Coupling arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling arrangement (100) for a track-guided vehicle, more particularly a rail vehicle, comprising: a drawbar (1) having a first end portion (2) for connecting to a carriage body and a second end portion (3) opposite the first end portion (2); an articulation arrangement (4) which is provided in the second end portion (3) of the drawbar (1) and via which at least one first coupling device (20) is mounted pivotably about a horizontal articulation axis (GA), the first coupling device (20) comprising a coupling head (22) of an automatic coupling, which is connected to the articulation arrangement (4) so as to be carried along thereby; and an actuation device (6) for swinging the first coupling device (20) of the automatic coupling into or out of a horizontal coupling plane (KE) as necessary. The invention is characterized in that the actuation device (6) is fastened to the drawbar (1) and comprises at least one drive device (12) which acts on the articulation arrangement (4) eccentrically to the horizontal articulation axis (GA) and is designed to swing the first coupling device (20) into or out of the horizontal coupling plane as necessary.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a coupling arrangement, in particular a hybrid coupling arrangement or also called a transition coupling arrangement for track-guided vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, with at least one first coupling device with a coupling head of an automatic coupling, which can be moved into or out of the coupling plane as required.

[0002] Coupling arrangements for the selective use of different coupling devices for coupling with a corresponding counter-coupling are generally known from rail vehicle technology and are used to connect rail vehicles equipped with different coupling systems (e.g., Scharfenberg®< coupling on draw hooks). The coupling of the adapter coupling, for example, onto the draw hook of a screw coupling is usually done manually, while the coupling process with the center buffer coupling can take place automatically.

[0003] A conventional coupling arrangement for mixed coupling between an automatic coupling and, for example, a screw coupling generally has a coupling carrier designed at least partially as a housing, in which a coupling lock can be accommodated for mechanically connecting the transition coupling to a coupling lock provided in the coupling head of an automatic central buffer coupling. In the coupled state, the end face of the transition coupling then rests against the end face of the coupling head of the automatic central buffer coupling. At the end opposite the end face of the transition coupling, a coupling bracket can be provided as the interface structure of the draw hook module. This coupling bracket can be accommodated, for example, in the draw hook of a screw coupling and can thus ensure a mechanical connection between the transition coupling and the screw coupling.In this design, the coupling bracket of a transition coupling is placed on the draw hook of a screw coupling to be adapted. For this purpose, the transition coupling is provided with supports of the same design arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other at its rear end, which are connected to each other at the free ends by a bolt.

[0004] The bolt holds the coupling brackets of the adapter coupling in the mouth of the draw hook. An angle lever, comprising first and second links, is arranged on both sides of the conventional adapter coupling. The links on both sides of the adapter coupling are connected to each other by a common axle, with the axle serving as a contact surface on the end face of the draw hook, allowing the center position of the adapter coupling to be adjusted. The provision of the angle lever allows vertical centering to be achieved in the adapter coupling known from the prior art.However, manual handling, and in particular the manual insertion of the adapter coupling into the interface between the couplings to be adapted, such as in the draw hook of a screw coupling, is difficult because it is not possible for an operator to hold the weight of the adapter coupling on the one hand and to correctly attach the height centering device to the draw hook on the other.

[0005] Another coupling arrangement, particularly suitable for use as a shunting coupling for rail-guided vehicles, is known, for example, from EP 2 529 994 A1. This coupling arrangement is characterized by the fact that it can be connected to different couplings, so that different shunting tasks can be performed with one and the same coupling arrangement without changing them and while minimizing set-up times. In particular, both standard railway couplings and metro couplings can be coupled with this coupling arrangement without manual intervention by the operator being necessary. For this purpose, the coupling arrangement known from EP 2 529 994 A1 has a coupling head changer, which serves to automatically exchange coupling heads of different designs and / or different types in a vertical coupling plane defined by the coupling arrangement.This coupling head changer is suspended from the draw hook of a screw coupling using a relatively complex arrangement. While this design allows for the automatic swapping of coupling heads of different designs or types into the coupling plane defined by the coupling arrangement, this design is disadvantageous if coupling with a screw coupling is required. This would require removing the coupling head changer from the draw hook, which in turn entails considerable setup time.

[0006] Other systems are characterized by the provision of at least two coupling devices of different designs, which can be pivoted into the coupling plane as required.

[0007] Specifically, EP 080 759 A1 discloses a coupling arrangement with a drawbar and a draw hook attached thereto, as well as at least two different coupling devices pivotally mounted on the drawbar about a horizontal axis, and an actuating device for pivoting the individual coupling devices into the coupling plane. The actuating device comprises drive rods, one of whose ends engages the coupling devices or the connecting parts associated with them in an articulated manner. The other ends are guided in an elongated hole of a support for a lifting cylinder guided on the drawbar, wherein the lifting cylinder has a piston rod acting on the ends of the drive rod. Furthermore, a locking device for the drive rod is provided. With the coupling arrangement disclosed in EP 080 759 A1, either the draw hook or one of the two coupling devices can be used.When the drawbar is required, both coupling devices are pivoted upwards, locking the upper coupling device in its position, while the other coupling device is lowered by the lifting cylinder, releasing the drawbar. If the lower coupling device is to be used, it is pivoted into the coupling plane using the lifting cylinder. This is done analogously when the upper coupling device is required. The actuating device is located below the drawbar and is relatively complex. A similar design is also described in DE 19620068.

[0008] A coupling arrangement of this type is known from EP 3 590 784 A1. This comprises a drawbar with a first end region for connection to a car body and a second end region opposite the first end region. In the second end region of the drawbar, a joint arrangement is provided, via which a coupling head of an automatic coupling and a drawbar eye are pivotably mounted about a horizontal joint axis. The coupling head of the automatic coupling is rigidly connected to the joint arrangement. An actuating device is provided for pivoting the coupling head of the automatic coupling into or out of a horizontal coupling plane as required. This actuating device comprises a drive which includes a cable winch which is mounted on a frame attached to the car body and via which the deflection can take place.The disadvantage of this design is essentially the arrangement of the actuating device, which depends on the installation situation and the conditions of the application on the vehicle.

[0009] Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide a coupling arrangement which can be connected to different automatic coupling devices, in particular mainline or metro couplings or similar central buffer couplings on the one hand, and to coupling devices of a different kind and type, such as screw couplings on the other hand, while minimizing set-up times, so that different shunting tasks can be fulfilled without the transition coupling and in particular a draw hook module of the transition coupling having to be removed from the draw hook of the screw coupling and an originally carried out height centering is omitted.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a coupling arrangement according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0011] A coupling arrangement according to the invention for a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a drawbar with a first end region for connection to a car body and a second end region opposite the first end region, an articulated arrangement provided in the second end region of the drawbar, via which at least one first coupling device is pivotally mounted about a horizontal articulated axis, wherein the first coupling device comprises a coupling head of an automatic coupling which is connected to the articulated arrangement in a drive-free manner, an actuating device for pivoting the coupling head of the automatic coupling in or out of a horizontal coupling plane as required; is characterized in that the actuating device is fastened to the drawbar and comprises at least one drive device which acts on the articulated arrangement eccentrically to the horizontal articulated axis and is designed to pivot the coupling head of the automatic coupling in or out of the horizontal coupling plane as required.

[0012] The solution according to the invention offers the advantage of a coupling arrangement suitable for adapting different coupling systems by pivoting at least the first coupling device out of the coupling plane, while providing the necessary space for introducing and arranging a second coupling device of a different design to the first coupling device in the coupling plane in a very compact design. By arranging the actuating device on the drawbar, the coupling arrangement can be used in different connection environments, in particular car body designs, without requiring any vehicle-side modifications for the actuating device. The coupling arrangement can be provided as a preassembled unit, including the actuating device for connecting different coupling systems, and can be constructed and designed to be very compact.

[0013] The term "rotationally rigid" or "non-rotational" refers specifically to a connection between two components that, when one of the components moves, allows the other to move in the same manner. This can be achieved through a direct, rigid connection between two components or indirectly via intermediate components.

[0014] In detail, the embodiment according to the invention allows the automatic coupling to be pivoted out of the coupling plane into a plane at an angle to the latter as required and to be pivoted back into the coupling plane while the automatic coupling remains in the coupling arrangement.

[0015] The coupling arrangement preferably comprises at least one further second coupling device, which is designed differently from the first coupling device. The second coupling device differs from the first coupling device in terms of coupling type or dimensions. The second coupling device is preferably articulated on the joint arrangement provided in the second end region of the drawbar at an angle to the first coupling device, viewed in the circumferential direction about the joint axis, or is pivotably mounted on the joint arrangement about a horizontal joint axis. By providing the further second coupling device in the coupling arrangement, it is available at all times and can be moved into the appropriate position - in the coupling plane or a position outside the coupling plane - via the actuating device. Complex manual setup can be eliminated.

[0016] In this context, it is particularly suitable for the joint arrangement of the drawbar to have a first articulated arm pivotable about a horizontal axis, to which the first coupling device, in particular a coupling head of an automatic coupling, is or can be attached, preferably detachably and / or replaceably. For this purpose, according to embodiments of the drawbar according to the invention, the first articulated arm has an interface region via which a coupling head of an automatic coupling can be interchangeably attached to the first articulated arm.

[0017] In this context, it would be conceivable, for example, for the interface area to have at least one shell sleeve arrangement. The interface area essentially serves to detachably mechanically connect the first articulated arm of the drawbar to a supporting structure of a coupling head, in particular a coupling head of an automatic coupling.

[0018] In particular, this allows for a modular design of the coupling arrangement, essentially consisting of the drawbar and a separate coupling head of a first coupling device. Since different coupling heads can be connected via the interface area of ​​the first articulated arm of the drawbar, the coupling arrangement according to the invention is suitable for coupling to vehicles with couplings of different designs or types, with no need to change or replace the coupling arrangement on the drawbar's tow hook. Thus, the solution according to the invention can be used to fulfill a variety of shunting tasks, making it an extremely flexible system overall.

[0019] In order to simplify the replacement of a coupling head, according to embodiments of the solution according to the invention, it is provided that the pull rod has an interface area via which the first articulated arm of the pull rod is or can be detachably connected mechanically to the support structure of a coupling head.

[0020] Various designs are possible for the interface area. In particular, it is recommended that the interface area have at least one shell sleeve arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the interface area can also have at least one locking pin arrangement with at least one locking pin.

[0021] According to embodiments of the drawbar according to the invention, the joint arrangement of the drawbar comprises a second articulated arm pivotable about the horizontal axis, to which a coupling device, in particular a drawbar eye and in particular a drawbar eye compatible with a screw coupling of the shunting vehicle, is or can be attached. It is preferred if the second articulated arm is connected to the first articulated arm of the drawbar in such a way that both articulated arms can be pivoted together, in particular exclusively together, about the horizontal axis.

[0022] Preferably, the second articulated arm is connected to the first articulated arm in such a way that both articulated arms can be pivoted together, in particular exclusively together, about the horizontal axis, wherein an angle of 80° to 100° and preferably approximately 90° is spanned between the first articulated arm and the second articulated arm.

[0023] According to an advantageous development, the actuating device is attached to the drawbar above the horizontal coupling plane. Depending on the position of the automatic coupling, its locking in the coupling plane, and the design of the actuating device, the latter is thus not subjected to the weight of the individual coupling devices. According to the invention, at least one drive device engages at least indirectly on a pivot lever that is securely connected to the horizontal joint axis, forming a drive device / pivot lever unit. According to a particularly advantageous development, the drive device engages directly on the pivot lever. In this case, the required torque is transmitted directly without additional transmissions. The actuating device is characterized by a minimum of required components.

[0024] To ensure even load distribution during extension and retraction, and to keep the actuating device small and compact in terms of design, it includes drive device / pivot lever units arranged on both sides of the pull rod. This allows the latter to be significantly smaller, allowing the space available for them to be used for other purposes.

[0025] According to the invention, the individual drive device is designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic linear motor, which is attached to a support device arranged on the drawbar. The use of preferably pneumatic linear motors offers the advantage that no additional energy source is required for the drive devices, but rather they can be integrated into or connected to the existing compressed air system of a rail vehicle.

[0026] Advantageously, the individual hydraulic or pneumatic linear motor is designed either as a double-acting piston / cylinder unit or as a single-acting piston / cylinder unit with a return device, in particular a return spring. In the former case, the different functional positions can be achieved by pressurizing and venting the individual pressure chambers; in the latter case, the return force is predetermined.

[0027] In terms of design, it is preferably provided that the support is formed from a sheet metal part, in particular a profile component, which is attached to the tension rod. The attachment can be realized by force-fitting, form-fitting, or preferably by material bonding. The support provides receiving devices for the drive devices, which are preferably designed as reciprocating piston / cylinder units with connections for connection to a compressed air supply system. Means for controlling the pressure applied to the individual connections on the reciprocating piston / cylinder units are preferably provided, in the simplest case in the form of valve devices.

[0028] There are a variety of options for the design of the individual, rigid connection between the joint assembly and the coupling head and / or the joint assembly and the pivot lever. Form-fitting connections are advantageously used. These can be designed, in particular, as keyway / groove connections or oil interference fits.

[0029] In another embodiment, the fixed connection between the joint arrangement and the coupling head and / or the joint arrangement and the pivot lever can be designed as a force-locking connection.

[0030] In a particularly advantageous manner, the arrangement and design of the drive device / pivoting lever unit is such that the pistons of the lifting piston / cylinder units are relieved of load in the position of the automatic coupling device pivoted into the coupling plane.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one locking device is further provided, which allows a relief of the drive devices in the pivoted-in position of the first coupling device.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous to have the option of locking in the swung-out position.

[0033] With regard to crash safety, it is generally advantageous if an energy-absorbing and / or damping element is integrated into the drawbar of the adapter coupling to dampen the tensile and / or compressive forces transmitted via the drawbar during driving. The energy-absorbing and / or damping element is preferably regenerative, for example, in the form of a spring device or a spring assembly. Of course, it is also conceivable to use destructively designed absorption elements or a combination of destructive and regenerative components.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the drawbar or transition coupling according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] They show: Figure 1 shows a kinematic diagram of the clutch arrangement according to the invention in a design as a hybrid clutch; Figure 2 shows a schematic isometric view of a constructive design of a clutch arrangement according to Figure 1 ; Figure 3a schematically shows an isometric view of a constructive embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to Figure 2 without coupling head in the first position in the coupling plane; Figure 3b version according to Figure 3a in the position pivoted out of the coupling plane; Figure 4 shows an example of a design of a first articulated arm; Figures 5a and 5b schematically illustrate simplified possible designs of the drive device.

[0036] Figure 1shows, in a highly simplified schematic representation, the basic structure of a coupling arrangement 100 according to the invention in the form of a transition coupling or hybrid coupling. This comprises a drawbar 1 and at least one first coupling device 20 in the form of an automatic coupling 21, pivotably mounted on the drawbar 1 about a horizontal geometric axis A. Furthermore, a second coupling device 30 is provided.

[0037] The drawbar 1 has a first end region 2 on the car body side, via which the drawbar 1 can be preferably detachably connected to a car body, in particular a car body of a freight or shunting vehicle or its undercarriage. In addition, the drawbar 1 has a second end region 3 opposite the first end region 2. A joint arrangement 4 is provided on this second end region 3 in order to be able to pivot a coupling head 22 of the first coupling device 20, in particular the automatic coupling 21, into a horizontal coupling plane KE, if necessary. The joint arrangement 4 comprises at least one joint pin 5, which is horizontal when viewed in the installation bearing of the coupling arrangement on the vehicle. This joint pin 5 is rotatably mounted in the through-openings of a fork-like end region 3 of the drawbar 1.The pivoting takes place around a horizontal axis A, which corresponds to the geometric and, in this position, horizontal axis of the hinge pin 5 and thus to the joint axis GA of the joint arrangement 4.

[0038] The horizontal coupling plane KE can then be described by the longitudinal axis of the drawbar 1 and a perpendicular thereto in the horizontal direction when viewed in the installed position on the rail vehicle, in particular the horizontal axis of the joint pin 5 or the joint axis GA of the joint arrangement.

[0039] The first coupling device 20, in particular the coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling 21 (not shown in detail here), is securely connected to the joint arrangement 4. This can be achieved by integrally constructing the coupling head 22 with the joint arrangement 4, in particular the joint pin 5, or preferably by a detachable connection thereto.

[0040] Figure 1shows the first coupling device 20 in the horizontal coupling plane KE. An actuating device 6 is provided to pivot it out of or into this plane. The actuating device 6 is attached directly to the drawbar 1 and comprises at least one drive device 12, which engages the joint arrangement 4 eccentrically to the horizontal joint axis GA and is designed to pivot the coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling into or out of the horizontal coupling plane KE as needed.

[0041] The actuating device 6, in particular the individual drive device 12, is fastened to the drawbar 1 above the horizontal coupling plane KE. The fastening takes place, for example, on a support 17 connected to the drawbar 1. The support can be detachably or permanently connected to the drawbar. The drive device 12 engages at least indirectly on a pivot lever 13 that is rigidly connected to the horizontal joint axis GA, forming a drive device / pivot lever unit 14. In the case shown, the output 16 of the drive device 12 is coupled to the pivot lever 13 via an articulated connection 15. Depending on the design of the pivot lever 13, the drive device 12 is coupled when the first coupling device 20 is pivoted into the coupling plane KE, above or below the joint axis GA.

[0042] The position of the joint axis GA and the connection or fastening of the drive devices 12 to the drawbar 1 are spaced apart from one another, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the drawbar 1. Preferably, the articulation on the pivot levers 13 is carried out in the circumferential direction of the joint axis GA in such a way that the direction of force of the drive device for introducing the torque on the pivot lever 13 coincides with the pivoting direction.

[0043] Preferably, the drive device 12 is designed as a pneumatic linear motor. Figure 1illustrates, by way of example, the design of the pneumatic linear motor in the form of a two-sided reciprocating piston / cylinder unit 18. This has at least two connections 19.1, 19.2, which are coupled to different pressure chambers in the cylinder for pressurizing different piston surfaces. The pressure chambers can be coupled to a pressure medium supply device 25, which can be formed by the pressure medium system of the rail-bound vehicle. To control the pressure medium supply to the reciprocating piston / cylinder unit 18, means for controlling the pressure medium supply are provided in the connection between the connections 19.1, 19.2 on the cylinder and the pressure medium supply system, in the simplest case in the form of valve devices.

[0044] The second coupling device 30 can be designed in various ways. It is preferably formed by a towing eye 10, which can interact with a towing hook (not shown here).

[0045] The second coupling device 30 is pivoted into the coupling plane during or after the first coupling device 20 is pivoted out of the coupling plane. For this purpose, the second coupling device 30 is preferably also pivotably mounted about the joint axis GA. The mounting is preferably carried out directly on the joint arrangement 4 and such that both coupling devices 20 and 30 are arranged at a predefined angle, preferably approximately 90°, to each other, and their pivoting always occurs with a positive coupling.

[0046] The Figure 1 The position of the first coupling device 20 shown corresponds to position I pivoted into the horizontal coupling plane KE. The directions of movement about the joint axis GA and of the piston of the drive device 12 are indicated by arrows.

[0047] The Figure 2 shows an example of an advantageous design of a coupling arrangement 100 according to Figure 1in the swung-out position II of the coupling device 20, in particular the swung-out position of the coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling 21. The Figure 3b shows this position without coupling head 22 for better clarity of the actuating device, while Figure 3a shows the pivoted-in position I without coupling head 22. The same reference numbers are used for the same elements.

[0048] The joint assembly 4 has a first joint arm 7 pivotable about a horizontal axis, in particular the joint axis GA, to which a coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling 21 is or can be attached, preferably detachably and / or replaceably. The coupling head 22 is detachably connected to the joint assembly 4 via an interface area 9. In the illustrated case, this is via a shell-socket connection.

[0049] According to advantageous implementations of the coupling assembly 100 according to the invention, it is provided that the coupling closure associated with the coupling head 22 is designed to be particularly compatible with a coupling head in a funnel / cone design, such as type 10, type 35, type 330, type 430, type 55, or type 140. However, other coupling head types or designs are also possible, such as wedgelock coupling heads, BSI coupling heads, or GF coupling heads.

[0050] In addition, the Figure 2 illustrated drawbar 1, it is provided that the joint arrangement 4 further comprises a second articulated arm 8 which can be pivoted about the horizontal axis and to which the second coupling device 30, in particular a towing eye 10, such as a towing eye 10 compatible with a screw coupling, is fastened or can be fastened, so that the coupling arrangement 100 can also be coupled with a screw coupling.

[0051] Here, the second articulated arm 8 is connected to the first articulated arm 7 of the joint arrangement 4 in such a way that both articulated arms 7, 8 can pivot exclusively together about the horizontal joint axis GA. An angle of 80° to 100°, and preferably approximately 90°, is spanned between the first articulated arm 7 and the second articulated arm 8. This means that both coupling devices 20, 30 are positively coupled to one another with respect to the pivoting movement.

[0052] The two articulated arms 7, 8 are pivotably mounted via a horizontally extending bolt 5, which is a component of the joint assembly 4 and defines the pivot axis GA of the joint assembly 4. In a figurative sense, this horizontally extending bolt 5 functions like a tension bolt of a screw coupling.

[0053] In order to pivot the coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling 21, the actuating device 6 has drive device / pivot lever units 14 arranged on both sides of the drawbar 1 for pivoting in or out of the horizontal coupling plane KE as required, which are fastened to the drawbar 1 in a tandem arrangement on a support 17.

[0054] The Figures 3a and 3b For better illustration, illustrate the design of the coupling arrangement 100 according to Figure 2 without the coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling 21 in the two functional positions I - Swivelled into coupling plane KE ( Figure 3a ) and II - swung out of coupling level KE ( Figure 3b). Visible on the first articulated arm 7 is only the interface area 9, via which the coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling can be interchangeably attached to the first articulated arm 7. The interface area 9 preferably has at least one shell sleeve arrangement.

[0055] The joint arrangement 4 comprises the horizontally extending pin 5, which defines a pivot axis for the first articulated arm 7 and a drawbar eye 10 compatible with the drawbar hook of the screw coupling. The horizontally extending pin 5 is designed in particular as a drawbar of a screw coupling. The joint pin 5 is either formed integrally with the individual articulated arms 7, 8 or is connected to them in a fixed manner. The fixed connection can be designed in different ways. Both force-locking and form-locking connections are conceivable.

[0056] The individual pivot lever 13 of the individual drive device / pivot lever unit 14 is securely connected to the pivot pin 5, particularly to one end portion thereof. The connection can be force-locked or positive-locked.

[0057] In the case shown, the hinge pin 5 is rotatably mounted in the through-openings of the fork-like end region 3 of the pull rod 1 and the pivot levers 13 are each fastened to the hinge pin 5 in the end regions protruding from the through-openings.

[0058] The individual drive device 12 is designed as a reciprocating piston / cylinder unit 18 and performs the function of a pneumatic linear motor. The individual cylinder is attached to the support 17. The piston is preferably connected to the pivot lever 13 by a joint. The connection is designated 15 and is eccentric to the joint axis GA. When extended or retracted, the piston generates a torque about the joint axis GA.

[0059] The individual drive device 12 is preferably attached directly to the support 17. In the simplest case, the support 17 is formed by a T-shaped sheet metal plate on which receptacles or receiving devices for the cylinders are provided. The support 17 and receiving devices can be formed by separate components, or in an alternative embodiment, they can also be integrally formed in one component, for example, in a sheet metal component.

[0060] In the Figure 3aIn the position I shown, the pistons of the lifting piston / cylinder units 18 are retracted and locked in this functional position. For this purpose, a locking device 23 is provided, which fixes the position of the first coupling device in the coupling plane KE relative to the end region 3 of the drawbar 1.

[0061] In the Figure 3b In the position II shown, the first coupling device 20 is pivoted out of the coupling plane KE and the second coupling device 30 is pivoted into it. The drive devices 12, in particular the pistons of the reciprocating piston / cylinder units 18, are extended in this position.

[0062] The Figures 1 to 3bshow an advantageous embodiment of the coupling arrangement 100 with the coupling head 22 of the automatic coupling 21 pivoting upwards and the position of the pistons of the lifting piston / cylinder units in the pivoted position I in the retracted position. For this purpose, the drive device 12 is linked to the pivot lever 13 below the joint axis GA.

[0063] The pneumatic lifting piston / cylinder units 18 are, depending on the design, Figure 5a as a double-acting piston / cylinder unit 18 or according to Figure 5b designed as a single-acting piston / cylinder unit 18. According to Figure 5a In the simplest case, the cylinder has two pressure chambers which can be pressurised or vented with pressure medium via corresponding connections 19.1 and 19.2.

[0064] According to Figure 5b only one of the pressure chambers can be pressurized and the reset is effected by spring force.

[0065] Figure 4shows an example of a secure connection 26 between the joint pin 5 and thus the joint arrangement 4 and the first coupling device 20. In the case shown, this connection is positively locking and designed as a key / groove connection.

[0066] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all features disclosed herein. Reference sign

[0067] 1 Drawbar 2 First end section of the drawbar 3 Second end section of the drawbar 4 Joint arrangement 5 Bolt 6 Actuating device 7 First articulated arm 8 Second articulated arm 9 Interface area 10 Drawbar eye 12 Drive device 13 Swivel lever 14 Drive device / swivel lever unit 15 Articulated connection 16 Drive output 17 Carrier 18 Pneumatic lifting piston / cylinder unit 19.1, 19.2 Connection 20 First coupling device 21 Automatic coupling 22 Coupling head 23 Locking device 25 Pressure medium supply system 26 Connection 30 Second coupling device 100 Transition coupling GAG Articulated axis KEC Coupling plane

Claims

1. Coupling arrangement (100) for a track-guided vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, comprising a draw bar (1) with a first end region (2) for connecting to a wagon and a second end region (3) situated opposite the first end region (2), a joint arrangement (4) which is provided in the second end region (3) of the draw bar (1) and via which at least one first coupling device (20) is mounted pivotably about a horizontal joint axis (GA), the first coupling device (20) comprising a coupling head (22) of an automatic coupling, this coupling head being connected to the joint arrangement (4) for conjoint drive, an actuating apparatus (6) for pivoting the first coupling device (20) of the automatic coupling into or out of a horizontal coupling plane (KE), as required; characterized in that the actuating apparatus (6) is fastened to the draw bar (1) and comprises at least one drive device (12), which engages on the joint arrangement (4) eccentrically with respect to the horizontal joint axis (GA) and is designed to pivot the first coupling device (20) into or out of the horizontal coupling plane, as required, wherein at least one pivot lever (13) is connected to the horizontal joint axis (GA), in particular to a bolt (5) defining the joint axis, for conjoint drive and the at least one drive device (12) engages at least indirectly on the at least one pivot lever (13) to form a drive-device / pivot-lever unit (14), and an individual drive device (12) is in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic linear motor, which is fastened to a support (17) arranged on the draw bar (1).

2. Coupling arrangement (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one further second coupling device (30) is articulated, at an angle relative to the first coupling device (20), on the joint arrangement (4) provided in the second end region (3) of the draw bar (1) or is pivotably mounted on the joint arrangement (4) about the horizontal joint axis (GA) .

3. Coupling arrangement (100) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the joint arrangement (4) has a first joint arm (7) which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis and to which the coupling head (22) of the automatic coupling can be detachably and / or interchangeably fastened.

4. Coupling arrangement (100) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first joint arm (7) has an interface region (9), via which the coupling head (22) of the automatic coupling can be fastened interchangeably to the first joint arm (7).

5. Coupling arrangement (100) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the joint arrangement (4) has a first joint arm (7) which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis and together with which the coupling head (22) of the automatic coupling forms an integral unit.

6. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the joint arrangement (4) has a second joint arm (8) which can be pivoted about the horizontal axis and to which the second coupling device (30), in particular a draw-bar eye (10) compatible with a draw-bar hook of a screw coupling, can be or is fastened.

7. Coupling arrangement (100) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the second joint arm (8) is connected to the first joint arm (7) in such a way that the two joint arms (7, 8) together, in particular exclusively together, can be pivoted about the horizontal joint axis (GA), wherein an angle of 80° to 100° and preferably of approximately 90° is formed between the first joint arm (7) and the second joint arm (8).

8. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating apparatus (6) is fastened to the draw bar (1) above the horizontal coupling plane (KE).

9. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating apparatus (6) comprises drive-device / pivot-lever units (14) arranged on either side of the draw bar (1).

10. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an individual hydraulic or pneumatic linear motor is in the form of a double-acting reciprocating piston / cylinder unit (18).

11. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an individual hydraulic or pneumatic linear motor is in the form of a single-acting reciprocating piston / cylinder unit (18) with a return device, in particular return spring.

12. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the support (17) is in the form of a shaped sheet-metal part or profile element and has receiving devices for the reciprocating piston / cylinder units (18), an individual reciprocating piston / cylinder unit (18) being arranged one on each side of the draw bar and the end region of an individual piston rod of a reciprocating piston / cylinder unit (18) respectively articulatedly engaging on, or being connected to, the pivot lever (13) connected to the joint axis (GA) for conjoint drive, and a locking device (23) being provided for bringing about locking between the first coupling device (20) and the draw bar (1) in the first position of the first coupling device in the coupling plane (KE) and / or for bringing about locking between the first coupling device (20) and the draw bar (1) in the second position of the first coupling device in which the latter is pivoted out of the coupling plane (KE).

13. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an individual connection for conjoint drive between the joint arrangement (4) and the coupling head (22) of the first coupling device (20) and / or the joint arrangement (4) and the pivot lever (13) is a form-fitting connection, in particular a key-slot connection or an oil interference-fit connection.

14. Coupling arrangement (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an individual connection for conjoint drive between the joint arrangement (4) and the coupling head (22) of the first coupling device (20) and / or the joint arrangement (4) and the pivot lever (13) is a force-fitting connection.

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