Hinge connection device and related railway vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an articulated connection (20) between two railway carriages, comprising:-an inner shell (30) intended to be fixed to an end wall of a first carriage (22),-at least one outer shell (32) intended to be fixed to an end wall of a second carriage (24), and-a connection unit (34) connecting the at least one outer shell (32) to the inner shell (30), and a connection unit (34), which is incorporated in an intermediate space (40) between the at least one outer shell (32) and the inner shell (30), such that one of the shells can be rotationally moved with respect to the other and allows the transmission of forces between the outer shell (32) and the inner shell (30), and which is incorporated in the intermediate space (40) between the at least one outer shell (32) and the inner shell (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an articulated connection device between two railway carriages. This disclosure also relates to related railway vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In the railway industry, a gangway is a passageway between two railway carriages, allowing passengers to move from one carriage to another.

[0003] To connect the two carriages, it is known that articulation devices and various dampers (yaw, pitch, and roll dampers) are arranged around the passageway. The main functions of these components are force transmission, motion control, and motion damping.

[0004] However, each of these components has an interface, such as a console or connecting element that needs to be defined, specified, procured, and managed, and requires installation space. Therefore, it is difficult to accommodate other components, such as electrical and pneumatic connections, within the passageway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a need for a connecting device between two carriages that is easier to implement.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a hinged connection device between two railway carriages, comprising: - An inner shell, designed to be fixed to the end wall of the first car, wherein the fixing is capable of transmitting forces between the inner shell and the end wall of the first car, and wherein the diameter of the inner shell allows personnel to move from the first car to the second car. - At least one outer casing designed to be secured to an end wall of a second carriage, wherein the securing is capable of transmitting force between the outer casing and the end wall of the second carriage, the at least one outer casing covering at least a portion of the inner casing, and - A connecting unit that connects the at least one outer shell to the inner shell, such that one shell can rotate relative to the other shell and allows force to be transmitted between the outer and inner shells, the connecting unit being incorporated into the intermediate space between the at least one outer shell and the inner shell.

[0007] The hinged connection device according to this disclosure may include one or more of the following features individually or in any technically possible combination: -The hinged connection device includes at least one vibration damping element; - Both the inner and outer shells are domes, preferably spherical or elliptical domes; - The connecting unit includes at least one force transmission element capable of transmitting force between the inner shell and the at least one outer shell; - The force transmission elements, or the distribution of each force transmission element in the intermediate space, make the rotation center of the hinged connection device correspond to the center of the hinged connection device. - The connecting unit includes multiple force-transmitting elements distributed in the intermediate space to cover: -The entire circumference of the inner shell, or - At least four regions on the inner circumference, including the top region of the inner circumference, the bottom region of the inner circumference, the right side region of the inner circumference, and the left side region of the inner circumference, or - Two regions on the inner circumference, including the top region of the inner circumference and the bottom region of the inner circumference; - The force transmission elements, or the distribution of each force transmission element in the intermediate space, cause the rotation center of the hinged connection device to correspond to the bottom of the hinged connection device; - The connection unit includes: -Or multiple force-transmitting elements distributed in the intermediate space to cover two areas on the inner shell circumference, including the top area and the bottom area of ​​the inner shell circumference. -Or a force-transmitting element distributed in the intermediate space to cover the bottom circumference area of ​​the inner shell; and - The articulated connection includes a step for passengers to pass through.

[0008] This disclosure also relates to a railway vehicle comprising: - First carriage, -The second carriage, and - A hinged connection device between the first and second carriages, as described above.

[0009] The railway vehicle may include an articulated bogie that supports both the first and second cars. Attached Figure Description

[0010] This disclosure will be more readily understood by referring to the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings: - Figure 1 This is an example of a hinged connection device between two carriages according to the first embodiment of this disclosure; - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the hinged connection device; - Figure 3 This is an example of a connection unit that includes force transmission elements and vibration damping elements; - Figure 4 This is an example of a spring-loaded vibration damping element; - Figure 5 This is another example of a spring-loaded damping element; - Figure 6This is an example of a hinged connection device between two carriages according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the hinged connection device; - Figure 8 This is an example of a connection unit that includes force transmission elements; - Figure 9 This is another example of a connection unit that includes force transmission elements; and - Figure 10 This is an example of how the motion / flexibility of the connecting unit between the inner and outer shells is implemented. Detailed Implementation

[0011] In this specification, the term "longitudinal" is defined relative to the direction of vehicle travel, i.e., the direction in which the track extends. The longitudinal direction is represented by the X-axis in the diagram. The term "lateral" is defined relative to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the horizontal plane, i.e., the direction in which the tracks are spaced apart. The lateral direction is represented by the Y-axis in the diagram. The direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions is called the "vertical direction," represented by the Z-axis in the diagram. The terms "front" and "rear" are defined relative to the direction of travel of the railway vehicle (longitudinal direction). The terms "top" and "bottom" are defined relative to the vertical direction (Z). The terms "right side" and "left side" are defined relative to the lateral direction (Y).

[0012] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A hinged connection device 20 between the first railway car 22 and the second railway car 24 of a railway vehicle 26 is shown. This hinged connection device 20 corresponds to a first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] This hinged connection device can also be called a hinged transition device.

[0014] Railway vehicles 26 include, for example, trains or trams.

[0015] Preferably, the articulated bogie supports both the first car 22 and the second car 24.

[0016] The articulated connection device 20 includes an inner housing 30, an outer housing 32, and a connecting unit 34. Preferably, the articulated connection device 20 further includes a footboard 36 fixed to the inner housing 30 for passengers to pass through in the articulated connection device 20.

[0017] The inner shell 30 is intended to be fixed to the end wall of the first carriage 22. The inner shell 30 is, for example, a dome, such as a spherical dome or an elliptical dome. The inner shell 30 is, for example, made of steel. The inner shell 30 is fixed to the end wall of the first carriage 22 in a detachable or non-detachable manner, for example, by means of fastening devices (such as screws or rivets).

[0018] The outer casing 32 is intended to be secured to the end wall of the second carriage 24 such that the outer casing 32 covers at least a portion of the inner casing 30. The term "cover" should be understood to mean that the outer casing 32 is located on top of the inner casing 30 in at least one region of the inner casing 30. The outer casing 32 is secured to the end wall of the second carriage 24 in a detachable or non-detachable manner, for example by fastening means (e.g., screws or rivets).

[0019] In the first embodiment, the outer shell 32 is composed of a single element whose shape is complementary to that of the inner shell 30. For example, the outer shell 32 is a dome, such as a spherical dome or an elliptical dome. The outer shell 32 is made of steel, for example.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the outer shell 32 covers the entire circumference of the inner shell 30.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the inner shell 30 is connected to the first carriage 22 on one side and to the outer shell 32 via a connecting unit 34 on the other side. The outer shell 32 is connected to the second carriage 24 on one side and to the inner shell 30 via a connecting unit 34 on the other side.

[0022] In the first embodiment, an intermediate space 40 is defined between the outer shell 32 and the inner shell 30 in the region where the outer shell 32 covers the inner shell 30. In the first embodiment, the intermediate space 40 is a continuous space.

[0023] The connecting unit 34 is incorporated into the intermediate space 40 between the outer shell 32 and the inner shell 30 to connect the outer shell 32 to the inner shell 30. The connecting unit 34 is configured such that one shell can move relative to the other shell.

[0024] The connecting unit 34 is configured to ensure force transmission between the inner shell 30 and the outer shell 32, as well as motion and motion damping.

[0025] Preferably, the connecting unit 34 is configured such that the movement of one housing relative to the other housing is a rotational movement, particularly such that the housings can move relative to each other in all directions (yaw, pitch, roll).

[0026] The connecting unit 34 includes at least one force transmission element 43, and preferably includes at least one vibration damping element 42.

[0027] Multiple damping elements 42 ensure the functionality of the yaw, pitch, and roll dampers.

[0028] Each damping element 42 can absorb shocks during the force transmission process between the inner shell 30 and the outer shell 32.

[0029] The damping element 42 (and suspension, if applicable) is, for example, a mechanical element, a hydraulic / pneumatic element, or a layer of material (e.g., an elastic material).

[0030] exist Figure 3 In the example, each damping element 42 is a material layer, such as an elastomer material layer.

[0031] exist Figure 4 In the example, each damping element 42 is a spring damping system. This spring damping system includes multiple dampers 44 capable of absorbing shocks in the X and Y directions. Springs 46 are used for positioning the inner shell 30 and are also capable of absorbing shocks in the height direction Z.

[0032] exist Figure 5 In the example, each damping element 42 is a rotary damping system. This rotary damping system includes at least one lateral pin 50 in the pins of the inner housing 30, which is surrounded by a spring 52 and a damping chamber 54. During rotation (yaw), the lateral pin 50 also rotates, and the damping elements in the spring 52 and damping chamber 54 activate, thereby absorbing shocks in the lateral direction Y. Furthermore, the rotary damping system may include damping elements 48 in the X and Y directions and at least one positioning element 49 in the height direction Z.

[0033] Each force transmission element 43 is configured to transmit force between the inner shell 30 and the outer shell 32.

[0034] exist Figure 3 In this example, each force-transmitting element 43 includes at least one sphere 60 whose movement is restricted by a layer of damping element 42. The sphere 60 is preferably made of steel. For example, a housing 62 is defined within the damping layer to guide and restrict the movement of the sphere 60. In this example, each force-transmitting element 43 includes multiple spheres 60 (two), which reduces the distance traveled. In this example, the inner shell 30 and outer shell 32 include stops 65 to hold the force-transmitting element 43.

[0035] In one example, the distribution of the force-transmitting elements or each force-transmitting element 43 in the intermediate space 40 is such that the rotation center R of the hinged connection device 20 corresponds to the center of the hinged connection device 20.

[0036] In this example, the connecting unit 34 preferably includes a plurality of force transmitting elements 43 distributed in the intermediate space 40 to cover: -The entire circumference of the inner shell 30, or - At least four regions on the circumference of the inner shell 30, including the top region of the inner shell 30 circumference, the bottom region of the inner shell 30 circumference, the right side region of the inner shell 30 circumference, and the left side region of the inner shell 30 circumference (this configuration corresponds to...) Figure 2 (example), or - Two regions on the circumference of the inner shell 30, including the top region of the inner shell 30 and the bottom region of the inner shell 30.

[0037] In another example, the distribution of the force transmission elements or each force transmission element 43 in the intermediate space 40 is such that the rotation center R of the hinged connection 20 is located at the bottom of the hinged connection 20.

[0038] In this example, the connecting unit 34 preferably includes: - Alternatively, multiple force-transmitting elements 43 distributed in the intermediate space 40 can cover two regions on the circumference of the inner shell 30, including the top region and the bottom region of the inner shell 30. -Or a force-transmitting element 43 distributed in the intermediate space 40 to cover the bottom circumference area of ​​the inner shell 30.

[0039] During the operation of railway vehicle 26, one of the first carriage 22 and the second carriage 24 pulls the other carriage. The connecting unit 34 connects the inner shell 30 fixed to the first carriage 22 and the outer shell 32 fixed to the second carriage 24, ensuring force transmission, motion and motion damping.

[0040] Therefore, the articulated connection device 20 of the first embodiment can easily connect the two carriages of the railway vehicle 26.

[0041] In particular, the hinged connection device 20 enables a more compact structure, reducing the number of parts and interfaces. Assembly steps are also reduced. Furthermore, if applicable, a more uniform force distribution can be achieved on the end walls of the carriage.

[0042] The second embodiment of this disclosure is shown in Figures 6 to 9 This is for description and reference only. Figures 1 to 5 The differences described in the first embodiment.

[0043] In the second embodiment, the inner shell 30 is also intended to be fixed to the end wall of the second carriage 24. Therefore, the inner shell 30 connects the first carriage 22 and the second carriage 24. The inner shell 30 is fixed to the second carriage 24, for example, using the same fixing device as the first carriage 22. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the force transmission function is ensured by the inner shell 30.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the hinged connection device 20 includes at least four outer shells 32 covering different areas on the circumference of the inner shell 30, wherein two outer shells 32 are intended to be fixed to the second carriage 24 and the other two to the first carriage 22. Each outer shell 32 is, for example, a curved plate whose shape is complementary to the shape of the area of ​​the inner shell 30 covered by the outer shell 32. The covered area is a region on the circumference of the inner shell 30. Advantageously, the outer shells 32 are evenly distributed on the circumference of the inner shell 30.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the intermediate space 40 between the inner shell 30 and the outer shell 32 is a discontinuous space.

[0046] A connecting unit 34 is incorporated into the intermediate space 40 between each outer shell 32 and the inner shell 30. The connecting unit 34 is configured to allow one shell to move relative to the other. The connecting unit 34 is configured to ensure force transmission, as well as motion and motion damping, between the inner shell 30 and the outer shell 32. Preferably, the connecting unit 34 is configured such that the movement of one shell relative to the other is a rotational movement, particularly enabling the shells to move relative to each other in all directions (yaw, pitch, roll).

[0047] In the second embodiment, the connection unit 34 includes a plurality of components referred to as connectors 70. Each connector 70 connects the inner housing 30 to a different outer housing 32. Each connector 70 ensures force transmission between the inner housing 30 and the outer housing 32, while also ensuring suspension and damping functions.

[0048] exist Figure 8 In the example, each connector 70 includes a pin 75 for force transmission and a damping element 76.

[0049] exist Figure 9 In the example, each connector 70 includes a wheel 80 in the gear 82.

[0050] During the operation of railway vehicle 26, one of the first carriage 22 and the second carriage 24 pulls the other carriage. The connecting unit 34 connects the inner shell 30 fixed to the first carriage 22 and the outer shell 32 fixed to the second carriage 24, ensuring force transmission, motion and motion damping.

[0051] Therefore, the articulated connection device 20 of the second embodiment can easily connect the two carriages of the railway vehicle 26.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments and variations can be combined to form new embodiments, provided that they are technically compatible.

[0053] For example, in one embodiment, the first embodiment Figure 3 The connecting unit 34 described herein can be used in the second embodiment. Similarly, in the second embodiment... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The connection unit 34 described herein can be used in the first embodiment.

[0054] Furthermore, embodiments similar to the second embodiment but including fewer than one but more than four housings 32, or more than four housings 32, are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the mobility / flexibility between the inner shell 30 and the outer shell(s) 32 can be achieved by various means. For example, such as Figure 10As shown, this function is ensured by the pocket concept in the connecting unit 34. In this concept, the curved surface ensures that the movement of the inner shell 30 relative to the outer shell 32 results in rotation (rather than translation). The intermediate block 90 (with holes for the pins of the inner shell 30) is movable in the pocket 92 of the intermediate shell 93. The intermediate shell 93 is also movable in the pocket 94 of the outer shell 32. In one example, damping elements are placed in pockets 92 and 94.

Claims

1. - A hinged connection device (20) between two railway carriages, comprising: - An inner shell (30) is designed to be fixed to the end wall of the first carriage (22), wherein the fixing is capable of transmitting force between the inner shell (30) and the end wall of the first carriage (22), and wherein the diameter of the inner shell (30) allows personnel to move from the first carriage to the second carriage. - At least one outer casing (32) is intended to be fixed to the end wall of the second carriage (24), wherein the fixing is capable of transmitting force between the outer casing (32) and the end wall of the second carriage (24), the at least one outer casing (32) covering at least a portion of the inner casing (30), and - A connecting unit (34) connects the at least one outer shell (32) to the inner shell (30) such that one of the shells can rotate relative to the other shell and allows force to be transmitted between the outer shell (32) and the inner shell (30), the connecting unit (34) being incorporated into the intermediate space (40) between the at least one outer shell (32) and the inner shell (30).

2. - The hinged connection device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinged connection device (20) includes at least one damping element (42).

3. - The hinged connection device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the inner shell (30) and the outer shell (32) are domes, preferably spherical domes or elliptical domes.

4. - The hinged connection device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connecting unit (34) includes at least one force transmission element (43) capable of transmitting force between the inner shell (30) and the at least one outer shell (32).

5. - The hinged connection device (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distribution of the force transmission elements or each force transmission element (43) in the intermediate space (40) is such that the rotation center (R) of the hinge connection device (20) corresponds to the center of the hinge connection device (20).

6. - The hinged connection device (20) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting unit (34) includes a plurality of force transmission elements (43) distributed in the intermediate space (40) to cover: - The entire circumference of the inner shell (30), or - At least four regions on the circumference of the inner shell (30), including the top region of the circumference of the inner shell (30), the bottom region of the circumference of the inner shell (30), the right side region of the circumference of the inner shell (30), and the left side region of the circumference of the inner shell (30), or - Two regions on the circumference of the inner shell (30), including the top region of the circumference of the inner shell (30) and the bottom region of the circumference of the inner shell (30).

7. - The hinged connection device (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distribution of the force transmission elements or each force transmission element (43) in the intermediate space (40) is such that the rotation center (R) of the hinged connection device (20) corresponds to the bottom of the hinged connection device (20).

8. - The hinged connection device (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connection unit (34) includes: - Alternatively, multiple force-transmitting elements (43) distributed in the intermediate space (40) may be used to cover two regions on the circumference of the inner shell (30), including the top region and the bottom region of the inner shell (30). - Alternatively, a force transmission element (43) distributed in the intermediate space (40) can cover the circumferential bottom area of ​​the inner shell (30).

9. - The hinged connection device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The articulated connection device (20) includes a step (36) for passengers to pass through.

10. - A railway vehicle (26) comprising: - First carriage (22). - Second carriage (24), and - A hinged connection device (20) between the first carriage (22) and the second carriage (24), the hinged connection device (20) being any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. - The railway vehicle (26) according to claim 10, comprising an articulated bogie that simultaneously supports the first car (22) and the second car (24).

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