GB1569354A

GB1569354A - Vehicle having a bogie and a body

Info

Publication number: GB1569354A
Application number: GB642977A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Paulstra SNC
Current assignee: Paulstra SNC
Priority date: 1976-02-18
Filing date: 1977-02-16
Publication date: 1980-06-11
Also published as: DE2705898C2; FR2341450B1; BE851474A; DE2705898A1; IT1077707B; CH612133A5; FR2341450A1; JPS52105416A

Description

(54) VEHICLE HAVING A BOGIE AND A BODY (71) We, PAULSTRA, a body corporate organised under the laws of France of 61 Rue Marius-Aufan, 92405 Levallois.

Perret, France; do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a vehicle having a bogie and a body with an elastic connecting device therebetween, more specifically for a railway.

The invention relates more particularly to elastic devices for bogies in which the connection between the vehicle body and the bogie is assured on the one hand by a coil spring elastic suspension or other elastic suspension designed to support the load vertically and, on the other hand, by connecting cables or rods which are interposed substantially in the horizontal plane between the bogie, particularly its central section, and the vehicle body. for the transmission of traction and braking forces while at the same time allowing certain angular manoeuvres, particularly on bends.

The cables or rods, which normally bear tensile stresses and which must also react to the braking stresses, have elastic connecting devices at their ends which, up until now, have been manufactured with the aid of mechanical springs. particularly coil springs.

This structure has various drawbacks. In particular, these elastic devices do not have a good elasticity curve for allowing the two types of stresses to which the abovementioned cables or rods are subjected to be received, that is, on the one hand. the normal stresses caused by the traction of the vehicle and, on the other hand, the much greater stresses caused by braking or collision with a buffer. Furthermore. taking into consideration the fact that the cables or rods have slight angular deviations. particularly on bends, and also taking into consideration the vertical spring movements of the elastic suspension. it is necessary to articulate the end of the cables or rods to the coil spring elastic devices, which are generally guided axially.

We have sought to produce elastic devices which overcome these various drawbacks.

Thus. the invention provides a vehicle having a bogie and a body. in which the bogie is connected to the body by connecting cables or rods for the transmission of traction and breaking forces, and an elastomer mass is interposed between at least one end of each cable or rod and a respective support fixed to the bogie or the body, a first part of the elastomer mass being adapted. upon an initial displacement of the cable or rod relative to the support, to shear so as to offer high flexibility whilst a second part of the elastomer mass undergoes substantially no shearing, and at a predetermined displacement shearing of the first part ceases and the second part and optionally the first part of the elastomer mass are adapted to undergo compression so as to offer decreased flexibility on further displacement.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a vehicle as defined above, wherein the support comprises a plate having a hole through which a terminal portion of the cable or rod passes. the elastomer mass is disposed annularly around the terminal portion and between the support plate and an annular stop at or adjacent the end of the cable or rod, the first and second parts of the elastomer mass are axially side by side, the second part lies between the support plate or the stop and one side of an annular transverse plate, the first part lies between the other side of the annular transverse plate and the stop or the support plate, respectively. and is radially surrounded by an axial annular extension on the said other side of the annular transverse plate. the extension being axially spaced from the stop or the support plate, respectively, whereby axial displacement of the cable or rod initially causes shearing of the first part until the stop or support plate, respectively, abuts the extension, whereupon further discplacement causes compression of the second part between the annular transverse plate and the support plate or stop, respectively.

The elastomer mass is arranged so that it offers high flexibility for an initial slight relative displacement and decreasing flexibility for greater displacements, with the result that it ensures resistance to both types of stress mentioned above in the best conditions.

The elastomer mass can work by both shearing and compression. It is provided with means which restrict the shearing deformation beyond a specific relative axial displacement value.

Furthermore, to allow for the relative angular displacements of the cable or rod which abuts it. the elastomer mass is arranged so as to obtain a certain swivelling effect. Thus. for example. it is provided with intercalated reinforcements of conical or similar shape, at least in the section working under compression.

The invention comprises certain other features which are preferably used at the same time as the above devices and which will be described in more detail below.

The invention deals more particularly with certan modes of application (particularly where it is applied to railway vehicles), as well as certain embodiments of the said devices; and it deals even more particularly and with the use of new industrial products.

with devices of the aforementioned type comprising the application of these same devices, as well as the special elements required for manufacturing them and the vehicles comprising such devices.

The invention will be better understood bv means of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, this description and the drawings being given solely by way of illustration.

Figure 1 of the drawings shows a schematic elevation. with parts in section. of a bogie designed to receive an elastomer mass in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a part elevation and part axial section on a large scale of an embodiment of elastomer mass used in accordance with the invention.

Figure 3 is a curve showing the working of an elastomer mass used according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows. by way of comparison. an elastic device of conventional type.

The drawings show an embodiment of the invention with reference to a bogie for a railway vehicle, the elastomer masses being mounted at the ends of the connecting cables or rods between the bogie and the vehicle body. It will be apparent that this embodiment can be adapted for use in other types of vehicle.

Figure 1 shows a bogie of this type whose chassis is designated by 1 and 2 and the wheels by 3. This bogie is connected to the vehicle body 4 on the one hand by an elastic suspension 5, for example a coil spring, and, on the other hand, by at least two cables or rods 6 whose ends are fixed respectively to the central section of the chassis 1 and 2 at 7, and, at 8, to the fixed supports 9 which form an integral part of the body 4. Tension rods are provided on the assembly to maintain the said cables under stress. It is known that an assembly of this type prevents the body from pivoting on the bogie.

Elastic devices must be provided on at least some of the ends at 7 and 8 for receiving both the tensile stresses and the greater stresses caused by braking and colliding with buffers.

Up until now. as shown in Figure 4 by way of comparison. these devices which are shown externally by 7 and 8 in Figure 1 were formed by combining at least one coil spring to interposed between, on the one hand. a terminal Ii forming an extension of the cable or rod 6 and. on the other hand, the body 8 of the device. with conical or other washers 12. The said terminal was fixed by screwing a nut 13 on its end.

The properties of flexibility of an assembly of this type do not meet the practical requirements. Furthermore the said assem bly requires a sliding guide 14. in combination with a joint 15. to allow angular travel of the cable or rod 6.

This device is replaced according to the invention by an elastic support interposed between the body 8 and the terminal 11 (Figure 2). this support being formed by an elastomer mass 16 adhering to these two elements or to surfaces which form an integral part of these two elements or are fixed thereto.

This support is able to work both by shearing and compression, the shearing work being more specifically reserved for the beginning of the relative total travel of the terminal 11 along its axis.

In this way the support is essentially formed (Figure 2) by a mass of elastomer 16 of an almost annular shape interposed between two transverse plates 17 and 18, one of which 17 forms an integral part of the body 8 or mav abut a transverse wall 19 of the latter. whereas the other plate 18 is connected to the terminal 11 or to a supporting part 2() of the latter by means of an elastic mass 21. forming part of the preceding elastomer mass 16. and is able to work by shearing during the relative axial displacements of the terminal 11. This mass 21 is, for example, adhered respectively to the part 20 and to an annular axial extension 22 of the plate 18.

The assembly is further provided with reinforcements 23 intercalcated in the mass 16 and with a washer 24, optionally mounted in an adjustable manner on the terminal 11, this washer being situated at a suitable distance e from the edge 25 of the extension 22 of the plate 18, so as to rest against this edge during an axial displacement of the cable or rod 6 and the terminal 11 which exceeds this distance e.

Finally, the assembly is provided with swivelling means to enable the axis of the terminal 11 which crosses a central orifice 26 of the wall 19 with a clerance j, to undergo angular deviations with the cable 6.

These means are produced in the most simple manner by giving the reinforcements 23 as well as the rest surfaces which connect the elastic mass 16 to the plates 17 and 18, a conical (spherical or other) shape which ensures that there is a centring effect at all times.

In this way, the invention avoids the guiding and joint measures, which are characteristic of the solution shown in Figure 4.

The assembly obtained functions as follows.

At rest, the assembly is in the condition shown in Figure 2, the clearance e mentioned above still existing between the washer 24 and edge 25.

In operation, the elastomer's work of shearing in the area 21 allows the vibrations to be absorbed in the best conditions, the flexibility being relatively high as shown by the section OA of the flexibility curve of the assembly according to the invention (Figure 3), the spring movements on this curve being shown as abscissa and the loads as ordinate.

During braking or collision accelerations.

the washer 24 touches the edge 25 and. from this moment, that is, for greater stresses causing a larger relative axial displacement of the cable 6 and the terminal 7. the elastomer works mainly at compression in the area 16 and the device is then able to absorb a greater quantity of energy. the flexibility therefore being notably slighter as shown by the section AB of the curve.

Finally, any angular travel of the axis of the cable 6 and the terminal 11 under the effect of either the vertical spring movements under load or when passing bends, are made possible by the conical shape of the bearing surfaces of the elastic block and its reinforcements.

Consequently, it is possible to manufacture an assembly which operates substantially in accordance with the above description and which has numerous advantages over existing elastic connections, in particular the advantages of: - ensuring an ideal flexibility curve, allowing more supple suspension and resisting vibrations, and - greater simplicity.

The invention is not restricted to the modes of application and embodiments which have been given in detail; on the contrary, it covers all variations within the scope of the following Claims.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A vehicle having a bogie and a body, in which the bogie is connected to the body by connecting cables or rods for the transmission of traction and braking forces, and an elastomer mass is interposed between at least one end of each cable or rod and a respective support fixed to the bogie or the body. a first part of the elastomer mass being adapted. upon an initial displacement of the cable or rod relative to the support, to shear so as to offer high flexibility whilst a second part of the elastomer mass undergoes substantially no shearing, and at a predetermined displacement shearing of the first part ceases and the second part and optionally the first part of the elastomer mass are adapted to undergo compression so as to offer decreased flexibility on further displacement.

2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises a plate having a hole through which a terminal portion of the cable or rod passes. the elastomer mass is disposed annularly around the terminal portion and between the support plate and an annular stop at or adjacent the end of the cable or rod, the first and second parts of the elastomer mass are axially side bv side. the second part lies between the support plate or the stop and one side of an annular transverse plate. the first part lies between the other side of the annular transverse plate and the stop or the support plate. respectively. and is radially surrounded bv an axial annular extension on the said other side of the annular transverse plate. the extension being axially spaced from the stop or the support plate. respectively, whereby axial displacement of the cable or rod initially causes shearing of the first part until the stop or support plate, respectively abuts the extension. whereupon further displacement causes compression of the second part between the annular transverse plate and the support plate or stop, respectivelv.

3. A vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cable or rod is normally tightened by exercising compression on the elastomer mass.

4. A vehicle according to claim 3. also comprising means for enabling the initial

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. by shearing during the relative axial displacements of the terminal 11. This mass 21 is, for example, adhered respectively to the part 20 and to an annular axial extension 22 of the plate 18. The assembly is further provided with reinforcements 23 intercalcated in the mass 16 and with a washer 24, optionally mounted in an adjustable manner on the terminal 11, this washer being situated at a suitable distance e from the edge 25 of the extension 22 of the plate 18, so as to rest against this edge during an axial displacement of the cable or rod 6 and the terminal 11 which exceeds this distance e. Finally, the assembly is provided with swivelling means to enable the axis of the terminal 11 which crosses a central orifice 26 of the wall 19 with a clerance j, to undergo angular deviations with the cable 6. These means are produced in the most simple manner by giving the reinforcements 23 as well as the rest surfaces which connect the elastic mass 16 to the plates 17 and 18, a conical (spherical or other) shape which ensures that there is a centring effect at all times. In this way, the invention avoids the guiding and joint measures, which are characteristic of the solution shown in Figure 4. The assembly obtained functions as follows. At rest, the assembly is in the condition shown in Figure 2, the clearance e mentioned above still existing between the washer 24 and edge 25. In operation, the elastomer's work of shearing in the area 21 allows the vibrations to be absorbed in the best conditions, the flexibility being relatively high as shown by the section OA of the flexibility curve of the assembly according to the invention (Figure 3), the spring movements on this curve being shown as abscissa and the loads as ordinate. During braking or collision accelerations. the washer 24 touches the edge 25 and. from this moment, that is, for greater stresses causing a larger relative axial displacement of the cable 6 and the terminal 7. the elastomer works mainly at compression in the area 16 and the device is then able to absorb a greater quantity of energy. the flexibility therefore being notably slighter as shown by the section AB of the curve. Finally, any angular travel of the axis of the cable 6 and the terminal 11 under the effect of either the vertical spring movements under load or when passing bends, are made possible by the conical shape of the bearing surfaces of the elastic block and its reinforcements. Consequently, it is possible to manufacture an assembly which operates substantially in accordance with the above description and which has numerous advantages over existing elastic connections, in particular the advantages of: - ensuring an ideal flexibility curve, allowing more supple suspension and resisting vibrations, and - greater simplicity. The invention is not restricted to the modes of application and embodiments which have been given in detail; on the contrary, it covers all variations within the scope of the following Claims. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A vehicle having a bogie and a body, in which the bogie is connected to the body by connecting cables or rods for the transmission of traction and braking forces, and an elastomer mass is interposed between at least one end of each cable or rod and a respective support fixed to the bogie or the body. a first part of the elastomer mass being adapted. upon an initial displacement of the cable or rod relative to the support, to shear so as to offer high flexibility whilst a second part of the elastomer mass undergoes substantially no shearing, and at a predetermined displacement shearing of the first part ceases and the second part and optionally the first part of the elastomer mass are adapted to undergo compression so as to offer decreased flexibility on further displacement.

tension of the cable or rod to be regulated.

5. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising means for enabling the elastomer mass to produce a swivelling effect in order to allow angular travel of the cable or the rod.

6. A vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the elastomer mass has conically shaped supporting surfaces.

7. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastomer mass has intercalated reinforcing elements.

8. A vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the intercalated reinforcing elements are conically shaped.

9. A vehicle according to claim 1. substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.