EP3793880B1 - Coupling device having a covering device, and rail vehicle having such a coupling device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a coupling device with a covering device. The invention also relates to a rail-bound vehicle with the coupling device and covering device for protection against environmental and weather influences.

Automatic couplings, in particular semi-automatic coupling devices as well as fully automatic coupling devices on railcars and locomotives at the front and rear end areas of the respective trains, are used in rail transport to form train formations. Such coupling devices can be designed very differently in terms of their length, weight and dimensions in order to meet the respective train-specific requirement. Furthermore, such coupling devices can also be equipped with additional functional devices such as electrical couplings and/or air couplings. The arrangement of such functional devices viewed in the installation position of the coupling device is assigned to the coupling head either on both sides laterally or laterally and in the vertical direction above or below the longitudinal axis of the coupling. These are connected to or mounted on the coupling head either directly or via a carrier device.

Rail-bound vehicles with such previously described coupling devices are usually in operation all year round, so that they can inevitably be exposed to all weather conditions. On the one hand, this can lead to icing of these or the accumulation of snow and ice, which can result in functional impairments on the coupling device itself and on the additional functional devices, such as the electric clutch or air clutch. Specifically, the result can be, for example, a blocking of the coupling devices, failure of the coupling function during operation as well as at a standstill and in the non-coupled state. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the vertical and horizontal function of deflecting and swiveling out of the coupling device is no longer given due to locally unfavorable deposits and settling of such snow and dirt particles as well as due to icing.

As a consequence, this can lead to damage to the coupling device itself, which in turn results in failures of the rail-bound vehicle or the corresponding train set. Under these conditions, a change in the train composition, for example separation or reunification due to insufficient or increased passenger volume, can only be made with difficulty due to the given functional impairment.

Different weather conditions can also lead to breakdowns, damage or failure of functionally relevant components and accessories up to total failure as well as damage to hoses, lines and other attachments on the train or the coupling device. Designs of coupling devices with covers are known from the prior art, which are intended to avoid such disadvantages. Most trains, especially express trains and high-speed trains, are equipped with protective devices or systems for protecting the coupling devices from the factory. These are designed as covering devices, which serve either to directly cover the coupling head and the functional components arranged on it, or to protect a space surrounding the coupling head or the coupling rod from the environment.

According to a first known embodiment, such a coupling device is provided with a housing. The housing can be made as a whole from metal or a non-metal and enclose the coupling head and, if necessary, additional functional devices in order to protect them from the environmental conditions, in particular possible weather conditions. Versions with cover devices in the form of pivoting hoods are, for example, from EP 0 811 539 A1 and EP 1 350 703 B1 previously known. EP 0 811 539 A1 describes a cover for a coupling head with a hood to protect the coupling head, wherein a relatively complex sequence of movements is required to pivot the cover from the working or uncoupling state into a resting or coupling state, in which the cover is first pulled in the direction of the coupling, to release the cover from a locking device. A circular movement then takes place, in which the cover is pivoted downwards about a pivot point. To simplify the The publication discloses the sequence of movements EP 1 350 703 B1 a further development of this embodiment.

A covering device for a coupling head is also known from the publication EP 33 231 685 A1 previously known, this allows a partial coverage of the coupling device in the upper and front end area.

The pamphlet DE 43 00 393 A1 discloses an embodiment for protecting a coupler head which provides a horizontally hinged cover which is in the form of rigid shells forming the nose of a traction vehicle. As a rule, these half-shell covers are swiveled in front of the coupling by means of rods and articulated frames by means of pneumatic or hydraulic drives and retracted into the coupling area of the traction vehicle.

Other versions of covers for the front area of a coupling head are, for example, from DE 44 45 182 C1 , DE 43 12 405 and DE 106 35 382 A1 previously known. These are often very expensive and cannot be sensibly installed in all traction vehicles. In particular, the installation space required for the kinematics of the respective pivoting devices cannot always be provided.

In EP 1 524 165 B1 an embodiment is described which provides a flexible cover that can be adapted to almost any coupling head size and that can be attached to the coupling. This cover is designed as a flexible hood and has an opening in the rear area for pulling it onto the coupling head and one or more locking devices in its front area. However, this flexible design necessitates a necessary adaptation of an individual hood to the application in order to be able to rest firmly on the coupling head and thus be able to be fixed in terms of position on this. However, this means that additional functional units and their actuation, in particular when realizing necessary relative movements with respect to the coupling head, can only be protected to a limited extent or not at all with such a cover from environmental and weather influences. Another major problem is that when the coupling head is coupled to the counter-coupling head of a counter-coupling, the outer circumference is covered in the direction of extension of the respective coupling head, but the actual coupling area, i.e. the Area where the two coupling heads touch each other is not protected. To solve this problem, the WO 2017/215850 A1 proposes a cover for a coupling head, which comprises a hood, wherein the hood, viewed in the direction of extension in the longitudinal direction, has an opening in a first end area for releasing access to the end face of the coupling head and in a second end area an opening for parts of the coupling device to be passed through. The hood is formed by a rigid support structure, which has devices for fixed attachment and storage on the coupling device and the cover in the first end area of the support structure, viewed in the longitudinal direction, comprises a cover element for releasing or covering the opening for releasing access to the end face of the coupling head, which is detachably connected to the support structure. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the support structure comprises a frame structure that can be fastened to the coupling head or the coupling device and can be clad with corresponding shell walls in order to enclose the coupling head in the circumferential direction, forming an interior space for accommodating it and other functional elements.

EP 3 231 685 A1 discloses the placement of a pad having an inflatable chamber on a coupler head adapted to reduce the accumulation of snow on a surface or in a recess of the coupler head attached thereto.

What is common to the versions with only one cover of the coupling head is that the other functional devices can often only be protected against environmental influences to a limited extent.

EP 1 473 207 A1 discloses a crash protection device with a blind device, which is arranged between and attached to two coupled vehicles. The cover device encloses the coupling devices connecting vehicles to one another in the longitudinal direction and partially in the circumferential direction while maintaining a distance from them and is therefore only provided in the coupled state.

Covering devices, which are used to seal an opening provided in the front area of a rail-mounted vehicle as required, through which a coupling shaft of a coupling device extends in the coupled and uncoupled state, are known, for example EP 2 524 850 B1 , DE 10 2015 214 606 A1 as well as DE 10 2016 219 267 A1 previously known. These attempt to seal off the space behind the coupling head from the environment by arranging covering devices between the coupling head and the front flaps. DE 10 2016 219 267 A1 discloses a gaiter arrangement in which the covering device is fastened to the coupling head and the front flaps and also opens up when the front flaps move into the open state. A solution with a covering device to be attached manually is out DE 10 2015 214 606 A1 known.

The solutions for covering the rear space of a coupling device presuppose that an appropriate underbody structure must be given in order to keep environmental influences, in particular dirt particles thrown up from below, away from the coupling device. Furthermore, such designs are only suitable for end areas of rail vehicles with cover flaps, in particular front flaps. Access to the coupling device for maintenance purposes generally requires the cover device to be removed.

The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a cover device for a coupling device of rail-bound vehicles in such a way that it can be relatively flexibly adapted to different application requirements and easily modified. Impairments to the functioning of the coupling device due to weather and other environmental influences are to be avoided. Furthermore, this should also be easy to retrofit in existing coupling devices. Another requirement is easy access to the individual functional devices and the corresponding functional components of the coupling device in the event of maintenance. The entire construction should be as simple and lightweight as possible, ie it should be able to be realized with the lowest possible weight.

The solution according to the invention is characterized by a coupling device according to claim 1.

Advantageous configurations are described in the dependent claims. A rail-bound vehicle with the coupling device is described in claim 15.

• wobei die Kupplungsvorrichtung durch eine Erstreckung in Längsrichtung entlang einer theoretischen Kupplungslängsachse charakterisiert ist und im vom Kupplungskopf abgewandten fahrzeugseitigen Endbereich eine Schnittstelle zum Anlenken oder Befestigen am Fahrzeugrahmen des schienengebundenen Fahrzeuges aufweist;
• mit einem Kupplungskopf zum Kuppeln mit einem Kupplungskopf der Gegenkupplungsvorrichtung;
• mit einer Abdeckeinrichtung zum Schutz vor Umgebungs- und Umwelteinflüssen, welche den Kupplungskopf zumindest teilweise umschließt;
• wobei die Abdeckeinrichtung derart ausgebildet und angeordnet ist, nur den Kupplungskopf oder die Kupplungsvorrichtung zumindest teilweise über die Erstreckung der Kupplungsvorrichtung in Längsrichtung und in Umfangsrichtung um die Kupplungslängsachse zumindest in Teilbereichen unter Ausbildung eines Abstandes zum Außenumfang der Kupplungsvorrichtung zu umschließen.

A coupling device for a rail-bound vehicle is provided for connection to a counter-coupling device of another rail-bound vehicle,

• wherein the coupling device is characterized by an extension in the longitudinal direction along a theoretical coupling longitudinal axis and has an interface for articulation or attachment to the vehicle frame of the rail-bound vehicle in the vehicle-side end region facing away from the coupling head;
• with a coupling head for coupling with a coupling head of the counter-coupling device;
• with a covering device for protection against environmental influences, which at least partially encloses the coupling head;
• wherein the covering device is designed and arranged in such a way that it at least partially encloses only the coupling head or the coupling device over the extension of the coupling device in the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the coupling, at least in partial areas, forming a distance from the outer circumference of the coupling device.

A rail-bound vehicle is any vehicle that is suitable for being moved on rails. The vehicles can be vehicles with a drive or without their own drive. the latter can be designed, for example, as cars or wagons that can be brought together in a train with a driven vehicle.

The term vehicle frame is understood to mean in particular any structure of the rail-bound vehicle that assumes a carrying function or support function. This can be both frame parts and plate-like elements, in particular intermediate plates.

By encasing not only the coupling head, but also other components of the coupling device, it can be reliably protected against the effects of the weather and other negative environmental influences. The protection takes place in the immediate vicinity of the coupling device and is therefore independent of the modifications of the coupling device in the installation space. The at least partially spaced arrangement of the cover also makes it possible to also cover additional functional devices or other additional components, which can be arranged in the area of the coupling device or are attached to it, and thus protect them from environmental influences.

When a rail-mounted vehicle is used, the coupling device is arranged in an end region thereof and generally extends away from the vehicle frame. Depending on the design of the coupling device, it is equipped with additional functional components, such as damping devices between the coupling head and the support on the vehicle. The coupling rod connected to the coupling head is articulated on the vehicle frame via a bearing device attached to the latter or is supported on the latter via a tension bracket arrangement.

The extent of the coupling device in the longitudinal direction is therefore relatively long. The solution according to the invention is particularly suitable for such designs in particular, in order to reliably cover the individual functional components of the coupling device and also additional functional devices and at the same time to ensure optimum accessibility to them.

Depending on the design of the covering device, this serves to at least partially cover the coupling device viewed in the direction of extension in the longitudinal direction or else to cover it completely. For this purpose, the covering device has at its end region on the coupling head side at least one device for attachment to the coupling head or to a component connected to it. This ensures that the covering device accommodates at least a partial area of the coupling head, preferably the coupling head completely. When the coupling device is at least partially covered in the longitudinal direction, the covering device has a device on its vehicle-side end region for attachment to a component connected to the coupling device. With complete coverage in the longitudinal direction, the covering device has, in a further development, a device for fastening to the vehicle frame or to a component connected to it on its vehicle-side end region The component connected to the vehicle frame can also be formed by a bearing device connected to the coupling rod, in particular a bearing block. In the case of versions in which the covering device is fastened to the coupling head and in the vehicle-side end area of the covering device to the coupling device, for example the coupling rod or the bearing device or the bearing block, it is possible to keep the coupling device in stock and deliver it completely pre-assembled with the covering device. There is no need for time-consuming attachment to the vehicle at a later date.

In all of the aforementioned cases, however, the covering device preferably extends from the end face of the coupling head over the coupling device in the longitudinal direction, preferably completely over it. This ensures that even when coupled with a counter-coupling, the coupling area is also covered and thus safely protected from the effects of the weather.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the covering device, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coupling device, has at least one closable opening on the outer circumference for releasing access to the coupling device in the area in which it extends in the longitudinal direction. This ensures accessibility to individual functional components of the coupling device or functional devices assigned to the coupling device, such as electric coupling, line coupling and the connecting lines assigned to them over the extension of the coupling device in the longitudinal direction for maintenance purposes.

According to the invention, the covering device is at least partially formed by a flexible structure. The flexibility can be given due to the selected materials and/or the specific structure of the covering device.

This flexibility allows, on the one hand, simple assembly and, if necessary, retrofitting, even with already installed coupling devices, and also an adaptation to positional deviations and different installation situations.

The flexibility can be given both in the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction of the coupling device around the longitudinal axis. The latter option allows the covering device to be installed even when the longitudinal direction changes significantly Dimensions due to conversions of the coupling device in the available installation space.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the covering device is formed at least partially from a functional textile made from man-made fibers, natural fibers or a blend of these. The advantage of using functional textiles lies in the very low weight, so that even covering devices of greater overall length do not require any greater additional weight. Furthermore, the appropriate choice of the type of functional textile, for example with water-repellent properties, offers additional advantages. So the low weight can be kept even when wet. Due to its composition, the functional textile can also be designed with other properties, for example, it can be flame-retardant.

In order to reliably prevent the covering device from directly touching or rubbing in defined areas on the outer circumference of the coupling device in the area of use, the sub-area of the covering device formed by the functional textile is given its shape in the installed position in the simplest case simply by stretching when the covering device is fastened to the coupling device and the vehicle frame .

According to the invention, the partial area of the covering device formed by the flexible structure is supported by a support structure arranged on the coupling device. This can get its position by being stretched between the connection elements arranged on both sides to the partial cover device with a flexible structure or by arrangement and attachment to the coupling device. The latter possibility offers the advantage, especially when the covering device is formed from several covering sub-devices, that these can be separated from one another without having to change the shape and the space enclosed thereby on the coupling device, in which additional functional devices can be arranged.

According to a variant of such an embodiment, the covering device comprises a tarpaulin which at least partially encloses the coupling device in the circumferential direction and which has guides arranged on the coupling device guidable support structure is mounted on the coupling device. In the covering position, the tarpaulin is stretched. The support structure, which is formed, for example, from support elements guided on both sides of the coupling device, in particular support profiles, is extended in the covering position and the tarpaulin is arranged on it as an outer shell and held in the tensioned position.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cover device is designed to extend in the longitudinal direction, viewed from the end face of the coupling head, over the entire extent of the coupling device. This offers the advantage of being able to keep the coupling device completely free from undesirable weather influences, even in the coupled state, and to enable shielding of the coupling device close to the outer circumference. The coupling device can also be preassembled with the covering device before it is installed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the covering device is designed as a single covering device module. With this design, the required interface and connection areas are reduced.

According to the invention, the cover device comprises a hood that encloses only the coupling head and, viewed in the longitudinal direction, has an opening in a first end area for releasing access to the end face of the coupling head and in a second end area an opening for parts of the coupling device to be passed through. The hood has the support structure with devices for fixed attachment/storage on the coupling head and/or a component connected to it and a textile covering that encloses the coupling head and is supported by the support structure. The use of the textile cover, which is formed by a functional textile, offers the advantages that have already been mentioned above for the flexible structure or functional textile. In the first end region, the covering device also comprises a covering element for releasing or covering the opening to the end face of the coupling head, which is detachably connected to the support structure.

According to the invention, the support structure is designed as a partial hood that can be rigidly connected to the coupling head and encloses it over a partial area in the circumferential direction. This comprises a frame element that encloses the coupling head over a partial area in the circumferential direction in the front end area and can be fastened to it, as well as a holder element that can be fastened in the vehicle-side end area of the coupling head or to the coupling rod connected to it, the frame element and holder element being connected to one another via intermediate elements, forming the partial hood . The rigid partial hood as a support structure offers the desired stability and also the possibility of integrating additional functions, such as integrated guides for cables and pipes and use as a holder or attachment option for other functional elements. The textile cover allows a high degree of flexibility in terms of shape, depending on the choice of material, a very high level of weather resistance and, if closable functional openings are provided, easy access to the covered components.

According to a very particularly advantageous embodiment, the covering device, in particular if it extends beyond the coupling head over further parts of the coupling device, is formed from at least two covering sub-devices, comprising a first covering sub-device for enclosing the coupling head and at least a second with the first releasably connectable cover sub-assembly for enclosing a portion of the coupling device extending from the coupling head, preferably the entire remaining portion of the coupling device in the longitudinal direction. This solution offers the advantage of being able to make the individual partial covering devices from different materials and/or with different dimensions. Furthermore, the individual partial cover devices can be attached individually to the coupling device or to one another. There is also the possibility, in particular for maintenance purposes, of only having to open or remove one partial cover device, while the other areas of the coupling device remain encased by the remaining components of the cover device. This advantage is given in particular when the individual cover sub-device is subdivided into further sub-devices.

• formschlüssige Verbindung
• kraftschlüssige Verbindung
• Reißverschluss
• Klettverschlussverbindung
• Druckknopfverbindung.

The individual cover sub-devices each comprise connection areas for connection to the adjacent cover sub-devices and/or the vehicle frame, the cover sub-devices being connected to one another via detachable connections. The individual detachable connection is preferably designed as a connection selected from the group of connections mentioned below:

• positive-locking connection
• force-fitting connection
• zipper
• Velcro connection
• snap button connection.

The choice of connection also depends crucially on the materials used. As a rule, zipper connections are only possible between textile cover sub-devices. The aforementioned types of connection also apply analogously to the closable openings provided in the covering device.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the second covering sub-device is also formed by a support structure and a functional textile supported by it. The advantage is the low weight and the universal adaptation to the installation space conditions.

The main area of application for such coupling devices are rail vehicles.

In the rail-bound vehicle according to claim 17 with the coupling device attached or articulated to a vehicle frame, wherein the coupling device is arranged in an installation space which is delimited by the vehicle frame or a coupling shaft and is open on one side and wherein the coupling device is arranged in the longitudinal direction with the opening terminating with or protruding from it the cover the coupling head in the circumferential direction and in the direction of extension in the longitudinal direction enclosing hood, an am Outer circumference of the hood in the circumferential direction arranged around this spoiler device, wherein a sealing device for sealing the installation space from the environment is arranged between the spoiler device and the vehicle frame.

Fig.1a bis 1e

zeigen in schematisiert vereinfachter Darstellung beispielhaft unterschiedliche Einbausituationen von Kupplungsvorrichtungen;

Fig.2a bis 2e

zeigen in schematisiert vereinfachter Darstellung beispielhaft Abdeckeinrichtungen für die unterschiedlichen Einbausituationen;

Fig. 3a und 3b

zeigen modulare Ausführungen von Abdeckeinrichtungen;

Fig. 4a bis 4c

eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausbildung von Abdeck-Teileinrichtungen einer Abdeckeinrichtung,

Fig. 5a bis 5c

eine Ausbildung der Abdeckeinrichtung als Planenverdeck;

Fig. 6a bis 6c

eine alternative Ausbildung einer Abdeckeinrichtung über eine zwischen Kupplungskopf und Fahrzeugrahmen angeordnete Dichteinrichtung.

Fig. 7

zeigt in einer perspektivischen Darstellung beispielhaft eine erfindungsgemäße Kupplungsvorrichtung mit einer Abdeckeinrichtung mit einer textilen Umhüllung für einen Kupplungskopf;

Fig. 8a bis 8d

verdeutlichen die einzelnen Komponenten einer Abdeckeinrichtung gemäß Figur 7.

Further advantageous forms of the invention are explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The figures show in detail:

1a to 1e

show, in a simplified, schematic representation, examples of different installation situations for coupling devices;

Figures 2a to 2e

show, in a schematic, simplified representation, examples of covering devices for the different installation situations;

Figures 3a and 3b

show modular versions of covering devices;

Figures 4a to 4c

a particularly advantageous design of partial covering devices of a covering device,

Figures 5a to 5c

an embodiment of the covering device as a tarpaulin top;

Figures 6a to 6c

an alternative embodiment of a covering device via a sealing device arranged between the coupling head and the vehicle frame.

7

shows in a perspective view an example of a coupling device according to the invention with a covering device with a textile covering for a coupling head;

Figures 8a to 8d

illustrate the individual components of a covering device according to FIG figure 7 .

The figures are described in more detail below.

The Figures 1a to 1e illustrate in a simplified schematic representation basic installation situations of coupling devices 1 for rail-bound vehicles 2 and the resulting problem of dirt and damage caused by environmental influences and environmental influences. The coupling device 1 is used for coupling with a counter-coupling head of another rail-bound vehicle, it being possible for the individual rail-bound vehicles to be vehicles with drive or without their own drive, eg wagons of a train set. Only a part of a vehicle frame 6 or car body of the rail-bound vehicle 2 is shown here.

The coupling device 1 comprises at least one coupling head 3, which is articulated at least indirectly on a vehicle frame 6 or car body of a rail-bound vehicle and is supported on this. In the case shown, the coupling device 1 is designed as a central buffer coupling and comprises at least one coupling head 3 which is articulated via a coupling rod 4 in a bearing block 5 on the vehicle frame 6 . The design of the coupling device 1 is an example here. The coupling device 1 is shown in a view in the direction of extension in the longitudinal direction of the rail-bound vehicle 2 in the longitudinal direction thereof. A longitudinal axis LK of the coupling device 1 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rail-bound vehicle 2 . The coupling device 1 extends in the longitudinal direction from a component formed by the vehicle frame 6 or connected to it in the axial direction viewed from this away, in particular depending on the arrangement on the rail-bound vehicle 2 either from this from the front or rear.

The coupling head 3 of the coupling device 1 is used for coupling and connecting to a counter-coupling head of a counter-coupling device on a further carriage or rail-bound vehicle to be connected to the carriage on which the coupling device 1 is arranged.

Viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the bearing block 5 is arranged and fastened, for example, on a component of the vehicle frame 6 that extends in the vertical direction or on a component connected to it. The normally available installation space is characterized by the vehicle frame 6 or car body as well as conversions and additions, not shown here, in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis LK of the coupling. This means that the coupling device 1 is exposed to the environmental influences in some areas without protection, which can lead to damage and impairment of the function due to weather-related deposits such as snow and ice or other dirt that has entered, especially in a normal area of use of rail-bound vehicles 2 .

Furthermore, further devices for coupling different line connections in a train assembly are arranged in the vicinity of the coupling device 1 . These are, for example, couplings for coupling fluid-carrying lines, for example so-called air couplings 7 and electrical coupling devices 8. The electrical coupling device 8 and the air coupling 7 are only indicated here and are connected to line connections 9, 10, which are connected, for example, to the rail vehicles 2 be led. The lines for the air line coupling 7 are denoted by 9 and the lines for the electrical coupling device 8 by 10 .

Recognizable in Figure 1a is merely a connection area positioned in the longitudinal direction of the rail-bound vehicle, formed on the vehicle frame or connected to it and extending in the vertical direction, for the attachment or articulation of the coupling device 1 thereto. The connection area extending in the vertical direction can here a vehicle frame part 11 are formed. The part of the coupling device 1 protruding from this connection area is either completely free or, viewed in the longitudinal and circumferential direction, is at least partially still surrounded by modifications arranged on the vehicle. However, these do not form a firmly delimited spatial area.

Compared to the version in Figure 1a show the Figure 1b the arrangement and articulation of a coupling device 1, in which the vehicle frame 6 can define the installation space 17 in the longitudinal direction of the coupling device 1 and over a partial area in the circumferential direction. This is illustrated in a highly simplified schematic form by a vehicle frame part 12 extending in the longitudinal direction. The vehicle frame part 12 can either only protect the coupling device 1 while forming a distance in the vertical direction upwards or can additionally enclose the coupling device 1 over a partial area in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal coupling axis LK, forming a distance. The vehicle frame part 11 is preferably formed integrally with the vehicle frame part 11 or is connected to it.

At the in the Figures 1a and 1b illustrated installation situations, the coupling device 1 is not passed through the vehicle frame parts. Compared to these in the Figures 1a and 1b illustrated installation situations shows the Figure 1c an installation situation in which the articulation and thus coupling of the coupling device 1 via the bearing block 5 on the vehicle frame 6 does not take place on the outermost vehicle frame part 11 in the longitudinal direction, but is guided through it. In this case, the articulation or support takes place via the bearing block 5 on a component connected to the vehicle frame and offset in the axial direction relative to the end region of the vehicle frame, for example the vehicle frame part 13 in the form of an intermediate plate. For this purpose, the vehicle frame part 11 is provided with a passage 15 for passing the coupling device 1 through.

The Figure 1d illustrates an embodiment in which the coupling device 1 is surrounded or encased by the vehicle frame 6 in the manner of a coupling shaft 18 that is open at least on one side. It is also conceivable, but not shown here, to simply have a lower plate on the vehicle frame 6 that covers the influences from the wheel area of the vehicle, with the installation space 17 for the coupling device 1 in is defined in this case by the lower plate or the underbody 14, an axially arranged vehicle frame part 11 and any conversions, installations. Preferably according to Figure 1d a coupling shaft 18 is provided or formed by the vehicle frame 6 . This encloses the coupling device 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LK of the coupling in the circumferential direction and is designed with an opening 16 on one side, from which the coupling device 1 protrudes. In this case, the installation space 17 is defined by the coupling shaft 18 . When the vehicle frame 6 is formed, the coupling shaft 18 is formed, for example, by vehicle frame parts 11, 12 and a frame part forming the underbody 14.

The Figure 1e illustrates an installation situation based on an embodiment according to Figure 1d , In addition, access to the coupling device 1 viewed in the vertical direction is given from the underside. Access is represented here by at least one opening 19 as an example.

The passage 15, the openings 16 and 19 provide access for dirt or snow/ice to the coupling device 1. This access is in the Figures 1d, 1e indicated by way of example by means of reinforced arrows.

The Figures 2a to 2e illustrate advantageous embodiments of covering devices 20 for the coupling device 1 when used in rail-bound vehicles 2 by way of example for the possible installation situations. The covering devices 20 in FIGS Figures 2a to 2e are reproduced in a schematic, simplified representation with regard to the covering function. With regard to detailed explanations, reference is made to further figures and explanations. The Figures 2a to 2e only illustrate basic principles for the design of the covering device 20.

The individual cover device 20 is designed and arranged in such a way that the coupling device 1, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis LK of the coupling, is spaced apart from the coupling head 3 to the articulation or attachment to the vehicle frame 6 or passage 19 on the vehicle frame 6 or closely encloses it over at least a partial area in the circumferential direction around the Coupling device 1, preferably completely in the circumferential direction enclose and thus protect the coupling device 1 from dirt particles or other disruptive factors penetrating into the installation space 17 . The covering device 20 according to FIG Figure 2a attached directly to the vehicle frame 6, while in accordance with the embodiment Figure 2b an attachment is only on the bearing block 5 and thus the coupling device 1 itself. The Figures 2a and 2b show embodiments in which the covering device 20 is formed from two covering sub-devices 21 and 22, with a first covering sub-device 21 receiving the coupling head 3 or enclosing it in the circumferential direction and the covering sub-device 22 holding the coupling rod 4 and the bearing block 5 picks up and encloses it. The cover device 20 is fastened in Figure 2b directly on the bearing block 5, which is connected to the vehicle frame part 11.

The covering device 20 according to the Figures 2a and 2b includes the respective partial cover devices 21 and 22, which are designed in one or more parts.

The Figure 2c clarifies for an installation situation according to Figure 1b the formation of the covering device 20 from the covering sub-devices 21 and 22. This also applies analogously to the Figure 2d , which the installation situation according to Figure 1b reflects. Figure 2e shows the installation situation according to Figure 1c . In this case, the cover sub-device 22 is connected to the vehicle frame 6 in the area of the passage 15. In this embodiment, the coupling device 1 is only partially enclosed by the cover due to the passage of a partial area through the passage.

Concepts are preferably used in which the coupling device 1 is completely enclosed, viewed in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis LK of the coupling, with the enclosing taking place either in the immediate spatial vicinity of the outer circumference of the respective elements of the coupling device 1 or with the formation of a predefined distance from them. With regard to the specific configuration of the covering device 20, a large number of designs are conceivable. In all versions, there is at least one closable opening 26 in the covering device 20, preferably in the area of the axial extension of the covering device 20, i.e. the extension from the coupling head 3, preferably the end face 27 of the coupling head 3, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coupling device 1 provided, which allows access to components of the coupling device in the area of extension in the longitudinal direction for maintenance purposes without the need to dismantle the cover device 20. This opening 26 is preferably arranged on the underside of the coupling device 1 in the installed position. Other arrangements, for example on the side of the longitudinal axis of the coupling, are also conceivable. The opening 26 is here in the Figures 2a to 2e indicated schematically by a broken line.

The covering device 20, which consists at least of the covering sub-devices 21 and 22, can also be constructed in a modular manner and the individual covering sub-devices 21 and 22 can also be divided into sub-areas with regard to their design and are formed by individual elements to be coupled to one another can become. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the cover device 20 is also designed with a passage 26 that allows access to the coupling device 1 for certain maintenance work, however, without having to completely remove the cover device 20 .

The possibility of a modular structure is exemplified in the Figures 3a and 3b played back. Is recognizable according to Figure 3a the formation of the covering device 20 from the covering sub-devices 21 and 22, with a precise functional assignment of the covering sub-device 21 to the coupling head 3 and of the covering sub-device 22 to the remaining part of the coupling device, in particular to the coupling rod and the bearing block. In contrast, the Figure 3b an embodiment of the cover sub-devices 21 and 22, the cover sub-device 22 being subdivided again into the sub-devices 22.1 and 22.2. The assignment is made here functionally to the coupling rod in the case of the cover sub-device 22.1 and the cover sub-device 22.2 to the bearing block.

In the Figures 4a to 4c is an example of a particularly advantageous embodiment of a modular design according to Figure 3b played back. In principle, in all modular designs, the individual partial covering devices 21, 22.1, 22.2 can be designed in different ways, in particular can consist of different materials. In this case, it is conceivable to design each of the individual partial covering devices as a flexible structure. On the other hand, it is too conceivable to run the cover sub-equipment as rigid enclosures. Mixed combinations in the case of modular juxtaposition are also conceivable. According to an embodiment not covered by the scope of protection of the claims, the covering sub-device 21 for covering the coupling head 3 is designed as a rigid casing, in particular a hood 25, and the covering sub-device 22.2 is designed as a rigid flange, while the covering sub-device 22.1 is designed as a flexible structural unit, in particular textile covering is formed. The hood 25 can be made either as a metal hood or from plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic. The flexible structural unit is preferably designed as an elastic sleeve. This can be made of a functional textile, which has a corresponding support structure, which is formed from individual support elements. The support structure is preferably formed from support elements guided on guide elements extending in the longitudinal direction—which can be rigid or flexible.

The Figures 4a to 4c use two views to illustrate the structure of the individual partial covering devices 21, 22.1, 22.2 in a somewhat more detailed representation.

Figure 4a shows the partial cover device 21. This is used to hold the coupling head 3. In the case shown, the partial cover device 21 is preferably designed as a hood which covers the outer circumference 24 of the coupling head 3 over at least a partial area, in this case the complete extent of the coupling head 3 in the longitudinal direction from the end face 27 to the coupling rod 4, viewed in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis LK of the coupling device 1, encloses. Viewed in the longitudinal direction, the hood 25 has in a first end area an opening 28 for releasing access to the end face 27 of the coupling head 3 and in a second end area an opening 29 for parts of the coupling device 1 to pass through. The hood 25 is here constituted by a rigid support structure 30, not falling under the scope of the claims, which has means for fixing/supporting it in place on the coupling device 1. In the case shown, the hood 25 encloses not only the coupling head 3, but also the other functional elements arranged on the coupling head, such as the air coupling 7 and/or the electric coupling device 8 in the circumferential direction. That is, the hood 25 encloses the coupling head in the circumferential direction, forming a distance from the outer circumference 24 of the coupling head 3 in places. The intermediate space formed in this way serves to accommodate further functional devices. The rigid support structure 30 serves to do this holding the corresponding casing enclosing the coupling head 3 and the further functional elements. A cover element 31 is also provided. This serves to release or cover the opening 28 to release access to the end face 27 of the coupling head 3. The cover element 31 is connected to the support structure 30 in a detachable manner. It can also be designed such that it can be pivoted in relation to this.

According to a first embodiment, not shown here in detail, the support structure 30 is designed as a self-supporting support structure, which is formed from at least two or more shell walls connected to one another to form this self-supporting support structure and the device for fastening/bearing on the coupling head 3 or another element of the coupling device 1 are provided on the shell walls. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the support structure 30 has a support frame (not shown here) to which the enveloping walls 32 for enclosing the coupling head 3 and the functional devices 7, 8 are attached. The shell walls 32 define an interior space for accommodating the coupling head 3 and the functional devices air coupling 7 and/or electric coupling device 8. The devices for fastening/storing on the coupling head 2, 3 or another element of the coupling device 1, for example the downstream coupling rod 4 or the Interface to this are then preferably provided on the support frame. In the case shown, since the entire covering device 20 is of modular design, the covering sub-device 21 forms an interface in the front area directed towards the downstream parts of the coupling arrangement, in particular connection area 33 for coupling to the further covering sub-device 22, in particular the subdevice 22.1. This cover sub-device 22.1 serves to at least partially accommodate the coupling rod 4. In the case shown, this cover sub-device 22.1 is designed as a flexible structure, in particular in the manner of a bellows device, comprising a connection area 34 for coupling to the cover sub-device 21, in particular in the area of the coupling head 3 facing away from the end face 27. Furthermore, the covering sub-device 22.1 comprises a connection area 35 directed away from the coupling head 3 for detachable connection to the covering sub-device 22.2. The cover sub-device 22.2 comprises a connection area 36 for coupling to the cover sub-device 22.1 and also a connection area 37 for coupling to the vehicle frame 6. The partial cover device 22.2 is formed either in the partial area of the bearing device, in particular the bearing block 5, enclosing it in the circumferential direction, whereby it can be arranged on this, or on the component connected to the bearing block 5, in particular the vehicle frame 6.

With regard to the specific design of the individual connection areas 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37, there are a number of options which also depend on the design of the individual cover sub-devices 21, 22.1, 22.2 and their choice of material.

The connection areas 34 and 35 can be formed by rigid elements. These are each designed to be complementary to the respective connection areas 33, 36 on the cover sub-device 21 and the cover sub-device 22.2. In the case shown, a lightweight construction in the form of a textile covering, which is kept in shape by corresponding support structures, is provided between the two connection areas 34 and 35 in a particularly advantageous manner. The textile covering is designed in the manner of a hose and is formed from a functional textile which can have special properties. For example, it can be water-repellent and designed to meet certain fire protection requirements. The shaping takes place via a corresponding support structure 38 which is formed from individual support elements 39 . The support structure 38 is preferably formed from support elements 39 guided on guide elements 40 which extend in the longitudinal direction and which can be of rigid or flexible design. Specifically, the support elements 39 can be guided, for example, as profile elements in the form of square or rectangular wire elements, along a rail between the first connection area 34 and the second connection area 35 . The rails forming the guides 40 can be formed by rigid or likewise flexible elements, which allow the individual support elements 39 to lie on top of one another in the axial direction when pushed together. There is the possibility of at least one of the support elements 39 being reinforced. This is denoted by 41. This can be provided with an opening 42 through which at least one line connection of one of the functional devices 7, 8 can be guided. In addition, it is conceivable that the support structure for the formation of intermediate brackets, for example, for lines to use functional facilities. However, the intermediate brackets can also be provided on the coupling device 1 as an alternative or as an option.

The cover sub-device 22.2 is designed here merely as a flange element surrounding the bearing block 5, comprising a connection area 37 for connection to the vehicle frame and an interface area 36 for coupling to the connection area 35 of the cover sub-device 22.1. The partial covering device 22.2 is preferably designed as a metal frame. Alternatively, this can also be fastened to the bearing block 5 .

The in the Figures 4a to 4c The configurations shown are exemplary and represent an advantageous combination of flexible and rigid covering sub-devices for forming the covering device 20. It is also generally conceivable to design the covering sub-device 22 as a rigid construction. However, this often leads to increased weight, which is why lightweight structures, preferably textile structures with carrier structures of lightweight construction, are used at least for the partial covering device 22 or 22.1. These also make it possible to minimize the weight considerably and can be used flexibly.

The respective connection between the individual partial covering devices 21 and 22 or 22.1 and 21 and 22.1 and 22.2 can be designed in different ways. Preferably, easily detachable but durable connections and fastening devices are used, which, however, are less prone to failure when the clutch is used. Fastening devices with snap fasteners or zip fasteners, for example, are used as particularly advantageous embodiments, which allow easy detachment, but also allow the fastening to be set up quickly.

The Figures 5a to 5c illustrate a further embodiment in which, in particular in an installation situation with a given cover over the underside of the vehicle, only partial enclosure of the coupling device 1 is realized by means of a flexible structural unit in the form of a tarpaulin cover 43 . This is formed by a functional textile in the form of a tarpaulin 44 which can be pulled up via guides 45 which can be guided on the coupling device 1 on both sides of the longitudinal axis LK of the coupling. The Figures 5a to 5c make that clear Tarpaulin top 43 in three views. It is particularly advantageous since the tarpaulin top 43 only has to be pulled over a partial area in the longitudinal direction of the coupling arrangement.

Figures 6a to 6c in contrast, illustrate an alternative embodiment of a covering device 20, as is given in particular for installation situations with a coupling shaft 18, that is to say a space 17 enveloping the coupling device 1 in the circumferential direction. In the case of such coupling shaft structures, which already completely protect the coupling devices 1 viewed in the circumferential direction in the longitudinal direction, it is only necessary to allow covering in the region of the end face 27 of the coupling arrangement. The execution according to Figures 6a to 6c proposes to form the coupling head 3 with a corresponding cover sub-device 21, as already shown in FIG Figure 4a was described. This means that the coupling head should be completely encapsulated if possible and that spoiler elements 47 be provided on it, preferably a spoiler element 47 that runs completely around the outer circumference 48 of the cover device 21 in the circumferential direction and has a surface 49 facing the coupling shaft 18 . Viewed in the circumferential direction, the spoiler 47 extends in the radial direction away from the housing of the coupling head 3 and parallel to the end face of the coupling shaft 18 , a sealing device 50 being provided between the structures forming the coupling shaft 18 and the spoiler 47 . As a result, the entire space enclosed by the coupling shaft 18 is sealed off from dirt and snow by the sealing device 50 and the spoiler 47 .

The configurations shown in the figures represent advantageous designs. However, the solution according to the invention is not limited to these. It is crucial that, if possible, the coupling device 1 is covered by the coupling head 3, that is to say in particular by the coupling area, up to the articulation on the vehicle frame 6 or a passage 15 on the vehicle frame 6. Cover essentially means enveloping in the circumferential direction, so that dirt and snow no longer have access to the individual parts of the clutch arrangement 1 .

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, at least one access opening 26 is provided in the individual cover device 20, in particular the partial cover device 21 or 22 or 22.1. installed in order to get here, if necessary, to line connections of the air coupling 7 and/or the electrical contact coupling 8 or to carry out other functional and maintenance work.

For example, to the in the Figure 4b To make the casing shown particularly flexible, it can be provided with corresponding fastening elements in the area of the connection areas 34, 35. In addition, the cover can also be separable in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in order to be able to remove it completely, it is conceivable to open the cover in the longitudinal direction and to loosen the attachment via a partial area of the connection areas 34, 35 or to remove them completely this without having to dismantle the other partial cover devices 21 and 22.2.

The figure 7 shows a perspective view of a coupling device 1 with a cover device 20, which is designed as a hood 51 enclosing only the coupling head 3, which, viewed in the direction of extension of the coupling device 1 in the longitudinal direction, has an opening in a first end region 52 for releasing access to the end face of the coupling head 3 and in a second end region 53 has an opening for parts of the coupling device 1 to pass through. The hood 51 has this according to Figure 8d a support structure 55 with an interface 56, 57 or devices for fixed attachment/storage on the coupling head 3 and/or a component connected to it, and a textile covering 58 surrounding the coupling head 3 and supported by the support structure 55. The latter is flexible and can be easily and inexpensively adapted to local conditions. In the case shown, the support structure 55 consists of a rigid partial hood 59 according to FIG Figure 8a . This comprises a frame element 60 forming the first interface 56 with the front end region of the coupling head 1 and a holder device 61 forming the second interface 57. The frame element 60 is in Figure 8b shown and encloses the coupling head 3 in the circumferential direction over a portion. It can be fastened to the coupling head 3 by means of fastening devices that are not shown, for example screw connections.

The holder device 61 is in Figure 8c reproduced as an example. This is designed as a plate-shaped element and includes passage openings 62 for the coupling device, in particular the coupling rod 4 and 63 for other functional devices such as cables or lines. The holder device 61 is connected to the frame element 60 via at least one connecting element 64 , here a partial hood sheet metal element, forming the rigid partial hood 59 .

The textile covering 58 in Figure 8e out and can be attached to it. The type and arrangement of the attachment can be done in different ways. Easily detachable versions are preferably chosen. For example, snap fasteners or Velcro fasteners are conceivable.

The hood 51 can be closed at the front by means of a cover element 54 .

Reference List

1

coupling device

2

rail vehicle; Car

3

coupling head

4

clutch rod

5

bearing block

6

vehicle frame

7

air clutch

8th

Electric coupling, electric contact coupling

9

Management; line connection

10

Management; line connection

11

vehicle frame part

12

vehicle frame part

13

vehicle frame part

14

sub-plate

15

execution

16

opening

17

installation space

18

clutch shaft

19

opening

20

covering device

21

cover sub-equipment

22

cover sub-equipment

22.1, 22.2

cover sub-equipment

23

Outer circumference coupling device

24

Outer circumference of coupling head

25

Hood

26

Opening area on cover device

27

Front end of the coupling head

28

opening

29

opening

30

support structure hood

31

cover element

32

shell wall

33

connection area

34

connection area

35

connection area

36

connection area

37

connection area

38

support structure

39

support element

40

guide

41

Support element reinforced

42

opening

43

canvas top

44

Plans

45

guide

46

support element

47

spoiler

48

Outer periphery of the cover subassembly 21

49

Surface

50

sealing device

51

Hood

52

first end area

53

second end area

54

cover element

55

support structure

56

first interface

57

second interface

58

textile covering

59

rigid partial hood

60

frame element

61

holder device

62

passage opening

63

passage opening

64

fastener

LK

longitudinal axis of the coupling

Claims (17)

1. Coupling device (1) for a rail-bound vehicle (2), for connecting to a mating coupling device of a further rail-bound vehicle, wherein the coupling device (1) is characterized by an extent in the longitudinal direction along a theoretical coupling longitudinal axis (LK), and in the vehicle-proximal end region that faces away from the coupler head (1) has an interface for articulating or fastening to the frame of the rail-bound vehicle (2);

   having a coupler head (3) for coupling to a coupler head of the mating coupling device;

   having a covering installation (20) for protection against surrounding and environmental influences, which is configured and disposed in such a manner so as to enclose only the coupler head (3) or the coupling device (1) at least partially over the extent of the coupling device (1) in the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction about the coupling longitudinal axis (LK) while at least in sub-regions forming a spacing from the external circumference of the coupling device (1), and which is at least in part formed by a flexible structure;

   wherein the sub-region of the covering installation (20) that is formed by the flexible structure is supported on a support structure (30, 38, 55) disposed on the coupling device (1);

   wherein the covering installation (20) comprises a hood (51) which encloses only the coupler head (39) and which, when viewed in the direction of extent in the longitudinal direction, in a first end region (52) has an opening for releasing the access to the end side (27) of the coupler head (3), and in a second end region (53) has an opening for routing through parts of the coupling device (1);

   wherein the hood (51) comprises the support structure (55) having installations for fastening/mounting in a locationally fixed manner on the coupler head (3) and/or a component connected to the latter;

   wherein the hood (51) comprises a textile casing (58) which encloses the coupler head (3) and is protected by way of the support structure (55), and the covering installation (20) in the first end region has a covering element (54) for exposing or covering the opening for releasing the access to the end side (27) of the coupler head (3), said covering element (20) being releasably connected to the support structure (55);

   wherein the support structure (55) is embodied as a rigid partial hood (59) which is able to be connected to the coupler head (3) and encloses the latter over a sub-region in the circumferential direction, comprising a frame element (60) which in the end side-proximal end region encloses the coupler head (3) over a sub-region in the circumferential direction and is able to be fastened to said coupler head (3), and a holder element (61) which is able to be fastened in the vehicle-proximal end region of the coupler head (3) or on the coupling bar (4) connected to the latter, wherein the frame element (60) and the holder element (61), while configuring the partial hood (59), are connected to one another by way of intermediate elements (64).
2. Coupling device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the coupling bar (4), which is connected to the coupler head (3), by way of a mounting installation fastened to the vehicle frame (6) is able to be articulated on the latter, or by way of a tension bracket is able to be supported on the latter.
3. Coupling device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2,

   characterized in that the covering installation (20) on the coupler head-proximal end region thereof has at least one installation for fastening to the coupler head (3) or to a component connected to the latter; and

   in that the covering installation (20) on the vehicle-proximal end region thereof has an installation for fastening to at least one of the components mentioned hereunder:

   - to the frame (6) or a component connected to the latter;

   - to the coupler head (3);

   - to the coupling bar (4);

   - to a component connected to the coupling device (1) .
4. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the covering installation (20), when viewed over the longitudinal direction of the coupling device (1), on the external circumference has at least one lockable opening (26) for releasing an access to the coupling device (1) in the region of extent of the latter in the longitudinal direction.
5. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the covering installation (20), when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coupling device, from the end side (27) of the coupler head (3) is configured so as to extend over the entire extent of the coupling device (1) in the longitudinal direction.
6. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the covering device (20) is configured to completely enclose the coupling device (1) in the circumferential direction at least in sub-regions, when viewed in the extent of the said coupling device (1) in the longitudinal direction.
7. Coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering installation (20) is at least in part configured by a functional textile configured from chemical fibres, natural fibres, or a mixed fabric woven from those.
8. Coupling device (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the sub-region of the covering installation (20) that is formed by the functional textile obtains its shape itself in the installed position, by stretching when the covering installation (20) is fastened to the coupling device (1) .
9. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the support structure (38) comprises at least one guiding installation (40) and support elements (39) which are disposed on the latter, or are able to be guided in the longitudinal direction, and support the functional textile on the internal circumference; and
   in that the covering installation (20) comprises a tarpaulin (44) which at least partially encloses the coupling device (1) in the circumferential direction about the coupling longitudinal axis (LK), and which by way of a support structure (38) made from guides (40) disposed on the coupling device (1) and from support elements (39) which are able to be guided on the guides (40) is mounted on the coupling device (1) .
10. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the covering installation (20) is formed from at least two covering sub-installations (21, 22, 22.1, 22.2), comprising a first covering sub-installation (21) for enclosing the coupler head (3), and a second covering sub-installation (22) which for enclosing a region of the coupling device (1) that extends from the coupler head (3), preferably the remaining sub-region of the coupling device (1) in the longitudinal direction, is releasably connectable to said first covering sub-installation (21).
11. Coupling device (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the second covering sub-installation (22) comprises at least two sub-installations (22.1, 22.2).
12. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 11 or 15, characterized in that the individual covering sub-installations (21, 22) comprise in each case connector regions for connecting to the adjacent covering sub-installations (22, 21) and/or the frame (6), and the covering sub-installations (21, 22) are connected to one another by way of releasable connections;
    wherein the individual releasable connection is embodied as a connection selected from the group of connections mentioned hereunder:

    - form-fitting connection;

    - force-fitting connection;

    - zip fastener;

    - hook-and-loop fastener;

    - press stud fastener.
13. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first covering sub-installation (21) as the hood (51) is configured to at least indirectly enclose the external circumference (24) of the coupler head (3) in the circumferential direction about a longitudinal axis (LK) of the coupling device (1) over at least a sub-region of the extent of the coupler head (3), when viewed in the longitudinal direction, wherein the hood (51), when viewed in the direction of extent in the longitudinal direction, in a first end region has an opening for releasing the access to the end side (27) of the coupler head (3), and in a second end region has an opening for routing through parts of the coupling device (1).
14. Coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the second covering sub-installation (22) is formed by a support structure and a functional textile supported by the latter.
15. Rail-bound vehicle having a coupling device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 14.
16. Rail-bound vehicle according to Claim 15, characterized in that the covering installation (20) by way of the vehicle-proximal end region thereof is fastened directly to the bearing installation (5) or to the frame (6) or to a component of a frame (6) that forms a routing (15) for the coupling device (1) .
17. Rail-bound vehicle according to Claim 15, wherein the coupling device (1) is fastened to or articulated on a frame (6), wherein the coupling device (1) is disposed in an installation space (17) which is open on one side and delimited by a frame or a coupling pocket (18), wherein the coupling device (1) in the longitudinal direction is disposed so as to terminate conjointly with the opening or so as to protrude from the latter, and the covering installation (20) is provided, comprising the hood (25, 51) which encloses the coupler head (3) in the circumferential direction and in the direction of extent in the longitudinal direction, a spoiler installation (47) which on the external circumference of the hood (25, 51) is disposed about the latter in the circumferential direction, wherein a sealing installation (50) for sealing the installation space (17) in relation to the environment is disposed between the spoiler installation (47) and the frame (6).

Images