Articulated coupling and a method of absorbing energy between two rail vehicles
US5615786A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61F5/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An articulated coupling is effected between two vehicles A and B supported on a common bogey between the vehicles. The coupling includes a toroidal part connected to one of the vehicles A and a support part connected to the other vehicle B. A cylindrical pivot is fixed on a soleplate and engaged in a cylindrical bore. A toroidal coupling element is fixed on the soleplate and provides articulated coupling between the soleplate and the toroidal part. An energy absorption system is disposed between first or second cylindrical outside surfaces of the toroidal part and the facing surface of the support part. A shear system holding the support part secured to a longitudinal translation system which is fixed to a support arm connected to the other vehicle shears to prevent damage to the toroidal coupling element, with excessive force being absorbed by the energy absorption system. The present invention is also directed to a method of absorbing energy between two vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.