Train coupler arrangement with axial expansion module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a train coupler adapted for energy absorption by the use of a deformation unit. According to the invention an axial expansion module is provided and mounted together with the deformation unit and an anchor in the housing of the train coupler. By expanding the axial expansion module after being mounted into the housing, the deformation unit and the anchor will be biased between the front and rear lugs of the housing and held in place by a predetermined force in the axial direction only.

Claims

1. A train coupler (1) for coupling of a train car, comprising a bar (2), which at a front end is adapted to engage with coupling means and at a rear end attached to an anchor (3), the longitudinal extension of the bar (2) in a relaxed position defining an axial direction and a central axis of the train coupler (1), wherein the anchor (3) is arranged to interact with a deformation unit (4), the deformation unit (4) positioned coaxially with the anchor (3) and after the anchor (3) in the axial direction from the bar (2), the anchor (3) and the deformation unit (4) comprised in a housing (5) in-between a pair of front lugs (5a) and a pair of rear lugs (5b), at least one axial expansion module (7) is inserted in-between the front lugs (5a) and the anchor (3) or in-between the anchor (3) and the deformation unit (4) or in-between the deformation unit (4) and the rear lugs (5b), and the axial expansion module (7) is arranged to be expandable in the axial direction and expanded after having been inserted into the housing (5), the axial expansion module (7) exerting a predetermined force on the deformation unit (4) and the anchor (3) so that the axial expansion module (7), the deformation unit (4) and the anchor (3) are held between the front lugs (5a) and the rear lugs (5b), the axial expansion module (7) is a wedge assembly comprising: a first wedged piece (37a) with two wedged surfaces, a second wedged piece (37b) with one wedged surface facing one of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece (37a), and a third wedged piece (37g) with one wedged surface facing the other of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece (37a), the first wedged piece (37a) provided with a threaded hole (37c) provided on its bottom surface; a fixture (37h) provided in contact with the bottom surfaces of the second wedged piece (37b) and the third wedged piece (37g) and extending at least partly over the respective bottom surfaces, the fixture (37h) provided with a hole (37e); and a bolt (37d) extending through the hole (37e) of the fixture (37h) and engaging with the threaded hole (37c) of the first wedged piece (37a) and a head (37f) of the bolt (37d) acting on the fixture (37h).

2. The train coupler (1) according to claim 1, comprising two wedged assemblies (7) provided on each side of the centre axis and their bolt heads facing the underside of the housing.

3. The train coupler (1) according to claim 2, wherein the housing comprises at least one cover plate (61) being open at the position of the wedged assemblies (7) and at least one second cover plate (62) covering at least partly the bottom surfaces of the two wedged assemblies (7).

4. A The train coupler (1) for coupling of a train car, comprising a bar (2), which at a front end is adapted to engage with coupling means and at a rear end attached to an anchor (3), the longitudinal extension of the bar (2) in a relaxed position defining an axial direction and a central axis of the train coupler (1), wherein the anchor (3) is arranged to interact with a deformation unit (4), the deformation unit (4) positioned coaxially with the anchor (3) and after the anchor (3) in the axial direction from the bar (2), the anchor (3) and the deformation unit (4) comprised in a housing (5) in-between a pair of front lugs (5a) and a pair of rear lugs (5b), at least one axial expansion module (7) is inserted in-between the front lugs (5a) and the anchor (3) or in-between the anchor (3) and the deformation unit (4) or in-between the deformation unit (4) and the rear lugs (5b), the axial expansion module (7) is arranged to be expandable in the axial direction and expanded after having been inserted into the housing (5), the axial expansion module (7) exerting a predetermined force on the deformation unit (4) and the anchor (3) so that the axial expansion module (7), the deformation unit (4) and the anchor (3) are held between the front lugs (5a) and the rear lugs (5b), the axial expansion module (7) is a wedge assembly (47) comprising: a first wedged piece (47a) with two wedged surfaces, a second wedged piece (47b) with one wedged surface facing one of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece (47a), and a third wedged piece (47g) with one wedged surface facing the other of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece (47a), the first wedged piece (47a) provided with a through hole (47c) extending from its bottom surface to its top surface; a fixture (47h) provided in contact with the top surfaces of the second wedged piece (47b) and the third wedged piece (47g) and extending at least partly over the respective top surfaces, the fixture (47h) provided with a threaded hole (47i); and a bolt (47d) extending through the hole (47c) of the first wedged piece (47a) and engaging with the threaded hole (47i) of the fixture (47h) and a head (47f) of the bolt (37d) acting on the bottom surface of the first wedged piece (47a).

5. A train coupler (1) for coupling of a train car, comprising a bar (2), which at a front end is adapted to engage with coupling means and at a rear end attached to an anchor (3), the longitudinal extension of the bar (2) in a relaxed position defining an axial direction and a central axis of the train coupler (1), wherein the anchor (3) is arranged to interact with a deformation unit (4), the deformation unit (4) positioned coaxially with the anchor (3) and after the anchor (3) in the axial direction from the bar (2), the anchor (3) and the deformation unit (4) comprised in a housing (5) in-between a pair of front lugs (5a) and a pair of rear lugs (5b), at least one axial expansion module (7) is inserted in-between the front lugs (5a) and the anchor (3) or in-between the anchor (3) and the deformation unit (4) or in-between the deformation unit (4) and the rear lugs (5b), the axial expansion module (7) is arranged to be expandable in the axial direction and expanded after having been inserted into the housing (5), the axial expansion module (7) exerting a predetermined force on the deformation unit (4) and the anchor (3) so that the axial expansion module (7), the deformation unit (4) and the anchor (3) are held between the front lugs (5a) and the rear lugs (5b), the axial expansion module (7) is a wedge assembly (57) comprising: a first wedged piece (57a) with a rear facing wedged surface and a front facing wedged surface, a second wedged piece (57b) with a rear facing wedged surfaces and a front facing wedged surface, the first wedged piece (57a) provided above the second wedged piece (57b) in a direction transverse to the centre axis, a third wedged piece (57c) with an upper and an lower rear facing wedged surfaces, and a fourth wedged piece (57d) with an upper and a lower front facing wedged surfaces, the upper and lower wedged surfaces of the third (57c) and fourth (57d) wedged pieces arranged so that wedged pieces have a larger thickness in the axial direction in the middle of the wedged pieces than at the intersection with the top and bottom surfaces, the rear facing wedged surface of the first wedged piece (57a) faces and corresponds to the upper front facing wedged surface of the fourth wedged piece (57d), the front facing wedged surface of the first wedged piece (57a) faces and corresponds to the upper rear facing wedged surface of the third wedged piece (57d), the rear facing wedged surface of the second wedged piece (57b) faces and corresponds to the lower front facing wedged surface of the fourth wedged piece (57d), the front facing wedged surface of the first wedged piece (57a) faces and corresponds to the lower rear facing wedged surface of the third wedged piece (57c), the first wedged piece (57a) provided with a threaded hole (57e) on its bottom surface, the second wedged piece (57b) provided with a through hole (57g) extending from its bottom surface to its top surface; and a bolt (57f) extending through the through hole (57g) of the second wedged piece (57b) and engaging with the threaded hole (57e) of the first wedged piece (75a), a bolt head (57h) of the bolt (57f) acting on the bottom surface of the second wedged piece (57b).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of the train coupler according to the invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration in side view of one embodiment of the axial expansion module being part of the train coupler according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration in side view of one embodiment of the axial expansion module being part of the train coupler according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration in side view of one embodiment of the axial expansion module being part of the train coupler according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 5 is schematic illustrations in side view of one embodiment of the axial expansion module being part of the train coupler according to the invention; and

(6) FIG. 6a-b are perspective schematic views from underneath of the housing of the train coupler according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) Terms such as top, bottom, upper, lower, below, above, front, back, in front, behind etc are used merely with reference to the geometry of the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings and/or during normal operation of the device and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. In the following the term corresponding surfaces is used to describe two wedged surfaces that are designed to interact and which two surfaces are parallel during operation.

(8) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the train coupler 1 according to the invention in an perspective view. Some parts have been omitted in order to better illustrate the novel parts. The train coupler 1 is mounted to an underframe of a train car.

(9) The train coupler 1 comprises a bar 2, which at a front end is provided with coupling means (not shown) for example a coupler head and at a rear end attached to an anchor 3. The bar 2 may typically interact with the anchor 3 via a plurality of ring-shaped elastic elements 8 of which one can be seen in the figure. The design of the bar 2 and the anchor 3 and its interaction follows well established design principles known in the art. The anchor 3 is together with a deformation unit 4 comprised in a housing 5. Preferably the housing covers at least the major portion of three sides of the train coupler 1. The fourth side is at least partly open. One or more removable cover plates (not shown) may cover the open side of the housing 5. Typically installation and maintenance of the parts in the housing is done from underneath and hence the at least partly open side of the housing should be the bottom side of the housing. I.e. the side facing the ground during normal operation of the train. The longitudinal extension of the bar 2 can be seen as in its starting position defining an axial direction and a central axis of the train coupler 1, in the figure indicated with a dashed line.

(10) The housing 5 is provided with a pair of front lugs 5a and a pair of rear lugs 5b. Each pair of lugs is arranged symmetrically with regards to the central axis and typically with the opening them between accessible from the open side of the housing, i.e. typically the bottom side. The anchor 3 and the deformation unit 4 are provided in-between the front lugs 5a and the rear lugs 5b and aligned with regards to the central axis. The deformation unit 4 is placed after the anchor in the axial direction from the bar 2.

(11) A pair of axial expansion modules 7 is provided either in-between the deformation unit 4 and the anchor 3, in between the anchor 3 and the front lugs 5a or in-between the deformation unit 4 and the rear lugs 5b. Alternatively only one axial expansion module 7 is provided in-between the anchor 3 and the deformation unit 4 and centralized in at least one direction with regards to the central axis. In an embodiment utilizing only one axial expansion module 7, the expansion module 7 should preferably be extended over at least one third of the plane of the anchor 3 facing the deformation unit 4 in order to provide mechanical stability. The deformation unit 4 typically comprises a cylinder that moves rearwards upon an impact. If the axial expansion module/modules 7 are placed in-between the deformation unit 4 and the rear lugs 5b, care must therefore be taken so that the cylinder can move freely without contact with the axial expansion module 7. If only one axial expansion module 7 is used it is preferably provided with an opening for receiving the cylinder of the deformation unit 4, the opening with a margin larger than the diameter of the cylinder. The axial expansion module 7 is arranged to be expandable in the axial direction and thereby exert a force in the axial direction, the locking force that bias the anchor 3 and the deformation unit 4 and holds the parts in place in the housing 5. The force is typically predetermined and applied from outside the housing 5 after mounting the anchor 3, the deformation unit 4 and the axial expansion module 7 in-between the front 5a and rear lugs 5b. The axial expansion module 7 is further arranged to maintain the force or bias.

(12) According to the train coupler of the invention at least the deformation unit 4 the anchor 3 and the axial expansion unit 7 are held in place by the locking force only, i.e. the force originating from the axial expansion module 7 being expanded in the axial direction. A contact may still exist between for example the axial expansion module 7 and the housing 5 or cover plates. However this does not constitute a load bearing contact, at least not if compared to the locking force, and if the cover plate is removed, the parts of the train coupler are still held in place by the locking force. The axial expansion of the axial expansion module 7 should be adjustable from outside the housing 5, so that the axial expansion module 7 could be mounted into the housing 5 in a contracted state at one of the positions in-between the deformation unit 4 and the anchor 3, in between the anchor 3 and the front lugs 5a or in-between the deformation unit 4 and the rear lugs 5b and after mounting expanded to provide the locking force. Hence the axial expansion of the axial expansion module 7 is provided by relative motion of only parts within the axial expansion module 7. In the same manner forces required for the expansion in the axial direction, i.e. forces not in the axial direction of the train coupler, are taken up within the axial expansion module 7. Thereby the axial expansion is provided without for example a wedge acting against the housing 5 or the underframe as in prior art solutions.

(13) The forces upon a crash impact on the axial expansion module 7 may be significant and the mechanical stability of the part much be maintained in order to direct the forces to the energy absorbing parts in a controlled manner.

(14) According to one embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the axial expansion module 27 comprises a first wedged piece 27a with a first wedged surface and a second wedged piece 27b with a second wedged surface and the wedged surfaces are parallel and facing each other. A third piece 27g faces the non-wedged surface of the first wedged piece 27a. A fixture 27h is provided in contact with the bottom surfaces of the second wedged piece 27b and the third piece 27g and extending at least partly over the respective surfaces. The fixture 27h may be fixed to one of the second wedged piece 27b and the third piece 27g. In the mounted position the wedged surfaces forms planes that are perpendicular to the central axis of the train coupler 1 and have normals that deviates from the central axis. The outer surfaces of the wedge assembly 27 have normals that will be in the direction of central axis. The first wedged piece 27a is provided with a threaded hole 27c for receiving a bolt 27d. The bolt 27d extends through a hole 27e in the fixture 27h and the head 27f of the bolt 27d acts on the fixture 27h.

(15) By tightening the bolt 27d, which is readily done from outside the housing 5, the bolt head 27f acts on the fixture 27h and forces the first wedged piece 27a downwards and an expansion is provided in the axial direction providing the locking force. The expansion and hence force in the axial direction is provided without transversal motion of the outer pieces, the second wedged piece 27b and the third piece 27g. Thereby no transversal forces are exerted on the anchor 3 or the deformation unit 4 during mounting and there will be no risk of misplacement of the anchor 3 or the deformation unit 4, minimizing the risks for misalignment or the set up being skewed. The arrangement with the outer pieces of the wedge assembly 7 which are in contact with the anchor 3, the deformation unit 4 or the lugs 5a/b, not moving in any direction but the axial direction is a common feature for all embodiments of the invention.

(16) As realized by the skilled person, the bolt and threaded hole arrangement can be altered in various ways and provide the same functionality. For example, the bolt 27d may be replaced with a threaded pin fastened to the first wedged piece 27a and extending through the second wedged piece 27b. A nut mating with the bolt 27d and acting on the bottom surface provides for the relative motion of the first 27a and second 27b wedged surfaces. Also in the other embodiments of the invention the bolt arrangement can be varied in this manner.

(17) According to one embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the axial expansion module comprises a first wedged piece 37a with two wedged surfaces, a second wedged piece 37b with a one wedged surface facing one of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece 37a, and a third wedged piece 37g with one wedged surface facing the other of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece 37a. A fixture 37h is provided in contact with the bottom surfaces of the second wedged piece 37b and the third wedged piece 37g and extending at least partly over the respective surfaces. The fixture 37h may be fixed to one of the second wedged piece 37b and the third wedged piece 37g. In the mounted position the wedged surfaces forms planes that are perpendicular to the central axis of the train coupler 1 and have normals that deviates from the central axis. The outer surfaces of the wedge assembly 37 have normals that will be in the direction of central axis. The first wedged piece 37a is provided with a threaded hole 37c for receiving a bolt 37d. The bolt 37d extends through a hole 37e in the fixture 37h and the head 37f of the bolt 37d acts on the fixture 37h. By tightening the bolt 37d, which is readily done from outside the housing 5, the bolt head 37f acts on the fixture 37h and forces the first wedged piece 37a downwards and the second wedged piece 47b and the third wedged piece 47g outwards in the axial direction the locking force is provided. The expansion and hence force in the axial direction is provided without transversal motion of the second wedged piece 37b and the third wedged piece 37g.

(18) According to one embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in FIG. 4, the axial expansion module comprises a first wedged piece 47a with two wedged surfaces, a second wedged piece 47b with a one wedged surface facing one of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece 47a, and a third wedged piece 47g with one wedged surface facing the other of the wedged surfaces of the first wedged piece 47a. A fixture 47h is provided in contact with the top surfaces of the second wedged piece 47b and the third wedged piece 47g and extending at least partly over the respective surfaces. The fixture 47h may be fixed to one of the second wedged piece 47b and the third wedged piece 47g. The fixture 47h is provided with a threaded hole 47i for receiving a bolt 47d. In the mounted position the wedged surfaces forms planes that are perpendicular to the central axis of the train coupler 1 and have normals that deviates from the central axis. The first wedged piece 47a is provided with a through hole 47c for receiving a bolt 47d. The bolt 47d extends through the hole 47c in the first wedged piece 47a and mates with the threaded hole 47i in the fixture 47h. The head 47f of the bolt 47d acts on the surface of the first wedged piece 47a facing the open side of the housing, typically the bottom surface. The expansion and hence the force in the axial direction will be provided similarly as to the previous embodiment described with references to FIG. 3.

(19) According to one embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, the axial expansion module comprises a first wedged piece 57a with a rear facing wedged surfaces and a front facing wedged surface, a second wedged piece 57b with a rear facing wedged surfaces and a front facing wedged surface, a third wedged piece 57c with an upper and an lower rear facing wedged surfaces, and a fourth wedged piece 57d with an upper and a lower front facing wedged surfaces. The upper and lower wedged surfaces of the third 57c and fourth 57d wedged pieces are arranged so that wedged pieces have a larger thickness in the axial direction in the middle of the wedged pieces than at the intersection with the top and bottom surfaces. Intersections are formed between the respective upper and lower wedged surfaces forming a line that is perpendicular to the central axis. The upper wedged surface of the third wedged piece 57c is parallel to the lower wedged surface of the fourth wedged piece 57d and the lower wedged surface of the third wedged piece 57c is parallel to the upper wedged surface of the fourth wedged piece 57d. In the mounted position the wedged surfaces forms planes that are perpendicular to the central axis of the train coupler 1 and have normals that deviates from the central axis. The rear facing wedged surface of the first wedged piece 57a faces and corresponds to the upper front facing wedged surface of the fourth wedged piece 57d and the front facing wedged surface of the first wedged piece faces and corresponds to the upper rear facing wedged surface of the third wedged piece 57d. Equivalently the rear facing wedged surface of the second wedged piece 57b faces and corresponds to the lower front facing wedged surface of the fourth wedged piece 57d and the front facing wedged surface of the first wedged piece faces and corresponds to the lower rear facing wedged surface of the third wedged piece 57c. The first wedged piece 57a is provided with a threaded hole 57e for receiving a bolt 57f. The second wedged piece 57b is provided with a through hole 57g for receiving the bolt 57f, the bolt head 57h acting on the bottom surface of the second wedged piece 57b. By tightening the bolt 57f, the bolt head 57h accessible from outside the housing 5, the first 57a and second 57b wedged pieces will be pushing the third and fourth wedged piece outwards in the axial direction in a symmetrical action.

(20) According to one embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6a-b, the open side of the housing 5, preferably the bottom side, is provided with a first cover plate 61 essentially covering the deformation unit. A removable second cover plate 62 covers the two wedged assemblies 7, here exemplarily depicted as provided between the anchor 3 and the deformation unit 4. FIG. 7a illustrates the housing without the second cover plate mounted and 7b) the removable second cover plate 62 mounted. The removable second cover plate 62 allows for easy adjustment of the bolts of the wedged assemblies and will prevent the wedged assemblies from falling out on the tracks after an impact. It should be noted that the two wedged assemblies should not be in contact with the removable second cover plate 62 during normal operation.

(21) The exact dimension of the axial expansion module will depend on and will be made to correspond to the dimensions of the train coupler. As a non-limiting example the wedge assembly described with references to FIG. 3 has a width in the axial direction of approximately 100 mm, a thickness of 25 mm, the wedged pieces a height of 250 mm and the assembly a total height of 300 mm. These dimensions refer to a train coupler wherein two wedged assemblies are used. The parts may typically be manufactured from a structural steel such as S355J2G3 (Standard: EN10 027-1). The angle of inclination of the wedged surfaces may preferably be in the interval of 2-7? in relation the non-wedged surfaces, for example the outer surfaces of the wedge assembly.

(22) Apart from the novel axial expansion module all parts of the here described train couple are commercially available and can be considered standard parts. Different markets follow different standards and regulations and the specific designs and appearances of the parts may differ accordingly. Different manufacturers also provide different designs. Given the above teaching a skilled engineer would adapt the axial expansion module to work with the other parts of a train couple without undue burden.