EP2353963B1 - Central buffer coupling for a rail-guided vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a central buffer coupling for track-guided vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1. A central buffer coupling with the features defined in the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE-A-729 145 known.

Accordingly, the invention particularly relates to a central buffer coupling for rail-guided vehicles, preferably an automatic central buffer coupling for rail vehicles, wherein the central buffer coupling has a coupling head for mechanical coupling with a complementary mating coupling head. The coupling head has a flat, vertically extending end face. On a first end face half a front end of the projecting centering projection is provided. On the second end face half, a funnel extending into the interior of the coupling head is provided symmetrically with respect to the centering projection. Furthermore, the coupling head has a decentralized, preferably below the coupling head, the front surface superior gripper for axial pre-centering when coupling a same counter-coupling head.

Such a central buffer coupling is already known in principle from rail vehicle technology. For example, in Fig. 1 the coupling head 101 of a conventional, known from the prior art, type "Fischer" central buffer coupling 100. The coupling head 101 has an end face 102, wherein on a first end face half - in the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment on the right end face half - a front surface 102 projecting forward centering projection 103 and on the second end face half - in the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment on the left end face half - symmetrical to the centering projection 103, a funnel 104 is provided, which extends into the interior of the coupling head 101. Furthermore, the known from the prior art and, for example, in Fig. 1 Coupling head 101 shown on a gripper 105 which decentralized below the coupling head 101, the end face 102 projects beyond.

In detail, the gripper 105 is arranged with respect to the coupling head 101 such that it covers an area below the funnel 104 in front of the end face 102 of the coupling head 101. This area covered by the gripper 105 defines the gripping area of the coupling head 101. The gripper 105 serves for the axial precentering of the coupling head 101 when coupling a mating coupling head of the same design to the coupling head 101 (in FIG Fig. 1 not shown).

In this context, it should be noted that the term "axial alignment" or "axial centering" an alignment of the longitudinal axes of the track-guided vehicles to be coupled to each other is meant. In detail, these are the end faces 102, 102 'generally vertically penetrating vehicle longitudinal axes after a successful axial centering substantially parallel to each other, so that the end faces 102, 102' of the coupling heads 101, 101 'are substantially parallel.

In detail, the in Fig. 1 illustrated coupling head 101 of the known from the prior art center buffer coupling 100 as a centering projection 103 a semi-spherical ball stud, which engages when coupling a coupler head 101 of the same counter-coupling head formed as a corresponding recess funnel of the counter-coupling head. This is facilitated by the semi-spherical configuration of the front end portion of the centering projection 103. The semi-spherical end region of the centering projection 103 merges in the direction of the end face 102 into a quasi-cylindrical region. The lateral surface of the cylindrical region serves in the coupling process as a guide surface, which cooperates with the funnel of the counter-coupling head and aligns the counter-coupling head substantially axially to the coupling head 101.

It should be noted that the exact axial alignment between two central buffer clutches of two adjacent car bodies of a rail vehicle in operational use prior to the engagement of the coupling heads practically not given is. Cause are on the one hand the track and on the other hand the vehicle conditions. There are thus height and lateral offset, but also offset the angular offset before the coupling process.

The gripping area defined by the gripper 105 of the coupling head 101 thus indicates which offset, deviating from the exact axial alignment, of two central buffer couplings to be coupled for proper coupling must not be exceeded.

When moving together to be coupled coupling heads with offset they are found by the provision of the gripper 105 and initially slide into each other at least partially, wherein the centering projection 103 of the coupling head 101 penetrates into the funnel of the counter-coupling head. When the centering projection 103 of the coupling head 101 penetrates into the funnel of the mating coupling head, a guide is formed by the interaction of these two centering devices with the aim to achieve a fine axial alignment of the two coupling heads to be coupled together.

In particular, however, if the centering projection 103 of the coupling head 101 extends relatively far beyond the end face 102 of the coupling head 101, as is the case, for example, with coupling heads of the "Fischer" type, there is a risk that during the coupling process, the already partially into the funnel of the counter-coupling head penetrated centering projection 103 of the coupling head 101 is tilted, and that before touching the faces of the coupling heads and thereby can align in parallel.

In the FIGS. 2a and 2b such a scenario is shown. In detail shows Fig. 2a two coupling heads 101, 101 'of a central buffer coupling, for example of the "Fischer" type, in which although a coarse centering of the coupling heads 101, 101' has already taken place with the aid of the respective grippers 105, 105 ', so that the respective centering projections of the two together coupling coupling heads 101, 101 'are at least partially retracted into the respective funnels. However, those in the FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrated coupling heads jammed each other, since the with the grippers 105, 105 'caused pre-centering could not align the end faces 102, 102' of the coupling heads 101, 101 'exactly parallel to each other. In detail is in the in the FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrated scenario jamming takes place, about 3 mm before the end faces 102, 102 'of the coupling heads 101, 101' could touch.

If two coupling heads jam in the coupling process, it is not possible to couple, i. E. no effective mechanical connection can be formed between the two coupling heads. Rather, it is unavoidable, the clutches again slightly apart, align by hand and re-couple.

Based on this problem, the present invention seeks to further develop a central buffer coupling of the type mentioned in that in a simple to implement but effective way jamming of two coupling heads to be joined together during the coupling process can be prevented.

This object is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

In particular, this object is achieved according to the invention, on the one hand that in a central buffer coupling of the type mentioned the gripper is attached to one half of the coupling head to the coupling head, and on the other hand that the coupling head further comprises a guide element on the other half of the coupling head, wherein the guide element is formed is to form a guide when coupling the counter-coupling head with the gripper of the counter-coupling head to provide an axial fine adjustment of the coupling head.

The achievable with the inventive solution advantages are obvious. By providing an additional guide element which cooperates with the gripper of the mating coupling head, the coupling heads to be coupled are exactly axially aligned during the coupling process, so that jamming or tilting of the centering projection of the coupling head in the hopper of the mating coupling head is practically no longer possible. Specifically, it is provided for the exact axial alignment of the coupling heads to be coupled, that - after a coarse alignment of the coupling heads has taken place with the aid of the corresponding gripper - the guide element of the coupling head allows a further approach of the coupling heads to be coupled only if the counter-coupling head in terms is aligned exactly axially on the coupling head. this happens According to the invention in that the guide element of the coupling head after the already done with the help of the gripper coarse-centering presses the gripper of the counter-coupling head in the position in which the counter-coupling head is aligned exactly axially relative to the coupling head.

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

In a preferred embodiment of the central buffer coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the guide element is arranged on the coupling head such that it falls into the gripping region of the gripper fastened to the counter-coupling head when coupling the counter-coupling head. Since - as already stated - the interaction between the Führunselement the coupling head on the one hand and the gripper of the mating coupling head on the other hand serves for fine adjustment of the axial alignment of the coupling heads to be coupled, it is preferred if the guide element only then falls into the gripping region of the counter-coupling head attached gripper, when the two faces of the coupling heads to be coupled (coupling head and counter-coupling head) have already approached to a few millimeters. It should be noted that the axial alignment between the coupling heads to be coupled is the more accurate, the later the coupling element, the guide element of the coupling head falls into the gripping region of the counter-coupling head. In other words, the guide element of the coupling head should only fall into the gripping region of the counter-coupling head gripper when between the end faces of the coupling head and the mating coupling head only a few millimeters distance, in this way jamming of the centering in the corresponding funnel effectively to be able to prevent.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the gripper of the coupling head is attached to the coupling head and designed so that it covers an area below the funnel in front of the end face of the coupling head. In this embodiment, in the dome operation after the coarse-centering of the counter-coupling head is carried out by means of the gripper relative to the coupling head, on each half of the coupling head serving for fine adjustment guide is provided, namely the achievable with the guide member on the one hand and the with the in the funnel of the counter-coupling head retracted centering projection on the other.

The solution according to the invention is further distinguished by the fact that conventional coupling heads of the "Fischer" type can be retrofitted with an axial fine adjustment in an easy-to-implement and, in particular, cost-effective manner, without the need for complicated conversion measures on the coupling head. It is only necessary to attach the guide member to the coupling head so that it falls into the gripping region of the gripper of the mating coupling head, as soon as the distance between the end faces of the coupling heads to be coupled is only a few millimeters. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the guide element is detachably connected to the coupling head, for example via a screw connection.

In a preferred manner, the guide element may be formed as a guide pin. Here, it is particularly advantageous if the usually rigidly formed guide pin is, for example, cylindrical in shape and extends in such a direction inclined to a horizontal and the plane of the end face that he also in the dome operation with a against a horizontal and the plane of the face inclined extending guide surface of the gripper of the mating coupling head cooperates such that a guide for fine adjustment of the coupling heads to be coupled together is ensured.

Furthermore, it can also be provided in a particularly preferred manner, to form the guide element as a spring-mounted guide body. This guide body is preferably pressed during coupling by means of at least one spring element in the direction in which extends the gripping region of the gripper of the counter-coupling head. Due to the resilient mounting of such a guide body, an effective guidance can be ensured even with increased play between the clutch heads to be coupled together, without the guide element in the form of the spring-mounted guide body would be claimed by large friction on the gripper over charge.

It should be noted that the term "resilient mounting" is to be understood as those solutions in which the restoring force which presses the guide body in the direction of the gripper of the mating coupling head, by spring-like elements, such as a gas pressure element or the like is generated ,

In a particularly preferred manner, it may be provided that the guide body has a specially shaped front surface which cooperates during the Ankuppelvorganges the counter-coupling head with the guide surface of the gripper of the counter-coupling head, that the contact of the two surfaces a simple displacement of the guide body against the restoring force of the spring element ensures in a position and which allows a guided sliding along the front surface of the guide body on the guide surface of the gripper of the counter-coupling head.

Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the following drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht eines Kupplungskopfes einer aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Mittelpufferkupplung vom Typ "Fischer";

Fig. 2a

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht auf zwei aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Kupplungsköpfe, welche ineinander beim Kupplungsvorgang verklemmt sind;

Fig. 2b

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht auf die Kupplungsköpfe gemäß Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht von unten auf den Kupplungskopf einer Mittelpufferkupplung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung beim Kupplungsvorgang mit einem Gegenkupplungskopf;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht auf den Kupplungskopf einer Mittelpufferkupplung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Richtung Kupplungsebene während des Kupplungsvorganges mit einem axial nicht ausgerichteten Gegenkupplungskopf;

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht auf einen Kupplungskopf einer Mittelpufferkupplung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Richtung Kupplungsebene, nachdem ein Gegenkupplungskopf axial relativ zu dem Kupplungskopf ausgerichtet wurde;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht von unten auf den Kupplungskopf einer Mittelpufferkupplung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung beim Kupplungsvorgang mit einem Gegenkupplungskopf;

Fig. 6a

eine Detailansicht auf das als Führungskörper ausgebildete Führungselement und einen Teil des Greifers des Gegenkupplungskopfes aus Figur 6; und

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht auf einen Kupplungskopf einer Mittelpufferkupplung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Richtung Kupplungsebene beim Kupplungsvorgang mit einem Gegenkupplungskopf.

Show it:

Fig. 1

an oblique perspective view of a coupling head of a known from the prior art, type "Fischer" central buffer coupling;

Fig. 2a

an oblique perspective view of two known from the prior art coupling heads, which are jammed in each other in the coupling process;

Fig. 2b

an oblique perspective view of the coupling heads according to Fig. 2a ;

Fig. 3

an oblique perspective view from below of the coupling head of a central buffer coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention in the coupling operation with a counter-coupling head;

Fig. 4

a view of the coupling head of a central buffer coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention in the direction of the coupling plane during the coupling process with an axially non-aligned counter-coupling head;

Fig. 5

a view of a coupling head of a central buffer coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention in the direction of the coupling plane, after a counter-coupling head has been aligned axially relative to the coupling head;

Fig. 6

an oblique perspective view from below of the coupling head of a central buffer coupling according to a second embodiment of the invention in the coupling operation with a counter-coupling head;

Fig. 6a

a detailed view of the trained as a guide body guide member and a part of the gripper of the counter-coupling head FIG. 6 ; and

Fig. 7

a view of a coupling head of a central buffer coupling according to a second embodiment of the invention in the direction of the coupling plane in the coupling process with a mating coupling head.

Fig. 3 shows in a perspective oblique view from below the coupling head 1 a central buffer coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention during the coupling process with a coupler head 1 identically designed counter-coupling head 1 ', wherein the counter-coupling head 1' with respect to the coupling head 1 is not exactly aligned axially. In detail is in Fig. 3 a state shown in which the two to be coupled coupling heads 1, 1 'are already roughly aligned with each other.

As shown, the coupling head 1 on a gripper 5, which is connected via a screw 6 releasably connected to the coupling head 1. In detail, the gripper 5 is attached to an edge region of the coupling head 1. The gripper 5 has a typical for central buffer couplings of the "Fischer" configuration and covers before the end face 2 of the coupling head 1 a portion below a provided on the left end face half of the end face 2 hopper 4 from.

In the illustration according to Fig. 3 Covered on the right end face half of the end face 2 is provided with respect to the funnel 4 symmetrically arranged centering projection, which projects beyond the end face 2 to the front, ie in the direction of the coupling plane.

The counter-coupling head 1 'is identical to the coupling head 1 executed. Accordingly, in the accompanying drawings, the components of the counter-coupling head 1 'are provided with corresponding reference numerals. On an explicit description of the structure and operation of the counter-coupling head 1 'is at this Job waived. Rather, reference is made to the corresponding statements to the coupling head 1.

As with a conventional central buffer coupling type "Fischer" is used in the in the FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrated embodiment of the inventive solution of the gripper 5 for axial coarse alignment of the coupling head 1 to be coupled with the coupling head 1 '. This coarse alignment takes place as soon as the counter-coupling head 1 'reaches the gripping area of the gripper 5 of the coupling head 1.

In contrast to those known from the prior art and above with reference to the illustrations in FIGS Fig. 1 and 2 a, b described in the inventive solution an additional axial fine alignment when coupling the coupling head 1 is provided. This axial fine alignment causes precise axial alignment between the coupling head 1 and the mating coupling head 1 'after the engagement of the centering projection and the hopper to prevent tilting of the centering projection of the coupling head entering the hopper of the mating coupling head 1'.

Specifically, in the case of Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment of the solution according to the invention, a guide pin 7 is provided which on the gripper 5 opposite side - at the in Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment on the right side - the coupling head 1 is fixed. The attachment of the guide pin 7 on the coupling head 1 can be done for example via a screw 8. This is particularly advantageous if a conventional coupling head of a "Fischer" type central buffer coupling is to be retrofitted with a fine adjustment, as proposed herein.

In detail and how it in particular the representation in Fig. 3 can be removed, the guide pin 7 is formed and attached to the coupling head 1, that this in the gripping region of belonging to the mating coupling head 1 'gripper 5' falls as soon as the respective end faces 2, 2 'of the coupling head 1 and the mating coupling head 1' have approached to a few millimeters. As soon as the guide pin 7 falls into the gripping area of the gripper 5 'belonging to the mating coupling head 1', the axial fine alignment takes place between the coupling heads 1 and 1 'to be coupled, as a result jamming or tilting of the respective one in the associated hopper retracting centering can be effectively prevented.

As shown, the gripper 5 used in the embodiment according to the invention and the structural and functional point of view correspond to the gripper 105 which is used in the gripper 105 in FIG Fig. 1 shown and known from the prior art middle buffer coupling type "Fischer" is used. Accordingly, the gripper 5 has a guide surface 8, with which forms the guide for fine adjustment of the coupling head 1 when coupling the counter-coupling head 1 'of the guide pin of the identical to the coupling head mating coupling head. In detail, the guide surface 8 extends downwards against a horizontal and inclined against the plane of the end face 2, in order to guarantee a large gripping area in side and height, which also allows the coupling in curves, or at crests.

Fig. 4 is a view of the coupling head 1 of a central buffer coupling according to an embodiment of the invention, in a plan view in the direction of the coupling plane. In detail is in Fig. 4 a state shown in which the coupling head 1 to the coupling head 1 'couples a counter-coupling, however, the coupling head 1 and the counter-coupling 1' are not exactly aligned axially with each other. The representation in Fig. 4 In particular, it can be seen that in an inaccurate axial alignment, if the guide pin 7 of the coupling head 1 already in the gripping region of the mating coupling head 1 'belonging gripper 5' falls, the guide pin 7 to the counter coupling head 1 'belonging gripper 5' and thus the Counter-coupling head 1 'itself forces to an axial alignment with respect to the coupling head 1, in that the guide pin 7 presses the mating coupling head 1' in an axially aligned position. At the in Fig. 4 In the scenario shown in the interaction between the guide pin 7 of the coupling head 1 and the counter-coupling head 1 'associated gripper 5' causes a movement of the counter-coupling head 1 'relative to the coupling head 1 to the right.

Fig. 5 shows a state after the counter-coupling head 1 'has been axially aligned relative to the coupling head 1 by means of the guide pin 7. In this state, therefore, the two coupling heads (coupling head 1 and mating coupling head 1 'are aligned exactly axially to each other, so that the respective centering projection can completely retract into the appropriate funnel without the risk of jamming or jamming.

The perspective oblique view from below of the coupling head of a central buffer coupling according to a second embodiment as in FIG. 6 shown corresponds in large parts of the representation FIG. 3 However, here according to the second embodiment, the guide element (7, 7 ', 70, 70') as a guide body (70, 70 ') is formed. This guide body 70 is in the FIG. 6a which made a cut out FIG. 6 represents shown in detail. In detail, the guide body 70 is movably mounted in a partially open housing 74 along its longitudinal extension direction and is urged by means of spring elements 72 in the direction of the gripper 5 'of the counter-coupling head 1'. The gripper 5 'facing front surface 73 of the guide body 70 comes during an insufficient precentered coupling operation with the guide surface of the gripper 5' of the mating coupling head 1 'in contact, whereby the entire guide body 70 against the restoring force of the spring element 73 in the direction of the front surface 75 opposite End surface 71 shifted.

The restoring force of the spring element or the spring elements 73 is in this case selected so that they analogous to the first embodiment by cooperation with the guide surface of the gripper 5 'of the mating coupling head 1' ensures a safe axial fine adjustment of the coupling heads 1, 1 'to be coupled together. On the other hand, however, the restoring force of the at least one spring element 73 is selected so that during the coupling process so that during contact of the guide surface of the gripper 5 'with the front surface 75 of the guide body 70 by moving the guide body 70 from its rest position against the restoring force, the friction between the Both surfaces is kept below an allowable limit, which counteracts an inadmissible high wear due to the material removal or even damage to the guide body 70.

By forming the guide element as a guide body 70, 70 'according to the second embodiment, it is thus also possible to enable a low-wear and at the same time secure coupling operation with a larger coupling head clearance or poor axial pre-centering of the coupling heads to be coupled together.

As in particular on the detail drawing in FIG. 6a can be seen, a limiting means 72 is provided in the region of the end face 71 of the guide body 70, which is a pressing out of the guide body 70 by the restoring force of at least prevents a spring element 73 from the housing 74. Instead of this special arrangement, of course, other resilient solutions for resilient mounting of the guide body can be provided, such as hydraulic spring elements.

In FIG. 7 Finally, a view is shown on the coupling head of a central buffer coupling according to the second embodiment of the invention, wherein the viewing direction of the drawing according to FIG. 7 pointing in the direction of the coupling plane.

The solution according to the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all the features disclosed herein, as defined in the claims.

Claims (11)

1. A central buffer coupling for rail-guided vehicles, particularly an automatic central buffer coupling for railway vehicles, comprising a coupling head (1; 1') for the mechanical coupling to a complementary configured counter coupling head (1'; 1), wherein the coupling head (1; 1') exhibits a flat, vertically extending end face (2; 2') with a centering projection (3; 3') forwardly projecting from the end face (2; 2') provided on a first half of said end face, as well as a hopper (4; 4') provided on the second end face half extending into the interior of the coupling head (1; 1') symmetrical to the centering projection (3; 3'), and wherein the coupling head (1; 1') further comprises a decentralized gripper (5; 5'), preferably projecting from the coupling head (1; 1') below the end face (2; 2') for axial pre-centering during coupling of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) configured complementary to the coupling head (1; 1') and the gripper (5; 5') is decentrally affixed to the coupling head (1; 1') on one half of said coupling head (1; 1'),
   characterized in that
   the coupling head (1; 1') further comprises an additional guide element (7; 7'; 70; 70') affixed to the coupling head (1; 1') on the other half of said coupling head (1; 1'), wherein the additional guide element (7; 7'; 70; 70') is designed so as to finely adjust the coupling head (1; 1') during coupling of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) with the gripper (5; 5') of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) so as to form a guide and, after the centering projection (3; 3') and hopper (4; 4') engage, effects a precise axial alignment between the coupling head (1; 1') and the counter coupling head (1'; 1) in order to prevent canting, wherein the additional guide element (7; 7'; 70; 70') is preferably detachably connected to the coupling head (1; 1') by means of a screw connection (8; 8').
2. The central buffer coupling according to claim 1,
   wherein the additional guide element (7; 7'; 70; 70') is disposed on the coupling head (1; 1') such that it falls into the gripping region of the gripper (5'; 5) affixed to the counter coupling head (1'; 1) upon the coupling of said counter coupling head (1'; 1).
3. The central buffer coupling according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the gripper (5; 5') is affixed to the coupling head (1; 1') and designed so as to cover a region below the hopper (4; 4') in front of the end face (2; 2') of the coupling head (1; 1').
4. The central buffer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the gripper (5; 5') is preferably detachably connected to the coupling head (1; 1') by means of a screw connection (6; 6').
5. The central buffer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the gripper (5; 5') comprises a guiding surface with which the additional guide element (7'; 7; 70'; 70) of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) forms the guide for the fine adjustment of the coupling head (1; 1') during coupling of the counter coupling head.
6. The central buffer coupling according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the additional guide element (7; 7'; 70; 70') is designed as a guide Pin (7; 7').
7. The central buffer coupling according to claim 6,
   wherein the guiding surface runs at a downward incline relative horizontal and the plane of the end face (2; 2').
8. The central buffer coupling according to claim 6 or 7,
   wherein the guiding surface exhibits a leading edge with which the guide pin (7; 7') of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) interacts upon the coupling of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) to form the guide.
9. The central buffer coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   wherein the additional guide element (7; 7'; 70; 70') is designed as a spring-mounted guide body (70; 70').
10. The central buffer coupling according to claim 9,
    wherein the guide body (70; 70') is pressed toward the gripper (5'; 5) of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) during the coupling of said counter coupling head (1'; 1) by means of at least one spring element (73; 73').
11. The central buffer coupling according to claim 10,
    wherein the guide body (70; 70') comprises a front face (75; 75') which enables guiding the fine adjusting of the counter coupling head (1'; 1) with the guiding surface of the gripper (5'; 5) upon the coupling of said counter coupling head (1'; 1) by the guide body (70; 70') being displaced against the restoring force of the spring element (73; 73') into a position which allows the guided sliding of the front face (75; 75') on the guiding surface of the gripper (5'; 5) upon the guiding surface contacting the front face (75; 75').

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