DE102013111207B4 - Coupling for electric play and model railways - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupling, in particular hook coupling, for electric play and model trains with a mounting projection (1) which can be accommodated for mounting on a model railway vehicle in a receiving shaft (4) provided on the vehicle, a rigid holding element (2) adjoining the mounting projection (1) , a movable holding element (3) which is supported pivotably about a rotation axis A, so that the movable holding element (3) by pivoting about the rotation axis A of a coupling position in a uncoupling position or vice versa brought and configured such that it is either by the receiving shaft (4) extends through or outside, preferably underside, along the receiving shaft (4) and the rear end portion (7) of the movable support member (3) projects beyond the rear end of the receiving shaft (4), characterized in that the axis of rotation A of the movable holding element (3) within the Au the rear end region (7) of the movable holding element (3) serves as a loose stop for a preferably motor-driven actuating mechanism and the movable holding element (3) has a recess (6) between the axis of rotation A and the rear end region (7 ) of the movable holding element (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a coupling, in particular hook coupling, for electric play and model trains according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electric motor drive for a corresponding coupling according to the preamble of claim 9.

Technological background

In the field of couplings for electric toy and model trains, there are a significant number of manufacturers different designs. This has in the past meant that model railroad cars of different manufacturers could not be used together due to lack of coordinated clutches, even though the model railroad cars had the same track size. In order to overcome this disadvantage, in the past, mounting shafts were installed which were mounted on the model railway vehicle and offered the possibility of interchangeably receiving coupling heads.

For accommodating exchangeable coupling heads of nominal size H0, there are e.g. the NEM 362, for the inclusion of exchangeable coupling heads of size N, the NEM 355. These measures make it possible to combine the coupling heads of the desired model railroad manufacturer with other manufacturer's model railroad vehicles and thus use universal model railroad vehicles.

Model railway vehicles can be decoupled in various ways. On the one hand, model railway vehicles can be decoupled manually, which is sometimes difficult given the scale reduction. Furthermore, there are so-called uncoupling ramps, operated in the region of which clutches and thereby the decoupling process can be initiated. In recent times, motor or magnetically actuated clutches have been added, by means of which it is possible to carry out a decoupling process location-independent via the remote control.

Nearest prior art

A coupling according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 40 15 005 A1 known. This coupling comprises a movable holding element in the form of a coupling arm with a wire attached thereto. The latter moves through the receiving shaft and is fixedly connected to a movable element comprising springs and a permanent magnet. By pressing the permanent magnet can be pivoted on the wire, the movable support member. When replacing the coupling with another make, therefore, the wire permanently connected to the movable holding member must also be removed.

From the US 5,775,524 A For example, a clutch mechanism is known in which a movable retaining element of the clutch can be moved via a linkage connected to the latter. The linkage is in this case with a positioned approximately in the middle part of the model railway vehicle actuator in a fixed connection. The linkage extends past the outside of the clutch receiving shaft. Again, when replacing the clutch with another make the movable support member and the linkage must be removed.

From the DE 20 2004 010 913 U1 a coupling is known, which is intended to be mounted with its mounting projection on a standard receiving shaft of different model train manufacturers. The movable holding element, on the front side of which the hook is located, extends in the rear region thereof below the vehicle-side receiving shaft. To ensure a free movement of the hook, a hook pressure plate is attached via a hinge directly to an eyelet and provided with a drawbar. On the latter, the clutch can be operated by means of a magnet, servomotor or geared motor.

From the DE 39 39 528 C1 a jaw clutch for electric play and model trains is known in which the coupling head of the mating coupling part is provided with a foot part, which serves for insertion into standardized receiving slots. The coupling head comprises a fork-like foot part with protruding ends, which engage around the rear end of the receiving shaft in a latching manner.

Finally, out of the AT 501445 A1 a model railway vehicle with a receiving shaft for a coupling head is known, which has a fork-shaped mounting projection. The receiving shaft is connected via an elastically flexible connecting web made of plastic with the vehicle frame.

Object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel coupling of the type mentioned above, in which a simple replacement of the coupling is possible against another make.

Solution of the task

The above object is achieved in the generic subject by the characterizing features of claim 1. The movable holding element is designed in such a way that it extends through the receiving shaft or runs along the outside of the receiving shaft (eg below the receiving shaft) and the rear end region of the movable holding element projects beyond the rear end of the receiving shaft. This makes it possible to control the coupling via the movable retaining element on the back of the receiving shaft by means of a preferably motorized drive via a driver. This control can be advantageously carried out such that the driver engages without mounting connection on the movable holding element, so that for the removal of the coupling this only unlocked on the receiving shaft and must be pulled out of the latter. It is therefore no time-consuming disassembly z. B. by desoldering or disassembly necessary.

According to the invention, the pivot axis A of the movable holding element is located within the receiving shaft. This has the advantage that a high degree of miniaturization can be maintained and a simple construction can be selected to ensure pivotability, since the receiving shaft at the same time ensures that the movable holding element remains in position, ie can not fall out.

According to the invention, the movable holding element has at least one recess. This serves to ensure sufficient mobility of the movable holding element in the installed state. The recess is located between the axis of rotation A and the rear end portion of the movable support member. As a result, an enlargement of the pivoting range of the hook can be achieved in the confined spaces.

Due to the fact that the movable holding element extends through the receiving shaft, a special degree of miniaturization can be achieved.

Alternatively, at least a portion of the movable support member also extend outside the receiving shaft to the rear and project beyond the rear end of the receiving shaft with its end, for example, when the movable support member with an additional z. B. finger-like projection is formed. In both cases, it is possible, the rear end portion of the movable holding element in front of the rear end of the receiving shaft mechanically, loose only on stop d. H. to control without assembly connection. The receiving shaft is also available for receiving the movable holding element or at least a part thereof.

With the rear end region of the movable holding element expediently interacts with a driver operatively connected to the driver. In the area of the driver associated with the movable holding element there is preferably a mouth in which the rear end area of the movable holding element engages loosely and preferably also transversely displaceably.

The construction also has the advantage that a loose control of the movable holding element can be done on the back of the receiving shaft and that for example by a simple axial movement of a corresponding actuating element. For example, for the actuation of the coupling, a one-sided or double-sided loose stop of a, for example, vertically actuatable actuating element can take place. As a result, the construction can be considerably simplified. In addition, this structural measure allows for horizontal pivoting of the clutch z. B. when cornering the movable support member also pivoted transversely to the stop but nevertheless still held in the attack. For example, the stop or the driver is provided for this purpose in each case with a flat stop surface along which the end of the movable holding element can move in the condition of the stop.

Appropriately, the receiving shaft is a so-called standard receiving shaft for replaceable coupling heads. This results in the advantage that the coupling can be easily replaced with another coupling on the model railway vehicle. As a result, the relevant model railway vehicle then no longer has the possibility of an automatic control of the clutch, nonetheless, yet another clutch can be used.

The mounting projection of the coupling according to the invention is expediently fork-shaped, wherein the movable holding element is located between the two fork projections of the mounting projection. As a result, the movable holding element does not interfere. Furthermore, it is protected against external influences.

Conveniently, the mounting projection has latching projections which engage the rear of the receiving shaft, whereby the mounting projection is inserted into the receiving shaft, in the intended position snaps and so that a position fixation is achieved. It is expedient if at least a part of the recess in front of the axis of rotation A but within the receiving shaft. As a result, the dimensions of the coupling can be reduced.

Advantageously, the axis of rotation A can be ensured by mutually contacting recesses or projections.

For example, the axis of rotation A is formed on the movable or rigid holding element by a projection on the rigid holding element and a corresponding recess on the movable holding element or vice versa.

Appropriately, the open side of the recess is directed to the top or bottom of the coupling. Nevertheless, cohesion of construction through the receiving shaft occurs.

Alternatively, a clip may be provided which hold together the rigid and movable holding element.

Alternatively, the movable and rigid holding element can also be previously fixed by a bolt.

Furthermore, the movable holding element, on whose, facing away from the receiving shaft end portion, a hook, preferably an upward hook, have.

The present invention further relates to an electric motor drive for a clutch according to one of claims 1-8. The drive comprises an electric drive motor with drive shaft and a threaded screw which is connected to the drive shaft. Furthermore, a movably mounted threaded sleeve is provided, which receives the threaded screw and is connected to a driver for actuating a movable holding element of a coupling. This makes it possible to easily transmit the movement generated by the electric drive motor in a translational movement in confined spaces.

Preferably, the driver is movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the axis of the drive shaft of the electric drive motor.

Alternatively, however, the driver can also be reciprocated in a direction obliquely or transversely to the axis of the drive shaft of the electric drive motor. In both cases, it is a simple structural design.

Conveniently, a so-called micromotor or micro-servomotor is used as the electric drive motor. Micromotors are manufactured and sold in large quantities as standard parts.

Preferably, the driver is provided with a jaw, by means of which the movable holding element is detected in the region of its rear end region and can be moved in both directions.

Conveniently, the driver is articulated. As a result, the arrangement consisting of an electric drive motor, a threaded screw and a threaded sleeve can be positioned horizontally positioned in the model vehicle.

Description of the invention with reference to embodiments

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings. Show it:

1 an expedient embodiment of the coupling according to the invention with a arranged within the receiving shaft movable holding element in plan view ( 1A ), in a sectional view along the plane AA in 1A ( 1B ) as well as in perspective view ( 1C );

2 an electric motor drive for a clutch of in 1 described embodiment on the one hand in the dome state ( 2A ) as well as in the decoupled state ( 2 B ) in each case in a perspective partial representation;

3 a further embodiment of an electric motor drive for a clutch according to the embodiment according to 1 in the dome state ( 3A ) as well as in the uncoupled state ( 3B ) in each case in perspective partial sectional view as well

4 an alternative embodiment of an electromotive drive for a clutch in the coupling state ( 4A ) as well as in the uncoupled state ( 4B ) in each case in a perspective partial sectional view.

1A shows a useful embodiment of the coupling according to the invention in plan view. It comprises a rigid retaining element 2 which is a head start 1 having, which serves to the clutch in an in 1A To accommodate not shown receiving shaft of a model vehicle. This is the lead 1 bifurcated by having a first fork protrusion 8th and second fork protrusion 9 has, at the free Each one ends a locking projection 10 such as 11 located. The clutch is thus able to be accommodated in a so-called Norm receiving shaft. This encompass the locking projections 10 such as 11 the rear area of the receiving shaft 4 (eg 2A ) and lock it accordingly.

The area of the rigid holding element located outside the receiving shaft 2 has an extended form, at its front end, a coupling bracket 20 located.

In which by the rigid support member 2 formed interior is a movable holding element 3 , at the end of a preferably provided with an outside slope hook 5 located. The hook 5 serves to the preferably slightly curved coupling bracket 20 behind the coupling of the neighboring vehicle.

The movable holding element 3 is preferably formed elongated and projects beyond the rear end of the mounting projection 1 , The movable holding element 3 thus stands with its back end area 7 outside the receiving shaft 4 above.

According to the invention, the pivot axis of the movable holding element is located 3 to the rigid holding element 2 in the area indicated by the letter A.

The position of the pivot axis A is particularly clear from the illustration according to 1B , The movable holding element 3 has in the area between the pivot axis A and the rear end portion 7 a recess 6 , The sufficient mobility of the receiving shaft passing, movable holding element 3 ensures.

To ensure the pivoting possesses the rigid support member 2 a lead 13 with a curved surface, with a corresponding recess 12 on the movable holding element 3 cooperates, so that the movable holding element 3 , like out 1B can be seen from the coupling position shown there by pivoting the rear end portion 7 one through the recess 6 allowed pivoting can be pivoted upwards. As a result, the clutch is brought into a decoupled position.

For mounting, the movable holding element is only according to the in 1B shown arrangement from below and the two holding elements 2 . 3 then together in the receiving shaft 4 inserted. The receiving shaft 4 This keeps both holding elements 2 . 3 in position to each other. Conveniently, the receiving shaft limited 4 at the same time the pivoting movement of the movable holding element 3 about one in the 1B shown coupling position upwards.

The back end area 7 the movable holding element 3 is with an inclined surface 14 equipped to serve in a loose stop with a (eg in 2A shown) mouth loosely in contact. Thus, no mechanical connection in this area is necessary. This in turn allows the coupling by compressing the two fork projections 8th . 9 and thereby take out release in a simple manner from the receiving shaft.

In the 1 expediently, the coupling shown merely consists of two parts, which can be produced in a simple manner either from plastic or metal. For example, the rigid retaining element 2 as a plastic part and the movable holding element 3 designed as a metal part. As the representations according to 1A - 1C show, the novel coupling impresses with its simplicity and the small space requirement.

In 2A is the coupling according to the embodiment according to 1A such as 1B shown in the installed state in a coupled position. The reference number 4 denotes a receiving shaft, which is open at the front and back and by means of an anchorage 22 under construction 25 of the model vehicle is fixed. The anchorage 22 ensures at the same time the fulcrum of the standard shaft 4 , Further, an electric drive motor 15 , preferably a so-called micromotor, in a vertical orientation in the structure 25 housed the model vehicle. The drive motor 15 has a drive shaft 16 stuck with a threaded screw 17 connected is. The rotary motion of the screw 17 is from a threaded sleeve 18 taken, which in turn firmly with a driver 19 connected is. Depending on the direction of rotation of the screw 17 thus moves the driver 19 either up or down. The drive motor 15 or the controller detects the end positions of the driver 19 , In the lower area of the driver 19 there is a mouth 21 into which the back end area 7 the movable holding element 3 Loosely engaged.

Will be the driver 19 thus from the in 2A shown position by corresponding rotational movement of the screw 17 moved upward, pivots the movable holding element 3 according to the in 2 B down shown manner, so that the coupling passes from the coupled state in the decoupled state, in which the hook 5 the upper part of the clutch hanger 20 not towered over.

For decoupling, it is necessary to switch only the rotational movement of the drive motor, so that this conditionally the driver 19 moved down again.

A special feature of the present invention is that the clutch in the mounted state despite control by means of an electric motor drive only by decoupling the mounting projection 1 from the receiving shaft 4 can be removed. At the same time, the construction according to the invention makes it possible to introduce a different type of coupling from another manufacturer, if necessary, into the receiving shaft. This ensures that the model railway vehicles provided with a respective drive can nonetheless be operated with different types of clutches.

The 3A such as 3B show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Here is the drive motor 15 under construction 25 of the model railway vehicle in a horizontal position. At the same time is the driver 19 over a pivot point 23 articulated so that upon appropriate actuation of the drive motor 15 the mouth 21 of the driver 19 due to the pivoting of the driver 19 around the hinge point 23 either moved up or down. This is located inside the structure 25 a free space 24 that the movement of the driver 19 and the threaded sleeve 18 allows.

A corresponding open space 24 is also in the embodiment of the 2A such as 2 B available.

In the embodiment of 4A such as 4B is the movable holding element 3 fork-shaped. It includes a first area 3a the movable holding element 3 running along the bottom of the receiving shaft 4 runs backwards and with its rear end area 7 the rear end of the receiving shaft 4 surmounted. The further, second area 3b the movable holding element 3 is preferably located within the receiving shaft 4 , where also the fulcrum A lies. Otherwise, the embodiments differ according to 3 and 4 Not.

The present invention makes it possible to provide a motor-driven clutch in a simple manner, while at the same time it remains possible to exchange the relevant clutch for a clutch from another manufacturer. As a result, a very high versatility is achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 mounting boss

2

 Retaining element (rigid)

3

 Holding element (movable)

4

 receiving shaft

5

 hook

6

 recess

7

back end area

8th

 fork lead

9

 fork lead

10

 catch projection

11

 catch projection

12

 recess

13

head Start

14

 inclined surfaces

15

drive motor

16

 drive shaft

17

 threaded screw

18

 threaded sleeve

19

 takeaway

20

 clutch loop

21

 mouth

22

 anchoring

23

 fulcrum

24

 free space

25

 construction

Claims (14)

Coupling, in particular hook coupling, for electric play and model trains with a mounting projection ( 1 ), which for mounting on a model railway vehicle in a receiving shaft provided on the vehicle ( 4 ) can be accommodated, a to the mounting projection ( 1 ) subsequent, rigid holding element ( 2 ), a movable holding element ( 3 ), which is supported pivotably about a rotation axis A, so that the movable holding element ( 3 ) by pivoting the same about the axis of rotation A from a coupling position into a uncoupling position or vice versa and is configured such that it either through the receiving shaft ( 4 ) extends through or outside, preferably below, along the receiving shaft ( 4 ) runs and the back End area ( 7 ) of the movable holding element ( 3 ) the rear end of the receiving shaft ( 4 ) dominated, characterized in that the axis of rotation A of the movable holding element ( 3 ) within the receiving shaft ( 4 ), the rear end portion ( 7 ) of the movable holding element ( 3 ) serves as a loose stop for a preferably motor-driven actuating mechanism and the movable holding element ( 3 ) a recess ( 6 ) between the axis of rotation A and the rear end region ( 7 ) of the movable holding element ( 3 ) having. Coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in the receiving shaft ( 4 ) is a standard receiving shaft for exchangeable coupling heads, preferably a standard receiving shaft according to NEM 362 or NEM 355. Coupling according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting projection ( 1 ) is fork-shaped and the movable holding element ( 3 ) between the two fork projections ( 8th . 9 ) is located. Coupling according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting projection ( 1 ) Latching projections ( 10 . 11 ), which at the back of the receiving shaft ( 4 attack). Coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part of the recess ( 6 ) in front of the axis of rotation A but within the receiving shaft ( 4 ) is located. Coupling according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of rotation A by a projection ( 13 ) on the rigid holding element ( 2 ) and a corresponding recess ( 12 ) on the movable holding element ( 3 ) or vice versa. Coupling according to claim 6, characterized in that the open side of the recess ( 12 ) is directed to the top or bottom of the coupling. Coupling according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable holding element ( 3 ) at its, the receiving shaft ( 4 ) facing away from one end, preferably upwardly hook ( 5 ) having. Electromotive drive for a clutch according to at least one of the preceding claims with an electric drive motor ( 15 ) with drive shaft ( 16 ) and a transmission, characterized in that the transmission with a driver ( 19 ) for actuating the movable holding element ( 3 ) and the driver ( 19 ) a loose stop for the rear end area ( 7 ) of the movable holding element ( 3 ). Drive according to claim 9, characterized in that the driver ( 19 ) in the longitudinal direction of the axis of the drive shaft ( 16 ) of the electric drive motor ( 15 ) is movable back and forth. Drive according to claim 9, characterized in that the driver ( 19 ) in a direction obliquely or transversely to the axis of the drive shaft ( 16 ) of the electric drive motor ( 15 ) is movable back and forth. Drive according to claim 9, characterized in that the driver ( 19 ) is articulated. Drive according to at least one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the driver ( 19 ) a mouth ( 21 ) into which the rear end region ( 7 ) of the movable holding element dips loosely. Drive according to at least one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that as a gearbox a movably mounted threaded sleeve ( 18 ) is provided, the threaded screw ( 17 ) and the threaded sleeve ( 18 ) with the driver ( 19 ) for actuating the movable holding element ( 3 ) connected is.

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