EP3492334B1

EP3492334B1 - Device adapted to at least partially cover a coupler-head

Info

Publication number: EP3492334B1
Application number: EP17204893.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrew Rickers; Nigel I. Bailey
Original assignee: Dellner Couplers AB
Current assignee: Dellner Couplers AB
Priority date: 2017-12-01
Filing date: 2017-12-01
Publication date: 2022-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-01
Also published as: EP3492334A1; ES2912118T3; PL3492334T3

Description

The invention relates to a device adapted to at least partially cover a coupler-head of a multi-car vehicle, a coupler-head of a multi-car vehicle, a car of a multi-car vehicle and a multi-car vehicle.
Trains are often designed to allow the connection between a first car of the train and a second car of the train by way of a coupler-head. This allows the cars to be connected to each other in order to form a train comprising these two cars. This does, however also allow the connection to be disconnected in order to create a train that only has one of the two cars that were previously connected. This allows the train operator to adapt the length of the train and the composition of the train (for example, if the cars are different purpose cars) liberally.
In the context of this application and the description of the invention below, a coupler-head is understood to be an assembly of parts that is attached to a car of a multi-car vehicle and that contains those parts that are necessary to make a detachable, mechanically reliable connection with a corresponding coupler-head of a neighboring car of the multi-car vehicle, the connection being suitable to allow the transfer of pulling forces from the one car to the neighboring car necessary to tow the one car behind the neighboring car. Coupler-heads sometimes include accessories to those parts that are necessary to make a detachable, mechanically reliable connection. These accessories can be parts of a pneumatic coupling, parts of hydraulic coupling and/or parts of an electric coupling. The accessories can also be housing parts that are used to house those parts that are necessary to make a detachable, mechanically reliable connection. The accessories can also be moveable covers that in a first position cover certain parts of those parts that are necessary to make a detachable, mechanically reliable connection and in a second position do not cover those parts. The Coupler-head can also have a drive mechanism to move the cover from one position to another. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly of parts that forms the coupler-head is arranged at one end of a coupler rod, the other end of the coupler rod being attached to the car. A typical example of a coupler-head is a central buffer coupling (referred to in German as Mittelpufferkupplung).
In countries, where trains run the risk of coming into contact with snow or ice, the risk exists that snow or ice accumulates on a surface of the coupler-head. The same might hold for sand and dust. Coupler-heads of trains may have surfaces where the accumulation of snow or ice or sand is not troublesome for the operation of the coupler-head. But coupler-heads can also have surfaces where the operability of the coupler-head would be reduced, if snow or ice or sand accumulates on this surface. Coupler-heads are often provided with covers at their front-facing surfaces. These covers are often provided with drive mechanisms that can drive the cover from a covering position into a retracted position that sets free the front-facing surface of the coupler-head. Such covers are for example described in EP 2 308 738 B1 , in which the cover have been called a protective shroud or EP 1 350 703 B1 . Working with such retractable covers has shown the problem that if a surface of the coupler-head close to the position that is taken up by the cover in the retracted position is accumulated with snow or ice, the cover will not be able to fully retract and set free the front-facing surface of the coupler-head. There therefore is the need for means to reduce the accumulation of snow on a surface of or in a recess of a coupler-head of a train. Further, the retractable covers have a certain amount of complexity and high weight.
EP 3 231 685 A1 discloses a pad suitable to reduce the accumulation of snow on a surface or in a recess of a coupler-head of a train. The pad is part of a cover which also comprises a front cover that can be positioned in front of a front facing plate that contains the typical elements necessary for coupler-heads to be coupled to an appropriate coupler-head of a neighboring car. The front cover is mounted having a mechanism for moving the front cover from a lower position to a position stored on top. Thus, the front cover can move to a position, where it is stored on top. If snow is present on top of the coupler-head and has been accumulated, this snow might be pushed aside by the front cover being moved up.
EP 1 524 165 A1 discloses a cover for a coupler-head of a train. A flexible cover is provided, which can be opened by means of a closing device and pulled back or pushed over the coupling. Zippers, Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners or any other type of mechanical fastener that closes or opens slots are referred to as closing devices.
WO 2017/215850 discloses a covering for a coupling-head of a coupling assembly and in particular a coupling head of a center buffer coupling. A support structure is described which can be arranged in a fixed position relative to the coupling arrangement and at least one cover element is detachably connected to the support structure, the cover element being designed in such a way as to completely cover the coupling head at the end face when viewed in the longitudinal direction. In case of a desired coupling with a counter-coupling device, the cover element can be removed.
From WO 2011/154527 A1 a nose of a train is known with front portions that can be swung aside.
Given this background, the problem to be solved is to suggest means that can reliably prevent the contact of snow and ice or sand or dust on a surface of or in a recess of a coupler-head of a train, wherein the technical design is simple and easy to handle.
This object is solved by the device according to claim 1, the coupler-head according to claim 15, the car of a multi-car vehicle according to claim 16, and the multi-car vehicle according to claim 17. Preferred embodiments are described in the subordinate claims and in the description following here below.
The basic concept of the invention is to make use of an at least partially housing of the coupler-head comprising a front face cover which can be selectively attached or detached and/or rotates such that the front face cover can be swung to a side of the cover. The detachment of the front face cover will not be hindered by snow or sand because there's only a very little amount of snow or sand on the edge of the front face cover. With regard to the rotation the same holds and the side cover will not be covered with a large amount of snow or sand because a large amount of snow will simply fall of the sides due to sloping surfaces and possible vibrations of the coupler-head. Further, the detached front face cover can be stored in the cab of a multi-car vehicle consuming very little amount of space. The technical design for detaching/attaching the front face cover or the providing of the rotation axis is simple and well-known techniques can be used with this regard.
Putting this basic concept of the invention into practice, a device is provided that is adapted to at least partially cover a coupler-head of a multi-car vehicle. The device comprises a front window and a front face cover. A top cover section and side cover sections are connected to the front window. The front face cover is adapted to be (a) selectively attached to or detached from the front window and/or the cover sections and/or (b) rotatable such that the front face cover can be swung towards a side cover section.
In order to obtain the advantages of the invention it is already sufficient, if a front window is provided, to which a top cover and/or side cover can be directly or indirectly connected and which can be selectively closed or opened at the front by the front face cover by completely removing the front face cover and/or rotating the front face cover to the side of the device. Such a device is easy to handle and can be simply designed. The construction making use of the basic concept can be easily put into practice.
The term "at least partially cover" encompasses the meaning according to the description which functions as a cover or enclosure having sections which extend to at least three sides of the front window. The three sides coincide with the top and the sides of the coupler-head. Small apertures or openings can be provided in the sections, however, it is preferred that the sections provide a complete enclosure to the top and the sides. Further, the term "at least partially cover" encompasses the possibility that the coupler head is substantially completely enclosed and that the device provides a complete enclosure also having a bottom cover section additional to the top cover section and the two side cover sections.
The term "front window" encompasses a rack or frame-like element having at least a base, which can be positioned on top of the coupler-head in the mounted state, and two legs, each leg on a side of the coupler head, the legs can extend from the base. The front window can be attached to the coupler head so that the base and the legs do not necessarily have to be connected to each other. The front window does not need to be a single piece, but provides stable sections circumferentially surrounding the coupler-head. Base on top and legs at the side of the coupler-head can each be formed or suggested as a bracket or bracket-like element. However, the base and legs can form a single piece. The front window can establish an opening for the access to the coupler-head in the form of an opening at least surrounded by three sides, i.e. especially the top and the sides. Additional to the base and the legs a further base for the bottom can be provided. The front window of the device can be oriented such that the front window establishes an opening in front of the coupler-head. The front window having dimensions which are adapted to the dimensions of the coupler-head. The coupler-head may comprise mechanical, or mechanical and electrical coupling elements. The number of mechanical or electrical coupling elements can vary as well as the specific arrangement. An electrical coupling or at least two electrical elements can be positioned on top, at the bottom and/or the sides of a mechanical or at least two mechanical elements. The front window can have a width (substantially the distance or maximum distance between the two legs) in the range of 500 mm to 800 mm, preferably 550 mm to 750 mm, most preferably 550 mm to 650 mm. In a preferred embodiment the width of the front window can be 600 mm The front window can have a height (substantially the distance or maximum distance between the base on the top and a further base at the bottom) in the range of 500 mm to 800 mm, preferably 550 mm to 750 mm, most preferably 550 mm to 650 mm. In a preferred embodiment the width of the front window can be 630 mm.
Preferably, the front window can be positioned in the vicinity of a free end of the device to provide stability for the device. The cover sections can extend from the front window in the direction opposite to the contact surface for the front face cover. The front window can envelope the cover-head in the area of the end of the coupler-head without taking any specific geometry of the coupler-head into account.
Such a front window can be a gate- or frame-like element extending substantially in a plane. The front window can have the shape of a polygon, especially in the shape of a hexagon seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device. The longitudinal direction of the device can be parallel to the direction to which the side cover sections extend from the front window. The front window may be made of metal, especially steel. Preferably, a material for the front window can be used which is light of weight. The front window can, therefore, comprise or consist of aluminum or a plastics material, which might be fiber-reinforced. The front window may have a polygonal shape surrounding the coupler-head so that the coupler-head is circumferentially enclosed by the frame allowing movement of the coupler-head, however, also keeping the area of the front window small. Any shape suitable to circumferentially surround the coupler-head can be used. The shape of the front window does not require a 1-to-1 reforming of the outer circumference of the coupler-head, instead a shape enveloping the outer circumference of the coupler-head using straight or curved lines is sufficient. Simple polygonal shapes are preferred, such as a rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal shape. Such shapes are easy to handle and to construct. A rectangular shape is possible. In an embodiment, the front window may have a shape which is constructed from a rectangular section and a trapezoidal section which can be arranged such that the rectangular section enframes substantially the mechanical coupling elements of the coupler-head and the trapezoidal section enframes substantially the electrical coupling elements of the coupler-head. The trapezoidal section can be positioned above the rectangular section such that the width of the front window tapers with height. Due to the tapering a reduction of area is produced which is aerodynamically favoured, while having enough space for the coupler-head even in case the coupler head moves.
It is preferred that the front window has a top which is a substantially horizontally aligned line or curve in case the device is mounted on the coupler-head. With this regard this line or curve is the base of the front window which can be assumed to be positioned on top of the front window in case being mounted on the coupler-head. Two legs or leg sections can extend at an angle in the range of 80° to 130°, preferred in the range of 105° to 125°, to both sides of the base. These two leg sections which can be directly connected to the base can form together with the base three sides of the trapezoidal section. Further, each of the legs can comprise a further section spaced apart from the base which substantially extends at an angle of 90° to the base, i.e. substantially vertical in case the device is mounted on the coupler-head. Preferably, the two legs are arranged substantially symmetrically to the base. Further elements for stabilizing the front window can be provided in the plane of the front window.
The front window may comprise attachment elements for the top cover section, side cover sections and/or bottom cover sections. To cover the coupler head, the front window can be directly or indirectly connected to a top and two side cover sections as well as a bottom cover section. The term "section" encompasses the fact that the top cover section, the side cover sections as well as the bottom cover section can be made as a single cover comprising the afore-mentioned sections. It is also possible that the sections are formed as separate sections, which can be connected to each other, or it can be also possible that at least two sections form a separate piece, which can be connected to the other sections.
The term "top cover section" encompasses a sheet-like section of material which can be a barrier for snow. The term "top" encompasses a geometric position which is positioned between the two side covers. The two side cover sections can extend from the two legs of the front window. The top cover section can extend from the base of the front window. The term "side cover section" encompasses a sheet-like section of material which is or can be connected to the top cover section. The device comprises at least two side cover sections.
The term "bottom cover section" encompasses a sheet-like section of material which is or can be connected to the side cover sections.
The cover sections (top cover section, the side cover section as well as a bottom cover section) can have a length extending from the front window which is in the range of 700 mm to 1000 mm, preferred 750 mm to 950 mm, most preferred 800 mm to 900 mm. The length of the cover sections in a preferred embodiment is 830 mm.
The term "front face cover" encompasses a surface-like closure for closing the opening provided by the front window. The front face cover can have a wraparound edge adapted to contact the front window or the cover sections at the outer edge. A closure can be provided by the wraparound edge such that the intrusion of snow or ice can be reduced or even excluded.
A rotation axis for the rotation of the front face cover can be provided in form of a hinge arranged at the front window connecting front face cover and front window. The hinge can be provided at the leg of the front window, which is in the same plane as the side cover section. The hinge can be positioned especially on the leg section of the front window which encloses an angle with the base of the front window which is in the range of 60° to 120°, preferred 70° to 110°, most preferred substantially 90°.
In a preferred embodiment, the front window is connected to a seal for providing a sealing to a further element, wherein the seal projects in a direction opposite the cover sections. With this regard, the seal allows a sealing with a further element, which can be a second device covering a second coupler-head which is to be coupled with the coupler-head of the first device and/or a front face cover. The seal can be a lip-seal. The seal can comprise a material which is at least partially formed from a substantially flat sheet into a bulge- or bead-like shape along or near the edge of the front window. The bulge- or bead-like shape can be compressed when a further element abuts the seal in the direction of the front window. The seal be a 'P' seal which can be formed from a flat sheet or a rubber extrusion.
It is described that the seal is provided at the edge of the front window with regard to the base (top cover section) and the legs (side cover sections). Such a sealing allows for a sealing for the incidence of snow from the top and the sides. The device is easy to handle by the inevitable sealing when a further element abuts the device from the front.
In a preferred embodiment, the top cover section and side cover sections extend between the front window and a rear window, wherein the top cover section has an inclination such that the top cover section declines from the front window to the rear window.
In another embodiment, it might be possible that the top cover section has an inclination such that the top cover section declines from the rear window to the front window.
The bottom cover section might have an inclination as well. The inclination might be such that the bottom cover section declines from the rear window to the front window or such that the bottom cover section declines from the front window to the rear window.
Further, the side cover section might at least partially enclose an angle with the coupler shaft which can be in the range between 1° and 45°, preferred between 5° and 30° such that the side cover sections are at least not parallel to the coupler shaft. The side cover section might have a bigger distance to the coupler shaft in the area of the front window than at the area of the rear window. Alternatively, the side cover section might have a bigger distance to the coupler shaft in the area of the rear window than at the area of the front window.
With regard to the inclination it is already sufficient, that an inclination of the top cover section is provided such that at least a portion of the top cover section declines from the front cover to the rear window. Such an inclination or slope provides benefit by inhibiting snow accumulation.
The inclination can be provided by attachment means of the front window and the rear window in such a way that the attachment means are adapted to be positioned to the coupler-head and/or coupler shaft (in combination with the height of the front window and the rear window) so that the top of the front window and the top of the rear window have different height in the mounted state and the top cover section which is attached at the top of the front window and the top of the rear window declines at least partially from the front window to the rear window because of its flexible nature.
In a preferred embodiment, the inclination of the top cover section can be substantially continuous. It can be possible that the inclination can vary between the front window and the rear window. This is at least possible, if the top cover section is not actively supported by any rigid element between the front window and the rear window, which is preferred. Thus, the inclination can be smaller at the rear window than at the front window. Due to the effect of non-support between the rear window and the front window the inclination near the rear window can be 0° or almost 0°, however, this region is small.
In a preferred embodiment, the front window has at least one, preferably more than one, attachment element adapted to be fixed with the coupler-head and/or the coupler rod. Suitable attaching or fixing positions on the coupler-head can be identified for each specific coupler-head so that these attaching or fixing positions are solid and do not affect function of the coupler-head. The attachment of the front window can be adapted such that the front window is attached or mounted to the coupler-head or coupler rod such that the front window lies behind the coupling plane. The front window can be positioned so that the front window is 5 millimeters to 30 millimeters, preferably 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters, most preferably 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters, behind the coupling plane which is the coupling plane of the mechanical couplers. The position of the front window behind the coupling plane allows top clearance on coupler droop.
As stated above, the advantages of the invention can be realized with a front window which can be mounted on the coupler-head and/or coupler rod. The front window being connected to the cover sections extending on the top and the sides. Further, in front of the coupler-head the front face cover is provided which closes the device in this direction. The stable front window provides aerodynamic stiffness to the device as well as easy access. Since the front window is sized to encompass mechanical as well as electrical connections of the coupler-head, no impairment of the function of the both heads occurs. Further, the front window provides a rigid base for a seal which projects forward in the direction opposite the extension direction of the cover sections.
In a preferred embodiment, the front window has a contact surface for the front face cover which is in a plane. This allows seal deployment.
In a preferred embodiment, the seal at the front window has a varying thickness, so that the thickness and/or arrangement of the seal takes into account coupler droop when uncoupled. The seal can have a bigger thickness/projection in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the coupler shaft in the area of the base (top) of the front window than at the opposite end of the legs (at the side spaced apart from the base). However, in an alternative embodiment, the seal can have a smaller thickness/projection in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the coupler shaft in the area of the base (top) of the front window than at the opposite end of the legs (at the side spaced apart from the base).
The top cover section and/or, the side cover sections comprise a flexible material of sheet-like nature. In a preferred embodiment, a bottom cover is provided and the bottom cover comprises a flexible material of sheet-like nature. The cover can be tailored to optimize shape such that it avoids body-end equipment and profiles. The flexible nature of the material allows any unavoidable light contact at extremes of coupler movement such that the movement will be fully reversible and not impair function of the coupler-head and/or the device. Together with a light weight front window the weight of the device can be optimized. The material used for the cover sections can be a semi-permanent material, especially in the form of a flexible membrane. The material used for the cover sections as well as the material for the areas of the front window which cover the coupler-head can be a flexible polymeric sheeting, especially a textile material, for example a textile reinforced rubber laminate sheet or a rubber coated textile or a PVC-coated cloth. Also a rubber sheet could be used. The material used can be CSM (Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene) and/or PVC and/or polyamide and/or polyester textiles. The rubber might be fire resistant silicone or a robust chloroprene. In a most preferred embodiment, silicone-aramid is used.
As described, the cover sections can be made of a single piece or separate pieces which can be interconnected to each other by any suitable means, especially by sewing or glueing cover sections together. It also possible that the cover sections surround the circumference of the coupler-head as a single piece and that the two ends of this single piece are connected by snap buttons, toggle buttons, turn buttons and the like to easily mount the device. Means are preferred which can be manually fastened or manually unfastened even when wearing gloves.
In a preferred embodiment, a fixation is provided for fixing the front face cover in a position that the front face cover is swung to the side cover section. The fixation can be brought into practice by at least one lanyard, a hook, a snap button, a push button or the like. A means for the fixation is preferred which can be manually carried out even when wearing gloves.
In a preferred embodiment, the front face cover comprises an opening adapted to at least partially surround a projection of the coupler-head. The projection of the coupler head can be a projection as part of the mechanical coupling, especially a cone-like projection. The opening allows for a fastening of the front window a little bit staggered back from the coupler plane such that the projection of the coupler-head can extend through the opening of the front face cover. The opening can be surrounded by a sheet-like material having an extension in the direction opposite the extension of the cover sections. The material enclosing the opening can be of flexible nature. The material can be a compress-foldable material. The material for enclosing the opening can preferably be chosen from the group of silicone-aramid, a flexible polymeric sheeting, a textile material, for example a textile reinforced rubber laminate sheet or a rubber coated textile or a PVC-coated cloth, CSM (Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene), PVC, polyamide, and polyester textile.
In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a rear window and/or a rear face cover for the rear window. The rear window can be positioned at the end of the cover sections opposite the front window. The rear window can as well comprise a base and two legs at each free end of the base. Further, the rear window can comprise a further base, especially positioned at the bottom of the rear window. Thus, the top, bottom and side cover sections can extend between the front window and the rear window. The rear window can provide additional stability to the cover sections. An additional rear face cover can be provided, which can be integrally formed with the rear window and/or be an additional/separate piece.
The rear window can have a rectangular shape which may coincide with the rectangular section of the front window. The rear window can also have a rectangular shape which is smaller than the rectangular section of the front window. Further, additionally or as an alternative the rear window can be staggered in height such that legs or leg sections of the rear window extend to a lower level than the legs of the front window. This may be suitable because of hoses and cables which are positioned below the level of the coupler-head in the region of the rear end of the device in mounted state. However, the hoses and/or cables may also run above the coupler shaft, this is not excluded.
In a preferred embodiment, the front window has an area which is bigger than the area of the rear window. Therefore, the rear window can be smaller. In a preferred embodiment, the rear window can have the same dimension as the rectangular section of the front window. Thus, the rear window can have a rectangular shape which corresponds to the rectangular section of the front window. The area of the rear window can be minimized to avoid clashing with other equipment and the car, but, however, big enough to accommodate cables and/or hoses. Therefore, the enclosure or cover with regard to the device which can be obtained has an inclination with regard to the top cover section. The top cover section can have an inclination/slope such that the top cover section descends from the front window, especially the base of the front window, to the height of the rear window. Snow falling on the top cover section will fall according to the inclination/slope of the top cover section away from the coupler-head in the direction of the car. With regard to the position of the front window and the rear window it is preferred that the base of the front window is arranged higher in the mounted state at the coupler-head than the base of the rear window to obtain the respective inclination/slope of the top cover section. Therefore, rear window and front window can provide attachment points for coupler-head and/or coupler shaft that the base of the front window is higher than the base of the rear window in the mounted state of the device. The inclination or slope can be in the range of 10° to 80°, preferred 20° to 60°, most preferred 30° to 60°, with regard to the longitudinal direction, which can be substantially parallel to the coupler shaft.
In a preferred embodiment, the front window and the rear window are connected by at least a longitudinal element. The longitudinal element can provide further stiffness and stability for the device.
A stable enveloping box-like device can be provided which can be light in weight and flexible with regard to the surrounding in the circumferential direction. A specific geometry of the coupling elements of the coupler-head does not have to be considered. Straight lines can be assumed from which the front window can be constructed. The front window can be part of a frame for the sheet-like material of the top cover section, the side cover sections and the bottom cover section. With this regard it is possible that the front window can support the entire cover sections to prevent snow from falling onto the coupler-head. However, the rear window which might be connected to the front window by the longitudinal element, can be part of the frame as well. The longitudinal element might be part an additional part of the frame. In a most preferred embodiment, the rear face cover and the front window are not directly connected by stiff and/or rigid elements, especially made of metal, to allow free movement of the flexible cover sections. Any additional longitudinal element can be possible but would be complex, costly, add weight and possibly provide interference with other parts/elements. It can be possible that the front window is connected to the rear window by the cover sections only. The rear window can simply close off the back around the shaft and the cables and/or hoses. The flexible cover sections can function as a tent and flex.
In a preferred embodiment, the rear window and/or the rear face cover comprises a yoke for a fixation of the rear window or the rear face cover to the coupler rod or shaft. Thus, a stable rear attachment of the cover sections can be provided. The yoke or shaft collar provides a stable passage of services through the rear of the device, providing a possibility to minimize or even exclude damage to the hoses or cables fed to the coupler-head.
In a preferred embodiment, the rear window comprises openings for a hose and/or a cable of multi-car vehicle coupling, which can be adapted to the specific hoses and cables used. Thus, the rear window provides a stable passage carrying the used hoses and cables. A positioning of services can be controlled. The rear face cover can, therefore, be adapted to different kinds of coupler-heads.
In a preferred embodiment, the top cover section and/or a side cover section is adapted to allow access to the coupler-head. A flap or flap-like element can be provided in the top cover section and/or the side cover section, the flap-like element having an overlap at the edge of the flap. The flap can be selectively closed or opened. To stay in the closed position snap buttons, push buttons or the like can be provided in the vicinity of the edge of the flap and/or the overlap.
The invention further provides a coupler-head of a multi-car vehicle, on which the device adapted to at least partially cover the coupler-head as described above is mounted.
The invention also provides a car of a multi-car vehicle comprising a coupler-head and a device as described above.
The invention also provides a multi-car vehicle comprising two vehicles which are connected to each other by coupler-heads of the two vehicles, each of the two coupler-heads being at least partially covered by a device as described above, and the two devices abutting each other as a respective front face.
In the following the Invention will be described with reference to Figures that only show embodiments of the invention. In the Fig. the following is shown:

Fig.1: a schematic side view of a device adapted to at least partially cover a coupler-head of a multi-car vehicle;
Fig. 2: a perspective, schematic view of the device according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 3: a front view of the device according to Figs. 1 and 2 having a opened front face cover showing a schematically depicted coupler-head;
Fig. 4: a perspective, schematic view of the device according to Figs. 1 to 3 having a front face cover swung to the side cover section;
Fig. 5: a side view of the device shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6: the device of Fig. 4 with a fastened front face cover in a close up;
Fig. 7: a close up of the front face end of the device according to Figs. 1 to 6;
Fig. 8: a side view of two devices according to Figs. 1 to 7 housing two connected coupler-heads;
Fig. 9: a top view of a rear window of the device according to Fig. 1 to 8; and
Fig. 10: a perspective, schematic view on an inspection window provided in the device according to Fig. 1 to 9.

Fig. 1 shows a device which is adapted to cover a coupler-head 23 of a car of a multi-car vehicle, especially a train. The coupler-head 23 is not shown in Fig. 1, but can be seen in Fig. 3 in a front view as well as in a schematic presentation in Figs. 4 and 7.
The device comprises a front window 1 at one end of the device (see especially Fig. 5) which is positioned in the mounted state in the region of the free end of the coupler-head 23.
In Fig. 1, the front window 1 is covered by a front face cover 2. Further, connected to the front window 1 is a top cover section 3 and two side cover sections 4 as well as a bottom cover section 5. The top cover section, the two side cover sections 4 and the bottom cover section 5 enclose the coupler-head. The top cover section 3, the side cover sections 4 and the bottom cover section 5 form a single-piece cover surrounding the coupler-head in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the coupler rod to which the coupler-head 23 is attached.
The front window 1 is mounted on the coupler-head back to the coupling plane defined by the mechanical coupling plane 6 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 further schematically shows an electrical coupling 7 which is arranged on top of the mechanical coupling 6.
To cover the coupler-head in the front a front face cover 2 is provided which is in the embodiment shown hinged to the front window 1 by a hinge 8. The front face cover 2 can be rotated towards one of the side cover sections 4. In the closed position (cf. Fig. 1 and 2) the front face cover 2 can be fixed by snap or toggle buttons 9. During travel of the car, the front face cover 2 can be fixed in the position shown in Fig. 1 and 2. Snow will not fall on the coupler-head since the top section cover 3, the side cover sections 4 and the front face cover 2 cover the coupler-head.
The front face cover 2 comprises an opening 10, which is covered by a covering 11 of flexible material. The protrusion of the mechanical coupling 6 shown in Fig. 3 can project through the opening 10 and is still covered by the covering 11.
The front face cover 2 as well as the front window 1 envelope substantially two sections arranged one above the other. The lower section is a rectangular section 13, depicted by dashed lines in Fig. 3, and the upper section is a trapezoidal section 14 also depicted by dashed lines in Fig. 3. This design gives clearance to any movement of the coupler-head.
The front window 1 comprises at the top a base 24, which is substantially horizontally aligned. Two legs 25 are connected to the base 24. Two leg sections 25a of the legs 25 are directly connected to the base 24. The legs sections 25a extend at an angle in the range of 80° to 130°. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 the respective angle β is approximately 110° and angle α is approximately 20°. The two leg sections 25a which are directly connected to the base 24 form together with the base 24 three sides of a trapezoidal section of the front window. Further, each of the legs 25 comprises a further leg section 25b spaced apart from the base 24 which substantially extends at an angle of 90° to the base 24, i.e. substantially vertical. The two legs 25 are arranged substantially symmetrically to the base 23.
To connect two cars of a multi-car vehicle together by connecting the coupler-heads of the respective cars, the front face cover 2 can be swung towards one of the side cover section 4 as depicted in Fig. 4 or detached from the front window (completely).
In Fig. 4 the coupler-head of the car is schematically depicted by a plate defining the outer circumference of the coupler-head shown in Fig. 3. In the open position shown in Fig. 4, the coupler-head can be connected to a further coupler-head of an additional car. The front fact cover 2 can be fixed in the open position by fixation elements 15 shown in Fig. 6 which comprise a lanyard attached to the side cover section 4 and/or the front face cover 2 and a loop attached to front face cover 2 and/or the side cover section 4.
The device further comprises a rear window 16 which is arranged at the rear end of the device. The rear window 16 can substantially have the same shape as the rectangular section of the front window 1 positioned at the front end of the device. The area of the rear window 16 is therefore smaller than the area of the front window 1 positioned at the front end. Further, the rear window 16 can be staggered in height such that the rectangular shape of the rear window 16 has a lower level than the rectangular shape 13 of the front window 1. The top cover section 3 has an inclination from the top of front window 1 to the top of rear window 16. The top cover section 3 descends from the front window 1 to rear window 16.
Front window 1 comprises a seal 17 which projects in a direction opposite than the side cover sections 4. The seal 17 extends therefore to the free end of the device. Seal 17 provides for a sealing with the front face cover 2 as well as with a further device in case a coupler-head 23 having a similar device is connected to the coupler-head covered by the afore-mentioned device. The two devices abut each other at their respective free ends and thus at the respective seal 17 which is shown in Fig. 8.
Fig. 9 shows a rear face cover 18 which can be attached to the rear window 16 and/or integrally formed with the rear window 16. The rear face cover 18 comprises a yoke 19 which is adapted to be connected to the coupler shaft. Further, the rear face cover 18 comprises through-holes 20 for supporting or directing hoses and cables to the coupler head.
Further, shown in Fig. 10 is an access port for manual intervention/servicing of the coupler-head. The device is therefore adapted to allow access of the coupler-head even in the mounted state of the device. Especially, the top cover section 3 and/or a side cover section 4 is adapted to allow access to the coupler-head. The side cover section 4 comprises a flap 21 of the sheet-like material of the side cover section 4 which at the edge of the flap 21 overlaps with the side cover section 4. The flap 21 can be selectively opened or closed. To fix the flap 21 in the closed position snap or toggle buttons 22 are provided at the edge of the flap 21 and respective corresponding elements 22 at the region of overlap on the side cover section 4.

Claims

Device adapted to at least partially cover a coupler-head of a multi-car vehicle, wherein the device comprises a front window (1) and a front face cover (2), wherein a top cover section (3) and side cover sections (4) are connected to the front window (1), and the front face cover (2) is adapted to be
(a) selectively attached to or detached from the front window (1) and/or the cover sections (3, 4) and/or

(b) rotatable such that the front face cover (2) can be swung towards a side cover section (4).
wherein the top cover section (3) and/or the side cover sections (4) comprises a flexible material of sheet-like nature.
Device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a cover section (3) and side cover sections (4), which are connected to the front window (1), the front window (1) being connected to a seal (17), the seal (17) projecting in a direction opposite the cover sections (3, 4).
Device according to claim 2, wherein the seal thickness projecting in a direction opposite the cover sections (3, 4) varies.
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device comprises rear window (16), wherein a top cover section (3) and side cover sections (4) extend between the front window (1) and the rear window (16), wherein the top cover section (3) has an inclination such that the top cover section (3) declines from the front window (1) to the rear window (16).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front window (1) has an attachment element adapted to be fixed with the coupler-head (23) and/or the coupler rod.
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the front window (1) has a contact surface for the front face cover (2) which is in a plane.
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a fixation is provided for fixing the front face cover (2) in a position swung to the side cover section (4).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the front face cover (2) comprises an opening (9) adapted to at least partially surround a projection of the coupler-head (23), whereby the material enclosing the opening (9) is of flexible nature
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device further comprises a rear window (16) and/or a rear face cover (18) for the rear window (16).
Device according to claim 9, wherein the front window (1) has an area which is bigger than the area of the rear window (16).
Device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the front window (1) and the rear window (16) are connected by at least a longitudinal element.
Device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the rear window (16) and/or a rear face cover (18) comprise a yoke (19) for a fixation of the rear window (16) or the rear face cover (18) to a coupler shaft.
Device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the rear window (16) and/or rear face cover (18) comprises openings (20) for a hose and/or a cable of a multi-car vehicle coupling.
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the top cover section (3) and/or a side cover section (4) is adapted to allow access to the coupler-head (23).
Coupler-head of a multi-car vehicle and a device adapted to at least partially cover the coupler-head (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
Car of a multi-car vehicle comprising a coupler-head (23) and a device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
Multi-car vehicle comprising two vehicles which are connected to each other by coupler-heads (23) of the two vehicles, each of the two coupler-heads being at least partially covered by a device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and the two devices abutting each other at a respective front face end.