Transition device with a cover for a connecting channel

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transition device for arrangement between two vehicles or vehicle parts movably connected to each other, having the features of the preamble of claim 1. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is known to provide a connecting channel, separate from the passageway, in a transition structure between two movably connected vehicles, in order to create a connection between the two supply channels of the connected vehicles. For example, this may be necessary for the distribution of conditioned air between the vehicles. The connecting channel can also be used to route supply lines from one vehicle to the other – inaccessible to passengers. Typically, an intermediate ceiling is installed in the transition structure for this purpose. The intermediate ceiling can be made of several 20 arches or tubes of bellows material arranged one behind the other, which are sewn to the side walls of a bellows enclosing the passageway. Aluminum profiles are used to stabilize the intermediate ceiling, each supporting adjacent arches or tubes of bellows material.

[0003] Document EP 2 468 600 B1 discloses a transition device comprising an inner bellows and an outer bellows spaced apart from it. In the ceiling area, two walls extend from the inner bellows to the outer bellows at intervals from each other, thus creating a connecting channel bounded by the inner bellows, the outer bellows, and the two walls.

[0004] Document EP 2 942 255 B1 discloses a transition device in which a connecting channel is not provided in the ceiling area, but is integrated in the area of ​​a laterally arranged floor cover. For this purpose, the floor cover, which projects laterally from the bellows, is connected to the bellows at its lower end by a floor insert, resulting in a closed channel.

[0005] Further connecting channels are known from DE 33 42 107 A1, EP 2 322 364 A1 and DE 102 08 557 A1. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to demonstrate a transition device in which a connecting channel separated from the passage area can be integrated with less material and / or assembly effort, in particular without reducing the tightness of the separation, but ideally even improving it.

[0007] The problem according to the invention is solved by a transition device having the features of independent claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, it has been found that a connecting channel can be easily created in the ceiling area of ​​a transition device by mounting a cover, separate from the bellows of the transition device, on the bellows in the ceiling area. Unlike a suspended ceiling known from the prior art, the cover does not connect to the side walls of the bellows, but directly to its ceiling section. This allows for a larger passage area. At the same time, the dimensions of the connecting channel remain sufficiently large, for example, for airflow and / or cable routing from one vehicle section to the next.

[0009] A transition device according to the invention is designed to movably connect two vehicles of a vehicle combination or two vehicle sections of a multi-section vehicle. For example, these can be coupled vehicles or vehicle sections of a rail vehicle connected by a joint.

[0010] The gangway features a bellows that encloses a passageway. This passageway allows passengers to move from one vehicle or vehicle section to the next. The bellows can be a corrugated or folded bellows. Depending on the application, the bellows may be double-layered, with an inner and an outer layer. Furthermore, the bellows and / or one of its layers may be fully or partially enclosed. In particular, the bellows may be open at the bottom, with the passageway being bounded below by a separate floor platform of the gangway.

[0011] To connect the vehicle or vehicle component supply ducts that terminate at the transition unit, the unit incorporates a connecting duct. The supply ducts on the vehicles are typically located in the ceiling area. The connecting duct is therefore positioned in the ceiling area of ​​the transition unit, connecting to the supply ducts there. It extends in the direction of passage from one end of the transition unit to the opposite end, thus establishing a connection between the two supply ducts. The connecting duct is separated from the passage area. This allows, for example, targeted airflow across the transition unit from one vehicle component to the next, and / or enables lines to be routed through the transition unit inaccessible to passengers.

[0012] According to the invention, the connecting channel is bounded by a cover comprising a ceiling element and two side wall elements that project laterally from the ceiling element when viewed transversely to the direction of passage. The side wall elements extend to the ceiling section of the bellows and are connected there in such a way that the connecting channel is completely closed. Thus, the connecting channel is bounded by the cover and the ceiling section of the bellows and separated from the passage area.

[0013] Unlike prior art, the cover is not a continuous ceiling element that connects to the side sections of the bellows. Instead, the side wall elements create a connection to the ceiling section of the bellows. This design of the cover offers several advantages. For example, because the cover connects to the ceiling section of the bellows and therefore does not extend across the full width of the bellows, material can be saved. Furthermore, a connection in the ceiling area is easier to achieve, thus reducing installation effort. Additionally, a sealing connection between the cover and the bellows, and therefore a tight seal between the supply channels, is easier to achieve and is less prone to failure, as the dynamic stress in the ceiling area is lower than, for example, in the side sections of the transition device.

[0014] According to the invention, the cover is designed as a hood separate from the bellows. For this purpose, the cover is connected to one or more bellows frames of the bellows by one or more connecting means. It can therefore be subsequently mounted onto a bellows to create the connecting channel. Since the cover is detachably attached, the connecting channel can be easily opened for maintenance purposes and then closed again. The cover can also be easily replaced if necessary.

[0015] According to the invention, it is necessary that the connecting channel be airtightly separated from the passage area or that air exchange occur only to a minimal extent. This is the case, for example, when the connecting channel is used as an air duct. Therefore, according to the invention, each side wall element has a sealing section for a tight or at least nearly tight connection of the respective side wall element to the ceiling section of the bellows. For this purpose, the sealing section overlaps the ceiling section of the bellows in such a way that the connecting channel is laterally closed. The sealing section forms a kind of cuff that rests on the ceiling section with essentially no gaps. That is to say,The connection of the cover to the ceiling section in such a way that the connecting channel is completely closed is ultimately achieved by a material overlap of the cover, namely the sealing section, and the ceiling section of the bellows.

[0016] The cover can be positioned within the area enclosed by the bellows, with the side wall elements connected to the bellows' ceiling section on the inside. Alternatively, the cover can be placed on the bellows from the outside, with the side wall elements connecting to the bellows' ceiling section on an outside side.

[0017] The transition device is designed to allow relative movements between the vehicles or vehicle parts, such as roll, flexion, pitch, or lateral or vertical displacement. Accordingly, the cover must also be able to accommodate and follow such movements. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the cover has multiple layers of bellows material, which form the ceiling element and the side wall elements and which have a wave or fold shape. The layers of bellows material, in particular, have a wave or fold shape corresponding to the bellows. The wave or fold shape need not necessarily be identical. For example, the layers of bellows material in the cover can be concave when viewed from the passage area, while the waves of the bellows are convex when viewed from the passage area.Preferably, at least the wave or fold depth of the cover is essentially the same as the wave or fold depth of the bellows. This allows for the achievement of identical or at least similar dynamic properties.

[0018] The individual strips of bellows material that form the waves or folds can be sewn together to create a continuous cover. Alternatively or additionally, the strips of bellows material can be connected by means of retaining frames. Specifically, the cover can have multiple retaining frames, with each pair of adjacent frames holding one strip of bellows material. For the purpose of designing the cover as a hood, the retaining frames can, in particular, have a U-shape.

[0019] The sealing sections can be formed integrally from the bellows material. A particularly good seal between the connecting channel and the passage area can be achieved by keeping the number of connection points to a minimum. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the bellows material is continuous from one sealing section, across the side wall element, the ceiling element, the opposite side wall element, to the next sealing section.

[0020] For a tight seal between the cover and the bellows' ceiling section, the sealing sections preferably have a wave or fold shape corresponding to the bellows' shape. This allows the sealing sections to follow the bellows' basic contour and rest on the ceiling section in a wave-like or folded manner. Ideally, this completely or at least largely prevents any gaps from forming between the sealing section of the cover and the bellows' ceiling section.

[0021] The wave or fold shape of the sealing sections is oriented in the opposite direction to the wave or fold shape of the adjacent section of the bellows material. The bellows material, or the wave or fold formed from it, is essentially folded over to create the sealing section, thus enabling a particularly simple and seamless transition between the sealing section adjacent to the bellows' top section and the side wall element of the cover.

[0022] If the side wall element of the cover or the sealing section rests against the ceiling section of the bellows with a certain amount of tension, this can be sufficient for a tight seal of the connecting channel. According to one embodiment, a sealant is provided for sealing the connection between the side wall element, and in particular the sealing section, and the bellows. Specifically, this can be an elastomer- or silicone-based sealant, which is applied in liquid form to the connection area between the side wall element or the sealing section and the ceiling section of the bellows and is cured by vulcanization or drying, ultimately achieving a tight seal. Other sealants can also be used. For example, the sealant can be arranged in the form of a joint tape between the side wall element or the sealing section and the ceiling section of the bellows.

[0023] The weight of the cover is preferably borne primarily by the bellows and, in particular, its bellows frame. According to the invention, the cover is connected to one or more bellows frames of the bellows by one or more connecting means.

[0024] Specifically, the cover can have a number of retaining frames corresponding to the number of bellows frames, with each bellows frame being connected to a retaining frame. For connection to its respective retaining frame, each bellows frame preferably has at least two connecting means, so that the retaining frame can be connected to the bellows frame on both sides opposite each other when viewed transversely to the direction of travel.

[0025] The connecting element can, for example, include a retaining plate, one end of which is inserted into the bellows frame and connected there, for example, by rivets and / or clamped within the bellows frame. The other end of the retaining plate can protrude from the bellows frame and, in particular, extend beyond the top section of the bellows. The retaining plate is thus easily accessible for mounting the cover. The mounting frame can also be attached to the retaining plate by rivets. However, other fastening methods, such as screws, are also possible.

[0026] To attach the cover to the respective vehicle or vehicle part, the cover can have a mounting frame on its end face when viewed in the direction of travel. The mounting frame can be attached to the end face of the vehicle or vehicle part, for example, using a screw connection. However, it can also be attached in another way. For a sealing connection, the mounting frame can additionally incorporate a sealant which, when installed, forms a tight seal against the end face of the vehicle or vehicle part.

[0027] The descriptions of the transition device according to the invention apply accordingly to further preferred embodiments of the cover according to the invention.

[0028] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the claims, the description, and the drawings. The advantages of features and combinations of features mentioned in the description are merely examples and can have an effect alternatively or cumulatively, without necessarily requiring that the advantages be achieved by embodiments of the invention. The features mentioned in the claims and the description are to be understood with regard to their number as meaning that exactly this number or a greater number than the stated number is present, without the need for an explicit use of the term "at least." Thus, for example, if a mounting frame is mentioned, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one mounting frame, two mounting frames, or several mounting frames are present. These features can be supplemented by other features or be the only features of which the respective product consists.The reference numerals contained in the claims do not constitute a limitation of the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims. They serve only to make the claims easier to understand. PREFERRED EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures. The figures show: Figure 1 shows a transition device according to the invention in a front view; Figure 2 shows the transition device according to the invention. Figure 1 in a perspective view; Figure 3 a detailed view of the ceiling area of ​​the transitional facility according to Figure 1 Figure 4 shows a section of the Figure 3 Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the connection of a cover to a bellows.

[0030] In the Figure 1 and 2Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a transition device 1 according to the invention. The transition device 1 comprises a circumferentially closed bellows 2, thereby creating a passageway 3 through which passengers can transfer between two vehicles or vehicle sections. The passageway 3 is enclosed downwards by a [missing element] in the Figure 1 and 2 The transition platform (not shown) forms the floor area accessible to passengers. To cover the gap formed between the transition platform and the bellows 2, gap covers 5 are provided on both sides of the bellows 2, viewed in the direction of passage 4.

[0031] As particularly in Figure 2As shown, the bellows 2 is designed as a corrugated bellows with several corrugations 6 arranged one behind the other. Each corrugation 6 is formed by a strip of bellows material, e.g., an elastomer-coated textile. Two adjacent corrugations 6 are each enclosed by a bellows frame 7 and connected to each other by this frame. In the case described in the Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the shafts 6 of the bellows 2 have a convex shape - as seen from the passage area 3.

[0032] A connecting duct 9 is located in the ceiling area 8 of the transition unit 1. This connecting duct 9 allows a connection between two supply ducts terminating at opposite ends of the transition unit 1. For example, air can be conveyed through the connecting duct 9 from one vehicle section to the next. Ideally, the connecting duct 9 is airtight and separated from the passage area 3. However, a certain degree of air exchange with the passage area 3 is acceptable.

[0033] To separate the connecting channel 9 from the passage area 3, a cover 10 is provided, which is formed separately from the bellows 2 and is arranged on the inside of the bellows 2 on its ceiling section 11. In the Figures 3 to 5The cover 10 and its attachment to the ceiling section 11 of the bellows 2 are shown in detail. The cover 10 comprises a ceiling element 12 and two side wall elements 13 projecting laterally from it. The side wall elements 13 connect directly to the ceiling element 12 and form the connection to the ceiling section 11 of the bellows 2. The connecting channel 9 is thus bounded by the ceiling element 12, the laterally projecting side wall elements 13, and the bellows 2, specifically its ceiling section 11.

[0034] The cover 10 comprises several panels 14 made of bellows material with a corrugated shape, forming multiple waves 15 arranged one behind the other. The corrugation essentially corresponds to the corrugation of the waves 6 of the bellows 2, giving the cover 10 similar mechanical and dynamic properties to the bellows 2. Adjacent panels 14 are each clamped by a retaining frame 16 of the cover 10 and thus connected to one another. Viewed in the direction of passage 4, screw-on frames 17 are provided on both end faces of the cover 10, allowing the cover 10 to be attached to the end faces of the vehicle parts, thus creating the tightest possible connection to the supply channels terminating there. Both the retaining frames 16 and the screw-on frames 17 are essentially U-shaped. This results in an overall hood-like shape for the cover 10 with an approximately U-shaped cross-section.

[0035] The panels 14 made of bellows material are each continuous and form the corresponding section of the two side wall elements 13 and the ceiling element 12. Unlike in Figure 3 As shown, each wave 15 of the cover 10 can be made up of several layers of bellows material which are sewn together.

[0036] To attach the cover 10 to the bellows 2, retaining plates 18 are provided. These are attached to the bellows frame 7. For example, during the manufacture of the bellows 2, the retaining plates can be inserted into the bellows frame 7 and connected to it by clamps and / or rivets. A fastening section 19 protrudes over the bellows 2 for attaching the cover 10. Thus, the transition device 1 can initially be installed without the cover 10. The cover 10 can then be attached to the fastening sections 19. This creates a connection between the retaining frames 16 and the retaining plates 18. Figure 5 The connection using rivets is shown as an example.

[0037] As mentioned above, the side wall elements 13 connect the cover 10 to the ceiling section 11 of the bellows 2, thus creating a lateral closure for the connecting channel 9. For the tightest possible connection, the following are used in the Figures 3 and 4In the illustrated embodiment, sealing sections 20 are provided in the lateral end regions of the cover 10. These are formed integrally from the bellows material of the panels 14 and are shaped like sleeves from the corrugations 15 of the cover 10. The respective corrugation 15 folds over in the transition region to the sealing section 20, so that the shape of the corrugation 15 changes from a concave shape (as seen from the passage 3) to a convex shape. The sealing sections 11 have a shape corresponding to the corrugations 6 of the bellows 2. In the assembled state, the sealing sections 20 rest directly on the corrugations 6 of the bellows 2. The material overlap and the direct contact ensure a tight or at least nearly tight connection between the cover and the bellows 2. Additionally, unlike in the Figures 3 and 4As shown, a sealant may be provided in the connection area. For example, a brushable sealant can be applied to the connection area before the cover 10 is installed, against which the sealing section is then pressed. Another possibility is that a brushable sealant is applied to the edge of the sealing section 11 after installation. Reference symbol list:

[0038] 1 Transition device 2 Bellows 3 Passage area 4 Passage direction 5 Gap cover 6 Shaft 7 Bellows frame 8 Ceiling area 9 Connecting channel 10 Cover 11 Ceiling section 12 Ceiling element 13 Side wall element 14 Track 15 Shaft 16 Retaining frame 17 Screw-on frame 18 Retaining plate 19 Fastening section 20 Sealing section

Claims

1. Transition device (1) for arranging between two vehicles or vehicle parts movably connected to each other, comprising - a bellows (2) enclosing a passage area (3) and - a connecting duct (9) for connecting supply ducts, terminating at the transition device (1), of the vehicles or vehicle parts, which connecting duct is arranged in the ceiling area (8) of the transition device (1) and is separated from the passage area (3), and wherein - the connecting duct (9) is delimited by a cover (10) which has a ceiling element (12) and - viewed transversely to the passage direction (4) of the transition device (1) - side wall elements (13) which project laterally therefrom, extend to a ceiling portion (11) of the bellows (2) and are connected to the ceiling portion (11) of the bellows (2) in such a way that the connecting duct (9) is closed circumferentially, characterized in that the cover (10) - is designed as a cap separate from the bellows (2) and - is detachably connected to one or more bellows' frames (7) of the bellows (2) by one or more connecting means and - each side wall element (13) comprises a sealing portion (20) which overlaps with the ceiling portion (11) of the bellows (2) in such a way that the connecting duct (9) is closed laterally.

2. Transition device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (10) is arranged within the area enclosed by the bellows (2) and the side wall elements (13) are connected on an inner side to the ceiling portion (11) of the bellows (2).

3. Transition device (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (10) has a plurality of webs (14) made of bellows material which form the ceiling element (12) and the side wall elements (13) and which in particular have a corrugated or folding shape corresponding to the bellows (2).

4. Transition device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover 10) comprises a plurality of in particular approximately U-shaped retaining frames (16), wherein two adjacent retaining frames (16) accommodate in each case one web (14) made of bellows material.

5. Transition device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing portions (20) are formed from the webs (14) made of bellows material, wherein the webs (14) made of bellows material are formed in particular continuously and / or in one piece from one sealing portion (20) to the other sealing portion (20).

6. Transition device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing portions (20) bear against the bellows (2) in a corrugated or folded manner so as to follow the basic contour of the bellows (2).

7. Transition device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corrugated or folding shape of the sealing portions (20) is oriented in the opposite direction to the corrugated or folding shape of the relevant adjoining portion of the web (14) made of bellows material.

8. Transition device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing agent is provided for sealingly connecting the side wall element (13) and in particular the sealing portion (20) to the bellows (2).

9. Transition device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (10) has a number of retaining frames (16) corresponding to the number of bellows' frames (7) and each bellows' frame (7) has at least one connecting means for connecting the bellows' frame (7) to an associated retaining frame (16).

10. Transition device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting means is a retaining plate (18), wherein optionally the retaining plate (18) projects from the bellows' frame (7) and the retaining frame (16) is fastened to a projecting fastening portion (19) of the retaining plate (18).

11. Transition device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (10) has a screw-on frame (17) on its end face, when viewed in the passage direction (4), for fastening the cover (10) to an end face of the vehicle or vehicle part.