End piece of coupling rod, traction device for coupling rod, coupling for multi-carriage vehicle, and method for constructing traction device or coupling

Abstract

An end piece (4) suitable for use as part of a traction device (1) for a coupling for a multi-compartment vehicle, the end piece comprising: a first joint portion configured to be mounted to a compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle such that the first joint portion is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis; a rod (13) having a longitudinal axis (B), which, in use, is substantially horizontal; an elastic connection (15) connecting the rod (13) to the first joint portion, the elasticity of the elastic connection (15) allowing the rod (13) to rotate relative to the first joint portion about the longitudinal axis (B) of the rod (13); and at least one stretching element comprising a first stretching element (20) adapted to generate a stretching force (F), the first stretching element (20) having: a first end (22) in contact with a portion of the rod (13); the invention relates to a device (1) comprising a first joint (21), a second end (24) in contact with a portion of the first joint (21), and a spring element (25) arranged between the first end (22) and the second end (24), the spring element (25) generating a stretching force (F) intended to increase the distance between the first end (21) and the second end (22) when the first end (22) is moved towards the second end (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an end piece suitable for use as part of a draft gear of a coupler for a multi-carriage vehicle. The invention also relates to a draft gear for a coupler of a multi-carriage vehicle. The invention also relates to a coupler for a multi-carriage vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of constructing a draft gear or a coupler. Background Art

[0002] From EP 1 719 684 B1, an end piece of a coupling rod is known. The end piece is suitable for use as part of a traction device for a coupling of a multi-carriage vehicle. For example, Figure 5 and Figure 6, a traction device is shown in EP 1 719 684 B1. The end piece comprises a joint part ("Anlenkung") which is configured to be mounted to a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle so that it can rotate about a substantially vertical axis. Such a joint part comprises a housing, which is not further indicated in the drawings of EP 1 719 684 B1. The end piece of EP 1 719 684 B1 has a rod called "Kupplungsschaft 1" or "hinteres Ende desKupplung-schaft 3", which has a housing part arranged in the housing of the end piece. The end piece has an elastic connection piece by a rubber ring called "Federringe 13", which connects the housing part of the rod to the housing of the end piece. The main purpose of the elastic connection piece is to absorb shocks acting in the longitudinal direction of the rod during the pushing and pulling of the carriages of the multi-carriage vehicle. However, the elasticity of the elastic connection piece also allows the rod to rotate slightly upwards and downwards relative to the housing of the end piece, thereby compensating for small vertical displacements between the two carriages connected by the coupling. When a torsional force is applied to the rod, the elasticity of the elastic connection even enables the rod to rotate relative to the housing about its longitudinal axis, i.e. to rotate slightly about its longitudinal axis. More specifically, the housing part of the rod has a circumferential groove between circumferential ridges ("Ringwülste 14"), and the housing of the end piece has an inwardly facing surface with a circumferential groove arranged between the circumferential ridges arranged on the inwardly facing surface. The doughnut-shaped elastic elements "Federringe 13" each have an inner part and an outer part, the inner part being arranged in one of the circumferential grooves of the housing part of the rod and the outer part being arranged in one of the circumferential grooves of the inwardly facing surface of the housing of the end piece. The traction device of EP 1 719 684 B1 has a bearing bracket called "Lagerbock 4", the above-mentioned end piece and a joint ("Drehzapfen 16") arranged between the bearing bracket and the housing of the end piece, whereby the joint allows the housing to rotate relative to the bearing bracket.

[0003] From WO 2019 / 045634, a coupling for a multi-carriage vehicle is known, which comprises a main buffer 2 mounted between a coupling head 4 and a car body attachment 5. In order to support the main buffer 2 in the uncoupled state, a support damper 3 is arranged below the main buffer 2, the rear end of which is mounted on the car body attachment 5 and the front end is mounted on the main buffer 2 by means of a retainer 6.

[0004] From WO 2021 / 249954 A1, a coupling for a multi-compartment vehicle is known, which has a coupling rod having a first rod part and a second rod part, whereby a coupling head is attached to the second rod part, whereby the coupling rod has a rod joint arranged between the first rod part and the second rod part, which allows the second rod part to be folded back toward the first rod part. Similar designs are known from EP 3 992 054 A1 and CN 112 896 224 A. The design of the coupling as shown in WO 2021 / 249954 A1 has the following problem, namely, in the state where the coupling head is folded back (for example, in WO 2021 / 249954 A1), the coupling head is not folded back. Figure 1 ), the coupling head is arranged offset from the longitudinal axis of the first rod part and thus the longitudinal axis of the traction device. This results in the weight of the coupling head, which is now off-center, exerting a torsional force on the first rod part and the traction device.

[0005] From WO 2017 / 076871 A1, a traction device for a coupling rod is known. The traction device has a base plate (Grundplatte 20) which surrounds the coupling rod (Kupplungssange 10). Unlike the joint part with a two-part housing known from EP 1 719 684 B1, this joint part has two housing halves that are fixed by screws (see EP 1 719 684 B1). Figure 4 , Figure 5 ), in the design known in WO 2017 / 076871A1, the substrate has an integral element having a hole through which the connector rod passes. A support element (Lagerelement 30) is arranged between the inward surface of the hole of the substrate and the outer peripheral surface of the connector rod. The support element comprises an elastic element (Rueckstelkomponente32). The inward surface of the elastic element is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the connector rod so that it does not rotate relative to the outer peripheral surface of the connector rod via the design of the end wall of the support element (Stuetzkomponente 31) (the end wall is located on the outer peripheral surface of the connector rod and the inward surface of the elastic element is located on the end wall). The outward surface of the elastic element is arranged to contact the inward surface of the hole of the substrate so as not to rotate relative to the inward surface. The rotational movement of the outward surface of the connector rod relative to the inward surface of the hole will cause the elastic element to deform, whereby the deformation generates a restoring force intended to rotate the connector rod backward. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of this background, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide a device for reducing asymmetric loads on a traction device.

[0007] This problem is solved by an end piece, a pulling device and a coupling or a method according to the attached independent claims.Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0008] The invention is based on the basic idea of ​​providing an additional element suitable for generating a stretching force for the end piece. The additional element has a first end in contact with a portion of the rod and a second end in contact with a portion of the joint part (such as the above-mentioned housing of the end piece). According to the invention, a spring element is arranged between the first end and the second end of the additional element, and if the first end moves toward the second end, the spring element generates a stretching force, which is intended to increase the distance between the first end and the second end of the additional element again. The invention determines that the tendency of the rod to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the joint part of the end piece, as may occur in the design shown in WO2021 / 249954 A1 when the coupling head has been folded back, can be offset by providing an additional element suitable for generating a stretching force as described above. When the coupling head is folded back, the tendency of the rod to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the joint part of the end piece will produce a torsional effect on the elastic connection between the rod and the joint part of the end piece. In the design of EP 1 719 684B1, the rubber ring connecting the rod (i.e., the housing part of the rod) to the joint part (i.e., the housing of the end piece) is under constant pressure due to this torsional force. If - as the invention proposes - a spring element is provided, then when a specific part of the rod in contact with the first end of the additional element moves towards a part of the joint part in contact with the second end, the spring element will generate an extension force that can counteract the rotational movement of the rod relative to the joint part around the longitudinal axis of the rod, thereby at least reducing or even completely counteracting the torsion effect.

[0009] The present invention relates to a new design of an end piece for a coupling rod. It is believed that this new design of an end piece is a marketable commodity in itself. For example, the end piece modified according to the invention can be used as a replacement for the end piece disclosed as part of the traction device shown in EP 1 719 684 B1. If the traction device according to EP 1 719 684 B1 is modified according to the present invention, the support bracket ("Lagerbock 4") and the joint ("Drehzapfen 16") of the design shown in EP 1 719 684 B1 can remain unchanged. All key elements of the present invention are realized in the end piece. The torsional force applied to the rod will be offset by the additional element provided according to the present invention, which torsional force is completely offset by the additional element provided to the end piece.

[0010] According to the invention, the end piece comprises a joint portion which is configured to be mounted to a carriage of a multi-car vehicle such that it can be rotated about a substantially vertical axis.

[0011] In a first embodiment, the joint portion of the end piece may include a shell. The shell may be integral. In a preferred embodiment, the shell consists of two shells connected to each other, such as an upper shell and a lower shell screwed together in a horizontal parting plane, for example, similar to the design of EP 1 719 684 B1. In a preferred embodiment, the shell, preferably the shell constituting the shell, is machined from a solid piece, or is a casting (further processing may be required after casting). In a preferred embodiment, the shell has a longitudinal shape and extends along a longitudinal axis. The end piece according to the present invention also has a rod. The rod can be a connecting rod or a rod attached to a connecting rod. In other words, the rod can consist of several parts, in particular several rod parts.

[0012] In particular, the rod may comprise a shock absorber and / or an energy dissipation structure, for example in the form of a hydraulic damper, for absorbing forces acting on the rod during normal operation, the energy dissipation structure being configured to irreversibly dissipate energy by destruction in the event of excessive forces acting on the rod, such as in the event of a collision. The shock absorber and / or the energy dissipation structure may comprise a cylinder and a piston guided in the cylinder, wherein the cylinder forms a part or a section of the rod and the piston forms another part or another section of the rod, wherein either of the two may be connected to the joint portion.

[0013] In a first embodiment, the rod may have a housing portion which is arranged within the housing of the end piece. Figures 4 to 6 The design shown shows such a rod, which forms the rear part of the coupling rod and terminates in an enlarged end, which can be connected to another part of the coupling rod. This design has a rod portion, the housing portion of which is arranged in the housing of the joint portion of the end piece, allowing the traction device to be manufactured separately, once completed, the rest of the coupling rod and the coupling head can be attached to the traction device. However, the design is also feasible in the case where the rod forming part of the end piece is the coupling rod itself. In this design, the rod has a free end, and the coupling head is connected to the free end. In a preferred embodiment, in the case where the coupling rod has a first rod portion and a second rod portion, wherein the coupling head is attached to the second rod portion, the rod joint can be arranged between the first rod portion and the second rod portion to allow the second rod portion to be folded back towards the first rod portion, in which case the rod of the end piece can form the first rod portion. Alternatively, in this design, the first rod portion can be attached to the rod of the end piece.

[0014] In a second embodiment, the joint portion of the end piece may include a pin, and the rod of the end piece may include an opening (such as an eyelet) in which the pin of the joint portion is arranged. The pin may have any shape, and the position of such a pin in the joint portion is not important. In addition, the pin may have a longitudinal axis, which may be horizontal or vertical, or angled between horizontal and vertical, as long as the elastic connection between the pin of the joint portion and the opening of the rod allows the rod to rotate upward and downward relative to the joint portion of the end piece. Preferably, the pin has a vertical axis.

[0015] The elastic connector providing the connection between the pin of the joint part and the opening of the rod can be annular. More specifically, the elastic connector can include an inner metal ring connected to the pin of the joint part, an outer metal ring connected to the opening of the rod, and an elastic material (such as rubber) connecting the inner metal ring and the outer metal ring together. This three-piece elastic connector can be easily prefabricated and adapted in the rod opening and on the joint pin, for example, by means of one or more retaining rings. Preferably, the elastic material is spherical, that is, it can have at least one of the spherical outer surface facing the opening of the rod and the spherical inner surface facing the pin of the joint part, more preferably having both. The spherical shape of the rubber material, and the corresponding spherical shape of the outer surface of the joint pin or / and the inner surface of the opening of the rod, enhances the ability of the rod to rotate slightly upward and downward when the level between the two connected carriages of the multi-carriage vehicle changes.

[0016] The end piece according to the present invention also has an elastic connector connecting the rod to the joint part, the elasticity of which allows the rod to rotate, especially to rotate around its longitudinal axis relative to the joint part. Therefore, the rotational motion is a gyratory motion around the longitudinal axis. The elastic connector between the rod and the joint part can be arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the rod and the inward surface of the joint part. The elastic connector can be provided by a rubber material, one side of the rubber material being attached to the outer peripheral portion of the rod, and the other side being attached to the inward surface of the joint part.

[0017] The elastic connection may be provided by one or more annular elastic elements. In the first embodiment described above, the housing portion of the rod has one or more circumferential grooves, and the housing of the joint portion has an inwardly facing surface with one or more circumferential grooves arranged on the inwardly facing surface, whereby the elastic connection comprises one or more annular elastic elements, each annular elastic element having an inner portion arranged in one of the circumferential grooves of the housing portion and an outer portion arranged in one of the circumferential grooves of the inwardly facing surface of the housing of the joint portion.

[0018] In a first embodiment, the elastic connector can be provided by several elements, each of which has a circular cross-section shape. For example, two elements each having a circular cross-section shape with a span of more than 180° can contact each other at their ends to form an annular elastic element. Individual elements each having a circular cross-section shape are sometimes referred to as "banana-shaped" or "telephone handset-shaped" (German: ).

[0019] In a first embodiment, the housing portion of the rod may have one or several circumferential grooves, and the housing may have an inwardly facing surface having one or several circumferential grooves arranged on the inwardly facing surface, wherein the elastic connector may include one or more annular elastic elements, each annular elastic element being made of a plurality of elements having a circular ring cross-sectional shape, and each such combined annular elastic element having an inner portion arranged in one of the circumferential grooves of the housing portion and an outer portion arranged in one of the circumferential grooves of the inwardly facing surface of the housing of the first joint portion.

[0020] For example, EP 1 719 684 B1 Figure 6 Such a design is shown in 'Federringe 13'.

[0021] In the first embodiment, at least two circumferential grooves and two annular elastic elements (which may be two integral annular elements, or may be two composite annular elements, each of which is made of a plurality of elements having a circular cross-sectional shape) may be provided. Preferably, at least three circumferential grooves and three annular elastic elements are provided. More preferably, less than 15 or even less than 10 circumferential grooves and annular elastic elements are provided.

[0022] Preferably, the elastic connector connecting the rod to the joint part has a design that allows the rod to rotate upward and downward relative to the joint part of the end piece of the coupler, thereby compensating for the slight vertical displacement between the two cars connected by the coupler. When a torsional force is applied to the rod, the elasticity of the elastic connector further enables the rod to rotate around its longitudinal axis relative to the joint part, that is, slightly rotate around its longitudinal axis. These possible movements of the rod are due to the elasticity of the elastic connector, resulting in deformation of the material providing the elastic connection. If a rubber material is used as the material of the elastic connector, the rotational movement of the rod relative to the joint part around its longitudinal axis will cause the rubber material to deform. The design can also foresee that if the rotational movement of the rod relative to the joint part around its longitudinal axis is greater than a predetermined amount, the outward surface of the material (e.g., rubber material) that provides the elastic connection and initially contacts the surface of the rod or the surface of the joint part will lose this surface contact, such as lifting or sliding into a new surface contact position.

[0023] Preferably, the rod can also be movable relative to the joint in a linear direction (i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod) at least to a certain extent. This can also be achieved by an elastic connection, in particular when the elastic connection is made of an elastic material such as rubber. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the elastic connection not only allows the rod to rotate relative to the housing around its longitudinal axis, but also to move relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis of the rod at least to a certain extent.

[0024] According to the present invention, the end piece is provided with at least one stretching element. The stretching element is arranged separately from the elastic connection piece connecting the rod to the joint part of the end piece. In a preferred embodiment, the stretching element is arranged outside the joint part. The stretching element is suitable for generating a stretching force. According to the present invention, the stretching element has a first end in contact with a part of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the first end is fixedly connected to a part of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, a mounting plate is arranged on the outer circumferential part of the rod, and the first end of the stretching element can be a part of the mounting plate. In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the stretching element (for example, the mounting plate) is attached to the rod in a releasable manner. For example, the first end of the stretching element or the mounting plate including the first end can be screwed to the outer circumferential part of the rod to allow maintenance of the element when the element is damaged. Alternatively, the first end of the stretching element or the mounting plate including the first end can be welded to the rod.

[0025] According to the invention, the extension element has a second end in contact with a portion of the joint part. In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the additional element is formed by a free surface in contact with a portion of the surface of the joint part. In a preferred embodiment, the second end in contact with a portion of the joint part can slide along the surface of the joint part.

[0026] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a first end of the extension element is fixedly but preferably releasably attached to a portion of the rod, while a second end of the extension element is in surface contact with a portion of the joint portion, but is not attached to a portion of the joint portion. This design, with the extension element attached to the rod, but only in surface contact with the joint portion, allows the rod to move relative to the joint portion along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0027] According to the invention, a spring element is arranged between a first end and a second end of the extension element, and when the first end moves towards the second end, the spring element generates an extension force, which is intended to increase the distance between the first end and the second end of the extension element. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is designed and arranged in such a way that, starting from an initial position in which the spring element may be relaxed or may be loaded to a lesser extent, the spring element is loaded or further loaded when the first end moves towards the second end. (In addition) loading the spring element causes the spring element to provide an extension force. Preferably, the spring element is arranged in such a way that the spring force is in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod, preferably in a tangential direction relative to a circular outer periphery of the rod, wherein the rod is designed to have such a circular outer periphery in a preferred embodiment.

[0028] The spring element may be a damper, for example a gas-liquid damper. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is a spring. The spring element may be a helical spring, for example. Preferably, the spring element is a disc spring or a series of disc springs arranged in a line.

[0029] Designs of the extension element are possible in which parts of the extension element are uncovered. As mentioned above, the first end of the additional element can be provided by a mounting plate attached to a part of the rod. In the simplest design, a helical spring is attached to the mounting plate, wherein the free end of the helical spring forms the second end of the extension element, which second end is in contact with a part of the surface of the joint part.

[0030] However, the spring element is preferably arranged in the housing. In view of the dirty environment of the coupling for multi-carriage vehicles, such as trains, there is a risk that the spring element may become dirty and lose its function. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the stretching element has a stretching element housing with a chamber, wherein the chamber has a chamber end wall. The stretching element rod is arranged to be at least partially arranged in the chamber and movable relative to the chamber end wall. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is at least partially, preferably completely arranged in the chamber. The spring element is preferably arranged between the chamber end wall and the retaining portion of the stretching element rod. The retaining portion of the stretching element rod can be a fixed connection between the end of the spring element and the stretching element rod. For example, the straight end piece of the coil spring can be inserted into a hole in the stretching element rod, which hole thus forms the retaining portion of the stretching element rod, and in this embodiment, the coil spring is arranged between the chamber end wall and the hole on the stretching element rod, wherein the straight end piece of the coil spring is arranged in the hole. In a different embodiment, the retaining portion is a protrusion, which protrudes above the other part of the surface of the stretching element rod. Such a protruding portion may be a simple pin which protrudes radially above the rest of the surface of the extension element rod. Preferably, the protruding portion is a rim which extends circumferentially around the rest of the extension element rod and protrudes radially outwards from these rest of the extension element rod. Such a rim provides a good abutment surface for the spring element.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the spring element comprises a disc spring or several disc springs, wherein the disc spring or several disc springs are arranged between the chamber end wall and a retaining portion extending radially from the extension element rod, preferably a peripheral retaining portion extending radially from the extension element rod.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential protruding element forming the retaining portion of the extension element rod has a circumferential sealing element arranged around its outermost end. The sealing element is arranged to seal against the wall of the chamber of the extension element. With the spring element arranged in the chamber and the sealing element sealing against the circumferential wall of the chamber, the sealing element prevents dirt from entering the chamber and preventing dirt from coming into contact with the spring element.

[0033] The extension element rod is designed to be movable relative to the chamber end wall. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber end wall has a through hole, and the extension element rod is arranged to extend through the through hole. In a preferred embodiment, a blocking element is arranged on the portion of the extension element rod arranged outside the chamber, which blocking element prevents the extension element rod from being pulled through the through hole. Such a blocking element can be a nut, which is screwed onto an external thread provided on the end of the extension element rod.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, however, a thread is provided in the stretching element rod as an internal thread and extends from the end of the stretching element rod along the longitudinal axis of the stretching element rod, wherein a screw is screwed into the thread and wherein the second end of the stretching element is provided by the surface of the head of the screw. In the case where the second end of the stretching element is provided at the free end of the stretching element rod, a design is feasible, which second end is in contact with a part of the joint part, preferably in contact with a part of the surface of the joint part, and is preferably able to slide along this part of the joint part. However, providing a screw that is screwed into the thread of the stretching element rod allows the stretching element to better adapt to its environment. By screwing the screw further into the thread or screwing the screw out of the thread, the length of the stretching element rod including the screw can be changed. This design allows the stretching element to be adapted to various construction scenarios, in particular to compensate for tolerances.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the locking screw may be arranged in a radially extending internal thread of the extension element rod and terminates in the internal thread of the receiving screw. The locking screw may be used to lock the position of the screw in the thread.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a second stretching element adapted to generate a stretching force, the second stretching element having:

[0037] a first end portion, the first end portion contacting a portion of the rod,

[0038] a second end portion that contacts a portion of the connector portion of the end piece, and

[0039] A spring element is arranged between the first end and the second end of the second stretching element. When the first end of the second stretching element moves toward the second end of the second stretching element, the spring element generates a stretching force, which is intended to increase the distance between the first end and the second end of the second stretching element.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the first stretching element contacts the first portion of the rod and the first end of the second stretching element contacts the second portion of the rod, the first portion of the rod being arranged on a first side of the rod and the second portion of the rod being arranged on a second side of the rod, the second side being the opposite side of the first side. For example, the first end of the first stretching element may contact the upper portion of the rod and the first end of the second stretching element may contact the lower portion of the rod. Alternatively, the first end of the first stretching element may contact the leftward portion of the rod when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the rod and the first end of the second stretching element may contact the rightward portion of the rod when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the first stretching element contacts the first portion of the joint portion, and the second end of the second stretching element contacts the second portion of the joint portion, the rod being arranged between the first portion of the joint portion and the second portion of the joint portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the joint portion is arranged on one side of a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the rod, and the second portion of the joint portion is arranged on the opposite side of the vertical plane. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion of the joint portion is arranged on one side of a horizontal plane containing the longitudinal axis of the rod, and the second portion of the joint portion is arranged on the other side of such horizontal plane.

[0042] The traction device according to the present invention comprises:

[0043] a support bracket adapted to be attached to a compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle and having a (second) joint portion,

[0044] According to the above-mentioned end piece of the present invention, and

[0045] A joint, which is arranged between the rod of the end piece and the support bracket, and which comprises a (first) joint part of the end piece and a (second) joint part of the support bracket, for example the (first) joint part is in the form of a joint pin (7), the (second) joint part is in the form of an opening in which the joint pin is arranged, wherein the joint allows the (first) joint part of the end piece - and therefore the rod - to rotate relative to the support bracket about a substantially vertical axis. In a preferred embodiment, the second joint part of the support bracket has an opening, and the first joint part of the end piece is partially arranged in said opening (for example by means of the joint pin).

[0046] In the preferred embodiment, the connector may include:

[0047] an upper joint pin protruding from the top of the first joint portion of the end piece along the vertical axis, the upper joint pin being held in a hole of the upper bracket of the support bracket so that the upper joint pin can rotate around the vertical axis in the hole, and

[0048] A lower joint pin protrudes from the bottom of the first joint portion of the end piece in the direction of the vertical axis, and is held in a hole of the lower bracket of the support bracket so that the lower joint pin can rotate around the vertical axis in the hole.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower joint pins are formed by a single joint pin. In the above second embodiment, where the pins of the joint portion of the end piece are arranged in the opening or eyelet of the rod, the pins may be formed by such a single joint pin.

[0050] Preferably, the upper and lower brackets each have a breakaway portion, the breakaway portion comprising a hole. The breakaway portion may extend through an opening in the support bracket to a plate that is screwed to the back of the support bracket. The screw may be designed to break upon application of a certain linear force, wherein the breaking of the screw frees the plate and the breakaway portion, thereby allowing the end piece to move relative to the remainder of the support bracket.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the rod is a horizontal axis.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the stretching element rod extends along a longitudinal axis, which is a horizontal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the preferably horizontal longitudinal axis of the stretching element rod is arranged in a first vertical plane and the preferably horizontal longitudinal axis of the rod is arranged in a second vertical plane, wherein the angle between the first vertical plane and the second vertical plane is >0° and <180°, preferably >25° and <150°, more preferably >45° and <135°, most preferably 90°.

[0053] The coupling according to the invention comprises a traction device according to the invention and a coupling head which is attached to the rod of the end piece of the traction device.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the rod of the coupler has a first rod part and a second rod part, wherein the first rod part is directly or indirectly connected to the joint part, and wherein the coupler head is attached to the second rod part, and wherein the rod has a rod joint arranged between the first rod part and the second rod part, which allows the second rod part to be folded back towards the first rod part.

[0055] In the method according to the invention, a traction device according to the invention or a coupling according to the invention is constructed, wherein the term "construction" includes a new construction of a traction device or a coupling during a renovation or repair of a traction device. The method comprises the following steps:

[0056] Providing a traction device according to the invention or a coupling according to the invention,

[0057] removing at least one extension element from the traction device,

[0058] providing a corresponding extension element for replacing the removed extension element, and

[0059] Attach the corresponding extension element to the traction device.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-car vehicle is a train. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] In the following, the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments only.

[0062] In the attached picture:

[0063] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a traction device according to a first embodiment,

[0064] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of a traction device,

[0065] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional front view of a traction device,

[0066] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a detail of the traction device shown,

[0067] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a traction device according to a second embodiment,

[0068] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional side view of a traction device,

[0069] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional front view of a traction device,

[0070] Figure 8 A perspective schematic diagram of a coupling including a traction device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Figures 1 to 4 A first embodiment of a traction device 1 is shown having a rod 13 which may form part of a coupling rod 2. The traction device 1 comprises a support bracket 3 adapted to be attached to a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle. The traction device 1 further comprises an end piece 4. A joint 5 is arranged between the support bracket 3 and the end piece 4, the joint 5 being formed by a first joint portion of the end piece 4 and a second joint portion of the support bracket 3. The joint 5 allows the end piece 4 to rotate relative to the support bracket 3 about a vertical axis A.

[0072] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the first embodiment shown, the first joint part comprises: an upper joint pin 7 which projects from the top of the housing 6 of the first joint part in the direction of the vertical axis A, the upper joint pin 7 being held in a second joint part of the support bracket 3, the second joint part being partially formed by a hole 8 in the upper bracket 9 of the support bracket 3, so that the upper joint pin 7 can rotate around the vertical axis A in the hole 8; and

[0073] A lower joint pin 10 , which protrudes from the bottom of the housing 6 in the direction of the vertical axis A, is held in another hole 11 in a lower bracket 12 of the support bracket 3 so that the lower joint pin 10 can rotate around the vertical axis A in the hole 11 .

[0074] The upper bracket 9 and the lower bracket 12 may be designed to each have a breakout 44 containing the holes 8, 11. The breakout 44 may extend through an opening 45 in the support bracket 3 to a plate 46 which is screwed to the back of the support bracket 3. Screws ( Figure 1 The screw (not shown) can be designed to break when a certain linear force is applied. The breaking of the screw frees the plate 46 and the broken portion 44, thereby allowing the end piece 4 to move relative to the rest of the support bracket 3.

[0075] The end piece 4 comprises a housing 6 and a rod 13. Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the rod 13 is a detachable end piece of the coupling rod 2. The rod 13 has a housing portion 14 arranged in the housing 6. An elastic connection 15 connects the housing portion 14 to the housing 6. The elasticity of the elastic connection 15 allows the rod 13 to rotate relative to the housing 6 about its longitudinal axis B. Rotational movement is a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis B, such as Figure 1 As shown by arrow C in FIG.

[0076] The housing portion 14 of the rod 13 has a circumferential groove 16, and the housing 6 has an inwardly facing surface with a circumferential groove 17 arranged on the inwardly facing surface. The elastic connection 14 comprises annular elastic elements 18. Each annular elastic element 18 has an inner portion arranged in one of the circumferential grooves 16 of the housing portion 14 and an outer portion arranged in one of the circumferential grooves 17 on the inwardly facing surface of the housing 6.

[0077] The end piece 4 has a first extension element 20 and a second extension element 21, each of which is suitable for generating an extension force F. The first extension element 20 has a first end 22, which is connected to a part of the rod 15 by a screw 23. The first extension element 20 also has a second end 24, which is in contact with a part of the surface of the housing 6. As part of the first extension element 20, a spring element 25 is arranged between the first end 22 and the second end 24, and when the first end 22 moves towards the second end 24, the spring element 25 generates an extension force F, which is intended to increase the distance between the first end 22 and the second end 24. The first end 22 includes two perpendicular or substantially perpendicular contact surfaces, wherein one of the contact surfaces is parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the second end 24, and the second contact surface is used for connection to the rod.

[0078] The element 21 is designed in the same way as the element 20, so that the element 21 has a first end 22, which is connected to a part of the rod 13 by means of a screw 23. The element 21 also has a second end 24 in contact with a part of the surface of the housing 6. As part of the element 21, a spring element 25 is arranged between the first end 22 and the second end 24, and when the first end 22 moves towards the second end 24, the spring element 25 generates an extension force F, which is intended to increase the distance between the first end 22 and the second end 24.

[0079] The spreading element 20, 21 has a spreading element housing 26 with a chamber 27, wherein the chamber 27 has a chamber end wall 28. A spreading element rod 29 is arranged partially in the chamber 27 and is movable relative to the chamber end wall 28. The spring element 25 is arranged between the chamber end wall 27 and a retaining portion 30 of the spreading element rod 29. Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the spring element 25 comprises a plurality of disc springs 31. The disc springs 31 are arranged between the chamber end wall 27 and the retaining portion 30. Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the retaining portion 30 extends radially from the extension element rod 29 .

[0080] from Figure 3 As can be clearly seen in the figure, an internal thread 32 is provided in the extension member rod 29, and the internal thread 32 extends from the end of the extension member rod 29 along the longitudinal axis C of the extension member rod 29, so that a screw 33 is screwed into the thread 32. The screw 33 has a head. The second end 24 is provided by the end face of the head of the screw 33. A locking screw 40 can be used to lock the position of the screw 33 in the thread 32.

[0081] from Figure 3 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the first end 22 of the first extension element 20 is in contact with the first portion of the rod 13, and the first end 22 of the second extension element 21 is in contact with the second portion of the rod 13, the first portion of the rod 13 being arranged on the first side of the rod 13 (at Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, on the top of the rod 13; it can also be described as being on one side of a horizontal plane containing the longitudinal axis B of the rod 13), and the second portion of the rod 13 is arranged on the second side of the rod 13 (on the Figure 3 In the embodiment, on the bottom of the rod 13; it can also be described as being on the other side of the horizontal plane containing the longitudinal axis B of the rod 13), the second side is the opposite side of the first side.

[0082] from Figure 3As can be clearly seen in FIG, the second end 24 of the element 20 is in contact with the first part of the housing 6 and the second end 24 of the further element 21 is in contact with the second part of the housing 6, between which the rod 13 is arranged. The arrangement can also be described such that the first part of the housing 6 is arranged on one side of a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis B of the rod 13 and the second part of the housing 6 is arranged on the opposite side of the vertical plane.

[0083] from Figure 1 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 3 , the housing 6 may be composed of an upper shell 34 and a lower shell 35, which are screwed together by screws 33. The housing 6 may have a recess 36 adapted to receive the extension element housing 26 when the rod 13 is linearly moved a certain distance relative to the housing 6.

[0084] The portion of the housing 6 that contacts the second end 24 of the first extension element 20 (the end face of the screw 33) may be a plate 38 that protrudes from the rest of the housing 6. The plate 38 may have a wear plate 39 of plastic material attached thereto to facilitate movement of the second end 24 relative to the housing 6. Figure 1 and Figure 4 It is shown that the wear plate 39 can have a chamfered front edge, which is beneficial for: under certain driving conditions, the extent to which the rod 13 moves out of the housing 6 causes the head of the screw 33 to leave contact with the wear plate 39.

[0085] Figure 3 The head of the screw 33 is shown to have a coronal surface forming the second end 24 .

[0086] Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is clearly shown that a thread may be provided at the end of the extension element rod 29 opposite to the second end 24. A nut 41 may be arranged on the thread, in which a locking screw 42 is arranged. The nut 41 may be used to define the position of the extension element rod 29 relative to the extension element housing 26 and to pretension the disc spring 31. Figure 3 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 2 , the chamber end wall 28 may have a hole through which the spreading element rod 29 passes from the interior of the chamber 27 to the exterior of the chamber 27. The nut 41 is arranged on the portion of the spreading element rod 29 that is located outside the chamber 27.

[0087] exist Figures 1 to 4In the embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion 30 extending radially from the extension member rod 29 can be used to seal the open end of the chamber 27 by arranging an annular sealing element such as a wear ring 43 on the outer annular circumferential surface of the retaining portion 30. However, the wear ring 43 does not achieve a fluid tight seal because a small gap still exists, but the gap is small enough to prevent dirt, dust, grease, etc. from entering the chamber 27.

[0088] Figures 5 to 7 A second embodiment of a traction device 1 is shown having a rod 13 which comprises two rod parts 13D and 13E and which may form part of a longer coupling rod 2. The traction device 1 comprises a support bracket 3 which is suitable for being attached to a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle. The traction device 1 further comprises an end piece 4. A joint 5 is arranged between the support bracket 3 and the end piece 4, the joint 5 being formed by a first joint part of the end piece 4 and a second joint part of the support bracket 3. The joint 5 allows the end piece 4 to rotate relative to the support bracket 3 about a vertical axis A. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the end piece 4 comprises a joint pin 7 forming a (first) joint part of the joint 5. The joint pin 7 has a vertical axis A so that the end piece 4 with the rod 13 can journal about this vertical axis A of the joint 5 when the multi-car vehicle travels along a curve.

[0089] The rod 13 of the end piece 4, more specifically the rod portion 13E of the rod 13, comprises an opening 13A in the form of an eyelet, in which the joint pin 7 of the end piece 4 is mounted, and also comprises an elastic connection 15 which provides a connection between the joint pin 7 and the opening 13A of the rod 13. Thus, in this second embodiment, the joint pin 7 of the end piece 4 has two functions, namely, it serves as a pivot together with a corresponding bearing in the bearing bracket 3, about which the coupling rod 2 can rotate, and as a mounting pin for mounting the rod 13 to the end piece 4 by means of the inserted elastic connection 15.

[0090] The elastic connector 15 providing the connection between the joint pin 7 of the (first) joint part and the opening 13A of the rod 3 is annular. More specifically, the elastic connector 15 has an inner metal ring 15A connected to the joint pin 7, an outer metal ring 15C connected to the opening 13A of the rod 13, and an elastic material 15B (such as rubber) connecting the inner metal ring 15A and the outer metal ring 15C together. The three-piece elastic connector 15 is retained in the rod opening 13A by means of two retaining rings 15D. The elastic material 15B is spherical, that is, it has a spherical outer surface facing the opening 13A of the rod 13 and a spherical inner surface facing the joint pin 7. When the level between the two connected carriages of the multi-carriage vehicle changes, the elastic material 15B enables the rod 13 to rotate slightly upward and downward.

[0091] The elastic material 15B is relatively thin, so the end piece 4 is not allowed to move too much in the axial direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the rod 13) relative to the support bracket 3. In other words, the damping function of the elastic connector 15 is very limited compared to the elastic connector 15 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this second embodiment, the rod 13E includes a shock absorber, for example, in the form of a hydraulic damper, for absorbing the force acting axially on the rod during normal operation. In addition, the rod 13E includes an energy dissipation structure, which is constructed to irreversibly dissipate energy by destruction when an excessive force acts on the rod. The shock absorber and / or energy dissipation structure are not further shown in detail herein, and may include a cylinder and a piston guided in the cylinder. In the embodiment shown, the cylinder forms a part of the rod 13E, and the piston forms a part of the rod 13D.

[0092] The extension element 20 is mounted on the rod 13 in order to generate an extension force between the rod 13 and the (first) joint part including the joint pin 7. In the embodiment shown, the extension element 20 is mounted on the rear rod part 13E of the rod 13, which rod part includes a shock absorber. However, since the front rod part 13D is connected to the rear rod part 13E in such a way that the two rod parts 13D, 13E cannot rotate relative to each other, the extension element 20 can also be mounted on the front rod part 13D. As in the first embodiment described above, the extension element 20 counteracts any torsional movement of the rod 13 relative to the joint part / joint pin 7 around the longitudinal axis of the rod. In this second embodiment, the extension element is also mounted on the rod 13 (here on the rod part 13E) and is in contact with the elements of the joint part, that is, with the front rod part 13D. Figure 5 The contact is shown to be made by a plate 38 which is fixedly connected to the joint pin 7 in some way so as to transmit this reaction force of the extension element between the rod 13 and the joint part / joint pin 7 .

[0093] Figure 7 The stretching element 20 is shown in cross-section. The structure of the stretching element 20 in the second embodiment is substantially the same as the structure of the stretching elements 20, 21 in the first embodiment. More specifically, Figure 7 The view of the stretching element 20 shown corresponds to Figure 3 Thus, the stretching element 20 has a first end 22 which is connected to the rod 13E by welding, but can also be connected to the rod 13E by screws 23 as in the first embodiment (see Figure 4). The extension element 20 also has a second end 24, which is in contact with a part of the surface of the joint part, namely, the wear plate 39 mounted on the plate 38 of the joint part. As part of the extension element 20, a spring element 25 is arranged between the first end 22 and the second end 24, and when the first end 22 moves toward the second end 24, the spring element 25 generates an extension force F, which is intended to increase the distance between the first end 22 and the second end 24. The first end 22 includes two perpendicular or substantially perpendicular contact surfaces, wherein one of the contact surfaces is parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the second end 24, and the second contact surface is used for welding the extension element 20 to the rod 13E.

[0094] Figure 8 A coupling 100 according to the invention is shown. The coupling 100 has a traction device 1 according to the invention and a coupling rod 2, of which the rod 13 forms part. A coupling head 101 is attached to the coupling rod 2. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the coupling rod 2 has a first rod part 2a and a second rod part 2b, wherein the first rod part 2a is attached to the rod 13 of the end piece 4. A coupling head 101 is attached to the second rod part 2b, wherein the coupling rod 2 has a rod joint 102 arranged between the first rod part 2a and the second rod part 2b, which allows the second rod part 2b to be folded back toward the first rod part 2a.

[0095] By aligning the first rod portion 2a and the second rod portion 2b in a straight line ( Figure 8 (not shown), the coupling 100 can enter its operating state. The coupling 100 also has Figure 8 In the inoperative state, the second rod portion 2b has been rotated sideways about the rod joint 102. In the inoperative state, the weight of the second rod portion 2b and the weight of the coupling head 101 are not coordinated with respect to the longitudinal axis B, thus generating a momentum about the longitudinal axis B, which is intended to rotate the rod 13 about the longitudinal axis B. The extension force F generated by the first extension element 20 and the second extension element 21 at least partially counteracts this momentum.

[0096] However, when the coupling head 101 is folded back, even when the torsional forces are counteracted by the extension elements 20, 21, the weight of the coupling head 101 may still cause the rod 13 to move downwards, and sideways due to centrifugal forces when the multi-car vehicle is traveling along a curve. In order to keep the rod 13 straight relative to the end piece 4, the end piece 4 includes wear plates 39A on both lateral sides of the rod 13, such as Figure 7 Specific illustrations related to the second embodiment.

Claims

1. An end piece (4) suitable for use as part of a traction device (1) for a coupling of a multi-car vehicle, the end piece comprising: a first joint part configured to be mounted to a carriage of a multi-car vehicle such that the first joint part is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, a rod (13) having a longitudinal axis (B) which, in use, is substantially horizontal, an elastic connection (15) connecting the rod (13) to the first joint part, the elasticity of the elastic connection (15) allowing the rod (13) to rotate relative to the first joint part around the longitudinal axis (B) of the rod (13), and at least one stretching element, said at least one stretching element comprising a first stretching element (20), said first stretching element (20) being adapted to generate a stretching force (F), said first stretching element (20) having: a first end (22) which contacts a portion of the rod (13), a second end portion (24), the second end portion (24) being in contact with a portion of the first joint portion, and a spring element (25) arranged between the first end (22) and the second end (24), the spring element (25) generating an extension force (F) when the first end (22) moves towards the second end (24), the extension force (F) being intended to increase the distance between the first end (21) and the second end (22).

2. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein: The first extension element (20) comprises: an extension element housing (26), the extension element housing (26) having a chamber (27), wherein the chamber (27) has a chamber end wall (28), and an extension element rod (29) which is at least partially arranged in the chamber (27) and is movable relative to the chamber end wall (28), Therein, the spring element (25) is preferably arranged between the chamber end wall (28) and the retaining portion (30) of the extension element rod (29).

3. The end piece according to claim 2, wherein: The spring element (25) comprises a disc spring or several disc springs (31), wherein the disc spring or several disc springs (31) are arranged between the chamber end wall (28) and the retaining part (30), wherein the retaining part (30) extends radially from the extension element rod (29).

4. The end piece according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: A thread (32) is provided in the stretching element rod (29), the thread extending from the end of the stretching element rod (29) along the longitudinal axis (C) of the stretching element rod (29), wherein, preferably, the thread is an internal thread and a screw (33) is screwed into the internal thread (32), wherein the second end (24) of the first stretching element (20) is provided by the surface of the head of the screw (33).

5. The end piece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The at least one stretching element comprises a second stretching element (21) adapted to generate a stretching force (F), the second stretching element (21) having: a first end (22) which contacts a portion of the rod (13), and a second end portion (24), the second end portion (24) being in contact with a portion of the first joint portion, a spring element (25), the spring element (25) being arranged between the first end (22) and the second end (24) of the second stretching element, the spring element (25) generating a stretching force (F) when the first end (22) of the second stretching element moves toward the second end (24) of the second stretching element, the stretching force (F) being intended to increase the distance between the first end (22) and the second end (24) of the second stretching element.

6. The end piece according to claim 5, wherein: the first end (22) of the first extension element (20) is in contact with a first portion of the rod (13), and the first end (22) of the second extension element (21) is in contact with a second portion of the rod (13), the first portion of the rod (13) being arranged on a first side of the rod (13) and the second portion of the rod (13) being arranged on a second side of the rod (13), the second side being an opposite side to the first side; The second end (24) of the first extending element (20) is in contact with the first portion of the joint, and the second end (24) of the second extending element (21) is in contact with the second portion of the joint, and the rod (13) is arranged between the first portion of the joint and the second portion of the joint.

7. An end piece according to claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first joint part comprises a housing (6) and the rod (13) comprises a housing portion (14) arranged in the housing (6) of the first joint part.

8. The end piece according to claim 7, wherein: the housing part (14) of the rod (13) has one or several circumferential grooves (16), the housing (6) having an inwardly facing surface with one or several circumferential grooves (17) arranged thereon, and The elastic connection (15) comprises one or more annular elastic elements (18), each annular elastic element having an inner part and an outer part, the inner part being arranged in one of the circumferential grooves (16) of the housing part (14), and the outer part being arranged in one of the circumferential grooves (17) on the inwardly facing surface of the housing (6) of the first joint part.

9. The end piece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The first joint part comprises a pin (7), and the rod (13) comprises an opening (13A), preferably an eyelet, in which the pin (7) of the first joint part is arranged.

10. The end piece according to claim 9, wherein: The elastic connector (15) providing the connection between the pin (7) of the first joint part and the opening of the rod (13) is annular, and the elastic connector (15) preferably has at least one of the following, and more preferably has both of the following: a spherical outer surface facing the opening of the rod (13) and a spherical inner surface facing the pin (7) of the first joint part.

11. The end piece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The at least one stretching element (20, 21) adapted to generate a stretching force (F) is arranged separately from the elastic connection (15) connecting the rod (13) to the first joint part.

12. An end piece according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The first end (22) comprises two perpendicular or substantially perpendicular contact surfaces, wherein one of the contact surfaces is parallel or substantially parallel to a surface of the second end (24).

13. A traction device (1) for a coupling of a multi-carriage vehicle, the traction device (1) comprising: a support bracket (3) adapted to be attached to a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle and having a second joint portion, An end piece (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and A joint (5), which is arranged between the rod (13) of the end piece (4) and the supporting bracket (3), and comprises the first joint portion of the end piece and the second joint portion of the supporting bracket (3), the first joint portion preferably being in the form of a joint pin (7), the second joint portion preferably being in the form of an opening in which the joint pin is arranged, wherein the joint (5) allows the joint portion of the end piece (4) to rotate relative to the supporting bracket (3).

14. A coupler (100) for a multi-car vehicle, comprising a traction device (1) according to claim 13 and a coupler head (101) attached to the rod (13).

15. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein: The rod has a first rod part (2a) and a second rod part (2b), the first rod part (2a) being directly or indirectly connected to the joint part, wherein the coupling head (101) is attached to the second rod part (2b), and wherein the rod has a rod joint (102) arranged between the first rod part (2a) and the second rod part (2b), the rod joint (102) allowing the second rod part (2b) to be folded back toward the first rod part (2a).

16. A method of constructing a traction device (1) according to claim 13 or a coupling according to claim 14 or 15, comprising the steps of: providing a traction device (1) according to claim 13 or a coupling according to claim 14 or 15, removing at least one of the at least one stretching element (20, 21) from the traction device (1), providing a corresponding stretching element (20, 21) for replacing at least one removed stretching element, and • Attaching the corresponding stretching element (20, 21) to the traction device (1).

Images