EP2687417B1 - Impact protection, in particular in the form of a crash buffer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shock absorber, in particular in the form of a crash buffer, wherein the shock absorber comprises a buffer plunger with a plunger sleeve and a buffer arranged at a first end portion of the plunger sleeve and a buffer housing, in which at least one of the first end portion of the plunger sleeve opposite second end portion of the plunger sleeve is recorded telescopically. Such shock protection is z. B. by the US 2009/065462 A1 known.

It is known to use so-called Fender to protect against damage to the outer skin of a ship during port maneuvers and when lying on a quay wall. Usually, the fender functioning as a protective body is positioned between the ship and the quay wall in such a way that it serves as a shock absorber on the one hand and as a spacer on the other hand so that the hull does not rub. For larger vessels, independently established fenders are usually used, which are part of a quay. Such fenders implemented as part of a quay can be elastic to a certain extent, so that they can, to a certain extent, also participate in the ship movements during docking and in waves.

When the elastic damping capacity of the fender used is exceeded, however, there is a risk of damaging the outer skin of the ship, since the impact energy occurring, for example, in the case of an unrestrained impact of the vessel on a quay wall, is not dampened on the outer skin of the ship Ship acts. In order to avoid damage to the outer skin of the ship in this scenario, it is conceivable to provide an irreversibly designed shock protection, in particular in the form of a crash buffer, which responds when exceeding the damping capacity of the Fender used for use and then absorbs at least part of the impact energy occurring or transformed into deformation work and heat.

In general, the damping of impact forces and the effective distortion of impact energy arising in an impact, especially in a moving object is a problem when due to the mass of the object high movement energies are to be considered, which are to be absorbed after a predictable event in a defined manner.

This does not only apply to ships, such as oil tankers, for which a shock absorber is to be provided as part of a quay, but also rail vehicles. For example, bumpers are known from railway technology, which are used to complete a track or stump track of a railway track and to prevent a rail vehicle or a wagon from rolling beyond the end of the rail. Bumpers are usually designed so that as much energy of the moving rail vehicle can be absorbed so that the rail vehicle remains undamaged if possible. Under certain circumstances, the buffer can be deformed or destroyed.

But shock absorbers are also used in the form of bumpers. These are components on vehicles which, in the event of a collision or an impact on a fixed obstacle, absorb energy and thereby prevent damage to the vehicle or the cargo. Bumpers are mainly used on rail vehicles (also referred to as "buffers", "buffers" or "bumps"), wherein usually one or two attached to the front end construction parts are used, which have the purpose on the rail vehicle in the longitudinal direction of externally acting horizontal compressive forces absorb. In principle, two types of bumpers can be used in rail vehicles as a shock absorber, namely so-called "buffer" or "central buffer" in which the shock absorber is mounted in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so that at each end of the rail vehicle only a buffer in the middle of the head threshold, or so-called "two-buffer" or "side buffer", in which two buffers are located on the front side of the rail vehicle.

Accordingly, it is known from the field of rail vehicle technology, for example, in a multi-unit rail vehicle to equip the individual car bodies with so-called side buffers or UIC buffers, if the car bodies are not connected to each other via a bogie and thus can vary the driving distance of two mutually coupled car bodies. These page buffers are used to absorb and dampen the shocks occurring during normal driving, for example when braking or starting.

For side buffer is usually a telescopic structure is used, which has a buffer housing, a therein at least partially telescopically recorded buffer plunger and a damping element in the form of a spring or an elastomer body. With such a construction, the buffer housing serves as a longitudinal guide and for supporting transverse forces, while the damping element accommodated in the buffer housing serves to transmit power in the longitudinal direction.

The length and the buffer stroke, i. the spring travel of the damping element accommodated in the buffer housing defines the damping property of the side buffer. After reaching the maximum buffer stroke, the damping characteristic of the page buffer is exhausted, as a result of which the shock forces beyond the characteristic operating load of the side buffer are passed on undamped into the vehicle undercarriage.

As a result, although impact forces which occur during normal driving operation, for example in a multi-unit vehicle between the individual car bodies, are absorbed via the regeneratively formed damping element integrated in the side buffer; on the other hand, when the operating load of the side buffer is exceeded, for example when the vehicle strikes an obstacle or during an abrupt deceleration of the vehicle, the damping element integrated in the side buffer usually does not suffice for consumption or damping of the total energy produced. As a result, the shock absorption provided by the side buffer is no longer involved in the energy consumption concept of the entire vehicle, so that then the resulting impact energy directly is transferred to the vehicle undercarriage. This is exposed to extreme loads and may be damaged or even destroyed.

With the aim of avoiding such damage, it is already known from rail vehicle technology to connect a destructively designed energy absorbing element to the side buffer or the regeneratively designed damping element of the side buffer, which responds after exhausting the maximum buffer stroke and additionally degrades impact energy by plastic deformation and thus consumes it ,

For example, in the publication EP 2 036 799 A1 proposed a replaceable energy dissipation unit, which can be connected downstream of a UIC buffer or page buffer as an exchangeable module. The energy dissipation unit serves as an additional irreversible shock protection stage, which responds after exhaustion of the energy absorption of integrated in the UIC buffer or side buffer regenerative damping element and by plastic deformation in a destructive manner at least a portion of the initiated in the irreversible shock protection stage impact energy converts into deformation work and heat ,

On the other hand, from the document WO 2012/016723 A1 a shock absorber with a destructively designed energy absorbing element in the form of a deformation tube known. The deformation tube has a section with an expanded cross section and an adjoining section with a not yet expanded cross section, wherein in a crash, a conical ring is pressed into the deformation tube section with the not yet expanded cross section, as a result, a plastic cross-sectional expansion takes place, whereby at least a part the energy generated in a shock transmission is converted into deformation work and heat. The known from this prior art shock protection can be provided with a regenerative damping device to dampen the occurring in normal driving tensile / impact forces in a regenerative manner. The damping device, which is embodied in particular in the form of a spring apparatus, is connected upstream of the deformation pipe section with the not yet expanded cross section in the solution proposed in this prior art.

The known from the prior art solutions have the disadvantage that - if a UIC buffer or page buffer should be provided with an additional irreversible shock protection level - the size of the UIC buffer or page buffer is significantly increased.

The present invention has for its object to provide a shock absorber, which is characterized by a compact design with a high energy consumption, the compact design is also feasible when the shock absorber is used in combination with a regenerative damping device.

This object is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

Accordingly, the invention particularly relates to a shock absorber in the form of a crash buffer, wherein the shock absorber has a buffer plunger with a plunger sleeve and a buffer plate arranged on a first end region of the plunger sleeve. Furthermore, a buffer housing belongs to the shock absorber in which at least one second end region of the plunger sleeve opposite the first end region of the plunger sleeve is accommodated telescopically. According to the invention, the buffer housing has a buffer sleeve with a buffer-plate-side end region and a second end region opposite the buffer-plate-side first end region. Via the second end region of the buffer sleeve, the buffer sleeve and thus the shock absorber, in particular in the form of a crash buffer, can be connected to a support structure to be protected. This may be, for example, the front side of a car body, a subframe of a car body, a stationary buffer block or, for example, a quay or part of a quay wall.

According to the solution according to the invention, the buffer housing further has a clamping sleeve with a buffer end side first end region and a second end region opposite the buffer end side first end region. About the second end portion of the clamping sleeve, the clamping sleeve is connected to the first end portion of the buffer sleeve of the buffer housing. This compound is designed so that it automatically solves when a previously introduced in the shock protection pre-definable (critical) impact force to a longitudinal displacement allow the clamping sleeve relative to the buffer sleeve in the direction of the buffer sleeve.

In order to be able to at least partially reduce the energy introduced into the shock absorber in the event of a crash, it is provided in the shock absorber according to the invention that the buffer housing further has a destructive energy dissipation element, which is designed in particular in the form of a deformation tube. The energy dissipation element is clamped between the first end region of the clamping sleeve and the first end region of the buffer sleeve. It is envisaged that when exceeding a introduced via the buffer plate in the shock protection pre-definable critical impact force solved the connection between the second end of the clamping sleeve and the first end of the buffer sleeve and the clamping sleeve together with the particular designed as a deformation destructive energy absorbing element with simultaneous plastic deformation of the energy absorbing element is displaced relative to the buffer sleeve in the direction of the buffer sleeve.

In order to improve the functionality of the shock absorber, and in particular to prevent that it may occur when exceeding a buffer pad in the shock protection critical impact force to an (unwanted) deformation of the plunger sleeve is provided in the inventive solution in particular that the plunger sleeve is formed as a circular cylindrical body, namely deart that the plunger sleeve has a substantially constant outer diameter from its first end portion to its opposite second end portion. With this structurally easily realizable way can be effectively prevented that when introducing a critical impact force in the shock protection an (unwanted) deformation of the plunger sleeve occurs.

The shock absorber according to the invention is characterized in particular by the unique and above-described construction of the buffer housing, which also ensures a compact construction of the shock protection, if in addition to the destructive energy dissipation element a regenerative damping device is used, with which before the plastic deformation of the destructive energy dissipation element regenerative tensile / impact forces are damped.

Advantageous developments of the solution according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

According to an advantageous development of the shock absorber according to the invention, a conical-ring-shaped region is provided at the first end region of the buffer sleeve, against which a region of the buffer sleeve facing the energy dissipation element, preferably designed as a deformation tube, abuts. The conical-ring-shaped region is preferably designed such that, when a critical impact force introduced via the buffer plate into the shock protection is exceeded, the energy dissipation element, which is preferably designed as a deformation tube, is pushed over the buffer sleeve under plastic cross-sectional widening. The conical-ring-shaped region preferably has a conically tapered lateral surface in the direction of the energy dissipation element designed as a deformation tube. By providing such a conical-ring-shaped region at the first end region of the buffer sleeve, which can either be formed integrally with the buffer sleeve or provided as a single component in addition to the buffer sleeve, a plastic cross-sectional widening of the energy dissipation element formed as a deformation tube takes place in a predictable manner in the event of a crash. without in particular a tilting or wedging of components of the shock protection can occur.

Preferably, the buffer sleeve of the buffer housing has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface, so that in this way a guide is provided to guide the plastically expanded portion of the energy absorbing element in a longitudinal displacement of this relative to the buffer sleeve in response of the energy dissipation element preferably designed as a deformation tube. By providing a cylindrical outer circumferential surface having a buffer sleeve and preferably in combination with a conical-shaped portion at the first end portion of the buffer sleeve can be achieved that in response to the shock protection, the movement of the clamping sleeve together with the energy absorbing element relative to the buffer sleeve in the direction of buffer sleeve after a predictable in advance Event sequence takes place without the risk that jamming or wedging of components of the shock protection can occur.

In order to achieve that the shock absorber can not only reduce the impact energy generated in a crash case, at least partially by plastic deformation of the destructively designed energy dissipation element, but also in the normal Driving operation occurring shocks or tensile forces can dampen, is provided in a preferred realization of the solution according to the invention that at least before exceeding a introduced via the buffer plate of the shock absorber in the shock protection pre-definable critical impact force of the buffer ram relative to the buffer housing in the direction of the buffer sleeve is displaceable ,

A Längsverschiebungsweg, by which the buffer plunger is displaceable relative to the buffer housing in the direction of the buffer sleeve can be defined or limited according to an aspect of the present invention by a stop, in particular an annular circumferential stop, with a buffertellerseitigen at the first end portion of the clamping sleeve Stop surface is provided, said bufferteller side stop surface of the clamping sleeve limits the longitudinal displacement travel of the buffer plunger relative to the buffer housing.

In the last-mentioned embodiments, it is particularly advantageous if a regenerative damping device is provided in order to be able to dampen the tensile and impact forces occurring in normal driving operation in a regenerative manner. Preferably, the damping device formed for example in the form of a spring apparatus is at least partially accommodated in the plunger sleeve and arranged between a first pressure plate connected to the plunger sleeve and a second pressure plate connected to the buffer housing. The integration of the regenerative damping device in the components of the buffer housing allows a particularly compact design of shock protection, since no additional space must be provided for the damping device or the destructively designed energy dissipation element.

In a preferred embodiment of the last-mentioned embodiment, in which the shock absorber is provided with a regenerative damping device, it is provided that the first pressure plate is preferably formed by the buffer plate and abuts the damping device to a pointing in the direction of the buffer housing surface of the buffer plate, said the second pressure plate is connected to the second end region of the clamping sleeve. Of course, other embodiments are conceivable in this context.

The present invention is characterized not only by a compact design of the shock absorber, but also by the fact that a longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger takes place relative to the buffer housing after a predetermined defined event sequence. To this end, according to one aspect of the present invention, a guide is provided to guide the longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger relative to the buffer housing. In order to prevent an undesirable notch effect between the components of the shock absorber during a movement of the buffer ram relative to the buffer housing and in this way to dispense with an undesirable oversizing of the relevant components, is provided in a preferred embodiment of the last-mentioned embodiment that the leadership Has at least one extending in the longitudinal direction of the plunger sleeve and in the longitudinal direction of the buffer housing guide groove and engaging in the at least one guide pin. It should be noted that in the shock absorber according to the invention, the plunger sleeve and the buffer housing are arranged coaxially and concentrically, so that the longitudinal direction of the plunger sleeve coincides with the longitudinal direction of the buffer housing.

A particularly compact design of the shock absorber can be realized if the at least one guide groove is formed in the buffer sleeve, wherein the engaging in the at least one guide pin is connected to the clamping sleeve of the buffer housing. Preferably, the engaging in the at least one guide pin extends in the longitudinal direction of the plunger sleeve or in the longitudinal direction of the buffer housing and is preferably connected to the second end portion of the clamping sleeve with the clamping sleeve.

This embodiment allows a variable stroke of the buffer ram while blocking the rotational degree of freedom. In this case, the pin which runs laterally in the at least one guide groove produces virtually no notch effects on the components involved. This makes it possible to use smaller material cross-sections and thus to reduce given sizes with simultaneous load or higher load with the same size.

Finally, in a preferred embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention at the first end portion of the clamping sleeve, a stop, in particular an annular circumferential stop, provided with a buffer sleeve side stop surface, which preferably designed as a deformation tube destructive Energy absorbing element between the buffer sleeve side abutment surface of the clamping sleeve and the first end portion of the buffer sleeve is clamped.

This construction makes it possible to use a deformation tube for the destructively designed energy dissipation element, wherein the deformation tube is a rotating part which is provided without a widening, as is otherwise customary in deformation tubes. This allows installation of the destructive energy dissipation element in the shock protection in a small space and beyond a cost-effective design.

Preferably, the second end portion of the clamping sleeve is at least partially telescopically received in the first end portion of the buffer sleeve and abuts against a buffertellerseitige stop surface of a first provided inside the first end portion of the buffer sleeve, preferably annular abutment of the buffer sleeve. In this realization of the shock absorber according to the invention, it is further preferred if a arranged in the interior of the buffer sleeve counter element is provided, which abuts on the one hand against one of the buffer plate side abutment surfaces opposite stop surface of the first stop, and which on the other hand against a stop surface of a second inside the first end of the Buffer sleeve provided preferably annular abutment of the buffer sleeve abuts, wherein the counter element is preferably connected by means of screws with the second end portion of the clamping sleeve such that the first stop of the buffer sleeve is received between the clamping sleeve and the counter element.

In order to achieve that when a transposed over the buffer plate in the shock protection introduced pre-definable critical impact force, the connection between the second end of the clamping sleeve and the first end of the buffer sleeve can be solved and the clamping sleeve together with the deformation tube with simultaneous plastic deformation of the deformation deformation can be moved towards the buffer sleeve in the direction of the buffer sleeve is provided in a preferred embodiment of the last-mentioned embodiment that the first stop is designed such that it shears when exceeding the pre-definable critical impact force, so that the clamping sleeve relative to the buffer sleeve in the direction the buffer sleeve is displaceable.

In order to be able to attach the plunger sleeve to the buffer plate as easily as possible in the last-mentioned preferred implementation of the shock absorber according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment it is provided that the end face of the first end region of the plunger sleeve is wedge-shaped. This wedge-shaped end face of the plunger sleeve can then engage in a correspondingly complementary groove formed in the buffer plate, so that the assembly of the shock protection is simplified.

According to a further aspect of the present invention it is provided that the buffer sleeve, the Verformunsrohr, the clamping sleeve and the plunger sleeve are formed of different materials. In particular, it is advantageous if suitable materials for the aforementioned components with regard to the required stiffness or strength and in terms of their weight are selected. Thus, it is particularly conceivable to form the buffer sleeve, the deformation tube, the clamping sleeve and / or the plunger sleeve of a lightweight construction material, in particular aluminum or a fiber composite material.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the shock absorber according to the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown in the drawings are suitable, for example, as shock protection in track-guided vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, or as shock absorbers in maritime applications, for example as an integral part of a quay.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer exemplarischen Ausführungsform zur Beschreibung des Aufbaus und der Funktionsweise der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 2a

die exemplarische Ausführungsform der Stoßsicherung gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2b

die exemplarische Ausführungsform der Stoßsicherung gemäß Fig. 2a nach Ansprechen der Stoßsicherung und Ausschöpfung des Energieverzehrs;

Figuren 3a bis 3d

Seitenschnittansichten einer ersten exemplarischen Stoßsicherung in unterschiedlichen Zuständen der Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung der exemplarischen Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 3a;

Figuren 5a bis 5d

Seitenschnittansichten einer zweiten exemplarischen Stoßsicherung in unterschiedlichen Zuständen der Stoßsicherung;

Figuren 6a, 6b

eine perspektivische Ansicht bzw. eine Seitenschnittansicht einer exemplarischen Stoßsicherung bei einem ersten Montageschritt;

Figuren 7a, 7b

eine perspektivische Ansicht bzw. eine Seitenschnittansicht der Stoßsicherung in einem zweiten Montageschritt;

Figuren 8a, 8b

eine perspektivische Ansicht bzw. eine Seitenschnittansicht der Stoßsicherung in einem dritten Montageschritt;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Pufferstößels der ersten und zweiten exemplarischen Ausführungsformen der Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Stößelhülse des Pufferstößels gemäß Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Spannhülse des Puffergehäuses der ersten und zweiten exemplarischen Ausführungsformen der Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenschnittansicht der Spannhülse gemäß Fig. 11;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines bei den ersten und zweiten exemplarischen Ausführungsformen der Stoßsicherung zum Einsatz kommenden Führungsbolzens;

Fig. 14

ein Kraft-Weg-Diagramm der ersten und zweiten exemplarischen Ausführungsformen der Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 16a

die exemplarische Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung gemäß Fig. 15 in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 16b

die exemplarische Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung gemäß Fig. 16a nach Ansprechen der Stoßsicherung und Ausschöpfung des Energieverzehrs;

Fig. 17a- 17c

Seitenschnittansichten der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung in unterschiedlichen Zuständen der Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 18a, 18b

eine perspektivische Ansicht bzw. eine Seitenschnittansicht der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung in einem ersten Montageschritt;

Fig. 19a, 19b

eine perspektivische Ansicht bzw. eine Seitenschnittansicht der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung in einem zweiten Montageschritt;

Fig. 20a, 20b

eine perspektivische Ansicht bzw. eine Seitenschnittansicht der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung in einem dritten Montageschritt;

Fig. 21a, 21b

perspektivische Ansichten der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung in einem vierten Montageschritt;

Fig. 22

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Pufferstößels der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 23

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Stößelhülse des Pufferstößels gemäß Fig. 22;

Fig. 24

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Spannhülse des Puffergehäuses der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung;

Fig. 25

eine Seitenschnittansicht der Spannhülse gemäß Fig. 24;

Fig. 26

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines bei der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung zum Einsatz kommenden Führungsbolzens; und

Fig. 27

ein Kraft-Weg-Diagramm der exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment for describing the structure and operation of the shock absorber according to the invention;

Fig. 2a

the exemplary embodiment of the shock protection according to Fig. 1 in a side view;

Fig. 2b

the exemplary embodiment of the shock protection according to Fig. 2a after triggering the shock absorption and exhaustion of energy consumption;

FIGS. 3a to 3d

Side sectional views of a first exemplary shock protection in different states of shock protection;

Fig. 4

an exploded perspective view of the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 3a ;

FIGS. 5a to 5d

Side sectional views of a second exemplary shock protection in different states of shock protection;

FIGS. 6a, 6b

a perspective view and a side sectional view of an exemplary shock protection in a first assembly step;

FIGS. 7a, 7b

a perspective view and a side sectional view of the shock protection in a second assembly step;

Figures 8a, 8b

a perspective view and a side sectional view of the shock absorber in a third assembly step;

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the buffer plunger of the first and second exemplary embodiments of the shock absorber;

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the plunger sleeve of the buffer ram according to Fig. 9 ;

Fig. 11

a perspective view of the clamping sleeve of the buffer housing of the first and second exemplary embodiments of the shock absorber;

Fig. 12

a side sectional view of the clamping sleeve according to Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 13

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a guide pin used in the first and second exemplary embodiments of the shock absorber; FIG.

Fig. 14

a force-displacement diagram of the first and second exemplary embodiments of the shock absorber;

Fig. 15

a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention;

Fig. 16a

the exemplary embodiment of the shock protection according to the invention Fig. 15 in a side view;

Fig. 16b

the exemplary embodiment of the shock protection according to the invention Fig. 16a after triggering the shock absorption and exhaustion of energy consumption;

Fig. 17a-17c

Side sectional views of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention in different states of shock protection;

Fig. 18a, 18b

a perspective view and a side sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention in a first assembly step;

Fig. 19a, 19b

a perspective view and a side sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention in a second assembly step;

Fig. 20a, 20b

a perspective view and a side sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention in a third assembly step;

Fig. 21a, 21b

perspective views of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention in a fourth assembly step;

Fig. 22

a perspective view of the buffer plunger of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention;

Fig. 23

a perspective view of the plunger sleeve of the buffer ram according to Fig. 22 ;

Fig. 24

a perspective view of the clamping sleeve of the buffer housing of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention;

Fig. 25

a side sectional view of the clamping sleeve according to Fig. 24 ;

Fig. 26

a perspective view of a coming in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention guide pin used; and

Fig. 27

a force-displacement diagram of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a shock absorber 1 is shown in a perspective view. In detail, the exemplary embodiment is a crash buffer, which can be mounted, for example, on the front of a car body or on a stationary buffer bracket.

The shock absorber 1 has a buffer ram 10 and a buffer housing 20. The buffer housing 20 facing the end portion of the buffer plunger 10 is received in the buffer housing 20 telescopically. In this context, in particular, the presentation in Fig. 2a which shows the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 in a side view. Specifically, the shock absorber is 1 in Fig. 2a shown in an unloaded state, ie in a state in which no pressure forces act on the buffer plunger 10.

The buffer plunger 10 used in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 consists in detail of a plunger sleeve 11, as shown in a perspective view in FIG Fig. 9 respectively. Fig. 10 is shown. The plunger sleeve 11 has a first end region 11a, on which a buffer plate 12 is attached, in particular welded.

A first end region 11a of the plunger sleeve 11 opposite second end portion 11b of the plunger sleeve 11 is telescopically received in the assembled state of the shock absorber 1 in the buffer housing 20 of the shock absorber 1. For this purpose, in the mounted state of the shock absorber 1, the plunger sleeve 11 and the buffer housing 20 are arranged coaxially and concentrically with one another (cf. Fig. 2a ).

As in particular the exploded view according to Fig. 4 (first embodiment) or according to Fig. 6a (Second Embodiment), in the exemplary embodiments of the shock absorber 1, the buffer case 20 is basically constituted by a buffer sleeve 21, a collet 22, and a deformation tube 23. The buffer sleeve 21 has a buffer end side first end portion 21a and a second end portion 21b opposite to the first end portion 21a. About the second end portion 21b, the buffer sleeve 21 is connected to a support structure, in particular with the front side of a car body, with the undercarriage of a car body or with a stationary buffer bracket. For this purpose, a flange arrangement 2 is provided on the second end region 21b of the buffer sleeve 21.

The clamping sleeve 22 belonging to the buffer housing 20 has a buffer end side first end region 22a and a second end region 22b opposite the first end region 22a. Via the second end region 22b, the clamping sleeve 22 is connected to the first end region 21a of the buffer sleeve 21, as described below with regard to the first exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 with reference to the illustrations in FIGS FIGS. 3a to 3d will be described in more detail.

The exemplary embodiments of the shock absorber 1 have as a destructive energy dissipation element in each case a deformation tube 23 which - as in particular the exploded view according to Fig. 4 or the exploded view according to Fig. 6a can be removed - is designed as a cylindrical rotary member without any widening etc. In this respect, the deformation tube 23, which can be used in the shock absorber 1 as a destructive energy dissipation element, forms a particularly cost-effective design.

The deformation tube 23 used as a destructive energy dissipation element is located between the first end region 22a of the clamping sleeve 22 and the clamped first end portion 21a of the buffer sleeve 21, as in particular the side sectional view according to Fig. 3a can be removed. In detail is in Fig. 3a the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 shown in a side sectional view, wherein 10 no pressure forces are introduced into the buffer plate 12 of the buffer ram.

As explained below with reference to the illustrations in the FIGS. 3a to 3d will be described in detail, the first exemplary embodiment of designed in the form of a crash buffer shock absorber 1 is designed to at least in a crash, ie when exceeding a introduced via the buffer plate 12 in the shock protection 1 pre-definable critical impact force, under plastic cross-sectional deformation of the deformation tube 23 to reduce part of the initiated impact energy and thus to consume.

In addition, the exemplary illustrated in the drawings shock absorber 1 is designed to dampen tensile and impact forces before exceeding a initiated in the shock protection 1 critical impact force. For this purpose, the shock absorber 1 a regenerative damping device 3, which - as in the FIGS. 3a to 3d shown - can be designed as a spring pack. The damping device 3 is at least partially received in the plunger sleeve 11 and disposed between a connected to the plunger sleeve 11 first pressure plate 13a and connected to the buffer housing 20 second pressure plate 13b.

As in particular the representation in the FIGS. 3a to 3d can be removed, it is preferred if the first pressure plate 13a is formed by the buffer plate 12, wherein the damping device 3 abuts a pointing in the direction of the buffer housing 20 surface of the buffer plate 12. The second pressure plate 13b, however, is connected in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 with the second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22.

At least before exceeding a introduced via the buffer plate 12 in the shock absorber 1 critical impact force of the buffer plunger 10 is displaceable relative to the buffer housing 20 in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21, as it is from a synopsis of FIGS. 3a and 3b is apparent. When moving the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20 in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21, the at least partially accommodated in the plunger sleeve 11 is regenerative formed damping device 3 between the first and the second pressure plate 13a, 13b compressed, as a result, at least a part of the introduced into the buffer plate 12 compressive force is damped by the damping device 3.

In order to provide a longitudinal displacement path of the buffer ram 10, i. the displacement path by which the buffer plunger 10 is displaceable relative to the buffer housing 20 in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21, is provided at the first end portion 22a of the clamping sleeve 22 a stop 25 connected to the clamping sleeve 22. This stop 25 has a pointing in the direction of the buffer plate 12 first stop surface 25a, which ultimately limits the longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20 in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21. In which the clamping sleeve 22 associated stop 25 is preferably an annular circumferential stop.

So that the regenerative dampening of initiated in the buffer plate 12 impact forces as possible no notch effect in the relative to the buffer housing 20 moving ram sleeve 11, the exemplary embodiment of the shock protection 1 shown in the drawings with a special guide for guiding the longitudinal displacement of the buffer ram 10 is relative provided to the buffer housing 20. In detail, and as it in particular also the individual representation of the plunger sleeve 11 in Fig. 9 respectively. Fig. 10 can be removed, the guide for guiding the longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20 at least one in the longitudinal direction L of the plunger sleeve 11 (or in the longitudinal direction L of the buffer housing 20) extending guide groove 4. In this at least one guide groove 4 engages a corresponding pin or guide pin 5 a.

The guide pin 5 used for guiding the longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20 in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 is shown in a perspective view in FIG Fig. 13 shown.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the clamping sleeve 22 of the buffer housing 20 of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1, while Fig. 12 a side sectional view of the clamping sleeve 22 shows. On the basis of these representations, it can be seen in particular that those used in shock protection 1 are used Guide pin 5 are held in elongated receptacles 26 which are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the clamping sleeve 22 (see. Fig. 12 ). For this purpose, the pins / guide pins 5 are inserted through corresponding pin openings 5 'at the second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22.

As the representations in the FIGS. 3a to 3d can be removed, the engaging in the corresponding guide groove 4 of the plunger sleeve 11 pin / guide pin 5 is connected to the second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22 with the clamping sleeve 22. The pin / guide pin 5 is held partially in the assembled state of the shock absorber 1 in a corresponding in the clamping sleeve 22, and in detail provided in the inner circumferential surface of the clamping sleeve 22 elongated receptacle 26.

The second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22, with which the respective pins / guide pins 5 are connected, is at least partially telescopically received in the first end portion 21a of the buffer sleeve 21 and abuts in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21 against a buffertellerseitige stop surface 6a of a first inside the first end portion 21a of the buffer sleeve 21 provided stop 6 of the buffer sleeve 21. This connected to the buffer sleeve 21 first stop 6 is preferably annular.

In the interior of the buffer sleeve 21, a counter element 14 is also provided in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1. The counter element 14 is shown in the illustrations in the FIGS. 3a to 3d with the second pressure plate 13b, against which the recorded in the shock absorber 1 damping device 3 abuts connected. On the other hand, the counter element 14 accommodated in the interior of the buffer sleeve 21 abuts against a stop surface 6b of the first stop 6 facing the buffer plate side abutment 6. On the other hand, the counter element 14 abuts against a stop surface 7a of a second inside the first end region 21a and the buffer sleeve 21 Stop 7 of the buffer sleeve 21. Like the first stop 6 of the second sleeve 7 connected to the buffer sleeve 21 is preferably annular. The counter element 14 is connected by means of screws 8 with the second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22, in such a way that the first stop 6 of the buffer sleeve 21 is received between the clamping sleeve 22 and the counter element 14. Instead of two separate stops 6, 7, it is of course also possible, only a single common Stop to use, as in the second exemplary embodiment of the solution according to the invention as shown in the FIGS. 5a to 5d the case is.

As explained below with reference to the illustrations in the FIGS. 3a to 3d is described in more detail, the first stopper 6 connected to the buffer sleeve 21 is formed in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 such that it shears off at a predetermined above the buffer plate 12 introduced into the shock protection 1 pre-definable critical impact force and thus its connection with the buffer sleeve 21 loses. In this way, the clamping sleeve 22 is then displaceable relative to the buffer sleeve 21 in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21.

The following is with reference to the representations in the FIGS. 3a to 3d the operation of the exemplary embodiment of the shock protection described in more detail. In detail shows Fig. 3a in a side sectional view formed in the form of a crash buffer shock protection 1 in the unloaded state, ie in a state in which no pressure forces on the buffer plate 12 are introduced into the shock absorber 1. In this unloaded state, the buffer plunger 10 is in its maximum extended state, ie in a state in which the buffer plate 12 is farthest from the buffer housing 10. This in Fig. 3a shown state is the ground state of the shock absorber 1, which is taken independently of the shock absorber 1 when no pressure forces are introduced into the buffer plate 12. This basic state is predetermined by the damping device 3 provided in the interior of the shock absorber 1 and biased between the first pressure plate 13a (here buffer plate 12) and the second pressure plate 13b.

When introducing lateral pressure forces in the Puffeteller 12 of the buffer plunger 10 is moved with simultaneous compression of at least partially received in the plunger sleeve 11 damping device 3 in the direction of the buffer housing 20 (see. Fig. 3b ). The longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20 is guided by the laterally running in guide grooves 4 pins / guide pins 5, which simultaneously lock the rotational degree of freedom of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20. Due to the fact that the pins / guide pins 5 run laterally in the circular guide grooves 4, the longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger 10 takes place relative to that Buffer housing 20 no significant notch effect on the components involved.

In Fig. 3b is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 after exhaustion of the damping behavior of the shock absorber 1 integrated damping device 3 is shown. Specifically, in the in Fig. 3 shown state of the buffer plate 12 against the first stop surface 25a of the associated with the clamping sleeve 22 stop 25 so that the maximum Längsverschiebungsweg the buffer plunger 10 is exhausted relative to the buffer housing 20. In this state, the shock absorber 1 can absorb or reduce any further impact forces in a regenerative manner.

If, however, there is an increase in the impact force introduced via the buffer plate 12 into the shock absorber 1, the destructively designed energy dissipation element responds to the shock absorber 1. In detail, and as already stated, comes in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 as a destructive energy dissipation a preferably cylindrically symmetric deformation tube 23 is used, which can be designed in particular as a rotating part without necessary expansions. The deformation tube 23 is arranged, in particular clamped, between the first end region 22a of the clamping sleeve 22 and the first end region 21a of the buffer sleeve 21 of the buffer housing 20. More specifically, the stopper 25 formed on the first end portion 22a of the collet 22 is used, which has an opposed, i.e., in opposition to, the first abutment surface 25a for limiting the longitudinal displacement travel of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20. in the direction of buffer sleeve 21 facing, second stop surface 25b. Against this second abutment surface 25 b abuts the buffertellerseitige end portion of the clamped between the clamping sleeve 22 and the buffer sleeve 21 deformation tube 23rd

When exceeding a introduced over the buffer plate 12 in the shock protection 1 pre-definable critical impact force at least a portion of the impact force of the buffer plate 12 is introduced directly into the clamping sleeve 22, since after exhausting the maximum buffer stroke of the buffer plate 12 against the stop 25 of the clamping sleeve 22 abuts , This introduced directly into the clamping sleeve 22 impact force passes over the first stop 6, which is connected to the buffer sleeve 21 and thus in the buffer sleeve 21 and in a support structure, with which the buffer sleeve 21 is possibly connected, forwarded. The first stop 6 is in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention designed as shearing element, which shears when exceeding a pre-definable critical impact force and solves the connection of the clamping sleeve 22 to the buffer sleeve 21. This condition is in Fig. 3c shown.

Characterized in that thus in the event of a crash, the direct power transmission is interrupted by the clamping sleeve 22 to the buffer sleeve 21 via the first stop 6, the resulting impact energy over the stop 25 of the clamping sleeve 22 in the deformation tube 23 and from there into the first end portion 21a of the buffer sleeve 21 initiated. Depending on the design of the deformation tube 23, the deformation tube is plastically deformed, in particular when the buffer ram 10 is displaced with the clamping sleeve 22 in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21. In detail finds - as it in the representation in Fig. 3d can be removed - in response of the deformation tube 23, a plastic cross-sectional enlargement instead, wherein the plastically expanded portion of the deformation tube 23 is pushed over the buffer sleeve 21. In this context, it is advantageous if a conical-ring-shaped region 24 is provided at the first end region of the buffer sleeve 21 in order to support the plastic cross-sectional widening of the deformation tube 23, and in particular to prevent tilting of components when the shock absorber 1 responds.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the buffer sleeve 21 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface 28, which is designed to guide a plastically expanded region of the deformation tube 23 with a longitudinal displacement of the deformation tube 23 relative to the buffer sleeve 21 after exceeding the pre-definable critical impact force.

In the FIGS. 5a to 5d Side sectional views of a second exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 are shown in different states of shock protection.

In detail is in Fig. 5a the second embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention shown in a side sectional view, wherein 10 no pressure forces are introduced into the buffer plate 12 of the buffer plunger. In this unloaded state, the buffer plunger 10 is in its maximum extended state, ie in a state in which the buffer plate 12 is farthest from the buffer housing 10. This in Fig. 5a shown state is the Basic state of the shock absorber 1, which is taken independently of the shock protection 1 when no pressure forces are introduced into the buffer plate 12. This basic state is predetermined by the damping device 3 provided in the interior of the shock absorber 1 and biased between the first pressure plate 13a (here buffer plate 12) and the second pressure plate 13b.

When introducing lateral pressure forces in the Puffeteller 12 of the buffer plunger 10 is moved with simultaneous compression of at least partially received in the plunger sleeve 11 damping device 3 in the direction of the buffer housing 20 (see. Fig. 5b ). The longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20 is guided by the laterally running in guide grooves 4 pins / guide pins 5, which simultaneously lock the rotational degree of freedom of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20. Due to the fact that the pins / guide pins 5 run laterally in round guide grooves 4, no appreciable notch effect on the components involved occurs during the longitudinal displacement of the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20.

In Fig. 5b is a side view of the second embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention after exhaustion of the damping behavior of the shock absorber 1 integrated damping device 3 is shown. Specifically, in the in Fig. 5b shown state of the buffer plate 12 against the first stop surface 25a of the associated with the clamping sleeve 22 stop 25 so that the maximum Längsverschiebungsweg the buffer plunger 10 is exhausted relative to the buffer housing 20. In this state, the shock absorber 1 can absorb or reduce any further impact forces in a regenerative manner.

If, however, there is an increase in the impact force introduced via the buffer plate 12 into the shock absorber 1, the destructively designed energy dissipation element responds to the shock absorber 1. In detail, and as already stated, comes in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 as a destructive energy dissipation a preferably cylindrically symmetric deformation tube 23 is used, which can be designed in particular as a rotating part without necessary expansions. The deformation tube 23 is arranged, in particular clamped, between the first end region 22a of the clamping sleeve 22 and the first end region 21a of the buffer sleeve 21 of the buffer housing 20. Specifically, this comes at the first end portion 22a of the clamping sleeve 22nd trained stop 25 is used, in addition to the first stop surface 25a, which serves to limit the Längsverschiebungsweges the buffer plunger 10 relative to the buffer housing 20, an opposite, ie in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21 facing, second stop surface 25b. Against this second abutment surface 25 b abuts the buffertellerseitige end portion of the clamped between the clamping sleeve 22 and the buffer sleeve 21 deformation tube 23rd

When exceeding a introduced over the buffer plate 12 in the shock protection 1 pre-definable critical impact force at least a portion of the impact force of the buffer plate 12 is introduced directly into the clamping sleeve 22, since after exhausting the maximum buffer stroke of the buffer plate 12 against the stop 25 of the clamping sleeve 22 abuts , This introduced directly into the clamping sleeve 22 impact force passes over the first stop 6, which is connected to the buffer sleeve 21 and thus in the buffer sleeve 21 and in a support structure, with which the buffer sleeve 21 is possibly connected, forwarded. In the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber according to the invention, the first stop 6 is designed as a shearing element, which shears off when a critical impact force that can be predetermined is exceeded and releases the connection of the clamping sleeve 22 to the buffer sleeve 21. This condition is in Fig. 5c shown.

Characterized in that thus in the event of a crash, the direct power transmission is interrupted by the clamping sleeve 22 to the buffer sleeve 21 via the first stop 6, the resulting impact energy over the stop 25 of the clamping sleeve 22 in the deformation tube 23 and from there into the first end portion 21a of the buffer sleeve 21 initiated. Depending on the design of the deformation tube 23, the deformation tube is plastically deformed, in particular when the buffer ram 10 is displaced with the clamping sleeve 22 in the direction of the buffer sleeve 21. In detail finds - as it in the representation in Fig. 3d can be removed - in response of the deformation tube 23, a plastic cross-sectional enlargement instead, wherein the plastically expanded portion of the deformation tube 23 is pushed over the buffer sleeve 21. In this context, it is advantageous if a conical-ring-shaped region 24 is provided at the first end region of the buffer sleeve 21 in order to support the plastic cross-sectional widening of the deformation tube 23, and in particular to prevent tilting of components when the shock absorber 1 responds.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the buffer sleeve 21 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface 28, which is designed to guide a plastically expanded region of the deformation tube 23 with a longitudinal displacement of the deformation tube 23 relative to the buffer sleeve 21 after exceeding the pre-definable critical impact force.

• Zum einen unterscheidet sich die in den Figuren 5a bis 5d dargestellte zweite exemplarische Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Stoßsicherung 1 von der ersten Ausführungsform gemäß den Figuren 3a bis 3d dadurch, dass nun nur ein einziger ringförmiger Anschlag 6 zum Einsatz kommt, anstelle von zwei separaten Anschlägen 6, 7 wie bei der ersten Ausführungsform.

The structure and functioning of the in the FIGS. 5a to 5d The second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 essentially corresponds to the construction and the mode of operation of the previously described with reference to the illustrations in FIGS FIGS. 3a to 3d described first exemplary embodiment. In order to avoid repetition, only the differences between the two embodiments will be discussed briefly below:

• On the one hand, the difference is in the FIGS. 5a to 5d illustrated second exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention of the first embodiment according to the FIGS. 3a to 3d in that now only a single annular stop 6 is used, instead of two separate stops 6, 7 as in the first embodiment.

Apart from this, in the second exemplary embodiment, the counter element 14 has a slightly modified configuration, which will be described below with reference to the illustrations in FIGS FIGS. 6a, 6b . 7a, 7b and 8a, 8b will be described in more detail.

The following is with reference to the representations in the FIGS. 6a, 6b . 7a, 7b and 8a, 8b the assembly of the illustrated in the drawings exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 described in more detail.

In detail shows Fig. 6a in a perspective view, a first assembly step, while Fig. 6b in a side sectional view illustrating the shock absorber 1 after performing the first assembly step. Accordingly, for the purpose of assembling the shock absorber 1, the plunger sleeve 11 is first provided with the buffer plate 12 connected to the first end region 11a. The representation in Fig. 6a It can also be seen that in the outer circumferential surface of the plunger sleeve 11 already in the longitudinal direction L of the shock protection 1 extending guide grooves 4 are introduced.

In the first assembly step according to the representations in the FIGS. 6a, 6b the damping device 3, which is formed in the exemplary embodiment as a spring assembly consisting of a plurality of coaxially and concentrically aligned spring plates, received in the interior of the plunger sleeve 11. For this purpose, a guide rod 30 is used, which is inserted into the plunger sleeve 11 and locked there accordingly. Subsequently, a securing piece 31 is to be introduced via the guide rod 30 into the plunger sleeve 11. The securing piece 31 is used for fixing the guide rod 30 in the interior of the plunger sleeve 11 such that the guide rod 30 is located on the longitudinal axis L of the shock absorber 1.

After the damping device 3, and in particular the spring assembly of the damping device 3 has been at least partially inserted in the plunger sleeve 11 via the guide rod 30, a clamping sleeve 32 is attached to the exposed end portion of the guide rod 30 to the damping device 3 against the first pressure plate 13 a (the inside Side wall of the buffer plate 12). This condition is in Fig. 6b shown in a side sectional view of the shock protection 1.

In the following second assembly step, according to the perspective view in Fig. 7a the preassembled with the damping device 3 ram sleeve 11 is connected to the clamping sleeve 22. This is done by telescoping receiving the second end portion 11b of the plunger sleeve 11 of the first end portion 22a of the clamping sleeve 22. The protruding from the second end portion 11b of the plunger sleeve 11 part of the damping device 3 and attached to the guide rod 30 clamping sleeve 32 is - as soon as the second End portion 11b of the plunger sleeve 11 is telescopically received by the clamping sleeve 22 together with the inside of the plunger sleeve 11 at least partially absorbed damping device 3 - fixed by means of screws 33 to a second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22 flange plate 34.

Based on the sidecut view in Fig. 7b is particularly good to recognize that 22 grooves are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the clamping sleeve, which correspond with the formed in the outer circumferential surface of the plunger sleeve 11 elongated guide grooves 4 and an elongated receptacle 26 for corresponding guide pins or pins 5 (not in Fig. 7b shown).

In the in the Figures 8a, 8b shown third assembly step, the buffer sleeve 21 is then mounted together with the destructive energy dissipation element (deformation tube 23). In detail and as the perspective representation in Fig. 8a can be removed, the guide pin 5 are first introduced in the third assembly step from behind through the flange plate 34 in the elongated receptacles 26 which are formed in the clamping sleeve 22. For this purpose, corresponding pin openings 5 'are formed in the flange plate 34. In the assembled state (see. Fig. 8b ) are the guide pin 5 partially in the elongated receptacles 26, while a part of the guide pin 5 engages in the guide groove 4 of the plunger sleeve 11 like a rail.

After mounting the guide pins 5, the destructive energy dissipation element formed in particular in the form of a deformation tube 23 from the rear, i. Slid over the second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22 on the clamping sleeve 22 until the deformation tube 23 abuts the second stop surface 25b of the first end portion 22a of the clamping sleeve 22 provided stop 25.

Subsequently, the composite is connected to the first end portion 21 a of the buffer sleeve 21. For this purpose, a plate-shaped counter-element 14 is used, which is inserted from behind into the buffer sleeve 21, until it abuts against the second provided in the interior of the first end portion 21a of the buffer sleeve 21 annular stop 7 of the buffer sleeve 21. The counter element 14 is connected by means of screws 8 with the second end portion 22b of the clamping sleeve 22 such that the first stop 6 of the buffer sleeve 21 is received between the clamping sleeve 22 and the counter element 14.

In this in Fig. 8b in a side sectional view shown fully assembled state of the shock absorber 1 abuts the inside of the buffer sleeve 21 arranged plate-shaped counter element 14 on the one hand against the bufferteller side stop surface 6a opposite stop surface 6b of the first stopper 6 and on the other hand against a stop surface 7a of the second inside the first end portion 21a of Buffer sleeve 21 provided annular stop 7 of the buffer sleeve 21st

Hereinafter, referring to the illustrations in FIGS FIGS. 15 to 27 the structure and operation of an exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention described.

In detail is in Fig. 15 in a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention. A side view of the exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG Fig. 16a shown, in an unloaded state of the shock absorber 1, ie in a state in which no pressure forces acting on the buffer plunger 10 of the shock absorber 1.

Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention also has a buffer ram 10 and a buffer housing 20. The buffer housing 20 facing the end portion of the buffer plunger 10 is received in the buffer housing 20 telescopically. The buffer plunger 10 consists essentially of a plunger sleeve 11, as in a perspective view in Fig. 23 is shown. Accordingly, the ram sleeve 11 used in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 is designed as a circular-cylindrical body, which has a substantial outer diameter from the first end portion 11a of the ram sleeve 11 to the opposite second end portion 11b of the ram sleeve 11. In contrast to the plunger sleeve, which is used in the first and second exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1, in the plunger sleeve 11 according to the exemplary embodiment of the inventive solution, in particular the first end portion 11a of the plunger sleeve 11 is not expanded. In this way, when a critical impact force is introduced into the buffer tappet 10, an (unwanted) deformation of the tappet sleeve 11 can be effectively prevented.

In order nevertheless to ensure the most secure possible connection of the plunger sleeve 11 with the buffer plate 12, in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention, it is provided that the end face of the first end portion 11a of the plunger sleeve 11 is wedge-shaped. On the other hand, in the buffer plate 12 is provided a complementary to the wedge-shaped end face formed groove to receive the first end portion 11 a of the plunger sleeve 11.

Incidentally, the structure of the shock absorber 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention substantially corresponds to the structure of the first and second exemplary embodiments described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the previous statements.

It should be noted, however, that in view of the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention a further (fourth) assembly step in the Figs. 21a and 21b is shown. Specifically, in this fourth assembly step, a response indicator 35 is attached to the already mounted shock absorber 1, which is designed to indicate whether the deformation tube 23 integrated in the shock absorber 1 has possibly already been mentioned. In the in the Figs. 21a and 21b illustrated exemplary embodiment, the response indicator 35 is formed as a sheet-metal strip at the transition point between the deformation tube 23 and the buffer sleeve 21. As soon as the deformation tube 23 has also pushed on the buffer sleeve 21 only slightly, this is indicated on the basis of the response indicator 35, since it deforms or flakes off accordingly.

Furthermore, a difference is to be seen in the fact that in Fig. 24 illustrated clamping sleeve 22, which is used in the exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber 1 according to the invention, the pin openings 5 'in comparison to the illustration in Fig. 11 are arranged rotated.

The invention is not limited to the exemplified embodiment of the crash buffer designed as crash buffer, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

In particular, it is advantageous if in each embodiment, the shock absorber 1 according to the invention is provided with a response indicator 35 to indicate whether the integrated in the shock absorber 1 deformation tube 23 has possibly already addressed. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, the response indicator 35 is formed as a sheet-metal strip at the transition point between the deformation tube 23 and the buffer sleeve 21. As soon as the deformation tube 23 only partially on the buffer sleeve 21 has pushed, this is indicated by the response indicator 35, since this deforms accordingly or flakes off.

Finally, it is advantageous if the individual components of the shock absorber 1 are formed from materials which are optimized in terms of weight. In particular, it is advantageous if the buffer sleeve 21, the deformation tube 23, the clamping sleeve 22 and / or the plunger sleeve 11 are formed from a lightweight material / is. As a lightweight material is in particular aluminum, an aluminum alloy or a fiber composite material in question. It is of course conceivable that the aforementioned components of the shock absorber 1 from different materials (in particular lightweight materials) are formed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

shock protection

2

flange

3

attenuator

4

guide

5

Pin / guide pins

5 '

pin opening

6

first stop

6a

first stop surface of the first stop

6b

second stop surface of the first stop

7

second stop

7a

Stop surface of the second stop

8th

screw

10

buffer plunger

11

plunger sleeve

11a

first end of the ram sleeve

11b

second end of the ram sleeve

12

buffer heads

13a

first printing plate

13b

second pressure plate

14

counter-element

20

buffer housing

21

buffer sleeve

21a

first end portion of the buffer sleeve

21b

second end region of the buffer sleeve

22

clamping sleeve

22a

first end of the clamping sleeve

22b

second end of the clamping sleeve

23

destructive energy dissipation element / deformation tube

24

cone-shaped area

25

Stop of the clamping sleeve

25a

first stop surface of the stopper 25

25b

second stop surface of the stopper 25

26

elongated receptacle in the clamping sleeve for pin / guide pin

28

cylindrical outer surface of the buffer sleeve

30

guide rod

31

retaining piece

32

Clamping sleeve of the damping device

33

screw

34

flange

35

response indicator

L

Longitudinal direction of the shock protection / ram sleeve / buffer housing

Claims (15)

1. Impact protection (1), wherein the impact protection (1) comprises a plunger (10) having a plunger sleeve (11) as well as a buffer plate (12) and a buffer housing (20) arranged at a first end region (11a) of the plunger sleeve (11) in which at least one second end region (11b) opposite from the first end region (11a) of the plunger sleeve (11) is telescopically accommodated, wherein the buffer housing (20) comprises the following:

   - a buffer sleeve (21) having a buffer plate-side first end region (21a) and a second end region (21b) opposite from the first end region (21a) by means of which the buffer sleeve (21) is connectable to a supporting structure, particularly a front end of a railcar body;

   - a clamping sleeve (22) having a buffer plate-side first end region (22a) and a second end region (22b) opposite from the buffer plate-side first end region (22a) by means of which the clamping sleeve (22) is connectable to the first end region (21a) of the buffer sleeve (21); and

   - a destructive energy absorption element, particularly in the form of a deformation tube (23), fixed between the first end region (22a) of the clamping sleeve (22) and the first end region (21a) of the buffer sleeve (21),
   wherein upon the exceeding of a predefinable critical impact force introduced into the impact protection (1) by way of the buffer plate (12), the connection between the second end region (22b) of the clamping sleeve (22) and the first end region (21a) of the buffer sleeve (21) disengages and the clamping sleeve (22) together with the energy absorption element displaces in the direction of the buffer sleeve (21) relative to said buffer sleeve (21) by the concurrent plastic deformation of the energy absorption element, and wherein the plunger sleeve (11) is configured as a circularly cylindrical body such that the plunger sleeve (11) exhibits a substantially constant outer diameter from its first end region (11a) to its opposite second end region (11b).
2. The impact protection (1) according to claim 1,
   where the front end of the first end region (11a) of the plunger sleeve (11) is of wedge-shaped configuration.
3. The impact protection (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the buffer sleeve (21), the deformation tube (23), the clamping sleeve (22) and the plunger sleeve (11) are composed of at least two different materials.
4. The impact protection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   wherein the buffer sleeve (21), the deformation tube (23), the clamping sleeve (22) and/or the plunger sleeve (11) are/is composed of a lightweight material, particularly aluminum or a fiber composite material.
5. The impact protection (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   wherein a tapered annular region (24) is provided on the first end region (21a) of the buffer sleeve (21), against which strikes a region of the energy absorption element preferably designed as a deformation tube (23) facing the buffer sleeve (21), wherein the tapered annular region (24) is configured such that the energy absorption element preferably designed as deformation tube (23) is pushed over the buffer sleeve (21) by plastic cross-sectional expansion upon the predefinable critical impact force being exceeded.
6. The impact protection (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   wherein the buffer sleeve (21) exhibits a cylindrical outer surface (28) designed to guide a plastically expanded region of the energy absorption element preferably designed as deformation tube (23) upon a longitudinal displacement of the energy absorption element preferably designed as deformation tube (23) relative to the buffer sleeve (21) upon the exceeding of the predefinable critical impact force.
7. The impact protection (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   wherein the plunger (10) is displaceable in the direction of the buffer sleeve (21) relative to the buffer housing (20) at least prior to the exceeding of a predefinable critical impact force introduced into the impact protection (1) by way of the buffer plate (12).
8. The impact protection (1) according to claim 7,
   wherein a limit stop (25), particularly an annular peripheral limit stop having a buffer plate-side striking surface (25a) is provided at the first end region (22a) of the clamping sleeve (22), and wherein a longitudinal displacement path along which the plunger (10) is displaceable in the direction of the buffer sleeve (21) relative to the buffer housing (20) is provided by the buffer plate-side striking surface (25a) of the clamping sleeve (22).
9. The impact protection (1) according to claim 7 or 8,
   wherein a guide is provided for guiding the longitudinal displacement of the plunger (10) relative to the buffer housing (20),
   wherein the guide preferably comprises at least one guide groove (4) running in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plunger sleeve (11), the longitudinal direction (L) of the buffer housing (20) respectively, and one pin (5) which engages in the at least one guide groove (4).
10. The impact protection (1) according to claim 9,
    wherein the at least one guide groove (4) is formed in the buffer sleeve (21), and wherein the pin (5) which engages in the at least one guide groove (4) is connected to the clamping sleeve (22); and/or wherein the pin (5) which engages in the at least one guide groove (4) extends in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plunger sleeve (11), the longitudinal direction (L) of the buffer housing (20) respectively, and is preferably connected to the clamping sleeve (22) at the second end region (22b) of said clamping sleeve (22).
11. The impact protection (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
    wherein a regenerative damping device (3) is further provided which is at least partially accommodated in the plunger sleeve (11) and is arranged between a first pressure plate (13a) connected to the plunger sleeve (11) and a second pressure plate (13b) connected to the buffer housing (20).
12. The impact protection (1) according to claim 11,
    wherein the first pressure plate (13a) is preferably formed by the buffer plate (12) and the damping device (3) strikes against a surface of the buffer plate (12) facing the buffer housing (20),
    wherein the second pressure plate (13b) is connected to the second end region (22b) of the clamping sleeve (22).
13. The impact protection (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
    wherein a limit stop (25), particularly an annular peripheral limit stop having a buffer sleeve-side striking surface (25b) is provided at the first end region (22a) of the clamping sleeve (22), wherein the energy absorption element preferably designed as a deformation tube (23) is fixed between the buffer sleeve-side striking surface (25b) of the clamping sleeve (22) and the first end region (21a) of the buffer sleeve (21); and/or wherein the second end region (22b) of the buffer sleeve (22) is at least partially telescopically accommodated in the first end region (21a) of the buffer sleeve (21) and strikes against a buffer plate-side striking surface (6a) of a first preferably annular limit stop (6) of the buffer sleeve (21) provided inside the first end region (21a) of said buffer sleeve (21).
14. The impact protection (1) according to claim 13,
    wherein a counter element (14) arranged inside the buffer sleeve (21) is provided which on one hand strikes against a striking surface (6b) of the first limit stop (6) opposite the buffer plate-side striking surface (6a), and which on the other hand strikes against a striking surface (7a) of a second preferably annular limit stop (7) of the buffer sleeve (21) provided inside the first end region (21a) of said buffer sleeve (21), wherein the counter element (14) is connected preferably by means of screws (8) to the second end region (22b) of the clamping sleeve (22) such that the first limit stop (6) of the buffer sleeve (21) is accommodated between the clamping sleeve (22) and the counter element (14).
15. The impact protection (1) according to claim 13 or 14,
    wherein the first limit stop (6) is designed so as to shear off upon the predefinable critical impact force being exceeded such that the clamping sleeve (22) can be displaced in the direction of the buffer sleeve (21) relative to said buffer sleeve (21).

Images