Coupling rod and coupling arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling rod having an end stop face for interacting with a pressure plate of a draw and buffing gear for a coupling arrangement of a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. The invention is characterized in that a region on the coupling rod that supports or forms the end stop face can be detachably connected, in particular is detachably connected, to the coupling rod.

Description

[0001] File: 28511 DE / SKK

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Coupling rod and coupling assembly

[0004] The invention relates to a coupling rod for a coupling assembly of a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. The invention further relates to a coupling assembly for a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle.

[0005] In rail freight transport, automatic coupling arrangements are known that comprise a coupling front part with a coupling lock for establishing a mechanical connection with a compatible mating coupling arrangement of an adjacent rail vehicle, and a coupling rear part with a draw and buffer device and a connection structure for connecting or fastening to the rail vehicle. The connection between the coupling front part and the draw and buffer device is called a coupling joint and is realized via a bolted or wedge connection between the coupling front part and a housing of the draw and buffer device. The coupling front part includes a coupling shank or coupling rod extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis, which, in the undisplaced state of the coupling arrangement, coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle.The coupling rod has an interface at a first axial end region for at least the indirect connection of a component for receiving a coupling lock for interaction with a compatible coupling lock of a mating coupling arrangement to establish the mechanical connection. The coupling lock is part of a coupling head, which is connected to the coupling rod at the first end region either directly or via a connection through intermediate components, or whose coupling head housing is integrally formed with the coupling rod.

[0006] The coupling rod has a ball joint in its second axial end region with a through-opening extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis for receiving the bolt, in particular a ball joint bolt. The coupling rod further comprises, in its second axial end region, a through-opening extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis. (File: 28511 DE / SKK)

[0007] - 2 -

[0008] The end face, in particular the end face at the ball joint, features a face stop surface. The bolt is arranged in a positive-locking manner between the coupling rod end and the connecting structure, in particular the fork-shaped housing of the coupling and bumper assembly. The through-hole, designed to receive a bolt characterized by a vertical main axis, extends further in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction. The coupling front part, in particular the coupling rod, is thus pivotably connected to the connecting structure, in particular the housing of the coupling and bumper assembly, horizontally in the lateral direction (Y-direction) and vertically (Z-direction) of the vehicle axes, and is displaceable in the load path for tension and compression in the longitudinal direction (X-direction).Due to the possible movement in the longitudinal direction, different functional positions of the end stop surface of the coupling rod relative to the pressure plate on the pulling and bumping device are possible, which in the maximally extended state of the articulated connection describe the maximum play between the end stop surface and thus the ball joint and the pressure plate, while under impact force loading, the forces are introduced into the pulling and bumping device via the pressure plate due to the resulting interaction of the end stop surface on the ball joint with the pressure plate on the pulling and bumping device.

[0009] The coupling rod and ball joint are typically manufactured as a single piece from high-strength, heat-treated steel casting. Integral designs of the coupling head housing with shaft and ball joint as a single steel casting are also conceivable. The design, particularly of the ball joint, is always adapted and tailored to the requirements of a specific application. Necessary modifications generally require changes to the ball joint, especially regarding the distance between the through-hole and the end face. Furthermore, the ball joint is subject to wear and tear due to contact with the vertical support surfaces on the housing of the coupling device, the geometry against the pressure plate, and the friction points resulting from vertical and horizontal movement.The welding process, which can be used to compensate for defects, places high demands on process reliability, especially on high-strength cast steel components, is time-consuming and costly, and file number: 28511 DE / SKK.

[0010] - 3 - therefore cannot simply be implemented in railway workshops for repair.

[0011] The invention was therefore based on the objective of further developing a coupling rod for use in coupling arrangements in such a way that the aforementioned disadvantages are avoided and, in particular, the maintenance effort caused by wear is minimized and, above all, simplified.

[0012] The solution according to the invention is characterized by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] A coupling rod for a coupling arrangement of a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the coupling rod extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis, comprises: an interface formed at a first axial end region for at least indirect connection or integral formation with a component for receiving a coupling closure; an interface formed at a second axial end region opposite the first end region for articulated connection with a connection structure for at least indirect attachment to a rail vehicle, comprising a ball joint with a through-opening extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis for receiving a bolt and an end stop surface arranged on the ball joint and pointing in the direction of the longitudinal axis for interaction with the connection structure, in particular a pressure plate of a draw and buffing device.The coupling rod is characterized in that an area on the coupling rod which carries or forms the end stop surface is detachably connectable to this or to the remaining part of the coupling rod, in particular connected.

[0014] The longitudinal axis is to be understood, in particular, as a theoretically conceived geometric axis used to define a direction. File: 28511 DE / SKK

[0015] - 4 - A coupling arrangement is understood to be, in particular, the structure that can be arranged on a track-bound vehicle, especially a rail vehicle, and is intended to interact with a compatible counter-coupling arrangement on an adjacent vehicle for at least the mechanical connection of the vehicles. The coupling arrangement serves, at least, to transmit tractive forces.

[0016] "At least indirectly connected" includes both the possibilities of a direct connection between two components and an indirect connection via intermediate components.

[0017] The solution according to the invention offers the advantage that the end stop surface, which is subject to considerable wear, and also the radii of the inclined surfaces on the ball joint, which are in frictional contact with the fork-shaped interface on the housing of the draw and buffer device in the vertical direction, are replaceable by means of the detachable connection between the area supporting them and the coupling rod, and can be replaced easily and quickly in the event of maintenance by providing a detachable connection. Such maintenance work can be carried out quickly and easily in any railway vehicle repair shop.Furthermore, the design of the end stop surface on an interchangeable component allows for easy and quick adaptation of the respective coupling rod to changing requirements by modifying it and combining it with standardized remaining coupling rod parts, in particular changing specifications for joint and coupling clearances, the distances between the end stop surface and the pressure plate in the maximum extended state, i.e. the state in which the joint bolt rests on the rear area of ​​the through-opening on the ball joint when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Regarding the size, geometric shape, and design of the end-contact surface bearing or forming this surface on the coupling rod, there are multiple possibilities. See file number: 28511 DE / SKK

[0019] - 5 -

[0020] In all embodiments, the coupling rod is divided along its longitudinal axis into at least a first coupling rod section and a second coupling rod section comprising or forming the end-stop surface. The first and second coupling rod sections are detachably connectable or joined to one another, and the coupling rod sections are designed and arranged such that, in order to realize the detachable connection, their connection area, viewed along the longitudinal axis, is located, according to a first embodiment, in a transition area from the coupling rod to the ball joint, or, according to a second embodiment, within the extension of the ball joint.

[0021] This means the coupling rod consists of at least a first coupling rod section and a second coupling rod section that forms or supports the end stop surface, the latter being interchangeable. The end stop surface-supporting section is connected to the rest of the coupling rod as an integral part of the coupling rod.

[0022] The coupling rod, at least in the area of ​​the ball joint, is characterized on its upper and lower surfaces by vertically oriented surfaces. These surfaces are preferably designed such that, within the extension of the ball joint, they comprise contact areas extending vertically, particularly away from the ball joint, for interaction with vertical or vertically oriented stop surfaces on the connecting structure. These contact areas are characterized, at least in the extension direction of the longitudinal axis, by a contour that is either convex and / or can be described by radii.The contact surface areas are preferably arranged on the second coupling rod section, and the connection area of ​​the first and second coupling rod sections is arranged upstream of these contact surface areas, in particular directly upstream, from the first to the second end region of the coupling rod in the direction of the longitudinal axis. These contact surface areas, in conjunction with vertically oriented surface areas on the connection structure that point towards the ball joint, function as additional wear surfaces besides the end stop surface. This arrangement according to the invention is found in file: 28511 DE / SKK.

[0023] - 6 - essential wear surfaces on a replaceable component and by providing the detachable connection between this and the rest of the coupling rod, in particular the first coupling rod part, the size of the replacement area for the areas subject to material removal by wear is greatly limited and allows easy replacement of the second coupling rod part while continuing to use the first coupling rod part.

[0024] The aforementioned arrangement of the connection area offers the advantage that the interchangeability of the coupling rod is limited to the directly affected, wear-prone section of the coupling rod during relative movement of the coupling rod in the articulated connection with the connecting structure. The remaining part of the coupling rod can be retained unchanged and reused in combination with corresponding second replacement coupling rod sections, which is particularly advantageous in the case of coupling rods with additional, complex design features. Replacement can be carried out quickly and reliably.

[0025] It is also possible to create coupling rods for different requirements based on the first coupling rod section by varying the second coupling rod section to which it is connected. This is particularly relevant for connecting to different pulling and bumper devices, and for varying the required coupling clearances. This can be achieved, among other things, by varying the length of the second coupling rod section, the design and length of the through-opening section within the second coupling rod section, the design of the end stop surface, and the contact surface areas. The variable adaptability to different coupling joint clearances represents a further significant advantage.

[0026] According to the first design, the second coupling rod section is formed by the ball joint. In this case, the separation point for dividing the coupling rod, or the connection area of ​​the two coupling rod sections, is located in the transition area between the ball joint and the remaining coupling rod. With this design, entire ball joints can be replaced. These are available as prefabricated parts: 28511 DE / SKK

[0027] - 7 -

[0028] Components with standardized interfaces for connection to the coupling rod are provided and assembled.

[0029] According to the second and particularly advantageous embodiment, the rod end, viewed in the area of ​​the through-opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the coupling rod, is subdivided into a first rod end section and a second rod end section. The first rod end section is integrally formed with the first coupling rod section, and the second rod end section forms the second coupling rod section, which carries or forms the end stop surface. Preferably, the second rod end section is also characterized by the arrangement of the vertical contact surface areas for interaction with the connection structure. If the separation point, and thus the arrangement of the connection area to the first rod end section, is positioned directly upstream of the contact surface areas, the exchange area is kept compact.

[0030] The individual rod end components are preferably fork-shaped, with the fork-shaped sections extending on both sides of the longitudinal axis in the assembled state and being connectable to each other at their opposing end faces, forming the through-opening. Depending on the design of the second rod end component, the length of the through-opening can be varied, as can the length of the area between the flange of the through-opening, against which the bolt guided through it comes to rest, and the end stop surface. Furthermore, variations in the design of the contact surface areas are conceivable.

[0031] The subdivision within the rod end allows, firstly, the reduction of replaceability to only those surface areas actually subject to wear, in particular the vertically oriented surfaces on the rod end that come into direct contact with the connecting structure when the full range of motion of the articulated connection is utilized, as well as the end stop surface. Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned advantages regarding interchangeability, the possibility of [File: 28511 DE / SKK] is also particularly advantageous in all the aforementioned designs.

[0032] - 8 - Given, within specified boundary conditions, coupling rods designed for different requirements can be provided by means of differently designed second coupling rods or ball joint sections. By varying, in particular, the design of the second ball joint sections, which is reflected in at least one of the following dimensions, different coupling rods can be provided quickly and easily based on a first coupling rod section:

[0033] - Extension of the ball joint in the direction of the longitudinal axis

[0034] - Extension of the fork-like area, in particular the part of the through-opening belonging to the joint head part

[0035] - Distance between through opening and end stop surface

[0036] - Design of the end stop surface, in particular geometry, layout, size, profile

[0037] - Formation of the contact surface areas

[0038] The modular design and combination of different second ball joint parts with the first coupling rod part allow for different required joint clearances to be covered.

[0039] Another significant advantage lies in the simpler installation and retrofitting of joint play damping devices, as the installation space for these is more easily accessible in the area of ​​the through-opening. If the coupling rod is designed as a hollow profile section at the transition to the first ball joint section, the ball joint section, which is removed via the detachable connection, provides access to the particularly rectangular inner cross-section of the coupling rod, thus offering access to install an optional joint play damping system with a significantly longer spring assembly and higher preload.

[0040] All the aforementioned designs share the common features of easier interchangeability in case of service and the possibility of modifying the joint play.

[0041] The division of the coupling rod into first and second coupling rod parts preferably takes place essentially in at least one vertical or in a joint: 28511 DE / SKK

[0042] - 9 -

[0043] Angle to a plane which can be described by the longitudinal axis and a perpendicular to it.

[0044] In particular, the detachably connectable coupling rod sections have contact surfaces on their facing end faces, which can be brought into operative contact when the connection is made. These contact surfaces are aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis in one or more planes at an angle and / or perpendicular to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and a perpendicular line in the width direction of the coupling rod. The perpendicular orientation, in particular, offers the advantage of simple manufacturing and optimal force transmission during operation.

[0045] The detachable connection can be designed in various ways and may include one or more connection points with friction-fit and / or positive-locking connecting devices. At least one or more such connecting devices are conceivable, whereby different connection functions, particularly when considered in different directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the coupling rod, can be implemented by combining connecting devices of one type or by combining connecting devices of different types.

[0046] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the releasable connection comprises friction-locking connecting devices oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis, in particular shear bolts extending through the area supporting or forming the end stop surface or the second coupling part in the direction of the longitudinal axis to the coupling rod or the first coupling rod part, which are designed and configured to release the connection when a predefined tensile load is exceeded.

[0047] The screw connection in the ball joint or the transition between the ball joint and coupling rod, which is only subjected to tensile stress, can thus be easily designed as a predetermined breaking point against overload, in order to protect the rail vehicle underframe from damage. Through special design, in particular the tapered shape of the screw shank, a [File: 28511 DE / SKK] can be achieved.

[0048] - 10 -

[0049] Adjust the force level according to the specifications and the breaking load classes as per the standard.

[0050] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, positive-locking connection devices are additionally provided between the area supporting or forming the end stop surface and the coupling rod, or between the first and second coupling rod sections with respect to the longitudinal axis in the width and height directions. In particular, complementary positive-locking elements, effective at least in the width and height directions, are integrally formed or connected to the opposing end faces. If the connection is subjected only to tensile stress in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the shear forces resulting from the stabilizing effect of the coupling joint are reliably dissipated by a positive-locking, interlocking geometry on the coupling shaft and in the ball joint.

[0051] The positive locking connection devices are preferably integrally formed on the respective coupling rod parts and are designed and constructed in such a way that, in addition to a positive locking effective around the longitudinal axis, a positive locking is also generated in one of the two directions viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0052] The coupling rod designed according to the invention is particularly advantageous for use in a coupling arrangement for a track-bound vehicle, especially a rail vehicle. The coupling rod is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation on a connecting structure for fastening in a track-bound vehicle, especially a rail vehicle.

[0053] The coupling arrangements can be designed in various ways, advantageously comprising a coupling front part and a coupling rear part having a connection structure for connecting to the vehicle, wherein the coupling front part and coupling rear part can be connected to each other via an interface, preferably a joint interface, and are connected to the vehicle in the installation situation. The coupling front part includes at least one coupling head with a coupling lock for interaction with a compatible coupling lock. (File: 28511 DE / SKK)

[0054] - 11 -

[0055] A counter-coupling arrangement and a coupling rod with a ball joint having a face stop surface for interaction with a connection structure on the vehicle. The coupling head can either be a separate unit designed for detachable connection to the coupling rod, or a coupling head housing can be integrally formed with the coupling rod.

[0056] The rear coupling part includes in particular a connection structure comprising a pulling and bumping device with housing for fastening in the vehicle.

[0057] Depending on the specific application requirements, there are numerous options for designing the tensile and impact device. The device can incorporate reversible and, optionally, irreversible energy absorption, particularly reversibly acting and self-resetting energy absorption elements, and optionally, additional irreversible energy absorption, for example, in the form of deformation tubes. The energy absorption can be implemented as a spring system, especially with springs or spring assemblies acting individually, in groups, or together in the tensile and / or impact direction. However, combination damper designs are also conceivable, in which, in addition to spring assemblies, hydrostatic or gas-hydraulic energy absorption systems are also used.

[0058] The front and rear coupling sections are pivotally connected to each other about an axis of rotation via a joint connection formed by a ball joint, a bolt extending through the through-hole and mounted in the connecting structure, in particular a fork-shaped housing of the coupling mechanism. The coupling rod is also displaceable along its longitudinal axis, and the end stop surface and the pressure plate are in contact with each other when the coupling rod is fully retracted along its longitudinal axis. When the coupling rod is fully extended along its longitudinal axis, they define maximum coupling joint play. The housing of the coupling mechanism is designed for this purpose in the connection area to the front coupling section, in particular the ball joint. (File: 28511 DE / SKK)

[0059] - 12 -

[0060] The coupling rod is designed in a fork-like shape, similar to a articulated fork, to accommodate the ball joint.

[0061] The same advantages apply to its use in a coupling arrangement as previously described for the coupling rod designs.

[0062] The invention will be explained below with the aid of figures. The figures show, in detail:

[0063] Fig. 1 a: an advantageous embodiment of a coupling rod in exploded view;

[0064] Fig. 1b shows an advantageous embodiment of the coupling rod according to Figure 1a in the assembled state;

[0065] Fig. 2: in a section of a coupling arrangement, the design of the articulated connection;

[0066] Fig. 3 shows a schematically simplified representation of a coupling arrangement with a coupling rod.

[0067] Figure 1a illustrates the individual components of an advantageous embodiment of a coupling rod 1 according to the invention in an exploded view. Figure 1b illustrates the coupling rod 1 as an assembled unit with the individual components shown in Figure 1a. The same reference numerals are used for identical elements, and the explanations refer to both figures.

[0068] Such coupling rods 1 are used in train couplings 10, exemplified in a schematically simplified representation in Figure 3 when used in rail vehicles 20.

[0069] The coupling rod 1 is characterized by its longitudinal extension. This extension runs along a theoretical longitudinal axis L and, viewed along the longitudinal axis L, has a first axial end region 2 and a second end region 3 opposite the first axial end region 2. In the illustrated case, the first end region 2 has an interface in the form of a connection 4 for the direct attachment of a coupling head or another component. (File: 28511 DE / SKK)

[0070] - 13 - intermediate component provided. Regarding the selected type and design of the connection 4, there are several possibilities. In the illustrated case, a connection 4 suitable for creating a shell-sleeve connection between coupling rod 1 and the respective connecting component is shown as an example. Also conceivable, but not shown here, is the direct integral design of, for example, a housing of a coupling head in the first axial end region 2 for receiving a coupling closure, in particular with an interface for connecting the coupling closure.

[0071] In the second end region 3, opposite the first end region, an interface 5 is provided for articulated connection to a connecting structure on the rail vehicle. This interface comprises a ball joint 6 with a through-opening 7 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis L for receiving a bolt (not shown). The through-opening 7 is characterized by a greater extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, i.e., a greater extent longitudinally than laterally. The through-opening 7 penetrates the ball joint 6 in a vertical direction, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.The ball joint 6 has a face stop surface 8 on its end face 9, which is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In its installed position in a coupling arrangement 10 on the rail vehicle, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 2 and 3, this face stop surface can be brought into operative contact with the connection structure on the rail vehicle 20, in particular with a pressure plate 11 of a draw and buffer device 12 downstream of the coupling rod 1. The face stop surface 8 is preferably formed directly by at least a portion of the end face on the ball joint 6. A section on the coupling rod 1 that supports or forms the face stop surface 8 is detachably connected to the coupling rod 1 to form the coupling rod assembly for easy replacement in case of wear. For this purpose, the coupling rod 1 is designed in at least two parts or possibly in multiple parts. It is divided into at least a first coupling rod part 1.1 and a second coupling rod part 1.1.2 subdivided, wherein the two coupling rod parts 1.1 and 1.2 are detachably connected to each other to form the coupling rod assembly 1 in Figure 1b. The detachable connection is made at least via File: 28511 DE / SKK.

[0072] - 14 -

[0073] Connecting devices 13, which in the illustrated case are advantageously designed as shear bolts 14, extend through the end stop surface 8 through the second coupling rod section 1.2 and into the first coupling section 2 outside the through-opening 7, according to the design and orientation of the separation point for dividing the coupling rod 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The connecting devices 13 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis L. They are preferably designed and configured to fail upon the occurrence of a tensile stress of a predefined magnitude, thus causing a separation of the connection between the first and second coupling rod sections 1.1, 1.2. This measure allows a predetermined breaking point to be implemented in a simple manner.

[0074] The coupling rod 1 has, at least in its second end region or in the region of the ball joint 6, a top and bottom surface, in particular surfaces 23 and 24 pointing away from each other in a vertical direction, which comprise contact surface areas 21 and 22 for interaction with vertical stop surfaces on a connecting structure when deflected in at least a vertical direction, in particular a housing part of a tension and impact device 12 (not shown here). When deflected in the individual directions – longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions and their superimpositions – the contact surface areas 21 and 22 enable line contact with the vertical stop surfaces of the connecting structure. These are therefore subject to wear and may need to be replaced.

[0075] In the illustrated case, the coupling rod 1 is characterized by a box-like profile structure. The corresponding contact surface areas 21 and 22 extend on both sides of the longitudinal axis L and the through-opening 7 on the vertically oriented surfaces 23, 24. At least a portion of these surfaces 23, 24 extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and is raised above the remaining areas. The contact surface areas 21, 22 can be described, for example, by a slightly convex profile or radii. File: 28511 DE / SKK

[0076] - 15 -

[0077] Regarding the arrangement, position, and design of the separation point for subdivision, there are several possibilities. Figures 1a and 1b show a particularly advantageous embodiment. In this embodiment, the subdivision takes place in the second end region 3, in particular in the rod end 6 formed there. It is especially advantageous to make the subdivision in the direction of the extension from the first axial end region 2 to the second axial end region, viewed in front of the contact surface areas 21, 22, and in particular directly in front of them. In the illustrated case, this is done essentially in the region of the central extension of the through-opening 7 on the rod end 6. This subdivides the rod end 6 into a first rod end part 6.1 and a second rod end part 6.2, wherein the first rod end part 6.1 is an integral part of the first coupling rod part 1.1, and the second rod end part 6.2 is the second coupling rod part 1.1.2 and has the end stop surface 8. In the illustrated case, the coupling rod 1 is characterized by a box-like profile that encloses a cavity. Due to the subdivision within the extension of the through-opening in the ball joint 6, the ball joint part 6.1 is characterized by two fork-like projections extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis L on both sides of a plane describable in the vertical direction by the longitudinal axis L and a perpendicular to it, and forming the ball joint part 6.1, which are integrally formed with the coupling rod part 1.1. By using a profile enclosing a cavity circumferentially around the longitudinal axis in the design of the coupling rod 1, a joint play spring can be easily integrated and readily accessible in the area of ​​the through-opening section of the first coupling rod part 1.1. Furthermore, the ball joint part 6.1 can be...1 subsequent cavity in the first coupling rod part 1.1. can be used to arrange components of the joint play suspension.

[0078] The first and second ball joint sections 6.1, 6.2 and the first and second coupling rod sections 1.1, 1.2 form contact surfaces on their facing end faces for flat contact during interaction. File: 28511 DE / SKK

[0079] - 16 -

[0080] This section summarizes the assembly unit coupling rod 1. Its course and orientation describe the path of the separation point in coupling rod 1.

[0081] As can be seen in Figure 1a, the end-face contact surfaces on the coupling parts preferably run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in one plane.

[0082] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a positive locking connection is provided between the coupling parts 1.1 and 1.2 to be joined, at least about the longitudinal axis L, i.e., acting in the width and height directions. This is achieved via mutually complementary connecting elements 14 and 15 on the end faces of the rod end parts 6.1, 6.2. In the illustrated case, these are designed as projections extending from the end face of rod end part 6.1, which interact with correspondingly complementary recesses on rod end part 6.2. Preferably, the connecting elements 14, 15 are integrally formed with the respective rod end parts 6.1, 6.2. However, it is also conceivable to provide separate positive locking elements that can be inserted into recesses provided for this purpose on the two rod end parts 6.1, 6.2.

[0083] The positive locking elements are also preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis and the aforementioned plane.

[0084] Figure 3 shows, in a highly simplified schematic representation, a particularly advantageous use of a coupling rod 1 designed according to the invention in a coupling arrangement 10 for rail vehicles 20, comprising a coupling rod 1 extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis L, which carries a coupling device, in particular a coupling head 16, at a first axial end region 2 and is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis R at a second axial end 3 opposite the first axial end 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The coupling rod 1 is also displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and has a front stop surface 8 at the second axial end 3. Opposite the front stop surface 8 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L is a pressure plate, which is related to file: 28511 DE / SKK

[0085] - 17 -

[0086] The end stop surface 8 has a surface which is turned, wherein the end stop surface and the surface are in contact with each other in a state of the coupling rod 1 fully retracted in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and define a maximum coupling joint play in a state of the coupling rod maximally extended in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0087] The two coupling rod parts 1.1 and 1.2 are identifiable; they are combined to form a coupling rod unit 1 and can be pivotally mounted via a bolt 17 in a connection structure 18 for attachment to the vehicle 20. The connection structure 18 is formed in particular by the housing of a draw and buffer device 12.

[0088] The coupling assembly 10 comprises a coupling front part encompassing the coupling rod 1 and a coupling rear part formed by the pulling and bumping device 12. The coupling front part and coupling rear part are pivotably mounted via the articulated connection consisting of the ball joint 6, the pivot pin 17, and the connecting structure, at least about a vertical axis of rotation R. Figure 2 shows a section of a coupling assembly 10 according to Figure 3, illustrating the embodiment of the articulated connection between the fork-shaped housing of the pulling and bumping device 12 and the ball joint 6.

[0089] File: 28511 DE / SKK

[0090] - 18 -

[0091] Reference symbol list

[0092] 1 coupling rod

[0093] 1.1 First coupling rod section

[0094] 1.2 second coupling rod part

[0095] 2 first axial end region

[0096] 3 second axial end region

[0097] 4 connection

[0098] 5 Interface

[0099] 6. Joint head

[0100] 6.1 First joint head part

[0101] 6.2 second joint head part

[0102] 7 Passage opening

[0103] 8 Front stop surface

[0104] 9 Front side of the joint head

[0105] 10 Coupling arrangement

[0106] 11. Draw and buffer device

[0107] 12 Printing plate

[0108] 13 connection devices

[0109] 14 Connection devices Positive locking

[0110] 15 Pulling and buffer device

[0111] 16 Coupling head

[0112] 17 bolts, hinge bolts

[0113] 18 Connection structure

[0114] 20 rail vehicles

[0115] 21 Contact area

[0116] 22 Contact area

[0117] 23 Area

[0118] 24 area

Claims

File: 28511 DE / SKK - 19 - Patent claims 1. Coupling rod (1) for a coupling arrangement (10) of a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle (20), wherein the coupling rod (1) extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis and comprises the following: - an interface (4) formed at a first axial end region (2) for at least indirect connection or integral formation with a component for receiving a dome closure; - an interface (5) formed on a second axial end region (3) opposite the first end region (2) for articulated connection with a connecting structure for at least indirect attachment to a rail vehicle, comprising a rod end (6) with a through opening (7) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis for receiving a bolt having a vertical principal axis and - a front stop surface (8) arranged on the ball joint (6) and pointing in the direction of the longitudinal axis for interaction with the connection structure, characterized in that a region supporting or forming the front stop surface (8) is detachably connectable to the coupling rod (1), in particular connected.

2. Coupling rod (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling rod (1) is divided in the direction of the longitudinal axis into at least a first coupling rod part (1.1) and a second coupling rod part (1.1) comprising or forming the end stop surfaces (8), the first and second coupling rod parts (1.1, 1.2) being detachably connectable or connected to one another, wherein the coupling rod parts (1.1, 1.2) are designed and arranged such that their connection area, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, is in a transition area to the ball joint (6), in particular in a transition area from the File: 28511 DE / SKK - 20 - The coupling rod (1) is arranged to the ball joint (6) or within the extension of the ball joint (6).

3. Coupling rod (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the coupling rod (1) has surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in particular on the upper and lower sides, pointing in a vertical direction, which are designed such that they are contact surface areas in the extension area of ​​the ball joint, in particular, at least in the direction of the longitudinal axis, convex or vertically oriented contact surface areas describing radii for interaction with stop surfaces pointing in a vertical direction on the connection structure, wherein the contact surface areas are arranged on the second coupling rod part (1.2) and the connection area of ​​the first and second coupling rod parts (1.1, 1.2) is arranged upstream of the contact surface areas, in particular directly upstream, in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the first to the second end region (2, 3) of the coupling rod (1).

4. Coupling rod (1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the second coupling rod part (1.2) is formed by the ball joint (6).

5. Coupling rod (1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the ball joint (6) is subdivided in the region of the extension of the through-opening (7) in the direction of the longitudinal axis by forming a first ball joint part (6.1 ) and a second ball joint part (6.2 ), wherein the first ball joint part (6.1 ) is integrally formed on the first coupling rod part (1.1 ) and the second ball joint part (6.2 ) forms the second coupling rod part (1.2 ).

6. Coupling rod (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first coupling rod part (1.1) has a hollow profile, in particular with a rectangular inner cross-section, at least in the transition area to the first ball joint part (6.1), from which the first ball joint part (6.1) extends. File: 28511 DE / SKK - 21 - extends away in a fork-like manner, forming a partial area of ​​the through-opening (7).

7. Coupling rod (1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the division of the coupling rod (1 ) into first and second coupling rod part (1.1 , 1.2) is essentially carried out in at least one perpendicular or at an angle to a plane which can be described by the longitudinal axis and a perpendicular to it.

8. Coupling rod (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the coupling rod parts (1.1, 1.2) which can be detachably connected to one another have contact surfaces on their mutually facing end faces which can be brought into operative contact with one another when the connection is made, wherein the contact surfaces are aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis in one or more planes at an angle and / or perpendicular to a plane which can be described by the longitudinal axis and a perpendicular in the width direction of the coupling rod.

9. Coupling rod (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the releasable connection comprises friction-locking and / or form-locking connecting devices (13, 14).

10. Coupling rod (1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the releasable connection comprises friction-locking connecting devices oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis, in particular shear bolts extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) to the coupling rod (1 ) or the first coupling rod part (1.1 ) through the area carrying or forming the end stop surface or the second coupling part (1.2) and which are designed and configured to release the connection when a predefined tensile load is exceeded.

11. Coupling rod (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the end stop surface supporting or File: 28511 DE / SKK - 22 - this forming area and the coupling rod (1 ) or the first and second coupling rod part (1.1 , 1.2) are provided with respect to the longitudinal axis in the width and height direction by positive locking connecting devices, in particular on the mutually facing end faces mutually complementary positive locking elements effective in the width and height direction are integrally formed with these or can be connected or connected.

12. Coupling arrangement (10) for a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle (20), comprising a coupling rod (1) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis according to one of claims 1 to 11, which is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation on a connecting structure (18) for fastening in a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle (20).

13. Coupling arrangement (10) according to claim 12 with the following features: a coupling front part for mechanical connection with a mating coupling arrangement, wherein the coupling front part comprises the coupling rod (1) with a coupling head integrally formed with it or at least indirectly connected to it and receiving a coupling lock; a coupling rear part, comprising a connection structure (18) for attaching the coupling arrangement (10) to the rail vehicle (20), which includes a pressure plate (12) for cooperating with the end stop surface (8) of the coupling rod (1) and a drawbar and buoyancy device (11); wherein the coupling front part and coupling rear part are connected to each other by means of a pivot connection formed from a pivot head (6), a bolt extending through the through-opening (7) and mounted in the connection structure (18), in particular a fork-shaped housing of the drawbar and buoyancy device, about a rotation orpivot axis are pivotably connected and wherein the coupling rod (1 ) is also displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) and the end stop surface (8) and the pressure plate (11 ) are in. File: 28511 DE / SKK - 23 - in a state of the coupling rod (1) fully retracted in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) they lie against each other and in a state of the coupling rod (1) maximally extended in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) define a maximum coupling joint play.

14. Coupling arrangement (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the coupling rod (1 ) has surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or viewed in a vertical direction, in particular surfaces pointing in a vertical direction, which are designed such that these contact surface areas in the extension area of ​​the ball joint (6) are characterized, in particular, at least in the direction of the longitudinal axis, as convex or vertically oriented contact surface areas describing radii for interaction with vertically oriented stop surfaces on the connection structure (18), wherein the subdivision of the coupling rod (1 ) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) from the first to the second end region (2, 3) of the coupling rod (1 ) is considered to be contact surface areas (21 , 22) are arranged in front of, in particular directly in front of, and the position of the contact surface areas (21 , 22) on the coupling rod (1 ) is determined as a function of the overlap in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the connecting structure (18) , in particular the fork-shaped housing of the draw and push device (15) in the area of ​​the joint connection.

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