Connect and Protect. Coupler and Front End Systems - Voith Turbo
Connect and Protect. Coupler and Front End Systems - Voith Turbo
Connect and Protect. Coupler and Front End Systems - Voith Turbo
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Semi-Permanent <strong>Coupler</strong>s<br />
Semi-permanent couplers establish a safe <strong>and</strong> reliable permanent<br />
connection between intermediate cars. Usually, the two<br />
coupler halves are connected by means of muff couplings, allowing<br />
them to be easily separated, should this be necessary.<br />
The energy absorption characteristics of the semi-permanent<br />
couplers are matched with those of the automatic couplers.<br />
This distribution of forces over the whole train allows for a lean<br />
underframe design. Result: maximum safety at reduced costs.<br />
Semi-Permanent <strong>Coupler</strong> with Air Pipe <strong>Connect</strong>ions, Electric<br />
Head, Energy Absorbing Components <strong>and</strong> Gangway Support<br />
26<br />
Semi-Permanent <strong>Coupler</strong> with Anti-Climbing Feature<br />
For the first time, a semi-permanent coupler for metro<br />
vehicles assumes anti-climbing function. Contrary to conventional<br />
systems, this coupler has a stabilising effect even before<br />
any overriding occurs. The dimensions of the coupler remain<br />
unaffected by this new technology.<br />
Semi-Permanent <strong>Coupler</strong> with Anti-Climbing Feature<br />
Anti-Climbing Feature: Working Principle<br />
During a train crash or heavy impact, the longitudinal forces<br />
are converted into vertical swerving movements leading to<br />
an overriding of the cars once a critical momentum has been<br />
exceeded. This may cause the wagon to disconnect from its<br />
Jacobs bogie <strong>and</strong> damage softer structures.<br />
The anti-climbing feature has been designed to prevent this<br />
overriding right from the start. To do so, it uses a simple, yet<br />
highly efficient principle: The rear end of the coupler shank features<br />
a special geometry. As soon as the reversible stroke of<br />
the coupler has been utilised, this geometry interlocks with the<br />
bearing bracket, building a counter-momentum that holds the<br />
wagons down.<br />
Additional energy absorbing components of the semi-permanent<br />
coupler, e.g. deformation tubes or hydrostatic dampers,<br />
convert kinetic energy <strong>and</strong> help to keep the load on a controllable<br />
level.<br />
Semi-Permanent <strong>Coupler</strong> with Anti-Climbing Feature: Working Principle<br />
F<br />
crash<br />
solid contact<br />
F<br />
crash<br />
Stabiliy <strong>and</strong> Safety in Between: Semi-permanent<br />
<strong>Coupler</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Joints<br />
Optimum safety requires a perfect interaction of all the<br />
connecting components in a trainset. In case of an impact,<br />
the automatic couplers <strong>and</strong> further energy absorbing components<br />
of the train front end work h<strong>and</strong> in h<strong>and</strong> with the<br />
semi-permanent couplers <strong>and</strong> joints connecting the wagons.<br />
Operating in a cascading way, they function as one<br />
matched system, absorbing the highest possible impact<br />
energy <strong>and</strong> preventing an overriding of the cars. The semipermanent<br />
coupler with anti-climbing feature has been<br />
especially designed for this purpose.<br />
solid contact<br />
F<br />
crash<br />
27