Automatic train coupling and coupling arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a train coupling (100) for a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a coupling head (1) which receives a coupling lock (3) with a locking device (20), wherein the coupling lock (3) is designed as a rotary lock for interacting with a coupling lock (3) of a compatible counter-train coupling (100') with a coupling eye (8) and a hook plate (6) which can be rotated about a main axis (7) against the force of a spring between a coupled position (1) as a reference position and an uncoupled position, wherein the coupling eye (5) is connected to the hook plate (6) with a first end (5.1) so as to be rotatable about a coupling eye axis (8) and has a second free end (5.2); and the hook plate (6) has a mouth (9) which is arranged to receive a second end (5.2) of a coupling eye (5) of a compatible coupling head (1') of a counter-pull coupling (100').The invention is characterized in that the contour (50, 51, 52) describing the mouth for receiving a second end (5.2) of a coupling eye (5) is arranged and designed on the hook plate (6) of the traction coupling (100) in such a way as to be suitable, when interacting with a compatible counter-traction coupling (100'), to be kept free from contact with the coupling eye (5) of the counter-traction coupling (100') during the transition of the traction coupling (100) from the coupled position (I) to an uncoupled position between the ready-to-couple position (I) and the uncoupling position (II).

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic traction coupling for a track-bound vehicle, in particular a freight car according to the preamble of claim 1 and coupling arrangement.In the present case, guided vehicles are intended to be understood to mean vehicles which travel on rails and are generally used for transporting passengers or goods. In this context, the term "guided vehicles" includes various types of guided vehicles, such as trains, highway trains, subway trains, locomotives, and similar means of transportation, operating on a rail network. These vehicles are specifically designed for rail operation and use the rail system as the primary lane. The vehicles can be equipped with a drive or else free of a drive.An automatic traction coupling is attachable to such a track-bound vehicle and is used for establishing a mechanical connection with a correspondingly designed compatible mating traction coupling on an adjacently arranged track-bound vehicle. In practice, generic automatic traction couplings are known which have a coupling head with a coupling housing and a coupling closure with a locking mechanism. The coupling closure is designed as a rotary closure with a coupling eye and a hook plate called a frog, wherein the hook plate is rotatable about a main axis between a position ready for coupling, a coupled position and a uncoupled position. The coupling eye is connected with a first end to a first end region of the hook plate so as to be rotatable about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end. The hook plate has, at a second end region, a cut-out which is open at the edge and extends into the latter and is also referred to as a jaw, for receiving a corresponding second end of a coupling eye of a compatible mating coupling head.A spring accumulator is associated with the hook plate in order to be rotated against the force of the spring accumulator from the coupled position into the uncoupled position and by the force of the spring accumulator from the uncoupled position into the ready-to-couple position and from the ready-to-couple position into the coupled position. The locking device, which holds the coupling closure in the respectively suitable position or releases it accordingly for the transition into another position by rotating the hook plate, has, for example, a plunger displaceable against a spring force in the coupling direction of the tension coupling and a latch rod displaceable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction. The latch rod is hingedly connected to the hook plate and is movable by the hook plate upon rotation thereof from the coupled position to the uncoupled position to a detent position in which the latch rod blocks rotation of the hook plate back, i.e., in the direction from the uncoupled position to the coupled position. The punch, in turn, is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, in which the plunger is displaced against the spring force, the plunger blocks the ratchet rod in the latching position, and in the second position, in which the plunger is displaced from the first position by the spring force, the plunger releases the ratchet rod from the latching position.The function of the automatic traction coupling of the generic type is as follows: Two compatible coupling heads on two vehicles to be coupled to one another are coupled to one another in that in each case the second end of the respective coupling eyelet is inserted into the mouth of the hook plate of the respective other coupling head and is held in a positive-locking manner by rotating the hook plate there. The two vehicles are thus mechanically coupled to one another. The two coupling closures are loaded exclusively by tensile forces which are distributed uniformly over both coupling eyelets within the parallelogram which form the coupling eyelets and the hook plates. Pressure forces, on the other hand, are transmitted via the end face, in particular the end plate, on the front side of the coupling head housing. The profile formed on this profile serves for centering the two coupling heads to be coupled to one another and comprises a cone and a funnel which are surrounded by a wide, in particular planar, end face.When two guided vehicles are moved towards each other, their coupling locks or their hook plates are in a position ready for coupling, in which the hook plate is held by the latch rods, which are in the latching position. During coupling, the cones each dip into the funnels of the coupling head housing profiles. In this case, the cones press on the plungers and push them back, so that the plungers release the latching rods from their latching position. As a result, the coupling closures are released and rotated by the force of the respective spring store until the hook plate, in particular a first cantilever arm, strikes the hook plate against a predetermined stop, generally against the coupling head housing. In this case, the coupling eyes guided in the funnels latch into the hook plate mouths, the two coupling closures are hooked into one another and the coupled position is reached. Undesired separation of the coupling closures is not possible. Normal wear does not impair the safety of the coupling closure.In order to disengage the coupling heads of a coupling arrangement, a disengaging device rotates both coupling locks, i.e. the two hook plates, against the force of the spring accumulators until the coupling lugs slide out of the mouths of the hook plates. The rotating hook plates are intended to shift the ratchet rods to such an extent that, when the vehicles are separated, the hook plate is prevented from turning back out of the uncoupled uncoupled uncoupled position beyond the uncoupled but ready-to-couple position by the ratchet rods being moved into their latching positions.Regarding the prior art, reference is made to GB 419 590 A and US 2013 / 0146558 A1.In the embodiments of such tension couplings, the interaction during coupling and decoupling is determined by the closing geometry of the couplings involved in the connection process-tension coupling and compatible counter-tension coupling. In addition, however, different operating processes and states at the individual clutches must be taken into account, which likewise should preferably be covered with a suitable closure geometry. These include predefined states in the maneuvering process, in particular a locked position for avoiding undesired coupling with a counter-traction clutch, and the behavior during the decoupling of clutches of a clutch arrangement pressed onto one another.Thus, in the case of maneuvering processes, for example at the drainberg, it is important that a clutch, once decoupled, is only ready for coupling again when it runs onto a carriage provided for this purpose or a coupling and thus mechanical coupling of two coupling heads of a clutch arrangement is actually desired. If, during maneuvering, at the drainberg, for example before the hillcock, two uncoupled cars are moved apart for a short time, a coupling process is immediately initiated again on the next contact to the mating traction clutch, which coupling process is unwanted in this case. In order to prevent this unwanted coupling, the closure is to be locked in a suitable manner such that a closure rotation is no longer possible. The closure must therefore be blocked in a certain position. At the same time, however, it must also be ensured that, for example, when the clutches are pressed open by a Lok, in the case of automatic disengagement by means of the disengagement device of the traction clutch and the counter-traction clutch or manual one-sided disengagement, a passive clutch which is not actively actuated by means of a disengagement device is also reliably disengaged.The object of the invention was therefore to design and design the coupling closure of a tension coupling in such a way that, in cooperation with a compatible coupling closure of a mating tension coupling, it meets the diverse requirements in a suitable manner or requires only insignificantly additional modifications.The object is achieved according to the invention by an embodiment according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are found in the dependent claims.A traction coupling according to the invention for a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a coupling head which receives a coupling closure with a locking mechanism, wherein the coupling closure is designed as a rotary closure for cooperation with a coupling closure of a compatible mating traction coupling with a coupling eye and a hook plate rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position as a reference position and a uncoupled position via a decoupling device acting at least indirectly on the coupling closure against the force of a spring, whereinin the uncoupled positions, at least a disengagement position and a position ready for coupling are distinguished, and the disengagement position is characterized by a greater angle of rotation of the hook plate from the reference position, viewed clockwise compared to the position ready for coupling;the coupling eye is connected to the hook plate by a first end rotatably about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end; andthe hook plate has a jaw arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eyelet of a compatible mating tension coupling, A coupling device according to the invention, wherein the contour describing the jaw for receiving the second end of the coupling eye of the mating tension coupling is arranged on the hook plate of the tension coupling and is designed to be able to be held free from contact with the coupling eye of the mating tension coupling when the tension coupling is moved from the coupled position into the uncoupled position between the ready-to-couple position and the uncoupled position.The coupled position thereby functions as a reference position for the description of the other closure positions. This describes the position of the coupling closure of a tension coupling in which, when interacting with a compatible coupling closure of a counter tension coupling, there is a mechanical connection for transmitting tension between them. The coupling eyes and hook plates of the coupling arrangement of the tension coupling and the counter-tension coupling form a parallelogram in this position. The coupling closures are loaded exclusively by tensile forces which are distributed uniformly over both coupling eyes within the parallelogram. The forces are in equilibrium. Undesired separation of the coupling closures is not possible.A decoupled position is understood in particular to mean a position in which no mechanical connection for transmitting tension is provided between the coupling closures of the tension coupling and a counter-tension coupling.The disengagement position among the disengaged positions describes the position to which a disengagement device rotates the coupling closure against the force of the spring accumulators until the coupling eyes slide out of the hook mouths of the hook plate. When the vehicles move apart, the plungers move forwards by spring force and release the ratchet rods. The hook plates rotate under the action of the tension springs, pushing the coupling eyes against the edge of the cones and pulling the ratchet rods into the coupling head housings until their locking teeth hook into the catch of the plunger guide. The tension springs are tensioned. The uncoupled ready-to-couple position is thus reached.The locking device comprises in particular a plunger displaceable counter to the force of an energy store, in particular a spring force, in the coupling direction of the tension coupling and a latch rod displaceable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction. The ratchet rod is hingedly connected to the hook plate and is movable by the hook plate upon rotation thereof from the coupled position to the uncoupled position to a locking position in which the ratchet rod blocks rotation of the frog from the uncoupled position to the coupled position; wherein the plunger in a first position displaced against the spring force blocks the ratchet rod in the locking position and in a second position displaced by the spring force releases the ratchet rod from the locking position.The solution according to the invention enables reliable disengagement even in the case of so-called pressed-on couplings, i.e. couplings of two rail vehicles prestressed by a locomotive, for example. By configuring the hook plate and ensuring that, when the tension coupling interacts with a mating tension coupling between the ready-to-couple position and the uncoupled position, it is ensured that even when the coupling heads are pressed on, i.e. when their end plates are still lying against one another in this position of the coupling closure, the locking mechanism, in particular the ratchet rod, still experiences a sufficiently large overlap with the plunger so that, when the couplings are moved away later, the coupling closure latches and thus the coupling closure only returns into the ready-to-couple position and not into the coupled position. In particular, this reliably prevents any possible bracing of the coupling closures before the disengagement position required for positioning the components of the locking mechanism is reached:The solution according to the invention is based on the following considerations: the hook plate rotates about the main axis during coupling and decoupling, wherein the coupling eye of the tension coupling dips into the mouth of the hook plate of the coupling closure of the counter tension coupling during the coupling process with a compatible counter tension coupling, while on the other hand the coupling eye of the counter tension coupling dips into the mouth of the hook plate of the tension coupling and is then turned in by the spring force of so-called closure springs, so that a parallelogram of forces forms between the two couplings during a coupling process. During the decoupling, the closure is rotated in the clockwise direction counter to the spring force via the decoupling device until the respective coupling eyelet can again be released from the mouth of the hook plates of the tension coupling and the counter-tension coupling. In this case, the coupling closure, in particular the hook plate, is first rotated from the reference position into the decoupling position. If the hook plate makes contact with the coupling eye before it is reached, this ensures that, when couplings of self-supporting cars which are not pressed firmly against one another are uncoupled, the two couplings are pressed slightly apart by the coupling closure. Due to the possibility of yielding the counter-tension coupling, the coupling closure can be rotated without problems into the decoupling position, in which the overlap of the latch rod and the plunger guide is sufficient to lock in the ready-to-couple position when the tension coupling and the counter-tension coupling are moved apart. When the couplings are pressed onto one another, the situation is different. If the coupling eye of the counter-tension coupling contacts the hook plate before reaching the decoupling position, further rotation of the coupling closure into the decoupling position is no longer possible. The two coupling closures would be blocked with respect to one another on account of the contact with the coupling eyelet of the respective counter-traction coupling and cannot be rotated any further. In this case, the latch rod does not achieve sufficient overlap in the plunger guide, so that, when moved apart, it is not possible for it to latch in the ready-to-couple position and the coupling closure rotates again into the coupled position. This can be avoided according to the invention, irrespective of the type of decoupling device used, by the formation of the jaw in the hook plate, in that the latter is designed and arranged in such a way that there is no contact with the coupling eye of the counter-tension coupling as far as the decoupling position, in which the overlap between the latch rod and the plunger guide is then sufficient to engage in the coupling-ready position during the reverse rotation.The ratchet rod then hooks either on the blade of the punch or on the housing of the punch. This prevents the springs from moving the closure immediately back into the coupled position. Only when the coupling is repeated is the latch rod released from its locking position by the profile of the end plate, in particular by means of a cone of the mating coupling which presses in the plunger, so that the locking springs rotate the coupling lock again into the coupled position.The solution according to the invention also makes it possible to rotate the hook plate further relative to the reference position into the so-called coated position on one side of one of the tension couplings of a coupling arrangement--tension coupling and counter-tension coupling--which are coupled to one another and pressed onto one another. This position is characterized by a greater deflection angle from the reference position than the disengagement position. The contour on the hook plate of the traction coupling describing the mouth for receiving a second end of a coupling eye of a mating traction coupling is arranged and designed to be suitable, when interacting with a compatible mating traction coupling, for guiding the coupling eye of the mating traction coupling in contact when the traction coupling is transferred from the coupled position into the uncoupled position after reaching the uncoupled position until reaching the coated position. This is advantageously achieved in that the contour on the hook plate of the traction coupling describing the jaw for receiving a second end of a coupling eye is formed as a recess extending into the hook plate with a curved base surface and, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into a first contour surface oriented opposite thereto and extending from the outer periphery to the base surface and a second contour surface, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into a second contour surface, which points, viewed in this direction, from the reference position into one of the uncoupled positions and forms a guide surface region. The second contour surface comprises, viewed in the direction of extent from the base surface outwards, a first contact region for contact of the hook plate with the coupling eye bolt of the mating tension coupling in the uncoupled position and a further region adjoining the first contact region in the direction of the outer periphery of the hook plate, which is characterized by at least one change in direction relative to the contact region. The change of direction can be carried out in or counter-clockwise.The change in direction of the further region adjoining the curved base surface can be characterized by an acute angle with respect to the contact region of the second contour surface. The further region can in this case comprise a surface which is oriented in or counter-clockwise and is in particular at least partially planar and / or can be formed at least partially curved, in particular at least partially concave, with the formation of a region which then projects with respect to the contact region on the outer periphery of the hook plate.According to an advantageous embodiment, for this purpose the extension arm formed in the region of the outer circumference in the clockwise direction of rotation of the coupling closure is formed with a projection pointing in the clockwise direction of rotation. This is intended to ensure that, on the one hand, the coupling eyelet of the counter-tension coupling is also securely guided when the coupling closure is moved into the coated position and, on the other hand, that the coupling closure of the passive counter-tension coupling can still be moved.With regard to the configuration of the possible decoupling devices, there are a plurality of possibilities. These can be arranged as automated decoupling actuators in or outside the coupling head housing or as manually actuatable manual decoupling device.With regard to the design of the decoupling device, there are a plurality of possibilities. The decoupling device which acts at least indirectly on the coupling closure is for this purpose preferably designed as a device from the group of the devices mentioned below:a decoupling device, comprising a drive machine, in particular an electric motor or hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which is effective at least indirectly on the hook plate or a component connected to the hook plate in a rotationally fixed manner via a drive connection, preferably is effective directly on the hook plate;an electro-hydraulic decoupling device, comprising an electric motor, a hydraulic, in particular hydrostatic pump drivable by the electric motor and at least one cylinder / piston unit to which the pump can be applied, wherein the piston of the cylinder / piston unit is arranged and designed to act directly or via at least one transmission element on the hook plate;an electromechanical decoupling device, comprising an electric motor, a gear mechanism couplable to the electric motor, wherein the output of the gear mechanism is effective indirectly via at least one further mechanical transmission element or directly on the hook plate;a pneumatic disengaging device comprising a cylinder / piston unit which is designed and arranged to act at least indirectly, preferably directly or via at least one transmission element, on the hook plate.Effectively includes both contacting and connecting.Such decoupling devices offer the advantage of being operated automatically. However, it is also conceivable to provide additionally or only a manual decoupling device which is arranged outside the coupling head housing and which has a component which is at least indirectly connected to the coupling closure for moving the coupling closure from the coupled position into a decoupled coated position, wherein the position of the hook plate in the decoupled coated position of the coupling closure compared to the position of the hook plate in the coupled position of the coupling closure is characterized by a clockwise angle of rotation in an angle range which is greater than the angle of rotation in the decoupling position.The invention is explained below with reference to figures. The figures show in detail: FIGS. 1a to 1c show a traction coupling in different operating positions; FIGS. 2 aand 2 b show a schematically simplified representation with the aid of a detail from a coupling closure of the interaction of the coupling eye and hook plate in the uncoupled position.FIGS. 1 aand 1 b show a sectional view of a detail of a coupling arrangement 110 for mechanically connecting two track-bound vehicles in different functional positions of the coupling closure of a traction coupling 100. FIG. 1 cshows a section of the traction coupling 100 in a uncoupled ready-to-couple position III in a sectional illustration.The clutch arrangement 110 comprises a traction clutch 100 arranged on a first track-bound vehicle, not shown here, and a compatible mating traction clutch 100', which can be brought into operative connection with the latter, on a vehicle adjacent to the first track-bound vehicle for establishing a mechanical connection between the latter for the purpose of transmitting traction force. The basic structure and function of the components involved in the coupling process are the same for both tension couplings 100 and 100', so that the same reference numbers are used for these components. The basic structure of the tension coupling 100 is therefore explained by way of example for the tension coupling 100.FIG. 1a illustrates, in a schematically simplified representation, an exemplary embodiment of an automatic traction coupling 100 according to the invention in a coupled position I with a compatible mating traction coupling 100' on the basis of a section thereof. FIG. 1b shows the traction coupling 100 and compatible counter-traction coupling 100' in the disengagement position II and thus in a disengaged position.FIG. 1 cshows a coupling head of the traction coupling 100 alone without a counter-traction coupling in the ready-to-couple position III.In detail, the automatic traction coupling 100 has a coupling head 1, which comprises a coupling head housing 2 and the coupling closure 3. The coupling closure 3 is designed as a rotary closure, comprising a hook plate 6, referred to as a frog, to which a coupling eye 5 is connected at a first end region so as to be rotatable about a coupling eye axis 8. The hook plate 6 is in turn rotatable about the main axis 7. For this purpose, the hook plate 6 is mounted on a main bolt 19 and connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner. The hook plate 6 has at a second end region a recess forming a so-called jaw 9, which is designed and arranged in such a way that, when interacting with a coupling eye 5' of a compatible mating tension coupling 100', in the coupled position, a barb is formed for transmitting tension forces. The second end region is arranged substantially opposite the first end region with respect to the main axis 7.The coupling eye 5 of the tension coupling 10 has a first end 5.1, at which it is rotatably connected to the hook plate 6, and an opposite second end 5.2, which can be clamped into a jaw 9' of the hook plate 6' of a coupling head 1' of the counter tension coupling 100', in order to mechanically lock the two coupling heads 1 to one another, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1a. Correspondingly, the coupling eye 5 has at its second end 5.2 a transverse latch, not shown in detail here.The frog 6 of each coupling head 1 is rotatable counter to the force of a spring accumulator 10, which is formed for example by one or more tension springs, from a uncoupled position (FIG. 1 b ) into the coupled position (FIG. 1 a ) or a position ready for coupling (FIG. 1 c ). For this purpose, the spring accumulator 10 is connected, for example, at least indirectly to the coupling head housing 2 by a first end region and to the coupling eye 5 in the first end region 5.1 by a second end region.The tension coupling 100 or counter tension coupling 100' further comprises a locking device 20. Each coupling head 1 has a plunger 11 which can be displaced in the coupling direction of the tension coupling, that is to say the direction of the longitudinal axes of the coupling heads 1, and which can be displaced linearly in a guide 15 between a first position and a second position. The plunger 11 interacts with a latch rod 12 which is connected by an axial end in an articulated manner to the hook plate 6, in particular in a region between the first and second end regions of the hook plate 6, and passes through an opening 13 of the plunger 11. In addition, the latch rod 12 has a latching projection 16 in the region of the opening 13, which can be brought into engagement with a latching projection 17 on the plunger or the guide in order to prevent the latch rod 12 from moving in the direction from its second end to its first end connected to the hook plate 6, and thus a corresponding rotation of the hook plate 6. An elastic spring element 18 engages on the latch rod 12 in the sense of bringing the two latching projections 16, 17 into engagement, whereas the plunger 11, when it is displaced from a first position into a second position, releases the latch rod 12 from the latching connection with the counter bearing 14 counter to the force of the spring element 18.Thus, in the second position of the plunger 11, the hook plate 6 can be rotated by the force of the spring accumulator 10, whereas this rotation is blocked in the latching position of the ratchet rod 12.Each coupling head 1 has a profile on its free end face with a cone 21 and a funnel 22. The cone 21 and the funnel 22 are surrounded by a flat end face 23. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the profile or the end face 23 is formed by an end plate 24, which can be embodied integrally with the coupling head housing 2 or can be connected separately thereto.FIG. 1 cshows the ready-to-couple position of the coupling head 1 or of the coupling closure 3. If two such coupling heads 1-the coupling head of the tension coupling 100 and the counter tension coupling not shown in this figure-are moved towards each other in this position, the cones 21 enter the funnels 22 of the respective other tension coupling 100 and press on the front side onto the respective plungers 11, so that the plungers 11 are moved from their first position into their second position and release the latching connections of the latching rods 12 with the counter bearings 14. The second ends 5.2 of the coupling eyes 5 are pushed into the mouths 9 of the hook plates 6 of the respective counter-tension couplings 100, and the hook plates 6, which are no longer blocked by the latch rods 12, rotate due to the force of the spring accumulators 10 from the ready-to-couple position shown in FIG. 1 cto the coupled position shown in FIG. 1 a, in which the hook plates 6 in particular strike the coupling head housings 2. The coupling eyes 8 guided in the hoppers 22 latch into the mouths 9 and the two coupling closures 3, 3' are hooked into one another. The coupling closures 3 are loaded exclusively by tensile forces, whereas the compressive forces are transmitted via the end faces 23.The position of the respective coupling closure 3, 3' shown in FIG. 1a corresponds to the coupled position I. This position of the coupling closure 3 or 3' in particular of the hook plate 6 or 6' is considered as a reference position. The connecting line between the main axis 7, the coupling eye bolt 8 and the jaw 9 is indicated here as a reference line. The position of the hook plate 6 in the ready-to-couple position III of the coupling closure 3 is characterized by a clockwise angle of rotation α 2 compared to the position of the hook plate 6 in the coupled position I of the coupling closure 3. The position of the hook plate 6 in the uncoupled position II of the coupling closure 3 relative to the position of the hook plate 6 in the coupled position I of the coupling closure 3 is characterized by a rotation angle alpha 1 in the clockwise direction.In order to disconnect the coupling heads 1, an automated disconnection device 30 or a manual disconnection device 40 rotates the hook plate 6 of an actively actuated coupling closure 3 of one of the tension couplings, in this case the tension coupling 100, against the force of the spring accumulator 10. In this case, the coupling eye 5 of this actively actuated coupling closure 3 transmits the rotational movement of the hook plate 6 via the jaw 9' to the hook plate 6' of the passively actuated coupling closure 3' of the counter-tension coupling 100', so that the latter is also rotated counter to the force of the spring store 10'. Alternatively or additionally, the hook plate 6 of the actively actuated coupling closure 3 can transmit the rotational movement to the coupling eyelet 5 of the passively actuated coupling closure 3', so that as a result the hook plate 6' of the passively actuated coupling closure 3 is also rotated. When the vehicles are separated, the plungers 11 move forward by spring force and release the ratchet rods 12. The hook plates 6 rotate under the action of the spring accumulators 10, thereby pushing the coupling eyes 5 against the edge of the cones and pulling the ratchet rods 12 into the coupling head housings 2 until their locking tooth hooks into the catch of the plunger guide 15. The spring accumulators 10 are tensioned. The ready-to-couple position is thus reached again.When the rotation of the hook plates 6, 6' in the direction of the uncoupled positions shown in FIG. 1b has advanced far enough, the coupling eyes 5 slide on the mouths 9 of the hook plates 6 and the latch rods 12 are moved into their latching position, in which, when the plungers 11 are displaced into their first position when the coupling heads 1 are moved apart, the latching connection between the latch rods 12 and the counter bearings 14 can be produced, that is to say the two latching projections 16, 17 engage one another in a positive-locking manner and in the process retract the hook plate 6 when the coupling heads 1 are moved apart from the uncoupled position into the position ready for coupling, as shown in FIG. 1c.For moving the coupling closure 3 from the coupled into a uncoupled position II or III, the decoupling device 30, 30' is provided. Depending on the design, this is designed as a manual decoupling device 40 or as an automatic decoupling device 30. In FIGS. 1a to 1c, both the manual decoupling device 40, 40' by means of a broken line and the decoupling device 30, 30' are schematically shown by way of example. The illustrations are intended merely to illustrate the possible presence, not the specific design.The decoupling device 30, 30' is here, for example, completely integrated in the coupling head 1, in particular the coupling head housing 2 and a shaft or coupling rod possibly adjoining the latter. The decoupling device 30, 30' acting at least indirectly on the coupling closure 3, 3' is designed here as an electromechanical decoupling device, for example, comprising a drive machine 31, in particular an electric motor, which is coupled to the hook plate 6, 6' via a drive connection 32, in particular is connected to the latter. The electric motor is then preferably coupled to the hook plate 6 via at least one gear mechanism. Other embodiments of the decoupling device 30, 30', not shown, are also conceivable. This can be designed, for example, as a device from the group of the devices mentioned below:a decoupling device, comprising a drive machine, in particular an electric motor or hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which is connected at least indirectly to the hook plate or directly to the hook plate or is active at the latter via a drive connection;an electro-hydraulic decoupling device, comprising an electric motor, a hydraulic, in particular hydrostatic pump drivable by the electric motor and at least one cylinder / piston unit to which the pump can be applied, wherein the piston of the cylinder / piston unit is arranged and designed to act directly or via at least one transmission element on the hook plate;a pneumatic disengaging device comprising a cylinder / piston unit which is designed and arranged to act at least indirectly, preferably directly or via at least one transmission element, on the hook plate.In the case of tension couplings which are normally in the coupled position I, i.e. not prestressed with respect to one another by a Lok, for example, the hook plate 6 is specified according to the invention in such a way that, during the transition in the angular range between the ready-to-couple position and the uncoupled position II until the uncoupled position II is reached, there is no contact between the coupling eyelet of the 5' of the counter tension coupling 100' and the hook plate 6 of the tension coupling 100. The first contact during the transition from the coupling-ready position to the decoupling position II thus only takes place in the decoupling position II. Thus, tension couplings 100, 100' pressed onto each other are reliably ensured that the coupling closure 3 does not move into the coupled position I when the end plates are moved apart. In the uncoupled position II, the overlap between the latch rod and the plunger guide is always sufficient to latch into the position ready for coupling during the reverse rotation. The ratchet rod then hooks either on the blade of the punch or on the housing of the punch. This prevents the springs from moving the closure immediately back into the coupled position. Only when the coupling is repeated is the latch rod released from its locking position by the profile of the end plate, in particular by means of the cone of the mating coupling which presses in the plunger, so that the locking springs rotate the coupling lock back into the coupled position. According to the invention, this is realized by modifying the geometry of the mouth of the hook plate 6. The contour on the hook plate 6 of the traction coupling 100 describing the mouth 9 for receiving a second end 5.2 of a coupling eye 5 of a counter-traction coupling 100' is arranged and designed to be suitable for guiding the coupling eye 5 of the counter-traction coupling 100' in contact when interacting with a compatible counter-traction coupling 100' during the transition of the traction coupling 100 from the coupled position I into the uncoupled position after reaching the uncoupled position II until reaching a coated position. The contour on the hook plate 6 of the traction coupling 100 describing the mouth 9 for receiving a second end 5.2 of the coupling eye 5' is an open-edged recess extending into the hook plate 6 and having a base surface 50 of curved design and, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position I into a first contour surface 51 oriented counter to said first contour surface, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position I, and extending from the outer periphery to the base surface, and a second second contour surface 51, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position I into a second contour surface, viewed in this direction, facing the uncoupled positions, The second contour surface 52 is designed to form a contour surface 52 forming a guide surface region and, viewed in the direction of extension from the base surface 50 outwards, the second contour surface 52 comprises a first contact region 53 for contact of the hook plate 6 with the coupling eye bolt 5 of the mating tension coupling 100' in the uncoupled position II and a further region 54 adjoining the first contact region in the direction of the outer periphery of the hook plate 6, which region is characterized by a change in direction with respect to the contact region 53. Depending on the use of the decoupling devices and the required angle of rotation of the hook plate for reaching a decoupled position-decoupling position II or coated position-the region 54 of the contour surface 52 adjoining the contact surface region can be designed differently.FIGS. 2a and 2b show, with the aid of a detail from the coupling closure 3 according to FIGS. 1a to 1c, the decoupling position II and the associated positions of the coupling eye 5' of the mating tension coupling 100' and the hook plate 6 of the tension coupling 100. The modifications to the hook plate 6, in particular in the region 54 adjoining the contact region 53, can be seen here; these are shown in broken lines and represent the state with respect to a geometry not taking into account the provision of a contact only in the decoupling position. The analogous picture, which is not shown here, is then also obtained for the coupling eye 5 of the tension coupling 100 opposite the hook plate 6 of the counter tension coupling 100'.FIG. 2a shows the position of the coupling eye 5' in the decoupling position II, in which it abuts the contour surface 52 in the contact region 53 in the contact region 53. The second contour surface 52, which adjoins the curved region 50, is at least partially, preferably completely planar, when viewed in the direction of extent to the outer periphery of the hook plate 6, wherein a partial region forms the contact region 53, which is adjoined by the further guide region 54 free of a change in direction. The second contour surface preferably extends tangentially to the outlet of the curved surface 50. the coupling eye 5' of the counter-tension coupling 100' is thus guided on the hook plate 6 starting from the contact region 53 on the second contour surface 52 when the coupling closure is rotated beyond the decoupling position II and can thus react on the hook plate 6' of the counter-tension coupling 100'.FIG. 2b also shows the position of a coupling eye 5' in the decoupling position II, in which it bears in the contact region 53 against the contour surface 52 in the contact region 53. The second contour surface 52 of the hook plate 6, which adjoins the curved region 50, can be described, however, as viewed in the direction of extent to the outer circumference of the hook plate 6, by a surface which is not planar but rather is characterized by a change in direction. The second contour surface 52 can be at least partially, preferably completely planar, wherein the contour surface 52, in particular the further region 54 adjoining the contact region 53, experiences a change of direction with respect to the orientation of the contact surface 53. It is also conceivable, as shown in FIG. 2 b, for the further region 54 to be formed at least partially as a curved surface, wherein said curved surface is formed concave in the installation position with respect to the alignment in the clockwise direction. Preferably, the second contour surface 52 adjoins the curved surface 50 tangentially to the outlet thereof. The second region 54 is characterized by at least one radius or a sequence of radii. The contour thus forms a projection in this direction in the region of the outer periphery of the hook plate 6. This serves for guiding and acting on the coupling eye 5' of the counter-tension coupling 100'.List of reference characters1 Coupling head 2 Coupling head housing 3, 3' Coupling closure 5, 5' Coupling eye 6, 6' Hook plate 7, 7' Main axis 8, 8' Coupling eye bolt 9, 9' Jaw 10, 10' Spring store 11 Plunger 12 Latch rod 13 Opening 14 Counter bearing 15 Guide 16 Latching projection 17 Latching projection 18 Spring element 19 Main bolt 20 Locking 21 Cone 22 Funnel 23 End face 30 Decoupling device 31 Drive machine 32 Drive connection 40 Hand decoupling device 50 Curved region 51 First region 52 Second contour region 53 Contact region 54 Further region 100 Tension coupling 100' Counter tension coupling 110 Coupling arrangement RE Reference line I Coupled position II Decoupling position III Ready-to-couple position Alpha 1 Angle of rotation Alpha 2 Angle of rotationReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedGB 419 590 A

[0008] US 2013 / 0146558 A1

[0008]

Claims

Traction coupling (100) for a track-bound vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, comprising a coupling head (1) which accommodates a coupling closure (3) having a lock (20), wherein the coupling closure (3) is designed as a rotary closure for cooperation with a coupling closure (3) of a compatible mating traction coupling (100') having a coupling eye (8) and a hook plate (6) which can be rotated about a main axis (7) counter to the force of a spring between a coupled position (I) as a reference position and a uncoupled position, wherein - in the uncoupled positions at least a distinction is made between a uncoupled position (II) and a position (III) ready for coupling, and the uncoupled position is characterized, as viewed clockwise relative to the position ready for coupling, by a greater angle of rotation of the hook plate from the reference position; the coupling eye (5) is connected to the hook plate (6) with a first end (5.1) such that it can rotate about a coupling eye axis (8) and has a second free end (5.2); and the hook plate (6) has a jaw (9) which is arranged to receive a second end (5.2) of a coupling eye (5) of a compatible coupling head (1') of a counter-tension coupling (100'), characterized in that the contour (50, 51, 52) describing the jaw to receive a second end (5.2) of a coupling eye (5) is arranged and designed to be suitable on the hook plate (6) of the tension coupling (100), when interacting with a compatible mating tension coupling (100'), the tension coupling (100) is transferred from the coupled position (I) into a uncoupled position between the ready-to-couple position (I) and the uncoupled position (II) to be kept free from contact with the coupling eye (5) of the mating tension coupling (100').The tension coupling (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hook plate (6) is rotatable relative to the reference position into a decoupled coated position, wherein the position of the hook plate (6) in the decoupled coated position of the coupling closure is characterized relative to the position of the hook plate (6) in the decoupling position (II) of the coupling closure (3) by a greater angle of rotation in the clockwise direction and the contour describing the jaw (9) for receiving a second end (5.2') of a coupling eye (5') of the tension coupling (100') is arranged and configured on the hook plate (6) of the tension coupling in such a way as to be suitable, when interacting with the compatible counter-tension coupling (100'), the coupling eyelet (5') of the counter-tension coupling (100') is moved from the coupled position into the uncoupled position after reaching the uncoupled position (II) until reaching the coated position to be guided in contacting manner.Traction coupling (100) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the contour (50, 51, 52), which describes the jaw (9) for receiving a second end (5.2) of a coupling eye (5) of the mating traction coupling (100'), on the hook plate (6) of the traction coupling (100) is a cutout which extends into the hook plate (6) and has a base surface (50) which is of curved design and, as viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into a first contour surface (51) which, as viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into one of the uncoupled positions, is oriented counter to said first contour surface, which extends from the outer periphery to the base surface (50), and a second contour surface (52), which, as viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into one of the uncoupled positions (II) in said direction, forms a guide surface region, The second contour surface (52), viewed in the direction of extension from the base surface (50) towards the outside, comprises a first contact region (53) for contact of the hook plate (6) with the coupling eye bolt (5') of the counter-tension coupling (100') in the uncoupled position (II) and a further region (54) adjoining the first contact region in the direction of the outer periphery of the hook plate (6), which is continued between the curved base surface (50) and the contact region (53) according to the orientation of the contour surface (52) or is characterized by a change in direction relative to the contact region (53).Traction coupling (100) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the change in direction of the further region (54) is formed by an acute angle with respect to the contact region (53) of the second contour surface (52), is aligned in particular in or counter-clockwise and comprises an at least partially planar surface.Traction coupling (100) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the change in direction of the further region (54) relative to the contact region (53) of the second contour surface (52) is formed at least partially concave, forming a region which projects relative to the contact region on the outer periphery of the hook plate (6).Traction coupling (100) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the second contour surface (52) comprises at least one planar surface region.Traction coupling (100) according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the second contour surface (52) comprises at least one surface region which can be described by a radius or a sequence of radii.Traction coupling (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a plunger (11) which can be displaced counter to a spring force in the coupling direction of the traction coupling and a latch rod (12) which can be displaced transversely or obliquely with respect to the coupling direction, and the latch rod (12) can be displaced in an articulated manner on the hook plate (6) and by the hook plate (6) during the rotation thereof from the coupled position into the uncoupled position into a latching position in which the latch rod (12) blocks rotation of the frog (6) from the uncoupled position into the coupled position; wherein the plunger (11), in a first position displaced counter to the spring force, blocks the latch rod (12) in the latching position and, in a second position displaced by the spring force, releases the latch rod (12) from the latching position; and the ratchet rod (12) has a latching protrusion (16) positioned to be slid over the latching protrusion (17) of the counter bearing when the hook plate (6) is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, wherein in the uncoupled position a distance between the latching protrusions (16, 17) is adjusted in the sliding direction of the ratchet rod (12).Traction coupling (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the decoupling device (30) which acts at least indirectly on the coupling closure (3) is designed as a device from the group of the devices mentioned below: - a decoupling device (30), comprising a drive machine (31), in particular an electric motor or hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which acts at least indirectly on the coupling closure (3), in particular on the hook plate (6), or directly on the coupling closure (3), in particular which is connected to the hook plate (6) via a drive connection (32); an electro-hydraulic decoupling device, comprising an electric motor, a hydraulic, in particular hydrostatic pump drivable by the electric motor and at least one cylinder / piston unit to which the pump can be applied, wherein the piston of the cylinder / piston unit is arranged and designed to act directly or via at least one transmission element on the coupling closure (3), in particular the hook plate (6); an electro-mechanical decoupling device, comprising an electric motor, a transmission couplable to the electric motor, wherein the output of the transmission acts indirectly via at least one further mechanical transmission element or directly on the coupling closure (3), in particular on the hook plate; a pneumatic decoupling device, comprising a cylinder / piston unit which is designed and arranged to act at least indirectly, preferably directly or via at least one transmission element on the coupling closure (3), in particular the hook plate (6).Traction coupling (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a manual decoupling device (40) is provided, which is arranged outside the coupling head housing (2) and, with a component which is at least indirectly connected to the coupling closure (3) and is used to move the coupling closure (3) out of the coupled position (I), the decoupled coated position, wherein the position of the hook plate in the decoupled coated position of the coupling closure compared with the reference position of the hook plate is characterized by a greater angle of rotation in the clockwise direction than in the decoupling position (II).Clutch arrangement (110) for at least mechanically connecting two adjacent track-bound vehicles by the interaction of two traction couplings - a traction clutch (100) arranged on a first track-guided vehicle and a counter-traction clutch (110') according to one of Claims 1 to 10 arranged on a second track-guided vehicle.

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