Protective covers for shaft springs and shaft springs for railway vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a protective cover for axle springs, which can compactly cover axle springs used in railway vehicles and is less prone to deformation, breakage, or detachment caused by wind pressure. The protective cover 1, which is assembled to axle spring 20 of a railway vehicle and covers the lower outer surface of the elastic portion 23 in the assembled state, includes a corrugated portion 4. This corrugated portion 4 is formed into an integral cylindrical shape from an elastic thin film material and is capable of axial expansion and contraction. In the assembled state, the protective cover 1 indirectly abuts against the inner cylinder 21 via a rubber layer 27A, directly abuts against the outer cylinder 22, and directly abuts against the elastic portion 23 at a position radially separated from the abutment positions of the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a protective cover for axle springs used to protect axle springs for railway vehicles, and axle springs for railway vehicles provided with the protective cover for axle springs. Background Technology

[0002] In the trolley of a railway vehicle, an axle spring for railway vehicles is installed between the arm of the axle box that supports the axle and the trolley frame that supports the vehicle. The axle spring for railway vehicles is formed by clamping a ring-shaped elastic part, which consists of multiple layers of rubber and multiple metal parts that are alternately stacked radially between the core material on the arm side and the outer cylinder on the trolley frame side, thereby forming an overall conical shape.

[0003] In the aforementioned axle springs for railway vehicles, a protective cover is fitted to the axle spring for purposes such as fire protection, wind protection, snow protection, water and dust protection, etc., to protect the elastic part exposed below the outer cylinder. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a protective cover for this axle spring that is formed of a flexible material and has a stepped cylindrical shape with a large diameter at the top and a small diameter at the bottom. This protective cover is fixed to the outer circumference of the outer ring (outer cylinder) using a fastening strap or the like, with the upper opening fixed to the outer circumference of the axle (core material) and the lower opening fixed to the outer circumference of the axle. Furthermore, as another example, a protective cover is disclosed that, to facilitate subsequent installation of the axle spring for railway vehicles, is formed by connecting two C-shaped protective covers, each divided into a semi-circular arc, which are parted axially along the cylindrical section.

[0004] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 also discloses a fireproof cover that is formed as a cylindrical shape with openings at the top and bottom, and is funnel-shaped (stepped cylindrical shape) with a large diameter at the top and a small diameter at the bottom.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-278398

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-173130 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In patent documents 1 and 2, stepped cylindrical protective covers, to avoid interference with the elastic element, have a large internal space on the upper side with a large diameter, thus increasing the size of the protective cover relative to the axle spring for railway vehicles. Therefore, there is a risk that it may become easily deformed by wind pressure during operation, and that it may detach from the joint with the axle spring or that the bending during deformation may concentrate in one location, leading to breakage. This is also the case with the C-shaped, segmented protective cover disclosed in patent document 1; particularly in this type, the risk of detachment from the axle spring is increased when stress concentrates at the joint due to wind pressure during operation.

[0011] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a protective cover for axle springs and axle springs for railway vehicles that can compactly cover axle springs and are also resistant to deformation, breakage, or detachment caused by wind pressure.

[0012] means for solving problems

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the first configuration of this disclosure is a protective cover for a shaft spring, which is assembled to a railway vehicle shaft spring comprising: a core material extending in an upward and downward direction; an outer cylinder coaxially disposed with the core material; and an annular elastic portion formed by alternatingly stacking an elastomer and a metal part in a radial direction and bonding them between the core material and the outer cylinder. The protective cover for the shaft spring, in this assembled state, covers the lower outer surface of the elastic portion. Its characteristic is that...

[0014] The protective cover for the shaft spring includes a corrugated portion formed into a single cylindrical shape from an elastic thin film material, and capable of axial expansion and contraction.

[0015] In the assembled state, the shaft spring abuts against the core material directly or indirectly via the elastomer with the protective cover, abuts against the outer cylinder directly, and abuts against the elastic part at a position that is radially separated from the abutment position with the core material and the outer cylinder.

[0016] The other aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the corrugated portion alternately has, along the radial direction, a support portion that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the elastic portion and elastically supports the corrugated portion; and a movable portion that is supported by the support portion and approaches the outer peripheral surface of the elastic portion.

[0017] Another feature of the first configuration is that, in the above configuration, the support portion abuts against the end of the metal member in the elastic portion in a cylindrical shape.

[0018] Another feature of the first configuration is that, in the above configuration, a concave-convex shape is formed radially on the lower surface of the elastic part, and a portion of each of the movable parts is located inside a predetermined shape region defined by connecting the plurality of protrusions in the concave-convex shape to each other.

[0019] Another feature of the first configuration is that, in the above configuration, a recess is formed in the elastic part that is recessed inward relative to the outer shape region, and the portion of the movable part enters the recess.

[0020] The other embodiment of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, in the assembled state, one end of each of the two axial ends directly or indirectly abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the core material, and the other end of each of the two ends directly abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder.

[0021] Another feature of the first configuration is that, in the above configuration, a slit is formed axially from the end in the abutting portion that abuts the core material.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, the second configuration of this disclosure is a shaft spring for railway vehicles, which is formed to include the following components: a core material; an outer cylinder coaxially disposed with the core material; and an annular elastic portion formed by alternatingly stacking an elastomer and a metal element in a radial direction and bonding them between the core material and the outer cylinder, characterized in that...

[0023] The axle spring for railway vehicles is equipped with a protective cover for the axle spring as described in any of the first constituent elements, and the lower outer surface of the elastic part is covered by the protective cover for the axle spring.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] According to this disclosure, the axle spring for railway vehicles can be assembled in a manner that closely conforms to the shape of the axle spring protective cover, thus saving space. Therefore, air resistance during operation is reduced. In particular, since the axle spring protective cover is formed as a single cylindrical piece without seams, its wind pressure resistance is enhanced. Therefore, it can compactly cover the axle spring for railway vehicles, and it is difficult for deformation, breakage, or detachment caused by wind pressure to occur.

[0026] According to other aspects of this disclosure, based on the above-mentioned effects, the corrugated portion alternately has a support portion for elastically supporting the corrugated portion and a movable portion near the outer peripheral surface of the elastic portion along the radial direction. Therefore, the protective cover for the axle spring of the railway vehicle can be elastically fixed to the core material and the position where it abuts the outer cylinder, and the increased number of support points enables stable assembly. In addition, it is preferable to maintain the shape along the elastic portion, so that while the resistance to wind pressure is strengthened and it becomes less prone to swaying, it also becomes easier to follow the deformation of the elastic portion.

[0027] According to other aspects of this disclosure, based on the above-mentioned effects, the support portion abuts against the end of the metal part in the elastic portion in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, even if the axle spring for railway vehicles deforms axially, deformation of the movable part is allowed, and the support portion maintains the abutment state without positional displacement. Thus, the risk of detachment is further reduced. Furthermore, the bending of the corrugated portion is distributed among multiple movable parts, making the protective cover for the axle spring less prone to damage and improving durability.

[0028] According to other aspects of this disclosure, based on the above-mentioned effects, a concave-convex shape is formed radially on the lower surface of the elastic part, and a portion of each movable part is located inside a predetermined shape area defined by connecting multiple protrusions in the concave-convex shape to each other, thus becoming more aligned with the shape of the elastic part and stronger in wind pressure resistance.

[0029] According to other aspects of this disclosure, based on the above-described effects, a recess is formed in the elastic portion that is recessed inwards from the outer shape region, and a portion of the movable portion enters the recess. Therefore, even in locations where it is difficult to ensure the length of the movable portion radially, flexibility can be ensured by relaxing within the recess. Furthermore, by entering the recess, damage caused by wind pressure is less likely to occur.

[0030] According to other aspects of this disclosure, based on the above-mentioned effects, in the assembled state, one end of each end of the axial section directly or indirectly abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the core material, and the other end of each end directly abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder. Therefore, the inside and outside of the protective cover for the shaft spring can be isolated, and the elastic part can be protected in an airtight state.

[0031] According to other aspects of this disclosure, based on the above-mentioned effects, a slit is formed axially from the end in the abutting portion that abuts the core material. Therefore, even if the core material has a convex shape such as a flange, it is possible to cover it from below without obstruction when assembling a protective cover for a shaft spring for railway vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front view of a railway vehicle shaft spring equipped with a protective cover for the shaft spring.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a central longitudinal sectional view of axle springs used in railway vehicles.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view observed from below the protective cover for the shaft spring.

[0035] Figure 4 This is the front view of the protective cover for the shaft spring.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a central longitudinal sectional view of the protective cover for the shaft spring.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the lower part of the elastic section. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a front view of a railway vehicle shaft spring (hereinafter referred to as "shaft spring") 20 equipped with a protective cover (hereinafter referred to as "protective cover") 1. Figure 2 This is a central longitudinal sectional view of the shaft spring 20. The protective cover 1 is an example of a protective cover for a shaft spring with a first configuration of the present disclosure, and the shaft spring 20 is an example of a shaft spring for railway vehicles with a second configuration of the present disclosure.

[0040] First, the shaft spring 20 has an inner cylinder 21, an outer cylinder 22, and an elastic portion 23. The inner cylinder 21 is located at the center of the shaft spring 20 and extends in the vertical direction. On the outer surface of the inner cylinder 21, a flange portion 24 is formed slightly below the middle portion in the vertical direction. The upper side of the flange portion 24 becomes a small-diameter inner cone portion 25 as it moves upward.

[0041] The outer cylinder 22 is coaxially arranged with the inner cylinder 21 with a diameter larger than that of the inner cylinder 21. The outer cylinder 22 has an outer cone portion 26 that becomes larger in diameter as it moves from the top to the bottom. The outer cylinder 22 is positioned above the inner cylinder 21, and when the lower part of the outer cone portion 26 is viewed radially, the lower part of the outer cone portion 26 overlaps with the upper part of the inner cone portion 25 of the inner cylinder 21.

[0042] The elastic portion 23 is formed in an annular shape between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22. The elastic portion 23 is formed by vulcanizing and bonding three cylindrical rubber layers 27A, 27B, and 27C, and two cylindrical intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B, which are coaxially and alternately stacked from the center side. The rubber layers 27A to 27C, and the intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B are stacked in a manner that gradually shifts downwards towards the center side of the elastic portion 23, making the entire elastic portion 23 conical. The innermost rubber layer 27A is vulcanized and bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cone portion 25 of the inner cylinder 21, and the outermost rubber layer 27C is vulcanized and bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cone portion 26 of the outer cylinder 22.

[0043] Rubber layers 27A to 27C also cover the upper and lower end faces of intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B respectively, and connect the upper and lower end faces of intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B to each other radially. Each upper end face of rubber layers 27A to 27C forms an upper recess 29 that is annularly recessed downwards. Each lower end face of rubber layers 27A to 27C forms a lower recess 30 that is annularly recessed upwards. Therefore, the lower surface of the elastic part 23 has the following concave-convex shape: it radially clamps the lower recess 30, and rubber layers 27A, the connecting portion of rubber layers 27A and 27B covering the lower end of intermediate metal part 28A, the connecting portion of rubber layers 27B and 27C covering the lower end of intermediate metal part 28B, and rubber layer 27C each protrude downwards to form annular protrusions 31.

[0044] Furthermore, the protective cover 1 is formed into a single cylindrical shape from a thin film of rubber. This rubber can be made of various materials corresponding to the protective purpose. For example, in cases where fire resistance is the objective, materials meeting European flame retardant standards such as EN45545-2 are preferred. Additionally, since minimal deformation occurs, flame retardancy can also be achieved using materials such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) with flame-retardant formulations. However, the required flame retardancy can also be achieved by applying a flame-retardant coating to the surface of the protective cover 1.

[0045] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the protective cover 1 has an upper mounting portion 2, a lower mounting portion 3, and a corrugated portion 4. The upper mounting portion 2 is a large-diameter annulus that covers the lower outer peripheral surface of the outer cone portion 26 of the outer cylinder 22. The lower mounting portion 3 is a small-diameter annulus that covers the lower outer peripheral surface of the inner cone portion 25 of the inner cylinder 21 beyond the rubber layer 27A. A slit 5 is formed radially upward from the lower end of the lower mounting portion 3 to the lower part of the corrugated portion 4 at a certain position on the protective cover 1.

[0046] The corrugated part 4 is a cone shape that protrudes downward from the upper end connected to the upper assembly part 2 toward the central side, and the lower end is connected to the lower assembly part 3.

[0047] Just like Figure 5 As shown, the corrugated portion 4 alternately forms two annular peaks 6A and 6B radially from the center side, and three annular valleys 7A, 7B, and 7C, allowing it to expand and contract axially. Here, peaks 6A and 6B are located below the intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B of the elastic portion 23, and valleys 7A to 7C are located below the rubber layers 27A and 27C of the elastic portion 23. Valley 7C protrudes upward inside the corrugated portion 4 and overlaps with the upper mounting portion 2 when viewed radially.

[0048] The protective cover 1 covers the inner cylinder 22 so that the shaft spring 20 passes through from below, and the upper mounting part 2 is externally mounted on the lower outer peripheral surface of the outer cone portion 26 of the outer cylinder 22. Furthermore, the lower mounting part 3 is externally mounted on the lower outer peripheral surface of the rubber layer 27A at the root of the inner cone portion 25 of the inner cylinder 21. At this time, a slit 5 is formed at the lower part of the protective cover 1, so when the inner cylinder 21 passes through the lower mounting part 3, it expands through the slit 5. Therefore, the lower mounting part 3 can easily pass over the flange portion 24.

[0049] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, the upper portions of the peaks 6A and 6B of the corrugated portions 4 located below the intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B respectively abut against the outer surfaces of the rubber layers 27B and 27C at the lower ends of the intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B. In this way, the upper portions abut against the outer surfaces of the rubber layers 27B and 27C, respectively, elastically supporting the cylindrical support portions 8A and 8B of the corrugated portions 4. The support portions 8A and 8B, under a state of uniform tension applied throughout the entire circumference, pass over the rubber layers 27B and 27C and hold the ends of the intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B.

[0050] On the other hand, the upper portion of the valley 7A located below the rubber layer 27A approaches the rubber layer 27A between the lower mounting portion 3 and the peak portion 6A, and becomes a movable portion 9A capable of elastic deformation. Similarly, the upper portion of the valley 7B located below the rubber layer 27B approaches the rubber layer 27B between the peak portion 6A and the peak portion 6B, and becomes a movable portion 9B capable of elastic deformation. Furthermore, the upper portion of the valley 7C located below the rubber layer 27C approaches the rubber layer 27C between the peak portion 6B and the upper mounting portion 2, and becomes a movable portion 9C capable of elastic deformation.

[0051] A portion of each of the movable parts 9A to 9C is located within a predetermined shape area defined by connecting the outermost diameter portions of the protrusions 31 on the lower surface of the elastic part 23 to each other. Figure 6 The area inside region A (shown by the double-dotted line).

[0052] Among them, the outermost movable part 9C also partially enters the lower recess 30 of the outermost rubber layer 27C within the outer shape area A, thereby approaching the inner surface of the lower recess 30 and overlapping with the outer cylinder 22 when viewed radially.

[0053] In this state, the upper mounting part 2 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cone 26 of the outer cylinder 22 by the fastening band 35. Similarly, the lower mounting part 3 is fixed to the root of the inner cone 25 of the inner cylinder 21 by the fastening band 36. In this way, the protective cover 1 is mounted on the shaft spring 20 in an airtight manner, covering the elastic part 23 from below on the upper side of the flange 24.

[0054] In this way, the shaft spring 20 equipped with the protective cover 1 is positioned in the trolley of the railway vehicle between the arm located at the axle box supporting the axle and the trolley frame supporting the vehicle. The inner cylinder 21 is fixed to the arm, and the outer cylinder 22 is fixed to the trolley frame. Therefore, in the shaft spring 20, due to the vibration generated when the railway vehicle is running, when the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 move relative to each other in three dimensions, the elastic part 23 elastically deforms accordingly, thereby playing a vibration damping role.

[0055] At this time, the protective cover 1 also elastically deforms following the relative movement of the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22. In particular, in the corrugated part 4, the support part 8A and the support part 8B abut against the outer peripheral surface of the rubber layer 27B and the rubber layer 27C to elastically support the protective cover 1, and the movable part 9A to the movable part 9C approach the lower surface of the rubber layer 27A to the rubber layer 27C. Therefore, the protective cover 1 maintains the shape along the elastic part 23 and elastically deforms accordingly, without shaking due to wind pressure.

[0056] In this way, the shaft spring 20 is assembled in the manner described above, and the protective cover 1 covering the lower outer surface of the elastic part 23 in this assembled state is formed into an integral cylindrical shape by a thin film material with elasticity, and includes a corrugated part 4 that can stretch and contract along the axial direction. In the assembled state, it indirectly abuts against the inner cylinder 21 via the rubber layer 27A, directly abuts against the outer cylinder 22, and directly abuts against the elastic part 23 at a position that is separated from the abutment position of the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 in the radial direction.

[0057] According to this configuration, it can be assembled in a state of close contact with the shape of the shaft spring 20, saving space. Therefore, air resistance during operation is reduced. In particular, the protective cover 1 is formed as a single cylindrical shape without seams, thus increasing wind pressure resistance. Therefore, it can compactly cover the shaft spring 20, and it is difficult for deformation, breakage, or detachment caused by wind pressure to occur.

[0058] In particular, the corrugated portion 4 has, in a radial direction, alternately supporting portions 8A and 8B that abut against the outer peripheral surface of the elastic portion 23 and elastically support the corrugated portion 4, and movable portions 9A to 9C that are supported on the supporting portions 8A and 8B and approach the outer peripheral surface of the elastic portion 23.

[0059] Therefore, the protective cover 1 can be elastically fixed to the shaft spring 20 in locations other than the upper mounting part 2 and the lower mounting part 3, increasing the number of support points and enabling stable assembly. In addition, it is preferable to maintain the shape along the elastic part 23, so that it becomes less prone to shaking while being more resistant to wind pressure, and it also becomes easier to follow the deformation of the elastic part 23.

[0060] In addition, the support portion 8A and the support portion 8B are cylindrical and abut against the ends of the intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B in the elastic portion 23.

[0061] Therefore, even if the shaft spring 20 deforms axially, it can still allow the movable parts 9A to 9C to deform, and maintain the contact state without any positional displacement of the support parts 8A and 8B. Thus, the risk of detachment is further reduced. Furthermore, the bending of the corrugated part 4 is distributed among multiple movable parts 9A to 9C, making the protective cover 1 less prone to damage and improving its durability.

[0062] The lower surface of the elastic part 23 has a radially formed concave-convex shape, and a portion of the movable parts 9A to 9C are located inside the predetermined shape area A defined by connecting the plurality of protrusions 31 in the concave-convex shape to each other.

[0063] Therefore, it becomes more aligned with the shape of the elastic part 23, thus increasing its resistance to wind pressure.

[0064] A lower recess 30 (an example of a recess) is formed in the rubber layer 27C, which is recessed inward of the outer shape region A. A portion of the movable part 9C enters the lower recess 30.

[0065] Therefore, even in locations where the length of the movable part 9C is difficult to ensure radially, flexibility can be ensured by relaxing within the lower recess 30. Furthermore, by entering the lower recess 30, damage caused by wind pressure is less likely to occur.

[0066] In the assembled state, the lower mounting portion 3 (an example on one end) at both ends of the axial direction indirectly abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 21 via the rubber layer 27A, while the upper mounting portion 2 (an example on the other end) directly abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 22.

[0067] Therefore, it can isolate the inside and outside of the protective cover 1 and protect the elastic part 23 in an airtight state.

[0068] In the abutting portion that abuts against the inner cylinder 21, a slit 5 is formed axially from the end.

[0069] Therefore, even though the inner cylinder 21 has a flange 24, it can be covered from below without obstruction when the protective cover 1 is assembled on the axial spring 20.

[0070] Furthermore, the shaft spring 20 of the above-described manner includes an inner cylinder 21 (an example of a core material) extending in the upward and downward direction, an outer cylinder 22 coaxially arranged with the inner cylinder 21, an annular elastic portion 23 formed by alternating layers of rubber layers 27A to 27C (an example of an elastomer) and intermediate metal parts 28A and 28B (an example of metal parts) bonded between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22, and the shaft spring 20 of the above-described manner is equipped with a protective cover 1 that covers the lower outer surface of the elastic portion 23.

[0071] According to this configuration, the protective cover 1 is fitted tightly along the shape of the shaft spring 20, saving space. Therefore, air resistance during operation is reduced. In particular, the protective cover 1 is formed as a single cylindrical piece without seams, thus increasing its resistance to wind pressure. Therefore, the shaft spring 20 is tightly covered by the protective cover 1, making it difficult for deformation, breakage, or detachment caused by wind pressure to occur.

[0072] The following describes some modifications to this disclosure.

[0073] In the protective cover, the number and shape of the peaks and valleys are not limited to the methods described above. The number of peaks and valleys can be appropriately increased or decreased to match the layered structure of the elastic parts of the shaft spring. The cross-sectional radii of the peaks and valleys can also be larger than those described above. Therefore, the number and shape of the support parts and movable parts can also be changed according to the shape of the peaks and valleys.

[0074] In the above-described manner, all of the plurality of movable parts are partially located inside the outer shape region near the elastic part, but it is also possible that only a portion of the plurality of movable parts are located inside the outer shape region. Conversely, all of the plurality of movable parts may also be located outside the outer shape region.

[0075] In the above configuration, the outermost movable part enters the lower recess of the rubber layer, but movable parts at other locations may also enter the lower recess of the rubber layer. Multiple or all of the movable parts may also enter the lower recess of the rubber layer. Conversely, all movable parts may not enter the lower recess.

[0076] The support portion is not located at the end of the intermediate metal part; it can be closer to the end and abut against the upper side.

[0077] In the above method, the lower assembly part indirectly abuts against the inner cylinder via the rubber layer, but the lower assembly part can also directly abut against the inner cylinder via the rubber layer.

[0078] The upper assembly can be fixed in a state where it abuts against the inner circumferential surface without abutting against the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder.

[0079] The upper and lower assembly parts are not limited to a ring shape. Fastening methods other than fastening straps can also be used.

[0080] There can be multiple slits, or they can be omitted.

[0081] In the above method, when the protective cover is assembled with the shaft spring, the elastic part can be protected in an airtight state, but it is also possible for the assembled state not to be airtight.

[0082] In shaft springs, the core material is not limited to the inner cylinder described above. For example, the core material can be a non-cylindrical shaft (including solid and hollow). The outer surface of the core material does not have to be tapered like the inner cylinder described above.

[0083] The outer cylinder does not have to be conical.

[0084] The number of rubber layers in the elastic part and the intermediate metal part can also be appropriately increased or decreased. However, the metal part does not have to be cylindrical like the intermediate metal part described above. The metal part does not have to be located further down towards the center of the elastic part as described above.

[0085] The elastomer may not be radially connected along the upper and lower edges of the intermediate metal part as in the rubber layer described above. The rubber layer may not have upper and lower recesses.

[0086] The rubber layers of the elastic part can be stacked so that they do not gradually shift downwards as they approach the center, as described above.

[0087] The outer cylinder does not need to be closer to the top than the core material.

[0088] Axial springs are not limited to having a conical core, elastic part, or outer cylinder. For example, they can be configured as cylindrical.

[0089] The uneven shape of the lower surface of the elastic part can be appropriately changed according to the number and arrangement of the elastic body and the metal parts. Therefore, the protrusion does not have to be annular as described above. If the outer shape area is a space that forms a space in which multiple protrusions are connected to each other and a part of the movable part can enter the inner side, it is not limited to being formed by connecting the outermost diameter portions of each protrusion to each other as described above.

[0090] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0091] 1: Protective cover for shaft springs;

[0092] 2: Upper assembly section;

[0093] 3: Lower assembly section;

[0094] 4: Corrugated section;

[0095] 5: Slit;

[0096] 6A, 6B: Peaks;

[0097] 7A~7C: Valley section;

[0098] 8A, 8B: Support parts;

[0099] 9A~9C: Movable parts;

[0100] 20: Axle springs for railway vehicles;

[0101] 21: Inner cylinder;

[0102] 22: Outer cylinder;

[0103] 23: Elastic part;

[0104] 24: Flange portion;

[0105] 25: Inner cone portion;

[0106] 26: Outer cone portion;

[0107] 27A~27C: Rubber layer;

[0108] 28A, 28B: Intermediate metal parts;

[0109] 29: Upper concave part;

[0110] 30: Lower concave part;

[0111] 31: convex part;

[0112] 35, 36: Fastening straps;

[0113] A: External shape area.

Claims

1. A protective cover (1) for a shaft spring, which is assembled to a railway vehicle shaft spring (20) comprising the following components: a core material (21) extending in an upward and downward direction; an outer cylinder (22) coaxially disposed with said core material (21); and an annular elastic portion (23) formed by alternatingly stacking elastomers (27A, 27B, 27C) and metal parts (28A, 28B) in a radial direction and bonding them between said core material (21) and said outer cylinder (22), wherein the protective cover (1) for the shaft spring covers the lower outer surface of said elastic portion (23) in this assembled state, characterized in that, The protective cover (1) for the shaft spring includes a corrugated portion (4), which is formed into a single cylindrical shape from an elastic thin film material and is capable of axial expansion and contraction. In the assembled state, the corrugated part (4) directly or indirectly abuts against the core material (21) via the elastomer (27A), directly abuts against the outer cylinder (22), and directly abuts against the elastic part (23) at a position that is radially separated from the abutment position of the core material (21) and the outer cylinder (22). The corrugated portion (4) has, in a radial alternation, a support portion (8A, 8B) that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the elastic portion (23) and elastically supports the corrugated portion (4); and a movable portion (9A, 9B, 9C) that is supported by the support portion (8A, 8B) and approaches the outer peripheral surface of the elastic portion (23).

2. The protective cover (1) for the shaft spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support portion (8A, 8B) is cylindrical and abuts against the end of the metal part (28A, 28B) in the elastic portion (23).

3. The protective cover (1) for the shaft spring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lower surface of the elastic part (23) has a radially convex-concave shape, and a portion of each of the movable parts (9A, 9B, 9C) is located inside a predetermined shape area (A) that connects the plurality of protrusions (31) in the convex-concave shape to each other.

4. The protective cover (1) for the shaft spring according to claim 3, characterized in that, A recess (30) is formed in the elastic part (23) that is recessed inward compared to the outer shape region (A), and a portion of the movable part (9C) near the outer cylinder (22) enters the recess (30).

5. The protective cover (1) for the shaft spring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the assembled state, one end of the two ends of the shaft spring protective cover (1) in the axial direction directly or indirectly through the elastomer (27A) abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the core material (21), and the other end of the two ends abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder (22).

6. The protective cover (1) for the shaft spring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the abutting portion that abuts the core material (21), a slit (5) is formed axially from the end.

7. A shaft spring (20) for railway vehicles, comprising: a core material (21); an outer cylinder (22) coaxially disposed with the core material (21); and an annular elastic portion (23) formed by alternatingly stacking elastomers (27A, 27B, 27C) and metal parts (28A, 28B) radially and bonding them between the core material (21) and the outer cylinder (22), characterized in that, The railway vehicle axle spring (20) is equipped with a protective cover (1) for the axle spring according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the lower outer surface of the elastic part (23) is covered by the protective cover (1) for the axle spring.

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