System for guiding lines in a multi-part vehicle, in particular in an articulated bus

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (7) for guiding lines in a multi-part vehicle, comprising two (A) pivotally coupled bodies (1; 2), comprising a line guide device for guiding at least one supply line on a guide plane (E). The line guide device has two flexible longitudinal sections (11, 12) with chain links (20) connected together in an articulated manner, a deflecting section (13), and two end securing parts (14A, 14B) for securing to the two bodies (1, 2). According to the invention, the first and second longitudinal section (11, 12) have respective chain links (20) which are pivotally connected relative to one another in at least one direction in an end-face first sub-section (11A, 12A), which goes out from the respective end securing part (14A; 14B), and respective chain links (20) which are pivotally connected relative to one another in at least one other direction in a second sub-section (11B, 12B), which transitions into the deflecting section (13). The invention additionally relates to a multi-part vehicle, in particular an articulated bus, comprising two pivotally coupled bodies comprising such a system.

Description

[0001] System for cable routing in a multi-unit vehicle, in particular in an articulated bus

[0002] The invention generally relates to a system for routing cables between two car bodies pivotally coupled about a pivot axis in a multi-unit vehicle. Multi-unit vehicles include, for example, articulated buses or rail vehicles, such as low-floor trams, streetcars, or the like. The invention relates to such a system, particularly for articulated buses, for routing at least one supply line, in particular an electrical supply line, that bridges a gap between two consecutive car bodies.

[0003] A generic system comprises a cable routing device with a flexible first longitudinal section, a flexible second longitudinal section, and a flexible or non-flexible deflection section between these two longitudinal sections. Furthermore, a generic system comprises suitable end fastening parts for fastening the ends of the longitudinal sections to one of the two car bodies. Such generic systems are known from the prior art, e.g., from patent EP 3 386 832 B1 or patent EP 3 718 795 B1.

[0004] The solution from EP 3 386 832 B1 is intended particularly for rail vehicles. It was proposed that the cable guide device be constructed as an energy guide chain consisting of mechanically coupled chain links that hold or accommodate the cables to be guided. According to EP 3 386 832 B1, it is proposed that the chain links be pivotable relative to one another in a guide plane, namely by means of pivot joints of the chain links, which are essentially perpendicular to the guide plane and less flexible in planes perpendicular to the guide plane. Energy guide chains of various designs are known as cable guide devices, each comprising a number of chain links connected to one another in an articulated manner.

[0005] The solution from EP 3 386 832 B1 can, for example, be achieved in a conventional manner using a conventional energy chain arranged laterally. Due to the chosen arrangement, this solution is not necessarily suitable for articulated buses.

[0006] The solution from EP 3 718 795 B1, on the other hand, is specifically designed for articulated buses. This solution proposes a cable guide with a leaf spring that extends in a curved manner from one car body to the next. A cable conduit is slidably mounted on this leaf spring by a holder. While this solution is generally suitable for different vehicle types, it offers only limited protection for the cables being routed. The leaf spring used must be designed according to the specific requirements.

[0007] A first object of the present invention is therefore to propose a system for cable routing for use in multi-unit vehicles, which offers good protection of the cables to be guided and at the same time is easily adaptable or can be easily adapted to the requirements of different vehicle types.

[0008] The first object is achieved by a system for cable routing having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The proposed system comprises a line guiding device for guiding at least one supply line in a guide plane, wherein the line guiding device comprises a flexible first longitudinal section, a flexible second

[0010] Longitudinal section and between both longitudinal sections a

[0011] A deflection section is provided. At least the first and second flexible longitudinal sections each comprise a plurality of articulated chain links of an energy guiding chain. The cable guiding device can be constructed from energy guiding chains only in the flexible longitudinal section, or from one or more different types of energy guiding chains extending continuously across both flexible longitudinal sections and the deflection sections.

[0012] The proposed system further comprises a first end fastening part for fastening one end of the first longitudinal section to one car body and a second end fastening part for fastening one end of the second longitudinal section to the other car body. The end fastening parts can have any suitable construction, but are preferably very simple in design, in particular without any moving parts during normal operation.

[0013] The proposed system is characterized in that the first and the second flexible longitudinal section each comprise, in an end-side first sub-section which starts from the respective end fastening part, chain links which are pivotally connected relative to one another in at least one first direction, in particular about a first axis parallel to the guide plane, and in that the first and the second flexible longitudinal section each comprise, in another second sub-section which merges into the deflection section and / or adjoins the deflection section, chain links which are pivotally connected relative to one another in at least one other direction, in particular about a second axis perpendicular to the guide plane.

[0014] In other words, the proposed system is characterized in that the cable guide device has flexible longitudinal sections which have different degrees of freedom and / or different flexibility and / or different rigidity in partial areas or partial sections of their longitudinal extent. In particular, different or higher degrees of freedom are provided at the end sections which are to be attached to the car bodies than in a subsequent second section which merges into the deflection section and / or adjoins it. In this second section, the cable guide can be designed to be more rigid in order to counteract sagging due to gravity, i.e. sagging from the guide plane, which preferably corresponds to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the car bodies.

[0015] Preferably, the first longitudinal section has different or higher degrees of freedom in its first subsection than in its second subsection, and the second longitudinal section has different or higher degrees of freedom in its first subsection than in its second subsection. This can be achieved, for example, by suitably selecting the chain links with regard to their pivotal connection in the subsections and / or by suitably adjusting their pivotability using one or more additional components.

[0016] Preferably, the first section is shorter in the longitudinal direction or direction of the cable guide device than the second section.

[0017] Preferably, the second section of the first and second flexible longitudinal sections each has reduced flexibility or increased flexural rigidity compared to the first section, in particular against sagging or bending, and / or is preferably designed to be at least largely self-supporting. This counteracts sagging from the guide plane or the plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the car bodies. This area-dependent difference in flexibility or flexural rigidity can be achieved in various ways, e.g., by pre-tensioning a suitable energy chain.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second flexible longitudinal sections are each designed or constructed continuously across the first and second partial sections from articulated chain links of an energy guide chain that can be deflected in at least two mutually perpendicular directions. Particularly preferred is a spatially deflectable energy guide chain composed of chain links that are connected or linked in pairs so as to be pivotable relative to one another in at least two directions, in particular by means of a cardanic or ball-and-socket joint.

[0019] When using such energy chains, the different flexibility or flexural rigidity can advantageously be achieved in certain areas by providing a spring-elastic support element in the second section, which interacts with the energy chain in a load-bearing manner in the guide plane. Such a support element is not provided in the first section, so that the first section has a different, in particular higher, flexibility and / or other, in particular higher, degrees of freedom.

[0020] Thanks to the spring-elastic support element, the second section can be at least predominantly self-supporting, i.e. it can bridge an area of ​​the space between car bodies without support.

[0021] Preferably, the spring-elastic support element is accommodated or arranged within the spatially deflectable energy guide chain.

[0022] The spring-elastic support element is preferably selected such that it causes - in particular upon deflection due to pivoting movement of the coupled car bodies - an automatic reset of the energy guide chain, in particular into an at least partially substantially straight or stretched position of the energy guide chain in the second sub-section.

[0023] By means of spring-elastic support elements, a mechanically advantageous cable guide device is achieved, which is better stabilized and less subject to vibration during operation and is therefore also less prone to wear and noise.

[0024] In a suitable design, each spring-elastic support element is designed as a rod-shaped spring element or as a leaf spring-like spring element, which is arranged running in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain and is in particular dimensioned such that it can be arranged within the energy guide chain.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the system has a support for the deflection section, which supports approximately the middle area of ​​the cable guide or energy guide chain.

[0026] The support support can serve to support or support the deflection section between the flexible longitudinal sections, in particular to support it in a fixed or displaceable manner.

[0027] The spring-elastic support element can be mounted on the support column on one side or cantilevered. In a suitable, flat design, the support column is flat and essentially V-shaped or U-shaped, e.g., as a sheet metal part.

[0028] The deflection section between the flexible longitudinal sections of the cable guide device is preferably arranged at least in sections with a predefined or predetermined path, in particular rigidly fixed. The support bracket can serve, in particular, for fixing. In this design, a linear guide is preferably also provided, by means of which the deflection section of the cable guide device can be slidably attached to a support frame of the vehicle. In this central region, support against gravity is then provided, e.g., on a component of the multi-unit vehicle.

[0029] In order to simplify the structure, it is particularly preferred if the cable guide device has at least one deflectable energy guide chain which is at least predominantly or completely continuous from the first longitudinal section via the deflection section to the second longitudinal section and which comprises a plurality of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner.

[0030] In this case, the chain links can be pivoted relative to one another in at least two directions which are essentially perpendicular to one another, for example according to the chain construction of WO 94 / 18735 A1 or according to the chain construction of WO 00 / 63583 A1.

[0031] Particularly preferred is a spatially deflectable energy guide chain which has proven itself for applications on industrial robots, e.g. according to the chain design from WO 2004 / 093279 Al.

[0032] Irrespective of the degrees of freedom between the links, the articulated chain links are preferably arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain, are preferably designed to be open at the front and preferably form at least one guide channel for the supply line by means of radially outer casing elements.

[0033] The chain links can have radial webs which comprise at least one through-opening for a spring-elastic support element.

[0034] In a preferred energy guide chain, e.g., according to the chain design of WO 2004 / 093279 A1, the chain links form tensile force-absorbing joints, which are arranged within the casing elements and link the chain links in the longitudinal direction, preferably in the form of a ball joint. Such chain links can form a substantially circular radially outer casing, thus preventing jamming against other components in the space between the car bodies.

[0035] The chain links can each have sheath elements that are at least largely closed around their circumference, with the chain links interlocking with longitudinally successive sheath elements to form a longitudinally closed energy guide chain. This provides improved protection against external influences. However, chain links that are partially open around their circumference can also be used, for example, to facilitate cable replacement during maintenance.

[0036] Preferably, an energy guide chain is used, the links of which are each made as plastic parts, preferably as injection-molded plastic parts made of one piece from plastic.

[0037] To define the path around the deflection section, the cable guide device can comprise a plurality of clamp-like or clip-like fastening elements, by means of which the energy guide chain can be fixed or secured at least to the support when a continuous energy guide chain is used. Alternatively, the cable guide device can have at least one deflectable energy guide chain in the first longitudinal section and in the second longitudinal section, which are connected in the deflection section via a rigid cable guide device, i.e., no energy guide chain needs to be used in the deflection section.

[0038] If a larger number of cables are to be routed or the cables have larger cross-sections, two or more energy guiding chains, preferably arranged vertically one above the other, can be used in the cable guiding system. These can each consist at least predominantly or entirely of pivotally connected chain links from the first longitudinal section to the second longitudinal section.

[0039] The supply lines are not initially considered part of the cable routing system per se. However, when used as intended or after installation on the vehicle, the system comprises at least one supply line, preferably several different types of supply lines, which are routed within the cable routing device, in particular the energy chain, with at least one high-voltage electrical line preferably being provided.

[0040] The invention further relates to a multi-unit vehicle, in particular an articulated bus, with two pivotally coupled car bodies, comprising a system according to the invention for routing the cables between the car bodies of the vehicle. The first end fastening part fastens one end of the first longitudinal section to one of the two car bodies, and the second end fastening part fastens one end of the second longitudinal section to the other of the two car bodies. A support frame may be provided, on which the deflection section of the cable routing device, in particular the support bracket, is supported. The car bodies are typically connected via at least one bellows. In use, the cable routing device is preferably arranged outside the bellows, in particular outside an inner bellows, in particular vertically above the bellows.

[0041] The invention is particularly suitable for an articulated bus with two movably coupled car bodies, in particular an articulated bus in which a rear car body is rotatable relative to a front car body about a substantially vertical axis of rotation, in particular over an angular range of at least 50°, and is pivotable about a substantially horizontal pitch axis, in particular over an angular range of at least 20°.

[0042] A system according to the invention can easily bridge such movement areas and in doing so guide and protect the cables.

[0043] The invention also relates to the use of a system for routing at least one electrical supply line between two car bodies in a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a high-voltage line in an electric articulated bus.

[0044] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent without limitation from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] FIG.1A-1C: A preferred embodiment of a system for routing supply lines in an articulated bus, in perspective view (FIG.1A), in plan view (FIG.1B) and in side view (FIG.1C);

[0046] FIG.2: a plan view of the system from FIG.1A-1C, but without the energy chain to illustrate the end fastening parts for fastening the

[0047] Cable routing device or energy guiding chain on the car bodies and a support column in the middle area of ​​the space between the car bodies;

[0048] FIG.3A-3C: a partial view of the system from FIG.1A-1B in plan view (FIG.3A) and in a vertical longitudinal section according to section line IIIB-IIIB (FIG.3B) to illustrate spring-elastic support elements within a spatially deflectable energy guide chain for the system from FIG.1A-1C, as well as an end view of a chain link (FIG.3C);

[0049] FIG.4: a cross-section through a spatially deflectable energy chain with an alternative design of a spring-elastic support element; and

[0050] FIG.5A-5D: Views of different swivel angle positions and pitch angle positions of two articulated car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle, wherein the course of a system for cable routing according to the invention is shown schematically by means of dashed lines.

[0051] In FIGS. 1-2, a front car body 1 and a rear car body 2 are only partially illustrated using components of a known joint system for coupling the actual bodies. The car bodies 1, 2 are, for example, components of an electric articulated bus (not shown) and are pivotally connected relative to one another about a vertical pivot axis A via the only schematically illustrated articulation pivot 3. The joint system, which is not fully illustrated, further comprises an articulated front bearing 4 for pitching movements of the car bodies 1, 2 relative to one another about a horizontal pitch axis B, see also FIGS. 5A-5D. The joint system itself is not the subject of the present invention and is therefore not described in detail.

[0052] Of importance for the present invention, however, is the required relative movement between the car bodies 1, 2 about the vertical pivot axis A and about the horizontal pitch axis B, illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D using pivoted relative positions. In modern multi-unit vehicles, such as articulated buses, supply lines must be laid between the individual car bodies. The supply lines, not shown in detail, can be of various types and include, in particular, electrical supply lines, for example, high-voltage lines in the case of an electric bus or DC lines for coupling electric batteries arranged on the roof, but also media lines for fluids, for example, hoses for air conditioning.

[0053] FIG.1 to FIG.4 illustrate a particularly preferred embodiment of a system for guiding supply lines (not shown) in the space between the pivotally coupled car bodies 1, 2.

[0054] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system 7 comprises, as a cable guide device for guiding the supply lines, at least one or, as shown here, several spatially deflectable energy guide chains 10, which may have a known design, for example, according to WO 2004 / 093279 A1. Such energy guide chains 10 are already known, in particular for applications on industrial robots. The energy guide chains 10 serve to guide supply lines in an inner channel in a protected manner, so that the lines (not shown) are protected, in particular, against unwanted kinking and a minimum radius of curvature is always maintained.

[0055] Each of the two energy guiding chains 10 is arranged, viewed in the direction of travel, such that it has a flexible first longitudinal section 11, a flexible second longitudinal section 12, and an intermediate deflection section 13 connecting the two longitudinal sections 11, 12. Each of the energy guiding chains 10 runs in a substantially horizontal guide plane corresponding to the plane in FIG. 1B, i.e., perpendicular to the pivot axis of the car bodies 1, 2, but is flexibly movable from this position in accordance with the relative movement of the car bodies 1, 2, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 5A-5D. As can be seen from FIGS. 1B-1C, the arrangement of the energy guiding chains is substantially symmetrical to the vertical center plane between the car bodies 1, 2 through the pivot axis A of the articulating rotary joint 3.

[0056] The respective ends of the longitudinal sections 11, 12 are firmly mounted to the corresponding car body 1, 2 by means of end fastening parts 14A, 14B. For this purpose, the end fastening parts 14A, 14B can be constructed, for example, from an arcuate support plate 14C and conventional fastening clamps 15 for spatially deflectable energy chains.

[0057] FIG. 2 further shows a support bracket 16 in the form of an approximately U-shaped support plate, on which the deflection sections 13 are arranged and supported. In the deflection section 13, the energy guide chains 10 are fixed to the support bracket 16 by means of several fastening clamps 15 arranged successively in the direction of travel, each having a predetermined, approximately U-shaped or lambda-shaped path. The support bracket 16 is movably mounted in the nominal center plane between the car bodies 1, 2 by means of a linear guide 17 on a support frame 5 of the articulated system (not shown in full in FIG. 1A).

[0058] As explained further below and illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the energy guiding chains 10 are arranged and equipped such that the first flexible longitudinal section 11 and the second flexible longitudinal section 12 are pivotally connected relative to each other in a first end section 11A, 12A at least in one direction about a first axis parallel to the guide plane E. This is ensured anyway with the preferred use of spatially deflectable energy guiding chains 10.

[0059] Furthermore, the energy guiding chains 10 are arranged and equipped or configured such that the flexible longitudinal sections 11, 12 each comprise, in a further second subsection 11B, 12B, which merges into the deflection section 13 or at least adjoins it, chain links that are pivotally connected relative to one another in a different direction, namely about a second axis perpendicular to the guide plane E. This is also inherently ensured when using spatially deflectable energy guiding chains.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, the second section 11B, 12B of the energy guiding chains 10 each has a significantly reduced flexibility or significantly increased flexural rigidity compared to the first section 11A, 12A, particularly with respect to an otherwise possible downward sagging out of the guide plane E. As a comparison of FIGS. 1A-1C with FIG. 2 shows, the energy guiding chains 10 are also essentially self-supporting in the free space between the end fastening parts 14A, 14B and the support bracket 16.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved in that the energy guide chains 10 each have at least one spring-elastic support element, here in the form of a spring bar 18, which, as shown in FIG. 3B, is provided within the energy guide chain 10 extending through the chain links 20. Two spring bars 18 can also be provided vertically one above the other (FIG. 3B).

[0062] The use of such spring bars 18, which interact with the energy guide chain 10 to provide support and increase rigidity, is already known per se, for example from WO 01 / 09532 A1, and will therefore only be discussed briefly here. The spring bars 18 are provided over a partial length, namely in the second partial section 11B, 12B of the two longitudinal sections 11, 12, in order to ensure flexural rigidity against bending or sagging of the energy guide chains 10 in the cantilevered area. At the same time, the spring bars achieve an automatic restoring effect and a relatively symmetrical bending behavior of the energy guide chains 11 with respect to pivoting movements of the car bodies 1, 2, see the course in FIGS. 5A-5B.The spring bars are secured by means of a stiffening by threaded rods 19 for rigidly connecting several chain links 20 at the transition to the deflection section 13 by insertion into corresponding openings of the chain links 20 due to their conical, tapered shape. This section, stiffened by threaded rods 19, is firmly mounted on the support bracket 16 at the transition between the second section 11B, 12B and the deflection section 13 by means of several fastening clamps 15. Accordingly, the spring-elastic spring bars 18 are held and fastened cantilevered on one side of the support bracket 16 and, via this, to the central frame 5.

[0063] As can best be seen from the vertical longitudinal section of FIG. 3B, the spring bars 18 inserted into the energy guide chains 10 as a spring-elastic support element define the length of the second partial section 11B, 12B of the flexible longitudinal sections 11, 12 of the energy guide chains 10. The length of the spring bars 18 is selected accordingly. As can also be seen from the vertical longitudinal section of FIG. 3B, the remaining first partial section 11A, 11B is designed without spring bars 18 and accordingly has a number of chain links 20 that can be freely pivoted relative to one another, here, for example, approximately 4-5 chain links that can be freely pivoted, i.e. the first partial section 11A, 11B has less rigidity or greater flexibility than the longer second partial section stiffened with spring bars 18. This ensures favorable mobility of the cable guide in the end areas.The spring bars 18 stiffen the energy guide chain 10 over a limited longitudinal section 11B, 12B and also provide it with an advantageous return function or a self-supporting design.

[0064] The two energy guiding chains 10 are preferably of identical construction, in particular each equipped with spring bars that are positioned vertically one above the other. The two energy guiding chains 10 can be fastened together vertically one above the other by means of fastening clamps 15 or other suitable fastening means to the end fastening parts 14A, 14B and also to the support bracket 16.

[0065] As an alternative to the embodiment in FIGS. 3A-3C, FIG. 4 shows a spring-elastic support element in the form of a leaf spring-like band spring 18', which extends longitudinally through the guide channel inside the chain links 20 of the energy guide chain 10. Other types and different arrangements of spring-elastic support elements, e.g., on the outside of the energy guide chains 10, are also possible.

[0066] It is also within the scope of the invention not to use a continuous part of the energy guiding chains 10 as the deflection area 13, but to provide a rigid guide there, e.g. in the form of curved pipes or freely attached supply lines.

[0067] However, a cable guide in the form of at least one continuous energy guide chain 10 with chain links 20 that can pivot spatially relative to one another is particularly preferred, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The design of such energy guide chains 10 is known per se, for example from WO 2004 / 093279 A1, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and are available, for example, for robot applications under the trade name triflex® R Series TRC from the applicant (igus GmbH, D-51147 Cologne).

[0068] Such energy guiding chains 10 each have articulated chain links 20, which are linked one behind the other in the longitudinal direction by means of joint elements 21A, 21B, which form a ball-and-socket joint between two consecutive chain links 20, see FIG. 3B. By means of the conjugated joint elements 21A, 21B, the chain links 20 are connected in pairs in a ball-and-socket manner and are spatially pivotable. The connection of the joint elements 21A, 21B according to WO 2004 / 093279 A1 is particularly robust against tensile forces compared to other spatially deflectable energy guiding chains, yet can still be released as needed, e.g., for maintenance or inspection purposes.

[0069] Alternatively, a cardanic joint connection between the chain links 20, so that they can be pivoted relative to each other in at least two directions that are essentially perpendicular to each other, is also possible.

[0070] The chain links 20 have outer casing elements 22, which are

[0071] Cross-section are essentially circular (FIG. 3C, FIG. 4) and interlock longitudinally to form a tubular or pipe-shaped, essentially closed outer sheath made of sheath elements 22 to protect the cables (not shown), so that the cables in the system 7 are also protected from external influences. The joint elements 21A, 21B are also protected within the sheath elements 22 and form the neutral fiber of the energy guide chain 10, since they connect the chain links 20 in pairs in the longitudinal direction.

[0072] As can be seen from FIG.3C and FIG.4, the circular-arc-shaped casing elements 22 form an inner guide channel 23 for the supply lines (not shown). The casing elements 22 are connected to a central part 24, on the ends of which the joint elements 21A, 21B are provided, via radial webs 25. The chain links 20 are preferably each produced as plastic parts, preferably one-piece injection-molded plastic parts, e.g., according to the design of WO 2004 / 093279 A1. Chain links 20 made of plastic are lightweight and avoid electrically conductive parts on the energy guide chain, which offers advantages particularly when guiding high-voltage lines.

[0073] In the preferred embodiment of the energy guide chain 10 for the system 7, the chain links 20 furthermore each have a through-opening 26 in at least one of the radial webs 25, so that a resilient spring bar 18 serving as a support element, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, can be guided through the chain links 20 in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain 10 without impairing the guide channel 23 and the cables guided therein. A conically tapered round bar, e.g., made of a suitable fiber composite material, is preferably used as the resilient spring bar 18.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, two essentially identical energy guiding chains 10 are arranged and guided vertically one above the other to accommodate multiple supply lines, see FIGS. 1A-1C. However, the use of a single energy guiding chain 10 with a suitable diameter is also within the scope of the invention.

[0075] Furthermore, other types of energy guiding chains with different pivot directions can also be used for the first section 11A, 12A and the second section 11B, 12B. For example, an energy guiding chain according to the chain design of WO 94 / 18735 A1 or according to the chain design of WO 00 / 63583 A1, both by the applicant, whose teachings are incorporated herein by reference, is also possible. Spring bars 18 can also be used with such chains with a rectangular cross-section, e.g., in the design according to WO 01 / 09532 A1, whose teachings are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate typical movements between the car bodies 1, 2 for an articulated bus. The rear car body 2 is rotatable relative to the front car body 1 about a substantially vertical pivot axis A, namely between a position with maximum left pivot (seen in the direction of travel) in FIG. 5A and a position with maximum right pivot (seen in the direction of travel) in FIG. 5B. The pivot range between these end positions typically has an angular range of at least 50°. Furthermore, the rear car body 2 is pivotable relative to the front car body about a substantially horizontal pitch axis B, in particular over an angular range of at least 20°, as a comparison of the two end positions of the pitching movement in FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrates.

[0077] The proposed system 7 for cable routing is modular and adaptable to various requirements, particularly pivoting ranges. Thanks to the flexibility of the cable guide chains 10 and variably adjustable flexibility or adjustable degrees of freedom, it also allows easy adaptation to other application requirements. System 7 allows for versatile cable configurations and a compact arrangement above or below the bellows in the articulation system of a multi-articulated vehicle. The cable guide chains 10 proposed here as preferred are proven, robust, and offer not only pronounced mechanical protection for the cables but also a high

[0078] Lifespan .

[0079] List of reference symbols

[0080] 1, 2 car body

[0081] 3 Articulating swivel joint (for a pivoting coupling)

[0082] 4 articulated front bearings (for pitching movement)

[0083] 5 support frames (of the joint system)

[0084] 7 Cable routing system

[0085] 10 Energy chain

[0086] 11A, 11B first flexible longitudinal section

[0087] 12A, 12B second flexible longitudinal section

[0088] 13 Deflection section

[0089] 14A, 14B End fastening part

[0090] 14C supporting plate

[0091] 15 Mounting clamp

[0092] 16 Supporting support

[0093] 17 Linear guide

[0094] 18 spring rods; 18 leaf springs / spring bands

[0095] 19 Threaded rod

[0096] 20 chain links (of the energy chain)

[0097] 21A, 21B joint element (ball joint connection)

[0098] 22 Sheath element

[0099] 23 Guide channel (in the energy chain)

[0100] 24 Central part; 25 Webs; 26 Through opening

[0101] A swivel axis; B pitch axis

[0102] E Management level

Claims

Claims 1. System (7) for cable routing in a multi-unit vehicle with two car bodies (1; 2) pivotally coupled about a pivot axis (A), in particular in an articulated bus, wherein at least one electrical supply line bridges a space between the car bodies (1; 2), the system (7) comprising: - a cable guide device for guiding at least one supply line in a guide plane (E), wherein the cable guide device has a flexible first longitudinal section (11), a flexible second longitudinal section (12) and a deflection section (13) between the two longitudinal sections, wherein at least the first and the second flexible longitudinal section each comprise a plurality of articulated chain links (20) of an energy guide chain (10), - a first end fastening part (14A) for fastening one end of the first longitudinal section (11) to one car body (1) and a second end fastening part (14B) for fastening one end of the second longitudinal section (12) to the other car body (2), characterized in that the first flexible longitudinal section (11) and the second flexible longitudinal section (12) each comprise, in an end-side first partial section (11A, 12A) extending from the respective end fastening part (14A; 14B), chain links (20) which are connected pivotably relative to one another in at least one direction, and in that the first flexible longitudinal section (11) and the second flexible longitudinal section (12) each comprise, in a second partial section (11B, 12B) which merges into the deflection section (13) and / or adjoins it, chain links (20) which are pivotally connected relative to one another in at least one other direction.

2. System for cable guidance (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first longitudinal section (11) has different or higher degrees of freedom in its first partial section than in its second partial section, and the second longitudinal section (12) has different or higher degrees of freedom in its first partial section than in its second partial section.

3. System for cable guidance (7) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chain links (20) in the first section are connected pivotably relative to one another at least about a first axis, in particular about an axis parallel to the guide plane (E).

4. System for cable guidance (7) according to claim 3, characterized in that the chain links (20) in the second section are connected so as to be pivotable relative to one another at least about a second axis, wherein the second axis runs transversely to the first axis, in particular perpendicular to the guide plane (E).

5. System for cable routing (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second partial section (11B, 12B) of the first and the second flexible longitudinal section (11; 12) each has a reduced flexibility or increased flexural rigidity compared to the first partial section (11A, 12A) and / or is designed to be at least largely self-supporting.

6. System for cable routing (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first and second flexible longitudinal sections (11; 12) are constructed continuously over the first and second sections (11A, 11B; 12A, 12B) from chain links (20) of an energy guide chain which can be deflected in at least two mutually perpendicular directions, preferably from chain links (20) of a spatially deflectable energy guide chain (10) which are pivotally connected to one another in at least two directions, and - in the second partial section (11B; 12B) a spring-elastic support element (18; 18') is provided, which cooperates with the energy guide chain (10) in a supporting manner in the guide plane (E).

7. System for cable guidance (7) according to claim 6, characterized in that the spring-elastic support element (18; 18 ') is accommodated in each case within the spatially deflectable energy guide chain (10), and / or the spring-elastic support element (18; 18 '), in particular when deflected by pivoting movement of the coupled car bodies, effects an automatic resetting of the energy guide chain (10), in particular into an at least partially substantially straight or stretched position of the energy guide chain (10) in the second partial section (11B, 12B).

8. System for cable guidance (7) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that each spring-elastic support element is designed as a rod-shaped spring element (18) or as a leaf spring-like spring element (18 ') which is arranged running in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain (10).

9. System for cable guidance (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system has a support (16) for the deflection section (13), wherein - the deflection section (13) can be supported on or between the flexible longitudinal sections (11, 12) on the support (16) or supported; and / or - the resilient support element (18) is held on one side of the support (16); and / or - the support (16) is flat and substantially V-shaped or U-shaped.

10. System for cable guidance (7) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 9, characterized in that the deflection section (13) between the flexible longitudinal sections (11, 12) with a predetermined course is at least partially rigidly fixed, in particular is fixed on the support bracket (16), and a linear guide (17) is provided, by means of which the deflection section (13) of the cable guidance device can be displaceably fastened to a support frame (5) of the vehicle.

11. Cable routing system (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable routing device has at least one deflectable energy guiding chain (10) which extends at least predominantly or completely from the first longitudinal section (11) via the deflection section (13) to the second longitudinal section (12), said energy guiding chain comprising a plurality of articulated chain links (20), wherein preferably the chain links (20) are pivotable relative to one another in at least two directions substantially perpendicular to one another, and / or preferably the articulated chain links (20) are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the energy guiding chain, are open at the end face, and form at least one guide channel (23) for the supply line by means of radially outer casing elements (22), and / or the chain links have radial webs (25),which comprise at least one through-opening (26) for a spring-elastic support element (18).

12. System for cable guidance (7) according to claim 11, characterized in that the chain links (20) form tensile force-absorbing articulated connections (21A, 21B) which are arranged within the casing elements (22) and connect the chain links (20) in the longitudinal direction, preferably in the manner of a ball joint, and / or the chain links (20) form a substantially circular radially outer casing.

13. System for cable guidance (7) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the chain links (20) each have casing elements (22) which are at least largely closed circumferentially and the chain links (20) engage with casing elements (22) which follow one another in the longitudinal direction in order to form a longitudinally closed energy guide chain (10).

14. System for cable guidance according to claim 9 and one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the cable guidance device comprises a plurality of clamp-like or clip-like fastening elements (15) by means of which the energy guide chain (10) can be fixed or is fixed at least to the support (16).

15. System for cable guidance (7) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cable guidance device has at least one deflectable energy guide chain (10) in each of the first longitudinal section (11) and the second longitudinal section (12), which are connected in the deflection section via a rigid cable guidance device.

16. System for cable guidance (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable guidance device has two energy guiding chains (10) arranged vertically one above the other, which are guided by first longitudinal section (11) to the second longitudinal section (12) consist at least predominantly or completely of pivotally connected chain links (20).

17. System for cable guidance (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chain links (20) are each made as plastic parts, preferably as injection-molded plastic parts made of one piece from plastic.

18. System for cable routing (7) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one supply line, preferably a plurality of different supply lines, which is or are guided within the cable routing device, in particular the energy guiding chain (10), wherein preferably at least one electrical high-voltage line is provided.

19. Multi-unit vehicle, in particular an articulated bus, with two pivotally coupled car bodies comprising a system (7) according to one of the preceding claims, which is provided between the car bodies (1, 2) of the vehicle.

20. Multi-unit vehicle according to claim 19, characterized in that the first end fastening part (14A) fastens one end of the first longitudinal section (11) to one of the two car bodies (1) and the second end fastening part (14B) fastens one end of the second longitudinal section (12) to the other of the two car bodies (2); and / or a support frame (5) is provided, on which the deflection section (13) of the cable guide device is supported; and / or a bellows connects the car bodies (1, 2) and the cable guide device is arranged outside the bellows, in particular vertically above the bellows.

21. Articulated bus with two movably coupled car bodies according to one of claims 19 to 20, wherein a rear car body (2) is rotatable relative to a front car body (1) about a substantially vertical pivot axis (A), in particular over an angular range of at least 50°, and is pivotable about a substantially horizontal pitch axis (B), in particular over an angular range of at least 20°.

22. Use of a system (7) according to one of claims 1 to 18, for the wiring of at least one electrical Supply line between two car bodies (1, 2) in a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a high-voltage line in an electric articulated bus.

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