Patent Description:
In the sector in question, several protective systems for articulated vehicles are known, in particular systems designed to allow protecting the zone between one carriage and another, where there is normally an articulation system connecting one carriage to the other and known in technical jargon as "fifth wheel".

It should be noted that the zone between one carriage and another in these articulated vehicles comprises an external bellows which defines the side walls and roof of the region connecting the carriages to each other. The protective systems comprise numerous pieces which act in conjunction to protect and hold in position ends of the bellows with consequent complexity in the installation and production costs of the parts. Moreover, the prior art protective systems are particularly linked to construction tolerances.

Inside the articulated vehicle there is normally a further protective system, designed to isolate the inside wall of the external bellows, that is to say, designed to isolate further mechanical components present therein and close the gaps which are created between the rotary platform and the external bellows.

An aim of the invention, therefore, is to provide a protective system for carriages of articulated vehicles, in particular articulated buses, which is particularly simple, practical and inexpensive.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a protective system for carriages of articulated vehicles which is particularly robust and able to be applied to articulated vehicles very easily.

The technical features of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the annexed claims and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an example, non-limiting embodiment of the invention and in which:.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral <NUM> denotes a protective system for vehicles provided with a plurality of carriages, preferably (but not exclusively) of the articulated bus type. The system <NUM> is described with reference to a system of Cartesian axes X, Y, Z, wherein, in the drawings, the axis X represents a first longitudinal direction, the axis Y represents a second sideways direction and the axis Z represents a third direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the system <NUM> which may not correspond to the vertical axis, as illustrated for example in <FIG>.

According to the invention, the system <NUM> comprises:.

At least one between the first portion P1 of the coupling element <NUM> and the first receiving seat <NUM> is at least partly tapered so that said first portion P1 is configured to be automatically centred (due to its shape) during the coupling with the first receiving seat <NUM>. Automatic centring means that the coupling element <NUM> can be inserted in position in the first seat <NUM> in a predetermined position and in the absence of a guide inside the first seat <NUM>. Moreover, the element <NUM> is able to fix inside the first seat <NUM> in the absence of further components configured to carry and hold in position the coupling element <NUM>.

In other words, the partly tapered shape of the first portion P1 of the element <NUM> and/or of the first seat <NUM> can operate in conjunction during the insertion of the portion P1 in the first seat <NUM>, so as to facilitate said insertion. According to one aspect, the portion P1 may have a truncated cone shape. The first seat <NUM> may have a groove shaped to match the truncated cone shape of the portion P1.

According to an aspect, the first portion P1 and/or the seat <NUM> are rigid at the taper, for example they are not elastically deformable.

Advantageously, the partly tapered shape of the first portion P1 and/or of the first receiving seat <NUM> allows the automatic centring. In effect, a tapered side allows the coupling element <NUM> to be guided in position and be fixed (for example, locked) inside the first seat <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the invention, the frame <NUM> is a tubular member extending along the first direction X. The frame <NUM> also extends along the second direction Y and comprises two lateral ends. At least at one of the ends, the frame <NUM> comprises the first receiving seat <NUM>, which may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the frame <NUM>. The first seat <NUM> may be at least partly in negative pressure relative to a first surface 2A of the frame <NUM>. In a central zone, the frame <NUM> comprises a second receiving seat <NUM>. The second receiving seat <NUM> may comprise tabs <NUM> projecting towards the inside of the second receiving seat <NUM>.

The first receiving seat <NUM> may have a conical shape. For example, the first receiving seat <NUM> may comprise a protuberance <NUM> extending in the third direction Z, away from the frame <NUM> and/or perpendicularly to the first surface 2A of the frame <NUM>. In this way, the first receiving seat <NUM> has a raised portion (towards the lateral end of the frame <NUM>) and a recessed portion (towards the central zone of the frame <NUM>).

According to one or more embodiments, the first portion P1 of the coupling member <NUM> may have a conical shape. For example, the first portion P1 may comprise a cavity, for example conical, so that the protuberance of the first receiving seat <NUM> can be inserted inside the cavity of the first portion P1 when the coupling element <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM>. The first portion P1 may have a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the first receiving seat <NUM>. Alternatively, the first portion P1 may comprise, at one end, a hemispherical shape, configured to be inserted inside the first receiving seat <NUM> at least partly tapered.

The coupling element <NUM> may comprise a first surface 4A and a second surface 4B opposite the first surface 4A, with the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 located on the second lower surface. For example, the first portion P1 may be located at a first lateral end of the second surface 4B and the second portion P2 may be at a second lateral end of the second surface 4B. The coupling element <NUM> may comprise one or more recesses <NUM> at the first surface 4A.

The coupling element <NUM> may extend longitudinally along the first direction X substantially for the entire length of the receiving seat <NUM>. Preferably, the coupling element <NUM> is preferably made of a metallic or plastic material. According to another aspect, the coupling element <NUM> may be made by calendering.

According to another aspect of the invention, the tubular member <NUM> has a circular cross section. Alternatively, the tubular member <NUM> has a square or rectangular cross section. Alternatively, the tubular member <NUM> is formed from a flexible member which is bent (to define the tubular member) and comprises a zip hinge portion, called "zip" for short.

According to another aspect, the tubular member <NUM> is configured to be inserted in the housing cavity <NUM> in such a way that it can slide in the housing cavity <NUM> (in effect, it is inserted by sliding). If the tubular member <NUM> has a circular cross-section, it is preferably inserted inside the seat <NUM> with the possibility of rotation. Also preferably, the laminar member <NUM> is, in use, fixedly connected directly or indirectly to the tubular member <NUM>.

According to another aspect, the system <NUM> comprises a connecting member <NUM> which is coupled to the tubular member <NUM> (preferably wound on itself) and to which the laminar member <NUM> is connected, and in use, when said tubular member <NUM> is inserted into the housing cavity <NUM>, the connecting member <NUM> is partly protruding from the housing cavity <NUM>. It should be noted that the connecting member <NUM> may be a quick-release coupling, preferably of the hinge type. It should be noted that the laminar member <NUM> is connected to the portion of the coupling member <NUM> protruding from the housing cavity <NUM>.

Preferably, the tubular member <NUM> is preferably made of a metallic or plastic material. Preferably, the laminar member <NUM> is made of a plastic material or of fabric. Also, the connecting member <NUM> is preferably made of a plastic material or of fabric (preferably different from the type of material used for the laminar member <NUM>). Preferably, the laminar member <NUM> is sewn to the connecting member <NUM>.

According to one or more embodiments, the locking device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a covering element <NUM>, a base element <NUM> and a fixing element <NUM>.

The covering element <NUM> is configured to protect and cover the frame <NUM> and the coupling element (or elements) <NUM>, when the latter is coupled to the frame <NUM>. The covering element <NUM> may be fixed to at least one longitudinal end of the frame <NUM>, different from the lateral ends. The width of the covering element <NUM> may be equal to the width of the frame <NUM> and of one or more coupling elements <NUM>. In a central portion, the covering element <NUM> may comprise a through hole <NUM>. When the covering element <NUM> is in position at the frame <NUM>, the through hole <NUM> may be located at the second receiving seat <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The covering element <NUM> may be fixed on the frame <NUM> in front of the frame <NUM>, that is to say, it is possible to rest the covering element with a movement in the third direction Z. Alternatively, the covering element <NUM> may be fixed on the frame <NUM> laterally relative to the frame <NUM>, that is to say, it is possible to rest the covering element with a movement along the first longitudinal direction X.

The base element <NUM> is shaped to be inserted inside the second receiving seat <NUM>. The base element <NUM> may comprise a first surface which is at least partly curved and a second surface, opposite the first surface, whose width is equal to the width of the second receiving seat <NUM>. As illustrated in the drawings, the first surface may have a curved shape (preferably parabolic). The second surface may comprise a cavity <NUM> and/or may be substantially flat.

The insertion of the base element <NUM> inside the second receiving seat <NUM> may occur frontally and may comprise one or more of the following steps:.

According to one aspect, inserting the base element <NUM> in the second seat <NUM> may comprise the step of applying pressure on the base element <NUM>, at a second end of the second surface, until the second end is inserted inside the second receiving seat <NUM>.

Alternatively, the insertion of the base element <NUM> inside the second seat <NUM> may occur laterally and may comprise the step of inserting translating the base element <NUM> along the first longitudinal direction X until it is inserted, for example completely, in the second seat <NUM>.

According to one or more embodiments, the covering element <NUM> is configured for coupling with the base element <NUM> inserted inside the second seat <NUM>, by means of the fixing element <NUM>. The fixing element <NUM> may comprise a threaded element designed to be coupled by screwing to the base element <NUM> respectively passing through the through hole <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> (determining the locking of the covering element <NUM> to the base element <NUM>). The base element <NUM> may comprise a threaded inner wall. When the locking device is in position, the lateral ends of the base element <NUM> may be in contact with the tabs <NUM>. When the locking device is in position, the covering element <NUM> may be configured to prevent an escape of the one or more coupling elements <NUM> from the first receiving seat <NUM>. In other words, the covering element <NUM> may be configured to removably constrain the coupling element <NUM> to the receiving seat <NUM>. According to one or more embodiments, the covering element <NUM> may comprise at least one protuberance (not illustrated in the drawings), at one or both of the lateral ends, for example a cylindrical pin. As already described, the coupling element <NUM> may comprise at least one recess <NUM> at the first upper surface. In this way, when the covering element <NUM> is positioned at (for example, in contact with) the frame <NUM> and the coupling element <NUM>, the at least one protuberance of the covering element <NUM> is inserted inside the at least one recess <NUM> of the coupling element <NUM>. Advantageously, the presence of the at least one protuberance and the at least one recess <NUM> allows the covering element <NUM> of the locking device to be automatically centred relative to the frame <NUM>.

Also defined according to the invention is an articulated vehicle comprising at least a first and a second carriage (or passenger carrying unit) joined to each other by an articulated joint ("fifth wheel") at a connecting zone, and further comprising:.

It should be noted that the protective system according to the invention is substantially applied for the protection of the inside wall 13A of the bellows <NUM>, that is, of mechanical components of the articulated vehicle.

It should also be noted that, relative to the main direction of longitudinal extension of the articulated vehicle, the receiving cavity <NUM> is open transversely, towards the inside of the vehicle.

It should be noted that, to all intents and purposes, the bellows <NUM> serves a protective function and also hides from view the components mounted behind (that is, those facing towards the inside wall 13A of the bellows <NUM>). Advantageously, the system <NUM> is particularly simple and inexpensive. In particular, it is very quick and easy to install (assemble/disassemble). Also, according to an aspect, the coupling element <NUM> is made by calendering: that means the coupling member is, advantageously, particularly economical.

One or more embodiments also refer to a method for protecting a connecting zone of two articulated carriages of a vehicle (for example, a bus). The method comprises the steps of:.

Claim 1:
A protective system (<NUM>) for an articulated vehicle provided with a plurality of carriages connected by an articulated joint, comprising:
- a frame (<NUM>) provided with a first receiving seat (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal direction (X);
- a coupling element (<NUM>) comprising a first portion (P1) shaped for coupling to the receiving seat (<NUM>) and a second portion (P2) in which a housing seat (<NUM>) is made;
- a tubular member (<NUM>) configured to be inserted into the housing cavity (<NUM>) in such a way as to be coupled to the coupling element (<NUM>);
- a laminar member (<NUM>) defining a bellows (<NUM>) and stably connected in use, directly or indirectly, to the tubular member (<NUM>);
- a locking device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) which can be coupled to said frame (<NUM>) and configured to hold in position said coupling element (<NUM>) at the frame (<NUM>);
wherein at least one between the first portion (P1) of the coupling element (<NUM>) and said first receiving seat (<NUM>) is at least partly tapered so that said first portion (P1) is configured to be automatically centred during the coupling with the first receiving seat (<NUM>) and characterized in that the first portion (P1) has a truncated cone shape and the first seat (<NUM>) has a groove shaped to match the truncated cone shape of the first portion (P1),
wherein said first receiving seat (<NUM>) comprises a protuberance (<NUM>) which extends away from the frame (<NUM>) and said first portion (P1) of the coupling element (<NUM>) comprises a cavity, so that said protuberance of the first receiving seat (<NUM>) is inserted inside the cavity of the first portion (P1).