COUPLER, COUPLER SYSTEM HAVING A FIRST COUPLER AND A SECOND COUPLER, AND METHOD FOR COUPLING

Abstract

A coupler having a coupler interface comprising a protruding cone, a matching cup, and at least one guiding element useful for reducing coupler height.

Claims

1. A coupler having a coupler interface comprising a protruding cone, a matching cup and at least one guiding element, wherein the height of the coupler from a center line (M) of the coupler interface to a top of the coupler interface is smaller than 200 millimeters (mm).

2. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guiding element is provided with the coupler interface in one piece.

3. The coupler according to claim 2, wherein the coupler interface is casted and the at least one guiding element is formed during casting.

4. The coupler according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical connector arranged on a lower side of the coupler interface.

5. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein at least one guiding element is arranged lateral to the protruding cone and the matching cup.

6. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein at least one guiding element is symmetric to an axis (M) connecting the mid of the cone and the mid of the cup.

7. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guiding element comprises two guiding elements configured to complement each other.

8. The coupler according to claim 7, wherein the two guiding elements are laterally arranged to the cone and the cup and each symmetric to the center line (M), with one of the two guiding elements arranged proximal to the cone and distal to the cup, and the other of the two guiding elements arranged distal to the cone and proximal to the cup.

9. The coupler according to claim 8, wherein one of the two guiding elements has a clamp-like design and the other of the two elements has a tooth-shaped design such that the clamp-like design guiding element is adapted to embrace the tooth-shaped design guiding element.

10. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein at least one guiding element comprises at least one guide surface that spans a plane.

11. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein at least one guiding element comprises a socket design.

12. The coupler according to claim 1, further comprising a guide horn arranged at a lower side corner of the coupler interface that forms part of one of the at least one guiding element.

13. A coupler system comprising: a first coupler; and a second coupler; wherein each of said first coupler and second coupler comprises a coupler interface comprising a protruding cone, a matching cup and at least one guiding element, wherein the height of the coupler from a center line (M) of the coupler interface to a top of the coupler interface Is smaller than 200 millimeters (mm); and wherein the protruding cone of the first coupler is arranged in the matching cup of the second coupler, and the protruding cone of the second coupler is arranged in the matching cup of the first coupler.

14. The coupler system according to claim 13, wherein the protruding cone of the first coupler has a hook that protrudes sideways out of the protruding cone of the first coupler and into a sideways opening of the cup of the second coupler into a space behind the cone (3) of the second coupler.

15. The coupler system according to claim 13, wherein the protruding cone of the second coupler has a hook that protrudes sideways out of the protruding cone of the second coupler and into a sideways opening of the cup of the first coupler into a space behind the cone of the first coupler.

16. The coupler according to claim 13, wherein the protruding cone of the first coupler has a hook that protrudes sideways out of the protruding cone of the first coupler and into a sideways opening of the cup of the second coupler into a space behind the cone of the second coupler; and the protruding cone of the second coupler has a hook that protrudes sideways out of the protruding cone of the second coupler and into a sideways opening of the cup of the first coupler into a space behind the cone of the first coupler.

17. A multi-car vehicle comprising: a first car; a second car; and a coupler system having a first coupler connected to the first car, and a second coupler connected to the second car; wherein each of said first coupler and said second coupler comprises a coupler interface comprising a protruding cone, a matching cup and at least one guiding element, wherein the height of the coupler from a center line (M) of the coupler interface (5) to a top of the coupler interface is smaller than 200 (mm); and wherein the protruding cone of the first coupler is arranged in the matching cup of the second coupler and the protruding cone of the second coupler is arranged in the matching cup of the first coupler.

18. The multi-car vehicle of claim 17, wherein the first coupler is attached to the underframe of the first car, and the second coupler is attached to the underframe of the second car.

19. A method for coupling a first coupler of a coupler system to a second coupler of the coupler system, the method comprising: providing a first coupler and a second coupler, the first coupler being spaced apart from the second coupler (7), wherein each of said first coupler and said second coupler comprises a coupler interface comprising a protruding cone, a matching cup and at least one guiding element, wherein the height of the coupler from a center line (M) of the coupler interface to a top of the coupler interface is smaller than 200 millimeters (mm); moving the first coupler towards the second coupler and/or moving the second coupler towards the first coupler; bringing the protruding cone of the first coupler into contact with the at least one guiding element of the second coupler, and/or the protruding cone of the second coupler into contact with the at least one guiding element of the first coupler and/or the at least one guiding element of the first coupler into contact with the at least one guiding element of the second coupler; further moving the first coupler towards the second coupler, and/or further moving the second coupler towards the first coupler; moving the protruding cone of the first coupler into the matching cup of the second coupler and the protruding cone of the second coupler into the matching cup of the first coupler.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising moving a hook on the cone of the first coupler into a position where the hook protrudes sideways out of the protruding cone and into a sideways opening of the cup of the second coupler into a space behind the cone of the second coupler.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] In the following the invention will be explained with reference to Figures that only show exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a coupler having a coupler interface according to the prior art;

[0085] FIG. 2 shows a coupler having a coupler interface according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0086] FIG. 3 shows a front view onto a coupler according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0087] FIG. 4 shows a top view onto the coupler of FIG. 3;

[0088] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view onto the coupler of FIG. 3;

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a side view onto the coupler of FIG. 3;

[0090] FIG. 7 shows a side view onto the coupler of FIG. 3;

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a perspective onto the coupler of FIG. 3 from a first perspective;

[0092] FIG. 9 shows a perspective onto the coupler of FIG. 3 from a second perspective;

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a perspective onto the coupler of FIG. 3 from a third perspective;

[0094] FIG. 11 shows a perspective onto the coupler of FIG. 3 from a fourth perspective;

[0095] FIG. 12 shows a side view onto a coupler system according to the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler in a misaligned position during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0096] FIG. 13 shows a top view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler in a misaligned position that is different to the position shown in FIG. 12 during performance of the method according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0097] FIG. 14 shows a top view onto a further coupler having a coupler interface according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0098] FIG. 15 shows a front view onto the coupler according to FIG. 14;

[0099] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view onto the coupler according to FIG. 14;

[0100] FIG. 17 shows a further perspective view onto the coupler according to FIG. 14;

[0101] FIG. 18 shows a top view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0102] FIG. 19 shows a side view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0103] FIG. 20 shows a rear view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0104] FIG. 21 shows a top view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0105] FIG. 22 shows a top view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0106] FIG. 23 shows a rear view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0107] FIG. 24 shows a rear view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0108] FIG. 25 shows a top view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0109] FIG. 26 shows a rear view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention;

[0110] FIG. 27 shows a top view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 in misalignment during performance of the method according to the invention; and

[0111] FIG. 28 shows a top view onto a coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a first coupler and a second coupler of the type shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 being in the coupled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] FIG. 1 shows a coupler 7 having a front surface 5. The front surface 5 comprises a cone 3 and a funnel 4 or cup. A guiding horn 1 is arranged below the cone 3 and the funnel 4.

[0113] FIG. 2 shows a coupler 7 having a front surface 5. The front surface 5 comprises a cone 3 and a funnel 4 or cup. An axis M connects the mid points of cone 3 and funnel 4. Lateral to the cone 3 and the funnel 4, for example in the direction of axis M, two guiding elements 8a, and 8b are provided on the front surface 5.

[0114] The two guiding elements 8a, 8b are provided with the front face 5 in one piece. In the embodiment shown the front surface and the guiding elements 8a, 8b are casted as one piece.

[0115] The height of the coupler 7 shown in FIG. 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axis M, for example axis H, is smaller than 200 mm from center line M to top of coupling interface. Thus, the height of the coupler interface is, i.e. the front surface 5, substantially 2H.

[0116] Further, an electrical connector 9 is shown in FIG. 2 which is positioned below the cone 3 and funnel 4, for example below the axis M.

[0117] The two guiding elements 8a, 8b are laterally arranged to the cone 3 and the funnel 4. Each of the guiding elements 8a, 8b is symmetric to the axis M. The two guiding elements 8a, 8b are designed to be complement to each other, wherein the guiding element 8a has a clamp-like design (a socket design) and can embrace the guiding element 8b which has a tooth-shaped design (design of a pyramid). The guiding element 8b comprises at least one, especially two, more especially three, even more especially four, sliding surfaces 6 or guide surfaces 6, each of which can span a plane. The guiding element 8a comprises at least one, especially two, sliding surfaces 6 or guide surfaces 6.

[0118] The clamp-like guiding element 8a is arranged on the side of the cone 3 (near to the cone 3), whereas the other guiding element 8b, which has a tooth-shaped design, is arranged on the side of the funnel 4 (near to the funnel 4).

[0119] The coupler 7 has a front piece 20. The front piece 20 is the forward wall of a basic piece 21 of the coupler 7. The basic piece 21 further contains the rear end 22 and the intermediate part 23. The front surface 5 is the front surface of the front piece. The basic piece 21 is produced as one piece, namely by way of casting.

[0120] The front surface 5 is made up of a group of flat surface sections 24, 25, 26, 27, whereby the flat surface sections 24, 26, 27 are arranged in a first plane and the flat surface sections 25, 27 are arranged in a second plane that is arranged parallel to the first plane, but further away from the rear end 22 than the first plane.

[0121] The first plane and the second plane are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the coupler.

[0122] The front piece 20 has a rectangular shape. Through holes are be provided in the front piece 20.

[0123] The protruding cone 3 extends along a cone axis C. The cone 3 has a circular cross section at the place where it joins the front piece 20, the cone axis is the center axis of this circular cross section. The cup 4 has a cup axis D, which is parallel to the cone axis C. The cup 4 has a circular shape at its starting point on the front surface 5, the cup axis is the center line of this circle. The coupler has a longitudinal axis A that extends from the rear end to the coupler interface 5. The cone axis C and the cup axis C are parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0124] The coupler 7 has at least the guiding elements 8a, 8b, which each are designed to be symmetric to an axis M connecting the mid of the cone 3 and the mid of the cup 4, namely a horizontal axis M that connects the mid of the cone 3 and the mid of the cup 4; and symmetric relative to a horizontal plane B that contains the mid of the cone 3 and contains the mid of the cup 4.

[0125] The protruding cone 3 has the shape of a truncated cone; the truncated cone has a plane face surface 124.

[0126] The cone 3 has a circular cross section at the place where it starts to protrude from the front surface 5; the mid of the cone 3 is the center of this circle. The cup 4 has a circular shape at its starting point on the front surface 5, the mid of the cup 4 is the center of this circle.

[0127] The protruding cone has a moveable hook 125 (only shown in FIG. 1 and left out in FIG. 2 for reasons of a clearer picture) that can be moved sideways out of the cone 3 towards the cup 4 in a rotational manner.

[0128] The cup 4 has the inverted shape of the cone 3. The cup 4 has a sideways opening 126, which is designed to take up the hook 125 that protrudes sideways from the protruding cone 3 of the further coupler 7 and is intended to interlock with the respective coupler 7 by way of being moved sideways out of the protruding cone 3 of the further coupler 7 and into the sideways opening 126 that is provided for it in the cup 4 of the respective coupler 7. The sideways opening 126 is arranged at that side of the cup 4 that is closest to the cone 3. The sideways opening 126 opens towards a space behind the cone 3.

[0129] The socket-type guiding element 8a is further delimited by a side plate 127, that passes over into the front surface 5. The socket is open towards the side.

[0130] The protruding guiding element 8b has two flat guide surfaces 6 that run at an angle relative to each other. The two flat guide surfaces 6 run at an angle towards a horizontal plane B, namely run at the same, but inverse angle to the horizontal plane B. The two flat guide surfaces 6 meet in said horizontal plane B forming a front edge 28 that has an edge line that runs along the plane B.

[0131] The protruding guiding element 8b has a third guide surface 6 that is arranged symmetrically about the horizontal plane B and is arranged in a vertical plane. The vertical plane is arranged at an angle to the linear axis A of the coupler 7. The third guide surface has edges 29 that connect the third guide surface 6 with the other two guide surfaces 6. The third guide surface 6 has a triangular shape.

[0132] The protruding guiding element 8b has a fourth guide surface 6 that is arranged symmetrically about the horizontal plane B and is arranged in a vertical plane. The vertical plane is arranged parallel to the linear axis A of the coupler. The fourth guide surface 6 has edges 30 that connect the fourth guide surface 6 with the other two guide surfaces 6. The fourth guide surface 6 has an edge 31 that connect the fourth guide surface 6 with the third guide surfaces 6. This edge 31 is a crest. The fourth guide surface 6 is arranged closer to the front surface 5 than the third guide surface 6. The fourth guide surface 6 joins the front surface at an interface line 32. The interface line 32 at least partially is a linear line. The fourth guide surface 6 has a shape of a trapezium.

[0133] FIGS. 14 to 28 show a further embodiment of a coupler 7 according to the invention. Like parts have been assigned with the same reference signs as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13. The further embodiment (FIGS. 14 to 28) especially differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 in the following design aspects: [0134] the protruding guiding element 8b has been with intermediate guide surface 6* in addition to the existing guide surface 6; [0135] the socket-type guiding element 8a has a guide horn 33 arranged at a lower side corner of the coupler interface 5 that forms part of the one guiding element 8a; [0136] the cup 4 has been provided with pockets 34 that facilitate the entry of a misaligned cone 3 into the cup 4. The socket-type guiding element 8a is further delimited by a side plate 27, that passes over into the front surface 5. The socket is open towards the side.

[0137] The guide horn protrudes along a horn axis E, whereby the horn axis E is arranged in a vertical plane, but at an angle ALPHA to the horizontal plane. The angle ALPHA is about 25°.

[0138] The guide horn 33 has a side surface 35 that is arranged in a vertical plane. The guide horn 33 has a tip 36. The tip 36 is arranged in the same vertical plane as the side surface 35. The guide horn 33 protrudes from the front surface 5 of the front piece 20. The width of the guide horn 33 decreases with distance from the front surface 5. The guide horn 33 has a triangular top surface 37. On side of the triangular top surface 37 is designed to be bow-shaped or curved which facilitates the guiding of the movement of the respective piece that the guide horn 33 is to interact with in the respective scenario of misalignment.

[0139] All elements of the guide horn 33 are arranged on one side of a vertical plane F, whereby the cup 4 and the cone 3 are arranged on the other side of the vertical plane F.

[0140] An additional guiding element 38 is provided below the front surface 5 and next to the electrical connector 9 (not shown in FIGS. 14 to 17).

[0141] FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21 and 23 show the first coupler 7 and the second coupler 7 in the same misaligned position. As can be seen from FIG. 18, the lower coupler 7 in the view of FIG. 18 and FIG. 21 is arranged too far to the left hand side relative to the upper coupler 8 in the view of FIG. 18. As can be seen from FIG. 19, the left coupler 7 in the view of FIG. 19 (which is the lower coupler 7 in the view of FIG. 18 and which is the lower, more leftward coupler in FIG. 20) is arranged to high up relative to the right hand coupler 7. If the couplers 7 are moved closer together, the guide horn 33 of the lower coupler 7 in the view of FIG. 18 will come into contact with a lower edge of the front piece 20 of the upper coupler 7 in the view of FIG. 18. Due to the angular arrangement of the guide horn 33 (angle ALPHA) and due to the triangular shape of the top surface 37, further movement of the couplers 7 together will move the upper coupler (in the view of FIG. 18, which is the right hand coupler in FIG. 19) upwards (in the view of FIG. 19) and to the left (in the view of FIG. 18). This will bring the couplers 7 into the aligned position shown in FIG. 28. As has been highlighted in FIG. 20, the couplers 7 are misaligned in the vertical by an amount X, which maybe 125 mm for example, and are misaligned in the horizontal by an amount Y, which may be 220 mm for example.

[0142] In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 22 and 24 the couplers 7 are arranged on the same height (see FIG. 24) but misaligned in the sense that the one coupler 7 is too far left relative to the other coupler 7 by the amount y. As can best be seen from FIG. 22, the respective cone 3 of the respective one coupler 7 comes into contact with the guide surfaces 6 of the guiding element 8b of the respective other coupler 7. As the couplers 7 are moved closer together, the cones 3 slide along the guide surfaces 6 and are guided by them into the cup 4. As has been highlighted in FIG. 22, the couplers 7 are misaligned in the horizontal by an amount Y, which may be 220 mm for example.

[0143] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 25 the couplers 7 are arranged on the same height but misaligned in the sense that the one coupler 7 is too far left relative to the other coupler 7. The respective cone 3 of the respective one coupler 7 comes into contact with the respective cone 3 of the respective other coupler 7. As the couplers 7 are moved closer together, the cones 3 slide along each other and are guided into the cup 4.

[0144] FIGS. 26 and 27 shows a scenario, where the couplers 7 are both misaligned in the vertical (by an amount x that may be 125 mm for example) and the horizontal (by an amount Y that may be 220 mm for example). The misalignment is such that the guiding element 8b of the front coupler 7 (the coupler arranged higher and more to the right in FIG. 26) will come into contact with the top guide surface 6 of the guiding element 8a. The guiding element 8b will slide along the top guide surface 6 of the guiding element 8a bringing the front coupler 7 downwards and leftwards. Also, the guide horn 33 will come into contact with the downward facing guide surface 6 of the guiding element 8b and slide along it.

[0145] FIG. 28 shows the two couplers in aligned position and coupled. FIG. 28 highlights how the guiding element 8a by way of being in a shape of a socket takes up the guiding element 8b in the coupled stage.

[0146] According to the method for coupling the first coupler 7 of the coupler system according to an embodiment of the invention with a second coupler 7 of the coupler system according to the invention, the following steps are provided: [0147] providing the first coupler 7 and the second coupler 7, whereby the first coupler 7 is spaced apart from the second coupler 7, [0148] moving the first coupler 7 towards the second coupler 7 and/or moving the second coupler 7 towards the first coupler 7, [0149] bringing [0150] a. the protruding cone 3 of the first coupler 7 into contact with a guiding element 8a,8b of the second coupler 7 (see for example FIG. 13) and/or [0151] b. the protruding cone 3 of the second coupler 7 into contact with a guiding element 8a,8b of the first coupler 7 (see for example FIG. 13) and/or [0152] c. bringing a guiding element 8a of the first coupler 7 into contact with a guiding element 8b of the second coupler 7 (see for example FIG. 12), further moving the first coupler 7 towards the second coupler 7 and/or further moving the second coupler 7 towards the first coupler 7, moving the protruding cone 3 of the first coupler 7 into the matching cup 4 of the second coupler 7 and the protruding cone 3 of the second coupler 7 into the matching cup 4 of the first coupler 7.

[0153] FIGS. 2 to 28 show the coupler(s) 7 only with the unitary casted basic piece of the coupler 7 with additional elements of the coupler, like the hook 125 not being shown in the FIGS. 2 to 28 to facilitate the presentation of the features of the coupler 7. The electrical coupler 9 also is not shown in FIGS. 3 to 11 and 14 to 17 to facilitate the presentation of the features of the coupler 7.

[0154] It is understood that all presented embodiments are only exemplary, and that any feature presented for a particular example embodiment may be used with any aspect of the invention on its own or in combination with any feature presented for the same or another particular example embodiment and/or in combination with any other feature not mentioned. It will further be understood that any feature presented for an example embodiment in a particular category (method/apparatus/system) may also be used in a corresponding manner in an example embodiment of any other category. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those in the art will recognize that other embodiments may be practiced with modifications and alterations limited only by the claims.