EP1319569B1 - Coupling device, especially for a railway vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The coupling device has at least one coupling claw (1) with corresponding coupling gap (2). each coupling claw on one side, and each coupling cap on the other side, are symmetric to a mirror plane running in the coupling direction. An adapter plate (8) is fitted to enable power and signal lines to be coupled through automatically.

Description

The invention relates to a coupling arrangement of a first car body for Connecting the first car body with an adjacent second car body a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle.

To improve the competitiveness of the railway, especially with regard to Freight transport is an EU-wide harmonization of transport policies required. An important point here is the adaptation of the individual Countries of the European Union different applied technical Coupling principles. The aim is a uniform automatic clutch introduce, which is to replace the previous screw couplings. Next An EU-wide harmonization of the coupling principle leads the automatic clutch Furthermore, a significant reduction in the time factor in maneuvering, which are required in particular for freight transport to a large extent.

[Paragraph deleted]

The different demands of the European railway companies to the planned automatic clutch principle are in a technical catalog of demands UIC Code 522-2 VE November 1994 according to the fifth Meeting of UIC SG 45-B-40. One key point concerns the Demand that the conventional manually operated jaw clutches with To convert as little material costs to an automatic coupling have to be. Furthermore, the entire clutch mass in the automatic Couplings do not grow significantly. As part of the intensified competition On the rail is also a significant point that the conversion as possible inexpensive must be done. Furthermore, it is imperative that a new introduced automatic clutch even with the conventional screw coupling is compatible.

From the prior art are a variety of execution options automatic coupling for rail vehicles, in particular an automatic Zugkupplung, known.

Representative is on the two documents DE 199 47 829 A1 and EP 0 230 263 B1. The conventional described in these publications Solutions consist essentially of a coupling head with centering surfaces, a coupling arm, a bolt system, an actuating system for the bolt system, a support, as well as the coupling bodies assigned Line couplings for coupling air ducts.

The originating from the year 1893 Patent DE-C-68 655 discloses an input called coupling arrangement. In this clutch assembly is at a single clutch provided a hook and a chain link, the complementary and arranged symmetrically to a mirror plane extending in the coupling direction are. The coupling members of the coupling arrangement known from the prior art are designed so that when hooking the hook slides by itself into the chain link to allow an automatic clutch.

From the document CH 85019 A is a to a coupling pin of a towing hook a screw coupling pivotally arranged coupling arrangement known. That coupling arrangement has a housing, which in turn serves as a coarse centering device for the self-centering of two when establishing the connection with each other Coupling arrangements to be verkuppeln three so-called horns. Further are two z-like levers on the top or bottom of the housing rotatable around arranged a bolt which serve as a coupling hook.

Since the application of the operating principle of the screw coupling in a automatic clutch was previously considered problematic, based known automatic clutches on other coupling principles. Thereby can the previously proposed automatic clutch principles in in the UIC Code 522-2 in November 1994 in accordance with the fifth meeting of UIC SG 45-B-40 laid down technical catalog of requirements do not fulfill. The conversion of the previous conventional screw couplings on the proposed automatic clutches proves to be relative costly and expensive, which is particularly in the highly competitive competitive business of rail freight transport is practically unworkable.

The present invention is therefore based on the problem, such a the railway vehicle technology known manually operated screw coupling in such a way that this automatic coupling of adjacent car bodies allows. With a view to meeting the different demands The goal of the European railway companies is to strive for one automatic coupling based on the previously used manually operated To develop screw couplings. Furthermore, in the automatic clutch too Note that the entire coupling mass compared to the present state not grows significantly. Another point is that the automatic Clutch continues to work with the conventional manual screw coupling must be compatible. Furthermore, the problem is an automatic To propose clutch assembly, in which the conversion of the previously used manual clutch with the lowest possible financial and technical Effort is feasible.

On the basis of the described problem, the present invention the object of developing a coupling of the type mentioned in such a way that they are the essential points of the function determination required by the UIC concerning an automatic coupling for rail vehicles as optimally fulfilled.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1, wherein in the coupling arrangement of a first car body for Connecting the first car body with an adjacent second car body a multi-unit vehicle of the type mentioned the bolt is a coupling bolt of a tow hook of a screw coupling, and Furthermore, in the coupling arrangement of the first car body both of at least a coupling hook and the corresponding number of complementary coupling hooks are pivotally mounted about the coupling pin (4).

The solution according to the invention contrasts with a number of significant advantages the known from rail vehicle technology and explained above Coupling arrangements on. On the one hand, the symmetrical structure of the Coupling hook and the complementarily arranged complementary coupling hook the possibility that always two identically constructed coupling heads for Coupling can be used. On the other hand, elements for Catch the clutch with those combined for power transmission. An essential The advantage is that by the use of at least two verkuppelnden Elements a Kraftflussteilung due to a parallelogram of the Coupling elements is realized. For this reason, the inventive Coupling arrangement can be designed for higher tensile loads. This corresponds especially a UIC standard and leads to an increase in the work efficiency of the used train association. By the arrangement according to the invention, namely that the coupling hook and the complementary coupling hook together with the Tow hook of a conventional screw on the coupling pin this previously used screw coupling are mounted to this pivotally, it is possible that car bodies, which with the clutch assembly according to the invention already equipped, as before with conventional car bodies, which with the traditional screw coupling are equipped verkuppelt can. For this it is necessary that the coupling hook and the complementary coupling hook folded down around the coupling bolt of the screw coupling become. This conversion is done in a few steps. Especially by the use of components from the screw coupling, namely the Tow hook and the coupling pin, the solution according to the invention comprises only one small number of parts that need to be rebuilt. An advantage of this is that the solution according to the invention on the one hand a particularly low On the other hand, the financial as well as the material Effort for a conversion extremely low. Thus, hereby essential Points from the catalog of demands of the UIC met.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

One possible constructional realization is that the coupling hook of the Clutch assembly of the first car body is shaped so that it during the coupling process by itself in a corresponding complementary coupling hook a clutch assembly of the second car body slides. The main advantage this embodiment is that thereby the inventive coupling arrangement only an automatic coupling in the simplest way possible. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable here.

In an advantageous embodiment of the coupling arrangement according to the invention it is provided that the coupling arrangement further comprises a centering device, with a corresponding complementary arranged centering the Coupling arrangement of the second car body for self-centering of the Establishing the connection of the clutch assemblies to be coupled together the first and second car body cooperates. This centering device It also allows automatic coupling of adjacent car bodies completely without manual assistance. This will be the Work efficiency of the train considered significantly increased.

In an advantageous embodiment, the centering device is a guide pin and a symmetrically arranged to the mirror plane guide tube provided. Guide pins and guide tubes have in similar devices as Centering already proven. Thus, this can be based on the state of the art be resorted to, so that a new development on this point is no more necessary is. The advantage here is especially that guide pin and guide tubes in the radial direction with respect to the Hauptzug- and main thrust direction only leave little play. As a result, especially a shift in the vertical direction is not more is possible. The centering device in this advantageous embodiment as Guide pin or guide tube thus also serves as a rigor, which ensures that also in the vertical direction an alignment of Fixation takes place. Of course, here are other embodiments as Centering conceivable.

In a particularly preferred manner, it is provided that a funnel as Grobzentriereinrichtung is placed axially on the guide tube. This becomes the self-centering property the centering device of the coupling arrangement according to the invention strengthened. Other coarse centering devices are also natural here conceivable.

Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the coupling arrangement according to the invention provided an adapter plate, wherein the adapter plate in Contact surface of the clutch assembly is located, and wherein the adapter plate on the Guide pin of the centering or on the guide tube against the force is mounted displaceably by spring elements. At the adapter plate contacts can or complementary contacts for the coupling of power and data signal lines be executed.

To guarantee that the automatic co-coupling of power and data lines error-free and whenever possible without incident can, in a preferred embodiment, the adapter plate with its own Centering device, in particular a groove / pin arrangement, which in similar Application areas already tested, equipped. Of course, here are But also own centering the adapter plates conceivable.

In a possible realization of the coupling arrangement according to the invention Fixing provided, which unintentional release of the durchgekuppelten Prevent clutch assembly. This has the advantage that the inventive Coupling arrangement can be used reliably. Especially when Freight traffic occurs mainly strong vibrations and vibrations, so that a clutch assembly in the durchkkoppeltelten state in an advantageous manner Fixing devices should be equipped. This allows one as possible trouble-free application of the clutch assembly can be ensured.

One possible realization of such a fixing device consists of rotatable Springs, which after coupling the coupling hook with the associated Complementary coupling hook fixed.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the invention Coupling arrangement for coupling of adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit Vehicle particular rail vehicle with reference to the drawings explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispieles der erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungsanordnung;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht auf den Kontaktspiegel der Kupplungsanordnung des Ausführungsbeispieles gemäß Fig. 1; und

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1, in einer Position beim konventionellen Kuppeln über Zughaken.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the coupling arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

Fig. 4

a view of the contact mirror of the clutch assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

Fig. 5

a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in a position during conventional coupling via tow hooks.

Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the invention Clutch arrangement. The main body is one as Welded construction trained device, which together with the - Coupling hook 1 and the complementary coupling hook 2 on the hitch 3 a traditional screw coupling is attached. These three ingredients will be on the coupling pin 4 of the conventional screw usually the coupling bracket carries with the spindle, pivotally mounted. On the bottom of the main body are welded two form tubes as guides, wherein in the in Fig. 1 selected perspective only one guide tube 5 is visible, while the second is obscured by components. The visible guide tube serves as a guide pin 5, the other concealed as a guide tube 6. Guide pin 5 and guide tube. 6 serve as a centering device 13 for self-centering two in the manufacture of Connection with each other to verkuppelnder clutch assemblies. To introduce of the guide pin 5 in a corresponding guide tube 6 to a second To facilitate coupling engagement arrangement, serves a Grobzentriereinrichtung, which by an axially placed on the guide tube 6 and is formed at the free end as an opening funnel 7.

On the underside of the main body are in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the coupling assembly according to the invention an adapter plate 8 with Contacts 9 or due to the chosen perspective concealed complementary contacts 10 arranged as a terminal for energy, signal or data transmission. The adapter plate 8 lies in the contact mirror of the clutch assembly, and the Contacts 9 and complementary contacts 10 are arranged mirror-symmetrically. The Adapter plate 8 is on the guide pin 5 and the guide tube 6 against the Force of spring elements 11 slidably mounted and is by the spring force fixed. For better guidance of the adapter plate 8 is a self-centering 12, which is designed here as a groove / pin arrangement.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. As already in Fig. 1 described here is in particular the tow hook 3 of the traditional To recognize screw coupling. Furthermore, the complementary coupling hook 2 in the foreground, and its arrangement in cooperation with the Coupling pin 4 to see. In this illustration, the guide pin 5 is below the tow hook 3 together with the spring elements 11 and the adapter plate 8 as to recognize everything completely. In contrast, the guide tube 6 of the guide pin 5 partially hidden, here is only a part of the funnel 7 as Grobzentriereinrichtung to recognize. Reference numeral 101 denotes the coupling direction the coupling arrangement according to the invention.

The dome-ready position is sprung in vertical and horizontal plane Stops 14 guaranteed. In addition, spring elements 11 act during Coupling process as attenuators in the horizontal direction. The guide plates, which include the spring elements 11 are compared with the conventional Guide plates of the tow hook 3 exchanged and attached so that the springs 11 attack directly over the pressure plates on the tow hook 3.

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. This view illustrates in particular, in which way in the inventive solution the newly introduced elements, namely the coupling hook 1, the complementary coupling hook 2, the guide pin 5 and the guide tube 6, with the traditional Elements of the previous screw, namely with the tow hook 3 and the coupling pin 4, are combined. In the selected in Fig. 3 Perspective falls the coupling direction 101 with the mirror plane 100, with respect which of the contact mirrors of the coupling arrangement according to the invention symmetrically is built together.

Fig. 4 shows a view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein the Contact surface of the clutch assembly is shown. The contact level is symmetrical constructed with respect to the mirror plane 100. In this illustration are in particular the contacts 9 and the complementary contacts 10, which each as Terminal for data or energy transmission are formed on the guide pin 5 or in the guide tube 6 recognizable. Furthermore, the self-centering comes 12 of the adapter plate 8 to advantage.

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a Position for conventional coupling via draw hooks 3. For mixed coupling, i.e. for coupling the coupling arrangement according to the invention with a traditional one Screw coupling is the coupling head, consisting of the coupling hook 1, the complementary coupling hook 2, the guide pin 5, the Guide tube 6 and the adapter plate 8 folded down. As a rotation axis is used here the coupling bolt used in the traditional screw coupling 4. In this position, the clutch assembly according to the invention with a traditional Screw coupling be verkuppelt. For this purpose, the tow hook takes 3 a clutch bracket of the traditional screw coupling on.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

coupling hook

2

Complementary coupling hook

3

Hitch

4

coupling pin

5

spigot

6

guide tube

7

funnel

8th

adapter plate

9

contacts

10

complementary contacts

11

spring elements

12

Eigenzentriereinrichtung

13

centering

14

Stop (sprung)

100

mirror plane

101

coupling direction

Claims (9)

1. Coupling arrangement of a first wagon box for connecting the first wagon box to an adjacent second wagon box of a multi-part vehicle, in particular of a rail vehicle, with a draw hook, at least one coupling hook (1) and with a corresponding number of complementarily arranged complementary coupling hooks (2) designed for receiving a corresponding coupling hook of a coupling arrangement of the second wagon box, in the coupling arrangement of the first wagon box each coupling hook (1) being arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical mirror plane (100), which runs in the coupling -direction (101) and lies in a central position of the wagon box width, in relation to a complementary coupling hook (2), and the said coupling hook(s) and complementary coupling hook(s) being articulated on the first wagon box via a bolt (4) extending at right angles to the mirror plane (100), the bolt (4) being a coupling bolt of a draw hook (3) of a screw coupling, and furthermore in the coupling arrangement of the first wagon box both the at least one coupling hook (1) and the corresponding number of complementary coupling hooks (2) being mounted pivotably about the coupling bolt (4).
2. Coupling arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one coupling hook (1) of the coupling arrangement of the first wagon box is shaped in such a way that during the coupling operation it comes into engagement by itself with a corresponding complementary coupling hook of the coupling arrangement of the second wagon box, to be precise by the coupling hook (1) of the coupling arrangement of the first wagon box sliding into a corresponding complementary coupling hook of the coupling arrangement of the second wagon box.
3. Coupling arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling arrangement furthermore comprises a centring device (13), which interacts with a correspondingly complementarily arranged centring device (13) of the second wagon box for self-centring of the coupling arrangements of the first and second wagon box, which arrangements are to be coupled together with one another when the connection is made.
4. Coupling arrangement according to Claim 3, characterized in that the centring device (13) comprises a guide pin (5) and a guide tube (6) which is arranged symmetrically in relation to the mirror plane (100).
5. Coupling arrangement according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the coupling arrangement furthermore comprises a rough centring device, which is formed by a funnel (7) mounted axially on the guide tube (6) and opening at the free end.
6. Coupling arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling arrangement furthermore comprises an adaptor plate (8), the adaptor plate (8) lying in the contact interface of the coupling arrangement, and the adaptor plate (8) being mounted displaceably on the guide pin (5) and/or on the guide tube (6) counter to the force of spring elements (11).
7. Coupling arrangement according to Claim 6, characterized in that the adaptor plate (8) is equipped with a self-centring device (12), in particular a groove/pin arrangement.
8. Coupling arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling arrangement furthermore comprises a fixing device for preventing unintentional release of the through-coupled coupling arrangement.
9. Coupling arrangement according to Claim 8, characterized in that the fixing device comprises torsion springs, which are mounted rotatably on a bolt.

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