Automatic train coupling and coupling assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a train coupling (100) for a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a coupling head (1) which receives a coupling lock (3) with a latch (20), wherein in order to interact with a coupling lock (3) of a compatible mating train coupling (100'), the coupling lock (3) is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling link (8) and a hook plate (6) which can be rotated, against the force of a spring, about a main axis (7) between a coupled position (I), as a reference position, and a decoupled position; the coupling link (5) is connected, at a first end (5.1), to the hook plate (6) for rotation about a coupling link axis (8) and has a second free end (5.2); and the hook plate (6) has jaws (9) designed to receive a second end (5.2) of a coupling link (5) of a compatible coupling head (1') of a mating train coupling (100'). The invention is characterized in that the contour (50, 51, 52) which defines the jaws for receiving a second end (5.2) of a coupling link (5) is provided on the hook plate (6) of the train coupling (100) and is designed such that, when interacting with a compatible mating train coupling (100'), the contour is capable of being prevented from contacting the coupling link (5) of the mating train coupling (100') when the train coupling (100) is converted from the coupled position (I) to a decoupled position between the coupling-ready position (I) and the decoupling position (II).

Description

[0001] Automatic train coupling and coupling arrangement

[0002] The present invention relates to an automatic train coupling for a rail-bound vehicle, in particular a freight wagon according to the preamble of claim 1 and coupling arrangement.

[0003] For the purposes of this document, rail-bound vehicles are defined as vehicles that run on rails and are typically used to transport passengers or goods. In this context, the term "rail-bound vehicles" encompasses various types of rail-bound vehicles, such as trains, trams, subways, locomotives, and similar means of transport that operate on a rail network. These vehicles are specifically designed for operation on rails and use the rail system as their primary travel path. The vehicles can be equipped with a drive system or be self-propelled.

[0004] An automatic train coupling can be attached to such a rail-bound vehicle and serves to establish a mechanical connection with a correspondingly designed, compatible counter-train coupling on an adjacent rail-bound vehicle. In practice, generic automatic train couplings are known which comprise a coupling head with a coupling housing and a coupling lock with a locking mechanism. The coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a hook plate referred to as the frog, wherein the hook plate is rotatable about a main axis between a ready-to-couple position, a coupled position, and an uncoupled position. The coupling eye is connected at a first end region of the hook plate with a first end region rotatable about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end.The hook plate has a second end region with an open-edged recess extending into it, also referred to as a mouth, for receiving a corresponding second end of a coupling eye of a compatible mating coupling head. A spring mechanism is assigned to the hook plate to be rotated against the force of the spring mechanism from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, and by the force of the spring mechanism from the uncoupled position to the ready-to-couple position, and from the ready-to-couple position to the coupled position.

[0005] The locking mechanism, which holds the coupling lock in the appropriate position or releases it to transition to another position by rotating the hook plate, comprises, for example, a plunger that can be moved in the coupling direction of the traction coupling against a spring force and a ratchet rod that can be moved transversely or diagonally to the coupling direction. The ratchet rod is pivotally connected to the hook plate and, when the hook plate is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, can be moved into a detent position by the hook plate. In this detent position, the ratchet rod blocks the hook plate from rotating backward, i.e., from the uncoupled position to the coupled position. The plunger, in turn, is movable between a first position and a second position.In the first position, in which the punch is moved against the spring force, the punch blocks the ratchet rod in the locking position and in the second position, in which the punch is moved from the first position by the spring force, the punch releases the ratchet rod from the locking position.

[0006] The function of this type of automatic train coupling is as follows: Two compatible coupling heads on two vehicles to be coupled together are coupled by inserting the second end of the respective coupling eye into the mouth of the hook plate of the other coupling head and holding it in place by twisting the hook plate there. This mechanically couples the two vehicles. The two coupling locks are loaded exclusively by tensile forces, which are evenly distributed across both coupling eyes within the parallelogram formed by the coupling eyes and the hook plates. Compressive forces, however, are transmitted via the end face, in particular the end plate, on the front of the coupling head housing.The profile formed on this serves to center the two coupling heads to be coupled together and comprises a cone and a funnel that are enclosed by a wide, particularly flat front surface. When two rail-bound vehicles are moved towards each other, their coupling locks or their hook plates are in a position ready for coupling, in which the hook plate is held by the latching rods that are in the locked position. During coupling, the cones dip into the funnels of the coupling head housing profiles. The cones press on the pistons and push them back so that the pistons release the latching rods from their locked position. This releases the coupling locks and rotates them under the force of the respective spring accumulator until the hook plate, in particular a first arm on the hook plate, strikes a predetermined stop, usually on the coupling head housing.The coupling eyes guided in the funnels engage with the hook plate mouths, the two coupling locks are interlocked, and the coupled position is achieved. Accidental separation of the coupling locks is impossible. Normal wear and tear does not affect the safety of the coupling lock.

[0007] To uncouple the coupling heads of a coupling assembly, a uncoupling device rotates both coupling locks, i.e., the two hook plates, against the force of the spring-loaded mechanisms until the coupling eyes slide out of the mouths of the hook plates. The rotating hook plates are designed to move the ratchet rods far enough that, when the vehicles are separated, the hook plate is prevented from rotating back from the uncoupled uncoupling position beyond the uncoupled but ready-to-couple position by moving the ratchet rods into their locking positions.

[0008] For the printed state of the art, reference is made to GB 419 590 A and US 2013 / 0146558 A1.

[0009] In the design of such train couplings, the interaction during coupling and uncoupling is determined by the locking geometry of the couplings involved in the connection process – the train coupling and the compatible counter-train coupling. In addition, however, various operating processes and conditions of the individual couplings must be taken into account, which should also preferably be covered by a suitable locking geometry. These include predefined conditions during the shunting process, in particular a locking position to prevent unwanted coupling with a counter-train coupling, as well as the behavior when uncoupling couplings of a coupling arrangement that have been pressed onto one another.

[0010] For example, during shunting operations, e.g. at a hump, it is important that a coupler that has been uncoupled once is only ready to be coupled again when it has reached a wagon provided for this purpose, or when coupling and thus mechanical coupling of two coupling heads of a coupling arrangement is actually desired. If during shunting operations, e.g. at a hump, two uncoupled wagons briefly move apart, the next contact with the opposing train coupler immediately triggers a coupling process, which is unwanted in this case. To prevent this unwanted coupling, the lock must be blocked in a suitable manner so that it can no longer be rotated. The lock must therefore be blocked in a certain position. At the same time, however, it must also be ensured that, for example,When couplings are pushed on by a locomotive, with automatic uncoupling via the uncoupling device of the train coupling and the counter-train coupling or manual one-sided uncoupling, a passive coupling that is not actively operated via a uncoupling device is also safely uncoupled.

[0011] The invention was therefore based on the object of designing and constructing the coupling lock of a train coupling in such a way that, in conjunction with a compatible coupling lock of a counter-train coupling, it meets the diverse requirements in a suitable manner and requires only insignificant additional modifications.

[0012] The object is achieved according to the invention by an embodiment according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention can be found in the subclaims. A train coupling according to the invention for a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a coupling head which accommodates a coupling lock with a locking device, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock for interaction with a coupling lock of a compatible counter-train coupling with a coupling eye and a hook plate rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position as a reference position and an uncoupled position via a decoupling device acting at least indirectly on the coupling lock against the force of a spring, wherein

[0013] - in the uncoupled positions, a distinction is made at least between an uncoupling position and a ready-to-couple position, and the uncoupling position is characterised by a larger angle of rotation of the hook plate from the reference position compared to the ready-to-couple position, viewed clockwise;

[0014] - the coupling eyelet is connected to the hook plate with a first end so as to be rotatable about a coupling eyelet axis and has a second free end; and

[0015] - the hook plate has a mouth which is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a compatible counter-traction coupling, is characterized in that the contour describing the mouth for receiving the second end of the coupling eye of the counter-traction coupling is arranged and designed on the hook plate of the traction coupling in such a way as to be suitable, when interacting with the compatible counter-traction coupling, to be kept free from contact with the coupling eye of the counter-traction coupling during the transition of the traction coupling from the coupled position to the uncoupled position between the ready-to-couple position and the uncoupling position.

[0016] The coupled position serves as the reference position for describing the other locking positions. This describes the position of the coupling lock of a towing coupling in which, when interacting with a compatible coupling lock of a counter-towing coupling, a mechanical connection exists for transmitting tensile forces between them. The coupling eyes and hook plates of the coupling arrangement consisting of the towing coupling and counter-towing coupling form a parallelogram in this position. The coupling locks are loaded exclusively by tensile forces, which are evenly distributed across both coupling eyes within the parallelogram. The forces are balanced. Accidental separation of the coupling locks is impossible.

[0017] An uncoupled position is understood in particular to mean a position in which there is no mechanical connection for the transmission of traction force between the coupling locks of the traction coupling and a counter-traction coupling.

[0018] The uncoupling position among the uncoupled positions describes the position to which a uncoupling device rotates the coupling lock against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism until the coupling eyes slide out of the hook mouths of the hook plate. When the vehicles move apart, the pistons move forward under spring force and release the ratchet rods. The hook plates rotate under the action of the tension springs, pushing the coupling eyes to the edge of the cones and pulling the ratchet rods into the coupling head housings until their locking teeth engage the notch of the piston guide. The tension springs are tensioned. This results in the uncoupled, ready-to-couple position.

[0019] The locking device comprises in particular a plunger which can be moved counter to the force of an energy storage device, in particular a spring force, in the coupling direction of the train coupling, and a ratchet rod which can be moved transversely or diagonally to the coupling direction. The ratchet rod is pivotally connected to the hook plate and can be moved by the hook plate when the hook plate is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position into a latching position, in which the ratchet rod blocks rotation of the frog from the uncoupled position to the coupled position; wherein the plunger blocks the ratchet rod in the latching position in a first position moved counter to the spring force and releases the ratchet rod from the latching position in a second position moved by the spring force. The solution according to the invention enables safe uncoupling even with so-called pressed-on, iefor example, couplings between two rail vehicles pre-tensioned by a locomotive. By designing the hook plate and ensuring that it does not come into contact with the coupling eye of the counter-traction coupling when the train coupling interacts with a counter-train coupling between the ready-to-couple position and the uncoupling position, it is guaranteed that even when the coupling heads are pressed open, i.e. with their end plates still touching each other in this position of the coupling lock, the locking mechanism, in particular the ratchet rod with the plunger, still has sufficient overlap so that it engages when the couplings are later moved apart and the coupling lock only springs back into the ready-to-couple position and not into the coupled position. In particular, this reliably prevents any possible tensioning of the coupling locks before the uncoupling position required for positioning the locking components is reached.

[0020] The solution according to the invention is based on the following considerations: The hook plate rotates around the main axis during coupling and uncoupling, whereby the coupling eye of the towing coupling dips into the mouth of the hook plate of the coupling lock of the counter-towing coupling during the coupling process with a compatible counter-towing coupling, while on the other hand the coupling eye of the counter-towing coupling dips into the mouth of the hook plate of the towing coupling and is then screwed in by the spring force of so-called locking springs, so that a parallelogram of forces is formed between the two couplings during a coupling process.

[0021] When uncoupling, the uncoupling device turns the lock clockwise against the spring force until the respective coupling eye can be released from the mouth of the hook plates of the pulling coupler and counter-pulling coupler. The coupling lock, in particular the hook plate, is first rotated from its reference position into the uncoupling position. If the hook plate comes into contact with the coupling eye before this position is reached, this ensures that the two couplers are slightly pushed apart by the coupling lock when uncoupling couplers of free-standing wagons that are not firmly pressed against each other. Due to the escapement option of the counter-pulling coupler, the coupling lock can be easily rotated into the uncoupling position. In this position, the overlap of the ratchet rod and the piston guide is sufficient to lock it in the ready-to-couple position when the pulling coupler and counter-pulling coupler are moved apart.The situation is different with couplings that are pressed together. If the coupling eye of the counter-pull coupling contacts the hook plate before reaching the uncoupling position, further rotation of the coupling lock into the uncoupling position is no longer possible. The two coupling locks would lock against each other due to contact with the coupling eye of the respective counter-pull coupling and could not be rotated any further. In this case, the ratchet rod in the plunger guide does not achieve sufficient overlap, so that when moving apart, it cannot engage in the ready-to-couple position, and the coupling lock rotates back into the coupled position.This can be avoided according to the invention - regardless of the type of uncoupling device used - by forming the mouth in the hook plate, in that it is designed and arranged in such a way that there is no contact with the coupling eye of the counter-pull coupling until the uncoupling position, in which the overlap between the ratchet rod and the punch guide is then sufficient to engage when turning back into the coupling-ready position.

[0022] The ratchet bar then hooks into either the blade of the plunger or the plunger housing. This prevents the springs from immediately moving the bolt back into the engaged position. Only upon re-engaging does the profile of the face plate, particularly the cone of the counter-coupling, which presses the plunger in, release the ratchet bar from its locked position, allowing the locking springs to rotate the domed bolt back into the engaged position.

[0023] The solution according to the invention also makes it possible to further rotate the hook plate relative to the reference position into the so-called over-drawn position on one side of one of the coupled and pressed-together pull couplings of a coupling arrangement - pull coupling and counter-pull coupling. This position is characterized by a larger deflection angle from the reference position than the uncoupling position. The contour on the hook plate of the pull coupling describing the mouth for receiving a second end of a coupling eye of a counter-pull coupling is arranged and designed in such a way that it is suitable, when interacting with a compatible counter-pull coupling, to guide the coupling eye of the counter-pull coupling in contact during the transition of the pull coupling from the coupled position to the uncoupled position after reaching the uncoupling position until reaching the over-drawn position.This is advantageously achieved in that the contour describing the mouth for receiving a second end of a coupling eye on the hook plate of the traction coupling is designed as a recess extending into the hook plate with a curved base surface and, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into one of the uncoupled positions, a first contour surface which is oriented opposite to this and which extends from the outer circumference to the base surface and a second contour surface which, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into one of the uncoupled positions, points in this direction and forms a guide surface area.The second contour surface comprises, viewed in the direction of extension from the base surface outward, a first contact area for contact of the hook plate with the coupling eye bolt of the counter-pull coupling in the uncoupling position, and a further area adjoining this in the direction of the outer circumference of the hook plate, which is characterized by at least one change in direction relative to the contact area. The change in direction can be clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0024] The change in direction of the further region adjoining the curved base surface can be characterized by an acute angle relative to the contact region of the second contour surface. The further region can comprise a surface oriented clockwise or counterclockwise and, in particular, at least partially flat and / or be at least partially curved, in particular at least partially concave, forming a region that then protrudes relative to the contact region on the outer circumference of the hook plate. According to an advantageous embodiment, the arm formed in the region of the outer circumference, which extends the mouth in the clockwise rotation direction of the dome closure, is designed with a projection pointing clockwise in the rotation direction.The aim of this is to ensure that, on the one hand, the coupling eye of the counter-pull coupling is guided safely even when the coupling lock is moved into the over-tightened position and, on the other hand, that the coupling lock of the passive counter-pull coupling can still be moved.

[0025] There are a variety of options regarding the design of the uncoupling devices. These can be arranged as automated uncoupling actuators inside or outside the coupling head housing, or as manually operated uncoupling devices.

[0026] There are a number of possibilities regarding the design of the decoupling device. The decoupling device, which acts at least indirectly on the coupling lock, is preferably designed as a device from the group of the following devices: a decoupling device comprising a drive motor, in particular an electric motor or hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which acts at least indirectly on the hook plate or a component connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner via a drive connection, preferably acting directly on the hook plate; an electro-hydraulic decoupling device comprising an electric motor, a hydraulic, in particular hydrostatic, pump driven by the electric motor, and at least one cylinder / piston unit actuated by the pump, wherein the piston of the cylinder / piston unit is arranged and designed to act on the hook plate directly or via at least one transmission element;An electromechanical decoupling device comprising an electric motor and a gear that can be coupled to the electric motor, the output of the gear acting indirectly via at least one further mechanical transmission element or directly on the hook plate; A pneumatic decoupling device comprising a cylinder / piston unit designed and arranged to act at least indirectly, preferably directly or via at least one transmission element, on the hook plate.

[0027] Effective includes both contacting and connected or connected.

[0028] Such uncoupling devices offer the advantage of being operated automatically. However, it is also conceivable to provide, in addition to or solely with a manual uncoupling device, which is arranged outside the coupling head housing and is connected to a component at least indirectly connected to the coupling lock for moving the coupling lock from the coupled position into an uncoupled, covered position. The position of the hook plate in the uncoupled, covered position of the coupling lock is characterized by a clockwise rotation angle in an angular range that is greater than the rotation angle in the uncoupling position, relative to the position of the hook plate in the coupled position of the coupling lock.

[0029] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show in detail:

[0030] Fig. 1 a to 1c a train coupling in different functional positions;

[0031] Fig. 2a and 2b show a simplified schematic representation of the interaction of the coupling eyelet and the hook plate in the uncoupling position using a section of a coupling closure.

[0032] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate, in a sectional view, a section of a coupling arrangement 110 for mechanically connecting two rail-bound vehicles in different functional positions of the coupling lock of a traction coupling 100. Figure 1c shows, in a sectional view, a section of the traction coupling 100 in an uncoupled, ready-to-couple position III. The coupling arrangement 110 comprises a traction coupling 100 arranged on a first rail-bound vehicle (not shown here) and a compatible counter-traction coupling 100' that can be brought into operative connection with the coupling and is located on a vehicle adjacent to the first rail-bound vehicle to establish a mechanical connection between them for the purpose of transmitting tractive force. The basic structure and function of the components involved in the coupling process are the same for both traction couplings 100 and 100', so that the same reference numerals are used for these components.The basic structure of the train coupling 100 is therefore explained using the train coupling 100 as an example.

[0033] Figure 1a illustrates, in a simplified schematic representation, an embodiment of an automatic train coupling 100 according to the invention in a coupled position I with a compatible counter-train coupling 100', using a section thereof. Figure 1b shows the train coupling 100 and compatible counter-train coupling 100' in the uncoupling position II and thus in an uncoupled position.

[0034] Figure 1c shows a coupling head of the train coupling 100 alone without a counter-train coupling in the ready-to-couple position III.

[0035] In detail, the automatic train coupling 100 has a coupling head 1, which comprises a coupling head housing 2 and the coupling lock 3. The coupling lock 3 is designed as a rotary lock, comprising a hook plate 6, referred to as the core, to which a coupling eye 5 is connected at a first end region so as to be rotatable about a coupling eye axis 8. The hook plate 6, in turn, is rotatable about the main axis 7. For this purpose, the hook plate 6 is mounted on a main bolt 19 and connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner. The hook plate 6 has a recess at a second end region forming a so-called mouth 9, which is designed and arranged such that, when interacting with a coupling eye 5' of a compatible counter-train coupling 100' in the coupled position, it forms a barb for transmitting tensile forces. The second end region is arranged essentially opposite the first end region with respect to the main axis 7.The coupling eye 5 of the traction coupling 10 has a first end 5.1, at which it is rotatably connected to the hook plate 6, and an opposite second end 5.2, which can be clamped into a mouth 9' of the hook plate 6' of a coupling head 1' of the counter-traction coupling 100' in order to mechanically lock the two coupling heads 1 together, as shown by way of example in Figure 1a. Accordingly, the coupling eye 5 has a crossbar (not shown in detail here) at its second end 5.2.

[0036] The core 6 of each coupling head 1 can be rotated from an uncoupled position (Figure 1b) into the coupled position (Figure 1a) or a position ready for coupling (Figure 1c) against the force of a spring-loaded mechanism 10, which is formed, for example, by one or more tension springs. For this purpose, the spring-loaded mechanism 10 is connected, for example, at least indirectly with a first end region to the coupling head housing 2 and with a second end region to the coupling eyelet 5 in the first end region 5.1.

[0037] The pull coupling 100 or counter-pull coupling 100' further comprises a locking mechanism 20. The locking mechanism 20 is assigned to the individual coupling lock 3 and serves to hold the hook plate 6 in the ready-to-couple position. Each coupling head 1 has a plunger 11 that is displaceable in the coupling direction of the pull coupling, i.e., the direction of the longitudinal axes of the coupling heads 1, and which can be moved linearly in a guide 15 between a first position and a second position. The plunger 11 cooperates with a ratchet rod 12, which is articulated at one axial end to the hook plate 6, in particular in a region between the first and second end regions of the hook plate 6, and which extends through an opening 13 of the plunger 11.Furthermore, the latch rod 12 has a locking projection 16 in the region of the opening 13, which can be engaged with a locking projection 17 on the punch or the guide in order to prevent the latch rod 12 from moving in the direction from its second end to its first end connected to the hook plate 6, and thus a corresponding rotation of the hook plate 6. The locking projection 17 is provided, for example, on the guide 15, which forms a counterbearing 14 for establishing a locking connection with the latch rod 12. An elastic spring element 18 engages the latch rod 12 in such a way that the two locking projections 16, 17 engage, whereas the punch 11, when moved from a first position to a second position, releases the latch rod 12 from the locking connection with the counterbearing 14 against the force of the spring element 18.

[0038] Thus, in the second position of the plunger 11, the hook plate 6 can be rotated by the force of the spring accumulator 10, whereas this rotation is blocked in the locking position of the latch rod 12.

[0039] Each coupling head 1 has a profile with a cone 21 and a funnel 22 on its free end face. The cone 21 and the funnel 22 are enclosed by a flat end face 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile or the end face 23 is formed by an end plate 24, which can be integral with the coupling head housing 2 or can be connected to it separately.

[0040] Figure 1c shows the coupling-ready position of the coupling head 1 or the coupling lock 3. When two such coupling heads 1—the coupling head of the traction coupling 100 and that of the counter-traction coupling (not shown in this figure)—are moved toward each other in this position, the cones 21 dip into the funnels 22 of the other traction coupling 100 and press on the front of the respective plungers 11, so that the plungers 11 are moved from their first position to their second position and release the locking connections of the ratchet rods 12 with the counter bearings 14. The second ends 5.2 of the coupling eyes 5 are pushed into the mouths 9 of the hook plates 6 of the respective counter-pull couplings 100, and the hook plates 6, which are no longer blocked by the ratchet rods 12, rotate due to the force of the spring accumulators 10 from the coupling-ready position shown in Figure 1c into the coupled position shown in Figure 1a, in which the hook plates 6 abut in particular against the coupling head housings 2. The coupling eyes 8 guided in the funnels 22 engage in the mouths 9, and the two coupling closures 3, 3' are interlocked. The coupling closures 3 are loaded exclusively by tensile forces, whereas the compressive forces are transmitted via the end faces 23.

[0041] The position of the respective coupling lock 3, 3' shown in Figure 1a corresponds to the coupled position I. This position of the coupling lock 3 or 3', in particular of the hook plate 6 or 6', is considered the reference position. The connecting line between the main axis 7, the coupling eye bolt 8 and the mouth 9 is indicated here as the reference line. The position of the hook plate 6 in the coupling-ready position III of the coupling lock 3 is characterized by a clockwise rotation angle alpha2 compared to the position of the hook plate 6 in the coupled position I of the coupling lock 3. The position of the hook plate 6 in the uncoupling position II of the coupling lock 3 compared to the position of the hook plate 6 in the coupled position I of the coupling lock 3 is characterized by a clockwise rotation angle alpha1.

[0042] To uncouple the coupling heads 1, an automated uncoupling device 30 or a manual uncoupling device 40 rotates the hook plate 6 of an actively operated coupling lock 3 of one of the traction couplings, here the traction coupling 100, against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism 10. The rotation of the coupling lock 3, in particular the hook plate 6, from this position into an uncoupled position occurs clockwise. The coupling eye 5 of this actively operated coupling lock 3 transfers the rotational movement of the hook plate 6 via the mouth 9' to the hook plate 6' of the passively operated coupling lock 3' of the counter-traction coupling 100', so that this too is rotated against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism 10'.Alternatively or additionally, the hook plate 6 of the actively operated coupling lock 3 can transmit the rotational movement to the coupling eyelet 5 of the passively operated coupling lock 3', so that the hook plate 6' of the passively operated coupling lock 3 is subsequently also rotated. When the vehicles are separated, the pistons 11 move forward under spring force and release the latch rods 12. The hook plates 6 rotate under the action of the spring actuators 10, pushing the coupling eyes 5 to the edge of the cones and pulling the latch rods 12 into the coupling head housing 2 until their locking teeth engage the catch of the piston guide 15. The spring actuators 10 are tensioned. This returns the coupling-ready position.

[0043] When the rotation of the hook plates 6, 6' in the direction of the uncoupled positions shown in Figure 1 b has progressed far enough, the coupling eyes 5 slide on the mouths 9 of the hook plates 6 and the latch rods 12 are brought into their locking position, in which, when the punches 11 are moved into their first position when the coupling heads 1 are moved apart, the locking connection between the latch rods 12 and the counter bearings 14 can be established, i.e. the two locking projections 16, 17 hook into one another in a form-fitting manner and in the process retract the hook plate 6 from the uncoupling position into the position ready for coupling, as shown in Figure 1 c, when the coupling heads 1 are moved apart.

[0044] The uncoupling device 30, 30' is provided for moving the coupling lock 3 from the coupled to the uncoupled position II or III. Depending on the design, this is configured as a manual uncoupling device 40 or as an automatic uncoupling device 30. Figures 1a to 1c show schematically, by way of example, both the manual uncoupling device 40, 40' by means of a dashed line and the uncoupling device 30, 30'. The illustrations are intended merely to illustrate the possible presence, not the specific structural design.

[0045] The uncoupling device 30, 30' is, for example, completely integrated into the coupling head 1, in particular the coupling head housing 2 and a shaft or coupling rod possibly adjoining it. The uncoupling device 30, 30', which acts at least indirectly on the coupling closure 3, 3', is designed, for example, as an electromechanical uncoupling device, comprising a drive machine 31, in particular an electric motor, which is coupled to the hook plate 6, 6' via a drive connection 32, in particular is connected thereto. Preferably, the electric motor is then coupled to the hook plate 6 via at least one gear. Other designs of the uncoupling device 30, 30' (not shown) are also conceivable. This can, for example, be designed as a device from the group of the following devices:

[0046] - a decoupling device comprising a drive machine, in particular an electric motor or hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which is connected to the hook plate or directly to the hook plate via a drive connection or is effective on the latter;

[0047] - an electro-hydraulic decoupling device comprising an electric motor, a hydraulic, in particular hydrostatic, pump driven by the electric motor and at least one cylinder / piston unit actuated by the pump, wherein the piston of the cylinder / piston unit is arranged and designed to act on the hook plate directly or via at least one transmission member;

[0048] - a pneumatic decoupling device comprising a cylinder / piston unit which is designed and arranged to act on the hook plate at least indirectly, preferably directly or via at least one transmission member.

[0049] For train couplings that are perpendicular to each other in the coupled position I, i.e., train couplings that are not pre-tensioned against each other by, for example, a locomotive, the hook plate 6 is specified according to the invention such that during the transition in the angular range between the ready-to-couple position and the uncoupling position II until the uncoupling position II is reached, there is no contact between the coupling eye of the 5' of the counter-train coupling 100' and the hook plate 6 of the train coupling 100. The first contact during the transition from the ready-to-couple to the uncoupling position II therefore only occurs in the uncoupling position II. This reliably ensures that the coupling lock 3 does not move into the coupled position I when the end plates are moved apart when the train couplings 100, 100' are pressed onto one another. In the uncoupling position II, the overlap between the ratchet rod and the plunger guide is always sufficient to engage when turning back to the ready-to-couple position.be avoided. The latch rod then hooks either onto the blade of the punch or onto the housing of the punch. This prevents the springs from immediately moving the closure back into the coupled position. Only upon re-coupling is the profile of the face plate, in particular by means of the cone of the counter-coupling, which presses in the punch, released from its locking position, so that the locking springs turn the coupling closure back into the coupled position. According to the invention, this is achieved by modifying the geometry of the mouth of the hook plate 6. The contour on the hook plate 6 of the coupling 100, which describes the mouth 9 for receiving a second end 5.2 of a coupling eye 5 of a counter-pull coupling 100', is arranged and designed to be suitablewhen interacting with a compatible counter-traction coupling 100' during the transition of the traction coupling 100 from the coupled position I to the uncoupled position after reaching the uncoupled position II until reaching an overdrawn position, to guide the coupling eye 5 of the counter-traction coupling 100' in contact. The contour describing the mouth 9 for receiving a second end 5.2 of the coupling eye 5' on the hook plate 6 of the traction coupling 100 is designed as an open-edged recess extending into the hook plate 6 with a curved base surface 50 and, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position I into one of the uncoupled positions, a first contour surface 51 oriented opposite thereto, which extends from the outer circumference to the base surface and a second, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position I into one of the uncoupled positions, pointing in this direction,a contour surface 52 forming a guide surface area is formed and the second contour surface 52, viewed in the direction of extension from the base surface 50 outwards, comprises a first contact area 53 for contact of the hook plate 6 with the coupling eye bolt 5 of the counter-pull coupling 100' in the uncoupling position II and a further area 54 adjoining it in the direction of the outer circumference of the hook plate 6,which is characterized by a change in direction compared to the contact area 53. Depending on the use of the uncoupling devices and the required angle of rotation of the hook plate to achieve an uncoupled position - uncoupling position II or overdrawn position - the area 54 of the contour surface 52 adjoining the contact surface area can be designed differently. Figures 2a and 2b illustrate, using a section of the coupling lock 3 according to Figures 1a to 1c, the uncoupling position II and the associated positions of the coupling eye 5' of the counter-pull coupling 100' and the hook plate 6 of the pull coupling 100. The modifications to the hook plate 6 are visible, in particular in the area 54 adjoining the contact area 53. These are shown in dashed lines and represent the state compared to a geometry that does not take into account the provision of a contact only in the uncoupling position. The analogous,The picture not shown here also results for the coupling eye 5 of the traction coupling 100 opposite the hook plate 6 of the counter-traction coupling 100'.

[0050] Figure 2a shows the position of coupling eyelet 5' in uncoupling position II, in which it rests against contour surface 52 in contact area 53. The second contour surface 52, which adjoins curved area 50, is at least partially, preferably completely, flat when viewed in the direction of extension to the outer circumference of hook plate 6, with a partial area forming contact area 53, to which the further guide area 54 adjoins without any change in direction. The second contour surface preferably runs tangentially to the outlet of curved surface 50. The coupling eyelet 5' of counter-pull coupling 100' is thus guided on the hook plate 6 from the contact area 53 on the second contour surface 52 when the coupling lock is rotated beyond uncoupling position II and can thus react on hook plate 6' of counter-pull coupling 100'.

[0051] Figure 2b also shows the position of a coupling eyelet 5' in the uncoupling position II, in which it rests against the contour surface 52 in the contact area 53. The second contour surface 52 of the hook plate 6, which adjoins the curved area 50, is, however, viewed in the direction of extension to the outer circumference of the hook plate 6, not a flat surface but one characterized by a change in direction. The second contour surface 52 can be designed to be at least partially, preferably completely flat, wherein the contour surface 52, in particular the further area 54 adjoining the contact area 53, experiences a change in direction compared to the orientation of the contact surface 53. It is also conceivable, as shown in Figure 2b, for the further area 54 to be designed at least partially as a curved surface, which is concave with respect to the clockwise orientation in the installed position.Preferably, the second contour surface 52 closes tangentially to the.

[0052] The curved surface 50 extends outwardly to the latter. The second region 54 is characterized by at least one radius or a sequence of radii. The contour thus forms a projection pointing in this direction in the area of ​​the outer circumference of the hook plate 6. This projection serves to guide and act on the coupling eyelet 5' of the counter-pull coupling 100'.

[0053] List of reference symbols

[0054] 1 coupling head

[0055] 2 coupling head housings

[0056] 3.3' dome closure

[0057] 5.5' coupling eye

[0058] 6, 6' hook plate

[0059] 7, 7' main axis

[0060] 8, 8' coupling eye bolt

[0061] 9, 9' mouth

[0062] 10, 10' spring accumulator

[0063] 11 stamps

[0064] 12 latch rod

[0065] 13 Opening

[0066] 14 Counter bearings

[0067] 15 Guide

[0068] 16 locking projection

[0069] 17 locking projection

[0070] 18 spring element

[0071] 19 main bolts

[0072] 20 Locking

[0073] 21 pins

[0074] 22 funnels

[0075] 23 Frontal surface

[0076] 30 Uncoupling device

[0077] 31 drive machine

[0078] 32 drive connection

[0079] 40 Manual uncoupling device

[0080] 50 curved area

[0081] 51 first area

[0082] 52 second contour area

[0083] 53 Contact area

[0084] 54 further area adjoining contact area 100 train coupling

[0085] 100' counter-pull coupling

[0086] 110 Coupling arrangement

[0087] RE reference line I coupled position

[0088] II Uncoupling position

[0089] 111 ready position

[0090] Alpha 1 twist angle

[0091] Alpha 2 twist angle

Claims

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

2. Train coupling (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hook plate (6) is rotatable relative to the reference position into an uncoupled, covered position, wherein the position of the hook plate (6) in the uncoupled, covered position of the coupling lock is characterized by a larger clockwise rotation angle compared to the position of the hook plate (6) in the uncoupled, covered position of the coupling lock (3), and the contour describing the mouth (9) for receiving a second end (5.2') of a coupling eye (5') of the counter-train coupling (100') is arranged and designed on the hook plate (6) of the train coupling in such a way that it is suitable, when interacting with the compatible counter-train coupling (100'), during the transition of the train coupling from the coupled position to the uncoupled position after reaching the uncoupled position (II) until reaching the covered position, to engage the coupling eye (5') of the counter-train coupling (100') contacting.

3. A traction coupling (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the contour (50, 51, 52) describing the mouth (9) for receiving a second end (5.2) of a coupling eye (5) of the counter-traction coupling (100') on the hook plate (6) of the traction coupling (100) is designed as a recess extending into the hook plate (6) with a curved base surface (50) and, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into one of the uncoupled positions, a first contour surface (51) oriented opposite thereto, which extends from the outer circumference to the base surface (50), and a second contour surface (52) pointing in this direction, viewed in the direction of movement from the reference position into one of the uncoupled positions (II), forming a guide surface region.is formed and the second contour surface (52) viewed in the direction of extension from the base surface (50) outwards comprises a first contact area (53) for contact of the hook plate (6) with the coupling eye bolt (5') of the counter-pull coupling (100') in the uncoupling position (II) and a further area (54) adjoining thereto in the direction of the outer circumference of the hook plate (6), which according to the orientation of the contour surface (52) between, curved base area (50) and contact area (53) or is characterized by a change in direction compared to the contact area (53).

4. Train coupling (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the change in direction of the further region (54) is formed by an acute angle with respect to the contact region (53) of the second contour surface (52), in particular is oriented in or counterclockwise and comprises an at least partially flat surface.

5. Train coupling (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the change in direction of the further region (54) relative to the contact region (53) of the second contour surface (52) is at least partially concave, forming a region projecting relative to the contact region on the outer circumference of the hook plate (6).

6. Train coupling (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the second contour surface (52) comprises at least one flat surface area.

7. Train coupling (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the second contour surface (52) comprises at least one surface area that can be described by a radius or a sequence of radii.

8. Train coupling (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking device comprises a plunger (11) which is displaceable in the coupling direction of the train coupling against a spring force and a ratchet rod (12) which is displaceable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction, and the ratchet rod (12) is articulated on the hook plate (6) and can be displaced by the hook plate (6) when it is rotated from the coupled position into the uncoupled position into a locking position in which the ratchet rod (12) blocks rotation of the frog (6) from the uncoupled position into the coupled position; wherein the plunger (11) blocks the latching rod (12) in the detent position in a first position displaced against the spring force and releases the latching rod (12) from the detent position in a second position displaced by the spring force; and the latching rod (12) has a detent projection (16) which is positioned to be displaced over the detent projection (17) of the counterbearing when the hook plate (6) is rotated from the coupled position into the uncoupled position, wherein in the uncoupled position a distance between the detent projections (16, 17) is set in the direction of displacement of the latching rod (12).

9. Train coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the least indirectly effective uncoupling device (30) on the coupling closure (3) is designed as a device from the group of the following devices: - a decoupling device (30) comprising a drive machine (31), in particular an electric motor or hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which acts at least indirectly on the coupling closure (3), in particular on the hook plate (6), via a drive connection (32) or directly on the coupling closure (3), in particular on the hook plate (6); - an electro-hydraulic uncoupling device comprising an electric motor, a hydraulic, in particular hydrostatic, pump driven by the electric motor and at least one cylinder / piston unit actuated by the pump, wherein the piston of the cylinder / piston unit is arranged and designed to act on the coupling closure (3), in particular the hook plate (6), directly or via at least one transmission member; - an electro-mechanical decoupling device, comprising an electric motor, a transmission which can be coupled to the electric motor, wherein the output of the transmission is indirectly connected via at least one further mechanical transmission element or directly on the dome closure (3), in particular on the hook plate; - a pneumatic uncoupling device comprising a cylinder / piston unit which is designed and arranged to act at least indirectly, preferably directly or via at least one transmission member, on the coupling closure (3), in particular the hook plate (6).

10. Train coupling (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a manual uncoupling device (40) is provided, which is arranged outside the coupling head housing (2) and with a component at least indirectly connected to the coupling lock (3) for moving the coupling lock (3) from the coupled position (I) to the uncoupled, covered position, wherein the position of the hook plate in the uncoupled, covered position of the coupling lock is characterized by a larger clockwise rotation angle compared to the reference position of the hook plate than in the uncoupling position (II).

11. Coupling arrangement (110) for at least mechanically connecting two adjacently arranged track-bound vehicles by the interaction of two traction couplings - a traction coupling (100) arranged on a first track-bound vehicle and a counter-traction coupling (110') arranged on a second track-bound vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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