Automatic train coupler

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic train coupling with a coupling head comprising a coupling lock, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a principal axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, the coupling eye is rotatably connected to the frog at a first end about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end, and the frog has a jaw arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a counter-coupling head; with an uncoupling device comprising a motor connected to the frog via a drive connection to rotate the frog from the coupled position to the uncoupled position; with a damping device damping a rotation of the frog by means of a resistance torque.The coupling according to the invention is characterized in that the damping device is arranged to dampen the rotation of the frog from the uncoupled position to the coupled position with a greater resistance torque than the rotation of the frog from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic train coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a railway vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A known automatic train coupling is disclosed in DE 10 2021 132 991 A1. Such an automatic train coupling has a coupling head comprising a coupling lock with a locking mechanism, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, and the frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. The coupling eye is rotatably connected to the frog at a first end and has a second free end which is designed to engage in a jaw of the frog of the opposing coupling head when the coupling head and a corresponding coupling head are brought together, thereby rotating the frog from the uncoupled position or a coupling-ready position slightly offset from the uncoupled position in the direction of the coupled position into the coupled position about the main axis.Accordingly, the free end of the coupling eye of the opposite coupling head also dips into a jaw of the frog of the coupling head of the same type in order to rotate the frog around the main axis from the uncoupled position or the coupling-ready position into the coupled position.

[0003] The uncoupled position is also referred to in practice as the "over-rotated" position because, compared to the "ready-to-couple" position (in which the coupling mechanism is also uncoupled), the frog is rotated further from the coupled position, i.e., it is over-rotated compared to the just-uncoupled position. Furthermore, there are automatic train couplings in which the frog is only held in the uncoupled and coupled positions. Holding the frog in the so-called "ready-to-couple" position, in which the frog is rotated towards the coupled position relative to the uncoupled position, is not provided for. Accordingly, the locking mechanism with a plunger and latch rod, as described below, can also be omitted.

[0004] In the coupled position, the frogs are held by a spring accumulator and by the mutual interlocking of the frogs and the coupling eyes, as well as the pressure system between the end plates of the train couplings.

[0005] The procedure for coupling and uncoupling is described, for example, in DE 10 2019 102 455 A1.

[0006] To move a frog into the uncoupled position, as described in DE 10 2021 132 991 A1, an uncoupling device with a motor is provided, which is connected to the frog via a drive connection in order to rotate the frog from the coupled position to the uncoupled position. In the uncoupled position, that is, more precisely after a slight reversal of the frog from the uncoupled position to the ready-to-couple position, the frog can be held by a latching rod connected to it, which engages in a detent position when the frog is moved into the ready-to-couple position.Furthermore, a plunger is provided with which the locking of the latch rod can be released when the opposing coupling head presses on the plunger during the coupling heads coming together, so that the frog is rotated into the coupled position and held there, in particular by the spring accumulator and the pressure force of the coupling eye plunging into the jaw of the frog.

[0007] If the coupling head, or the frog of the automatic train coupler, is held in the uncoupled position, or in the optionally provided ready-to-couple position (i.e., ready to couple again), in order to automatically recouple upon renewed contact between two train couplings or coupling heads, this automatic recoupling can be undesirable during shunting operations, for example, on a hump yard. In such shunting operations, the cars of a train, where each car is referred to as a rail vehicle, are uncoupled before or at the hump and are then intended to roll directly into the designated direction track. For this to happen, it is necessary that the train couplings remain securely separated until they reach the next car, i.e., the next rail vehicle, on the direction track beyond the hump.Unintentional re-coupling before the train rolls off the track is to be reliably prevented. For this purpose, the frog can be held in the uncoupled position by the uncoupling device, which is continuously actuated to maintain a buffer position. The frog cannot be moved back into the coupled position as long as this buffer position, in which the uncoupling device is actively actuated, is not released. With the latching rod in its detent position, the frog can only be held in the ready-to-couple position.

[0008] The same applies to a so-called push-off operation during shunting.

[0009] The problem, however, is that on the main track, a train coupling held in the buffer position can encounter a train coupling in the coupled position. Consequently, if such an automatic train coupling includes a frog, this frog may be twisted into the coupled position, and the coupling eye may protrude significantly from the coupling head, for example, beyond the end plate. When the train coupling in the buffer position contacts the coupling in the coupled position, the free end of the coupling eye of the coupled coupling pushes into the jaw of the frog of the coupling in the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position, exerting a twisting force or impact on the frog in the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position, twisting it from the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position into the coupled position.If, at the same time, the coupling mechanism in the coupled position activates the plunger that releases the latch rod from its detent position, the latch rod can no longer secure the frog against rotation from the coupled position into the coupled position. This results in a comparatively large impact force being transmitted to the uncoupling mechanism, which is in drive connection with the frog. This can damage the uncoupling mechanism or at least cause excessive wear.

[0010] To solve this problem, WO 2024 / 061686 A1 proposes an optionally actuated locking mechanism that can be activated in the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position of the frog to block rotation of the frog from the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position to the coupled position when the coupling lock is released. Such a locking mechanism can be a locking mechanism with a damping element, for example in the form of a compression spring, to dampen pressure surges that are transmitted to the frog when it rotates from the ready-to-couple position to the coupled position.

[0011] Further automatic train couplings are disclosed in WO 2022 / 129159 A2 and WO 2022 / 129021 A1.

[0012] A disadvantage of the known embodiments is that the uncoupling device cannot be held in an arbitrary rotational position, since the coupling mechanism, particularly due to the spring accumulator acting on the frog, which moves the frog from the ready-to-couple or uncoupled position to the coupled position, rotates the coupling device back to its initial position, which corresponds to the coupled position. Due to the comparatively high gear ratio of a transmission in the uncoupling device, required to generate the necessary uncoupling forces, self-locking cannot be guaranteed. Consequently, under the influence of a counter-rotating torque applied by the spring accumulator, a generally slow reverse rotation occurs. This problem could be solved by installing a motor brake in the uncoupling device's motor.However, this incurs additional costs and increases the installation space required for the motor, making, for example, integration into a clutch head more difficult. Another disadvantage of such a motor brake is that it acts on the motor itself, thus always braking the gearbox of the disengaging device, even when, at high clutch speeds, it would be better to avoid an engaged (coupled) clutch lock or a clutch in a different locked position to prevent overloading and subsequent damage.

[0013] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of improving an automatic drawbar coupling of the illustrated design in such a way that, on the one hand, the transmission of the aforementioned impact forces to the motor of the uncoupling device and, in particular, a gearbox of the uncoupling device downstream of it is avoided even when the automatic drawbar coupling, which is in the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position, encounters a counter-coupling coupling which is in the coupled position, and that the frog can be held securely in the uncoupled position, i.e., in the engaged position.

[0014] The problem according to the invention is solved by an automatic train coupling with the features of claim 1. The dependent claims specify advantageous and particularly suitable embodiments of the automatic train coupling according to the invention, as well as a rail vehicle with an automatic train coupling according to the invention.

[0015] An automatic coupling according to the invention comprises a coupling head with a coupling lock, which is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog. The frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, which is also referred to as the engaged position. The coupling eye is rotatably connected to the frog at a first end about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end. The second free end has, for example, a latch for locking with the frog of a mating coupling head.

[0016] In the uncoupled position, the frog is rotated to its maximum extent, particularly relative to the coupled position, for example at an angle of 73°. According to one embodiment of the invention, the frog is held only in the coupled position and the uncoupled position, i.e., the over-rotated position.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the uncoupled position is rotated to the maximum extent relative to the coupled position, for example, again by an angle of 73°. However, a so-called coupling-ready position of the frog is also provided, in which it is rotated relative to the uncoupled position in the direction of the coupled position. For example, in the coupling-ready position, the frog is rotated by 61° relative to the coupled position. As will be described below, the frog can be mechanically held in the coupling-ready position, in particular by a locking mechanism.

[0018] The core has a jaw that is arranged to receive the second end of a coupling eye of the mating coupling head. The mating coupling head can be identical in construction to the coupling head according to the invention. However, other embodiments are also possible that are compatible with the present coupling head according to the invention and are thus able to engage a coupling eye in the jaw of the core and to receive the coupling eye of the coupling head according to the invention in a locking manner.

[0019] The automatic train coupling according to the invention has an uncoupling device comprising a motor connected to the frog via a drive connection to rotate the frog from the coupled position to the uncoupled position and, optionally, in particular, back to the ready-to-couple position. The force for rotating back can also be generated by a spring accumulator, which is in particular connected to the frog, and the uncoupling device allows this rotation back accordingly. The uncoupling device can in particular be designed as described in DE 10 2021 132 991 A1.

[0020] According to the invention, a damping device is provided that dampens the rotation of the frog by means of a resistance torque. The damping device is configured, according to the invention, to dampen the rotation of the frog from the uncoupled position to the coupled position with a greater resistance torque than the rotation of the frog from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

[0021] The invention achieves that the rotation of the frog is dampened in both directions of rotation, whereby when the frog rotates in the uncoupling direction, i.e., from the coupled to the uncoupled position, the resistance torque applied by the damping device, which opposes the rotation of the frog, is comparatively small. Since, preferably, at least one spring accumulator connected to the frog also acts in this direction of rotation, preventing the frog from rotating from the coupled to the uncoupled position, only a small additional torque acts on the uncoupling device or its motor compared to conventional designs.If, on the other hand, the frog is rotated in the coupling direction, i.e. around the main axis in the direction from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, the damping device opposes this rotation with a comparatively larger resistance moment, thereby preventing the transmission of shock forces to the uncoupling device and also making it possible to hold the frog securely in the uncoupled position, i.e. over-coupled position.

[0022] Preferably, the coupling lock includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism of the coupling lock comprises a plunger and a latch rod, wherein the latch rod is at least indirectly connected to the frog and has a detent position that can be released by actuating the plunger, in which it blocks the frog against rotation from the ready-to-couple position towards the coupled position. The locking mechanism of the coupling head is designed to be released by bringing the opposing coupling head against the coupling head, in that the plunger can be actuated by bringing the opposing coupling head against the coupling head to release the detent position of the latch rod.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the uncoupling device comprises a rotary element rotatable with the motor about a pivot axis, in particular in the form of a rotary lever, which is at least indirectly connected to the core for rotating it from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

[0024] Preferably, the damping device comprises a damping spring accumulator and an actuator acted upon by a spring force of the damping spring accumulator, which has a first sliding surface which is pressed by the spring force against a second sliding surface which is connected to the frog or to an element of the drive connection between the frog and the motor.

[0025] The second sliding surface can, for example, be arranged on the rotary element, in particular on the rotary lever.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment, the decoupling device comprises a disk rotatable with the motor about a rotational axis, and the second sliding surface is arranged on the disk, for example on a side oriented towards the rotational axis. In particular, the second sliding surface extends along the outer circumference of the disk. It is also possible to arrange the second sliding surface on a lateral surface of the disk.

[0027] The pivot is preferably connected to the frog via a flexible element, for example in the form of a lever. When the frog is rotated into the uncoupled position, the flexible element transmits a tensile force from the pivot to the frog. Furthermore, when the frog is rotated into the coupled position, a tensile force is transmitted from the frog to the pivot via the flexible element. However, if the frog is rotated manually, for example using a manual uncoupling device, from the coupled position to the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position, no torque is transmitted from the frog to the pivot, as the flexible element yields and does not transmit a compressive force.This prevents the damping device from being moved into the position where, upon subsequent rotation of the frog into the coupled position, it would oppose the rotation with a comparatively larger resistance torque. Instead, the frog can be rotated towards the coupled position without being subjected to a resistance torque from the damping device until the flexible element between the pivot and the frog has regained its tension.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the rotary link can be connected to the frog via an intermediate piece with a damping element to dampen impact forces exerted on the frog. For example, the intermediate piece is telescopic with a spring mechanism between two sections of the intermediate piece, which counteracts the two sections from moving apart.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the uncoupling device comprises a motor-driven driver which, driven by the motor, rotates the rotary element. A rotational clearance is provided between the driver and the rotary element, such that, in the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position of the frog, the rotary element can rotate relative to the driver about the axis of rotation when the frog is rotated about its main axis in the direction of the coupled position, damped by the comparatively larger resistance torque of the damping device. This rotational clearance thus provides mechanical decoupling between the motor of the uncoupling device and the frog, protecting the motor from coupling shocks.

[0030] The driver can be designed to be rotationally fixed to the disc, and the motor or a gearbox downstream of it can drive the driver via the disc.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuator is rotatable relative to the second sliding surface and relative to the damping spring storage unit, wherein the damping spring storage unit is in particular designed as a linearly acting damping spring storage unit, for example with a compression spring, for example a cylindrical spring or disc spring.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the first and second sliding surfaces each comprise two mutually inclined sub-surfaces, wherein, upon rotation of the core about the main axis, the first sub-surface of the first sliding surface slides successively along the first sub-surface of the second sliding surface, and the second sub-surface of the first sliding surface slides along the second sub-surface of the second sliding surface, the sub-surfaces being oriented such that, when the sliding surfaces are pressed against each other, the damping device transmits a greater compressive force via the second sub-surfaces than via the first sub-surfaces. Thus, a greater resistance moment is generated by the damping device in the section of the second sub-surfaces as the sliding surfaces slide against each other than in the section with the first sub-surfaces.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second sliding surface comprises two mutually inclined sub-surfaces arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the disk, and the second sub-surface has a steeper slope than the first sub-surface, particularly on the side of the disk oriented towards the axis of rotation. This also ensures that a greater compressive force is transmitted via the second sub-surface than via the first sub-surface, combined with a correspondingly larger resistance moment, which is opposed to rotation of the core by the damping device.

[0034] A rail vehicle according to the invention has an automatic train coupling according to the invention of the design shown here.

[0035] The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to embodiments and the figures.

[0036] They show: Figure 1a an automatic train coupling in the coupled position; Figure 1b the automatic train coupling out of the Figure 1a in the uncoupled position; Figure 1c the automatic train coupling from the Figures 1a, 1b in the coupling-ready position; Figure 2 an embodiment of an automatic train coupling according to the invention; Figure 3 the damping device when the frog is in the position of the Figure 2 in the coupling-ready position; Figure 3b the damping device when the frog is rotated out of the Figure 2 from the coupling-ready position to the uncoupled position; Figure 3c the damping device when the frog is in the position of the Figure 2 in the uncoupled position; Figure 3d the damping device when the frog is rotated out of the Figure 2from the uncoupled position to the coupling-ready position or beyond; Figure 4 a further embodiment of an automatic train coupling according to the invention; Figure 5 the damping device in the uncoupled position of the frog from the Figure 4 Figure 5b shows the damping device when the core is twisted out of the Figure 4 from the uncoupled position to the coupling-ready position; Figure 5c the damping device in the coupling-ready position of the frog from the Figure 4 Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an automatic train coupling according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of the second sliding surface according to the embodiment in the Figure 6 Figure 8 shows the damping device according to the Figure 6 during the positioning of the centerpiece of the Figure 6 in the coupling-ready position; Figure 8b the damping device when the frog of the Figure 6from the coupling-ready position to the uncoupled position; Figure 8c the damping device in the uncoupled position of the frog from the Figure 6 Figure 9 shows a modification of the embodiment according to the Figure 6 with a steamed middle section.

[0037] In the Figures 1a-c , 2 , 4 and 6 Exemplary embodiments of automatic train couplings are shown, each coupling head 1 comprising a lockable coupling lock 2 and an uncoupling device 8. The corresponding components are each provided with the corresponding reference numerals.

[0038] In the Figure 1 The coupling head 1 of the automatic train coupling with the frog 4, which is rotatable about the main axis 5, is shown in three different positions, these positions being distinguished from one another by the rotational position of the frog 4 about the main axis 5. In the Figure 1aThe heart piece 4 assumes the coupled position in which Figure 1b the uncoupled position and in the Figure 1c A coupling-ready position, which here is rotated by a relatively small angle towards the coupled position compared to the uncoupled position. The coupling-ready position could also be omitted.

[0039] In detail, the coupling closure 2 comprises, in addition to the frog 4, a coupling eye 3, which is rotatably connected to the frog 4 at a first end 3.1 about a coupling eye axis 6 and has a second free end 3.2 designed to engage in the jaw 7 of the frog 4 of a matching or compatible coupling head 1. The frog 4 of the coupling head 1 shown also has a corresponding jaw 7, which is arranged to receive a second end 3.2 of a coupling eye 3 of a matching coupling head 1.

[0040] In the coupled position according to the Figure 1a In the diagram, where the frog 4 is in its maximum counterclockwise rotation position in the top view shown and assumes the coupled position, the jaw 7 is located relatively far inwards in the coupling head 1, i.e., behind the end plate 22. The locking bar (not shown) at the second end 3.2 of a coupling eye 3 (not shown) of a corresponding coupling head 1 is hooked into the jaw 7. To uncouple the coupling, i.e., to remove it from the position shown in the diagram, the jaw 7 is then attached to the coupling head 1. Figure 1b To move the frog 4 into the uncoupled position shown, it is rotated about the main axis 5 until the jaw 7 is in its foremost position, which is located only a relatively small distance behind the end plate 22. The rotation of the frog 4 is effected by the uncoupling device 8, which includes a motor 9 connected to the frog 4 via a drive connection, for example, a bevel gear.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the uncoupling device 8 comprises a rotary element in the form of a rotary lever 16, which is rotatable about a pivot axis 15 with the motor 9 and is connected to the frog 4 in order to rotate it. The rotary lever 16 can be connected directly to the frog 4, or, as shown here by way of example, via at least one intermediate piece 17, which is pivotally connected to the rotary lever 16 and to the frog 4.

[0042] To rotate the rotary lever 16 about the axis of rotation 15, a driver 19 is provided, which is rotated about the axis of rotation 15 by the motor 9. The driver 19 engages the rotary lever 16 with at least one stop surface in order to pull the frog 4, shown here by way of example via the intermediate piece 17, in a tangential direction to the main axis 5, so that the frog 4 is moved into the uncoupled position, which is in the Figure 1bAs shown, the frog 4 is rotated. The motor 9 can then return the driver 19 to its initial position, essentially without force, so that the driver 19 does not obstruct a subsequent rotation of the frog 4 into the coupling position when the opposing coupling head 1 is brought against the end plate 22. During this return movement of the driver 19, the rotary element, here the rotary lever 16, also rotates backward, together with the frog 4, until the frog 4 is in the coupling-ready position, in which the ratchet bar 12 connected to the frog 4 engages in its detent position. The return rotation of the frog 4 is effected by the spring accumulator 23, which is connected to the frog 4. When the frog 4 is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, this spring accumulator 23 is tensioned.

[0043] The driver 19 can, for example, be designed to be torsionally rigid with a disc 26, which is driven by the motor 9 or by a gearbox arranged between the motor 9 and the disc 26. The disc 26 can also be part of the gearbox. The gearbox may, for example, include a bevel gear.

[0044] According to another embodiment, a mechanical decoupling between the driver 19 and the disc 26 can also be provided to allow the driver 19 to be rotated relative to the disc 26 in order to avoid, as previously described, blocking a subsequent rotation of the core 4 in the direction of the coupling position and thereby avoiding shock forces on the motor 9 or the gearbox.

[0045] In its detent position, the latch rod 12 prevents the frog 4 from moving further towards the coupled position and thus from leaving the coupling-ready position. This situation in the coupling-ready position is described in the Figure 1c shown.

[0046] Upon re-coupling, the detent position of the latch rod 12 is released by actuating the plunger 11, whereby the plunger 11 is actuated by a coupling cone 24 of the opposing coupling head 1. The coupling cone 24 then dips into a so-called coupling funnel through the end plate 22.

[0047] If no specifically adjustable coupling-ready position, offset from the uncoupled position, is provided, the locking mechanism with the latch rod 12 and the components provided for its actuation, for example the plunger 11, can also be omitted.

[0048] According to the invention, as shown by the Figures 2 to 8cAs shown, a damping device 10 is provided which dampens the rotation of the frog 4 from the uncoupled position to the coupled position with a greater resistance torque than the rotation of the frog 4 from the coupled position to the uncoupled position. In the illustrated embodiments, the damping device 10 engages the rotary lever 16 or the disk 26. However, this is not mandatory. For example, the damping device 10 could also engage the frog 4 or another component in the drive connection of the frog 4.

[0049] According to a first embodiment of the damping device 10, which is described in the Figures 2 and 3a-3dAs shown, the damping device 10 comprises a damping spring accumulator 25 and an actuator 13 acted upon by a spring force of the damping spring accumulator 25. The damping spring accumulator 25 comprises, for example, a compression spring or wave spring. The damping spring accumulator 25 acts linearly by displacing the actuator 13 within a housing that encloses the damping spring accumulator 25, so that the actuator 13 is more or less pushed out of the housing.

[0050] The actuator 13 has a first sliding surface 20 which is pressed against a second sliding surface 21 by the spring force of the damping spring accumulator 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the second sliding surface 21 is provided on the rotary lever 16. This dampens the rotational movement of the rotary lever 16 about the axis of rotation 15 by the damping device 10.

[0051] To generate the lowest possible section modulus in the uncoupling direction and a comparatively higher section modulus in the coupling direction (the latter to dampen coupling shocks), the first sliding surface 20 comprises a first sub-surface 20.1 and a second sub-surface 20.2. Similarly, the second sliding surface 21 comprises a first sub-surface 21.1 and a second sub-surface 21.2. In the coupling-ready position of the frog 4, as in the Figure 3aAs shown, the first sub-surfaces 20.1 and 21.1 are at least partially in contact with each other. If the frog 4 is now rotated into the uncoupled position, and for this purpose the rotary lever 16 is rotated counterclockwise around the axis of rotation 15 as shown in the figures, the first sub-surfaces 20.1 and 21.1 slide against each other. Since the contact angle between the two first sub-surfaces 20.1 and 21.1 is relatively small, the damping device 10 opposes the rotation of the rotary lever 16, and thus the rotation of the frog 4, with a comparatively small resistance torque. In this process, the actuator 13 is engaged against the damping spring accumulator 25.

[0052] With a further rotation of the rotary lever 16 in the same direction to move the frog 4 into the uncoupled position, the first sub-surfaces 20.1, 21.1 disengage and the second sub-surfaces 20.2, 21.2 engage, whereby the damping spring accumulator 25 disengages the actuator 13 again. Now the frog 4 is in the uncoupled position and the two second sub-surfaces 20.2 and 21.2 are in contact with each other, as shown in the Figure 3c As shown, due to the much larger angle of force of the compressive force transmitted via the two second partial surfaces 20.2 and 21.2, the actuator 13 is held in this position by the damping spring accumulator 25 when a restoring force is exerted on the rotary lever 16 to move the frog 4 into the coupled position, for example during a coupling shock, as shown at the beginning. At the same time, the damping spring accumulator 25 dampens correspondingly large coupling shock forces.

[0053] This comparatively larger resistance moment of the damping device 10 is achieved by the fact that the two second sub-surfaces 20.2, 21.2, which connect directly to the first sub-surfaces 20.1, 21.1 via a vertex 14 of the sliding surfaces 20, 21, are oriented more strongly in the radial direction to the axis of rotation 15 than the first sub-surfaces 20.1 and 21.1. As a result, a comparatively larger compressive force is transmitted via the second sub-surfaces 20.2, 21.2 than via the first sub-surfaces 20.1 and 21.1.

[0054] During the Figure 3c shown state of the damping device 10 or of the rotary lever 16 corresponding to the uncoupled position of the frog 4 (see the Figure 1bPreferably, the driver 19 is rotated by the motor 9 and, in particular, via the disk 26, in the opposite direction, i.e., clockwise in the figures and in the coupling direction, without engaging the rotary lever 16. This creates a rotational clearance between the driver 19 and the rotary lever 16, whereby all components, from the driver 19 to the motor 9, are completely removed from any force transmission if coupling shocks are transmitted to the rotary lever 16.

[0055] If the holding position of the damping device 10, which holds the frog 4 in the coupled position, is to be released, the driver 19, driven by the motor 9, in particular via the disc 26, rotates the rotary lever 16 again in the coupling direction past the apex 14, so that the two second partial surfaces 20.2, 21.2 disengage and the two first partial surfaces 20.1, 21.1 engage. The torque required for this is not very high, however, since there is no resistance via the frog 4 and the rotational movement of the frog 4 in the coupling direction is also assisted by the spring accumulator 23.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Figure 4 and the Figures 5a-5c The damping device 10 and its corresponding contact surface, i.e. the second sliding surface 21, differ from the embodiment in the Figure 2The dome closure 2 functions as previously described. Therefore, a repeated description of the remaining components is omitted, and instead, the description of the previous figures, including the... Figures 1a-1c referred.

[0057] The damping device 10 comprises an actuator 13 and a damping spring accumulator 25, wherein the damping spring accumulator 25 extends the actuator 13 elastically to a greater or lesser extent from a housing and comprises, for example, a compression spring or disc spring. In contrast to the previous embodiment, however, the actuator 13 is not only mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in the housing, but is also rotatable about the axis of rotation 18. The axis of rotation 18 is also linearly displaceable by the damping spring accumulator 25.

[0058] The axis of rotation 18 causes the actuator 13 to move around the axis of rotation 18 when the rotary lever 16 is turned in the uncoupling direction, thereby releasing the rotary lever 16 to rotate around the axis of rotation 15. Accordingly, the second sliding surface 21 slides along the first sliding surface 20 with particularly low resistance.

[0059] If, however, the rotary lever 16 is rotated in the coupling direction, that is, clockwise around the axis of rotation 15 in the figures, it engages the actuator 13 by bringing the second sliding surface 21 against the first sliding surface 20. This causes the actuator 13 to rotate around the axis of rotation 18 together with the rotary lever 16, but in the opposite direction to the meshing of a gear, until it abuts a stop 28, here in the housing in which the actuator 13 is mounted to rotate and slide. At the latest in this impact position, the rotary lever 16 must, by exerting a pressure force, move the actuator 13 from the second sliding surface 21 onto the first sliding surface 20 against the spring force of the damping spring accumulator 25, here into the housing.Accordingly, a comparatively large resistance torque is exerted against the rotation of the rotary lever 16 about the axis of rotation 15, which is much greater than the opposing resistance torque in the other direction of rotation of the rotary lever 16. Therefore, the resistance torque exerted by the damping device 10 on the frog 4 during its rotation about the main axis 5 is comparatively greater in the direction from the uncoupled position to the coupled position than in the direction from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

[0060] When the rotary lever 16 or the second sliding surface 21 has completely passed the first sliding surface 20 during a rotational movement in the coupling direction, the damping device 10 again, as in the previous embodiment, no longer exerts an additional resistance torque on the rotary lever 16 and thus on the frog 4, and the frog 4 can be rotated further into the coupled position with corresponding ease.

[0061] The embodiment according to the Figures 4 and 5a-5c has compared to the embodiment according to the Figures 2 and 3a-3d the advantage that the sliding surfaces 20, 21 do not have to have pronounced, mutually angled sub-surfaces and that the rotation of the rotary lever 16 in the uncoupling direction takes place at least essentially without resistance from the damping spring accumulator 25.

[0062] The function of the driver 19 and the adjustment of the rotational play relative to the rotary lever 16 is as in the embodiment according to the Figures 2 and 3a-3d .

[0063] Based on the Figure 4Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown, which can also be provided accordingly in the other exemplary embodiments. The intermediate piece 17 comprises a hinged lever 27, which is a flexible component located between the frog 4 and the rotary lever 16. A tensile force can be transmitted from the frog 4 to the rotary lever 16 and from the rotary lever 16 to the frog 4 via this flexible component, but no compressive force. This makes it possible, for example, to move the frog 4 from the coupled position to the uncoupled position using a manual uncoupling device, without rotating the rotary lever 16 into the corresponding uncoupled position, in which it would otherwise offer a comparatively greater resistance torque to rotation in the coupling direction, corresponding to its position in the Figure 5b or 5c or in the Figure 3c or in the Figure 8cRather, it is possible to move the core 4 back into the coupled position, at least essentially without resistance, by means of the damping device 10.

[0064] The flexible connection or the folding lever 27 has no negative effect on the function of the damping device 10 in the uncoupled position of the frog 4.

[0065] The embodiment according to the Figure 6 , 7 and 8a-8c In terms of functionality, it essentially corresponds to those of the Figures 2 , 3a-3dThe second sliding surface 21 thus has at least a first sub-surface 21.1 and a second sub-surface 21.2, which are connected to each other via a vertex 14 and are angled relative to each other in the direction of movement of the sliding motion of the first sliding surface 20. The second sub-surface 21.2 is arranged on an end face of the disk 26, i.e., aligned in the direction of the axis of rotation 15. Accordingly, the actuator 13 is pressed by the damping spring accumulator 25 with its first sliding surface 20 onto the second sliding surface 21 in the direction of the axis of rotation 15.

[0066] The first sub-surface 21.1 of the second sliding surface 21 is less steep than the second sub-surface 21.2. Therefore, when the first sliding surface 20 traverses the first sub-surface 21.1, a comparatively lower resistance moment is generated, namely when the frog 4 and thus the disk 26 are rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position. However, if the frog 4 and thus the disk 26 are rotated in the opposite direction after the actuator 13, starting from the first sub-surface 21.1, has overcome the apex 14 and come into contact with the second sub-surface 21.2 of the second sliding surface 21, the damping device 10 exerts a comparatively larger resistance moment due to the comparatively steeper second sub-surface 21.2, over which the first sliding surface 20 slides with the actuator 13 under the compression of the damping spring accumulator 25.

[0067] Furthermore, the same applies here as described in the previous examples regarding the function of the dome closure 2.

[0068] The embodiment according to the Figure 9 largely corresponds to that of the Figure 6 , 7 and 8a-8c The only difference is that the intermediate piece 17 is provided with a damping mechanism for absorbing impact forces exerted on the frog 4. For this purpose, the intermediate piece 17 has a first part 17.1 and a second part 17.2, which are connected to each other via the spring accumulator 29. Advantageously, the intermediate piece 17, with its two parts 17.1 and 17.2, is telescopic, so that the first part 17.1 can be at least partially pulled out of the second part 17.2 against the spring force of the spring accumulator 29 when an impact force is exerted on the frog 4.

[0069] Other embodiments with a correspondingly damped intermediate piece 17 are possible. Reference symbol list

[0070] 1 Coupling head 2 Coupling lock 3 Coupling eye 3.1 First end 3.2 Second end 4 Core 5 Main shaft 6 Coupling eye shaft 7 Jaw 8 Uncoupling device 9 Motor 10 Damping device 11 Piston 12 Latch rod 13 Actuator 14 Apex 15 Pivot shaft 16 Rotary lever 17 Intermediate piece 17.1 First part 17.2 Second part 18 Pivot shaft 19 Driver 20 First sliding surface 20.1 First partial surface 20.2 Second partial surface 21 Second sliding surface 21.1 First partial surface 21.2 Second partial surface 22 End plate 23 Spring accumulator 24 Coupling cone 25 Damping spring accumulator 26 Disc 27 Folding lever 28 Stop 29 Spring accumulator

Claims

1. Automatic train coupling with a coupling head (1) comprising a coupling lock (2), wherein the coupling lock (2) is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye (3) and a frog (4), wherein the frog (4) is rotatable about a principal axis (5) between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, the coupling eye (3) is rotatably connected to the frog (4) at a first end (3.1) about a coupling eye axis (6) and has a second free end (3.2), and the frog (4) has a jaw (7) arranged to receive a second end (3.2) of a coupling eye (3) of a mating coupling head (1); with an uncoupling device (8) comprising a motor (9) connected to the frog (4) via a drive connection to rotate the frog (4) from the coupled position to the uncoupled position; with a damping device (10) that dampens a rotation of the core (4) by means of a resistance torque; 。characterized by the fact that the damping device (10) is arranged to dampen the rotation of the frog (4) from the uncoupled position to the coupled position with a greater resistance moment than the rotation of the frog (4) from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

2. Automatic coupling according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe coupling lock (2) comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism of the coupling lock (1) comprises a plunger (11) and a latch rod (12), wherein the latch rod (12) is at least indirectly connected to the frog (4) and has a detent position that can be released by actuating the plunger (11), in which it blocks the frog (4) against rotation from a coupling-ready position, which is offset towards the coupled position relative to the uncoupled position when the frog (4) is rotated about the main axis (5), wherein the plunger (11) can be actuated by bringing the opposing coupling head (1) against the coupling head (1).

3. Automatic coupling according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatthe uncoupling device (8) comprises a rotary element, in particular in the form of a rotary lever (16), which can be rotated with the motor (9) about a pivot axis (5) and which is at least indirectly connected to the frog (4) for the purpose of rotating it from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

4. Automatic coupling according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the damping device (10) comprises a damping spring accumulator (25) and an actuator (13) acted upon by a spring force of the damping spring accumulator (25), which has a first sliding surface (20) which is pressed by the spring force against a second sliding surface (21) which is connected to the frog (4) or to an element of the drive connection between the frog (4) and the motor (9).

5. Automatic coupling according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that the second sliding surface (21) is arranged on the rotary member, in particular on the rotary lever (16).

6. Automatic coupling according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that the uncoupling device (8) comprises a disk (26) which can be rotated with the motor (9) about an axis of rotation (5) and the second sliding surface (21) is arranged on the disk (26), in particular on a side oriented in the direction of the axis of rotation (5).

7. Automatic coupling device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by the fact that the rotary element is connected to the frog (4) via an intermediate piece (17) with a damping element in order to dampen shock forces exerted on the frog (4), wherein the intermediate piece (17) is in particular telescopically designed with a spring accumulator (29) between two parts (17.1, 17.2) of the intermediate piece (17) which counteracts a separation of the two parts (17.1, 17.2).

8. Automatic coupling device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by the fact thatthe rotary element is connected to the frog (4) via a flexible element, in particular in the form of a lever (27), which transmits a tensile force from the rotary element to the frog (4) when the frog (4) is rotated into the uncoupled position.

9. Automatic coupling device according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by the fact that the uncoupling device (8) comprises a driver (19) driven by the motor (9), which rotates the rotary element when driven by the motor (9), and that a rotational clearance is provided between the driver (19) and the rotary element, so that in the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position of the frog (4) the rotary element can be rotated relative to the driver (19) about the axis of rotation (15) when the frog (4) is rotated about the main axis (5) in the direction of the coupled position, damped by the comparatively larger resistance moment of the damping device (10).

10. Automatic coupling according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized by the fact that the actuator (13) is rotatable relative to the second sliding surface (21) and relative to the damping spring storage unit (25), which is designed in particular as a linearly acting damping spring storage unit (25).

11. Automatic coupling device according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized by the fact thatThe first and second sliding surfaces (20, 21) each have two mutually inclined sub-surfaces (20.1, 20.2, 21.1, 21.2), wherein, when the core (4) is rotated about the main axis (5), the first sub-surface (20.1) of the first sliding surface (20) slides successively along the first sub-surface (21.1) of the second sliding surface (21), and the second sub-surface (20.2) of the first sliding surface (20) slides along the second sub-surface (21.2) of the second sliding surface (21), wherein the sub-surfaces (20.1, 20.2, 21.1, 21.2) are oriented such that, when the sliding surfaces (20, 21) are pressed together, the damping device (10) transmits a greater pressure force via the second sub-surfaces (20.2, 21.2) than via the first sub-surfaces (20.1, 21.2). 21.1).

12. Automatic coupling according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe second sliding surface (20, 21) has two mutually inclined sub-surfaces (21.1, 21.2) which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the disk (26), and the second sub-surface (21.2) has a greater slope than the first sub-surface (21.1), in particular on the side of the disk (26) oriented in the direction of the axis of rotation (5).

13. Rail vehicle with an automatic train coupling according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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