Anti-twist device for a foldable coupler, and foldable coupler comprising an Anti-twist device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anti-twist device (10, 10', 10'') for mounting on a foldable coupler (1000), comprising - an attachment member (11, 11', 11'') configured to be mounted on one of a rear shank portion (1120) and vertical support (1600), - a blocking assembly (12, 12', 12'') connected to the attachment member (11, 11', 11'') and comprising a movable blocking element (13, 13', 13''), - a control member (14, 14', 14'') connected to the blocking assembly (12, 12', 12'') and configured to operate the blocking element (13, 13', 13'') along a blocking element path from a non-blocking position to a blocking position, wherein said blocking assembly (12, 12', 12'') is configured in the blocking position to extend the blocking element (13, 13', 13'') towards the other of said rear shank portion (1120) and vertical support (1600) on the first side of the longitudinal axis to limit a twisting movement of the coupler shank (1100) around the longitudinal axis (B) of the rear shank portion (1120) in relation to the pivot anchor assembly (1200). The invention also relates to a foldable coupler (1000).

Description

[0001] ANTI-TWIST DEVICE FOR A FOLDABLE COUPLER, AND FOLDABLE COUPLER COMPRISING AN ANTI-TWIST DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to foldable railway couplers where a front shank portion is pivotable in relation to a rear shank portion to enable folding and stowing.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Railway couplers typically comprise two main components, a pivot anchor assembly for mounting on a railcar and a coupler shank holding a coupler head for connecting to an opposing coupler. The pivot anchor assembly and the coupler shank are pivotably attached to each other by one of them (generally the coupler shank) being arranged on a pivot pin that is held by the other (generally the pivot anchor assembly) . In this way, the coupler is able to adapt to curves along the tracks so that smooth operation is achieved.

[0006] A foldable coupler differs from railway couplers in general by the coupler shank being foldable around a foldable joint so that a front shank portion carrying the coupler head can be rotated in the horizontal plane while a rear shank portion connected to the pivot anchor assembly rotates in the opposite direction or remains in place. The folded front shank portion can be stowed for transport and this serves to protect the coupler head.

[0007] One problem connected with foldable couplers is that the coupler shank may dip or sag in relation to the pivot anchor assembly when in the folded state, and that this prevents secure stowing. In particular when the front shank portion is folded to the side a rotation may occur around the longitudinal axis of the rear shank portion; such rotation is known as twist.

[0008] If the folded coupler shank cannot be secured in the folded state, the railcar must be taken out of service due to the risk of injury or damage if the coupler were to be transported along rails even though the coupler shank was not properly secured. In particular for trams or other railways that run along streets with other vehicles and pedestrians, this is a very important safety requirement.

[0009] There are some known ways of limiting twist as shown e.g. in W02024003261A1.

[0010] However, when attempting to restrict twist some prior art devices also risk interfering with normal operation of the coupler in the unfolded state, in particular where the anti-twist device is arranged in such a way that it limits or restricts movement of the coupler shank in relation to the pivot anchor assembly during operation.

[0011] There is therefore a need for improvement within this area, in particular to establish a stable and secure anti-twist device that reliably minimizes twist without interfering with normal operation of the foldable coupler.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems discussed above. This is achieved by an anti-twist device for a foldable coupler and to a foldable coupler comprising such a device according to the appended independent claims.

[0014] The anti-twist device according to the invention is suitable for use with a foldable coupler that comprises a coupler shank with a front shank portion and a rear shank portion connected to each other by a foldable joint, a coupler head mounted on a front end of the front shank portion, and a pivot anchor assembly for mounting on a railway vehicle, a rear end of the rear shank portion being pivotably mounted on said pivot anchor assembly in a joint. The foldable coupler also comprises a joint lock that is operable from a locking position where the foldable joint is locked to maintain alignment of the front shank portion and rear shank portion to a release position where the front shank portion is pivotable in relation to the rear shank portion to enable folding and stowing,

[0015] The anti-twist device according to the invention comprises an attachment member configured to be mounted on one of the rear shank portion and the vertical support, a blocking assembly connected to the attachment member and comprising a movable blocking element, and a control member connected to the blocking assembly and configured to operate the blocking element along a blocking element path from a non-blocking position to a blocking position. Also, said blocking assembly is configured in the blocking position to extend the blocking element towards the other of said rear shank portion and vertical support to limit a twisting movement of the coupler shank around a longitudinal axis of the rear shank portion in relation to the pivot anchor assembly.

[0016] The anti-twist device has the significant advantage in view of the prior art that it can be activated to prevent twisting of the coupler shank during folding and stowing but is then de-activated when the coupler shank returns to the aligned position and the folding joint is locked in place. Thereby, the advantages of preventing twist, in particular ensuring efficient stowing of the coupler shank in the folded position, are achieved while also ensuring that normal operation of the coupler can take place as desired without the antitwist device hindering pivoting of the coupler shank in relation to the pivot anchor assembly and also without the anti-twist device hindering twisting of the coupler that occurs as a result from running along non-horizontal tracks. This is achieved by the control member moving the blocking assembly to and from the blocking position. When the anti-twist device is mounted on the foldable coupler, the control member moves the blocking assembly to the blocking position when the joint lock is released or the front shank portion is pivoted, and returns the blocking assembly to the non-blocking position when the coupler shank is returned to the aligned position.

[0017] Suitably, the anti-twist device also comprises a support portion connected to the attachment member for supporting the blocking element in the blocking position to prevent movement at an angle to the blocking element path of the blocking element. Thereby, the blocking element is guided in its blocking position to ensure that twisting is reliably prevented without the blocking element being pushed to or stuck in other positions than intended. Also, the blocking assembly may comprise a first arm pivotably connected to the attachment member and a second arm pivotably connected to an end of the blocking element. The first arm and second arm are also pivotably attached to each other in a link joint, and the control member is further configured to operate the blocking element by connecting to the link joint and moving the link joint to pivot the first arm and second arm to form the blocking position where the blocking element, the first arm and the second arm are aligned or substantially aligned. This is a particularly convenient and robust design of the blocking assembly since the control member may move at an angle to the blocking element path, for instance perpendicular to the blocking element path. This in turn means that a force on the blocking element cannot push the blocking assembly to the non-blocking position, since the first arm and second arm can only be pivoted by moving the control member.

[0018] In embodiments of this design, the blocking assembly may further comprise a third arm arranged in parallel with the first arm and a fourth arm arranged in parallel with the second arm, and the link joint may be in the form of a pin that connects the first arm to the second arm and the third arm to the fourth arm. This further increases stability of the blocking assembly so that the blocking element will be able to withstand even larger forces but can still be moved easily by a smaller force from the control member.

[0019] In embodiments with the third arm and fourth arm, the control member may be arranged in the blocking assembly and comprise a slot through which the pin extends. Thereby, the control member is able to operate the blocking assembly in a stable and reliable way.

[0020] Also, in embodiments comprising the first arm and the second arm and also comprising the support portion, the support portion may suitably comprise a through-hole through which the blocking element is configured to move to the extended blocking position. Thereby, the blocking element is supported in the blocking position so that it cannot be moved in any direction apart from linearly into the anti-twist device. This renders the blocking assembly very stable and prevents forces applied at an angle to the blocking element path from pushing the blocking element from the blocking position. In other embodiments, the control member may be configured to operate the blocking element by pivoting the blocking element to the blocking position. Thereby, a convenient and cost-efficient anti-twist device is achieved, requiring few components while at the same time being able to fulfil the main objectives of the present invention.

[0021] In some embodiments, the blocking assembly may comprise at least one sacrificial component configured to deform or break at a force threshold to allow the blocking element to move from the blocking position. This ensures that the anti-twist device cannot be accidentally left with the blocking element in the blocking position when the coupler shank is aligned and the coupler is in operation, since the force of the coupler shank pivoting in relation to the pivot anchor assembly and thereby the vertical support will cause the sacrificial component to break so that the anti-twist device is deactivated. This further safeguards the normal operation of the coupler so that the anti-twist device cannot interrupt or hinder it from moving as intended during operation in a set of railway vehicles. The force threshold can be selected by using material and / or dimensions of the sacrificial component so that it breaks as desired at forces that are of the same magnitude as the force threshold or larger.

[0022] In embodiments comprising the first arm and the second arm, the sacrificial component may be the first arm, the second arm or the pin. This ensures that the breaking of the sacrificial component allows the blocking element to reach the non-blocking position since it will no longer be held or supported in the blocking position.

[0023] Suitably, the force threshold at which the sacrificial component breaks may be in a range of 3 - 50 kN. This provides the benefit of enabling the sacrificial component to remain in place to prevent twisting of the coupler shank but to break at forces that occur during normal operation of the coupler.

[0024] In some embodiments, the blocking element may be biased towards the blocking position to enable return to the blocking position when subjected to a force that causes displacement of the blocking element. This ensures that the blocking element will return to the blocking position if pushed against the bias and also enables selecting a blocking force by using a biasing device that is of a given strength.

[0025] Suitably, the blocking element is connected to an extension member that is adjustable to alter a length of the blocking element to form a total blocking length of the anti-twist device. Thereby, the anti-twist device can be adjusted to ensure that the blocking element reaches a correct position in relation to the vertical support or coupler shank towards it extends in the blocking position. It is particularly advantageous that the anti-twist device can be adjusted after mounting since it ensures that the blocking element can be positioned in an advantageous way in the blocking position even without requiring high precision when mounting the anti-twist device on the coupler shank or vertical support.

[0026] The anti-twist device may also suitably comprise a control member spring configured to bias the control member towards a position corresponding to the non-blocking position of the blocking assembly. Thereby, the anti-twist device is biased away from the blocking position so that the anti-twist is active only when the control member is operated and remains in a deactivated state at all other times.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a foldable coupler for a railway vehicle, the foldable coupler comprising a coupler shank comprising a front shank portion and a rear shank portion connected to each other by a foldable joint, the foldable joint comprising a rotational axis. The foldable coupler also comprises a coupler head mounted on a front end of the front shank portion, a pivot anchor assembly for mounting on a railway vehicle, a rear end of the rear shank portion being pivotably mounted on said pivot anchor assembly in a joint, and a vertical support arranged on the pivot anchor assembly, the vertical support extending from the pivot anchor assembly along the coupler shank, further comprising a counter surface that is arranged on the vertical support and faces the coupler shank. The foldable coupler further comprises a joint lock operable from a locking position where the foldable joint is locked to maintain alignment of the front shank portion and rear shank portion to a release position where the front shank portion is pivotable around the rotational axis in relation to the rear shank portion to enable folding and stowing.

[0028] Furthermore, the foldable coupler comprises an anti-twist device according to any embodiment of the invention, wherein the attachment member of the antitwist device is mounted on one of the rear shank portion and the vertical support, and wherein the blocking assembly is configured to extend the blocking element towards the other of the rear shank portion and the vertical support on the first side of the longitudinal axis in the blocking position to block a twisting movement of the coupler shank around the longitudinal axis. By the foldable coupler comprising the anti-twist device that is configured to be in the blocking position when the coupler shank is folded but in the nonblocking position when the coupler shank is not folded, twisting of the coupler shank is reliably minimized or even eliminated without disturbing or hindering the normal operation of the foldable coupler.

[0029] Suitably, the foldable coupler also comprises an activation device mounted in connection with the foldable joint, said activation device comprising an actuator that is operatively connected to the control member of the anti-twist device. The actuator is suitably configured to be activated by release of the joint lock and / or pivoting of the front shank portion in relation to the rear shank portion. Thereby, the activation device controls activation of the antitwist device so that the anti-twist device is activated only when the front shank portion is folded or the joint lock is released.

[0030] The activation device may suitably be operatively connected to the control member by a connecting member attached to the actuator and to the control member, and the actuator may be configured to move from a neutral position to an activated position when activated, thereby transferring a movement to the control member through the connecting member. Thereby, a robust and reliable connection between the activation device and the anti-twist device is achieved. In some embodiments, the connecting member is a wire or a rod. This is a convenient arrangement to ensure that a movement is transferred to the antitwist device and that this transfer cannot be disturbed or prevented even though the foldable coupler may be subjected to difficult operating conditions during a long lifetime, such as vibrations or dirt.

[0031] In some embodiments, the actuator is rotatably fixed to the joint lock such that release of the joint lock causes a corresponding rotation of the actuator. Thereby, it is ensured that the anti-twist device is activated as soon as the joint lock is released. This embodiment is also highly robust and with a long lifetime, enabling the actuator to be arranged in a failsafe manner on the joint lock to ensure that the activated position is reached every time the joint lock is released.

[0032] The activation device may suitably also comprise a catch and a catch receiver, wherein one of the catch and the catch receiver is arranged on the actuator and the other is arranged in the activation device and wherein the catch protrudes into the catch receiver in the activated position to prevent return of the actuator to the neutral position. Thereby, the actuator is reliably held in the activated position so that accidental return to the non-activated position is securely prevented. This in turn ensures that the anti-twist device remains active once the actuator has been brought to the activated position.

[0033] In embodiments comprising a catch, the catch may be biased towards the catch receiver, and the activation device may further comprise a reset member configured to push the catch against the bias to release the actuator from the activated position when the reset member is activated. Thereby, it is ensured that the catch remains in position except when moved by the reset member. The catch may in some embodiments be a mainspring.

[0034] In embodiment comprising the reset member, it may suitably be activated by the front shank portion or the joint lock pushing against the reset member when the front shank portion is returned to the locking position. Thereby, the actuator can automatically be released from the activated position when the front shank portion is pivoted back to the locking position. This in turn ensures that the activation device cannot be prevented from returning from the activated position when the front shank portion has returned, thereby minimizing the risk of the anti-twist device remaining in the blocking position even though the coupler shank is no longer folded.

[0035] In other embodiments of the activation device, the actuator may be mounted on the foldable joint and comprise a slidable attachment that is movable along a track from a first end point corresponding to the neutral position to a second end point corresponding to the activated position. The second end point is then suitably arranged at the rotational axis of the foldable joint whereas the first end point is arranged at a first distance from the rotational axis such that a pivoting of the front shank portion causes the slidable attachment to move along the track to the second end point. This embodiment is robust and reliable and due to the arrangement of the activation device with the second end point at the vertical axis, the slidable attachment will be moved to the second end point as the coupler shank is folded. It is also an embodiment with few components and with a very low risk of failure despite repeated use so that the anti-twist device can be repeatedly activated during the lifetime of the foldable coupler.

[0036] In embodiments comprising the slidable attachment, the first end point is suitably at a first connecting member distance from the anti-twist device in a non-pivoted state of the coupler and the second end point is suitably at a second connecting member distance from the anti-twist device in a stowing position of the coupler, and wherein the second connecting member distance is larger than the first connecting member distance by a stroke length of the activation device. This ensures that the movement of the slidable attachment from the first end point to the second end point causes the control member to move the blocking assembly from the non-blocking position to the blocking position.

[0037] Also, embodiment with the slidable attachment may suitably comprise a connecting member spring mounted in series with the slidable attachment and the connecting member. Thereby, the activation device and anti-twist device are protected so that damage to their components during movement of the slidable attachment is minimized.

[0038] In embodiments comprising both the connecting member and the control member spring biasing the control member, the connecting member spring is suitably stronger than the control member spring biasing the control member of the anti-twist device. Thereby, the activation device can always bring the anti-twist device to the blocking position when the slidable attachment moves to the second end point without risking being prevented by the control member spring.

[0039] For embodiments of the activation device including the slidable attachment, the connecting member is suitably a wire and the foldable coupler further comprises a guide wheel on which the wire is arranged at least partly for guiding the wire in relation to the slidable attachment during folding of the coupler shank. Thereby, it is ensured that the wire remains in correct alignment with the slidable attachment despite the folding of the coupler shank and also despite variations in where of the wire is mounted along the coupler shank.

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments the actuator of the activation device comprises a transmitter and the anti-twist device comprises a receiver configured to cause a control member actuator to operate the control member in response to a signal received from the transmitter. Thereby, a wireless connection is achieved between the activation device and the anti-twist device. In some embodiments, the blocking element of the anti-twist device comprises a blocking surface for contacting the meeting surface, and the blocking surface and meeting surface are planar surfaces that are parallel to each other and angled 5 - 20 °, preferably 8 - 15 ° and more preferably 10 - 13 ° in relation to the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the blocking element is able to slide into place on the blocking surface to achieve a tight fit and minimize twisting. The fit of the blocking surface on the meeting surface is also rendered self-sustaining by this arrangement. Many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by the skilled person in view of the detailed description below.

[0041] DRAWINGS

[0042] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein

[0043] Fig. 1 discloses a perspective view of a foldable coupler with an anti-twist device according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the front shank portion and rear shank portion of the coupler shank aligned;

[0044] Fig. 2 discloses a perspective view of the foldable coupler of Fig. 1 with the front shank portion pivoted;

[0045] Fig. 3a discloses a schematic planar view of a second embodiment of the anti-twist device in a non-blocking position;

[0046] Fig. 3b discloses a schematic planar view of the embodiment of Fig. 3a with the anti-twist device in a blocking position;

[0047] Fig. 4a discloses a perspective view of the first embodiment of the antitwist device in the non-blocking position;

[0048] Fig. 4b discloses a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 4a with the anti-twist device in the blocking position;

[0049] Fig. 5a discloses a schematic planar view of a transversal cross-section of the foldable coupler with the anti-twist device of the first embodiment in the non-blocking position;

[0050] Fig. 5b discloses the components of Fig. 5a with the anti-twist device in the blocking position;

[0051] Fig. 6a discloses the components of Fig. 5a in a cross-sectional planar view from above; Fig. 6b discloses the components of Fig. 5b in a cross-sectional planar view from above;

[0052] Fig. 7a discloses a cross-sectional view from above of a third embodiment of the anti-twist device in the non-blocking position,

[0053] Fig. 7b discloses the third embodiment of Fig. 7a in the blocking position; Fig. 8 discloses a perspective view of the anti-twist device of the third embodiment with parts cut away to show sacrificial components; Fig. 9 discloses a perspective view of the anti-twist device of the third embodiment showing design of the blocking element;

[0054] Fig. 10a discloses the activation device according to a first embodiment in the neutral position mounted on the foldable coupler in a cross- sectional planar view from above;

[0055] Fig. 10b discloses the activation device of Fig. 10a in the activated position; Fig. 11a discloses a cross-sectional side view of the activation device of the first embodiment in the neutral position mounted on the foldable coupler;

[0056] Fig. l ib discloses a cross-sectional side view of the components of Fig. 11a in the activated position;

[0057] Fig. 12 discloses a planar view from above of a second embodiment of the activation device with a catch in the form of a mainspring;

[0058] Fig. 13a discloses a planar view from above of a third embodiment of the activation device in a neutral position mounted with the activation device on the foldable coupler;

[0059] Fig. 13b discloses the components of Fig. 13a with the activation device in the activated position and the front shank portion pivoted;

[0060] Fig. 14a discloses the activation device of the third embodiment in a planar view from the side; Fig. 14b discloses the activation device of Fig. 14a taken along the line A-A with the slidable attachment in the first end point;

[0061] Fig. 14c discloses the activation device of Fig. 14a taken along the line A-A with the slidable attachment in the second end point with the actuator in the activated position;

[0062] Fig. 14d discloses an enlarged planar view from above of the activation device of the third embodiment with the actuator in the neutral position; and

[0063] Fig. 15 discloses a perspective view from above of the activation device of the second embodiment connected to the anti-twist device, together with a guide wheel;

[0064] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the respective embodiments, whereas other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. Any reference number appearing in multiple drawings refers to the same object or feature throughout the drawings, unless otherwise indicated.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The invention will now be described, starting with a description of a foldable coupler 1000 and followed by descriptions of embodiments of an anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” and an activation device 20, 20’, 20” for activating the antitwist device 10, 10’, 10” when the foldable coupler 1000 is folded. It is particularly to be noted that the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” is suitable for use with any type of foldable coupler and that features of the foldable coupler 1000 of the invention described below may be varied as long as it is able to interact with the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” in the manner disclosed herein. Thus, the foldable coupler 1000 of the invention may for instance comprise different kinds of coupler heads 1400 for coupling to a similar coupler and that pivot anchor assembly 1200 and vertical support 1600 may be designed in other ways than shown in the drawings. In the following, embodiments of the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” will be described along with embodiments of an activation device 20, 20’, 20” for activating the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10”. Although they will be described with reference to various embodiments, it is to be noted that features from one embodiment can freely be incorporated into another where technically feasible, and that features that are similar or identical in design and / or purpose have the same reference numeral.

[0067] When it is said in the following that the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” or the activation device 20, 20’, 20” is mounted on a part of the foldable coupler 1000, this is to be understood as including being mounted on another component that is attached to or forms part of the foldable coupler 1000. For instance, if the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” is mounted on the rear shank portion 1120, this includes that the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” can be mounted on one of the components which make up the rear shank portion 1120, if said rear shank portion 1120 is not made from a singular component. For example, the anti-twist device can be mounted on a socket joint which is part of the rear shank portion. Also, the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” can be mounted on e.g. a damper arranged on or in connection with the rear shank portion 1120.

[0068] Fig. 1 discloses the foldable coupler 1000 comprising a coupler shank 1100 that is pivotably arranged on the pivot anchor assembly 1200 in a joint 1500. In Fig. 1, a rear end 1140 of the rear shank portion 1120 is arranged on a pivot pin mounted on a holder 1210 of the pivot anchor assembly 1200, but it is to be noted that the reverse could instead be true, i.e. that the pivot anchor assembly 1200 is arranged on a pivot pin mounted on a holder of the coupler shank 1100.

[0069] The coupler shank 1100 comprises a front shank portion 1110 and the rear shank portion 1120 that are connected to each other in a foldable joint 1300 with a joint lock 1310 that secures the front shank portion 1110 in an aligned position in relation to the rear shank portion 1120 to form the foldable coupler 1110 as shown in Fig. 1. The foldable joint 1300 is pivotable on a rotational axis A that is suitably a vertical axis but that in some embodiments may be at an angle to a vertical direction. In Fig. 1, the foldable joint 1300 is shown in a locking position where the front shank portion 1110 is locked in the aligned position and unable to pivot around the foldable joint 1300. In this position, both the front shank portion 1110 and rear shank portion 1120 extend along a longitudinal axis B of the foldable coupler 1000.

[0070] On a front end 1130 of the front shank portion 1110, a coupler head 1400 is arranged and configured to be coupled to a similar coupler head of an opposing coupler (not shown). Similarly, the pivot anchor assembly 1200 is configured to be mounted on a railway vehicle (not shown) in a manner known in the art. Also provided is the vertical support 1600 that is arranged on the pivot anchor assembly 1200 and extends along the coupler shank 1100 to support other components of the foldable coupler 1000 such as e.g. a centering device (not shown) used to center the coupler shank 1100 during operation. The vertical support 1600 also comprises at least one counter surface 1610 that faces the coupler shank 1100. There may also be additional counter surfaces 1620 (see Fig. 3a-3b).

[0071] Fig. 1 also discloses the anti-twist device 10 according to a first or third embodiment of the invention. These embodiments will be described in more detail in Fig. 4a onwards.

[0072] Fig. 2 shows the coupler 1000 with the joint lock 1310 in the release position and the front shank portion 1110 pivoted. This enables folding and stowing of the front shank portion 1110, typically resulting in a stowage position where the front shank portion 1110 or a component attached thereto is latched to the foldable coupler 1000 to be held immobile in relation to the foldable coupler 1000. For some foldable couplers 1000, the stowage position is reached by pivoting only the front shank portion 1110, but for others the stowage position may also include pivoting the rear shank portion 1120 around the joint 1500. When reaching the stowage position, it is very important that the front shank portion 1110 can be securely latched, but due to the weight of the front shank portion 1110 a twisting around the longitudinal axis B can take place so that the front shank portion 1110 ends up lower than the latch and latching is impossible. In this state, the foldable coupler 1000 is not safe since the front shank portion 1110 can pivot freely around the rotational axis A and swing towards persons, vehicles or objects present near the railway tracks, resulting in possible damage and injury. For this purpose, the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” is configured to be activated and extend a movable blocking element 13, 13’, 13” (see Fig. 3a onwards) towards the vertical support 1600 so that the blocking element 13, 13’, 13” blocks the twisting movement and ensures that the front shank portion 1110 can be stowed and latched.

[0073] The anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” of the present invention will now be described, starting with a second embodiment shown in Fig. 3a-3b and proceeding to the first embodiment and the third embodiment shown in Fig.

[0074] 4a onwards. The second embodiment has a simpler design and is therefore suitable to describe first.

[0075] Thus, Fig. 3a shows a cross-section of the foldable coupler 1000 taken on a front side of the joint 1500 (i.e. on a side away from the pivot anchor assembly 1200), where the rear shank portion 1120 can be seen together with the vertical support 1600. The anti-twist device 10’ comprises an attachment member 11’ that is configured to be mounted on the rear shank portion 1120 or the vertical support 1600 and that in this embodiment is mounted on the vertical support 1600. A blocking assembly 12’ is connected to the attachment member 11’ and comprises a movable blocking element 13’ that is pivotable in this embodiment that moves from a non-blocking position of Fig. 3a where the coupler shank 1100 is able to twist (shown by arrow) to a blocking position of Fig. 3b where the blocking element 13’ prevents twisting. The anti-twist device also comprises a control member 14’ that is configured to operate the blocking assembly 12 to move the blocking element 13 from the non-blocking position along a path P to the blocking position. In the embodiment of Fig. 3a-3b, the control member 14’ can be an arm that pivots the blocking assembly 12’ in relation to the vertical support 1600 or can alternatively be integrated with the blocking assembly 12’. In the blocking position, the blocking element 13’ is extended towards a meeting surface S of the rear shank portion 1120 so that the rear shank portion 1120 is not able to twist from its intended position. In some embodiments based on the second embodiment, the anti-twist device 10’ can instead be mounted on the rear shank portion 1120 and extend towards the vertical support 1600. It is also advantageous that the vertical support 160 comprises the counter surface 1610 since the rear shank portion 1120 will be held securely between the counter surface 1610 and the blocking element 13’.

[0076] The vertical support 1600 may also comprise at least one additional counter surface 1620, and the counter surface 1610 and the additional counter surface 1620 are provided to establish contact between the rear shank portion 1120 and the vertical support 1600 during operation of the coupler, such as when the coupler shank 1100 is pivoted in relation to the pivot anchor assembly 1200 when the coupler 1000 moves along a bend in railway tracks or similar.

[0077] Fig. 4a discloses the first embodiment of the anti-twist device 10 with the attachment member 11 in the form of a housing surrounding the blocking assembly 12. The blocking assembly 12 comprises a first arm 121 and a second arm 122 that are linked to each other in a link joint 123 and the blocking element 13 is in the form of a plunger 13 that moves linearly along the path P (see Fig. 4b). When describing the first embodiment, the terms blocking element 13 and plunger 13 will in the following be used interchangeably.

[0078] It is to be noted that the design and operation of the various embodiments of the anti-twist device 10 disclosed herein is largely similar although some features will differ. It is in particular to be noted that any feature not specifically stated to be different is to be understood as being similar or identical.

[0079] To form the blocking assembly 12, the first arm 121 is pivotably connected to the attachment member 11, i.e. the housing of the anti-twist device 10, and the second arm 122 is pivotably connected to an end 131 of the blocking element 13. The control member 14 is connected to the link joint 123 and operates the blocking assembly 12 by moving the link joint 123 so that the first arm 121 and second arm 122 pivot from the non-blocking position shown in Fig. 4a to the blocking position shown in Fig. 4b. In the blocking position, the plunger 13 protrudes from an opening in the form of a through-hole 151 in a support portion 15 of the housing that supports the plunger 13 and prevents movement in other directions than along the path P. The opening 151 is preferably formed so that material of the attachment member 11 surrounds the opening to form the through-hole, since this ensures that the plunger 13 is stably supported regardless of in which direction a force is applied to it.

[0080] The link joint 123 is in the first embodiment formed by a pin 126 that extends through openings in the first arm 121 and the second arm 122 and that is available to the control member 14 so that the link joint 123 is movable between the non-blocking position and the blocking position. It is also to be noted that the movement of the link joint 123 and of the control member 14 is a linear movement that is perpendicular to the movement of the plunger 13 in the first embodiment. In the blocking position of Fig. 4b, the first arm 121 and second arm 122 are also aligned or substantially aligned with each other or even pivoted beyond the aligned position shown in this Figure. This is particularly advantageous since it ensures that a force on the blocking element 13 cannot move the blocking assembly 12 to the non-blocking position as long as the first arm 121 and second arm 122 are aligned or moved beyond alignment and in particular as long as the control member 14 holds the link joint 123 in the blocking position. To prevent undesired movement of the blocking element 13 it is also advantageous that the movement of the blocking element 13 is substantially perpendicular to the movement of the control member 14. The term “substantially aligned” as used herein is to be understood as within 10 ° of alignment. Also, the term “aligned” as used herein is to be understood as components being arranged with their longitudinal extension along a common axis.

[0081] As mentioned above, the support portion 15 surrounds the opening 151 through which the blocking element 13 extends in the blocking position, but it is to be noted that the support portion 15 can alternatively have another shape as long as it is able to support the blocking element 13 to prevent movements of the blocking element 13 at an angle to the blocking element path P. Such movements could otherwise damage or break the blocking assembly 12.

[0082] The first arm 121 and the second arm 122 are sufficient to ensure the movement and stability of the blocking element 13, but to further increase stability the first embodiment also comprises a third arm 124 and a fourth arm 125 that are joined to each other at the link joint 123 in such a way that the pin 126 that links the first arm 121 to the second arm 122 also links the third arm 124 to the fourth arm 125. The third arm 124 is pivotably connected to the attachment member 11 and arranged in parallel with the first arm 121, whereas the fourth arm 125 is pivotably connected to the blocking element 13 and arranged in parallel with the second arm 122. The control member 14 is symmetrically arranged in relation to the arms 121, 122, 124, 125 and extends between them so that the first arm 121 and second arm 122 are on one side of the control member 14 while the third arm 124 and the fourth arm 125 are on an opposite side. In this way, the pin 126 is able to extend through an opening in the form of a slot 141 in the control member 14 so that the control member 14 is able to operate the blocking assembly by the pin 126 contacting walls of the slot 141. It is also advantageous that the opening is a slot 141 since this enables the pin 126 to slide along the slot as the control member 14 moves.

[0083] Also shown in Fig. 4b is an extension member 16 that is mounted on the blocking element 13 and that is adjustable to alter a length of the blocking element 13. In this way, the anti-twist device 10 can be adjusted in relation to the foldable coupler 1000 so that a distance from the blocking element in the blocking position to the meeting surface S (see Fig. 5a) on the rear shank portion 1120 or the vertical support 1600 can be minimized. This is particularly advantageous in all embodiments of the invention since it minimizes twist by reducing the movement of the rear shank portion 1120 when the anti-twist device 10 is in the blocking position. For all embodiments, there may also be a sacrificial component 12A in the blocking assembly 12, 12’, 12” that is configured to deform or break at a force threshold so that the blocking element 13, 13’, 13” is able to move from the blocking position. This protects the foldable coupler 1000 so that the antitwist device 10 is not able to hinder operation if it is left active by accident when the foldable coupler 1000 is returned to the aligned position. In Fig. 4a, the sacrificial component 12A is shown as the first arm 121, but in other embodiments any component of the blocking assembly 12, 12’, 12” can fulfil this purpose. In particular, one of the first or second arm 121, 122 or the pin 126 is suitable since breaking them will ensure that the blocking element 13, 13’, 13” cannot be held in the blocking position. This ensures that the antitwist device 10 is able to prevent twist of the coupler shank 1100 but that the sacrificial component 12A breaks if subjected to forces that occur during normal operation of the foldable coupler 1000. The force threshold is in a range of 3 - 50 kN. Forces in this range are above those that can be expected when the rear shank portion 1120 twists during folding and stowing, so the sacrificial component 12A will be able to withstand twisting to ensure that the rear shank portion 1120 is in a position suitable for stowing. At the same time, forces that occur during normal operation of the foldable coupler 1000 are larger than those in the range of 3 - 50 kN, so the sacrificial component 12A will break if the anti-twist device 10 remains active even though the front shank portion 1110 is aligned with the rear shank portion 1120.

[0084] When the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” is mounted on a foldable coupler 1000, the control member 14, 14’, 14” is connected to an actuator 21, 21’, 21” of an activation device 20, 20’, 20” (see Fig. 7a onwards). In some embodiments, the connection to the actuator 21, 21’, 21” may be wireless so that the control member 14, 14’, 14” is operated by an anti-twist device actuator 142 (shown in Fig. 4a as integrated with the control member) that is actuated when receiving a control signal from a transmitter of the activation device 20, 20’, 20”. In some embodiments, however, the control member 14, 14’, 14” is connected to the actuator 21, 21’, 21” of the activation device 20, 20’, 20” by a connecting member 30 that extends from the activation device 20, 20’, 20” to the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” (see Fig. 9a-9b). The connecting member 30 then suitably fits into a control member attachment 111 of the attachment member 11, 11’, 11”, i.e. for the first embodiment of the housing 11. From the control member 111, the control member 30 is suitably connected to the control member 14, 14’, 14” by being attached to an end 143 of the control member 14, 14’ 14” (see Fig. 9a-9b).

[0085] The extension member 16 of the blocking element 13 may suitably be threaded on the blocking element to enable a precise control of the total length of the blocking element 13 with the extension member 16. The extension member 16 may then be fixed in place by a nut 161 or similar to ensure that no further movement of the extension member 16 in relation to the blocking element 13 is possible. When using the extension member 16 on the blocking element 13, they have combined length that forms a total blocking length BL of the antitwist device. Since the extension member 16 is adjustable, the total blocking length BL is set after the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” is mounted on the foldable coupler 1000 so that the distance to the meeting surface S is minimized. This facilitates mounting of the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” since a tight fit of the blocking element 13 against the meeting surface S is possible even when the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” is arranged with a slight gap between the blocking element 13 and the meeting surface S. It also enables further adjustment during operation if the distance from the blocking element 13 to the meeting surface S has increased due to wear and tear. In some embodiments, the blocking element 13, 13’, 13” is biased towards the blocking position. This can be achieved with a blocking assembly spring (not shown) that biases the blocking assembly 12, 12’, 12” or just the blocking element 13, 13’, 13”.

[0086] Fig. 5a-5b shows the anti-twist device 10 of the first embodiment mounted on the foldable coupler 1000, with the rear shank portion 1620 and the vertical support 1600 and also showing the counter surface 1610 and the additional counter surfaces 1620 of the vertical support 1600. In Fig. 5a, the blocking assembly 12 is in the non-blocking position and the rear shank portion 1120 is able to move in relation to the vertical support 1600 and the pivot anchor assembly 1200. In Fig. 5b, the blocking element 13 is extended to the blocking position so that it is close to or even in contact with the vertical support 1600. This means that twist of the rear shank portion 1200 is minimized. Some parts shown in Fig. 5a such as the counter surfaces 1610 and 1620 are hidden in Fig. 5b.

[0087] Fig. 6a-6b show the anti-twist device 10 of the first embodiment mounted on the foldable coupler 1000 in a cross-sectional view from above, showing the components inside the anti-twist device 10 with the control member 14 and the blocking assembly 12. In particular, Fig. 6a-6b show a control member spring 17 that is configured to bias the control member 14 towards a neutral position, i.e. a position that corresponds to the non-blocking position of the blocking assembly 12 as shown in Fig. 6a.

[0088] Fig. 7a Fig. 9 disclose a third embodiment of the anti-twist device 10” that differs from the first and second embodiment mainly in the design and movement of the blocking assembly 12” with the blocking element 13”. This embodiment will now be described, and it is to be noted that any feature not explicitly stated as differing from the anti-twist device 10, 10’ of the first or second embodiment is to be understood as being similar or identical to what has already been described above. It is also to be noted that features of one embodiment may freely be incorporated into another, except for those features that are stated as distinguishing one embodiment over another.

[0089] Fig. 7a discloses the anti-twist device 10” mounted on the rear shank portion 1120 and comprising the attachment member 11” that is in the form of a housing in which the blocking assembly 12” and the control member 14” are arranged. In the anti-twist device 10” of Fig. 7a-7b, the blocking assembly 12” comprises a plate that also acts as the blocking member 13”. The control member 14” is formed as a wire that is attached to the blocking assembly 12”. Furthermore, two control member springs 17” are provided to urge the blocking assembly 12” towards the non-blocking position so that the bias from the control member springs 17” must be counteracted by the wire of the control member 14” in order to move the blocking member 13” to the blocking position. The blocking assembly 12” is slidably arranged on two bolts or screws 112” and each of the control member springs 17” are held on one of the bolts or screws 112” so that they are able to push the blocking assembly 12” towards the non-blocking position of Fig. 7a.

[0090] The control member attachment 111” is provided for holding the control member 14” in place. In some embodiments, the wire of the control member 14” may be attached to or form part of the connecting member 30 that connects the anti-twist device 10” to the activation device 20, 20’, 20”, but in other embodiments an actuator may be provided at the control member attachment 111” and configured to operate the wire.

[0091] When activating the anti-twist device 10”, the control member 14” is pulled towards the right-hand side of Fig. 7a with a force that is larger than the bias from the control member springs 17”. This causes the blocking member 13” to move along the path P to the blocking position shown in Fig. 7b. In this position, the blocking member 13” contacts the meeting surface S of the vertical support 1600. The direction of movement of the blocking member 13” is in this embodiment a longitudinal movement along the longitudinal axis B, whereas the blocking member 13 of the first embodiment instead moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement.

[0092] The blocking element 13” comprises a planar blocking surface 13A that in the blocking position contacts the meeting surface S to ensure that twisting is minimized. In this embodiment, the meeting surface S is also a planar surface to ensure a maximal contact between the blocking surface 13A and the meeting surface S. It is particularly advantageous that the blocking surface 13A and the meeting surface S are angled in relation to the path P of the blocking element 13”, i.e. in relation to the longitudinal direction when the anti-twist device 10” is mounted on the foldable coupler 1000. The angle is 5 - 20 °, preferably 8 - 15 ° and more preferably 10 - 13 ° in relation to the longitudinal axis B. This renders the blocking element 13” and the meeting surface S self-sustaining in the blocking position so that no further movement of the blocking position 13” in relation to the meeting surface S can take place once the blocking position is reached, unless the control member 14” is released so that the control member springs 17” are able to push the blocking assembly 12” to the non-blocking position. Another advantage of the angled surfaces is that adjustment of the position of the anti-twist device 10” in relation to the vertical support 1600 is facilitated since the advantage of the invention is achieved as long as the blocking surface 13A is able to contact the meeting surface S even if the transversal direction from the anti-twist device 10” to the vertical support 1600 differs from one installation to another. After mounting the anti-twist device 10”, the wire is suitably adjusted so that the blocking element 13” can be pulled into contact with the meeting surface S to form the blocking position.

[0093] Fig. 8-9 disclose the anti-twist device 10” according to the third embodiment with the blocking assembly 12” comprising the blocking element 13” sandwiched between outer plates 18A, 18B and held in place by sacrificial pins 12A. The blocking element 13” also comprises an opening 18C.

[0094] During operation of the anti-twist device 10”, the blocking element 13” is held as shown in Fig. 9 between the outer plates 18A, 18B of the blocking assembly 12”, but if subjected to a force that breaks the sacrificial pins 12A shown in Fig. 8, the blocking element 13” is able to slide to the right-hand side of Fig. 9 thanks to the opening 18C. This ensures that the blocking element 13” is no longer able to block twisting by pushing against the meeting surface S.

[0095] In the above, the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” has been described and it has been mentioned briefly how it can be activated by the activation device 20, 20’, 20” in different ways. The activation device 20, 20’, 20” itself will now be described, starting with a first embodiment shown in Fig. 10a- 10b.

[0096] Fig. 10a discloses the activation device 20 mounted on the foldable coupler 1000 at the foldable joint 1300. The first embodiment is mounted in connection with the joint lock 1310 so that a release of the joint lock 1310 also causes activation of the activation device 20. This is achieved by the actuator 21 being mounted on a joint lock shaft 1330 and being rotationally fixed by a joint lock key 1340 so that rotation of the joint lock shaft 1330 also causes a corresponding rotation of the actuator 21. In some embodiments, the activation device 20 can instead be connected or coupled to the joint lock in another way, as long as a movement of the joint lock 1310 to release the foldable joint 1320 also causes movement of the actuator 21.

[0097] The activation device 20 also comprises a catch 22 that in this embodiment is pivotably mounted on the actuator 21 and that is biased by a catch spring 23 towards a catch receiver 24 when the actuator 21 is in the activated position. In this embodiment, the catch spring 23 biases the catch 22 in a radial direction outwards.

[0098] Fig. 10a discloses a non-activated position where the joint lock 1310 is locked and the actuator 21 is in a neutral position. When the joint lock 1310 is released, the foldable joint 1320 is allowed to pivot as shown in Fig. 10b. The release of the joint lock 1310 causes rotation of the actuator 21 to an activated position where the catch 22 fits into a catch receiver 24. Due to the bias from the catch spring 23, the catch 22 is held at least partly in the catch receiver 24 and thereby prevents rotation of the actuator 21 in a counterclockwise direction in Fig. 10b back to the neutral position. The activation device 20 suitably also comprises a housing 27 that surrounds components of the activation device 20 and protects them from damage or dirt from surroundings of the foldable coupler 1000. The catch receiver 24 may suitably be formed in the housing 27 but may alternatively be formed in another component or structure of the activation device 20.

[0099] It is also to be noted that although the first embodiment of the activation device 20 comprises a catch 22 mounted on the actuator 21 and a catch receiver 24 in the housing 27, the opposite arrangement can instead be made where the catch is mounted on the housing 27 and the catch receiver 24 is provided in the actuator 21. Regardless, where a catch spring 23 is used it should be arranged to bias the catch 22 towards the catch receiver 24 and this may be in a radial direction or in any other direction. Also, even though the catch 22 is pivotably arranged in this embodiment, other arrangements such as e.g. linearly movable are also possible within the scope of the present invention. The rotation of the actuator 21 causes activation of the anti-twist device 10, either by a wireless connection where the actuator is connected to a transmitter and the anti-twist device 10 comprises a corresponding receiver, or by the connecting member 30 that is attached to the actuator 21 and also to the control member 14 of the anti-twist device 10. When the actuator 21 is rotated, this pulls or pushes on the connecting member 30 to cause a movement that is transmitted to the control member 14.

[0100] The connecting member 30 is in the first embodiment a wire 31, but in other embodiments it may instead be a rod.

[0101] The activation device 20 of the first embodiment also comprises a reset member 25 that is biased by a reset spring 26 in a direction away from the catch 22 in the activated position. When the front shank portion 1100 is returned to the aligned position, i.e. pivoted from the position of Fig. 10b to the position of Fig. 7a, the foldable joint 1300 or of the front shank portion 1100 pushes on the reset member 25 so that the reset member 25 forces the catch 22 out of the catch receiver 24. It thereby enables return of the actuator 21 to the neutral position of Fig. 7a. In some embodiment, the reset spring 26 can be removed so that the catch spring 23 is the only bias that needs to be counteracted by the reset member 25.

[0102] Providing the catch 22 and the reset member 25 is particularly advantageous since it ensures that the activation device 20 cannot be returned to the neutral position except when the front shank portion 1100 is returned to the aligned position and the joint lock 1310 is locked again.

[0103] Interaction of the actuator 21 with the joint lock 1310 is shown in more detail in Fig. 11a (neutral position) and Fig. l ib (activated position), that disclose how the release of the joint lock 1310 affects the activation device 20.

[0104] Fig. 1 la shows a joint lock plunger 1350 that is biased by a joint lock spring 1360 towards a locked position with the joint lock plunger 1350 extended. The activation device 20 is mounted on the joint lock shaft 1330 with the joint lock key 1340 provided to rotationally fix the actuator 21 to the joint lock shaft 1330. In Fig. l ib, the joint lock plunger 1350 has been pushed into the joint lock 1310 to rotate the joint lock shaft 1330. This is the activated position of the activation device 20, and the actuator 21 will remain in this position even after the joint lock plunger 1350 is released and returned to the neutral position due to the bias from the joint lock spring 1360.

[0105] Fig. 12 discloses a second embodiment of the activation device 20’ that differs from the first embodiment by the catch 22’ being in the form of a mainspring 22’. When the actuator 21’ rotates, the mainspring 22’ is pulled from its neutral position shown in Fig. 12 to the activated position (not shown) where a free end 221 the mainspring 22’ fits into the catch cavity 24’. To release the mainspring 22’, the reset member 25’ is pushed into the catch cavity 24, thereby enabling return of the mainspring 22’ to the neutral position. In all other respects, the second embodiment of the activation device 20’ is similar or identical to the first embodiment described above.

[0106] In the first and second embodiment of the activation device 20, 20’, the actuator 21, 21’ comprises a clearance in relation to the joint lock key 1340 such that a rotation of the joint lock 1310 causes the joint lock key 1340 to transfer this rotation to the actuator 21, 21’ to move from the neutral position to the activated position but that a return of the joint lock 1310 to its original position will not force the actuator 21, 21’ to return to the neutral position also. Instead, the catch 22, 22’ will hold the actuator 21, 21’ in the activated position regardless of the return rotation of the joint lock 1310 until the catch 22, 22’ is released. Thereby, the joint lock 1310 can return to the original position and be ready to receive the front shank portion 1110 as it is pivoted to the aligned position whereas the activation device 20, 20’ remains activated until the release of the catch 22, 22’.

[0107] Fig. 13a onwards show a third embodiment of the activation device 20” mounted on the foldable coupler 1000 and connected to the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” by the connecting member 30 that in this embodiment is in the form of the wire 31. The activation device 20” is mounted on the foldable joint 1320 and is activated by the pivoting of the front shank portion 1100 in relation to the rear shank portion 1200. In this embodiment, the joint lock 1310 as such does not operate the activation device 20” but instead the pivoting movement around the folding joint 1320 causes the activation.

[0108] In Fig. 13b, the front shank portion 1100 is pivoted on the foldable joint 1320, and this activates the activation device 20” so that the wire 31 is pulled, thereby activating the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10”.

[0109] Also shown in Fig. 13a- 13b is a connecting member spring 32 that serves to protect the wire 31 against overstretching. Where the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10” comprises the control member spring 17 as described above, it is advantageous for the connecting member spring 32 to be stronger than the control member spring 17 so that the control member 14 can reliably be moved by the activation device 20”.

[0110] Fig. 14a shows the activation device 20” with a lid 27A’ of the housing 27” to cover its internal components, and Fig. 14b discloses the activation device 20” with the lid 27A’ removed to show the actuator 21” with a slidable attachment 21A”. The slidable attachment 21A” protrudes from the housing 27” and is movable along a track 28” from a first end point 28A” (shown in Fig. 14b) that corresponds to the neutral position of the activation device 20” to a second end point 28B” that corresponds to the activated position. The first end point 28A” is at a first distance d from the second end point 28B”.

[0111] When the front shank portion 1110 is folded, the activation device 20” rotates and the slidable attachment 21A” slides along the track 28” due to the wire 31 that is connected to the actuator 21” at a wire attachment 2 IB”. The activation device 20” is in the second embodiment mounted on the foldable joint 1320 with the second end point 28B” at the first axis A and with the first end point 28A” at a first distance from the second end point, i.e. offset from the center of rotation. This causes the actuator 21” to slide to the second end point 28B” and to remain there while the front shank portion 1100 is folded and stowed. The track 28” may have any suitable shape as long as the actuator 21” can be moved along the track 28’ during folding of the foldable coupler 1000. Fig. 14c shows the activation device 20” with the actuator 21” in the activated position, i.e. with the slidable attachment at the second end point 28B”.

[0112] Fig. 13a shows how the first end point 28A” is at a first connecting member distance dl from the anti-twist device 10, whereas the second end point 28B” is at a second connecting member distance d2 from the anti-twist device 10 that is longer than the first connecting member distance dl by a stroke length SL of the activation device 20” (shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 14d). Fig. 14d also shows how the activation device 20” is mounted with the second end point 28B” at the first axis A of the foldable joint 1320. The stroke length SL of the activation device 20” is also a stroke length of the control member 14, 14’, 14” of the anti-twist device 10, 10’, 10”, so that the movement from the first end point 28A” to the second end point 28B” causes the control member 14, 14’, 14” to move the blocking assembly 12, 12’, 12” from the neutral position to the blocking position.

[0113] The connecting member spring 32 is mounted in series with the wire 31 to be able to prevent overstretching and possible damage to the wire 31 , and although Fig. 13a- 13b show the connecting member spring 32 at the activation device 20”, it could instead be arranged between the wire 31 and the anti-twist device 10.

[0114] Fig. 15 shows the anti-twist device 10 together with a version of the second embodiment where a guide wheel 29” is provided to guide the wire 31 to the activation device 20”. The wire 31 is arranged at least partly on the guide wheel 29” and as the foldable coupler 1000 is folded, the guide wheel 29” ensures that the wire 31 is aligned with the activation device 20” in a suitable way to ensure reliable operation.

[0115] It is to be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Anti-twist device for a foldable coupler, the foldable coupler (1000) comprising- a coupler shank (1100) comprising a front shank portion (1110) and a rear shank portion (1120) connected to each other by a foldable joint (1300),,- a coupler head (1400) mounted on a front end (1130) of the front shank portion (1110),- a pivot anchor assembly (1200) for mounting on a railway vehicle, wherein a rear end (1140) of the rear shank portion (1120) is pivotably mounted on said pivot anchor assembly (1200) in a joint (1500),- a vertical support (1600) arranged on the pivot anchor assembly (1200), the vertical support (1600) extending from the pivot anchor assembly (1200) along the coupler shank (1100),,wherein the foldable coupler (1000) further comprises a joint lock (1310) operable from a locking position where the foldable joint (1310) is locked to maintain alignment of the front shank portion (1110) and rear shank portion (1120) to a release position where the front shank portion (1110) is pivotable around a rotational axis (A) of the foldable joint (1310) in relation to the rear shank portion (1120) to enable sideways folding and stowing,the anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”) comprising- an attachment member (11, 11’, 11”) configured to be mounted on one of the rear shank portion (1120) and the vertical support (1600), a blocking assembly (12, 12’, 12”) connected to the attachment member (11, 11’, 11”) and comprising a movable blocking element (13, 13’, 13”),- a control member (14, 14’, 14”) connected to the blocking assembly (12, 12’, 12”) and configured to operate the blocking element (13, 13’, 13”) along a blocking element path (P) from a non-blocking position to a blocking position,wherein said blocking element (13, 13’, 13”) is configured to extend in the blocking position towards a meeting surface (S) of the other of said rear shank portion (1120) and vertical support (1600) to limit a twisting movement of the coupler shank (1100) around a longitudinal axis (B) of the rear shank portion (1120) in relation to the pivot anchor assembly (1200).

2. Anti-twist device according to claim 1, further comprising a support portion (15) connected to the attachment member (11) for supporting the blocking element (13) in the blocking position to prevent movement at an angle to the blocking element path of the blocking element.

3. Anti-twist device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blocking assembly (12) comprises a first arm (121) pivotably connected to the attachment member (11) and a second arm (122) pivotably connected to an end of the blocking element (13), and wherein the first arm (121) and second arm (122) are also pivotably attached to each other in a link joint (123), and wherein the control member (14) is further configured to operate the blocking assembly (12) by connecting to the link joint (123) and moving the link joint (123) to pivot the first arm (121) and second arm (122) to form the blocking position where the blocking element (13), the first arm (121) and the second arm (122) are aligned or substantially aligned.

4. Anti-twist device according to claim 3, wherein the blocking assembly (12) further comprises a third arm (124) arranged in parallel with thefirst arm (121) and a fourth arm (125) arranged in parallel with the second arm (122), and wherein the link joint (123) is in the form of a pin that connects the first arm (121) to the second arm (122) and the third arm (124) to the fourth arm (125).

5. Anti-twist device according to claim 4, wherein the control member (14) is arranged in the blocking assembly (12) and comprises a slot (141) through which the pin (123) extends.

6. Anti-twist device according to any of claims 3-5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the support portion (15) comprises a through-hole (151) through which the blocking element (13) is configured to move to the extended blocking position.

7. Anti-twist device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control member (14j is configured to operate the blocking element (13’) by pivoting the blocking element (13’) to the blocking position.

8. Anti-twist device according to any previous claim, wherein the blocking assembly (12, 12’, 12”) comprises at least one sacrificial component (12A) configured to deform or break at a force threshold to allow the blocking element (13, 13’, 13”) to move from the blocking position.

9. Anti-twist device according to claim 8 when dependent on any of claims 3-5, wherein the sacrificial component (12A) is the first arm (121), the second arm (122) or the pin (123).

10. Anti-twist device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the force threshold is in a range of 3 - 50 kN.

11. Anti-twist device according to any previous claim, wherein the blocking element (13) is biased towards the blocking position to enable return to the blocking position when subjected to a force that causes displacement of the blocking element (13).

12. Anti-twist device according to any previous claim, wherein the blocking element (13) is connected to an extension member (16) that is adjustable to alter a length of the blocking element (13) to form a total blocking length (BL) of the anti-twist device (10).

13. Anti-twist device according to any previous claim, further comprising a control member spring (17, 17”) configured to bias the control member (14, 14”) towards a position corresponding to the nonblocking position of the blocking assembly.

14. Foldable coupler for a railway vehicle, the foldable coupler (1000) comprising- a coupler shank (1100) comprising a front shank portion (1110) and a rear shank portion (1120) connected to each other by a foldable joint (1300),- a coupler head (1400) mounted on a front end (1130) of the front shank portion,- a pivot anchor assembly (1200) for mounting on a railway vehicle, wherein a rear end (1140) of the rear shank portion (1120) is pivotably mounted on said pivot anchor assembly (1200) in a joint (1500),- a vertical support (1600) arranged on the pivot anchor assembly (1200), the vertical support (1600) extending from the pivot anchor assembly (1200) along the coupler shank (1100),wherein the foldable coupler (1000) further comprises a joint lock (1310) operable from a locking position where the foldable joint (1310) is locked to maintain alignment of the front shank portion (1110) and rear shank portion (1120) to a release position where the front shank portion (1110) is pivotable around a rotational axis (A) of the foldable joint (1310) in relation to the rear shank portion (1120) to enable sideways folding and stowing,and the foldable coupler also comprising an anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”) according to any previous claim, wherein the attachment member (11, 11’, 11”) of the anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”) is mounted on one of the rear shank portion (1120) and the vertical support (1600), and wherein the blocking element (13, 13’, 13”) is configured to extend towards a meeting surface (S) of the other of the rear shank portion (1120) and the vertical support (1600) to block a twisting movement of the coupler shank (1100) around the longitudinal axis (B) of the rear shank portion (1120).

15. Foldable coupler according to claim 14, further comprising an activation device (20, 20’, 20”) mounted in connection with the foldable joint (1300), said activation device (20, 20j comprising an actuator (21, 21’, 21”) that is operatively connected to the control member (14, 14’, 14”) of the anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”), wherein the actuator (21, 21’, 21”) is configured to be activated by release of the joint lock (1300) and / or pivoting of the front shank portion (1110) in relation to the rear shank portion (1120).

16. Foldable coupler according to claim 15, wherein the activation device (20, 20’, 20”) is operatively connected to the control member (14, 14’, 14”) by a connecting member (30) attached to the actuator (21, 21’, 21”) and to the control member (14, 14’, 14”), and wherein the actuator(21, 21’, 21”) is configured to move from a neutral position to an activated position when activated, thereby transferring a movement to the control member (14, 14’, 14”) through the connecting member (30).

17. Foldable coupler according to claim 16, wherein the connecting member (30) is a wire or a rod.

18. Foldable coupler according to any of claims 15-17, wherein the actuator (21, 21’) is rotatably fixed to the joint lock (1310) such that release of the joint lock (1310) causes a corresponding rotation of the actuator (21, 21 j .

19. Foldable coupler according to claim 18, wherein the activation device (20) further comprises a catch (22, 22 j and a catch receiver (24, 24j and wherein one of the catch (22, 22j and the catch receiver (24, 24 j is arranged on the actuator (21, 21 j and the other is arranged in the activation device (20, 20j, and wherein the catch (22, 22j protrudes into the catch receiver (24, 24j in the activated position to prevent return of the actuator (21, 21 j to the neutral position.

20. Foldable coupler according to claim 19, wherein the catch (22, 22 j is biased towards the catch receiver (24, 24 j, and wherein the activation device (20, 20j further comprises a reset member (25, 25j configured to push the catch (22, 22 j against the bias to release the actuator (21, 21 j from the activated position when the reset member (25, 25j is activated.

21. Foldable coupler according to claim 20, wherein the reset member (25, 25 j is activated by the front shank portion (1110) or the foldable joint (1300) pushing against the reset member (25, 25 j when the front shank portion (1110) is returned to the locking position.

22. Foldable coupler according to any of claims 19-21, wherein the catch (22 j is a mainspring.

23. Foldable coupler according to any of claims 16-17, wherein the activation device (20”) is mounted on the foldable joint (1300) and wherein the actuator (21”) comprises a slidable attachment (21 A”) thatis movable along a track (28”) from a first end point (28A”) corresponding to the neutral position to a second end point (28B”) corresponding to the activated position, and wherein the second end point (28B”) is arranged at the rotational axis (A) of the foldable joint (1300) whereas the first end point (28A’j is arranged at a first distance (d) from the rotational axis such that a pivoting of the front shank portion (1110) causes the slidable attachment (21A’j to move along the track (28’j to the second end point (28B’j.

24. Foldable coupler according to claim 23, wherein the first end point (28A’j is at a first connecting member distance (dl) from the anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”) in a non-pivoted state of the foldable coupler (1000) and the second end point (28B’j is at a second connecting member distance (d2) from the anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”) in a stowing position of the foldable coupler (1000), and wherein the second connecting member distance (d2) is larger than the first connecting member distance (dl) by a stroke length (SL) of the activation device (20, 20’, 20”).

25. Foldable coupler according to any of claims 23-24, further comprising a connecting member spring (32) mounted in series with the slidable attachment (21Aj and the connecting member (30).

26. Foldable coupler according to claim 25 with an anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”) according to claim 13, wherein the connecting member spring (32) is stronger than the control member spring (17, 17 j biasing the control member (14, 14 j of the anti-twist device (10, 10 j.

27. Foldable coupler according to any of claims 23-26, wherein the connecting member (30) is a wire (31) and the foldable coupler (1000) further comprises a guide wheel (29”) and wherein the wire (31) is arranged at least partly on the guide wheel (29”) for guiding the wire (31) in relation to the slidable attachment (21A’j during folding of the coupler shank (1100).

28. Foldable coupler according to claim 15, wherein the actuator (21, 21’, 21”) comprises a transmitter and the anti-twist device (10, 10’, 10”) comprises a receiver configured to cause a control member actuator (143) to operate the control member (14, 14’, 14”) in response to a signal received from the transmitter.

29. Foldable coupler according to any of claims 14-28, wherein the blocking element (13”) of the anti-twist device (10”) comprises a blocking surface (13A) for contacting the meeting surface (S), and wherein the blocking surface (13A) and meeting surface (S) are planar surfaces that are parallel to each other and angled 5 - 20 °, preferably 8 - 15 ° and more preferably 10 - 13 ° in relation to the longitudinal axis (B)

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