Joints and connections – Articulated members – Including static joint
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-01
2001-10-02
Kim, Harry C (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Articulated members
Including static joint
C403S127000, C105S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296414
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a swivel joint mounted in the ceiling area of two hinge-linked vehicles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A known procedure for connecting two hinge-linked vehicles, for example of an articulated bus or of a corresponding rail vehicle, is to provided an articulation thrust bearing that ensures the connection of the two vehicles in the bottom area. Such an articulation thrust bearing has three degrees of freedom. An articulated vehicle exclusively provided with such an articulation thrust bearing would be unstable due to the motivity of the vehicles relative to each other in all the three degrees of freedom. That is why a swivel joint has to be provided, said swivel joint being mounted in the ceiling area of the two vehicles and limiting the number of degrees of freedom in which the vehicles may move relative to each other. This clearly shows that it is this upper swivel joint that is stabilizing the two hinge-linked vehicles.
In order to ensure a perfect functioning of the hinge joint as a whole between the two vehicles, it is necessary to have the hinge points of the upper and of the lower swivel joint exactly aligned above each other. If this is not the case, the two vehicles are displaced relative to each other.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a swivel joint of the type mentioned above that makes it possible to adjust the hinge points of the two swivel joint bearings arranged above each other in such a way that the hinge points are exactly aligned one above the other.
The solution of the invention is to provide an arm arranged on one of the vehicles, whereas the end of said arm may be rotatably seized by a claw, said claw having two guide rods arranged in an angle relative to each other for the connection with the other vehicle, whereas the guide rods are adjustable in length. Thanks to the adjustability of the guide rods's length, the two joints may be exactly aligned one above the other.
It has particularly been seen to it that the claw is provided with two claw elements, whereas each of the claw elements has a guide rod. The claw elements are rotatable relative to each other; thus, the angle between the two guide rods may also be changed which facilitates the mounting since the position of the eyes arranged on the ends of the guide rods so as to correspond to the bearing brackets of the other vehicle is adjustable.
Moreover, the claw is provided with a plain bearing ensuring a pivotable connection with the arm of the one vehicle; such a plain bearing is able to transmit high radial forces as they are required for example when the two hinge-linked vehicles are breaked, accelerated or elevated. Such a plain bearing is particularly composed of a spheroidal case having on its outer periphery a joint shell that may be fastened in the joint eye of the arm. A tension ring is provided to fasten the joint shell in the joint eye of the arm.
As already explained above, the two claw elements may be rotated relative to each other; hereby, the one claw element is provided with a claw mortise into which the tenon of the other claw element is engaging, whereas there is a clearance fit between tenon and mortise. Thanks to such a clearance fit, the rotation of the two claw elements relative to each other is possible. Thus, the angle between the two guide rods may be varied. According to another characteristic of the invention, the two claw elements are provided for their connection with a stud arranged in the swivelling axis. If necessary, said stud may be provided on its periphery with a tension sleeve in order to better be able to intercept occurring lateral forces.
The invention is explained in more details according to the drawing.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 34659 (1994-07-01), Reilly
patent: 506006 (1893-10-01), Kreider
patent: 2529898 (1950-11-01), Batik
patent: 3111334 (1963-11-01), Krizman
patent: 3923349 (1975-12-01), Herbst
patent: 4808023 (1989-02-01), Arnold et al.
patent: 5180086 (1993-01-01), Ikeda
patent: 5586506 (1996-12-01), Heubusch et al.
patent: 5720566 (1998-02-01), Allen et al.
patent: 5765851 (1998-06-01), Parent
patent: 5809898 (1998-09-01), Kaufhold et al.
patent: 5906164 (1999-05-01), Bildtsen
Hubner Gummi - und Kunststoff GmbH
Kim Harry C
Vigil Thomas R.
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