Automatic train coupling
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/054717
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-27
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
Smart Images
Figure EP2026054717_27082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 1
[0002] Automatic coupling
[0003] The present invention relates to an automatic train coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a railway vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0004] In practice, automatic train couplings of this type are known, comprising a coupling head with a coupling housing and a coupling lock with a locking mechanism. The coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, the frog being rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position, a ready-to-couple position, and an uncoupled position. The coupling eye is rotatably connected to the frog at one end about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end. The frog has a jaw for receiving a corresponding second end of a coupling eye from a mirror-image coupling head. A spring accumulator is associated with the frog.The frog can be rotated from the coupled position, beyond the coupling-ready position, into the uncoupled position against the force of the spring mechanism, and from the uncoupled position into the coupling-ready position and from the coupling-ready position into the coupled position by the force of the spring mechanism. The uncoupled position is therefore also referred to as the over-coupled position and is intended to ensure the safe uncoupling of two previously coupled drawbar couplings. The locking mechanism, which holds the coupling lock in the appropriate position or releases it for transition to another position by rotating the frog, has a plunger that is movable against a spring force in the coupling direction of the drawbar coupling and a latch rod that is movable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction.The latch rod is pivotally connected to the frog and can be moved from the frog into a detent position and beyond when the frog is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position. When the frog is rotated back from the uncoupled position to the coupling-ready position, the latch rod blocks any further rotation of the frog back, i.e., in the direction from the uncoupled position. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 2.
[0005] the coupled position. The plunger, in turn, is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, in which the plunger is moved by the spring force, the latching rod is held in the detent position, and in the second position, in which the plunger is moved from the first position against the spring force, the plunger releases the latching rod from the detent position.
[0006] The function of the generic automatic coupling is as follows: Two opposing coupling heads on two vehicles to be coupled are locked together by inserting the second end of each coupling eye into the jaw of the frog of the other coupling head and holding it in a positive fit by rotating the frog. This mechanically couples the two vehicles. The two coupling mechanisms are subjected exclusively to tensile forces, which are distributed evenly between both coupling eyes within the parallelogram formed by the coupling eyes and the frogs. Compressive forces, on the other hand, are transmitted by a special profile on the front of the coupling head housing, wherein the profile typically comprises, as is advantageously also the case in the present invention, a cone and a funnel enclosed by a wide, in particular substantially flat, end face.The profile can be formed by a separate end plate attached to the front of the coupling head housing. The profile, with its cone and funnel, can form sliding and centrifugal surfaces, and in particular define the gripping area in terms of lateral, vertical, and angular offset. When the coupling heads meet, they center themselves and slide into one another.
[0007] When two rail vehicles are moved towards each other, their coupling locks or frogs are in a coupling-ready position, in which the frogs are held by the latching rods, which are in the detent position. During coupling, the cones dip into the funnels of the coupling head housing profiles and are centered. The cones then press against the plungers and push them back, so that the plungers release the latching rods from their detent position. This releases the coupling locks, and the force of the respective Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 3
[0008] The spring-loaded mechanism rotates until the frog reaches a predetermined stop, usually on the coupling head housing. At this point, the coupling lugs, guided in the funnels, engage with the frog's mouths, the two coupling locks interlock, and the coupled position is achieved. Unintentional separation of the coupling locks is impossible.
[0009] Normal wear and tear does not affect the safety of the coupling mechanism. To uncouple the coupling heads, an uncoupling device rotates both coupling locks, i.e., the two frogs, against the force of the spring accumulators until the coupling eyes slide out of the frogs' mouths. The rotating frogs are designed to move the latching rods sufficiently so that, when the vehicles are separated, the frogs are prevented from rotating back beyond the uncoupled position by being moved into their detent positions. Since two coupling heads always work together during coupling and uncoupling, the train couplings are designed so that the coupling heads or coupling locks actuate each other alternately.For example, if a coupling is released manually or with an automated uncoupling device by twisting its frog against the force of the spring mechanism, this rotational movement is transmitted via the coupling eye, which is articulated to the frog, and the jaw of the mating frog to the mating frog. The mating frog then transmits its rotational movement to its latch rod in such a way that it moves into its detent position.
[0010] For the prior art in printed form, reference is made to GB 419590 A and US 2013 / 0146558 A1. Scharfenberg couplings of the generic type are further disclosed in Wikipedia: Scharfenberg coupling. URL:
[0011] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / w / index.php?title=scharfenbergkupplung&olded=18485426 7th version from 18.01.2019.
[0012] Another generic automatic train coupling is disclosed in DE 102019 102 455 A1. The features known from this document are summarized in the preamble of claim 1. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 4
[0013] In known automatic coupling systems with a frog and locking mechanism using a latch rod, an elastic spring element, which has its own housing and push rod and is separate from a housing guiding the plunger, engages the latch rod with a spring force to push it into the detent position. This position is then released by moving the plunger against a plunger spring force when coupling two coupling heads. Because the plunger and the elastic spring element each have their own housing, the elastic spring element is positioned relatively close to the pivot axis of the latch rod on the frog. Due to the unfavorable leverage, this necessitates a comparatively large spring force to securely hold the latch rod in the detent position.Traditionally, the elastic spring element for this purpose has, for example, a coil spring mounted in the housing of the spring element, which exerts a corresponding pressure force on the push rod and via this on the latch rod.
[0014] A further disadvantage is that, particularly after extended operating time and with comparatively large piston strokes, the secure holding of the latch rod in the detent position is not always guaranteed. This has led to the necessity of regularly replacing the coil spring or the entire spring assembly, as well as the need to use particularly durable, but expensive, coil springs in the spring assembly. Both of these are undesirable.
[0015] Due to the two housings of the elastic spring element and the plunger being mounted independently of each other on the coupling head housing, the plunger housing, which is intended to provide precise guidance for the plunger, must be adjusted relative to both the elastic spring element and the coupling head housing during final assembly of the coupling to ensure proper coupling function. The associated effort is also a disadvantage. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 5
[0016] The present invention therefore aims to improve a generic automatic drawbar coupling in such a way that the effort required for the aforementioned adjustment is avoided and, preferably, a secure holding of the latching rod in the detent position is ensured even after prolonged operation and without the need to replace the spring assembly. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention should be compact and cost-effective.
[0017] The problem according to the invention is solved by an automatic train coupling with the features of claim 1. The dependent claims specify advantageous and particularly suitable embodiments of the train coupling according to the invention, as well as a rail vehicle with a corresponding train coupling.
[0018] An automatic train coupling according to the invention, particularly for a freight wagon of a railway vehicle, has a coupling head comprising a coupling head housing and a coupling lock with a locking mechanism. The coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis between an uncoupled position and a coupled position.
[0019] In principle, the uncoupled position can coincide with a coupling-ready position, or, viewed from the coupled position, the uncoupled position can be provided beyond a coupling-ready position, with respect to the rotational movement of the frog.
[0020] The dome eye is rotatably connected to the core at one end around a dome eye axis and has a second free end. This second free end forms a crossbar to achieve the eyelet-shaped form of the dome eye.
[0021] The core has a jaw that is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a corresponding coupling head, and the core is rotatable against the force of a spring accumulator from the coupled position to the uncoupled position and by the force of the spring accumulator at least from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 6
[0022] In particular, if the uncoupled position does not coincide with the coupling-ready position, it can be rotated from the uncoupled position to the coupling-ready position and from the coupling-ready position to the coupled position by the force of the spring accumulator. Specifically, the crossbar of the coupling eye is inserted into the jaw.
[0023] The coupling lock mechanism comprises a plunger mounted in a plunger housing so as to be displaceable against a plunger spring force in the coupling direction of the train coupling, and a latch rod that is displaceable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction. The latch rod is pivotally connected to the frog and, when the frog is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, can be displaced by it into a detent position or beyond.
[0024] In the detent position, the latch bar blocks rotation of the frog from the uncoupled position or from the coupling-ready position, which lies between the uncoupled position and the coupled position, into the coupled position.
[0025] The latch rod is initially locked in the detent position by the force of the plunger spring, and in a second position, the plunger is displaced in the opposite direction to the plunger spring force, releasing the latch rod from the detent position. The latch rod is pressed into the detent position by an elastic spring mechanism and released from the detent position by the opposite force of the spring.
[0026] According to the invention, the elastic spring device is mounted in or on the stamp housing.
[0027] The bearing can be located directly in or directly on the punch housing, or indirectly, i.e., via other components mounted on the punch housing. Bearing directly on the punch housing is particularly advantageous.
[0028] The elastic spring assembly is particularly advantageous due to its mounting in or on the ram housing, which ensures it is fixed to the ram housing at least in the coupling direction. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 7
[0029] The inventive design provides a piston guide with an integrated elastic spring device, so that the piston guide and the elastic spring device no longer need to be aligned relative to each other during the assembly of the coupling. Rather, the elastic spring device is already aligned, at least in the coupling direction or in all directions, particularly in a fixed position on the piston housing, by virtue of its bearing in or on the piston housing.
[0030] The elastic spring assembly is functionally and spatially entirely integrated with the piston housing, or rather, functionally and spatially entirely mounted within or on the piston housing. The position of this spring assembly is thus structurally fixed and independent of assembly tolerances of the coupling head housing. The spring assembly and the piston housing therefore form a precisely aligned assembly that ensures a reproducible detent force. This mounting method precisely defines the position of the spring assembly and ensures it remains permanently independent of manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the coupling head housing. Integrating the spring assembly into the piston housing thus eliminates any necessary adjustment between separate housing components and guarantees a permanently reproducible detent force and consistent functional characteristics throughout the entire service life of the coupling.
[0031] When the spring assembly, plunger, drive pin, and detent geometry with the corresponding detent projections are combined in a single unit, the relative position of the elements crucial for locking remains constant. This significantly increases the reliability of the positive-locking detent mechanism, as neither deformation nor settling of the coupling head housing can affect the detent position.
[0032] The kinematics of the latching and releasing movement of the latch rod are stable and reproducible, independent of external influences, resulting in a significant increase in operational reliability throughout the entire coupling and uncoupling process. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 8
[0033] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the elastic spring assembly comprises a rotary lever mounted in or on the piston housing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, which is pressed elastically, at least indirectly, against the pawl rod by means of a spring accumulator, in particular a torsion spring. This eliminates the need for a separate housing for the elastic spring assembly.
[0034] This design completely eliminates the aforementioned problem of the conventional elastic spring element. Such a torsion spring is equally suitable for varying piston strokes and is not subject to any significant fatigue. The necessary piston spring force can be generated cost-effectively, reliably, and permanently. The arrangement of the rotary lever allows for a favorable point of application for the elastic spring assembly on the latch rod, close to the piston, thus enabling the use of a less robust torsion spring.
[0035] Preferably, the rotary lever extends in an arc or angle from the axis of rotation to the latch rod, whereby the rotary lever engages the latch rod far away from the articulated connection of the latch rod at the core, i.e., from the axis of rotation of the latch rod there, so that favorable lever ratios are achieved which require a comparatively small force from the torsion spring.
[0036] A particularly preferred design is the rotary lever with a first end mounted on the axis of rotation around which the lever turns, and with a second end opposite the first, the lever engages the latch rod, at least indirectly. This results in a compact design.
[0037] To enable particularly easy movement of the latch rod, the rotary lever can rotatably carry a wheel, especially at its second end, whereby the wheel on the latch rod rotates when the rod is moved. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 9
[0038] rolled. Alternatively, the formation of a sliding surface or the arrangement of a sliding element is also conceivable instead of a wheel.
[0039] The torsion spring is particularly preferably designed as a leg spring with two legs, the first leg of which is supported on the piston housing and the second leg on the rotary lever. This also enables a reliable and compact design.
[0040] According to a design particularly advantageous with regard to the alignment of the punch housing, the punch housing is connected to the coupling head housing by a positive-locking connection, preferably a tongue-and-groove connection. This allows for simple and precise positioning relative to the frog and the latch rod for latch rod guidance. Complex adjustment procedures are eliminated.
[0041] For example, the tongue and groove connection has a key mounted in the piston housing or in the coupling head housing, which engages in a groove of the other housing, i.e. the coupling head housing or piston housing.
[0042] The tongue and groove joint and in particular the keyway is / are preferably aligned with its longitudinal axis at least substantially vertically.
[0043] It is advantageous if the punch has a front stop with which it abuts the punch housing in its first position, the front stop being formed in particular by a counter element mounted at the rear end of the punch, which is clamped in particular against a rearward-facing collar on the punch.
[0044] According to a further advantageous aspect, the punch has a rear stop with which it abuts the punch housing in its second position. This precisely determines the position of the punch in the second position. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 10
[0045] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piston housing is connected to the coupling head housing by means of a screw connection. The screw connection preferably comprises one or more screws screwed through the coupling head housing into the piston housing. Particularly preferably, the coupling head housing has a projection in the area of the screw or screws, especially each separately, through which the respective screw passes. The projection can, for example, face away from the piston housing, but can also be arranged on the side of the coupling head housing facing the piston housing.
[0046] If the clutch head housing is manufactured as a casting, the protrusion(s) can be formed by sprues.
[0047] For example, the coupling head housing has a wall thickness at least 30% greater, or at least 40% or 50% greater, than in the area(s) immediately surrounding the projection(s) due to the projections in the area of the projections.
[0048] It is advantageous if a holder for a handle of a manual uncoupling device, which allows the frog to be rotated from the coupled to the uncoupled position, is also mounted on the coupling head housing along with the screw connection. This achieves a dual benefit of the screw connection.
[0049] Particularly preferably, the punch is guided in the punch housing, and the latch rod forms a detent connection with a counter bearing on the punch housing, with two detent projections that can be engaged with each other, wherein the latch rod can be actuated by moving the punch from the first position to the second position in order to terminate the mutual engagement of the detent projections. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 11
[0050] In particular, the latch rod has a detent projection which is positioned to be moved over the detent projection of the counter bearing when the frog to which the latch rod is connected is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, wherein in the uncoupled position, i.e. at a maximum rotation of the frog from the coupled position in the direction of the uncoupled position, in particular a distance between the detent projections is set in the direction of movement of the latch rod.It can be seen that the detent position of the latch rod is advantageously positioned such that the latch rod is already moved into the detent position or ready-to-detent position before the frog reaches its uncoupled position or even a decoupleable position, so that the latch rod has been moved beyond the detent position, so to speak, in the uncoupled position of the frog.
[0051] Preferably, the punch includes a driver which, when the punch is moved from the first position to the second position—that is, when the punch is moved against the punch spring force—engages with the latch rod, particularly with its detent projection, in order to lift the latch rod out of the mutual engagement of the detent projections. By having the detent projection of the counter bearing permanently attached to the punch housing and by providing the driver which is movable with the punch, the secure holding of the latch rod is further improved compared to an embodiment in which the detent projection of the counter bearing is movable with the punch.
[0052] The second end of the rotary lever is preferably positioned opposite the detent projection of the counter bearing and, together with the detent projection of the counter bearing, encloses the latch rod on both sides, wherein the second end of the rotary lever is positioned, in the direction of movement of the latch rod, particularly directly next to or directly opposite the detent projection of the counter bearing. This achieves the most favorable lever ratio in a compact design. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 12
[0053] If the coupling head has a manual release, according to one embodiment, the manual release can be accessible for actuation from only one side, transverse to the coupling direction. A structurally complex manual release arranged on both sides can be omitted, and operating times can be reduced because, according to the invention, it is ensured that the passively actuated coupling lock is always reliably moved into the desired coupling-ready position.
[0054] The manual uncoupling mechanism comprises, for example, a cable pull or other gearing with at least one chain, linkage, or lever system to which the handle is attached. In particular, the uncoupling movement is transmitted via a cable pull to an uncoupling lever, which causes the corresponding frog to rotate.
[0055] The frog is mounted on a main bolt and advantageously connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner, so that a rotation of the main bolt also rotates the frog. The main bolt extends along the main axis and is rotatable about it. Accordingly, the manual uncoupling mechanism can also engage the main bolt to rotate it.
[0056] Manual uncoupling is used particularly when no energy is available for automated uncoupling, for example with train couplings on freight wagons.
[0057] Uncoupling, and thus opening the coupling lock, can then take place directly at the coupling head at the end of the car.
[0058] If, as shown, the rotary motion of the coupling lock is transferred to the opposing coupling head via the manual release, an additional manual release of the opposing coupling head is no longer necessary. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 13
[0059] A rail vehicle according to the invention has an automatic train coupling of the type shown. In particular, a rail vehicle comprises several cars – railcars and / or passenger / freight cars – which are each coupled by means of an automatic train coupling according to the invention, wherein each automatic train coupling has two corresponding coupling heads, the frog of one (passively actuated) coupling lock being indirectly actuated by the rotation of the frog of the other (actively actuated) coupling lock, by transmitting this rotation via the coupling eye.
[0060] The invention will below be described by way of example using an embodiment and the figures.
[0061] They show:
[0062] Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an automatic train coupling according to the invention;
[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a towing coupling according to the invention with two coupled coupling heads; Figure 3 is a rear oblique view and a front oblique view of a coupling head of a towing coupling according to the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of two coupling heads of an automatic towing coupling in the coupled position;
[0064] Figure 5 shows the coupling heads from Figure 4 in the uncoupled position; Figure 6 shows a schematic view of two coupling heads during the transmission of the rotary motion from the center of the actively operated coupling lock to the center of the passively operated coupling lock;
[0065] Figure 7 shows a core component, a latch rod and an elastic spring device of a coupling according to the invention in an isometric view;
[0066] Figure 8 shows the core component, the latch rod, and the elastic spring assembly from Figure 7 in a top view; Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 14
[0067] Figure 9 shows a sectional view through the elastic spring device of Figures 7 and 8;
[0068] Figure 10 is an isometric view of the core, the latch rod and the elastic spring device from Figures 7 to 9;
[0069] Figure 11 shows a top view of an embodiment of a stamp housing designed according to the invention;
[0070] Figure 12 shows a side view of the stamp housing from Figure 11;
[0071] Figure 13 shows a rear view of the stamp housing from Figure 11;
[0072] Figure 14 is an isometric view of the die housing from Figure 11; Figure 15 is a front top view of the die housing of Figure 11; Figure 16 is a rear isometric view of the die housing of Figure 11;
[0073] Figure 17 shows the side view of the stamp housing of Figure 11 in a sectional view;
[0074] Figure 18 shows a cutaway isometric view of the stamp housing from Figure 11;
[0075] Figure 19 shows the connection of the stamp housing from Figure 11 to a coupling head housing;
[0076] Figure 20 shows the connection points for the screw connection of the stamp housing from Figure 11 in the coupling head housing;
[0077] Figure 21 shows an embodiment of the stamp housing from Figure 11 with a holder for manual uncoupling.
[0078] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of an automatic train coupling according to the invention in a coupling-ready position of the coupling lock 3 or its frog 6. Specifically, the automatic train coupling has a coupling head 1, which comprises a coupling head housing 2 and the coupling lock 3. The coupling lock 3 is designed as a rotary lock, with the frog 6 to which a coupling eye 5 is rotatably connected about a coupling eye axis 8. The frog 6, in turn, is rotatable about the main axis 7. For this purpose, the frog 6 is mounted on a main bolt 19 and non-rotatably connected to it. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 15
[0079] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a manual release 4 can be attached to the main bolt 19 to manually uncouple the coupling lock 3. An actuator 20 of a valve (not shown in detail) in a compressed air line, in particular a brake air line HL, can also be actuated via the main bolt 19, so that when the coupling lock 3 is turned into the coupled position, the valve is opened, and when the coupling lock 3 is turned into the uncoupled or ready-to-couple position, the valve is closed.
[0080] The coupling eye 5 has a first end 5.1, at which it is rotatably connected to the frog 6, and an opposite second end 5.2, which can be clamped into a jaw 9 of the frog 6 of a corresponding coupling head 1 in order to mechanically lock the two coupling heads 1 together, as shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 4. Accordingly, the coupling eye 5 has a crossbar at its second end 5.2, which is not shown in detail here.
[0081] The core 6 of each coupling head 1 can be rotated against the force of a spring accumulator 10, which is formed, for example, by one or more tension springs, see Figures 2 and 6, from the uncoupled position (Figure 5) to the coupled position (Figure 4) or the coupling-ready position (Figure 1).
[0082] Each coupling head 1 has a plunger 11 that is displaceable in the coupling direction of the train coupling, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the coupling heads 1, and which can be moved linearly in a plunger housing 15 between a first position and a second position. The plunger 11 works in conjunction with a latch rod 12, which is pivotally connected at one axial end to the frog 6 and, as will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 10, blocks rotation of the frog 6 from the uncoupled position or from the coupling-ready position into the coupled position in a detent position.
[0083] The stamp can have different head shapes. These can be, for example, rounded or angular, with surfaces positioned at angles to each other. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 16
[0084] An elastic spring device 18 engages the latch rod 12 in such a way as to bring the latch rod 12 into the detent position, whereas the punch 11, when it is moved from the first position to the second position, releases the latch rod 12 from the detent connection with a counter bearing 14 arranged on the punch housing 15 against the spring force of the spring device 18.
[0085] Thus, in the second position of the stamp 11, the core 6 can be rotated by the force of the spring storage 10, whereas this rotation is blocked in the detent position of the latch rod 12.
[0086] Each coupling head 1 has a profile with a cone 21 and a funnel 22 on its free end face. The cone 21 and the funnel 22 are enclosed by a flat end surface 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile or end surface 23 is formed by an end plate 24, which can be integrally formed with the coupling head housing 2 or can be connected to it separately.
[0087] Figure 1 shows the coupling-ready position of the coupling head 1 and the coupling lock 3. When two coupling heads 1 are moved towards each other in this position, the cones 21 enter the funnels 22 and press against the front of the plungers 11, so that the plungers 11 are moved from their first position to their second position and the locking connections of the latch rods 12 with the counter bearings 14 are released. The second ends 5.2 of the coupling eyes 5 are pushed into the mouths 9 of the frogs 6, and the frogs 6, which are no longer blocked by the latch rods 12, rotate from the coupling-ready position shown in Figure 1 to the coupled position shown in Figure 4 due to the force of the spring accumulators 10, in which the frogs 6 abut, in particular, the coupling head housings 2.The dome lugs 8 guided in the funnels 22 lock into the heartpiece mouths 9 and the two dome closures 3 are interlocked.
[0088] The dome closures 3 are subjected exclusively to tensile forces, whereas the compressive forces are transmitted via the end faces 23. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 17
[0089] To uncouple the coupling heads 1, an automated uncoupling device or the manual uncoupling mechanism 4 rotates the frog 6 of the actively actuated coupling lock 3 against the force of the spring accumulator 10. In this process, the coupling eye 5 of the actively actuated coupling lock 3 transmits the rotational movement of the frog 6 via the jaw 9 to the frog 6 of the passively actuated coupling lock 3, so that this too is rotated against the force of the spring accumulator 10. Alternatively or additionally, the frog 6 of the actively actuated coupling lock 3 can transmit the rotational movement to the coupling eye 5 of the passively actuated coupling lock 3, so that the frog 6 of the passively actuated coupling lock 3 is subsequently also rotated.
[0090] When the rotation of the frogs 6 towards the uncoupled positions shown in Figure 5 has progressed sufficiently, the coupling lugs 5 slide on the jaws 9 of the frogs 6 and the latch rods 12 are moved into their detent position. In this position, when the plungers 11 are moved into their first position as the coupling heads 1 separate, the detent connection between the latch rods 12 and the counter bearings 14 can be established. The counter bearings 14 are not shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5 and will be explained in more detail later with reference to Figures 7 to 10.
[0091] Figure 6 illustrates how the core 6 of the actively actuated dome lock 3 transmits its rotational movement via the dome eye 5 of the passively actuated dome lock 3 to the core 6 of the passively actuated dome lock 3. It also shows that the rotation of the two cores 6 does not have to be completely synchronized, but rather that the core 6 of the passively actuated dome lock 3 lags slightly behind the rotational movement of the core 6 of the actively actuated dome lock 3. Accordingly, the latch rod 12 of the actively actuated dome lock 3 (shown on the right in Figure 6) also extends further with its detent projection 16 over a detent projection 17 of the plunger housing 15. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 18
[0092] displaced as the latch rod 12 of the passively operated dome lock 3 (shown on the left in Figure 6).
[0093] The interaction according to the invention between the elastic spring assembly 18, the latch rod 12 and the core 6 is explained in more detail with reference to Figures 7 to 10. The same reference numerals are used again for the same components.
[0094] The elastic spring assembly 18 has a rotary lever 25 which is pressed against the latch rod 12 by means of a torsion spring 13. The rotary lever 25 is mounted so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis 26 on the punch housing 15, in which the punch 11 is guided linearly.
[0095] The rotary lever 25 extends in an arc from a first end 25.1, which is positioned on the axis of rotation 26, to a second end 25.2, with which it engages the latch rod 12, acting upon it by means of the torsion spring 13. In the illustrated embodiment, a wheel 27 is rotatably mounted on the second end 25.2 of the rotary lever and rolls on the latch rod 12 when the latter moves in its longitudinal direction. This allows for particularly low-friction sliding of the latch rod 12.
[0096] To establish the locking connection between the latch rod 12 and the punch housing 15, the latch rod 12 with its locking projection 16 is moved over the locking projection 17 of the punch housing 15 and locks into place behind the locking projection 17.
[0097] To release this locking connection, the punch 11 has a driver 28 which, when the punch 11 is moved from its first position to its second position, i.e. against a spring force of the spring device 18, wherein the spring force in the illustrated embodiment is generated by a compression spring 29, is inserted into the punch housing 15, slides along the locking projection 17 of the punch housing 15 and engages the locking projection 16 of the latch rod 12 in order to push the latter out of engagement with the locking projection 17 of the punch housing 15.
[0098] Due to the articulated connection of the rotary lever 25 to the punch housing 15 and the shape of the rotary lever 25, it can be positioned close to the punch 11 and far away. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 19
[0099] from the pivot axis of the latch rod 12 to the latch rod 12 and guide it securely together with the detent projection 17.
[0100] The torsion spring 13 can be positioned particularly compactly and without significant additional installation space between the punch housing 15 and the rotary lever 25 and is supported with a first leg 13.1 on the punch housing 15 and a second leg 13.2 on the rotary lever 25.
[0101] Figures 11 to 16 show various views of a punch housing 15 with an integrated elastic spring assembly 18. Except for the slightly different interface for connection to the coupling head housing 2, the punch housing 15 corresponds to the punch housing shown in Figures 1 to 10. Reference is made to the previous figure descriptions, using the same reference numerals.
[0102] The elastic spring assembly 18 is mounted on the punch housing 15 by means of its rotary lever 25, which is rotatable about the axis of rotation 26. This ensures that the spring assembly 18 is precisely aligned with the punch housing 15.
[0103] The rotary lever 25 extends in an arc from the axis of rotation 26 and carries a wheel 27 at its second end 25.2. The wheel is pressed elastically against the ratchet rod 12 (not shown in detail here) by means of the force of the torsion spring 13. Figures 17 and 18 show sectional views through the punch housing 15, from which the compression spring 29 can be seen, against whose force the punch 11 can be moved from its first position to its second position. Reference is also made to the preceding description of Figures 1 to 10 in this regard.
[0104] A comparison of Figures 11 to 18 and 19 to 20 now shows the connection of the plunger housing 15 to the coupling head housing 2, which differs in design from Figures 1 to 10 or is not shown in detail there. The plunger housing 15 is connected to the coupling head housing 2 by a tongue-and-groove connection 30, which includes a key 31 mounted in the plunger housing 15 and engages in a groove 32 of the Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 20
[0105] The coupling head housing 2 engages. The key 31 is vertically aligned with the coupling head housing 2 when the plunger housing 15 is mounted. The plunger housing 15 is mounted to the coupling head housing 2 by a screw connection comprising two screws 37 that are screwed through the coupling head housing 2 into the plunger housing 15. The coupling head housing 2 has a projection 38 in the area of the screws, facing away from the plunger housing 15, through which the screw 37 passes. The screws 37 are shown schematically by dashed lines in Figures 19 and 20, but are shown in Figure 21.
[0106] The tongue and groove connection 30 ensures extremely precise alignment of the plunger housing 15 on the clutch head housing 2 when assembling the screw connection.
[0107] As can be seen from Figure 21, the screw connection can also be used to mount a holder 39 for a handle 40 of the manual release 4 on the coupling head housing 2. However, this is only an option.
[0108] As can be seen particularly clearly from Figures 17 and 18, the punch 11 includes a front stop 33 with which it abuts the punch housing 15 in its first position. In the illustrated embodiment, the front stop 33 is formed by a counter element 34 mounted at the rear end of the punch 11, which is clamped against a rearward-facing collar 35 on the punch. Here, as an example, the counter element 34 is a nut screwed onto the rear of the punch 11, advantageously supplemented with a washer.
[0109] The stamp 11 also has a rear stop 36, with which it strikes the stamp housing 15 in its second position.
[0110] Figure 19 further illustrates, with reference numeral 41, a lead-in chamfer which improves the precise insertion at the height of the punch or pawl. Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK
[0111] 21
[0112] Reference symbol list
[0113] 1 coupling head
[0114] 2 clutch head housings
[0115] 3 Dome closure
[0116] 4 Manual uncoupling
[0117] 5 dome eyelet
[0118] 5.1 first end
[0119] 5.2 second end
[0120] 6 Centerpiece
[0121] 7 Main axis
[0122] 8 coupling eye axle
[0123] 9 mouth
[0124] 10 spring storage units
[0125] 11 stamps
[0126] 12 door handle bars
[0127] 13 Torsion spring
[0128] 13.1 first leg
[0129] 13.2 second leg
[0130] 14 counter bearings
[0131] 15 stamp housings
[0132] 16 Rastvorsprung
[0133] 17 Rastvorsprung
[0134] 18 elastic spring device
[0135] 19 main bolts
[0136] 20 actuator
[0137] 21 pins
[0138] 22 T funnel
[0139] 23 Front surface
[0140] 24 Front plate
[0141] 25 rotary levers
[0142] 25.1 First rotary lever end Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK
[0143] 22
[0144] 25.2 second end of rotary lever 26 axis of rotation
[0145] 27-inch wheel
[0146] 28 drivers
[0147] 29 Compression spring
[0148] 30 Tongue and groove joint 31 Key
[0149] 32 Nut
[0150] 33 front stop
[0151] 34 Counter element
[0152] 35 Bund
[0153] 36 rear stop
[0154] 37 screw
[0155] 38 lead
[0156] 39 holders
[0157] 40 handle
[0158] 41 Inlet slope
Claims
Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 23 Patent claims 1. Automatic train coupling, especially for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle, with a coupling head (1) comprising a coupling head housing (2) and a coupling closure (3) with locking mechanism, wherein the coupling lock (3) is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye (5) and a frog (6), wherein the frog (6) is rotatable about a main axis (7) between an uncoupled position and a coupled position, the coupling eye (5) is rotatably connected to the frog (6) with a first end (5.1) about a coupling eye axis (8) and has a second free end (5.2); the centerpiece (6) has a jaw (9) which is arranged to receive a second end (5.2) of a coupling eye (5) of a counter-coupling head (1), and the centerpiece (6) is rotatable from the coupled position to the uncoupled position against the force of a spring accumulator (10) and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position by the force of the spring accumulator (10); the locking mechanism comprises a plunger (11) which is slidably mounted in a plunger housing (15) against a plunger spring force in the coupling direction of the train coupling and a latch rod (12) which is slidable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction; the latch rod (12) is articulatedly connected to the frog (6) and can be moved from the frog (6) to a detent position or beyond when the frog (6) is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, the latch rod (12) in the detent position blocks a rotation of the frog (6) from the uncoupled position or from a coupling-ready position that lies between the uncoupled position and the coupled position into the coupled position; the latch rod (12) is blocked in a first position of the plunger (11) displaced by the plunger spring force in the detent position, Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 24 and the plunger (11) in a second position displaced against the plunger spring force releases the latch rod (12) from the detent position; and the latch rod (12) is pressed into the detent position by an elastic spring device (18) with spring force and can be released from the detent position against the spring force; characterized by the fact that the elastic spring device (18) is mounted in or on the stamp housing (15).
2. Automatic drawbar coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic spring device (18) is aligned in a fixed position on the plunger housing (15) at least in the coupling direction by virtue of its bearing in or on the plunger housing (15).
3. Automatic drawbar coupling according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastic spring device (18) comprises a rotary lever (25) rotatably mounted in or on the piston housing (15) about a rotation axis (26), which is pressed at least indirectly elastically against the latch rod (12) by means of a spring accumulator, in particular a torsion spring (13).
4. Automatic drawbar coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotary lever (25) extends in an arc or angle from the axis of rotation (26) to the latch rod (12).
5. Automatic drawbar coupling according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the rotary lever (25) is mounted on the pivot axis (26) with a first rotary lever end (25.1) and engages the latch rod (12) at least indirectly with a second rotary lever end (25.2) opposite the first rotary lever end (25.1). Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 25 6. Automatic drawbar coupling according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the rotary lever (25) carries a wheel (27) rotatably, in particular at its second rotary lever end (25.2), which rolls on the latch rod (12) when the latter is moved.
7. Automatic drawbar coupling according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the torsion spring (13) is designed as a torsion spring with two legs (13.1, 13.2), the first of which is supported on the piston housing (15) and the second on the rotary lever (25).
8. Automatic drawbar coupling according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plunger housing (15) is connected to the coupling head housing (2) by a tongue and groove connection (30).
9. Automatic drawbar coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that the tongue and groove connection (30) comprises a key (31) mounted in the plunger housing (15) or a key (31) mounted in the coupling head housing (2), which engages in a groove (32) of the respective other housing (2, 15).
10. Automatic coupling according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the tongue and groove connection (30) and in particular the key (31) is / are aligned with its longitudinal axis at least substantially vertically.
11. Automatic drawbar coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the plunger (11) has a front stop (33) with which it abuts the plunger housing (15) in its first position, wherein the front stop (33) is formed in particular by a counter element (34) mounted at the rear end of the plunger (11), which is in particular clamped against a rearwardly directed collar (35) on the plunger (11). Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 26 12. Automatic drawbar coupling according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the plunger (11) has a rear stop (36) with which it abuts the plunger housing (15) in its second position.
13. Automatic drawbar coupling according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the plunger housing (15) is connected to the coupling head housing (2) by a screw connection.
14. Automatic drawbar coupling according to claim 13, characterized in that the screw connection comprises one or more screws (37) screwed through the coupling head housing (2) into the plunger housing (15), and the coupling head housing (2) is provided in the area of the respective screw (37) with a projection (38), in particular facing away from the plunger housing (15), through which the screw (37) is guided.
15. Automatic coupling according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a holder (39) for a handle (40) of a manual uncoupling (4), with which the frog (6) can be rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, is mounted on the coupling head housing (2) with the screw connection.
16. Automatic drawbar coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the plunger (11) is guided in a plunger housing (15), and the latch rod (12) forms a detent connection with a counter bearing (14) on the plunger housing (15) with two detent projections (16, 17) that can be engaged with each other, wherein the latch rod (12) can be actuated by moving the plunger (11) from the first to the second position in order to terminate the mutual engagement of the detent projections (16, 17). Voith Patent GmbH 28808 WO / SKK 27 17. Automatic coupling according to claim 16, characterized in that the latch rod (12) has a detent projection (16) which is positioned to be displaced over the detent projection (17) of the counter bearing (14) when the frog (6) is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, wherein in particular in the uncoupled position a distance is set between the detent projections (16, 17) in the displacement direction of the latch rod (12).
18. Automatic drawbar coupling according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the plunger (11) comprises a driver (28) which, when the plunger (11) is moved from the first position to the second position, engages the latching rod (12), in particular its detent projection (16), in order to lift the latching rod (12) out of the mutual engagement of the detent projections (16, 17).
19. Automatic drawbar coupling according to claims 5 and 17 or 18, characterized in that the second rotary lever end (25.2) is positioned opposite the detent projection (17) of the counter bearing (14) and encloses the latching rod (12) together with the detent projection (17) of the counter bearing (14) on both sides, wherein the second rotary lever end (25.2) is positioned in the displacement direction of the latching rod (12) in particular immediately next to the detent projection (17) of the counter bearing (14) or directly opposite it.
20. Rail vehicle with an automatic train coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 19.