AU2009324265B2 - A coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car - Google Patents

Abstract

(19) RWVEElP*flAR (10) |WI*IN (4 3) MflE-4~f H$10 201047 A 29 H (29.07.2010) PCT WO 2010/083675 Al (51) N#$|lI (72) 2YA; B61G 9/00 (2006.01) B61G 9/22 (2006.01) (75) A IA/FWA (1 4 %J): V* (JIANG, Yan) B61G 9/20 (2006.01) [CN/CN]; ItE Mt i J/M qX (21) PRThtP t: PCT/CN2009/072896 36 4, Heilongjiang 161002 (CN) . (MENG, Qingmin) [CN/CN]; J } 44 (22) Pr$%H: 2009 4 7 A 24 H (24.07.2009) J-4l E1 M q F - 364, Heilongjiang 161002 (25) $t94 (CN)o A& (CONG, Shengguo) [CN/CN]; +[ X LJ4 %i E 5X 36 , Hei (26) '4'99 longjiang 161002 (CN) o ERtt (WANG, Junlong) (30) '[d [CN/CN]; :PI i m J',MV i xF 200910008717.X 2009 4 1 A 21 H (21.01.2009) CN A 36 4, Heilongjiang 161002 (CN) o (CUI, Yingjun) [CN/CN]; iB4mt 4A/ 4 (71) $ WA (X4l)dk ; Y4 4h-gi):1 *U t N $VL II B 364,Heilongjiang161002(CN)o M MZ Wlir$|ltmA (QIQIHAR RAILWAY (CHEN, Long) [CN/CN]; + [ ROLLING STOCK CO., LTD) [CN/CN]; LB [A N Aj X - 364, Heilongjiang 161002 (CN)o a r 1Sfi T49 fji ET M - K36 , Hei longjiang 161002 (CN)c mEAk fl |lP (74) (UNI *IT kjm (MUDANJIANG JINYUAN COUPLER TALEN ATTORNEYS AT LAW); [N J L ii#A)PH AND DRAFT GEAR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD) X i [ n t it 22 44 7 )4 , Beijing [CN/CN]; LB E 4_±A iitFR4R tTL4$s 100004 (CN)c 4, Heilongjiang 157013 (CN)y (81) VfZ P (NT, M h fC, 4gz4-X P HAt n[ it IP): AF, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, [_FLkN] (54) Title: DRAFT GEAR YOKE OF DRAFT GEAR FOR RAILWAY FREIGHT CAR S(54) rAW$ -?38 444 4 (57) Abstract: A draft gear yoke of a draft gear for a railway freight car includes a draft gear yoke body (1) and a draft key retainer (3).The head of the draft gear yoke body (1) has a draft key hole for installing a draft key that is connected with the coupler. A draft key retainer (3) for supporting the draft key is installed underneath the head of the draft gear yoke body (1). The shape of the upper surface of a supporting part of the draft key retain er (3) corresponds with a lower surface of the draft - - - - - - - -- - - - -key to form surface-contact between the two sur faces. It strengthens safety and reliability of the draft gear yoke. [_)F] 3 ] F WO 2010/083675 A1l Ill| VIIllI| ||llllllllllllll1||1|||||||||||||||||||||||||1|||||||||| IN IVV|||| I||||| I| CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, Fl, GB, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), [Xi[E (AM, AZ, BY, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), A l1 (AT, BE, BG, CH, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, Fl, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PE, PG, PH, PL, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG)c SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZWo (84) 4I li[ (|tPT h), RtII l -1 QT W- 21 (3))c 'PIh): ARIPO (BW, GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, (57) 4ft: -H #'&' z G4fl5±tJflKjflWH;itt)~itt(,3)~eijtt(* (1) Pn H#% (3) it Pi, * 1(3)PtitPH NT249~dARMjth 11,h(3Rdijf() 4M FM AFdtJi, tAVL%(3)M9ft3

Description

Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal A COUPLER YOKE FRAME OF COUPLER DRAFT GEAR FOR RAILWAY FREIGHT CAR [00011 The present application claims benefit of the priority to CN application No. 200910008717.X titled "A COUPLER YOKE FRAME OF COUPLER DRAFT GEAR FOR RAILWAY FREIGHT CAR", filed with the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office on January 21, 2009. The entire disclosures thereof are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [00021 The present invention relates to a coupler draft gear for railway freight car, and specifically to a coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [00031 The coupler draft gear is an important component of railcar, and mainly consists of a coupler, a coupler yoke frame, a draft key, a follower plate, and a buffer. When the car is in running, the traction force between the cars is sequentially transmitted from the coupler, the draft key, the coupler yoke frame, the buffer, the follower plate to the car body. The coupler yoke frame is a component used to install the follower plate and the buffer and connected with the coupler, and is subject to the traction force of the car. The draft key is a flat pin, and connects the coupler shank and the coupler yoke frame through the draft key holes of the coupler shank and the coupler yoke frame. The coupler yoke bolt is a special bolt, and supports the draft key to prevent the draft key falling off from the coupler shank and the coupler yoke frame. [00041 As can be seen, the coupler yoke frame is an important coupling component of railcar. Railcars are coupled with coupler. The coupler is connected to the coupler yoke frame by the draft key, so as to ensure the coupling between cars of train, thereby composing the train for transporting freight and transmitting the traction force. Therefore, the strength of the coupler yoke frame and the safety and reliability of the supporting structure of the draft key are important to guarantee the safety of rail transport. 100051 At present, the 60t grade fright car operating in China mainly uses 13A type or 13B type 2 coupler yoke frame. As the speed of railway freight car is increased and the heavy duty freight car is further developed, the problems such as weak strength and low reliability are gradually exposed, which leads to the train separation accident caused by the fracture of the coupler yoke frame and the break of the coupler yoke bolt. The brief description is given as follows. 5 [00061 Please refer to Fig. 1, which is a schematic structural view of conventional 13A type coupler yoke frame. As shown in Fig. 1, a hanging lug 2 is disposed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1. A bolt hole 21 is provided in the hanging lug 2 to install a coupler yoke bolt. For the 13 A type coupler yoke frame, a single coupler yoke bolt is used to bear the draft key, which has a serious disadvantage. The coupler yoke bolt may be subject to an 0 instantaneous excessive vertical applied force in operating, and its ability for bearing a shearing force is weak, so the coupler yoke bolt tends to break and thus the draft key will fall off, thereby leading to the train separation accident. Besides, the coupler yoke frame body 1 is made by casting process, and there are many casting defects such as sand explosion and porosity in the coupler yoke frame body 1, especially at the rear corners portion of the coupler yoke frame, so that fatigue cracks 5 are formed in the draft key when the car is running. [00071 Please refer to Fig. 2, which is a schematic structural view of conventional 13B type coupler yoke frame. The structure of 13B type coupler yoke frame is similar to that of 13 A type coupler yoke frame. In the 13B type coupler yoke frame, three coupler yoke bolts is used to bear the draft key, and thus its strength is increased, but it is still possible to break the coupler yoke bolt. In '0 addition, the 13B type coupler yoke frame is also made by casting process, so the problem of weak strength of the coupler yoke frame is still not resolved. [00081 As the running speed and the traction ton force of railway freight car are increased, the coupler yoke frame is continually subject to an instantaneous excessive, high frequency load in operating. Since its strength and the structural strength for bearing the draft key are weak, the 25 fracture accident of the 13 A type and 13B type coupler yoke frame is gradually increased, which cannot meet the development requirement of railway freight in China. [0008A] It will be understood that any reference herein to prior art is not to be taken as an admission as to the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In view of this, the present invention provides a coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car, which may improve the structural strength for supporting the draft key and increase the safety and reliability of the coupler yoke frame. 5 [0010] In order to address the above problems, the coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to the present invention includes a coupler yoke frame body having a draft key hole at a head thereof to install a draft key connected with a coupler; wherein the coupler yoke frame further includes a draft key pad installed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body to support the draft key; and a shape of an upper surface of a supporting portion of the draft key pad 10 matches with a shape of a lower surface of the draft key, so that there is a surface contact between the draft key pad and the draft key. The draft key pad is inserted from the rear into the supporting groove of the pad support member. The pad support member supports the draft key pad from a force imparted by the draft key. [0011] A pad support member is fixed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body; the pad 15 support member is provided with a supporting groove fox inserting and supporting the draft key pad. [0012] Preferably, supporting flanges are provided at two sides of the draft key pad; a middle portion of the supporting groove is interrupted; and the supporting flanges of the draft key pad are supported by the interrupted supporting groove, respectively. [0013] Preferably, a depth of the supporting groove is larger than a thickness of the supporting 20 flanges of the draft key pad. [0014] Preferably, locating holes are provided at corresponding positions of a head of the draft key pad and a head of the pad support member to install locking mechanism of the draft key pad. [0015] Preferably, stop shoulders are provided at two sides of a tail of the draft key pad, respectively, to limit an inserted distance of the draft key pad. 25 [0016] Preferably, a pad mounting hole is provided below the head of the coupler yoke frame body to receive the draft key pad; pad support members are provided at two sides of the pad mounting hole, respectively, the pad support members and the pad mounting hole form a locating slot; supporting flanges are provided at two sides of the draft key pad, the supporting flanges are supported by the pad support members when the draft key pad is rotated in the locating slot. A 30 plurality of locating holes are provided in the bottom surface of the pad support members to install 4 locking mechanism of the draft key pad in vertical direction. The pad support members support the draft key pad from a force imparted by the draft key [0017] Preferably, a depth of the locating slot is larger than a thickness of the supporting flanges of the draft key pad. 5 [0018] Preferably, a plurality of locating holes are provided in the pad support members to install locking mechanism of the draft key pad. [0019] Preferably, a supporting boss is provided at an upper portion of the draft key pad; a shape of a top surface of the supporting boss of the draft key pad matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key. 10 [0020] Preferably, the coupler yoke frame body is formed by forging process. [0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention is an improvement to the supporting structure of the draft key of the coupler yoke frame. The draft key is supported by the draft key pad so as to increase the structural strength for supporting the draft key, which improves the safety and reliability of the coupler yoke frame. Specifically, the strength of the draft key pad is high, and is 15 more than three times as large as the strength of the coupler yoke bolt. Besides, there is a surface contact between the draft key pad and the draft key, so that the draft key pad is subject to an uniform force, thereby ensuring the operating safety, that is, it may avoid the problem that the draft key falls off due to the break of the draft key pad, and may prevent the train separation accident. In particular, the draft key pad will not rotate, move after being locked, so as to ensure the reliability 20 and stability in operating state, thereby increasing the safety and reliability. In addition, the supporting structure of the draft key pad is easily assembled and disassembled, which facilitates the train inspection. (0022) In another aspect of the present invention, the coupler yoke frame body is made by forging process. Since the material of the forged coupler yoke frame is superior to that of casted 25 coupler yoke frame, the whole mechanical property of the forged coupler yoke frame is improved, thereby preventing the train separation accident caused by the break of the coupler yoke frame. Meanwhile, the fatigue life of forged coupler yoke frame is greatly prolonged, so as to further improve the safety and reliability of the coupler yoke frame. The forging technology has matured, which facilitates the mass production. As the life of the forged coupler yoke frame is increased, its 30 cost efficiency is greatly increased, which may reduce the operating costs of railway freight car.

4A [0022A] In another aspect there is provided a coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car, comprising a coupler yoke frame body having a draft key hole at a head thereof to install a draft key connected with a coupler; wherein, the coupler yoke frame further comprises a draft key pad installed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body to support the draft key; and a shape 5 of an upper surface of a supporting portion of the draft key pad matches with a shape of a lower surface of the draft key, so that there is a surface contact between the draft key pad and the draft key; wherein, a pad mounting hole is provided below the head of the coupler yoke frame body to receive the draft key pad; pad support members are provided at two sides of the pad mounting hole, respectively, the pad support members and the pad mounting hole form a locating slot; supporting 10 flanges are provided at two sides of the draft key pad, the supporting flanges are supported by the pad support members when the draft key pad is rotated in the locating slot, a plurality of locating holes are provided in the bottom surface of the pad support members to install locking mechanism of the draft key pad in vertical direction [0022B] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and 15 variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the DRAWINGS [0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural view of conventional 13 A type coupler yoke frame; [0024) Figure 2 is a schematic structural view of conventional 13B type coupler yoke frame; 20 [0025] Figure 3 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment of a coupler yoke frame Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal according to the present invention; [0026] Figure 4 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment of a draft key pad in Fig. 3; [00271 Figure 5 is a left view of Fig. 4; [00281 Figure 6 is a top view of Fig. 4; [00291 Figure 7 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment of a pad support member in Fig. 3; [0030] Figure 8 is a left view of Fig. 7; [00311 Figure 9 is a schematic structural view of a second embodiments of draft key pad and pad support member in Fig. 3; [0032] Figure 10 is a schematic structural view of a coupler yoke frame body in a second embodiment of the coupler yoke frame according to the present invention; [00331 Figure 11 is a left view of Fig. 10; [00341 Figure 12 is a partial view along direction A in Fig. 10; 100351 Figure 13 is a schematic structural view of the draft key pad in a second embodiment of the coupler yoke frame according to the present invention; [0036] Figure 14 is a left view of Fig. 13; [00371 Figure 15 is a top view of Fig. 13; 100381 Figure 16 is a schematic structural view of a third embodiment of the coupler yoke frame according to the present invention; 100391 Figure 17 is a front view of the draft key pad in Fig. 16; and 100401 Figure 18 is a left view of Fig. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 100411 The basic spirit of the present invention is that a draft key pad is installed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body, and the shape of the upper surface of supporting portion of the draft key pad matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key, so that there is a surface contact between the draft key pad and the draft key. 5 Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal [00421 In the present invention, the draft key pad may be directly installed to the coupler yoke frame body, which is also referred to as direct mounting manner. Or, the draft key pad may be installed to a mounting base (e.g. pad support member) fixed to the coupler yoke frame body, which is also referred to as indirect mounting manner. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of embodiments with referring to figures. [00431 Please refer to Fig. 3, which is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment of a coupler yoke frame according to the present invention. In the embodiment, a pad support member 4 is disposed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1, and an insertable draft key pad 3 is installed on the pad support member 4 to supporting the draft key (not shown). The shape of the upper surface of the supporting portion of the draft key pad 3 matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key, so that there is a surface contact between the draft key pad 3 and the draft key. In particular, a bolt/nut assembly 5 is provided between the draft key pad 3 and the pad support member 4, and is used as a locking mechanism for draft key pad to prevent the draft key pad 3 from sliding. 100441 The specific shapes of the draft key pad 3 and the pad support member 4 may be any other shape which may ensure reliable support and easy installation, which will be described by way of example. [00451 Please also refer to Figs. 4 to 6, in which Fig. 4 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment of a draft key pad in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a left view of Fig. 4; and Fig. 6 is a top view of Fig. 4. The draft key pad 3 includes a bottom wall 31 and two side walls 32. The upper portions of the two side walls 32 protrude towards outside to form supporting flanges 33, respectively, so as to provide supported portions. Alternatively, the draft key pad 3 may approximately be a planar plate, and supporting flanges 33 are formed at two sides of the planar plate, the detailed description thereof omitted therein. In the embodiment, the supporting flanges 33 disposed at two sides of the draft key pad 3 may increase the supporting ability, and prevent the draft key from falling off. [00461 In particular, a supporting boss 34 is provided on the bottom wall 31 to support the draft key. Besides, the shape of the top surface of the supporting boss 33 matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key, so that there is a surface contact between the draft key pad 3 and the draft key. Since the draft key pad 3 is provided with the supporting boss 34, it may meet the 6 Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal requirement of the vertical deflection angle of the draft key when the car passes through a vertical curved line, so that the draft key pad 3 is subject to an uniform force, which may ensure constant stress state and operating condition for the draft key. [00471 As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, stop shoulders 35 are provided at the two sides of the tail of the draft key pad 3, respectively, so as to limit the inserting distance of the draft key pad 3, thereby facilitating the installation of the draft key pad 3. [00481 Corresponding to the structure of the above draft key pad 3, a supporting groove is provided in the pad support member 4 of the coupler yoke frame to reliably support the draft key pad 3, which will be described hereinafter. [0049] Please also refer to Figs. 7 to 8, in which Fig. 7 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment of a pad support member in Fig. 3; and Fig. 8 is a left view of Fig. 7. In order to facilitate the installation of the draft key pad 3, a pad support member 4 is provided at the coupler yoke pin hole 11 below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1, so as to supporting the draft key pad 3. Further, the pad support member 4 is provided with a supporting groove 41, to support the inserted draft key pad 3. [00501 In the embodiment, the supporting groove 41 is a "U-shaped" groove, and designed as an interrupted structure (i.e., the bottom of the "U-shaped" groove is interrupted), so as to facilitate the machining and manufacturing of the coupler yoke frame body 1. The draft key pad 3 is inserted from the rear into the pad support member 4 and located below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1. Each supporting flange 33 is supported by corresponding supporting groove 41, so as to transversely position the draft key pad 3. [00511 Preferably, the depth and width of the supporting groove 41 are larger than the thickness and width of the supporting flange 33, respectively, so that there is a certain space above the pad support member 4. Therefore, there are gaps between top surfaces of the draft key pad 3 and the pad support member 4 and between side surfaces of the draft key pad 3 and the pad support member 4 after the draft key is assembled, which may meet the requirement of the vertical deflection angle of the draft key when the car passes through a vertical curved line. Therefore, the draft key pad 3 is not subject to the bending moment generated from the draft key when the car passes through a vertical curved line. [00521 As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, in order to achieve the positioning of the draft key pad 3 7 Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal relative to the pad support member 4, a locking mechanism for draft key pad is provided. Specifically, the head of the draft key pad 3 is provided with a pad locating hole 36, and the head of the pad support member 4 is provided with a support member locating hole 42. The pad locating hole 36 and the support member locating hole 42 are configured to install a bolt/nut assembly 5 for positioning. After a bolt is inserted in the pad locating hole 36 and the support member locating hole 42, the draft key pad 3 is stopped from moving rearward, and is prevented from losing. [0053] When assembling the coupler draft gear, the draft key is firstly assembled from below the draft key hole 11 located at the head of the coupler yoke frame 1; then, the draft key pad 3 is inserted along the supporting groove 41 from the rear until the draft key pad 3 is located under the draft key hole 11; in order to prevent the draft key pad 3 from escaping, a stop bolt is inserted into the locating holes after the draft key pad 3 is completely inserted into the coupler yoke frame 1; a nut is then fastened on the stop bolt, and the nut and the bolt are fixed by tack welding, so as to guard against theft and prevent the parts from losing. The disassembly process is opposite to the installation process, the detailed description thereof omitted. [0054 Please refer to Fig. 9, which is a schematic structural view of a second embodiment of draft key pad and pad support member in Fig. 3. The pad support member 4 is an integral structure, and is located below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1. The pad support member 4 is provided with the supporting groove 41. The draft key pad 3 is installed in the supporting groove 41. The draft key pad 3 is a planar plate, and the top thereof is provided with the supporting boss 34. Similar to the structure of the above first embodiment of the draft key pad 3 and the pad support member 4, the head of the draft key pad 3 is also provided with the pad locating hole 36; and the head of the pad support member 4 is also provided with the support member locating hole 42; and the pad locating hole 36 and the support member locating hole 42 are configured to install the bolt/nut assembly 5, the detailed description thereof omitted therein. 100551 It should be noted that, in order to improve the wear resistance, strength and life span, the draft key pad 3 is made of grade E cast steel. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost, increase the production efficiency and ensure the usability and the accuracy of manufacturing, the draft key pad 3 is formed by precision casting or forging process. 100561 In the above coupler yoke frame, draft key is supported by the draft key pad 3, which has 8 Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal the following advantages. Thus, the strength of the draft key pad 3 is high (about three times as large as the strength of the coupler yoke bolt). Besides, there is a surface contact between the draft key pad and the draft key, which can ensure the operating safety and eliminate the problem that the draft key may fall off due to the break of the draft key pad 3. The draft key pad 3 is locked by fastening the bolt, and thus is not rotated and moved, so as to ensure the reliability and stability of the draft key pad 3 in operating state. This structure is easily assembled and disassembled, which facilitates the train inspection. [00571 In particular, in order to increase the fatigue life and the strength of the coupler yoke frame, the coupler yoke frame body I is made of grade E forging steel. In addition, referring to the design and operating experience of 16 type, 17 type forged coupler yoke frame, the main structural dimensions of the coupler yoke frame body and tail are the same as that of 16 type, 17 type forged coupler yoke frame, so as to further improve the strength of the coupler yoke frame, thereby meeting the interchangeable requirement of product. In addition, the structural design may be made such that requirements for forging, machining and welding process are facilitated. [00581 The coupler yoke frame body 1 is made by forging process, which has the following advantages. Since the material of forged coupler yoke frame is superior to that of casted coupler yoke frame, the whole mechanical property of the coupler yoke frame is improved, so that the fatigue life of forged coupler yoke frame is prolonged significantly and the operating reliability is improved. The manufacture technology of forged coupler yoke frame has matured, and is applicable to mass production, which facilitates reducing the manufacture costs. Further, since the operating life of the coupler yoke frame is increased, its cost efficiency is increased, which may reduce the operating costs of railway freight car. [00591 The above coupler yoke frame is provided with the pad support member 4, so that the thickness of the head of the coupler yoke frame body I is accordingly increased. However, compared with 13 type, 13A type and 13B type coupler yoke frames, the maximum contour dimension of the coupler yoke frame according to the present invention is still less than the maximum dimension at the hanging lug of 13 type, 13A type and 13B type coupler yoke frames. In particular, the transition structural design may be adopted, so that the thickness of the thickened portion is gradually changed to the contact portion between the coupler yoke frame body I and the follower plate, thereby increasing the structural strength and manufacturability of 9 Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal this thickened portion. In addition, since the dimensions of engagement portion of the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1 with the coupler are the same as that of 13 type, 13A type and 13B type coupler yoke frames, the interchangeability of coupler yoke frame body I is ensured. [0060] In the above coupler yoke frame, the coupler yoke frame body I is formed by forging, and the draft key is supported by the draft key pad 3, so it is possible to efficiently solve the problem of weak strength of the conventional coupler yoke frame and the coupler yoke bolt. The draft key pad 3 may installed into the pad support member by direct inserting into the pad support member or by inserting and then rotating a certain angle in the pad support member. The first installing mode has been described above, and the second installing mode will be described hereinafter. [00611 Please also refer to Figs. 10 to 12, in which Fig. 10 a schematic structural view of a coupler yoke frame body in a second embodiment of the coupler yoke frame according to the present invention; Fig. 11 is a left view of Fig. 10; and Fig. 12 is a partial view along direction A in Fig. 10. In the embodiment, a pad mounting hole 12 is disposed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1. Pad support members 4 are provided at two sides of the pad mounting hole 12, and may be designed in petal shape. The pad support member 4 and the pad mounting hole 12 form a locating slot 121 used to install the draft key pad 3. When installing, the draft key pad 3 is inserted from below the coupler yoke frame body 1, rotated in position and fixed so as to form the draft key supporting mechanism. [00621 In particular, the pad support member 4 below the head of the coupler yoke frame body I is provided with a plurality of the support member locating holes 42. These locating holes 42 are configured to install the locking mechanism of the draft key pad. Preferably, the locking mechanism may be rivet (not shown). When the draft key is pushed to the locating slot 121, the rivet may prevent the draft key pad 3 from rotating and falling off. 100631 Corresponding to the pad support member 4 in the pad mounting hole 12, supporting flanges 33 are provided at two sides of the draft key pad 3 in the embodiment, which is briefly described as follows. [00641 Please also refer to Figs. 13 to 15, in which Fig. 13 is a schematic structural view of the draft key pad in a second embodiment of the coupler yoke frame according to the present invention; Fig. 14 is a left view of Fig. 13; and Fig. 15 is a top view of Fig. 13. In the embodiment, supporting flanges 33 are provided at two sides of the draft key pad 3, and are 10 Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal designed in petal shape, so as to match with the shape of the pad support member 4. When the draft key pad 3 is inserted and rotated in the pad mounting hole 12 such that the supporting flanges 33 are located in the locating slot 121, the supporting flanges 33 is supported by the pad support member 4. The upper portion of the draft key pad 3 is provided with a supporting boss 34. The shape of the top surface of the supporting boss 34 matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key. The draft key pad 3 has two supporting flanges 33, so as to improve the structural strength of the draft key pad 3, and reliably prevent the draft key from falling off. 100651 Similar to the insert-installing mode in the first embodiment, in the embodiment, there is a certain space above the pad support member 4, that is, the depth of the locating slot 121 is larger than the thickness of the supporting flange 33. Therefore, after assembling the draft key, there is a gap between the top surface of the draft key pad 3 and the bottom surface of the pad support member 4, which meet the requirement of the vertical deflection angle of the draft key when the car passes through a vertical curved line. 100661 Similarly, in the embodiment, the draft key pad 3 is made of grade E cast steel, and formed by precision casting process. Thus, the strength, manufacturing accuracy and wear resistance thereof are improved. The coupler yoke frame body 1 is made by forging, so as to increase the strength of the coupler yoke frame. Thus, the description is omitted herein. [00671 When assembling the coupler draft gear, the draft key is firstly assembled from below the draft key hole 11; the draft key pad 3 is then inserted in the pad mounting hole 12; then, the draft key pad 3 is rotated, so that the supporting flange 33 and the locating slot 121 are aligned; finally, four stop rivets are assembled to stop the draft key pad 3 from rotating and falling out. The disassembly process is opposite to the above assembly process, and thus the description of the disassembly process is omitted. [00681 In addition, the draft key pad 3 may also be installed to coupler yoke frame body 1 by other modes, which will be described by way of an example. 100691 Please also refer to Figs. 16 to 18, in which Fig. 16 a schematic structural view of a third embodiment of the coupler yoke frame according to the present invention; Fig. 17 is a front view of the draft key pad in Fig. 16; and Fig. 18 is a left view of Fig. 17. In the embodiment, two pairs of hanging lugs 2 are provided below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1, and the hanging lugs 2 are provided with a plurality of bolt holes 21. A supporting boss 34 is provided at the upper ll Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal portion of the draft key pad 3. The shape of the top surface of the supporting boss 34 matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key. Besides, the draft key pad 3 is provided with pad locating holes 36 used to install bolt/nut assemblies 5, so that the draft key pad 3 is reliably fixed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body 1. Such a draft key supporting structure may also prevent the draft key from falling off, which will not describe in detail herein. [0070] In the embodiment, coupler yoke frame body 1 is formed by forging, and the structure and dimension of coupler yoke frame body 1 are the same as that in the above first, second embodiment, so as to increase the strength of the coupler yoke frame body 1. [0071] The above coupler yoke frame (i.e., 13B type forged coupler yoke frame) has the following advantages. [00721 First, the strength of the coupler yoke frame is high. In the case that the design strength is surely equivalent to that of 13B type casted coupler yoke frame, with reference to the design experience for 16 type, 17 type forged coupler yoke frame, the height, width of the frame body and the thickness of frame tail of 13B type forged coupler yoke frame may be made identical with that of 16 type, 17 type forged coupler yoke frame, which further increases the strength of the coupler yoke frame. 100731 Second, the coupler yoke frame has a good interchangeability. The structure, contour dimension and engagement dimension of 13B type forged coupler yoke frame may meet the structural requirements of 13 type, 13A type and 13B type coupler draft gear, so as to be interchangeable with 13 type, 13A type and 13B type casted coupler yoke frame, thereby ensuring the interchangeability of the accessories of coupler draft gear system. When assembling and operating, it is no need to change the existing operating process and method, and it is possible to make full use of existing tools and equipments, which facilitates the assembly, disassembly, operating and maintenance of the coupler draft gear. Since the main structural dimension of 13B type forged coupler yoke frame is the same as that of 16 type, 17 type forged coupler yoke frame, the unity and interchangeability of the detection formwork of the 13B type forged coupler yoke frame and the detection formwork of 13A, 13B type coupler yoke frame and 16 type, 17 type coupler yoke frame is ensured. 10074] Third, the structure of the coupler yoke frame is safe and reliable. 13B type forged coupler yoke frame may avoid the coupler separation caused by the draft key falling off due to 12 Unitalen ref.: OP1009-08-0498AU PCTOriginal the break of conventional 13 type, 13A type, 13B type coupler yoke bolt, and has the function of preventing the draft key from falling off. Therefore, the reliability of the coupler draft gear is improved, and the railway transportation safety is ensured. [00751 Four, in the case that the product performance is ensured, 13B type forged coupler yoke frame may be applicable to forging, machining and welding process, thereby increasing the manufacturability of product. 100761 The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, it should be noted that the above embodiments should not be deemed as the limit to the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims. For persons skilled in the art, many improvements and modifications may also be made to the present invention without departing from the principle of the present invention. The improvements and modifications also fall into the protection scope of the present invention. 13

Claims (12)

1. A coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car, comprising a coupler yoke frame body having a draft key hole at a head thereof to install a draft key connected with a coupler; wherein, 5 the coupler yoke frame further comprises a draft key pad installed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body to support the draft key, and a pad support member which is fixed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body; the pad support member is provided with a supporting groove for inserting and supporting the draft key pad; 10 the draft key pad is inserted from the rear into the supporting groove of the pad support member; and a shape of an upper surface of a supporting portion of the draft key pad matches with a shape of a lower surface of the draft key, so that there is a surface contact between the draft key pad and the draft key, 15 wherein the pad support member supports the draft key pad from a force imparted by the draft key.

2. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to claim 1, wherein, supporting flanges are provided at two sides of the draft key pad; a middle portion of the supporting groove is interrupted; and the supporting flanges of the draft key pad are supported by 20 the interrupted supporting groove, respectively.

3. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to claim 2, wherein, a depth of the supporting groove is larger than a thickness of the supporting flanges of the draft key pad.

4. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to claim 1, 25 wherein, locating holes are provided at corresponding positions of a head of the draft key pad and a head of the pad support member to install locking mechanism of the draft key pad.

5. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to claim 1, wherein, stop shoulders are provided at two sides of a tail of the draft key pad, respectively, to limit an inserted distance of the draft key pad. 15

6. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein, a supporting boss is provided at an upper portion of the draft key pad; a shape of a top surface of the supporting boss of the draft key pad matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key. 5

7. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the coupler yoke frame body is formed by forging process.

8. A coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car, comprising a coupler yoke frame body having a draft key hole at a head thereof to install a draft key connected with a coupler; wherein, 10 the coupler yoke frame further comprises a draft key pad installed below the head of the coupler yoke frame body to support the draft key; and a shape of an upper surface of a supporting portion of the draft key pad matches with a shape of a lower surface of the draft key, so that there is a surface contact between the draft key pad and the draft key; 15 wherein, a pad mounting hole is provided below the head of the coupler yoke frame body to receive the draft key pad; pad support members are provided at two sides of the pad mounting hole, respectively, the pad support members and the pad mounting hole form a locating slot; supporting flanges are provided at two sides of the draft key pad, the supporting flanges are supported by the pad support members when the draft key pad is rotated in the locating slot; and a plurality of 20 locating holes are provided in the bottom surface of the pad support members to install locking mechanism of the draft key pad in vertical direction, wherein the pad support members support the draft key pad from a force imparted by the draft key.

9. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to claim 8, wherein, a depth of the locating slot is larger than a thickness of the supporting flanges of the draft 25 key pad.

10. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according claim 8 or claim 9 wherein, a supporting boss is provided at an upper portion of the draft key pad; a shape of a top surface of the supporting boss of the draft key pad matches with the shape of the lower surface of the draft key. 16

11. The coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, the coupler yoke frame body is formed by forging process.

12. A coupler yoke frame of coupler draft gear for railway freight car substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 to 8. 5