DE202014007339U1 - Coupling head for a track-guided vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A track guided vehicle coupling head (20) for mechanically connecting to a mating coupling head (20 '), the coupling head (20) comprising: - a locking element (1) for preventing unintentional release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head (20 ) and a counter-coupling head (20 ') coupled to the coupling head (20), the locking element (1) being prevented from a first position in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head (20) and the counter-coupling head (20') is prevented. in a second position in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head (20) and the counter-coupling head (20 ') is made possible, is movable; - A first and a second actuating element (2, 3) which are each vertically to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head (20) movable and connected to the locking element (1) such that upon movement of the actuating elements (2, 3) relative to the coupling head (20), the locking element (1) from its first to its second position and vice versa can be transferred; and - a lever member (4) having a first portion (4a) to which an end portion of the first operating member (2) is hinged so that upon pivoting of the lever member (4), the first operating member (2) vertical to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head (20) is moved, wherein the lever element (4) further comprises a second region (4b) for cooperating with an end portion of a second actuating element (3 ') coupled to the coupling head (20), identical counter-coupling head (20') in that during pivoting of the lever element (4) the second actuating element (3 ') of the mating coupling head (20') is movable vertically relative to the mating coupling head (20 '), and - a bearing is provided for supporting the lever element (4) between the first and the second region (4a, 4b) such that the lever element (4) is pivotable about a predeterminable vertical axis, characterized in that the bearing in a bearing block (5) is arranged, whose width is smaller than the width of the lever elements (4).

Description

The invention relates to a coupling head for a track-guided vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, according to the preamble of the independent claim 1.

The invention relates to a coupling head for a track-guided vehicle for forming a mechanical connection with an identical counter-coupling head, wherein the coupling head has a locking element which serves to prevent inadvertent release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head and a coupling head coupled to the coupling head. The locking element is movable from a first position, in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head and the counter-coupling head is prevented, to a second position, in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head and the counter-coupling head is made possible.

Furthermore, the generic coupling head on a first and a second actuating element which are each movable vertically to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head and connected to the locking element such that upon movement of the actuating elements relative to the coupling head, the locking element from its first to its second position and conversely is convertible. In order to move the actuating elements relative to the coupling head, a lever element is further provided, which has a first region, to which an end portion of the first actuating element is articulated such that upon pivoting of the lever member, the first actuating element is moved vertically to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head wherein the lever member further comprises a second portion for cooperating with an end portion of a second actuating element coupled to the coupling head, identical counter-coupling head such that upon pivoting of the lever member, the second actuating element of the counter-coupling head is movable vertically to the coupling direction relative to the counter-coupling head.

Such a coupling head is already known, at least in principle, from the prior art. As an example, a coupling head of a central buffer coupling of the type Georg Fischer is called.

In detail, a mechanism for releasing the mechanical connection between two mutually coupled coupling heads is used in so-called Georg Fischer couplings (GF coupling), which is structurally and functionally comparable to the mechanism described at the outset consisting of locking element, first actuating element, second actuator and lever member. Depending on the type of coupling, uncoupling can be effected either automatically or manually. Coupling heads of GF couplings each have a locking element to prevent inadvertent release of the mechanical connection between two coupled coupling heads. Accordingly, the mechanical connection between two coupled coupling heads of a GF coupling is secured by two locking elements. To release this connection consequently both locking elements must be opened.

Mechanisms for releasing two coupling heads are known from the prior art, wherein usually a common lever element is used, which is in operative connection with the locking elements of both coupling heads, so that they are released simultaneously upon actuation of the lever member. The use of a common lever element with which an actuating element of the coupling on the one hand and an actuating element of the counter-coupling on the other hand cooperate, represents an easy to implement and effective solution with which the uncoupling is executable.

However, it has been shown that with this mechanism, the uncoupling is possible only smoothly when the coupled coupling heads are not under tensile load. Especially with larger tensile loads, there is the danger that the two locking elements which hold together the coupled coupling heads will not be unlocked synchronously. This has the consequence that the locking elements are not taken at the same time from the power flow and triggers a locking element earlier than the second locking element, as a result, the full tensile force acts on the second locking element. In this case, it is often no longer or very difficult to separate the coupling heads from each other.

A known from the prior art coupling head of the type Georg-Fischer can be coupled in a with a matching counter-coupling head. The coupling head has a lever element for releasing the mechanical connection between the coupling head and the mating coupling head. The lever member has a first portion where it is connected to the upper end portion of a first operating member. The connection point between the lever element and the first actuating element determines in this case the vertical axis of rotation about which the lever element is pivotable. In its front region, the lever element rests on the upper end region of a second actuating element. The both actuators are each connected to a locking element. The locking elements serve to positively connect the coupling heads with each other.

To decouple the two coupling heads, the lever element is deflected, as a result of which the first area connected to the lever element, the first actuating element is pulled vertically out of the coupling head. Since the first actuating element is directly connected to the locking element, a force transmission takes place, which transfers the locking element from a first, closed position to a second, open position.

At the same time, when the lever element is deflected, the second actuating element of the counter-coupling head is pressed into the counter-coupling head by the reaction force on the second region of the lever element. Also, the second actuator is connected to a locking element and is also used to transfer the locking element from a first closed position to a second open position.

The second actuating element is accordingly connected to the locking element of the counter-coupling head. Ideally, after deflection of the lever element, the locking elements of the coupling head and the counter-coupling head in its open position and the two coupling heads can be separated from each other.

Often, however, can not be prevented that the coupling heads are under tensile load during uncoupling. Therefore, there is a risk that one of the actuating elements jams and the associated locking element can not be opened thereby. In the solution known from the prior art, however, it is possible that the other, not jammed actuator is still moved and unlocks the corresponding locking element. Then the entire tensile load is transmitted to the locking element of the other coupling head. This has the consequence that the coupling heads are not readily decoupled.

From the EP 2 371 658 A1 a development of the coupling head of the aforementioned type is known in which further comprises a bearing for supporting the lever member between the first and the second region is provided such that the lever member is pivotable about a predetermined vertical axis. In this way, a horizontal axis of rotation is defined for the lever element between its first and its second area, wherein two translational degrees of freedom of the lever element are fixed or at least be predetermined in advance, so that the lever element can only be pivoted about the axis of rotation. By setting the pivotal movement of the lever member can be effectively prevented that a locking element is opened, while the locking element of the other coupling head clamps. The lever member is assigned in this respect a rotation axis, which ensures a uniform force distribution on both connected to the locking elements actuators. Consequently, it is guaranteed that the actuators are driven synchronously and the locking elements are always opened at the same time. Thus, the release of the clutch is possible even under high tensile loads. Furthermore, the locking elements are spared by the simultaneous release, as they can not be charged individually to train.

The object of the invention is to develop the existing coupling head such that a housing close concern of the lever elements for actuating the decoupling is possible.

The solution of the problem is provided by the characterizing features of claim 1.

In a preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the bearing has a vertically aligned shaft which defines the pivot axis of the lever element. This shaft is stored in a bearing block. This bearing block is compact, so that it does not affect the starting position of the lever member.

In order for the lever element to bear tightly against the housing of the coupling head, the basic idea of the invention as bearing is to provide a bearing block whose width is smaller than the width of the lever elements. This results in the possibility that the bearing block can be arranged within the lever elements, so that a housing close concern of the lever elements is possible and the bearing block is not disturbing.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the respective lever element is designed in such a way that it has a recess which is suitable at least partially for accommodating the body structure of the bearing block. Due to the fact that the bearing block is narrower than the lever elements wide, this is possible.

In a further development it is provided that the lever element consists of two mutually spaced rod elements, wherein the distance is dimensioned such that this is greater than the width of the bearing block. Thus, the bearing block fits between the rod elements. A simple application of the handle element, which is arranged at the end of the lever member, is possible without the proven lever design and mechanics of the coupling head must be left.

The bearing block is designed as a preferably block-shaped block, which thereby also can provide a wide bearing surface within the groove for receiving the shaft.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the solution according to the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupled coupling head;

2 an enlarged view of the area of the second actuating element of the coupling head.

1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a coupling head 20 of the present invention in the coupled state. The coupling head 20 serves to form a mechanical connection with a matching counter-coupling head 20 ' , For this purpose, the coupling head 20 a locking element 1 on, for preventing inadvertent release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head 20 and one with the coupling head 20 coupled counter-coupling head 20 ' serves. In detail, it is provided that the locking element 1 from a first position, in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head 20 and the mating head 20 ' is prevented, in a second position, in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head 20 and the mating head 20 ' is possible, is movable.

For this purpose, the coupling head 20 a first and a second actuating element 2 . 3 on, each vertical to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head 20 movable and so with the locking element 1 are connected, that during a movement of the actuating elements 2 . 3 relative to the coupling head 20 the locking element 1 from its first to its second position and vice versa.

Furthermore, a lever element 4 provided that a first area 4a has, at which an end portion of the first actuating element 2 is hinged such that when pivoting the lever member 4 the first actuating element 2 vertical to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head 20 is moved. The lever element 4 also has a second area 4b on, with an end portion of a second actuating element 3 cooperates such that upon pivoting of the lever member 4 the second actuator 3 vertical to the coupling direction. The first actuator 2 of the coupling head 20 is in operative connection with the second actuating element 3 ' of the counter-coupling head 20 ' , The second actuator 3 of the coupling head 20 is in operative connection with the first actuating element 2 ' of the counter-coupling head 20 , For the sake of simplicity, the reference numerals of the counter-coupling head 20 ' the identical to the coupling head 20 is formed, marked with a "'".

The coupling head according to the invention 20 is characterized by the fact that furthermore a storage block 5 is provided for supporting the lever member 4 between the first and the second area 4a . 4b such that the lever element 4 is pivotable about a predetermined vertical axis.

In detail, in the illustrated embodiment of the coupling head according to the invention 20 provided that the location block 5 a vertical shaft 6 As a result, the vertical pivot axis of the lever member 4 is set, the wave 6 at the coupling head 20 is preferably releasably attached (enlarged in 2 shown). Furthermore, by the storage of the lever element 4 on the shaft 6 ensures that the lever element 4 only lets move, as long as both actuators 2 . 3 are movable.

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment of the coupling head according to the invention 20 provided that the shaft 6 in a groove extending in the coupling direction 7 so absorbed that the shaft 6 when pivoting the lever element 4 is performed in the coupling direction to compensate for a change in length of the lever arm between the shaft 6 and the first area 4a of the lever element 4 at which the end portion of the first actuating element 2 is articulated.

The storage block 5 is designed so that this in - as in 1 illustrated coupled state of coupling head 20 and mating head 20 ' at least partially between the lever element 4 fits. For this purpose, the lever element 4 a corresponding recess 10 which conforms to the contour of the bearing block 5 is. The recess is formed, for example, such that the lever element 4 from rod elements 4.1 and 4.2 is formed, which are arranged at a distance A to each other. This distance A corresponds at least to the width of the bearing block 5 so that this between the rod elements 4.1 and 4.2 can be included as in 2 can be represented.

At the free end of the lever element 4 is a handle element 9 for manual operation of the lever element 4 intended.

The decoupling of the coupled coupling heads 20 . 20 ' takes place fundamentally according to the principle known from the prior art and described above.

Due to the design of storage block 5 and lever elements 4 is a safe investment of the lever elements 4 to the housing of the coupling head 20 possible without leaving the proven kinematics and mechanics of the coupling head.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

locking element

 2, 2 '

actuator

3, 3 '

actuator

4

lever member

4.1, 4.2

bar member

4a

first area

4b

second area

5

bearing block

6

wave

7

groove

9

handle element

10

recess

20, 20 '

coupling head

A

distance

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2371658 A1 [0013]

Claims (4)

Coupling head ( 20 ) for a track-guided vehicle for forming a mechanical connection with a matching counter-coupling head ( 20 ' ), wherein the coupling head ( 20 ) comprises: - a locking element ( 1 ) for preventing unintentional release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head ( 20 ) and one with the coupling head ( 20 ) coupled counter-coupling head ( 20 ' ), wherein the locking element ( 1 ) from a first position in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head ( 20 ) and the mating head ( 20 ' ) is prevented, in a second position in which a release of the mechanical connection between the coupling head ( 20 ) and the counter-coupling head ( 20 ' ) is movable; A first and a second actuating element ( 2 . 3 ), each vertical to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head ( 20 ) and in such a way with the locking element ( 1 ) are connected, that during a movement of the actuating elements ( 2 . 3 ) relative to the coupling head ( 20 ) the locking element ( 1 ) is convertible from its first to its second position and vice versa; and - a lever element ( 4 ), a first area ( 4a ), on which an end region of the first actuating element ( 2 ) is articulated such that when pivoting the lever element ( 4 ) the first actuating element ( 2 ) vertical to the coupling direction relative to the coupling head ( 20 ) is moved, wherein the lever element ( 4 ) a second area ( 4b ) for cooperation with an end region of a second actuating element ( 3 ' ) one with the coupling head ( 20 ) coupled, identical Gegenkupplungskopfes ( 20 ' ) such that when pivoting the lever element ( 4 ) the second actuating element ( 3 ' ) of the counter-coupling head ( 20 ' ) vertical to the coupling direction relative to the mating coupling head ( 20 ' ) is movable, and - a bearing is provided for supporting the lever element ( 4 ) between the first and the second area ( 4a . 4b ) such that the lever element ( 4 ) is pivotable about a predetermined vertical axis, characterized in that the bearing in a bearing block ( 5 ) is arranged, whose width is smaller than the width of the lever elements ( 4 ). Coupling head according to claim 1, characterized in that in the lever element ( 4 ) in the area of the storage block ( 5 ) a recess ( 10 ) for at least partially receiving the storage block ( 5 ) in a position of the lever elements ( 4 ) is provided. Coupling head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lever elements ( 4 ) of parallel guided rod elements ( 4.1 . 4.2 ), which are arranged at a distance A. Coupling head according to claim 3, characterized in that the distance A is greater than the width of the bearing block ( 5 ).

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