10.06.2013 Views

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

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

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

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!