Supporting device for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting device for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling, in particular a central buffer coupling, comprising: a contact surface for the coupling arm; wall connection elements for connection to a car of the rail vehicle; a cross-member which is borne at least indirectly on the wall connection elements and at least indirectly carries the contact surface, wherein the cross-member extends in a transverse direction which is transverse to a longitudinal direction of a receiving space for the coupling arm above the contact surface. The supporting device according to the invention is characterised in that the cross-member is connected to the wall connection elements via an interface which is reversibly or irreversibly yielding in the longitudinal direction.

Description

[0001] Support device for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling

[0002] The present invention relates to a support device for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling, in particular a central buffer coupling for use in rail vehicles, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Rail vehicles are defined, in particular, as track-guided vehicles. These can be powered rail vehicles, such as traction units and locomotives, but also wagons without their own propulsion.

[0004] A generic support device is disclosed in WO 2020 / 178223 A1. This comprises a coupling arm support spring-suspended on a stationary bracket for connection to a rail vehicle carriage, and a center reset mechanism for the coupling arm. The bracket comprises a cross member extending transversely to the coupling arm, which supports the support with its spring support and to which the center reset levers are articulated. The bracket comprises two wall connection elements connected to each other via the cross member. The cross member is inserted into the wall connection elements or is pushed through them to achieve a positive connection with the wall connection elements.

[0005] This design of the console ensures a particularly rigid connection of the cross member to the carriage of the rail vehicle.

[0006] This generic support device is used primarily for supporting the coupling of freight couplings and locomotives. Freight couplings are couplings for freight trains, particularly for use on locomotives and wagons. Different safety requirements apply to such freight couplings than to couplings for passenger rail vehicles. For example, such freight couplings do not traditionally have an energy-absorbing device, such as a deformation tube. Rather, the entire connection, from the coupling head to the coupling end on the rail vehicle wagon, is rigid in the longitudinal direction of the wagon, which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the coupling arm.

[0007] If a deformation tube is to be integrated into such couplings, the support device for the coupling arm is located in the longitudinal direction of the coupling arm in front of the deforming area of ​​the deformation tube. When the deformation tube deforms, the known support device thus forms a hard stop for the coupling head connected to the front free end of the coupling arm when it moves longitudinally toward the carriage of the rail vehicle due to the deformation of the deformation tube. This disadvantageously limits the deformation path of the train coupling.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of specifying a support device for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling, in particular a central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle, for example a freight train rail vehicle, in particular a locomotive or wagon, wherein the support device at least substantially does not limit the deformation path of the train coupling.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by a support device for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling, in particular a center buffer coupling, particularly advantageously a freight coupling of a rail vehicle, in particular a locomotive or wagon, having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims describe advantageous and particularly useful embodiments of the invention. A rail vehicle with such a support device is described in claim 14.

[0010] Rail vehicles are defined, in particular, as vehicles that are guided on tracks or rails. These can be powered rail vehicles, such as traction units and locomotives, or even wagons without their own propulsion.

[0011] A support device according to the invention for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling is advantageously designed as a component of such a train coupling, in particular a center buffer coupling and / or a freight coupling of a rail vehicle, in particular a freight rail vehicle. The train coupling can be arranged on the towing vehicle, in particular the locomotive, but also on the non-self-propelled wagon. In the event of a crash, the support device according to the invention enables the support for the coupling arm, together with the cross member supporting it, to deflect backwards or backwards and downwards in the longitudinal direction, thus not restricting the available deformation path at the coupling-side end of the rail vehicle.In particular, the support device for a coupling arm with a deformation tube, which has a reversibly or irreversibly deforming deformation element with which the axial length of the deformation tube in the longitudinal direction of the coupling arm is reduced in the event of a crash.

[0012] Specifically, a support device according to the invention for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling, in particular a central buffer coupling, comprises a support for the coupling arm and wall connection elements for connection to a carriage of a rail vehicle. The support device further comprises a cross member, which is mounted at least indirectly on the wall connection elements and supports the support at least indirectly, in particular with a spring support. The cross member extends above the support in a transverse direction that is transverse to a longitudinal direction of a receiving space for the coupling arm, thus also in the longitudinal direction of the coupling arm and the rail vehicle that supports the coupling arm.

[0013] According to the invention, the cross member is connected to the wall connection elements via a reversibly or irreversibly longitudinally flexible interface. Thus, the cross member can move at least longitudinally relative to the wall connection elements when subjected to a compressive force that exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0014] Due to the interface between the cross member and the wall connection elements designed according to the invention, the cross member can be detached from the wall connection elements in the event of a crash and can move longitudinally and / or downwards relative to the wall connection elements, i.e. towards and / or beneath the rail vehicle, in particular the locomotive or carriage, which carries the coupling arm and the support device, relative to the wall connection elements. Preferably, the cross member is mounted exclusively via these interfaces, i.e. no further support structures are provided on the train coupling and on the rail vehicle, in particular the locomotive or carriage, which carry the cross member. This does not preclude the cross member, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, from being connected to the wall connection elements with a safety device, in particular with safety cables, in addition to being connected via the interfaces.Such a safety device prevents the crossbeam from flying around uncontrollably in the event of a crash if the crossbeam has become detached from the wall connection elements at the interfaces. The wall connection elements can remain on the rail vehicle, especially the locomotive or carriage.

[0015] Preferably, the interface comprises a guide which is arranged between the cross member and the wall connection elements in such a way that it guides the cross member in the longitudinal direction and downwards relative to the wall connection elements when the interface yields.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cross member is mounted in side parts, each of which is connected to the wall connection elements, forming a respective interface. The cross member is mounted in the side parts, for example, in a form-fitting or material-fitting manner in the longitudinal direction. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the side parts are attached to the wall connection elements with shear elements, in particular shear pins.

[0017] According to a further development of this embodiment, the shear elements are designed to shear in the longitudinal direction and to absorb the operating forces of the support in a vertical direction. This prevents the vertically downward operating forces of the support, which arise from the support of the coupling arm, from causing an undesirable shearing of the side elements from the wall connection elements. Additionally or alternatively, the operating forces of the support can also be diverted via additional support of the cross member on the side elements.

[0018] According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the side panels are screwed to the wall connection elements with screws, wherein the screws are accommodated in slots in the side panels that are open at the front in the longitudinal direction. "Forward" here means in the direction away from the carriage, i.e., in the direction toward the free end of the coupling arm, on which the coupling head is provided.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide, which is arranged between the cross member and the wall connection elements in order to guide the cross member longitudinally and downward relative to the wall connection elements when the interface yields, comprises a projection fixedly arranged in the respective wall connection element and extending through a guide slot in the respective side panel. The projection slides in the guide slot when the interface yields and determines the path of the side panel when the side panel shifts relative to the wall connection element. This allows for particularly reliable guidance of the cross member when deflecting.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support device comprises a center reset with at least two reset levers which are opposite one another in the transverse direction, that is to say in a horizontal direction, each with a lateral contact surface, which enclose the receiving space for the coupling arm above the support between them, wherein at least one spring accumulator is provided which applies a spring force to the reset levers which counteracts a movement apart of the lateral contact surfaces.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the return levers are connected to the cross member in an articulated manner.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall connection elements are designed as flat components, in particular as flat sheets. However, other shapes are also possible, for example, with an inwardly or outwardly angled shape.

[0022] The invention will be described below using exemplary embodiments and the figures.

[0023] They show:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a support device with shear elements in the non-triggered state;

[0025] Figure 2 shows the support device from Figure 1 in the triggered state;

[0026] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a support device in the non-triggered state;

[0027] Figure 4 shows the support device from Figure 3 in the triggered state; Figure 5 shows a side view of the support device from Figure 3 in the non-triggered state;

[0028] Figure 6 shows the side view of the support device from Figure 3 in the triggered state.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a support device designed according to the invention in the non-triggered state, i.e., in a state in which the interface 27 between each wall connection element 14 and 15 and the cross member 9 has not yet yielded. Figure 2 shows this support device in the triggered state, i.e., after the interface 27 has yielded, so that the cross member 9 has moved downwards relative to the two wall connection elements 14 and 15 in the longitudinal direction 19 onto a carriage (not shown in detail) or the locomotive of the rail vehicle that carries the support device and the coupling arm 20.

[0030] In detail, the illustrated support device for the coupling arm 20 comprises a support 1 for the coupling arm 20 and the two wall connection elements 14, 15 for connecting the support device to a carriage of a rail vehicle. The wall connection elements 14, 15, which are connected to each other via the cross member 9, together with the cross member 9, form a bracket 2 for connection to the carriage of the rail vehicle. The connection can be made, for example, to the vehicle frame.

[0031] Two return levers 4, 5 are articulated to the cross member 9. Each return lever 4, 5 can be pivoted about a rotation axis 10, counter to the force of a spring accumulator 7, 8, which is designed, for example, as a tension spring. Each return lever 4, 5 has a lateral contact surface 4.1, 5.1, wherein the lateral contact surfaces 4.1 and 5.1 face each other in the transverse direction 23, which runs horizontally and transversely to the longitudinal direction 19, in order to delimit a receiving space 6 between them. On the underside, the receiving space 6 is delimited by the support 1, which is mounted in a vertical linear guide 13 on the cross member 9 and is elastically supported on the cross member 9 via two compression springs 11, 12. The return levers 4, 5 and the spring accumulators 7, 8 form a center return 3, wherein the center return 3 refers to a horizontal return, i.e. a return in the transverse direction 23.The center reset 3 is formed in particular solely by the reset levers 4, 5 and the spring accumulators 7, 8.

[0032] A deflection of the coupling arm 20 received in the receiving space 6 in the transverse direction 23 leads to a deflection of the respective return lever 4, 5 against the spring force of the respective spring accumulator 7, 8 via a contact of the corresponding lateral outer surfaces 17, 18 of the coupling arm 20 with the opposite lateral contact surface 4.1, 5.2. As soon as the deflection force of the coupling arm 20 falls below the spring force of the spring accumulator 7, 8, the corresponding return lever 4, 5 is rotated back about the rotation axis 10 and pushes the coupling arm 20 into the horizontal middle position.

[0033] At the front of the coupling arm 20, i.e., in the direction away from the image plane in Figures 1 and 2, a coupling head (not shown in detail) is connected, in particular with a funnel and cone and, advantageously, air coupling connections. The coupling head is, for example, of the Scharfenberg type.

[0034] In the longitudinal direction 19 to the rear, that is to say into the image plane of Figures 1 and 2, a reversible or irreversible energy absorption device, for example in the form of a deformation tube, can be provided behind the support device shown, which in the event of a crash enables the coupling head to move in the direction of the support device shown and furthermore in the longitudinal direction 19 towards the rail vehicle, in particular the carriage or the locomotive.

[0035] The cross member 9 is rigidly and permanently connected to two side parts 30, 31, for example via a welded joint 26, as shown exemplarily in Figures 1 and 2. One side part 30, 31 is provided for each wall connection element 14, 15. The side parts 30, 31 are attached to the front ends of the cross member 9.

[0036] When the interfaces 27 are not triggered, the side parts 30, 31 are also rigidly connected to the wall connection elements 14, 15, specifically with shear pins 32. The side parts 30, 31 form an interface 27 with each wall connection element 14, 15 that is flexible in the event of a crash. If a compressive force applied to the cross member 9 from the front in the longitudinal direction 19 exceeds a predetermined limit value, the shear pins 32 shear off and the cross member 9 can move backward and downward together with the side parts 30, 31, the support 1 and the return levers 4, 5, as well as the spring accumulators 7, 8 and the compression springs 11, 12, as shown in Figure 2. This creates a space for the immersion of the coupling head (not shown in detail) between the wall connection elements 14, 15, even if the coupling arm 20 is initially lowered downwards due to the support 1 deflecting downwards.

[0037] To prevent the components detached from the wall connection elements 14, 15 from flying around uncontrollably, the side parts 30, 31 and / or the cross member 9 are preferably secured to the wall connection elements 14, 15 with safety cables 29. These safety cables 29 are shown only schematically and by way of example in Figure 2.

[0038] Figures 3 to 6 show an alternative exemplary embodiment of a support device according to the invention, wherein the components corresponding to the components of the embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0039] The embodiment according to Figures 3 to 6 differs from the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 in the design of the interfaces 27 between the side parts 30, 31 and the wall connection elements 14, 15. Thus, in the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 6, the side parts 30, 31 are designed, for example, as bent sheet metal parts and are connected to the cross member 9 in a form-fitting manner.

[0040] The side parts 30, 31 are screwed to the wall connection elements 14, 15 with screws 33, wherein the screws 33 are inserted into slots 34 in the side parts 30, 31 that open forwards or upwards in the longitudinal direction 19. Thus, when a compressive force is applied from the front in the longitudinal direction 19 to the cross member 9, the side parts 30, 31 can be moved backwards or downwards relative to the wall connection elements 14, 15, wherein the screws 33 that are fixedly arranged in the wall connection elements 14, 15 are pushed forwards out of the side parts 30, 31 via the slots 34. In order to guide this movement, a guide 28 is provided in the interface 27, which in the embodiment shown comprises a slotted guide 35 in each side part 30, 31 and projections 36 fixedly connected to the wall connection elements 14, 15, wherein each projection 36 is received in a slotted guide 35.

[0041] In the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 6, safety cables 29 are also advantageously, but not necessarily, provided, which catch the cross member 9 with the connected side parts 30, 31 and the support 1 after the wall connection elements 14, 15 with their screws 33 have slid out of the slots 34.

[0042] In the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 6, it is also shown that the support 1 has a friction element 16 on its upper surface, which creates static friction between the coupling arm (not shown) and the support 1. Such a friction element 16 could also be provided in the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 or omitted in the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 6.

[0043] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 6, the support 1 is secured against tilting and swinging, particularly in the unloaded state, by vertical stops 21 being provided in the transverse direction 23 on both sides of the linear guide 13 in the lower region of the support 1, which is preferably designed as a U-shaped bent sheet metal part, which vertical stops 21 abut against the cross member 9 to limit the travel of the spring support of the support 1 during rebound. The vertical stops 21 can, for example, be designed as plug pins 22 which are inserted through the two legs 25 of the support 1.

[0044] The linear guide 13 can be formed by overlapping slots 37 in the legs of the support 1, in which a plug pin 24 arranged stationary in the cross member 9 is guided.

[0045] The solution according to the invention is not limited with regard to the use of automatic train couplings. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the system is used in self-propelled rail vehicles in the form of locomotives, in particular shunting locomotives. The automatic train coupling can be designed as a single coupling or as a coupling of a hybrid coupling arrangement that can be pivoted into or out of an active position.

[0046] List of reference symbols

[0047] 1 edition

[0048] 2 Console 3 Center reset

[0049] 4 reset levers

[0050] 4.1 Contact surface

[0051] 5 reset levers

[0052] 5.1 Contact surface 6 Recording space

[0053] 7 spring accumulators

[0054] 8 spring accumulators

[0055] 9 T rverse

[0056] 10 Rotation axis 11 Compression spring

[0057] 12 compression spring

[0058] 13 Linear guide

[0059] 14 Wall connection element

[0060] 15 Wall connection element 16 Friction element

[0061] 17 Exterior area

[0062] 18 Exterior area

[0063] 19 Longitudinal direction

[0064] 20 Coupling arm 21 Vertical stop

[0065] 22 socket pins

[0066] 23 Transverse direction

[0067] 24 socket pins

[0068] 25 Leg 26 Welded joint

[0069] 27 Interface

[0070] 28 Guide 29 Safety rope

[0071] 30 side panel

[0072] 31 side panel

[0073] 32 Shear pin 33 Screw

[0074] 34 slot

[0075] 35 Scenery

[0076] 36 lead

[0077] 37 slot

Claims

Patent claims 1. A support device for a coupling arm (20) of an automatic train coupling, in particular a center buffer coupling, comprising a support (1) for the coupling arm (20); comprising wall connection elements (14, 15) for connection to a rail vehicle, in particular a wagon with or without its own drive; comprising a cross member (9) which is mounted at least indirectly on the wall connection elements (14, 15) and at least indirectly carries the support (1), wherein the cross member (9) extends in a transverse direction (23) which runs transversely to a longitudinal direction (19) of a receiving space (6) for the coupling arm (20) above the support (1); characterized in that the cross member (9) is connected to the wall connection elements (14, 15) via an interface (27) which is reversibly or irreversibly flexible in the longitudinal direction (19).

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface (27) comprises a guide (28) which is arranged between the cross member (9) and the wall connection elements (14, 15) in such a way that the cross member (9) moves in the longitudinal direction (19) and downwards relative to the wall connection elements (14, 15) when the interfaces (27) yield.

3. Support device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cross member (9) is connected to the wall connection elements (14, 15) with a safety device, in particular with safety cables (29), in addition to the connection via the interfaces (27).

4. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cross member (9) is mounted in side parts (30, 31), which are connected to the wall connection elements (14, 15) to form one interface (27) each.

5. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cross member (9), in particular in its state mounted in the side parts (30, 31), is freely displaceable in the longitudinal direction (19) and / or downwards relative to the wall connection elements (14, 15) when the interfaces (27) yield, in particular until it is caught by the catch device.

6. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cross member (9) is mounted exclusively via the interfaces (27).

7. Support device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the side parts (30, 31) are fastened to the wall connection elements (14, 15) by shear elements, in particular shear pins (32).

8. Support device according to claim 7, characterized in that the shearing elements are designed to shear in the longitudinal direction (19) and to hold operating forces of the support (1) in a vertical direction or an additional support is provided on the side parts (30, 31) to divert the operating forces of the support (1).

9. Support device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the side parts (30, 31) are screwed to the wall connection elements (14, 15) with screws (33), wherein the screws (33) are received in slots (34) in the side parts (30, 31) which are open at the front in the longitudinal direction (19).

10. Support device according to claim 2 and at least one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the guide (28) comprises a projection (36) arranged in a fixed position in the respective wall connection element (14, 15) and passing through a slotted guide (35) in the respective side part (30, 31).

11. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support (1) is elastically resiliently mounted on the cross member (9).

12. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the support device comprises a central reset (3) for the coupling arm (20), which comprises at least two reset levers (4, 5) which are opposite one another in the transverse direction (23) and each have a lateral contact surface (4.1, 5.1), which enclose one or the receiving space (6) for the coupling arm (20) above the support (1) between them, wherein at least one spring accumulator (7, 8) is provided which applies a spring force to the reset levers (4, 5) which counteracts a movement apart of the lateral contact surfaces (4.1, 5.1).

13. Support device according to claim 12, characterized in that the cross member (9) carries the support (1) with a spring support and the return levers (4, 5) are articulated to the cross member (9).

14. A rail vehicle, in particular a locomotive or carriage, comprising an automatic train coupling which can be arranged thereon and which has a support device according to one of claims 1 to 13.

Images