EP3141660B1 - Coupling device for connecting two bridge elements - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a coupling device for connecting two bridge elements according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a bridge element with such a coupling device and a method for connecting two bridge elements.

Both military and civilian bridges are used to cross rivers, ditches and gullies. Especially in conflict and crisis areas, where often only very bad or no bridges are present, for example, to cross a river on portable bridges used. Since such bridges can not usually be transported in one piece to the site because of their dimensions, they are often subdivided into a plurality of bridge elements. The individual bridge elements can be better transported and then assembled or assembled at the appropriate site.

For connecting the bridge elements to form a contiguous bridge, the individual bridge elements are successively arranged one behind the other and then connected to one another, so that a longer bridge is formed. For this purpose, the bridge elements generally have a coupling device at one end and a correspondingly shaped receiving device at the opposite end. If two bridge elements are brought into position accordingly, a part of the coupling device of the one bridge element can engage in the receiving device of the other bridge element and couple the two elements in this way. Such bridges with corresponding coupling devices are also described in the prior art.

In the EP 0453 422 A1 a bridge of several bridge elements is described, in which the individual bridge elements can be connected to each other via a coupling device.

The EP 0 396 196 A1 relates to a coupling device for connecting two Brückenelenente, wherein the actuating element in the manner of a reversing lever from one side of the bridge is actuated.

The DE 10 2008 015 420 A1 relates to a coupling device for connecting two bridge elements, in which a rotational movement of an actuating element is converted into a linear movement of a coupling element. The coupling device generally has at least one coupling element which is movable along a dome direction between a coupling position in which the coupling element connects two adjacent bridge elements with each other, and an open position in which the two bridge elements are detached from each other. For actuating the coupling element, an actuating element is usually provided, which is mechanically coupled to the coupling element and movable along an actuating direction. By movement of the actuating element, this can move the coupling element back and forth between the coupling position and the open position and in this way connect two bridge elements with one another or, after successful use, release them again from one another.

In general, the coupling device has two arranged on opposite sides coupling elements, which can be actuated via a common actuating element, which arranged for structural reasons mostly in the area between the coupling elements and with these via a linkage o.ä. connected is. Due to this arrangement, the actuating direction usually extends in the longitudinal direction of the bridge and the dome direction transverse thereto. For reasons of stability, the coupling elements and the actuating element are usually arranged in the lower region of the bridge elements, since partially great tensile stresses occur which can be transmitted from one bridging element to the other via the coupling device.

Because of this central arrangement in the lower region of the bridge, the actuating element movable relative to the bridge is difficult to access. This can lead to problems, for example, when the actuator has to be cleaned, maintained or repaired. It is particularly problematic when the bridge elements over a longer period lying in damp or muddy ground, whereby the actuators sometimes heavily contaminate. Sometimes it can even happen that the coupling elements or the actuators can not be moved due to stuck dirt, so that the bridge elements can not be easily solved because of the difficult accessible actuator, which is particularly critical for use in military war zones Situations can lead.

Starting from this problem, the invention therefore provides the Aufga - be to provide a coupling device for connecting two bridge elements, which allows more reliable separation of the bridge elements even in the case of heavy soiling the coupling device.

This object is achieved with a bridge element of the aforementioned type with the characterizing features of patent claim 1.

By the parallel orientation of the actuating direction and the dome direction, the actuating element and the coupling element can be moved in the same direction across the bridge. By this orientation, it is possible that both elements are accessible from the same direction, which is particularly advantageous for cleaning, maintenance and repair work. It is not necessary to move a stuck due, for example, due to dried dirt actuator by working in hard to reach area below the bridge. The corresponding work can be carried out parallel to the dome direction from the side, which is usually possible even in unfavorable situations in which the bridge is pressed into the ground, usually readily. This results in a good accessibility and thus a reliable separation of the bridge elements even in unfavorable situations in which the coupling device is heavily contaminated.

It is advantageous if the actuating direction and the coupling direction extend transversely and in particular perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bridge, resulting in a particularly advantageous accessibility. For example, from the side of the bridge element, a force can be exerted in the direction of actuation on the actuating element or in the direction of the dome on the coupling element, so that the coupling can be released even when impurities are fixed. This application of force can be done easily by hand, for example with a hammer. However, the actuating element can also be moved by a drive unit arranged in the corresponding bridge element itself or by a drive unit arranged away from the bridge. A drive unit arranged away from the bridge is advantageous if a plurality of bridge elements with only one drive unit are to be moved in succession and connected to one another.

In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling element is linearly reciprocable along the dome direction. Due to the linear mobility, the coupling element can be easily moved back and forth between an open position and a coupling position. When the coupling elements are in the open position, the bridge elements are separated from each other. In the coupling position of the coupling elements two bridge elements are interconnected. The connection is achieved in that the coupling element engages in a receiving device, which is arranged on an adjacent bridge element, and connects the two bridge elements together. The dome direction of the coupling element can be aligned transversely to the direction of travel of the bridge.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the actuating element is linearly movable back and forth. Due to the linear mobility of the actuating element This can be easily moved back and forth between an operating position and a starting position. The movement of the actuating element from the starting position into the actuating position can lead to a movement of the coupling element and thus to a connection of the bridge elements. The actuating direction of the actuating element can be aligned transversely to the direction of travel of the bridge.

In terms of design, it has proven to be advantageous if the coupling element is designed as a closure pin. By a locking pin two bridge elements can be positively connected to each other in a structurally simple manner. The locking pin can engage in a receiving device on the other bridge element and connect them. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the closure pin is cylindrical.

According to the invention it is provided that the actuating element and the coupling element are arranged together on one side of the coupling device. By this arrangement it is achieved that optionally the coupling element and / or the actuating element are accessible from the same side.

According to the invention, it is further provided that the actuating direction and the coupling direction are aligned opposite to each other. This orientation allows one of the elements of one side to always be moved with a compressive force, and this movement to be translated in the manner of a rocker into an opposite movement of the other element. By exerting a compressive force, a force can be introduced into one of the elements, which causes stuck dirt dissolves and the other element is moved, which would otherwise be possible only by applying a tensile force. When the coupling element is in its open position, this can by a Compression force to be transferred to the actuator in the coupling position. It is also possible that also by a pressure force acting on the coupling element, the actuating element is moved in the opposite direction, in particular when the coupling element is in the coupling position, although the bridge elements are not connected to each other.

In this context, it is structurally advantageous if the actuating element and the coupling element are coupled to one another via a first rocker. By the rocker is achieved in a structurally simple manner that the actuation direction and the dome direction are opposite. The rocker may in particular have a center pivot bearing for rotationally movable attachment to the bridge element. The actuator may be rotatably connected to one end of the rocker and the coupling element may be rotatably connected to the other end of the rocker. The linear movement of the actuating element can be converted into a rotational movement of the rocker, which in turn can then initiate a linear movement of the coupling element. The rocker can be configured, for example, as a rod, as a beam or as a plate.

Furthermore, it is structurally advantageous if the actuating element and / or the coupling element have means for length compensation, so that the linear movement of the actuating element and / or the coupling element can be converted into a rotational movement of the rocker. By the means for length compensation, a linear movement of the actuating element or the coupling element can be converted into a rotational movement of the rocker or a rotational movement of the rocker are transmitted to the coupling element or the actuating element. However, it is also possible that the means for length compensation are arranged on the rocker. The means may for example be designed as slots and the rocker can be guided over in the slots Connecting pins to be connected to the coupling element and with the actuating element. Furthermore, the coupling element and the actuating element can be guided in a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can then each be pivotally connected to the rocker. Furthermore, it is possible that the sleeves have means for length compensation, for example, the rocker can be guided over pins in a slot of the sleeve. It is also possible that a connecting pin is guided by the coupling element or by the actuating element and the connecting pin can move in a movement of the actuating element or coupling element in the slot.

It is also advantageous if a second coupling element is provided on a second side of the coupling device and this is opposite to the first coupling element. By means of the second coupling element it is achieved that the bridge elements to be connected are connected to one another via two coupling elements, whereby a reliable connection, which also withstands greater forces, results. Another advantage of such a connection is that the bridge elements are securely connected to each other and it can come to no slipping out.

With regard to the two coupling elements, it is advantageous if they are arranged coaxially with each other and their directions of movement are opposite. The coaxial arrangement ensures that the force, in particular when crossing the bridge with heavy military vehicles, such as battle tanks or the like, is divided evenly between the two coupling elements. When transferring from the open position to the coupling position, both coupling elements can move from the center of the coupling device to the respective sides of the coupling device in opposite, respectively outwardly directed directions of movement into their corresponding coupling position.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second coupling element is coupled via a first diagonal connector with the opposite actuating element, so that their movements are rectified. About arranged on one side actuator, the arranged on the opposite side coupling element can be actuated and transferred, for example, from the open position to the coupling position. The diagonal connector may be pivotally connected to the coupling element and pivotally connected to the corresponding opposite actuating element. The diagonal connector may be formed as a rod, as a plate or as a beam and transmit the linear movement of an element, in particular of the actuating element, on the opposite element. By this arrangement, the coupling elements can be moved mirror images of each other.

In this context, it is advantageous if the coupling elements can be actuated via a single actuating element. This embodiment offers, for example, the advantage that only on one side of the coupling device, a drive for driving the actuating element must be provided. By coupling both coupling elements with a common actuator and the movements of the two coupling elements are coupled together. This also provides advantages in such situations when elements have become wedged or blocked, as movement of one coupling element automatically also causes movement of the other coupling element.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the coupling device has a second actuating element, which is opposite to the first actuating element and is arranged coaxially therewith. Both coupling elements can also be actuated via this second actuating element, which offers an alternative possibility of operation. The second actuating element can be configured analogously to the first actuating element.

In terms of design, it is advantageous if the second actuating element is connected via a second rocker with the second coupling element via a second diagonal connector with the first coupling element. Through these connections, the second coupling element can be connected in the same constructively advantageous manner with two coupling elements as the first actuating element. The second rocker and the second diagonal connector may advantageously be configured in the same way as the first rocker or the first diagonal connector. It is also possible that the diagonal connectors are designed as cables, so that they can only transmit tensile forces.

It is also advantageous if both coupling elements can be actuated either via one of the actuating elements. Depending on the situation, therefore, the actuator, which is easier to access, are selected for actuation. This is also advantageous if, for example, one of the actuators is destroyed or unusable, so that nevertheless the functionality of the coupling device is maintained. Furthermore, however, it is also possible that both actuators are actuated simultaneously in order to increase the force acting on the coupling elements, for example, in extreme pollution with very tight dirt.

Furthermore, a bridge element with a coupling device with one or more of the features described above is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problem. This results in the advantages described in connection with the coupling device.

In such bridge elements, it has been found to be advantageous if the coupling device is arranged at an end region of the bridge element. By virtue of this arrangement, the bridging elements to be interconnected need not overlap one another to engage with the coupling elements.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the bridge elements have recesses for interacting with another bridge element. The coupling device can be arranged in the region of the particular lateral recess within the one bridge element and the coupling element protrude in the coupling position of the recess of this bridge element. The protruding coupling element can protrude so far that it dips into the recess of the other bridge element and thereby connects the bridge elements in a form-fitting manner.

A further embodiment provides that the coupling element is arranged in an open position within the bridge element and is arranged in a coupling position at least partially outside of the bridge element. In the open position so that the entire coupling device can be arranged within the bridge element, so that the size of this is not increased by the coupling device, which is particularly advantageous in terms of loading and transport dimensions. Furthermore, this can protect the coupling element from external influences, if this is not required.

The bridge elements can be connected directly to each other. In the case of bridge elements with ramps provided in their end region, however, it has proved to be advantageous if they are not connected directly, but indirectly via an intermediate element provided between the bridge elements. The intermediate element can be used as a connecting element be configured, which may be connected to two bridge elements.

Finally, a method according to claim 13 is proposed to solve the above problem.

Fig.1

eine Seitenansicht eines Verlegefahrzeugs mit darauf angeordneten Brückenelementen,

Fig.2

eine Frontansicht des Verlegefahrzeugs gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3a - 3h

Verlegevorgang einer Brücke mit zwei Brückenelementen und einem Zwischenelement in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4a - 4h

Verlegevorgang einer Brücke mit drei Brückenelementen und zwei Zwischenelementen in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische, halbdurchsichtige Ansicht eines Brückenelements mit einem Zwischenelement,

Fig. 6a

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Zwischenelements,

Fig. 6b

eine weitere perspektive Ansicht eines Zwischenelements gemäß Fig. 6a,

Fig. 7a

eine Schnittansicht durch das Brückenelements auf die Kuppelvorrichtung,

Fig. 7b

eine perspektivische, halbdurchsichtige Ansicht auf die Kuppelvorrichtung,

Fig. 7c

eine Detailansicht auf eine Seite der Kuppelvorrichtung,

Fig. 8a - 8b

Frontansichten auf die Betätigungselemente und die Antriebseinheit in zwei verschiedenen Stellungen.

Further advantages and details of the coupling device according to the invention, a corresponding bridge element and this corresponding method will be explained below with reference to drawings of an embodiment. In the drawings shows

Fig.1

a side view of a laying vehicle with bridge elements arranged thereon,

Fig.2

a front view of the laying vehicle according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3a - 3h

Laying process of a bridge with two bridge elements and an intermediate element in a side view,

Fig. 4a - 4h

Laying process of a bridge with three bridge elements and two intermediate elements in a side view,

Fig. 5

a perspective, semi-transparent view of a bridge element with an intermediate element,

Fig. 6a

a perspective view of an intermediate element,

Fig. 6b

another perspective view of an intermediate element according to Fig. 6a .

Fig. 7a

a sectional view through the bridge element on the coupling device,

Fig. 7b

a perspective, semi-transparent view of the coupling device,

Fig. 7c

a detailed view of one side of the coupling device,

Fig. 8a - 8b

Front views of the actuators and the drive unit in two different positions.

Especially in the military field, it often happens that, for example, rivers with heavy armored vehicles must be crossed. On site, however, there are often no corresponding bridges available, so that they must first be spent there. In order to be able to transport even longer bridges 20 to such a site, they are divided into a plurality of bridge elements 9, which are then transported to appropriate installation vehicles 26 to the place of use. At the site, the bridge elements 9 are connected either directly or indirectly via intermediate elements 12 releasably connected to each other, whereby a continuous bridge 20 of greater length is formed.

In the Fig. 1 and 2 a corresponding laying vehicle 26 is shown. In the example shown here, two bridge elements 9 arranged one above the other are arranged on the laying vehicle 26 and an intermediate element 12 located underneath and configured as a connecting element. For connecting the bridge elements 9 with the intermediate element 12, the laying vehicle 26 also has a drive unit 27 and a laying arm 28 for laying the bridge 20.

The laying process is in the Fig. 3a to 3h shown, in which example the bridge elements 9 are indirectly connected via intermediate elements 12.

In Fig. 3a is a laying vehicle 26 in the transport position according to Fig. 1 and 2 shown. In the Fig. 3b to 3d is shown how the two bridge elements 9 moved and finally into a connection position, the in Fig. 3e is shown brought, in which the two facing end face end portions 23 abut each other. In a next step, the bridge elements 9 are connected via the drive device 27 respectively with the intermediate element 12, which is for it lowered from above into the space between the bridge elements 9, as shown in the Fig. 3f can be seen. For connecting the bridge elements 9 with the intermediate element 12, a plurality of means 1.1, 1.2, 15.1, 15.2, 18 described in more detail below are provided, via which the elements 9, 12 are finally connected to a load-bearing bridge 20. In Fig. 3g and 3h the actual laying process of the bridge 20 is shown, in which the bridge 20 is laid over a river, not shown. The laying vehicle has for this purpose a laying arm 28, with which the bridge 20 can be advanced over the river to the opposite bank.

In the Fig. 4a to 4h a laying process is shown in which three bridge elements 9 are interconnected via two intermediate elements 12, so that with such a three-module bridge 20, a wider flux than with in the Fig. 3a to 3i can be crossed over shown two-module bridge 20. Since the laying vehicles 26 shown here only two bridge elements. 9 can wear, according to two laying vehicles 26 are required for the three-module bridge 20 described here. In this example, both laying vehicles 26 each carry two bridge elements 9, which is why according to the illustrations in FIGS Fig. 4a to 4d the first laying vehicle 26 first deposits a bridge element 9 and then moves to the bank of the river to be crossed. Like this in the 4e to 4l can be seen, then approaches a second laying vehicle 26, which carries two bridge elements 9, the first laying vehicle 26. The second laying vehicle 26 connects, as already with respect to the Fig. 3a to 3i described, the two bridge elements 9 by means of a drive unit 27 with an intermediate element 12, so that the second laying vehicle 26 carries a two-module bridge. In a next step, this laying vehicle 26 approaches as shown in FIG Fig. 4g to 4i This then connects the corresponding third bridge element 9 via the intermediate element 12 arranged on the first laying vehicle 26 with the two-module bridge 20 arranged on the second laying vehicle to form a three-modulated bridge 20. Analogously to the illustrations in FIGS. 3j to 3l Then the three-module bridge 20 is advanced by means of the laying arm 28 on the river to be crossed and stored when one end of the bridge 20 has reached the opposite shore.

In the following, the bridge elements 9 and the intermediate elements 12 will now be described first, before then on the in Fig. 7 illustrated coupling device 7 for connection of the two elements 9, 12 is received.

As in the front view of the Fig. 2 or the Fig. 8 can be seen, the bridge elements 9 are designed as two separate track carrier 9.1, 9.2, so that each bridge element 9 consists of a right and a left track carrier 9.1, 9.2. The track carrier 9.1, 9.2 have a profiled profile with a top flange 31 and a bottom flange 30, wherein the top flange 31 has on its upper side a passable roadway area 21. The lower flange 30 forms the lower region of the bridge element 9 and can absorb the very considerable tensile forces which occur when crossing the bridge element 9 or the bridge 20 with a heavy military vehicle.

In the Fig. 5 For example, a bridge element 9 with a connected intermediate element 12 is shown in a perspective, semi-transparent view. The bridge element 9 is subdivided in the direction of travel U into three areas, namely two end areas 23 and a middle area 22 arranged therebetween, as shown in the illustrations of FIGS Fig. 3 and 4 can be seen. The central region 22 has on the upper side of the lane 21 and the end regions 23 each have a relation to the lane 21 inclined extending ramp 13, which extends from the upper flange 31 of the bridge member 9 to the lower flange 30 and a driving up and down of a vehicle the bridge 20 or on the corresponding bridge element 9 facilitates.

This results in the connection of several bridge elements 9 a continuous lane, the intermediate elements 12 must cover the ramps 13 accordingly and compensate. For this purpose, the intermediate elements 12 have a continuous and straight drive-over area 10, which adjoins the lanes 21 of the adjacent bridge elements 9 and interconnects them in such a way that a closed and continuous road 21.1 results.

To connect the bridge elements 9 with the intermediate elements 12, both elements 9, 12 corresponding means 1.1, 1,2, 15.1, 15.2, 18, via which they can be connected together. To the ramps 13 to cover and form a continuous roadway 21.1, the corresponding connecting means 15.1, 15.2 of the intermediate element 12 are arranged at such a distance from the drive-over area 10 that they form an isosceles trapezium together with the drive-over area 10. This is best in the illustrations of Fig. 6a and 6b can be seen.

In the upper area, the bridge element 9 has fixed coupling elements 18, which in the example shown here are designed as cylindrical bolts. These bolts project on one side of the bridge elements 9 at the respective ends of the end regions 23 facing the central regions 22. The intermediate element 12 has for connection corresponding suspensions 15.2, which are designed as a downwardly open semicircular profile and can reach over the fixed coupling elements 18. By this connection, the bridge element 9 and the intermediate element 12 in the horizontal direction can no longer relative to each other.

In the middle region of the ramp 13, the transition area 10 of the connecting element 12 is supported relative to the bridge element 9. For this purpose, the intermediate element 12 in this area has an intermediate support 16 arranged below the transit region 10, which is supported on the loading ramp 13, so that a part of the compressive force acting on the intermediate element 12 can be introduced into the bridge element 9 via this intermediate support 16. This intermediate support 16 is best in the illustration of Fig. 6b to recognize. In the lower area, the intermediate support 16 for a plate-shaped area, which is angled so that it rests as fully as possible on the inclined ramp 13, thereby ensuring a good application of force is ensured. In the upper region of the intermediate support 16, this is as firmly as possible connected to the underside of the drive-over area 10. For stability reasons, the vertical portion of the intermediate support 16 formed plate-shaped, so that the compressive force to be transmitted over the entire width of the ramp 13 can be distributed. In addition, the intermediate support 16 at the edge regions with in the Fig. 6a and 6b shown side covers 17 which cover the area between the drive-over area 10 and bridge element 9.

The side covers 17 have tabs 19 extending between the side covers and the bridge element 9. To connect the tabs 19 with the bridge element 9 has this corresponding recesses, so that the tabs 19 are connected to increase the stability of screws laterally with the bridge element 9 and then partially can transmit forces on the bridge element 9.

Both the bridge elements 9 and the intermediate elements 12 have laterally of the lane 21 and the side of the overrun area 10 as pressure bars 32 formed stiffening elements. These pressure strips 32 lead to improved stability of the bridge 20 and can absorb pressure forces that occur, for example, when crossing the bridge with a heavy vehicle in the upper flange 31.

In the lower region of the bridge element 9, this is connected via a further connecting means 15.1 with the intermediate element 12. The intermediate element 12 has for this purpose a receptacle 15.1, which is designed as a cylindrical bore. This receptacle 15.1 is part of the sides of the intermediate element 12 and along the direction of travel Ü arranged fitting pieces 24 which are formed as plates and in the in Fig. 7 shown recesses 8.1, 8.2 fit in the bridge element 9. The fitting pieces 24 are connected via a central support 14 with the underside of the drive-over area 10 and also support this against the bridge element 9 from.

To connect the fitting pieces 24 with the bridge element 9, a coupling device 7 is arranged in the lower region of the bridge element 9, to which in particular with reference to the illustration in the following Fig. 7a to Fig. 7c will be received.

The essential components of the coupling device 7 are a coupling element 1.1, 1.2 which can be moved along a coupling direction K and an actuating element 2.1, 2.2 which can be actuated along an actuating direction B. By actuation of the actuating element 2.1, 2.2, the coupling element 1.1, 1.2 of a in Fig. 7 Open position shown transferred to a coupling position. In the coupling position, the coupling element 1.1, 1.2 protrudes into the respective recess 8.1, 8.2 and thus beyond the contour of the bridge element 9, so that this then in the in Fig. 6a and 6b shown receptacle 15.1 of the intermediate element 12 can engage to connect the elements 9, 12 positively with each other. In the case of a direct connection of two bridge elements 9, it is also possible that the coupling device 7 of a bridge element 9 engages in a receptacle of another bridge element 9 and this thereby in particular positively connects with each other.

As shown in the illustrations of the Fig. 7a to 7c can be seen, the actuators 2.1, 2.2 are linearly along the direction of actuation B movable and arranged on opposite sides 11.1, 11.2 in the region of the lower chord 30 of the bridge element 9. The actuators 2.1, 2.2 are coupled via a linkage coupling with two likewise linearly movable coupling elements 1.1, 1.2.

Thus, both coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 can be actuated with each two actuators 2.1, 2.2, both the corresponding elements one side 11.1, 11.2 and the opposite side 11.1, 11.2 connected to each other.

To connect an actuating element 2.1, 2.2 with a coupling element 1.1, 1.2 of the same side is a rocker 4.1, 4.2 arranged between them. The rocker 4.1, 4.2 is pivotally connected at one end to an actuating element 2.1, 2.2 and at the opposite end pivotally connected to a coupling element 1.1, 1.2. In the middle of the rocker 4.1, 4.2 is mounted on a pivot bearing 25 rotatably mounted on the bridge element 9.

By an actuation of the actuating element 2.1, 2.2 in the form of a linear movement, this movement is transmitted to the rocker 4.1, 4.2, which leads to a rotation of the rocker 4.1, 4.2 about their respective pivot bearing 25. At the opposite end of the rocker 4.1, 4.2, this rotational movement acts on the coupling element 1.1, 1.2 and causes it to move linearly and opposite to the direction of actuation B. As shown in Fig. 7c For example, the left operating element 2.1 is moved to the right to actuate the coupling element 1.1, which leads to a rotation of the rocker 4.1 and to a left-directed linear movement of the coupling element 1.1 from the open position to the coupling position.

So that there is no jamming or tilting during the transmission of the movements, the rockers 4.1, 4.2 each have a length compensation in the form of a slot 3, which likewise in the detail view of FIG Fig. 7c you can see. Each rocker 4.1, 4.2 is connected via a respective connecting pin 5 with the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 and the actuators 2.1, 2.2, wherein the connecting pin 5 is guided in the corresponding slots 3. Due to the linear movement of the actuating elements 2.1, 2.2 and the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 and the rotational movement of the rockers 4.1, 4.2 it comes in that the connecting pins 5 can slide up and down in the oblong holes 3 and a linear movement into a rotational movement or a rotary movement can be converted into a linear movement.

The actuators 2.1, 2.2 are connected via diagonal connectors 6.1, 6.2 with the respective opposite coupling elements 1.1, 1.2, wherein the respective compounds are designed to be pivotable. The linear movement of the elements 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 can accordingly be transmitted via the diagonal connectors 6.1, 6.2 in a linear movement of the elements of the opposite side 11.1, 11.2, so that these movements are rectified. As shown in the top view of the Fig. 7a can be seen, the diagonal connectors 6.1, 6.2 are also connected via the respective connecting pins 5 with the actuators 2.1, 2.2 and 1.1 with the coupling elements, 1.2.

By coupling both actuators 2.1, 2.2 with two coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 and the movements of the two actuators 2.1, 2.2 are coupled together. This leads to the fact that even the actuation of only one actuating element 2.1, 2.2, the corresponding other actuator 2.1, 2.2 moves in an analogous manner. This is particularly advantageous when an actuator has 2.1, 2.2 wedged or is no longer movable due to contamination, so that it can be solved by the other actuator 2.1, 2.2 again.

Furthermore, it is possible by this coupling, that when the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 are in the coupling position, they are transferred from the outside by a force acting parallel to the coupling direction K force again in the open position.

The method for connecting two bridge elements 9 will now be described below.

First, the bridge elements 9 to be connected are brought into position such that the two mutually facing end regions 23 abut one another at the end face. Thereafter, the intermediate element 12 is lowered from above into the space formed by the ramps 13. The fittings 15.2 engage from above over the fixed coupling elements 18 of the bridge elements 9. The fitting pieces 24 slide from above into the lateral recesses 8.1, 8.2 of the bridge elements 9, so that the receptacles 15.1 concentrically in front of the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2, if the Intermediate element 12 has been lowered. The tabs 19 engage in the recesses of the bridge elements 9 and ensure that the bridge elements 9 and the intermediate element 12 can no longer be moved relative to one another and transversely to the direction of travel Ü.

If the intermediate element 12 is completely lowered, this is connected via the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 in a next step with the adjacent bridge elements 9. In order to transfer the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 in their coupling position, the actuators 2.1, 2.2 are actuated by means of a between the track carriers 9.1, 9.2 arranged drive unit 27, as shown in the Fig. 8a and 8b can be seen. The drive unit 27 has for this purpose a plurality of laterally extendable drive pin 29, which can exert a directed in the direction of actuation B force on the actuators 2.1, 2.2. By this operation, the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 transferred to the coupling position, in which they engage in the receptacles 15.2 of the intermediate elements 12 and connect the bridge elements 9 with these form-fitting manner. To solve the connection, for example, when the bridge 20 is to be dismantled again, the drive device 27 via the drive pin 29th also act on the coupling elements 1.1, 1.2 and push them back into their open position.

Reference number :

1.1

coupling element

1.2

coupling element

2.1

actuator

2.2

actuator

3

Long hole

4.1

seesaw

4.2

seesaw

5

connecting pin

6.1

Diagonal connector

6.2

Diagonal connector

7

coupling device

8.1

recess

8.2

recess

9

bridge element

9.1

track carrier

9.2

track carrier

10

About driving range

11.1

page

11.2

page

12

intermediate element

13

ramps

14

Central support

15.1

admission

15.2

hanging system

16

intermediate support

17

side cover

18

fixed coupling element

19

tabs

20

bridge

21

lane

22

the central region

23

end

24

spud

25

pivot bearing

26

laying vehicle

27

drive unit

28

laying arm

29

drive pin

30

lower chord

31

upper chord

32

pressure bars

B

operating direction

K

coupling direction

Ü

Overtravel direction

Claims (13)

1. Coupling device for connecting two bridge elements (9), having at least one coupling element (1.1, 1.2) that is movable in a coupling direction (K) and at least one actuating element (2.1, 2.2), for actuating the coupling element (1.1, 1.2), that is movable in an actuating direction (B), wherein
   the actuating direction (B) and the coupling direction (K) are oriented parallel to one another, wherein
   the actuating element (2.1) and the coupling element (1.1) are arranged jointly on one side (11.1) of the coupling device (7) and the coupling element (1.1, 1.2) and the actuating element (2.1, 2.2) are accessible from the same side of the coupling device,
   characterized
   in that the actuating direction (B) and the coupling direction (K) are oriented oppositely to one another.
2. Coupling device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element (1.1, 1.2) is movable linearly back and forth in the coupling direction (K).
3. Coupling device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (2.1) is coupled to the coupling element (1.1) via a first rocker (4.1).
4. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a second coupling element (1.2), which is arranged on a second side (11.2) of the coupling device (7) and is located opposite the first coupling element (1.1).
5. Coupling device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the coupling elements (1.1, 1.2) are arranged coaxially with one another and have opposite directions of movement.
6. Coupling device according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the second coupling element (1.2) is coupled to the opposite actuating element (2.1) via a first diagonal connector (6.1) such that the movements thereof are in the same direction.
7. Coupling device according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the coupling elements (1.1, 1.2) are actuable via a single actuating element (2.1).
8. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a second actuating element (2.2), which is located opposite the first actuating element (2.1) and is arranged coaxially therewith.
9. Coupling device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the two coupling elements (1.1, 1.2) are actuable selectively via one of the actuating elements (2.1, 2.2).
10. Bridge element having a coupling device (7) according to one of the preceding claims.
11. Bridge element according to Claim 10, characterized in that the coupling device (7) is arranged in an end region (23) of the bridge element (9).
12. Bridge element according to either of Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the coupling element (1) is arranged within the bridge section (9) in an open position and at least partially outside the bridge section (9) in a coupling position.
13. Method for connecting two bridge elements (9) with at least one coupling element (1.1, 1.2) that is movable in a coupling direction (K) and at least one actuating element (2.1, 2.2), for actuating the coupling element (1.1, 1.2), that is movable in an actuating direction (B), wherein the coupling element (1.1, 2.1) is moved parallel to the actuating direction (B), wherein
    the actuating element (2.1) and the coupling element (1.1) are arranged jointly on one side (11.1) of the coupling device (7) and the coupling element (1.1, 1.2) is actuated from the side on which the actuating element (2.1, 2.2) is arranged, characterized
    in that the actuating direction (B) and the coupling direction (K) are oriented oppositely to one another.

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