Cladding component with break-off line

Abstract

The invention relates to a fairing component (10) for a coupling device (12) of a vehicle (14). This fairing component (10) has a predetermined breaking line (16). Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle (14) which has this fairing component (10) and to a method (100) for coupling (104) two vehicles (14) in which the fairing component (10) is separated along the predetermined breaking line (16) into at least two parts (18, 20, 22, 24) (102).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fairing component, a vehicle with this fairing component, and a method for coupling two vehicles.

[0002] Vehicle coupling devices are typically located at the front or rear of the vehicle. During operation, this significantly reduces the vehicle's drag. For this reason, coupling devices are often fitted with fairing components.

[0003] However, such fairing components must be removed before using the coupling device. To expedite the coupling process between two vehicles, release devices are already known that automatically unlock a coupling device located beneath the fairing component. This is particularly advantageous for vehicles that are to be coupled together in a standard operating procedure. Conversely, such release devices can be a hindrance if the vehicle in question is only to be coupled to another vehicle in exceptional circumstances, such as for towing. In such cases, costs for installation, maintenance, and repair are incurred despite the release device not being used during normal vehicle operation.Furthermore, a failure or malfunction of the opening device can lead to an interruption of the entire vehicle's operation. Manually removing the cover component poses too high a risk to the operator, who would have to be on the track for this purpose. However, simply omitting the cover component, as already described, leads to a significant increase in flow resistance and thus to a reduction in energy efficiency during vehicle operation. The object of the invention is to provide a reliable alternative cover component for a vehicle's coupling device.

[0004] This problem is solved by a cladding component having the features of claim 1.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing a vehicle with the fairing component according to the invention.

[0006] This problem is solved by a vehicle according to the features of the subordinate claim.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing an alternative method for coupling two vehicles.

[0008] This problem is solved by a method according to the features of the subordinate method claim.

[0009] Advantageous further training courses are each the subject of dependent sub-claims.

[0010] The cladding component according to the invention for a vehicle coupling device has a predetermined breaking line, as is known, for example, from documents DE10 2016 210514 B3 or CN 203 996 245 U. Along this predetermined breaking line, the cladding component can be separated into at least two parts. Preferably, a weakening structure is provided along the predetermined breaking line. This weakening structure can be implemented chemically or physically. Advantageously, the cladding component has a reduced material thickness along the predetermined breaking line compared to surrounding areas. In this way, the cladding component is mechanically weakened along the predetermined breaking line. This allows the cladding component to be manufactured cost-effectively. Therefore, the cladding component can be separated into the aforementioned parts with minimal effort for the purpose of releasing the coupling device.This allows the use of a simple and inexpensive replaceable cladding component, which is irreversibly destroyed in the event of a coupling process.

[0011] The inventive cladding component eliminates the need for a mechanical or electromechanical opening device to release a coupling device located underneath. This effectively prevents vehicle downtime caused by faults or failures of such an opening device. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for personnel.

[0012] In a further advantageous development, it is proposed that the fairing component have a streamlined outer surface. This reduces the drag coefficient of the fairing component, thereby saving fuel and increasing energy efficiency.

[0013] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment provides that the cladding component has a pin. This pin is arranged on an outer surface of the cladding component. The pin is preferably configured to act upon another cladding component of a different coupling device in order to release the coupling device located beneath it. In a preferred embodiment, this further cladding component has a predetermined breaking line along which it can be separated into at least two parts by means of the aforementioned pin. It is also conceivable that the cladding component containing the pin can be separated into at least two parts as a result of contact between this pin and an external object.

[0014] According to the invention, the fairing component defines an opening which is provided for the purpose of allowing at least one section of a coupling device arranged beneath the fairing component to pass through. This section of the coupling device can be provided as an alternative or additional element to the aforementioned mandrel. By means of this section, another fairing component of a coupling device arranged opposite can be broken. Preferably, this eliminates the need for the aforementioned mandrel. Instead, a component already present on the vehicle can be used to bring about the separation of a fairing component along the predetermined breaking line. This allows for the creation of a fairing component that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0015] The vehicle according to the invention has a coupling device which is covered by the fairing component according to the invention. This allows the release of a coupling device located underneath to be achieved by irreversibly destroying this fairing component. This easily avoids endangering operating personnel. Nevertheless, the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle can be improved. Preferably, the vehicle in question is a rail-bound vehicle. An advantageous embodiment of the vehicle provides that a front coupling device of a rail-bound vehicle is covered by the aforementioned fairing component. Vehicles in which coupling with another vehicle is only intended in exceptional cases can thus be provided with a fairing component that can be opened only once.This can increase the economic efficiency of operating the vehicle. Both aerodynamic drag can be reduced and costs for the maintenance and upkeep of the associated opening mechanism can be saved.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the vehicle provides that a section of a guide assembly for the bow coupling device projects beyond the aforementioned fairing component. Such a guide assembly is provided, for example, in a Scharfenberg coupler. Advantageously, this section of the guide assembly for the bow coupling penetrates an opening defined by the fairing component. In this way, a lightweight and inexpensive fairing component can be used to cover the bow coupling device.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle provides that the aforementioned section projects beyond the fairing component in such a way that a fairing component of another bow coupling device can be separated by means of this section. The section of the guide assembly of the bow coupling device, usually made of steel, can be used for the purpose of separating or breaking open a fairing component of another bow coupling device. In this way, a coupling device located beneath a fairing component can be safely released.

[0018] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle, the fairing component is arranged flush with the vehicle's outer skin. Preferably, the fairing component is arranged with the vehicle's outer skin in such a way that a smooth, stepless transition is achieved between the vehicle's outer skin and the fairing component. In this way, the vehicle's aerodynamic properties can be further improved.

[0019] Using the method according to the invention, two vehicles are coupled together. Advantageously, at least one of the two vehicles has a fairing component according to the invention. Preferably, both of the two vehicles have a fairing component according to the invention.

[0020] In the inventive method for coupling two vehicles, a fairing component according to the invention is separated into at least two parts along a predetermined breaking line. Therefore, the provision of an opening device for releasing the coupling device located underneath is no longer necessary. This reduces the maintenance and repair costs of the vehicle. Furthermore, it prevents vehicle downtime caused by the aforementioned opening device.

[0021] An advantageous further development of the method provides that two vehicles according to the invention are coupled together.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that during the coupling process of the two vehicles, the fairing component belonging to each coupling device is detached from the respective vehicle by breaking along the predetermined breaking line. The fairing component can thus fall off one of the vehicles. Due to the low cost of the fairing component, it can be irreversibly destroyed in the process. The at least two detached parts of the fairing component thereby expose a coupling device located beneath the fairing component. Further steps for releasing the coupling device of the two vehicles to be coupled can thus be avoided.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment of the method provides that, during a coupling process of the two aforementioned vehicles, a panel component is separated along its predetermined breaking line by means of a mandrel of another panel component. The mandrel in question is, in particular, the mandrel described in connection with the panel component. Advantageously, the panel components of the two vehicles are each panel components according to the invention, each of which has a predetermined breaking line. This allows for a rapid and cost-effective coupling process. As a result, the panel components can be separated by the interaction of these two panel components.

[0024] Furthermore, an advantageous further development of the method provides that during a coupling process the mandrel of the cladding component is brought together with the predetermined breaking line of an oppositely arranged cladding component for the purpose of separating the latter cladding component into at least two parts.

[0025] An additional or alternative embodiment of the method provides that, during the coupling process of the two vehicles mentioned, a fairing component is separated along its predetermined breaking line by means of a section of a coupling device projecting beyond the fairing component. This section of the coupling device is preferably the section of a guide arrangement of a front coupling device already mentioned in connection with the vehicle. This makes it possible to dispense with the aforementioned mandrel. Furthermore, an existing component of the vehicle can thus be used to break open an opposing fairing component.

[0026] Furthermore, an advantageous refinement of the method provides that, during the coupling process, the section of the coupling device projecting through a fairing component is brought together with the predetermined breaking line of an opposing fairing component to separate the latter into at least two parts. In this way, a reliable and dependable coupling process between two vehicles can be ensured.

[0027] The properties, features, and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained in more detail in the following description of the exemplary embodiment of the invention and its variations, in conjunction with the figures. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. The exemplary embodiment and its variations serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, including functional features. Furthermore, all features specified in the exemplary embodiment can be considered in isolation and combined appropriately with the features of any claim.

[0028] They show: FIG 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle and an embodiment of a fairing component connected to the vehicle in a schematic representation; FIG 2 shows a schematic detail of the fairing component in a state connected to the vehicle; FIG 3 shows an illustration of an example of a method for coupling two vehicles by means of a schematic representation; FIG 4 shows a further illustration of the example of the method by means of a schematic flowchart.

[0029] FIG 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cladding component 10. Figure 2 further shows FIG 1 A schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle 14, on which the aforementioned cladding component 10 is arranged. The aforementioned vehicle 14 is, by way of example, a rail-bound vehicle 14.

[0030] The aforementioned fairing component 10 covers a front coupling device 12 of the rail-bound vehicle 14. This front coupling device 12 is, by way of example, designed as a Scharfenberg coupling, a type already known to those skilled in the art. In this case, the fairing component 10 serves to protect the front coupling device 12 and to reduce the drag of the vehicle 14. For this purpose, the fairing component 10 is, by way of example, arranged flush with an outer skin 34 of the vehicle 14. The transition between the outer skin 34 of the vehicle 14 and the fairing component 10 is preferably smooth and seamless. This allows for the provision of an energy-efficient vehicle 14 with improved aerodynamic properties. Furthermore, fuel or electrical energy for propelling the vehicle 14 can be saved in a simple manner.

[0031] For example, a section 32 of a guide arrangement of the bow coupling device 12 projects beyond the aforementioned fairing component 10. For this purpose, an opening 30 is provided in the fairing component 10. The aforementioned section 32 of the guide arrangement of the bow coupling device 12 protrudes through the aforementioned opening 30 and thus extends beyond an outer surface 26 of the fairing component 10.

[0032] Alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned section 32, it is conceivable that the cladding component has a pin 28 which is arranged on the outside 26.

[0033] FIG 2 shows a detailed view of the fairing component 10 in a state attached to the vehicle 14 in a schematic representation.

[0034] The trim panel 10 is connected to the vehicle 14 by means of a connecting device 36. This is, for example, a plug-in connection device. This allows the trim panel 10 to be easily replaced. Furthermore, in the event of separation, the trim panel 10 can be easily detached from the vehicle in this way.

[0035] Furthermore, the fairing component 10 has a predetermined breaking line 16 along which it can be separated into four parts 18, 20, 22, 24. In the present embodiment, the fairing component 10 has a reduced material thickness along the predetermined breaking line 16 compared to the surrounding areas. This allows the fairing component 10 to be easily and irreversibly separated. This makes it possible to access the bow coupling device 12 located underneath it easily and cost-effectively.

[0036] FIG 3 Figure 1 illustrates an example of a method 100 for coupling two vehicles 14. The two vehicles 14 shown are each examples of vehicles that are used in connection with FIG 1 as described above. Both of the aforementioned vehicles 14 each have a fairing component 10, as previously described in connection with FIG 1 and FIG 2 is described.

[0037] In the example of method 100 described here, during a coupling operation 104, the aforementioned section 32 of the bow coupling device 12 of one of the two vehicles 14 is brought into contact with the predetermined breaking line 16 of an opposing fairing component 10 of another of the two vehicles 14. This causes a break in the opposing fairing component 10 along its predetermined breaking line 16. This, in turn, leads to the fairing component 10 breaking along the predetermined breaking line 16 into the four already identified in connection with FIG 2 The parts 18, 20, 22, and 24 described above are separated 102. As a result of the separation 102 of the fairing component 10, it is detached from the vehicle 14 in question 106. The connecting device 36 is designed such that, as a result of the separation 102, the aforementioned parts 18, 20, 22, and 24 fall into the track bed. This provides access to the underlying nose coupling device 12.

[0038] This coupling process 104, described above, results in the fairing components 10 of both of the vehicles 14 shown being detached in the prescribed manner 106. No intervention by operating personnel is required. By bringing the vehicles 14 together, both front coupling devices 12 are released for the purpose of coupling 104 to each other.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the example of method 100, for the purpose of bringing about the separation 102 of a fairing component 10, the aforementioned section 32 of the guide arrangement of the bow coupling device 12 is joined with the predetermined breaking line 16 of the fairing component 10 to be separated. This makes it possible to bring about a complete separation 102 of the corresponding fairing component 10 along the predetermined breaking line 16. The coupling process 104 can thus be made operationally reliable.

[0040] As an alternative to the prescribed method 108 of separating 102 a fairing component 10 by means of the aforementioned section 32 of the guide arrangement of the bow coupling device 12, a pin 28 can instead be provided on at least one of the aforementioned fairing components 10. The same effect can be achieved by means of the pin 28 as described in connection with the aforementioned section 32 of the guide arrangement of the bow coupling device 12. Thus, bow coupling devices 12 that do not have a guide arrangement can nevertheless be fitted with the fairing component 10 simply and reliably.

[0041] FIG 4 This is already illustrated in connection with FIG 3 The described example of procedure 100 is shown in an alternative way using a schematic flowchart.

[0042] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

[0043] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

Claims

1. Cladding component (10) for a coupling apparatus (12) of a vehicle (14), having an intended break line (16), along which the cladding component (10) can be separated into at least two parts (18, 20, 22, 24), characterised in that an opening (30) which is delimited by the cladding part (10) and which is provided for the purpose of passing through a section (32) of a coupling apparatus (12) arranged below the cladding component (10).

2. Cladding component (10) according to claim 1, characterised by an outer side (26) embodied in a streamlined manner.

3. Cladding component (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by a spike (28), which is arranged on an outer side (26) of the cladding component (10).

4. Vehicle (14) with a coupling apparatus (12), which is cladded with a cladding component (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

5. Vehicle (14) according to claim 4, characterised in that a nose coupling apparatus (12) of a rail-bound vehicle (14) is cladded with said cladding component (10).

6. Vehicle (14) according to claim 5, characterised in that a section (32) of a guide arrangement of the nose coupling apparatus (12) protrudes beyond said cladding component (10).

7. Vehicle (14) according to claim 6, characterised in that said section (32) protrudes beyond the cladding component (10) in such a manner that a cladding component (10) of another nose coupling apparatus (12) be separated into at least two parts (18, 20, 22, 24) by means of said section (32).

8. Vehicle (14) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the cladding component (10) is arranged flush with an outer shell (34) of the vehicle (14).

9. Method (100) for coupling two vehicles (14), in which a cladding component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3 is separated (102) along an intended break line (16) into at least two parts (18, 20, 22, 24).

10. Method (100) according to claim 9, in which two vehicles (14) according to one of claims 5 to 9 are coupled (104) to one another.

11. Method (100) according to claim 10, in which, during a coupling procedure (104) of the two said vehicles (14), the cladding component (10) associated with a respective coupling apparatus (12) is detached (106) from the vehicle (14) in question as a result of a separation (102) along the intended break line (16).

12. Method (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, in which, during a coupling procedure (104) of the two said vehicles (14), a separation (102) of a cladding component (10) along the intended break line (16) thereof is brought about (108) by means of a spike (28) of another cladding component (10).

13. Method (100) according to one of claims 9 to 12, in which, during a coupling procedure (104) of the two said vehicles (14), a separation (102) of a cladding component (10) along the intended break line (16) thereof is brought about (108) by means of a section (32) of a coupling apparatus (12) that is arranged opposite, which section protrudes beyond a cladding component (10).

14. Method (100) according to one of claims 9 to 13, in which, during a coupling procedure (104), the spike (28) of the cladding component (10) or the section (32) of the coupling apparatus (12) protruding beyond the cladding component (10) is brought together (110) with the intended break line (16) of a cladding component (10) that is arranged opposite for the purpose of separating (102) the last-mentioned cladding component (10) into at least two parts (18, 20, 22, 24).

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