Device for operating a locking device of an automatic intermediate buffer coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for actuating a locking device of an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, wherein the device (1) has an actuating arm (2) which is pivotably hinged about a first pivot axis (3) on a housing (4) of the intermediate buffer coupling, an actuating shaft (6) which is rotatably supported relative to the housing (4) of the intermediate buffer coupling about a second pivot axis (5) which extends parallel to the first pivot axis (3), the actuating shaft being operatively connected or being operatively connectable to the locking device of the intermediate buffer coupling. Furthermore, a lever mechanism is provided for transmitting a torque which occurs upon actuation of the actuating arm (2) to the actuating shaft (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to automatic intermediate buffer couplings for rail vehicles, for example in particular for railway vehicles. In particular, the present application relates to a handling device of an automatic intermediate buffer coupling. BACKGROUND

[0002] Couplings, in particular automatic traction couplings, for rail vehicles, in particular for railway vehicles, are known in many designs from the prior art.

[0003] Autonomous, automatic couplings for rail vehicles are coupling elements that connect individual carriages (cars) of a railway vehicle to one another. The pressure and tension forces that arise in the process and the relative movements at the carriage ends or vehicle ends are transmitted, buffered and / or damped.

[0004] Traction couplings of this type are essentially composed here of a coupling head with a centering surface, a coupling arm, a locking system and a release device for the locking system. The locking system serves to hold the counterpart of the counter-coupling within the coupling head.

[0005] For the separation process of two carriages connected for example by a coupling element, the mutually plugged-in couplings are unlocked. The release device provided for this purpose here comprises means for predefining the required functions, usually in the form of a handling lever, if the separation is carried out manually, which is preferably always located on the same side of the rail vehicle, so that the handling device can be operated from both sides of the train in each coupling position. A handling link establishes a connection between the handling lever and the locking system of the coupling. As an alternative to the handling link, a connecting chain and a release shaft are also known. In these embodiments, the pivoting movement of the handling lever is converted into a pulling movement, so that the unlocking can be carried out by a pivoting movement.

[0006] In order to be able to operate the handling lever and to transmit the forces accordingly to the link in order to manipulate the locking system, the handling device is preferably arranged in a region that is bounded by the side walls of the rail vehicle or of the carriages to be coupled. The handling device is preferably arranged here completely in the region between the center of the coupling head and the articulation plane on the vehicle.

[0007] In practice, however, this often leads to problems, since the handling lever of the standardized handling device often collides with other elements due to the special vehicle construction conditions and cannot be operated in a corresponding manner in order to set the corresponding function positions.

[0008] The actuating link can also be formed by a universal jointed unlocking shaft. The actuating link is designed in such a way that the pivoting movement of the actuating handle is converted into a rotational movement in order to open the locking system. Due to the type of construction, this type of actuating device is suitable for coupler devices which experience small deflection movements, in particular when turning, and small coupler travel. Furthermore, due to the possible attachment of a transverse buffer and an automatic coupler, the attachment conditions on the coupler head are so narrow that the attachment of this solution is structurally costly. Furthermore, in this design there is considerable wear due to friction.

[0009] An actuating device for a locking system of an automatic conversion mechanism and / or automatic coupler is known from the patent document DE 10 020 351 A1. This actuating device is in particular suitable for rail vehicles. It comprises an actuating device which can be moved into at least three positions (unlocked, extended position, impact position). A flexible transmission element which transmits the tensile force is provided as a means for transmitting the actuating force which acts on the actuating lever and is transmitted to the locking system. The use of a Bowden cable is preferably suggested. The length of the Bowden cable is limited.

[0010] Furthermore, the separation device based on a rope traction system with reversing wheels has the following disadvantages: The separation process can only be achieved with an increased force expenditure (> 400 N) since this rope traction system has a relatively high frictional resistance in particular in the roller bearings. Furthermore, the lever, if any, is also small.

[0011] In order to avoid this disadvantage, it is in principle conceivable to use a longer pull cable with a further reversing wheel in the rope traction system. In this case, however, there is the risk that the resetting effect of the pull cable cannot be (strictly) guaranteed. Furthermore, this rope traction system with a longer pull cable (longer travel) would severely wear or quickly damage the components used in the rope traction system. SUMMARY

[0012] Therefore, based on the problem stated, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide an actuating device for a locking device of an automatic intermediate buffer coupler, in the case of which the intermediate buffer coupler can be unlocked manually with a relatively small, in particular below 200 N, separation force. Furthermore, the actuating device should be designed as simple as possible in terms of construction and maintenance-free.

[0013] According to the invention, the technical problem is solved by a device according to the invention for actuating a locking device of an automatic intermediate buffer coupler of a rail vehicle, wherein advantageous extensions of the actuating device according to the invention are given in the description.

[0014] The device according to the invention has:

[0015] - An operating arm that is pivotally hinged to the housing of the intermediate buffer connector about a first rotation axis;

[0016] - An operating shaft rotatably supported relative to the housing of the intermediate buffer connector about a second rotation axis extending parallel to the first rotation axis, the operating shaft being effectively connected to or capable of being effectively connected to the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector; and

[0017] - A lever mechanism used to transmit the torque generated when the control arm is operated to the control shaft.

[0018] The lever mechanism is characterized in that it is designed to achieve a locking position of the operating arm, wherein the locking position corresponds to the locking position of the locking device, and wherein, in the locking position, the operating arm is in an eccentric position.

[0019] The lever mechanism has a coupling arm connected to or capable of being connected to the operating shaft, and the lever mechanism has at least one lever arm through which the operating arm is effectively connected to the operating shaft. The at least one lever arm is hinged to the operating arm such that, when the operating arm is actuated, the operating arm pivots relative to the at least one lever arm about a third rotation axis parallel to the first and second rotation axes. The at least one lever arm is also hinged to the coupling arm such that, when the operating arm is actuated, the at least one lever arm pivots relative to the coupling arm about a fourth rotation axis parallel to the first and second rotation axes. The at least one lever arm has a straight section and a curved section; the straight section is pivotally hinged to the coupling arm about the fourth rotation axis, and the curved section is pivotally hinged to the operating arm about the third rotation axis. Therefore, the present invention particularly relates to an operating device for a locking mechanism of an automatic intermediate buffer coupling, wherein the operating device does not require the use of a rope traction system with a reversing wheel, etc. More precisely, a lever mechanism is used to transmit the torque generated when the control arm is operated to the control shaft, and the locking system of the locking device of the automatic intermediate buffer coupling is connected, particularly effectively connected or functionally connected to the control shaft.

[0020] The operating arm of the operating device according to the invention is particularly manually operable and pivotally hinged to the housing of the connector head of the intermediate buffer connector about a first rotation axis. On the other hand, the operating axis, which is effectively connected to the locking system of the locking device to be operated by the intermediate buffer connector, is supported in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the housing of the connector head of the intermediate buffer connector about a second rotation axis extending parallel to the first rotation axis.

[0021] The operating device according to the invention is a particularly compact device, which is also suitable for subsequent fastening to the connector head of the intermediate buffer connector. Because the rope traction system with a reversing wheel is deliberately omitted, the operating device operates with particularly low wear.

[0022] Furthermore, the control device can also be operated outside of the Berner Raum. Another advantage worth mentioning is the simplicity of operation of the control device according to the invention.

[0023] The lever mechanism according to the invention allows for a locking position (locked position) achieved by an eccentric locking device or a super-dead-point locking device. For this purpose, the lever mechanism preferably has a coupling arm, which is preferably fixedly and particularly torsionally connected to or capable of being connected to the operating shaft. When the operating arm is operated, the coupling arm moves from a first position to a second position, in which the locking device of the central buffer coupling is closed, and in the second position, the locking device of the central buffer coupling is open.

[0024] Preferably, a preload element, especially in the form of a spring, is also provided to preload the coupling arm into a first position.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the actuating device of the invention, the lever mechanism has at least one lever arm, through which the actuating arm is effectively connected to the actuating shaft. Preferably, the at least one lever arm is hinged to the actuating arm such that when the actuating arm is actuated, the actuating arm pivots relative to the at least one lever arm about a third rotation axis parallel to the first and second rotation axes.

[0026] Suitablely, the at least one lever arm is hinged to the coupling arm such that when the control arm is actuated, the at least one lever arm pivots relative to the coupling arm about a fourth rotation axis parallel to the first and second rotation axes.

[0027] To optimize the functional reliability of the control device, at least one lever arm is preferably equipped with a guide to guide the movement of at least one lever arm when the control arm is actuated. For example, the guide may have a guide groove that extends particularly linearly, and a guide block connected to the at least one lever arm can be linearly movably accommodated in the guide groove.

[0028] According to the extended design of the control device according to the invention, the at least one lever arm has a straight section and a curved section, the straight section being pivotally hinged to the coupling arm about a fourth rotation axis relative to the coupling arm, and the curved section being pivotally hinged to the control arm about a third rotation axis relative to the control arm. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Embodiments of the operating device according to the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In the attached diagram:

[0031] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the control device according to the invention is shown schematically and in top view in an eccentric position of the control arm, in which the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector is closed;

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic and shown in top view according to Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of the control device according to the present invention, the control arm is in a second position in which the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector is open.

[0033] Figure 3 The second exemplary embodiment of the control device according to the invention is shown schematically and in top view in an eccentric position, in which the control arm is in its first position, in which the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector is closed;

[0034] Figure 4 Schematic and shown in top view according to Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the operating device of the present invention, the operating arm is in a second position, in which the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector is open; and

[0035] Figure 5 Schematic and shown in isometric view according to Figure 3 The control device. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the control device according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated in the state in which the control device is mounted on the coupling head (shown in dashed lines) of the automatic intermediate buffer coupling of the rail vehicle.

[0037] An exemplary embodiment of the operating device 1 according to the invention is used for manually operating the locking device of the associated intermediate buffer connector. For this purpose, the operating device 1 has an operating arm 2, which is pivotally hinged to the housing 4 of the intermediate buffer connector about a first rotation axis 3.

[0038] In addition, each operating device 1 has an operating shaft 6 rotatably supported relative to the housing 4 of the intermediate buffer connector about the second rotation axis 5, the operating shaft being effectively connected to or capable of being effectively connected to the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector, the second rotation axis extending parallel to the first rotation axis 3.

[0039] The lever mechanism is used to connect, and particularly effectively connect, the control arm 2 to the control shaft 6. Specifically, the lever mechanism is used to transmit the torque generated when the control arm 2 is operated to the control shaft 6.

[0040] In the embodiment of the operating device 1 according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the lever mechanism has a coupling arm 8, which is preferably fixed and, in particular, torsionally connected to or capable of being connected to the operating shaft 6. When the operating arm 2 is operated, the coupling arm 8 moves from a first position to a second position, in which the locking device of the central buffer coupling is closed (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 3 or Figure 5 ), in the second position (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this configuration, the locking device of the central buffer connector is open. Furthermore, a spring-type preload element 9 is used to preload the coupling arm 8 in the first position.

[0041] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the control device 1 according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the lever mechanism has a lever arm 10 through which the control arm 2 is effectively connected to the control shaft 6. Specifically, the lever arm 10 is hinged to the control arm 2 such that when the control arm 2 is actuated, the control arm pivots about a third rotation axis 11 relative to at least one lever arm 10, the third rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis 3 and the second rotation axis 5.

[0042] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the control device 1 according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the lever arm 10 is hinged to the coupling arm 8 such that when the control arm 2 is actuated, at least one lever arm 10 pivots relative to the coupling arm 8 about a fourth rotation axis 12, which is parallel to the first rotation axis 3 and the second rotation axis 5.

[0043] In the embodiment of the operating device 1 according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, a bracket 13 is used, which supports a fulcrum belonging to the first rotational shaft 3. This bracket is designed to absorb the supporting forces generated during the separation process and thus serves as a torque support.

[0044] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, it is conceivable in principle to assign a guide to the lever arm 10 so as to guide the movement of the lever arm 10 accordingly when the control arm 2 is actuated. In particular, the guide may have a linearly extending guide groove in which a guide block connected to the lever arm 10 is accommodated in a linearly movable manner.

[0045] In order to achieve Figure 1 and Figure 3The eccentric position shown is defined in an exemplary embodiment of the control device 1, wherein the lever arm 10 has a straight section and a curved section 16, the straight section being pivotally hinged to the coupling arm 8 about a fourth rotation axis 12 relative to the coupling arm 8, and the curved section being pivotally hinged to the control arm 2 about a third rotation axis 11 relative to the control arm 2.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but is derived from an overall observation of all the disclosed technical features contained therein.

[0047] List of reference numerals

[0048] 1. Control device

[0049] 2 control arms

[0050] 3 First Rotation Axis

[0051] 4. Housing of intermediate buffer connector

[0052] 5 Second Rotation Axis

[0053] 6 control axes

[0054] 8-coupled arms

[0055] 9 Preload Components

[0056] 10 lever arms

[0057] 11 Third Rotation Axis

[0058] 12 Fourth Rotation Axis

[0059] 13 stents

[0060] The bending section of the 16 lever arm

Claims

1. A locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle, wherein, The locking device (1) for operating the automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle has: - An operating arm (2) that is pivotally hinged to the housing (4) of the intermediate buffer connector about the first rotation axis (3); - An operating shaft (6) that is rotatably supported relative to the housing (4) of the intermediate buffer connector about a second rotating shaft (5) extending parallel to the first rotating shaft (3), the operating shaft being effectively connected to or capable of being effectively connected to the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector; and - A lever mechanism for transmitting the torque generated during operation of the control arm (2) to the control shaft (6). The lever mechanism is characterized in that it is designed to achieve a locking position of the operating arm (2), wherein the locking position corresponds to the locking position of the locking device, and wherein, in the locking position, the operating arm (2) is in an eccentric position. The lever mechanism has a coupling arm (8) connected to or capable of being connected to the operating shaft (6), and the lever mechanism has at least one lever arm (10) through which the operating arm (2) is effectively connected to the operating shaft (6). The at least one lever arm (10) is hinged to the operating arm (2) such that when the operating arm (2) is operated, the operating arm pivots relative to the at least one lever arm (10) about a third rotation axis (11) parallel to the first rotation axis (3) and the second rotation axis (5), and the at least one lever arm (10) is as follows: This hinge is on the coupling arm (8) such that when the control arm (2) is manipulated, the at least one lever arm (10) pivots relative to the coupling arm (8) about a fourth rotation axis (12) parallel to the first rotation axis (3) and the second rotation axis (5), wherein the at least one lever arm (10) has a straight section and a curved section (16), the straight section being pivotally hinged to the coupling arm (8) about the fourth rotation axis (12) relative to the coupling arm (8), and the curved section being pivotally hinged to the control arm (2) about the third rotation axis (11) relative to the control arm (2).

2. The locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The rail vehicles mentioned are railway vehicles.

3. The locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling arm is fixedly connected to or can be connected to the control shaft (6).

4. The locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling arm is torsionally connected to or can be connected to the control shaft (6).

5. The locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, When the manipulator (2) is manipulated, the coupling arm (8) can be moved from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector is closed, and in the second position, the locking device of the intermediate buffer connector is open. A pre-tightening element (9) is provided to pre-tighten the coupling arm (8) to the first position.

6. The locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The preload element (9) is in the form of a spring.

7. The locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 1 or 5, wherein, The at least one lever arm (10) is equipped with a guide for guiding the movement of the at least one lever arm (10) when the control arm (2) is manipulated.

8. The locking device (1) for operating an automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The guide has a guide groove, and the guide block connected to the at least one lever arm (10) can be linearly moved and accommodated in the guide groove.

9. The device (1) for locking the automatic intermediate buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The guide groove extends in a straight line.

10. An automatic intermediate buffer coupling for a rail vehicle, comprising a device (1) for a locking mechanism for operating the automatic intermediate buffer coupling for a rail vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The automatic intermediate buffer connector according to claim 10, wherein, The rail vehicles mentioned are railway vehicles.

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