical components are denoted by the same reference symbols in the different figures. The drawings are generally not to scale. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 a buffer according to the prior art is shown,

[0037] Figure 2 a connection of a bearing part in the area of a buffer of a rail vehicle according to the prior art is shown,

[0038] Figure 3 shown from another perspective Figure 2 ,

[0039] Figure 4 a buffer system with a preferred holding interface according to one embodiment of the present application is shown,

[0040] Figure 5 a buffer system with an angled part fixing area and perforations according to another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0041] Figure 1 A buffer 10 according to the prior art is shown. The buffer has a buffer flange 11, which can also be called "buffer base plate" and which serves to fix the buffer 10 on a buffer beam of a rail vehicle 4 or on a crash element 3 shown here. The fixing of the buffer flange 11 is done by means of a plurality of buffer bolts 12, only one of which is shown here in order to also show the holes, which for this purpose exist in the buffer flange 11 and in the crash element 3.

[0042] Here, a buffer housing 13 is welded on the buffer flange 11, into which a buffer plunger 14 protrudes. Between these two parts, an elastic buffer element, not shown here, is installed, which can reversibly absorb and release a pressure acting on a buffer disc 15, wherein the buffer element can preferably also convert energy, for example, into heat and thus act as a shock absorber. In the event of an accident with significantly greater forces than normal, the crash element 3 absorbs said forces for this purpose. The crash element deforms here and acts as a crash zone.

[0043] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A connection of a bearing part 2 on a buffer 10 of a rail vehicle 4 according to the prior art is shown. The arrows show areas of the rail vehicle 4, in which the bearing part 2 is fixed. A step 2 is used here as an example of a bearing part 2. However, it can also be a handrail or a shunting platform. The step 2 shown here is fixed in the nose area of the rail vehicle 4. As is represented in detail here by the arrows, the step 2 is fixed on the front panel of the underframe of the rail vehicle and on the car side thereof. Here, due to the considerable step width, the fixing site is relatively bulky in terms of dimensioning in order to ensure a low elastic deformation.

[0044] Figure 4 A preferred damping system 9 with an embodiment of the holding interface 1 according to the application is shown, on which a step 2 or a handrail as a carrier part 2 is mounted. The damping system 9 comprises a damper 10 with a damper flange 11, which is mounted on a crash element 3, as Figure 1 is shown. Unlike 1, the damping system 9 according to the application comprises a holding interface 1 according to the application between the damper 10 and the crash element 3, wherein the parts are connected to each other by means of damper bolts 12.

[0045] The holding interface 1 has here a holding body 1 (and essentially consists of a holding body in this embodiment). The holding body 1 has here two mutually separate part fixing regions la, namely an upper part fixing region and a lower part fixing region, in which the step 2 is mounted. Between the part fixing regions la there is a connecting region lb, which has here the same shape as the damper flange 11. The part fixing regions la are provided here with a plurality of holes 5 (for the sake of simplicity only one of which is designated by a reference numeral), wherein instead of holes 5 also a plurality of bolts can be present in the part fixing regions la. The connecting region lb can be fixed here between the crash element 3 and the damper flange 11 with all four damper bolts 12, whereby the damper bolts 12 connect the crash element 3 and the damper flange 11, together with the holding interface 1 located therebetween, to the damping system 9.

[0046] Figure 5 A further embodiment of the damping system 9 according to the application is shown, which is in accordance with Figure 4 Unlike Figure 4 , the part fixing regions la here are at a right angle with respect to the connecting region lb, whereby the step (not shown here) can be laid flat and fixed with bolts 7 in the holes of the part fixing regions la.

[0047] In order to maintain the ideal functionality of the crash element 3, namely its ideal deformability in the event of an accident, the holding interface 1 has here a weakening 6 in the form of a perforation, so that the part fixing regions la are broken precisely at this position with respect to the connecting region lb.

[0048] It should finally also be stated once again that the above detailed description is only an embodiment, which the person skilled in the art can optimize in different ways, without leaving the scope of the application. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude that a plurality of the relevant features can also be present. Likewise, the term "unit" does not exclude that the relevant part consists of a plurality of jointly acting, if necessary also spatially distributed, subparts.

Claims

1. A buffer system (9) comprising a buffer (10) with a buffer flange (11), a collision element (3) mounted on the buffer flange (11) by means of buffer bolts (12), and a retaining interface on the buffer flange (11) mounted by means of buffer bolts (12) on the back side of the buffer flange for connecting a load-bearing element (2) to the buffer (10) of a rail vehicle (4), wherein, The retaining interface is located between the collision element (3) and the buffer flange (11). The retaining interface includes a retaining body with a component fixing region (1a) and a connecting region (1b) different from the component fixing region. The retaining body has at least one retaining body weakening portion (6) between the component fixing region (1a) and the connecting region (1b). The weakening portion is designed such that the component fixing region (1a) is separated from the connecting region (1b) when a predetermined force is applied to the weakening portion (6). The component fixing region (1a) is provided with a fixing element and / or hole (5) for connecting components, and the connecting region (1b) is shaped such that the connecting region can be fixed to the back side of the buffer flange (11) at at least two fixing points using buffer bolts (12).

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

3. The buffer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting area (1b) has a recess, thereby enabling the connecting area to surround the buffer housing (13, 14) of the buffer (10), wherein the connecting area (1b) corresponds to the entire face of the buffer flange (11) of the buffer (10) along with at least three holes for the buffer bolts (12), and has a recess in which the buffer housing (13, 14) is located on 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, and / or wherein the hole (5) in the component fixing area (1a) is threaded.

6. The buffer system according to claim 1, wherein the component fixing area (1a) includes fixing elements or holes (5) for connecting other accessories, which are designed 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 perforated or shearing 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 has the same shape as the buffer flange (11) and has a hole at a position corresponding to the buffer flange (11), and the retaining interface is fixed to the buffer flange (11) by means of buffer bolts (12).

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

12. A rail vehicle comprising a buffer system (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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