IMPACT ENERGY ABSORBING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES

• Main Authors: RISTOW, LUTZ, NOHR, MATTHIAS
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 29.11.2006
• Subjects: BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; RAILWAYS; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL; VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISEPROVIDED FOR

The invention relates to an impact energy absorbing device for vehicles. The invention is suited, but not limited to, for use in rail vehicles. The aim of the invention is to provide an impact energy absorbing device, which also fulfils future requirements with regard to crash safety. In order to enable a larger working travel without having to increase the amount of force, the energy absorbing process is spatially displaced. The impact energy absorbing device comprises activatable or deactivatable means for absorbing impact energy. In one embodiment a front part of the rail vehicle is extended, swung out and/or pushed out counter to the direction of impact especially counter to the direction of travel, when these means are activated, and afterwards, the produced space is at least partially, in particular, completely filled with energy absorption elements. In another embodiment, which can also be combined with the aforementioned embodiment, spaces which exist at least between two adjacent and interspaced parts of the vehicle, in particular between two cars of a train, are at least partially, in particular, completely filled with energy absorption elements when the means for absorbing impact energy are activated.