EP1985518B1 - Automatic pivot coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

The central buffer coupling (1) has a pivoting mechanism (10) with a slotted gate fixed to one shaft component (5) and has a sliding guide. A cam disc is mounted at a rotatable manner about the rotational axis formed by the connecting pin and has a cam disc guide. One end of the bolt is received in a bolt guide in the sliding guide while another end is received in the bolt guide in the cam disc guide such that upon rotation of the cam disc about the rotational axis, a portion of the resulting torque can be transmitted from the cam disc and to the slotted gate through the bolt. Each rotational position of the cam disc corresponds to a specific position of the end of the bolt guide delegated to the slotted gate in the sliding guide.

Description

The present invention relates to a central buffer coupling with a coupling head, a coupling shaft and attachable to the front side of a car body bearing block, wherein the coupling shaft has a coupling head supporting the front shaft portion and a horizontal pivotally hinged to the bearing block rear shaft portion relative to one another by a connecting bolt defined axis of rotation in the horizontal plane are pivotable, and wherein the central buffer coupling further comprises a pivoting mechanism for pivoting the front shaft portion relative to the rear shaft portion.

Such a bent coupling is known in principle from the prior art, in particular from rail vehicle technology well known. For example, in the document EP 0 640 519 A1 a central buffer coupling for rail vehicles described which comprises a coupling shaft bearing the front shaft portion and a horizontal pivotally hinged to the frame of the rail vehicle rear shaft portion formed two-piece coupling shaft, the two shaft parts are interconnected by a vertical connecting pin.

In articulated couplings having a two- or multi-part coupling shaft, so that the coupling head is pivoted, for example, when not in use in the vehicle profile, comes to swinging in and out of the coupling head and for unlocking and locking the shaft parts in the on and swung-out state of the coupling shaft usually a pivoting mechanism is used, which usually at least one solenoid or the like device for realizing the Locking and unlocking and in addition to this at least one linear drive or the like device for realizing the input and Ausschwenkvorganges includes. Accordingly, it is necessary in such middle buffer couplings to provide them with various brackets, etc. for securing the drives of the pivoting mechanism. On the one hand, this requirement leads to a relatively complex construction of the central buffer coupling and, on the other hand, to an increase in the coupling weight.

In addition, the relatively complex construction of the pivoting mechanism resulting from the articulated couplings conventionally used in the prior art necessitates a large number of additional processing steps in the production of the central buffer coupling or in the assembly of the individual components, which makes it difficult to assemble the hitherto known pivotable central buffer couplings.

Based on this problem, the present invention, the object of the invention, the construction of a central buffer coupling of the type mentioned, so the structure of a central buffer coupling, the coupling head by using a multi-part coupling shaft in the vehicle profile can be pivoted and swung in the coupling plane, to simplify overall , In particular, a pivoting mechanism is to be specified in which it is possible to dispense with two drives which operate separately from one another for realizing the locking and unlocking and for realizing the pivoting-in and swiveling-out operation.

This object is achieved in that in a central buffer coupling of the type mentioned the pivoting mechanism on one of the two shaft parts, for example, on the front shaft part, rigidly mounted and a slide guide having scenery, one about the defined by the connecting pin rotation axis and a rotatably mounted Cam plate having cam, as well as one connected to the other of the two shaft parts, for example, with the rear shaft part, bolt whose first end of a bolt guide in the slide guide and the second end of the bolt guide in the cam guide is respectively accommodated such that upon rotation of the cam about the axis of rotation, the resulting torque is at least partially transferable from the cam on the bolt on the backdrop, each rotational position of the cam of a particular position of the first associated with the backdrop E Ndes the bolt guide of the bolt in the slide guide corresponds.

A pivoting mechanism for pivoting a coupling shaft consisting of a link and a cam is of the document EP 1 538 057 A1 known. However, this pivoting mechanism has a different interpretation than the present invention, inter alia because it is mounted on the car body, so that the pivoting movement is more limited.

The achievable with the inventive solution advantages are obvious. By using a Verschwenkmechanismusses consisting of a backdrop and a cam, which interact with the aid of a bolt, eliminating the previous solutions required for locking and unlocking solenoid and the required for buckling and bending linear drive compared to the previous solutions. Since in the solution proposed here with one and the same mechanism both the function of locking and unlocking of the two shaft forming the coupling shaft parts, as well as the function of effecting a buckling and buckling of the coupling shaft are met, the pivoting mechanism of the central buffer can be constructed overall simpler become. In particular, the pivoting mechanism is characterized by its compact design, which allows space-saving integration in the articulated coupling according to the invention. Since only a single drive is required for realizing the locking and unlocking and for realizing the insertion and Auswenkvorganges by the use of the optimized pivoting, the number of components can be reduced in the center buffer coupling according to the invention, which is particularly advantageous on the coupling weight effect.

With regard to the Verschwenkmechanismusses is particularly provided that a force exerted on the cam torque about the defined by the connecting pin axis of rotation on the bolt on the gate is transferable, since the latch engages on the one hand in the cam guide and on the other hand in the slotted guide. Since the slide on one of the two shaft parts, for example, on the front shaft part, and the cam on the other of the two shaft parts, for example, on the rear shaft part, respectively, the torque transmitted to the backdrop when turning the cam directly to pivot the Both shaft parts are used relative to each other, so as to realize a swinging in and out of the mounted on the front shaft part coupling head, for example, in the coupling plane or in the vehicle profile.

The required rotation of the cam about the axis defined by the connecting pin rotation axis can be effected in different ways. For example, it is conceivable that a manually operable drive, an electric or a pneumatic or hydraulic drive is provided for this purpose. It is essential that in the swung-out state of the coupling shaft, ie in a state when the two shaft parts of the coupling shaft are not swung relative to each other and lie on the coupling longitudinal axis, with the central buffer coupling in the longitudinal direction this force flow to be transmitted does not pass over the bolt itself, but over the connecting bolt, by which the two shaft parts of the coupling shaft are pivotally connected to each other in a horizontal plane.

It can be seen that in contrast to the pivoting mechanisms known from the prior art in the proposed solution for pivoting the coupling shaft and a rotary drive can be used, which further simplifies the structure and operation of the Verschwenkmechanismusses.

Advantageous developments of the solution according to the invention are specified in the subclaims.

In a preferred embodiment of the slotted guide or the cam guide is provided that it is designed as a guide slot, in which the respectively associated end of the bolt guide of the bolt is added. In other words, this means that in a case when the slotted guide is formed as a guide slot, the first associated end of the bolt guide of the bolt is received in the guide slot that guided over this guide the bolt according to the shape of the guide slot in the backdrop becomes. On the other hand, the cam plate guide may be formed as a guide slot, in which case the guide disc associated with the second end of the bolt guide of the bolt is guided in this guide slot accordingly. On the other hand, it is of course also conceivable that the slotted guide and / or the cam guide are / is formed as a guide groove, in which the respective associated end of the bolt guide of the bolt is received and guided accordingly.

In order to be able to effect an automatic pivoting of the two shaft parts of the coupling shaft relative to each other in a particularly easy to implement yet effective manner, the solution according to the invention is provided in a particularly preferred embodiment that the pivoting mechanism further controlled a preferably provided via an external control Drive, which is arranged on the one of the two shaft parts, for example on the front shaft part, relative to the one of the two shaft parts substantially immovable and designed, if necessary, the cam relative to the other of the two shaft parts, for example, to the rear shaft portion, to rotate the axis of rotation defined by the connecting pin. Because of this drive on one of the two shank parts in essentially rigid, ie immovable relative to the shaft part, the cam can be rotated relative to the other of the two shaft parts to the axis of rotation defined by the connecting bolt by actuation of the drive. When caused thereby rotation of the cam about the axis of rotation, the force exerted by the drive on the cam torque is at least partially transmitted from the cam on the bar on the backdrop, so that a relative pivoting of the two shaft parts to each other about the axis defined by the connecting pin rotation axis in horizontal level is effected.

Characterized in that each rotational position of the cam corresponds to a specific position of the gate associated first end of the bolt guide of the bolt in the slide guide, it is possible by a suitable driving the drive to pivot the two shaft parts relative to each other in a predictable event sequence. Accordingly, the functionality of a gearbox is the pivoting mechanism, in which the torque of the drive via the cam and the bolt is transmitted to the backdrop. Of course, it is also conceivable that in addition to the controllable drive or as an alternative to the pivoting mechanism has a manually operable drive, with the cam when required relative to the other of the two shaft parts, for example, to the rear shaft portion to the through Connecting pin defined axis of rotation can be rotated. A combination of such a manually operable device and a controllable drive is particularly useful if a redundant operation of the Verschwenkmechanismusses should be ensured.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the latter embodiment, in which the pivoting mechanism further comprises a controllable drive, which is arranged and designed on the one of the two shaft parts, for example on the front shaft part, if necessary, the cam plate relative to the other of the two shaft parts For example, to the rear shaft portion to rotate the axis of rotation defined by the connecting pin, it is provided that the connecting pin defining the axis of rotation extends through the cam and is fixedly connected thereto. For example, it is conceivable that the cam disc and the connecting bolt are integrally formed as a single component, such as a single casting. Moreover, it is preferred that the drive is designed to rotate the connecting bolt about the axis of rotation as needed, so as to effect a corresponding rotation of the cam about the axis of rotation defined by the connecting pin.

Of course, it is conceivable here that the drive axle of the drive does not interact directly but, for example, via a corresponding gear and / or a clutch with the connecting bolt, in order to transmit a torque to the connecting bolt if required. It can be seen that the use of the link and the cam, which interact with the aid of the bolt, the drive of the pivoting mechanism must not be designed as a linear drive. Rather, for the realization of the drive is a conventional rotary motor, in which the mechanical power is introduced in the form of a rotational movement in the pivoting mechanism.

In a particularly preferred realization of the two connected via the connecting bolt shaft parts is provided that both the front shaft portion and the rear shaft portion are each formed as a fork with two fork arms, wherein between the fork arms of a shaft portion, for example, the front shaft portion, the two fork arms of the other shaft portion, for example, the rear shaft portion, at least partially received, and wherein the cam between the two fork arms of the other shaft portion is at least partially received. In this case, the connecting bolt should pass through the two fork arms of the other shaft part and be rotatably mounted both in the fork arms of one shaft part and in the fork arms of the other shaft part about the rotation axis. This is a preferred realization of the connection between the two shaft parts of the coupling shaft, in which the pivoting mechanism of the central buffer coupling can be made extremely compact and thus particularly space-saving, wherein at the same time the entire pivoting mechanism is extremely wear-free and easy to install. Of course, other embodiments of the connection between the two shank parts of the coupling shaft are conceivable.

With regard to the slotted guide, it is preferably provided that the slotted guide has a preferably uniform circular segment-shaped guide section - depending on the position of the first associated end of the bolt guide of the bolt within the circular segment-shaped guide portion - the bending angle of the front shaft portion relative to the rear shaft portion certainly. In this embodiment, thus, the articulation angle which can be realized with the pivoting mechanism between the two shaft parts is determined via the angle enclosed by the circular segment-shaped guide section. By the of the circular segment-shaped Guide angle included angle is selected accordingly, the angle range covered in the buckling with the two shaft parts relative to each other can be adjusted in advance accordingly. Of course, it is also conceivable that not the slotted guide, but the cam guide has the preferably uniform circular segment-shaped guide portion.

In order to achieve that with the pivoting mechanism not only the two shaft parts can be pivoted relative to each other, but also a locking and unlocking of the shaft parts, for example, in the pivoted or pivoted state of the coupling shaft, can be realized in a preferred development of the last mentioned embodiment, in which, for example, the slotted guide has a preferably uniform circular segment-shaped guide portion, provided that the bolt preferably on the longitudinal axis of the coupling shaft relative to the other of the two shaft parts, for example, to the rear shaft portion, between a first position, in which the two shaft parts not are pivotable relative to each other, and a second position in which the two shaft parts are pivotable relative to each other, is movable. Furthermore, for example, the slotted guide should have at least one latching section formed at one of the two ends of the circular segment-shaped guide section, which blocks the entry of the first end of the bolt guide of the bolt into the circular segment-shaped guide section depending on the respective position of the bolt on the longitudinal axis of the coupling shaft releases. In this preferred development of the solution according to the invention thus comprises, for example, the slotted guide on the one hand preferably uniform circular segment-shaped guide portion, which describes the buckling of the coupling shaft, and on the other hand provided at both ends of the circular segment-shaped guide portion locking portions, which serve as a lock, and in which the bolt depends on the rotational position of the cam is receivable. If in detail the bolt is received in one of the two locking portions and thus no longer exists in the circular segment-shaped portion of the slide, a pivoting of the two shaft parts is blocked relative to each other, since the backdrop associated with the first end of the bolt guide of the bolt not in the buckling the coupling shaft descriptive circular segment-shaped guide section can occur.

On the other hand, starting from the above-described locked state, by a suitable rotation, the one over the second end of the bolt guide of the bolt be achieved with the latch interacting cam, that the first end of the bolt guide of the bolt is transferred from the locking portion of the slotted guide in the circular guide portion, whereby the coupling shaft merges into the unlocked state and the actual buckling process of the coupling shaft is made possible. For this purpose, the provided in the cam of the Verschwenkmechanismusses guide is designed accordingly, so that the bolt from the provided in the slotted guide latching portion to the provided in the slide guide circular guide portion (and vice versa) can be transferred.

In a particularly preferred realization of the last-mentioned embodiment, in which the latch is movable on the longitudinal axis of the coupling shaft relative to the other of the two shaft parts, for example to the rear shaft part, between a first position and a second position, it is provided that the bolt formed in the other of the two shaft parts, for example in the rear shaft part, and held in a preferably extending in the longitudinal direction of the coupling shaft elongated hole, the resulting play of the bolt in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the coupling shaft is greater than or equal to the length of the Rastabschnittes the slotted guide is. In this realization, it is thus possible that by a suitable rotation of the cam of the bolt between the first and the second position is movable, while the first end of the bolt guide of the bolt, which is associated with the sliding guide, thereby from the locking portion of the slotted guide in the circular guide section or vice versa can be transferred.

On the other hand, with regard to the cam plate guide, it is particularly preferred that it has a preferably symmetrical, substantially U- or V-shaped configuration with two leg sections and a peak section lying between the two leg sections, the cam guide and the guide link interacting in such a way that when the latch is moved between the first and second positions, the first end of the latch guide of the latch engages on the one hand in one of the two latching sections of the slide guide and the second end of the latch guide of the latch on the other hand in one of the leg sections of the cam guide, and that front shaft part is moved relative to the rear shaft part, the first end of the bolt guide of the bolt on the one hand in the circular segment-shaped guide portion of the slotted guide and the second end of the bolt guide of the bolt on the other hand in the apex portion engages the cam guide. It is a particularly easy to implement but effective way and way to form the pivoting mechanism. In particular, the respective shapes of the formed on the one hand in the link and on the other hand in the cam guides are formed to each other so that the respective guides at exactly one point are aligned with each other in plan view of the two components cam and backdrop of the pivoting mechanism, wherein at this common point of the bolt is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to provide via a suitable shaping of, for example, the cam guide with the pivoting mechanism, a kind of transmission, via which the torque generated by a drive of the Verschwenkmechanismusses can be transferred to the two relatively pivotally arranged shaft parts. A symmetrical shape of the cam guide is particularly appropriate when the locking and unlocking to run in the pivoted state of the coupling shaft, as well as in the pivoted state of the coupling shaft according to the same pattern.

Particularly preferably, it is provided in the latter embodiment that the cam guide has at least two rotary sections lying in the apex section, wherein the cam guide and the slide guide cooperate such that when the second end of the bolt guide of the bolt engages in one of the two rotary sections, the first end the bolt guide of the bolt relative to the circular segment-shaped guide portion of the slotted guide are movable. Of course, other embodiments of the cam guide are conceivable.

However, the pivoting mechanism which is used in the solution according to the invention can also be designed without the previously described functionality of unlocking and locking the two shaft parts relative to each other. If this functionality is not required, but only the functionality of the pivoting of the two shaft parts to each other is desired, it is possible that the bolt is preferably rigidly connected to the other of the two shaft parts, for example with the rear shaft portion on the longitudinal axis of the coupling shaft. Also eliminated in this embodiment, the need for locking portions in the leadership of Kullisse.

Finally, in a particularly preferred further development of all the aforementioned embodiments, it is provided that the slotted link is detachably attached to one of the two shaft parts, for example to the front shaft part. This further development makes it possible to set the pivoting range of the coupling shaft accordingly by simply exchanging the link. As indicated earlier, determines the example provided in the slide guide circular segment-shaped guide portion the bending angle of the front shaft portion relative to the rear shaft portion. Accordingly, it can be changed relative to the rear shaft part by a simple link change of interacting with the bolt circular segment-shaped guide portion and thus the bending angle of the front shaft portion.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling according to the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Mittelpufferkupplung in ihrem ausgeschwenkten Zustand;

Fig. 2a

eine Draufsicht auf den bei der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Mittelpufferkupplung zum Einsatz kommenden Verschwenkmechanismus in einem verriegelten und ausgeschwenkten Zustand der beiden Schaftteile;

Fig. 2b

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschwenkmechanismus gemäß Fig. 2a in einem entriegelten und ausgeschwenkten Zustand der beiden Schaftteile;

Fig. 2c

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschwenkmechanismus gemäß Fig. 2a in einem entriegelten und um 25° verschwenkten Zustand der beiden Schaftteile;

Fig. 2d

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschwenkmechanismus gemäß Fig. 2a in einem entriegelten und um 65° verschwenkten Zustand der beiden Schaftteile;

Fig. 2e

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschwenkmechanismus gemäß Fig. 2a in einem entriegelten und um 120° verschwenkten Zustand der beiden Schaftteile;

Fig. 2f

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschwenkmechanismus gemäß Fig. 2e beim Übergang des Riegels von dem kreissegmentförmigen Führungsabschnitt der Kulisse in den zugehörigen Rastabschnitt;

Fig. 2g

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschwenkmechanismus gemäß Fig. 2f beim Übergang des Riegels von dem kreissegmentförmigen Führungsabschnitt der Kulisse in den zugehörigen Rastabschnitt;

Fig. 2h

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschwenkmechanismus gemäß Fig. 2a in einem eingeschwenkten und verriegelten Zustand der beiden Schaftteile;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf die bei dem Verschwenkmechanismus der bevorzugten Ausführungsform zum Einsatz kommenden Kurvenscheibe; und

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf die bei dem Verschwenkmechanismus der bevorzugten Ausführungsform zum Einsatz kommenden Kulisse.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling according to the invention in its swung-out state;

Fig. 2a

a top view of the at Fig. 1 shown middle buffer coupling for use coming pivoting mechanism in a locked and swung out state of the two shaft parts;

Fig. 2b

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2a in an unlocked and swung out state of the two shaft parts;

Fig. 2c

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2a in an unlocked and pivoted by 25 ° state of the two shaft parts;

Fig. 2d

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2a in an unlocked and pivoted by 65 ° state of the two shaft parts;

Fig. 2e

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2a in an unlocked and pivoted by 120 ° state of the two shaft parts;

Fig. 2f

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2e at the transition of the bolt from the circular segment-shaped guide portion of the link in the associated latching portion;

Fig. 2g

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2f at the transition of the bolt from the circular segment-shaped guide portion of the link in the associated latching portion;

Fig. 2h

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2a in a pivoted and locked state of the two shaft parts;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the coming in the pivoting mechanism of the preferred embodiment cam; and

Fig. 4

a plan view of the upcoming in the pivoting mechanism of the preferred embodiment used scenery.

In Fig. 1 is shown in a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 according to the invention in its swung-out state. The central buffer coupling 1 has a coupling head 2, a coupling shaft 3 and a bearing block 4 which can be attached to the end face of a car body (not explicitly shown). Specifically, the coupling shaft 3 comprises a front shaft part 5 carrying the coupling head 2 and a rear shaft part 6 hinged horizontally pivotably on the bearing block 4. Both shaft parts 5, 6 are relative to each other about a rotation axis Z defined by a connecting pin 7 in the horizontal plane with the aid of a pivoting mechanism 10 made pivotable.

The pivoting mechanism 10, its structure and operation hereinafter with particular reference to the FIGS. 2a to 2h is described in more detail, serves to pivot the front shaft portion 5 relative to the rear shaft portion. 6

The pivoting mechanism 10 is composed of a rigidly attached to the front shaft portion 5 first link 11 and a rotatably mounted around the axis defined by the connecting pin 7 axis Z cam 21 together. Below the rear shaft part 6 is - not necessarily - a second link 32 is arranged. The first backdrop 11, which in a plan view in Fig. 4 is shown separately, has a slotted guide 12, in which the first end of the bolt guide 31 of a connected to the rear shaft portion 6 bolt 30 is received. On the other hand, the cam 21, which in a separate plan view in FIG Fig. 3 is shown provided with a guide 22 in which the (not visible in the drawings) second end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 is received. The bolt 30 is arranged with the first end of its bolt guide 31 and the second end of its bolt guide 31 such that upon rotation of the cam 21 about the rotation axis Z, the resulting torque at least partially transferable from the cam 21 via the bolt 30 on the link 11 is.

As shown in the drawings, in the preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 according to the invention both the slotted guide 12 and the cam plate guide 22 are each formed as a guide slot, in which the respective associated end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 is received accordingly. Of course, it is also conceivable that the respective guides 12, 22 are formed as respective guide grooves, in which the respectively associated end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 is guided.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1, the pivoting mechanism 10 further comprises a controllable drive 8, which is designed here as an externally controllable rotary electric motor. This motor 8 is immovably disposed on the front shaft portion 5 relative to the front shaft portion 5 and drives if necessary via the connecting pin 7, the cam 21 of the Verschwenkmechanismusseses 10, wherein the cam plate 21 relative to the rear shaft portion 6 defined by the connecting pin 7 Rotation axis Z is rotated. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the center buffer coupling 1 of the connecting pins 7 and the cam 21 are made as a one-piece member, and the motor 8 is designed to turn the connecting pin 7 about the rotational axis Z as needed. However, the connecting pin 7 and the cam 21 may also be in two parts, but then formed torsionally rigid to each other.

As for the connection of the two shaft parts 5, 6, is based on the Fig. 1 to recognize that the front shaft portion 5 and the rear shaft portion 6 are each formed as a fork with two fork arms 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b, wherein between the fork arms 5a, 5b of the front shaft portion 5, the two fork arms 6a, 6b of the rear Shaft part 6 are partially received, and wherein the cam 21 between the two fork arms 6a, 6b of the rear shaft portion 6 is also at least partially included. The connecting pin 7 passes through the two fork arms 6a, 6b of the rear shaft portion 6, said connecting pin 7 being located both in the fork arms 5a, 5b of the front shaft portion 5 and in the fork arms 6a, 6b of the rear shaft portion 6 is rotatably mounted about the rotation axis Z. Below the fork arm 6b, as already mentioned above, the second link 32 is arranged. This second gate 32 is not absolutely necessary; It also reaches the (upper) first gate 11.

The illustrated embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 has a pivoting mechanism 10 which is designed not only to pivot the two shaft parts 5, 6 relative to one another but also to lock and unlock the shaft parts 5, 6 in the pivoted-out and pivoted state of the coupling shaft 3 to realize. For this purpose, the latch 30 is on the longitudinal axis L of the coupling shaft 3 relative to the rear shaft portion 6 between a first position A, in which the two shaft parts 5, 6 are not pivotable relative to each other, and a second position B, in which the two Shaft parts 5, 6 are pivotable relative to each other, designed to be movable. Although not explicitly shown in the accompanying drawings, it is preferred that in the central buffer coupling 1, the latch 30 is formed in the rear shaft portion 6 and held in a long hole (not explicitly shown) extending preferably in the longitudinal direction L of the coupling shaft 3 so that a displacement of the bolt 30 between the first position A, in which the two shaft parts 5, 6 are not pivotable relative to each other, and the second position B, in which the two shaft parts are pivotable relative to each other, is made possible.

Before referring to the FIGS. 2a to 2f the operation of the pivoting mechanism 10 used in the preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 according to the invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS FIGS. 3 and 4 the coming of the pivoting mechanism 10 used cam 21 and gate 11, 32 are described in more detail. It shows Fig. 3 This cam disk guide 22 has a symmetrical, substantially U-shaped or V-shaped configuration with two leg sections 23 and one between the two leg sections 23. The cam disk guide 22 shown in FIG lying vertex section 24. Furthermore, two rotary sections 25 located in the apex section 24 are provided. The interaction of the individual sections of the cam plate guide 22 with the slide guide 12 will be described below with reference to the FIGS. 2a to 2h described in more detail.

In Fig. 4 is shown in a plan view of the pivoting mechanism 10 of the preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 of the invention coming backdrop 11. As shown, the slotted guide 12 has a preferably uniform circular segment-shaped guide section 13, which - depending on the position of the link 11 associated first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 within the circular segment-shaped guide portion 13 - the bending angle of the front shaft portion 5 relative to the rear shaft portion 6 determined. Further, the slide guide 12 comprises at each of the two ends of the circular segment-shaped guide portion 13 a latching portion 14, depending on the position A, B of the bolt 30 on the longitudinal axis L of the coupling shaft 3, the entrance of the link 11 associated first end of the latch guide 31 of Lock bar 30 in the circular segment-shaped guide section 13 locks or releases.

As is the case in the FIGS. 2a to 2h shown function, the cam plate guide 22 and the slide guide 12 on the one hand together such that in a case when the bolt 30 is moved between the first and the second position A, B, the first end of the bolt guide 31st of the bolt 30 on the one hand in one of the two locking portions 14 of the guide slot 12 and the second end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 engages on the other hand in one of the leg portions 23 of the cam guide 22, and on the other hand, that in a case when the front shaft part 5 relative to rear shaft portion 6 is moved, the first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 engages on the one hand in the circular segment-shaped guide portion 13 of the guide slot 12 and the second end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 on the other hand in the apex portion 24 of the cam guide 22. Furthermore, based on the FIGS. 2a to 2h to recognize that the cam guide 22 and the slide guide 12 cooperate such that when the second end of the latch guide 31 of the bolt 30 engages in one of the two located in the apex portion 24 of the cam guide 22 rotary sections 25, the first end of the latch guide 31 of the bolt 30th is movable relative to the circular segment-shaped guide portion 13 of the slide guide 12.

In detail is in Fig. 2a in a plan view of the in Fig. 1 shown pivoting coupling 10 used in a locked and swung-out state of the two shaft parts 5, 6 of the coupling shaft 3 shown. It can be seen here that the cam disk guide 22, on the one hand, and the slide guide 12, on the other hand, interact in such a way that they are located at exactly one point, in which the latch 30 is arranged, are aligned. This point, in which the bolt 30 is arranged, lies in the first position A, in which therefore the two shaft parts 5, 6 are not pivotable relative to each other. Specifically, there is the slide guide 12 associated with the first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 in the locking portion 14 of the slotted guide 12th

In Fig. 2b is in a plan view of the pivoting mechanism 10 according to Fig. 2a in an unlocked state of the two shaft parts 5, 6 shown. In contrast to Fig. 2a is at the in Fig. 2b shown state, the cam 21 rotated by 58 ° to the defined by the connecting pin 7 rotation axis Z. By this rotation or pivoting of the cam 21 relative to the front and rear shank part 5, 6 causes the bolt 30 from the position A (see. Fig. 2a ) is moved to position B. As already indicated, this is feasible if, for example, the bolt 30 is formed in the rear shaft part 6 and is held in a slot extending in the longitudinal direction of the coupling shaft 3. The resulting game of the bolt 30 in the longitudinal direction of the coupling shaft 3 should be greater than or at least as large as the length of the latching portion 14 of the slotted guide 12.

In Fig. 2c is in a plan view of the pivoting mechanism according to Fig. 2a or Fig. 2b in an unlocked and pivoted by 25 ° state of the two shaft parts 5, 6 shown. This pivoting of the two shaft parts 5, 6 relative to each other by 25 ° is effected by the cam 21 is further rotated about the rotation axis Z. Compared to the in Fig. 2b shown state is at the in Fig. 2c shown state, the cam 21 is rotated by another 7 °. By this further rotation of the cam 21 occurs on the one hand, the link 11 associated first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 in the circular segment-shaped guide portion 13 of the guide slot 12, while on the other hand, the cam 21 associated (not explicitly shown) second end of the bolt guide 31 of Bolt 30 has arrived in the cam guide 22 at the first provided in the apex portion 24 rotary portion 25.

In Fig. 2d is in a plan view of the pivoting mechanism 10 according to Fig. 2a in an unlocked and pivoted by 65 ° state of the two shaft parts 5, 6 shown. Compared to the in Fig. 2c shown state was at the in Fig. 2d shown state, the cam 21 is not further rotated; Rather, without further rotation of the cam 21, the front shaft part 5 can be further pivoted relative to the rear shaft part 6, since the cam 21 associated with the second end the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 is already in the rotary portion 25 of the cam guide 22. Accordingly, the second end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 remains in the rotary portion 25 of the cam 21, while the link 11 associated first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 moves further in the guide portion 13 of the guide slot 12.

In Fig. 2e is also shown in a plan view of the pivoting mechanism 10, a state in which the link 11 associated first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 has been moved to the outer end of the guide portion 13 of the link 11. Since at the in Fig. 2e shown state another pivoting of the two shaft parts 5, 6 is no longer possible relative to each other, takes place in the course of the locking of the two shaft parts 5, 6 relative to each other, which will be described with reference to the below Figures 2f to 2h is explained in more detail.

In Fig. 2f is a state shown after the first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 has entered the locking portion 14 of the link 11, wherein, however, the latch 30 is still in the unlocked position B. On the other hand, the cam plate 21 associated second end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 is now transferred by rotation of the cam 21 by another 5 ° relative to the rear shaft portion 6 from the rotary portion 25 in the apex portion 24.

In Fig. 2g a state is shown in which the cam 21 by another 20 ° relative to the in Fig. 2f shown state was rotated about the rotation axis Z. Although this rotation causes no further pivoting of the two shaft parts 5, 6 relative to each other; However, by the shape of the cam guide 22 now the bolt 30 is guided in the direction of the position A of the locking portion 14 of the link 11.

In Fig. 2h is shown in a plan view of the pivoting mechanism 10 in a pivoted and locked state of the two shaft parts 5, 6. Unlike the in Fig. 2g shown state is at the in Fig. 2h shown state, the cam 21 is rotated by a further 40 ° about the rotation axis Z, as a result, the first end of the bolt guide 31 of the bolt 30 has been further moved to the position A, so that a locked state of the two shaft parts 5, 6 is present relative to each other.

On the basis of the above-described mode of operation of the pivoting mechanism 10 used in the preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1, it can be seen that the guide section 13 of the link 11 defines the pivotable region of the two shaft parts 5, 6 relative to one another. By covering the guide section 13 with a larger or smaller circular segment section, the achievable bending angle can thus be determined in advance.

The invention is not limited to the special versions of the cam or the link of the pivoting mechanism shown in the figures. Rather, other shapes of the provided in the backdrop or the cam guides are suitable. For example, a joint consisting of fork and eye is conceivable, and the cam 21 may for example also be arranged above the gate 11. In addition, the pivoting mechanism 10 and the coupling shaft 3 with its two shank parts 5, 6 in the coupling can also be installed rotated through 180 °. Finally, instead of two scenes 11, 32, only one backdrop can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Central buffer coupling

2

coupling head

3

coupling shaft

4

bearing block

5

front shaft part

5a, b

Fork arm of the front shaft part

6

rear shaft part

6a, b

Fork arm of the rear shaft part

7

connecting bolts

8th

Drive / motor

10

pivoting

11

first backdrop

12

link guide

13

circular segment-shaped guide section

14

detent portion

21

cam

22

Cam guide

23

leg portion

24

crest portion

25

rotating portion

30

bars

31

bolt guide

32

second backdrop

A

first position of the bolt

B

second position of the bolt

L

coupling longitudinal axis

Z

axis of rotation

Claims (13)

1. A central buffer coupling (1) having a coupling head (2), a coupling shaft (3) and a bearing block (4) attachable to the front face of a car body, wherein the coupling shaft (3) comprises a front shaft component (5) bearing the coupling head (2) and a rear shaft component (6) coupled to the bearing block (4) so as to be horizontally pivotable relative one another in the horizontal plane about a rotational axis (Z) defined by a connecting pin (7), and wherein the central buffer coupling (1) further comprises a pivoting mechanism (10) for pivoting the front shaft component (5) relative the rear shaft component (6),
   characterized in that
   the pivoting mechanism (10) comprises a slotted gate (11) fixedly attached to one of the two shaft components (5; 6), for example the front shaft component (5), and having a sliding guide (12); a cam disc (21) rotatably mounted about the rotational axis (Z) defined by the connecting pin (7) and having a cam disc guide (22); and a bolt (30) connecting the one to the other of the two shaft components (6; 5), for example the rear shaft component (6), the first end of which is received in a bolt guide (31) in the sliding guide (12) and the second end of which is received in the bolt guide (31) in the cam disc guide (22) in each case such that upon rotation of the cam disc (21) about the rotational axis (Z), at least a portion of the resulting torque can be transferred from the cam disc (21) to the slotted gate (11) through the bolt (30), wherein each rotational position of the cam disc (21) corresponds to a specific position of the first end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) provided for the slotted gate (11) in the sliding guide (12).
2. The central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 1, wherein
   the sliding guide (12) of the slotted gate (11) and/or the cam disc guide (22) of the cam disc (21) is/are configured as a guide slot in which the respectively designated end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) is received.
3. The central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
   the sliding guide (12) of the slotted gate (11) and/or the cam disc guide (22) of the cam disc (21) is/are configured as a guide groove in which the respectively designated end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) is received.
4. The central buffer coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
   the pivoting mechanism (10) further comprises an actuatable drive (8) disposed on one of the two shaft components (5; 6), for example the front shaft component (5), so as to be substantially immovable relative said one of the two shaft components (5; 6) and is designed to rotate the cam disc (21) as needed about the rotational axis (Z) defined by the connecting pin (7) relative the other of the two shaft components (6; 5), for example the rear shaft component (6).
5. The central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 4, wherein
   the connecting pin (7) extends through the cam disc (21) and is fixedly connected to same, and wherein the drive (8) is designed to rotate the connecting pin (7) as needed about the rotational axis (Z) and thus activate the cam disc (21).
6. The central buffer coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
   the front shaft component (5) and the rear shaft component (6) are each configured as a fork with two respective fork arms (5a, 5b; 6a, 6b), wherein the two fork arms (6a, 6b; 5a, 5b) of the one shaft component (6; 5), for example the rear shaft component (6), are at least partly received between the fork arms (5a, 5b; 6a, 6b) of the other shaft component (5; 6), for example the front shaft component (5), wherein the cam disc (21) is at least partly received between the two fork arms (6a, 6b; 5a. 5b) of the other shaft component (6; 5), and wherein the connecting pin (7) extends through the two fork arms (6a, 6b; 5a, 5b) of the other shaft component (6) and is pivotably supported about the rotational axis (Z) both in the fork arms (5a, 5b; 6a, 6b) of the one shaft component (5; 6) as well as in the fork arms (6a, 6b; 5a, 5b) of the other shaft component (6; 5).
7. The central buffer coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
   the sliding guide (12) of the slotted gate (11) comprises a preferably uniform circular-segmented guide section (13) which - depending on the position of the first end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) provided the slotted gate (11) within the circular-segmented guide section (13) - defines the angle of articulation for the front shaft component (5) relative the rear shaft component (6).
8. The central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 7, wherein
   the bolt (30) is preferably displaceable along the longitudinal axis (L) of the coupling shaft (3) relative the other of the two shaft components (6; 5), for example the rear shaft component (6), between a first position (A) in which the two shaft components (5, 6) are not pivotable relative one another, and a second position (B) in which the two shaft components (5, 6) are pivotable relative one another, and wherein the sliding guide (12) of the slotted gate (11) exhibits at least one latching section (14) configured on one of the two ends of the circular-segmented guide section (13) which blocks or enables access to the first end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) designated for the slotted gate (11) in the circular-segmented guide section (13) depending on the position (A, B) of the bolt (30) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the coupling shaft (3).
9. The central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 8, wherein
   the bolt (30) is formed in the other of the two shaft components (6; 5), for example the rear shaft component (6), and is held in a slot preferably extending in the longitudinal direction of the coupling shaft (3), wherein the resultant play for the bolt (30) is greater than or equal to the length of the latching section (14) of the sliding guide (12).
10. The central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein
    the cam disc guide (22) exhibits a preferably symmetrical, substantially U-shaped or V-shaped design having two limb sections (23) and a crown section (24) situated between said two limb sections (23), wherein the cam disc guide (22) and the sliding guide (12) interact such that when the bolt (30) is moved between the first and the second position (A, B), the first end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) engages in one of the two latching sections (14) of the sliding guide (12) on the one hand and the second end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) engages in one of the limb sections (23) of the cam disc guide (22) on the other, and that when the front shaft component (5) is moved relative the rear shaft component (6), the first end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) engages in the circular-segmented guide section (13) of sliding guide (12) on the one hand and the second end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) engages in the crown section (24) of cam disc guide (22) on the other.
11. The central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 10, wherein
    the cam disc guide (22) comprises two pivot sections (25) situated in the crown section (24), wherein the cam disc guide (22) and the sliding guide (12) interact such that when the second end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) engages in one of the two pivot sections (25), the first end of the bolt guide (31) of bolt (30) is displaceable relative the circular-segmented guide section (13) of sliding guide (12).
12. The central buffer coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
    the bolt (30) is preferably fixedly connected to the other of the two shaft components (6; 5), for example to the rear shaft component (6), on the longitudinal axis (L) of the coupling shaft (3).
13. The central buffer coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    the slotted gate (11) is detachably mounted to one of the two shaft components (5; 6), for example the front shaft component (5).

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