EP2243680B1 - Linkage for connecting a coupling rod with a railcar body with a jointed connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The linkage (1) has a push/pull device arranged at a railcar body-lateral end region (3) of a coupling rod (2) and provided with a front spring plate (12). A front spring element (20) is made of flexible material arranged between a baseplate (10) and a front spring plate. A rear spring element (30) is made of flexible material arranged between the baseplate and a rear spring plate (14). The two spring elements stand in contact with the baseplate such that rotation forces are transferred from the coupling rod without a slip, and are passed to the baseplate.

Description

The present invention relates to a linkage for the articulated connection of a coupling rod with a car body, according to the preamble of the independent claim 1.

Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a linkage, which has a connectable to the car body base plate, in which a passage opening is formed, through which extends the carriage box-side end portion of the coupling rod, and wherein the linkage further arranged on the carriage box side end portion of the coupling rod pull / push device comprising a front spring plate mounted in front of the base plate in the longitudinal direction of the coupling rod and a rear spring plate mounted behind the base plate on the coupling rod, wherein the pulling / pushing device comprises at least one front spring element made of elastic material and arranged between the base plate and the front spring plate Has at least one disposed between the base plate and the rear spring plate rear spring element made of elastic material.

Such a linkage is for example from the EP 1 785 329 A1 known. In particular, from this prior art, a hinge assembly for connecting a pull rod with a car body is known, wherein at the carriage box end of the tie rod, a pull / push means for transmitting tensile and impact forces is arranged. The pulling / pushing device has a connected to the carriage box end of the drawbar, the drawbar extending in its longitudinal direction

Center piece, which extends through an opening provided in the base plate opening. Furthermore, a front spring plate and a rear spring plate are provided at the center piece, wherein between the front spring plate and the base plate in Zugstangenlängsrichtung a front spring element and between the base plate and the rear spring plate, a corresponding rear spring element are provided. In order to be able to guide and support the center piece of the pull / push device within the base plate, the front spring element and the rear spring element form-fittingly surround the center piece of the pull / push device and are supported in the vertical and horizontal direction on the base plate.

Another arrangement for articulating a pull rod with a car body is from the US Pat. No. 3,859,821 known.

An articulation for the articulated connection of a coupling rod with a car body is known in particular for example from rail vehicle technology and is usually used there in couplings and joints for connecting car bodies or complete trains with each other by means of automatic couplings or short couplings.

To explain the basic structure of such articulation is on the representations in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b refer, which in a side view and plan view known from the prior art articulation of the type mentioned demonstrate. In detail is in the FIGS. 1a and 1a the linkage shown in each case in a state in which no pressure or tensile forces act on the coupling rod.

As shown, the conventional linkage 101 has a base plate 110 connectable to a carriage body, not shown, in which a passage opening 111 is formed. The passage opening 111 receives the carriage box-side end portion 103 of a coupling rod 102 such that the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 extends through the passage opening 111. Further, on the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102, a pull / push device 109 is arranged, which in the coupling rod longitudinal direction L in front of the base plate 110 attached to the coupling rod 102 front spring plate 112 and a clutch rod longitudinal direction L behind the base plate 110 on the coupling rod 102 rear spring plate 114 has.

Between the base plate 110 and the front spring plate 112 and between the base plate 110 and the rear spring plate 114 is a spring element 120, 130 arranged in the form of an annular rubber spring such that the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 by axially to that in the base plate 110 formed through opening 111 in the spring elements 120, 130 formed openings 122, 132 extends. In detail, the two spring elements 120, 130 are pushed onto the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 and clamped with the aid of the front and rear spring plate 112, 114 and with the aid of a lock nut 118.

In a pressurized state, in which pressure forces act on the coupling rod 102 and thus on the carriage box end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102, the coupling rod 102 and the carriage box end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 is moved with the coupling rod side front spring plate 112 in the direction of the car body, so that the distance between the front spring plate 112 and connected to the car body base plate 110 compared to the unloaded and for example in the FIGS. 1a and 1b shown state is reduced. The front elastomeric spring member 120 disposed between the front spring cup 112 and the base plate 110 is compressed due to the application of the applied compressive forces, so that the compressive forces are transmitted in a damped manner via the compressed front spring member 120 to the base plate 110 and the carriage body, not shown ,

On the other hand, in a zugbeaufschlagten state, in which so tensile forces acting on the coupling rod 102 and thus on the carriage body end portion 103 of the coupling rod 103, the rear spring plate 114 is moved relative to the base plate 110 in the direction of the base plate 110 so that the rear spring element 130 is compressed and the tensile forces in damped form are directed via the compressed rear spring element 130 to the base plate 110 and the carriage body, not shown.

As spring elements 120, 130 are known in the pull / push device 109 of the prior art and in the FIGS. 1a and 1b Anchoring 101, which is shown as an example, generally uses hollow springs made of an elastomeric material, wherein the cross-sectional shape of these hollow springs usually has a circular shape due to the design. In the pulling / pushing device 109, the spring elements 120, 130 take over the function of damping the tensile and impact forces occurring during a power transmission from the coupling rod 102 to the car body. Another function is that in the spring elements 120, 130, a part of the energy generated during power transmission is dissipated.

Linkages for articulating a coupling rod to a car body must be designed to permit the horizontal and vertical pivoting movements of the coupling rod occurring in operation relative to the base plate connected to the car body to allow overrunning of risers and driving through depressions and cornering. For this purpose, it is known to guide the carriage box-side end region of the coupling rod by means of, for example, a ball bush arrangement through the passage opening provided in the base plate. The horizontal and vertical pivotal movements of the coupling rod relative to the base plate are received by the spring elements of the pulling / pushing device. Also, it is desirable that the coupling rod can twist to some extent relative to the base plate.

In principle, however, care must be taken that a twisted and / or deflected in the horizontal or vertical direction coupling rod is returned to its original position. To provide such a provision comes in the in the FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrated conventional linkage 101 is a restoring and rotation for use. The return and anti-rotation has two in a horizontal plane left and right of the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 arranged return arms 140, 140 ', on the one hand with the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 and on the other hand firmly connected to the base plate 110. Each return arm 140, 140 'has a leg spring consisting of a helical spring 141, 141' and lever-like legs 142, 143, 142 ', 143'.

The coil springs 141, 141 'of the torsion springs are designed and arranged so that they are claimed upon rotation of the coupling rod 102 about its axis to torsion. The carriage-box-side end region and the opposite end region of the helical spring each pass into the lever-like legs 142, 143, 142 ', 143', wherein the carriage-box-side legs 142, 143 are each firmly connected to the base plate 110 of the linkage 101 by means of a screw 150. The opposite legs 142 ', 143' of the leg springs are each firmly connected via a connecting arm 144, 144 'with the carriage box end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102.

In a horizontal or vertical deflection of the coupling rod 102 relative to the base plate 110, the two coil springs 141, 141 'of the torsion springs are subjected to torsion about its axis, so acting on the coupling rod 102, a restoring force and the return of the coupling rod 102 allows in the starting position becomes. The pivoted in a horizontal plane relative to the base plate 110 coupling rod 102 is in Fig. 1b indicated by dash-dotted lines.

The construction consisting of the two torsion springs not only enables a provision of a horizontal and / or vertical direction relative to the base plate 110 deflected coupling rod 102, but also serves as anti-rotation, since the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 via the torsion springs firmly with the Base plate 110 is connected.

As a result of acting on the linkage 101, sometimes extreme forces, however, such a construction for effecting a provision and anti-rotation is complicated in terms of their structure, since it must be designed according to the expected requirements. In particular, the achievable with the conventional articulation horizontal and vertical deflection angle of the coupling rod is limited by the provision of the torsion springs as a coupling rod return in part to a relatively small area.

Accordingly, the invention has the object, a linkage of the type mentioned in such a way that in a simple to implement yet effective manner centering and in particular a provision of a twisted in operation coupling rod can be effected without the need for additional components are needed , In particular, the articulation should be simpler in its construction in comparison with the solution known from the prior art and shown above by way of example.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims.

In this case, it is provided that the at least one front spring element and / or the at least one rear spring element are or are in engagement with the base plate such that rotational forces transmitted by the coupling rod are introduced at right angles into the base plate without slippage. Accordingly, in the solution according to the invention, a positive engagement of at least one spring element of the pull / push device and the base plate is required, so that the rotational forces transmitted by the coupling rod during a rotation of the coupling rod are perpendicular to the at least one spring element positively engaging the base plate the base plate are initiated. Due to the normal forces in the connection points between the at least one spring element and the base plate, there are no shifting transverse forces, so that no slippage occurs.

The solution according to the invention has a number of significant advantages over a known from the prior art and, for example, previously described articulation. Characterized in that the at least one front and the at least one rear spring element between the base plate and the associated spring plate are arranged, the spring elements are based on the corresponding end faces of the base plate, so that the spring elements not only for damping the transmitted from the coupling rod Zug- and impact forces, but also take over the function of supporting the coupling rod on the base plate in the vertical and horizontal directions. Accordingly, in the solution according to the invention, the forces transmitted in a horizontal and vertical pivoting movement of the coupling rod relative to the base plate are at least partially absorbed by the spring elements. After relief, the spring elements ensure the return of the coupling rod to its starting position.

In addition to the horizontal and vertical return comes the spring elements used in the solution according to the invention but in particular also the function of a

Anti-rotation or provision of a twisted coupling rod to. Upon rotation of the coupling rod relative to the base plate, the rotational forces are introduced at right angles into the base plate due to the intermeshing of the front and / or rear spring element and the base plate. Accordingly, it can be dispensed with for the realization of an anti-rotation on additional components, so that the complexity of the structure of the linkage is reduced.

The solution according to the invention thus represents a simple variant of a linkage, wherein the basic structure of the linkage according to the invention is similar to the basic structure of a known from the prior art linkage, be used in which elastomeric spring elements in the form of hollow rubber springs. Thus, the solution according to the invention can also be used in conventional couplings and joints for connecting car body or complete trains with each other by means of, for example, an automatic or short coupling.

The spring elements used in the conventional linkages have design-related usually circular cross-sections and take over primarily only the function of damping the transmitted from the articulation tensile and impact forces. As with conventional linkages, the basic structure of the articulation according to the invention consists of a bolted coupling rod with spring plates, a front and rear elastomeric spring element and a base plate together. According to the invention it is provided that at least one spring element forms a positive engagement with the base plate in order to enable a slip-free transmission of rotational forces acting on the coupling rod to the base plate and in particular a provision of a twisted coupling rod. Since the rotation is realized by means of at least one of the spring elements, the rotational forces are also attenuated in the transfer to the base plate.

In addition to providing an anti-rotation is an object of the invention articulation in the transmission of tensile and impact forces or compressive forces, as they occur during operation. The linkage is designed so that tensile and compressive forces are introduced via the coupling rod in the articulation. Subsequently, a transmission of the compressive forces on the front spring plate and on the adjacent spring element on the base plate. Tensile forces are transmitted to the base plate via the rear spring plate and the rear spring element. The base plate is fixedly connected to the car body base frame, in particular screwed, so that the introduction of force into the base frame via the base plate is possible.

In particular, the fact that according to the invention the spring elements are supported in the direction of rotation on the base plate, a nearly uniform loading of the spring elements can be achieved even at relatively high rotational forces transmitted by the coupling rod. In this way, by the inventive arrangement of the spring elements relative to the base plate in particular early wear of the spring elements can be effectively prevented.

The proposed in the inventive solution positive engagement of the at least one spring element and the base plate can be realized, for example, that a gear-like meshing of at least one spring element and the base plate is selected. For example, it is conceivable to provide at the circumference of the at least one front spring element throats or recessed areas, wherein correspondingly complementarily formed projecting portions are formed on the front spring element facing the front end face of the base plate. The projecting portions formed on the front end face of the base plate form a positive engagement with at least a part of the grooves or recess portions formed on the circumference of the front spring member. In this case, it is preferable if the protruding areas formed on the front end face of the base plate, at least in the contact area with the grooves formed on the circumference of the front spring element, have a correspondingly complementary design.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the at least one rear spring element has corresponding grooves or recessed areas on its circumference, wherein the base plate has protruding areas on its end face facing the at least one rear spring element, which with at least a part of the circumference formed of the rear spring element throats or recess areas form a positive engagement.

Accordingly, in a preferred realization of the solution according to the invention, it is provided that at least part of the grooves or recess regions formed on the circumference of a spring element engages tooth-like in projecting regions, which are formed on the end face of the base plate facing the spring element. This can be achieved in an easy to implement but effective way be that rotational forces which are transmitted from the coupling rod to the spring elements of the push / push device, without slip at right angles on the projecting areas in the base plate to be forwarded.

In order to also be able to achieve that the rotation forces acting on the coupling rod can be effectively transmitted to the spring elements without slippage from the spring plates fixedly connected to the carriage box-side end region of the coupling rod, the solution according to the invention is provided in a preferred embodiment of the front spring plate in the direction Having the base plate facing projecting portions, which form a positive engagement with at least a portion of the formed on the circumference of the front spring element throats or recess areas. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that also the rear spring plate has in the direction of the base plate projecting portions which form a positive engagement with at least a portion of the formed on the circumference of the rear spring element grooves or recess areas.

Accordingly, a positive engagement of the spring plate and the spring elements is proposed in this preferred development of the invention articulation, in order to be able to transmit in this way the rotational forces acting on the coupling rod without slipping on the spring elements. Since - as stated above - at least one spring element is also in a form-locking engagement with the base plate, the solution according to the invention allows an effective anti-rotation or rotational recovery of the coupling rod, without the need for additional components are required.

In order to achieve that torques without stress peaks can be introduced into the spring elements of the pull / push device from the carriage box-side end region of the coupling rod, it is preferred if at least one of the two spring plates has at least two and preferably four projecting regions pointing in the direction of the base plate, wherein these projecting portions each engage in a form-fitting manner in a recess region which is formed on the circumference of the spring element provided between the spring plate and the base plate. The pointing in the direction of the base plate protruding portions of the spring plate should lie on a common circular line, the circle angle between adjacent projecting portions is the same size.

In addition to this, it is preferred that the base plate also has a plurality (preferably two and more preferably four) of the projecting region on at least one of its two end faces, these projecting regions likewise lying on a common circular line and the circular angles between adjacent projecting regions being equal should be.

In the preferred embodiments of the articulation according to the invention described above, it is therefore proposed that recess areas or grooves are provided on the circumference of at least one spring element of the pull / push device, wherein at least part of these recess areas form a positive engagement with correspondingly complementary protruding areas of the base plate form. As already stated, it is additionally preferred for this purpose if at least one of the two spring plates also has projecting areas pointing in the direction of the base plate, which are likewise received positively in at least part of the recess areas formed on the circumference of the at least one spring element.

As an alternative to the previously described embodiments of the solution according to the invention, however, it is basically also conceivable that at least one spring element is provided with corresponding projecting regions. These projecting portions of the at least one spring element should engage in a form-fitting manner in recess areas designed to be complementary thereto, which are formed in the end face facing the at least one spring element.

Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the base plate in its at least one front spring element facing the front end surface recess areas or throats, wherein the at least one front spring element pointing in the direction of the face plate protruding areas, which in at least a part of the front end face the base plate formed recess areas are positively received and form a positive engagement with these recess areas. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course also conceivable that the base plate in its at least one rear spring element facing rear end face recess areas, said at least one rear spring element pointing in the direction of the face plate has protruding areas, which in at least a part of the rear End face of the base plate formed recess areas are positively received or form a positive engagement with these recess areas.

However, it is also conceivable that the front and / or rear spring plate in its base plate facing the end face corresponding recess areas or has, wherein the at least one front and / or the at least one rear spring element in the direction of the corresponding spring plate pointing projecting areas. With regard to the recess areas formed in the end faces of the associated spring plate, these projecting areas of the spring element are designed such that they are positively accommodated by at least part of the recess areas formed in the end face of the spring plate.

Functionally, the embodiment of the articulation according to the invention, in which at least one of the spring elements of the pull / push device is formed with projecting portions which engage in complementary thereto in the base plate or in the spring plate formed recess areas, the embodiment in which the form-fitting Intermeshing of the spring element and the base plate or the positive engagement of the spring element and the spring plate by means of formed on the circumference of the spring member throats on the one hand and the projecting portions of the base plate and the spring plate on the other hand.

In principle, it is preferred if the at least one front spring element and the at least one rear spring element of the pull / push device are prestressed in the pull / thrust direction between the respective spring plates and the base plate. Thus, the occurring during the transmission of tensile and impact forces event sequence can be pre-set and set exactly. In particular, a play-free response of the spring elements provided in the articulation can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the articulation according to the invention it is provided that the opening provided in the base plate is formed with respect to the shaping of its opening cross-section, in particular a horizontal pivoting of the extending through the passage opening end portion of the coupling rod in a definable angle range, in particular in an angular range of ± 25 °, and thus allow a deflection of the coupling rod about the Z-axis, when the coupling rod is articulated via the articulation with a car body. The base plate and the passage opening formed therein is preferably formed so that the coupling rod, when the full rash is reached, applies flat to the correspondingly shaped contour of the base plate.

The term "X-axis" in the coupling rod longitudinal direction (horizontal) extending axis, under the term "Y-axis" is perpendicular to the horizontal axis and the term "Z-axis" vertical to the coupling rod longitudinal axis extending to understand.

As already indicated, it is preferred if the respective spring elements lie flush against the base plate, wherein preferably the spring elements between the respective spring plates and the base plate are biased. In this way, a support and provision of the coupling rod in the Y and Z directions can be effected. The provision of the coupling rod with respect to the axis of rotation of the coupling rod is inventively effected by the positive engagement of the at least one spring element and the base plate, wherein - as already stated - in this way transmitted from the coupling rod rotation forces are introduced without slippage at right angles in the base plate.

In order to ensure wear-free movement of the coupling rod or wagon-box-side end region of the coupling rod relative to the base plate in a preferred embodiment, the articulation according to the invention is provided in that the carriage-side end region of the coupling rod has a circular cross-section, wherein a bearing is also provided which is provided in the passage opening of the base plate and designed to store the current through the passage opening end portion of the coupling rod.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1a

eine teilgeschnittene Seitenansicht einer aus dem Stand der Technik be- kannten Anlenkung zum gelenkigen Verbinden einer Kupplungsstange mit einem Wagenkasten;

Fig. 1b

die in Fig. 1a gezeigte herkömmliche Anlenkung in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht einer exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfindungs- gemäßen Anlenkung;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung der in Fig. 2 gezeigten exempla- rischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Anlenkung; und

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf die kupplungsstangenseitige Stirnfläche der Grundplatte der in Fig. 2 dargestellten exemplarischen Ausführungsform der erfin- dungsgemäßen Anlenkung.

Show it:

Fig. 1a

a partially sectioned side view of a known from the prior art articulation for articulating a coupling rod with a car body;

Fig. 1b

in the Fig. 1a shown conventional articulation in a plan view;

Fig. 2

a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive articulation;

Fig. 3

an exploded perspective view of Fig. 2 shown exemplary embodiment of the invention articulation; and

Fig. 4

a plan view of the coupling rod side end face of the base plate of in Fig. 2 illustrated exemplary embodiment of the inventive articulation.

Fig. 1a shows in a partially sectioned side view of a known from the prior art linkage 101 for articulated connection of a drawbar 102 with a carbody, not shown, of a rail vehicle. Fig. 1b shows the conventional linkage 101 according to Fig. 1a in a top view.

The conventional linkage 101 has a firmly connected to the car body of the rail vehicle base plate 110 which is provided with a passage opening 111 through which a wagenkastenseitiger end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 extends. The carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 is connected to the coupling rod 102, which in the FIGS. 1a and 1b not fully illustrated, firmly connected. It is conceivable here that the carriage box-side end region 103 of the coupling rod 102 is formed as an integral part of the coupling rod 102. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable that the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 is releasably connected to the coupling rod 102.

At the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102, a pull / push device 109 is provided, which has a clutch rod longitudinal direction L in front of the base plate 110 attached to the coupling rod 102 front spring plate 112 and a Kupplungsstangenlängsrichtig L behind the base plate 110 on the coupling rod 102 rear spring plate 114th having. Furthermore, a front elastomeric spring element 120 arranged between the base plate 110 and the front spring plate 112 and a rear elastomeric reder element 130 arranged between the base plate 110 and the rear spring plate 114 are provided.

The not shown other end of the coupling rod 102 is connected, for example, with a coupling head, also not shown, for an automatic central buffer coupling.

In the above-described basic structure of the articulation 101 known from the prior art, the rear spring plate 114 is fastened by means of a lock nut 118 on the cart side end of the coupling rod 102.

The spring elements 120, 130 used in the conventional linkage 101 are hollow rubber springs with a circular cross-section. They take over in the train / shock device 109 of the linkage 101, the function of damping the tensile and impact forces occurring during a power transmission, so that the forces can be forwarded in a damped form of the coupling rod 102 via the base plate 110 in the vehicle undercarriage, not shown.

In the in the FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrated embodiment of the prior art linkage 101 is a so-called "donut solution" in which the elastomeric spring elements 120, 130 are similar to a donut, wherein in the respective spring elements 120, 130 centrally disposed openings 122, 132 each having a circular cross-sectional shape. Through these openings 122, 132 of the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 extends. Nevertheless, the carriage box-side end portion 103 of the coupling rod 102 extends through the provided in the base plate 110 through opening 111th

To allow that in the conventional example in the FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrated linkage 101, the coupling rod 102 against rotation on the carriage body, not shown in the horizontal and vertical directions can be pivoted, the known from the prior art linkage 101 further comprises a rotation in the form of torsion springs 141, 141 ', in a horizontal plane Both sides of the coupling rod 102 are arranged. In detail, the leg springs 141, 141 'are firmly connected to the base plate 110 via their leg regions 142, 143 pointing in the direction of the base plate 110. The opposite leg portions 142 ', 143' of the legs springs 141, 141 'are each connected via a connecting arm 144, 144' fixed to the coupling rod 102. In this way it is ensured that the coupling rod 102 can not rotate relative to the base plate 110 or is returned from a rotated position, while at the same time a horizontal and vertical pivoting of the Kuppungsstange 102 relative to the base plate 110 is made possible.

The problems associated with the articulation known from the prior art, in particular with regard to the realization of the anti-rotation device, have already been outlined in the introduction to the description and should not be repeated again at this point.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention articulation 1. The respective components of the articulation 1 according to Fig. 2 are based on the in Fig. 3 to see in detail shown perspective exploded view.

Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of the articulation 1 according to the invention has a basic structure which is substantially the basic structure of a conventional and, for example, previously with reference to the representations in the FIGS. 1a and 1b described articulation 101 corresponds. Thus, in the inventive solution, a base plate 10 is provided, which is connectable to a not shown in the drawings car body of a rail vehicle, in particular screwed. Through the base plate 10 runs a passage opening 11 which receives the carriage box-side end portion 3 of a coupling rod 2.

Further, a pull / push device 9 is arranged on the carriage box-side end portion 3 of the coupling rod 2. This pull / push device 9 has an attached in the coupling rod longitudinal direction L in front of the base plate 10 on the coupling rod 2 front spring plate 12 and a coupling rod longitudinal direction L behind the base plate 10 on the coupling rod 2 mounted rear spring plate 14. Furthermore, in the articulation 1 according to the invention at least one - in the illustrated exemplary embodiment exactly one - between the base plate 10 and the front spring plate 12 arranged front elastomeric spring element 20 and at least one - in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the invention articulation 1 exactly one - between the base plate 10 and the rear spring plate 14 arranged rear elastomeric spring element 30 is provided. Each spring element 20, 30 has an opening 22, 32 aligned axially with respect to the through-opening 11 formed in the base plate 10, through which the carriage-box-side end region 3 of the coupling rod 2 runs.

The two spring plates 12, 14 also have an opening formed axially to the centrally arranged through opening 11 of the base plate 10. Accordingly, the front spring plate 12 can be pushed onto the carriage box-side end portion 3 of the coupling rod 2 and fixed to a fixedly connected to the coupling rod 2 stop 19. Thereafter, in turn, the front spring member 20, the base plate 10, the rear spring member 30 and the rear spring plate 14 is pushed onto the carriage box-side end portion 3 of the coupling rod 2. Subsequently, a lock nut 18 is pushed onto the carriage box end of the end portion 3 of the coupling rod 2, which fixes the rear spring plate 14 and at the same time biases the front and rear spring element 20, 30 accordingly.

The front spring plate 12 may also be formed integrally in the form of a flange-like projection with the carriage box-side end portion 3 of the coupling rod 2. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable that the front spring plate 12 - similar to the rear spring plate 14 - pushed as a separate component on the carriage box-side end portion 3 of the coupling rod 2 and fixed at a suitable location accordingly.

The carriage-box-side end region 3 of the coupling rod 2 lies flush against the respective spring elements 20, 30 in the openings 22, 32 formed in the front spring element 20 and the rear spring element 30. For this purpose, at least the carriage box-side end portion 3 of the coupling rod 2 has a circular cross-sectional geometry with a cross section which is at least the same size and preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the centrally provided in the two spring elements 20, 30 openings 22, 32.

In contrast to the basic structure used in a conventional linkage, in the exemplary embodiment of the linkage 1 according to the invention, it is provided that the front spring element 20 and / or the rear spring element 30 (in the case of the embodiment of the linkage 1 shown by way of example in the drawings, only the front one Spring element 20) are in such a way in engagement with the base plate 10 that the rotational forces transmitted by the coupling rod 2 are introduced at right angles into the base plate 10 without slippage.

By at least one spring element 20, 30 and the base plate 10 engage in accordance with the invention, an anti-rotation is provided in an easy to implement yet effective manner, eliminating the need for the Provide anti-rotation or provision of the twisted coupling rod 2 in its original position supports etc. in the form of, for example, a complicated leg spring arrangement.

The following is with reference to the representations in the Figures 2 and 3 described in detail how in the exemplary embodiment of the invention articulation 1, the meshing of the at least one spring element 20, 30 and the base plate 10 can be realized.

As in particular the perspective exploded view in Fig. 3 can be removed, has in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the linkage 1, the front spring element 20 at its periphery throats or recessed areas 21.1 to 21.8. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of eight recessed areas 21.1 to 21.8 are provided, which are distributed uniformly spaced over the circumference of the front spring element 20. In the illustrated in the drawings exemplary embodiment of the articulation 1 according to the invention each formed on the circumference of the front spring member 20 recess portion 21.1 to 21.8 are identical. Of course this is not mandatory.

On the other hand, it is provided in the articulation 1 shown by way of example in the drawings that the base plate 10 has protruding areas 16.1 to 16.4 on its front end face A1 facing the front spring element 20. In detail, four projecting areas 16.1 to 16.4 are used here.

The representation in Fig. 4 showing a plan view of the front end face A1 of the exemplary embodiment of the linkage 1 according to the invention, it can be seen in particular that in the exemplary embodiment of the linkage 1, the projecting portions 16.1 to 16.4 lie on a common circular line, wherein the circular angle between adjacent projecting Areas are the same size.

The projecting areas 16.1 to 16.4 are designed such that in the assembled state of the linkage 1 (see. Fig. 2 ) These engage in the formed on the circumference of the front spring member 20 recess portions 21.2, 21.4, 21.6 and 21.8 gear similar. Because of the meshing of the front spring element 20 in this way, on the one hand, and the base plate 10, on the other hand, are caused by the coupling rod 2 transmitted rotational forces without slip introduced at right angles into the base plate 10. Since in the installed state of the linkage 1, the base plate 10 is fixedly connected to the car body, the rotational force introduced into the base plate 10 counteracts a corresponding opposite torque, so that the interaction of the front spring element 20 with the base plate 10 provides an anti-rotation for the coupling rod 2 ,

On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment of the linkage 1 shown in the drawings, the rotational forces acting on the coupling rod 2 are not introduced directly into the base plate 10 but via the front spring element 20. Accordingly, the rotation locking effected by the intermeshing of the front spring element 20 and the end plate 10 is designed so that, to a certain extent, a rotation of the coupling rod 2 about its axis of rotation is made possible.

As already indicated, in the exemplary embodiment of the articulation 1 according to the invention, a total of four protruding areas 16.1 to 16.4 formed on the front end face A1 of the base plate 10 are used. By providing a plurality of projecting portions 16.1 to 16.4 it is ensured that rotational forces can be transmitted to the base plate 10 without the occurrence of voltage peaks from the coupling rod 2 via the front spring element 20. This counteracts an early closure of the front spring element 20.

In principle, it is conceivable that the front spring element 20, which engages in a form-fitting manner via the recessed areas 21.2, 21.4, 21.6, 21.8 formed on its circumference, with the projecting areas 16.1 to 16.4 formed on the front end face A1 of the base plate 10, in such a manner between the front spring plate 12 and the front end face A1 of the base plate 10 is clamped that at a rotation of the coupling rod 2, a torque without slippage on the front spring element 20 and thus on the standing in engagement with the front spring member 20 base plate 10 is transmitted. However, it is preferably provided for torque transmission from the coupling rod 2 to the front spring element 20, that also the front spring plate 12 and the front spring element 20 engage in a form-fitting manner.

As it is in particular the representation in Fig. 3 can be removed, it is conceivable that the front spring plate 12 pointing in the direction of the base plate 10 projecting portions 13.1 to 13.4, which in the assembled state of Linkage 1 (cf. Fig. 2 ) form with the formed on the circumference of the front spring member 20 recess portions 21.1, 21.3, 21.5, 21.7 a positive engagement in which not formed on the front end face A1 of the base plate 10 projecting portions 16.1 to 16.4 are added.

Accordingly, a structure is selected in which at least one spring element 20, 30 - in the illustrated in the drawings exemplary embodiment of the invention articulation 1 only the front spring element 20 - both with the base plate 10 and with the associated spring plate 12, 14 similar to a Intermeshing gear to allow in this way without slippage torque transmission from the coupling rod 2 on the base plate 1 and vice versa. Owing to the elastic nature of the spring elements 20, 30 used in the articulation 1 according to the invention, an anti-rotation or return of the coupling rod is therefore provided without additional components.

In the exemplary embodiment of the articulation 1 according to the invention described above, only a positive engagement of the front spring element 20 and the base plate 10 or the front spring plate 12 takes place. Alternatively or in addition to this, it is of course also conceivable to form the rear spring element 30 and the rear end face A2 of the base plate 10 facing the rear spring element 30 in such a way that a positive interlocking engagement becomes possible between these two components. It is also conceivable to form the rear spring plate 14 such that it forms a positive engagement with the rear spring element 30.

Thus, for example, the rear spring element 30 have at its periphery throats or recessed areas, wherein the base plate 10 on its the rear spring member 30 facing rear end face A2 in the direction of the rear spring member 30 has projecting portions which at least a part of the at the periphery of the rear spring element 30 formed throats or recess areas form a positive engagement. However, it is conceivable to provide the rear spring plate 14 with projecting in the direction of the base plate 10 areas which form a positive engagement with at least a portion of the formed on the circumference of the rear spring member 30 cavities or recess areas.

Since the solution according to the invention makes it possible to form at least the carriage box-side end region 3 of the coupling rod 2 with a circular cross-sectional shape, can be added to the passage opening 11 of the base plate 10, a spherical bearing to support the coupling rod 2 in the passage opening 11 of the base plate 10 and to allow movement of the coupling rod 2 relative to the base plate 10 with the least possible Materiatverschleiß.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described with reference to the figures, but also possible in a plurality of variants.

In particular, it is conceivable, for example, to realize a form-fitting engagement between the front and / or rear spring element 20, 30 with the base plate 10 in that protruding areas are formed on the front and / or rear spring element 20, 30 in the direction of the base plate 10, soft in correspondingly complementary thereto in the spring element 20, 30 facing end face A1, A2 formed recess areas are positively received.

Alternatively or additionally, it is nevertheless conceivable to realize a positive engagement of the front and / or rear spring element 20, 30 and the associated spring plate 12, 14 by 14 in the spring element 20, 30 facing end face of the spring plate 12, 14 suitable recessed areas are formed, in which projecting portions which are formed on the spring element 20, 30 and extending in the direction of the corresponding spring plate 12, 14 engage positively.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

linkage

2

coupling rod

3

carriage-box-side end region of the coupling rod

9

Draw / buffing gear

10

baseplate

11

Through opening

12

front spring plate

13.1-13.4

projecting areas on the front spring plate

14

rear spring plate

16.1-16.4

projecting areas of the base plate

18

locknut

19

attack

20

front spring element

21.1-21.8

Throats / recess areas

22

Opening in the front spring element

30

rear spring element

32

Opening in the rear spring element

101

Linkage (prior art)

102

Coupling rod (prior art)

103

End region of the coupling rod (prior art)

109

Pulling / pushing device (prior art)

110

Base plate (prior art)

111

Feedthrough opening (prior art)

112

front spring plate (prior art)

114

rear spring plate (prior art)

118

Locknut (prior art)

120

front spring element (prior art)

122

Opening in the front spring element (prior art)

130

rear spring element (prior art)

132

Opening in the rear spring element (prior art)

140, 140 '

Return arm of the anti-twist device (prior art)

141, 141 '

Leg spring / coil spring (prior art)

142, 142 ', 143, 143'

lever-like legs (prior art)

144, 144 '

Connecting arm (prior art)

150

Screw (prior art)

A1

front face of the base plate

A2

rear face of the base plate

L

Coupling rod longitudinal direction

Claims (15)

1. Articulated coupling (1) for linking a coupling rod (2) to a coach body, the articulated coupling (1) comprising the following:

   - a base plate (10) connectable to a coach body and provided with a through opening (11) through which an end region (3) of the coupling rod (2) on the coach body side extends, and

   - draw/buffing gear (9) arranged in the end region (3) of the coupling rod (2) on the coach body side and having a front spring plate (12) fastened to the coupling rod (2) upstream of the base plate (10) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the coupling rod and a rear spring plate (14) fastened to the coupling rod (2) downstream of the base plate (10) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the coupling rod, wherein the draw/buffing gear (9) further comprises at least one front spring element (20) of resilient material arranged between the base plate (10) and the front spring plate (12) and at least one rear spring element (30) of resilient material arranged between the base plate (10) and the rear spring plate (14), the at least one front spring element (20) and/or the at least one rear spring element (30) engaging with the base plate (10) in such a manner that rotational forces transmitted from the coupling rod (2) are introduced into the base plate (10) at a right angle without slip,
   characterised in that
   the at least one front spring element (20) is provided on its circumference with grooves (21.1 to 21.8) and that the base plate (10) is provided on its front end face (A1) directed towards the at least one front spring element (20) with projecting regions (16.1 to 16.4) engaging positively with at least some of the grooves (21.1 to 21.8) provided on the circumference of the at least one front spring element (20).
2. Articulated coupling (1) according to claim 1,
   wherein the front spring plate (12) comprises projecting regions (13.1 to 13.4) directed towards the base plate (10) and engaging positively with at least some of the grooves (21.1 to 21.8) provided on the circumference of the at least one front spring element (20).
3. Articulated coupling (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2,
   wherein at least the same number of grooves (21.1 to 21.8) are provided on the circumference of the at least one front spring element (20) as there are projecting regions (16.1 to 16.4) provided on the front end face (A1) of the base plate (10) directed towards the at least one front spring element (20).
4. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the at least one rear spring element (30) is provided on its circumference with grooves and wherein the base plate (10) is provided on its rear end face (A2) directed towards the at least one rear spring element (30) with projecting regions engaging positively with at least some of the grooves provided on the circumference of the at least one rear spring element (30).
5. Articulated coupling (1) according to claim 4,
   wherein the rear spring plate (14) comprises projecting regions directed towards the base plate (10) and engaging positively with at least some of the grooves provided on the circumference of the at least one rear spring element (30).
6. Articulated coupling (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5,
   wherein at least the same number of grooves are provided on the circumference of the at least one rear spring element (30) as there are projecting regions provided on the rear end face (A2) of the base plate (10) directed towards the at least one rear spring element (30).
7. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
   wherein the base plate (10) is provided on at least one of its two end faces (A1, A2) with at least two and preferably four of the projecting regions (16.1 to 16.4), the projecting regions (16.1 to 16.4) being situated on a common circle and the angles included between adjacent projecting regions (16.1, 16.2; 16.2, 16.3; 16,3, 16.4; 16.4, 16.1) being identical.
8. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the base plate (10) is provided on its front end face (A1) directed towards the at least one front spring element (20) with recess regions and wherein the at least one front spring element (20) comprises projecting regions directed towards the base plate (10) and engaging positively with at least some of the recess regions provided in the front end face (A1) of the base plate (10).
9. Articulated coupling (1) according to claim 8,
   wherein the front spring plate (12) is provided on its end face directed towards the at least one front spring element (20) with recess regions and wherein the at least one front spring element (20) comprises projecting regions directed towards the front spring plate (12) and engaging positively with at least some of the recess regions provided in the end face of the front spring plate (12).
10. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the base plate (10) is provided on its rear end face (A2) directed towards the at least one rear spring element (30) with recess regions and wherein the at least one rear spring element (30) comprises projecting regions directed towards the base plate (10) and engaging positively with at least some of the recess regions provided in the rear end face (A2) of the base plate (10).
11. Articulated coupling (1) according to claim 10,
    wherein the rear spring plate (14) is provided on its end face directed towards the at least one rear spring element (30) with recess regions and wherein the at least one rear spring element (30) comprises projecting regions directed towards the rear spring plate (14) and engaging positively with at least some of the recess regions provided in the end face of the rear spring plate (14).
12. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the at least one front spring element (20) and the at least one rear spring element (30) are pretensioned between the respective spring plates (12, 14) and the base plate (10) in the direction of traction/impact.
13. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the shape of the cross section of the through opening (11) provided in the base plate (10) is designed so as to allow for horizontal swivelling of the end region (3) of the coupling rod (2) on the coach body side extending through the through opening (11) within a prescribed angular range, in particular within an angular range of ± 25°, and therefore for deflection of the coupling rod (2) about the Z-axis when the coupling rod (2) is linked to a coach body by means of the articulated coupling (1).
14. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the at least one front spring element (20) and the at least one rear spring element (30) each have an opening (22, 32) aligned axially with the through opening (11) provided in the base plate (10) through which the end region (3) of the coupling rod (2) on the coach body side extends and wherein the at least one front spring element (20) and the at least one rear spring element (30) are designed in such a manner that they are each supported against the respective end faces (A1, A2) of the base plate (10) in the vertical and horizontal directions.
15. Articulated coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein at least the end region (3) of the coupling rod (2) on the coach body side has a circular cross section and wherein a bearing, in particular a rotary bearing, is furthermore provided, said bearing being arranged in the through opening (11) in the base plate (10) and being designed to support the end region (3) of the coupling rod (2) on the coach body side extending through the through opening (11).

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