Spacing device for an installation compartment of a rail vehicle and method for installing a traction device and spacing device in an installation compartment

Abstract

A spacer device (300) is configured to fit into a mounting compartment of a rail vehicle so as to bridge a gap distance between an innermost portion of a traction device (200) and at least one support surface of the mounting compartment. The spacing device (300) has two opposing side members (312; 313), the side member (312; 313) is configured to transfer a cushioning force exerted on the traction device (200) to the at least one support surface of the mounting compartment. The spacer devices (300) are configured to contact respective side walls of the mounting compartment, each side wall being perpendicular to at least one support surface of the mounting compartment. The spacer device (300) comprises a spacer (312; 312 ') positioned between two opposing side members (312; 313), said at least one pressure device (302) being arranged between the two opposite side members (312; 313) in order to reduce the risk of warpage of these components in the event of extreme impact forces on the traction device (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention generally relates to a coupler arrangement for a railway vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a spacing arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for mounting a draft gear and a spacing arrangement according to the preamble of claim 12. Background Art

[0002] In rail vehicles, energy absorbing devices such as traction devices are often used to absorb smaller forces that occur during the operation of the rail vehicle. These forces are either traction forces that pull the rail vehicle in the direction of travel, or damping forces that act in the opposite direction (i.e. push the rail vehicle). Typically, elastomeric elements are provided for absorbing each of these forces. The most common type of elastomeric element used is a stack of elastic rings or discs held on a central rod.

[0003] At each end, the rail vehicle usually has a respective mounting compartment for mounting the traction device. For reasons of efficiency, the traction device is preferably manufactured with standardized dimensions in terms of length, width and depth. However, the dimensions of the mounting compartment may differ slightly between different rail vehicles, especially with regard to the measurement of the length. Therefore, in some rail vehicles, a spacer device must be fitted to the innermost part of the mounting compartment in order to fill the distance between the traction device and the inner support surface of the mounting compartment.

[0004] Different kinds of spacer device designs are known from DE 10 2022 109 046 A1 and DE 10 2022 109 189 A1, which have the term "vehicle stops". These documents show traction and damping devices for traction couplings in vehicle interfaces of rail vehicles. Here, a first connection part is suitable for a coupling shaft and a second connection part is suitable for fastening the traction and damping device to a vehicle structure. The spring device transmits tension and compression forces between the first connection part and the second connection part. The first pressure plate is arranged for introducing a compression force in the spring device along a first axial direction, and the second pressure plate is arranged for introducing a compression force in the spring device along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. The spring device comprises at least two damping and / or elastic sub-devices arranged one behind the other in a first axial direction, and the second pressure plate is arranged in series with the first sub-device and the second sub-device in the first axial direction between the sub-devices to transmit the compression force. The first pressure plate has a free and essentially flat contact surface pointing in the second axial direction for free contact with an opposite contact surface of the coupling shaft, and the second pressure plate is pivotable about a first rotation axis parallel to the contact surface of the first pressure plate and connected to the first connection. In the region of the second connection of the traction and damping device, the third pressure plate is connected with high tensile strength to at least one vehicle stop, so that tensile forces are transmitted from the third pressure plate to at least one vehicle stop in the vehicle interface.

[0005] While the above-described vehicle stops effectively fill any space between the hitch and the inner support surface of the mounting compartment, known designs sometimes fail to successfully handle the forces exerted on the hitch during extreme buffering conditions that may occur during operation of today's rail vehicle couplers. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above mentioned problems and to provide reliable handling of extreme damping forces.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a spacer configured to be assembled into a mounting compartment of a rail vehicle so as to bridge the gap distance between the innermost part of a traction device and at least one supporting surface of the mounting compartment. The spacer comprises two opposing side members and at least one pressure device. The two opposing side members are configured to transfer a buffering force applied to the traction device to at least one supporting surface of the mounting compartment and contact the corresponding side walls of the mounting compartment. Each side wall is perpendicular to at least one supporting surface of the mounting compartment. The at least one pressure device is positioned between the two opposing side members and is configured to apply a pretension force between the two opposing side members.

[0008] The above described spacer arrangement is advantageous because the preload between the two opposing side members (which can be applied in an attractive or repulsive direction) makes the spacer arrangement more rigid and less susceptible to bending in response to extreme impact forces on the pulling device. The proposed spacer arrangement also avoids the need to weld the spacer arrangement to the mounting compartment, which is an alternative strategy to increase the overall rigidity of the design. Therefore, installation can be accomplished more easily and more quickly than with welding. Of course, removal of an already installed spacer arrangement is also less complicated if necessary.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the at least one pressure device is fixed to each of the two opposing side members. This is necessary if the at least one pressure device applies a preload in an attracting direction, i.e. the two opposing side members are pulled towards each other and away from the side wall of the mounting compartment. However, in the opposite case, when the at least one pressure device applies a preload in a repelling direction, so that the two opposing side members are pushed away from each other and against the side wall of the mounting compartment, the at least one pressure device does not need to be fixed to any of the side members.

[0010] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the isolating device comprises at least two pressure means, for example two, three or four, which are positioned between the two opposing side members at respective contact areas in the respective inner wall surface of each of the two opposing side members. Here, the respective contact areas are positioned relative to each other such that the preload force is evenly distributed on the two opposing side members. This is advantageous for the stability and resilience of the isolating device.

[0011] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, each of the two opposing side members comprises a respective first ridge / groove interface configured to connect to a respective second innermost ridge / groove interface of the traction device. Thus, even if the coupler is subjected to loads much greater than the loads the coupler is designed to handle, there is a low risk that the position of the traction device will shift relative to the two opposing side members.

[0012] Preferably, each respective first ridge / groove junction comprises a ridge member configured to be inserted into a groove member of a respective innermost expansion mounting device of the traction device, and / or each respective first ridge / groove junction comprises a groove member configured to receive a ridge member of an innermost expansion mounting device of the traction device. That is, the intermediate expansion mounting device further increases the overall flexibility of the design and enhances the mechanical connection between the traction device and the isolation device.

[0013] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the spacer device further comprises a set of mounting members configured to hold the spacer device in the mounting compartment. This is advantageous because it facilitates the installation of the spacer device and holds the spacer device in a desired position in the mounting compartment after installation.

[0014] For example, a first mounting member of the set of mounting members may be adapted to lock the position of a first of two opposing side members relative to a first side wall of the mounting compartment via one or more threaded connections, and a second mounting member of the set of mounting members may be adapted to lock the position of a second of two opposing side members relative to a second side wall of the mounting compartment via one or more threaded connections. This allows direct mounting of the spacer.

[0015] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, at least one of the two opposing side members has at least one weight-reducing cavity, for example in the form of a plurality of through holes. Thus, the weight of the spacer device can be reduced without significantly reducing the strength.

[0016] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the at least one pressure device includes a threaded member contacting each of the two opposing side members, and the threaded member is configured to apply a repulsive force or an attractive force between the two opposing side members. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one pressure device may include a worm gear device contacting each of the two opposing side members, and the worm gear device is configured to apply a repulsive force or an attractive force between the two opposing side members. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one pressure device may include a cam-spring device fixedly contacting each of the two opposing side members, and the cam-spring device is configured to apply a repulsive force or an attractive force between the two opposing side members. Therefore, according to the embodiment, a suitable device can be selected to apply the desired preload between the two opposing side members.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for mounting a traction device and a proposed spacing device in a mounting compartment of a rail vehicle. The method comprises placing the spacing device in the mounting compartment so that the corresponding first short side of each of the two opposite side members contacts at least one supporting surface of the mounting compartment. The method also comprises fastening the spacing device to the first side wall and the second side wall of the mounting compartment by a set of mounting members. The traction device is then positioned in the mounting compartment so that the innermost part of the traction device contacts the corresponding second short side of each of the two opposite side members. The second short side is here located on the corresponding opposite side of the opposite side member relative to the first short side. In addition, the innermost part of the traction device is connected to the second short side of the two opposite side members. Finally, the method comprises adjusting at least one pressure device to apply a preload between the two opposite side members. Thus, the rail vehicle can be equipped with a resilient traction device in a very effective and simple manner.

[0018] Further advantages, advantageous features and applications of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments disclosed as examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a mounting compartment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a mounting compartment in which a traction device and a spacing device according to an embodiment of the present invention have been installed;

[0022] Figure 3a -c shows a spacing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4a -c shows an expansion element connected to a spacing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 shows the connection to the Figure 3a -c. Traction device for the spacer device;

[0025] Figure 6 shows a spacing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 shows a spacing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8shows a spacing device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

[0028] Fig. 9 The general method according to the invention for installing a pulling device and the proposed spacing device in an installation compartment is shown by means of a flow chart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a rail vehicle 100 having a mounting compartment 110 into which a spacing device 300 according to the invention can be installed. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The installation compartment 110 has a traction device 200 and a spacing device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention installed therein.

[0030] The main purpose of the spacer device 300 according to the invention is to bridge the gap distance d between the innermost part 205 of the traction device 200 and at least one supporting surface of the mounting compartment 110 . Figure 1 Two such support surfaces are shown, in the form of 111a and 111b respectively. Naturally, as an alternative, a single complete wall could, for example, constitute the support surface of the mounting compartment 110.

[0031] Now, further reference Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c , which show a spacing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the spacing device 300 comprises two opposite side members 312 and 313, and at least one pressure device 301 and 302, respectively.

[0032] The two opposing side members 312 and 313 are configured to transfer the buffering force applied to the traction device 200 to the at least one supporting surface 111a and 111b of the mounting compartment 110. To this end, each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 is configured to contact the corresponding side wall 112 and 113 of the mounting compartment 110, and each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 is oriented so that its corresponding long side is parallel to the side wall 112 and 113, and the side wall is respectively perpendicular to the at least one supporting surface 111a and 111b of the mounting compartment 110.

[0033] Specifically, the respective first short sides 382 and 383 of each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 are adapted to contact at least one support surface 111a and 111b of the mounting compartment 110, respectively, and the respective second short sides 392 and 393 of each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 are adapted to contact the innermost portion 205 of the traction device 200, which may be represented by an expansion element to be discussed below. Figure 2 As shown, when the spacer 300 is assembled into the mounting compartment 110 , any buffering force applied to the traction device 200 is transferred to the at least one support surface 111 a and 111 b of the mounting compartment 110 via the spacer 300 .

[0034] In order to reduce the risk of the spacer device 300 warping or otherwise plastically deforming due to polishing forces, the spacer device 300 includes at least one pressure device positioned between two opposing side members 312 and 313, and the at least one pressure device is configured to apply a preload force between the two opposing side members 312 and 313. Figure 3a-3c At least one pressure device is exemplified by a pair of threaded members 301 and 302 contacting each of two opposing side members 312 and 313. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As discussed, other numbers of pressure devices are also contemplated according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] The preload applied by at least one pressure device, which may generate a repulsive or attractive force between the two opposing side members 312 and 313 , increases the overall stiffness of the spacer device 300 and thus reduces the risk of its deformation.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure device 301 and 302 is fixed to each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313, for example Figure 3b As shown, the pressure devices 301 and 302 are screwed into the threaded holes 331 and 332 respectively by passing through the threaded holes 331 and 332 of the side member 313 .

[0037] Such fixing of the pressure devices 301 and 302 is necessary if these devices are configured to exert a preload in an attraction direction, wherein the two opposite side members 312 and 313 are pulled towards each other and away from the side walls 112 and 113 of the mounting compartment 110 .

[0038] For practical reasons, although it is generally advantageous to fix the at least one pressure device 301 and 302 to the two opposing side members 312 and 313, this is actually not necessary if the at least one pressure device 301 and 302 is configured to apply a preload in a repelling direction, wherein the two opposing side members 312 and 313 are urged away from each other and against the side walls 112 and 113 of the mounting compartment 110. That is, in this case, the spacer 300 can be held in place in the mounting compartment 110 by static friction between the outer sides of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 and the side walls 112 and 113.

[0039] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c An embodiment of the present invention is shown in which two opposing side members 312 and 313 of the spacer device 300 are configured to connect with expansion elements 402 and 403, respectively, which in turn are arranged to connect with the innermost part 205 of the distraction device 200.

[0040] Preferably, each of the expansion elements 402 and 403 has a double wedge-shaped profile adapted to fit into a corresponding concave profile of the innermost portion 205 of the traction device 200, such as Figure 5 Thus, after the expansion element 403 is assembled into the concave profile of the innermost part 205 of the traction device 200, the expansion element 403 can be clamped and fixed to the innermost part 205 by adjusting the expansion bolt 473 between the two parts of the double wedge profile, and the expansion bolt 473 is configured to control the relative distance between the two parts.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to secure the expansion elements 402 and 403 to the spacer 300, each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 includes a corresponding first ridge / groove engagement portion 352 and 353, such as Figure 3c The first ridge / groove joints 352 and 353 are configured to connect to corresponding second ridge / groove joints 412 and 413 of the innermost portion 205 of the traction device 200. Figure 4a and Figure 4b This is exemplified by the expansion elements 402 and 403 described above.

[0042] Each of the first ridge / groove joints 352 and 353 may include a ridge member 352 and 353, respectively, which is configured to be inserted into a corresponding groove member 412 and 413 of each expansion mounting device 402 and 403 of the innermost portion 205 of the distraction device 200. Alternatively or additionally, each of the respective first ridge / groove joints 352 and 353 may include a groove member configured to receive a ridge member of the respective expansion mounting device 402 and 403 of the innermost portion 205 of the distraction device 200. Thus, each of the expansion elements 402 and 403 is secured to two opposing side members 312 and 313 of the spacer device 300 by interconnection of one or more pairs of ridges and grooves via the ridge / groove joints 352 and 353.

[0043] Figure 4cAn embodiment of the invention is shown in which at least one of the two opposing side members 313 comprises at least one cavity, here exemplified by 431, 432, 433, 434, 435 and 436, respectively, which cavity has a weight-reducing function. That is, material is removed from the side member 313, for example by drilling one or more holes in the side member 313, in order to reduce its weight. However, of course, alternative means of reducing the weight of the spacer 300 are conceivable according to embodiments of the invention, such as drilling / milling one or more recesses in at least one of the two opposing side members 312 and 313, and / or manufacturing these structural elements in frame technology.

[0044] Figure 6 A second embodiment according to the invention is shown, in which the spacer device 300 comprises a single pressure device in the form of a threaded member 601 located between two opposing side members 312 and 313. In order to distribute the preload force as evenly as possible on the two opposing side members 312 and 313, the threaded member 601 is preferably positioned so that it contacts the corresponding central areas of the inner walls of the two opposing side members 312 and 313.

[0045] Figure 7 A spacer device 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein, alternatively, pressure means in the form of three threaded members 701, 702 and 703 are arranged between two opposing side members 312 and 313. Similar to the above, the threaded members 701, 702 and 703 are preferably positioned so that they contact different corresponding areas of the inner wall of the two opposing side members 312 and 313, so that the total preload force is distributed as evenly as possible on the two opposing side members 312 and 313. For example, this may mean that the first and third threaded members 701 and 703 are arranged relatively close to the first and second short sides of each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 and close to the first long side, respectively, and the second threaded member 702 is arranged close to the midpoint of the second long side of each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313.

[0046] Figure 8 A spacer device 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which four pressure devices are arranged between two opposing side members 312 and 313 in the form of threaded members 801, 802, 803 and 804, respectively. Likewise, the threaded members 801, 802, 803 and 804 are preferably arranged so that the total preload force is distributed as evenly as possible on the two opposing side members 312 and 313. Therefore, each of the threaded members 801, 802, 803 and 804 can contact a corresponding area of ​​the inner wall of the two opposing side members 312 and 313, which is close to a specific one of the corners of the two opposing side members 312 and 313.

[0047] However, in light of the above, it should be noted that it may also be advantageous to arrange the pressure device slightly differently to allow room for one or more components of the pulling device 200 to move between the two opposing side members 312 and 313 while absorbing the damping force from the coupler.

[0048] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the above-mentioned threaded members can be replaced by an alternative pressure device, such as a worm gear device or a cam-spring device that contacts each of the two opposing side members, which alternative pressure device contacts each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 and is configured to apply a repulsive force or an attractive force between the two opposing side members 312 and 313.

[0049] Now refer to all Figures 2 to 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacer 300 includes a set of mounting members 362 and 363, respectively, which are configured to hold the spacer 300 in the mounting compartment 110. Preferably, each mounting member 362 and 363 further includes at least one bolt configured to be screwed onto a beam or similar structural element near the mounting compartment 110. Specifically, the first mounting member 362 may be adapted to lock the position of a first side member 312 of the two opposing side members relative to the first side wall 112 of the mounting compartment 110, and the second mounting member 363 may be adapted to lock the position of a second side member 313 of the two opposing side members relative to the second side wall 113 of the mounting compartment 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0050] The mounting members 362 and 363 are beneficial because they facilitate installation of the spacer 300 in the mounting compartment 110. The mounting members 362 and 363 also hold the spacer 300 in place at a desired location in the mounting compartment 110 after installation.

[0051] Fig. 9 The overall method for installing a traction device and the proposed spacing device 300 according to the invention in an installation compartment 110 of a rail vehicle is illustrated by means of a flow chart.

[0052] In a first step 910, the spacer 300 is placed in the mounting compartment 110. In a subsequent step 920, it is checked whether the respective first short sides 382 and 383 of each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 contact at least one supporting surface 111a and 111b of the mounting compartment 110. If so, step 930 is performed; otherwise, the process loops back to step 910.

[0053] In step 930 , the spacer device 300 is secured to the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113 of the mounting compartment 110 , such as via a set of mounting members 362 and 363 .

[0054] Then, in step 940, the pulling device 200 is positioned in the mounting compartment 110. Subsequently, in step 950, it is checked whether the pulling device 200 is in sufficient contact with the spacer 300. If so, step 960 is performed; otherwise, the process loops back to step 940. For example, sufficient contact may mean that the innermost portion 205 of the pulling device 200 contacts the respective second short sides 392 and 393 of each of the two opposing side members 312 and 313, the second short sides 392 and 393 being located on the respective opposite sides of the opposing side members 312 and 313 relative to the first short sides 382 and 383.

[0055] In step 960, the traction device 200 is secured to the spacer 300 by connecting the innermost portion 205 of the traction device 200 to the second short sides 392 and 393 of the two opposing side members 312 and 313. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0056] In the following step 970, at least one pressure device of the spacer device 300 is adjusted to apply a repulsive / attractive preload between the two opposing side members 312 and 313; and in the following step 980, it is checked whether the desired preload is applied. If yes, the process ends; otherwise, the process loops back to step 970.

[0057] As described above, the second short sides 392 and 393 of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 can include corresponding first ridge / groove joints 352 and 353, and the innermost portion 205 of the traction device 200 can include second ridge / groove joints 412 and 413 configured to fit into the corresponding first ridge / groove joints 352 and 353. Therefore, the connection of the innermost portion 205 of the traction device 200 to the second short sides 392 and 393 of the two opposing side members 312 and 313 can involve fitting the first and second ridge / groove joints 352, 353 and 412, 413 into each other, respectively.

[0058] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0059] The term "comprises / comprising", when used in this specification, is used to specify the presence of the features, integers, steps or components described. The term does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional elements, features, integers, steps or components or combinations thereof. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In the claims, the word "or" should not be interpreted as an exclusive or (sometimes called "XOR"). On the contrary, unless otherwise indicated, expressions such as "A or B" cover all cases "A and not B", "B and not A" and "A and B". The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

[0060] It should also be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may be freely combined, unless explicitly stated that such a combination would be inappropriate.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the figures but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A spacing device (300) configured to be fitted into a mounting compartment (110) of a rail vehicle so as to bridge an innermost portion (205) of a traction device (200) and at least one supporting surface (111A) of the mounting compartment (110); 111b), the spacing device (300) comprises: Two opposing side members (312; 313), the side members (312; 313) being configured as follows: transferring a damping force applied to the traction device (200) to the at least one supporting surface (111a; 111b) of the mounting compartment (110), and contacting a corresponding side wall (112; 113) of the mounting compartment (110), the side wall (112; 113) are each perpendicular to the at least one support surface (111a); 111b)， Characterized in that the spacing device (300) comprises: At least one pressure device (301, 302; 601; 701, 702, 703; 801, 802, 803, 804), the at least one pressure device is positioned between the two opposite side members (312; 313) and is configured to apply a preload between the two opposite side members (312; 313).

2. The spacer device (300) according to claim 1, wherein: Said at least one pressure device (301, 302; 601; 701, 702, 703; 801, 802, 803, 804) is fixed to each of two opposing said side members (312; 313).

3. The spacer device (300) according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one pressure device (301, 302; 601; 701, 702, 703; 801, 802, 803, 804) is configured to apply the preload force in an attraction direction, thereby pulling the two opposing side members (312; 313) toward each other and away from the side wall (112; 113) of the mounting compartment (110).

4. The spacer device (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one pressure device (301, 302; 601; 701, 702, 703; 801, 802, 803, 804) is configured to apply the preload force in a repelling direction, thereby pushing the two opposing side members (312; 313) away from each other and against the side walls (112; 113) of the mounting compartment (110).

5. The spacer device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: At least two pressure devices (301, 302; 601, 602, 603; 701, 702, 703, 704), the at least two pressure devices (301, 302; 601, 602, 603; 701, 702, 703, 704) having respective contact areas (331, 333) in respective inner wall surfaces (342; 343) of each of the two opposite side members (312; 313); 332, 334) are positioned between the two opposite side members (312; 313), and the corresponding contact areas (331, 333; 332, 334) are positioned relative to each other so that the preload force is evenly distributed on the two opposing side members (312; 313).

6. A spacer device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the two opposing side members (312; 313) comprises: A corresponding first ridge / groove joint (352; 353) configured to connect to a corresponding second ridge / groove joint (412; 413) of the innermost portion (205) of the pulling device (200).

7. The spacer device (300) according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the respective first ridge / groove junctions comprises: a ridge member (352; 353) configured to be inserted into a groove member (412; 413) of a corresponding expansion mounting device (402; 403) of the innermost portion (205) of the traction device (200), and / or A groove member configured to receive a ridge member of the innermost (205) expansion mounting device (402; 403) of the traction device (200).

8. The spacer device (300) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a set of mounting members (362; 363) configured to hold the spacer device (300) in the mounting compartment (110).

9. The spacer device (300) according to claim 8, wherein: A first mounting member (362) of the mounting members (362; 363) is adapted to lock the position of a first side member (312) of the two opposing side members relative to a first side wall (112) of the mounting compartment (110), and A second mounting member (363) of the mounting members (362; 363) is adapted to lock the position of a second side member (313) of the two opposing side members relative to a second side wall (113) of the mounting compartment (110).

10. The spacer device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the two opposing side members (312; 313) comprises at least one weight-reducing cavity (431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436).

11. A spacer device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one pressure device (301, 302; 601; 701, 702, 703; 801, 802, 803, 804) comprises at least one of the following: a threaded member contacting each of the two opposing side members (312; 313), the threaded member being configured to exert a repulsive or attractive force between the two opposing side members, a worm gear device contacting each of the two opposing side members, the worm gear device being configured to exert a repulsive or attractive force between the two opposing side members (312; 313), and A cam-spring device contacts each of the two opposing side members, the cam-spring device being configured to exert a repulsive or attractive force between the two opposing side members (312; 313).

12. A method for installing a traction device (200) and a spacing device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims in a mounting compartment (110) of a rail vehicle, the method comprising: placing the spacer device (300) in the mounting compartment (110) such that a respective first short side (382; 383) of each of the two opposing side members (312; 313) contacts the at least one supporting surface (111a; 111b) of the mounting compartment (110), The spacer device (300) is fastened to the first side wall and the second side wall (112; 113) of the mounting compartment (110) by a set of mounting members (362; 363), Features: Positioning the traction device (200) in the mounting compartment (110) such that the innermost portion (205) of the traction device (200) contacts a respective second short side (392; 393) of each of two opposing side members (312; 313), the second short sides (392; 393) being located on respective opposite sides of the opposing side members (312; 313) relative to the first short sides (382; 383); connecting the innermost part (205) of the pulling device (200) to the second short sides (392; 393) of two opposing side members (312; 313); and The at least one pressure device (301, 302; 601; 701, 702, 703; 801, 802, 803, 804) is adjusted to apply a preload between two opposing side members (312; 313).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The second short sides (392; 393) of the two opposing side members (312; 313) include corresponding first ridge / groove joints (352; 353), the innermost portion (205) of the traction device (200) includes a second ridge / groove joint (412; 413) configured to fit into the corresponding first ridge / groove joint (352; 353), and the connection between the innermost portion (205) of the traction device (200) and the second short sides (392; 393) of the two opposing side members (312; 313) includes: The first and second ridges / grooves (352, 353; 412, 413) are mated to each other.

Images